tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79321749139437785102024-02-07T05:28:16.184-08:00S L O M Y G O S HSLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-68632537755686468312014-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:002014-01-14T09:03:59.506-08:00• WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD •Do yourself a favor before your day gets hectic and stressful... take 2 minutes to enjoy this stunning collection of imagery from BBC, and be sure to watch it in fullscreen for maximum impact. If this sort of gorgeousness doesn't make you feel lucky to be alive, you might need to check your pulse. <br />
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P.S. Isn't David Attenborough's voice the best? The answer is yes. Yes, it is. </div>
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SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-2454018290412393322014-01-13T15:51:00.001-08:002014-01-13T17:29:43.528-08:00• THE VIEW FROM HERE • <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">• Self portrait with Starbuck yesterday •</td></tr>
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Yesterday I took a little Sunday ride with Jeff's mom, Louise. Last week was one of those weeks that really puts you through your paces. And the night before had been especially rough, with Elliott not feeling well, and consequently, not sleeping well. So a ride was exactly what I needed to get my mind of off life's craziness for a few hours. I'm very thankful to Louise for acting as my Paso Robles back-country tourguide yesterday, and VERY grateful to Jeffrey for encouraging me to go have fun, while he stayed behind to watch a grumpy 2 year old. </div>
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Since I'm not much of a hiker, or a <a href="http://slomygosh.blogspot.com/2012/07/camping-dreamy-version.html" target="_blank">camper</a>, I've really enjoyed exploring the Central Coast on horseback this past year. It makes me feel like I'm getting to know the land in a much different, and deeper way. Riding here has helped me to feel grounded and a bit more in touch with where I live. I also love that Starbuck is the one exploring this new territory with me. He's a kindred spirit, and an old friend- and I can't say I have many of either nearby. It's a comfort to have him here.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">• Baby 'Buck. I had to stand on my knees to be eye-level with him for this photo •</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #e69138;">• All grown up and modeling for Ambiance last Summer •</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">• The two of us exploring Bishop's Peak last year •</td></tr>
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I love that he knows all the nooks and crannies of the trails back home on our little island- the ones I spent years and years exploring on my "babysitter" horses. And I like that we're discovering California together. But it's funny riding here, my mind can't help but make comparisons. For all the wetness, deep mud, wild fruit, and giant tree roots covering the trails back home, here there are ancient oaks, deer, gigantic pinecones, crunchy earth, and lots of dust. A coyote crossed our path yesterday. A COYOTE! I'd only ever seen one briefly from the window of a train before. A dog barked from behind a fence and startled Starbuck. The sudden jolt reminded me of my constant fear - from a childhood spent on horseback... the threat of a pheasant flying out from under tall buffalo grass and spooking a running horse sideways. It happened so many times, and kept me forever grateful for my saddle-horn. Louise cautioned me that the comparable danger to riders here, is a sudden, bounding deer.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">• She's such a cute cowgirl. I made her pause to capture this fun silhouette on our way home •</td></tr>
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I don't talk much about them here on the blog, but it's amazing how much of my life, and how many of my memories were made on the back of a horse. Crossing rivers, swimming through little waves... feeling my body float up and parallel with the surface of the water, clinging to a wet mane. It's a visceral memory that I can still feel inside, and I love that I know it. Wind so hard against my face, I could barely keep my eyes open, running up to the top of hills to see the valleys and taro fields far below. Picking strawberry guavas to share with my horse. One for you... one for me... Always exploring, always discovering, always learning. </div>
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One day when I was about 9 or 10 years old, I went for a long ride, exploring the base of a mountainous jungle with my horse and my dog. Eventually I found a giant, old mango tree with passion fruit vines growing in it. On the ground, I'd never have noticed them, but on my horse, they brushed across my face as I rode under the tree. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*Photo Credit: Unknown (via google)</td></tr>
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The purple and white flowers grew upside-down and looked like alien spaceships. Convinced that I'd uncovered an entirely new species, I tucked a flower (bigger than my hand) into the pocket of my saddle, and raced back to announce my discovery (and start my career as a world-famous explorer/botanist/prodigy). Of course, when I reached the barn, the flower was gone. I knew that without a trail to guide me back, I'd never find the "magical tree" again. So you can imagine my shock when I discovered the flowering vine for sale at Home Depot as an adult. It made me laugh out loud.</div>
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I can only wonder what discoveries lay ahead for me in this old cowboy country. It's so exciting to explore lands that horses and riders have traversed for centuries! Excuse me, my inner history-nerd is showing, but really! Louise told me about the ruins of a mission, and cemetery nearby and I'm very anxious to learn more. Starbuck concurs. We'll keep you updated. :)</div>
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SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-69608804992131198872013-12-23T13:19:00.000-08:002013-12-23T13:19:02.358-08:00S U N D A Y • P H O T O • A D V E N T U R E S<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3ctjGKQaZIoR55w7-py-SZGNMm5qW6_fkeyHOUYqSC12a2tVpUWY602TEpRMTfeEYwNQLqv1704KNUqCnQK9GhUmCmWJcccw69C2AWWNI2jPd6CbsX_si7wCvZvoY5T5B1iMG_E8xp2D/s640/IMG_5627.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">If you read </span><a href="http://jeffclaassen.com/blog/tag/soda-lake/" target="_blank">Jeff's blog</a><span style="color: black;">, you might already know that on November 10th we started a new hobby... Sunday photo adventures. Sometimes it's all five of us, but sometimes we put Elliott down for his nap and leave him in the care of James and Evy for two hours so we can have a photo adventure/date. </span>It's been pretty amazing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8S-VrwCUZx8v7rsQOJAcuNbA8eD79JcnyKkZoZpZFuqgGQ8vRrDhczZA5rZ5OdLu3hFHphQwyLhstJShQoYUUhP0kDhFW8PZ6ocR6eN_YuSPQK4joBy2-xWzvExIPV8VPufS7kpKnfJK/s1600/farm_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8S-VrwCUZx8v7rsQOJAcuNbA8eD79JcnyKkZoZpZFuqgGQ8vRrDhczZA5rZ5OdLu3hFHphQwyLhstJShQoYUUhP0kDhFW8PZ6ocR6eN_YuSPQK4joBy2-xWzvExIPV8VPufS7kpKnfJK/s640/farm_collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a family we've explored Soda Lake in the California Valley, discovered an abandoned adobe, taken a farm tour of Paso where we found sheep, pigs, miniature horses, and eaten roadside fruit, carrots freshly pulled out of the ground, and yummy goat cheese. The kids loved meeting said goats and feeding them ice cream cones full of grain. Really cool. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbROFPWcUaitOMcXCkBFsbxkLB9HRzNmuNSfQDO8gBrsjhC7xJDZmAT3N_v5FCFGcu3HKl7F9PB6r6Z_OtC2RVA5l0kFg3b-zUhGUyAME1TYzioWeoziS_BAHidGKhK2YufelY27dZ38-0/s1600/IMG_6025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbROFPWcUaitOMcXCkBFsbxkLB9HRzNmuNSfQDO8gBrsjhC7xJDZmAT3N_v5FCFGcu3HKl7F9PB6r6Z_OtC2RVA5l0kFg3b-zUhGUyAME1TYzioWeoziS_BAHidGKhK2YufelY27dZ38-0/s640/IMG_6025.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;">As a couple, Jeff and I have visited San Miguel and taken the Mission tour- something we'd never actually done after many Mission visits and masses there. Really beautiful and so moving. We've also discovered the Caledonia Adobe, had impromptu picnics in the park, and enjoyed uninterrupted conversations- something pretty sacred in a house with three children. We're loving this new Sunday tradition. </span></div>
