tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61032219938349605612024-03-06T01:41:11.412-05:00Pure Joy HomePure Joy Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13022023488796688196noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-43566621703890874832016-02-22T08:29:00.006-05:002016-02-22T08:29:52.665-05:00WE HAVE MOVED!!Hello, Everyone! Today is Launch Day on my very own new website! We've moved to something bigger & better, <a href="http://www.purejoyhome.com/">www.purejoyhome.com</a>, follow me there for all the latest and greatest!!<br />
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This will be my last post on purejoyhome.blogpost.com.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-42048323380435760802016-02-18T10:10:00.001-05:002016-02-18T10:10:21.434-05:005 Weeknight Dinners from Trader Joe'sSince I have literally no time most days and need to have something on the table at dinner, I am grateful to have Trader Joe's about two minutes away. We're not big takeout people, I always feel overly full and like I could have made that better myself afterwards. There are a few staples I know I can rely on for a dinner that takes me under 20 minutes from start to finish and for prepared food and a very affordable price, they are quite delicious.<br />
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I usually add chicken and extra soy-sauce to make these a complete meal. Big Brian LOVES it, I personally am not a big stir-fry person in general but this works in a pinch.</div>
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These already grilled chicken strips make for a super quick taco night. I also purchase their fresh salsa, tortilla, lettuce, mexican shredded cheese, and guac. Easy peasy! </div>
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<br />This is remarkably good for prepared sauce. Top it with freshly grated parmesan cheese over spaghetti and you're good!</div>
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We actually had this last night, and we both enjoyed it. I served it with Haricot Vert and an arugula salad and it was ready in under 20 minutes.</div>
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Love this pizza! It's so easy and I keep it stocked in the freezer for a quick dinner. I usually top it with fresh ingredients like arugula, a little extra parmesan, proscuitto, etc..</div>
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There you have it! Our super simple weeknight dinner low down from Trader Joe's. Give these a try when you don't have time or just don't feel like cooking a.k.a me every night. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-4251798088440107372016-02-17T09:24:00.001-05:002016-02-17T09:24:22.115-05:00Spring Fling :: The Perfect Spring into Summer DressesEven though it's like 8 degrees outside, I'm totally in spring fashion mode. We've got some special events and weddings this spring and summer so I thought I would pull together a few of my favorite dresses to share with you. I've literally scoured the web and every dress I pulled is a shade of rose pink which is apparently the preferred color this season and in plenty of supply.<br />
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I think you're in good hands with this selection if you've got a special event you're shopping for as well. As I said, most of the dresses are rose pink with one black lace dress if you've got your heart set on black.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1U7GZZa">1</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/249ZNLz">2</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1nVnpmh">3</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1V7vPlv">4</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1oJv2wE">5</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1QvbX7Q">6</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1o4yotC">7</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1QIwu92">8</a></div>
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Enjoy and have a glass of bubble on me :) </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-7583995765168591472016-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-16T09:34:54.496-05:00Coastal Charm in Wallacks Cove, Stamford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so excited to share with you today the beautiful coastal home of my long-time friends, Jenna & Tom Cingari located in the Wallacks Cove area of Stamford, Connecticut. This little gem of a neighborhood is tucked away between "the Cove" and Shippan, and boasts the cutest family-friendly streets with private beaches at the end of each block. Funny story, Jenna and Tom actually closed on their house while on their honeymoon in Hawaii, and it happened to be the same house Tom grew up in. Needless to say, Tom knew the house well and when it came on the market (sold by the family that bought it from his parents years ago), it was the perfect fit for he and Jenna and their soon to be expanding family. </div>
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I've been friends with Jenna since we were little toddlers at nursery school (the same school<i> our </i>toddlers will be going to in September) and I've always admired her sense of style. Jenna and Tom have taken a house that was in need of serious repair and turned it into a beautiful and stylish home that has just the right amount of coastal flair and a welcoming casual vibe. </div>
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Thank you to Jenna and Tom for opening up your home to us. You have done such a beautiful job and I'm so happy to be able to share it on Pure Joy Home!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-85747641102385237872016-02-11T11:37:00.002-05:002016-02-11T11:45:35.299-05:00KEEPING IT SIMPLE with VALENTINES<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
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Remember when our parents took us to CVS to pick out our valentines to hand out in class? We bought one or two packs, maaaaybe some candy to go along with it, and wrote in the names of our classmates one by one and hand-delivered them to each our friends. Brian isn't in school yet but the valentines I'm seeing from friends on facebook and all around the web are like blow your mind creative genius pinterest-wins, they are seriously awesome. Maybe it's because I'm really overtired this week, and let me preface this by saying you know I'm all for a good DIY and I applaud these super mommies' creativity, but sometimes I wish we could go back to the days when things were less pinterest-y and I hate to say it, but maybe a little overdone? I know it comes from a good place but it kind of stinks that there is this pressure to create these masterpieces for such a sweet little innocent day. I wonder what our moms were thinking about for our valentines? I asked my mom this question and she said it was a treat for me to go to the local drug store and pick out my favorite disney character valentines. We would come home and I would write them out, package them up and be excited as heck to get to school in the morning with my red and pink outfit.<br />
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So, this year, we're keeping it simple in the Joy house and created these little watercolor cards. Brian had no interest in painting at the time so I did it, but I asked him what he liked about each of his friends and we wrote a little message on the back and I made him "sign the card".<br />
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They're nothing special, but kind of cute and definitely sweet. All you need are some white cards, a simple pack of watercolor paints and precious time with your little one.<br />
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Lots of Love, Liz (and little B)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-62142358231879755892016-02-10T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-10T12:08:13.606-05:00DIY Gold Foil Letter Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMoDQWCh-azI-qXnS-auvls-emr8zAIsjx5Zbyv6i-RPtJ0LzUtl0fYY_tIPNfRq9T1NpWEG9QttLHywNDD1KLUu9ejErGvQQv-MRPfn62YcVijQZkVMDNFcsZI7_JKlgu_AsDu2O0lVj/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMoDQWCh-azI-qXnS-auvls-emr8zAIsjx5Zbyv6i-RPtJ0LzUtl0fYY_tIPNfRq9T1NpWEG9QttLHywNDD1KLUu9ejErGvQQv-MRPfn62YcVijQZkVMDNFcsZI7_JKlgu_AsDu2O0lVj/s640/IMG_9826.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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I've had this image of a pink or blue and gold foil letter in my head for months and finally got it out the other day with the perfect <a href="http://bit.ly/1Q84dyC">$3 wooden letters</a> I found at Target. I bought a G and a B, some pink and blue acrylic paint, painter's tape and a paint brush, and Martha Stewart's gold foil and foil adhesive from Michaels. The craft is pretty simple, the painting easier than the foil, and a step you can incorporate your little one in on.<br />
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For the painting:<br />
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Place the painter's tape where you want the color to end. I wanted it to be 3/4 the way down the letter:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIXZnBlidNapkLAvFIPk_TrAMFbEL8vMXCDnOHjQkBX7MAgAN67c44Go0I9u9kJ82JQePXoKINddTLIi_d9ZlCUKHtlPjPZ_HUEov118txSDu0_CkfHJ13j-ts7tMnEaFYqiHoXkDej7M/s1600/DSC_1149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIXZnBlidNapkLAvFIPk_TrAMFbEL8vMXCDnOHjQkBX7MAgAN67c44Go0I9u9kJ82JQePXoKINddTLIi_d9ZlCUKHtlPjPZ_HUEov118txSDu0_CkfHJ13j-ts7tMnEaFYqiHoXkDej7M/s640/DSC_1149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Paint away with any brush you have in the house. It takes a couple of coats to cover up the grain of the wood: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBeVS4gy5fky9psmVj1pOcMULqqczZwQMYKtddA3Jhj-PsInYGyum8o26bYu4VIISfpc5cOCSDaAgMk7M3efmMs84OQATV2cHrZMQ84SXnEYhF5tDWsPFUBooIfYjc6JTQ6wNBzHS7r/s1600/DSC_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBeVS4gy5fky9psmVj1pOcMULqqczZwQMYKtddA3Jhj-PsInYGyum8o26bYu4VIISfpc5cOCSDaAgMk7M3efmMs84OQATV2cHrZMQ84SXnEYhF5tDWsPFUBooIfYjc6JTQ6wNBzHS7r/s640/DSC_1150.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgfFbcZeQy41rVw5FJ2p5RGdXZvYCqU2KwmEc-Wcvc_ZUbJlB1WvJniBVF2D2773xAUyozSfGQ7LyZZIKytCI_gt3_Pt49wW9cImbLVXELJC6-w7asdJbrhsBgMqGmTtdPUTUt5v8H0P/s1600/DSC_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgfFbcZeQy41rVw5FJ2p5RGdXZvYCqU2KwmEc-Wcvc_ZUbJlB1WvJniBVF2D2773xAUyozSfGQ7LyZZIKytCI_gt3_Pt49wW9cImbLVXELJC6-w7asdJbrhsBgMqGmTtdPUTUt5v8H0P/s640/DSC_1154.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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You could really leave the letters like this, they look kind of cool, but not as cool as with the gold foil:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl70dKJK0Oj0_Ni5azg0XHIvy18NJ2Z2Hk_knhkD8KtmeGVF1NSrgpQSMW2xklsHSvb8Hu1s6byBgUlWlERXM97m_fM49d_X1AsTF2X_iBeoXNs2h5CDg3jGhfm8f6zuhH2EW3iuZx_o9/s1600/DSC_1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl70dKJK0Oj0_Ni5azg0XHIvy18NJ2Z2Hk_knhkD8KtmeGVF1NSrgpQSMW2xklsHSvb8Hu1s6byBgUlWlERXM97m_fM49d_X1AsTF2X_iBeoXNs2h5CDg3jGhfm8f6zuhH2EW3iuZx_o9/s640/DSC_1180.