tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32057992955493484462024-03-19T17:41:42.640-04:00Heya, Sparky!I'm Lauren... & this blog is about all the things that spark my fire: adventures, celebration, making new memories, retelling old ones, & everyday life with an incredible community.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-90175655157197329462013-03-08T10:55:00.000-05:002013-03-08T10:56:16.155-05:00Back In the Saddle: A New BlogA year later I'm so glad I made that final request to keep me of your blog-feeds, because I've got some pretty exciting news! I'm teaming up B-Stew to start a new blog.<br />
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<a href="http://somewherebetween.net/"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Di3PRDwpSS8/UToH3moEcgI/AAAAAAAABKg/urIlb19P-bA/s400/header.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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We're two friends who are so similar in many ways but have somehow ended up in different worlds. Brandi's blogging from Mt.Rainier where she's a park ranger, I'm holding it down in Pittsburgh, & we'll hopefully find some common ground <a href="http://somewherebetween.net/">somewhere in between</a>.<br />
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Our First Posts:</h2>
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<a href="http://somewherebetween.net/2013/02/27/birth-of-a-blog/">Birth of a Blog</a></div>
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<a href="http://somewherebetween.net/2013/03/03/glossary-of-frienship/">Glossary of Friendship</a> (by Lauren)</div>
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<a href="http://somewherebetween.net/2013/03/05/is-it-edible/">Is it Edible?</a> (by Brandi)</div>
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<a href="http://somewherebetween.net/2013/03/06/cirque-du-yoga/">Cirque du Yoga</a> (by Lauren</div>
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<a href="http://somewherebetween.net/2013/03/07/craft-fit-workout/">Craft-Fit Workout</a> (by Brandi)</div>
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<a href="http://somewherebetween.net/2013/03/08/secret-message-style/">Secret Message Style </a>(by Lauren)<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-81769632212672830142011-10-13T21:33:00.000-04:002011-10-13T21:33:20.451-04:00Final Signoff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You've noticed by now...</b></span></div>
...the post that haven't been written<br />
...the flashbacks that haven't been posted<br />
...the stories that haven't been told<br />
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But I think you deserve to hear it from me. You guys deserve an ending that is thoughtful and respects all the time you've poured into this blog and into my little corner of the world. After nearly 2 years I'm putting this little blog to rest. And after nearly 2 years of reading along on your part, I hope you'll indulge me for just a few more minutes...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reasons Why</span></b></div>
A few weeks ago I went to PodCamp and sat in seminars about all things blogging and online. It turns out a weekend I thought you reignite my blogger's heart actually ended up giving me peace about walking away.<br />
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Every seminar harped on one issue over & over... WHY? Why are you blogging at all? Why did you start? And the answer to that question should drive all the when's and who's and how's. The truth is, my why doesn't apply anymore.<br />
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I started Heya, Sparky! because I felt like there was a fire in me that had gone out. In order to get it back I wanted a way to document the good in life on a daily basis and remind myself of all the things that helped to spark that fire. And it worked for a long time. I have loved sharing pieces of my life on here, telling stories about nothing and the biggest things and the weird things and the everyday things. It helped to teach myself how to be happy again after losing grip during a crazy time. Now that WHY is a habit whether I document it or not... it's turned from a blog theme to a way of thinking, which is a really good place to be in.<br />
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But lately it's started to swing the other way. The blogger's guilt. It's not as easy to set aside time, and so when I do post it's not as good as I want it to be. And then I feel almost as bad as if I hadn't posted at all. There are so many people I've met here that I adore, the last thing I want is for this to be a place where I'm resentful and hurried and unappreciative. So it's time to let it go.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In the Meantime</span></b></div>
I want to be a better reader. I want to pour the time I do have into OTHER people and their nooks of the blog world. I haven't been as good a friend as others have been to me, and it's time to reverse this.<br />
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I want to create things, make my home beautiful, and cook special meals.<br />
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I'll be running again. In fact Tink & I are training for a very big, long, terrifying race. Barring any injuries, major life changes, or bouts of actual sanity, we'll be training for a half marathon in the Spring. Yikes!<br />
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And I'll be investing in my church. Every Wednesday there's a group of the most wonderful people you'll ever meet sitting in my living room, talking about God & life & people & world suck & hope. There are books to be read, study to happen, and people to love... & I can't think of a better way to spend my time.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Final Request</span></b></div>
I don't know if this will be forever. I still have plans for "someday" and all the things it could hold. A little handmade shop, a new adventure, or even just another WHY for another time. Something tells me that eventually I'll be back, although probably not under the Sparky name. But it would mean a lot to me if you'd keep this little blog on your reader so that when that day happens I have a way to tell you.<br />
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Ok. Deep breathe. This is the hardest part....<br />
