tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188888452487359172024-03-12T20:56:01.504-07:00The way I like itLydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.comBlogger593125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-42930020467344087352014-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:002014-02-10T14:12:39.151-08:00UpdateJanuary was a mighty productive month.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2014/01/plans-for-great-2014.html">Progress for January</a>:<br />
-Painted the entryway<br />
-Attended the temple twice, including the Gilbert temple open house<br />
-Purchased a extensive meal plan for our dietary modifications and am in the process of weeding through them to find 14 meals to put into regular circulation<br />
-shot 3 rolls of film with the newest camera in my collection<br />
-Participated with the <a href="http://photography-hill.com/blog/2014/2/5/project-ten-sharp">Project Ten Challenge for January</a><br />
-Bought a ukelele and learned to play one song with 3 chords<br />
-Submitted 1 photo to the <a href="http://www.beesleyproject.com/01/hymn-185-reverently-and-meekly-now/">Beesley Project</a><br />
-Gone to the gym, but not consistently each week<br />
-Spent time with the Boy for 15 minutes on some days, but it is proving to be harder than anticipated<br />
-Had friends over for dinner one night, so I could that as social.<br />
-Date night twice!<br />
<br />
This list is vague, but I assure you there are posts to come to share more info.Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-61842301828762660682014-01-19T19:08:00.002-08:002014-01-20T09:30:31.347-08:00Plans for a Great 2014That was a long blogger break, but I felt drawn back to track my progression on my goals for the year. Since I last posted, the Boy started Kindergarten and I got a part-time job at a local photo studio. Those two events left me living out the remainder of the year flying by the seat of my pants. And Christmas being thrown together last minute. This year I am going to get my act together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvNU62bB2kA_VHp9KlviXgnVX3Qm1EVugtDLw9vbOS6uCvnp27HZuHWkofhr02BYNv-BHR9onqVB0mJhDchHz14I3XlKfEACzRIs_e9McPMco3MCYf1MmFpHBdzGQTidZ_QnqizgJRw/s1600/windows+and+palm+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvNU62bB2kA_VHp9KlviXgnVX3Qm1EVugtDLw9vbOS6uCvnp27HZuHWkofhr02BYNv-BHR9onqVB0mJhDchHz14I3XlKfEACzRIs_e9McPMco3MCYf1MmFpHBdzGQTidZ_QnqizgJRw/s1600/windows+and+palm+trees.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
1. <b>Print photos</b> - I have about 4 years worth of digital photos. Whether it be thousands of 4x6 prints or large wall displays or photo books, those puppies need to be printed. This also goes for professional work so that I can have a hard copy of my portfolio.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Read the <a href="http://mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon">Book of Mormon</a> as a family</b> - We started it last year and the Boy is capable of reading verses himself, so it just needs to become part of our bedtime routine.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Paint entry way</b> - Since we moved in, our entryway has been maroon. It has been doom and gloom dark and not very welcoming to guests (or me). It needs to get happy.<br />
<br />
4. <b>Plan and take a fun and educational trip to Oregon</b> - Husband's sister recently moved there and that is reason enough to go visit. The plan is to get books from the library and do a little bit of research with the Boy to figure out what we want to see. Did I mention the Boy loves all the states in the U.S.? I'm hoping we can get to all 50 at some point or another.<br />
<br />
5. <b>Go to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWJhDaYSdI4">temple</a> 6 times</b> - I doubt I made it that many times last year because life was just so busy. Averaging a visit every other month is a reasonable goal.<br />
<br />
6. <b>Develop 2 weeks' worth of meals to regularly rotate through</b> - Last year I had to come to terms with the need to eliminate/minimize some foods in my diet for health reasons. Every recipe in my regular standby menu needs to be scrapped or re-configured.<br />
<br />
7. <b>Learn to skillfully use 3 different film cameras </b>- I have a ridiculously <a href="http://instagram.com/p/dvh3LBpaYy/">large camera collection</a> and a moderate-sized supply of film in my fridge. These two things need to join forces.<br />
<br />
8. <b>Set up my living room and reading room to be used for photo clients</b> - There are business goals (none included in this list) that I have for this year and having a place to meet with clients would sure help move things along.<br />
<br />
9. <b>Scan and restore family photos</b> - My mom's side of the family has a lot of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101020883568119&set=a.901542090439.2435531.17800565&type=3&theater">old family photos</a> and I happen to have the skills to scan and restore old photos. It seems like the least I can do in terms of genealogy work. Plus I love looking at old photos.<br />
<br />