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here we go with the foil:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6MYF0nm6ap4aiP3KGy0ILaMiSdqdEQGySNCp3gppOVc0KnZsEgI5CI7ptKfWxfYCFcY8T8TMumrmP8L0aZ4LakJT3-Y-2HtVrYVECJmZ5hUDupS0vet1PP0hY70naCSJibm8lyXPC1cc/s1600/DSC_1204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6MYF0nm6ap4aiP3KGy0ILaMiSdqdEQGySNCp3gppOVc0KnZsEgI5CI7ptKfWxfYCFcY8T8TMumrmP8L0aZ4LakJT3-Y-2HtVrYVECJmZ5hUDupS0vet1PP0hY70naCSJibm8lyXPC1cc/s640/DSC_1204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Paint the adhesive where you want the foil to be laid. In hindsight, it's probably a good idea to cover the painted area with painters tape to create a straight line of foil, but I didn't know that at the time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAwtbWAMGJByFZPnIuffDz065ByKBSfEkHdJAKRNyrV46k-oPwotnlf8wVxF3aucqRZG42k4SdAwVil5lhnWiBXg3aDogX5QwbzSuTb90mtvI2HEFnoP8eo3GajyDiAjAVPcrID4W65CJ/s1600/DSC_1207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAwtbWAMGJByFZPnIuffDz065ByKBSfEkHdJAKRNyrV46k-oPwotnlf8wVxF3aucqRZG42k4SdAwVil5lhnWiBXg3aDogX5QwbzSuTb90mtvI2HEFnoP8eo3GajyDiAjAVPcrID4W65CJ/s640/DSC_1207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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place the gold foil face down</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYdJclhPMk4A7M2SL9Uv_xvBuivU52x16r-nO2zAUqtVJv6C1n3Z-UIWe_pbER33hfj9NnHJkUScp825Rp8OKLwU6Sa-bfZWBi8eXHvyGdLUcAHE01GQsOG3-yVyQq6cH_RHNOgVoNGwo/s1600/DSC_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYdJclhPMk4A7M2SL9Uv_xvBuivU52x16r-nO2zAUqtVJv6C1n3Z-UIWe_pbER33hfj9NnHJkUScp825Rp8OKLwU6Sa-bfZWBi8eXHvyGdLUcAHE01GQsOG3-yVyQq6cH_RHNOgVoNGwo/s640/DSC_1209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Press it down and get all the air bubbles out by running your fingers over and smoothing it out. Once you feel like the foil is down flat, pull of the orange tissue paper up making sure the gold foil stays on the letter (some may come off and that's okay)</div>
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This part is a little tricky because the foil is sooo delicate. You really need to be gentle and thorough with the foil because it rips very easily. The good thing is if it rips off, you can go over it with more glue and foil to make sure it's covered in gold. Eventually, you'll get it and you can kind of tear it away on the sides to it's on the front surface only. </div>
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Here is how mine turned out: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVu3KZFIWJq8QO1CB1DfyBMh-fGi5tYyMOcvmNi444eKeKrkBwWMGcwv2Kc6xXGgjsS3SnqupEh1h-SRz1hfxlrJGoxGpY24qNX0l8KCp4KxQpK2ebI2O5NH92yBB9KL5rZWb6aiRHjWN/s1600/DSC_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVu3KZFIWJq8QO1CB1DfyBMh-fGi5tYyMOcvmNi444eKeKrkBwWMGcwv2Kc6xXGgjsS3SnqupEh1h-SRz1hfxlrJGoxGpY24qNX0l8KCp4KxQpK2ebI2O5NH92yBB9KL5rZWb6aiRHjWN/s640/DSC_1185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyDlOoOKKUbTq4ZLdYVBsesZfid4wVsWSS_D1HGj_RM4nQNYdksrmi-MLY7bu6ZOWik4lR6uOE_hKSbWalrh44kYuyESRXTro7UrRW2Tyzfw6LqN9NxcXZ-cqSrX3rCJcWdtI-3NvPfak/s1600/DSC_1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyDlOoOKKUbTq4ZLdYVBsesZfid4wVsWSS_D1HGj_RM4nQNYdksrmi-MLY7bu6ZOWik4lR6uOE_hKSbWalrh44kYuyESRXTro7UrRW2Tyzfw6LqN9NxcXZ-cqSrX3rCJcWdtI-3NvPfak/s640/DSC_1186.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_i-qRnb_Lpnl7BN7CfCP0T6bc-4hg53r5g_A1OLdDnC8TAqJsKJeuKP0L6l49vAPlyKYCyXgUDxKO2qSoOWEQl6bgsvCsoMHZ5MsNSXbkDHirTRs9InFUacJnYe_hmCm6UKK9d056lsl/s1600/DSC_1192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_i-qRnb_Lpnl7BN7CfCP0T6bc-4hg53r5g_A1OLdDnC8TAqJsKJeuKP0L6l49vAPlyKYCyXgUDxKO2qSoOWEQl6bgsvCsoMHZ5MsNSXbkDHirTRs9InFUacJnYe_hmCm6UKK9d056lsl/s640/DSC_1192.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Doesn't it look super cute?? If you give it a try, let me know how it comes out by tagging me on <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">instagram @purejoyhome</a>! Good luck!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-50804638942312996162016-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-09T11:10:46.821-05:00Airplane Travel with Toddlers & BabiesHola Chicas! I promised myself I would write a blog post on surviving airplane travel with a toddler and a baby because I see lots of posts from moms asking for tips and tricks for their upcoming vacations. We haven't flown too far with our kids, only from NYC to Florida, but we've flown a fair amount of times back and forth so I figured I would share what has been useful in saving us from disaster.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW95638kyYiVDRK6glmCGU7K3bzBdVChrFC9a47vOPoY2jnuD0-t33GxzxudeLuOA9-z4C7PzBHbO_MVix_YVPhCXjanNdNeD-jfKj3V0Nq-Jm89B8WTFDGrTchvJEjJlDC4mJAEw4nxY/s1600/airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW95638kyYiVDRK6glmCGU7K3bzBdVChrFC9a47vOPoY2jnuD0-t33GxzxudeLuOA9-z4C7PzBHbO_MVix_YVPhCXjanNdNeD-jfKj3V0Nq-Jm89B8WTFDGrTchvJEjJlDC4mJAEw4nxY/s640/airplane.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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Grace has been 10 weeks and 5 months on her trips to Florida so far and Brian is now 2.5 but has been traveling since he was a babe as well.<br />
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We bring our double stroller (The City Select) ; bucket seat (The Chico Key Fit) that Grace is still in, and Brian's 5 point harness car seat (The Britax Marathon). You can check the larger car seat when you initially check-in (free) and the stroller and bucket seat at the gate (also free) which is helpful because you can strap them in while you're in the airport. I would suggest buying the protection bags for the pieces you check. I'm pretty sure whichever devices you use sell travel bags. We never actually used them and our stuff has been okay but I've heard of pieces coming back filthy and broken. Don't ask me why I haven't taken that step #hotmess. Also, check as many bags as you can so you can focus on lugging the kids and your carry-on (which will be heavy as hell), and not your suitcases which could otherwise be taken care of for you.<br />
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Packing List:<br />
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<b>Toddler </b><br />
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In addition to the everyday basics like diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, etc...<br />
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1. Benadryl in case of allergic reactions; tylenol and/or motrin for random bouts of illness like fevers, ear troubles, etc...you want to be armed in case things go south.<br />
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This is no time to prove anything to yourself or anyone around you, pull out the ipad and let your child get lost in whatever it is he or she likes. Sometimes the wifi doesn't work so download movies and shows and make sure they work in airplane mode. We don't usually have Brian use headphones, just kept the volume low, but that might be fun for them. Also, totally random but Office Max has this app called "ElfYourself" that allows you to snap photos of people and put their faces in dancing bodies. Brian was entertained with this for a solid hour and it worked with no internet so I would suggest downloading this free, ridiculous app.<br />
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Brings lots of snacks, his or her favorites and some new exciting snacks, non-allergenic of course. Peanuts are not permitted on planes anymore.<br />
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Hand sanitizer and wet wipes to wipe down the seats because chances are your toddler will be licking them by the end of the flight (how do they manage to touch every square inch of the dirtiest surfaces??).<br />
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If they have a security blanket and/or pacifier, obviously a must and pack back up paci's because they are bound to fall on the filthy floor.<br />
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Some new activity books, like the coloring ones with the magic white pen, sticker books, etc...<br />
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Some favorite books<br />
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Their drink of choice in a small cooler. Even though you're not allowed to bring water through security, if you have a baby or a toddler with you, you are permitted.<br />
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Hmm... I think that's it for toddlers.<br />
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<b>Baby</b><br />
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Grace has been an angel and has slept through most of the flights in the Baby Bjorn. I definitely recommend a carrier for the little ones so they stay close to you and away from the germs. Feed them on the way up and on the way down, the swallowing could prevent ear pressure. Other than that for the tiny ones it's really whatever keeps them quiet, watching their siblings, walking them up and down the isles, soft singing to them, bouncing, you get the idea. Have the medicine ready in case they need it as well.<br />
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And if you can squeeze it in, a Bloody Mary for mom and dad never hurt anyone ;)<br />
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Bon Voyage!!<br />
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If you have any questions or some tips and tricks of your own, please comment below!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-17865058305403369232016-02-08T10:22:00.000-05:002016-02-08T10:46:31.325-05:00Homemade Valentine's Day Dinner - The Perfect Spaghetti & Meatball Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD3pes_5wT3J0AGeBh5qCqKByN_q0jBlxr2Fi94614g5C67dANct_Z-G5yW645B_q8bjdDN7mvFWeW92pAPL3PXJTteW4eVigC7h3rzxv-k56alpa0eHh7_le3_N5HlJJ3VYGmCOxUuqv/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD3pes_5wT3J0AGeBh5qCqKByN_q0jBlxr2Fi94614g5C67dANct_Z-G5yW645B_q8bjdDN7mvFWeW92pAPL3PXJTteW4eVigC7h3rzxv-k56alpa0eHh7_le3_N5HlJJ3VYGmCOxUuqv/s640/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm a firm believer that one of the greatest ways to show your love for someone is by cooking them a nice homemade meal, and what's more romantic (and delicious) than a classic like spaghetti and meatballs? There are so many variations but this is the recipe I use...and nail every time. </div>
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For the meatballs:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">1 lb. of 85% ground beef</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 cup of either freshly grated parmesan cheese</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">2 cloves of finely chopped garlic </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 large egg</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">about 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce (read on)</li>
