tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67347194044602442212024-03-13T14:21:31.811-07:00Modern Cottonshenanigans of a southern girl in a downtown worldAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-58680215328881161062014-06-13T09:19:00.000-07:002014-06-13T09:22:35.368-07:00Life Lately (Happy Friday)<span style="font-size: large;">Life lately has been a blur of travel, spreadsheets, to-do lists, and weddings--lots and lots of weddings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last weekend JT and I traveled to Savannah, Georgia, to see Kelsey Jo tie the knot, and tomorrow we go watch one of my sister's good friends do the same. OH, and I said 'yes' to the dress! It's an exciting time! Between planning my own wedding, going to my friend's, taking on extra responsibilities at work, and freelancing more, I'm excited to hopefully slow down a bit in the coming weeks. But, then again, maybe I won't, and that'll be wonderful, too.</span><br />
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MOH, Bride, MOB.</div>
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Captain and Mrs. John Hawkins!</div>
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our best "wait 'til you see the bride..!!" faces</div>
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pre-wedding kickball bridesmaids v. groomsmen</div>
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my very first item with my future monogram :)</div>
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#merica</div>
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Sweet Robby is growing like a weed! Those cheeks... #swoon</div>
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our fur baby, lilly, is pretty excited about JT's shift change</div>
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My latest "sweating for the dress" experiment .... eek...</div>
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And the reason I endure lemon juice with cayenne pepper... this stud of a wedding date.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it, life lately. Bonus: I think my Friday will be spent watching <a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6099336/katy-perry-kacey-musgraves-billboard-cover-story-tour-crossroads">this</a> and the Robster. #winning</span></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-33174997185360255002014-05-28T08:20:00.000-07:002014-05-28T08:20:30.414-07:00Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we lost one of the greats. Whether you simply pin her quotes on social media or read her poems and books, you know she was one inspirational woman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before Oprah, before Sheryl Sandberg, it was Maya Angelou who taught women to be strong, creative, humorous, and smart. That is no small feat.</span><br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-7137057193845422012014-05-20T10:12:00.001-07:002014-05-20T10:12:39.633-07:00If I Were 22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"</i></span><i style="font-size: x-large;">It's miserable and magical, oh yea" </i></div>
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<i>-Taylor Swift, "22"</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Only a few years removed from this lovely, scary, enlightening age, I have found this catchy tune to ring eerily true. It's a wonderful age in so many ways: you get to decide for probably the first time ever, what you <b>actually</b> want your life to look like. But as any double edged sword goes, that means it's <b>you</b> who have to decide where and what your life will look like... which is completely terrifying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recently found <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/channels/10000306?trk=prod-inf-ifiwere-0520-cutline">this series</a> and fell in love. I'm a sucker for advice and am always curious to learn more and what if? This series does just that. It takes nearly a hundred "influencers" in various fields and asks them, "If I Were 22..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's incredibly insightful, and I find myself diving down the rabbit hole of knowledge. A few of my favorites include <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140520112247-1291685-if-i-were-22-work-won-t-remember-that-weekend-you-didn-t-give-it-your-friends-will?trk=cha-feed-art-title-10000306">Naomi Simson's</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140520112307-270738-if-i-were-22-don-t-think-too-far-ahead-dare-to-dabble?trk=cha-feed-art-title-10000306">Julia Boorstin's</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140519230818-143695135-if-i-were-22-chart-your-own-path-to-success?trk=prof-post">Arianna Huffington's</a>. </span></div>
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From Naomi:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I worked hard, I was focused, determined and disciplined. But I did not necessarily allow myself the space and time for creativity and self-expression.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I did what was expected of me, not really knowing what I wanted for myself. I had no conscious, mindful inquiry into why I did what I did. <span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But getting me to listen to these ideas would have been a challenge. (I was not famous for my listening in those days.)"</span></span></div>
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Julia Boorstin at 22, via LinkedIn</div>
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From Julia: </div>
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You never really know what you’ll enjoy doing, or what you’re good at, until you actually do it. In other words, try opportunities that come along, no matter how distant they seem from your plan.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was dabbling in magazines and within the magazine world I was dabbling in the area of business journalism. And then one day my boss asked me to talk on CNN about an article I'd written, so I began dabbling in television. A few years later, that fun little side gig yielded a job offer from CNBC to be an on-air correspondent."</span></span></div>
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Arianna Huffington at 22, via LinkedIn</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"> From Arianna:</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Surely getting by on less sleep and constant-multi-tasking are an express elevator to the top, right?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This couldn’t be less true. And for far too long, we have been operating under a collective delusion – that burning out is the necessary price for achieving success.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish I had known this when I was 22. I’m convinced I would have achieved all I have achieved with less stress, worry and anxiety. In college, just before I embarked on a career as a writer, I wish I had known that there would be no trade-off between living a well-rounded life and my ability to do good work. I wish I could go back and tell myself, “Arianna, your performance will actually improve if you can commit to not only working hard, but also unplugging, recharging and renewing yourself.” That would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress, burnout and exhaustion."</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Like my girl Giuliana says:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">"Everything will be okay in the end, if it's not okay, it's not the end yet."</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-48645355009715882502014-05-12T12:12:00.002-07:002014-05-12T12:12:28.011-07:00#HitchTheHawkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w-sQO1hxVI/U3EbO7n4r9I/AAAAAAAAFs4/vIyxsXtCdj8/s1600/photo+1+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w-sQO1hxVI/U3EbO7n4r9I/AAAAAAAAFs4/vIyxsXtCdj8/s1600/photo+1+(12).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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our first night in Nashville at <a href="http://mstreetnashville.com/restaurants/tavern">The Tavern</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">'Tis the season ladies and gents, both figuratively and literally. Spring and Summer are always prime time for weddings and events, but this is takes the cake for me. Perhaps it's my age/phase of life, or perhaps it's just summer again and that's when everyone wants "June weddings at the Plaza." Who knows. All I know is I'm on a marathon of happiness, cocktails, Bed Bath and Beyond coupons, and dress fittings, and it's sublime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the end of April to Mid-June, I have a grand total of 5 weddings (a bridesmaid in 2), one graduation, a handful of birthdays, a family beach trip, and I just got back from a bachelorette weekend in Nashvegas. Whew. Cheers to the freakin' weekend, oh wait, it's Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few snapshots from Kelsey Jo's #AllPinkEverything (taken from <a href="https://twitter.com/natalieevamarie">Eva</a> the <a href="http://www.eonline.com/shows/total_divas">Diva</a>'s "all red everything" tagline) Bach Bash: </span><br />
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The Bride-to-be, Kelsey Jo</div>
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some of her maids, R to L: Ashley, Erin, August, bride, Mere, EZ, me.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NC4RCMxit8/U3EbQqFBXAI/AAAAAAAAFtM/svGVptWXndM/s1600/photo+3+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NC4RCMxit8/U3EbQqFBXAI/AAAAAAAAFtM/svGVptWXndM/s1600/photo+3+(9).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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my turn with the gorgeous bride-to-be</div>
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yes, I went all the way to Nashville to get a pic with Elvis.</div>
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#ForeverRoomie</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmPhbkqbh0o/U3EbRRg_bYI/AAAAAAAAFtc/ikTtbxSuXUc/s1600/photo+4+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmPhbkqbh0o/U3EbRRg_bYI/AAAAAAAAFtc/ikTtbxSuXUc/s1600/photo+4+(7).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-mEdSZVts/U3EbR28JiwI/AAAAAAAAFtg/sl48YHATINE/s1600/photo+5+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-mEdSZVts/U3EbR28JiwI/AAAAAAAAFtg/sl48YHATINE/s1600/photo+5+(6).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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readying the sash</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOT9HFlCsx4/U3EbWRCuGEI/AAAAAAAAFtw/AEquWMf-BAo/s1600/photo+5+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOT9HFlCsx4/U3EbWRCuGEI/AAAAAAAAFtw/AEquWMf-BAo/s1600/photo+5+(7).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The whole gang ready to hit the town after yummy <a href="http://www.rosepepper.com/">Rosepepper Cantina</a> supper.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nashville, you didn't disappoint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, to schedule in some sleep...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-56371828940059581802014-05-01T09:05:00.002-07:002014-05-01T09:05:45.269-07:00Love is in the Air<span style="font-size: large;">Well hello there. Long time, no talk. I've spent the last month on a happy hiatus from MC simply to enjoy all of the exciting things going on. I wanted to fully enjoy all of it and not even think about sharing it. Selfish, I know, but it's true. I wanted to soak it all up and now that I have, my cup runneth over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This past month has been a whirlwind to say the least, but absolutely wonderful in every way. I'm so excited to finally share all of the little things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">March 29, 2014: JT and I got engaged!</span><br />
