tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84958904372842751632024-02-18T20:19:09.292-08:00Mostly liking things!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-89824821579170810532018-01-30T20:49:00.000-08:002018-01-30T20:50:19.550-08:00Dude, should we all be witches?!Dude, should we all become witches in 2018? Yes, right?<br />
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Lately, I’ve been feeling like all the fierce women who are calling their elected representatives, reading books, organizing their communities, being outspoken and not worrying if they’re still likable, and figuring out how to wear cropped wide legged pants and not looking self conscious about it are actually just forming this unstoppable coven that will lead the revolution, and I want in!<br />
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Proof: I texted this to a group of girlfriends, and one super dope friend said “Being a witch is literally one of my new years’ resolutions.”<br />
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This is so a thing. It’s already been in the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/03/opinion/witches-occult-comeback.html">New York Times as a trend piece</a>. Get in on the coven now, and lead us forward!<br />
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Oh also, I’m super into accepting men as warlock allies if they are supporting the revolution alongside us.<br />
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Here’s some witch inspiration (witchspo) pics.<br />
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Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-45791604687917527672018-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:002018-01-26T22:04:46.839-08:00Is Daniel Tiger's dad a serial killer? We debate.One of my friends said that Daniel Tiger’s dad is a serial killer (based solely on his voice), which I thought was hilarious and also totally plausible. Below is an imagined op-ed section where two local people earnestly argue if Daniel’s dad is or isn’t a serial killer. Are you still with me? Yay!<br />
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Daniel Tiger's dad is a serial killer<br />
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:: This is the face he makes before murder ::</div>
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Daniel Tiger’s dad is a serial killer. I will outline my case to you in three main points.<br />
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This is obvious mostly because of his breathy, soothing voice, and the way he always keeps exceptionally calm, except for that one time when Daniel and Miss Elena were playing at the beach and went into the water without an adult, and he got mad in a quiet rage way where you just know that’s exactly how he gets right before he methodically murders women who live alone from neighborhoods about an hour’s trolley ride outside of the neighborhood.<br />
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Daniel Tiger’s Dad wears the same blue zip up sweater every day. You know who wears zip up sweaters? Serial killers, and select people over the age of 75. You might say, “Relax - it’s probably something he borrowed from Grandpere, found it comfortable and kept wearing it. Don’t read too much into it. Remember, the kids wear the same thing every day.” But here’s the thing - they’re kids. My kid wants to wear the same shirt and leggings every day, but she’s 2 so I allow it most of the time. You might say, “Yeah, but Mrs. Tiger wears the same thing every day.” Exactly. She wears the same thing every day because he controls all the family’s money and doesn’t let her have any spending money to get a new tunic and pants. That’s exactly the kind of controlling thing a serial killer psychopath does.<br />
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Have you ever noticed that whenever an episode features Chime Time, it corresponds with a missing person’s report from another neighborhood? That’s because instead of taking small mementos from his victims as trophies, he celebrates by launching Chime Time in the town and tricking everyone into thinking Chime Time is wholesome fun and not a gruesome celebration of random violence. He is disgusting and should be put in prison.<br />
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Lastly, I’ll leave you with this thought. Here’s a sentence you’ll never hear: “That guy who worked at the clock store is a serial killer? I don’t believe it.” I rest my case.<br />
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Daniel Tiger's dad is not a serial killer<br />
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:: This is an involved dad. The camera is not for creep photos ::</div>
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Daniel Tiger’s dad is not a serial killer, and accusing him of being one because he has a calm voice and is a great, in control parent is sexist. Of course men and fathers can be balanced, thoughtful, even-keeled parents!<br />
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Also, it might help to know that Daniel Tiger’s dad wasn’t always so calm. In his teens and twenties he had a lot of anger issues, and through a lot of therapy and the support of Mrs. Tiger, he’s been able to come to terms with his dad’s absence in his childhood, even leading to him reaccepting him into their family’s life. So when you see an “always calm voiced psycho,” I see someone who’s done a lot of work on himself.<br />
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We should choose to celebrate Daniel Tiger’s dad, not vilify him. He makes everything fun and plays fun guessing games with Daniel while they run errands. Have you run errands with a kid that age and a baby? It’s exhausting and not fun! Mr. Tiger is a hero! And even though he works full time at the clock factory, he makes sure that he shares home management and parenting responsibilities with Mrs. Tiger because he knows that staying home and running the family is even harder than working at the clock factory. He’s a role model, He not a serial killer.<br />
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My opponents will dismiss this evidence and rely heavily on the fact that he “has a weird voice.” David Beckham has a weird voice, and we all still like him a lot and never accuse him of being a serial killer. Shouldn’t we extend Mr. Tiger the same courtesy?<br />
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Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-65552931827480647042018-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:002018-01-25T07:00:01.040-08:00Best birthday gift for little kidsI have a favorite go-to gift for little kids (2-5 years old) that's $12-$20 and bound to please.<br />
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A book <i>plus</i> one of these weird <a href="http://www.lipsmacker.com/shop-by-form/tsum-tsum.html">chapstick</a> things! They're about $4.00-$5.50 each, but if you buy a multipack on Amazon, you'd can find them for about $4.00. Kids go insane for these things. I got my 2 year old to behave on an entire flight simply by letting her know they I had the power to both giveth and taketh away this "yip stick".<br />
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Ok ok now can we talk about books?! Here are some of my favorites lately, along with what kind of parent will most love them. (Because come on. The marshmallow flavored Minnie chapstick is for the birthday child. The book is to delight the parent.)</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/I-Want-My-Hat-Back/dp/0763655988/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516856122&sr=1-1&keywords=I+want+my+hat+back">I Want My Hat Back</a></div>
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For: The parent who values illustrations that could be framed one the wall in any hip home. Also, this book is funny(ish) (kind of twee/whimsical, but for real good!) and really short to read!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-B-Irene-Haas/dp/0689500211/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516856059&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Maggie+b">The Maggie B</a></div>
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For: The parent who loves reading classic literature. The old fashioned storybook rhythms and language in this book epitomize the romanticized notion of reading a book to a sleepy child at bedtime. The illustrations are sweet too.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Love-Tacos-Adam-Rubin/dp/0803736800/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516855975&sr=1-1&keywords=dragons+love+tacos">Dragons Love Tacos</a> </div>
