tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31375255143498910132024-03-18T21:09:51.118-07:00Eclectic And ElegantLauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-8681229436539950342013-01-06T18:52:00.000-08:002013-01-06T18:52:39.384-08:00New Year, New Beginnings!Hello Readers!<br />
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Welcome to 2013! This is one of my favorite times of the year because it is a time that (more often than not) seems filled with hope and optimism. The hardships and heartaches of last year, and the years past, are behind you. The new year, with all of its possibilities of, lies ahead.<br />
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This time of year also happens to coincide with my birthday. And, this year it also coincides with a new job. As many of you already know, I've been faithfully and ardently searching for a new job for quite some time. And, as a few of you know, I accepted a position with a company near home. And not just any position, a position that I am so excited about! I am eager to learn and be stretched through this career opportunity, to become a more effective communicator, and to put into practice the knowledge and skills that I've been studying for so long! This job is an answer to prayers in so many ways!<br />
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This career change will undoubtedly lead to a few changes in my wardrobe. My narration of self, at least through clothing, is already in the process of being altered. My love of feminine and somewhat quirky dresses will remain, I'm sure, but in different ways. It will be interesting to see how my style changes as I adjust to a corporate culture...<br />
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I imagine that the next week will be a bit hectic, but I will try my best to keep you all updated!<br />
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Thanks for reading, and happy 2013!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 2013 and Happy Birthday to me!</td></tr>
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<br />LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-7805380862505521802013-01-03T10:52:00.001-08:002013-01-03T10:52:33.296-08:00Maya the Malamute: Get ready for cuteness. . . Happy New Year, Readers!<br />
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Are you ready for an overdose of cute?<br />
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Ok, here you go!<br />
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This is my dog, Maya Lani. This spunky Alaskan Malamute goes by Maya, Moo Moo, Little Bear, and "No! Drop that!" She became a part of my family in August after the death of our last Malamute, Sophie (she is actually her half sister!) Maya is a pretty good dog, so far, but WOW- puppies are hard work! She is only 6 months old, but already over 50 lbs and can almost stretch up to my shoulders when jumping up (which she is not supposed to do).</div>
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Her favorite pastimes include throwing toys and balls to herself, following me and my family around the house, barking at visitors, stealing socks, sitting on my feet, and learning new tricks (come, stay, wait, shake, high five, sit, down, park it, circles, jump up, watch me, and peace/stop biting). She also enjoys watching zombie tv shows/movies (she loves the noises they make!), football games (she watches my dad watching the games), and people walking/running down our street.</div>
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I will probably talk more about her in the future- but I realize that she hasn't been featured on this blog! To make up for that absence, here is a collection of Maya photos. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she LOVES photo time, as you can see!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was a show dog for Halloween!</td></tr>
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Enjoy!</div>
<br />LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-18982754851755602652012-12-29T08:52:00.002-08:002012-12-29T08:53:23.262-08:00Did Helena's Character Shop at Anthro?Hello Readers,<br />
<br />
This week I had the opportunity to see <i>Les Miserables</i> with my dad. While I enjoyed the movie and the actors' performances, I couldn't help but notice something about <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0014461/">Madame Thénardier</a></span>'s wardrobe, worn by Helena Bonham Carter.<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/AVvXsEjtCaNBucWyIKzQK9WFpazY8cXwcRgibMfbIxpjs-Q_D8A318w4nMWGtwIAhXrjF4d-pUie63YWb9zkyk5b8RcTvrUTeUFR9ENsukO4NiYv7ZsIArnHOKG9KKVGHm5ghHyvImJ4ZHYl1Us/s1600/Picture+76.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCaNBucWyIKzQK9WFpazY8cXwcRgibMfbIxpjs-Q_D8A318w4nMWGtwIAhXrjF4d-pUie63YWb9zkyk5b8RcTvrUTeUFR9ENsukO4NiYv7ZsIArnHOKG9KKVGHm5ghHyvImJ4ZHYl1Us/s1600/Picture+76.png" height="346" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo taken from<a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/165942/super-sized-les-miserables-to-play-imax-screens-in-select-cities/" target="_blank"> here</a></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/AVvXsEi8Mw_c7Q0g-vRVf1-KQDybeHkblsjrlqYBz5Mrlg3eOYt1d0RW608CO6_dkJhoRTE1lQUYSmDFQTuR8sT3tYlrrJmDZpwpSKerNGyeGwUTmEqL5ePL3epdazDw7ZCuNeqFbEUb15xOlK4/s1600/Picture+77.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Mw_c7Q0g-vRVf1-KQDybeHkblsjrlqYBz5Mrlg3eOYt1d0RW608CO6_dkJhoRTE1lQUYSmDFQTuR8sT3tYlrrJmDZpwpSKerNGyeGwUTmEqL5ePL3epdazDw7ZCuNeqFbEUb15xOlK4/s1600/Picture+77.png" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from <a href="http://vogue.com/">vogue.com</a> (<a href="http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/dreaming-a-dream-cast-of-les-miserables/#/magazine-gallery/les-miserables/4" target="_blank">here</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Take a look at her outfit. If her character (or costume designer) were to buy that jacket, where do you think they would find something like that?<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/AVvXsEitEnqR67Nx3Jxet_KjTOyNwNw3K4mlvqOl8zGsAIPausTDSsQxgu3AeaiEKqAoBm0Hfa4E5DuOyWdMG6QruFOvSM2jzOLMQUQ-boHmEqgt9VhudmzayNe-5Wu0bLi7YwCm4bsSdCcvWe8/s1600/Picture+78.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEnqR67Nx3Jxet_KjTOyNwNw3K4mlvqOl8zGsAIPausTDSsQxgu3AeaiEKqAoBm0Hfa4E5DuOyWdMG6QruFOvSM2jzOLMQUQ-boHmEqgt9VhudmzayNe-5Wu0bLi7YwCm4bsSdCcvWe8/s1600/Picture+78.png" height="400" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-jackets-outervest/26005975.jsp" target="_blank">guess where</a></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/AVvXsEhOFdh_O2iM_vWEkVXD8OwDdtjgoAkM8qvlxfAw0bjBKzgotWJDaDLe9DOukHLcPzYy31GjUg94llYBY5d3TgVJmL0UZoPloBT2pLGKNd_fKGNSt6urxlkqFgxhfNPKOJj_lIb2CMgLOzU/s1600/Picture+79.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFdh_O2iM_vWEkVXD8OwDdtjgoAkM8qvlxfAw0bjBKzgotWJDaDLe9DOukHLcPzYy31GjUg94llYBY5d3TgVJmL0UZoPloBT2pLGKNd_fKGNSt6urxlkqFgxhfNPKOJj_lIb2CMgLOzU/s1600/Picture+79.png" height="400" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-dresses/26403014.jsp" target="_blank"> guessed</a> it</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/AVvXsEj9DTBsLZqK058mrylIwaqzdHRdUEKmzle8gdczndxiJVX23gcv89ZEE6J8YaqjfvqiSu5W-x0h8ziMnqZUsI1ABazaBx9hiD_Y1hcvaEokgB-Odp-iXB3LsrQTs1HDJ_kz8i7dkCWjHmA/s1600/Picture+81.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DTBsLZqK058mrylIwaqzdHRdUEKmzle8gdczndxiJVX23gcv89ZEE6J8YaqjfvqiSu5W-x0h8ziMnqZUsI1ABazaBx9hiD_Y1hcvaEokgB-Odp-iXB3LsrQTs1HDJ_kz8i7dkCWjHmA/s1600/Picture+81.png" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/null/19246065.jsp" target="_blank">anthropologie</a> bears a striking resemblance to Madame Thenardier's wardrobe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Case in point.<br />
<br />
You all know that I love Anthropologie. Some of my favorite items in my wardrobe are from that store. But. . . sometimes their offerings are a bit too theatrical and out there (for my taste, anyway). I have no conclusion on this matter, just a simple observation.<br />
<br />
The end.LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-86906963555272542752012-12-09T13:49:00.001-08:002012-12-09T13:59:33.344-08:00Dreaming of Dresses. . . Hello Readers,<br />
<br />
I'm not sure how the weather is where you are, but here in Central Illinois it is foggy, rainy, and chilly. Not terrible weather (I actually enjoy it. . . most of the time), but not the best of conditions either. As much as I enjoy donning a trench coat and a scarf, there are times when I miss wearing a dress or a skirt without the threat of treacherous winds. This is one of those times.<br />
<br />
To escape the chill and the bluster happening outside, I decided to browse the web for dresses to wear on days with more hospitable weather. Dresses to wear to work, weddings, special occasions, or any occasions.<br />
<br />
I ventured onto the Sarah Seven <a href="http://www.sarahseven.com/" target="_blank">website</a> (have you been there? check it out!) and found these dreamy dresses from her Fall 2012 and Spring 2012 Ready to Wear Collection. Aren't they gorgeous?<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/AVvXsEgItJxTRZ2jf17yLS_8L4O4PWIpR4Nsj6AnUqxst-esOyGZ4EbtIqkTusgIEGK9-9Km-RonLsXLQy4dRGGEq0sLnXvkYBi8MsQXifGPHOPtQPD5g_67AJThFNgYR_2mvjhhR4dWmJnW_mw/s1600/Picture+43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItJxTRZ2jf17yLS_8L4O4PWIpR4Nsj6AnUqxst-esOyGZ4EbtIqkTusgIEGK9-9Km-RonLsXLQy4dRGGEq0sLnXvkYBi8MsQXifGPHOPtQPD5g_67AJThFNgYR_2mvjhhR4dWmJnW_mw/s1600/Picture+43.png" width="459" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I would wear this one to a work party. . . or maybe even to work with a cardigan or blazer.</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/AVvXsEhlINhVjMdCByI2QJ7GwZrih-DBrMjnFmZw0nJuj4lQ3oXATd4_amZvR3gL3RG-7uuTYTwsFsfJqoy2naCViHnF_NpEPFIZkIZ0AUTuOPGPiM3bWe3bptOJ14vzHjaJbwzqozlww6X0Sq0/s1600/Picture+44.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlINhVjMdCByI2QJ7GwZrih-DBrMjnFmZw0nJuj4lQ3oXATd4_amZvR3gL3RG-7uuTYTwsFsfJqoy2naCViHnF_NpEPFIZkIZ0AUTuOPGPiM3bWe3bptOJ14vzHjaJbwzqozlww6X0Sq0/s1600/Picture+44.png" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know where I would wear this one, but I know it would be to someplace fabulous!</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/AVvXsEhzxpJAwSYF7xmNYujYP6p9MrWsOHAHnV6z796JIdXqd0RJVrnH_i7UExB_Z1VzxYrxDbjq0aYYDS7c2m-wph-ea8P5OmV4p2wbWvmxoEO_mrmJCzinFrKlpnhCVF_S-CRvcNsX5AW1QW8/s1600/Picture+45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxpJAwSYF7xmNYujYP6p9MrWsOHAHnV6z796JIdXqd0RJVrnH_i7UExB_Z1VzxYrxDbjq0aYYDS7c2m-wph-ea8P5OmV4p2wbWvmxoEO_mrmJCzinFrKlpnhCVF_S-CRvcNsX5AW1QW8/s1600/Picture+45.png" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning! And, I'm in the market for a new LBD.</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/AVvXsEhCawTqZORMtd2EOv7a6x63A23TUVnQld_dxCDaUR5zrdIjJu1ISUh3KRpVBiPiWOiuVZSmsjGFiiSGi29CeMzxPuO2xJzNTbr1Fd-zBtaNbEmojX7BL4yGHT0ri-h4-f3zqKSIkuK7CG4/s1600/Picture+46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCawTqZORMtd2EOv7a6x63A23TUVnQld_dxCDaUR5zrdIjJu1ISUh3KRpVBiPiWOiuVZSmsjGFiiSGi29CeMzxPuO2xJzNTbr1Fd-zBtaNbEmojX7BL4yGHT0ri-h4-f3zqKSIkuK7CG4/s1600/Picture+46.png" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would also be a great dress for work. I love the classic shape and feminine lace. So chic!</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/AVvXsEi52tc1DOp56H0pZZanbhPJjkau6P1YVj8F4ZESodQTfwvSiZppXBWDkBPFByQi_xpezWFMDyx2DeWmerHHdNaGaWiAW-CrqCCHLqWzu_1LCCC1T4M1OVq2NKiISaldCAE6ortae9jD3P4/s1600/Picture+47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52tc1DOp56H0pZZanbhPJjkau6P1YVj8F4ZESodQTfwvSiZppXBWDkBPFByQi_xpezWFMDyx2DeWmerHHdNaGaWiAW-CrqCCHLqWzu_1LCCC1T4M1OVq2NKiISaldCAE6ortae9jD3P4/s1600/Picture+47.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, I don't know where I would wear this. . . maybe I could invent an occasion!</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/AVvXsEhBdRM9pa7eb7BlSn2DzPgp43HupwdcEIcsK0TVdOSdgfUfGRHYukmCm2SaHFfXxZEETtYjrX_XVupk8MYfbHDKbjqpMkKm-kv73hhyS5gUIhpvnpbBkF7tkQV-H35YqhWbkCkXYidngLY/s1600/Picture+48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdRM9pa7eb7BlSn2DzPgp43HupwdcEIcsK0TVdOSdgfUfGRHYukmCm2SaHFfXxZEETtYjrX_XVupk8MYfbHDKbjqpMkKm-kv73hhyS5gUIhpvnpbBkF7tkQV-H35YqhWbkCkXYidngLY/s1600/Picture+48.png" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throw on a blazer and a pair of tights. . . work outfit?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriThrl7w3bdX_E804GKZuToWhsNoLzfaKABMuPG7jYipZv1BlF1NXaeGccpPntFMyxhh4-Jr-XMeGt1FRmtIP9iGgLMoW9MF6snvoHSyL3YJ0yWC-W95nHZsrN7PrGduFOfWhQrey2BY/s1600/Picture+49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriThrl7w3bdX_E804GKZuToWhsNoLzfaKABMuPG7jYipZv1BlF1NXaeGccpPntFMyxhh4-Jr-XMeGt1FRmtIP9iGgLMoW9MF6snvoHSyL3YJ0yWC-W95nHZsrN7PrGduFOfWhQrey2BY/s1600/Picture+49.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would be a great dress to wear to weddings. . . as a guest or a bridesmaid!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-29203028544058068542012-10-26T18:22:00.003-07:002012-10-26T18:22:47.647-07:00In the Midst of InspirationHey Friends,<br />
<br />
I haven't much felt like blogging lately- well, since Sophie's passing- but tonight I am sitting in a place very dear to my heart [Adam Brother's Cafe] on the eve of what I am sure will be a very lovely wedding. . .<br />
<br />
And I feel inspired!<br />
<br />
My life lately has been a miscellany [a favorite word of mine- also inspiring!] of teaching swimming lessons, filling out applications, and going to job interviews. I've either been in workout gear, pajamas, or my interview suits. A not so interesting, or inspiring, history of outfits. . . The good news, though, is my discovery that aerie carries work out pants, a.k.a. "slim gyms," in their online store.<br />
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But, as much as I love wearing work out pants, I didn't find very much motivation to photograph or write about my descent into ultra casual wear, or repeat my many [actually, not so many] iterations of an interview outfit over and over and over again.<br />
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But lately, even before I stepped into this cafe, my style has been more inspired.<br />
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Here is a sample of one of my latest inspirations:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrF1osZ84uVI3YGEsH_nP_QNm4QOyX_6JWAG9pV_L4pVwn7ENlUwFDic_LBk0W7l3p8I3m57phd65A0CUredr-2fQlDdM6r4Ty509kvDAimA8X8_2CZeSF1N1EH5vxKu8d95RtNUAmCw/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrF1osZ84uVI3YGEsH_nP_QNm4QOyX_6JWAG9pV_L4pVwn7ENlUwFDic_LBk0W7l3p8I3m57phd65A0CUredr-2fQlDdM6r4Ty509kvDAimA8X8_2CZeSF1N1EH5vxKu8d95RtNUAmCw/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blinking. . . </td></tr>
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As many of you know, I have an Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EclecticAndElegant?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Eclectic And Elegant</a>, that has remained dormant for the past few months- but it is back in business! I've been on the lookout for cool things to add to my store, and this burnt sienna (dark orange?) wool skirt is one of my favorite finds so far! I enjoyed it so much that I decided to take it for a spin before listing it in my store.<br />