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Here is what you do:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Mix all of these ingredients together and roll balls into whatever size you desire, and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake until the meatballs are cooked through, around 20/25 minutes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add them to your sauce (below) and leave in there until you're ready to serve</li>
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For the sauce: </div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Two 28 oz. cans of either San Marzano plum tomatoes with their liquid OR Hunts plum tomatoes *I've tried many different brands and these are the only ones I like</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 medium finely chopped onion</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">5-10 basil leaves</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">salt and freshly ground pepper</li>
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Here is what you do:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Sauté your onion in olive oil until translucent</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Pour in tomatoes and blend to a sauce consistency with a smart stick (right in the pot you're using to cook the sauce. I use a Le Creuset dutch oven)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Season with basil, salt and pepper and let it come to a boil. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Once it's boiled for about 10 minutes, lower the heat so the sauce can simmer until your ready to eat, at least 30 minutes. You can add the meatballs as soon as the sauce is boiled. Leave them in there on simmer until you're ready to serve</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHN8t-tqSHC3V8KvTn3aqODKnWj2ladMIkAwS-LKdBh1AgaB8QRdebtjBpsCWp799vXVNgDBsqYGQCMbsoCx9FP0yBf4dpsqOIngW4fuUj0TbvMGQqwAgXh1CPl7NhGzc09CmQ7N5Iava/s1600/DSC_0983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHN8t-tqSHC3V8KvTn3aqODKnWj2ladMIkAwS-LKdBh1AgaB8QRdebtjBpsCWp799vXVNgDBsqYGQCMbsoCx9FP0yBf4dpsqOIngW4fuUj0TbvMGQqwAgXh1CPl7NhGzc09CmQ7N5Iava/s640/DSC_0983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This dish would be perfect to serve on Valentine's Day with a simple tossed garden salad of romaine or spring mix lettuce, balsamic vinegar and oil, a little salt and pepper AND a nice loaf of rustic bread from your local bakery. Oh, and how could I forget, a nice bottle of red.<br />
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What a nice treat for your loved one, family, girlfriends, whoever! </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Bon Apétit my friends!</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-76085640759729862182016-02-05T13:37:00.001-05:002016-02-05T14:57:33.409-05:00Weekend Things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUYfliwkTF8QWtMsapVu7BS0Tys6hVgZVGDHa_sUrrZLWYgtDO1ZFPfkcKmhWlkTZhxZSKnIxdBJS8hfNM7XVQAOS49IuPe-ocMlgYs7vDVCtjU24OqaEswOf0JwnCWFa2MlquQKJ9fap/s1600/IMG_4895+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUYfliwkTF8QWtMsapVu7BS0Tys6hVgZVGDHa_sUrrZLWYgtDO1ZFPfkcKmhWlkTZhxZSKnIxdBJS8hfNM7XVQAOS49IuPe-ocMlgYs7vDVCtjU24OqaEswOf0JwnCWFa2MlquQKJ9fap/s640/IMG_4895+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So happy it's finally friYAY! Some things I'm looking forward to this weekend are:</div>
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Having my parents over tonight to celebrate my mom's 66th birthday! We're getting takeout because I can't handle much more this week but <i>I am</i> making this delicious looking <a href="http://pin.it/OEMXgEn">lemon cake</a></div>
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<a href="http://purejoyhome.blogspot.com/2016/02/thursday-thoughts-personal-day-for-moms.html">My 9-5 personal day</a>! I'm heading into NYC to wonder around, read <a href="http://bit.ly/1TJaaRW">this book</a> on the train, and meet a friend for lunch. </div>
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Spending Saturday night in with my boo</div>
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Having fun with family on Sunday, church, and then going to a friend's super bowl party! I'm thinking of making this ridiculously unhealthy and easy <a href="http://pin.it/tuxQktN">buffalo chicken dip</a></div>
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What are your weekend plans? </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-64913326264767002352016-02-04T11:09:00.003-05:002016-02-04T17:27:06.870-05:00Thursday Thoughts :: A Personal Day for Moms & DadsI contemplated writing this post because I'm sure 80% off my readers will either a. be disinterested or b. want to slit my throat for sounding like a brat but I'm going to anyway. Yesterday sucked as a stay at home/work at home mom. There was no break when I was at a breaking point so I did my usual, call my mom to vent, she wasn't available, so then I tried Brian, neither was he (in fairness, if I were them, I probably wouldn't answer either, who wants to hear a mom on the brink) so I resorted to screaming into a pillow! I've never done that before and my throat hurt afterwards but it did feel good to "get it out". Am I the only crazy person out there who does that??<br />
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Before I go on, let me preface this by once again saying (I've posted a similar "essay" before) that being a mother is the greatest privilege and gift I have ever been given and I 100% honor my role, but there are days... ohhhh there are days...<br />
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I woke up feeling tired as usual and not well. My entire face was hurting (it had been for days but I chalked it up to being tired) and when I pressed on my sinus areas the pain was real. So I called to make a doctor's appointment and they had an opening at 11. Brian's babysitter who lives next door (godsend) had an opening so I took it for the morning. I made coffee, got Brian off to the babysitter, fed Grace, checked emails, wrote a quick blog post, and took a shower with Grace sitting in the bumbo seat <i>in the shower</i> because she wouldn't take a nap.<br />
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I get to doctor in pouring rain and find out my sinuses are infected (what??) and my doctor tells me I'm probably worn down so my immune system isn't "up to par" and able to fight the infection. So she calls in a prescription for an antibiotic. Umm , okay I guess? I don't really have time to think about it but I will once I get two minutes to myself. Onward with the day, I pick up Brian, get home, feed Brian lunch, put him down for a nap with a whining overtired baby in my arms. Finally after an hour of trying to Grace down she dozes off. I lay down feeling like crap, ahhh peace, and then five minutes later "Mommy, I'm awake!! - Brian. The day goes on and I'm frustrated as heck because all I want to do is rest my hurting face.<br />
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I've come to learn during my brief two and a half year tenure of being a mom that there really is no day off from being a mom. I love my kids to death, but I seriously need a day when I can leave the house in the morning and not come back until the evening, I need a 9-5 basically. This whole motherhood thing is f*cking tough, it really is. It's not all cute pinterest crafts, coo'ing babies, dance parties and yoga pants, that's like 10-20%. The other 80% is spent shuffling the kids around to various activities, coming up with meals that they will actually swallow (I say "swallow" because Brian has recently starting chewing his dinner, and then keeping it in his mouth for upwards of an hour before spitting it out if he doesn't like it, #WTF???), calming the tantrums, trying to get them to go to sleep, taking care of them when they are sick, etc...Throw in trying to run a business from home and you're basically setting yourself up for a mental hurricane.<br />
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Is it me? Am I the only SAHM mom who feels like this? Like on the brink and in need of a serious break? Sometimes I feel like a schmuck for feeling this way, I mean I only have two kids, what about the mothers who have like eight?! And my kids are healthy, I can't imagine the pain and stress of being a mother to child who isn't well. As I type that I want to smack myself...Believe me, I thank God every single day for the life He has blessed me with, and for the life of these two perfect babies He has given me, so I guess what I'm really saying is, I just need a personal day.<br />
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Everyone needs a personal day though, right? I just think that since motherhood is not treated as a "job" there are no perks like "personal days, sick days, lunch breaks" that we all really need. The same is true for working moms. Sure, they get a break from their kids during the day, but it's not like they're taking that time to themselves, maybe if they're lucky, they get to take a quick lunch break? They wake up, get the kids ready for wherever they have to go, go to work, answer to people all day, pick up kids, get home, do the nighttime routine, and then do it all over again. I know... it's life, but it's hard. And more than anything it's beautiful and amazing. I digress, what I'm trying to get at here is that I think it's REALLY important for mothers AND fathers (sorry, I realize I've alienated the fathers this whole post) to step back and take some time for yourself, like not just a mani/pedi or quick solo trip to the store, but like a day's worth of time.<br />
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So now that I've dumped that on you, the silver lining is that I have learned that I need a 9-5 every once in a while and thankfully, I have a cooperative husband who is going to give me just that. Brian is giving me from the hours of 9-5 on Saturday and I going to sail off on a train to NYC to visit a friend and wander around. I'm going to get a book and read it on the train and I'm going to shop, maybe get my nails done, have lunch with my friend, and I seriously can't wait. I'll probably be missing them come 4 pm but in all seriousness, if you're reading this, and possibly on the brink like I was yesterday, think about it. Ask your husband for a trade, maybe you take one day, and then he can take another day. You may already do this, I know this is not a novel idea but everyone needs a reminder every once in a while, right? I also know that to a majority of people, I'm probably sounding like a crazy person so, I'm sorry you just had to read that. I'll get back to my regular upbeat posting tomorrow (spring break attire, woohoo!)<br />
