tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47712636433161090432024-03-16T03:08:02.976-04:00In my red glassesJulie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-61040747359154136432015-11-12T10:43:00.000-05:002015-11-18T17:46:20.976-05:00#JomarAndJulieBTS: Hair and Makeup<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Looking for a makeup artist was supposed to be a no-brainer. After all, my
checklist was simple:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I need to look like <u>myself</u>, and I want my future grandkids to look at our wedding photos and see ME, not some hyper-made up and glamourized version of me, so severe contouring was definitely out of the question. It will be so weird if I hear them ask "Lola, who's that?" while thumbing through our wedding album. So goodbye, Hollywood-sanctioned straight nose and hollow cheeks! Not that I really want those hahaha :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My skin tans easily, which means I need someone who can perfectly match the makeup to my changing yellow-brown skin tone. I didn’t want to like a mumu (ghost) extra for Shake Rattle & Roll nor a bronzed Egyptian goddess (a staple look in Philippine magazine covers). The same goes for my bridal entourage's makeup, especially since their skin tone varies from morena to mestiza.</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">3. If I can't find anyone, I will just do it myself. After all, how hard can it be, right? I've done my makeup dozens of times before, and surely I'll have enough time to practice before the big day. I seriously considered this until I realized how different professionally-applied makeup is from my amateur handiwork. Case in point:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Under professional light though, this would look so different. It'd most likely appear washed out, as if I didn't put anything on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">"Easy-peasy," I thought to myself, "I'll probably find someone soon!". But as I scrolled through pages and pages of too-pink lipstick, super thick brown eyebrows, and oddly-sculpted noses c/o the Kim K. School of Contouring, I began to lose hope. I slept quite late those nights, only to keep bumping into dead ends and ending up with bumps on my forehead (so future brides, <u>stick to your schedule and always get some rest</u>!). The makeup artists that I managed to track down were either very expensive to hire or never responded to my inquiries. Miracle of miracles, a mere TWO months before our wedding, I came across <strong>Kris Bacani</strong> among a thousand websites I surfed through that night. I noted that she was morena, so I thought to myself that she probably knows first hand the sad plight of being morena in a white-complexion obsessed country (sad, I know)? After all, this is the land where the once beautifully tan Jennilyn Mercado became porcelain-skinned after being tucked beneath Vicki Belo's wing, and Maxi Peel flew off the shelves after an endorsement by the lovely, naturally light-skinned Kristine Hermosa (who has most likely never needed to use those horrid chemicals!). Crazy trivia: I was messaging my cousin about updates, and casually mentioned that I was eyeing Kris for my makeup. She said that her parents were friends with Kris' parents and that they actually went to her (my cousin's) wedding! More crazy trivia to come soon :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://krisbacani.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://krisbacani.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AxgZzoXH7zrom-VfekO2j_agwgz78iaqpUDzzIhVd68ixNvP38cQrP_0-vicFjbZaxdmMF9iHp7knCx9kPfmp7JFyxsgh016riU50MVCRTI4frYfUVWrW1-BsqDli1ZNN7Pq0c5Ow18/s320/kris+bacani.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image taken from krisbacani.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kris working her magic on moi</td></tr>
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<a href="http://krisbacani.com/">krisbacani.com</a><br />
<a href="https://instagram.com/krisbacani/">https://instagram.com/krisbacani/</a><br />
<a href="http://brideandbreakfast.ph/tag/kris-bacani/">http://brideandbreakfast.ph/tag/kris-bacani/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KrisBacaniMakeupArtistry/">https://www.facebook.com/KrisBacaniMakeupArtistry/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I knew Kris was THE ONE for me. I quickly messaged her while uttering a quick prayer, and got a reply that she was free on our wedding day! Woohooooo! I added her on Facebook and soon after, we started on our back-and-forth about my hair and makeup inspirations. I told her I wanted the glowing, natural look of Jessica Alba and a curly braided updo like Cheryl Cole's (I originally was toying with the idea of a side swept curly half-pony but nixed it once I realized it would have been annoying since we would be dancing).</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOlB6ROXyhpp-XgMMvz6vLnDLTY1py9sidkTNR6BdUannNXR79_eRPJpqx_kDpcPk4o-1ISeaJcPb_M6rFQAUhiuUVwYidBzDoDHxT5QHSpt6-Ex1RgBA-ZqUGejFELBXnSxOgwZs1vY/s1600/jessica+alba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOlB6ROXyhpp-XgMMvz6vLnDLTY1py9sidkTNR6BdUannNXR79_eRPJpqx_kDpcPk4o-1ISeaJcPb_M6rFQAUhiuUVwYidBzDoDHxT5QHSpt6-Ex1RgBA-ZqUGejFELBXnSxOgwZs1vY/s320/jessica+alba.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica Alba photo by Michael Buckner on Getty Images</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdzqBOfoBUIn-yo9cvoF23hhSdrc9srHaeg1hfRI7Q5v-P9BI2eXSw62D7t-0-6Va9dOBIDd6M1LhevYl6hMSrvWN6dj7pFpUU_lUZK0ClY0Q0gCEMQy68J34fYR2yMnORpWwy6HSyNU/s1600/cheryl+cole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdzqBOfoBUIn-yo9cvoF23hhSdrc9srHaeg1hfRI7Q5v-P9BI2eXSw62D7t-0-6Va9dOBIDd6M1LhevYl6hMSrvWN6dj7pFpUU_lUZK0ClY0Q0gCEMQy68J34fYR2yMnORpWwy6HSyNU/s320/cheryl+cole.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl Cole photo by Steve Granitz on Getty Images</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She said she can do both and asked if I wanted traditional makeup or airbrush makeup. I've had former brides <span style="font-family: inherit;">tell me to pick airbrush makeup since it has a more "flawless" look, and though I was a bit hesitant at first, I bit the bullet after seeing it on myself during my trial run. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I met up with her and her partner-in-crime hairstylist, <strong>Alex Leyson,</strong> a few days before July 18. I won't show you my picture because I was getting a little hangry and it shows (imagine me, with full bridal makeup and hair, walking down a long distance with my Ma under the unforgiving noontime sun, just so we could get a cab since my brother's van broke down an hour after he dropped us off at Kris' studio) hahaha, but needless to say a lot of my stress flew out the window after they were done- I knew I was in good hands. Two more crazy/funny tidbits: the night before my trial run was my cousin's husband's birthday, which Kris attended! And one of my bridesmaids, a makeup junkie, told me that Kris used to go to her former school and that she knows Kris' work is "pulido" (flawless). All of these coincidences were maybe not coincidences anymore, I honestly believe that God listened to my many prayers and knew that hearing these newly-discovered connections and great feedback were what I needed to decrease my anxiety levels at the time.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFN4qpvKOsMHmY6gVva79-nV1NCyJ_jm99m3XCBC3XSMYmSuNxyuzuCr6li42e3wCf-Hj-NZqnNVbQnFO3979EQhI6zgvykwqJoG_QmsCaNPFCQvFyJcWKUv83FVJkfIJW5omeCU8jVU/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFN4qpvKOsMHmY6gVva79-nV1NCyJ_jm99m3XCBC3XSMYmSuNxyuzuCr6li42e3wCf-Hj-NZqnNVbQnFO3979EQhI6zgvykwqJoG_QmsCaNPFCQvFyJcWKUv83FVJkfIJW5omeCU8jVU/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0189.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex doing my hair</td></tr>
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<a href="http://brideandbreakfast.ph/tag/alex-leyson/">http://brideandbreakfast.ph/tag/alex-leyson/</a></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/alexleyson/">https://instagram.com/alexleyson/</a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I <span style="color: red;"><strong>LOVE</strong></span> the work our makeup team did on me and my wedding entourage. Along with <strong>Carmie Locsin</strong> and<strong> Cha Vicuna</strong> (my bridesmaids' makeup artist and hair stylist, respectively), they arrived on time, were highly professional, and with their expertise made our natural, God-given beauty shine! Ladies, please remember: keep the atmosphere light and fun, so that your hair and makeup stylists won't be stressed out. Yes, you are their client, but don't be the über-demanding bridezilla that will be talked about behind closed doors. As long as you pick the right people who fit your need, tell them what you want ahead of time, and let them feel that you trust them, you and your bridal party will look absolutely <strong>gorgeous</strong> :) </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrTC1aXI-ZIeTbxLiFf_VbbxHsEf3P4v_FoZa9zYqB3dApHJwGz_GLBdLQmhNJP517rlpyEPIchAcD0KZvNODQkCY__0YIPtIrL2QPtZituDuSRwSTGg0Dj09nFhfuiMkQpZDLInGHe0/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrTC1aXI-ZIeTbxLiFf_VbbxHsEf3P4v_FoZa9zYqB3dApHJwGz_GLBdLQmhNJP517rlpyEPIchAcD0KZvNODQkCY__0YIPtIrL2QPtZituDuSRwSTGg0Dj09nFhfuiMkQpZDLInGHe0/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0178.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's reaction when she saw me getting my makeup done <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfENKty8iUFkSNoKR0pgr1JILxHzP0hLCZ6_VPSERcdselxWNPI5qo2h7WTTfEN3_FfsFzhbvwKey9ITTakYE5OlsfUu2daSEAc_xPmyzNOxdchQT18Jm0mbEShfLLPzI2mF53xb1zIM/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfENKty8iUFkSNoKR0pgr1JILxHzP0hLCZ6_VPSERcdselxWNPI5qo2h7WTTfEN3_FfsFzhbvwKey9ITTakYE5OlsfUu2daSEAc_xPmyzNOxdchQT18Jm0mbEShfLLPzI2mF53xb1zIM/s640/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0330.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makeup with natural light and awkward gaze lol (posing jitters)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LDdr9yrgotIa52SGIHTd8-n92C4LWSnvUjRFoSuwXAXJGoZa3EtiB8C4bAbOvyar9LhYuVJ0HlYNLPMIHwZuV_evfnW-u6L0VgTQOn_oyTNuUmvZ95D-3aM09LP_nMYi415upzqjx4s/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LDdr9yrgotIa52SGIHTd8-n92C4LWSnvUjRFoSuwXAXJGoZa3EtiB8C4bAbOvyar9LhYuVJ0HlYNLPMIHwZuV_evfnW-u6L0VgTQOn_oyTNuUmvZ95D-3aM09LP_nMYi415upzqjx4s/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0187.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmie Locsin in action</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.carmielocsinmakeup.com/">http://www.carmielocsinmakeup.com/</a></div>
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<a href="http://brideandbreakfast.ph/tag/carmie-locsin/">http://brideandbreakfast.ph/tag/carmie-locsin/</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dnfvpr2JGWE0aG-zVLKTvcQk4XwbXlTA5622jHJJsrNB_SU4-GElH-OeMpgTbVs2x9d_wtLp-0gIPVpGBAvPiY70o1IeopaZZcLxPjAr-d_GiItZk2wo0JWKHlO6QI-uNsjQPLI2Ats/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dnfvpr2JGWE0aG-zVLKTvcQk4XwbXlTA5622jHJJsrNB_SU4-GElH-OeMpgTbVs2x9d_wtLp-0gIPVpGBAvPiY70o1IeopaZZcLxPjAr-d_GiItZk2wo0JWKHlO6QI-uNsjQPLI2Ats/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0188.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of talking and laughing while they do our hair and makeup :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQvoeyWnmaP2OGxSX1VuDl3T2xOpBMHc4Tpo9-kN49sfHhLvVnvIHKoRU8jSpSS_Y87fqf3CNNgEbKkw4V-Ra3hf24Pwvhk-D3mrPlUN8UdaZ-m_WrLgVduqhOf9jULikXiVxdITulew/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQvoeyWnmaP2OGxSX1VuDl3T2xOpBMHc4Tpo9-kN49sfHhLvVnvIHKoRU8jSpSS_Y87fqf3CNNgEbKkw4V-Ra3hf24Pwvhk-D3mrPlUN8UdaZ-m_WrLgVduqhOf9jULikXiVxdITulew/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0220.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wherein I look like a supervisor lol</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIat18yuAoJAc7jvdqCvnxiZJ7XdtZMHdVSN0FWGUiEP7N0t0NbtrTQ5tleP51JpG_tfkWOW1_FJSEOQXf4IXX9dCNkSINNhyWAQcEBPdPf-oLA5XCaWuQ3Vhiq9nZ6Ex8F7-uqYakcKA/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIat18yuAoJAc7jvdqCvnxiZJ7XdtZMHdVSN0FWGUiEP7N0t0NbtrTQ5tleP51JpG_tfkWOW1_FJSEOQXf4IXX9dCNkSINNhyWAQcEBPdPf-oLA5XCaWuQ3Vhiq9nZ6Ex8F7-uqYakcKA/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0244.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex doing Mary's hair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo1-fc1-i2I3UmgJPpn22yMZohZ1M932YksHO7ONeZSkJ1A-2n3IDhsg1ip56JpY-rjLIx-8zD3ifg7UetcwfahYnFtxIZqRhkEqiDyaZWRZununYvOozk_0xd6WpAtslOJWYv3ICGXE/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo1-fc1-i2I3UmgJPpn22yMZohZ1M932YksHO7ONeZSkJ1A-2n3IDhsg1ip56JpY-rjLIx-8zD3ifg7UetcwfahYnFtxIZqRhkEqiDyaZWRZununYvOozk_0xd6WpAtslOJWYv3ICGXE/s640/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0266.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband and his beautiful mom and lovely sisters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDD0SlpsWho2Uwr-WBM9arTNbsVnDltGl59LMm870W6_5HygNrsI5tHz5OsOME0ZiAzTTaORKy6-Wk2EEv6FhPJmuk0HJl76MBmdbn66BIi4llwqpQY_NGQrDJ2UfcgRuv22MnuW4O31E/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDD0SlpsWho2Uwr-WBM9arTNbsVnDltGl59LMm870W6_5HygNrsI5tHz5OsOME0ZiAzTTaORKy6-Wk2EEv6FhPJmuk0HJl76MBmdbn66BIi4llwqpQY_NGQrDJ2UfcgRuv22MnuW4O31E/s640/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0298.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband's lovely family</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makeup with flash photography</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YHmVD0D4BfZQy7eGpZfWynuo1DWv31smD8x4PVxflvMij51HNXq84yghNgQXKQxwP5_AP8lYQVrPCIOJALIO-wx2DqMLviFMQR-C7GGJJlFFhjwRjOHI9y21okt2-JupZNzdByfyyYg/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+1562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YHmVD0D4BfZQy7eGpZfWynuo1DWv31smD8x4PVxflvMij51HNXq84yghNgQXKQxwP5_AP8lYQVrPCIOJALIO-wx2DqMLviFMQR-C7GGJJlFFhjwRjOHI9y21okt2-JupZNzdByfyyYg/s640/Jomar+%252B+Julie+1562.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pretty ladies/girl squad!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrfRnfmouHqKdZxV13Tu_IiuFLcZe0uu0K_lKw1slHIBZy8f8wkPNNYCeAF1HDRWr828RuipsChXuRZ7Ud3eSnuzCS-ma3s1G0M8y1o0YKXOpHLUpxeTq3fkRZYNGhYSSuFF3nXH3WoM/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+1560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrfRnfmouHqKdZxV13Tu_IiuFLcZe0uu0K_lKw1slHIBZy8f8wkPNNYCeAF1HDRWr828RuipsChXuRZ7Ud3eSnuzCS-ma3s1G0M8y1o0YKXOpHLUpxeTq3fkRZYNGhYSSuFF3nXH3WoM/s640/Jomar+%252B+Julie+1560.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous ladies! <3 <3 <3</td></tr>
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<strong>Thank you so much, Kris, Alex, Carmie and Cha for making us look picture-perfect on my big day! <3</strong></div>