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The skirt seems to be from the 60s- there's something very Mad Men about its shape, color, and construction. What I love most about the skirt, besides all of the compliments I received while wearing it, is its origin. I had to do a bit of linguistic research via Google Translate, but from the words on the tag I discovered that this darling skirt is far from home! The skirt was made in Bucharest, Romania and somehow made its way to Central Illinois! Woah! <br />
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I think I may need to wear this burnt sienna stunner once or twice more before I list it in my shop. . . so irresistible!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEnrm5wpYhjY58Qxl7pCD0eePX6GGIkyfMdkA0MB2OR0bKXww17zxNn5CGGNzJF0rjIPAi8bVK2qHyjB29P7hvX4-7PmKUowms9cFuPDT67uCfJyvkOH0Gi5QaPMYO3SLHytKu7cLvZc/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEnrm5wpYhjY58Qxl7pCD0eePX6GGIkyfMdkA0MB2OR0bKXww17zxNn5CGGNzJF0rjIPAi8bVK2qHyjB29P7hvX4-7PmKUowms9cFuPDT67uCfJyvkOH0Gi5QaPMYO3SLHytKu7cLvZc/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" height="400" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not blinking! Much better!</td></tr>
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Retail Details:<br />
White Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch<br />
Floral Top: Anthropologie<br />
Copper Beaded Belt: Anthropologie<br />
Dark Orange Wool Skirt: Vintage (from Romania!)<br />
Dark Purple Cabled Tights: Anthropologie<br />
Raspberry Flats: Old Navy LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-61675687147943608022012-09-12T09:38:00.004-07:002012-09-12T09:38:52.118-07:00Absence and LossHello Readers!<br />
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I haven't been on here for a while. Some of you may already know why, but for those of you who may have wondered what the cause of my absence has been, now you will know.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQEcYy50K4EE5GCz20n3RMrJcAysF3SQH6L4yj7V3zblCXqoY-A3VJwP_RbhyDnKXE6k8i6YlcpaYby9yXj5X8AHFnE3XCzS2lhtyrmKsBs61eR1Xos0ORmDcFvD3AGNRuYoYDqB-0HE/s1600/IMG_7783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQEcYy50K4EE5GCz20n3RMrJcAysF3SQH6L4yj7V3zblCXqoY-A3VJwP_RbhyDnKXE6k8i6YlcpaYby9yXj5X8AHFnE3XCzS2lhtyrmKsBs61eR1Xos0ORmDcFvD3AGNRuYoYDqB-0HE/s400/IMG_7783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie: 2011-2012</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago, my sweet and energetic dog, Sophie (a 1 year old Alaskan Malamute) crossed her Invisible Fence line and ran into the path of a moving vehicle and was killed. The entire incident occurred in my front yard. I heard my poor puppy screaming, heard my mom run out and scream, and soon after I ran down the stairs to a sight I wish to forget but will always remember.<br />
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When I ran out, I could see Sophie struggling to stand up, and I reached out to try to stop her from moving (to prevent further injury) and in confusion she bit into my right hand and left arm. I won't go into all of the gory details of the morning- but there was blood everywhere. I didn't know how much of the blood on my arms was from Sophie or from the bites. After a neighbor with a heart of gold responded to the situation and drove my mom, Sophie, and I to the vet's office I had to go to a prompt care center to have my wounds taken care of. When my brother (who drove me) and I returned home, Sophie was gone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOWliZcdQz7uN4Vh_BID3fMbVeCEomkMrci68QO3qzFelLyI9ef4TeAKxON4I1IWLZ8j4ledokw_TzUyyezdCDfcWmJk_EGTjx68ZZeDaEPKhAE_XV4TjFDpTh6K6xurVfAKOIzEbww8/s1600/IMG_7303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOWliZcdQz7uN4Vh_BID3fMbVeCEomkMrci68QO3qzFelLyI9ef4TeAKxON4I1IWLZ8j4ledokw_TzUyyezdCDfcWmJk_EGTjx68ZZeDaEPKhAE_XV4TjFDpTh6K6xurVfAKOIzEbww8/s640/IMG_7303.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie loved the snow!</td></tr>
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Since that day, my wounds from the bites have been healing with the help of antibiotics, lots of Neosporin, many yards of gauze and bandages. But, my heart seems to be healing at a much slower rate. Even though the driver of the vehicle didn't mean to hit my dog, and even though eyewitnesses of the accident have told me that there was nothing the driver could do when Sophie ran out, it's been really difficult for me to forgive him. It's never been this hard for me to love my neighbor- even though this neighbor is a person who literally resides in a house down the street from my own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cC5MnlijHRBIa8OIrgrW3GvtIhciv-J5s0D4Hc9ok3vtSmtX0QDaOCANN0uMTHG67n6FW-7ZfGXZKoVeJLWfCdrgGaPKmAPYgAqdCj_nKvrsTFoKR3FzDjXuxQauGrIJayEdgmj7v0w/s1600/IMG_7319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cC5MnlijHRBIa8OIrgrW3GvtIhciv-J5s0D4Hc9ok3vtSmtX0QDaOCANN0uMTHG67n6FW-7ZfGXZKoVeJLWfCdrgGaPKmAPYgAqdCj_nKvrsTFoKR3FzDjXuxQauGrIJayEdgmj7v0w/s640/IMG_7319.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie's tongue always stuck out, just a little bit. </td></tr>
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Grief is a response that can turn into anger- and when it does we can be fooled (or at least I was fooled) into believing that anger is an easier burden to carry than forgiveness. This is a lie. Anger is a far heavier and taxing burden to carry than forgiveness. How did I realize this?<br />
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Last week, I started praying for the driver. Praying for wounds to heal (who was also bitten by Sophie while trying to help her) and praying for emotional healing helped me to see this person as a person who was also in pain. Praying for the strength for me to forgive him for this terrible accident, and praying for him to forgive me for yelling at him when I ran outside to the mess of that morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbM9LWtjIRJXzrmkOpNCZTTafxdn2b-JK-BYQ6ibxIIHL-G8dzlfmxdjzFJyjUloj-xQ0VfA8Ep_AhDtAJjgFC9FVjSfc7Zrs138eLSZhXZ-7rlFa3LD15fiIC_Azu7Biz7bq4i9dfYA/s1600/IMG_9716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbM9LWtjIRJXzrmkOpNCZTTafxdn2b-JK-BYQ6ibxIIHL-G8dzlfmxdjzFJyjUloj-xQ0VfA8Ep_AhDtAJjgFC9FVjSfc7Zrs138eLSZhXZ-7rlFa3LD15fiIC_Azu7Biz7bq4i9dfYA/s400/IMG_9716.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She always tried to lick my face! What a sweetheart!</td></tr>
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Something else that has helped me move forward from this tangled mess, is a new puppy. After Sophie's death, I was not ready for another dog- but a few members of my family started searching online for Malamute puppies, and they discovered that Sophie's mom had a litter of puppies ready to go to new homes. We met the puppies, and chose one. Less than a week later, my house will the home of another black and white ball of fur and fury who we named Maya Lani. She is still very young, but she has quite a personality! While she will never replace Sophie or any other dog that's ever been a part of my life, she is turning out to be a wonderful blessing to me and to my family.<br />
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In the future I look forward to sharing more pictures of Maya, and maybe even a few outfits here and there :)<br />
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Thank you to my friends and family (and readers!) for your continued support and love during this difficult time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XRVtOl3Ro1tirCxzP1efCHRa9Y6FvraQ0GHDOJIedqSu_E5s0sIL-PgNT4JEgqjxPNeULW8bBhb3ufLnLbxCmAKaZbv4Lxxh43knzvQI77iNQCRx07XMtMHgIaCT2QWAggHJuw7bjns/s1600/IMG_7270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XRVtOl3Ro1tirCxzP1efCHRa9Y6FvraQ0GHDOJIedqSu_E5s0sIL-PgNT4JEgqjxPNeULW8bBhb3ufLnLbxCmAKaZbv4Lxxh43knzvQI77iNQCRx07XMtMHgIaCT2QWAggHJuw7bjns/s640/IMG_7270.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will miss you Sophie!</td></tr>
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<br />LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-60417769532407579982012-08-06T08:50:00.002-07:002012-08-06T08:50:54.678-07:00An Eensy Weensy Ounce of BraveryHello Readers!<br />
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This morning I did something brave. Something very brave that I haven't done in a v.e.r.y. l.o.n.g. t.i.m.e. I'm not even sure when I last did this. . . maybe the summer of 2009?<br />
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I woke up this morning to blue skies, warm (but not too warm!) weather, and a slight breeze. A wonderful setting for a brave endeavor. I decided to go to the pool wearing a bikini.<br />
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As a swimmer, wearing a swimsuit is no big deal. But usually I wear a one-piece, a garment that affords relief from a midsection of pale insecurities. When I'm feeling adventurous, I wear a tankini. But every time I open my top dresser drawer and see the bandeaus and halters of nearly forgotten bikini tops, I am hit by a wave of guilt and fear. Today I realized that this wave was one I could conquer.<br />
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Getting ready for my swim/sun session this morning, I reached into my drawer and pulled out a white and red paisley halter top (purchased between my sophomore and junior year of high school!) and a brown pair of bottoms and resolved to conquer my fear and guilt associated with wearing bikinis.<br />
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I didn't look like my 16 year old self, which makes sense because I am no longer on the swim team or track team, but the bikini still fit. I didn't look perfect- but I looked good and I felt confident. And I think it was my confidence that convinced me that I looked good.<br />
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So. . . with that confidence and an eensy weensy ounce of bravery, I drove up to my neighborhood pool rocking my bikini! I swam a few laps and basked in the success of my Monday morning bikini adventure. A small but significant triumph over body image insecurities and a victory in self-confidence!<br />
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I think this is going to be a good week!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7I0iSN9uPnDC_oMT5sEthyBycYFnhngyUVlrexzgyU5XU91WawcIHnj63OxoEXYzM9EzgNuQBSMlxN22D-6i4qxunQASam5-Ab8H3__4vScKF9jnkFaphiE4_DqRCguqUqnZAdIr0Mk/s1600/IMG_3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7I0iSN9uPnDC_oMT5sEthyBycYFnhngyUVlrexzgyU5XU91WawcIHnj63OxoEXYzM9EzgNuQBSMlxN22D-6i4qxunQASam5-Ab8H3__4vScKF9jnkFaphiE4_DqRCguqUqnZAdIr0Mk/s640/IMG_3085.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just keep swimming! Photo taken by me at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in 2010</td></tr>
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<br />LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-21346857424087926922012-07-20T11:31:00.000-07:002012-07-20T11:31:03.673-07:00Writer, Rocker, Biker, Geek: Michael McFarlandHello Readers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xT-qpqYpVvNXMuuF9Jkddk2-Aa_94hgtf6jXGQ-c3WFhOx038rr3J4tSabWXdpd8F6sXiJJqfnHf7XoMBTz-meJMsmZmuC4Pf4efdbV2QZGrgCPVWS51B0M5Nzv4SasjFZWRceL2vdM/s1600/IMG_2328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xT-qpqYpVvNXMuuF9Jkddk2-Aa_94hgtf6jXGQ-c3WFhOx038rr3J4tSabWXdpd8F6sXiJJqfnHf7XoMBTz-meJMsmZmuC4Pf4efdbV2QZGrgCPVWS51B0M5Nzv4SasjFZWRceL2vdM/s640/IMG_2328.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The talented. . . Michael McFarland!</td></tr>
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Last Wednesday I attended a concert held at my favorite coffee shop, <a href="http://www.thirty-thirtycoffee.com/" target="_blank">Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co.</a>, featuring the very talented Michael McFarland. Armed with an acoustic guitar, a Boss Loop station, and a collection of thoughtful narratives set to music; Michael is currently on tour in support of his latest album: Waking Up Is A Letdown. (<a href="http://michaelmcfarlandmusic.com/music/" target="_blank">"Next Train South"</a> is my favorite track from that album!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DJ1zXM_EaQKTQXgcvxt-0XEoxs2JOkMWmeiNHomw20ugde3yzkKwtB8jbyBG42Ml2i7jltQFv_s_FH72O89Gq2x5bdrWHFe6P67rlgGxN6UufpltA2DFXrxWTUFSWzFvbA-0jfxNGVU/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DJ1zXM_EaQKTQXgcvxt-0XEoxs2JOkMWmeiNHomw20ugde3yzkKwtB8jbyBG42Ml2i7jltQFv_s_FH72O89Gq2x5bdrWHFe6P67rlgGxN6UufpltA2DFXrxWTUFSWzFvbA-0jfxNGVU/s640/IMG_2324.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing to the crowd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07Bh868tN3nwxByhSk2PuSO77qg5rI7w8Ig3U3Olk_LQFYYDdePjScdyDPUv-vh9qs8aKnfduFQJHHwuweudEtuSjIBzshkxuxvc8ZfiDaVCMksRXu9Au3RqaHiLYDs4uA_O2oqe5Ehs/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07Bh868tN3nwxByhSk2PuSO77qg5rI7w8Ig3U3Olk_LQFYYDdePjScdyDPUv-vh9qs8aKnfduFQJHHwuweudEtuSjIBzshkxuxvc8ZfiDaVCMksRXu9Au3RqaHiLYDs4uA_O2oqe5Ehs/s640/IMG_2325.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like the bear is singing along</td></tr>
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After the concert, I had a chance to briefly chat with Michael and found that we shared an interest in storytelling and even fashion as a storytelling endeavor. As we talked, I realized that he would be a great person to interview for this blog! He graciously agreed to an interview and the next day I sent an itinerary of questions via email. Before I share the interview with you all, I wanted to share a video from Michael about his take on storytelling and anecdotal value:<br />