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Thank you for being here. From times when I was deliriously happy to times when I was a wreck, you guys have added to the joy in my life in unexpected volumes. I will still be around, but as "just Lauren" for now. No amount of bold or italic font would be able to hold the weight of these next three words so I hope that somehow you understand everything they're trying to say: <b>I'll miss you. </b><br />
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much love,<br />
Lauren<br />
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p.s. For you amazingly loyal Flashbackers, I don't want to leave you high & dry. So I'm handing you off to another <a href="http://jens525600minutes.blogspot.com/">Flashback host</a>. I promise she'll take you in & give you a good home & love you just as much. (well maybe not as much as me, but pretty darn close)Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-4954150700373328392011-09-23T09:24:00.000-04:002011-09-23T09:25:11.475-04:00Week 60 + Prize<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;">Ok I'm running behind this morning & don't have a flashback ready. I'll slap one up after work, so if you're on the late-bus too you can still enjoy it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">How about, to make it up to you faithful flashback-ers, we do a little prize?</span><br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/gc/designs/email/amazon/a_amazon_09-thumb._V192575657_.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/gc/designs/email/amazon/a_amazon_09-thumb._V192575657_.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;">Everyone who links up today will be entered to win a $15 Amazon card, just because I think you're wonderful. So send your buddies over to join in the fun & we'll all have a lovely Friday!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #999999;">(prize drawn at random on Monday)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>flashback time...</b></span></div>
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<li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
<li><b>Grab a button</b> & add it to your post to let others know where the party's at.</li>
<li><b>Click click click...</b> Stop by others' blogs who are linked up & leave them a little comment love. </li>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-10150155942554075182011-09-19T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-19T08:00:05.919-04:00M-o-n-d-a-yMonday, Monday... Can't trust that day.<br />
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There's really only one good cure for a case of the Mondays, and that's a case of the giggles. Am I right? So in case you haven't seen it yet, enjoy the cutest video that I've seen in a long while. And what I'd love more than anything is if you guys would share some fun in my direction too! Leave me a comment with your favorite online laugh of the moment. <b>Happy Monday!</b><br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-47491593466499634492011-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:002011-09-16T06:00:09.366-04:00Week 59<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;">I've used plenty of facebook photos as Flashback material, but this is the first time facebook itself is the flashback. I would call this the FB caption that will live in infamy... or... people shouldn't talk about what they don't know.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">And for the record, this isn't a real bone. :) It's a prop for the school dance back when I was teaching.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Oh you guys, indeed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>flashback time...</b></span></div>
<ol>
<li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
<li><b>Grab a button</b> & add it to your post to let others know where the party's at.</li>
<li><b>Click click click...</b> Stop by others' blogs who are linked up & leave them a little comment love. </li>
</ol>
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<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" /></div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-14063675500251744372011-09-15T19:38:00.001-04:002011-09-15T19:40:54.836-04:00It's Fall...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #999999;"> (source: <a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/14767779/77912578_b373370310GVOLVPC_18295_971066e4d3_large.jpg">We Heart It</a>)</span></div>
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I don't care what the calendar says, today is the first official day of fall. The air is cool, the first leaves are on the ground, and my hoodies are begging to cuddle up. And while I've never been a fall fan, only for the fact that I know that dreary season follows whose name I dare not say for fear of waking it early... I promise to do my best to embrace the crisp air & savor the flavors of fall.<br />
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-72111571505115079152011-09-13T17:30:00.000-04:002011-09-13T17:30:01.753-04:00A Wicked Night Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Tonight I have plans for a Wicked good night...</b><br />
I bought the tickets months ago & my night at the theater has finally arrived! I've never seen this show before<span style="color: #999999;"> (I know, I'm the last in Western Hemisphere)</span>, plus I always love a night on the town like a classy grown-ass woman would, so here's to making the most of it!<br />
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So what's on the agenda?<br />
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First is wardrobe. My incredibly talented friend, Kristen, custom made an infinity dress for last weekend's wedding so it will be take 2 for that hot little number. I just need to decide how to wear it, there are so many options!<br />
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Next up, focus on the details. Another <a href="http://blushingnoir.blogspot.com/2011/09/color-club-wicked-sweet-nail-polish.html">blog I follow</a> just posted today about Wicked Sweet Nail Polish Collection.... could that be anymore perfect?<br />
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And of course, a lady needs a proper escort for a night out. Who knows what could happen on the streets of Gotham City? <span style="color: #999999;">(If you're an out of towner you might not know they just finished filming the new Batman movie here... which makes me totally geeky for that last statement! haha oh well)</span> I've got the arm-candy covered, my good buddy Dylan will be playing the role of gentleman escort for the evening. Classy, right?<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">(hear no evil, seek to evil, speak no evil, eat no evil)</span></div>