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For: The parent who loves goofing off while reading aloud. This book is legitimately super fun to read, even after the 50th time. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thee-Sing-Letter-My-Daughters/dp/037583527X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516855862&sr=1-1&keywords=Of+thee+I+sing">Of Thee I Sing: A Letter for My Daughters</a></div>
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For: The parent who calls their elected representatives on the reg and has a google news alert for all things Sasha and Malia. Honestly, a kid on the younger end will not find this to be a super engaging read, but <i>you</i> will. And as the literate one, you ought to have a say in this too!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Do-Princesses-Wear-Hiking-Boots/dp/0873588282/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516855780&sr=8-1&keywords=Princess+wear+hiking+boots">Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?</a></div>
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For: The parent whose kid is going through a big princess phase, and it's killing the parent's soul a little bit but they know the best thing to do is roll with it <i>ughhhhhh</i>. ("Do princesses wear hiking boots? When they wish to take the scenic routes!" The message is right on.)</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Okay-Different-Todd-Parr/dp/0316043478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516855649&sr=8-1&keywords=It%27s+okay+to+be+different">It's Okay to Be Different</a></div>
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For: The parent who wants a good message, a super short book, and a bedtime choice that will also please the younger sibling. Done, done, and done.</div>
<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-29955627120351294732018-01-24T20:29:00.001-08:002018-01-24T21:18:34.413-08:00Should you eat a raw frozen chicken breast for dinner? A decision guide.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-10879430521726117882018-01-21T14:25:00.000-08:002018-01-21T14:25:47.628-08:00Daniel Tiger's Snowflake Day: Key observations after my 100th viewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know it’s January, but I’m still seeing Daniel Tiger’s “Snowflake Day” episode on a regular basis, and I’ve seen it enough times that I have a few observations I feel compelled to share.<br />
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<ul>
<li>First of all, this episode is really great, right? The music is 1000x better than any other episode (equal, maybe, to Margaret’s birth, which is also pretty amazing). Did they hire someone better, or did the regular music person realize they were making something special and decide to step it up? The changes in the intro/outro song are so good - love the classic 1950s Christmas style chipper vibrato and mother f-ing SLEIGH BELLS. (There may be a very google-able answer to this question, but I prefer to live in the wonder of my ignorance.)</li>
<li>When Daniel’s mom started talking about snowflakes, I tricked my notoriously hard to trick husband into believing that in another episode, we learned that Daniel’s mom was a meteorologist before she decided to be a SAHM. This makes me proud every time we get to that part.</li>
<li>When they arrive at the enchanted garden, and Daniel’s dad says “I’m going to see if King Friday needs any help,” it 100% sounds like they are meeting up to smoke weed behind the scenery. Um, he’s the king. I’m sure his only job at Snowflake Day is to make a r-r-r-r-royal decree that’s Snowflake Day. I just hope Music Man Stan and Uncle X (bless your heart, Uncle X) also got the invite.</li>
<li>Katerina Kitty Cat is legit good in the play for a preschooler. “Meow meow, ANOTHER present?” Perfection. (Purr-fection?) But also, why am I surprised? She’s always been theatrically gifted.</li>
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I get genuinely frustrated when Daniel freaks out and then am genuinely proud of him for pulling it together and problem solving with the lantern solution to the blackout. Guys, he really pulled it together!!!<br />
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That’s all. Oh, and, for those who celebrate it: Happy Snowflake Day!<br />
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Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-25244965827575644702013-08-15T21:54:00.002-07:002013-08-15T21:54:36.788-07:00New Favorite Band: HaimHave you heard Haim's awesome songs floating around lately? I'm completely obsessed. Their singles have been out since last fall, and their debut album is coming out September 30. I can hardly wait!<br />
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Haim (rhymes with "time") are three sisters from the valley. I think they sound like Phoenix + Fleetwood Mac + a little bit of Destiny's Child. So... yeah, amazing.<br />
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I don't know which of these songs I like better....<br />
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<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-65990621177161509352013-08-13T19:07:00.000-07:002013-08-13T19:07:00.098-07:00Cute new line at Macy's - Maison JulesGuys. It's been a minute. Yeesh.<br />
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A lot happened in the last 6 months. For example, my computer broke (it's fixed), we sold our condo, I ran the LA marathon (which I meant to post about because there are actually some pictures of me where I look sort of... refreshed and cute?!), went on a couple of trips, went to a few weddings, lived in a temporary house, bought a house, I made some excruciating decisions about purchasing furniture... you get it. Oh, and lately I've been in a weird phase where I just want to eat Cheez-its all the time. Whatever. A lot happened.<br />
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But I'm back, because I really want to tell you about the cutest new line at Macy's I stumbled upon.<br />
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I was up in the bay area visiting friends and family, and I was hoping to squeeze in a mother-daughter shopping trip. My mom suggested we check out Macy's because they had one of their extra 20% off coupon thing they always have going on. I'm not really into Macy's because... I just don't get it. Like, on the one hand, it's a department store, and they have all sorts of normal stuff. Sure. But on the other hand, so many Macy's I'm exposed to are just... tired. They seem ragged. Like, the tile is so... travertine gone late 80s mall and it seems like everything is a Petites department. But the Walnut Creek one is pretty nice.<br />
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Good thing we did because they have the cutest new line, guys! <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/womens-clothing/maison-jules?id=63787">Maison Jules</a> (trust me - I know the website isn't very attractive, but the clothes are) is this cutie patootie French inspired line that's at a totally moderate price point (The most expensive thing is a dress for $79. Also, 20% coupons!). It's like if <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp">Anthropologie</a> and <a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/fra/home.aspx">Comptoir des Cotonniers</a> had a value priced child.<br />
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Here are some of their cute things*:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2oca8825bILuqv_ouK8RUDBDXubznE3N3bngwjWM_UBow7qj6qvKCBKHmRxqvkUYNI_lNdt2RBCyX0vIkI1Htws2hNoVePgeYmSiMIuhpNcfyC8GN6VKul_17ugr-TU8D3KtcZM_UKM/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-08-13+at+6.49.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2oca8825bILuqv_ouK8RUDBDXubznE3N3bngwjWM_UBow7qj6qvKCBKHmRxqvkUYNI_lNdt2RBCyX0vIkI1Htws2hNoVePgeYmSiMIuhpNcfyC8GN6VKul_17ugr-TU8D3KtcZM_UKM/s320/Screen+shot+2013-08-13+at+6.49.43+PM.png" width="254" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJVUDw1YNWvw4fwS2s5jyfXs2nDMDM-ekaw_dDsqkRyDP4KU-2rPCDGrloylYRrjglsbwpOtrnvh0M0moWXRqGKAmeyx3kLMOKYdmAAz5kMbV_zYl1aMzLLFoyyRrzP_Nk3tRS-jUMxs/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-08-13+at+6.54.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJVUDw1YNWvw4fwS2s5jyfXs2nDMDM-ekaw_dDsqkRyDP4KU-2rPCDGrloylYRrjglsbwpOtrnvh0M0moWXRqGKAmeyx3kLMOKYdmAAz5kMbV_zYl1aMzLLFoyyRrzP_Nk3tRS-jUMxs/s320/Screen+shot+2013-08-13+at+6.54.32+PM.png" width="199" /></a></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />* The styling is a little "juniors department", but the pieces look sophisticated in person.</div>