10. <b>Participate in the Project 10 Challenge every month</b> - I am part of a group on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/112016992321656/">facebook</a> that posts a theme every month for a 10 photo series. While I have been a member of the group for a while, I have not participated yet. It would be good for my photography and soul to have a mini photo shoot that pushes my creativity.<br />
<br />
11. <b>Learn to play the ukulele</b> - I have been telling Husband for over a year that I wanted to own and play the ukulele. <a href="http://nothingcomesofnothing.blogspot.com/">Jen</a> inspired me to just get it done.<br />
<br />
12. <b>Plan an intentional Christmas</b> - To put it simply, this last Christmas was not good for our family. It had everything to do with a lack of planning ahead. Not this year.<br />
<br />
13. <b>Submit at least 24 photos to the <a href="http://www.beesleyproject.com/">Beesley Project</a></b> - It is an honor to have been asked to participate in this project. Basically, it is a daily analysis of each hymn in the LDS hymn book. Another good project for my photography and soul.<br />
<br />
14. <b>Learn to play one piece from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K66A80/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Pride and Prejudice piano book</a> well enough to perform publicly</b> - Husband's dad recently gave us his digital piano. I have been without a piano in my home for about 10 years, so my skills have gotten rusty. When I was younger I performed at recitals at least 3 times a year. While I don't really want to have a recital, I would love to have a new piece of recital music ready.<br />
<br />
15. <b>De-clutter my house</b> - It is embarrassing to say, but there are still some boxes in my bedroom from when we moved into our house 2.5 years ago. There are things in just about every room that don't really have a home. There are things in my house that I have not used since before Husband and I married 6.5 years ago. My house is in no way any where near hoarder territory, but I would like get rid of things that are just taking up space. Organizing all my camera gear would be helpful, too.<br />
<br />
16. <b>Go to the gym 3 times a week</b> - Working out is my anti-depressant and I got out of the habit when the school year started.<br />
<br />
17. <b>Spend 15 uninterrupted minutes a day with the Boy</b> - Life has been busy and I have been majorly distracted. The Boy has noticed and often stands uncomfortably close to me while I am working at my computer to get my attention. I read somewhere that spending just 15 minutes uninterrupted by technology or whatever can make a huge difference in a child's day and behavior. It should make a difference in my behavior, too.<br />
<br />
18. <b>Attend or host a social event once a month</b> - Hermit behavior does nothing to benefit me. When I get busy, I become a huge hermit. Once a month should keep me connected with the outside world enough to prevent me from being any more awkward that I already am. Lets hope that I can be invited to an event most months so I don't have to plan too much...<br />
<br />
19. <b>Go out on a date with Husband once a month</b> - Husband and I have gotten pretty good at setting time aside for each other every evening once the Boy is in bed, but we rarely go out on a date. How can we demonstrate PDA if we are never out in public together?<br />
<br />
20. <b>Find and enroll the Boy in an extracurricular activity</b> - Art, dance, sports, music, or something else, would benefit the Boy since he is a sponge and just soaks information up like crazy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-73752993890116265882013-04-30T13:04:00.000-07:002013-04-30T13:04:03.947-07:00Too LegitThe wait is over. Photography Hill has been officially launched! Check out the website at <a href="http://photography-hill.com/">photography-hill.com</a>.<br />
<br />
And! Check out the giveaway over at the <a href="http://photography-hill.com/blog/2013/4/30/mini-session-giveaway">Photography Hill blog</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QsaJCgvylgXEI8t4j-Rcn036383-cu-nqpB4U4OWc3EAhXG2S4tvpXh6DdHx2cCDGmR4mqUj0MqeC-vyXmPAHydhtbc1SMABtB5GkLOzv328vJV_xfwShB-nnfPTTjkTqOYS0x0Uyg/s1600/launch-1words-internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QsaJCgvylgXEI8t4j-Rcn036383-cu-nqpB4U4OWc3EAhXG2S4tvpXh6DdHx2cCDGmR4mqUj0MqeC-vyXmPAHydhtbc1SMABtB5GkLOzv328vJV_xfwShB-nnfPTTjkTqOYS0x0Uyg/s400/launch-1words-internet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A big thank you to everyone that has been so supportive of my photography. It means the world to me.Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-60412306495612106532013-04-24T13:15:00.000-07:002013-04-24T13:15:07.404-07:00Pleasant DistractionFriends, it has been too long. To say that I have been distracted would be a understatement. For those of you who don't know, I am getter super serious about my photography and have formed my own company. Photography Hill is soon to be launched in all it's glory this week. I'll post here, Facebook, and Instagram (@photographyhill) about that - complete with a giveaway. Stay tuned! I am so excited to share my work with you (and the world?). Taking pictures of people makes me happy and I want to share that happiness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHnhUn6yPKQAd0YQYrDSOpdH8VFQvL-QtVKSFpRvnjepNG9lIFQ9cItRziQiUzVWzGV8_tQcPScMAXUooxZW_FdZquUNa6NsFDYuycSZVU11fJnxQY-V1fd6dW2hnIEjJfXx8FfwVeQ/s640/blogger-image--2027276600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHnhUn6yPKQAd0YQYrDSOpdH8VFQvL-QtVKSFpRvnjepNG9lIFQ9cItRziQiUzVWzGV8_tQcPScMAXUooxZW_FdZquUNa6NsFDYuycSZVU11fJnxQY-V1fd6dW2hnIEjJfXx8FfwVeQ/s320/blogger-image--2027276600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Check out my business cards! I'm to legit to quit. <a href="http://www.moo.com/share/95yg99">Moo</a> provides amazing options for business cards. Without them, it would have taken me a long time to produce my polaroid inspired cards. I thought of the idea about a year ago, so when I saw their template just like I had envisioned on Moo, it was a dream come true.<br />