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Have a good night, my pretties... and your little dog too.<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-71550064849439205232011-09-12T20:43:00.000-04:002011-09-12T20:43:34.925-04:00I did what I came to do...The weekend started rough...<br />
- There's flooding all through central PA<br />
- The 3 hour drive was rainy & foggy<br />
- Turnpike construction meant nothing to drink but fruit punch<br />
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But by the end of the weekend I did what I came here to do... get 2 friends hitched.<br />
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Mission Accomplished.<br />
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The wedding this weekend turned out to be absolutely lovely. The rain held off & we got our boogey on. And I realized I'm too old to "get low". lol Wonderful.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-61567399406139526732011-09-09T08:33:00.002-04:002011-09-09T08:33:35.971-04:00Week 58<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;"><br />If there's one thing you need to know about the 3 lovely ladies of F-Unit... we like to party. And we've got many years of experience under our belts. Before we reunite for a wedding weekend extravaganza, let's take a trip down memory lane.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Glory Days... or so we thought. But like a good wine,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I think F-Unit just keeps getting better with age.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Karaoke & strange facial expressions. They just go hand in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I'm 90% certain we're singing "I'm I bitch, I'm lover..."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Tea time with the mad hatter. Pinkies up and brimmed hats.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">We know how to do it classy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><br />I love you. No, I love YOU.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Eff it, let's dance.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Down</b>town & Grown<b>up</b>.</span></div>
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This weekend is the wedding I'm officiating for Fleegal's brother & I'm bringing Sama as my plus-one. That whole part of the state is having major floods, but the wedding must go on. So you can expect the next edition of F-Unit to be rain boots & formal wear. Classy. Always.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>flashback time...</b></span></div>
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<li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-35206368296127251662011-09-06T05:00:00.000-04:002011-09-06T05:00:06.409-04:00The Smarty-Pants PicnicLast month I whipped together another Festive Food Friday for our office's forced-socialization requirements. Luckily I've been able to raise the bar a little closer to the borderline of "actual fun" which I consider a huge triumph.<br />
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Smarty-Pants Picnic was a hybrid of summer fun & academia in honor of a co-worker's doctorate. Books & gingham abounded. Picnic favorite dishes with a side of trivia. And let's be honest... it was mostly an excuse for mustaches and monocles. <br />
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Please feel free to use any of my ideas for a party of your own.<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-416180435313609202011-09-02T06:00:00.001-04:002011-09-02T10:18:36.215-04:00Week 57<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s1600/cartoon+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s640/cartoon+header.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: black;">This week I got to see a VERY dear old friend who <a href="http://heyasparky.blogspot.com/2010/10/2-ladies-worth-celebrating.html">moved to LA last year</a>, & out of the blue she showed up at church unannounced & unexpected! It made my whole day... my whole week even!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">No joke: I saw Amanda across the room & there was a table between us so I literally <i>crawled on the table</i> to get to her, I guess I got carried away, & next thing I know BOTH of us were on the table hugging. haha Actually Tink joined us up there too for a glorious, elevated, group hug. And I don't regret it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Then on Wednesday when I was flying out for work, who did I run into? AMANDA. On her way back to LA. So we got a little bonus time to drink coffee & play cards while we waited for our flights. In what would does something so serendipitous happen? It was wonderful.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">So now she's home again & the missing her part can start all over again. But I thought I'd show you a special memory of my special friend so that you'll be able to recognize her in the background of all your favorite shows & squeel the same way I do when I see her waiting for an elevator on Desperate Housewives or at a wedding reception on the upcoming premier of How I Met Your Mother.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4952/218/57/23102405/n23102405_34817635_173231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4952/218/57/23102405/n23102405_34817635_173231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">This is us at prom. Actually it's us at a friend's wedding but we couldn't resist that backdrop to take the classic prom pose. Can you see why we get along so well? lol</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">And actually I have a photo from the first time we met too. I had no idea that this new girl Ray brought around <span style="color: #999999;">(not an uncommon occurrence)</span> would turn into such a good friend.</span><br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>flashback time...</b></span></div><ol><li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