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Oh, and just so you know I'm not crazy, some "cool" outlets took notice too! (<a href="http://www.elle.com/news/fashion-style/maison-jules-martone-cycling-company-collaboration">Elle</a>, <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2013/05/46930/macys-maison-jules-garance-dore">Refinery29</a>, <a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/fashion/fall-trends/2013-07/maison-jules-macys/?intro">Teen Vogue</a>)</div>
Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-52899205449149153842013-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:002013-03-05T05:00:00.158-08:00Game of Thrones - coming soon!!!I can't believe it's almost time for <i>Game of Thrones</i> to return. It's felt so, so long.<br />
<br />
While we wait the final few weeks before it starts up again, can we just take a moment to acknowledge that Jamie Lannister is named... Jamie?<br />
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...Really? A sort of modern, androgynous normal average name? Jamie? Hm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Ec_WAcauSk922vu1RNBhVdNjH7LqldW5p4KQyCAzpJP9vGgUv0iwXMmH3SFxhjw5pdZUmG3zYyxvS0ZIK3aLwfV4FZAC2Qiabu-yr3FuJxJ9roPr0iGYhFrzLyr8Lh5dQ5NVHjvuVE/s1600/jamie-lannister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Ec_WAcauSk922vu1RNBhVdNjH7LqldW5p4KQyCAzpJP9vGgUv0iwXMmH3SFxhjw5pdZUmG3zYyxvS0ZIK3aLwfV4FZAC2Qiabu-yr3FuJxJ9roPr0iGYhFrzLyr8Lh5dQ5NVHjvuVE/s400/jamie-lannister.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-9006212664597044762013-03-03T16:36:00.002-08:002013-03-03T16:36:56.537-08:00Cute, classic backpackTravis and I went to Portland for President's Day weekend, and walked around seeing all the Portland-y things. All the women there had on super cute Navajo-y cardigans, which I didn't see in any shops (sad face), but, to be fair, I didn't look that hard, and I think it might be a little late to hop on that trend. (Disclaimer: I reserve the right to take this back if I buy one next fall. It took me, like, 3 years to try leggings.)<br />
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While browsing stores, I fell in love with this adorable Scandinavian backpack by <a href="http://www.fjallraven.us/default.aspx">Fjallraven</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBGM6kw4RySjxxXQJLXJL-q7x_ey70i05XtfZjlpi96UfzrXg8A0ZKjK2IlRZk0oCsyVzxUqO_HGkZc4FXw_Q3muHmPRcCczHxDhwhTHNfKyw0MS6p6iGODo2_Mru7JUHNUkCh7reURI/s1600/fjallraven.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBGM6kw4RySjxxXQJLXJL-q7x_ey70i05XtfZjlpi96UfzrXg8A0ZKjK2IlRZk0oCsyVzxUqO_HGkZc4FXw_Q3muHmPRcCczHxDhwhTHNfKyw0MS6p6iGODo2_Mru7JUHNUkCh7reURI/s320/fjallraven.png" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:: Kanken Classic, $75 ::</td></tr>
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This is the <a href="http://www.fjallraven.us/p-55-knken-classic.aspx">Kanken Classic</a> that, according to the website, was designed for Swedish schoolchildren in 1978 (awwwwwwww...). It comes in 28 colors, but I love the rust color above (or maybe the teal green? or the sunny yellow?).<br />
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They also have a version that looks almost the same, but has a <a href="http://www.fjallraven.us/p-62-knken-17-laptop.aspx">padded section for your laptop</a>.<br />
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For a more rustic look (Fjallraven is primarily an outdoor sporting line), I think this <a href="http://www.fjallraven.us/p-282-rucksack-no-21-medium.aspx">Rucksack No. 21</a> is beautifully designed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE03S9QiS26NkeOD7AtyGvQPR-ZJvA8ksvnnMy8Ow9jUJNV1G7YcHs7wMeoXGFITeNfxnsa6BVlXu9lJ8WGr7CYdG2rgdEqxb9gZevLNkGsFy5E_tNWIto9KS9G8xrJK03SS3X8U9bqwg/s1600/fjallraven-rucksack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE03S9QiS26NkeOD7AtyGvQPR-ZJvA8ksvnnMy8Ow9jUJNV1G7YcHs7wMeoXGFITeNfxnsa6BVlXu9lJ8WGr7CYdG2rgdEqxb9gZevLNkGsFy5E_tNWIto9KS9G8xrJK03SS3X8U9bqwg/s400/fjallraven-rucksack.png" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:: Rucksack No. 21 Medium, $190 ::</td></tr>
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And, fun fact: Do you know what Fjallraven means?<br />
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It means Acrtic Fox. How cute are these guys???<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJCKpCgJBPHX3yJUzCj_XTZxm0eEHx7uMYOpcmpp0NBkz_3sIS3OUVjn0v0P6e1v8h2lLOxAV4EhrPxLDetQInGIQNo76E1OLfsX8QnlfHLF4-CVdAPl6YzOGXFE47ax1LIehomDt1Bk/s1600/artic+fox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJCKpCgJBPHX3yJUzCj_XTZxm0eEHx7uMYOpcmpp0NBkz_3sIS3OUVjn0v0P6e1v8h2lLOxAV4EhrPxLDetQInGIQNo76E1OLfsX8QnlfHLF4-CVdAPl6YzOGXFE47ax1LIehomDt1Bk/s640/artic+fox.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-29434651038620108112013-02-14T07:03:00.002-08:002013-02-14T07:03:53.848-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />It's the big day, folks. Valentine's Day.<br />
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Let's see how I did against my "to do" list:<br />
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<b>Do something sweet 'n crafty</b><br />
Not yet, but the day is young... those paper hearts will probably come out at some point...<br />
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<b>Send Valentines to your friends</b><br />
Check<br />
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<b>Bake some heart shaped cookies</b><br />
Check<br />
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<b>Don't make it about gifts</b><br />
Yup. I already returned the stuff to Home Depot for my sweetheart.<br />
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<b>Wear red and/or pinks and/or hearts</b><br />
I wore my heart sweater already this week, so today I'm wearing my pink and red striped sweater.<br />
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<b>Don't try to go to a restaurant</b><br />
I won't.<br />
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<b>Call your mom</b><br />
I will.<br />
<b> </b><br />
My plan for tonight is to make a simple dinner and eat dinner at the table (not watching TV), but then, once dinner is done, watch TV. (Duh.)<br />
<br />
What are your plans?Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-85873337358878927582013-02-12T05:00:00.000-08:002013-02-12T05:00:05.909-08:00Justin Timberlake: Discuss, pleaseGuys. I don't get Justin Timberlake.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure ladies love him. (Like, <i>loooove</i> him.) But I can't see it. Can someone please explain?<br />
<br />
When I see him perform, I feel physically uncomfortable... like a friend asked me to come to their cousin's song and dance show, and this guy who I sort of know is singing and dancing his heart out and trying so hard to be <i>sexy</i>, but it's my friend's cousin, and he's kind of strange looking, and it's all just so uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
Or it's like a lesser version of if a friend took me to a male strip club for my bachelorette party. Because I'm pretty sure if that had happened, my reaction would be to seriously cry.<br />
<br />
So watch this very short clip from the Grammys and tell me: what's the appeal? Or is he truly just strange and sort of a creep who's trying too hard?<br />
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I was starting to feel badly that I can't get on board with him (I mean, I generally generic pop culture things!), and then I realized: I think I just generally feel off-put and uncomfortable when people try hard to be sexy. I think It's more off-putting when men do it because, unfortunately, we've all been conditioned to see women do it all. the. time. But... for real, peeps: try hard to be smart, try hard to be accomplished, try hard to be kind, or charming, or funny, or heck, even pretty... but to focus your energies on trying to be <i>sexy?</i> Ew.<br />
<br />
On another Grammy note that sort of contradicts my earlier point, I'm becoming obsessed with this Miguel song, not because it's an "ooh-let's-get-down" song, but because I love lite rock, and this song sounds like it could be straight out of the 80s and all over a lite rock station! Is lite rock coming back in a big way??? Let's hope!<br />
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<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-73125823199917179222013-02-07T18:54:00.001-08:002013-02-07T18:55:00.475-08:00Valentine's Day Tip ListValentine's Day is basically my <a href="http://www.joannaboanna.com/2012/02/happy-almost-valentines-day.html">favorite holiday</a>. I know most people do not share that feeling, so I thought I'd share my Valentine's Day rules to live by, so maybe you'll feel some of the love, and avoid some of the annoying.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc2xV1rh235ZgQ8hC-fqQ6tBG_03ZfSyD9noXVrSX837_2PeeDrCRaqg-qVBimi5VBCKa-5SkbOILxItgLpNf-tqSim1I0fsoT-sacSwYbzy6eAU7EFZ2qYdMBNABK0qy5Q-DwXhaCzY/s1600/heart-balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc2xV1rh235ZgQ8hC-fqQ6tBG_03ZfSyD9noXVrSX837_2PeeDrCRaqg-qVBimi5VBCKa-5SkbOILxItgLpNf-tqSim1I0fsoT-sacSwYbzy6eAU7EFZ2qYdMBNABK0qy5Q-DwXhaCzY/s640/heart-balloons.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:: cute closet filled with surprise balloons, via <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2013/01/heart-balloons/#">oh happy day</a> ::</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Do something sweet 'n crafty</b><br />