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However, in my search for a <a href="http://slomygosh.blogspot.com/2013/12/in-case-you-were-curious.html" target="_blank">Christmas card photo</a>- I noticed one thing we've been lacking in our lives is portraits of us together. We take SOOOOOO many photos of the kids and each other too, but we have less exactly ONE of all five of us together in 2013. Not acceptable! So I decided to add a challenge to our Sunday adventures... A PORTRAIT SERIES! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sGG00wVDhBanj_Ct_LTmUmkHP6T_zizZclow0T0XOqcsb99yoWl7n0rjiZYOg7RSmaCBYktYMDQnNaN5DfKLkRKpW7xGNT5waH0onWiTpAFudNX8InnMyS5vMVwmlFyVbZeoPiPSaHwr/s1600/IMG_7293_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sGG00wVDhBanj_Ct_LTmUmkHP6T_zizZclow0T0XOqcsb99yoWl7n0rjiZYOg7RSmaCBYktYMDQnNaN5DfKLkRKpW7xGNT5waH0onWiTpAFudNX8InnMyS5vMVwmlFyVbZeoPiPSaHwr/s640/IMG_7293_edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As I explained to Jeff, they need not be fancy, posed, or even particularly dignified. Just a concerted effort to photograph ourselves together. Yesterday it was just the two of us, and we didn't even use the camera timer or the tripod- just laid in the grass and clicked the shutter. I'm really looking forward to our first portrait outing with all five of us. It should be... interesting. I'll keep you posted. :)<br />
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-29032112480598852362013-12-19T15:59:00.000-08:002013-12-19T16:26:30.397-08:00T I N Y • D A N C E R <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oCu-eC73T34FNjPJq8vcpz5GIeaO6NOjY0q3r4_n7QhPXXuW-cVknK8R3msvsq9LWzHlL0kSLvxJgUcg7na1yyiyORFRlC53pA1GW3ws96LU4_MmspH3HJjhm6SCdEqaRaFHKI4FU_PG/s1600/output_jzS94y.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oCu-eC73T34FNjPJq8vcpz5GIeaO6NOjY0q3r4_n7QhPXXuW-cVknK8R3msvsq9LWzHlL0kSLvxJgUcg7na1yyiyORFRlC53pA1GW3ws96LU4_MmspH3HJjhm6SCdEqaRaFHKI4FU_PG/s640/output_jzS94y.gif" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was the first day we got the key to Jeff's gallery space on Marsh Street. </div>
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It was about 8 times the size of the old one, and Evelyn took the opportunity </div>
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to dance all over the big empty space. Evelyn has always been our tiny dancer.</div>
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SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-84589198305614695172013-12-19T13:05:00.001-08:002013-12-19T16:27:52.605-08:00The Hair Whip (extended cut)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/82321544?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br />
This silliness all started with James' hair getting way too long, and the resultant hair-whipping.<br />
So after school yesterday we took him to the barbershop, and I requested that he do one last hair<br />
whip to capture on video. Of course Evelyn had to get in on it too. And then...<br />
well, we got carried away.<br />
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-74751631912683854602013-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:002013-12-18T07:00:00.314-08:00In case you were curious...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This screenshot is what my life has felt like absent from SLOmygosh for the past 8 weeks or so.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0wweN82jtnG6alqend_I0h46g_vsGDgbO89TTkoqDaLWjsJ1-oj6L8b_3aMDIL5XI5jTDChK_SoDPiBVFg_GjBVne5_ClHSce-g9nfGsz5wbGra9et7_aM6Ud0D4a1J0l1TGUaQheQiZ/s1600/ftr.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0wweN82jtnG6alqend_I0h46g_vsGDgbO89TTkoqDaLWjsJ1-oj6L8b_3aMDIL5XI5jTDChK_SoDPiBVFg_GjBVne5_ClHSce-g9nfGsz5wbGra9et7_aM6Ud0D4a1J0l1TGUaQheQiZ/s640/ftr.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being rejected by my mom while attempting to FaceTime with her. Blah. And may I add... that also sums up my feelings about the holidays this year. Blah. I used to send my Christmas cards the day after Thanksgiving. I read articles about "Holiday Blues" and wondered "Who the heck <i>are</i> these Scrooge McDucks who don't like CHRISTMASTIME?!" Friends, I've become one of them, and I don't even know how it happened. I managed to get Christmas cards out while battling a ferocious fever/flu, only to realize days later that 30 of our nearest and dearest received a darling photo of the kids with A ZIPPER DOWN. Very down. Blah. To add insult to injury, the card company noticed the photo, liked it and asked to use it in their Holiday marketing. Yeah, letting them know about zippergate wasn't embarrassing or anything. Thanks, card company. Of the oh, HUNDREDS of cards I've sent through you, you've finally taken notice of me when I send my most errant card ever ever. BLAHHHHH. <br />
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Anyway, are the holidays over yet? Please wake me when they are. <br />
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-27725733789065826582013-12-17T13:34:00.002-08:002013-12-17T13:42:41.708-08:00F I R E S A F E <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;">If like me, you've ever wondered how many people really care about your lazy blogging habits, I recommend shutting down for a month or two. Readers have come out of the woodwork to inquire about the absence, and encourage me to post again, and honestly it's been so sweet. What began as a weekend overhaul project, became a blatant blog vacation, and though I've become a rather inconsistent blogger, you've reached out to express your love of these pages, and I'm very grateful. I appreciate any and all who find something of value here. In the past year I've really struggled to understand where blogging fits into my life, what content felt appropriate to share, and why anyone bothered to look. I think a change happened when I was paid to blog elsewhere too. Suddenly SLOmygosh felt like working overtime. Something that brought me a lot of joy, and felt like an outlet- became a burden. But last night something occurred to me... Evelyn asked what I would save in a fire, and aside from getting my family to safety- all I really cared about were our photos. As I looked around at them, I realized that most of them were already safe and sound on SLOmygosh. That nagging burden of a blog was also the safe-keeper of so many precious moments in my life. As Oprah would say, that was my <i>"Aha! Moment"</i>. It needn't be a ball and chain, it could just be my firesafe. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So I'm going to make a little effort to get back to my blogging roots- remember why I started, and share what I want to keep safe. This blog is not about the page views, the ads, or the rankings. It's just about keeping an honest record of our lives- good and bad. But mostly MOSTLY good. Thank you to those of you who have read and supported my blogging efforts since way back before there was a SLOmygosh (I'm talking to you, Nanette), thank you to the brands and businesses who have supported through products and advertising, and thank YOU for visiting SLOmygosh these past few years. It's still chugging along. xoxo</span></div>
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SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-3908244525494148942013-10-16T07:30:00.000-07:002013-12-17T12:35:03.319-08:00Revisiting old favorites... The Streets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I'm having a love affair with lots of my favorite old music lately. </div>
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So let's share!</div>
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Up first... The Streets - Blinded By The Lights</div>
