tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62539619687378425732024-03-13T15:57:17.543-05:00loves nicoleNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-77325081698996793452013-08-14T09:34:00.001-05:002013-08-14T09:34:07.531-05:00Moving horror storyI'm moving, y'all! I'm moving out on my own to live by myself for the very first time! ...and of course, life can't throw me a bone and be easy for once. No, no- that would be too wonderful. <br />
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The place that I was supposed to move into in TWO DAYS fell through. The guy that I had been talking to- I guess he's the leasing agent?- stopped taking my calls and now his phone has no voice mail message. It just repeats the number in that computer voice before asking me to leave a message. I went by the apartment yesterday after work and to my surprise it was open! And it looked exactly the same as it did a month ago when I decided I wanted the place- half renovated. There were no light fixtures, no faucets, and the entire kitchen still has to be renovated/redone. Luckily I haven't given him any money except for the application fee- thank goodness!!<br />
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I've done my crying and come to the realization that I just need to buck up and find a new place. And fast. Today after lunch, I'm meeting a sorority sister who is an Ebby Halliday realtor (fancy!) to look at what will probably be my new place. It's in what Dallasites call "The Gay-borhood", and I bet you can't guess why! This apartment actually looks nicer and is cheaper than the original apartment, so it might end up being an even better situation than before.<br />
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But moving still sucks! It's the worst!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-28234836999797406662013-02-12T12:46:00.001-06:002013-02-12T12:46:37.029-06:00I sell beer!I got a job! Well, I got a second job. Eventually it will help me pay for some of my schoolin', but for now it's to pay off my big 'ol credit card bill$.<br />
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I'm working at my favorite bar on the weekends and I'll pick up weekday shifts if someone needs a day off or some emergency comes up. <strong>AND I'M SO EXCITED!!</strong><br />
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My first day was Saturday and it went great. I was only there for a few hours but I learned the POS system and generally where everything is-- there are close to 600 beers for purchase or consumtion on-premise. Yeah, it so awesome that it's not only a bar, but also a retail store AND we sell Growlers. Don't know what a growler is? It's a 32oz jug that we fill with your draft beer of choice. It generally costs around $10 so you're getting 5 beers for a bargain! Look at me sellin' to you? I'm a pro already!<br />
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Now I know what you're thinking, Mom (hi mom!). How on earth am I able to take on a second job with a full time job, studying for the GMAT, planning my sorority alumni fundraiser, and raising my <a href="http://lovesnicole.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-my-dog-is-badass.html">child</a>? Yeah, I don't know. But hey, I always say <strong>I'd rather be busy than bored</strong> so I'm just never going to be bored. Ever.<br />
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Tonight I'm cooking <a href="http://thelexingtonienne.com/2010/09/30/crock-pot-gumbo/">gumbo</a> and a <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Black-Eyed-Pea-Casserole">black eyed pea casserole</a>. I'm doing the gumbo the lazy man's way and it's currently in the crock pot a.k.a. my favorite kitchen appliance. Tomorrow night is my <a href="http://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation/photos/9762/#item=221230">Galentine's Party</a> for a bunch of my girlfriends that live in Dallas. The menu isn't completely set for tomorrow, but I'm thinking tilapia over wild rice with steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and a big ass salad with homemade balsalmic vinegarette. There will be crafting and chocolate involved as well, duh.<br />
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Oh, and life is really rude. I have to go to Rich's to pick up a gown I left there and some other odds and ends I left (because I'm terrible at keeping track of my personal belonging), and the only day this week that I'm not available is Thursday. Valentine's Day. What is that shit? Not funny!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-9385385325053863412013-02-08T09:27:00.000-06:002013-02-08T09:27:12.136-06:00Dating dilemma for the girl who isn't datingThis past week has been the best week in a while! Friday night's party at the <a href="http://www.dallasmuseumofart.org/MemberDonorCenter/DonorCircle/JuniorAssociates/index.htm">DMA</a> was a lot of fun. It's always nice to see old friends and catch up. My weekend in Austin was <strong>amazing</strong>. We went to Zilker Park on Saturday to enjoy the absolutely gorgeous weather. I was in shorts and a t-shirt <em>and sweating</em> on the second day of February. {File that under reasons why Texas is perfect.} Sunday we went go-kart racing and I crashed into Creighton. That guy really needs to learn how to drive. After that it was a Super Bowl party with friends, and I stayed until Destiny's Child {and Beyonce} performed and then hit the hay.<br />
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Monday I was at the dentist all day (which doesn't sound great, but I got a $50 Target gift card and it was free so suck on that sucka$$$!). My friend is in dental school and needed a patient. Tuesday I met with some ADPi girls to discuss our upcoming fundraiser party and work out some details. Wednesday was a Dallas Summer Musicals <a href="http://dallassummermusicals.org/ap.shtm">Associate Producers</a> happy hour so Caitlin and I enjoyed a few drinks and made new friends. Last night I had a Big Brothers Big Sisters event and hung out with my little for a few hours, and today Caitlin and I are heading to <a href="http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/">The Nasher</a> for more boozin' and schmoozin'. It's a rough life.<br />
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<em>About the dating dilemma...</em>I was asked to grab a drink this Sunday by a super cute guy with a beard. {Ooooh I love beards!} Soooo is that a date? Grabbing a drink? I guess it could be, but then again it could just be new friends grabbing a drink! I'm not cheating on my no dating until 2014 by going out for a drink, right?<br />
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Today in the elevator, I met a really hot guy who works in my building at Red Bull. We flirted (we were the only ones on the elevator...it would have been real awkward if others were around/listening) and as he got off on his floor, he said to come by and ask for him any time I want some Red Bull. Um, ok! Can I just follow you now, you super hot man? I didn't, for the record. But do I go back? I over think everything. This is probably one of those times. But I definitely don't NOT think I'll be going back. In other words, I'm going to go back and ask him for Red Bull. And probably his number. Still not dating! Just friends exchanging caffeinated beverages and phone numbers! Completely platonic. Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-41541381975744582352013-02-01T13:28:00.002-06:002013-02-01T13:28:53.856-06:00It's February! And the weekend!...and thank goodness for that. January started out very high and ended lower than low and all I can say is <em>GOOD RIDDENCE</em>! I'm glad that it's a new month. It feels fresh.<br />
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Tonight I'm volunteering at the Curator's Choice at the <a href="http://dma.org/">Dallas Museum of Art</a>. Emma works there and it's always fun to help out. I meet the most interesting people at the events there, including a wonderful, incredibly handsome guy I dated until he quit his job and went on a worldwide adventure (which he's still on!). Last night I was using up my Christmas gift cards and found an adorable high-low chevron dress at <a href="http://www.theimpeccablepig.com/">The Impeccable Pig</a> that I plan to wear with some nude patent leather heels. It's a very striking dress, and the attire is "museum chic," whatever that means, so hopefully I hit the mark.<br />
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My big plans for the weekend are to run my first run with the Dallas Running Club and celebrate my amazing friend, Scott's, birthday in Austin. This is what his friends at work did to his cube this morning.<br />
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HA! How hilarious is that?! His stories from work are always really funny and I think this is proof that they have an amazing culture there. I still think the company I work at is better. :P<br />
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I'm so happy we're in a new month! I plan to celebrate this month of love by showering my friends with affirmations and gifts and affection out the wazoo. I hope they love it!<br />