I love the picture above of a surprise avalanche of heart balloons falling out of the closet. <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/category/valentines/">Here</a> are a ton more cute ideas like that.<br />
<br />
A bajillion years ago, I hand cut out a bunch of tiny little hearts from pink and red paper. (I have no idea why I decided to do it, but I distinctly remember that this took place at work. I can't believe I got away with that.) Every year, the confetti hearts come out to decorate the breakfast or dinner table, and they're just a silly and sweet gesture.<br />
<br />
<b>Send Valentines to your friends</b><br />
Valentine's Day is all about saying "Hey! I totally like/love you! You're a real sweetheart! Did ya know that?"... so why not send a little love in the mail to people who deserve to hear that?<br />
<b> </b><br />
I had high hopes of <a href="http://www.joannaboanna.com/2012/02/happy-almost-valentines-day.html">making cards again</a> this year, but it just didn't happen, so I broke down and bought some cute cards. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Valentines-Press-Out-Book/dp/037587514X">These guys</a> are a really cute inexpensive option that I highly recommend. (The envelopes are a pain, so I would recommend just using other envelopes.)<br />
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<b>Bake some heart shaped cookies</b><br />
It's a verified fact that hearts are the cutest shapes in the world. Give me anything heart shaped or with a heart on it, and I love it. Except for a sterling silver necklace with tiny diamonds in it that a high school guy buys for his girlfriend. That I do not want. So, cute classy hearts only, please.<br />
<br />
I want to bake some heart shaped <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/shortbread-hearts-recipe/index.html">shortbread</a> and top with red or pink sugar. But I only want to eat two cookies, so I'll bring the rest to work.<br />
<br />
<b>Don't make it about gifts</b><br />
Gift exchanges make the day stressful. If you're going to do a gift, make it <a href="http://www.joannaboanna.com/2013/01/instagram-magnets.html">sweet and inexpensive</a>. Or free and thoughtful. (I think I'm going to tell Travis that I'll run the errand of returning something to Home Depot as a gift, because I know he really, really doesn't want to. Shh... don't spoil it!) <br />
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<b>Wear red and/or pink and/or hearts on February 14</b><br />
Just do it. Because it's fun. Yes, it's a little <a href="http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/zooey_deschanel/img/Zooey_Deschanel_82.jpg">Zooey Deschanel-y precious</a>, but do it anyway. I'm probably going to wear <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/crewnecks/PRDOVR~54949/54949.jsp">this sweater</a> so, yeah, I'm all in, guys. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Don't try to go to a restaurant</b><br />
Don't even think about it. One year I thought it would be fun to do the whole Valentine's Day <i>thing </i>and go to a <a href="http://www.buggywhipsteakhouse.com/">not cool steakhouse</a>. It was a disaster. We were seated 60 minutes late and the service was terrible. Don't get cute and think low-key will be better: I've also been to In-n-Out on Valentine's Day, and it's crazy crowded. If you're ordering pizza or Thai food (THAI FOOD YUMMMMM), be prepared for it to take way longer than normal.<br />
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<b>Call your mom</b><br />
Wish Mom a happy Valentine's Day! Because as I said earlier, it's just a day to be a real sweetheart.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b></b><br />
What do you like to do on February 14th?Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-22370708965004731622013-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:002013-02-05T07:51:04.382-08:00Cutest CommercialSo I guess if I'm talking about commercials two days after the Super Bowl, I should be talking about Super Bowl ads. But no. I want to talk about the best commercial ever that I saw over the weekend:<br />
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<br />
(Or, go <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO6ztkW4ulw">here</a> to see it better.)<br />
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Ummmmm there's nothing I don't love about this commercial. Why is this girl so precious??? Why is her dress so cute? Her hair so cute? Her sad intense little pout? But here's what really kills me: she's this super little girl, and she knows her dad wants to hear that she's okay, so she's trying so hard to make him feel okay... but she's just a kid! AAAAAAAAAAH.<br />
<br />
I saw this on TV, rewound it to see it again, and then looked it up online, watched it twice more, and then noticed I was crying. If you ever want to feel happy and emotive and full of love, just get a cup of coffee, and check out the whole library of Subaru commercials. You'll be glad you did.<br />
<br />
(You can see 'em all <a href="http://www.youtube.com/subaru">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
What's your favorite Subaru commercial?Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-47126786784917990772013-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:002013-01-31T05:00:03.450-08:00Instagram MagnetsHow cool are these Instagram magnets?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct1_aESpS0PWtgItFia_Cf0DpGSOknlyaLkOm0hM1h2q8_olQo3OY1cu9pX6dzEEJlQ7I1uzglnBepmGjDYZyDAsT6svvSEqZVnd-A8CcEHHoXHTQiqhz_uUP-U4bxaH9c2YArAVtAA0/s1600/instagram-magnets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct1_aESpS0PWtgItFia_Cf0DpGSOknlyaLkOm0hM1h2q8_olQo3OY1cu9pX6dzEEJlQ7I1uzglnBepmGjDYZyDAsT6svvSEqZVnd-A8CcEHHoXHTQiqhz_uUP-U4bxaH9c2YArAVtAA0/s400/instagram-magnets.png" width="398" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://stickygram.com/">StickyGram</a> turns your Instagram photos into magnets - 9 for $14.99. (If this was around when I was a freshman in high school, I would have been obsessed with putting these in my locker, and I would be really embarrassed to look at those photo magnets now.)</div>
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But for now, wouldn't they make a cute Valentine's gift? I mean especially if I was buying a Valentine's gift for myself. Because basically I'd like this as a gift, but I don't know that my husband would actually like this as a gift. I mean, he might. If they were good photos that were normal things you wouldn't mind everyone who comes into your house seeing. You know, he'd probably like it. Maybe I'll do it. Who knows.</div>
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<a href="http://printstagr.am/">Prinstagram</a> also has a lot of cute options of things to do with your Instagram photos. Aren't you completely obsessed with this <a href="http://printstagr.am/tinybook">Tiny Book</a> (3 for $10)??? I mean!!! It's a regular book's tiny premature book baby!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhdKponf8_-LinHvsGABptNVpKWsLKh987F0-03zNeyxYIo7P6btU3DtKikSDfnAEby9pVPHahCiWPUJcjVfkXa2gSbo6w83ByeA3PROgKhLFpw1DyoUcxNS1Z1eoGyGC5nrhnDiMFWc/s1600/printstagram-tiny-book.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhdKponf8_-LinHvsGABptNVpKWsLKh987F0-03zNeyxYIo7P6btU3DtKikSDfnAEby9pVPHahCiWPUJcjVfkXa2gSbo6w83ByeA3PROgKhLFpw1DyoUcxNS1Z1eoGyGC5nrhnDiMFWc/s400/printstagram-tiny-book.png" width="383" /></a></div>
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These would be good to give your sister who's a really proud aunt and obsessed with your baby. That's seriously the only use I can think of for them, because, like, it's just so tiny that it's starting to be weird.<br />
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Have you ever done anything with your Instagrams? Would you?Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-70879433951338446142013-01-23T21:07:00.003-08:002013-01-23T21:07:30.078-08:002013 to-do: Go campingGuys. I've never been camping.<br />
<br />
This didn't deter some of our wedding guests from giving us a bunch of REI gift cards, though. (Maybe it's the Oregonian husband?) And we were gifted with a very nice tent and one sleeping bag.<br />