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And here is the interview:<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Q: Tell me (and the readers) more about yourself. How did you get started as a musician? Where are you from? What inspires you?</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: First, Laura, I'd like to thank you for asking me to do this interview! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grew up in Kent, Ohio, my father was a professor at Kent State University. My start in music began at age 6, when I began studying piano, but I didn't really begin down my path as a songwriter until I picked up a guitar at age 14. I learned how to play every song on Third Eye Blind's debut album, but didn't have any conception of how to write songs. One day, while on the riding lawnmower going in circles, a melody popped into my head that I didn't recognize. It continued repeating in my mind and each pass I added a few words, and by the time I finished mowing our half acre I had my first completed song. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As far as inspirations, musically I don't specifically look to other songwriters or bands for inspiration, but if I'm listening to something a lot a little of that has a tendency to bleed into the music. I definitely owe a debt to the 90s alternative rock that I was listening to when I first started writing songs, but there are also elements of modern pop/rock artists (think Mat Kearney, Matt Nathanson, The Fray) and of course the classics like Paul Simon and The Beatles.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Q: How would you describe your music? (ie; how it sounds, what you write about, etc)</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: The description I usually use for my music is "Rhythmic Alt-Pop". For my live shows it's just me, my acoustic guitar, and my Boss Loop Station. I beat on the body of my guitar to build backing rhythms, then play catchy acoustic pop songs over those backbeats.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All my songs are autobiographical - and I try to live my life in such a way that I'll always have new stories to tell. (Youtube video blog about that - </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnBLWIP0MUE" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/<wbr></wbr>watch?v=bnBLWIP0MUE</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Q: I understand that you are on a tour, can you tell me more about it? What do you hope to achieve through this tour?</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: Of course! I'm currently on a 6-week tour, ranging from Nashville to Chicago to Austin to San Diego to Portland to Denver. I'm traveling by myself, staying with friends in towns I have them, and complete strangers in towns where I don't. Most of the cities I'm playing in this tour I've never been to, much less played a show in, so I'm looking to make some new friends, share my music, and discover the country!</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Q: During your concert you mentioned that you live in Asheville, NC. How would you describe the city's style? What makes it distinctive?</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: Asheville is an awesome city - sort of like a mini-Austin, Texas or a mini-Portland, Oregon, set in a mountain paradise. Amazing arts scene, incredible food, beautiful landscape. The music scene is an eclectic mix of americana, roots, indie, bluegrass, and the occasional wildcard artist like me that doesn't quite fit in. There's a lot of bohemian/hippie style you'll see around town, as well as healthy dose of hipsters & outdoorsy types. It's a very accepting city of whatever your personal style is, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have an impressive beard.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Q: Speaking of cities, what did you think of Peoria?</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: One of the things that's both a blessing and a curse about playing so many shows on this tour is that I don't get to stay in any one town for very long - I get into town in the afternoon, and leave the next morning. The parts of Peoria I did get to see were great. Thirty-Thirty Coffee where I played the show, my new friend Nate's awesome old house where I crashed for the night, and One World Cafe where we grabbed dinner - the food there was fantastic, and their Long Islands are not to be toyed with!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: For several years I've been mostly unintentionally pursuing a style I'd describe as vaguely post-apocalyptic - distressed military jackets, henley shirts (I'm convinced they're the official shirt of low-tech wasteland freedom fighters), worn out jeans, and heavy motorcycle boots. If you catch me on a day I'm not playing a show, you'll find no difference in what I'm wearing from when I'm on stage.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: When I'm touring, I pack really light - aside from workout and sleeping clothes, I bring with me 5 shirts, 3 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of boots. What you're likely to catch me wearing is:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A short-sleeved Mossimo henley tee from target, slightly modified to let my great uncle's dog tag sit a little better.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -A beat up pair of Express jeans.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -A belt from Bare Tree Apparel </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://www.thebaretree.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(http://www.thebaretree.com/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) - the day you saw me it was the Black Bird on Cranberry (</span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64412468/bare-tree-apparel-black-bird-on-red"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/<wbr></wbr>64412468/bare-tree-apparel-<wbr></wbr>black-bird-on-red</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -A pair of motorcycle boots.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -My great-uncle's dog tag, a cross necklace, and a big bulky Fossil watch facing inwards so I can tell how long I've left to play without conspicuously staring at my wrist - I forgot to wear that when you met me in Peoria!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: I much prefer to wear things that have their own stories, to carry a bit of my history with me. For example, the jeans I wore on the day you met me have the right knee ripped from catching on the rifle mount on my motorcycle the first day I got to ride it (It's a swiss military bike, with rifle mounts on both sides - </span><a href="http://michaelmcfarlandmusic.com/2012/02/21/why-is-there-a-motorcycle-in-my-kitchen/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://<wbr></wbr>michaelmcfarlandmusic.com/<wbr></wbr>2012/02/21/why-is-there-a-<wbr></wbr>motorcycle-in-my-kitchen/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wear my great-uncle George's dog tag to honor him - he was a musician before the United States joined World War II. (more on that - </span><a href="http://michaelmcfarlandmusic.com/2012/05/28/dog-tags-log-books-a-memorial-to-my-great-uncle-george/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://<wbr></wbr>michaelmcfarlandmusic.com/<wbr></wbr>2012/05/28/dog-tags-log-books-<wbr></wbr>a-memorial-to-my-great-uncle-<wbr></wbr>george/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not wearing them on this tour, but my other pair of motorcycle boots was given to me on my last tour (which I undertook on my motorcycle, guitar strapped to my back) by a woman who saw me sitting next to the bike in a grocery store parking lot and handed them to me saying, "These were my Father's. He passed away two months ago. You look like you're on an adventure, and I'd like you to have them."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A: Nothing so far to match the story about the motorcycle boots, but the tour is still young! So far my favorite moment has been on my day off from touring in St. Paul, Minnesota. I stayed with my brother Phil and his family, and in the evening I got to skip stones with my 10-year-old nephew Joe on the Mississippi river. It was a perfect moment of serenity in the midst of a hectic schedule.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just that it was wonderful meeting you, and I can't wait to come back to Peoria to play again, and see all my new friends again!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Thank you, again, Michael, for being a part of my blog with this interview! I wish you the very best in all of your endeavors!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">To learn more about Michael, to hear his music, or to see if he will be playing near you, check out his website: <a href="http://michaelmcfarlandmusic.com/">http://michaelmcfarlandmusic.com/</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-36177441370991887302012-07-14T05:30:00.000-07:002012-07-14T05:30:00.661-07:00So Fresh So Floral: Rent The Runway Free Dress RentalHello Readers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhKsT6uhf1zxXRwgdmOruibU-uQFmja8iEYN-d0o4PRWTSMEAuPJDeYFPn3xpLm__GeSH4Z9UXOatEyzCN0svIrztCaKVXQ1WtRC_3PvDIXfu5QWjC2A3UfkD9MtvOckKDsEefuluqpQ/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhKsT6uhf1zxXRwgdmOruibU-uQFmja8iEYN-d0o4PRWTSMEAuPJDeYFPn3xpLm__GeSH4Z9UXOatEyzCN0svIrztCaKVXQ1WtRC_3PvDIXfu5QWjC2A3UfkD9MtvOckKDsEefuluqpQ/s400/IMG_9537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last Friday, I received something very exciting in the mail. But before I tell you what that was, I should tell you a bit more of the story.</div>
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Last spring (March 2011) I needed to find a dress to wear to my cousin's (Joe) wedding. I had dresses in my wardrobe, but nothing to wear (so to say). All of the dresses I owned were dresses I had already worn to previous events, but I wanted something new. After a random Google search, I found a website named Rent The Runway, where customers could rent designer gowns (way beyond my price range) to wear to events like weddings for a fraction of the dress' actual cost. A perfect solution for my dilemma.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggBpHqMvKKH6lCq5NHJrvZ8ME9S9ioFgTsT12cxICav9tnw_JH1xdF1MxqRzAqDxuOvMsva-F4r_xf0nUGsyy0-3sZownY6_d-6TEC-9URnVppSjUMgPocW3-ABn432MuG2tTAuAkKx0/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggBpHqMvKKH6lCq5NHJrvZ8ME9S9ioFgTsT12cxICav9tnw_JH1xdF1MxqRzAqDxuOvMsva-F4r_xf0nUGsyy0-3sZownY6_d-6TEC-9URnVppSjUMgPocW3-ABn432MuG2tTAuAkKx0/s400/IMG_9538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since then, I've told friends and family members about Rent The Runway (RTR), but I haven't used their services (although I do check their website on a weekly basis to see what's new). A month or so ago I completed a survey about RTR with the incentive of receiving a FREE surprise dress rental on a weekend TBA. I chose 2 possible weekends and 5 dresses for each weekend, and waited for the email to inform me that my dress (a surprise until I opened the box) was in the mail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRT_2PLm72NKuXGjMP8BzFe17uM1I4tURo62NTnpBYTMvQk4ReZ9NRbMDiuOUEJtZamLJpdgsG3oTeuKX95__L3M-XaCC80q7Xs-AlFWZAGx9FIdiQZv__wmFKmmBb0b7MzahNsR0Z_o/s1600/IMG_9539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRT_2PLm72NKuXGjMP8BzFe17uM1I4tURo62NTnpBYTMvQk4ReZ9NRbMDiuOUEJtZamLJpdgsG3oTeuKX95__L3M-XaCC80q7Xs-AlFWZAGx9FIdiQZv__wmFKmmBb0b7MzahNsR0Z_o/s400/IMG_9539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My surprise dress was AMAZING! The RTR stylists did a tremendous job choosing a dress that I loved wearing and a dress that was long enough for long legs! Ready to find out which dress it was?<br />
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The<a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/shoshanna_dresses/sofreshfloralmaxi" target="_blank"> So Fresh So Floral Maxi</a> by Shoshanna (Rental, $100; Retail $615)<br />
There really is so much to love about this dress, but the colors are probably my favorite. Shoshanna makes dresses with impeccable patterns and oh-so-alluring colors, patterns and colors I've only admired from afar until this free surprise dress rental from RTR (thank you, stylists!)<br />
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I would have loved to wear this dress to a wedding, but since I had no weddings that weekend (or other "special" events) I decided to make a special event of the dress by wearing it to church on Sunday as well as Sunday dinner at my grandparents' house. And I LOVED wearing it! At church I paired it with a cardigan from Zara and a sparkly belt from Anthropologie. My experience with this dress (thanks to RTR) was thoroughly splendid. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In the midst of an arduous search for a job</span>, this lovely blue and purple dress showed up on my doorstep to lift my spirits and boost my confidence.</b><br />
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Here are a few pictures of me in this lovely dress! Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxeAu82Gs2U8fM21I1spEQzyOTfuO-mCp5pSuFhDS36PZIorm0-AKyPLa1UIfJFXdQGyzvp04zv1MIhGZmRCo1hAzO9DlCSUugiXSGaPQzQ5LODlTjgvN1oVaiL1rNMqbD8NoYhORUkw/s1600/IMG_9551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxeAu82Gs2U8fM21I1spEQzyOTfuO-mCp5pSuFhDS36PZIorm0-AKyPLa1UIfJFXdQGyzvp04zv1MIhGZmRCo1hAzO9DlCSUugiXSGaPQzQ5LODlTjgvN1oVaiL1rNMqbD8NoYhORUkw/s640/IMG_9551.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this dress!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church-appropriate version of the dress (with cardigan)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRREa_3Yxr9R8y6jVzwnDtyEV8D0U6frhxq_2cqLyrNm_Dx0i72AHp402KY4Ey_dDiRXSVXHn06oTC_9cGuTVNSdg7y7dh9GIO59k1LmvkE4ZT-LSP-pX8ltqTIH1bdeKrwbf71gO2LE/s1600/IMG_9557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRREa_3Yxr9R8y6jVzwnDtyEV8D0U6frhxq_2cqLyrNm_Dx0i72AHp402KY4Ey_dDiRXSVXHn06oTC_9cGuTVNSdg7y7dh9GIO59k1LmvkE4ZT-LSP-pX8ltqTIH1bdeKrwbf71gO2LE/s640/IMG_9557.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Fresh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wv8Q4YPDHBSVemtr0Gbd2rRosjEVbZ-CuwlRNhyeIDXH601mH9IwHSEEJM_TM4xHWnLhIN9YWRz8xEMnTA8eSvatN2lP9l01K1k2pKHj0k5lzk2YvJAopdLgknxs3CuEYAiDvahArxI/s1600/IMG_9563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wv8Q4YPDHBSVemtr0Gbd2rRosjEVbZ-CuwlRNhyeIDXH601mH9IwHSEEJM_TM4xHWnLhIN9YWRz8xEMnTA8eSvatN2lP9l01K1k2pKHj0k5lzk2YvJAopdLgknxs3CuEYAiDvahArxI/s640/IMG_9563.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather was (finally) perfect for a breezy maxi dress!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM47ODG2YVPz7dYvb-O8AJeuz2_NMPAoT4nv3wrsU3OiTKOOXPaaN_BFPDEgCTY0L0nDQRy_xeQQfnwdxxEyfQCOw19Q1iHjo4wrK9ymtmfKzqQjFFxMGNldm6jweHrj6TjAqY86axmVc/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM47ODG2YVPz7dYvb-O8AJeuz2_NMPAoT4nv3wrsU3OiTKOOXPaaN_BFPDEgCTY0L0nDQRy_xeQQfnwdxxEyfQCOw19Q1iHjo4wrK9ymtmfKzqQjFFxMGNldm6jweHrj6TjAqY86axmVc/s640/IMG_9564.JPG" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look like I'm swimming the butterfly! Subconscious tribute to the Summer Olympics? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRphD4K2X4OtMNDB-GLj8gp2MY6I9ZFLrZ5-RYbP9RLoIbrrLwk2LfrcofA84Vn_ZOAbmoQNM1dyE_fkeQIlZ6xZ4BPuX5omZR8WIjV8LUY8cFeOIFwiacqH0Pmah1GKnsltyt1_9rWbs/s1600/IMG_9567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRphD4K2X4OtMNDB-GLj8gp2MY6I9ZFLrZ5-RYbP9RLoIbrrLwk2LfrcofA84Vn_ZOAbmoQNM1dyE_fkeQIlZ6xZ4BPuX5omZR8WIjV8LUY8cFeOIFwiacqH0Pmah1GKnsltyt1_9rWbs/s640/IMG_9567.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't stop smiling!<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/AVvXsEiRSxvfWJqoWZ57WZcdU364l5uR_AuTfD3y5QAJ7psROBPLaslg4FQm3ZS6w7PWLDY7wkJ_90iV62zZFCTTKXOdLXQ568J22G53Zl4pXlzXtaAYjNQp4f-gsEEcJT12by6-aCwOlufkoAU/s1600/IMG_9572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSxvfWJqoWZ57WZcdU364l5uR_AuTfD3y5QAJ7psROBPLaslg4FQm3ZS6w7PWLDY7wkJ_90iV62zZFCTTKXOdLXQ568J22G53Zl4pXlzXtaAYjNQp4f-gsEEcJT12by6-aCwOlufkoAU/s640/IMG_9572.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind. . . "</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkerGdjFNQj0hjSi6skvIu4GVFcLuegtFl4vuYDH4lamDVLqZuCwAuPnOC2-GxM1GZN3x6WJsdZfjeFAZyyKhCpuYvL3pV6dMbX2HArPXTp6cGy69XqiaDfq9sEtu-kVJgByaO4u1mUBw/s1600/IMG_9574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkerGdjFNQj0hjSi6skvIu4GVFcLuegtFl4vuYDH4lamDVLqZuCwAuPnOC2-GxM1GZN3x6WJsdZfjeFAZyyKhCpuYvL3pV6dMbX2HArPXTp6cGy69XqiaDfq9sEtu-kVJgByaO4u1mUBw/s640/IMG_9574.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Leslie, for taking these pictures!</td></tr>
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Retail Details:<br />
Blue and Purple So Fresh So Floral Maxi Dress: Shoshanna (free surprise dress rental)<br />
Grey and Rhinestone Belt: Anthropologie<br />
Dark Silver 'Chirp' Pumps: Seychelles via Nordstrom Rack<br />
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<br />LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-61815547992577953132012-07-13T13:14:00.001-07:002012-07-13T13:16:49.771-07:00Crazy Hair!Hello Readers,<br />
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The other night, while watching River Monsters, I came up with this crazy hair style:<br />