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<li><b>Click click click...</b> Stop by others' blogs who are linked up & leave them a little comment love. </li>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-49501087403021215102011-08-30T20:13:00.000-04:002011-08-30T20:13:20.284-04:00Craft Hope: Project 14This post comes coupled with a confession: I want to spread the word on something I don't have the energy to do myself. There it is out in the open... but there's no reason why I can't use this blog to just pass on a good idea even if I'm not heading up some crazy rally. So that's what this is, sharing the love in case someone else wants to pitch in on their own.<br />
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Craft Hope has another wonderful project going on: Christmas in Dixie<br />
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Christmas in Dixie is going to be passing out boxes full of Christmas cheer to people who have been effected by this summer's tornadoes & have lost all those precious family keepsakes on top of everything else. They'll be providing lights & ornaments & such to help people rebuild emotionally in additional to the physical & practical rebuilding... sometimes losing those precious family mementos are the hardest to bare. And all Craft Hope is asking for on our part is the stockings.<br />
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So if you have some time & want to give a little hand-crafted love I totally recommend it. You can go to <a href="http://crafthope.com/2011/08/project-14-christmas-in-dixie/">their website</a> for all the details, whether you're making one or hundreds, and mail them in by September 23rd.<br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150401227_igV6Q39T_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150401227_igV6Q39T_c.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150404583_fqy0YueT_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150404583_fqy0YueT_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150402799_EutsPWRF_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150402799_EutsPWRF_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-39654665462483185542011-08-30T09:12:00.000-04:002011-08-30T09:12:42.140-04:00Fall Colors + Walking the LineThe mornings are chilly again, the kiddies are all back in school, & college freshmen are stumbling around grocery stores like baby deer learning to walk... it must be almost fall!<br />
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I've recently made a goal for myself: this fall I'm going to learn how to walk the line of put-together-casual. As a person who thinks they understand clothing pretty well this probably seems like an unexpected problem, but I'm noticing that I've segmented myself into 2 categories: Business Lauren, & Staying-In Lauren. Now that I'm in an office where I can wear jeans it's a problem. So prepare yourself, this probably won't be the last time I throw photos of myself on here for documentation. <br />
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Today I went for color combos that said "Hey, I'm a 27 year old professional, yet I like to kick it causal." How'd I do?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Coral</b> * <b><span style="color: #073763;">Navy</span></b> * <b style="color: #38761d;">Moss </b></div><br />
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I forsee a Goodwill shopping spree in my future. Look out, colorful cardigans, you're in my sights. Maybe I'll even give one last try to the elusive skinny jeans. Eeek! Now I'm just talking crazy. Happy Tuesday, friends!<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-26665829282045285652011-08-26T06:00:00.000-04:002011-08-26T06:00:04.817-04:00Week 56<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s1600/cartoon+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s640/cartoon+header.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: black;">In a few weeks I'll be officiating a wedding for my best friend's brother, so I've been busy getting my sermon together & trying to not look like a total idiot on someone's most important day of their lives. You might remember that this is actually the second wedding I've done, the first was for <i>my</i> brother about 2 years ago. But I don't think I ever shared how my wonderful friends helped me practice...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/6140_113600127868_732757868_2366867_1569991_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/6140_113600127868_732757868_2366867_1569991_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189677_508739824382_23102405_15345712_8988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>That Nicole, my fake groom... & Tink, my fake bride... & that lovely veil the bride is wearing is actually a strapless bra. :) My friends are shameless & silly & there for me even at the most ridiculous times. And that's what I love about them. I only wish I had recorded Caitlin's (father of the bride) speech "These kids love each other more than tacos love sour cream." Our faux-ceremony really did help me prepare for the real thing, I might have to schedule another one to help prepare again. After all, it's been 2 years & I'm a little rusty.<br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>flashback time...</b></span></div><ol><li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
<li><b>Grab a button</b> & add it to your post to let others know where the party's at.</li>
<li><b>Click click click...</b> Stop by others' blogs who are linked up & leave them a little comment love. </li>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><textarea cols="15" rows="3"><a href="http://heyasparky.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" width="252" height="200" /></a><br /> </textarea></div><br />
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</script>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-63470923295566583582011-08-25T12:31:00.001-04:002011-08-25T12:31:49.931-04:00Dreary ThursdayIt's a gross drizzly Thursday & I'm home sick. Boo. I think it's 2-parts stomach, 1-part dreary weather, and one-part build up tiredness. So I'm spending my time between my couch & tucked away in the corner of the coffeeshop sipping mint tea.<br />
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When I'm severely sick the only thing that cheers me up is Casablanca on repeat, but since this is a little more mild I've found smiles in a few places today...<br />
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</span></b></div><div style="color: #6aa84f; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Muppets + Music</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pinterest + My Dream Home</span></b></div><br />