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This song takes me right back to 2004, when I didn't have any need to party or take drugs, because I could just listen to The Streets retell their debauchery and antics on "A Grand Don't Come For Free". </div>
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While this album is not for everyone, and can get quite explicit- I really love Mike Skinner's voice, and how he's able to sound totally mellow, while delivering crazy lyrics; It's a great escape when life starts feeling a little too white bread. </div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-51985578581674960522013-10-15T14:45:00.000-07:002013-12-17T12:34:08.034-08:00Attn. Jeff Claassen:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please take me back to Paris.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcKC7xaCIjqM-7Li45MQ3IvlR5u30CkUQNx7dDVTlfXLGdeG_0bgkmyYH-LfqlY_NcZ445-NF340ZpTkBfEtoG7h4LbjY8P0mfJ8u4FiVL9djYd7eQw8ge5zM9JwYet0g6uZQqzvRGD4W/s1600/a4951754021_2515bd0f30_b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcKC7xaCIjqM-7Li45MQ3IvlR5u30CkUQNx7dDVTlfXLGdeG_0bgkmyYH-LfqlY_NcZ445-NF340ZpTkBfEtoG7h4LbjY8P0mfJ8u4FiVL9djYd7eQw8ge5zM9JwYet0g6uZQqzvRGD4W/s1600/a4951754021_2515bd0f30_b-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lOge1kb-hCCFd090DhyphenhyphenKwucVyWafahVMQC2BYmXXDd_lKCu7is7TS1tXtHWaVdk8m9QRp3xluN0HPr7YuaB8b-K2yUNlkUBVLMM1bXJuU0hbRJ9L8eCDaSTTSbAtFQlosUSL6YWe4tye/s1600/h4952424722_842e0ca849_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lOge1kb-hCCFd090DhyphenhyphenKwucVyWafahVMQC2BYmXXDd_lKCu7is7TS1tXtHWaVdk8m9QRp3xluN0HPr7YuaB8b-K2yUNlkUBVLMM1bXJuU0hbRJ9L8eCDaSTTSbAtFQlosUSL6YWe4tye/s1600/h4952424722_842e0ca849_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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That's all. <span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.078125px;">♡</span></div>
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And P.S.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyH2jB_nDMT80WWgNnTEjg3rVFA468QtOyXX7PebFTY37y5aabhAXajdFqqPkmpGpi2mrOWmvkf-SLU5gICsgcUGKcrS14ae9c2RRpWzH6h_hSmx2lIoZaRA8nVyMVhwIfSHsk2R4O9yU/s1600/j4952376516_e2cfe52032_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyH2jB_nDMT80WWgNnTEjg3rVFA468QtOyXX7PebFTY37y5aabhAXajdFqqPkmpGpi2mrOWmvkf-SLU5gICsgcUGKcrS14ae9c2RRpWzH6h_hSmx2lIoZaRA8nVyMVhwIfSHsk2R4O9yU/s1600/j4952376516_e2cfe52032_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-32789568735080467822013-09-29T23:46:00.000-07:002013-12-17T12:34:33.111-08:00S.O.S. it's PARTY TIME!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVTfiboYsnWWSPVfcoPiD0IdqGP75CvnYdDLLhcYHmm4jsqBRtJwkGjh4AGSzsod66cK5GU4l4x-VjsZ70Pqm85fY1p04XkJFmYzXKFgxZznRaN0VrUxokTG2ibby8nyoMrv1AbpEq2B3/s1600/grand_Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVTfiboYsnWWSPVfcoPiD0IdqGP75CvnYdDLLhcYHmm4jsqBRtJwkGjh4AGSzsod66cK5GU4l4x-VjsZ70Pqm85fY1p04XkJFmYzXKFgxZznRaN0VrUxokTG2ibby8nyoMrv1AbpEq2B3/s640/grand_Collage1.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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If you weren't at the AMBIANCE, Paso Robles Grand Opening event last night, you totally missed out. *<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm talking to you, <a href="http://cheerupoldbean.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Leah</a>* </span>Yes, yes... there was Fall fashion, V.I.P. goodies, a live DJ, wine, and gifts- but more importantly there were bazillions of teeny cupcakes, at least a dozen cheeses, and lots of cured meat. That latter of which I ate while hiding behind my desk for most of the night- texting my mom. Yeah, it was party-pooper central back there.</div>
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I should also mention that I tripped while walking down the stairs, about 10 minutes in. 'Cos I am <i>totally</i> the girl who trips while walking down stairs at parties, and then just sits there for a second thinking: </div>
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<i>Man... I could be at home reading National Geographic in the bathtub right now.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjRAlRo_PK2Gi5PYQQ67dC6qTLHVUfqV8iWdZwOUT7MO7r9KZ6-V1FCZ_BQ4IUrKLEiAeR0fYvRClAFKdbs3Qj1P5iMjDkbiW6v66ZZtYJJh6_grhaDi4792v_OWVDywySveXNMEO-apw/s1600/grand_Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjRAlRo_PK2Gi5PYQQ67dC6qTLHVUfqV8iWdZwOUT7MO7r9KZ6-V1FCZ_BQ4IUrKLEiAeR0fYvRClAFKdbs3Qj1P5iMjDkbiW6v66ZZtYJJh6_grhaDi4792v_OWVDywySveXNMEO-apw/s640/grand_Collage2.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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Ok, so the two photos above, are a perfect example of why I should never be allowed at parties. </div>
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Here's Grant, smiling like a normal person, in his epic "Party Time" tee, and myself- documenting the anomaly that is, me leaving my house at night, and not wearing jammies, <i>and</i> being at a party. IT'S LIKE SEEING A UNICORN! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Tzq2wa0JpO17qOZ_7d3ReG-hMSnDaYODfoR9-L94V1m96V6cGYazvkuXoP02-or3FRi2WhVKl0ZjO8prPtD2yXadGBlT2kbTNiD9l_5a2EhaMB_xLy3O2DT3zFDnOzM6iARSwE5oDKFe/s1600/grand_Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Tzq2wa0JpO17qOZ_7d3ReG-hMSnDaYODfoR9-L94V1m96V6cGYazvkuXoP02-or3FRi2WhVKl0ZjO8prPtD2yXadGBlT2kbTNiD9l_5a2EhaMB_xLy3O2DT3zFDnOzM6iARSwE5oDKFe/s640/grand_Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thankfully, James showed up on his scooter and rescued me from my appetizer party of one. He made me walk around, we watched the DJ, he introduced himself to some people, and he chit-chatted with the ladies. He even joined me outside for a bit when the whole thing got overwhelming. Though I will say, once he caught sight of the hors d'oeuvres table, he wasted no time in telling me to get my butt up and go "cheese tasting" with him. </div>
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Gosh, I love this boy so much. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia45aAeDFRVrRAxqP9_15XVm3K7U-WQrrjXPwhIAWTE8Trktg3OrDoOM8QiOZN8STaB-K4RW-1lKaYQFQBX5IZSpm5ZibBwQfP-a2b3ocJL53PYryf73CapX4IrLNRJOVO9c9mnINrwD37/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia45aAeDFRVrRAxqP9_15XVm3K7U-WQrrjXPwhIAWTE8Trktg3OrDoOM8QiOZN8STaB-K4RW-1lKaYQFQBX5IZSpm5ZibBwQfP-a2b3ocJL53PYryf73CapX4IrLNRJOVO9c9mnINrwD37/s640/IMG_2930.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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See? He made me smile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6siJg9YqK1Ny39LEjJP3o6ipQABPKgw8CieI-06uTSRCoyHec92OQ0ICkKdrERLRN3aj8qSb7vohT_mG9K70Uz_uFftA5TPp9xMDX03NK_HOYSLf-XjPc3ZGCkbv0O-X_QNYALOTN_u6/s1600/grand_Collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6siJg9YqK1Ny39LEjJP3o6ipQABPKgw8CieI-06uTSRCoyHec92OQ0ICkKdrERLRN3aj8qSb7vohT_mG9K70Uz_uFftA5TPp9xMDX03NK_HOYSLf-XjPc3ZGCkbv0O-X_QNYALOTN_u6/s1600/grand_Collage4.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here we have the amazing photo he took of Kannyn and I. </div>
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So, let me now revise my original statement to say this... If you are a normal person, who enjoys parties and mingling, and normal-people fun - you <i>totally</i> missed out. As for me, I'm pretty sure I had enough partying to last a really long time, and hanging out with James (with cupcakes) was the very best part of my night. </div>
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P A R T Y ! ! ! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;">♥</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JgBYQkYD1ofIjrzOMot5MAuUtChKxDexmMjbAaA4J21xjTHSgMdSyBcpyO2WwkATweBjBj6FRD1_MlldS4Nxu-6KomkJRki2uO6bvYSgHhK2upFcnkKSoKRhp0y2s6OObN67CwGcLs2d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-23+at+9.23.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JgBYQkYD1ofIjrzOMot5MAuUtChKxDexmMjbAaA4J21xjTHSgMdSyBcpyO2WwkATweBjBj6FRD1_MlldS4Nxu-6KomkJRki2uO6bvYSgHhK2upFcnkKSoKRhp0y2s6OObN67CwGcLs2d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-23+at+9.23.46+PM.png" /></a></div>
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P.S. </div>