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It's a bit sloppy (it was created without a mirror), but I kind of like it. I think this Heidi-esque style is worth recreating. . .<br />
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If you are interested in trying this style (or something similar), here is how I made it happen:<br />
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-first divide hair into two equal (or somewhat equal) parts and braid into pigtails. For this style it is important that you have long hair in order to achieve the next step.<br />
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-then, take the pigtails and tie (or pin) them together... and voila!<br />
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If you try it, let me know how it goes! If this crazy style catches on, maybe it could be called the Laura! Here are a few more pictures of this zany style!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr7fZ-0DLEet3H-WA04kc61wBZwQtxEEEgI8LJYpOChBLKo-b9yf2k_-XQz-3yjzrM56jA3mae_kHsPw7kJWvk0AlKX9czN_s1i8DGTC49EG2YETgHafl1JPZmStA4T2Qqv31p-IYQZ4/s1600/IMG_2311.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/AVvXsEhsr7fZ-0DLEet3H-WA04kc61wBZwQtxEEEgI8LJYpOChBLKo-b9yf2k_-XQz-3yjzrM56jA3mae_kHsPw7kJWvk0AlKX9czN_s1i8DGTC49EG2YETgHafl1JPZmStA4T2Qqv31p-IYQZ4/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt2t_36NeuEyGaZ60f0s4Ri1oQDQg1TZ37I5vbYgHix0yhNZKuXI7IJCg5QkicttuFA8vmY9qjxacxG_d7C9OPu3RTfkHPIz9Iuv69fXV4UoTCletDOgLObbP3OZMDj5dH0EvW4zoIUo/s1600/IMG_2310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt2t_36NeuEyGaZ60f0s4Ri1oQDQg1TZ37I5vbYgHix0yhNZKuXI7IJCg5QkicttuFA8vmY9qjxacxG_d7C9OPu3RTfkHPIz9Iuv69fXV4UoTCletDOgLObbP3OZMDj5dH0EvW4zoIUo/s320/IMG_2310.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-35186773265108902672012-07-10T08:24:00.003-07:002012-07-10T11:52:09.030-07:00Preparation: What to Bring to a Job InterviewWhen you learn that a company or organization wants to interview you, on the phone or over skype or even in person, you may experience moments of excitement followed by moments of nervousness and even self-doubt.<br />
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That's ok. It's ok to do your "I have a job interview" victory dance and it's even ok to feel so nervous that you want to lock yourself away from the world to research and practice until the interview. Wherever your reaction may fall on this spectrum, it is crucial that you PREPARE for the actual interview. Here are a few helpful tips:<br />
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-<b>Review the job description</b>: one of the best ways to know if you are qualified for a job is to, well, read what the qualifications are that a company desires in a person who would fill this position.<br />
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<b>-Review the company or organizatio</b>n: this is your chance to figure out how you would fit into the organization. Carefully read through the mission and vision statements, look at their portfolio, read about them in the news.<br />
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<b>-Review your resume and portfolio:</b> remind yourself who you are and how you fit into this company. What skills, interests or experiences do you have that would make you a great fit for the job?<br />
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<b>-Practice answering "typical" interview questions: </b>while it is virtually impossible to know exactly what an interviewer will ask, it's important to do your homework. If the company is passionate about helping the community or caring for the environment, there is a great possibility that an interviewer might ask you questions about those topics. And be prepared to answer those typical interview questions: strengths, weaknesses, where do you see yourself in 5 years, tell me about a time when you..., how did you find out about this company/opening.<br />
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<b>-Figure out how to get there, on time!: </b>arriving at your interview location on time (or a bit early) requires careful planning. The person who contacted you about the interview might tell you how to get to the interview location, and sometimes even where to park, but they also might not give you this information. You may have to ask for these details- and you should! If you are traveling to a different city or state, make sure that you give yourself time for construction, getting lost, and other unpredictable time-gobbling situations. If you are close to the location, I recommend a drive by. Sometimes maps and directions can be confusing and even inaccurate, and you don't want that to be your excuse for being late to an interview. You don't want to start your interview with a need to apologize!<br />
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<b>-Select your interview outfit: </b>it may seem odd to pick out an outfit ahead of time, but (believe me!) this is a helpful step to take before the big day. You don't want to be late to an interview because you couldn't decide on a color of shirt or choose between pants or a skirt. Choosing an outfit, ahead of time, will not only save you time- it will also provide a great boost of confidence!<br />
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Preparation is a key step in the interview process- but it's not everything! It is, however, an important thing to bring into a job interview. Gaining knowledge about the job, the organization, yourself, the interview, how to get to the interview, and even what you will wear to the interview will help you be (or at least seem) a confident and knowledgeable candidate for the job!LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-14889336816125524542012-06-19T21:00:00.005-07:002012-06-19T21:02:38.341-07:00Preview: What to Wear [and Bring] to a Job InterviewHello Readers!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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As many of you know, I am back on the job market! So far, this journey of applying for jobs has been a journey of self discovery. Filling out applications, writing essays, completing aptitude tests, and spending a lot of time on LinkedIn. In many ways, searching for a job is a lot like online dating- creating a profile, answering and asking questions, and looking for the right match for your passions, interests, personality, etc., etc.<br />
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Last week, something exciting happened to me. On Thursday, I had an interview! I was so excited- so excited that I almost didn't know what to do with myself. I read and re-read the job description (I even wrote it out by hand to commit it to memory), highlighted the skills I possessed that the job seemed to demand, imagined answers to questions the interviewer might ask me, researched the organization, and even came up with a few questions of my own. I was almost ready. Almost.<br />
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What I couldn't seem to prepare was my interview outfit. As I stood in front of my wardrobe, a sea of advice filled my head :<br />
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-"don't wear anything too quirky"<br />
-"wear something professional, but not boring"<br />
-"don't wear any colors that will wash out your complexion"<br />
-"don't wear anything too tight"<br />
-"don't forget to wear hose with a skirt!"<br />
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As well as a few questions:<br />
<br />
-"am I a winter or a spring?"<br />
-"if I wear pink will I seem to girly?"<br />
-"which necklace will make me look creative, hard-working, and smart?"<br />
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Selecting items of clothing for an outfit may seem like an insignificant task to complete before an interview- but it really is an important part of the preparation process. What you wear to an interview communicates a lot about who you are, or at least the self you choose to present.<br />
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First impressions matter, especially in an interview situation. A lot is on the line, for you as well as the organization interviewing you. The interview is their time to decide whether or not you- as a whole package of personality and skill- are the right fit for the job and for that particular workplace culture.<br />
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In the next few blog posts, I am going to share important information about what to wear, and even what to bring, to a job interview. The tools you need to narrate your story as a capable and confident job candidate.<br />
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Join me on this journey!LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-24040114027331855062012-06-06T06:25:00.000-07:002012-06-06T06:25:29.824-07:00A Wedding Wardrobe Malfunction: Always Bring an Extra Dress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the dress, before it became a disaster</td></tr>
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The dress was perfect. It survived the hour-long drive into St. Louis without falling off the hanger or getting wrinkled. My toenails were freshly painted to match the midnight purple of the dress. Unzipping the dress, before stepping into it, the zipper seemed to snag on (what I now understand as) a faulty tooth, but I persisted with a tug and stepped into the dress.<br />
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The soft silk and rich hues made me feel like I was preparing to step onto the red carpet- even though the dress was purchased final sale at a cool 75 dollars. My hair was set, my makeup was even red-carpet ready- and then something terrible happened.<br />
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As I pulled the zipper up, it became stuck on the same place as before. "I'll just tug it a bit harder," I thought as I performed the task, anticipating the zipper to properly catch on the teeth... but alas- it did not. Instead of properly catching track, the entire zipper and track became even more untracked. I was stuck. And then the zipper split. And I was still stuck. With less than 45 minutes to go until I had to be at the church.<br />
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I began to sweat and fret- undoubtedly a combination that exhausted the confidence, bounce, and height of my hair. No more bouncy curls- just beachy waves. Would I have to sew myself into the dress? I didn't bring and needles or thread- could I find a tailor to fix my dilemma within my dwindling timeline?<br />
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Panicked- I called Banana Republic, and described the situation I found myself in. The agreed to pull their most formal dresses in sizes 4 and 6 off of their sales floor for me to try on between the ceremony and the reception. Even though the dress was final sale, the agreed to take back the dress.<br />
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Miraculously, I was able to yoga-move my way out of the dress (and I found out that my shoulder is perhaps double-jointed?) and change into a dress I brought for a graduation on Sunday. A much shorter dress, that I had worn many times- but a dress without a gaping hole on its side. Much better.<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/AVvXsEiJ-eZfvUh2oEq1F_1ZgN72xXifpD0mOMHedvDwP7B8aquRK7r4foJIRao5aRAe1LXtT7Kddu7srpNCWJ_T8_wjD0xzy6HzdB69Nk1KUL2foYL7z4UQcSJrGvUjvrvQiwEq4mzF-WRKwsQ/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-eZfvUh2oEq1F_1ZgN72xXifpD0mOMHedvDwP7B8aquRK7r4foJIRao5aRAe1LXtT7Kddu7srpNCWJ_T8_wjD0xzy6HzdB69Nk1KUL2foYL7z4UQcSJrGvUjvrvQiwEq4mzF-WRKwsQ/s400/IMG_2096.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With friends from grad school in the replacement dress from White House | Black Market</td></tr>
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The ceremony was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. The bride was one of my best friends from graduate school, the groom was a close friend from Bible study (I was the first to introduce them, during a visit to the church- our friend Jenny was the first to ignite the spark between the bride and groom), and the pastor was my pastor. It was a ceremony full of meaning- for everyone there! My stress I felt during dress malfunction seemed quite silly when I sat down in my seat and remembered the reason I was in the church that day.<br />
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Between the ceremony's end and the reception's beginning, I stopped at the mall (which was in between the ceremony and reception sites) to find a replacement dress. The search was unfruitful- there was nothing I could find that I liked as much as the original, or even as much as my replacement dress. But I'm glad that I brought an extra dress with me. So glad. Moral of the story: bring an extra so you won't have to sweat the small stuff (literally and figuratively).<br />
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So, I continued on my trek to the reception in my improvised outfit and enjoyed a wonderful night with my friends. We hit the dance floor, ate cake, and had a blast.<br />
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And, most importantly- the bride and the groom had a great time celebrating the start of their journey together as husband and wife.<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/AVvXsEjRBZCqubtr8e0cVUPIBJJ80Cxe4LRSO5qvGQMwk4GmfUFBMcaI4XnD8qqubHY-p7coreb_r23jyv71hW9fZZ6taRz7vXu1V1hZfGgGWTacVn8bHRpUZpiZUfCtJVFUBBKNg0cMpEdC1G8/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBZCqubtr8e0cVUPIBJJ80Cxe4LRSO5qvGQMwk4GmfUFBMcaI4XnD8qqubHY-p7coreb_r23jyv71hW9fZZ6taRz7vXu1V1hZfGgGWTacVn8bHRpUZpiZUfCtJVFUBBKNg0cMpEdC1G8/s320/IMG_2125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">With the beautiful bride and more friends from grad school. Thankfully, the bride's dress was flawless!</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-76813771455768047982012-05-06T13:40:00.000-07:002012-05-06T13:41:54.282-07:00April Adventures: Dinner with Lauren WinnerHello Readers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikS-tB5ZVsyxYNL1qas10Et8GR9ogizeUBjWA7nyrXQrDX0BYODSpumm52Kxl0ZlzYx8W0Nht-Fe4N9JlRc-t7dmkRTCUlqEIWXyeOEgIPPCnfvL2yu77TLxNglqRhwjjjvgQrRpC11s/s1600/Lauren-Winner600x360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikS-tB5ZVsyxYNL1qas10Et8GR9ogizeUBjWA7nyrXQrDX0BYODSpumm52Kxl0ZlzYx8W0Nht-Fe4N9JlRc-t7dmkRTCUlqEIWXyeOEgIPPCnfvL2yu77TLxNglqRhwjjjvgQrRpC11s/s400/Lauren-Winner600x360.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren Winner- image from http://divinity.duke.edu/<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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Last month, just over two weeks ago, one of my favorite authors, Lauren Winner, came to my college to speak in chapel and to give a colloquium. You may recognize her from her books, like <i>Girl Meets God, Real Sex, Mudhouse Sabbath, </i>or her latest book <i>Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis</i>. In addition to being a successful author, she also teaches at Duke Divinity School in North Carolina.<br />
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Earlier this semester, when I found out that Lauren Winner was coming to campus, I mentioned to a colleague and friend that I was a fan of her writing and I hoped to meet her during her visit to campus. He recommended that I ask the powers that be (my now friend and former professor of Ethics) if I could meet Lauren Winner. I did (thank you Kent!) and I was even invited to dinner with her, Winner, and another colleague from the college (thank you Christina!). Amazing! How many people get to eat dinner with one of their favorite authors?<br />