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Have any feel-good secret weapons of your own? I'd love to see them today as I hang around.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-53545231111982179762011-08-19T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-19T08:00:11.294-04:00Week 55<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s1600/cartoon+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s640/cartoon+header.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Let me start by saying that you guys are the best. I love that we have a little core group of flashbackers every week that I always see spreading the comment love, & it's awesome. And sometimes a newbie links up & that's awesome too. I know these aren't exactly words of depth, but I just wanted to reaffirm that I love everything about Fridays even when I have the random crap-out-week like last week.<br />
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And how sweet was it of the Godmother of Flashbacks to link up last week? Much love, Tia.<br />
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On facebook there's this new(ish) feature when you're looking at a friend's page you can click "see friendship" & it creates a mini wall of just the back-and-forth between the two of you. So of course I tested it out with my BFF & was so stoked with the photo it used as our profile. Possibly my favorite of us ever.<br />
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At first glance it might not seem like much. In fact at first glance it's pretty obvious that neither of us is showered or looking very good. But there's so much happening in this photo that speaks volumes about the nature of our friendship... like a Where's Waldo of our lives. I don't even think an explanation would do it justice... just know you're getting an extra special glimpse into what we love about each other. <span style="color: #999999;">(cryptic enough for you? haha)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189677_508739824382_23102405_15345712_8988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189677_508739824382_23102405_15345712_8988_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>you know the drill...</b></span></div><ol><li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
<li><b>Grab a button</b> & add it to your post to let others know where the party's at.</li>
<li><b>Click click click...</b> Stop by others' blogs who are linked up & leave them a little comment love. </li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><textarea cols="15" rows="3"><a href="http://heyasparky.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" width="252" height="200" /></a><br /> </textarea></div><br />
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</script>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-15513143640199307042011-08-18T21:42:00.001-04:002011-08-18T21:43:28.463-04:00In my day it was J.T.T.Back in college we had a saying, "When life hands you lemons, smoke them out of a hookah." So when my neighbor gifted me a chihuahua calendar, an impossible match for the current decor, I knew I had to find a way to turn this situation into something better. And as I flipped through adorable pup after adorable pup I realized something. Maybe this gift wasn't for me at all. Maybe the only one who can truly appreciate it is Natalie.<br />
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So we picked out the finest stud in the whole calendar & hung it up right over her bed. Just like I used to do with Teen Beat cut outs of Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Like mother like pupster.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrwgapQxSQQ/Tk2_YNWYOHI/AAAAAAAABAg/UWPl5S9xg6s/s1600/puppy+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrwgapQxSQQ/Tk2_YNWYOHI/AAAAAAAABAg/UWPl5S9xg6s/s400/puppy+love.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-32794347731741768972011-08-17T23:26:00.000-04:002011-08-17T23:26:11.296-04:00What I'm Loving Wednesday<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cinematic Guilty-Pleasures.</span></b></div><div style="color: #38761d;">All of the following I've viewed in the past week:</div><br />
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I really should have seen this decades ago. And with my love for old movies there's no excuse to have waited this long in life to see Singing In The rain. But I'm making up for lost time & have watched it 3 times since Friday without any shame admitting it.<br />
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Say what you will & judge me all you want, but nothing makes me happier than Glee. It's light-hearted & cheesy enough to give me a reality timeout, but snarky & sarcastic enough to be able to live with myself. And this was the first 3D movie I've seen since the days of red & blue lenses! I could practically taste the slushies.<br />
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Summer in Pittsburgh means movies in the park. And this summer they brought back some of my guilty-pleasure favorites... the original Batman, Indiana Jones, & tonight was the feature I waited all summer for: Jurassic Park. Gotta love a hillside of blankets, a cityscape in the background, & people to cheer whenever someone gets eaten by a dinosaur. It seriously doesn't get any better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-wSOahxR7vIzH8JzfJrnafsFhM2bOcIZwreNzxaRpgTJHYybUTewVssh0iZu4jWII06s_gIwgPNU0BKdUSSU-vvi4bhXcPNjmT7uPvg8UDesbmEXPVti6sD3BZNkKWr7fAByFv-ilII/s1600/jp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-wSOahxR7vIzH8JzfJrnafsFhM2bOcIZwreNzxaRpgTJHYybUTewVssh0iZu4jWII06s_gIwgPNU0BKdUSSU-vvi4bhXcPNjmT7uPvg8UDesbmEXPVti6sD3BZNkKWr7fAByFv-ilII/s400/jp1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What Are You Loving?</span></b></div><br />
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-62525912284292433952011-08-16T10:00:00.002-04:002011-08-16T10:00:00.659-04:00Visit Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.curiousparents.com/Destinations/xq/asp/Rec_ID.10/Destination_Name.Crayola%20Factory/qx/Logos/TCFstackedcmyk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The other week after my visit to Hershey I got to thinking... You know Pennsylvania has some pretty neat things to see. I guess I never noticed since I grew up here. And THEN I got to thinking... <b>everyone should come visit me!</b> So I've decided that you all should plan to take a roadtrip across PA, bring the family along, & stop by good ol' Pittsburgh to hang out with me. Ok? Ok!<br />