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Right after JT proposed at Shelby Farms Park!</div>
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The fabulous family dinner he planned for after the proposal at my fav restaurant, <a href="http://www.jimsplacegrille.com/">Jim's Place Grille</a>.</div>
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So excited bebe stayed put for a few more days so JT wouldn't have to propose in a hospital!</div>
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The stunner weighing down my left hand :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">April 3, 2014: Robert "Robby" Benjamin Todd, Jr. graced the world with his presence making me an official auntie.</span><br />
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Emily had to touch up before go time, and I was happy to assist// New dad telling us of his arrival.</div>
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We finally found out his name, and Uncle JT and Aunt Anna meet Robby for the first time!</div>
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Bringing bebe home, and Allie is smitten with her new brother.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">April 13, 2014: I got the letter that my student loans were completely paid off making this girl debt free!</span><br />
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So long, Sallie Mae. I won't miss you at all.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">April 24-26: We packed up and headed to Lakeland, Florida for Ashley and Coady's lovely wedding. #CheekPartyOf2</span><br />
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Ashley celebrating her last fling before the ring!</div>
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TNBs reunited again!</div>
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JT and I before the rehearsal dinner</div>
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Besties getting ready for the big day</div>
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such a stunning bride and wonderful friend!</div>
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The brand new Mr. and Mrs. Coady Cheek!</div>
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To say love is in the air is an understatement. It's in everything I do lately. And I wouldn't have it any other way! Can't wait for what's next!</span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-19738777525101183702014-03-25T09:55:00.000-07:002014-03-25T09:55:17.052-07:00Old School Cool<span style="font-size: large;">When JT and I were counting down the days to our first Christmas together, we would give each other clues as to what we had gotten each other. I'll never forget the way he described what I would later find out was a gold necklace with my birthstone pendant. He said some people think you might not like it, but I know you will because it's your style -- vintage chic. I'll interject here to say that he was partially joking because I put "chic" after everything </span>(ie hipster chic)<span style="font-size: large;">; he doesn't use the word unless it's for mocking purposes. But I knew what he meant. He was being genuine, and it was perfection. And it was also one of the best compliments I've received. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not long after that, I took one of those <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/tanyachen/which-decade-do-you-actually-belong-in">buzzfeed quizzes about what decade you belong in</a>. I'm sure it's a shock which one I got. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just this weekend, I was talking to my aunt and she said "oh, I found some things you might want for your kitchen someday! They just look like you." They were vintage cookbooks, and yes, I love them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Call it what you want: vintage, old school, or traditional. Whatever it is, it's <i>me</i>, and I don't think I'll ever really change. I'll always love old things, anything that tells a story, anything that has character.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That might be why when I heard Miranda Lambert's new song "Automatic," a little part of me smiled, and I started singing right along. So, c'mon let's take a picture, the kind you gotta shake.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2ksWKOy665o" width="560"></iframe>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-31722591382122301072014-03-19T09:03:00.002-07:002014-03-19T09:04:39.296-07:00Screen Shopping<span style="font-size: large;">I must confess that I haven't been shopping in probably close to a year or more. Yes, I've bought things here and there, and experienced a birthday and Christmas, so I'm not saying I lack for anything. But, I haven't really satisfied that urge to splurge in quite some time. There are many reasons why, which I won't bore you with, but I'm <i>almost</i> to a place where I can allow myself a few indulgences here and there. That is what I <i>do</i> want to share with you. The things of which I've been window shopping </span>(er, screen shopping?)<span style="font-size: large;"> for quite some time now, and will finally be able to pull the trigger. Can you tell I'm excited?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Madewell's <a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESANDSANDALS/pumpsandheels/PRDOVR~09354/09354.jsp?color_name=sandstone">Mira Heel</a> as seen on <a href="http://www.sequinsandstripes.com/">Sequins and Stripes</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYSz3wd968k/Uym9xZXAlYI/AAAAAAAAFoI/BRdKk5ymUWw/s1600/LOFT_CHICAGO_JAYSON_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYSz3wd968k/Uym9xZXAlYI/AAAAAAAAFoI/BRdKk5ymUWw/s1600/LOFT_CHICAGO_JAYSON_06.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8q5yVF1Ai8/Uym90zcmE2I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/VqOadsTP_Fw/s1600/SS_Peplum_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8q5yVF1Ai8/Uym90zcmE2I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/VqOadsTP_Fw/s1600/SS_Peplum_6.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These Zara items:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj9nhZNL7CI/Uym-WJXCe1I/AAAAAAAAFoc/gB_-2bPiJnk/s1600/2376083064_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj9nhZNL7CI/Uym-WJXCe1I/AAAAAAAAFoc/gB_-2bPiJnk/s1600/2376083064_1_1_1.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjR090ZTVvU/Uym-WBd5boI/AAAAAAAAFoY/dBpuS0M7H2c/s1600/2753047400_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjR090ZTVvU/Uym-WBd5boI/AAAAAAAAFoY/dBpuS0M7H2c/s1600/2753047400_1_1_1.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
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Left: <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/trousers/printed-elastic-trousers-c358005p1830502.html">Printed Trouser </a>// Right: <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/dresses/long-dress-with-low-back-c358003p1818531.html">Periwinkle Maxi</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rYHqryQ2p5Y/Uym-WXg9nFI/AAAAAAAAFog/Frk0mafTwUI/s1600/2753048420_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rYHqryQ2p5Y/Uym-WXg9nFI/AAAAAAAAFog/Frk0mafTwUI/s1600/2753048420_1_1_1.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y3J1iOheN4/Uym-Wko1rFI/AAAAAAAAFo0/49DqkVjXFwU/s1600/3090016620_2_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y3J1iOheN4/Uym-Wko1rFI/AAAAAAAAFo0/49DqkVjXFwU/s1600/3090016620_2_1_1.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
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Left: <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/dresses/jumpsuit-with-low-cut-back-c358003p1818538.html">Jumpsuit</a> // Right: <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/dresses/printed-shift-dress-c358003p1837014.html">Shift dress</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooJnH1ywwBs/Uym-W_hD9vI/AAAAAAAAFow/5RQsawKrLO4/s1600/4479042056_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooJnH1ywwBs/Uym-W_hD9vI/AAAAAAAAFow/5RQsawKrLO4/s1600/4479042056_1_1_1.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsxKBYlSYsc/Uym-hHqdNeI/AAAAAAAAFpA/IrFnxqJsZz8/s1600/2256301131_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsxKBYlSYsc/Uym-hHqdNeI/AAAAAAAAFpA/IrFnxqJsZz8/s1600/2256301131_1_1_1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Left: <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/dresses/printed-off-shoulder-dress-c358003p1789503.html">Off-shoulder dress</a> // Right: <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/shoes/pointy-shoes-with-ankle-strap-c358009p1694407.html">pointed flat</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I'll be hiding and watching for a few more weeks, but I promise when my piggy bank has anything left to spare, some of these will find a home in my closet. And I couldn't be more thrilled.</span></div>