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Love lots,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-59940607009669315432015-11-11T00:45:00.003-05:002015-11-11T00:49:13.845-05:00#JomarAndJulieBTS: Handcrafted Hair Accessory and Wedding Cord"It's all in the details" is one of my mottos, which is why I was so grateful and happy when my maid-of-honor <strong>Liz Mariano</strong> of <a href="http://www.jewelboxballerina.com/">jewelboxballerina.com</a> gave me a set of her hair accessories to choose from! I had a tough time, but ended up picking this beautifully and lovingly handcrafted piece:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcn2bWc8OcbdgGdP5bBG6GOMbfV3S8ACBccRoGMozGgCw4RSRANR4qjQ0nABGMnwMujC-yc8BekQuDt7Y-h9rXl-UsbZBCJgBT7jUapx6vEJBlnZcO_L8N4CdG1tqQUgcF3H39NqAHs0/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyXbFxfJCb7AFeZPsLoibQa2oWMci2mKhmCEjQavZhGpGEiWEoe8GUyfLNtc11DEL2XK3TINO5lkCb68II5y2NAQJDoxIBbapff4DyqNeSLuCa7Jxtlh9U9_ELPBPga0IQWdVIawPVmo/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyXbFxfJCb7AFeZPsLoibQa2oWMci2mKhmCEjQavZhGpGEiWEoe8GUyfLNtc11DEL2XK3TINO5lkCb68II5y2NAQJDoxIBbapff4DyqNeSLuCa7Jxtlh9U9_ELPBPga0IQWdVIawPVmo/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0355.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClXZkxhcEY_8Dpawu0oN-wpVnaypHFSUvci-6_sq6kXI6BJ2_SCN6r2AC0XGDHKECproKBP7mAMXGyry1adBc22jDapY6x5LJsDBbTL2hHgGoilCo4yKbK0Ml8kjBgSe4BEeexzA5eao/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClXZkxhcEY_8Dpawu0oN-wpVnaypHFSUvci-6_sq6kXI6BJ2_SCN6r2AC0XGDHKECproKBP7mAMXGyry1adBc22jDapY6x5LJsDBbTL2hHgGoilCo4yKbK0Ml8kjBgSe4BEeexzA5eao/s640/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0352.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcn2bWc8OcbdgGdP5bBG6GOMbfV3S8ACBccRoGMozGgCw4RSRANR4qjQ0nABGMnwMujC-yc8BekQuDt7Y-h9rXl-UsbZBCJgBT7jUapx6vEJBlnZcO_L8N4CdG1tqQUgcF3H39NqAHs0/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcn2bWc8OcbdgGdP5bBG6GOMbfV3S8ACBccRoGMozGgCw4RSRANR4qjQ0nABGMnwMujC-yc8BekQuDt7Y-h9rXl-UsbZBCJgBT7jUapx6vEJBlnZcO_L8N4CdG1tqQUgcF3H39NqAHs0/s640/Jomar+%252B+Julie+0496.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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See how it wonderfully complemented the neckline of my dress? #dying #sopretty<br />
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She made this herself! Head over to her website for other gorgeous, intricate finds like this beaded headband:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsRq3C6Z8eLsOCrtQzBsPONKAk4F2MHYDtstWbxF_vVJzWX-1ME1QY4c4OZn6B7Z8sCpiq1fa6Zjs-dgPi6gs6Vk2MvZCZiU9kElzxRCSO2YzmBD4E2-PdIjB_avqNmKALH3sEIQjClI/s1600/headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsRq3C6Z8eLsOCrtQzBsPONKAk4F2MHYDtstWbxF_vVJzWX-1ME1QY4c4OZn6B7Z8sCpiq1fa6Zjs-dgPi6gs6Vk2MvZCZiU9kElzxRCSO2YzmBD4E2-PdIjB_avqNmKALH3sEIQjClI/s400/headband.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jewelboxballerina.com/"><strong>JewelBoxBallerina.com</strong></a></div>
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My other "sponsored" accessory was the wedding cord that was a surprise gift from one of my mother's friends. <strong>Tita Julie</strong> asked my Mama what our wedding colors were and handmade this lovely Rosary Cord<strong> </strong>using real Rose Quartz. When I received it, it felt like I was holding a piece of treasure: it came in a pretty ribbon-covered box and inside, the cord was delicately wrapped in tissue paper. These pictures don't do the cord justice: in real life, the beads are a gorgeous shade of pink, and it's a bit weighty because of the real stones. The wedding cord symbolizes the couple's unity under the sacrament of matrimony - what better way to represent that unity than with a beautifully made cord that will literally last a lifetime? Tita Julie, we can never thank you enough for your gift!</div>
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(Message me on Facebook for her contact info, she can custom make yours in your wedding colors!)</div>
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I'm always amazed and inspired by the talents of people like Ate Liz and Tita Julie, who can create beautiful things with their own two hands. Cheers to artists who show us that a little creativity goes a long way!</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-57854334668315921502015-10-03T01:00:00.001-04:002015-10-03T01:07:28.162-04:00#JomarAndJulie BTS: Wedding Coordinator<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll tell you a secret: I was very apprehensive of getting a wedding coordinator at first. I was thinking that if we already have all the details smoothed out, then we won't need someone to become the conductor on our wedding day. I'll just have my mom talk to the suppliers and everything will fall into place. Besides, they probably cost a lot, and I didn't want to scrimp on the caterer or makeup artists just to get a coordinator. Boy, was I wrong! I can't imagine how our wedding would have been like if we didn't hire the team behind Just Like Ours. Tears would have been shed, wrinkles on my forehead would have taken permanent residence. But thank God we gave in to our cousins' and friends' incessant cajoling of "Get Queen David! Promise, you won't regret it," bit the bullet, and booked them for our July 18th wedding.</div>
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Queen and David (their last name, but also Queen's husband's nickname) named their events management team "Just Like Ours" to let clients and potential clients know that that's how they treat the weddings that they handle - they put their energy into them and treat them as their own. How fitting, because everything did fall into place with their help. Take into account too that Jomar and I were already stressed from all the overseas planning that we did (heck, we had to come back for a short trip last April just so we can get our wedding license, which wasn't the case a few years ago when we could have gotten it from the Philippine Embassy in DC) that we were just so thankful that we got to sit back and relax on our wedding and just truly live in the moment. They were very professional and ninja-like (in that they're very organized yet stealthy) and made sure that we were cared for :) Here are other reasons why I really, really like them:</div>
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1. Even if we hired them as on-the-day coordinators, they still helped us with things that we hadn't thought of or forgotten about, such as providing lunch for everyone at the hotel, helping with props for our wedding games, etc.</div>
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2. They made sure we were fed and hydrated. It was a bit hot when we were doing our after-wedding shoot with our entourage, and they had bottles of water on hand for us. We also requested that we be given time to eat our dinner, and even if my taste buds went kaput (I couldn't taste anything!) at least I wasn't hungry during the reception :)</div>
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3. I wasn't able to get my nails done the day before, which elicited one of my mini-breakdowns the next morning. Calmly, kuya Jun (Pimentel, who's also a designer!) called the concierge, and after an hour or so, two manicurists from a nearby nail salon came up to my room and worked on my nails while Alex Layson did my 'do. Crisis averted!</div>
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4. If they were stressed, they did not show it lest we become stressed too :) Thus, their expert handling of mini disasters (like the wedding before ours that overlapped with our schedule) made us feel like everything was going according to plan.</div>
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5. They assign members of their team to stay with you at different points of the wedding. Kuya Jun was with me during the morning preps (hair and makeup) until before my walk down the aisle, while Charm assisted me during our shoot after the wedding.</div>
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6. They stayed up late with us. I was still exchanging emails with Queen until the night before our wedding because of some tasks that Jomar and I forgot to do. Sorry, Queen!</div>
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7. Etc., etc.</div>
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So if you're still looking for a wedding coordinator, get Just Like Ours. All the 5-star reviews and declarations of "I love Queen and David!" from past clients definitely live up to the hype.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuNBDHxjVPgJ3xsShI7xRmQXfWxioxCofX2WvhIMFnDnn1Hp2NTx6fa42PcBLIBFfOjpSlawqdDAYODu6zoV4H3qm6WY2ZI8lrId9i3T_R-jR2cOMjhhWQ7785MMvTVzNyQH71_iD4YI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuNBDHxjVPgJ3xsShI7xRmQXfWxioxCofX2WvhIMFnDnn1Hp2NTx6fa42PcBLIBFfOjpSlawqdDAYODu6zoV4H3qm6WY2ZI8lrId9i3T_R-jR2cOMjhhWQ7785MMvTVzNyQH71_iD4YI/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jomar and me with Queen David and Jun Pimentel</td></tr>
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Here's an excerpt from an old blog post about the idea behind their name:</div>
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"Every event gives us something in return. It helps us cultivate friendships, it spices [up] our relationship, it makes us wonder and turn back to the time of our own wedding. It gives us an opportunity to grow and help others grow with us. It makes us believe that we can hold on to something more important than any form of success. It gives us a glimpse of a future we can never tell. It makes us human in this fast fast fast and quick quick quick world. It makes us one.<br />
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In return, we help them make it a celebration of love and life, because every wedding deserves to be. It is a union where my team members are not merely workers but a family. Where couples are more of PERSONS than brides and grooms who are shelling out some money from their pocket with minds filled with expectations.<br />
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We take it with equal passion, with equal focus, with equal belief. We dream with them, we spend sleepless nights with them, we pray with them.<br />
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We share their thoughts, their joys, their fears, their triumph. We help make their event something that would LINGER. <span style="color: #006600;"><strong><em>Just Like Our</em></strong></span> own wedding, <em><strong><span style="color: #006600;">Just Like Our</span></strong></em> Lives, <span style="color: #006600;"><em><strong>Just Like Ours."</strong></em></span></div>
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(taken from <a href="http://just-like-ours.blogspot.com/2006/06/name.html">http://just-like-ours.blogspot.com/2006/06/name.html</a>)</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.P.</div>
Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-76477512126245449142015-10-02T00:33:00.001-04:002015-10-03T01:16:49.457-04:00#JomarAndJulie BTS: Wedding Photographer<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whoa, I can't believe it's been two and a half months since our whirlwind of a wedding! In between cooking and settling into our house, I've come to a point where I can finally post about our various wedding suppliers. First up is one of the most crucial elements to a wedding: the photographer.</div>
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Do you believe in kismet? Because I sincerely feel that that's how we found our photographer, Matt Lee (<a href="http://mattleeshoots.com/">mattleeshoots.com</a>).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtQLgq1MlRw9pn7_55D1-j1hZK_Z9pOObWLqXcM15PUDii0Ce6XOO5H8wqfm7KgfRm-xuVIjZoG4S6FLYpSA_4PgrpLdgrnN0pbrX1wjOgVTZQnSPvdzxOItQCzmpu5J3nRMazVOXAwQ/s1600/Jomar+%252B+Julie+2518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtQLgq1MlRw9pn7_55D1-j1hZK_Z9pOObWLqXcM15PUDii0Ce6XOO5H8wqfm7KgfRm-xuVIjZoG4S6FLYpSA_4PgrpLdgrnN0pbrX1wjOgVTZQnSPvdzxOItQCzmpu5J3nRMazVOXAwQ/s400/Jomar+%252B+Julie+2518.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jomar and me with Matt Lee of Matt Lee Shoots</td></tr>
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One of the things I had been stressed about during our wedding planning was finding the perfect photographer: he/she should be professional, easy to talk to, should deliver great results (after all, these photos will be cherished for a long time) and also has reasonably priced packages. I know for a fact that there are a lot of great photographers in the Philippines, we just had to wade through online forums and portfolios until we found one that fit our needs. After a lot of painstaking research and dead-end email exchanges, I was ready to give up when I remembered seeing a friend's (Cha's) beautiful pictures taken in NYC during a visit by her college friend, Matt. I was actually supposed to drive them around DC when he made a quick stop here, but alas my work schedule then did not allow me to do so. After a quick online search of his past work as one of Chestknot Studio's photogs, I hurriedly sent him an e-mail asking if he would be available on our wedding date. He promptly replied yes, and attached his portfolio which was filled with gorgeous photos. Jomar and I talked it over, and he also liked what he saw. After a couple of exchanges, we finally had a major supplier checked off our list!</div>
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Come the day of the wedding, we finally met Matt in person. He was very personable and energetic, and you can definitely tell that he harnessed this energy into the photos he took that day. Along with him were two fellow photographers, David Garmsen (<a href="http://davidgarmsen.com/">http://davidgarmsen.com</a>) and Bardo Wu (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bardo-Wu-Photography-279247575552052/timeline/">Bardo Wu Photography</a>). I could tell they knew their stuff, and they made it a point to make us feel at ease. Jomar, they said, was a natural in front of the camera, while I eventually overcame my jitters once I was done with my solo shots and had pictures taken with my Maid of Honor, ate Liz, and my family :)</div>
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Before we head to some sample pictures from our wedding, let me leave you with a few tips:</div>
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1. If you have a lot of DIYs, don't forget to point them out to your photographer so that you'll have a remembrance of your hard work :)</div>
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2. If you have specific shots in mind (or have seen photos on Pinterest that you like), don't be shy to ask your photographer if he/she can replicate them for you.</div>
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3. If you feel like smiling, DO NOT HOLD BACK! This is one of the most important pieces of advice I received prior to our wedding. Smile, smile, smile :)</div>
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4. Make a list of what you want your photographer to capture (or not capture). Tell him/her if you want a lot of candid shots of your guests and family, if you don't like your bare feet seen, etc.</div>
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Without further ado, these are some of the lovely, vibrant pictures that Matt and co. took during our wedding. I feel like after 40 years, I will still feel giddy whenever I look through our album :) Thank you for the awesome job, Matt, David and Bardo! <3</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie P.</div>
Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-49698806903835271842015-08-10T21:08:00.001-04:002015-08-10T21:16:01.420-04:00Quick Meatball Stir Fry DinnerToday's dinner was an easy to fix meal for 5. I had half a bag of frozen meatballs from IKEA, 2 large bell peppers and 1 large sweet onion, so I searched for a recipe with these ingredients. From the three recipes that I liked, I ended up using this one from Yummly (how can you go wrong when the site is named like that?):<div><br></div><div>http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Garlic-Pork-Meatball-Stir-Fry-1046232</div><div><br></div><div>I did the following changes:</div><div>1. Halved the soy sauce and rice vinegar (to reduce sodium)</div><div>2. Used 1.5tbsp of cornstarch</div><div>3. No green onions on hand, so I used a whole giant sweet onion instead</div><div>4. No sesame seeds :(</div><div>5. 1.5tsp of hot chili oil for a tiny kick (which my husband did not detect, because he lives by sriracha)</div><div>6. Used 2 green bell peppers because those were what I had</div><div><br></div><div>Here's the end result:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIKPInpu3Y4nG53VAdD8f3onD9KO0RhVHLL4JDfQAKIBV11w6yWMlsXasoII-H3eC7bxpyjRX_kz2Jez0MbeVSV9KIKq9fhxNpaah4BrBlT-lb5G7-lu_Wai3UfWfZuhwUIdXHNwyHI4/s640/blogger-image-150539555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIKPInpu3Y4nG53VAdD8f3onD9KO0RhVHLL4JDfQAKIBV11w6yWMlsXasoII-H3eC7bxpyjRX_kz2Jez0MbeVSV9KIKq9fhxNpaah4BrBlT-lb5G7-lu_Wai3UfWfZuhwUIdXHNwyHI4/s640/blogger-image-150539555.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Mmm :) next time I'll try a homemade chicken meatball recipe with this, and hopefully I'll have sesame seeds and green onions by then hehehe!</div><div><br></div><div>Happy cooking!</div><div><br></div><div>Lotsa love,</div><div>Julie P.</div><div><br></div>Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-44984325336620792942015-08-10T16:25:00.001-04:002015-08-10T20:49:50.151-04:00Lay's Do Us A Flavor 2015 Finalists: A ReviewHi, everyone! I still have to finish moving into our house and also get my PC from my family's place, so I'll post about food (which is easier to talk about, am I right?). Hopefully this will be enough to tide you over and give me adequate time to write a well-thought out series of posts about our suppliers and our whirlwind of a wedding :)<div><br></div><div>Lay's potato chips. I grew up being deprived of snacks when I was a kid, being sickly and all, so you can imagine how fast I scarfed down junk food whenever I had the chance! Growing up I tried to be on the healthier side of life by allowing myself to snack in small portions, and trained myself not to indulge in one of God's greatest creations: the fried potato. Fries and chips are my Achilles' heel, especially if the fries are made fresh (bonus: a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning) and the chips are the sweet barbeque kind. Enter the Lay's "Do Us A Flavor" contest that began to run yearly since 2013. These days my kryptonite is Wasabi Ginger, the winner of their 2014 contest, which perfectly balanced the kick of wasabi, ginger and soy sauce onto thick, kettle cooked chips. Thank goodness their large bags aren't as large as their normal ones, or else that one time I ate a whole bag for dinner would have ended in disaster (don't worry, I ate healthy afterwards). Lay's, stop stocking Safeway! (Not really, no, I just have to learn to eat this in moderation).</div><div><br></div><div>This year's flavor finalists are as diverse as the previous years'. Needless to say, my coworkers and I (no, they're not chip connoiseurs, just your average chip-loving Americans) have mostly the same views on each flavor. They'll never top my love for Wasabi Ginger chips, though!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_cL6G-G0Xp-KweAOBph8-xe46nFJpIQqNv8b3Jp09ob5_xD5dwb4v9dwsQVvW2Fhflo1RK95gP2L2R69QgoRIs2gbuvle9gyJFxPD_vO60tHVvU5CpAlXo2Nj-_lPDu34kX0utHhfUs/s640/blogger-image-625649679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_cL6G-G0Xp-KweAOBph8-xe46nFJpIQqNv8b3Jp09ob5_xD5dwb4v9dwsQVvW2Fhflo1RK95gP2L2R69QgoRIs2gbuvle9gyJFxPD_vO60tHVvU5CpAlXo2Nj-_lPDu34kX0utHhfUs/s640/blogger-image-625649679.jpg"></a></div>1. Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro</div><div><br></div><div>This was the least favorite. It didn't conjure images of the beloved gyro for us, instead it was the last one to be finished, if someone did finish the last few chips it had when I last saw it in our break room. It was tangy and the smell was not appetizing at all - you're better off just eating the real thing at your favorite Greek place even if it's a couple of miles away. We're still boggled by the fact that this was a finalist, much like when we scratched our heads at how Mango Salsa and Cappuccino were able to get through the internal voting process at Lay's. Ick, such a waste of potatoes.</div><div>Score: 1 out of 5</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_Nz-sTzKuKrju8MLzCTnU3rwJxWrn8TDYu32-vx6-PLcu7-Vn-ctPQabG8i5Avc3ZsGq0NkdDX8HlB-TpHZ8VHuQQiCBnuu_puMC9rKLpC9LVHS4xfkYjpd0SwZhWW_zXHhg-Vkyzas/s640/blogger-image--1577984815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_Nz-sTzKuKrju8MLzCTnU3rwJxWrn8TDYu32-vx6-PLcu7-Vn-ctPQabG8i5Avc3ZsGq0NkdDX8HlB-TpHZ8VHuQQiCBnuu_puMC9rKLpC9LVHS4xfkYjpd0SwZhWW_zXHhg-Vkyzas/s640/blogger-image--1577984815.jpg"></a></div>2. Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries</div><div><br></div><div>Ever since truffle oil started popping up everywhere (if it's cheap then it's most probably faux/synthetic), I've been wanting to try the expensive French variety that sells for $100/1oz at Amazon (but of course I can never bring myself to buy those as-expensive-as-gold slivers of mushroom). Quite honestly, I felt that this flavor was a bit of a cheat since it's already originally on another version/cut/form of fried potato. I didn't get the truffle at all, and we all agreed that it actually tasted vaguely of sour cream and onion, albeit a lighter version of the much-loved flavor. We did manage to finish the bag, but it's nothing I would buy again when I go to the grocery store.</div><div>Score: 3 out of 5</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPQn_rKBt_FZkUm-PgEQ_86N609LVStqzNbCknsnfu8-FN7a1XUg0TgjXoPpQ98WLmUv5catuypFOQHjg2DTmR0QkFlRPdfMX8BDTM_6kJ7gBQNNulvfWwEar9sSIhput9zhmkUy6b1Q/s640/blogger-image--1264126755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPQn_rKBt_FZkUm-PgEQ_86N609LVStqzNbCknsnfu8-FN7a1XUg0TgjXoPpQ98WLmUv5catuypFOQHjg2DTmR0QkFlRPdfMX8BDTM_6kJ7gBQNNulvfWwEar9sSIhput9zhmkUy6b1Q/s640/blogger-image--1264126755.jpg"></a></div>3. New York Reuben</div><div>This was one of the office favorites, they said that it had all the notes of the Reuben down pat. Some have said that the sauerkraut flavor is too overwhelming and lingers on your palate, but since I haven't had the chance to try the real sandwich, I'm left with the option of just going with what everyone had to say. I can definitely taste the corned beef and the tanginess of the sauerkraut, with just a hint of cheese.</div><div>Score: 4 out of 5</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1nN3oQvv1rGYezAKSJrKN9EfNhuHcUO7C2UXizkhnBJGfpC7KPTcmhw3MMfvVsOD0ZlyEuqakVJVtGLxaldYEAE8pn82PYMf03TzGe-UH93lKVKmn_FEP-WCqnWNjVDm2a7xIqnlcSc/s640/blogger-image-1094345406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1nN3oQvv1rGYezAKSJrKN9EfNhuHcUO7C2UXizkhnBJGfpC7KPTcmhw3MMfvVsOD0ZlyEuqakVJVtGLxaldYEAE8pn82PYMf03TzGe-UH93lKVKmn_FEP-WCqnWNjVDm2a7xIqnlcSc/s640/blogger-image-1094345406.jpg"></a></div>4. Southern Biscuits and Gravy</div><div><br></div><div>This was also a crowd favorite, invoking memories of big family dinners, or for immigrants like me, road trip lunches at the nearest Cracker Barrel. The thin chips carried a perfect balance of the smoky and peppery flavor of sausages (one of the key ingredients in white gravy), the creaminess of gravy, and a hint of buttery biscuit (side note: biscuits, which in the Philippines/UK means the harder version of cookies/digestives, while in the US the term is used for buttery, crumbly and savory confections usually paired with fried chicken). This was a win-win: someone forgot they were eating the last 1/4 of the bag until he demolished it.</div><div>Score: 4 out of 5</div><div><br></div><div>There you have it, I hope you get to enjoy the newest batch of Lay's chips (and sneak a lap or two around your neighborhood while you're at it)! As always, eat in moderation :)</div><div><br></div><div>P.S.</div><div>Wasabi Ginger is love!</div><div><br></div><div>Love lots,</div><div>Julie P.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-45727603411172023472015-03-23T23:55:00.000-04:002015-03-24T22:42:51.695-04:00A Snowy Shoot<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shivering in between takes, our photographer friend Jay kept telling me "tiis-ganda!," a Filipino term which roughly translates to "suffer for the sake of beauty." I had to remind myself through our seemingly long, grueling engagement shoot that I was the one who persuaded Jomar that the snow would look lovely in photos. Looking back though, all the teeth-chattering and silent prayers for warmth were worth it :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some tips for my fellow brides-to-be when shooting in the snow:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. It's a given that it will be very cold, especially if you choose to not wear weather-appropriate attire or you're simply not a winter person, so get a photographer that will be patient enough to wait for you to get out of your jacket in between takes and will tolerate your (well, my) whines of "I'm soooo cold, why is it soooo coooold." Jay has been a good friend of ours for years, so thank God he and Jomar were used to me hahaha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Make sure to do your due diligence and check that your venue will be open on the day and time of the shoot! We originally planned on having it in a park in DC, but ended up relocating to a smaller park in Silver Spring, MD. Because of the change of venue, we had to make do with tighter shots since we were also sharing the space with local joggers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Wear color. If you're going for a more muted look, then by all means do that, but if you want to stand out and take advantage of the snowy landscape then you'd want to opt for brighter shades like the red I chose for our shoot. To tie your look with your fiancé's, you can make your own bouquet and a matching boutonniere for him. The bouquet took about 20 minutes to assemble, while the boutonniere took me just minutes to make.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outfit details: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: Dress from Nordstrom rack / Heattech tights from Uniqlo / Patent bow flats from Nine West</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jomar: Slim necktie from Penguin / Suit from Express / Black slip-on leather shoes from Rockport</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Practice your poses beforehand. If, like us, you're awkward in front of the camera, look up engagement photos online for inspiration. Browse through <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=engagement%20shoot" target="_blank">Pinterest.com</a>, <a href="http://ruffledblog.com/?s=engagement+session" target="_blank">Ruffledblog.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/?s=engagement+shoot&t=posts">Stylemepretty.com</a>. I wanted ours to not look too cheesy and I had a general idea of what I wanted our pictures to look like, but we ended up being coached by Jay because "winging it" did not suffice. It's not obvious, but there were a lot of "what do we do?!?", "where do I look" and "my arms feel so weird, I have no idea where to put them!" moments in between takes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Practice your hair and makeup a day or two ahead and take a picture for reference. The two hours leading to the shoot was a blur of hair products and makeup, littered with problems that kept popping up, e.g.: a. my inexperience with fake eyelashes (I had trouble aligning them with my real eyelashes, but they really make your eyes more beautiful in photos, so use them even if they look ridiculous to you in person) b. my hair refused to hold a single curl, so I had to rush online and find an easy yet appropriate updo, and c. my forehead pimples kept trying to rebel against the barrage of concealer, primer and foundation I piled on them (thank goodness I was victorious!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Have your winter jacket within easy reach so you can warm up in between photos. Or you can be sneaky and pretend to want to use your fiancé's suit jacket as a prop for some of the pictures (hehehe).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Remember the reason why you're out languishing in the cold (instead of doing the sane thing, which is staying at home, sipping a cup of hot chocolate in your warmest pajamas): it's to commemorate you and your fiancé's love for each other. So relax, have some laughs at the ridiculous situation you've put yourselves in, and patiently wait for the beautiful pictures you'll soon be getting</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. All will be worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Ah, so you thought I was done? Wrong! After the shoot, you're going to be tired and hungry, so you might want to hit up a nearby restaurant for some good, tummy-warming eats. We went to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-taste-by-kob-wheaton">Thai Taste by Kob</a>, which serves your normal Thai fare alongside street-style food.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obligatory after-shoot pic with Jay at Thai Taste</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you all the best on your engagement!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><3 lots,</span></div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-20347802028181789492014-11-02T16:25:00.001-05:002014-11-02T16:29:09.986-05:00I wish that I could be like the cool kids<!--BEGIN HYPE WIDGET--><script src="http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.6.2/jquery.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="http://lookbook.nu/look/widget/6801452.js?include=all&size=medium&style=button&align=center"></script><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24.5px;">This was taken on such a nice day before the temp started to drastically fall, I asked Jomar to walk with me to the train station next to my place for a mini shoot because I was wearing a really cool outfit. Thinking back on my younger years, I was constantly an awkward kid. I was always at the sidelines, and desperately wanted to belong. I always wished that if I were to leave this world, I'd like to leave at least a small stamp on it. I wanted the Hollywood hunk bf, a great job I'll brag about to everyone, and host an annual New Year's Eve party at my penthouse in Manhattan. None of those happened to me, but I know now that happiness does not lie on these temporal things. It's in finding beauty wherever you are at life, and being thankful for the big and small blessings. As I giggled at my bf squatting so awkwardly so he can take a nice shot of me in a soon-to-become fave outfit, I mentally ticked off all the things that were perfect in that moment. I smiled. *click*</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24.5px;"><3 and smiles,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span>Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-15498487515126795872014-10-15T23:46:00.000-04:002014-10-16T00:46:32.508-04:00In The Spotlight: Jackie Francois<div style="text-align: justify;">
While browsing through my Facebook wall, I came across a post by a young friend of mine about her role model, Jackie Francois. Having never heard of her name before, I did a quick Google search and learned that blogs via her website <a href="http://jackiefrancois.com/" target="_blank">jackiefrancois.com</a></div>
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A singer/songwriter and speaker, Jackie also blogs about different issues that are connected with her Catholic faith. If you're a young lady as well, I highly recommend her blog as it deals with a lot of issues that I had been blessed to have discussed about in my own church group, Youth For Christ, when I was growing up. Her blog is very insightful, witty and not condescending at all, and is very helpful especially if you're searching for answers to sensitive questions. With the month of November looming near, the topic of overtly sexy Halloween costumes is trending once more, and I find her and Leah Darrow's insight on the topic to be respectful and guided by the much-loved and applauded Theology of the Body teaching by Blessed John Paul II. Check it out here :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.jackiefrancois.com/blog/the-sexy-hijacking-of-halloween/" target="_blank">"The Sexy Hijacking of Halloween"</a></div>
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Here's my more secular take on the trend back in 2012:</div>
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<a href="http://inmyredglasses.blogspot.com/2012/10/unsexy-but-cool-halloween-costume-ideas.html" target="_blank">Unsexy But Cool Halloween Costume Ideas</a></div>