<br />
And again, stay tuned. A giveaway is on the way.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_246769975"></span><span id="goog_246769976"></span><br />
<br />
<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-81111082662614885222013-04-11T13:12:00.003-07:002013-04-11T13:12:50.055-07:00Guest Posting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm guest posting over at <a href="http://nothingcomesofnothing.blogspot.com/2013/04/lydia-of-way-i-like-it.html">Jen's blog</a> today. Please send some happy birthing vibes her way, as her baby is 5 days overdue. Let us all collectively will Cletus the Fetus to be born in the next 24 hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
And here is a random photo for you, since I take pictures and a post is never fully dressed without one. This one is of the Boy at 3 days old.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lLhwl9m_zBDySMJWKLvfNdqN4IcaBaNY7b0x4_GNaqPNca-8ZUqDWcgrZRjnZvTPKonTvjwfV3G7n-_orJnlc3Ta-NnbNl1Xiq9QTzlOwZAnw3_iXglgNV00X3BSE7ssixLsD3VwJQ/s1600/rigbypirate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lLhwl9m_zBDySMJWKLvfNdqN4IcaBaNY7b0x4_GNaqPNca-8ZUqDWcgrZRjnZvTPKonTvjwfV3G7n-_orJnlc3Ta-NnbNl1Xiq9QTzlOwZAnw3_iXglgNV00X3BSE7ssixLsD3VwJQ/s320/rigbypirate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-48596217655126858362013-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:002013-03-26T12:21:23.946-07:00Lettuce, Turnip, and PeaRecently, Husband and I decided to get strict with our monthly budget. We are not extravagant with our expenditures, but since student loans are in our lives, we decided that we should tighten up our budget where possible. The grocery budget is ALWAYS where I look first. We decided to go cash only on our groceries, and that the budget would be $200/month or $50/week.<br />
<br />
This week marks the end of our first month of cash only. It also marks the end of our first month of regularly buying meat again. I am amazed and excited about how far I have stretched that money (FYI: I stopped <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2011/04/coupon-basics.html">couponing</a> over a year ago because it just took too much energy). I was actually $7.18 under budget. A big portion of this success is thanks to <a href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/">Fresh & Easy</a> for their excellent prices, weekly coupons, and <a href="http://www.freshandeasy.com/about-us/about-friends/">reward points system</a>. And thanks to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/superstition-ranch-market-mesa-2">Superstition Ranch Market</a> for excellent prices on produce.<br />
<br />
I'm, also, pretty happy to report that we have actually eaten better than usual. This can be attributed to reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starts-Food-Discover-Whole30-Unexpected/dp/1936608898">It Starts With Food</a> that changed my views of our meal plan (read: put more emphasis on protein, veggies, and fruit, and less on fillers like rice and bread).<br />
<br />
Here are pictures of some of my favorite meals from this month so far:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpHyrAlaVJU/UU_vKga7piI/AAAAAAAAF2U/b5H--L_XAPc/s1600/blog201303111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpHyrAlaVJU/UU_vKga7piI/AAAAAAAAF2U/b5H--L_XAPc/s320/blog201303111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;">Salmon Cakes with Asparagus and Bell Peppers</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABn_dwbuWs0/UU_vNwAEmCI/AAAAAAAAF2c/KMBaawGRhEw/s1600/blog201303144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABn_dwbuWs0/UU_vNwAEmCI/AAAAAAAAF2c/KMBaawGRhEw/s320/blog201303144.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogilates.com/recipe-index/100-natural-pancakes-recipe-gluten-free-flourless-low-calorie">Banana Pancakes</a> (packed with protein) and Strawberries</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sH_xIe9v08/UU_vWWZT3VI/AAAAAAAAF20/3h758AttsKo/s1600/blog201303207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sH_xIe9v08/UU_vWWZT3VI/AAAAAAAAF20/3h758AttsKo/s320/blog201303207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lattesandleggings.com/2013/02/15/pork-chops-with-onion-orange-marmalade/">Pork Chops with Onion Orange Marmalade</a> and Asparagus</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrqMlQLh06A/UU_vYH5IHsI/AAAAAAAAF28/wO38jMP5N8U/s1600/blog201303218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrqMlQLh06A/UU_vYH5IHsI/AAAAAAAAF28/wO38jMP5N8U/s320/blog201303218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whiteonricecouple.com/recipes/grilled-pork-chop-recipe-kingsford-university/">Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Maple