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-54628356659822048252014-03-18T09:31:00.001-07:002014-03-18T09:31:51.453-07:00Relax and Unplug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJzaRzOioTU/Uyh0iTPiZEI/AAAAAAAAFnk/BdOINs0cww4/s1600/b88ef028a343a7b6d12dae90c5dfd991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJzaRzOioTU/Uyh0iTPiZEI/AAAAAAAAFnk/BdOINs0cww4/s1600/b88ef028a343a7b6d12dae90c5dfd991.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I wish that was the reason I haven't blogged in over 2 weeks. Really. I'd love a chance to do that. I don't mean to complain, but it seemed only fitting that if something had to give, it'd be this. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Work has been <i>super</i> crazy busy, I'm freelancing more, my Nerium business has started to take off, and in a few short weeks I'll officially be an aunt. Another fun fact: JT and I figured out that between family vacations, weddings, graduations, and general life happenings... one or both of us is out of town every other weekend from April to July. Truth. That's a bit overwhelming. Especially since I have a tendency to be a workaholic when I don't have people to physically pull me away from things I can be doing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4arB9xICQx8/Uyh0nrDJboI/AAAAAAAAFns/QZm5zBV5PD8/s1600/44351841f9b1545cba9f076d27fd1631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4arB9xICQx8/Uyh0nrDJboI/AAAAAAAAFns/QZm5zBV5PD8/s1600/44351841f9b1545cba9f076d27fd1631.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-224qnjmhulI/Uyh0uBeZzvI/AAAAAAAAFn0/pNy-dM4sz1I/s1600/6f91f2c468cb9633268ae9f687291cf9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-224qnjmhulI/Uyh0uBeZzvI/AAAAAAAAFn0/pNy-dM4sz1I/s1600/6f91f2c468cb9633268ae9f687291cf9.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So as much as I'd like to say I've taken a break to relax before we tackle this memory-making adventure ahead, I've just been trying to keep my head above water. And I'm okay with that. I'm very content and excited for what this next season holds. I'm ready to bust out the pastels, flowers, and open-toed shoes and usher in spring with a cheerful attitude. There's so very much to be thankful for.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One thing, in particular, is very exciting, and I hope to share within the month. Hint: I've been saving my pennies for a while. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, cheers to </span>(hopefully) <span style="font-size: large;">warmer weather, a new bebe, and the first full summer with JT's boat!</span><br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-78191627268170142822014-03-07T10:08:00.002-08:002014-03-07T10:10:26.351-08:00Comeback Queen: LiLo<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, confession: I had an entirely different post planned for today </span>(granted even it had origins with Lindsay Lohan and a phrase she says in Parent Trap... I'll get to that next week)<span style="font-size: large;">, but after watching a few clips changed my mind. I can't resist the possibility of a LiLo <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/517782/oprah-winfrey-tells-lindsay-lohan-to-cut-the-bulls-t-in-extended-reality-show-promo-watch-now">comeback</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGTc7hmhKvk/UxoKGAZphLI/AAAAAAAAFnA/8s5lEWKyqJc/s1600/lindsay_discovery_channel_a_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGTc7hmhKvk/UxoKGAZphLI/AAAAAAAAFnA/8s5lEWKyqJc/s1600/lindsay_discovery_channel_a_l.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">First, I watched<a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/517443/lindsay-lohan-reality-show-first-look-i-feel-like-a-prisoner-all-the-time"> this preview</a> for her new docu-series on <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-lindsay/lindsay.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=lindsay+lohan&utm_campaign=lindsaylohan_lindsaylohan">OWN</a>, and y'all, call me crazy, but I actually have empathy for her </span>(it's as shocking to me as it is to you, I promise)<span style="font-size: large;">. She's had "yes" people in her life for forever, and been thrown into every kind of situation I can't even begin to imagine </span>(yes, I'm still <i>that</i> sheltered, and proud of it)<span style="font-size: large;">. It makes me want to watch it, which granted, it was supposed to do, but more than that, I'm rooting for her.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVqkxdohXj0/UxoKhvIkHaI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/oK14cDeoY64/s1600/1354243447445.cached.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVqkxdohXj0/UxoKhvIkHaI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/oK14cDeoY64/s1600/1354243447445.cached.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, </span><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20794578,00.html" style="font-size: x-large;">this clip of her on Jimmy Fallon </a>(who's amazeballs alone) <span style="font-size: large;">solidified the fact that she's a pretty okay gal, and deserves another shot as much as anyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zI2EfnJAr1E" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-size: large;">In sharing that clip, I got to chatting with Bekah about if she can really <i>truly</i> make it back after everything she's done. My assumption is yes. And here's my reasoning:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">-our generation is rooting for her, like we did for Brit Brit </span>(who is now flawless w a <a href="http://www.planethollywoodresort.com/shows/britney-spears-las-vegas.html">Vegas show</a>)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-If Brit can have a <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/timeline-britneys-meltdown/">public meltdown</a>, shave her head, attack paps w a 'brella, and lose her kids to KEVIN FEDERLINE, and still come back, LiLo can too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-So she has a <strike>few</strike> lot of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/13/lindsay-lohan-car-accident-worst-celebrity-drivers_n_1593733.html">driving infractions</a>. <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/53939/wrong-way-richie-s-dui-bust">Nicole Richie</a> </span>(who I also love)<span style="font-size: large;"> drove up an exit ramp on an interstate and is now basically a <a href="http://www.houseofharlow1960.com/category/c847">fashion icon goddess</a> who can do no wrong in the eyes of Hollywood </span>(including <a href="http://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/hair/2014030517306/nicole-richie-demi-lovato-hair/">dyeing her hair purple</a>.. they say it's chic)<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwfscnKckHI/UxoKNx9088I/AAAAAAAAFnI/EvZCs_q76y0/s1600/nicole-richie--z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwfscnKckHI/UxoKNx9088I/AAAAAAAAFnI/EvZCs_q76y0/s1600/nicole-richie--z.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, while the jury is still out on if LiLo can make it back into the hearts of millennial Americans, my vote is absofreakinglutely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Friday!</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-51350761008652355422014-02-27T07:58:00.002-08:002014-02-27T07:58:49.973-08:00#Bowwowbulldogs<span style="font-size: large;">So, this just happened. Yep, I contributed to this campaign. As a proud alum I thought it was only right. Oh, and just so there's no confusion, it's SAMford, not STANford. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-06qEZfP0DHo/Uw9gnzHP_II/AAAAAAAAFms/rIAugrisPMo/s1600/IMG_0596.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-06qEZfP0DHo/Uw9gnzHP_II/AAAAAAAAFms/rIAugrisPMo/s1600/IMG_0596.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-59313542882856088462014-02-26T06:30:00.000-08:002014-02-26T06:30:04.085-08:00101 Things in 1001 Days Update<span style="font-size: large;">For those that don't know what the heck I'm talking about, read <a href="http://annajanecox.blogspot.com/2013/05/design-darling-inspiration.html">this link first</a> and <a href="http://annajanecox.blogspot.com/2013/05/101-things-in-1001-days.html">this one second</a>. Now that you know why I made my list and what it is, I want to fill you in on my progress. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I honestly hadn't thought about it specifically in a while (I originally wrote it in May of 2013), but I obviously want the things on this list done badly enough that I accomplished some of them without even remembering they were on the list. Not too shabby, eh? </span><br />
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<div style="background-color: #f2f1ee; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">101 things in 1001 days</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f2f1ee; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 19.5px;"></span><span style="background-color: #f2f1ee; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"></span><br style="background-color: #f2f1ee; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;" />
<div style="background-color: #f2f1ee; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Deadline: February 2, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(if my math is correct)</span></span></div>
<ol style="background-color: #f2f1ee; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
inspire someone else to make a list</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
organize my nail polish collection</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
expand my closet (as in the physical dimensions)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>find my signature scent </strike>(Fancy by Jessica Simpson. I just can't get enough)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
wear heels (at least 3x in one week)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>find</strike> (I want <a href="http://annajanecox.blogspot.com/2013/05/make-statement.html" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">one of these</a>..now I just have to save up) Buy the perfect cocktail ring/ signature ring <a href="http://goddessfindingsjewelsforthespirit.blogspot.com/2008/01/overall-purpose-of-blog-is-to-explore.html" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">a la The Family Stone ring</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go back to New Orleans</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>learn 10 new recipes</strike> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>find my ideal skincare regimen</strike> (<a href="http://www.nerium.com/default.aspx?ID=annajcox">Nerium</a>. Enough said)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
read <a href="http://www.levoleague.com/lifestyle/classic-books-to-read" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">these classics</a>(1/7 complete- I just read The Great Gatsby)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go to a journalism conference of some kind</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
gain 15 new blog followers (9/15 gained)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
make a connection to someone in the corporate beauty world</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
read a Faulkner and Hemingway novel</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go to the <a href="http://oxfordconferenceforthebook.com/" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Oxford, Mississippi's “Festival of the Book”</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>dip my toes in the Atlantic for the second time in my life</strike> (Memorial Day 2013, SC)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
pay off my student loans/be debt free</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
learn more about my family history</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
travel to 3 new cities (1/3 down- Pawley's Island, SC)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go to a Music Festival</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>meet/get a photo with a Grizzlies player</strike> (QPon, 5/16/13)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