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I don't really celebrate Halloween (except of course if I have a really cool, geeky idea for a costume), but I'm curious as to what you're planning to wear that night! Tell me what it is in the comments section :)</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-79834456711716043652014-09-23T01:46:00.001-04:002014-09-23T02:02:02.274-04:00All About Blue<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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I have absolutely no idea when my obsession with cobalt/cerulean blue started, but I just recently added a new item to that collection: the pleather moto jacket from Forever 21 as seen on the model below. I can already tell it will be worn when I'm feeling ecstatic or when I feel blue *hehehe*. What is it about this hue that makes it stand out? Does it evoke images of the seaside, or does it remind one of royalty? Either way, it is such a lovely color, and goes well with most things. Or maybe that's just a lie I keep telling myself so I have an excuse to wear my blue Warby Parker glasses everyday? ;) How about you, is it a yay or nay for this hue of blue? (yes, I made them rhyme hehehe)</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/all_about_blue/set?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=135608894" target="_blank"><img alt="All about Blue" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/MkWRq5HIKvBkill8CZgw/cid/135608894/id/1vOBBeVC5BGmDfTUqmAFrA/size/c600x498.jpg" force="1" height="498" title="All about Blue" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/all_about_blue/set?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=135608894" target="_blank">All about Blue</a> by <a href="http://white-lily.polyvore.com/?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">white-lily</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/long_stretchy_skirts/shop?query=long+stretchy+skirts" target="_blank">long stretchy skirts</a></small></div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-69706094782884219332014-09-20T11:45:00.002-04:002014-09-20T11:50:13.109-04:00Upping their game: Ugg Australia<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Yes, that beautiful black boot below is from UGG Australia. After shunning their bulky, pricey, hairless Chewbacca feet-shaped boots (known for adorning and warming up the toes of college girls in their matching North Face jackets, skinnies/black tights, and a steaming cup of Starbucks coffee in one hand and iPhone in another; no offense to Chewbacca, and to those said girls because those boots are indeed very warm), I just learned of their newer, sleeker, classier styles like the Ophira shown below. But the price tag is still too high for my median salary, and so I turn to hours of swimming through the Clearance section of my beloved DSW, Nordstrom Rack and Rugged Warehouse in the hopes of finding a similar pair. My wallet stops shivering from fear, and my credit cards are safe. Given a gift card though (the Polyvore creation below is my entry to their contest, which you can join here: <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/contest.show?id=514773&p=12">Live Your Moment: UGG Contest</a>) I'll happily buy the <a href="http://www.uggaustralia.com/women-boots/elsa/1005578.html?dwvar_1005578_color=CHE#start=1&cgid=women-boots">Elsa</a>, which looks warm, comfy and very much snow-proof (although it looks more like something that Anna would wear hehehe). In the meantime, I'll happily wait for the weather to cool down a bit more until I can finally start wearing the $30 pair of camel brown leather boots by Naturalizer that I scored from Rugged Warehouse (which normally retails at $200).</div>
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/live_your_moment_in_ugg/set?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=135352638" target="_blank"><img alt="Live Your Moment in UGG: Contest Entry" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/oLTSJby1NzZJhi5We8bgYQ/cid/135352638/id/Tt_rK9lA5BGOs0r-qmAFrA/size/c600x502.jpg" force="1" height="502" title="Live Your Moment in UGG: Contest Entry" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/live_your_moment_in_ugg/set?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=135352638" target="_blank">Live Your Moment in UGG: Contest Entry</a> by <a href="http://white-lily.polyvore.com/?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">white-lily</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cape_trench_coat/shop?query=cape+trench+coat" target="_blank">cape trench coat</a></small></div>
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Keep warm and cozy!</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-15054300556628026752014-08-26T20:51:00.002-04:002014-08-26T20:52:16.677-04:00Yes! by Jason Mraz - Album Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been a fan of Mr. A-Z ever since his tongue-twisting song "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" hit the airwaves in the Philippines. My older brother and I saved up enough money to buy his CD, and soon enough I had a thick printout of lyrics to all of his songs, so I can sing the anytime and anywhere I wanted. He's one of the artists whom I can see supporting until the end of time, based on his track record of churning out well-written, timeless songs that latch onto your heart like "Lucky", "I'm Yours" and "I Won't Give Up". Imagine my delight when I first watched him live - I think my friend Dette had to pinch me and pick up my jaw from the floor several times in order to convince me that I wasn't dreaming. Jason sounds so much better live, not because he sounds horrible in his studio recordings, but because you can feel his warmth and sincerity radiate throughout the entire concert venue. There is just an authenticity he brings with his guitar and soothing vocals that makes him so dang likable as a musician, one can't help but to feel like he's either singing to you or with you. Which is why, ever since I've lived here in the USA, I've tried to catch all of his shows because it really is worth it. I was thisclose to buying tickets to his upcoming concert, but due to a misunderstanding of the terms by Ticketmaster I was unable to and I am currently waiting (not in vain, I hope) for the prices to drop to near-normal in re-seller sites.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Toca in 2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norfolk, VA concert in 2013</td></tr>
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Speaking of which, my former roomies and I drove all the way to Norfolk, VA (for 3 hours!) to watch him, and we were lucky enough to snag tickets near the front row. It was an acoustic set, and he had this great all-women band as his opening act; later on they went to play songs together. Imagine my surprise when he announced that he might be touring with them soon. The L.A. based rock-folk band, called Raining Jane, has been together since forever. (Mona, Jason's awesome drummer/sidekick from his previous tour and a member of Raining Jane, along with Caroline from The Corrs inspire me to be better with my djembe skills). Their established group dynamic probably rubbed off on Jason, because his songs from their new album, Yes!, makes one feel like they're wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket, similar to how strong, time-tested friendship should feel. Thank goodness they did not go through with making it just a side project, and that they were confident enough to launch it as a full-blown album! I'm so happy for them and for the added exposure to their group, but of course I'm crossing my fingers that this won't be their last collaboration. Ok, now on to the songs! (I'm no longer putting this album on shuffle, because they're meant to be listened to in the order that they appear on the album. You'll soon understand why.)</div>
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1. Rise: An instrumental prologue to the next song. It feels like the musical counterpart of the sun slowly rising in the wee hours of the morning.</div>
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2. Love Someone: In the same rank as I'm Yours and I Won't Give up, this song is just lovely all around. I won't be surprised if this will be (hopefully not over) used in weddings/engagements in the near future. It is very mellow and a little less syrupy. I always sigh (in a good way) when I listen to this song. With lyrics like:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"When you love someone</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your heartbeat beats so loud</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you love someone</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your feet can't feel the ground</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shining stars all seem</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">To congregate around your face</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you love someone</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">It comes back to you"</span></span></div>
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you'll probably sigh too, am I right? ;)</div>
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3. Hello, You Beautiful Thing: Sunny and bright all over, this will make you smile at your reflection in the morning. Because yes, you are a beautiful thing :)</div>
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4. Long Drive: Recommended when you're on a long drive with your significant other. Butterflies in your stomach, guaranteed. This makes you remember how fleeting life is, and how we should cherish each precious moment with our loved ones. I love how it starts off slow but not dragging, then the tempo rises like when you're revving the engine (equivalent to when you look over to your SO and in that moment you just appreciate so much his/her presence in your life), then slows down again. They actually made a short movie/music video composed of this song and the two previous songs, which centers on a couple's life together. Watch it below:</div>
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5. Everywhere: I don't know how Jason Mraz makes a stalker-ish song into something tender, but he does it with such finesse it's a little scary. Hahaha. Maybe it's because the feeling seems mutual.</div>
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6. Best Friend: A lovely, earnest ballad dedicated to best friends/lovers. It might sound cheesy at first listen, but soon enough you'll find yourself thinking of your loved one while singing along.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"Thank you for all of your trust</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for not giving up</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for holding my hand</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've always known where you stand"</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Quiet: Another love song, this time with a softer and smoother sound.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"Heartbeats rise, heartbeats fall<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Will you be my constant through it all?<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I will hold your hand and watch the world spin idly around this life we're in<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Oh yeah everything goes quiet when it's you I'm with"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">8. Out Of My Hands: With a laid-back reggae vibe, this song reminds us that nothing is perfect, even relationships (although of course at the end of the day, it's still up to the two of you to work things out. After all, real love is not merely about having</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> feelings but is a constant decision).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">9. It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday: Originally performed by G.C. Cameron in the film "Cooley High" and popularized in 1991 by Boyz II Men, Jason and Raining Jane's cover seems lighter and more sweet than sad, but nonetheless they are still able to convey how deeply we get affected by people leaving. Through all of these renditions, this song never fails to remind us to make the most out of every moment with people that we love the most.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">10. 3 Things: Highly recommended for when you feel down, it is full of positive vibes all around. It's a singing how-to without feeling preachy - the ukulele-infused melody definitely helps a lot in not letting it sound campy.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"<span style="text-align: center;">Things are looking up</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I know above the clouds the sun is shining<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Things are looking up<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Love is still the answer I'm relying on<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Three little things"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">11. You Can Rely On Me: Rather self-explanatory :) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">12. Back To The Earth: Here's a little bit of trivia for you</span><span style="text-align: center;">: Jason has farming in his blood - his song "Frank D</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Fixer" from his previous album was written as a tribute to his grandfather Frank Mraz, who had a small farm in his backyard and who also fixed farming equipment for a living. And after years of dreaming/singing about it, Jason now operates an organic avocado farm in San Diego, and sells his produce to a local Chipotle. This song, beyond the upbeat melody, the cute do-do-do start and the infectious end (where everyone claps along and sings in a cappella) is a statement on the importance of sustainable agriculture (and you can start by having your own backyard garden!). I have yet to check if I inherited my father's green thumb, but when I do get the space I'll start off with a herb garden :) <a href="http://www.mesaprogram.org/">Click here</a> to read more about MESA (Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture), an organization that Mr. Mraz supports.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">13. A World With You: The song starts off slow, with a guitar rift borrowed from Norwegian Wood by the Beatles. Accompanied by Becky's sitar, Mona's drums, Mai's cello and Chaska's piano, the seemingly simple lyrics blend into a sumptuous song sung between lovers. It's one of his best, hidden songs and I'm sure it will be loved by fans all around the world.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">14. Shine: This mesmerizing, ethereal song is the perfect ending to an uplifting album. Thank you for shining your light on us through this album, Jason Mraz and Raining Jane, and may we always remember to shine our light on others as well. And of course, thank you to our great God for blessing these wonderful musicians with their multitude of talents and for guiding them into collaborating on this album. May this inspire you to say a resounding "YES!" to life as well.</span></div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-23204623491654130562014-05-08T00:03:00.000-04:002014-05-08T00:14:28.143-04:00Late Post: Easter 2014Easter is a beautiful celebration of life, love and salvation. Thus I decided to honor this holy day by making a zesty, tasty Lemon Bundt Cake and a huge pan of Asian Noodle Salad. We also had lovely Spring weather so I was finally able to wear this beaut of a dress from H&M which I bought eons ago :)<br />
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The first time I heard of the bundt cake was from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Here's the hilarious clip to refresh your memory:<br />