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-27123617675542656442013-01-30T15:38:00.002-06:002013-01-30T15:38:35.559-06:00Sunny days are here againTaco Tuesday was delish last night! I made regular ol' beef taco salad with a black bean soup. Yummo! It was the smallest Taco Tuesday I think I've ever had- just my roommate, David, and Emma. Next week we're celebrating Fat Tuesday because the following week's TT will be a special surprise!!<br />
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After dinner, we started to watch a really weird movie with Eva Longoria called Without Men. I thought it might be good even though it was on Netflix <em>{and we all know Netflix doesn't have the best selection of movies...}</em> because it starred Eva and Christian Slater! Emma couldn't stand it but I was so intrigued as to why Eva would choose to do this movie. The acting was really <strong>out-of-this-world terrible</strong>. And everyone is so complacent with their gender role in the community, but I was thinking well maybe it's like this in Latin America? {I think that's where the movie took place.} Guys boss around girls and the girls can't seem to function without men. I want to finish watching it. I don't think we gave it enough time to get past the suckage.<br />
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I'm currently digging these guys on the YouTube:<br />
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<li>A red-headed Alabama boy singing my favorite Marvin Gaye song: <a href="http://youtu.be/rNrhcBWf6O0" target="_blank">Bam!</a></li>
<li>A super intense Brit who likes Twilight singing R. Kelly's "Ignition": <a href="http://youtu.be/sTQZhM7YfZk" target="_blank">Zing!</a></li>
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If I like a song, it's on repeat until I find the next song I'm obsessed with. The song I've been obsessing over before these two lovely gentleman is really popular right now {sidenote: ohmagah I am about to cut a bitch! There is constant construction on the floor above me and they keep dropping shit and banging and drilling. Rull annoying, guys. Make it stop!}.<br />
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Swedish House Mafia - Don't You Worry Child: <a href="http://youtu.be/1y6smkh6c-0">Kablam!</a><br />
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This afternoon (aka in like, 15 minutes) I'm heading to do some recon for our company volleyball tournament. After such an ugly day yesterday, it will be nice to have a meeting while soaking up some sun on a patio. Good 'ol Texas weather-- it's never boring!<br />
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Then I'm meeting an ADPi friend to plan our alumni group's annual fundraising party. I'm super excited about it all! We're trying to appeal to a wider community audience this year so hopefully our committee approves all of our ideas. Like the safari theme. And a DJ. And lower ticket prices. Those are the big things. Oh, and a complete name change. Go big or go home, people! <em> I really hope they approve it all...</em><br />
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Tonight I'm heading to TurboKick and I know it's going to kick my ass. It's so tough! I sweat buckets and want to die while I'm doing it, but I feel so accomplished afterwards. Anything to keep busy, though!<br />
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Off to the sunshiney patio!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-68215985091791645582013-01-29T16:58:00.001-06:002013-01-29T16:58:43.979-06:00Trying to find my happy placeI'm an outwardly happy person. I try to be because I myself can't stand to be around Debbie Downers, but <em>ughhh</em> I cannot shake the sad. It's been really tough this past week to not stop thinking about and analyzing every detail leading up to the break-up. <br />
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I have stopped crying. That's a win! I only listen to NPR and songs that have nothing to do with love. Because right now I just feel sick to my stomach any time I think about it. I have been constantly surrounding myself with friends. And as much as I want to stop talking about it, I can't! It's the only thing on my mind and I hate that!<br />
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A friend suggested a book to me, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Its-Called-Breakup-Because-Broken/dp/0767921968#_" target="_blank">It's Called a Breakup Because it's Broken</a>, that should be arriving to my door in the next few days. She and a friend of hers read it and it helped both of them to heal from their heartbreak. I also love that there's a pint of ice cream on the cover. Ha!<br />
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I've made a few goals for the remainder of the year to help me keep my focus and not just wail about how much life sucks. Because it doesn't suck. It just sucks right now and I know it'll eventually get better and I'll be able to move on with my life, not constantly dwelling on the past.<br />
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<strong>By December 31st, 2013 I will:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Take the GMAT and get into business school (which means I also need to decide on which program I want to do!).</li>
<li>Not date until 2014.</li>
<li>Strive to eat healthier and drink less.</li>
<li>Find my zen at yoga at least once a week.</li>
<li>Go on a trip, just me and Coop.</li>
<li>Move on</li>
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I had such a great meal with Katie, Nathan, and Brian last night, and I will miss those two boys while they're off exploring a new city. We ate at <a href="http://www.coalvines.com/home.htm" target="_blank">Coal Vines</a> in Uptown and I had the roasted chicken with arugala salad. Super tasty! They have these zuchinni chips as an appetizer that are incredible!! And lots of wine. :)<br />
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Today it's raining in Dallas. The storm moved in really quickly and the radar had a red line going across the screen, but actually being in the thick of the storm 17 stories up, it's not too bad. I expected more lightning and thunder. Here's a view from my desk.<br />
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Tonight's <strong>Taco Tuesday</strong> and I'm going old school with some good 'ol crunchy beef tacos. Except mine will be over a bed of lettuce with no cheese or tortilla shell. <a href="http://www.snhblog.com/p/lifestyle.html" target="_blank">Yeast Free</a> has helped me lose two pounds so far! {It was four but then I ate and drank my weight this past weekend.}<br />
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It's 5:00 now. Goodbyeeeee!<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-21712698782947462342013-01-28T09:29:00.003-06:002013-01-28T09:29:29.951-06:00Weekend Update: Single in the CityThis weekend was a little bit out of control, but I had so much fun that I don't even care that I didn't get any laundry done, or get groceries for the week, or deal with anything for my sorority alumni party planning. <em>Or be frugal.</em> No, no. I had fun. And a lot of it. And I was surrounded by friends and went back to my favorite bar of all time AND DRANK BEER! Beer is not on my diet. But <strong>beer is delicious</strong>.<br />
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I'd like to say the weekend started on Thursday when I went home from work sick and napped in the sunshine for five hours. Heaven! I'm so thankful for sunny days in January. It makes me so excited for summer!<br />
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Friday we had a work happy hour at <a href="http://saintanndallas.com/" target="_blank">St. Ann's</a> and a couple of us decided to stay for dinner. Oh man. St. Ann's is so freakin' delicious. And valet is <strong>free</strong> so that makes me like it 10 times more. I had the bacon jalepeno bites. <em>With wine</em>.<br />
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Then I went back home and took forever trying to find an outfit I liked. There were none so I settled on one that was meh and met up with friends at <a href="http://www.thelemonbar.net/Dallas_Location/Dallas.html" target="_blank">The Lemon Bar</a>. I hadn't been there before and it seems pretty swanky. The upstairs bar is cool and lounge-ish. After that we went to <a href="http://www.oldmonkdallas.com/" target="_blank">The Old Monk</a> and that's where the night ended. Sadly it wasn't the Slip Inn. But it was a good night! An old <em>(really old)</em> man at The Old Monk offered to take me on a trip to go skiing in Colorado and a girl gave me an Uber gift card (Sweet!) and also possible freelance doing copy for her PR company! Makin' out like a bandit, I tell you!<br />
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Saturday morning I was awoken by Molly telling me to get my ass ready for brunch. So I did! We went to <a href="http://thecedarssocial.com/" target="_blank">The Cedars Social</a> and ohmagah SOOOOO great! Ask for Danny. He's a cutie and an awesome waiter. <u>Our bottomless mimosas were never empty.</u> Ever. And I had the steak and eggs. Paleo FTW!<br />