<br />My point is, we have some gear now, and we can get the rest for "free", and that means I have no excuse to have never been camping. (Also, Travis recently got a Subaru so this is, like, destiny. We'll drive somewhere and wear plaid and be a Subaru commercial. We just need a golden retriever.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetMeRoUnd_JyhTq-rgREWNx_nN0Dn8QL6NQscbpYTcqE-9ZdGIpc2DkjulhkYVFBuAEyrJFJWVI3hX4vfCOZEHJUL5CSOq4noXoD5i8IX62i0stXTyu6etsiwbSMYbih36jbjA562mRc/s1600/beautiful-camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetMeRoUnd_JyhTq-rgREWNx_nN0Dn8QL6NQscbpYTcqE-9ZdGIpc2DkjulhkYVFBuAEyrJFJWVI3hX4vfCOZEHJUL5CSOq4noXoD5i8IX62i0stXTyu6etsiwbSMYbih36jbjA562mRc/s640/beautiful-camping.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:: <a href="http://fuck-yeahcamping.tumblr.com/post/10100050805">pretty!</a> ::</td></tr>
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<br />
We talked about going last Easter weekend, but a few things came up last minute and it didn't happen then, or any other time in 2012. But, mark my words: 2013 will not escape me! (Although truthfully, I'm very scared.)<br />
<br />
Any tips for a novice camper?<br /><br />Any ideas of easy first camping trips outside of Los Angeles? Where can we go where we won't be surrounded by people? That doesn't seem like the point of camping...<br />
<br />
P.S. I saw the premier of "The Following" on Monday, and it was so so so so so scary. I don't know if I can <a href="http://www.joannaboanna.com/2013/01/2013-to-do-see-scary-movie.html">see a scary movie</a>!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-65473972436307516292013-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:002013-01-17T05:00:11.909-08:002013 to-do: See a scary movieI am totally scared of scary movies. I know lots of people love the horror/paranormal genre, but it just freaks me the f out, and in a traumatic way, not a fun way.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I don't even know that I've seen any scary movies. (Does <i>Scream</i> count? Or was that more just a cultural phenomenon? Because I saw that one. PS - It was scary! Even with Courteney Cox.)<br />
<br />
It seems that a lot of people like scary movies because you get all riled up, but then know that the premises are so absurd that there's nothing to worry about. I have a hard time with the second part. After seeing <i>Rosemary's Baby </i>in college, I remember crying from fear and genuinely asking my boyfriend: "Do you promise not to sell your soul to the devil and in exchange let the devil rape me to impregnate me with devil spawn and then let everyone trick me into letting me think that I'm nuts? Do you???"<br />
<br />
Anyway, I want to enjoy this genre! It seems fun! But I'm... a-sceeeerrrrrrrrred! So I decided to make one of my 2013 "to-do"s be to see a scary movie (maybe, just maybe, more than one).<br />
<br />
This new movie <i>Mama</i> looks pretty spook-tacular! And it stars Jessica Chastain (who I like) and Jamie Lannister (!!!! who I LOVE!), so maybe that means it's also pretty good? What do you think?<br />
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Do you like scary movies? Any ideas on how I should tackle this undertaking? Start in movie theaters or at home? Will I have nightmares? Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-32321583385889944962013-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-15T06:00:04.426-08:00Some noteable articles this week, plus a tip for reading content for freeGuys.<br />
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I have some stuff you should read, for various reasons.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPnz9ZyiSyRCyrIB6y8TdrU0jb94Xo-xzXP7pZMY3TGEaPZ3dd29I1f2Pb-1CvTaPtvTJpA_m4TvlQYCZJkvcqeMfM2NvlqhAw7iyF27-fSLlWc2ZZYUWAMW8o6sQiyIOppUqKqtkIKs/s1600/new-york-magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPnz9ZyiSyRCyrIB6y8TdrU0jb94Xo-xzXP7pZMY3TGEaPZ3dd29I1f2Pb-1CvTaPtvTJpA_m4TvlQYCZJkvcqeMfM2NvlqhAw7iyF27-fSLlWc2ZZYUWAMW8o6sQiyIOppUqKqtkIKs/s1600/new-york-magazine.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:: this whole issue is really, really good ::</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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1. <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/01/evolution-of-soulcycle.html">The Carefully Cultivated Soul of SoulCycle</a> from this week's <i>New York. </i>This is my favorite article I've read in a while. I love the specific kind of nuts it is. I hope this quote piques your interest, but maybe it only really is entertaining in the context of the whole article:<br />
<i>"Favored riders may be pulled to the coveted front row or even asked to
ride the instructor bike, which was “the scariest, most thrilling
experience of my life,” according to one SoulCycler."</i><br />
<br />
But whatever - it's a fast fun read. Please do it.<br />
<br />
2. While you're over at <i>New York</i>, you might as well check out <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/01/elizabeth-wurtzel-on-self-help.html">Elizabeth Wurtzel's essay</a>, which has the internets all worked up. (<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/01/07/elizabeth_wurtzel_in_new_york_magazine_confessional_writing_hits_bottom.html">Here</a> is one notable response. You can also read the comments after the article if you want to hear people get riled up.) <br />
<br />
3. If you like reading about naughty Hollywood (which is basically everyone), then you simply have to check out <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/magazine/here-is-what-happens-when-you-cast-lindsay-lohan-in-your-movie.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">Here Is What Happens When You Cast Lindsay Lohan in Your Movie</a> from <i>The New York Times Magazine</i>. I mean, pretty self explanatory from the title. (Thanks for the nudge to read this, Halie!)<br />
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4. And just because everyone's talking about it, there's this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/fashion/the-end-of-courtship.html">The End of Courtship</a> article from the NYT Style section. I mean, these trend pieces are always fun to read, but really: is it a "trend" if it's just an obvious thing that everyone has already talked to death? <br />
<br />
And, as promised, here's my tip for reading online content for free:<br />
If you go to a source and the url looks like this:<br />
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/magazine/here-is-what-happens-when-you-cast-lindsay-lohan-in-your-movie.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0<br />
<br />
...and you find yourself locked out because you've already read too much free content...<br />
<br />
Simply delete everything after the "?". You're welcome.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-5828164958021325092013-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-10T06:00:03.447-08:00Non-Toxic Adventures!: Tarte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you think I forgot about non-toxic beauty supplies? Well I didn't! I've been trying fewer things, because my initial phase of "OMG must replace everything and try tons of new things!!!" was getting really expensive and wasteful.<br />
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But I have good news... I have some new things to report on!<br />
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When I started looking for non-toxic cosmetics, I was trying to be really "good" and looking for the purest of the pure. And you know what? It was kind of boring to get things at random specialty stores or websites without engaging interfaces (I mean, snooze fest!) or at Whole Foods (kale and mascara shouldn't be purchased together).<br />
<br />
Sometimes a girl just wants to go to Sephora and be girly and play with makeup! (AAAAH! MAKEUP PARTY! PRET-TY COLORS!) And I can do just that now, because I'm officially obsessed with the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/tarte">Tarte</a> line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUnDLynuHl2gocXA2Spds2ypuNtOYhiv2q17ZAoiIzIiQMonkahVIB3vvYk2wllY-w29hE6fV7yHT-Q8maNZyTWQQdkLpO-VrY3aY_7E7JRA6xCPoQgwVsAl8BnDzVXMxATv8eoWhtMg/s1600/tarte-products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUnDLynuHl2gocXA2Spds2ypuNtOYhiv2q17ZAoiIzIiQMonkahVIB3vvYk2wllY-w29hE6fV7yHT-Q8maNZyTWQQdkLpO-VrY3aY_7E7JRA6xCPoQgwVsAl8BnDzVXMxATv8eoWhtMg/s400/tarte-products.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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:: it looks like fun makeup! ::</div>
<br />