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I'm signing off for now, Grace is sleeping so I can take a shower alone! PEACE<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RKVq67F0pnzjWt4qT8PvEhc_6dY8Ms9rsDjQYcrd2G9_F0uIuQNFMcOgapf7SCA-UzKj8atdfluFIBPgGQjn7pZsmH6P6c_brSG7yvmkkZXiFH_c5TGIjKUwqRDXosI6APR_bUghJfRn/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RKVq67F0pnzjWt4qT8PvEhc_6dY8Ms9rsDjQYcrd2G9_F0uIuQNFMcOgapf7SCA-UzKj8atdfluFIBPgGQjn7pZsmH6P6c_brSG7yvmkkZXiFH_c5TGIjKUwqRDXosI6APR_bUghJfRn/s400/DSC_0802.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful I get to spend my days with her</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCKXl4HVacYRk3JhQXvHwzn2fAgfaSpX4KJr5dFnX7J_bTSiCr6SVaSYorz-tFMLHV14CU_ZjcyUMoYX_XvnUWZy6vlSKkQ-nX0Xxzwp4w7dvFLZPrQyeTHjO1V2CxGG2Pv3J9HV8zM0r/s1600/DSC_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCKXl4HVacYRk3JhQXvHwzn2fAgfaSpX4KJr5dFnX7J_bTSiCr6SVaSYorz-tFMLHV14CU_ZjcyUMoYX_XvnUWZy6vlSKkQ-nX0Xxzwp4w7dvFLZPrQyeTHjO1V2CxGG2Pv3J9HV8zM0r/s400/DSC_0844.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and this love bug</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-74511601565937805402016-02-03T10:13:00.001-05:002016-02-03T10:14:47.924-05:00Hearty Winter Soup :: Sausage, White Bean & Kale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xh-XXreuHOMImPKkoDr5TNKeOfWlT38vRFCdSzpLCwDJ-vZWheSA-yITwzdzxTdUq5uMtQ1EDuMmFx2f_cqobaFgg86oOlhJGfpLlk0fXE_MTZW27aKEWO1aHn_KccNcZlPERa5skUdN/s1600/DSC_1201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xh-XXreuHOMImPKkoDr5TNKeOfWlT38vRFCdSzpLCwDJ-vZWheSA-yITwzdzxTdUq5uMtQ1EDuMmFx2f_cqobaFgg86oOlhJGfpLlk0fXE_MTZW27aKEWO1aHn_KccNcZlPERa5skUdN/s640/DSC_1201.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
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I'm such a bad grocery shopper, I don't plan my meals ahead so I never really know what to buy. I usually just go in and buy an assortment of food groups that good at the moment and I luck out if I can make a meal out of it without having to go back out to the store. On my last trip I did manage to buy a few cans of cannelini beans, a package of sweet sausage and a bag of fresh kale and these three ingredients were the base of an amazing soup I'm about to tell you about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpmvxlbYCbi4kM85TgOEielblfff0cIUs39AvbEvvWeFASkbcisNIgEqkkyh4p5KuFbvcrbN2WXA_ipGNLtb97ne_fZJBCrSNFVgxSaOfRcTX7IYfVKrdPPZYnDw_VQvptoUvybH4QhYD/s1600/DSC_1202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpmvxlbYCbi4kM85TgOEielblfff0cIUs39AvbEvvWeFASkbcisNIgEqkkyh4p5KuFbvcrbN2WXA_ipGNLtb97ne_fZJBCrSNFVgxSaOfRcTX7IYfVKrdPPZYnDw_VQvptoUvybH4QhYD/s640/DSC_1202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For this sausage, white bean and kale soup, you'll need: </div>
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2 cans of cannelini beans</div>
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1 package of sweet sausage (about five links)</div>
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A bag of fresh kale</div>
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1 12-oz can of diced tomatoes</div>
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1-2 quartsof chicken broth</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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This soup comes together in minutes and is arguably one of the best soups I've ever pulled off.</div>
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Here is what you do:</div>
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Take the sausage meat out of the casings and sauté it until cooked</div>
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Add the can of diced tomatoes </div>
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Add 1-quart of chicken broth</div>
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Let this come to a boil and then keep on a simmer</div>
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About ten minutes after, add the beans</div>
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Let this all simmer with the lid off so the soup thickens a bit </div>
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Taste it, add some salt and pepper to your liking</div>
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In a separate pot, boil some pasta to put in it when you're serving. I used mini-farfalle and they were perfect.</div>
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While the pasta is cooking, add a couple of handfuls of kale to your soup, not too much, you don't want it to be too "kale-y" so use your judgement here. </div>
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Let the kale soften until it reaches a nice consistency and then you're ready to serve. If you find your liquid evaporated too much and you want more, just add some chicken broth until you get it how you want it.</div>
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To serve, spoon out the desired amount of pasta and then add your soup on top. </div>
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Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and some nice bread and mangia! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-19642624600711920562016-02-02T09:33:00.001-05:002016-02-02T13:28:03.066-05:00Friends with Pretty Homes :: Coastal White in North Stamford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM-_Rw2allxjBmYbwvfarPxOPYm8hT3beM_Reoz-wVqML2u0GwI3rXQTZrtq2wTtjnRYcH7H-M1MyagZhvljk2CU0_1sc3cY6uvRl5DsOzd-_opYOGXSSedFHH0cl-y3aWDybX4afbvR7/s1600/desk_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM-_Rw2allxjBmYbwvfarPxOPYm8hT3beM_Reoz-wVqML2u0GwI3rXQTZrtq2wTtjnRYcH7H-M1MyagZhvljk2CU0_1sc3cY6uvRl5DsOzd-_opYOGXSSedFHH0cl-y3aWDybX4afbvR7/s640/desk_13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited to bring you a new series on Pure Joy Home featuring my friends' stylish and chic homes. The different homes I visit (mostly for playgroups with my little ones in tow) are all real, functional, lived in spaces with babies, kids, pets, you name it, and are all done on all different budgets and in all different styles. I always love a home tour (who doesn't?) and I thought it would be fun to share the homes that inspire me with you. I believe that your surroundings have a major impact on your overall wellness, have you heard of or perhaps read the book, <a href="http://bit.ly/1QEDh6f">"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up"</a>? It was a #1 New York Times best-seller for a reason, people care! Keeping up a tidy and stylish home is something that brings a lot of pleasure to people and I'm so happy to bring that to you in the form of this fun little series.<br />
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My first home feature is of my lovely friend Stephanie of <a href="http://stephanieelliottphotography.com/">Stephanie Elliot Photography</a>. I met Steph when our now toddlers were only weeks old at a Mommy and Me yoga class and we've remained friends since. I've also had the privilege of watching her photography hobby develop into a full-blown flourishing business which has been so awe-inspiring for me as a fellow "momtrepreneur" / entrepreneur. All of her photography sessions are amazing, you can check out her portfolio <a href="http://stephanieelliottphotography.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Onto even more Steph amazingness, her home. She has translated her amazing sense of style and unique vision into a DREAM HOME located in North Stamford, Connecticut. It makes me want to take everything I own out of my home and start from scratch, with a can of white paint. Her style is sophisticated and tranquil achieved with neutral tones and timeless furnishings, but also hip and unique with a hint of Montauk/California surfer beach vibe mixed in which in my book = perfection.<br />
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Take a peak around Steph's home, and enjoy the eye-candy :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hR3xw5ql8GGDaQnE9ptWMsmq19kDyP-Vp5NJVqmOtXCfN0WirEjL30BJnW4WXi4YSDEYDewm2t2zX7xCzS45G_jpa6QZKn16f_5jYfpKHkH4TTgy1SzSX3IiLFEhPoOYZXvYhpH3JVXW/s1600/desk_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hR3xw5ql8GGDaQnE9ptWMsmq19kDyP-Vp5NJVqmOtXCfN0WirEjL30BJnW4WXi4YSDEYDewm2t2zX7xCzS45G_jpa6QZKn16f_5jYfpKHkH4TTgy1SzSX3IiLFEhPoOYZXvYhpH3JVXW/s640/desk_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqgWdt40uNxyMbRFz9935EII7Wmglxq4kEDajR1OOUMuPSNRL4LsVnz6LWgiucHOLnJSVFVbpCpatjuwQMvA4nrlaU225fC0fVwPE9gCrkyj5D_LUbaDwDK1YT-KQTehuHRfCXfSdFAZH/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqgWdt40uNxyMbRFz9935EII7Wmglxq4kEDajR1OOUMuPSNRL4LsVnz6LWgiucHOLnJSVFVbpCpatjuwQMvA4nrlaU225fC0fVwPE9gCrkyj5D_LUbaDwDK1YT-KQTehuHRfCXfSdFAZH/s640/desk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxFKrq34dvxxWmlproMrGnoMZ1fUqYr7ntJgdKVFtXoeJBuLl1EgzJx-Qoa5ie9A3GBaatVtk6ZqLSrqqflK3jwKaUsriLzl4k52DxZINFE7FiONYvh1zkEr8Mx4YZZ1LDzFaZgapvo9h/s1600/desk_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxFKrq34dvxxWmlproMrGnoMZ1fUqYr7ntJgdKVFtXoeJBuLl1EgzJx-Qoa5ie9A3GBaatVtk6ZqLSrqqflK3jwKaUsriLzl4k52DxZINFE7FiONYvh1zkEr8Mx4YZZ1LDzFaZgapvo9h/s640/desk_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPST6QcKAMFIkEBMtAg-nKxA_XuS92Pq75p2_9Kwr46MSBIlGfU-blJCuTZxJlquXdK7c_l69XbrRpzHMkf_g-fFKA74XBBFhXPP07cSS0WotUcNSUasA9Ne81XTzwOsuw5H_a-EAGd-Zq/s1600/desk_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPST6QcKAMFIkEBMtAg-nKxA_XuS92Pq75p2_9Kwr46MSBIlGfU-blJCuTZxJlquXdK7c_l69XbrRpzHMkf_g-fFKA74XBBFhXPP07cSS0WotUcNSUasA9Ne81XTzwOsuw5H_a-EAGd-Zq/s640/desk_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoyUYTXwnpkdXSNDUNZ653IvwsGbOrGXWE6cl_xEXXP-qinjhS3OUvlCxRzFj65_IcfMHIkzDq_2r6y8hX4IbQIF0lzZ-yWDjpIsg3vbK1zb7G_WqVeEpj7YsRPZWlW4bG5fWDpOjNLGc/s1600/home1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoyUYTXwnpkdXSNDUNZ653IvwsGbOrGXWE6cl_xEXXP-qinjhS3OUvlCxRzFj65_IcfMHIkzDq_2r6y8hX4IbQIF0lzZ-yWDjpIsg3vbK1zb7G_WqVeEpj7YsRPZWlW4bG5fWDpOjNLGc/s640/home1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbKumRR9h3En_WwlXvwafPz89UvL6xgPInQv43Xna_y25I0JfPWjyxra6UzmK8gS02MvWrTcDHO3YRc6FUaiTOYHFp6Onkbs9iK2rW8eI07utCxGoOTdck1Zf7o0rHf8JBDwbxqx0SaYT/s1600/home2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbKumRR9h3En_WwlXvwafPz89UvL6xgPInQv43Xna_y25I0JfPWjyxra6UzmK8gS02MvWrTcDHO3YRc6FUaiTOYHFp6Onkbs9iK2rW8eI07utCxGoOTdck1Zf7o0rHf8JBDwbxqx0SaYT/s640/home2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0daFUT2LeIJHommxl9aBVzkb8NYBXkK82cFNuZZ7CXKkI2RO2hVedUZld8iPAzF6eEkA5u5_X_T3wXHPNDPVVVHw05lGENFyxwxjuvPuGznWstVOOFhWS3gbtq1XDwNhK1xvkocvmKfH3/s1600/home3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0daFUT2LeIJHommxl9aBVzkb8NYBXkK82cFNuZZ7CXKkI2RO2hVedUZld8iPAzF6eEkA5u5_X_T3wXHPNDPVVVHw05lGENFyxwxjuvPuGznWstVOOFhWS3gbtq1XDwNhK1xvkocvmKfH3/s640/home3-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4AIOOpfmqkPQJuUIS_eu3wm2KRWidXhEbdHB8dC2pKbK9NJWO2VXvrn_EGI3H-tYtAPPKa8QXFPIkfv0riz0-D27TLNzovwe-vrB5nPw1-Z3iM93Cj_x47fPxFH9xnRvDnOBCJy7tJp6/s1600/home4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4AIOOpfmqkPQJuUIS_eu3wm2KRWidXhEbdHB8dC2pKbK9NJWO2VXvrn_EGI3H-tYtAPPKa8QXFPIkfv0riz0-D27TLNzovwe-vrB5nPw1-Z3iM93Cj_x47fPxFH9xnRvDnOBCJy7tJp6/s640/home4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiElcxG-sUqZXenr2ZIlny89qmCYoIh56eAApEENJZsOc9lQaajMgWXakvlBEK4pleNP3Qrov4cOsDjXbXtEyet0Xaz4fl_inNuYylLF1PKZUNR6XnuYo2pMn8RI1FLGn0ynHG996WOxMH/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiElcxG-sUqZXenr2ZIlny89qmCYoIh56eAApEENJZsOc9lQaajMgWXakvlBEK4pleNP3Qrov4cOsDjXbXtEyet0Xaz4fl_inNuYylLF1PKZUNR6XnuYo2pMn8RI1FLGn0ynHG996WOxMH/s640/blog4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aren't you in love? Thank you, Steph for opening your beautiful home to us and inspiring us with these photos, you've done an amazing job! </div>