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Welcome to Paso, Ambiance! xo</div>
SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-82268264330811263062013-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:002013-09-28T06:00:00.963-07:00<div class="p1">
<i>"They’re like, 12" - </i>The correct way to refer to anyone younger than you. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hilarious advice via. <a href="http://nofatnowhip.com/" target="_blank">Darling Be Daring</a></span></div>
SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-72882616294893478242013-09-27T16:54:00.003-07:002013-09-27T16:54:41.372-07:00#LOVETHIS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While watching this for the way too many'th time, I thought... Should I share it or no?</div>
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And then they did the Missy Elliott song again, and I was like: <i>DUH!</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/57dzaMaouXA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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P.S. I'm so guilty. </div>
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SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-13778433651596655282013-09-27T00:32:00.003-07:002013-09-27T00:37:27.916-07:00Fall lookbook, the inside-story... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNx__o0usxqiYAmhLHw9CMVHpNDBxTTJgOA_yMvoRA0D7X5CQsQc6cGeFBhTDu3ZT-qptm91Q7w1GRMkDZt2vSxJDV3t-ewjxLN4woegZqeTpoCdb2bYpWHFYpqi280jVNS3YigFyIAJj/s1600/scrn1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNx__o0usxqiYAmhLHw9CMVHpNDBxTTJgOA_yMvoRA0D7X5CQsQc6cGeFBhTDu3ZT-qptm91Q7w1GRMkDZt2vSxJDV3t-ewjxLN4woegZqeTpoCdb2bYpWHFYpqi280jVNS3YigFyIAJj/s640/scrn1.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's here, it's HERE!!! I'm so excited to share the new <a href="http://ambianceslo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ambiance</a> Fall lookbook with you at last. It's fun, the girls look beautiful, and this time I really challenged myself by including original written content. It was a ton of work, but the result is so rewarding. I really hope you LOVE it as much as we do. One funny thing I've noticed is that everyone (E V E R Y O N E) has asked me about the birds you see in that cover shot above... And it's the same question every time! <i>"Is that real?"</i></div>
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Were you wondering too??? Ok, ok. The truth is... ***drumroll, please*** YES, they are absolutely real. I have no idea what type of birds they are, but on the morning of our shoot, at our first location - Laguna Lake, we were all a little sleepy, a little nervous, and trying hard to get into a Fall vibe smack dab in the middle of Summer. Very soon after we started shooting, we noticed hundreds of little black birds hanging out in this big, empty field. Of course I wanted to include them in a shot, but as we moved closer, the flock became skittish. I wasn't sure when they would all take off, or which direction they would go; so I asked Kalsee to walk backwards, facing me. She's such a pro. She traversed the lumpy field, BACKWARDS, moving closer and closer until <i>BAM</i>, they all lifted off the ground at once and flew for their lives! As they lifted into the air, I shouted "NOW!" to Kalsee and she really came through- I mean, look at that hair! The girl knows how to <i>werk</i> it. In a split second, we had this shot, and it was so fun and so thrilling, I knew immediately that we were in for a great day. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_0XHhuNcJfwVTalzkHNEN4egLuN0DaCqKlSrhODMPFuHi6jA82iDNJc-xk-mYIdARjsMDRI_HoQ4mopm9-xe_RLSyUeroFH4morHfVofX-6K1VqkS7L7t7RWbWzJZbhXDtGmJzTFpczd/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-26+at+11.48.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_0XHhuNcJfwVTalzkHNEN4egLuN0DaCqKlSrhODMPFuHi6jA82iDNJc-xk-mYIdARjsMDRI_HoQ4mopm9-xe_RLSyUeroFH4morHfVofX-6K1VqkS7L7t7RWbWzJZbhXDtGmJzTFpczd/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-09-26+at+11.48.32+AM.png" width="398" /></a></div>
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P.S. Pick up your free copy of the Ambiance Fall lookbook today! </div>
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Available at either Ambiance location.</div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-5106523590451439992013-09-25T23:08:00.000-07:002013-09-25T23:08:17.499-07:00Heads up! 50% OFF, 24 hours only!Hi friends! Just thought I'd tip you off on Jeff's crazy once-annual, 24 hour only, 50% off sale. He's offering half off EVERYTHING... original paintings, limited edition prints, t-shirts, wallets, stickers - you name it. This is a great chance to stock up on unique Christmas presents and birthday gifts, at ridiculously good prices. Buy 'em now, and stash 'em away for later! <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/jeffclaassen" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNeo1MIAFX5_160k5kV7MTvP4UJ6BOkKjAQuHeQ18li0jSOMX_w4UiiphKIDGzwxuuF4K08-ofJTz7uuGZwzPpu2JAIxurauzjsow1D2UHHD_hXfRiMgpB4nzuPB6xkyeQTQv3uxTX0y3/s1600/luckyme13.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/jeffclaassen" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="55" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfu3iGvn7txoY-0kpsSW5ZEUINYpxV9bPXR1bMopXWkthz9_qcHARmgxK7uv_0WK0zy9GSEMUj-M7kGakl69TzuwPsQxGRzwMDR5PZVxnzUxwGw2pBYCUlZ2gA69lfErWkY7D1kEiy-dd/s640/shop_btn2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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xoxo,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JgBYQkYD1ofIjrzOMot5MAuUtChKxDexmMjbAaA4J21xjTHSgMdSyBcpyO2WwkATweBjBj6FRD1_MlldS4Nxu-6KomkJRki2uO6bvYSgHhK2upFcnkKSoKRhp0y2s6OObN67CwGcLs2d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-23+at+9.23.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JgBYQkYD1ofIjrzOMot5MAuUtChKxDexmMjbAaA4J21xjTHSgMdSyBcpyO2WwkATweBjBj6FRD1_MlldS4Nxu-6KomkJRki2uO6bvYSgHhK2upFcnkKSoKRhp0y2s6OObN67CwGcLs2d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-23+at+9.23.46+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-33881074397165590022013-09-01T21:56:00.000-07:002013-09-01T21:59:18.900-07:00Blogging on borrowed time...First, a quick overview of the current situation...<br />
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WHO: Me.<br />
WHAT: Blogging when I should be using my time wisely and catching up on my work.<br />
WHEN: Late Sunday night.<br />
WHERE: Jeff's art studio.<br />
WHY: 'Cuz it's way more fun than doing my actual work.<br />
HOW: Because my mom's visiting, and taking care of the kids. P A R T Y !<br />
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Ok, so this guy...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsqQ8iHgUh6AVUkp5lAzstZ1hEqZ3RTElALzMRwbZJrzOfdxKYViFa2Xi0Fknj4M4mQMTEeCiwY40pcxGgFM8FaUF9QvImsr0C4-dy53djuYWo4a1QmahVbMVSSrnYZy8WxRK3E967714/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsqQ8iHgUh6AVUkp5lAzstZ1hEqZ3RTElALzMRwbZJrzOfdxKYViFa2Xi0Fknj4M4mQMTEeCiwY40pcxGgFM8FaUF9QvImsr0C4-dy53djuYWo4a1QmahVbMVSSrnYZy8WxRK3E967714/s640/photo-2.JPG" width="631" /></a></div>
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Obviously I like him, but sometimes something happens that makes me think - yeah, I <i>really</i> like him.</div>
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You know how artist bios are these really brief little stale statements like... </div>
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<i>I'm so-and-so and I've been painting for blah blah blah, in the style of _________. I trained at such-and-such, graduated in _______. I'm amazing and innovative and I won this and that...</i> </div>
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No? You're not familiar? They're the lamest blurbs ever written and after reading them, I just want my 30 seconds back. They're the stale saltine cracker of bios.</div>
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Except <a href="http://www.studiosonthepark.org/artists/artist-directory.php?artist_id=83" target="_blank">this one</a>, written by that craisin air-jumper up there recently:</div>
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STUDIOS ARTIST HIGHLIGHT</h1>