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As the time approached, I read and re-read some of her books to prepare for her visit. As I did my "research" I came to an interesting realization about authors, like Winner, who write autobiographies: they reveal so much of their stories to readers. It must be strange, then as an author, to meet people who already know so much about you, or at least the portion of you project in your writing. With this possibility of a realization in mind, I was determined not to be one of those creepy "I feel like I know you" fans when I met Lauren. I would be cool, or at least as cool I could be.<br />
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Finally, on April 25th, the day arrived of Lauren's visit. I had a lot of grading to finish, so I listened to her chapel address on the college radio station. In the afternoon I attended the colloquium, which was wonderful, and before I knew it it was time to jump in the car and drive to St. Louis for dinner. Lauren Winner, Christina, Brian, and me.<br />
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The drive from campus to our restaurant, Mangia, on South Grand was nearly an hour. On our way there we talked about almost everything: politics, religion, literacy, education- it was great! We arrived at the restaurant in time for half price appetizers (hooray!) and ordered duck potstickers (delicious!) and tomato bruschetta (yum!).<br />
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During dinner, our conversation continued over delicious food. At one point, Lauren asked each of us what our favorite book was that we read in the past year. Woah! One of my favorite authors asked me what <i>I</i> was reading? Cool! All of the books shared around the table were interesting, and I wish that I would have written them down. The rest of the dinner went well: delicious food, a bit of laughter, and more great conversation.<br />
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Looking back on the whole experience, I am so grateful for how it went. I've heard of people meeting authors and being disappointed, but Lauren was no disappointment! Meeting a woman with a powerful voice, an accomplished career as a writer and academic, and thoughtful Christian was an inspiration. I must admit that I wasn't very talkative during my dinner with Winner, but that was because I had so many interesting things to listen to and learn about from her and my colleagues from the college. This adventure may be my favorite one from this semester.<br />
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What a wonderful opportunity! Have you ever met an author? Or, if you could- who would it be?<br />
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Thanks for reading!LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-35643245373821849452012-05-03T20:03:00.000-07:002012-05-03T20:03:08.465-07:00As of Lately. . .Hello Readers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH1r6xYotEAu8nTYbXA_K9h8hWzGLyEieqkdL5S3Hlh-0EkTrM_WqKUOTEu9aFkBr4TWKEKUOqAbW43wBBSbmcxSvU1seI199tcoKOdJm97XidlSTLDHM5kgF8LurzDHSt2ChAIL2QuE/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH1r6xYotEAu8nTYbXA_K9h8hWzGLyEieqkdL5S3Hlh-0EkTrM_WqKUOTEu9aFkBr4TWKEKUOqAbW43wBBSbmcxSvU1seI199tcoKOdJm97XidlSTLDHM5kgF8LurzDHSt2ChAIL2QuE/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dusty car hit 100,000 miles! Crazy!</td></tr>
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This is perhaps the start of the craziest part of each semester for students and educators. Last May, I experienced that craziness in both roles- and I am thankful to only be a educator this time around! But even this time around is still a bit hectic.<br />
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A lot has happened since my last post. Would you like to know what some of those things have been?<br />
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OK. . . bend my arm!<br />
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1) I went to a Jars of Clay concert with friends<br />
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2) I met with a former professor (one of my favorites!) and a former student (one of my favorites!) to catch up on life<br />
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3) I went to my first professional baseball game<br />
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4) I met one of my favorite authors<br />
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5) Helped plan and throw a surprise birthday for a friend<br />
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6) I applied to a bazillion or so jobs<br />
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Whew!<br />
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Now you know that I am still alive! No worries folks, no worries! Hopefully you will hear more from me this weekend. . .<br />
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Have a very wonderful night!LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-55154311815404056502012-04-22T13:23:00.000-07:002012-04-22T13:23:10.859-07:00Windy City Rendevous- Bethany's Bridal ShowerHello Readers,<br />
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I took a hiatus from blogging (as you may have noticed) and this afternoon I was browsing through posts that I never published- either because of lost inspiration or timing. I stumbled across this post, that I meant to publish right before my hiatus, but never did!<br />
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So. . . without further adieu, here are the belated details of my visit to Chicago a few weeks ago!<br />
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<s>Last Saturday</s> A few Saturdays ago, was one of the best days of the year. I woke up early and drove 2.5 hours from my parents' house to a bridal shower in Chicago for my friend Bethany (the Bethany from my last post). This was followed by a trip to Woodfield Mall, dinner with my cousin and her husband at Potbelly's, and even a brief stop at Jamba Juice for the drive home.<br />
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I didn't take any pictures of the mall trip, Potbelly's, or Jamba Huice- so I will focus on the bridal shower for this post because it is the reason for my Windy City visit and because I took somewhere around 200 photos of this event. (But don't worry... I won't share all 200 with you). Here are a few of the highlights:<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/AVvXsEgkhjrjJSB3YRBGHZXpoEE9F5U3XPpknRj7vLs9cPPFAw1ZAbgh-Y_1msuE_GH7ICtzC6ZETA8SIdTs0YYFks0J9TxE5poMeeNJNaqsAdjzSO3dUyd0b868eZpOHvU_dzAmBOrzqxbJoa4/s1600/IMG_7529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhjrjJSB3YRBGHZXpoEE9F5U3XPpknRj7vLs9cPPFAw1ZAbgh-Y_1msuE_GH7ICtzC6ZETA8SIdTs0YYFks0J9TxE5poMeeNJNaqsAdjzSO3dUyd0b868eZpOHvU_dzAmBOrzqxbJoa4/s400/IMG_7529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Bethany, and Charlotte (SLU Grad School friends!)</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/AVvXsEhzaAfLdIk5nSKRLlsm9UbV4BwGtBTfr1z2meHzeZ21fgHX0LUDNnjRPwJEjWyb4Y4kVSXI3TIc8BsW3pnPjDmEQM0c6B6_iAklY3MYA2eEy2FzC7dpCh2B3cIPzO9erPL7oFR9i3uSpLA/s1600/IMG_7532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaAfLdIk5nSKRLlsm9UbV4BwGtBTfr1z2meHzeZ21fgHX0LUDNnjRPwJEjWyb4Y4kVSXI3TIc8BsW3pnPjDmEQM0c6B6_iAklY3MYA2eEy2FzC7dpCh2B3cIPzO9erPL7oFR9i3uSpLA/s400/IMG_7532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine, Bethany, and Meghan (Bethany's friends from high school)</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/AVvXsEhADXlYz88p83x7NH8G6nn2WdKcep6P7oKR_rd9Sc5sKLiacNI73Ijn1fyvuX3Q5F2vprK3fvvg2dJRT7dtvgcfxU8rAJnMxSbnundWD_qsDM3FQF_vFXwC52TKwhW-ovjxeoUfEKopWlY/s1600/IMG_7542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADXlYz88p83x7NH8G6nn2WdKcep6P7oKR_rd9Sc5sKLiacNI73Ijn1fyvuX3Q5F2vprK3fvvg2dJRT7dtvgcfxU8rAJnMxSbnundWD_qsDM3FQF_vFXwC52TKwhW-ovjxeoUfEKopWlY/s640/IMG_7542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so begins the present-opening!</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/AVvXsEhq2BVSiWkcVl36sq9qIIHUloDn8Wkg-257MFsf2Zs5rYZ4kp_ZQiuDB0vdHGCkNlSdCHP_7EEhOYSkNCEWXDLQm6WM83cKkic7N6highWSCFS5yog5PEJdZ_kwY_QWrsg9iIhdogl7YCM/s1600/IMG_7559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2BVSiWkcVl36sq9qIIHUloDn8Wkg-257MFsf2Zs5rYZ4kp_ZQiuDB0vdHGCkNlSdCHP_7EEhOYSkNCEWXDLQm6WM83cKkic7N6highWSCFS5yog5PEJdZ_kwY_QWrsg9iIhdogl7YCM/s320/IMG_7559.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hostess had such beautiful windows!</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/AVvXsEiXzks9SCmmNFWemx4NES0HKkTszojwIVPej918UjAw_BcaTOMQjVKFnrBIhFcAczGq-DIWXbxamNwDZgvgudyMNVi7KUatEUJ1x3zvW_zgS0rhdHyL2Zd7495FuaAeMX5ZwGUCA3Kvg0M/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzks9SCmmNFWemx4NES0HKkTszojwIVPej918UjAw_BcaTOMQjVKFnrBIhFcAczGq-DIWXbxamNwDZgvgudyMNVi7KUatEUJ1x3zvW_zgS0rhdHyL2Zd7495FuaAeMX5ZwGUCA3Kvg0M/s400/IMG_7610.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands</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/AVvXsEiFgNfdTrBAp0pujKpljvOUcgLwDb43dYo9Fc2pxS0tMl6YIJ4cIhGYo6IzUwnZFViBhSL2zaB_9-dXOHHJH8zi5R2iXaCFDgeWZJMMJMqoj7ovYuOfEtYtM498JLJtTiCM71TX1P74f2U/s1600/IMG_7613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgNfdTrBAp0pujKpljvOUcgLwDb43dYo9Fc2pxS0tMl6YIJ4cIhGYo6IzUwnZFViBhSL2zaB_9-dXOHHJH8zi5R2iXaCFDgeWZJMMJMqoj7ovYuOfEtYtM498JLJtTiCM71TX1P74f2U/s400/IMG_7613.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooray!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U1rzB8dWGVzXU8oTbiGDqqzySxmVU48DZjhXqYKzTIgkq0FnA3vMyyq-5muDFEwerLqHDZe73hHeJhkRCFCxKsJa1Y1gDONPSDm9gau9qgujJ8_sO-WIxZkZqlUsqdeQMlCvO-sucKI/s1600/IMG_7692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U1rzB8dWGVzXU8oTbiGDqqzySxmVU48DZjhXqYKzTIgkq0FnA3vMyyq-5muDFEwerLqHDZe73hHeJhkRCFCxKsJa1Y1gDONPSDm9gau9qgujJ8_sO-WIxZkZqlUsqdeQMlCvO-sucKI/s400/IMG_7692.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAvFx9RrXOuIgY2BgKp8UpoDhdR9VQh0E863f1WPQ4VJrw1RkG966NrkdrI5ZJdO8zDJ5jrqS4A0zWDVxOO729A9DYAdPot4QYymHs51wMsyLJQu9LOKnnXzFNTI3JjUKdRkQIma1BmY/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAvFx9RrXOuIgY2BgKp8UpoDhdR9VQh0E863f1WPQ4VJrw1RkG966NrkdrI5ZJdO8zDJ5jrqS4A0zWDVxOO729A9DYAdPot4QYymHs51wMsyLJQu9LOKnnXzFNTI3JjUKdRkQIma1BmY/s400/IMG_7704.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bride and groom to be!</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/AVvXsEjgNgDumgmcNU48CCBYXzlu4QKSii0A3apwrizkctMSyBuIJ27N_duvNKSRq6ryJPB-bJkjb2cg1002CXl0_iL31UznNQRaRqtLHl4sIKbS7ch2xYGqWIiHCM7nYYqG-nzeLn9zd-262Do/s1600/IMG_7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNgDumgmcNU48CCBYXzlu4QKSii0A3apwrizkctMSyBuIJ27N_duvNKSRq6ryJPB-bJkjb2cg1002CXl0_iL31UznNQRaRqtLHl4sIKbS7ch2xYGqWIiHCM7nYYqG-nzeLn9zd-262Do/s400/IMG_7729.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The groom-to-be</td></tr>
</tbody></table>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-66273827858694318712012-03-26T13:12:00.000-07:002012-03-26T13:12:52.672-07:00Backtrack: Fitz's with FriendsHello Readers,<br />
<br />
Happy Monday! Let's backtrack again. . .<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to spend time with the couple at an engagement-almost-wedding party in St. Louis. I was able to catch up with a few friends from SLU (Bethany, Jenn, David, and Dave), friends from The Gathering (Jenny and Matt), and I was able to meet a few new people too! We had a blast! During the party I drank 2 Fitz's cream sodas. I'm not sure if those sodas contain caffeine- but I am quite certain that they contain sugar. A lot of sugar. Enough sugar for an energetic late night drive from St. Louis all the way to my home in rural Illinois. Yee hah!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vBbx0kD5AoXcVzexoZQqTPqu0CnuOhG3Gy7nz_sIarCZn1vaEfAoraqUHsffStZWQezgeu5edt3mdcWMAlnwXUMA-ULLUrdHkEFYDSEyXQ_h9-vKTTH7WWoGcAL1WjUogTz1VrnvLNU/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vBbx0kD5AoXcVzexoZQqTPqu0CnuOhG3Gy7nz_sIarCZn1vaEfAoraqUHsffStZWQezgeu5edt3mdcWMAlnwXUMA-ULLUrdHkEFYDSEyXQ_h9-vKTTH7WWoGcAL1WjUogTz1VrnvLNU/s320/IMG_0364.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressing Room picture! This is what I wore to the celebration!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wasn't sure what to wear to this party. What does one wear to an engagement party? This was the first I ever attended, so I had no frame of reference to rely upon for this outfit. So, I made my own frame of reference. While crafting my outfit I tried to pick pieces that reflected the occasion. A ruffly top with sparkly belt and a sparkly headband to reflect the joy and happiness associated with engagements and metallic silver flats to reflect the brilliance of the couple (David and Bethany are both super-intelligent! Brilliant!). I chose the skinny jeans and cardigan for comfort. I am almost always cold everywhere I go, so it was important to remember to wear a cardigan! I also wasn't sure if we would play any games (I've heard those sometimes take place at occasions such as this), so jeans seemed like a practical option.<br />
<br />
Here are a few pictures from Bethany and David's St. Louis engagement party-schindig:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvsU7e7nJKbkWkWo5AjFcgrRkOniQV40WZMuHSD1h5kdDZAb27sEhyphenhyphen2cZduF_d_OzVi4RKfK1PicFTFAomIQLbgPJwFGMleyqL_MBcQS2C41jpeDA3Ruw3-S21Nu9-qkX8yu8JMGDqnA/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvsU7e7nJKbkWkWo5AjFcgrRkOniQV40WZMuHSD1h5kdDZAb27sEhyphenhyphen2cZduF_d_OzVi4RKfK1PicFTFAomIQLbgPJwFGMleyqL_MBcQS2C41jpeDA3Ruw3-S21Nu9-qkX8yu8JMGDqnA/s400/IMG_0380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billiken Buddies- me, Bethany, and Jenn (with a flash)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhtNIVighAHOU-GJjn0ZAk3f4HTTfpXcED9qq_a-w0-ciyH1f6xtHvnT1kbYrZ-wrioWrSmg6rPokZjHX-J9dZLcS6WZnOWUdAAP65bT_NjdHNzWzWc2ZXQWtwtpQhGWRFosU6qiW8ZU/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhtNIVighAHOU-GJjn0ZAk3f4HTTfpXcED9qq_a-w0-ciyH1f6xtHvnT1kbYrZ-wrioWrSmg6rPokZjHX-J9dZLcS6WZnOWUdAAP65bT_NjdHNzWzWc2ZXQWtwtpQhGWRFosU6qiW8ZU/s400/IMG_0381.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no flash</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXbD_kxbIXlA5dh7yv3NZoOujNcShKpX0OX4vEQqL72sEXwBRwu9e_OKy4jgGZxnDSak0K9hyphenhyphenWVj5h7reBVWmjoLTW5_zCfT0I8PcNwxTlSE1i4zpsSfpBAvSn3jAfuwPCQAtACACNqg/s1600/IMG_0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXbD_kxbIXlA5dh7yv3NZoOujNcShKpX0OX4vEQqL72sEXwBRwu9e_OKy4jgGZxnDSak0K9hyphenhyphenWVj5h7reBVWmjoLTW5_zCfT0I8PcNwxTlSE1i4zpsSfpBAvSn3jAfuwPCQAtACACNqg/s400/IMG_0382.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they are- the bride-to-be and groom-to-be!- Bethany and David.<br />
(PS- I didn't crop your socks because I thought they looked cute!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6g-an2l0uc6_l95TIxPzS6e-Xz2N3rvNiwDKQ78OKaM9gcyse9RVjTervtGbRJ-lNk7eyomtAeCtmGl8FulwBe4vREiFMlC0-2ONi6QItqbJIlwy3mTlqkLIB0lLAIc4CB0FQMu2EB0/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6g-an2l0uc6_l95TIxPzS6e-Xz2N3rvNiwDKQ78OKaM9gcyse9RVjTervtGbRJ-lNk7eyomtAeCtmGl8FulwBe4vREiFMlC0-2ONi6QItqbJIlwy3mTlqkLIB0lLAIc4CB0FQMu2EB0/s400/IMG_0383.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they adorable? I think so!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Thanks for reading!LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-53725187751660204532012-03-13T20:49:00.001-07:002012-03-14T07:11:27.218-07:00Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Yeah!: BacktrackHello Readers,<br />