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FYI:</div>
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Paint Color: Glidden's ICI drifting snow</div>
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Pillows: <a href="http://bit.ly/1KnyPJM">Pottery Barn</a></div>
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Baskets : Homegoods</div>
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Fireplace Decoration: Vintage</div>
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Couches: Ikea</div>
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Baby Brighton's Mobile : <a href="http://bit.ly/1QEFejc">Fleur Lux on Etsy</a></div>
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Ottoman: Tufted Coffe Ottoman from Restoration Hardware </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-65787754909836690722016-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-01T08:00:03.225-05:00GIVEAWAY WITH HELEN FICALORA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCjmVpQY0bPWlXk5TRbgM9Wqie8vHhqAmxY0JaQVwC7pXOhK19jHn2QStgm6om5I-QxqkJIcnaYS4u4xolUs2PcNdISxaE0G5w-etnL3pGrL8T5O07mSzbm3Z2qsBkwoU0IaiUEyCUkEU/s1600/giveaway+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCjmVpQY0bPWlXk5TRbgM9Wqie8vHhqAmxY0JaQVwC7pXOhK19jHn2QStgm6om5I-QxqkJIcnaYS4u4xolUs2PcNdISxaE0G5w-etnL3pGrL8T5O07mSzbm3Z2qsBkwoU0IaiUEyCUkEU/s640/giveaway+graphic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Monday, Lovelies! I'm so excited to kick off the week with a giveaway sponsored by <a href="http://helenficalora.com/">Helen Ficalora</a>. As you may know from my past outfit posts, I wear my Helen Ficalora charms every.single.day with every.single.outfit I wear. I shower with them, sleep with them, and LOVE what they represent, my two babies Brian and Grace (I have the "B" and "G" charms). Brian gave the charms to me as gifts, or as some refer to as "push presents", and I never bother to take them off because they go with everything!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UrrWo6pafuwIiQmSjwu2szyYpzD3qmviWgk6FXVdHL_X5_IHM6BLSGUUKPsk8Nq9MXYT90i8e3gzMn55n1YtsMuhBN0s3t_Z7U7Qg3lOHZf2fRjYOLYDy7DQoooG5QFYcIa2V0C8I6Mx/s1600/IMG_9095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UrrWo6pafuwIiQmSjwu2szyYpzD3qmviWgk6FXVdHL_X5_IHM6BLSGUUKPsk8Nq9MXYT90i8e3gzMn55n1YtsMuhBN0s3t_Z7U7Qg3lOHZf2fRjYOLYDy7DQoooG5QFYcIa2V0C8I6Mx/s640/IMG_9095.JPG" width="539" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircgxmuslX-gwYSDhtbv6tjQtOBBHfzDnYt9HBfNQl7hZ3wnITtCR5MzXIvfn32YPun5wAEL__y1olMyCGFU6H7daLfPquMxsMLCYD3g3qB3-XcYQdkSYPojl2oYi_Vb_0MtBzCnb3rzba/s1600/IMG_9096.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircgxmuslX-gwYSDhtbv6tjQtOBBHfzDnYt9HBfNQl7hZ3wnITtCR5MzXIvfn32YPun5wAEL__y1olMyCGFU6H7daLfPquMxsMLCYD3g3qB3-XcYQdkSYPojl2oYi_Vb_0MtBzCnb3rzba/s640/IMG_9096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love that I can combine them with any of her other charms, and I finally feel like I have a collection of jewelry and a designer that I can rely on as my "go-to" for special occasions as the years go on. I already asked Brian for the <a href="http://helenficalora.com/collections/charms/products/joy-disk-charm-with-diamond-1">"JOY" charm</a> as my next gift (ahem, cough cough, Christmas 2016). They also look great with longer necklaces to create the layered look.<br />
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HF is showing the love to Pure Joy Home in preparation for Valentine's Day by giving away a sterling silver heart cut-out charm to one lucky reader. All you need to do is leave a comment below (with your email) for one entry; and for additional entries, head on over to <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">my instagram</a> and tag your friends. Giveaway starts now and runs until Sunday, Feb 7th at 12:00 PM EST.<br />
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Good luck, and hopefully you'll win this for your friend; mom; nana; or for yourself!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-59249840051186573912016-01-29T10:58:00.002-05:002016-01-29T10:59:33.395-05:00Valentine's Day Gift Guide <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba0GNkIWk2ju6ZL0hERQ7UCZgHhhx_ff0G2T2EdtKSmuwfUYwiuv7fxxEVOhIYwKZczGu15ZiP64cjU0Bs-62CxWVrnunt-AFvkjPKHiJ0xAZvhyphenhyphenOFa3y9m6vTBC6Ijf30LgmlZf4vDHn/s1600/valentine%2527s+day+for+her.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba0GNkIWk2ju6ZL0hERQ7UCZgHhhx_ff0G2T2EdtKSmuwfUYwiuv7fxxEVOhIYwKZczGu15ZiP64cjU0Bs-62CxWVrnunt-AFvkjPKHiJ0xAZvhyphenhyphenOFa3y9m6vTBC6Ijf30LgmlZf4vDHn/s640/valentine%2527s+day+for+her.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
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From left to right, row by row, a carefully curated list of perfect gifts for your girl valentine <3</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://bit.ly/209EDOn">Kendra Scott Drop Earrings</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1ZYBN9A">Initial Bar Necklace</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1Qwab93">Pink Swell Bottle</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1SeMzcG">Pink Bralette</a> // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167030304/je-taime-print?ref=shop_home_active_10">Je T'aime Print</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/209N7Fh">Margaret Elizabeth Teardrop Bangle</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://helenficalora.com/collections/charms/products/love-disk-charm-with-diamond">Helen Ficalora Love Charm</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/20bfgvp">Coco Mademoiselle</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1KKmPgd">Pink Trixie </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1KINGJx">Dyptique Rosaviola Candle</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/20bclmo">Initial Ring Holder</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1m0YzjA">Etsy Valentine Card</a></span></div>
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I may have sent this to Big Brian, hint hint...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-91086188726414497362016-01-28T11:03:00.001-05:002016-01-28T11:12:49.480-05:00Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Coconut Oatmeal Raisin CookiesFirst let me state that I'm not dairy or gluten free by any means, <i>give me alllll the butter and sugar, </i>BUT I was looking for a healthy cookie to feed my son and these little numbers did the trick. It's not that I don't want him to have dairy or gluten, but the kid needs all the nutrients he can get and I work a lot with bribery, "If you finish your macaroni and cheese and all your french fries, you can have a cookie" < insert shameful and confused face, how did we get here? > #toddlerproblems<br />
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Also, I know a lot of breast-feeding mommies who are always on the hunt for dairy-free so I thought this recipe might be fun to try :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNpTo38wiWrgntJIq1Cfc1_cX7WaTwLz0D9yepD1GZ8shAcO8sKZ4HDS0jgzenLfEKb8u5lhsI0WlItOMLFtJKcCRGX8LBUwiTShlyl8_kqkGr6RQDuXzHleL9Kf4Run1b5oRCcX7BJ_z/s1600/cookies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNpTo38wiWrgntJIq1Cfc1_cX7WaTwLz0D9yepD1GZ8shAcO8sKZ4HDS0jgzenLfEKb8u5lhsI0WlItOMLFtJKcCRGX8LBUwiTShlyl8_kqkGr6RQDuXzHleL9Kf4Run1b5oRCcX7BJ_z/s640/cookies.png" width="406" /></a></div>
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I whipped these up one morning while I was up with Grace and the boys were sleeping (9:00 AM must be nice) and they were so easy and did not take long at all. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Here is what you need: </span><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">3/4 cup oat flour (regular oats blended in a food processor until it becomes powdery like flour)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup old-fashioned oats</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup quick oats</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">3/4 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Pinch of salt</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 large egg</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">4 tablespoons brown sugar, lightly packed</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup coconut oil</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup raisins</li>
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<li><span style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients : oat flour, old-fashioned oats, quick oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">In another bowl, mix together vanilla extract, egg, and brown sugar. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove top and let it cool slightly before adding to the bowl, note: make sure to measure the coconut oil after it is melted. Stir until well combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.</span></li>
<li>Add the raisins, and if you feel like adding more, go ahead! </li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Cover the dough tightly and chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour or until the dough has hardened enough to scoop out cookie balls. </span><span style="text-align: center;">**Important, dough must be chilled or the cookies will flatten! The coconut oil needs to firm up again in the cooling process.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Using a cookie scoop, scoop out balls of the dough (packed super tightly) onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Depending on the size, bake for 7-9 minutes or until very lightly browned around the edges. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">They will be soft and very breakable at first but they will harden after cooling.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Remove from the oven and allow to stay on the baking sheet for another 2 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack.</span></li>