Look, it's not perfectly "clean" stuff. Like it's not just made from things you could grow in a garden. But it's <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/welcome-letter.php">pretty natural</a>, and it's fun, cool makeup to play with that comes in nice packaging that just makes you feel like a woman and not like a crazy hippy. Also all the stuff has normal textures, unlike a lot of the other natural stuff I've tried, and consistently works really well and looks loverly on.<br />
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My two favorite Tarte items that I use every single day are these guys:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNd9_6J8tmYc2MDvG6NyCZahlAF8bYD5k9x9W5LIDFFCLTYLGerslfFFvgkjnwb2vRgfdmD0nuLRA_nwni0XchjP1-i6LqJbMGQR7xRsJ182LsA7K-D33puETRb6N2DyRTu_b_NIWnNY/s1600/tarte-cheek-stain-tipsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNd9_6J8tmYc2MDvG6NyCZahlAF8bYD5k9x9W5LIDFFCLTYLGerslfFFvgkjnwb2vRgfdmD0nuLRA_nwni0XchjP1-i6LqJbMGQR7xRsJ182LsA7K-D33puETRb6N2DyRTu_b_NIWnNY/s320/tarte-cheek-stain-tipsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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:: <a href="http://www.sephora.com/cheek-stain-P38468?skuId=759696">tarte natural cheek stain</a> $30 (lasts forever) ::</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXCAFv2yrSIPi-W8vrqhE8wL34MxeEiekM67J6EvVPMmdjHaxCuJneyDwEf4EdmrCYaYvU1hh6u9XxP1lC4CeaxDuLe_rxi-VLKvhu_0vxlnILwiGCMYwx_oPnE43_4tlNvzu_fjIlJ4/s1600/tarte-lip-tint-swank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXCAFv2yrSIPi-W8vrqhE8wL34MxeEiekM67J6EvVPMmdjHaxCuJneyDwEf4EdmrCYaYvU1hh6u9XxP1lC4CeaxDuLe_rxi-VLKvhu_0vxlnILwiGCMYwx_oPnE43_4tlNvzu_fjIlJ4/s320/tarte-lip-tint-swank.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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:: <a href="http://www.sephora.com/lipsurgence-lip-tint-P255102">tarte lipsurgence lip tint</a> $24 (so pretty!) ::</div>
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Go get them. You will love them. (I also like their primer, and will probably like whatever else I try.)Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-46427810171109023872013-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-08T18:51:03.553-08:00Book Review!: Happier at HomeThis book came out in September, and I can't believe it's taken me until now to read, because I loooove it. (Santa put it in my <a href="http://www.joannaboanna.com/2012/12/what-to-put-in-stocking.html">stocking</a> - yay!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2FUoc97wEGaXM93NITU47LRgxc6-Q-7tT62a3NkgQFrpRdaUztAwnhUOXG3cIL0tGnXY6ci-RxHhKNvHL4Imipo_WSv5CC-rm3uX_bBMqlmGFD67zSHaWlS-Q1t82UvXUGA89ROspqE/s1600/happier-at-home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2FUoc97wEGaXM93NITU47LRgxc6-Q-7tT62a3NkgQFrpRdaUztAwnhUOXG3cIL0tGnXY6ci-RxHhKNvHL4Imipo_WSv5CC-rm3uX_bBMqlmGFD67zSHaWlS-Q1t82UvXUGA89ROspqE/s320/happier-at-home.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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:: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happier-Home-Experiments-Practice-Everyday/dp/0307886786/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357537948&sr=8-1&keywords=happier+at+home">Happier at Home</a> by Gretchen Rubin ::</div>
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You know I love me some <a href="http://www.joannaboanna.com/2012/10/revisiting-some-old-favorites.html">self-help books</a>, and this one is just so sweet and fun! It's a really nice book to read right around the beginning of the year because it fills you with a sense of possibility and the desire to intention-set.<br />
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Gretchen Rubin takes a month-by-month approach to tackle different areas meant to improve her happiness as it relates to home and family. Each chapter chronicles her ideation period and records where she succeeded, stumbled and, sometimes, gave up. The format is basically the same as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally/dp/006158326X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y"><i>The Happiness Project</i></a>, which I also loved.<br />
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Gretchen's (I'll call her by her first name since I feel like we're friends after reading her for so long) writing style is so, so <i>readable</i>. She is chatty and relateable, not in an omigod-be-my-best-friend way, but in a wow-it-would-be-cool-if-you-were-in-my-extended-family-and-we-hung-out-at-Thanksgiving way. Like, I'm not always on the same page as her, but she expresses herself so well in a way that is honest and self-aware that it feels impossible not to feel a kinship with her after reading the book.<br />
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(Critics say that she's annoying because focusing on happiness and the changes she suggests are definitely for those who are already meeting basic needs without a ton of stress (not everyone can think about visiting an art museum)... but hey, that's me. So I like it.)<br />
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If you want to test-drive the material (or are looking for more), Gretchen keeps up a <a href="http://www.happiness-project.com/">Happiness Project blog</a>, which she updates regularly. This is also where she chronicled her research in real-time as she prepped for the first book, so dig through the archives.<br />
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And I'll give you a little teaser: one of my favorite things from her first book is her realization that what makes <i>other people</i> happy, isn't what necessarily makes <i>her </i>happy, and vice versa. So... it's okay that I hate pot lucks and don't think Betty White is funny. <br />
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Did you read any good books over the holidays?<br />
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P.S. I'm going to try to stick with a regular posting schedule -- I'm giving Tuesdays and Thursdays a spin. Tuesdays may or may not be a Tip Tuesday (that'll keep you on your toes!)... depends on if I hear of any good tips.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-76363937300104929332013-01-02T20:55:00.000-08:002013-01-14T18:53:08.597-08:00The Seven Weirdest Plot Points in Downton Abbey Thus Far<i>Downton Abbey</i> is coming back! <br />
<i>Downton Abbey</i> is coming back! <br />
<i>Downton Abbey</i> is coming back! <br />
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Can you believe it? Everyone's favorite feel-good drama is back again. As I reflected back on the first two seasons, I remembered that, while we've enjoyed seeing some plot lines progress over the seasons (What's to become of Bates? Will Edith ever get a man? Will someone ever give Mary some blush?), there have also been some super-weird plot points throughout.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd8AEO15H7yNRu7HcjiTyVXagGah-JFocu_jI126ajyZPeoxlGWNbsgBW6Qed4UDA97JfLfQiEHl6wxZz7rN8nlVbYIiSUtFoM-YnQmaG_nf6IGyGRYvxSWz85pjSREZAS2F90l3HYOw/s1600/downton-abbey-season-3-cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd8AEO15H7yNRu7HcjiTyVXagGah-JFocu_jI126ajyZPeoxlGWNbsgBW6Qed4UDA97JfLfQiEHl6wxZz7rN8nlVbYIiSUtFoM-YnQmaG_nf6IGyGRYvxSWz85pjSREZAS2F90l3HYOw/s1600/downton-abbey-season-3-cast.jpg" /></a></div>
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Join me as I count down the seven weirdest (or at least really random) plot points from <i>Downton Abbey</i> thus far.<br />
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<b>7. Thomas steals Lord Grantham's yellow lab.</b><br />
Thomas falls out of favor with Lord Grantham, so he hides/steals his dearest yellow lab, so he can "find" him and get back in his good graces.<b> </b><br />
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<b>6. Violet gets taken down a notch at the flower show.</b><br />
At the annual flower show, Isobel calls Violet out on winning
every year, and instead backs Molesley's father's arrangements. Oh, snap!<br />
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<b>5. Daisy makes the replacement cook's food taste gross.</b><br />
Mrs. Patmore is temporarily replaced by Mrs. Crawley’s cook while she's dealing with her eye stuff. She's afraid the family will like her food better, so she has Daisy make the food taste nasty so they won't like it.<br />
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<b>4. Matthew and Thomas hang out in the trenches.</b><br />
Remember how some of <i>Downton Abbey</i> took place, like, in the middle of WWI? I just remembered that. Matthew and Thomas (ew, barf, Thomas) ran into each other in the trench and had a cup of tea. After sharing some conversation, Thomas got his hand shot so he could go home.<br />
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<b>3. Bates gets a weird medical device.</b> <br />
Bates
secretly buys a device to correct his limp but it hurts really bad. Mrs.