Glaze</a> and Salad</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzF38Zcu0vM/UU_vdn_WPaI/AAAAAAAAF3M/KjxQ_qGTkFc/s1600/blog2013032411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzF38Zcu0vM/UU_vdn_WPaI/AAAAAAAAF3M/KjxQ_qGTkFc/s320/blog2013032411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/2012/11/18/cranberry-bbq-turkey-stuffed-sweet-potatoes-for-sundaysupper-thanksgiving-leftovers/">Cranberry BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato</a> and Spinach and <a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/30498-easy-cornbread">Cornbread</a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_WF82BTJyY/UU_veXi4M5I/AAAAAAAAF3U/njPotXQwxgc/s1600/blog201303249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_WF82BTJyY/UU_veXi4M5I/AAAAAAAAF3U/njPotXQwxgc/s320/blog201303249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP6b8S6OSfw/UU_vQsnx_JI/AAAAAAAAF2k/73lIR24XTRQ/s1600/blog201303165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><i style="text-align: center;"></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.framedcooks.com/2013/01/egg-drop-soup.html">Egg Drop Soup</a> with Whole Wheat Potstickers*</i></i></div>
<br />
<i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i>
Another really great thing about this week is that the Boy helped cook a few meals, which resulted in pride in his accomplishment and more enjoyment eating his meals. Every night he asks what dinner will be and when told, he exclaims "Yes!!! I love (insert food name)!!!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP6b8S6OSfw/UU_vQsnx_JI/AAAAAAAAF2k/73lIR24XTRQ/s1600/blog201303165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP6b8S6OSfw/UU_vQsnx_JI/AAAAAAAAF2k/73lIR24XTRQ/s320/blog201303165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>He sauteed those bell peppers and asparagus amazingly well.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rC5ESovRx6E/UU_vRtKZPWI/AAAAAAAAF2s/aHpdYh1d8Uk/s1600/blog201303166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rC5ESovRx6E/UU_vRtKZPWI/AAAAAAAAF2s/aHpdYh1d8Uk/s320/blog201303166.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The pride in his efforts for this omelet can be seen in his <a href="http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/">Awkward Family Photos</a> smile/pose.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NBa0JNrCCw/UU_vb-Bp3bI/AAAAAAAAF3E/lhswEqQ09aM/s1600/blog2013032410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NBa0JNrCCw/UU_vb-Bp3bI/AAAAAAAAF3E/lhswEqQ09aM/s320/blog2013032410.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>He was super excited about the corn bread he helped make, so much so that he inhaled 3 slices in a blink of an eye. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*I realize this meal was lacking in the veggie department. Can't be winning all the time.</div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-18091593838067106782013-03-18T01:24:00.000-07:002013-03-18T01:36:52.188-07:00AZ Blogger Meetup RecapA few weeks ago, I attended a blogger meetup. The idea was to get to know other bloggers through bringing some our favorite things to share. This aspect was what sold me on going. I love putting together gift bags. Receiving bags was fun, too, especially when one included a succulent to add to the <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2013/03/modular-love.html">succulent garden on my fireplace</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoEcDzp80dwPjQhrBnTVdIzVfe-UkV27WhVRlEdr5-19zJa6i3XGLJUtpsuk2b9aKP8Pn6R2Xi49lsXttO4i8Pc5klEEHXzNTAfyrViEpBNJU1eYx0yHInbQxDmgGWco5THiktz_OXA/s1600/bloggermeetupphotobooth2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoEcDzp80dwPjQhrBnTVdIzVfe-UkV27WhVRlEdr5-19zJa6i3XGLJUtpsuk2b9aKP8Pn6R2Xi49lsXttO4i8Pc5klEEHXzNTAfyrViEpBNJU1eYx0yHInbQxDmgGWco5THiktz_OXA/s1600/bloggermeetupphotobooth2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bags I put together contained:</div>
-80s glasses<br />
-print of one of my <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-for-you.html">Polaroids</a><br />
-Strawberry Lime Jones soda<br />
-half pint of home canned Sweet and Sour Pickled Red Onions<br />
-notebook<br />
-Cd of 5 favorite Zumba songs<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvHqqMNVqIQm5mVj338Ip7RdDx9ogX0LJf9eXmSZjsA4jCs_CRCDxkLlqDBqlD1uyQ9HIUyXiXHjCw1-PvClaWCqslaBgcUwI0Ge3bgzOhtQv-0wiW5sDbhjuHPZ0kagxXFa1gwwctg/s1600/blog-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvHqqMNVqIQm5mVj338Ip7RdDx9ogX0LJf9eXmSZjsA4jCs_CRCDxkLlqDBqlD1uyQ9HIUyXiXHjCw1-PvClaWCqslaBgcUwI0Ge3bgzOhtQv-0wiW5sDbhjuHPZ0kagxXFa1gwwctg/s1600/blog-1.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lets talk a moment about the shirt I wore to this event. I've noticed that blogger meet-ups are pretty fashionable affairs, but as we seen <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2012/05/arizona-blogger-convention.html">before</a>, I crack under the pressure. This time around my choice of attire was purely emotional.