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Then we went back to her place for some wining and dinosaurs. But Jurassic Park didn't record! BLAST! So one Walmart trip later we were back with Jurassic Park and a meat tray. <em>Mmmmmm meat.</em> We slumbered for a short while with the pups before heading out for dinner. <br />
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<a href="http://www.maxswinedive.com/dallas/menus/index.php" target="_blank">Max's Wine Dive</a>, y'all. <strong>Do yourselves a favor and go.</strong> The waitstaff is awesome and the food is sooo good. We started our with Chicken Fried Brussels Sprouts and Duck Leg with White Bean. Then we split a 26oz steak with au gratin potatoes and bone marrow. And now my mouth is watering.<br />
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That's my empty plate with three wine glasses because Molly couldn't decide which wine she wanted. Gotta try 'em all!<br />
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Sunday morning I went to yoga with Sarah and then met up with friends at the best bar in the entire world, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WBCBottleShop" target="_blank">The Bottle Shop</a>. That is seriously <strong>my happy place</strong>. <br />
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On top of such a fun-filled weekend, Cooper let me sleep in until 9:00am both days! He's usually an early riser so we're up by 7:00am at the latest, so it was the cherry to my delicious Sundae of a weekend. <em>If this is what single is like, I think I'm going to be just fine.</em><br />
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<a border="0" href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" www.samisshenanigans.com="">http://www.samisshenanigans.com/</a>" target="_blank"><img albums="" aubreykinch="" http:="" i1153.photobucket.com="" p516="" quot="" src="<a href=" x400button.png="" /><br />
http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p516/aubreykinch/400x400Button.png"/>>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-80350874181786938612013-01-25T09:02:00.000-06:002013-01-25T09:18:55.928-06:00Moving on<strong>I'm feeling a lot better</strong> and I'm in a much better place since Tuesday night. It still hurts to know that our relationship is over, and I know that most of that hurt is from the abrupt ending and lack of closure, but I'm trying my best to move on and stay positive. I'm pretty good at seeing the positives in a situation, and I do, but that doesn't make the hurting just stop.<br />
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My friends have been doing an <strong><em>amazing</em></strong> job of making me feel loved and taking my mind off the situation. And they're there to hash everything out and go over the details when I want to and give me the reassurance that I need right now. I'm feeling vulnerable. They're helping me pick up the pieces.<br />
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But I know that <strong>you can't make a person love you</strong> and I have to keep telling myself that. The crying has mostly stopped. The pain is still there and sometimes it really does feel like there's a part of me missing. This was the first relationship that I was in that I fell hard and fast and I couldn't help but put his happiness above mine. I thought he was perfect for me. I've never felt so committed to anyone as I was with him. He made me happy just being around him. And I miss him. <br />
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I've had this thought in the back of my head that <em>maybe we'll get back together</em>, but we could never do that. His actions, the way that he ended it with a lack of emotion or care for me, make me realize a major character flaw. I still think he's a wonderful person, but I could never trust him with my heart again. And that really makes me sad.<br />
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This weekend will be really good for me. Tonight I'm going out with friends to dance and drink. A lot. Tomorrow I'll wake up late and maybe go shopping before heading to yoga with some friends. Kacie, one of my closest girlfriends, has her birthday party tomorrow night at a restaurant that is probably amazing. She throws some of the best parties and is so thoughtful to the people invited, atmosphere, and of course, food. I'm looking forward to it. Sunday will be a run in the morning and then yoga with Jill. She's incredible and I'm so looking forward to zenning out with her. I need to keep myself busy to move on, and I'm doing just that.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-86920075243344283592013-01-23T09:28:00.001-06:002013-01-23T09:28:43.329-06:00Single.After sleeping on it for a night, I'm feeling slightly better this morning. But only slightly. <br />
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I'm so angry at this point. I'm still really sad that our relationship is over, and I feel really dumb that I was so blindsided by the end, but I'm angry because I feel like I had no say. It was just over. There was no talking about it {because it was via text, which is just a really shitty way to have any serious conversation.}<br />
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I'm trying to see all the positives in my life, and I know they are plenty.<br />
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<li>My friends who immediately offered to come to my house at midnight to cheer me up last night.</li>
<li>My dog who snored by my side all night long.</li>
<li>The Dallas Running Club that I just joined. Endorphins! </li>
<li>The weight I'm going to lose because I have absolutely no appetite. Although I will need to force feed myself if I'm runnning...</li>
<li>The money I'm going to get back from returning his Valentine's Day present.</li>
<li>The extra time I will have to focus on studying for and taking the GMAT. <em>Finally.</em></li>
<li>The cute guys I can flirt with when I go out. </li>
<li>My awesome coworkers who comfort me at work when I'm a crying mess. I really do wish I weren't so emotional.</li>
<li>My friends' husbands/boyfriends that send me nice messages to cheer me up. I'm so thankful to know that there are mature, stand-up guys out there.</li>
<li>Can I say my dog again? I just really love my boy.</li>
<li>My mom and stepdad who are so supportive of everything I do, even when I fail miserably. {cough:: half-marathon:: cough}</li>
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So I know I will get through this crappy time, but I also know it will take time. This isn't my first break up. Unfortunately, I've felt heartbreak before. In the meantime I'll keep myself busy by surrounding myself with friends and focusing on what makes me happy. I am so thankful for the time that we did have together, because he is a really good guy even though his actions this past day might not reflect that. I just don't think I can see him for a while.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-66067571778723995812013-01-22T23:18:00.000-06:002013-01-22T23:18:11.783-06:00So I just got broken up with over text message.I'm so mad and so hurt right now. I want to curse him for making feel this way OVER A TEXT MESSAGE(!!) but my feelings for him aren't just over and gone because he broke up with me. This sucks so bad! I can't believe that a day ago he was telling me he loved me and today it isn't working. Wouldn't it have not been working last night too? Why couldn't he have waited to tell me face to face? I feel like I deserve that much. <div>
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How could I have been so delusional to think that he was in love with me? Did he ever love me or just until he got tired of me? That fucking asshole made me fall in love with him and then he broke my heart! I feel like I should have paid more attention to the signs when he was seeming distant. I tried giving him space and then when that didn't seem to help I talked to him about it...and a week later we're over. I should have been preparing myself for the worst instead of hoping for the best. </div>
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I feel like my confidence is gone. God this really sucks so bad. I feel so alone right now. I fell really fast for Rich and our relationship is ending almost as abruptly. </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-3814508700294409412013-01-17T09:01:00.001-06:002013-01-17T09:01:19.193-06:00Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. - Hair BowLinking up with <a href="http://www.snhblog.com/" target="_blank">Steph</a> and <a href="http://www.mykeepcalmandcarryon.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a> again today!<br />