take a photography class with Mary Jane/attend a <a href="http://iheartblogshop.com/" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Design Love Fest </a>photoshop class</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
shadow a photographer</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
scrapbook my college memories</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
mail 25 snail mail letters (7/25 complete)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
become more involved with the Memphis ADPi alum assoc.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
start donating/giving back to Samford</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
spend an entire day with my mom and sister doing whatever they want</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go fishing with my dad</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>talk at an event/speaking engagement</strike> (journalism class at Hutchison)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>visit Sean in Denver </strike>(He moved back to bham shortly after this list was created)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go back to the Smokey Mtns with my besties</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
help connect at least one JMC student to a job interview</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
work for one of my dream jobs</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>work out at least twice a week for 3 months</strike> (got my gym membership at ATC in October and have made it 3 months and counting)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
throw a surprise party</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
host a dinner party</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
find a worthy costume to top <a href="http://annajanecox.blogspot.com/2012/10/theres-no-crying-on-halloween.html" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">my “Katy Perry”</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
help my mom organize and clean the house</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
subscribe to the magazines I buy anyway</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>figure out exactly what I'm allergic to </strike> (dust, ceclor, and septra--May 2013)<strike><br /></strike></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
take a girls trip to <a href="http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/newyork.html" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">NYC at Christmas</a> time with mom, MJ, Em and Ash</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>have a sleepover with my sister</strike> (May 22-24, 2013 b/c her air conditioning was out)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
have a sleepover with Ashleigh at college</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
be at every home game for Memphis Tigers Basketball</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
read the Bible cover to cover</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
actually study the bible/participate in Bible studies</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
find an organization to contribute to/serve/support/participate in</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>run a 5k</strike> (Race for the Cure with JT, October 2013)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
see the <a href="http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/newyork.html" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">rockettes</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>face my fear of heights</strike> (climbed to the roof of a building overlooking Crawfish Fest in Cooper Young, and subsequently had a panic attack and started bawling- May 2013)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
find a new hair style</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
invest in a LV or Chanel bag</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
travel out of the country</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
guest blog for a popular site</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
perfect the art of iced coffee</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>tour a brewery</strike> (Wiseacre Brewery for an interview with MBQ and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery when in STL, August 2013)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
wine taste at a vineyard</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
drink an O'Carr's milkshake and eat a baby bite in Birmingham</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
share my testimony</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
find out 10 fun facts I didn't know about my Papaw</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>throw a shower/party/brunch</strike> (Emily's baby Shower, Feb. 8th)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
buy ice cream from an ice cream truck</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>run on a trail with a puppy</strike> (Did this just this past Saturday with Lills and JT, but it's become a regular thing when weather and schedules permit)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
try one new workout outside of my comfort zone</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
try yoga</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
organize my movie collection</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
watch at least half of the bond movies (1 down)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
get a monogrammed piece from S. Meredith</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
have an <a href="http://inslee.net/commissions/index.html" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">inslee illustration</a> of myself for the blog</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
paint a room</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>purchase either duck boots or hunter rain boots</strike> (JT bought me moss green hunters for my 24th bday)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
have a library in my house</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
read:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Know-Now-Letters-Younger/dp/0767917901" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> what I know now: letters to my younger self</a> and pen my own advice</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
figure out who A is in PLL</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go on a mission trip</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
use my press pass to get into an event</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>start tithing consistently</strike> (began in mid-January 2014 and counting. It's been 6 weeks so far)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
learn to shoot a gun</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>learn to drive a stick shift car </strike>(before JT sold his beauty, he taught me to drive it in the Bellevue parking lot, fall 2013)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
go to <a href="http://www.dollywood.com/" style="color: #ea7070; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dollywood</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>go to a concert</strike> (Justin Timberlake for my bday, November 18th, 2013).</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
find the perfect recording device for interviews</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
find an idiot proof self-tanner</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>complete a DIY project from Pinterest </strike>(I made a T door hanger for JT's door and spray painted and hung my monogram from the craft fair)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
have a friend take pictures for my blog</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
get better at Spanish/use it</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>run at Shelby farms</strike> (see #64)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
freelance for 2 new places</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
travel to Texas</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
dye my hair red</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
find a reason to wear my cowboy boots</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
watch <i>Gone With the Wind</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
bake bread</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
take the train somewhere</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strike>find a a tea (ex. Herbal, chai, breakfast, chamomile) I desire to drink</strike> Arizona Diet Green Tea</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
check out books at the library/use my library card</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
take a spin class</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
wear a jumper/jumpsuit </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
100. <strike>plant a garden</strike> (6/2/13 at JT's house)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
101. put $10 in my savings account for each item I complete.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So far, thats 24 complete out of 101, and at last count (on June 3, 2013) I only had 7. Be sure to let me know if you make a list, so I can cross that one off. It's pretty fun, and rewarding to see goals getting checked off. </span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-46194953619642621922014-02-25T08:34:00.000-08:002014-02-25T08:38:49.540-08:00Present Makes Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubcuTUR3RtY/UwzFCSzBLDI/AAAAAAAAFmc/yRaw8ZxsGIE/s1600/photo+(22).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubcuTUR3RtY/UwzFCSzBLDI/AAAAAAAAFmc/yRaw8ZxsGIE/s1600/photo+(22).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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{This "inspirational thought catalog" was given to me as a parting gift from </div>
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ServiceMaster by a very sweet lady who loves office supplies as much as I do. </div>