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"Batch" - Mixed Media on Wood<br />
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"Survival" - Mixed Media on Canvas</div>
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Jeff Claassen</h2>
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website: <a href="http://www.jeffclaassen.com/" style="color: #5353d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.jeffclaassen.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/theclaassengallery" style="color: #5353d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/jeffclaassen" style="color: #5353d9; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
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Jeff lives on strict diet of cereal and Thai iced tea with an occasional chocolate donut. Despite his poor dietary choices he has been pumping out colorfully bold paintings since before you had an email address and carried a phone in your pocket. His obsessive painting efforts have earned him the title "Best Artist In SLO County" by SLO New Times Readers for 2010-2013. These accolades haven't gotten to his head or inflated his ego. Just kidding, he totally thinks he's a rockstar. When not painting or making digital doodles on the iPad he can be found walking around town with his family taking way too many photos with his phone camera, riding his watermelon colored bicycle, or laying on his couch reading a book when he should be doing house chores like replacing the leaky skylight.</div>
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Isn't that refreshing? He's my favorite. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-66637791725769484312013-08-22T12:30:00.000-07:002013-12-17T13:45:23.173-08:00DIY: Ombré stairs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ6ZNaSGX60Ru8hTkl_h_mn0GpF5Aonyzzr0HCiW69kIzZCB4tA26g6xKMgP7YPiRrhrkItaE7dJJc4ul_Ijpj8drgOsJDOcHJZtdiuWKvTZ4phwiV_CzUw_IKatulkkQ2cQIwspnQnSB/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ6ZNaSGX60Ru8hTkl_h_mn0GpF5Aonyzzr0HCiW69kIzZCB4tA26g6xKMgP7YPiRrhrkItaE7dJJc4ul_Ijpj8drgOsJDOcHJZtdiuWKvTZ4phwiV_CzUw_IKatulkkQ2cQIwspnQnSB/s640/photo-1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Ok my friends... It's been a long time coming- but I'm ready to share. </div>
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Behold! The first DIY post from our crazy home remodel project... Emphasis on the <i>crazy</i>.</div>
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Here's Elliott modeling the wreck we were left with after ripping out <a href="http://web.stagram.com/p/489440550850657841_1402046" target="_blank">that nasty carpet</a>. </div>
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My dad was kind enough to drive up from San Diego and lend a little experience and expertise to our otherwise fly by the seat of our pants/make it up as we go - construction philosophy.</div>
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It was his idea to trim the overhang (a painstaking job) and add a rounded, finished trim piece to the edge. When I questioned the extra work and additional cost he said: "Uhhh... I'd have a hard time putting my name on it with that big gap you've got on there now." Touché, dad... Touché.</div>
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I'll spare you the sweaty guys sawing and bending over bit and move straight on to the pretty part. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYN_BmheeSBywmafCxcPolNV4tqh118XKgZNGanm07kC0HwV0uTZcdKuOFEJRtjdQncu5imYQysSkLU79cUE48stZpuhvCOpH4wRtolcVoXpPERPAsHcO8FO2B4JlNS9cjB_8iZ1s8oUr/s1600/vscocam1427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYN_BmheeSBywmafCxcPolNV4tqh118XKgZNGanm07kC0HwV0uTZcdKuOFEJRtjdQncu5imYQysSkLU79cUE48stZpuhvCOpH4wRtolcVoXpPERPAsHcO8FO2B4JlNS9cjB_8iZ1s8oUr/s640/vscocam1427.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Ok, so this is where I took over the job. I had really been wanting to try an ombré staircase, and decided to tackle it yesterday while Elliott napped. HA! Wishful thinking on my part. This project was about 10,000x more intense than I expected. Plus you can always count on me to be impatient and ill-prepared, but... <i>ONWARD HOOOO!!!</i></div>
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After debating my color options right down to the moment I put brush to board, I decided on a pinkish/coral gradient. I went from dark at the bottom to light at the top to give it an enhanced ascending effect. The skylight at the top of the stairs was kind of the cherry on the cake for this effect- providing a great, bright white quality as your eyes go up. Hey, did you know that each and every stair in our house is a unique and special snowflake with totally irregular dimensions, bumps, and divets? Yeah, we didn't either. <a href="http://jeffclaassen.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jeff</a> and my dad measured each one individually, cut them, ground them, filed them, and cut a corresponding face board, marked with a number (my idea) to make things easier when matching them up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R8fMAvZW_5EzT06bbr6ERB-wur7F6o0RK17qQCzGdYtXK7dndjaPuNCHvu_lxOxAdxAcFqPuQ_rUzZrF42or8LJoD6lIxjfvQkGQUG2CENhQ62Ynyj9jwzIpKIv72H-BjIaoETJlsC7d/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R8fMAvZW_5EzT06bbr6ERB-wur7F6o0RK17qQCzGdYtXK7dndjaPuNCHvu_lxOxAdxAcFqPuQ_rUzZrF42or8LJoD6lIxjfvQkGQUG2CENhQ62Ynyj9jwzIpKIv72H-BjIaoETJlsC7d/s640/photo.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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After a lot of mixing trial and error, I went the Dixie cup route. 13 faces, 13 Dixie cups. Beginning with a deep, vibrant coral red which fades to a barely-there shade of pink at the very top step. I used our white house paint as a base in each cup and added a true red in varying amounts. I laid the boards flat, and went about painting them in sequence. The first result was a little too clean and looked more like a color-block than the subtle ombré fade that I was going for.</div>
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It took me a good hour and a half (and Elliott waking up and walking over the wet boards twice), to figure out that I needed to ignore the individual boards and treat them as one big canvas. </div>
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Painting over the gaps and letting each one mix and fade a bit into the next really made all the difference. I got the exact vision I had for these stairs in my head. If you try it, keep a cup of water handy for dipping and blending. </div>
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The end result. I'm in love. James thinks it looks like a sunset, and I think that's a huge compliment. </div>
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Aaaand this is what it's all about... The before and after! </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5a7EDuCuH9lAUroffWnTeEFQ_1Z-vIYIGPb9PXMV_ktvPd-C8PSvNACEqrtu5xafx5IyxYY9zo9ns3lYRpb-nVKjKZXRFkn2U3MTcJ3GZVWEiG1hEHunnEcvESlKzfhHuXaWU_nGD4XA/s320/image-1.jpeg" width="239" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EdprmrQuwfYRYJaRzMFNXkW3s8f-PRcZBUeFnkSKTsyr0auyApQQEG3evoTsPMdqKs5VTCQXTUvR4QJKH4gKdbXFCjAwLWlOYNe_k0xuDNtrvw05o740jpCa8TzgzyJGnMhB1axak50d/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EdprmrQuwfYRYJaRzMFNXkW3s8f-PRcZBUeFnkSKTsyr0auyApQQEG3evoTsPMdqKs5VTCQXTUvR4QJKH4gKdbXFCjAwLWlOYNe_k0xuDNtrvw05o740jpCa8TzgzyJGnMhB1axak50d/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i>WOO HOO! *cheerleader jump*</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-86929558455315162342013-06-12T11:00:00.000-07:002013-06-12T11:00:02.413-07:00Book Club News!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zelda-Fitzgerald-Meticulously-Researched-Biography/dp/1611453046" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFafB8LKsMrIPoUEaR6Xw8Aa2bxiGlSmVF-w2zuRsP2skWXesW8lzKLXChV6BOHlsZSoFCMkFGY834XM0XvV-_WkdVlbJPo3OhEFGEDDY8emMXKg18DBZpdK6LaNbtsWrbx0N2pBPMJ2I/s640/520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-58574293499819309672013-06-12T07:30:00.000-07:002013-06-12T07:30:03.560-07:00I am SO serious...Can someone PLEASE be my Prancercise partner?