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vIpHU1mT8H4IK6FrAXP00q0JJghyphenhyphenFHf32MJjkSvI3B9ow0Xjs2I2ToSxClpPpui4XjPwUX1q6tYLgiPpBQRWlBMtxGVhH7vnsJDfCw7MasPOKw93m67af9TA21lCsaDMFAkuMfJrAg/s1600/bloggermeetupphotobooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vIpHU1mT8H4IK6FrAXP00q0JJghyphenhyphenFHf32MJjkSvI3B9ow0Xjs2I2ToSxClpPpui4XjPwUX1q6tYLgiPpBQRWlBMtxGVhH7vnsJDfCw7MasPOKw93m67af9TA21lCsaDMFAkuMfJrAg/s1600/bloggermeetupphotobooth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a little story:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once upon a time, in August of 2006, I invited Husband (ex-boyfriend at the time) to attend a <a href="http://www.deathcabforcutie.com/">Death Cab for Cutie</a> concert with me and some friends. It was an incredible concert, especially since it introduced us to <a href="http://matesofstate.com/">Mates of State</a> (opening band). Both Husband and I bought shirts. Shortly after the concert, I went home for a visit and took <a href="http://store.deathcabforcutie.com/apparel-1/mens-tees/pencil-t-shirt-black.html">my shirt</a> with me. Somewhere during that visit the shirt was misplaced and I thought I had lost it forever. Husband wore his shirt lots and lots in the years that followed. Every time he wore his, I felt a deep longing for my lost shirt. Fast forward to a few months ago when my parents were moving. As they were moving their washing and dryer, they found my t-shirt huddled in a corner covered in dust bunnies. I may have shrieked with joy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It needed a good wash, but basically it is as pristine as the day I bought it (stark contrast to Husband's shirt which is now sporting a few holes). The day of the blogger meet-up was the first day I wore it. And I could not change out of it into something more trendy for the meet-up. And perhaps I wore it for 5 days straight before I washed it again. And wore it as many days as I could since. We had been apart for 6.5 years, and by the record of days warn in the past month, I have developed separation anxiety. But enough about my weird tendencies...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH9JeHIuEvvN2LfVI1aIXzSTglo06uujbNNbavKIX-r1FdQOxjd0tVNHZi2Zve4doEi1PDsbki3QGFpq_TcybVApclDVDeZyk1ul1c8ewzUV1OgxgoZqcYcUpxiBrIzZ5bsvl8lTPag/s1600/bloggermeetupgroupshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH9JeHIuEvvN2LfVI1aIXzSTglo06uujbNNbavKIX-r1FdQOxjd0tVNHZi2Zve4doEi1PDsbki3QGFpq_TcybVApclDVDeZyk1ul1c8ewzUV1OgxgoZqcYcUpxiBrIzZ5bsvl8lTPag/s320/bloggermeetupgroupshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The meet-up was a lot of fun. I loved hearing from all the ladies about their blogs and eating the delicious food provided by <a href="http://www.sweetcakescafe.com/">Sweet Cakes</a>. I cannot wait for another opportunity to hang out with these ladies and form lovely local blogger friendships. A big thank you to <a href="http://fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com/">Camille</a> and <a href="http://www.katilda.com/">Katie</a> for hosting, <a href="http://www.sweetcakescafe.com/">Sweet Cakes</a>* for providing an after-hours location, <a href="http://bonniejeanphotos.blogspot.com/">Bonnie</a> for taking photos (since I failed to take my camera out during the event), <a href="http://megancamille.blogspot.com/">Megan</a> for the succulent and over stuffed oreos, and most importantly, <a href="http://nothingcomesofnothing.blogspot.com/">Jen</a> and <a href="http://myperfectplaylist.blogspot.com/">Brooke</a> for coming with me to ease my awkwardness.</div>
<br />
<br />
*Anyone else out there want to call that place <a href="http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail72.html">Sweet Cupin' Cakes</a>?<br />
<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-86499162584736758562013-03-08T12:19:00.000-08:002013-03-08T12:19:18.239-08:00Hot Diggity DogI love hot dogs. Maybe too much. My friends tease about it. Whatever. Hot dogs get a bad rep as being cheap and gross. With the right toppings, an ordinary hot dog can go from white trashy to super classy.<br />
<br />
My top favorite hot dog is the Sonoran Dog. It is basically a hot dog wrapped in bacon covered with taco filling. My <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2009/10/eat-your-heart-out-thursday-el-guero.html">first exposure</a> was at <a href="http://elguerocanelo.com/">El Guero Canelo</a> down in Tucson. On a scale from garbage to awesome, it was a party in my mouth. Since that time I've sampled <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2009/12/eat-your-heart-out-thursday-morenos.html">other</a> <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2011/11/birthday-food.html">locations</a> and tried to <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/02/sonoran-hot-dog.html">recreate</a> one myself.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyGLw1RqbR0OCjejazAFZd5gzRqg5rU6h18diHsD3O4-SfpeMjewvZ7spegdTsThdvesJJDiHqd8KidjRZQMcNxsaNr3LfhcLwlmX4HjMIYn8XNbFT9jrEG8FmD4t-8HmOEmGR7kjvg/s1600/sonorandogs_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyGLw1RqbR0OCjejazAFZd5gzRqg5rU6h18diHsD3O4-SfpeMjewvZ7spegdTsThdvesJJDiHqd8KidjRZQMcNxsaNr3LfhcLwlmX4HjMIYn8XNbFT9jrEG8FmD4t-8HmOEmGR7kjvg/s320/sonorandogs_1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I made this one.</span></i></div>
<br />