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Bundt cakes are named so because of the pan they're baked in, which characteristically has a hole/tube in the middle (this provides for a more even heat distribution). They're easier to divide, and everyone will have an equal amount of frosting area/slice! Hurrah! Although I am warning you, if you slather a thick type of frosting on top, it will look like a giant doughnut. More on that in the next post ;)<br />
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Alas, dear reader, I forgot which recipe I used, so I'm posting links to similar ones instead. Here's the cake I made :) (so good, you have to try it!)<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Lemme At It" Lemon Bundt Cake</span></b></i></div>
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I sprinkled gold sugar and lemon zest on top of the lemon-flavored frosting for a touch of whimsy :)<br />
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<a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/07/17/lemon-bundt-cake/">http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/07/17/lemon-bundt-cake/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/lemon-bliss-cake-recipe">http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/lemon-bliss-cake-recipe</a><br />
<a href="http://foxeslovelemons.com/meyer-lemon-bundt-cake-vanilla-bean-icing/#_a5y_p=1386218">http://foxeslovelemons.com/meyer-lemon-bundt-cake-vanilla-bean-icing/#_a5y_p=1386218</a><br />
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I first had this when my Ma took home some leftovers from an Asian-themed lunch party that my little bro had at his old school. It was love at first bite, I can tell you that - I'm a huge fan of noodles, sesame oil and veggies, and this was a wicked combination of those three! I decided to try out the promising "Dang Cold Asian Noodle Salad" recipe by Guy Fieri from the show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" (where he samples food from mom-and-pop places in the ol' US of A). What I love about this dish is that it is so easy to prepare! Soba noodles (made with buckwheat flour) take just 6 minutes to cook, and you basically just mix the noodles with the sauce and veggies. The End. Here it is paired with a drumstick from Bon Chon:</div>
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And the link to the recipe:</div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/dang-cold-asian-noodle-salad-recipe.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/dang-cold-asian-noodle-salad-recipe.html</a></div>
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That's all for now, my bed is telling me that it's time to catch some Zzz's! I hope I dream of oodles of bowls of noodles and plates of lemony bundt goodness *sigh*</div>
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Ta-ta for now and God bless you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllielpzd5Y8g98f2_cUVJ0LmG5W1DAEqX6sFcSLqw6dunvnf4w7Uvta5OiQLPGt3nwMUplO84bT-fTx8Fr8OetyDFLOSURg9xDJWX7nzikLRez8zTHQ_2XrnGl8yhITl3kHOA503-mLM/s1600/julie+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllielpzd5Y8g98f2_cUVJ0LmG5W1DAEqX6sFcSLqw6dunvnf4w7Uvta5OiQLPGt3nwMUplO84bT-fTx8Fr8OetyDFLOSURg9xDJWX7nzikLRez8zTHQ_2XrnGl8yhITl3kHOA503-mLM/s1600/julie+b.jpg" height="123" width="320" /></a></div>
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Special thanks to Jomar for being my sous-chef, you were sous-perb!</div>
Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-12230186340295057542014-04-05T20:37:00.000-04:002014-04-05T20:37:13.856-04:00Rojo, Blanco, OroNew look up on lookbook.nu :) I did this for the Instyle #RED challenge. Many thanks to John Mark for taking my pictures :)<br />
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Top - Old Navy
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Pants - Calvin Klein</div>
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Sling bag - Calvin Klein</div>
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Sunnies - Quay Australia</div>
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Heels - BCBG</div>
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Belt - Ann Taylor Loft</div>
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Have a good weekend!</div>
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<3,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllielpzd5Y8g98f2_cUVJ0LmG5W1DAEqX6sFcSLqw6dunvnf4w7Uvta5OiQLPGt3nwMUplO84bT-fTx8Fr8OetyDFLOSURg9xDJWX7nzikLRez8zTHQ_2XrnGl8yhITl3kHOA503-mLM/s1600/julie+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllielpzd5Y8g98f2_cUVJ0LmG5W1DAEqX6sFcSLqw6dunvnf4w7Uvta5OiQLPGt3nwMUplO84bT-fTx8Fr8OetyDFLOSURg9xDJWX7nzikLRez8zTHQ_2XrnGl8yhITl3kHOA503-mLM/s1600/julie+b.jpg" height="123" width="320" /></a></div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-45235582457600059102014-03-25T09:22:00.001-04:002014-03-25T12:08:35.979-04:00Forever 21: Pretty Spring Things<div style="text-align: justify;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Good day, lovely ladies! Even though it is snowing outside (although thankfully, the weather forecast changed from 9-12 inches to a mere 1-3 inches, whew we really dodged a big one!) I can't help but dream of Spring and all the beautiful things it promises. I'll be seeing my Ma and lil bro again soon, cherry blossoms will bloom and grace us with their presence for a week, and of course everyone's excited of the warmer weather we're going to have ^_^ Can you tell I love Spring? Heehee. Below are some pretty items I selected from Forever 21 to help us welcome Spring 2014 <3</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=100531947" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/100531947.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=91292105" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/91292105.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 sleeveless top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=100469217" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/100469217.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 sweater" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=91293498" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/91293498.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=91290227" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/91290227.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 white top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=96983996" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/96983996.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 plus size motorcycle jacket" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=91269499" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/91269499.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 vest" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=91282378" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/91282378.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Love 21 high rise shorts" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=97161800" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/97161800.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 clothing" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=105775159" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/105775159.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 shorts" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=99990354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/99990354.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 faux leather skirt" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=98756550" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/98756550.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Love 21 high rise shorts" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=95363664" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/95363664.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=90580249" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90580249.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 vegan boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=89114759" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/89114759.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 taupe boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=96765118" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/96765118.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 stone bib necklace" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=97315771" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/97315771.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 necklace" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=98808572" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/98808572.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 dangle post earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=97282077" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/97282077.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 rhinestone bracelet" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=98408972" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/98408972.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 bracelet" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=89993374" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/89993374.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 gold jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=90272413" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90272413.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Forever 21 summer scarve" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=94644870" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94644870.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Pink home decor" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=blogger&id=97644341" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/97644341.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="FOREVER 21 Garden Floral Lacquered Studs" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div>
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<3,<br />
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-75791571425250748072014-03-21T12:17:00.001-04:002014-03-21T12:17:36.932-04:00March 25: Celebrate Tolkien Reading Day!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alas, fellow humans (sadly, not elves), I have not read any other works from the great J.R.R. Tolkein past the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. But fear not, for March 25th is Tolkien Reading Day! And by a stroke of luck, I happened upon a tweet concerning a haiku contest from <a href="http://middleearthnews.com/">middleearthnews.com,</a> with prizes sponsored by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHobbitKingdomsOfMiddleEarth">The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth</a>. Here are my submissions, they're just fun ones because I did them during my lunch break. Don't forget to submit yours :)</div>
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Merry and Pippin<br /> Sipped some ent draught, and shot up<br /> O’er Brandobas Took</div>
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The master is our friend!<br /> No, we wants it and needs it.<br /> Liar and thief, he is!</div>
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Click here to enter --> <a href="http://middleearthnews.com/2014/03/11/tolkien-reading-day-haiku-contest/">http://middleearthnews.com/2014/03/11/tolkien-reading-day-haiku-contest/</a></div>
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“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” <br />― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien">J.R.R. Tolkien</a>, <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3462456">The Lord of the Rings</a></i></div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-3065951935352838002014-03-03T18:23:00.000-05:002014-03-03T20:54:17.778-05:00A Pink Baby Shower<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early last year, I, with the help of my lovely friends, threw a pink themed baby shower for my cousin! It took me a long time to organize, mainly because I wanted to DIY everything (fueled by nonstop Pinterest searches, of course), but the end results and the smile on my cousin's face made all the effort worth it :)</div>
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<b>The cake:</b></div>
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I used fresh strawberries for both the cake base and the icing (I didn't need to use pink dye for the icing!), because I wanted to harness the flavor of the actual fruit instead of relying on artificial flavoring. The cake was a bit denser than usual due to the added sugar (the strawberries I used were on the tart side), but it was so lovely to look at and the icing was so delish - I was very, very, very tempted to eat it by the spoonful. Not the greatest idea since I used 100% butter. Mmm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjRpxiMpdk2vTIkGs93qoPDc8oQDJuwWUWmFovIve8C8s6Jz8IdNKvsRaiebSZW24v3UlMZE5viiEGZVZ7qbd-gVoPdAk2nZJ8scCpFtxCsi8TEMYi2TF40lV_uWPlYwdlAS99o0NNrI/s1600/964208_10101802157883008_920481210_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjRpxiMpdk2vTIkGs93qoPDc8oQDJuwWUWmFovIve8C8s6Jz8IdNKvsRaiebSZW24v3UlMZE5viiEGZVZ7qbd-gVoPdAk2nZJ8scCpFtxCsi8TEMYi2TF40lV_uWPlYwdlAS99o0NNrI/s1600/964208_10101802157883008_920481210_o.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<b>The cake topper:</b></div>
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I cut up tiny baby clothes out of printed board paper (about $1 each at Joann) and attached matching pink felt shapes to the back to weigh it down. I used cake dowels to anchor the clothesline, clipped the baby clothes on, and voila! A super cute, inexpensive and specially-made cake topper to celebrate my future niece's birth :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP2MCaM6oE1oEt8LIRjphnB48BKp_5VY5zAhfTkv08C2uU6R5H_pliY4QBLt0N1Qj5WhfT9cGJZ_dkE5y-Wa5iM2vV0JLE8x_8XpRdTtfn_ifz8sh7fseOoVOW9jexKgPwdqSEiur4-k/s1600/965382_10101802157284208_83508414_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP2MCaM6oE1oEt8LIRjphnB48BKp_5VY5zAhfTkv08C2uU6R5H_pliY4QBLt0N1Qj5WhfT9cGJZ_dkE5y-Wa5iM2vV0JLE8x_8XpRdTtfn_ifz8sh7fseOoVOW9jexKgPwdqSEiur4-k/s1600/965382_10101802157284208_83508414_o.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
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<b>The banner:</b></div>
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Pictured below is the actual spread for the dessert table. I cut out letters from copy paper then pasted them onto the rest of my pink board paper. It's pretty easy and definitely less expensive than pre-made banners at party supply stores :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ZNxAxFBHKZN4yCiaXSChmwwgXI7Vjt1-I_SUOnRkTn4Vp91PTKnzNoYMiowvUyH6WasyO9XvdmkgzAvjMyNRYSSiJPhKOaxxjplEiwwEh0lZVilZ1We9RHE8oEKUd-J2Zr-Ig6sCr0/s1600/981799_10101802158227318_55186736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ZNxAxFBHKZN4yCiaXSChmwwgXI7Vjt1-I_SUOnRkTn4Vp91PTKnzNoYMiowvUyH6WasyO9XvdmkgzAvjMyNRYSSiJPhKOaxxjplEiwwEh0lZVilZ1We9RHE8oEKUd-J2Zr-Ig6sCr0/s1600/981799_10101802158227318_55186736_o.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The sweets:</b></div>