<br />
Earlier this year I posted about my fitness aspirations for 2012. I am happy to announce that today I wiggled into a sheath dress that fit me before the second semester of graduate school (I still wore it a few times during second semester, but it was a bit snug).<br />
<br />
After a January and a February of being more aware of the food I was feeding my body, swimming, and walking/ellipticalling I know that the me today (or at least when these photos were taken on February 22, 2011) is healthier than the me on December 31st, 2012. And my size 4 sheath dress is the proof.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZdAsQDcg_po_IZDEryqhlh8oUkVD2fhIUBO38uc9Z9r_xBiKEQgXzExDTAKQYKwqqaniY8EOLBkc3fiepmuPbzjhoy-HH7imQgyIs4YYtknqov3YPtzMI8YH3z85xo-Zp11jqHEYpUs/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZdAsQDcg_po_IZDEryqhlh8oUkVD2fhIUBO38uc9Z9r_xBiKEQgXzExDTAKQYKwqqaniY8EOLBkc3fiepmuPbzjhoy-HH7imQgyIs4YYtknqov3YPtzMI8YH3z85xo-Zp11jqHEYpUs/s400/IMG_0339.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezlaO0Hh6NsuFw3hOTSqO6cUhf9vVBFT4o6_u3KWQ1sJNVQhYqOYTVRcfnxKOn4wKYWRvARiDLsfXXbOphTm0Pf4lGEjirZpmhFQs-bPl6PRF3PstNQZAau6OY1l-fcFte1i5MNRz5_U/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezlaO0Hh6NsuFw3hOTSqO6cUhf9vVBFT4o6_u3KWQ1sJNVQhYqOYTVRcfnxKOn4wKYWRvARiDLsfXXbOphTm0Pf4lGEjirZpmhFQs-bPl6PRF3PstNQZAau6OY1l-fcFte1i5MNRz5_U/s400/IMG_0340.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiggle Wiggle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloceZ6Xa9e5McggXqjCxe7lySRVUh74cRWSTXxWo9lM-PN5orHS8hyphenhyphenTfiZsuITZRsYYRcKy1hcsuqJKbjm0kn1HksFQgkBsC2HdCdQ6KdWLCOj_eY3mdQYysUvEgvKaO2Zfl3-4Y8Axk/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloceZ6Xa9e5McggXqjCxe7lySRVUh74cRWSTXxWo9lM-PN5orHS8hyphenhyphenTfiZsuITZRsYYRcKy1hcsuqJKbjm0kn1HksFQgkBsC2HdCdQ6KdWLCOj_eY3mdQYysUvEgvKaO2Zfl3-4Y8Axk/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Retail Detail:<br />
<br />
Grey Cardigan: Banana Republic<br />
Black Leather Belt: Banana Republic<br />
White, Purple, and Lilac Sheath Dress: Ann Taylor<br />
Dark Purple Cabled Tights: Anthropologie<br />
Charcoal Leather Kitten Heels: Cole Haan<br />
White Headband: J. CrewLauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-14486322427368409942012-03-13T20:32:00.004-07:002012-03-13T20:35:28.586-07:00Backtrack: SentimentalityHello Readers!<br />
<br />
This week is my Spring Break! So far, it has been the epitome of relaxation. Going to my home church and then meeting with family on Sunday, meeting with my cousin (and friend!) Katie at my favorite coffee shop, and then catching up with a friend over dinner at delightful cafe. And today, sleeping in, writing a blog post- and then who knows! The world is my oyster.<br />
<br />
This break is the perfect time for me to catch up with you all on this blog. I can't remember when the outfit from this particular post was taken, but I enjoyed the outfit so much that I wanted to make sure that it made its way onto this blog. Nothing spectacular, but very everyday and very comfortable. These pieces also hold sentimental value.<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/AVvXsEjxTmkTLXxwMzhyc_u-bJ5rGRJmuP0MKQAQFdurBPgNGHjnDzj1f4V30uzX39J8hMyotJoYnNIfr_DLiSwLSQeSby74TE7PffiQmn8PAGY14_er22nOLUYAO0VD8Va_LFxFMYZGLBEUi3Q/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTmkTLXxwMzhyc_u-bJ5rGRJmuP0MKQAQFdurBPgNGHjnDzj1f4V30uzX39J8hMyotJoYnNIfr_DLiSwLSQeSby74TE7PffiQmn8PAGY14_er22nOLUYAO0VD8Va_LFxFMYZGLBEUi3Q/s320/IMG_0349.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look like sort of like a former A&F employee with those colors... oh wait, I am.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The cardigan, with the ruffled detail, is a piece I purchased in the summer of 2009. I'm pretty sure I bought it at the St. Louis Galleria's J. Crew store the night before my first day of grad school orientation. And, in the 80+ degree weather, I wore this cardigan. This time, the weather was more appropriate.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5jePKnO1BjAV9rPIlt95I1J0hcp-wj075eKuVFladk4-37rEOLLYc1uUu59JJAnMTtOS5x60tjQCEPX-eXJen-ZzHlwAMCcUYp9ja-4C1xEd9l3gT-zdyic3Mj438w3xs2rcvFmCne8/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5jePKnO1BjAV9rPIlt95I1J0hcp-wj075eKuVFladk4-37rEOLLYc1uUu59JJAnMTtOS5x60tjQCEPX-eXJen-ZzHlwAMCcUYp9ja-4C1xEd9l3gT-zdyic3Mj438w3xs2rcvFmCne8/s320/IMG_0350.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am thinking about across the forehead bangs. This was an exaggerated attempt with overgrown swoop bangs.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></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;"><div style="text-align: left;">The abstract grey and white patterned v-neck top is from an Ann Taylor Outlet store. I purchased it last spring while driving back to St. Louis from a conference in Milwaukee with my friend and fellow grad student Deanne. It was a piece I fell in love with instantly, and I was delighted to find it in a size that fit and flattered. </div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1p9FHI0RjpFFwox4vIQkFl3FOIrJWZ7T-OJ1ISGG4xacmRNz7JVgUalfpyp5zedDZeEClKnV82scXzCYuQVCBYOV8BOxxcNfZ575XHtA0wMQvrXS9eSpRSXMX7TBAd00JApwyfpX3aE/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1p9FHI0RjpFFwox4vIQkFl3FOIrJWZ7T-OJ1ISGG4xacmRNz7JVgUalfpyp5zedDZeEClKnV82scXzCYuQVCBYOV8BOxxcNfZ575XHtA0wMQvrXS9eSpRSXMX7TBAd00JApwyfpX3aE/s320/IMG_0351.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like how the textures and colors of this outfit came together. The print of my blouse makes these neutrals a bit more interesting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Do you see that dainty gold and pearl necklace? This was a gift from parents to my late grandmother (my Dad's mom) and I inherited it while I was a student at the college where I currently teach. Of all the pieces of this outfit, this is one dearest to my heart. Every time I wear it I think about my memories of her and the lessons I learned from her life. She was an amazing woman!<br />
<br />
Sentimentality and outfits seem to go hand in hand... for better or worse! I think I'll count this outfit as a "better" occasion. What do you think?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Details:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Navy Cardigan with Ruffles: J. Crew</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Abstract White and Grey Top: Ann Taylor Outlet</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Grey Lace-Trim Tank: American Eagle Outfitters</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Light Grey Chinos: Abercrombie and Fitch</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Necklace: Gift</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Light Brown Boots (not pictured): Ann Klein</span>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-5338068555390614932012-03-11T20:10:00.000-07:002012-03-11T20:10:43.733-07:00March Fitting Room Reviews: AnthropologieHello Readers!<br />
<br />
I'm back! I had a bit of a hiatus, but I am back on track. It was one of those my-life-is-really-hectic-right- now breaks where this blog fell to the wayside. There were days when I had to choose between working out and blogging- and each time working out won over blogging (and yes, a few times naps won too!).<br />
<br />
Since it's been a while, I thought a fitting room review might be just what I need to get back into a productive writing "groove." This particular review comes from one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie. When I lived in St. Louis, I used to go into this store almost every Tuesday but ever since I moved to a quaint-but-far-away town my visits to this store have been less frequent. That being said, I was super-stoked to spend time in the store during a weekend trip to St. Louis last weekend.<br />
<br />
Here is what I tried on: a lovely long-sleeve lace shirt, three short-sleeve shirts with intriguing details, and two dresses with delightful textures.<br />
<br />
1.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3IzYvEOmE2NxpDU1n-cpiEaTSQdCn1HsZuFDAv_riqQ_u9ThWBCJWAedK8gO4sD3AWw9TrTeVTuxvVo95UmvWONfhXiWjIHaSa2o-gH9dT9oX3xcbKeIoYS-iqPKyLhb7hxYbini45U/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3IzYvEOmE2NxpDU1n-cpiEaTSQdCn1HsZuFDAv_riqQ_u9ThWBCJWAedK8gO4sD3AWw9TrTeVTuxvVo95UmvWONfhXiWjIHaSa2o-gH9dT9oX3xcbKeIoYS-iqPKyLhb7hxYbini45U/s400/IMG_0365.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">??? size small Lace Long-Sleeve Tee in Lavender and Light Blush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When I found this lacy long-sleeve, nestled between two sweaters in the sale room, I was surprised to find that it was a shirt that I never noticed before online or in the store. Where did this shirt come from? I tried on the only size available, a small, and was delighted to find that the sleeves and torso were long enough for my frame! The shirt was a little bit itchy, but otherwise delightful. I passed on the shirt, however, because I was afraid that I would look naked from a distance since the main color was so close to my skin color.<br />
<br />
2.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0cfXK5fXw7I2R_LdeJ7ruNGaU8gK8VyeRsQ5YOskEHVNNMhT_2ARGaIecIEnr8yQP91v-Wv39rXlvb_r7m_8feoDx8tSnShKF1avXTL2KPPkgD5Vx3QCUQOyGCvP9-IM4aKUHAkGwNU/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0cfXK5fXw7I2R_LdeJ7ruNGaU8gK8VyeRsQ5YOskEHVNNMhT_2ARGaIecIEnr8yQP91v-Wv39rXlvb_r7m_8feoDx8tSnShKF1avXTL2KPPkgD5Vx3QCUQOyGCvP9-IM4aKUHAkGwNU/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tartlet Burst Top by Deletta, size Small. Too tight for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Deletta is an Anthro brand who authors so many tees, tops, and dresses that I love to love. The Tartlet Burst top was I top I would love to love- but it didn't quite match my style. But, I could see how a lot of people would love it! The top ran a bit small (if I were to purchase it, I would need a Medium), but the twist detail at the bust was flattering and the asymmetrical strip of fabric on the shoulder created a point of interesting movement.<br />
<br />
3.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOIm7GDf1DU3_mqt1rRluuGJosyE8FEAclDa2Y6Pqhu5O5VMMd7jdvD0fglJ8YOYNO-YykeoNOuPowTRVIcFM55cudhksSOAM5C5oXz2xXrelBF1jVGekjDYhtNS2pLzI1IydvRI8wCE/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOIm7GDf1DU3_mqt1rRluuGJosyE8FEAclDa2Y6Pqhu5O5VMMd7jdvD0fglJ8YOYNO-YykeoNOuPowTRVIcFM55cudhksSOAM5C5oXz2xXrelBF1jVGekjDYhtNS2pLzI1IydvRI8wCE/s400/IMG_0367.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriel Tee by Deletta, size M (small not available)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love this top! Good job Deletta! It reminds me a lot of shirts I saw (and loved!) in stores like a|wear and Vero Moda when I was in Ireland in 2008. It seemed that the shirt was meant to be loose, so I was a bit confused by how short it was, even in a Medium. I could see how this shirt would be perfect for wearing tucked into skirts or high-waisted pants/shorts. The other day I saw a woman wearing this skirt over a long-sleeved crew neck and looked so cute! I liked this shirt, but it was only offered in navy and gross-green. So, I will wait hopefully for more colors in the future!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJZeAKs6pN1ZYVs0U0unxfJz3vqL2MTo7mS6ekOW_0J5AmVtfksVuJ-HlKKcLDNseueiFAk9Pzg3bAPnihH7LauBHYBDOuYVsIrAe3amkmofYj3G56FEvPDmWek00p9PN-HI3u3AwyYI/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJZeAKs6pN1ZYVs0U0unxfJz3vqL2MTo7mS6ekOW_0J5AmVtfksVuJ-HlKKcLDNseueiFAk9Pzg3bAPnihH7LauBHYBDOuYVsIrAe3amkmofYj3G56FEvPDmWek00p9PN-HI3u3AwyYI/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that lace! Super cute, but you need to get the right size so you don't expose more skin than you want to/should expose!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>4.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkqsWepP9muK_dOZoJHEbe-2-ov4eo57DCZJjD2UN08ABz9Bey4S-5eayekGflsDnobIx8h9zIN6cdT-Vl2B-Yf-I9tfjHeagcORYP-OXtT5UpoMrdKc3fiwGiS6cP5rdXux954mUWig/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkqsWepP9muK_dOZoJHEbe-2-ov4eo57DCZJjD2UN08ABz9Bey4S-5eayekGflsDnobIx8h9zIN6cdT-Vl2B-Yf-I9tfjHeagcORYP-OXtT5UpoMrdKc3fiwGiS6cP5rdXux954mUWig/s400/IMG_0369.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drape and Scallop Top by Weston Wear, Size Small</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><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/AVvXsEirpV8Kb1uowo1vfcjKxHr2JHhFvToqgOsqMDiKgsuwKv2T-HJcixBwR9p_880MECSP1XvyzgMsHYp7Bl_jP2QGaAxnh1BOyCGD29lmxuTvTl2aAC8eYX8bcEdMh6O3TBX2aBTJEwTJulE/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpV8Kb1uowo1vfcjKxHr2JHhFvToqgOsqMDiKgsuwKv2T-HJcixBwR9p_880MECSP1XvyzgMsHYp7Bl_jP2QGaAxnh1BOyCGD29lmxuTvTl2aAC8eYX8bcEdMh6O3TBX2aBTJEwTJulE/s400/IMG_0370.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side Shot! Oh-so-slimming!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>Oh how I love the Drape and Scallop Top- bravo Weston Wear! Initially this shirt didn't even catch my eye when I saw it online because it looked like a greyish blob but. . . it's so much more! There is a sweet teal print that, combined with the ruching, creates an oh-so-slimming effect. I bought this shirt in a Medium for length, but when I brought it home and tried it on again (and looked at the pictures of the Medium and the Small) I realized that the small was actually a better fit. The pictures above are of the shirt in Small and the picture below is the Medium. Not a big difference, but the V of the neck wasn't as low in the Small as it was in the Medium. So, I exchanged it and I am much happier with the Small (the arms also fit better in the S!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-omhB9DQDIN1SlnRgm5U6rW9PHs46Vs2im9RsqzJOsTwIHN9Ktxci3xvAQopxl4QVWWA2AaW1A-2Frhx6y9MaHUGc-_JVF0HU5f07bNVQ2rbTgCvhAjBmEFirzOTSghjURatY8xQuULc/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-omhB9DQDIN1SlnRgm5U6rW9PHs46Vs2im9RsqzJOsTwIHN9Ktxci3xvAQopxl4QVWWA2AaW1A-2Frhx6y9MaHUGc-_JVF0HU5f07bNVQ2rbTgCvhAjBmEFirzOTSghjURatY8xQuULc/s400/IMG_0379.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size Medium</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
5. Get ready for an extra-strength dose of lovely!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRmyLbZyqfR1krU8Tm5NOXfroCH3K-FnYlJPazufcW0UK8u4YeVmnPKmeQcNDpSJTGomlNwfBNVy3u1KfDt1qyu3TNl6z32hN7iDPT6SJ4nK_S2xFXNuZgBHmDChUEfo-WskCOoRRGaA/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRmyLbZyqfR1krU8Tm5NOXfroCH3K-FnYlJPazufcW0UK8u4YeVmnPKmeQcNDpSJTGomlNwfBNVy3u1KfDt1qyu3TNl6z32hN7iDPT6SJ4nK_S2xFXNuZgBHmDChUEfo-WskCOoRRGaA/s400/IMG_0372.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torchon Embossed Ponte Dress in Cream, Size S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Those of you who read my blog know how much I love my Swirling Lace dress by Tracy Reese. It is one of my favorite things to wear but... it is something I can only wear when the weather is cold or cool. The Torchon Embossed Ponte Dress, from Deletta, is a strong contender for a warm weather alternate to my beloved Swirling Lace Dress. (I'm hoping for a sale to hit soon. . . ).<br />
<br />