My other top favorite is the Chicago Dog. Picture all the best hamburger fixings on a hot dog. I first tried it at <a href="http://www.chompies.com/">Chompies</a>. Just about every time I have gone back to that delicatessen, which is alot, I have order their Chicago Dog. <a href="http://www.sonicdrivein.com/">Sonic</a> and <a href="http://www.freddysusa.com/">Freddy's</a> offer decent ones. This one is easy to recreate, and I have on many occasions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lrw8pI_sxYzu3eoayw-Bk0zh78RITFmk_56iejP_NyJjEurDe4k5BeoCgQZX7-UZDTbgx2IOxX9aJfE0izSt32q7WXqqlW3CwLTRw83khVZp1V9FSfyJY9QSikxJJIgZ7DfnshNB_A/s1600/blog20111121-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lrw8pI_sxYzu3eoayw-Bk0zh78RITFmk_56iejP_NyJjEurDe4k5BeoCgQZX7-UZDTbgx2IOxX9aJfE0izSt32q7WXqqlW3CwLTRw83khVZp1V9FSfyJY9QSikxJJIgZ7DfnshNB_A/s1600/blog20111121-1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the Chompie's in Tempe</span></i></div>
<br />
I have a dream to have a gourmet hot dog party. Or start a club, kind of like the <a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/justforfun/finerthingsclub/">Finer Things Club</a>, to talk about and taste different topping combos. There is even a <a href="http://pinterest.com/likefireworks/hot-dogs/">pin board</a> I've dedicated to other hot dogs to try.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxs4f-a0N_5wWShsNwOHaQXJgfPh_GnVSLVUvVgk7Jvhrswa6lI_TbJlLj6f9MLELkCc2__y02H0QYacRKdoPwlYcVriB_VXCJHjkg3EwCJyQbuOgLwKnLSFkdrnAWo3ASnLd9Vjs4Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+2.34.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxs4f-a0N_5wWShsNwOHaQXJgfPh_GnVSLVUvVgk7Jvhrswa6lI_TbJlLj6f9MLELkCc2__y02H0QYacRKdoPwlYcVriB_VXCJHjkg3EwCJyQbuOgLwKnLSFkdrnAWo3ASnLd9Vjs4Q/s320/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+2.34.32+AM.png" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Who else loves hot dogs? Would you come to a hot dog party? Or join a gourmet hot dog club?Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-52226981467451120812013-03-07T08:00:00.000-08:002013-03-07T08:28:52.683-08:00Lovely LettersSpeaking of origami, I made something else. This time it was something for the Boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSBqDfM4WAg0hYKQyEx8jfrsFcNQbDve15XbcAmgMNfF8A5XqjP4vhaH2H_8Ck7U8GHkfzntKfSCxEuaUilfIAGEPgoVyL-M2lZlnTat2k7w9jkQ_kao8WB93flAvxM_D43DM1yAYww/s1600/blog-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSBqDfM4WAg0hYKQyEx8jfrsFcNQbDve15XbcAmgMNfF8A5XqjP4vhaH2H_8Ck7U8GHkfzntKfSCxEuaUilfIAGEPgoVyL-M2lZlnTat2k7w9jkQ_kao8WB93flAvxM_D43DM1yAYww/s1600/blog-1-2.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Boy<b> loves</b> letters. Every time we go anywhere, since he was a year old, he has pointed out letters and gravitated toward any toys/games with letters. I saw some origami number art on Pinterest and immediately thought of the Boy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/12314598952409071/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550x/d1/ea/63/d1ea63dd2215235903e82592edff1c5b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://bkids.typepad.com/bookhoucraftprojects/2010/01/project-47-origami-numbers.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bkids.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/likefireworks/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lydia</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Upon further investigation, I found some <a href="http://en.origami-club.com//abc/index.html">instructions for letters</a>, so I had to make them. This was a pretty great project to do with the Boy's help. He picked out the colors while I did the folding. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A4DzJPwdQgnZzMuk2k4VGc3o__3SGgxPej1xC31ltVUZPvp4kBBSQ81ttLhQlNjzFe08ixtyIpcPRUpIrOeFNIdY1O9_ztbflBmY6J7uV5RSNr840i3MnfLoUpxyobhyphenhyphennzOAqqC6pw/s1600/blog20130304-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A4DzJPwdQgnZzMuk2k4VGc3o__3SGgxPej1xC31ltVUZPvp4kBBSQ81ttLhQlNjzFe08ixtyIpcPRUpIrOeFNIdY1O9_ztbflBmY6J7uV5RSNr840i3MnfLoUpxyobhyphenhyphennzOAqqC6pw/s1600/blog20130304-4.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically the Boy was really excited. It paired pretty well with the framed number chart I found at Goodwill.Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-75587325508863504822013-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:002013-03-06T06:00:02.919-08:00Modular LoveWhile I was excited to share the fireplace yesterday, I am even more excited to share what is on the wall above the fireplace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3DYjf58b-LFNvBR1f5up7Q1EjzWSKQhrWkB3DZFoTGnly5-u_P2QwjjapMw2dfQ6nxSA3pNtnxWk3RtvuAlWDDZKQbi66vHKBJtgWLRcY1XJBgWz9RFpUIga_Tw4ZLGiXlWqgYWuqg/s1600/blog20130304-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3DYjf58b-LFNvBR1f5up7Q1EjzWSKQhrWkB3DZFoTGnly5-u_P2QwjjapMw2dfQ6nxSA3pNtnxWk3RtvuAlWDDZKQbi66vHKBJtgWLRcY1XJBgWz9RFpUIga_Tw4ZLGiXlWqgYWuqg/s1600/blog20130304-1.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Many months ago, I stumbled upon a post of some 3d paper wall art made by Marsha over at <a href="http://threenationsblog.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/paper-triangles.html">Three Nation</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSWxMDf1bvLcLe9OU8SPetPisdOsYuYVvdBTxqRkm6Z1gs3E8jY5_nETBf-s88IYao0KaQWZkNEbzZ0hwfLLQH18VwyssIFkbyVETOIhgIXKXMzR9OHJ4TF0Om3BvU8OJOva-fs6L3kU/s1600/Paper+Triangle+Web+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSWxMDf1bvLcLe9OU8SPetPisdOsYuYVvdBTxqRkm6Z1gs3E8jY5_nETBf-s88IYao0KaQWZkNEbzZ0hwfLLQH18VwyssIFkbyVETOIhgIXKXMzR9OHJ4TF0Om3BvU8OJOva-fs6L3kU/s1600/Paper+Triangle+Web+1.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This piece is very reminiscent of the modular origami I dabbled in while going through a HUGE origami phase* when I was younger. It became my mission to make my own 3d wall art.<br />