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My giveaways were marshmallows and pretzels dipped in pink dye-tinted white chocolate, plus strawberry flavored cookies. Tip: white chocolate tends to harden really fast, so I added a few drops of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate. That gave me enough time to dip and swirl the marshmallows and pretzels into the chocolate then press gold sugar onto them. I then put the goodies into little plastic baggies and gave them out at the end of the party :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxw7b5jprlrf_UF9bKLHANAWEb18kW1LHpHQzFR8eUrWZmwelpFNhBD4kCqfoZmXNf2rBCKE9kPA7LbVp07XsWWzN5AvaKRslKuhQVjKyhWWXifZoFLfqVcek2mUSvF_uTHZH9MuSpho/s1600/_DSC4496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxw7b5jprlrf_UF9bKLHANAWEb18kW1LHpHQzFR8eUrWZmwelpFNhBD4kCqfoZmXNf2rBCKE9kPA7LbVp07XsWWzN5AvaKRslKuhQVjKyhWWXifZoFLfqVcek2mUSvF_uTHZH9MuSpho/s1600/_DSC4496.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdsc5u9DGegDFW0csyP0H13OnZAXg7kNAk38PgJeXhU8qELS9RZa4pRGIpm9hLYmKczgUpiXX_E842CSR66fWPEXLIwxcK-RYuKU6AXrsx0vIVW06fFHg9G8gmQewAiOXuoDvuZh8Uo0/s1600/f2a86b30b52f11e28b4622000a9e2975_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdsc5u9DGegDFW0csyP0H13OnZAXg7kNAk38PgJeXhU8qELS9RZa4pRGIpm9hLYmKczgUpiXX_E842CSR66fWPEXLIwxcK-RYuKU6AXrsx0vIVW06fFHg9G8gmQewAiOXuoDvuZh8Uo0/s1600/f2a86b30b52f11e28b4622000a9e2975_6.jpg" /></a></div>
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My co-host (and owner of the house where the party was held) also bakes on the side, and she whipped up vanilla cream cheese cupcakes in an instant. Sooooo good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTq7ofx3vijpKiY0WB8wWypGZ1PUgFAr6EeVVkA-9cEKq-nyiQ0hU7LJRNkEUCbW_LtaOlT-T5AvFvVJpSAYCrJJFXrIq26AQKbw_vUaAzmCCyoDfmSRPsJp0lkBfh64yp6lGbJsoG7Eg/s1600/_DSC4281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTq7ofx3vijpKiY0WB8wWypGZ1PUgFAr6EeVVkA-9cEKq-nyiQ0hU7LJRNkEUCbW_LtaOlT-T5AvFvVJpSAYCrJJFXrIq26AQKbw_vUaAzmCCyoDfmSRPsJp0lkBfh64yp6lGbJsoG7Eg/s1600/_DSC4281.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>The Extra Decor:</b></div>
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From the stack of differently-hued pink board paper, I cut up and pasted together these huge paper flowers, which I placed all over my co-host's living room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDQ3k8_bRW_yCsWj9-BHN8eY0gQouL7JSkyUo-uMCsf2UboRGEiI74n4oo5Abiy4cdnlWeYUS_w1Hdv-zgU2HRT640La9AFaim17nSjUhLtl0bHLXL8zk-m3cA8nuU0tKgQvjTk5msHM/s1600/966979_10101802176380938_2061372617_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDQ3k8_bRW_yCsWj9-BHN8eY0gQouL7JSkyUo-uMCsf2UboRGEiI74n4oo5Abiy4cdnlWeYUS_w1Hdv-zgU2HRT640La9AFaim17nSjUhLtl0bHLXL8zk-m3cA8nuU0tKgQvjTk5msHM/s1600/966979_10101802176380938_2061372617_o.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The Games:</b></div>
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I had a bunch of games and activities for both the adults and the youngsters.</div>
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-Stick the pacifier on the baby. I drew a cartoon of a sleeping baby on copy paper using markers, then drew several pacifiers for each contestant.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzBxUDX-Oj087RjypllEIsha6dYYoM_QTKNxeLBHsHZNjmegi4HcmizM4Jo1ruRVvol-wcJVDtkZUMa1tTcPMBsfs3iM8SVGZhRejQJPNXlsiQEhAkh9Fsu9-hAtzKzJm5wQuU6HcW50/s1600/966880_10101802169519688_1467942565_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzBxUDX-Oj087RjypllEIsha6dYYoM_QTKNxeLBHsHZNjmegi4HcmizM4Jo1ruRVvol-wcJVDtkZUMa1tTcPMBsfs3iM8SVGZhRejQJPNXlsiQEhAkh9Fsu9-hAtzKzJm5wQuU6HcW50/s1600/966880_10101802169519688_1467942565_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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-Guess the celebrity baby. Pretty self-explanatory, I used my tablet for the before and after pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFrRTRg-aMqg156R4lVN-cl9HBvI5nrBrK_YBQCeJpApg9SdM218bgeG7lPMLDmWVLGlIBGD_-9oTIV9z1MW8r2UHYcy1pUCsQNyxZgh7khq69-pJvLgJlOFnrby6rfZzUzERFwsVYSc/s1600/977833_10101802166565608_1756078751_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFrRTRg-aMqg156R4lVN-cl9HBvI5nrBrK_YBQCeJpApg9SdM218bgeG7lPMLDmWVLGlIBGD_-9oTIV9z1MW8r2UHYcy1pUCsQNyxZgh7khq69-pJvLgJlOFnrby6rfZzUzERFwsVYSc/s1600/977833_10101802166565608_1756078751_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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-Draw a baby's face on a paper plate. The twist is you put the plate on top of your head, and the cutest (or probably the better word would be comprehensible) drawing wins.</div>
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-Write your wishes for the baby. I cut out stars from plain pink board paper, then placed them on a table with a pen and a bowl for the stars that had been written on. You can compile them in a scrapbook for the mommy-to-be after the shower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk88AQ_TBea1LUrSQXXbTh01tw6ySbVuigAsCKPXHqLgjtybeZhKVe6KHW2H8aQcJG8OUOSHX0dC2zZ_AgQ3g9uT_55YEGzRIbuCeaHQ3njbYZfIyVLzXGM37MdLPmrRP23d6pm8EMUwc/s1600/976744_10101802158102568_407306076_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk88AQ_TBea1LUrSQXXbTh01tw6ySbVuigAsCKPXHqLgjtybeZhKVe6KHW2H8aQcJG8OUOSHX0dC2zZ_AgQ3g9uT_55YEGzRIbuCeaHQ3njbYZfIyVLzXGM37MdLPmrRP23d6pm8EMUwc/s1600/976744_10101802158102568_407306076_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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-Guess the number of cookies in the jar. This one's for the kids and it kept them occupied for a while. Also works with gumballs, chocolate kisses, etc.</div>
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All in all, we had a fun and memorable day. If you're going to plan for a similar party, just remember this: don't sweat the small stuff! Make the best out of any bad situations that will surely pop up (nothing is perfect, after all), and just have a great time with your loved ones :)</div>
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Have a blessed day!</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-24676157412764434392014-03-03T12:51:00.001-05:002014-03-03T13:45:18.654-05:00Oscars 2014 Fashion<div style="text-align: justify;">
It seems like these A-listers wanted to play it safe, with most opting for beaded nude gowns, and thus there weren't a lot of misses on the red carpet. Then again, there weren't a lot of standouts either save for Lupita Nyong'o who wowed everyone in her beautiful ice blue Cinderella-inspired dress (and who could forget her lovely speech?). Nevertheless, I compiled a list of gowns that I absolutely loved, and up to now I'm still in awe of the craftsmanship and hours of labor that were put into these wearable works of art (I wonder how many thousands of beads were used to make Kate's dresses?). Who's on your list? :)</div>
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(Photos courtesy of <a href="http://nymag.com/">nymag.com</a>, <a href="http://hollywoodlife.com/">hollywoodlife.com</a> and <a href="http://onsugar.com/">onsugar.com</a>)</div>
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1 and 2. Kate Hudson and Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace</div>
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<a href="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/thecut/slideshows/2014/3/vanity-fair-party/476411761_10.nocrop.w1800.h1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/thecut/slideshows/2014/3/vanity-fair-party/476411761_10.nocrop.w1800.h1330.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://media3.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/078/n/1922398/1826e4729c802d37_476206237.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Kate-Hudson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media3.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/078/n/1922398/1826e4729c802d37_476206237.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Kate-Hudson.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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3. Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta</div>
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<a href="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/thecut/slideshows/2014/3/vanity-fair-party/476252245_10.nocrop.w1800.h1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/thecut/slideshows/2014/3/vanity-fair-party/476252245_10.nocrop.w1800.h1330.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
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4. Gabrielle Union </div>
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<a href="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/336/n/1922398/8128c7a4f4cb2485_476325229_10.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Gabrielle-Union-looked-glamorous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/336/n/1922398/8128c7a4f4cb2485_476325229_10.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Gabrielle-Union-looked-glamorous.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
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5. Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab</div>
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This color suits her, as does the silhouette of the dress.</div>
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<a href="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/thecut/slideshows/2014/3/vanity-fair-party/476395619_10.nocrop.w1800.h1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/thecut/slideshows/2014/3/vanity-fair-party/476395619_10.nocrop.w1800.h1330.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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6. Cate Blanchett in Armani</div>
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No one does ethereal quite like Ms. Blanchett</div>
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<a href="http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/730x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/730x1000.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></div>
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6. Lupita Nyong'o in Prada</div>
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<a href="http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/770x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/770x1000.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
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7. Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta</div>
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You can almost hear the swishing noises her flapper-inspired dress makes.</div>
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<a href="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/094/n/1922398/29404482efb16020_476215249.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Jennifer-Garner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/094/n/1922398/29404482efb16020_476215249.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Jennifer-Garner.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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8. Kerry Washington in Jason Wu</div>
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Such a proud and lovely soon-to-be mom.</div>
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<a href="http://media4.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/067/n/1922398/8028580ad607c52e_476195107.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Kerry-Washington-Oscars-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media4.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/067/n/1922398/8028580ad607c52e_476195107.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Kerry-Washington-Oscars-2014.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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9. Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen</div>
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I don't normally like shiny, structured dresses, but the pleating on this dress and the color of it against her skin is just so complementary. You can almost hear it compliment her with "I look so gorgeous on you, no?"</div>
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<a href="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/094/n/1922398/435255458d510282_476214675.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Sandra-Bullock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/094/n/1922398/435255458d510282_476214675.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Sandra-Bullock.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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10. Sarah Paulson in Elie Saab</div>
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<a href="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/073/n/1922398/3bdd72d59607bda9_476194987_10.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Sarah-Paulson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/073/n/1922398/3bdd72d59607bda9_476194987_10.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Sarah-Paulson.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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11. Meryl Streep in Lanvin</div>
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Fabulous and classy as always.</div>
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<a href="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/094/n/1922398/aac33cffc24bbbd0_476214571.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Meryl-Streep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/094/n/1922398/aac33cffc24bbbd0_476214571.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Meryl-Streep.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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12. Emmy Rossum in Monique Lhuillier</div>
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<a href="http://pmchollywoodlife.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/emmy-rossum-vanity-fair-oscar-party-2014-ftr.jpg?w=600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pmchollywoodlife.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/emmy-rossum-vanity-fair-oscar-party-2014-ftr.jpg?w=600" height="400" width="283" /></a></div>
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14. Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein</div>
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<a href="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/046/n/1922398/2ac3e0c0e60e70a2_476193769.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Naomi-Watts-Oscars-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2014/03/02/046/n/1922398/2ac3e0c0e60e70a2_476193769.jpg.xxxlarge/i/Naomi-Watts-Oscars-2014.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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Have a lovely day!</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-82662071106984495122014-03-03T00:10:00.000-05:002014-03-03T11:25:45.445-05:00Anyone Can Cook!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am not a naturally gifted cook. I can't whip up an edible dish from seemingly incompatible ingredients like the talented contestants on the show Chopped <span style="font-family: inherit;">(case in poin<span style="font-family: inherit;">t: an appetizer made out of </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">chicken wings, </span>soba noodles<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">, celery, and </span>string cheese<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">). I am learning though, and even if I know I will never be able to cook like a Michelin-starred chef, with persistence, practice, and the help of numerous recipes on the world wide web, I can finally bring real food to gatherings and also stop relying on microwaveable meals (have you seen the ingredient list on those things? Most of the meat products are full of fillers and flavor enhancers, yet they still taste blah). Cooking at home will not only save you money, it will also help you if you're trying to eat healthier (try to search for dishes that aren't fried, and have plenty of vegetables incorporated into them). Whenever I don't feel like cooking, I try to remember Chef Gausteau's line in one of my favorite movies, Ratatouille: "Anyone can cook!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">And of course, who could forget the scene where Remy fixes the soup that Linguini botches? It makes you want to get up from your computer chair and start cooking up a storm. Mmm :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">This entry is a compilation of dishes whose pictures I've uploaded on Instagram in the past few weeks, and if you're in a cooking rut I hope you'll find one in this list that'll help you get out of it. Click the name to go to the recipe. Enjoy and happy cooking!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><a href="http://snapguide.com/guides/make-jamaican-style-chicken-curry/">Jamaican Style Chicken Curry - c/o Marchessa from Snapguide.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Note: I added carrots and peas to this dish <3</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><a href="http://panlasangpinoy.com/2009/11/20/pineapple-chicken-casserole-pininyahang-manok-recipe/">Pineapple Chicken by Panlasang Pinoy</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kawalingpinoy.com/2013/03/sotanghon-at-bola-bola-sopas-vermicelli-and-meatball-soup/">Chicken Meatball Soup with Rice Noodles by kawalingpinoy.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/chickenbreastrecipes/r/honeynutchicken.htm">Honey-Nut Chicken</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/30350-asian-marinated-baked-chicken">Asian-Marinated Baked Chicken by Amy via Chow.com</a></div>