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I pinned this bad boy a while back, but thought it would be fun to wear today to work. I have a Minnie Mouse sorta look going on, but I still think it's cute.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/245235142180759913/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="1822" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/17944098486215154_WU58C01b_c.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://blog.poetrycollection.co.za/2012/07/pretty-friday/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">blog.poetrycollection.co.za</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/nakennedy/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nicole</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I think I have more layers than the girl in the original pin, so I also wrapped the extra pieces around the bun. It took me less than five minutes to do this style this morning.<br />
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I still can't figure out how to add their button to my blog so if you can help, please let me know!</div>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-67535626525992642742013-01-16T11:19:00.001-06:002013-01-16T11:19:13.442-06:0013.1 on 1.13I ran my first half marathon this past Sunday, and I'm so glad I did! One of my life goals is to run a marathon so I'm slowly getting my mileage up there.<br />
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Everyone asked if I was nervous before the race, and I really wasn't. I didn't train for the month before the race (bad move) but I knew I would finish because I'm incredibly stubborn. It's a gift. What can I say?<br />
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The furthest I had run prior to the race was seven miles, and that was torturous. I did more of a run/walk and by the end of it my thighs had chaffed and I was worn out. So 13.1 miles should be fine! <em> Right...</em><br />
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The night before our race, Andrea and I loaded up on carbs thanks to the incredible <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/ah-la-cart-austin" target="_blank">Chef Ron</a> and my dear friend, Julie. Andrea picked me up at five in the morning, and we headed to the start line with her friend, Kim. It was right at 30 degrees outside with 5-25 mph winds. Pretty dang cold!<br />
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Before the race-- I had no idea what I had gotten myself into...</div>
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We all ran together for the first seven miles, and I surprised myself by feeling perfectly fine, even enjoying the run! And then my knees started aching. It was so painful so I did a walk/run until mile 10 where my body quit on me. It took everything in me to get through those last three miles. I was also really cold after I had to stop running and my hands were freezing! I was in so much pain in every part of my lower body-- my hips joints, my knees, my ankles, my arches, my toes-- it all hurt. But I refused to give up and have a friend or the EMS folks zip me to the finish. No, I was going to finish this beast if it killed me. <br />
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You can see the pain in my face.</div>
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(Sorry for the proof mark. I am NOT buying these terrible photos.)</div>
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It about did. I limped through the finish line. <br />
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Finisher!</div>
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Then I grabbed a cookie from Tiff's Treats and a banana, and sat down until Andrea picked me up. Walking was painful for the next two days, but it's Day Three of my recovery and I'm feeling great! I can walk without a limp and the only thing that's hurting are my thighs whenever I sit or stand. Other than that I think I'm ready for this weekend's run! <br />
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Andrea and I have another half marathon in one month so I have to keep training. Though I'm pretty sure I can finish this one with a better time than Sunday's race...Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-29283683457010650032013-01-14T09:34:00.001-06:002013-01-14T09:34:55.357-06:00Days 4 and 5 - NYCAfter a night of fun, we slept in and woke up to get bagels and coffee. It was very strange to walk around New York on New Year's Day--the city was dead. There weren't hoards of people walking on the sidewalks or driving around. It felt like we had the whole city to ourselves! <br />
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We stopped in to <a href="http://www.brooklynbagelandcoffeecompany.com/ordereze/default.aspx" target="_blank">Brooklyn's Bagels</a> for a full breakfast {and lunch}. I had a whole wheat everything bagel with plain cream cheese, lox, tomato, onions, and capers. It was humongous {so was Rich's bagel} so we ended up eating them for our lunch.<br />
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After getting some breakfast, we wandered the city. We decided to walk through Central Park, and I guess this is where everyone we didn't see walking the streets had gone to. There were tourists taking pictures and lots of people exercising. Oh, and tons of people walking their dogs <i>who were all the cutest</i>! I wanted to pet every single puppy but I don't think Rich would have been very amused. {My puppy is sitting next to me helping me blog right this second!}<br />
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As we were wandering, we looked to our right and noticed <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/" target="_blank">The Guggenheim</a>. Our original plan was to go to The Met, but that was closed so we decided to warm up and admire the art and architecture {mostly the architecture} of this gorgeous museum. This shot is looking up from the lobby of the museum.<br />
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Here we're trying to get the cool spiral ceiling behind us. Fail. </div>
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The next day we went to the Chelsea Market to check out all of the cool shops. There was this meat shop. Mmmmmm meat. :) There was also an Italian grocery store with meats and cheeses and chocolates and LOTS of espresso. I had some split pea soup from the soup shop.</div>
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The whole place was decorated with really fun art displays and there was a guy who was amazing on cello. I really liked this column that was covered in Christmas lights.</div>
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After checking out the Chelsea Market, we had to run into CVS and OHHHH MYYYY GOSHHH do you see this ceiling?! It's the prettiest CVS I've ever seen. I think it used to be an old bank.</div>
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Then we went to Rich's friend's office to visit and this is their view. It's looking North over Chinatown. What a view!</div>
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And then I turned into a tourist. NYFD Fire Truck!</div>
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Here's a look at all the cheap chotchkies for sale in China Town. </div>
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We were heading to <a href="http://www.ferraracafe.com/home.php" target="_blank">Ferrara's</a> for some canoli and coffee.</div>
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This is Little Italy. All of the fire hydrants are painted like the Italian Flag (red, green, and white) and they still had their Christmas decorations covering their businesses. I loved it!</div>
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After getting some delicious sweets in Little Italy, we headed to see Ground Zero and the memorial, except you can only see it with advance passes. <i>Wamp wamp.</i> We didn't know that so instead we walked around. I had no idea how huge this area was. It's 16 acres, which is HUGE in NYC terms. <br />
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This building is The Freedom Tower, and when they put the spire on, it will be 1776 ft tall.</div>
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View from another side.</div>
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We were freezing after walking around so we stopped in at O'Hara's, except it wasn't. It was an <a href="http://www.ruchinyc.com/" target="_blank">Indian restaurant</a> with this cool ceiling, so we had a few drinks and warmed up before heading back to the hotel. The food smelled delicious but we had plans to go to <a href="http://www.butterrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Butter </a>that night.</div>
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After dinner at Butter (we love our Iron Chefs!), Rich took me to Washington Square. The park is really pretty at night. Can you see the Empire State Building behind the arch?</div>
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Couple shot with the arch!</div>
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And another shot of the arch. We need some of these in Dallas.</div>