Hughes discovers his secret and makes him throw it out.<br />
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<b>2. A burned Canadian pretends to be Patrick Crawley.</b><br />
A severely burned Canadian officer asks to be brought to Downton. He claims he is Patrick Crawley, the heir who died on the Titanic. Only, he says, he didn't die on the Titanic - he was taken to Canada and suffered from amnesia. Now he remembers that he is the Downton heir! No one buys it except Edith who gets super into him. He disappears, leaving her an appropriately ambiguous note.<br />
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and the weirdest, most random, moment in Downton history....<br />
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<b>1. Carson's secret history, revealed!</b><br />
Carson is getting followed by a mysterious man and gets the heebie-jeebies... because he is threatening to out Carson's dirty, nasty, scandalous past to Lord Grantham... he used to be a vaudeville performer!!<br />
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And just because I can't resist, here's a picture of some cast members out of costume:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9PlLk-I04p0_ZcDCsnZWZohVOs4ShU7CP6-tNdTse3BJob99sbygvK-spwGEd-UWfxwIhyphenhyphenp7GhnFLU_QVXd63H0hTc_kgpdZyfwKmxV3QpOV3OQYQU9YG88cBtV_tCIYMfy7sdoxTYw/s1600/downton-abbey-cast-in-real-life.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9PlLk-I04p0_ZcDCsnZWZohVOs4ShU7CP6-tNdTse3BJob99sbygvK-spwGEd-UWfxwIhyphenhyphenp7GhnFLU_QVXd63H0hTc_kgpdZyfwKmxV3QpOV3OQYQU9YG88cBtV_tCIYMfy7sdoxTYw/s1600/downton-abbey-cast-in-real-life.jpg" /></a></div>
Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-64409821363690267862012-12-19T21:07:00.003-08:002012-12-19T21:10:13.246-08:00What to Put in a StockingStockings are under-ratedly tough to do right. When people think stockings, the normal sentiment is "Oh, stockings! They're so fun and easy! Just put in lotsa lil' stuff!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDp1M3pfSJDT9oKT0vPSvF4GnU4sV6CfW0-TRsN8EWF4dFbdZSeX6QW3Vs6QkxSiwok3a8N0V0PtZnZbraDzjJU-5w5y9DvxqMrR5fyYznm7phXUTsycHdw7K53D7k3xXY-MLWIja25U/s1600/stocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDp1M3pfSJDT9oKT0vPSvF4GnU4sV6CfW0-TRsN8EWF4dFbdZSeX6QW3Vs6QkxSiwok3a8N0V0PtZnZbraDzjJU-5w5y9DvxqMrR5fyYznm7phXUTsycHdw7K53D7k3xXY-MLWIja25U/s400/stocking.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: image via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/155303887121713969/">pinterest</a> ::</span></div>
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But if you want to do a stocking right, like, "Omg, this stocking is full of good, useful, cool stuff!" it takes a bit more thought.<br />
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Speaking on behalf of all ladies, here are 10 things I think we'd all be happy to find in our stockings:<br />
1. A pair of black opaque tights<br />
2. A couple pairs of whatever nicer underwear we tend to wear<br />
3. A pair of athletic socks<br />
4. A good lip balm, like maybe this <a href="http://www.sephora.com/sugar-lip-treatment-spf-15-P57002?om_mmc=Googlepla&_requestid=42976&cm_mmc=us_search-_-GG-_-pla-_-{keyword}&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=1190529">Fresh</a> one, this <a href="http://www.kiehls.com/Lip-Balm-1/307,default,pd.html?start=6&cgid=face-eye">K<span style="font-size: small;">ieh</span>l's</a> one, or a nice <a href="http://www.luckyvitamin.com/p-25639-mode-de-vie-karite-lips-shea-butter-lip-balm-vanilla-015-oz?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=fpl&utm_term=ModeDeVieKariteLipsSheaButterLipBalmVanilla015oz&utm_content=75561&utm_campaign=googlebase&site=google_product_listing_ads&gclid=CMjEzryYqLQCFal7QgodhDUAPQ&">shea butter</a> one<br />
5. A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/We-Animals-A-novel-ebook/dp/B005ENZ6KM">book you heard was good</a> that you think we might like<br />
6. A <a href="http://www.sephora.com/3-free-nail-lacquer-P308011?skuId=1414440">splurge-y special nail polish</a> (aaaah all the colors are so good it's killing me!)<br />
7. An ultra fine-tipped Sharpie and a metallic gold Sharpie<br />
8. A Toblerone bar<br />
9. A mix CD (or some burned CDs you think we might like)<br />
10. A pack of these <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-hair/24378242.jsp">soft hair ties</a><br />
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What did I miss? What else would make a great stocking stuffer?<br />
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Also: Do you wrap gifts that go in stockings? My family always did! We'd wrap even the tiniest thing. Going through the process of unwrapping everything was part of the fun. When I went to spend Christmas with my husband's family I was in shock to learn they didn't! Apparently lots of people don't wrap stocking stuffers. Where do you stand?<br />
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P.S. I looooved this post about <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/12/10-things-to-give/#">10 great things to give</a>. (Don't worry - it's actual things. Not, like, "appreciation." That doesn't count.)<br />
<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-63595864125093978102012-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:002012-12-14T06:00:04.892-08:003 Tips to Get Better at Awkward Small TalkYou guys: this is a major Christmas party weekend coming up. And you know what that means: small tal<span style="font-size: small;">k. Ugh.</span><br />
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At a social gathering, I'd always rather just have a long conversation in the corner with a good friend than meet someone new (or someone I don't know well at all) and have to go through all the awkward motions. Let's face it: it's <i>hard</i> to be friendly at sociable at a party with people you don't really know. But on the other hand, if it works, it's so fun to make a few friend and feel like you've connected with somebody.<br />
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It's important to get comfortable with small talk for 3 reasons:<br />
1. It's polite and nice.<br />
2. You can't make new friends without putting yourself out there through conversation, and it usually needs to start small.<br />
3. We're adults and need to figure this out. Seriously, guys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEI7_GY82cYKWrQYhgBrsXAcakQEOilUvA1mqg3nEm9Koa2FxICYcZ6C39ftpTCQIRdXBuwzSN7zA-vEox-S0aOwdruVpOgSp-OxV7ekCVBU1X-rrq_E6x8svDXVxT-F0gEEZGkNsyO4/s1600/january-jones-at-a-party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEI7_GY82cYKWrQYhgBrsXAcakQEOilUvA1mqg3nEm9Koa2FxICYcZ6C39ftpTCQIRdXBuwzSN7zA-vEox-S0aOwdruVpOgSp-OxV7ekCVBU1X-rrq_E6x8svDXVxT-F0gEEZGkNsyO4/s400/january-jones-at-a-party.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: January Jones being charming at a party, via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/205758276695841604/">pinterest</a> ::</span></div>
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I've made an effort to try to improve at the art of small talk over the last year, and I'd like to share some tips with you:<br />
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<b>1. Find a small talk role model</b><br />
Who in your life always seems to handle social situations with warmth and grace and seems friendly and easy to talk to? Stalk that person! Or at least observe him/her when you're in a social situation together. What does he/she do? Body language? Tone? Conversation starters?<br />