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Does the <i>"...let's stop talkin' and do some walkin'"</i> part remind anyone else of <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7mkxw_arrested-development-hot-cops_fun#.UbfPIyvuU0M" target="_blank">this</a> guy...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLzkygmNsa3_WPnRTfdtBsWOruRe9TLRxoQpSVtbYrawC63Il4oAvWXKamqrB6U7dzkhiC5z2z_dc0K4RU4kjO0wb_5Uzi31A303MI4l0LGOBTaYvqPTcuJjcHFyxGHdxapxhf75NmX0Z/s1600/Tobias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLzkygmNsa3_WPnRTfdtBsWOruRe9TLRxoQpSVtbYrawC63Il4oAvWXKamqrB6U7dzkhiC5z2z_dc0K4RU4kjO0wb_5Uzi31A303MI4l0LGOBTaYvqPTcuJjcHFyxGHdxapxhf75NmX0Z/s640/Tobias.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-9429520516606406672013-06-11T18:09:00.005-07:002013-06-11T18:11:41.104-07:00Good as gold...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlkpdz2Ew_1YYppG0SRmTVUo3KAVtlOG7Z5sFdAr0BUpiI3xwacV0rINC-1eAC4sAIUizuZ2-LYUdiMN25eKQdEwPIfkAqCTJGbcdK-GCmda1zB9ZPSPkl3Utb34jtyl_X8eLG5j5Sfs1/s1600/GG_BRIEMERY_33-550x366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlkpdz2Ew_1YYppG0SRmTVUo3KAVtlOG7Z5sFdAr0BUpiI3xwacV0rINC-1eAC4sAIUizuZ2-LYUdiMN25eKQdEwPIfkAqCTJGbcdK-GCmda1zB9ZPSPkl3Utb34jtyl_X8eLG5j5Sfs1/s640/GG_BRIEMERY_33-550x366.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">*Photo via. <a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/" target="_blank">Design Love Fest</a></span></div>
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But way better, actually! I'm having a full-blown love affair with copper right now. In fact, my very first purchases for <a href="http://slomygosh.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-few-things.html" target="_blank">the new house</a> include this beeeeautiful <a href="http://www.brickhousegoods.com/products/real-good-copper-chair" target="_blank">copper chair</a> by Blu Dot. It's available locally at <a href="http://www.brickhousegoods.com/" target="_blank">Brick House Goods</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gz55GZ5YbyF6zBPYQJvypZh1oFhuB217nk4oXaGRei84tnpi5_tJzv4gKcGdGaZzaXQSBA3vbH0GRaPMXxYADsB0IdbUVf2oPr8GSjuZFUj9v5V5dFj-wrMmVb-ifNbPX9tvRIrsKcNe/s1600/copper_real_good_modern_chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gz55GZ5YbyF6zBPYQJvypZh1oFhuB217nk4oXaGRei84tnpi5_tJzv4gKcGdGaZzaXQSBA3vbH0GRaPMXxYADsB0IdbUVf2oPr8GSjuZFUj9v5V5dFj-wrMmVb-ifNbPX9tvRIrsKcNe/s320/copper_real_good_modern_chair.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyvxCqAEcMKEtDfWjQCO0RAEZstH08awlEwF5ro_zVstIuNalmU7A0yvbBXm2NgoCj8o01b3pt3LIIGKRoHGmfr4UDPgNmH2z5DlRTFJtHRovQD_xr-mkg5eRqzzDM2m0TrqlHE9Of6ls/s1600/Copper+Real+Good+Chair+double+300+dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyvxCqAEcMKEtDfWjQCO0RAEZstH08awlEwF5ro_zVstIuNalmU7A0yvbBXm2NgoCj8o01b3pt3LIIGKRoHGmfr4UDPgNmH2z5DlRTFJtHRovQD_xr-mkg5eRqzzDM2m0TrqlHE9Of6ls/s640/Copper+Real+Good+Chair+double+300+dpi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">and vintage copper planters found on eBay...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8vhUNlrMX_LpGqR1QjmrDsQrEDPVDhWzj5cwWFEjYj4Ia2v-swlA0xp529S6prISgmf2YP8ZIM8L0EGKJfBeQ3VkLTKEgghdjLkWxQRi7SFCenvcfXC93fdbmnAb5H6S9Y29y9FgrHUU/s1600/mwd106482_win11_reception28_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8vhUNlrMX_LpGqR1QjmrDsQrEDPVDhWzj5cwWFEjYj4Ia2v-swlA0xp529S6prISgmf2YP8ZIM8L0EGKJfBeQ3VkLTKEgghdjLkWxQRi7SFCenvcfXC93fdbmnAb5H6S9Y29y9FgrHUU/s640/mwd106482_win11_reception28_hd.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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I'm also really excited to finally try DIY'ing these pretty rose gold polka dots out of contact paper! I actually found the contact paper over a year ago, but hid it away until we had just the right space for it. I think we'll try the dots in 2" diameter circles for a more subtle version. This is a perfect project for Evy to tackle in her room. Every day we get closer and closer to our big move, and things have become totally crazy. We're eating a lot of take out, and tripping over mountains of boxes... but the end is in sight, and IT. WILL. BE. SO. GOOD. <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;"> </span></div>
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SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-4514196756433774842013-06-04T16:10:00.001-07:002013-06-04T16:12:37.427-07:00Let the pinning commence!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/SLOmygosh/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD1dQQ3o5Jb6HTZErnoIw92VrN-8vmdlTsDh0AHkexgaMTYnK6TbdocvXktQR05GCXtVqBp9mi1lGnypKnLfRl8xJ4wzyc3VjJucuEmbE5AbZddHyuJjc6A27mOX1ubPOxdoVyzLd8S1v/s640/5ce97d5f0c0f73788c8518679e6381ff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ok my friends... I've finally organized and uploaded all of my home inspiration photos on pinterest! YAY!!! Every day that we get closer and closer to our new home, makes us more and more excited. I can't wait to get in there and start working on it. We're really hoping for a breezy, open, and serene feeling in the house, and these inspiration photos I've been collecting totally nail the look. I think they're the perfect combination of modern and comfortable. Clean and fresh, but not too fussy, and just the right amount of quirk. You know, I'm all about the quirk. If you have a minute, pop on over to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/SLOmygosh/boards/" target="_blank">pinterest page</a> and take a look at the <a href="http://pinterest.com/SLOmygosh/decor-inspiration/" target="_blank">Home Decor board</a>. I'd love to know what you think. <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.53125px;">♥</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" /></a></div>
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P.S. Here's a sneak peek of the board: </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/SLOmygosh/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNnh128n2zKi023iv-ppeWEWGjLf_EY3VxrVcf3Jo7jw2wqVjW2owIYtUF_tGKaC4Ccv_B_3sG9RG5xcBZtsB7T6Pw_wYtbJYOfwQJYFg8expTOcTell6iNR9lnhvI9FNRk9mMq45wIkt/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-06-04+at+3.53.26+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/SLOmygosh/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzO84OuXEAQ2ldr4NYWWENCkk7tsFY8LeBCxFi1wayBAFD2GGKk-izy24A0usOknMO-u8ekVgTeMBUfQ1oe_l9NEhQlQhdS-XVoTI6KP2UO4VMiqylCknWDE7i4sdl8F_d73asGZUBRy8/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-06-04+at+3.54.30+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-53126768866783514752013-05-25T13:05:00.000-07:002013-05-25T13:05:02.143-07:00Reasons my son is crying...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you guys checked out the hilarious tumblr, "<a href="http://reasonsmysoniscrying.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Reasons My Son Is Crying</a>"? I think it's brilliant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DGjsJ5MO35Qi-zLFUGAcc6koGzgf6nUOp3tEah6morHr1ENB_LQ2z2e4qVjiflsFhUYUCWx1XGDY9pCplQXsXfksZsp01iO0K2TAU1zSbrrIQ4lYtO0Gz8nVwINsJIMboev9BTHtKAca/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+12.43.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DGjsJ5MO35Qi-zLFUGAcc6koGzgf6nUOp3tEah6morHr1ENB_LQ2z2e4qVjiflsFhUYUCWx1XGDY9pCplQXsXfksZsp01iO0K2TAU1zSbrrIQ4lYtO0Gz8nVwINsJIMboev9BTHtKAca/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+12.43.16+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This hilarious blog represents all those wonderful moments with children when logic ceases and emotions run high; for no apparent reason. As the subheader explains: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>All the many many completely logical reasons that children cry.</i></span></div>