<br />
After some quality research via google, and what seemed like hours of folding, I came up with a prototype.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUIE0qAmBJCeds6q9n4U9qP-848qe0WocFXrXryChQ8eOzUgdKuJlBPRXNEnYypWaLqOqOWeR4InYZ_4plaJV0ZsmZt3400a0ZcYCTDRXmoeZ3X5hwFRcprtT-CALwo6Lcq0OMS2l_Q/s1600/blog20121014-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUIE0qAmBJCeds6q9n4U9qP-848qe0WocFXrXryChQ8eOzUgdKuJlBPRXNEnYypWaLqOqOWeR4InYZ_4plaJV0ZsmZt3400a0ZcYCTDRXmoeZ3X5hwFRcprtT-CALwo6Lcq0OMS2l_Q/s1600/blog20121014-1.JPG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That prototype turned into the large piece in what I'd like to call a 3 piece art instillation No glue or tape was needed to hold them together, but I did mount them all on cardboard to make them easier to put on the wall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57q2MENDWd0a6jZ29sbPqfsjqcCQ7ywIQmHOwUDQvEgLowEyRxz8P9gJavy1ASSGd8i43XtDqbk8-IZzrrkSZWkJ-YOQWoDpJeLXGDIAXKqQO4Kn1-vTtayiVtO7IX6F79jNqGRJZdA/s1600/blog-2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57q2MENDWd0a6jZ29sbPqfsjqcCQ7ywIQmHOwUDQvEgLowEyRxz8P9gJavy1ASSGd8i43XtDqbk8-IZzrrkSZWkJ-YOQWoDpJeLXGDIAXKqQO4Kn1-vTtayiVtO7IX6F79jNqGRJZdA/s1600/blog-2-2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Whenever someone comes to the house, they usually share what they see in the pieces - much like seeing shapes in clouds. The most common items seen are <a href="http://www.aceserviceswildliferemoval.com/armadillo.jpg">armadillo</a>s and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=deep+sea+fish&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=kOk2UcCdAq38yAHA7YGwBw&ved=0CD0QsAQ&biw=939&bih=951#imgrc=_">deep sea fish</a>. I can dig it.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A big thank you to TheZocar for providing a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brix0lKbC6A">video</a> demonstrating how to make sonobe units. The kid knows his stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Around age 12, I may or may not have attempted to make 1000 paper cranes like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sadako-Thousand-Cranes-Puffin-Classics/dp/0142401137">Sadako</a>. I also may or may not have only made 42 before I got distracted by something else.</span></div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-52615944356904847352013-03-05T08:00:00.000-08:002013-03-05T09:53:05.393-08:00Fireplace MakeoverI mentioned in a previous post that Husband and I painted our fireplace. This was such an exciting transformation that it deserves it's own post.<br />
<br />
Our house came with a big nuisance - a fireplace. A big, ugly, useless (in my opinion) fireplace in the center of the family room. Plus the mantel was detaching from the wall. When we bought the house, the first big project I thought we would do was tear down the mantel (because ripping out the entire fireplace was too drastic and potentially too expensive) and rebuild one. That ugly mantel taunted me everyday for a little over a year. When it was clear that we were not going to tear down the mantel, I decided I was going to paint it. Our walls are Snowbound, but that seemed like a lame option. If the fireplace had to stay, it was going to bold and beautiful. Husband figured out how to re-attach the mantel to the wall and I decided the paint color would be Commodore Blue. The fireplace doors also needed a face lift, so we spray painted a rubbed bronze finish. On a night before we had friends over for my graduation party/dinner, Husband and I stayed up all night to paint. It was a pretty good graduation present.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the original ugly fireplace in the middle of everything, complete with bumper pads, in all it's glory.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigETTHTsV8kkjqBMRm51DUlInKZArcTrXFS99A5-rVIF32_moeJDvKUMWITnkDXFBceV8oz9sLEVm5Dn7G4thGLXrut2EutuZ5PVt3kUN-0rlhq76K4iqMl-dYaJmu0On6fpb0aIllBA/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigETTHTsV8kkjqBMRm51DUlInKZArcTrXFS99A5-rVIF32_moeJDvKUMWITnkDXFBceV8oz9sLEVm5Dn7G4thGLXrut2EutuZ5PVt3kUN-0rlhq76K4iqMl-dYaJmu0On6fpb0aIllBA/s1600/house.