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I hope you like these healthy cookies - little B and I devoured them all week :) </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">recipe adapted from Chelsea's Messy Apron</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-85941633364670089942016-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:002016-01-27T08:00:16.092-05:00OUTFIT POST : TALBOTSI know, I know... Talbots?? Yes, the place your mother shops. I ran in the other day because I saw the gigantic Extra 60% off signs in the window and I was surprised to see so many goodies including this super warm and comfy, perfectly fitting (not bulky) fair isle sweater for $24! I wouldn't usually take up an entire blog post for one sweater but I feel pretty strongly about this steal, and I'm urging you to head to <a href="http://bit.ly/1nO72bk">Talbots Online</a> and check it out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFDF9_05mP5rdrCYGpZi4Ad9hPjpv94x6iog2F2JESy_rSTXGhsRalEMLVl0DwJ65dOn7q8XI820lBAr_1dCp1iF8F1Gm-GxMf1H9rBYgi3lJLO8fx2IZd9rYJ3l4Jz7IHPYQ2OivErS5/s1600/DSC_1158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFDF9_05mP5rdrCYGpZi4Ad9hPjpv94x6iog2F2JESy_rSTXGhsRalEMLVl0DwJ65dOn7q8XI820lBAr_1dCp1iF8F1Gm-GxMf1H9rBYgi3lJLO8fx2IZd9rYJ3l4Jz7IHPYQ2OivErS5/s640/DSC_1158.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiL_H0iS7tKUZa_l1AVUlDz1ko7_dYzIwuNGnCLK1yeDFWEDA999Ui_X54AbL-wYmhcNdMVUsgGKYWpb9pV9o9Pk-YEQPbyOEUkUIaZXbaRfPGDx9R9xV4UFnOFgx-VXKq1ExVo1uyRF2/s1600/DSC_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiL_H0iS7tKUZa_l1AVUlDz1ko7_dYzIwuNGnCLK1yeDFWEDA999Ui_X54AbL-wYmhcNdMVUsgGKYWpb9pV9o9Pk-YEQPbyOEUkUIaZXbaRfPGDx9R9xV4UFnOFgx-VXKq1ExVo1uyRF2/s640/DSC_1154.jpg" width="521" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHt8CrV62t6ijhX1Eym4_BDOTOSJ9IFnu48cTUxXpxKLBxs0sLd_u8srz81eaAFIhOyTkvBWLz6-z4XY6B4FNmOYSXuRuppWrQpaGD4dD_vCfKsICRs9bYMhz_2nRsrSj1_hZzux0dti0/s1600/DSC_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHt8CrV62t6ijhX1Eym4_BDOTOSJ9IFnu48cTUxXpxKLBxs0sLd_u8srz81eaAFIhOyTkvBWLz6-z4XY6B4FNmOYSXuRuppWrQpaGD4dD_vCfKsICRs9bYMhz_2nRsrSj1_hZzux0dti0/s640/DSC_1157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1PifqdE">sweater</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1maXkyz">jeans</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1RMwZo4">boots</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1ZRAI3j">shades</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1KDRFas">hat</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-21833250294042216882016-01-25T10:12:00.001-05:002016-01-25T10:12:20.784-05:00DIY VALENTINE'S DAY XOXO GARLAND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR3hOgaymXvpmt67XFWV7gxoWoiBUyORej75MFiICw4G73SujVCJNThFCCvbMSRwojff_Q7uJsEyQ5TLl_mww8eb5Wg5jm1IqE1eQWb8IvfZeQzNOtUosj2hYAZx8qqSSyD1XFhl1A5xS/s1600/DSC_1157+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR3hOgaymXvpmt67XFWV7gxoWoiBUyORej75MFiICw4G73SujVCJNThFCCvbMSRwojff_Q7uJsEyQ5TLl_mww8eb5Wg5jm1IqE1eQWb8IvfZeQzNOtUosj2hYAZx8qqSSyD1XFhl1A5xS/s640/DSC_1157+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My creative juices have been flowing lately with the focus being on time-consuming things I can do with Little B while we're cooped up this winter, and this DIY Valentine's Day XOXO garland was the perfect afternoon activity. Side note: I don't know if it's his age or what but I remember last winter when he was 1.5, I felt like we needed to get out of the house at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon or else the house would be in full blown destruction mode, but lately he's been pretty good at chillin' inside with me and Grace. The day doesn't whiz by but I have to admit the colder temps have not been as brutal as I thought they would be this year with a toddler and baby at home. I'm actually kind of liking the time we have together inside our cozy house with no reason or motivation to go outside. I promise I'm not a hermit (though I feel like it somedays) and talk to me in a couple weeks, I'll probably be pulling out my hair, that's how these things seem to go...<br />
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SO, moving on, I thought it would be fun to invite our cousin over and make a fun decoration for Valentine's Day. Homemade decorations are so sweet, especially if you can involve your little friends, and along with a cute end-result, you also get to make some fun memories. Lately, Brian has been loving to get up on his stool and get busy in the kitchen so I thought it would be fun to make salt dough and use cookie cutters to cut out X's and O's and string them together to make garland. I bought the <a href="http://bit.ly/20oQswE">cookie cutter shapes</a> and some <a href="http://bit.ly/1PfW60B">gold</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/1QnTM6w">pink sprinkles</a> on Amazon and started working on the dough.<br />
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It's super simple all you need to do is mix together:<br />
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2 cups flour<br />
1 cup salt<br />
2/3 cup of water<br />
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It should be sticky so you may need to add more dry ingredients if you notice it won't be workable.<br />
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You roll the dough out to about 1/2 centimeter and start cutting out your shapes like this:<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/AVvXsEjqee249qxGFX0OVFeRgPsAKM2zeFJgP3Al5nFj3-VaKCY5dCfM8BNC0Q0mtCYsIfBi6gd3bpvqBabwS_L2BxDSdLcbJ-usxmwipikkbmEJtxGEI3hsNfsB566RabwrlnajQAgdJkDZNc9F/s1600/DSC_1127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqee249qxGFX0OVFeRgPsAKM2zeFJgP3Al5nFj3-VaKCY5dCfM8BNC0Q0mtCYsIfBi6gd3bpvqBabwS_L2BxDSdLcbJ-usxmwipikkbmEJtxGEI3hsNfsB566RabwrlnajQAgdJkDZNc9F/s640/DSC_1127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a fun Valentine's Day mocktail for my little friend Aubrey and served it my vintage champagne glasses : cranberry juice, sparking water and a raspberry :) </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1aIRQPHFUpNPFiZFyVQhgSHfBCYa4bD-_yuzmsa7CL0IXGKbXj9g6WI30n34tTOu_qq37ltEron7Dva7y2kKZ7OkUpZDMMgjQV2qlSvHMfxEg-iGcVGujU4KDlL9VpZ4SBmBHzgxHwj/s1600/DSC_1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1aIRQPHFUpNPFiZFyVQhgSHfBCYa4bD-_yuzmsa7CL0IXGKbXj9g6WI30n34tTOu_qq37ltEron7Dva7y2kKZ7OkUpZDMMgjQV2qlSvHMfxEg-iGcVGujU4KDlL9VpZ4SBmBHzgxHwj/s640/DSC_1130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once we cut our shapes, we poked holes for the string through. We messed up on the X's at first, you need to put two holes in on the top instead of one so they lay flat. So we had X's with three holes instead of two, you win some you lose some. </div>
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Next, we sprayed them with <a href="http://bit.ly/1PNvQH7">Elmers glue spray</a> and sprinkled them with the pink and gold sugar sprinkles -- in hindsight, it might be better to use glitter but the sprinkles worked just as well. </div>
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I baked them at 175 for about two hours and then left them out overnight before stringing them. I used <a href="http://bit.ly/1QnTZH4">waxed cotton cord</a> as the ends don't fray so it's really easy to thread through the shapes. </div>
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We hung it on our fireplace and I think it looks adorable, especially under our love print. </div>
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We also JUST got this <a href="http://bit.ly/1QvukxW">new fireplace screen</a> which I'm obsessed with, as well as the sconces from <a href="http://lampsplus.com/">Lamps Plus</a> :) The LOVE print is one of my own, available on <a href="http://purejoypaperie.etsy.com/">Pure Joy Paperie</a> and I had it framed with an old frame my parents weren't using but you can find a similar one <a href="http://bit.ly/1PfXyQs">here</a> :)</div>
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It's a sweet little craft that I think you'll have fun with, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to <a href="mailto:lizjoycreative@gmail.com">email me</a> ;) </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-77094161869971700772016-01-22T10:02:00.000-05:002016-01-22T10:02:01.255-05:00Grace Louise's 6 Month Baby Essentials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSeBdhgZb_tVQ3vbtlqHToGzITOQ4IpAFIWGhuwUpAhDleFRqAi8HSmf-m38K7TyObRjKzDKit6deii8REQKEHY_UpvADtQLzhyphenhyphenjxbuN3eDdLrhbz66JcaJ918p3YCbbb_dJX76fSfAWe/s1600/CSC_1149+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSeBdhgZb_tVQ3vbtlqHToGzITOQ4IpAFIWGhuwUpAhDleFRqAi8HSmf-m38K7TyObRjKzDKit6deii8REQKEHY_UpvADtQLzhyphenhyphenjxbuN3eDdLrhbz66JcaJ918p3YCbbb_dJX76fSfAWe/s640/CSC_1149+copy.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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I decided to put together a list of Gracie's 6 month old essentials after searching for some replacements of things we can't live without last night. The items on this list are what we use every.single.day and probably the most important tangible items we own because they equal my sanity. It's kind of shallow to admit that life would suck without Grace's jumparoo but it brings her so much happiness throughout the day and it gives my arms a break from holding her.<br />
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We've tried lots of different versions of everything on this list but these are what is tried and true:<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1Vcr2Pq">Honest Company Starter Kit</a> // The only products that don't irritate Grace's sensitive skin</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1SAAuhG">Land of Nod Ocean Playmat</a> // great for floor time with lots of interesting textures for bebe to touch</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1ncDMKL">Little Giraffe Security Blanket</a> // she loves this ultra soft blanket and has it with her at all times</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1PrSYKG">Dr. Brown's Bottle Set</a> // Although a pain in the a** to clean, these are hands down the best for preventing gas</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1lAOFFh">Wabbanub</a> // These are great because she can find them in her crib at night and bring them to her mouth to self-soothe and she chews on all parts of it while she teethes </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1lAPtde">Bath Tub</a> // I love this tub because it sits over the sink and I use the detachable faucet head to shower her with her <a href="http://bit.ly/1Vcr2Pq">Honest Body Wash</a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1QoNFAX">Fisher Price Jumparoo</a> // Grace can literally spend hours in this thing, she LOVES it </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1QoNJRe">Pottery Barn Bath Towels</a> // We received these as gifts and I love that they have her name on them, and they are super soft</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1PJ30HT">DREFT detergent</a> // no rashes with this stuff</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1Vcsdyl">Baby Bouncer</a> // another resting place to give mommy's arms a breather</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1PI1sxA">Plush Book</a> // We love these books for reading, and chewing!</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1P9t3f1">Stroller Bar Toy</a> // I love this thing because you can basically put it on any carrier and it keeps her entertained while we stroll... and chillll</div>