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And don't let the name fool you- daughters are featured too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRflJn9jHlLQW5qgqWMwXyn9tGZKPz4OC8b88tYkZ0vPLU-z1quNEbgT3BeJU76vH109WZCPOJJtqOKysl5hybwrmhsfEO1wgFvbiK-2l65-nLkz6i7CbDlTYLzszLA-R5sRoAUyDCkwKX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+12.44.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRflJn9jHlLQW5qgqWMwXyn9tGZKPz4OC8b88tYkZ0vPLU-z1quNEbgT3BeJU76vH109WZCPOJJtqOKysl5hybwrmhsfEO1wgFvbiK-2l65-nLkz6i7CbDlTYLzszLA-R5sRoAUyDCkwKX/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+12.44.39+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jeff and I have long since realized that when parenthood gets tough, <a href="http://jeffclaassen.com/blog/tag/children/" target="_blank">making fun of your kids a bit can really help</a>. So <i>of course</i>, we had to get Elliott a shout-out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlGc0dWBtbN5mDgumdvtYVXSiJq35Mysc8Iy7wiPcXT_GgzCag4O0dvejw9W-e29EDRUXvN7r7C0u3BsZ3r_Zd6cdfMZkZTf-DZ9AhYP68-jqJxdON5r-0ZebahVBuYBahlZ7v__xMyCa/s1600/228174981620563229_1402046.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlGc0dWBtbN5mDgumdvtYVXSiJq35Mysc8Iy7wiPcXT_GgzCag4O0dvejw9W-e29EDRUXvN7r7C0u3BsZ3r_Zd6cdfMZkZTf-DZ9AhYP68-jqJxdON5r-0ZebahVBuYBahlZ7v__xMyCa/s640/228174981620563229_1402046.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWiwGkfIUPaHn3FECFtpG68XeYEfbEvLIfBBGUfQCTs50ZvZbrAjxqu-5GuD5GhprFT3hmcqsxyDvBVkn9XbKnpoMfogjg0yPgjAz3F5PAHJ-ldtW65S2LYhYluVk7dUTF3fCu01TNWl3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+12.39.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWiwGkfIUPaHn3FECFtpG68XeYEfbEvLIfBBGUfQCTs50ZvZbrAjxqu-5GuD5GhprFT3hmcqsxyDvBVkn9XbKnpoMfogjg0yPgjAz3F5PAHJ-ldtW65S2LYhYluVk7dUTF3fCu01TNWl3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+12.39.44+PM.png" /></a><br />
<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-7832020119874264582013-05-21T14:56:00.003-07:002013-05-21T14:56:46.044-07:00A few things...Helloooooo from blog-desertionville! If you follow along on instagram, you'll know that we have finally finally FINALLY found a new house. *cue choir of angels* The level of excitement about it in our house is like... off the charts. We're excited. A lot. It will be a huge change, and there is a T O N of work to do. Moving is always awful, but in case you were curious, moving a family of 5 is the pits x 10,000. Does that sound whiney? It's not, because we are absolutely thrilled beyond belief to make this move. Expect a crazy inundation of DIY's, Before + After's, and "inspiration folder" images coming your way with absolutely no consistency between now and August. I know, I know... I'm out of control. Maybe in September I'll get my act together and whip this blog into shape. Anyway, on this random Tuesday, I'm sitting here with a little teeny window of totally unexpected free time, so what do I do with it? I blog a little. Disclaimer: Please pardon the utter lack of direction or purpose in this post. I'm rusty.<br />
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RANDOMNESS AHOY!<br />
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Because blogging without pictures is no fun for anyone, here's a little peek at our most recent shenanigans..<br />
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Running naked through the sprinklers. The calendar can say whatever it wants- this was the official start to our summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm-VRezravhjF3l7sGjUTQ9NGfzQDKxTwH-B38elE-rUbn5FEq4wV_YBamYzVkmA8BeUWxpn5JVOwRx7EGvemjJgJ77uLJrY5r0tk9MCccISDPvMgyK5uLEjhq33itP4DFEJwpsWvkAky/s1600/vscocam842_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm-VRezravhjF3l7sGjUTQ9NGfzQDKxTwH-B38elE-rUbn5FEq4wV_YBamYzVkmA8BeUWxpn5JVOwRx7EGvemjJgJ77uLJrY5r0tk9MCccISDPvMgyK5uLEjhq33itP4DFEJwpsWvkAky/s640/vscocam842_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The moment Elliott realized... Why yes, there <i>is</i> such a thing as too much love. </div>
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<strike>Rearranging</strike> Exploring at the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blxcb2paqkU" target="_blank">Call Booth House</a>.</div>
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Our (soon to be) new house.</div>
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And it wouldn't be utter chaos without a proper flashback for no reason...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw73Ihx5eNIl3oXIG5_PAd_j2uzxcpFbrcNMJ6sxIjE0ExY1W17WcMETvCDntbGBjUTvh1wz5r1UBdiv4hORf4RHQJgFaxoUMxT6qmmfPoZBKQ1aUMAZxyXrzqns2Bam_COiefRZCgAyA7/s1600/New+Scan-20130521134741-00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw73Ihx5eNIl3oXIG5_PAd_j2uzxcpFbrcNMJ6sxIjE0ExY1W17WcMETvCDntbGBjUTvh1wz5r1UBdiv4hORf4RHQJgFaxoUMxT6qmmfPoZBKQ1aUMAZxyXrzqns2Bam_COiefRZCgAyA7/s640/New+Scan-20130521134741-00001.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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My aunt sent this to me today, and I actually REMEMBER being in the 10 Little Indians School. Probably because they made me take a nap. When my Aunt asked what I was thinking with that pose- I actually wish I could've said "Who knows?!" But the truth is, I'm doing that same pose in several other photos taken around the same time... in ballet class, on the beach, and in a Halloween costume. I had to hang my head in shame and admit, "it was kind of my signature move". </div>
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That's it. Enjoy your Tuesday! </div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-60960493669510059592013-05-06T12:14:00.001-07:002013-05-06T12:21:45.419-07:00My very favorite thing that Free People has ever made...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1S4NWYDlSrY?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
Did any of you happen to see the fantastic short film: <i>Roshambo </i>that<i> </i>Free People released a few months ago? It was produced as a video accompaniment to the love story featured in their February catalog. I think I watched it enough for everyone. The little film even inspired me to include a mini love story in our <a href="http://ambianceslo.blogspot.com/2013/04/aaaaagh-its-here.html" target="_blank">Ambiance Summer lookbook</a>. Can you see the influence?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Mw-TF7BnljXwvaDzhNoY-3Zs8uOlQmymxO2m36I1hqBbL-x0kSiBtQP7FE3QUnn9taE_k7LtPpmwoYY5BAyaLOxrsEx-jtPM3d4_OAk8qJpZlOG8Sc4WPiW618Arz5Pff0kEyFSCp4ap/s1600/amb_summerCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Mw-TF7BnljXwvaDzhNoY-3Zs8uOlQmymxO2m36I1hqBbL-x0kSiBtQP7FE3QUnn9taE_k7LtPpmwoYY5BAyaLOxrsEx-jtPM3d4_OAk8qJpZlOG8Sc4WPiW618Arz5Pff0kEyFSCp4ap/s1600/amb_summerCollage.jpg" /></a><br />
Sooo, Roshambo... The story, chemistry, cinematography, music, the clothes and styling... I loved it so much. And I loved that it was short- it left me wanting more more more. Well, I'm happy to say... those crafty Free Peeps heard the outcry and delivered the goods. They've just released a much-anticipated follow up film, entitled <i>Roshambo Rock</i>; a flashback to Sheila and Chris (Sheila Marquez and Chris Abbott of <i><a href="http://www.hbo.com/girls/index.html" target="_blank">Girls</a></i> fame) before their chance reunion in New York (featured in the first film). In this one, Sheila and Chris have just broken up and her friends whisk her off to Rio to cheer her up. Enter sun, sand, <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/may-13-catalog-items/" target="_blank">loads of beach-y summer-y FP duds</a>, and the instantly-smitten Diego (<a href="http://www.romanfortunato.com/?attachment_id=2895" target="_blank">played by real-life Spanish polo player Diego Osorio</a>). Now watch all kinds of fancy Free People magic happen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Mw-TF7BnljXwvaDzhNoY-3Zs8uOlQmymxO2m36I1hqBbL-x0kSiBtQP7FE3QUnn9taE_k7LtPpmwoYY5BAyaLOxrsEx-jtPM3d4_OAk8qJpZlOG8Sc4WPiW618Arz5Pff0kEyFSCp4ap/s1600/amb_summerCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j5ebVlt5XTQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></a></div>