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It will always be on my desk, no matter where my desk is.}</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lately, I've been feeling like I'm burning the candle at both ends. Between my full-time job as Assistant Editor for <a href="http://www.mbqmemphis.com/">MBQ</a> and a Contributing Editor for <a href="http://www.memphismagazine.com/">MM</a>, I've taken on freelance opportunities for the <a href="http://www.wmu.com/">WMU</a>, still doing social media here and there </span>(not a full campaign but something) <span style="font-size: large;">for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cordova-Vision-Center/136447656371388?ref=hl">Cordova Vision Center</a>, and most recently, sharing <a href="http://www.nerium.com/default.aspx?ID=annajcox">Nerium</a> as a side business</span> (a very lucrative one at that! shameless plug that I just got promoted to a Director after only 40 days!).<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All of this still falls under the category of work, too. Then there's my family, my boyfriend, my friends, my social life, and of course, my relationship and walk with the Lord which I've actively been trying to strengthen through reading <i><a href="http://thomrainer.com/i-am-a-church-member/">I Am A Church Member</a></i> and consistently tithing for the first time in my life. OH, and being a <a href="http://toneitup.com/">Tone It Up</a> gal, I've newly started making nearly all my own meals </span>(for 5 small meals a day.. hello food-prep time)<span style="font-size: large;"> and working out more consistently. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">By the end of day, and especially the week, I tend to be an exhausted mess. I'm not a perfectionist by any means, but I do have a certain sense of "if I'm going to do it, I'm not going to do it halfway." This leads to the original sentiment of burning the candle at both ends. I've always been ambitious and anyone who knows me, knows that the best way to get me to succeed is to tell me I can't do something. Then my inner diva puffs up and <strike>says</strike> yells "watch me!"</span>(very much a la <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6h5D-Ed03E&feature=kp">Lorrie Morgan</a>)<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This morning I was chatting with JT about future opportunities and goals he has, and specific ones I have for my future. Then we always start talking about our future and dreams, hopes, and wants </span>(anything is fair game from ideal houses and neighborhoods to jobs to church life and "extras" such as boats, cars, etc)<span style="font-size: large;">. This morning in particular, we both said wait a second. It's great that we're both so very motivated both individually and together, but we need to take a time out and start recognizing <i>how</i> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">great</span><span style="font-size: large;"> our current stage of life is.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This sounds cliche, but we both have very charmed lives and often take them for granted. I get the opportunity to live at home with my parents, something I cherish. I made my mom breakfast this morning before her big meeting because I wanted to, and was able to. Things like that are a rarity and won't always be possible in every stage of my life. I have a fabulous relationship with my sister that has grown tremendously </span>(unfortunately due to JT working 24-hour Sunday shifts) <span style="font-size: large;">and I tend to spend the whole day Sunday with her. I carpool with my dad to work out in the morning, and I even have a business with my mom now too </span>(shout out <a href="http://www.nerium.com/default.aspx?ID=luannecox">Nerium)</a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">JT has the opportunity to work for Stryker, and pick up shifts at Jason's Deli making bank in tips and working overtime hours, possibly shadow career mentors, and network. He also bowls with friends weekly, comes to some of my Nerium meetings and helps me, makes time for date nights, visits with Granny and Dee before his morning work outs due to his schedule and is the godfather to a precious baby boy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of these things wouldn't be possible if we had gotten what we originally wanted. If I made more money, I might not live at home and spend the time growing these relationships. If JT worked normal hours, he wouldn't have time to network or make extra money on the side just because he can. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We made the decision to keep each other accountable to enjoying the present and not always wishing it away for the next stage of life. Because both of us will tell you, the here and now is pretty darn great. Exhaustion and all. </span>(Ironically, <a href="http://emilymaynard.com/blog/living-in-the-moment/">Emily Maynard wrote </a>about the same topic today too. God works in mysterious ways, I tell you.)Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-26423664506962559032014-02-21T09:44:00.002-08:002014-02-21T09:44:50.757-08:00Happy Doppelgänger Friday<span style="font-size: large;">Okay so I cannot be the <i>only</i> one watching the Olympics and wondering when the girl from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/">The Notebook</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1046097/">Rachel McAdams</a>) learned to skate? I swear I kept thinking it was a modern day remake of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077716/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ice Castles </a>(which sadly <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411276/?ref_=nv_sr_2">already happened</a> to lackluster reviews) or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104040/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Cutting Edge</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I get that there are oodles of celebrity doppelgängers but c'mon people, these girls look IDENTICAL. Can I get an amen?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTzZ3UfnMf0/UwePKfBRSRI/AAAAAAAAFmM/nrHHjYKte4M/s1600/Ashley-Wagner-Played-Rachel-McAdams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTzZ3UfnMf0/UwePKfBRSRI/AAAAAAAAFmM/nrHHjYKte4M/s1600/Ashley-Wagner-Played-Rachel-McAdams.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Left: U.S. Olympic Figure Skater, <a href="http://www.figureskatersonline.com/ashleywagner/">Ashley Wagner</a> // Right: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1046097/">Rachel McAdams</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Friday!</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-48337845473292021352014-02-14T08:27:00.001-08:002014-02-14T08:27:40.715-08:00Happy (flashback) Friday/Valentine's Day!<span style="font-size: large;">Today has already brought on so many happy emotions and it's not even noon. I'm a <i>huge</i> fan of holidays in general, but this one is exceptionally lovely. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJNe93cGZYc/Uv5B-Ijm7uI/AAAAAAAAFl0/Uhh1RLIT-sg/s1600/photo+2+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJNe93cGZYc/Uv5B-Ijm7uI/AAAAAAAAFl0/Uhh1RLIT-sg/s1600/photo+2+%25287%2529.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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{Meemaw and me in my favorite spot}</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For starters, I went to the gym with my dad and used my early <a href="http://bit.ly/1dmy4cX">Valentine's present from JT</a> again, and yep, I still love it. So the endorphins weren't a bad way to get things going. I got the sweetest card from my mama along with some valentines happys, and watched my dad sneak to the garage and get mama's present out of his toolbox </span>(how stinking cute?!)<span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISU3Kjs-zBo/Uv5D7VM1eSI/AAAAAAAAFl8/ogLRBvXAiiU/s1600/photo+(20).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISU3Kjs-zBo/Uv5D7VM1eSI/AAAAAAAAFl8/ogLRBvXAiiU/s1600/photo+(20).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While I was getting ready, I thought about my sister, and how very different this Valentine's is from last year. Then, she had just gone through her second miscarriage and was feeling particularly blue, as anyone would imagine. I purchased <a href="http://www.inslee.net/shop/product/girlfriends-print/">this happy</a> </span>(she's the one with the ring and pale nail polish, I'm the one with the lipstick-stained mug and dark nails--it really couldn't be more fitting for us)<span style="font-size: large;"> for her as a reminder that we'd always have each other and that I was </span>(and am)<span style="font-size: large;"> so thankful for our bond as sisters. This year, she's mere weeks away from giving birth to her first bebe. God is good, and I can't help but smile when I think of how far we've all come since last year.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGpC0Q-OdCY/Uv5B-DhK_fI/AAAAAAAAFlo/khOlmAQKFBI/s1600/photo+1+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGpC0Q-OdCY/Uv5B-DhK_fI/AAAAAAAAFlo/khOlmAQKFBI/s1600/photo+1+(7).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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{at Mary Jane's wedding in what she called her "wedding dress" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
since she wore it to all her kid's weddings}</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Next came the group text from my mama to my aunt, cousin, emily and me saying how this day is always kind of bittersweet because it's filled with so much love, but is a vivid reminder of my wonderful Meemaw who would've been 88-years-old tomorrow. It's beyond crazy that she's been gone over a decade. In some ways it's easier, but in other ways the void is still very apparent. We've chosen to dwell on the positive: her life, her love, and her powerful legacy of strong women in our family. Today, I'm wearing two rings that were passed down to me; subtle things like that always make me feel closer to her. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPp-nYJhko0/Uv5B-HdUlBI/AAAAAAAAFlk/ItamyPPPjAM/s1600/photo+3+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPp-nYJhko0/Uv5B-HdUlBI/AAAAAAAAFlk/ItamyPPPjAM/s1600/photo+3+%25285%2529.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3_7wf0yoXI/Uv5B-m2axsI/AAAAAAAAFl4/w4lZrqkD8HE/s1600/photo+4+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3_7wf0yoXI/Uv5B-m2axsI/AAAAAAAAFl4/w4lZrqkD8HE/s1600/photo+4+%25282%2529.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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{Left: JT's tiger ring, and my Meemaw's band-Ashleigh has the other :) // Right: Purple was her favorite color as amethyst was her birthstone, and she collected tons of amethyst jewelry.}</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To top it off, JT sweetly agreed to go visit my Papaw with me tonight for Valentine's. I've got a good one, and today I'm especially thankful for his kindness and strong family values. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So however you spend your day, I hope it's filled with crazy, stupid amounts of love. God is great, God is good, and God is full of love for you and me. </span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-21929367987381594322014-02-13T10:15:00.001-08:002014-02-13T10:16:17.215-08:00Perfectly Pink<span style="font-size: large;">What's red and pink and fabulous all over? The contents of my lipstick bag. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Truth, I have a serious problem when it comes to lipstick. I have a weird hatred of bare lips, so as a result, whether it's a gloss, a stain, or simply chapstick, there is always, always, always something on them. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNkfuZk953A/Uv0LMh8f3AI/AAAAAAAAFlM/-6OLHhEB9N8/s1600/photo+(19).