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So there you have it, our list of non-negotiables for Gracie Girl. I hope this helps with gift-giving, or the planning of your new arrival :) Leave a comment below and tell me what YOUR non-negotiables are for bebe, we would love to try something new! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-75919563707116068432016-01-20T09:44:00.003-05:002016-01-20T09:47:00.560-05:00OLD NAVY WINNERS CONTINUED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2J8VJki83yCmYrFHlYuPeRm4Oev7HNYmFfTZvvUoFHYUGPm2I56aRhlv6rAmksZCMQepWYCsUZKs10GQrHmAwTZnIOfUuNb9p8bY66zDZvTfYYRUf-BAqCIeEp6ZoIimlCDeQar6b3rt/s1600/DSC_1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2J8VJki83yCmYrFHlYuPeRm4Oev7HNYmFfTZvvUoFHYUGPm2I56aRhlv6rAmksZCMQepWYCsUZKs10GQrHmAwTZnIOfUuNb9p8bY66zDZvTfYYRUf-BAqCIeEp6ZoIimlCDeQar6b3rt/s640/DSC_1063.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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As you know from <a href="http://purejoyhome.blogspot.com/2016/01/outfit-post-old-navy-wins.html">yesterday's post</a>, I had a field day at Old Navy over the weekend and have curated a little collection of my favorite new arrivals. I can't resist a great deal on trendy clothes and today online, ON has 25% off your purchase; 35% off your purchase of $50 or more; and 40% off your purchase of $75 or more, pretty darn good if you ask me and you can stock up for the whole family!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KTumK_WyB-zudHr-ciCRwBwoX8OTqk9eaCunqlAJu_0NimHHOPILa7ZsCVRICNKutA9diitcQM5xyliJgmX6_wXmGHnfggWBGVQjnE0HhVSIuM3nc16ZSLq-d03EE_e6pFRlaiuUDbaC/s1600/DSC_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KTumK_WyB-zudHr-ciCRwBwoX8OTqk9eaCunqlAJu_0NimHHOPILa7ZsCVRICNKutA9diitcQM5xyliJgmX6_wXmGHnfggWBGVQjnE0HhVSIuM3nc16ZSLq-d03EE_e6pFRlaiuUDbaC/s640/DSC_1074.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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Take a peak at my faves and make sure to get them before the sell out! Click on the <span style="background-color: black; color: white;">+</span> to be directed the product pages.<br />
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Pure Joy Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13022023488796688196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-71387657404657791342016-01-19T10:51:00.000-05:002016-01-19T10:51:45.301-05:00OUTFIT POST: OLD NAVY WINS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8qh_o1bsxvGLSh32IirjavB6K3_zNuC8VemEQI5VpRNhPT3EzeMkFnZJuPk5t0o3gWQA-CpYaDV4ECYtBMzWJI_JaH52G7TSPK-8OnDRDIiJhf6cn_AGaxNURyWxGv-bOgKU0FYls1en/s1600/DSC_1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8qh_o1bsxvGLSh32IirjavB6K3_zNuC8VemEQI5VpRNhPT3EzeMkFnZJuPk5t0o3gWQA-CpYaDV4ECYtBMzWJI_JaH52G7TSPK-8OnDRDIiJhf6cn_AGaxNURyWxGv-bOgKU0FYls1en/s640/DSC_1094.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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It was a good weekend to be a Joy. We had such a relaxing time staying warm inside with our two little ones with no plans to leave the house at all (a nice change from our usual hecticness). Little Brian loved having both his parents home for three whole days to play with (and torture...kidding...kind of) and Gracie girl loved having cuddles and laughing at her older brother. I did a lot of non-rushed cooking and even a little baking one morning with Grace before the boys woke up. And of course, I managed to sneak a quick solo shopping trip to Old Navy and picked out some really cute new arrivals to show you.<br />
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I threw my hair in a bun and told Brian it was time to play dress-up and his job was to be the photographer (he has the patience of a saint and I love him)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhQq7DxIxG0kIB-3tr7lgSMlL_Ukw5ZsdErrK0q7izFcIa_o_ieIkB_ZuEeTFe0e90pG60cEyb9dKm5NJECn3pa6Az-_mJUKIpHR0UDjjFR7hjbW-pst88mp8gzeBB0uugu_i_-C5KAg/s1600/DSC_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhQq7DxIxG0kIB-3tr7lgSMlL_Ukw5ZsdErrK0q7izFcIa_o_ieIkB_ZuEeTFe0e90pG60cEyb9dKm5NJECn3pa6Az-_mJUKIpHR0UDjjFR7hjbW-pst88mp8gzeBB0uugu_i_-C5KAg/s640/DSC_1087.JPG" width="462" /></a></div>
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Isn't this top so cute?! I paired it with my FAVORITE JCrew cords and nude heels.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnFZXcXZvZ3xEGLk_YapT8nKrIEN9Abh7yJe6k1yzQSgrrKI9PtPXvhiHk7n9zQc3HNfEqL0C_3LTaJdmt9QlZ0_KcFMw_jBapYEIFMfAqdOKGMi8fgl70S_S_gOyXlIsFB59YhUSm9Iq/s1600/DSC_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnFZXcXZvZ3xEGLk_YapT8nKrIEN9Abh7yJe6k1yzQSgrrKI9PtPXvhiHk7n9zQc3HNfEqL0C_3LTaJdmt9QlZ0_KcFMw_jBapYEIFMfAqdOKGMi8fgl70S_S_gOyXlIsFB59YhUSm9Iq/s640/DSC_1074.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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Also, in sadder news, I think I got one of the very last of these adorable red bags because it is sold out online :( I did link to a bunch that might work as replacements for you in case you're jonesing for a red bag like I was.<br />
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You can click the links below or shop by clicking the images below:<br />
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<i><a href="http://bit.ly/1ZBLq33">Top</a> // </i><i><a href="http://bit.ly/1PgQnsH">Skinny Cords</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1WqYPpp">Nude Pumps</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1N5gbrg">Sunnies</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1TprM2P">Necklace</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-59590660944187558852016-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:002016-01-14T10:04:51.683-05:00OUR KITCHEN TRANSFORMATION FROM DULL TO BRIGHT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9kIuMMVQDdlCq_DqrqIsmqY4daCdWu3aY2iZdE6Zl5o4pWN4bhhqOqtlrNLyX_6_VI09LyVbzN2KqZiXYqLm_iOoUYFzXJRgstonjwyz-8t8Kh7zsDwO_Ser9XukaXGnQsPsOfQ0iKCT/s1600/KITCHEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9kIuMMVQDdlCq_DqrqIsmqY4daCdWu3aY2iZdE6Zl5o4pWN4bhhqOqtlrNLyX_6_VI09LyVbzN2KqZiXYqLm_iOoUYFzXJRgstonjwyz-8t8Kh7zsDwO_Ser9XukaXGnQsPsOfQ0iKCT/s640/KITCHEN.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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Eeeee!! I'm SO excited to share our kitchen renovation with you! We've been living in it for a while but it took some time to get to it and take the "after" photos without all the baby/toddler stuff to share. I am SO happy with every single little thing we did to improve our kitchen at the <i>lower end of the kitchen renovation</i> standard cost (20-30k). Ours was about 9-10k and I'll tell you every single thing we did and what it cost us. </div>
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SO as soon as we bought the house I knew the cabinets needed to be painted white and I wanted the appliances updated. The cabinets were in good shape (about 10-15 years old) and there was no reason to tear them down and start all over. We paid a professional painter $500 to use the <a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/transformations/cabinet-transformations-light-kit">Rust-oleum Cabinet Transformation Kit</a> and paint them for us in white, and let me tell you, the $500 was WELL WORTH IT. It took about 4 coats to get over our wood, and with a toddler on the hip and baby on the way, "ain't nobody got time for that". I replaced the cabinet hardware with these <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hickory-Hardware-Studio-5-in-Satin-Nickel-Pull-P3012-SN/100674810">Hickory Hardware Pulls from Home Depot</a>. I think the total cost of these was around $100.. So with the paint kit, hardware, and painter fees, we're at about $700. </div>
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Next, appliances. We went to <a href="http://www.countytv.com/">County TV & Appliance</a> in Stamford, Connecticut and got a great deal on the microwave, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher -- I think around $4000 total. If you're in the area, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.countytv.com/">County</a>, family owned and in business forever, see Sean Rosen and tell him Liz Joy sent you. </div>
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Finally, the backsplash and countertops. I couldn't WAIT for this but it took about a year for us to pull the trigger. We were doing a dormer addition (we have a cape) and the contractor said he could do the backsplash for us in a day, which he did :) We paid $500 for have subway tile installed and about $150 (??? I think) for the materials. </div>
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I SO DESPERATELY IN ALL CAPS wanted Carrara marble. There is nothing in looks that compares to me BUT my brother installed them about three years ago and he hates them. He and his wife always complain about how porous they are and how hard they are to clean. Supposedly everything stains them, especially baby formula (and we have a baby who drinks formula) so... </div>
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I went with a granite called Colonial White, the closest thing I could get to carrara marble. The <strike>marble</strike> I mean granite, install and stainless steel inset sink cost a total of close to $4000 and I'm SO happy with it. It has the white clean finish I wanted and I don't have to worry one single second of what gets on it. Formula, wine, oil, pour it on, nothing will get through :)<br />
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Last but not least, the faucet. I received a <a href="https://www.decorplanet.com/products/brizo-64003lf-talo-single-handle-pull-down-kitchen-faucet-with-smarttouch-technology/64003lf.html?adpos=1o3&creative=82083747867&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQiAiNi0BRDaobaq3dKJhrwBEiQAyVThzc5Sv6T3ZsnKUCbhmCrEyA7xxWTZa94Sucrest_UNOkaAp7X8P8HAQ">Brizo Talo Kitchen Faucet</a> with SmartTouch technology<br />
after attending an amazing blogger conference sponsored by <a href="http://www.brizo.com/">Brizo</a> years ago but never owned a house I could put it in until now. Do you know how good it felt to finally take it out of the box and install this beauty? We absolutely love our <a href="http://www.brizo.com/">Brizo</a> and I will never shop for anything else for kitchen and/or bathroom.<br />
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Here are some other shots of our newly renovated WHITE kitchen:<br />
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If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me via my instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/purejoyhome/">@purejoyhome</a> OR email at <a href="mailto:lizjoycreative@gmail.com">lizjoycreative@gmail.com</a>. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-27235445256590705342016-01-13T10:30:00.000-05:002016-01-22T10:02:18.021-05:00The Best Aluminum Free DeodorantsHappy Hump Day Everyone! Let me first start out by saying that I'm pretty sure almost everything we breathe, eat and live in will have some part in causing our inevitable death at some point which is why I'm pretty laid back about most things, because seriously it's out of our control. HOWEVER I have decided to make one change which has led to taxi-driver status underarms (no offense!) and put everyone around me through stinky hell for the past two weeks ...<br />
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SO I remember in high school my science teacher (Mrs. Clark, thank you) told us that antiperspirant was bad for us and that we should use plain old deodorant instead. She was clearly crazy back when I was in 11th grade, I needed the most protection against sweat <i>as possible</i> <u>at all times</u>. Flash forward to my early thirties when I'm really starting to care about my health and longevity, and I'm staying as far away from antiperspirant as possible. </div>