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Wishing you a fruitful and safe week ahead,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-24269657497586412952014-03-02T22:37:00.002-05:002014-03-02T22:37:52.923-05:00Blueberry Cheesecake Bites!<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first time I had a mini blueberry cheesecake was when my mom's friend started gifting us with a box full of this addicting dessert whenever Christmas rolled by. Ever since that fateful day, I would wait in eager anticipation to sink my teeth into this delectable masterpiece, savoring each and every bite until the box was empty (of course, I had to fight tooth and nail with my older brother for the last piece hehehe!). Little did I know that it was incredibly easy to make, which is a good thing or else I would have spent my lunch money on buying ingredients to bake it myself whenever I craved for its blueberry/cheesy goodness. Make it for a bridal shower (which I did for my friend's surprise tea party-themed shower) and for any other gathering that requires you to bring something sweet :)</div>
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Head over to <a href="http://talentadongchef.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/mini-blueberry-cheesecake/">talentadongchef.wordpress.com</a> to get the recipe!</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<br /><em style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Crust:</em></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">2 cups crushed graham crackers</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">1 stick butter, melted</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">3 T white sugar</span><div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Cheesecake:</em><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">2 bars of 8oz cream cheese, room temperature</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">1 cup white sugar</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">2 large eggs</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">1 cup heavy cream</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">2 t vanilla</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">1/2 t fine salt</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45599937438965px; text-align: justify;">1 21-oz can of blueberry pie filling/topping</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwuh3qtfujaqMdyFyMPop7_8sE0RvcrU152shWkcFdQpxeQpF_BHx_ta4us4HFBJrhsbXtb1jmUeyeooUt_HXrmhZ3ySaOvjjyBI6MLCYYyePcJsfWdaKnPnen5DJSOohj2qEsUUXd-k/s1600/blueberrycheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwuh3qtfujaqMdyFyMPop7_8sE0RvcrU152shWkcFdQpxeQpF_BHx_ta4us4HFBJrhsbXtb1jmUeyeooUt_HXrmhZ3ySaOvjjyBI6MLCYYyePcJsfWdaKnPnen5DJSOohj2qEsUUXd-k/s1600/blueberrycheesecake.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken during the bridal shower <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3uobL2oWxgi6Ao0P3xT6kIC_cAjqI-wyJH9u3dm4vKGMmGBeQlq1Ckj3QtjsTkPn-j_mlOltMs8cXnMlUVDtpNQB_879LW6CxdlS1ubbkHd8V9WkoXaw9fQp2SLAEuikhmlPWH-654E/s1600/blueberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3uobL2oWxgi6Ao0P3xT6kIC_cAjqI-wyJH9u3dm4vKGMmGBeQlq1Ckj3QtjsTkPn-j_mlOltMs8cXnMlUVDtpNQB_879LW6CxdlS1ubbkHd8V9WkoXaw9fQp2SLAEuikhmlPWH-654E/s1600/blueberry.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#nofilter #yum #instafood</td></tr>
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Happy baking!</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-54785413895500617892014-01-12T17:17:00.000-05:002014-01-12T19:38:55.949-05:00Strawberry Cheesecake Pie<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made this for New Year's Eve upon Mama's request, and let me tell you, it was gone in two days (mostly due to Ma and my lil bro hehehe!). I froze a slice for a friend of mine so it will stay fresh, and he said it was still delish :) The cheesecake part is not too sweet and not too heavy, which will probably make you want to sneak in another slice ;). This recipe's definitely a keeper!</div>
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Notes:</div>
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-The key to this one is, since you use fresh strawberries, that they be as ripe as possible. If you are going to make this at the last minute like I did, check their ripeness by looking at the color (very vibrant red, minimal yellow area near the stem) and checking their fragrance (they should be REALLY fragrant. I guarantee you, if the scent is very faint, they will be sour and you would need to wait for them to ripen). Goodness knows I've had desserts with sliced fruits that were still tangy/sour, and the lack of sweetness killed what would have been a perfect dessert.</div>
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-That's it! The recipe is really easy to follow, and if you want it to have that extra level of YUM, use a chocolate graham cracker crust (mine was from Keebler). Heavenly!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you know that strawberries are a member of the rose family?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGoVhjWnREkQNFCIgjjeden15x7ZrDvcbG6RKqAA-E1RLJBTO8OdyXFNBeyfV6hEkbr14ePgKeUcBZ1vNlaEx5e4czbyJf4ZxJGsymP4daoxeEWqDc5-cOK4r-r4lgul9yTAZtsrDQbM/s1600/DSC_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGoVhjWnREkQNFCIgjjeden15x7ZrDvcbG6RKqAA-E1RLJBTO8OdyXFNBeyfV6hEkbr14ePgKeUcBZ1vNlaEx5e4czbyJf4ZxJGsymP4daoxeEWqDc5-cOK4r-r4lgul9yTAZtsrDQbM/s1600/DSC_1347.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glaze. So much sweet, shiny homemade glaze. Yum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJXqTm77q4Toq7PpuX6e1WJqa7Bhxw1R8A5hFjJfcddVYz7DLI1W0F9X0GG2S4iH0IWZGovxd_HAudhF6h3_uJkuPK4xC7CNblnAIeF3Qg6mYCWSgmeF8J9p75Gyiow7p_YV0uiulqA4/s1600/DSC_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJXqTm77q4Toq7PpuX6e1WJqa7Bhxw1R8A5hFjJfcddVYz7DLI1W0F9X0GG2S4iH0IWZGovxd_HAudhF6h3_uJkuPK4xC7CNblnAIeF3Qg6mYCWSgmeF8J9p75Gyiow7p_YV0uiulqA4/s1600/DSC_1352.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberries are one of God's best creations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Save a slice for someone. They will definitely smile all day after eating it :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Recipe from </span><a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/strawberrypierecipes/r/bl30623g.htm" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">southernfood.about.com</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Strawberry Cheesecake Pie</b></span></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour</div>
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1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature</div>
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2/3 cup evaporated milk</div>
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1 tablespoon lemon juice</div>
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1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel</div>
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9-inch graham cracker crust, baked</div>
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Preparation:</div>
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In a mixing bowl, beat eggs until thick and light yellow. Add 1/2 cup of sugar and the flour, beating until blended. Pour the egg mixture into a measuring cup.</div>
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In the same bowl, beat cream cheese with a small amount of the evaporated milk until smooth. Add remaining milk, the lemon juice, and the grated lemon peel; beat until smooth and well blended. Pour egg mixture into the cream cheese mixture; beat just until blended.</div>
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Pour mixture into the graham cracker crust. Bake at 325° for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.</div>
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Strawberry Glaze</div>
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1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and hulled</div>
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1/3 cup water</div>
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2 tablespoons sugar</div>
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1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch</div>
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few drops red food coloring, optional</div>
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Cut 10 to 12 strawberries in half; arrange in a single layer, cut side down, over the cooled cheesecake. Crush enough remaining strawberries to make 1/3 cup; put in saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup water and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Press through a strainer to make 1/2 cup of puree. Return the 1/2 cup puree to the saucepan. Mix together the sugar and cornstarch and stir into the puree in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until thickened and clear. Add food coloring, if desired. Cool slightly; spoon evenly over strawberries on cheesecake. Cool and store, covered, in refrigerator.</div>
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Arrivederci and have a wonderful week ahead! (P.S. it's Restaurant Week next week, there might still be reservations left. Hurry! Go here to check the list of restaurants in your area: <a href="http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek">ramw.org/restaurantweek</a>)</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-85213722871124643082013-12-26T19:05:00.004-05:002014-01-12T19:41:26.114-05:00Christmas 2013: Family, Food and Fashion<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi! How was your Christmas break? Mine's been quite fruitful so far, and I'm trying to squeeze in as much bonding time as I can with my family since some of them will be flying back to California on the 4th of January. That's why this is going to be a super quick post since I am also in the middle of doing some errands and spending quality time with them :) I sincerely hope you had a great one and wish that you'll enjoy celebrating the upcoming New Year! I've got a feeling that 2014 will be magical for you and me :)</div>
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I made Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken for our Christmas Eve dinner. The bird was super tender and moist that when Mama was trying to remove one of the legs the meat literally fell right off the bone! I did my own thing with the gravy with chicken drippings, though, because I don't like using packaged chicken broth. It was very flavorful too, and I was smiling all throughout the time I was chopping herbs (thank you God for making them, they smell soooo good!). Follow the instructions for the oven temperature to a T because it's the secret to getting crispy skin and tender meat.</div>
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Tweaks:</div>
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1. I also roasted carrots and pearl onions with the potatoes. I had no baby potatoes on hand so I used red potatoes instead.</div>
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2. I used baby carrots to cut the peeling time by a huge chunk. Just slice them in half and place them in a bowl containing the potatoes and onions, then toss them with a fair amount of salt, pepper, olive oil, and chopped herbs.</div>
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3. I also made a paste from olive oil, a bit of melted butter, chopped herbs, salt and pepper. I rubbed a big portion of it between the skin and the breast meat (don't be scared that the skin will be ripped off, it's fairly easy to do and will help you get super moist and flavorful breast meat), then rubbed the rest all around the chicken. Make sure you get it between every nook and cranny to ensure that ALL parts of the chicken will taste delish :)</div>
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Here's the result:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS6xOEmhSLO0x7N-FM5J-6QXoKouzQ42EN9tV51rcrl5HWdbHjOke7ef8-rAs60HB63ym7E7gIdSBaOA7KG8xBB2thM4ATaRociLEUqbzVOY-vTripEhIU036VRblMghH_YwuDmY2V-g/s1600/DSC_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS6xOEmhSLO0x7N-FM5J-6QXoKouzQ42EN9tV51rcrl5HWdbHjOke7ef8-rAs60HB63ym7E7gIdSBaOA7KG8xBB2thM4ATaRociLEUqbzVOY-vTripEhIU036VRblMghH_YwuDmY2V-g/s640/DSC_0982.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skin was very crispy and tasty. It reminded me of chicken from Max's, a popular restaurant in the Philippines.</td></tr>
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Yummy! Oh, and here's the recipe:<br />
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/lemon-and-herb-roasted-chicken-with-baby-potatoes-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/lemon-and-herb-roasted-chicken-with-baby-potatoes-recipe/index.html</a><br />
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For Christmas lunch with the extended family, I baked Chocolate Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese-Butter Pecan Frosting. The cake base lacked a bit of chocolate-y flavor and the frosting was a little on the sweet side, hopefully I'll remember to add more chocolate morsels and reduce the amount of powdered sugar the next time I make it. I might have to add a splash of milk too because the cream cheese flavor might be too much for some people.</div>
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Here it is with cake toppers inspired by this blog entry: <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2013/12/christmas-forest-cake-topper/">http://ohhappyday.com/2013/12/christmas-forest-cake-topper/</a>. I seriously wish I made more of these cute trees but I was already running late so I had to make do with just two pieces :( (the sour cream I bought just the other day had mold in it so I had to rush to the nearest grocery, and then in the middle of whipping the cream cheese, one of the whisk attachments on my electronic handheld beater broke. But whatever, I did not let those mishaps ruin my Christmas :) )</div>
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Here's the recipe: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese-butter-pecan-frosting-10000000554777/">http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese-butter-pecan-frosting-10000000554777/</a>. The toasted pecans in the icing were DIVINE, they were like little crunchy, tasty surprises in every bite. I bought a huge bag of them for a much cheaper price at Costco :)</div>
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<i><b>Fah-shion:</b></i></div>