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My personal role model always seems genuinely to happy to see people... and who can resist when someone is delighted that you're there? It automatically fosters a sense of warmth and familiarity, even if the basis isn't there. Starting with friendliness is a small talk lubricant.<br />
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<b>2. Change your mind-set. </b><br />
It's not awkward to make small talk, it's a universal kindness. (Remember, the person you hardly know in this conversation probably isn't super-excited to figure out how to talk to you, either.) You are doing a huge social favor by putting yourself out there and helping to move the conversation along.<br />
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<b>3. Come prepared. </b><br />
It sounds calculated, but come ready with some easy questions you ask. I'll give you a really easy one for this weekend:<br />
<i>What are you doing for the holidays?</i><br />
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Boom. It's so easy. Yes, it's obvious, but it opens things up really easily! You'll find out where people are from, what their families are like, what their holiday traditions are, etc.<i> </i><br />
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I like to avoid asking any question I wouldn't enjoy answering. Those include "So, what have you been up to lately?" and "What do you do for a living?"<br />
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So there: you have all my wisdom. How do you handle weird small talk? What are your tips?Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-40230814635680159892012-12-12T07:07:00.000-08:002012-12-12T07:07:45.030-08:00Tip Tuesday: Holiday TippingThis is the time of year when a bunch of articles pop up about holiday tipping etiquette.<br />
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These always freak me out at first, because there seems to be a really long list of people who I supposedly owe $100, until I realize I don't have many service providers who are the tip recipient type. (Uh, no <a href="http://www.emilypost.com/out-and-about/tipping/92-holiday-tipping-is-really-holiday-thanking">Emily Post</a>. I <i>don't</i> have a regular massage therapist, physical trainer, pool cleaner, or doorman.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdJLJsm2mZ8fKXy2XuryjRgZLzCEK9YbTMlFTTG65g-VARVWGTteVQ8YMD81R1rkXfTphMuxtDDOt5u0b_lLDsmt4WXYx1D-p0ubeduRVdx5CDiM47ageArKwSqGcyEfFe-BI-ojMkiM/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdJLJsm2mZ8fKXy2XuryjRgZLzCEK9YbTMlFTTG65g-VARVWGTteVQ8YMD81R1rkXfTphMuxtDDOt5u0b_lLDsmt4WXYx1D-p0ubeduRVdx5CDiM47ageArKwSqGcyEfFe-BI-ojMkiM/s400/gifts.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: image via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/28358672625058854/">pinterest</a> :: </span></div>
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If you do have regular service providers, the standard guide seems to be "pay an extra time<span style="font-size: x-small;">".</span> So, ideally, you'd tip:<br />
- your housekeeper: whatever you pay for a cleaning visit<br />
- your hair stylist: double the tip your normally leave<br />
- your regular babysitter: what you generally pay for a night of services<br />
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Pretty straight forward. And expensive. Sigh.<br />
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Also, it seems like every year I hear people talk about tipping mail carriers. Heads up, folks: they are federal employees. They can't accept cash or gift cards. (Only gifts clearly under $20 in value or a snack/treat.)<br />
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Remember: be a sweetheart of a tipper -- always include a handwritten note with your tip expressing gratitude for services provided throughout the year.<br />
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Emily Post's full tipping guide is <a href="http://www.emilypost.com/out-and-about/tipping/92-holiday-tipping-is-really-holiday-thanking">here</a>.<br />
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Who will you be tipping this season?Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-14023615869241471912012-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:002012-12-06T06:00:04.319-08:00Game of Thrones: Is Winter Ever Coming?!...Do you ever feel like <i>Game of Thrones</i> is NEVER going to come back?<br />
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Sigh. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:: I picked this picture for the Direwolf puppies. Also, I really like Bran. ::<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">At least this video <span style="font-size: small;">with little interview-ettes with all the new cast mem<span style="font-size: small;">bers </span>was released recently:</span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BdjyMrvrqTE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">I haven't read book 3, so this really means nothing to me, but it fires me up. <span style="font-size: small;">Especially Gareth from "The Office", the guy with the weird top-knot and all the cute kids. Can't wait!</span></span></div>
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Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495890437284275163.post-60429574405136605922012-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:002012-12-04T06:00:00.976-08:00Tip Tuesday: A New Way to Think About Holiday EatingEvery internet visit this time of year seems to feature a lot of articles about ways to avoid gaining weight over the holidays. ("Make a plan before you go out!", "Only allow yourself one dessert!", "Station yourself near the veggie platter!", "Eat before you go!")<br />
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I recently read an interesting tip that was initially about weight loss generally, but I thought could be a good intention to set for the month of December.<br />
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<b>Instead of making rules around what you can't eat, just make sure to eat 6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8ZcQ6-iXnoZXCuLO4eTtqciDK2KWNOOlEXE63H8a2M8jKZdzGpE6iRs5ENCdTKXYSQV_Y5-4L6fpZQZYXsrt7M2epbbAJEZN4vp83CMHy92tkCurXII5-gA6QKcO_xZrfAQkv7KuYcs/s1600/farmers-market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8ZcQ6-iXnoZXCuLO4eTtqciDK2KWNOOlEXE63H8a2M8jKZdzGpE6iRs5ENCdTKXYSQV_Y5-4L6fpZQZYXsrt7M2epbbAJEZN4vp83CMHy92tkCurXII5-gA6QKcO_xZrfAQkv7KuYcs/s400/farmers-market.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back when I was doing my <a href="http://www.joannaboanna.com/2012/02/here-is-cleanse-that-i-did-part-1-of-2.html">cleanse last February</a>, I followed the same standards, and I noticed that it kind of forces you into healthy choices because it takes effort to eat 6 servings of produce. If it's 3pm and you realize you haven't had any fruits or vegetables that day, you're going to reach for a piece of fruit instead of a holiday cookie because you've got numbers to hit!<br />
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I'm sure this concept wouldn't work for everyone, but I know I'm much better motivated by positive choices rather than deprivation rules.<br />
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What do you think? Would this work for you?Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09539568007789693260noreply@blogger.com2