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I even decided to do all I can to help out by planning a little itinerary! Now you really have no excuse not to pack those bags. <span style="color: #666666;">(ok you probably actually have lots of excuses why you can't come visit me immediately... like having a life of your own... but still, it'd be pretty fun, right?)</span><br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Start in Philly</span></b></div>You'll want to visit the Museum of Art... if not to tour, at least to run up the stairs while singing the "Rocky" theme song & get a photo punching the statue before you leave. That should happen <u><i>before</i></u> cheese steaks if you know what I'm saying. <br />
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There's lots for the history buffs... Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, & you're not far from Gettysburg or Valley Forge.<br />
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King of Prussia Mall is one of those crazy mega-malls that you need a map for & is filled with designers that make me feel intimidated to even walk by... I think of it more like a circus sideshow, but some people love it. And if you need a night out after spending thousands in Gucci, Philly's got that too.<br />
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For the kids there's the Franklin Institute which is a wonderland of science & the home of my annual school field trips. And not far from there is the Crayola factory too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/film/rocky460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="125" src="http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/film/rocky460.jpg" width="200" /><a href="http://caroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/love_park_philadelphia11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://caroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/love_park_philadelphia11.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/Liberty_Bell_2008.jpg/256px-Liberty_Bell_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/Liberty_Bell_2008.jpg/256px-Liberty_Bell_2008.jpg" width="168" /></a><a href="http://www.curiousparents.com/Destinations/xq/asp/Rec_ID.10/Destination_Name.Crayola%20Factory/qx/Logos/TCFstackedcmyk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://www.curiousparents.com/Destinations/xq/asp/Rec_ID.10/Destination_Name.Crayola%20Factory/qx/Logos/TCFstackedcmyk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mid-State</b></span></div>Stop to visit the Amish. It may sound weird, but trust me on this one. You'll never eat so good in your whole life & they sell some sweet wares. I personally recommend finding a toy shop in Amish Country, my parents still own some that we bought decades ago & they're awesome. And you older kids can laugh at the funny town names... Virginville, Intercourse, Bird In Hand, Blue Ball... he he he. <br />
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Hershey. It's all you need to know. The park will take up at LEAST a day on its own, & you have to spend some time at Chocolate World too... it's free & wonderful. And how about a chocolate spa, anyone?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cathrinealice.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/amish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cathrinealice.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/amish.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/family-vacations-hersheypark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/family-vacations-hersheypark.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Burgh</span></b></div>Obviously first order of business is visiting me. We can squeel & jump & down together.<br />
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Next, I hope you like rivers... because we've got 3 of 'em. The Gateway Clipper is a fleet of tour boats & a nice way to get to know the city. We've got museums out the whazoo... Children Museum, Science Center, The Warhol, at least 3 Carnegie's <span style="color: #999999;">(it's hard to keep them all straight)</span>, and more that I haven't even seen for myself yet.<br />
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Not too far of a drive & you can see Falling Water... you know that Frank Lloyd Wright house. I didn't grow up around here & even I knew what it was, so I figured you would too.<br />
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And even more than rivers, what we really do best is Sports. And there will always be at least 1 team in season. Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, take your pick<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mallimages.mallfinder.com/poolB/stationsquare/gtwyB-w175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://mallimages.mallfinder.com/poolB/stationsquare/gtwyB-w175.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.smoca.org/images/exhibits/Warhol_Marilyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://www.smoca.org/images/exhibits/Warhol_Marilyn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://steelerstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/steelers-fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://steelerstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/steelers-fans.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200806/ds_trex_position_0602_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200806/ds_trex_position_0602_500.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And that's just the start...</span></b></div>I can even list all you could see if you veered away from the main cities. The Poconos have their own world going on. And you could go see Lake Erie, I hear it's great. <span style="color: #999999;">(get it? a great lake? har har)</span> Lots of space for outdoor adventure activities...<br />
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It's a good state. It took me a while to realize it, but now that I did I want my bloggy buds to know too. AND VISIT ME!!!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-10067870828122511452011-08-15T18:56:00.001-04:002011-08-16T09:43:40.196-04:00Flashback MondayAfter crapping out on my own linkup on Friday I really owe a Flashback... even the best intentions won't log on & type up a post for you, as it turns out. But I've got a really great one to more than make up for it.<br />