I grabbed a Small in this dress and it was a perfect fit, but a little bit shorter than I thought it would be. The waist sat at my natural waist, which is a marvelous feat for my height! The dress has a subtle but lovely texture to it and an even lovelier cream color. Lovely, lovely, lovely!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbfUVFGF3MzYtaNq6Y-phOgI1FeskOntIR4MJ8Fr6MpoRovp4KCHEF9WGZSv8J9KrKa9vGHh1o1WC85ufSpNBgRVUYtfCbrbXhltzhPkSRnluz3KKtI2EqEODwH05-gl3Sm8VlQCknZY/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbfUVFGF3MzYtaNq6Y-phOgI1FeskOntIR4MJ8Fr6MpoRovp4KCHEF9WGZSv8J9KrKa9vGHh1o1WC85ufSpNBgRVUYtfCbrbXhltzhPkSRnluz3KKtI2EqEODwH05-gl3Sm8VlQCknZY/s400/IMG_0373.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this!</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/AVvXsEgitfVUL-zaDP8Sc5WNZIzapKPglhRSWZSBUyk6AatVmXpQjL_6LPtWA48jRemjfww0IAUiClXDp-UjqcLVUe5L2iFphHO8kvm6UOnOEdhIfnK-G791hO7PzyuT_hYOc3ltib-em1emb2E/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitfVUL-zaDP8Sc5WNZIzapKPglhRSWZSBUyk6AatVmXpQjL_6LPtWA48jRemjfww0IAUiClXDp-UjqcLVUe5L2iFphHO8kvm6UOnOEdhIfnK-G791hO7PzyuT_hYOc3ltib-em1emb2E/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that lovely pattern!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>6.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGrZ2JeQNd5awXJXzDlounpYbU7f3MQvILjBdLW_-G5TkSbM_oz5HFUt2IrNxbNfbbQbW7htOAlILoYfARSicckXBtufewTus7pYH7txFj6xxCgsqeYZ1z1rb4001Q01S0zHGq5eCI0I/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGrZ2JeQNd5awXJXzDlounpYbU7f3MQvILjBdLW_-G5TkSbM_oz5HFUt2IrNxbNfbbQbW7htOAlILoYfARSicckXBtufewTus7pYH7txFj6xxCgsqeYZ1z1rb4001Q01S0zHGq5eCI0I/s400/IMG_0376.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embossed Basket Dress by Ganni, in Blue, size S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Embossed Basket Dress was one that I spotted online when searching for Zooey Deschanel/Jess Day style dresses for a potential blog post. The color is so bold, and the basket-like texture lends a standout detail that sets this dress apart from all of the bold vintage-inspired dresses currently on the market. I had great hopes for this dress- but I was disappointed with how it looked on me. This is a dress for a shorter frame than my own. You can't tell from the photos, but this dress was short! And even in the Small size, the waist was too big while the shoulders were snug. Strange, right? Those fit issues made me wonder if maybe something was wrong with the particular dress I tried on. With the strange waist- this dress was less than flattering! From the side.. well from the side I looked horrible! My curves were lost and distorted by the strange folds and gaps that extended from the odd waist. This dress is so cute as a concept, but in my opinion it was poorly executed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EsCd-IZVKBIVVKeJtk85QQj5sbM3mqehT6U5gDP8bQfQs1-gwFUF0U4K_9sgj4y1xlsXR6_ZFnaaULoLBQ0H1LgqhHD0SMmAqWaBB_9ag9lz9ilYgnW8QoVTTbaI15PI4S5miLOnNjU/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EsCd-IZVKBIVVKeJtk85QQj5sbM3mqehT6U5gDP8bQfQs1-gwFUF0U4K_9sgj4y1xlsXR6_ZFnaaULoLBQ0H1LgqhHD0SMmAqWaBB_9ag9lz9ilYgnW8QoVTTbaI15PI4S5miLOnNjU/s320/IMG_0377.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not flattering at all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks for reading!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-36118878856161257382012-02-16T10:20:00.000-08:002012-02-16T10:20:00.815-08:00Loveliness on Valentine's Day: 2012Hello Readers,<br />
<br />
Last year, I published a blog post (<a href="http://eclecticandelegant.blogspot.com/2011/02/loveliness-on-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">Loveliness on Valentine's Day</a>) about the holiday we all love to hate at some point in our lives. In this post, I wrote about my decision not to wear the color black on Valentine's Day as a symbolic action of my new attitude toward the day's celebrations, even as a single woman in her mid-twenties. Yep. I had a new attitude.<br />
<br />
This year when I woke up, I planned to wear a reiteration of last year's Valentine's Day outfit, but there was snow on the ground and I had errands to run in the cold, slushy morning.... so I threw on a red wool sweater, a pair of jeans, wooly socks with snowflakes on the side, my trusty snow boots, and my coat. The day started out well, as far as holiday appropriate winter wear.<br />
<br />
I ran my errands with great efficiency, buying a raspberry beret cupcake at The Cup, groceries at Dierberg's, and spending a gift card at Starbuck's (thank you Quists!) without any hitches or long lines- but when I returned I was less than enthusiastic about the holiday. I needed a change of attitude, or at least a change of outfits.<br />
<br />
Last year's outfit was too cheery... I needed something that made me feel just as confident, but more mysterious. A vintage black and navy dress was the perfect remedy for my feelings of discontent. Paired with a white cardigan, embellished purple ribbon, solid purple tights, and spectator-esque pumps provided just the right amount of elegance and sass needed to survive this year's Valentine's Day.<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/AVvXsEhnnn4FmAXRf_9VWoSx9_-43rMM1UeUB6ERr8ezLqFFCKRjlFBhJOy3f-fBl_JK12-3Z2K6Io37MXuEIryKmPaRqvHgnqCPq80E_EkdrN0LCyWJqJVWWSU0y6oTsLRuWa-Ljb-fRmqUDIM/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnn4FmAXRf_9VWoSx9_-43rMM1UeUB6ERr8ezLqFFCKRjlFBhJOy3f-fBl_JK12-3Z2K6Io37MXuEIryKmPaRqvHgnqCPq80E_EkdrN0LCyWJqJVWWSU0y6oTsLRuWa-Ljb-fRmqUDIM/s640/IMG_0317.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding my roomie's cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In a way, this outfit helped me make it through a day I dread. What really helped me through this day was the community of friends I have at home, here, and even across the globe! I wasn't alone, spatially or metaphorically, either. My small group had a get together where we took communion and then exchanged bread and words of appreciation/affirmation with each other. This tradition, known as a "love feast" is most common in the Methodist tradition of faith, but can be traced back to the Moravians. Woah!<div><br />
</div><div>I suppose I never liked Valentine's Day very much because it made me feel alone. I felt left out. But, this year I was not alone or left out. I was surrounded by friends who have been like family to me during my year of adjuncting. Their words, hugs, and constant community reminded me of the love present in my life, even away from family and even without a boyfriend or husband. I'm not single... I'm surrounded by a community of people who care about me and remind me of the One who loves me extravagantly- God. I have so much love in my life!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2yNIq8izwML7BNALGziS23rCNK6Oz6MAwSyG5BHDuD5fEjqRY1Bhzp7wwe3b_ot3XMVhN4cH0OMHNlLahO44Dh5c-l_yu10XvFKWTFT67UH2qrebZjqOrzdGSCTVy8Zf-g3hUuFqsHY/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2yNIq8izwML7BNALGziS23rCNK6Oz6MAwSyG5BHDuD5fEjqRY1Bhzp7wwe3b_ot3XMVhN4cH0OMHNlLahO44Dh5c-l_yu10XvFKWTFT67UH2qrebZjqOrzdGSCTVy8Zf-g3hUuFqsHY/s640/IMG_0318.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm smiling.... but check out that hand on my hip! Sass!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDap40n5D_kB8lRw6qziEXSYRwt_An1CjdH-a8Ht6P1D7QheOZ7-EUZq8wOQSpxdlkDzTxRH_D9-3cZqiRvK0Ndaow4OF5evzKLurB_LTO6iInArzXKIHfGvwQPoJ7f_afl3v87rXGTnE/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDap40n5D_kB8lRw6qziEXSYRwt_An1CjdH-a8Ht6P1D7QheOZ7-EUZq8wOQSpxdlkDzTxRH_D9-3cZqiRvK0Ndaow4OF5evzKLurB_LTO6iInArzXKIHfGvwQPoJ7f_afl3v87rXGTnE/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Details:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Black and Navy Vintage Dress: Gifted</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">White/Cream V-Neck Cardigan: Victoria's Secret</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Purple Belt: A Ribbon Embellished with a Clip-On Earring</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Goldtone Peacock Earrings: Macy's </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Purple Tights: Hue (via Nordstrom Rack)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cream and Tan Spectator Pumps: Seychelles (purchased at a boutique in San Francisco)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Smile: Courtesy of my friends!</span></div>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-9862042770673780162012-02-16T06:58:00.000-08:002012-02-16T06:58:48.809-08:00Grammy Sunday: Swing and MissOh Readers,<br />
<br />
On Sunday I came to an absolute conclusion... I think. I need to do something new with my hair! I love its length, but my bangs are too long, I think I need a few more layers, and my color (natural) isn't doing much for me these days.<br />
<br />
Bleh.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEoUbUPxEJv5VreTMzeq9KSnqfoEytaxMgLb821HFcclvA31eS2oKQUHJ2U5gjlN-Utc7Cb6I0EP-VhLSyy4TyDTxluKxe5dScYXWMO3uBCCTctJZ6_j2S2gTonaAjx-TcffVk_4fKQw/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEoUbUPxEJv5VreTMzeq9KSnqfoEytaxMgLb821HFcclvA31eS2oKQUHJ2U5gjlN-Utc7Cb6I0EP-VhLSyy4TyDTxluKxe5dScYXWMO3uBCCTctJZ6_j2S2gTonaAjx-TcffVk_4fKQw/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh! Is that a ghost? No... just me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I did something else on Sunday.... I attended a Grammy viewing party at a friend's apartment. Here is what I wore to church (earlier in the day) and to the party.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilyuwvbbQEm59k_04mPpLiW2oc5YWAXS5VVI5eV38yZfgzgYEUZfvrclTLg48CLJPtItmY9X9K6k0qWJrN6Z1_lws3IDGBIVkT7WgHTi9z8r6BNIceZE3NBxw8SVDGwkPiXJM_ALb0ag/s1600/IMG_2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilyuwvbbQEm59k_04mPpLiW2oc5YWAXS5VVI5eV38yZfgzgYEUZfvrclTLg48CLJPtItmY9X9K6k0qWJrN6Z1_lws3IDGBIVkT7WgHTi9z8r6BNIceZE3NBxw8SVDGwkPiXJM_ALb0ag/s320/IMG_2048.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesson learned: silky fabrics tend to ride up, especially when sitting down. Adjust accordingly.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></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/AVvXsEhkzBfjH-LsTttREwnDPUJbfiBYNR7JrBTBJhxAcEI9nD6Nipth5XTKKtvtTw_uLjsnWsRxa3IfeESc7Jpt9dUHPPZva4RJXNb0DHfUEhNV6sdNdzT6Prd8mGRifd_1tp5czL45TXigJ4I/s1600/IMG_2049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzBfjH-LsTttREwnDPUJbfiBYNR7JrBTBJhxAcEI9nD6Nipth5XTKKtvtTw_uLjsnWsRxa3IfeESc7Jpt9dUHPPZva4RJXNb0DHfUEhNV6sdNdzT6Prd8mGRifd_1tp5czL45TXigJ4I/s320/IMG_2049.JPG" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much texture? Yes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HrZuqtpzPei5NBLaidXKhDfCUAh_osmbubJV3UzI6SvBUIk0Tw1N2FT5u_MNzTssznBj85gkcyYQW0NOzP8RnasPdHXi7LmCKsodgaEENyRhl34qLSo0GlZPMk_ZJBSrNx3UL57zMWY/s1600/IMG_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HrZuqtpzPei5NBLaidXKhDfCUAh_osmbubJV3UzI6SvBUIk0Tw1N2FT5u_MNzTssznBj85gkcyYQW0NOzP8RnasPdHXi7LmCKsodgaEENyRhl34qLSo0GlZPMk_ZJBSrNx3UL57zMWY/s320/IMG_2051.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous entertainers will distract those around you from outfit mistakes... maybe...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
What I realized, in addition to my need for new hair, is that the outfit was not a win. I thought the dress was an easy outfit... but somehow my trusty cardigan, sparkly belt, cabled tights (ok the tights were an obvious mistake, abstract water colored dress came together in a most sloppy manner.<br />
<br />
I tried to be creative with this outfit- but it was a swing and a miss! Thankfully, the Grammy's were entertaining enough to distract anyone from my mistakes (I hope!) and the people at my church were too nice to say anything! :)<br />
<br />
So. . . the lesson I learned from this outfit is that outfit experimentation is a-ok. When experimenting with new combinations, it's important to take pictures of your endeavors. Cameras tell no lies my friends, cameras tell no lies!<br />
<br />
Here's to adventures in fashion!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Details:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Watercolor Dress: H&M</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Enchanting Eyes Beaded Belt: Anthropologie</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charcoal Cabled Tights: Anthropologie</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">White/Cream Cardigan: Victoria's Secret</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Black Studded Ballet Flats: J. Crew</span>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-13426920293566319262012-02-12T16:38:00.000-08:002012-02-12T16:38:00.616-08:00Super Bowl Sunday: Coconut Cake and Seafoam RufflesHello again Readers,<br />
<br />
Last Sunday, partly because of my <a href="http://eclecticandelegant.blogspot.com/2012/02/harrowing-adventure-with-mick-tow-truck.html" target="_blank">timing belt fiasco</a>, I spent the weekend at home and was able to spend Super Bowl Sunday at my grandparents' house. My trip home also afforded me the opportunity to watch TLC with my mom on Friday night, see <i>Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close</i> with my dad on Saturday night, and make a coconut cake from scratch with my mom.<br />
<br />
My mom made most of the cake, but I helped by adding powdered sugar to the icing and assisting in the icing and coconut-sprinkling process. Anyways... the cake was beautiful and delicious and my mom is a cake boss. A cake boss with a specialty in coconut cake deliciousness. I wish I could share a slice with each of you, but since that is impossible, we shall have to settle for pictures of this perfection:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbZP15Yy2RW9GIFhMGLxzsV8YrB_oQlctJwwiPmEBENnht1a3NctkuplWuYEHJZljx4lLplXuk3WH0_QkiWEfwTovFgS_PQnz6oufF09fFK-hxLqsSwohLsh45OM-l3Fyis8fVbsGDGQ/s1600/IMG_7333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbZP15Yy2RW9GIFhMGLxzsV8YrB_oQlctJwwiPmEBENnht1a3NctkuplWuYEHJZljx4lLplXuk3WH0_QkiWEfwTovFgS_PQnz6oufF09fFK-hxLqsSwohLsh45OM-l3Fyis8fVbsGDGQ/s320/IMG_7333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAfMeJJQoOGMvMfneDpuUA1YyXGjHet85bZUWToVAPTMrMG7XpWdDG8rjT63kgL6clM3LWOgT5qhZ1xmp_H7PPVqxriIcMoRS-WWQhj108Q5HApnOJT4ngE-S7YKlCjaERtg9l3rVAhE/s1600/IMG_7340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAfMeJJQoOGMvMfneDpuUA1YyXGjHet85bZUWToVAPTMrMG7XpWdDG8rjT63kgL6clM3LWOgT5qhZ1xmp_H7PPVqxriIcMoRS-WWQhj108Q5HApnOJT4ngE-S7YKlCjaERtg9l3rVAhE/s400/IMG_7340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The cake was a hit at my grandparents' Super Bowl party (at least for those of us who like coconut). I rooted for the Patriots, but most of my focus was devoted to conversing with family members and eating delicious party food. Before leaving the party, my mom took a few pictures of (some) of my cousins and my grandma. Aren't we cute?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVHp8L0w7UFjwW2Jdaj8QB1DMuhEOHA6iaMZbXUqehRYngzjt24x-i9u-8XWaglo3cpiTN6mFSl4rN_qv4Nc8XQL89alM88aIL6lsILg7j-DBFpK9x-Kun-fRj6oK_ci50bkI8T671yY/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVHp8L0w7UFjwW2Jdaj8QB1DMuhEOHA6iaMZbXUqehRYngzjt24x-i9u-8XWaglo3cpiTN6mFSl4rN_qv4Nc8XQL89alM88aIL6lsILg7j-DBFpK9x-Kun-fRj6oK_ci50bkI8T671yY/s400/IMG_2038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoops! I forgot to turn off the fisheye effect!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR1A68TPtJaEmiV5AlNxzblUGg-JPOv8r0jSRVzzHsRMEc8LNLXQeYgV9BQqay4mRAG3y4i4WLiWvS5dTRWAm-FQ16HdQ__vhJsab9Jh7UBOhseWXVxd8uavD8rBuAwRJ_Q38fbkwJYg/s1600/IMG_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR1A68TPtJaEmiV5AlNxzblUGg-JPOv8r0jSRVzzHsRMEc8LNLXQeYgV9BQqay4mRAG3y4i4WLiWvS5dTRWAm-FQ16HdQ__vhJsab9Jh7UBOhseWXVxd8uavD8rBuAwRJ_Q38fbkwJYg/s400/IMG_2042.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better! Katie, Grandma, and yours truly.<br />