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNkfuZk953A/Uv0LMh8f3AI/AAAAAAAAFlM/-6OLHhEB9N8/s1600/photo+(19).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since it's Valentine's Day Eve, </span>(yes, really)<span style="font-size: large;"> my favorites have centered around the bright pinks and the fire-engine reds, but I have to say my <i>most</i> favorite everyday choice is currently <a href="http://www.sephora.com/dior-addict-lip-glow-P236816">Dior Addict Lip Glow</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It feels like chapstick </span>(since, hi hello I'm all about comfort) <span style="font-size: large;">so it isn't sticky but it's always the perfect shade of pink. This is because it literally changes colors based on your pH or body temperature or something like that. I don't bother myself with the science, all I know is, it works wonders no matter the occasion: gym, work, date night, or plain ole sitting at home.</span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-32796961350586466532014-02-11T10:55:00.004-08:002014-02-11T10:55:41.048-08:00Subscription Prescription <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEPnyx2REY4/Uvpw0eoYEgI/AAAAAAAAFkc/_DCPhTAwQEE/s1600/instyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEPnyx2REY4/Uvpw0eoYEgI/AAAAAAAAFkc/_DCPhTAwQEE/s1600/instyle.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like clockwork, the postman delivers a glossy, perfect-bound happy to my door, and just like that, everything </span>(the cold weather, exhaustion when it's only Tuesday etc)<span style="font-size: large;"> is okay again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a deep appreciation for the written word and an ever fonder affection of magazines. I cannot help myself. Specifically, this obsession has found its muse in <a href="http://www.instyle.com/instyle/">InStyle</a>. It's by far my favorite magazine, and I think it will always be </span>(sorry, <a href="http://www.vogue.com/">Vogue</a>, I know this is a mortal sin)<span style="font-size: large;">. Last night, I found the March issue, featuring cover girl Nicole Kidman, and couldn't help but smile. At a <b>whopping</b> 616 pages without front of back covers, I'd say print is <i>definitely</i> not dead </span>(if you care to learn more about my feelings on this, look at the last page of the December 2013 <i><a href="http://memphismagazine.com/">Memphis</a></i> magazine)<span style="font-size: large;">. Lucky for me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw6_zYa7-2Y/Uvpw-EOpFNI/AAAAAAAAFko/UMwlgOLhv8U/s1600/instyle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw6_zYa7-2Y/Uvpw-EOpFNI/AAAAAAAAFko/UMwlgOLhv8U/s1600/instyle2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7xIQgOhkMc/Uvpw-g3CPEI/AAAAAAAAFks/vhP0DBOIYOg/s1600/instyle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7xIQgOhkMc/Uvpw-g3CPEI/AAAAAAAAFks/vhP0DBOIYOg/s1600/instyle3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't nearly had time yet to read through the whole thing but just from skimming I've found a few favorites ranging from the visually beautiful to the practical and helpful. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yvhZMJHTh0/Uvpw9Ss2UgI/AAAAAAAAFk0/-x4BcVRrbL0/s1600/Instyle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yvhZMJHTh0/Uvpw9Ss2UgI/AAAAAAAAFk0/-x4BcVRrbL0/s1600/Instyle1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtSRy6MXugU/Uvpw_fL60GI/AAAAAAAAFlA/8rc8EsiDuSs/s1600/instyle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtSRy6MXugU/Uvpw_fL60GI/AAAAAAAAFlA/8rc8EsiDuSs/s1600/instyle5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The perfect medicine for a blah day.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-80432206403679028132014-02-10T14:19:00.002-08:002014-02-10T14:19:52.449-08:00Petite Bebe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The title speaks for itself </span>(in French) <span style="font-size: large;">and has it's origins </span>(in <i>my</i> mind)<span style="font-size: large;"> from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279778/">The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood</a>, in which they refer to loved ones as such. In this case, however, it really is about a sweet precious little one who I cannot wait to meet, but will for the sake of his health.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAZdSLCv13c/UvlNyoJf24I/AAAAAAAAFj0/XCwT5gHNRtY/s1600/shower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAZdSLCv13c/UvlNyoJf24I/AAAAAAAAFj0/XCwT5gHNRtY/s1600/shower3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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{Me, Em, and Mom on Saturday}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This weekend made it feel really real, as if Em's growing bebe bump </span>(in all its precious goodness)<span style="font-size: large;"> didn't. On Friday night, her fabulous work friends from Le Bonheur threw her a shower, and on Saturday a few of her friends </span>(myself included)<span style="font-size: large;"> threw her another one. Needless to say we're <i>all</i> feeling pretty loved, Ben, Emily, and Bebe T, especially. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qb3Wr-f0jU4/UvlNwPZyhLI/AAAAAAAAFjY/cFtxUqRmzC8/s1600/shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qb3Wr-f0jU4/UvlNwPZyhLI/AAAAAAAAFjY/cFtxUqRmzC8/s1600/shower.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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{The hostesses: me, Shannon, Courtney, Em, Kelley, Danielle, and Lauren}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Along with my hostessing duties </span>(thankfully I had five awesome ladies to share it with)<span style="font-size: large;">, I got to go home with Em and mom after the showers to help unload the "loot" and attempt to organize the mass quantities of petite items to their designated cubby. I will say, I'm not a cleaner, and this type of organizing was the most fun <b>ever</b>. I found myself asking for more things to help with </span>(Em, you better take advantage of this)<span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sQgNb1wPQo/UvlNwk9fikI/AAAAAAAAFjo/pWM0vmnR8HA/s1600/shower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sQgNb1wPQo/UvlNwk9fikI/AAAAAAAAFjo/pWM0vmnR8HA/s1600/shower1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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{Me, Em, and Ash}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP-l3tS8I8U/UvlNx6QV_iI/AAAAAAAAFjs/rbBaozSqfi8/s1600/shower4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP-l3tS8I8U/UvlNx6QV_iI/AAAAAAAAFjs/rbBaozSqfi8/s1600/shower4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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{refueling between shower and unloading/organizing loot = giant coke zero}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a look at some of the progress in said nursery. As some of you know, Emily and Ben <i>did</i> find out they're having a boy, but are keeping the name a secret from everyone </span>(family included)<span style="font-size: large;"> until the little nugget is born. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90r5YqWjwOM/UvlN1iG0iJI/AAAAAAAAFkM/lTD-M9Xz4do/s1600/shower7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90r5YqWjwOM/UvlN1iG0iJI/AAAAAAAAFkM/lTD-M9Xz4do/s1600/shower7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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{in progress closet}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They do, however, already have a name and have been surprisingly great at keeping it a secret while still monogramming everything they can </span>(he'll have a block wooden monogram above his bed, his "coming home from the hospital outfit" is already sporting his moniker, as well as other items like his church bag and Easter outfit)<span style="font-size: large;">. Funny thing is, we don't get to see the monogram until he's born either. No hints. No nothing. Emily will show us the items and cover up the letters with her hand or various other means. It's quite cute. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MW3u2rAfVgM/UvlNykdk81I/AAAAAAAAFj4/G4mqK9LCWuo/s1600/shower6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MW3u2rAfVgM/UvlNykdk81I/AAAAAAAAFj4/G4mqK9LCWuo/s1600/shower6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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{in progress nursery}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever his name is, I cannot wait to meet him. If he comes on his due date, we have T-minus 56 days. And many more experiences like the photo below as a new auntie.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Etqa8IZs-WQ/UvlNzPEfkPI/AAAAAAAAFkA/9G8suSI4xeQ/s1600/shower5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Etqa8IZs-WQ/UvlNzPEfkPI/AAAAAAAAFkA/9G8suSI4xeQ/s1600/shower5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few gifts got shoved in my purse to make room for larger ones in the car Saturday, and </span><span style="font-size: large;">while reaching for my keys after church Sunday, I found this little </span><span style="font-size: large;">surprise waiting for me. He's not even born yet, and this is happening. And I love it.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-83009500298608889212014-02-07T09:54:00.002-08:002014-02-07T10:01:18.030-08:00Prismatic<span style="font-size: large;">It's no secret </span>(I mean like <i>not.at.all.</i> a secret)<span style="font-size: large;"> that I'm quite a fan of <a href="http://bit.ly/JBQoaH">Katy Perry</a>. I could take a moment to list the reasoning or the examples of previous posts about her, but let's be real here, it'd take <i>way</i> more than a minute. From my tiger ring and halloween costume to my coffee table book and "Part of Me" movie DVD, I'd say the obsession is here to stay.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4n5cnOtXX2M/UvUdeGScYfI/AAAAAAAAFiw/2_6-9s_iJBs/s1600/KP2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4n5cnOtXX2M/UvUdeGScYfI/AAAAAAAAFiw/2_6-9s_iJBs/s1600/KP2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once JT told me he bought us tickets to her show this fall as a birthday present, I knew it was time to burn this cd </span>(literally, and figuratively)<span style="font-size: large;"> into my brain. Since Monday, I've been listening to the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/prism-deluxe/id690928033">Prism Deluxe Edition</a> on repeat, and I must say, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">it's pretty darn awesome</span><span style="font-size: large;">. The transition from Teenage Dream to Adult Reality is a slippery slope, but as someone who has gone through the highs and lows of post-grad adulthood, the lyrics pretty much hit the nail on the head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few of my favorites and what they triggered in my mind, for those curious are below. For those that aren't curious or hate KP... stop reading...now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course "Roar" is a fabulous workout jam and all-around girl power ballad. No need to elaborate. But it's the other songs that left me with very distinct associations every time I heard them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Unconditionally" first made me thing of the obvious, a strong, meaningful relationship.