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My Dad came to visit 2 weekends ago & brought along the family history book for my DAR application... along with a family history photo album which I didn't even know existed! It starts with photos of Wolcotts from just after the Civil War & goes right up to my baby photos & is more magical than I can put into words. My Grandpa included a written history starting where the family book leaves off & recounting what he remembers of his great-grandparent, lessons learned from his grandfather, letters written back & forth between them, & what it was like to grow up on the depression and war years.<br />
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It made me feel for a moment like a heroin in some novel where I'll discover a parallel of life's events and learn the secrets of a happy life from the lessons of my ancestors.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Letters from the 40's between my</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa & his Grandpa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fap6nJdJiac/TkmheXeHV1I/AAAAAAAABAQ/JBH5zEC4zJ0/s1600/100_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fap6nJdJiac/TkmheXeHV1I/AAAAAAAABAQ/JBH5zEC4zJ0/s400/100_0890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">My Great-Grandpa's dance card from</div><div style="text-align: center;">his senior prom... filled with Great-Grandma's name.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPzBap-Rgfw/TkmhfGLPRdI/AAAAAAAABAU/xh4uwran1QA/s1600/100_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPzBap-Rgfw/TkmhfGLPRdI/AAAAAAAABAU/xh4uwran1QA/s400/100_0892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My Great-Grandparent's wedding in 1924</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFlyObQCl7M/Tkmhfza4MSI/AAAAAAAABAY/uOOLQGg93WY/s1600/100_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFlyObQCl7M/Tkmhfza4MSI/AAAAAAAABAY/uOOLQGg93WY/s400/100_0902.JPG" width="272" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa pushing Grandma in a</div><div style="text-align: center;">wheelbarrow on their wedding day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRKq1r4QaU8/TkmhgstlZLI/AAAAAAAABAc/Fbrl29-ROYg/s1600/100_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRKq1r4QaU8/TkmhgstlZLI/AAAAAAAABAc/Fbrl29-ROYg/s400/100_0909.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After telling a friend about all these discoveries she said something that really shook me awake... how her Grandfather said his biggest regret was not asking more questions. OF COURSE! I should be asking questions! Why haven't I been asking for stories every time I've seen my grandparents the past 27 years? Why have I not been trying to learn what life was like in a different time or what they've learned after seeing the progress of decade after decade? I've been missing out on all this without even knowing it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So get ready, Grandparents, I want to hear it ALL.</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-91891332882481293722011-08-12T09:50:00.000-04:002011-08-12T09:50:25.964-04:00Week 54<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s1600/cartoon+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s640/cartoon+header.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm running a little behind today! *sigh* Please start flashing back without me & I promise to catch up a little later. Thanks guys!</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">much love,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lauren</span></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div></div><ol><li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
<li><b>Grab a button</b> & add it to your post to let others know where the party's at.</li>
<li><b>Click click click...</b> Stop by others' blogs who are linked up & leave them a little comment love. </li>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><textarea cols="15" rows="3"><a href="http://heyasparky.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" width="252" height="200" /></a><br /> </textarea></div><br />
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</script>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-62612905989388854032011-08-10T21:47:00.000-04:002011-08-10T21:47:43.214-04:00Summer EveningsLast night was the first evening in a long time that the air got chilly. It was the perfect night for a cookout and a backyard concert with twinkle lights. Tonight I drove a little out of the way just to get the skyline & lights when you come out of the Ft. Pitt Tunnel, there's nothing in the world that compares to it. I can almost feel summer shutting down & I just want to notice every one of these little moments before I can see my breathe in the air again. Summer in Pittsburgh makes me remember every reason why I fell in love with this city to start with, & it holds me over long enough until it's summer evenings like this again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4ZcMs9cD8k/TkM0YhPXNhI/AAAAAAAABAM/RJUbUzoA8Tg/s1600/summer+night+concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4ZcMs9cD8k/TkM0YhPXNhI/AAAAAAAABAM/RJUbUzoA8Tg/s400/summer+night+concert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-41433528539782693102011-08-05T06:00:00.002-04:002011-08-05T06:00:19.245-04:00Week 53<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s1600/cartoon+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-soq7RdzvIrs/TXEQJZd2gdI/AAAAAAAAAwM/6v1trwd06yI/s640/cartoon+header.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
As I scrolled through old facebook photos wondering what kind of tales I could share with you all, I twice went past this one with a "Mmm". It was the only one that made an audible reaction, which might just be the truest test of flashback worthiness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/25468_638802702332_23102405_36272439_7704933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/25468_638802702332_23102405_36272439_7704933_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is my mentor group on my 26th birthday. I know most people in the world probably aren't lucky enough to have any mentor group at all, let alone one as awesome as mine, and lately I've been really missing our get-togethers. The group started through my church & was only supposed to last a year... back then it was Sonja (far right), Sarah (middle), and me... but after it was time for the groups to end we decided against it. I guess we just weren't done with eachother. Lisa & Linda joined for a while, later Jen came on board, and I've loved having every one of those ladies... but there's just something really wonderful & special about the original 3, we've been through a lot together. <br />