Retail Details: <br />
Seafoam Ruffle Neck Tee: J. Crew<br />
White Cardigan: Victoria's Secret<br />
Grey Lace-Trim Tank: American Eagle<br />
Dark Rinse Skinny Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch (purchased on the Peoria store's last day of existence)<br />
Gold Tone Baubled Necklace: Target</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/AVvXsEiS87VmBP95DyybV9b1EqnI3nNSmG5DJeKwMeMgZtfTn7SIU3RJI-uFQn8gJne5UcS2X_rMxjF897niR8CeUWbmcpJro4Pm5vmKM5qiGANwuvNajG0JexDKPHcWLVHgZ0eSAOw3CfmP8T4/s1600/IMG_2044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS87VmBP95DyybV9b1EqnI3nNSmG5DJeKwMeMgZtfTn7SIU3RJI-uFQn8gJne5UcS2X_rMxjF897niR8CeUWbmcpJro4Pm5vmKM5qiGANwuvNajG0JexDKPHcWLVHgZ0eSAOw3CfmP8T4/s640/IMG_2044.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire, Katie, Grandma, Paige, and Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-90106376970848516882012-02-12T12:08:00.000-08:002012-02-12T12:08:01.465-08:00A Harrowing Adventure with Mick the Tow Truck DriverHello Readers!<br />
<br />
Was Super Bowl Sunday really a week ago? Did the semester really begin two weeks ago? Yes, and yes. I feel like I've been playing catch up since the first Tuesday of the semester. This is the day my car broke down. I feel like this story is so big, that I must tell it before I return to my posts about fashion. Aren't blogs a medium for soap boxes?<br />
<br />
Wait, what? My car broke down? Yes. The week before school began I took my car in to my local Honda dealer to get an oil change/check up and they suggested a replacement of my timing belt. After discussing the issue with my mom, I set up an appointment. When I asked the appointment specialist how long the procedure would take, she estimated between 1 and 2 hours, 2 at the most. Not bad, right?<br />
<br />
When I dropped off my car, I was informed by a technician/mechanic that the appointment would actually take 4 to 5 hours. Since my mom was with me (with her car) I decided to go with her instead of waiting out the procedure in the waiting room. They told us to come back at 5-ish to pick up the car and pay the bill. At 5:16, on the way to the dealership, I received a call from the dealership where I was casually told that my car was making a strange noise, so it wouldn't actually be done until 5 pm <u>the next day</u>.<br />
<br />
Readers, it isn't often that I get mad. But this time, I was furious. I politely, but firmly, told the man on the other line that when I made this appointment I thought I was only going to be without my car for 2 hours, then 5 hours, and now over 24 hours? I told him how frustrating this was, especially because I was getting ready to drive back to school, and asked if it could be done earlier. He offered 10 am as a definite hour and 8:30 am as a possible hour of completion. I wasn't a happy camper about the matter, but I was at least glad that my Honda service department was being thorough.<br />
<br />
Well... guess what? I picked up my car around 9 am the next morning (good), drove back to school successfully, but on my first voyage to St. Louis since 2011 my car broke down less than 4 miles away from my point of departure. Something in my engine stopped working and I (with almost certainty) knew what was the problem. My timing belt. I knew that it had to be something with the timing belt.<br />
<br />
I called my mom to get my AAA number (I couldn't find it in my car), and called for a tow truck. While I was waiting for the tow truck, I called my lead technician at my "trusty" Honda dealership and left a message with something like "Hello _______________. This is Laura. You worked on my Honda Civic on Thursday and Friday last week and replaced the timing belt, but it snapped or something. I thought I should let you know that I sitting on the side of 1-70 W waiting for a tow truck. Please call me at your earliest convenience."<br />
<br />
This wasn't the end of this adventure. The tow truck came in under 30 minutes, but after nearly 30 minutes of rude cars whizzing by my car and shaking my car (not moving over to the left lane, even though no one was in the left lane), I was a bit on edge. I remembered from my driver's ed classes that in situations such as these, it is better to stay in your car than stand outside of your car if you are out of harms way. When the tow truck driver arrived, however, I climbed over the passenger seat and exited the car from the left side, to be as far away from traffic as possible. He saw this and asked "why didn't you get out on the driver's side?"<br />
<br />
My response? "Because I am terrified, sir."<br />
<br />
He laughed at me and muttered something about women running out of gas... and I corrected his assumption by adding my diagnosis of a faulty part in my timing belt. He said, in so many words, that I didn't know what I was talking about and it was probably the fuel tank. And, that he had "a buddy that could fix that." I declined his offer, and he told me to wait in his truck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As I waited in the truck and watched the tow truck driver load my car onto his truck, I noticed that my windows were open. I remembered that my insurance card, a free signature lotion coupon, and a few other important papers, were tentatively tucked into my sun-shield thingys. I pictured the wind sweeping them away into the oblivion of highway 1-70 and a border of fields and jumped out of the truck and asked the driver to wait. He shook his head, pressed a few buttons and asked, with a puzzled look on his face:<br />
<br />
"What in the blazes is wrong?" (not his exact words, but something to that effect)<br />
<br />
"My windows are down! And all of my insurance cards and important papers are going to blow away!" I shouted.<br />
<br />
"Why do you need those?" He replied.<br />
<br />
"Because they are important to me!" I pleaded.<br />
<br />
I didn't think he would take my plea seriously. His name was Mick and he seemed like a "good ol' boy." He wore overalls, a trucker hat, a tan Carhartt jacket, and fingers stained with years of work with car fluids. He already thought I was a girl dumb enough to not refill her car with gasoline but smart-alecky enough to offer my own diagnosis of my vehicle's woe's. But, Mick surprised me when he shrugged, opened the driver door, and closed my windows. Then he yelled at me for getting out of the tow truck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Our drive back into town, to a business of my own choosing, instead of Mick's buddy's house, was every bit as fun as being stranded on the high way. He asked me a few personal questions and proceeded to critique the following:<br />
-my choice to drive a Japanese car instead of an American car<br />
-that I was 26 and not married<br />
-that I had a Master's degree but hadn't settled down (because I guess I had those two things backwards?)<br />
-that I chose to pay him by credit card instead of by cash (even though he offered the option).<br />
<br />
Stepping out of Mick's tow truck was a moment of great relief for me. To show that I was still a good sport, and to thank Mick for arriving so quickly, I said thank you and held out my hand for a handshake. He hesitated, looked at me like I was from another planet, and with great hesitation shook my hand.<br />
<br />
Thankfully the garage who took care of my car did a wonderful job, and offered customer service excellence and respect that made me (almost) forget about Mick the Tow Truck driver. The problem with my car was indeed related to my timing belt, as I suspected. The tensioner placed in my engine while replacing my timing belt broke, causing the belt to snap loose.<br />
<br />
Throughout this whole ordeal, my Honda dealer's service team remained in constant contact with me and the garage and took responsibility for the breakdown. When I went home last weekend, my dad and I stopped by the dealership and spoke with the service department foreman who listened to my frustrations and restored our confidence in Bob Lindsay Honda (the dealer) and the Honda brand.<br />
<br />
Now that over a week of distance stands between me and this situation, there are several lessons I hope to carry with me in similar situations.<br />
<br />
-<b>don't be afraid to speak up</b>: when you feel like something isn't right raise your voice and bring your concern to the appropriate parties. In this episode, I was able to do this, but I wish that I was more outspoken back in Peoria when I first had concerns about my car.<br />
<br />
-<b>in stressful situations, remain calm</b>: my dad has always said that the brain runs better on cool than hot. When I called my service technician, I wanted to cry and shout at him even before I knew (for certain) the cause of my car breaking down. But, I did not do these things. I remained calm and spoke rationally and logically.<br />
<br />
-<b>you can't argue with an idiot</b>: okay, Mick is probably not an idiot, but the way in which he spoke to me was not only rude, it was idiotic. Women care about more than marriage and when a woman's car breaks down the reason isn't necessarily because she ran out of gas or didn't take care of her car. I know this, you know this, but there are people who do not. I wanted to talk with Mick about his ill-informed and hegemonic gender assumptions- but something told me that a discussion such as this would fall to deaf ears.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading! I look forward to sharing a outfits and fitting room reviews with you soon!LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137525514349891013.post-20500420525365983662012-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:002012-02-03T00:49:39.304-08:00Back in Black: First Week of SchoolHello Readers!<br />
<br />
Yet another semester of life is upon us at my college. Classes began on Monday and they went quite well! I still wake up around 6:30 am, but my first class isn't until 11:30 am. Last semester my first class began at 8:30 am and I found that many of my students were mostly asleep during the first 5 minutes or so of class... so I am looking forward to teaching students who are hungry instead of students who are sleepy. (Well, I hope they won't be sleepy!)<br />
<br />
Yesterday, after my dear roomie took my outfit of the day photo, I realized that most of what I've worn over the past few days has been black or grey with the exception of a purple sweater on Tuesday. I hope my students don't think I'm gloomy or glum! It's just an easy color to match, I guess.<br />
<br />
On Monday, I did add a punch of color with a pair of burgundy Calvin Klein pumps that I purchased from Bergner's last week at 75% off. The only mistake I found in wearing these shoes was that I wore them too much. Note to self: don't wear a new pair of heels on a day when you plan to walk a lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspDjuxrFLCkDDMgIUmVQqgMUpaNOd5gRePSKvbgcD-mp4SeouOJebL2wVhoS0eCQ7yrSjPC-0VjCXPgWtvd42yXVMCCi720Y7f8fEaG1BshkppsfpZVIEcElkgnFLtVAJS50dTuEwz-c/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspDjuxrFLCkDDMgIUmVQqgMUpaNOd5gRePSKvbgcD-mp4SeouOJebL2wVhoS0eCQ7yrSjPC-0VjCXPgWtvd42yXVMCCi720Y7f8fEaG1BshkppsfpZVIEcElkgnFLtVAJS50dTuEwz-c/s400/IMG_0248.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retail Details:<br />
Black V-Neck Cardigan: Zara<br />
Black Elizabeth Dot Tie-Neck Blouse: Banana Republic (14 dollars!)<br />
Black Skinny Belt: Banana Republic<br />
Black Minnie Cropped Pants: J. Crew<br />
Silvertone Locketwatch Necklace: American Eagle Outfitters<br />
Bow and Glass Crystal Earrings: Juicy Couture (via Nordstrom Rack)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjXhDe8ESgkdxQwjKH3qBh0zHN6r3l3vZYSh-FC5fH726_XTDXOo9BqoNfvgaJObHrdrYtvUX3Lw6U_CgDG_6QkcXzuLi2gsuFbROinQP-In81557ga6vfzRsDNT1WnbMMh9gOwLi0Uw/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjXhDe8ESgkdxQwjKH3qBh0zHN6r3l3vZYSh-FC5fH726_XTDXOo9BqoNfvgaJObHrdrYtvUX3Lw6U_CgDG_6QkcXzuLi2gsuFbROinQP-In81557ga6vfzRsDNT1WnbMMh9gOwLi0Uw/s320/IMG_0249.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I look tired? That is because I am! First weeks are exhausting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Tuesday, I really wanted to wear tights. Before returning from break I came across a skirt I purchased back in November 2009 hiding in my pile of sports/activity t-shirts in my closet and since uncovering that gem I've been determined to find a way to bring it back into the light of day. And that is why I wanted to wear tights, so I could wear this skirt. Since it is black, grey, white, and gold; black tights were an easy choice. Here is the ensemble:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk00emh_gnzbbRS-LCGyrXNNpkLUtROa_b_7Oy4NXGlijO1p50T6r1vBM9QAtECKxbXsnQAhTmkK6w8yaSgAcpTdxFyhtCCvuOTFWHFl4Nq3WuTo4Du9M0iB2DzSMSdYQe4XQwnLryNBY/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk00emh_gnzbbRS-LCGyrXNNpkLUtROa_b_7Oy4NXGlijO1p50T6r1vBM9QAtECKxbXsnQAhTmkK6w8yaSgAcpTdxFyhtCCvuOTFWHFl4Nq3WuTo4Du9M0iB2DzSMSdYQe4XQwnLryNBY/s640/IMG_0250.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retail Details:<br />
Silver Heart Necklace: A gift from my cousin, Liz, for singing at her wedding<br />
Black Cowl-Neck Long-Sleeve Top: Banana Republic<br />
Black Tweed Skirt: J. Crew (Fall 2009)<br />
Black Tights: J.Crew (also Fall 2009! Woah!)<br />
Black Leather Boots: Anne Klein<br />
Hair Elastic: Walgreens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My biggest regret of this outfit, besides not wearing any blush or bronzer while dressed in black, was that the skirt was a bit shorter than I remembered it being. Not inappropriate-short, but maybe a bit too short for a college professor- even an adjunct! The worst part of this skirt was that it rode up when I walked across campus and I had to pull it down every 5 steps (or so it seemed). Who knows... maybe someone will think I was dancing. Maybe soon you will see a dance move (the skirt tug) sweeping across campus. And you'll know that this girl made it up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiB5OgcWPmcEfVd7gGndpuvO3ikvFoje98v68goqXP7uH7gJ3njImA0s_b7pEs97oPJDUkUmyqy4JM-KIT8twRApHMWT_lLcmBmKit5WbKsa6WxQWGdEq7wzxn4bDvHm26QTdwpFEe80/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiB5OgcWPmcEfVd7gGndpuvO3ikvFoje98v68goqXP7uH7gJ3njImA0s_b7pEs97oPJDUkUmyqy4JM-KIT8twRApHMWT_lLcmBmKit5WbKsa6WxQWGdEq7wzxn4bDvHm26QTdwpFEe80/s640/IMG_0251.JPG" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstrating the "skirt tug": I think I'll save this skirt AND dance moves for Saturday nights.</td></tr>
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Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
PS- <a href="http://www.bergners.com/ContentView?contentPageName=9999-ANC-YDC&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&viewName=ContentView" target="_blank">Bergner's</a>/Bon-Ton/Boston Store/Carson's/Younkers/etc. is still having their sale! The best deals can be found in the <a href="http://www.bergners.com/ContentView?contentPageName=9999-ANC-YDC&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&viewName=ContentView" target="_blank">Yellow Dot Clearance</a> (click "Yellow Dot Clearance" to go there. I'm not being paid/asked to say this, I just love sharing good sales with friends! <a href="http://www.bergners.com/ContentView?contentPageName=9999-ANC-YDC&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&viewName=ContentView" target="_blank">Check it out! </a>LauraKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07288001699967355826noreply@blogger.com0