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Shop the Roshambo Rock fashion collection <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/may-13-catalog-items/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-23461512753207994122013-04-30T19:24:00.000-07:002013-04-30T19:24:01.564-07:00With love + gratitude...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekJN-rvGM8OzRakkVlvy-KG7n8hZG36Tr3PmgTfMjUZl0xmwp-EqhLMLs6I_sbXF_CkVS_-WQvtE9hl5bAok2OU0RBxCXxMN4f2z2D7WwWfmWGeo2ruwGcIreKe-gJVFHqcTYzJhqX1FO/s1600/45021387768.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekJN-rvGM8OzRakkVlvy-KG7n8hZG36Tr3PmgTfMjUZl0xmwp-EqhLMLs6I_sbXF_CkVS_-WQvtE9hl5bAok2OU0RBxCXxMN4f2z2D7WwWfmWGeo2ruwGcIreKe-gJVFHqcTYzJhqX1FO/s1600/45021387768.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Sometimes it's just nice to reflect on life's little pleasures.</div>
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Today was a particularly H U G E and truly amazing day for our little family. Big things are happening, big changes are coming. I'm sitting here in awe and overwhelmed with gratitude for the people in our lives who care about us and have bent over backwards to help us thrive. Today Jeff's parents are my heroes. </div>
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Over the weekend <a href="http://www.jeffclaassen.com/blog" target="_blank">Jeff</a> and I talked about gratitude and being grateful for what we have. We agreed that in the midst of the day-to-day chaos of work, messes, tantrums, broken faucets, bills, etc. it's often easy to lose sight of our blessings- but we have so many. It's nice to have a partner who reminds me of them when things get crazy and I'm feeling sorry for myself. Jeff's so good at grounding me and helping me to keep faith. He is a calm and steady ship in the tempestuous ocean of my emotion-driven life. Wanna know one of his secrets to staying so positive and grounded? He keeps a "gratitude journal"- it's a little bullet list of the good things he's grateful for each day. Though not as demonstrative, I have a gratitude ritual too. Every night before I fall asleep, I go through my blessings one by one and take a moment to be thankful for each of them. Health, safety, the people I love, the yummy dinner we ate, my cozy clean sheets... good things are all around. I'm so grateful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcouM1jn90mg3ogijd_g94_vEuyMWnq7gLZrPsZgT5hSi8engZlKmmz-ugeGliMOrhpmYAf8RJPACiWA4tpX9eorbC1XbI9bewyi-G0XJoC3eCW5dDddLWtcOwkrra2aX1Hw0uYbg5cc4/s1600/c40.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932174913943778510.post-12178098767901573372013-04-26T14:50:00.003-07:002013-04-26T15:27:43.777-07:00The best facial mask I've ever used...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53NWYUJcUo_cL_EsMDjcUkvdFroZT4tVU6tch2vLQfEyIOzPEYxboBtf_t6Bbc83aj_6bWVRATqbA2OSCS_A2LgWaqTQBt2WuGs8EtVGtM9GaPoIojL143lwK0VeH-4do9Mxj4CRErxKT/s1600/pinkhorrorshow-aztec-clay-mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53NWYUJcUo_cL_EsMDjcUkvdFroZT4tVU6tch2vLQfEyIOzPEYxboBtf_t6Bbc83aj_6bWVRATqbA2OSCS_A2LgWaqTQBt2WuGs8EtVGtM9GaPoIojL143lwK0VeH-4do9Mxj4CRErxKT/s640/pinkhorrorshow-aztec-clay-mask.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Cheap + effective. </span></div>
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Let me preface this post with an admission... As it concerns my skin, I'm a bit of a product snob. I like fancy facials, exotic serums, and expensive creams. I justify this because skin is the biggest organ on the body, and also the largest eliminatory organ. When clear and functioning properly, it flushes out toxins. It makes sense to take good care of it, right? Granted, taking good care of it isn't all about products... it's a healthy diet, plenty of clean water, and staying active; And even then- there are good days and bad... It's no wonder with makeup, dirt, and all the gunk we pick up throughout the day. Sometimes you just have to detox your face, and start fresh. I've tried a ton of masks (mud, clay, cream, enzyme, lactic, mineral, lemon, pumpkin, papaya, yogurt, honey) from dozens of brands, and many great spas. Most of them extremely pricey. But honestly, I have never experienced such a dramatic (and immediate) result as with this one... It's cheap, lasts forever, and most importantly... it WORKS. AZTEC SECRET CLAY MASK is what my mother used when I was a kid, and I've used it off and on since I was a teenager. </div>
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<a href="http://www.jeffclaassen.com/blog" target="_blank">Jeff</a> threatened to take a picture of me in the mask, and I was like <i>"NOOO!"</i> But then I thought... hmm, maybe there <i>should</i> be an embarrassing photo to accompany this post. So here ya go:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKFoMWmRy2YmBA-9gFdibnJGL7_7ywQuIeb2HXc6hJWPwSPYGNtTKtl-_4aDZ74P_u5hL-fl61VU-7dZTA8737ZxVxUHmA92Ro6_HH5uJSZVkbe2ArxW3BetICKw1KqZrUYL18kUlnQX6/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKFoMWmRy2YmBA-9gFdibnJGL7_7ywQuIeb2HXc6hJWPwSPYGNtTKtl-_4aDZ74P_u5hL-fl61VU-7dZTA8737ZxVxUHmA92Ro6_HH5uJSZVkbe2ArxW3BetICKw1KqZrUYL18kUlnQX6/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here I am, looking like a deer caught in headlights because I am totally unable to move my face. Though not pretty, this photo is good for illustrating the importance of avoiding your eye area. Definitely don't want it there- way too harsh for that super delicate tissue. </div>
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THE PROCESS: Mix a heaping teaspoon of the clay powder with apple cider vinegar (use ceramic, wood, or plastic to mix- no metal), apply it thick and goopy, kick back and read a magazine. This isn't one of those is it or isn't it working kind of things. Your face will actually PULSATE as it dries and sucks all the impurities out of your pores. This is a vigorous mask- not for extremely sensitive skin types. Mixing it with water is an alternative for those who prefer a gentler mask. This drying process takes 20-30 minutes.</div>
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THE RESULTS: After the mask is dry (and you are unable to move your face), rinse with warm water. Make sure you soften it with the water before trying to slough it off. No need to use soap. Gently pat it dry, and apply your favorite moisturizer. Your face will be red from all of the blood rushing to it. This is fine, it's just circulation doing its job. I prefer to do this mask before going to bed- so the redness won't matter. It goes away in 20 minutes or so. Your skin will feel buttery soft, and absolutely CLEAN. It's incredible. The following morning you'll be radiant, fresh, and glowy. Repeat once a week or so. </div>
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BUY IT: The mask is usually around $6 for a big tub that will last forevvvvvvs. I've never actually finished a jar, because I always end up passing it on to friends. And the apple cider vinegar is $3.50 or so. You can find these at your local health food store, or good ole' <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-Cleansing/dp/B0014P8L9W" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</div>
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Enjoy your gorgeous skin! Thanks, mom. ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JgBYQkYD1ofIjrzOMot5MAuUtChKxDexmMjbAaA4J21xjTHSgMdSyBcpyO2WwkATweBjBj6FRD1_MlldS4Nxu-6KomkJRki2uO6bvYSgHhK2upFcnkKSoKRhp0y2s6OObN67CwGcLs2d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-23+at+9.23.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JgBYQkYD1ofIjrzOMot5MAuUtChKxDexmMjbAaA4J21xjTHSgMdSyBcpyO2WwkATweBjBj6FRD1_MlldS4Nxu-6KomkJRki2uO6bvYSgHhK2upFcnkKSoKRhp0y2s6OObN67CwGcLs2d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-23+at+9.23.46+PM.png" /></a></div>
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<br />SLOmygoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14678788927525234518noreply@blogger.com3