</span> Duh<span style="font-size: large;">. But the more the album repeated, the more in depth I went with every line. I took it from a very sweet and romantic feeling about a boyfriend, to encompass the way I view a marriage relationship. Then, a step farther to the love of a parent and their child, since my sister is preggo and bebe's have been in the forefront of my mind by planning showers. Then, this morning I almost started crying listening to the song with the mindset of the heavenly father and his beloved followers. <a href="http://annajanecox.blogspot.com/2012/10/contemporary-church.html">If I've said it once</a> I've said it a hundred times, my God works in mysterious ways and uses every aspect of my life to draw me close to him, secular songs included.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next song that left a lasting imprint was "It Takes Two." Title alone, you think, yes perfect follow up to "Unconditionally." But in the words of the Grinch, wrong-o. This one is about a break-up, and take it for whatever you will in terms of KP's split from Russell Brand. It's sad, empowering, and 100% relatable, at least for me. The things that really got me were "It takes two, two sides to every story. Not just you, I can't keep ignoring. I admit half of it, I'm not that innocent."</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPw7nP6ppcU/UvUdtT7CukI/AAAAAAAAFjA/fzsVIseI8BM/s1600/1383788_10201064224993102_452977987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPw7nP6ppcU/UvUdtT7CukI/AAAAAAAAFjA/fzsVIseI8BM/s1600/1383788_10201064224993102_452977987_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">On a more upbeat note, "International Smile" and "This is How We Do" are anthems I need my TNBs for. Riding down Lakeshore, windows down, Sonic limeades in hand, belting every word. Takes me back to college in a flash, and makes me miss my girls more than the normal amount </span>(which is already a LOT)<span style="font-size: large;">. "This one goes out to all the ladies at breakfast in last night's dress. This goes out to all you kids that still have their cars at the club valet and it's Tuesday. Shout out to all you kids buying drink service with your rent money." </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GHkRN5I6Ic/UvUdobtaoVI/AAAAAAAAFi4/cPrZexiad3s/s1600/200128_10200120403038143_2047736915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GHkRN5I6Ic/UvUdobtaoVI/AAAAAAAAFi4/cPrZexiad3s/s1600/200128_10200120403038143_2047736915_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last, but certainly not least, "Dark Horse" is that song I'm embarrassed by, because I sing <i>so</i> loudly and <i>so</i> expressively in the car that I pray no one pulls up next to me. Channeling her Grammy performance <a href="http://bit.ly/LefCw4">seen here</a>, I also work in elements from Zeta's "Double Double Toil and Trouble" Step Sing show and the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus. </span>(what? like you don't too. c'mon)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, if you haven't purchased it yet, I highly recommend rocking out to every phase of life with this 16-song keepsake. </span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-29227152390841490952014-02-06T10:56:00.000-08:002014-02-06T10:56:31.055-08:00So, tell me about yourself...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwzvZbIZ31M/UvPabyVn6zI/AAAAAAAAFiY/2cvaO-mQQ1Q/s1600/574584_702641609746025_1729981605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwzvZbIZ31M/UvPabyVn6zI/AAAAAAAAFiY/2cvaO-mQQ1Q/s1600/574584_702641609746025_1729981605_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef5jxS3Pu-4/UvPab8fc-0I/AAAAAAAAFic/WzfSL6b1pVU/s1600/1451581_10201070026058125_813946241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef5jxS3Pu-4/UvPab8fc-0I/AAAAAAAAFic/WzfSL6b1pVU/s1600/1451581_10201070026058125_813946241_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Checking up on all my blogger gals who hit up the start of NYC Fashion Week, I found <a href="http://www.mackenziehoran.com/2014/02/so-tell-me-about-yourself.html">this post</a> from <a href="http://www.mackenziehoran.com/">Design Darling</a>, and thought it might be a fun thing to try. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Favorite characteristic about yourself:</b> (Physically) my curly hair (both a blessing and a curse, but by far, the first thing people notice about me) but the characteristic is my quick wit (some say sarcasm).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Favorite color combination:</b> black with pops of bright color, lately pink.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Favorite flower: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">buttercups, hydrangeas, peonies </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You never leave the house without: </b>iPhone, jewelry and lipstick (even if I'm in sweats)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You're secretly addicted to: </b>nail polish and reality television</span></div>
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Now copy and paste the below questionnaire and share your </div>
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responses in the comments! I'll be reading :)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Favorite characteristic about yourself:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Favorite color combination:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Favorite flower:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You never leave the house without:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You're secretly addicted to:</span></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-91856136064273204082014-02-04T11:20:00.002-08:002014-02-04T11:35:41.646-08:00Little Things<span style="font-size: large;">Happiness is truly a choice, and even on this freezing, rainy, miserable day, there are some bright spots. A few of the things that have kept me smiling today are:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3Lu_JAYqII/UvE9SRRFwsI/AAAAAAAAFiA/jxmCadZPfuQ/s1600/SK_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3Lu_JAYqII/UvE9SRRFwsI/AAAAAAAAFiA/jxmCadZPfuQ/s1600/SK_6.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-Bright pink lipstick (specifically <a href="http://www.sephora.com/volupte-sheer-candy-glossy-balm-crystal-color-P287104">this</a> shade which I'm wearing)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-<a href="http://www.levo.com/articles/lifestyle/the-essentials-charlotte-giver-editor-and-coffee-addict">This article</a> from <a href="http://www.levo.com/home">Levo League</a> featuring <a href="http://www.yourcoffeebreak.co.uk/">Your Coffee Break</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-That the sassy sisters of <a href="http://www.georgetowncupcake.com/about.html">Georgetown Cupcake</a> are the <a href="http://www.baublebar.com/guest-bartender/georgetown-cupcake.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=promoted&utm_campaign=GC_0204">"Guest Bartenders" at BaubleBar</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-That I get to wear my moss green hunter wellies (not to be confused with the <a href="http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/dc-cupcakes">fabulous pink ones</a> Sophie and Katherine rock).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-That there's a tiger game tonight</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sEn6WbeeV5g/UvE9WQwRD4I/AAAAAAAAFiI/Xzp27clPHZE/s1600/13f2957ebbfe4ece57f01d254ae22f99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sEn6WbeeV5g/UvE9WQwRD4I/AAAAAAAAFiI/Xzp27clPHZE/s1600/13f2957ebbfe4ece57f01d254ae22f99.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sensing my obsession with the color pink growing. So even though my editor just said "It's literally flash flooding outside," and there are icicles hanging off our steps, I'm smiling.</span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-5103117501191494942014-02-03T09:23:00.001-08:002014-02-03T09:26:47.776-08:00Polar Monday<span style="font-size: large;">No, the title isn't for the arctic, icy weather we seem to have in Memphis today, although it could be. It's actually for the very first day I got to break out my <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/polar-ft4-womens-heart-rate-monitor-purple-pink/6609307.p?id=1218762300844&skuId=6609307#tab=overview">Polar FT4 heart rate monitor and watch</a> </span>(maybe the best alternative to candy as an early Valentine's gift from JT)<span style="font-size: large;"> for my workouts. And I must say, it's <i>fabulous</i>, fun, and pink. I am in love. And I also felt totally official in the gym with it on, so that doesn't hurt. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8pC_iDdRIs/Uu_OvqWwQiI/AAAAAAAAFhc/F8sP2q7zcxU/s1600/gwen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8pC_iDdRIs/Uu_OvqWwQiI/AAAAAAAAFhc/F8sP2q7zcxU/s1600/gwen1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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{not bad considering I've been out of the gym for nearly 2 weeks}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something about new workout gear, extras </span>(i.e. water bottles, hand weights)<span style="font-size: large;">, or a new routine that make things <i>so</i> much more fun. Variety is the spice of life, and Lord knows I continually need motivation to keep my butt in the gym. As I was still riding my endorphin-high from this morning, I stumbled upon <b><a href="http://www.thecoveteur.com/tracy-anderson/">this article</a></b>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTNOxYetis0/Uu_QR8cciiI/AAAAAAAAFhw/1rX8GR2kQNU/s1600/gwen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTNOxYetis0/Uu_QR8cciiI/AAAAAAAAFhw/1rX8GR2kQNU/s1600/gwen2.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm very familiar with <a href="http://tracyandersonmethod.com/">Tracy</a> and her <a href="http://tracyandersonmethod.com/interspire/categories.php?category=DVDS">Method</a> since I'm a big Gwyneth Paltrow fan </span>(in the way someone can be obsessed when they've never actually tried it)<span style="font-size: large;">, and I'm well aware <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/12/paltrow-anderson-diet-show-gets.html">she swears by it</a>. And I don't know if you've <i>seen</i> GP lately, but I think if she swore by drinking mud, I'd consider it, too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hB_jwMLoJE/Uu_O7p6cXDI/AAAAAAAAFhk/do7Xrd0Eoj4/s1600/gwen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hB_jwMLoJE/Uu_O7p6cXDI/AAAAAAAAFhk/do7Xrd0Eoj4/s1600/gwen.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All that to say, I think that once my bank account gets fuller </span>(thanks to <a href="http://www.nerium.com/default.aspx?ID=annajcox">Nerium</a> and extra freelancing I have lined up)<span style="font-size: large;"> I might just <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D2UMHC4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00D2UMHC4&linkCode=as2&tag=thecove0f9-20">take the plunge</a> and incorporate <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/search/search.jsp?Keyword=tracy+anderson&view=grid&_dyncharset=UTF-8">one of these DVDs</a> into my routine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because summer bodies are made in the winter, and homegirl has not one, but two bridesmaids dresses to rock in a few months. </span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-29755323702739339002014-01-31T10:56:00.002-08:002014-01-31T10:57:03.846-08:00Flashback Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B97B5W35DlQ/UuvwPpFf0_I/AAAAAAAAFhM/1kNITiWvUmk/s1600/mere4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B97B5W35DlQ/UuvwPpFf0_I/AAAAAAAAFhM/1kNITiWvUmk/s1600/mere4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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{look at this picture and know that we have changed <i>quite</i> </div>