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That night we went to <a href="http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/" target="_blank">McSorley's Old Ale House</a> to meet up with one of Rich's friends. That place is so cool! It's the oldest pub in New York and Abraham Lincoln used to get a drink there. They even have an original John Wilkes Booth Wanted poster. We met some nice NYU kids and had such a fun night! Probably a little too fun...haha!<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-53162225931795187372013-01-10T11:42:00.000-06:002013-01-10T11:42:28.844-06:00Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.Today I'm taking a break from my trip recap to join Stephanie from <a href="http://www.snhblog.com/" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a> with her link up -- Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. <br />
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I freakin' love Pinterest, though my obsession comes in spurts. Right now I'm all over <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/" target="_blank">Buzzfeed</a>. It's addicting and hilarious and informative and just great. Go read it!<br />
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Anyway, I've been wanting to link up with these girls (Katie from <a href="http://www.mykeepcalmandcarryon.com/" target="_blank">Keep Calm</a> co-hosts) for a few weeks and remembered that I have photo evidence of a SIPIDI (saw it, pinned it, did it, ya dig?)!<br />
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I actually saw this somewhere else in the interwebs (Buzzfeed maybe?) but it's all over Pinterest in a variety of ways (why oh why didn't I paint with sparkles?!?).<br />
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The Pin:<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/245235142181190815/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/180003316328291022_F8lHcHr6_c.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/alannaokun/21-diy-trends-that-dominated-2012?sub=1939306_775368" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">buzzfeed.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/nakennedy/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nicole</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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All you need are:<br />
1. Keys that look exactly the same but are not, in fact, the same.<br />
2. Nail polish.<br />
3. Something to stick the keys into (I used a potted plant and stuck them in the soil).<br />
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What you do:<br />
Paint the top portion of each key with a different color nail polish. I used two coats on each key, letting them dry in between coats. Let them fully dry and put them back on the key ring.<br />
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Ta Da!</div>
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And I use 'em every day!</div>
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<a href="http://www.snhblog.com/2013/01/saw-it-pinned-it-did-it-hello-from-your.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the other links because I'm to slow to understand how putting a button on my blog works...lame.<span id="goog_687655960"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_687655961"></span></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-806501238776108372013-01-09T13:14:00.002-06:002013-01-09T13:14:36.523-06:00Days 2 and 3 - Philadelphia to NYCOn our second day in Philadelphia, we woke early and a little dreary-eyed (Thanks a lot <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Franks/273443706227" target="_blank">Dirty Frank's</a>) to take the train to see Rich's parents in another part of Pennsylvania. It was my first time on a train!!! Yes, I've been on subways before, but this train went ABOVE GROUND! (though it did start below.) So I documented mundane things like....<br />
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Rich standing in the train station!</div>
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And a train behind us!</div>
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Once his parents picked us up we immediately drove across the river to Jersey to pick up his younger brother and head to the Shore. <em>Sick, Bro!</em> We drove around looking at the destruction Hurricane Sandy had caused-- houses filled with sand, once flat boardwalks warped and twisted, entire homes moved off of their foundations, but I didn't feel appropriate to take pictures of anything. I'm not a fan of destruction and devastation unless it's on Emma and David's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhoITmb4518" target="_blank">Kinect Party</a>. (Check out the dragons at 1:01)<br />
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After roaming around in the freezing cold, windy weather, we stopped at his parents' friends' house and I met Lucky Cat! I can't resist a cute kitty picture. Can you see the crazy in his eyes? It's there and I had the bite marks to prove it! Then we grabbed pizza, opened Christmas gifts, and headed back to Philly.<br />
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New Years Eve we woke up hungry and found a cute little cafe called<a href="http://sabrinascafe.com/" target="_blank"> Sabrina's Cafe and Spencer's Too.</a> Delicious and HUGE servings! I had one of their specials-- Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon, Avocado, and home fries on the side. They didn't serve mimosas so we went in search of a watering hole.<br />
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Pretty cherry blossoms (I think) we saw on our trek.</div>
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We found what we were looking for at <a href="http://www.thekiteandkey.com/wp/" target="_blank">Kite and Key</a>. Of course, that's after we walked around for 30 minutes because nothing was open at 10:30 in the morning.</div>
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And then we got on our train to New York City!! There's a train person taking tickets up there.</div>
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The most flattering picture of us on the train. New York bound!</div>
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Once we got in, we went to the <a href="http://cornerbistrony.com/" target="_blank">Corner Bistro</a> to get the Bistro Burger, and it was THE best burger I've ever had. Juicy and delicious and it makes my mouth water just thinking about it! After that we went back to the hotel to get ready for our swanky New Years Eve party in the Meat Packing District.<br />
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Here's our NYE goodies at our own <em>private</em> table at <a href="http://togrp.com/togrp-stk-meatpacking-district/about/" target="_blank">STK</a>. <em>FANSAY!</em></div>
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We didn't sit alone at our little table for long. We made friends!</div>
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Me and my honey all dressed up :)</div>
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Another new friend! She and her friend were on the prowl for fresh man meat. Hopefully they found what they were looking for! They were pretty hilarious.</div>
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Mellini (pronouced like bellini), our new Brazillian friend. She's a personal trainer in Brooklyn AND Brazillian so obviously she's gorgeous!</div>
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We left around 2 in the morning and grabbed food from a street food cart and I forgot my purse, which had my ID, which I needed in order to get back home to Texas. Thank goodness for moms who overnight passports! It was a fun, eventful New Years and I'm so happy I got to spend it with the man I love!</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-83916592419510872032013-01-08T13:45:00.001-06:002013-01-08T13:47:28.710-06:00My first trip to PhillyAnd hopefully not my last! I really loved this city and wish that we could have stayed longer. Next time I want to check out the history of the city more and maybe go on a guided tour. I will say they have pretty awesome people that live there. Everyone was so nice! My boyfriend warned me that folks from the Northeast could be cranky, but I didn't see that, thank goodness. I don't deal well with rude.<br />
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First night - late night grub at TGIF</div>
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The view from our hotel room. It snowed the first day!</div>
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Philly Cheesesteaks "Double Whiz Wit" which translates to double the cheese whiz with onions</div>
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The view from the restaurant. Do you see the huge, creepy ants on the building across the street?<br />
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Almost done! These babies were delish!<br />
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Stoped in at <a href="http://www.jones-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Jones</a> to warm up. Rich is drinking beer made from George Washington's recipe.<br />