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There have been claims linking the active ingredient in antiperspirant, aluminum, to alzheimer's disease and breast cancer as the aluminum holds back the toxins are bodies are trying to release in the form of sweat. To quote WebMD, "most <a href="http://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-breasts">breast</a> cancers develop in the upper outer part of the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/women/rm-quiz-breasts-normal">breast</a> -- the area closest to the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/picture-of-the-armpit">armpit</a>, which is where antiperspirants are applied. The studies suggest that chemicals in antiperspirants, including aluminum, are absorbed into the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin">skin</a>, particularly when the skin is nicked during shaving. These studies claim that those chemicals may then interact with DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells, or interfere with the action of the female hormone <a href="http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/normal-testosterone-and-estrogen-levels-in-women">estrogen</a>, which is known to influence the growth of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/ss/slideshow-breast-cancer-overview">breast cancer</a> cells." NOW, this is important...these claims have NOT been proven to be 100% accurate after research has been done, BUT when you think about it, it kind of makes sense. Actually, my armpits sometimes hurt after wearing antiperspirant and it is so hard to clean off in the shower. They even sell armpit sponges to help get it all off. </div>
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So I recently switched to an aluminum free deodorant and after two weeks of smelling unpleasant while all the toxins were clearing out from my underarms, my body has sort of balanced out and my new aluminum-free stick is working just fine. Sure, I'll probably smell a lot worse than the person next to me at the gym but I honestly don't care. </div>
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I've rounded up my favorites below for you to try and note, these are a little on the pricey side but I found that the TOMS natural brand and other less expensive versions at the drug-store didn't do the job. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNhhOsticf8-aeMhTbG8TacjrN2OCDrwb5BBlJKfM4-69PtOiaa9tL4Jy0zdvqvaWDJJ_wVlQbavWp5fFaQlMUv6k9f4c5x9mc8t7coKqfD6GOcT9U7tEdEwJPKwzT3sbMO7LH2eVhIVE/s1600/img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNhhOsticf8-aeMhTbG8TacjrN2OCDrwb5BBlJKfM4-69PtOiaa9tL4Jy0zdvqvaWDJJ_wVlQbavWp5fFaQlMUv6k9f4c5x9mc8t7coKqfD6GOcT9U7tEdEwJPKwzT3sbMO7LH2eVhIVE/s320/img.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1RlCA4N">Honest Company</a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1PXdUMD">For special occasions, I like this one by Chloe</a></div>
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These are the best!! If you need a little refresher just wipe the stench away with these <a href="http://bit.ly/1Oi3bvQ">disposable wipes</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYbkX59V0FAlUKVMvg9fGpvCxvpmSRPJSgNcn-Fng_-2z4QdUGgzcTlvWZ52D4WuuSm-K_3MoIan19Jm3kqiKYCpWEcUS-2UiRjVB46Y1oLwNliT4BuVQq0iEwBI0PiX2kKP_VveslJns/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-13+at+9.56.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYbkX59V0FAlUKVMvg9fGpvCxvpmSRPJSgNcn-Fng_-2z4QdUGgzcTlvWZ52D4WuuSm-K_3MoIan19Jm3kqiKYCpWEcUS-2UiRjVB46Y1oLwNliT4BuVQq0iEwBI0PiX2kKP_VveslJns/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-01-13+at+9.56.30+AM.png" width="259" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1Q5c0vi">My everyday stick</a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1PXe8mR">L'OCCITANE</a> (everything that make is good)</div>
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Have you tried any that you like?? Please leave in the comments so we can all see :) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-59811027223063417142016-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:002016-01-04T09:00:29.411-05:00WINTER IN WHITEI am definitely into wearing white in the winter, I think the right pair of white jeans paired with an ivory or gray sweater looks so chic and is perfect to take you through spring. It's refreshing on the eyes and the right white is so flattering. I'm particularly loving this white knit fringe sweater I scored the other day on a quick shopping trip (you can buy online <a href="http://bit.ly/1JPh1Si">here</a>) along with my white distressed jeans. I found the jeans at TJMaxx but I've linked to some very similar pairs ranging in price from $34-$150. I'm in Florida now so you'll see I have sandals on but a taupe bootie for colder temps similar to the ones by TOMS I always wear (<a href="http://bit.ly/1YZcROu">here</a>) would be a nice winter shoe to dress them with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMjhVANUt4XmDW0OE-y0kOpzRIuciZvUSAlNdvCdbTNorSHjBOhD3wTq44aiVYGPZ_8eRbG03-NOdeVvWs18PFfcpB8m1bIlJbzmR3POFL4yof2kfQlEVgGlrlYif5JiBXY6qI__3vvNT/s1600/2016-01-01+02.04.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMjhVANUt4XmDW0OE-y0kOpzRIuciZvUSAlNdvCdbTNorSHjBOhD3wTq44aiVYGPZ_8eRbG03-NOdeVvWs18PFfcpB8m1bIlJbzmR3POFL4yof2kfQlEVgGlrlYif5JiBXY6qI__3vvNT/s640/2016-01-01+02.04.00.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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I'm OBSESSED with my new <a href="http://bit.ly/1Oq2QnU">Louise sandals</a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-10303670552027646452015-12-31T10:32:00.001-05:002016-01-22T10:02:30.879-05:00My Experience with the #28dayjumpstart for Postpartum WeightlossHappy New Year!! I wanted to send out a quick post before the actual New Year begins on my recent weight loss experiment with the instagram program <a href="http://instagram.com/#28dayjumpstart">#28dayjumpstart</a> hosted by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fitgirlsguide/">Fit Girls</a>. There is a new round starting on January 4th so if you're looking to take off a couple holiday pounds or lose that baby weight, I want you to be able to get in on this challenge because it worked for me. I recently got some comments and questions regarding my postpartum weight loss journey after I posted <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">this photo</a> of my family at the beach on vacay so here's how it goes:<br />
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After having Grace in July, the weight started falling off. I gained a total of around 33-35 pounds throughout my pregnancy and I lost about 20 pounds in first four weeks after having her. Although I still couldn't quite fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes, I was psyched that the weight was coming off. Fast forward two months, not so much. At this point, my weight loss came to a screeching halt. Weeks were passing and the scale was not budging an ounce and I was getting frustrated. I really wanted to fit into my clothes comfortably again so I decided it was time to do something about it. Although I was trying to be more aware of what I was eating and attempting exercise in the form of running and walking with the double stroller, nothing was really happening. Oh, and I had stopped nursing at this point.<br />
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This is when I jumped in on the #28dayjumpstart challenge. I'm on instagram a lot so I figured nothing would motivate me more than seeing other girls on the same challenge post pictures of the diet and exercise they were experiencing. Here is how it works, you go to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fitgirlsguide/">Fit Girls page</a> and buy the #28daychallenge on their website for about $25. They send you a packet that has all of the information pertaining to the challenge including a calendar of recipes and exercises you can do at home. I loved having this packet to refer to at the gym and a calendar of new healthy recipes to try, but to be completely honest, I didn't really follow the meal plan to a T like many of the other girls on the challenge. I didn't have time on Sundays to plan out every single meal and I cook for a hungry husband (a meat and potatoes guy) so I kind of adapted that piece to fit into my life.<br />
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Having said that, I LOVED the challenge because it gave me a whole new outlook on food. Although I didn't follow the recipes like I said to a T, it kind of gave me a guideline on how much protein, veggies and which carbs were okay on a daily basis. One thing, I did have a sh*t ton of wine on the plan and that is not encouraged, well two drinks/per week are okay but I definitely had more than that, probably around 7 +/- glasses of wine/week (eek!) (#sorrynotsorry).<br />
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I also have to say that I LOVED the exercise plan because well, I had a plan. I knew how many of what exercises to do every day of the week rather than just moseying on into the gym and hopping on various machines. If you're working full-time with kids, this is something you can do before work at home, on your lunch break, or maybe when the kids go to bed, definitely harder but it's doable.<br />
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I finished the program in November and have been in "maintenance mode" since. I try and follow the protein/veggies/limited carbs thing and do my best to keep up with the exercises. During the holidays I definitely did not do the exercises BUT did do these minimum movements every day: at least three sets of 30 second planks, and at least 30 pushups.<br />
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Do I look amazing in a bikini? HHEEEELLLL NO! Do I look and feel overweight? NO. Can I fit into my clothes again, YES! and for that I'm grateful to have done this challenge.<br />
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It starts on January 4th so give it a whirl, a. you have to buy it ($25) and b. you will become part of this "fit girl" community on instagram and those two things will keep you accountable.<br />
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Happy New Year Girls and thanks for the comments and for letting me share my weight loss journey with you. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103221993834960561.post-34242717534082227382015-12-24T15:12:00.004-05:002016-01-22T10:02:55.537-05:00MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a joyous and blessed year it has been for our family. From all of us to you and yours, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </div>
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I'll be taking some time off from the blog but will be instagramming my way through our travels, <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">follow along</a> and please say hi :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06327130138377327484noreply@blogger.com0