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We laugh until we can't breathe, sometimes we accidentally set things on fire, we always have yummy food and plenty of wine and coffee, and we have a place to talk about things that really suck too. I guess I'm just feeling sentimental because I could really use a dose of that right about now. Luckily I don't think our group is "over", we just sometimes take breaks when life kicks in, but maybe in the fall I'll have my ladies back again.<br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Now it's your turn....</span></b></div><ol><li><b>Share a flashback of your own.</b> Dig through old photos & tell us a little story of days gone by. Click the little blue "Add Your Link" button below to link up.</li>
<li><b>Grab a button</b> & add it to your post to let others know where the party's at.</li>
<li><b>Click click click...</b> Stop by others' blogs who are linked up & leave them a little comment love. </li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><textarea cols="15" rows="3"><a href="http://heyasparky.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s288/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" width="252" height="200" /></a><br /> </textarea></div><br />
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</script>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-43550824871462032582011-08-04T12:18:00.000-04:002011-08-04T12:18:27.602-04:00Hershey's Winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12899884/tumblr_looiylbSKV1qcxieko1_400_large.jpg?1312469888" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12899884/tumblr_looiylbSKV1qcxieko1_400_large.jpg?1312469888" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(source: <a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12899884/tumblr_looiylbSKV1qcxieko1_400_large.jpg?1312469888">We Heart It</a>)</div><br />
A quick update to inform you of our chocolate winner (yum!) My little gift goes to commenter #3 who happens to be a new reader! Maybe she'll keep coming back forever & ever now?<br />
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<div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bon Appetit, <a href="http://beautywillsavetheworld-lmh.blogspot.com/">Laura</a>!</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><i>"I would probably use mint and coconut for sure </i></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><i>because I love both of those things—although I'm </i></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><i>not sure how they'd taste together. And I'd probably </i></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><i> add a nut of some sort for a little crunch."</i></div><br />
Laura, send me an email with you address & I'll ship your gift.<br />
Thanks!<br />
- LaurenLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205799295549348446.post-90974181873780440782011-08-02T20:57:00.002-04:002011-08-02T21:01:31.636-04:00A Sweet Gift for YOU!Like any good friend, I didn't return home empty handed from my little trip to Hershey. I brought home a souvenir for my friends! And what kind of souvenir would would come from Hershey, aka The Sweetest Place on Earth? <b style="color: #783f04;">CHOCOLATE</b>, OF COURSE!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUGHyqQ2gfQ/TjiZirDACOI/AAAAAAAABAE/rdjfAXYfEhA/s1600/Hershey+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUGHyqQ2gfQ/TjiZirDACOI/AAAAAAAABAE/rdjfAXYfEhA/s400/Hershey+25.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
That, my friends, is a chocolate bar that I made just for you. There's this place called Chocolate World right next the park that, when I was growing up, only had an Epcot-esque educational ride about how chocolate was made. And even when that's all there was, I LOVED IT. Now you can see a 3D movie, go to chocolate tastings, buy all kinds of Hershey's specialty items....<br />
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And...<br />
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Build you own chocolate bar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5Jz5zOzWyA/TjiZTXvNosI/AAAAAAAAA_0/zz-KZDKVVUk/s1600/Hershey+20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5Jz5zOzWyA/TjiZTXvNosI/AAAAAAAAA_0/zz-KZDKVVUk/s400/Hershey+20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's your chocolate connoisseurs reporting for duty: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSY4S2bQsz3fnSSYv3UreKFmTwihwZxwdnkRb6tkHf71PpK_Y475Dm8e2DCM2tJFbkm3gNrCvEtTx2jrcXHeQM083sP1Y2JyJzDM7kMyEPGPnAaLkHJc02RBalwILgNS29RKE-eKp5Kc8/s1600/Hershey+21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSY4S2bQsz3fnSSYv3UreKFmTwihwZxwdnkRb6tkHf71PpK_Y475Dm8e2DCM2tJFbkm3gNrCvEtTx2jrcXHeQM083sP1Y2JyJzDM7kMyEPGPnAaLkHJc02RBalwILgNS29RKE-eKp5Kc8/s400/Hershey+21.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And there it's dropping<b style="color: #741b47;"> raspberry</b> into your chocolate bar... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exxS-ZxJBwA/TjiZX4mXtQI/AAAAAAAAA_8/RRREytyITXo/s1600/Hershey+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exxS-ZxJBwA/TjiZX4mXtQI/AAAAAAAAA_8/RRREytyITXo/s400/Hershey+22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The final product & my gift to one winner is a bar designed by yours truly with milk chocolate, almonds, raspberry, and sprinkles on top. And all you have to do to win it is leave me a comment answering this question:<br />
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<div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">If you could design a chocolate bar using any ingredient, what would you use?</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUJJ4_bYR4U/TjiZbwgsfUI/AAAAAAAABAA/Kd9EzR5lH9Y/s1600/Hershey+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUJJ4_bYR4U/TjiZbwgsfUI/AAAAAAAABAA/Kd9EzR5lH9Y/s400/Hershey+24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The winner will be drawn at random Wednesday afternoon. <br />
Think sweet thoughts, I can't wait to read your creations!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Our work here is done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qW-_JtM024/TjiZop7ooqI/AAAAAAAABAI/KpQ7Xa8G_5E/s1600/Hershey+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qW-_JtM024/TjiZop7ooqI/AAAAAAAABAI/KpQ7Xa8G_5E/s400/Hershey+16.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00059995877988224473noreply@blogger.com8