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Touring Indenpendence Hall<br />
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That painting above is of this room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. </div>
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So cool to be so close to history!<br />
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THE BEST meal I've ever had in my life. Everything chosen by the chef included the drink pairings. It was out of this world. </div>
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I have a new goal in life -- to one day have my own personal Chef Morimoto.<br />
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Enjoying our Morimoto dinner. We were in heaven!<br />
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And that was just the first day there! Next up days two and three!</div>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-55881253443396186702012-12-04T12:25:00.002-06:002012-12-04T12:25:31.635-06:00Tis the Season!Tis the Season to buy gifts for all those wonderful people in your life! I love giving gifts. LOVE IT! And I'm terrible at recieving gifts. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to act super excited or just say 'thanks' and be done with it. It's a really awkward sitution for all involved, but for some reason I keep getting gifts every year. They must love me or somethin'. <br />
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Here are my top ten gifts I'm hoping to find under the tree this year:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnXjoLabPNY/UL44710FSDI/AAAAAAAAB70/E0ZheTfMiyE/s1600/Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnXjoLabPNY/UL44710FSDI/AAAAAAAAB70/E0ZheTfMiyE/s400/Texas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Totally-Bamboo-Texas-Cutting-Board/dp/B003WJQ35W" target="_blank">Texas-shaped Cutting Board</a> is freakin' awesome! I'd probably leave it out all the time so everyone could admire my sweet cutting board.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDInqt-W5Ws/UL450PQbSdI/AAAAAAAAB78/3kyvT_4Yg-k/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDInqt-W5Ws/UL450PQbSdI/AAAAAAAAB78/3kyvT_4Yg-k/s400/bar.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sixteenth-Century-Italian-Replica-World-Globe/dp/B002CJXVYO" target="_blank">bar</a>. It's a geography lesson and a party in one. This may be a <strong><em>need</em></strong> more than a want.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFpMwhCSSME/UL46K1AUzeI/AAAAAAAAB8E/7COLv2O8Frs/s1600/coat+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFpMwhCSSME/UL46K1AUzeI/AAAAAAAAB8E/7COLv2O8Frs/s400/coat+rack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My coats hang over chairs or on tables all winter. It'd be nice to have a <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/metal-scroll-coat-rack.do?&from=Search" target="_blank">pretty place to hang</a> our coats.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6LVOcFrYPk/UL46cBrhkQI/AAAAAAAAB8M/dyNbys0s1EQ/s1600/katespade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6LVOcFrYPk/UL46cBrhkQI/AAAAAAAAB8M/dyNbys0s1EQ/s400/katespade.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I love this <a href="http://www.katespade.com/striped-celina-dress/NJMU1815,default,pd.html?dwvar_NJMU1815_color=056&start=28&cgid=clothing-dresses-and-skirts" target="_blank">Kate Spade dress</a>, but I love everything Kate Spade. Her lines are clean and classic from her clothing to her purses to her china. She can do no wrong.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lf_wp2e7Y4/UL47D08ORQI/AAAAAAAAB8U/Z9S0kEMKiWo/s1600/nail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lf_wp2e7Y4/UL47D08ORQI/AAAAAAAAB8U/Z9S0kEMKiWo/s400/nail.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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This is the perfect New Year's Eve <a href="http://www.orlybeauty.com/holiday-soiree.php" target="_blank">polish</a>, so it'd be perfect if it arrived on Christmas Day!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBzR8ns1Vng/UL473vOZW8I/AAAAAAAAB8c/_qFm3LztMyU/s1600/opal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBzR8ns1Vng/UL473vOZW8I/AAAAAAAAB8c/_qFm3LztMyU/s400/opal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of my favorite gemstones is opal. I love how each one has different straitions of color and don't these look perfet next to diamonds? I think yes! (No clue where this is from...found it on <a href="http://pinterest.com/nakennedy/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KeCBlmg6Blo/UL48YqhAkSI/AAAAAAAAB8k/IhvGoP6LnZc/s1600/lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KeCBlmg6Blo/UL48YqhAkSI/AAAAAAAAB8k/IhvGoP6LnZc/s400/lamp.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ideeli.com/products/2062730?MuttAndJeff=1&color_id=3003222&mi=pinterest&sku_id=10839962&utm_source=pinterest" target="_blank">This lamp</a> is so cool. It's sophisticated and crazy all in one (kinda like me!). Party on the top, plumbing on the bottom....yeah, that doesn't really work. I'd just have to make sure Cooper doesn't think it's a REAL fire hydrant.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1ILGUOX4Tg/UL49UiR68II/AAAAAAAAB80/9TR83oGSvro/s1600/tswift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1ILGUOX4Tg/UL49UiR68II/AAAAAAAAB80/9TR83oGSvro/s400/tswift.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XNZMOU/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_zu8Tqb1D8X8N9" target="_blank">Taylor Swift</a> is a fave. And since her first single off of this record was my most recent break-up anthem, I'm betting I'll like the rest of her stuff.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHw_YAPiPq8/UL49Si63dII/AAAAAAAAB8s/Ei_S1T1wGrk/s1600/texas+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHw_YAPiPq8/UL49Si63dII/AAAAAAAAB8s/Ei_S1T1wGrk/s400/texas+shirt.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Aaaaand we're back to Texas stuff. What can I say? I'm obsessed with my state. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101638849/large-adorable-sexy-cute-born-raised?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Born & Raised</a>, baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IpBSnvlSoU/UL4-ZpRW18I/AAAAAAAAB88/9ZDb0--XrGg/s1600/squirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IpBSnvlSoU/UL4-ZpRW18I/AAAAAAAAB88/9ZDb0--XrGg/s400/squirrel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Davy-Crack-Squirrel-Nutcracker/dp/B0002L1056" target="_blank">nutcracker</a> is so freakin' cute that I'd keep him out year round! So cute!!<br />
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Honestly it was really tough this year to pick out things that I wanted for my birthday and Christmas. I guess I just buy crap when I want it now. I've tried to be more minimalist with my crap lately and only buy things when I really want them. Adult? Me? What? No! And on that note, bu-bye now!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-65973249111689065772012-12-03T15:27:00.002-06:002012-12-03T15:27:42.268-06:00What will they remember you by?I'm an avid mommy-blogger-reader. I read probably <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">10</a> <a href="http://www.lovefromtexas.com/" target="_blank">mommy</a> <a href="http://elefantitasalegres.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogs</a> <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/" target="_blank">each</a> <a href="http://lukeandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">day</a> (interspersed with <a href="http://www.snhblog.com/" target="_blank">Twenty-something girl blogs</a>, <a href="http://fuckiminmy20s.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">innappropriate humor blogs</a> and <a href="http://www.candysdirt.com/" target="_blank">real estate blogs</a>) and a recent blog entry on <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/11/motherhood-monday-do-your-eyes-light-up.html" target="_blank">Cup of Jo</a> about how your eyes should light up when your child enters the room, and it brought me back to this memory I have from when I was probably 10 years old. <br />
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At that point my mom, stepdad and I were living in Austin, but I still visited my dad in Houston regularly. We had a very close relationship with my aunt, uncle and cousins who lived in League City, and we'd hang out with them pretty much every weekend I was in town. On this particular day, my aunt and uncle had just bought a brand new Suburban. The second my uncle pulled into the driveway, we were all out there checking out this huge new car. It was awesome! And huge! There were so many doors and seats and as I climbed from the front seat to the back seat (there was no center console installed yet) my uncle <strong><span style="font-size: large;">screamed</span></strong> at me that I was ruining his new car. I was shocked and stunned and froze up as he continued to yell at me about his nice, new car that I was messing up by crawling through where the console would eventually be installed a few days later. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUHjPcxzOTM/UL0Vx717VyI/AAAAAAAAB7k/C-PC54qTvW4/s1600/kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUHjPcxzOTM/UL0Vx717VyI/AAAAAAAAB7k/C-PC54qTvW4/s640/kid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>Why is it that this memory is so vivid in my head?</em> It wasn't supposed to be a life changing experience. I was just getting yelled at by my uncle for doing something that he didn't want me to do. Adults yell at kids all of the time. But I still react the same way to someone yelling at me to this day. I freeze up. I take it. I take the yelling in my face (and this is <em><u>much more rare</u></em> of an incident as an adult) and I cry. Ugly crying with big tears to where my face swells up.<br />