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a bit from the ones that follow... thank God}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This one goes out to the one, the only, best roomsiepoo for lyfe. While chatting today, she mentioned what she really wished we were actually doing </span>(instead of being 24, at work, in separate but equally frigid cities)<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbX05esVeZg/UuvwPMjBYUI/AAAAAAAAFg4/hrtIvty0vr0/s1600/mere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbX05esVeZg/UuvwPMjBYUI/AAAAAAAAFg4/hrtIvty0vr0/s1600/mere.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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{one of the many fun times in 1014}</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As she began her scenario, it wasn't difficult to completely transport myself out of my cubicle on Tennessee Street to the warm, sunny patio of 1014 Oaks Drive, Birmingham, Alabama circa 2011. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There we were. Two college girls, completely unaware of the luxury of having absolutely nothing to do in the middle of the afternoon, we ate at <a href="http://www.ocarrs.com/">O'Carr's</a>, grabbed <a href="http://www.pastryartcakes.com/baby-bites/">baby bites</a>, and ate them on our porch while drinking wine at 2 p.m.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XEZU87b50k/UuvwPMwRLkI/AAAAAAAAFhI/dz50Tqfq5lg/s1600/mere3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XEZU87b50k/UuvwPMwRLkI/AAAAAAAAFhI/dz50Tqfq5lg/s1600/mere3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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{our very first picture together in feb/march 2009... we'd known each other hours at this point, so to say we're freakishly linked is an understatement}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was one of those times we both remember, but aren't quite sure why. We didn't talk about anything super specific that we can remember, but we <i>do</i> remember it was <b>fun</b>. Which is what I think of when I think of my time at Sammy U with quite literally the best friends a gal could dream of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So today, I'm flashing back to my wonderful college experiences and the smile those memories bring. Road trip anyone?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qmvywIkpOQ/UuvwPKGTuAI/AAAAAAAAFhA/1rXClHsVuLk/s1600/mere1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qmvywIkpOQ/UuvwPKGTuAI/AAAAAAAAFhA/1rXClHsVuLk/s1600/mere1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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{circa spring break 2009... the dreaded ride home from the beach.}</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Friday!</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-5216216447973122332014-01-30T08:42:00.001-08:002014-01-30T08:42:59.697-08:00Witchy Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MBBOWkH7mM/UuqA1xhJUJI/AAAAAAAAFgc/Y70XYJy1G8E/s1600/where-are-they-now-hocus-pocus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MBBOWkH7mM/UuqA1xhJUJI/AAAAAAAAFgc/Y70XYJy1G8E/s1600/where-are-they-now-hocus-pocus.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Post title is a shout out to all my ADPi sistas since it's Step Sing season and a perfect throwback Thursday was my freshman year when ADPi put a spell on everyone with their performance. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s22KdYaIu-g/UuqAWox_ZVI/AAAAAAAAFgU/8HZVsiu27A8/s1600/coven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s22KdYaIu-g/UuqAWox_ZVI/AAAAAAAAFgU/8HZVsiu27A8/s1600/coven.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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{AHS: Coven}</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must say, witches are having a moment. Not that they ever <b>haven't</b>, but I'd go as far as to say witches are the new vampires. Yep. I went there. My adult obsession with<i> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/">Hocus Pocus</a></i> </span>(which was originally rooted in absolute fear when I was a child. I literally couldn't even see the VHS tape cover without nightmares for weeks)<span style="font-size: large;"> might have tipped a few of you off, but I'm weirdly fascinated by the idea of them. With <i><a href="http://media.wickedthemusical.com/media/?gclid=CL7onumqprwCFZPm7Aodo0QApA">Wicked</a></i> </span>(my all time favorite musical) <span style="font-size: large;">in town, Katy Perry's magical performance at the Grammys, and last nights Supreme reveal </span>(click <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/505218/sarah-paulson-on-coven-s-big-supreme-reveal-keeping-jessica-lange-on-american-horror-story-and-more">here</a>, or <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/504989/american-horror-story-coven-finale-the-supreme-revealed-fan-favorites-died-and-more-shockers">here</a> to find out who it was)<span style="font-size: large;"> on <i><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CDcQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fxnetworks.com%2Fahs&ei=dYDqUomTOY6SkQfF6oDoCA&usg=AFQjCNEHmVTDIDn8uCv-VfEQVMpfADDDLA&sig2=4xysEKHbPT7QU8ECuL6TrQ&bvm=bv.60444564,d.eW0">American Horror Story: Coven</a></i>, I think the fascination is here to stay. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TtvsKfEOlF8" width="560"></iframe>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-38796007313999622832014-01-24T09:27:00.001-08:002014-01-24T09:27:25.432-08:00Excelsior <div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"If you're ever gonna find a silver lining, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>it's gotta be a cloudy day, it's gotta be a cloudy day. </i></div>
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<i>If you wanna fill your bottle up with lightening, </i></div>
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<i>you're gonna hafta stand in the rain, you're gonna hafta stand in the rain."</i><b></b></div>
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-Kacey Musgraves</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My apologies for not posting for a few days; I seem to be burning the candle at both ends and sleep has become the priority </span>(when I can get it)<span style="font-size: large;">. But I have had a few mantras, if you will, that help me keep on keepin' on. If you're schedule is anything like mine lately, that means it's hectic and often leaves you feeling exhausted. Hopefully these nuggets of advice will mean as much to you as they do to me, and keep you not only moving in the right direction, but hustlin' too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first is a Kacey Musgraves song that I may or may not have on repeat in my car. Helps me remember that </span>(much like in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045658/">Silver Linings Playbook</a>)<span style="font-size: large;"> good can come from the bad, and "if you're ever gonna find a four-leaf clover, you gotta get a little dirt on your hands."</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DrUwFWDFg2M" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If that is a little too mellow to make you think you're gonna have to work for what you want, there's always this little gem. Because let's face it... sometimes you just gotta remind yourself that if you want something bad enough, you gotta work, bitch </span>(shout out to Sara Nunnery who keeps this as her motto for med school, and life)<span style="font-size: large;">. If I learned anything from high school economics, it's that there's no such thing as a free lunch </span>(cough, TINSTAAFL)<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So when "lemonade keeps turnin' into lemons," "work, bitch."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Friday.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6734719404460244221.post-1457372309287633382014-01-21T08:33:00.002-08:002014-01-21T08:36:12.064-08:00Shine Bright, Shine Far<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">...don't be shy, be a star!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Eve</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-kOQ_CjzCU/Ut6gTNIZWjI/AAAAAAAAFfc/s0MBvLogZME/s1600/MV5BMTYzNTUzMzgxMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzExMDcxMQ@@._V1_SY317_CR4,0,214,317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-kOQ_CjzCU/Ut6gTNIZWjI/AAAAAAAAFfc/s0MBvLogZME/s1600/MV5BMTYzNTUzMzgxMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzExMDcxMQ@@._V1_SY317_CR4,0,214,317_.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>They're baaaaaaccccckkkkkk! </i>I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. But, yes, they really <b>are</b> back, <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/501606/tyra-banks-announces-life-size-sequel">according to Tyra Banks, herself.</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwjAMkpchUY/Ut6giw7auQI/AAAAAAAAFfk/gp9YQu3C_H4/s1600/Life-Size_510x317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwjAMkpchUY/Ut6giw7auQI/AAAAAAAAFfk/gp9YQu3C_H4/s1600/Life-Size_510x317.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before LiLo had plastic surgery, tattoos, or a mug shot, Disney movies included the likes of a wholesome, young ginger named Lindsay, and all was well with the world. For everyone who secretly wished their Barbie </span>(er, Eve doll)<span style="font-size: large;"> would come to life, too, get excited.</span></div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aJlr8cphSms" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This gives me hope. Happy Tuesday, everyone. </span></div>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291244835786669535noreply@blogger.com0