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And here I am with a blue Candie's dress I bought from Kohl's during their recent Black Friday sale. The cut and color are very flattering, and the bow at the back adds cuteness without being overbearing. I balanced the girly look by wearing black semi-opaque tights and pairing the dress with black leather wedge booties from Nine West :) The tips of the boots are a little pointy and will help elongate anyone's legs, which is the reason why I love this silhouette so much! <3 Many thanks to Mama who took my pictures hehehe. My purse is from DKNY (c/o TJ Maxx, I love this place) and is reminiscent of Chanel's iconic quilted bag.</div>
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Whew! Now off I go to finish some other stuff and maybe put in some time watching Regular Show episodes with my not-so-lil bro :)</div>
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Toodle-oo!</div>
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<3,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-52689936548014489072013-11-24T20:20:00.004-05:002013-11-25T12:02:24.024-05:00Thanksgiving Meal For a Small Group<div style="text-align: justify;">
Grandiose Thanksgiving dinners are great, but take so much time to prepare. What if it's only you or two, maybe three people celebrating it together? Sure, it's nice to have a lot of leftovers, but I think that after five days of having nothing but different Turkey meat-based meals (or most probably, different versions of a turkey sandwich) you can't really blame a person for swearing off of eating turkey for a month or more. Which brings us to the topic of this post: a scaled-down Thanksgiving meal that won't eat up your precious, hard-earned holiday, but delicious enough to satisfy your binge-eating tendencies. Let me ask you this: how often have you regretted eating five plates of bland food from a buffet as compared to eating pricier, smaller-portioned yet perfectly-seasoned meal from a nice restaurant? Exactly. I've scoured the good ol' internet to bring you satisfying and easy-to-prepare recipes for a nice Thanksgiving meal. Prep these while watching a movie on your phone via Crackle or Netflix and sipping a nice glass of wine, or whichever way you choose that will make your short holiday memorable and enjoyable. Click on the title/link or the picture/video to get the recipe :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/cornish-hens-recipe/index.html">Cornish Hens by Ina Garten</a><br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cornish-Game-Hens-with-Garlic-and-Rosemary/Detail.aspx">Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cornish-Game-Hens-with-Garlic-and-Rosemary/Detail.aspx"><img border="0" src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com/userphotos/250x250/00/12/94/129449.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cornish-Game-Hens-with-Garlic-and-Rosemary/Detail.aspx">Image taken from allrecipes.com</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roquefort-Pear-Salad/Detail.aspx">Roquefort Pear Salad</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roquefort-Pear-Salad/Detail.aspx"><img border="0" src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com/userphotos/250x250/00/04/90/49064.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roquefort-Pear-Salad/Detail.aspx">Image taken from allrecipes.com</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/kale-salad-with-butternut-squash-and-almonds">Kale Salad with Butternut Squash And Almonds</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/kale-salad-with-butternut-squash-and-almonds"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://www.bonappetit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kale-salad-with-butternut-squash-and-almonds.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/kale-salad-with-butternut-squash-and-almonds">Image taken from bonappetit.com</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/braised-lamb-with-roasted-squash-and-onion-sauce">Braised Lamb with Roasted Squash and Onion Sauce</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/braised-lamb-with-roasted-squash-and-onion-sauce"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://www.bonappetit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/braised-lamb-with-roasted-squash-and-onion-sauce-940x600.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/braised-lamb-with-roasted-squash-and-onion-sauce">Image taken from bonappetit.com</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://paperplatesandchina.blogspot.com/2011/08/pie-la-apple.html">Pie a la Apple</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://paperplatesandchina.blogspot.com/2011/08/pie-la-apple.html"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF58Znwms8ZYi3sh64fYuxEnFU2o_JkCnRPPnsVvq1JbX0bqOLgX-jYp1zBRmGN08mtMuUVqn-XF43pDiT76K-De-PsJOZpr_2JJYrIYhKDLus9acqv8VpAWEbV0xZgzXN8BDIn2dfJw/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://paperplatesandchina.blogspot.com/2011/08/pie-la-apple.html">Image taken from http://domesticdilettante.com</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-maple-pumpkin-pie">Homemade Maple Pumpkin Pie</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-maple-pumpkin-pie"><img border="0" src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps34168_CFT960483D20.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-maple-pumpkin-pie">Image taken from tasteofhome.com</a></td></tr>
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Dessert tips:<br />
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-Get the frozen tiramisu/cheesecake from Costco. Remember not to eat all of it in one sitting, ok? :)</div>
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-Go to your nearest farmer's market/local food stall. Near my area, we have Butler's Orchard, and they sell pies that you can finish baking at home. And boy, the smell wafting from the oven when you're baking it is just heaven. I think Costco sells them too.</div>
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Thanksgiving tip:</div>
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-After eating your meal and secretly burping, talk about what things/events you're thankful for :) If you're by yourself, then by all means write it down. It might help on days when you feel particularly low and need to be reminded of all the good that has happened to you.<br />
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P.S.<br />
A funny read:<a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2013/11/57953/thanksgiving-horror-stories"> 9 Thanksgiving Horror Stories</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz33Dpq3vYZY4KZwM2xo9WenWBy0dBsiJOi2UGqqDO1LzLO_GShU7ClqglBsBChgmQ2LA8mG5P5QUHL95ipMtT4tG74GrlE3BfvrVLjHYWwgr4UqfgLIlaLYM5UOINxu8mHIrlj72QMDs/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz33Dpq3vYZY4KZwM2xo9WenWBy0dBsiJOi2UGqqDO1LzLO_GShU7ClqglBsBChgmQ2LA8mG5P5QUHL95ipMtT4tG74GrlE3BfvrVLjHYWwgr4UqfgLIlaLYM5UOINxu8mHIrlj72QMDs/s400/thanksgiving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><3</span>,</div>
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-48183362586611190392013-11-24T15:37:00.001-05:002013-11-24T15:41:39.830-05:00Longing for Summer / For the love of boots<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I sit freezing in front of the computer, I find my mind drifting towards memories of warm, bright Summer days in the Philippines. Floating on calm seawater (I have yet to find one with a similar temperament here in the US) with eyes closed, listening to the muffled sounds of the ocean, skin slowly bronzing from the rays peeking through clouds, and wondering how long I've been out there and how far away I'd been taken from the beach by tiny waves and gentle winds. Swiping off the cold sweat from the sides of a glass of fresh mango juice and discreetly patting it onto hot patches on my face. Opening all the windows in my room at night to let the slightly colder winds through, bringing along with it the sound of crickets and unmistakeable VROOOOM of tricycles struggling to go uphill (and the occasional Karaoke singing that goes on til the wee hours of the morning). No matter how long I stay here in the East Coast, I am perfectly sure that I will forever be an island girl at heart, and I will be fine with drastic temperature fluctuations as long as I am granted a yearly exodus to sandy beaches and the sound of waves lapping on the shore.</div>
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Winter (the temperature being at the low 30s, I think it is safe to assume that Fall has already come and gone) for me is somewhat bearable because I love layering clothes and wearing boots (the two things that get me through dreary weather). My current obsessions are pointy, buckled boots which make me feel like a cross between a character in a Spaghetti Western film, a wannabe cast member of Sons of Anarchy and an amalgam of my favorite fashion bloggers (who all love the same types of shoes as I do). The more buckles, the better (I am part-magpie, methinks). Below is a collection of boots, mostly from Sam Edelman and Jeffrey Campbell, that I will wear 'til the soles fall off if ever I get my hands on even one of them. Here you go, and here's to hoping a pair will magically appear on my doorstep without me having to pay a single cent.</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/boots/set?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=104955925" target="_blank"><img alt="boots" border="0" height="522" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/sPrc9wZmR8pf2vKEzKCNQ/cid/104955925/id/ovIuMEVV4xGBJs6HzSGTQA/size/c600x522.jpg" title="boots" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/boots/set?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=104955925" target="_blank">boots</a> by <a href="http://white-lily.polyvore.com/?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">white-lily</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/leather_boots/shop?query=leather+boots" target="_blank">leather boots</a></small></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=95843192" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/95843192.jpg" title="Sam Edelman leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=96317553" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/96317553.jpg" title="Sam Edelman leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=91623135" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/91623135.jpg" title="Dolce Vita leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=90069529" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90069529.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=93780327" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/93780327.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=90641795" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90641795.jpg" title="Frye ankle booties" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=90016176" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90016176.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=94191981" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94191981.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=95762924" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/95762924.jpg" title="Miista leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=95558963" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/95558963.jpg" title="Sam Edelman black boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=97503771" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/97503771.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=96440138" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/96440138.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=97769985" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/97769985.jpg" title="Grey City leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=90069558" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90069558.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell leather boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=762267&.svc=copypaste&id=96317596" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/96317596.jpg" title="Jeffrey Campbell kohls shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><br />
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P.S.<br />
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One other thing I love: indoors, cocooned in a blanket, curled on the sofa with a good book, a warm cup of hot cocoa within arm's reach.<br />
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Wishfully thinking,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771263643316109043.post-7953303250595763592013-11-18T19:20:00.002-05:002013-11-18T19:22:53.230-05:00Grammar TipsTwo quick sketches I made eons ago concerning some grammatical pet peeves of mine. I've been meaning to polish them but never got around to it, so I'm posting them here in their hilariously ugly glory. Hahaha. As long as the message gets through, right? :)<br />
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1. Could/Should/Would HAVE (not "OF")<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM-FLTUmqojDMqYqG-_vIr9eTsi213ajasbC-tW7dR-QPRrwcVoMCFmGnuxaUXHekQNE8NoWgRT4nWSYSzvjb4rS0h62ls9NYF5S4b67R-uHNf1FD8MkfEb-Ry_hCP9zu01gg1U_ktfo/s1600/have+off+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM-FLTUmqojDMqYqG-_vIr9eTsi213ajasbC-tW7dR-QPRrwcVoMCFmGnuxaUXHekQNE8NoWgRT4nWSYSzvjb4rS0h62ls9NYF5S4b67R-uHNf1FD8MkfEb-Ry_hCP9zu01gg1U_ktfo/s400/have+off+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
2. Lose vs Loose<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_E85M0L2gBtKKCzn09wQwtVasg5fzTSUYaZWRJU-DmdqQ9lUm1M5LFtwaTEfSfa96uH9tqiobw5pQ96aFU0YnaDDBvPieVgsWhi-MtYaiAjBJt5Mtg-9PbONfbPsrCcRqd5E9H7Wgnc/s1600/lose+vs+loose+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_E85M0L2gBtKKCzn09wQwtVasg5fzTSUYaZWRJU-DmdqQ9lUm1M5LFtwaTEfSfa96uH9tqiobw5pQ96aFU0YnaDDBvPieVgsWhi-MtYaiAjBJt5Mtg-9PbONfbPsrCcRqd5E9H7Wgnc/s400/lose+vs+loose+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Two things before I say adieu:<br />
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1. Yay for bed rest. I was feeling under the weather today from all the moving I've done these past few days, but I think I'm ready to go to work tomorrow :)</div>
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2. The jacket from my last post was sold for $255! A friend of mine in SFC will be donating the money plus all other donations we'll be collecting to Red Cross through her company, who'll match the amount. So it will become $510 :D And to think that three hours before the bidding ended, I was fussing so much about the top bid at that time (only $122) because it did not even hit the price I bought it for. But then I decided to just lift it to God and go to sleep since I only had 5 hours left until I needed to wake up for work the next day. Lo and behold, I checked my email the next day and saw that the bidding ended at $255. I was ecstatic, elated, joyous. That really and truly did make my day. Thank God for generous souls like the winning bidder plus the countless others who have poured their support and love for my brethren in the Philippines :) Mabuhay and salamat ng marami! <3 </div>
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P.S.</div>
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Please continue to pray for the health and safety of the survivors.</div>
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"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, </span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24049B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">even</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> the least </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">of them</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, you did it to Me.’" - Matthew 25:40</span></div>
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<br />Julie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132742225744132021noreply@blogger.com0