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And the more I think about it, the more I realize that I remember my uncle as angry. I don't see him any more because of family drama reasons that I won't get into at the moment, but my main memory of him is this incident when I was a child. And I don't EVER want to be remembered as the friend/significant other/daughter/aunt/wife/mom/whatever who is angry all the time. Or who is mean to others. Or makes anyone feel bad. I don't ever want to be remembered that way by anyone I come across in this life. <span style="font-size: large;"><em>I want people to remember my happiness and laughter and jokes and meals with friends and love and caring, deep hugs and everything that is good in this world.</em></span> I want to be remembered by that. <br />
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Going back to the Cup of Jo post, she suggests your eyes light up when your child enters the room so that they know they're loved. My eyes should light up any time a loved one comes in the room. I want my loved ones to remember that about me.<br />
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PS: Don't yell at people. It's just plain rude!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-12646863976818403112012-10-08T15:04:00.002-05:002012-10-08T15:04:30.294-05:00Top 3 Pet PeevesYou know how there are little things that people do that drive you completely nuts, and you know that you're nuts for letting yourself get so worked up over this crap? I have a few pet peeves that are completely ridiculous. <br />
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<strong><u>The Microwave Timer</u></strong><br />
Good god <em>CAN NO ONE HIT 'CLEAR' AFTER THEIR FOOD IS DONE?!?</em> I cannot stand seeing anything but the correct time on the microwave, and by god it MUST match the oven time or I really might lose my shit.<br />
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<strong><u>Weird Smells</u></strong><br />
I have an abnormally keen sense of smell. If there is a weird smell, it needs to go away now. The problem, though, with my keen sense of smell is that I smell things way before anyone else does and it smells way stronger to me. It drives me nuts when I ask if anyone can smell that disgusting smell and no one knows what the hell I'm talking about. <br />
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<strong><u>Cell Phones</u></strong><br />
I hate cell phones and I use mine everyday. The thing I hate about the cell phone is that it's an excuse for so many people to ignore those around them, and that's just rude. Put the FREAKIN' cell phone away and talk to the company you're sharing. Do not read the news. Do not text your bff. That can wait until you're alone. Enjoy the company of others (ahem, me). If you do choose your cell phone over conversation with me, don't expect me to hang out with you too often.<br />
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Bugs me!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-75307634349904945242012-08-17T13:34:00.001-05:002012-08-17T13:34:43.656-05:00Roasted Brussels Sprout Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2BI50k9mWw/UC6IVQTn1OI/AAAAAAAAB6k/dxr9ytc65NY/s1600/photo%289%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2BI50k9mWw/UC6IVQTn1OI/AAAAAAAAB6k/dxr9ytc65NY/s1600/photo%289%29.JPG" /></a></div>
I recently bought this weird looking vegetable at the grocery store and didn't know quite what to do with it. I decided to roast the Brussels sprouts and if you think you don't like them, try them roasted in olive oil...mmmm, so good!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ocU4N1KMNo/UC6I-Q0Z6CI/AAAAAAAAB6s/BdljUtMQ5jk/s1600/photo%2811%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ocU4N1KMNo/UC6I-Q0Z6CI/AAAAAAAAB6s/BdljUtMQ5jk/s1600/photo%2811%29.JPG" /></a></div>
We had some left over pizza dough from the night before. I use Pioneer Woman's <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/02/my-favorite-pizza/" target="_blank">pizza dough recipe</a>. Pretty much everything she makes is incredible and I get a lot of my inspiration from her recipes.<br />
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<b>PW Pizza Dough </b><br />
<span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="name"></span></span><ul>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> Active Dry Or Instant Yeast</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">4 cups</span><span itemprop="name"> All-purpose Flour</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> Kosher Salt</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/3 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> Extra Virgin Olive Oil</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="name"> </span></span><br />1. Sprinkle yeast over 1 1/2 cups warm (not lukewarm) water.<br />
2. In a mixer, combine flour and salt. With the mixer running on low speed
(with paddle attachment), drizzle in olive oil until combined with
flour. Next, pour in yeast/water mixture and mix until just combined.<br />
3. Coat a separate mixing bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil, and
form the dough into a ball. Toss to coat dough in olive oil, then cover
the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you
need it. ***It's best to make the dough at least 24 hours in advance,
and 3 or 4 days is even better.<br />
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<b>Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pizza</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts, cut in half </li>
<li>1/4 cup thinly sliced bell pepper</li>
<li>1/4 cup diced tomatos</li>
<li>1/2 cup shredded cheese</li>
<li>EVOO</li>
</ul>
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees.<br />
2. To roast the Brussels sprouts: Slice the sprouts in half, cover in olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast for 10 minutes on each side or until the sprouts turn golden brown on the edges.<br />
2. Use 1/2 the pizza dough and stretch it out onto a baking sheet.<br />
3. Drizzle olive oil over the dough and spread it around evenly with your fingers. <br />
4. Put the Brussels sprouts, bell pepper slices and tomatos around the pizza. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the pizza. I also used a bit of grated Manchego cheese to punch up the flavor.<br />
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is a golden brown. Slice pizza immediately from the oven and enjoy!<br />
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I made a quick dessert of Nutella and sliced strawberries on toast. Everything is better with Nutella!<br />
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And I would never leave you without a picture of Cooper! I think he looks like a little cow with his red bandana.<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-53050954769894636852012-08-17T12:52:00.001-05:002012-08-17T12:52:13.270-05:00Ridiculously Easy Crock Pot ChiliThis is a recipe I've been making for a while and it's so easy
because you can add whatever you like in your chili and then go do
whatever you want...like apply for jobs or lay in the sun with your bff
who has Mondays off.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uevTXuyJN8/UCBzEWjVCtI/AAAAAAAAB6I/97-UKfaafqk/s1600/photo%288%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uevTXuyJN8/UCBzEWjVCtI/AAAAAAAAB6I/97-UKfaafqk/s1600/photo%288%29.JPG" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Ridiculously Easy Crock Pot Chili</b></u><br />
Prep: 25 minutes<br />
Cook time: 6 hours<br />
Servings: At least 8. Probably 10. It's a lot of chili.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 lb ground turkey<br />
1 1/2 yellow onions, diced<br />
4 cloves garlic, diced<br />
2 jalapenos, diced<br />
1 bell pepper, diced <br />
1 can diced tomatoes<br />
2 cans kidney beans<br />
1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)<br />
shredded cheese<br />
sour cream <br />
<br />
Spices:<br />
Chili Powder<br />
Cayenne Pepper<br />
Ground Cumin<br />
Garlic Salt (or powder)<br />
White Pepper<br />
Black Pepper <br />
<br />
TIP:
I light a candle when I cut onions so my eyes aren't flowing with
tears. I'm not sure if it's an old wives tale but I swear by it.<br />
<br />
<br />
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1.
Put turkey in a non-stick skillet on medium heat and smoosh it down so
the whole pan is covered. Add chili powder until the turkey is mostly
covered in red deliciousness, then use about half that amount of cayenne
pepper and ground cumin. Lightly sprinkle garlic salt and white
pepper, and pile on the black pepper. Now mix it up so that the spices
are mixed in well with the meat.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W43DiBaQq-g/UCAibQA5a8I/AAAAAAAAB5Q/5A3VqmR6s-8/s1600/photo%283%29.JPG" /></div>
2. Once the turkey is mostly browned, add the diced onions, garlic, and jalapenos.<br />
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3. Add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot.<br />
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4.
Add in your meat mixture and stir that baby up! Then add more chili
powder (again, cover it in red), cumin and black pepper. Stir, stir,
stir some more. It should smell delicious at this point. <br />
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5. Set your timer for 6 hours and wait.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMYqHiNNe7A/UCAkNRpDq4I/AAAAAAAAB54/O6YnuLjPAwQ/s1600/photo.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMYqHiNNe7A/UCAkNRpDq4I/AAAAAAAAB54/O6YnuLjPAwQ/s320/photo.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KprbhIdDNbg/UCAkM9ti4eI/AAAAAAAAB5w/GSg-7l4q8Q0/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KprbhIdDNbg/UCAkM9ti4eI/AAAAAAAAB5w/GSg-7l4q8Q0/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cat enjoys his bed of extension cords.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once the time is up, add some sour cream and cheese and enjoy!<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-55686140595375715352012-02-01T15:55:00.000-06:002012-02-01T15:55:36.439-06:00Yeast Free Chocolate Cake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4DxnNai3lI/TymzbwMwiUI/AAAAAAAABgg/JydaK6e6w6s/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4DxnNai3lI/TymzbwMwiUI/AAAAAAAABgg/JydaK6e6w6s/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left is before, Right is after</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These were so simple to make. I think total time (prep and cook) was 5 minutes. Steph from <a href="http://thehowardsbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A BEAUtiful Mess</a> introduced me to this "Microwave Chocolate Cake" and I finally was able to try it last night. I <i>will </i>be having this again tonight for dessert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Microwaveable Chocolate Cake</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
1/4 Cup almond flour<br />
2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/3 Cup Truvia<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
2 Tablespoons butter or coconut/olive oil<br />
1 Tablespoon hot water<br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
Instructions:<br />
Mix all ingredients together in small mixing bowl.<br />
Spoon mixture into ramekins.<br />
Cover with wax paper and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.<br />
Enjoy! (Makes 2 small ramekins.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took Steph's advice and added 1 Tablespoon of natural peanut butter on top and let it melt. I <i>highly</i> recommend doing that!</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-63397183270686115172012-01-30T08:22:00.001-06:002012-01-30T08:22:56.336-06:00DIY -- Bow HolderSo quick and easy to make! I picked up my roommate's and my initial ($2/each) and pretty ribbon at JoAnn's.<br />
<br />
Paint the letters (I used acrylic) with a color that matches the ribbon. Let it dry and then put modge podge or some sort or sealer on the letters.<br />
<br />
Staple the ribbon (abt 1.5') to the back, bottom of the letter. <br />
<br />
Nail a hook into the wall where you want the bow holder and hang the letter on it. <br />
<br />
Tada!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tGF-VT7G0j0/TyanilNKo8I/AAAAAAAABgM/lvkkfU8mzPY/s640/blogger-image-31254103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tGF-VT7G0j0/TyanilNKo8I/AAAAAAAABgM/lvkkfU8mzPY/s640/blogger-image-31254103.jpg" /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-67853687982774355762012-01-29T18:15:00.001-06:002012-01-29T18:15:35.964-06:00Hanging with frandsMy friends are so funny and so much fun. Dying laughing at the acting and montages in "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus." Deborah Gibson, you aren't fooling anyone!!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rv90AUkIAYs/TyXhJkLCwLI/AAAAAAAABgE/OwBR81K6mJY/s640/blogger-image--765627549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rv90AUkIAYs/TyXhJkLCwLI/AAAAAAAABgE/OwBR81K6mJY/s640/blogger-image--765627549.jpg" /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6253961968737842573.post-80872982111600229352012-01-28T10:03:00.000-06:002012-01-28T10:03:51.509-06:00Things I found on the Internetz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASe-mxEsG6w/TyQXemw2PxI/AAAAAAAABfo/HiA27nbWNVE/s400/1.jpg" width="350" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://failblog.org/2011/12/29/mobile-phone-texting-autocorrect-autocowrecks-he-needs-to-clam-up/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">link</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cvwAw4jGWZA?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIiLaQkDVBI/TyQYW-eQQxI/AAAAAAAABfw/M3on37gPw1Y/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIiLaQkDVBI/TyQYW-eQQxI/AAAAAAAABfw/M3on37gPw1Y/s320/2.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/featured-shops/sp12-collections/urban-splendor-collection/n287s.html" target="_blank">link</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7cqOEr_yfak?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXJdjBHCzJs/TyQZFh2wJ5I/AAAAAAAABf4/NpC3DACQANY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXJdjBHCzJs/TyQZFh2wJ5I/AAAAAAAABf4/NpC3DACQANY/s320/3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/01/30-minute-buffalo-chicken-soup/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+howsweeteats%2FsmSp+%28How+Sweet+It+Is%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank"><strong>30 Minute Buffalo Chicken Soup </strong></a><br />
<em>serves 2 as a meal, 4 as a starter</em><br />
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8-10 oz), cooked and shredded<br />
2 tablespoons coconut oil<br />
1 sweet onion, diced<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1 tablespoon oat flour<br />
32 ounces low-sodium chicken stock<br />
1/3-1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce<br />
sliced green onions and cilantro for topping<br />
<br />
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Add onions with a sprinkle of salt to the pot, stirring to coat, then cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add in garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Sprinkle in flour and stir for another 1-2 minutes. Add in stock, buffalo sauce and chicken, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring every so often.<br />
<br />
Serve soup with cilantro and green onions on top. (I amended this a bit for my yeast free diet. Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce has vinegar and canola oil in it...but I love buffalo chicken so I'm letting that slide...)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.foodsubs.com/" target="_blank">The Cook's Thesaurus</a><br />
<br />
Besides finding all of this stuff on the Internetz I've been working like crazy and doing my best to follow my Mantra of 2012: SKINNY AND SINGLE!! I'm focusing on me this year. All of the energy I've given to men my entire life will be for me. I will look my best and feel my best this year. I will find happiness within myself. <br />
<br />
In the month of January I've already gone from a tight size 10 to a very loose size 8. My skin has cleared up. My mood is better. All in all, I'm much happier so far in 2012 than I was all of 2011. It's going to be a very good year. <br />
<br />
If you'd like to learn more about the Yeast Free diet I've been doing since January 16th, check it out <a href="http://www.physicianspreference.com/Yeast-Free-With-Me_b_259.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Steph from <a href="http://thehowardsbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A BEAUtiful Mess</a> blogged about it last year and I was intrigued. but this year I tried it and so far I'm loving it!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13129871696379184515noreply@blogger.com0