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The fireplace doors could not be moved, so we had to tape them up spray paint them in the house. We did not compensate for all the over-spray, so the seat of the mantel received some rubbed bronze as well. Thankfully carpet only received spray paint powder, so that easily came up with the vacuum and some carpet shampoo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF44cYz-s1XmpkdLV5MIdZGwz2w-qCckFxWYdB-Ia8EXIg3zQ74ZmGZIcn1W44tg1jy8xq7Lnneo-vugZ2-BuHll5RuY9oicfltg48n67-oSwMT6nNQOOwpEHyd_EpCAJ3X57IgKMXg/s1600/blog20120824-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF44cYz-s1XmpkdLV5MIdZGwz2w-qCckFxWYdB-Ia8EXIg3zQ74ZmGZIcn1W44tg1jy8xq7Lnneo-vugZ2-BuHll5RuY9oicfltg48n67-oSwMT6nNQOOwpEHyd_EpCAJ3X57IgKMXg/s1600/blog20120824-1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just the change in door finish made an incredible difference, but with all the over-spray and dirty red brick, I was anxious to get painting. It only took one coat of behr self-priming paint to finish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm7rdiyYnkIwg5RSaznQy1WdwQOK1W9gkRd8YWfbDEHGMkso_WKpCkx5tyfKHhVpwwRY0Z_iJAgWI4mtF91HdEanw63r0dvRlgV19wgt95YT1i0dn-TBI9xtVbNIL01nhBsOnNbeb3w/s1600/blog20120824-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm7rdiyYnkIwg5RSaznQy1WdwQOK1W9gkRd8YWfbDEHGMkso_WKpCkx5tyfKHhVpwwRY0Z_iJAgWI4mtF91HdEanw63r0dvRlgV19wgt95YT1i0dn-TBI9xtVbNIL01nhBsOnNbeb3w/s1600/blog20120824-2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Final product! I seriously went from hating/loathing the fireplace to loving it and wanting to tell everyone about it. It was a bold move, but it was definitely the right move for our home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84ChT3-NxMFZXAPG6z6bMuswoX7J8AIELxxTUZm75KgHduX7AyT6h8wWXktW_w_BlCOWBsDccX-PyNI92lwsDBfs8j65LSbsQakvf9DIQfo5RxcTezWgbuctd-U43mnhIzSb1gz38fQ/s1600/blog20130304-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84ChT3-NxMFZXAPG6z6bMuswoX7J8AIELxxTUZm75KgHduX7AyT6h8wWXktW_w_BlCOWBsDccX-PyNI92lwsDBfs8j65LSbsQakvf9DIQfo5RxcTezWgbuctd-U43mnhIzSb1gz38fQ/s1600/blog20130304-3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned - tomorrow I show you what is above the mantel.Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-47851205019406284072013-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:002013-03-04T09:00:03.457-08:00Don't Be Afraid Of The Guy In Shades, Oh NoAnyone notice the new trend of washi tape? If you are one of the cool kids who hang out on pinterest, you may have seen a <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=washi+tape">few projects</a>. Washi tape is essentially fancy masking tape. I like masking tape, and sometimes like fancy, so it was only a matter of time that I get some. Turns out Target offers sets of 4 rolls for a reasonable price.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx6MSwspTzFD9G44Wm94-_kKNzR2H_lJBXqvqgnOJr131gqO8wE-Pybj9UDWPunShgKbQn3zrErrpFAJXAQ-2ehpzniswaEEAfGeaiuoqkC7IC7tTnldDuIbgZFqdMSxQCHD8Xz7-7A/s1600/blog-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx6MSwspTzFD9G44Wm94-_kKNzR2H_lJBXqvqgnOJr131gqO8wE-Pybj9UDWPunShgKbQn3zrErrpFAJXAQ-2ehpzniswaEEAfGeaiuoqkC7IC7tTnldDuIbgZFqdMSxQCHD8Xz7-7A/s1600/blog-9.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just used the tape to accessorize some business cards. Boring. The Boy saw the tape and was very inspired. He used it to jazz up his dollar bin sunglasses. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7ub4qwkyAOMd3lDp5ipWj_z7sJqfNblNxOzNWJ72W2RIgiHRiA4FYuFOEA8os1BtS67IbGqnK2FBuK0yM8PdYRvwezDUadTU3ZeGutU2ztPvxPAxmQAq6AOhUEervjPrpQE1UenU_Q/s1600/blog-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7ub4qwkyAOMd3lDp5ipWj_z7sJqfNblNxOzNWJ72W2RIgiHRiA4FYuFOEA8os1BtS67IbGqnK2FBuK0yM8PdYRvwezDUadTU3ZeGutU2ztPvxPAxmQAq6AOhUEervjPrpQE1UenU_Q/s1600/blog-6.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The Boy is so cool, he could pull a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2LTL8KgKv8">Corey Hart</a> and wear his sunglasses at night.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqdWE0c462BLEN6Ew4FOT_rvBEGYjwdW5M1-5ToWzghVKh7TsP6j8GlOXiNVXAGzsv5uHfjFKQ1S8Tqc4pM8D5QktN3eGHm7rr749-9ywCSZai4zOOOdhOXmqVnX44n0zC1ocpv8EbQ/s1600/blog-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqdWE0c462BLEN6Ew4FOT_rvBEGYjwdW5M1-5ToWzghVKh7TsP6j8GlOXiNVXAGzsv5uHfjFKQ1S8Tqc4pM8D5QktN3eGHm7rr749-9ywCSZai4zOOOdhOXmqVnX44n0zC1ocpv8EbQ/s1600/blog-8.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOHeu8FFsBXkHAZS9iyJRJnNDgwBE8VhQoENT4bNxyqZZiDEEetbkW__PgJPa3k0XbSrTw_PSwadvNB-hncR0s4FebRQtuR2A8uOG1bN4wTebmsIQHkgKtCjxnZs2XEOI6uAcMZxVgw/s1600/blog-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOHeu8FFsBXkHAZS9iyJRJnNDgwBE8VhQoENT4bNxyqZZiDEEetbkW__PgJPa3k0XbSrTw_PSwadvNB-hncR0s4FebRQtuR2A8uOG1bN4wTebmsIQHkgKtCjxnZs2XEOI6uAcMZxVgw/s1600/blog-7.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-73080956047997618622013-02-25T00:04:00.003-08:002013-02-25T00:04:54.483-08:00The Bearers of All Good Things ArriveI am alive and well, life has just been busy with activities and fighting all the nasty illnesses thriving this winter. Plus, my sweet little <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2009/03/im-23-and-im-mac.html">macbook</a> hasn't been able to keep up with all the large RAW files I've been shooting on my camera. I haven't been able to edit photos outside of the ones for work, so my motivation to post has been minimal. Thanks to the best <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/05/howd-you-make-out-by.html">little brother</a> in the world, I have a new compy built to my specification with plenty of storage for all of my photo needs.<br />
<br />
There are lots fun projects, photos, activities, and adventures to be shared. Stay tuned. For now, here is a teaser of things to come:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFkHgKYgm5uuIxMMkOM6KKxtTeBTDPaSx4xtzcEwhJNXbDiCHagqbrplxk4iGoeNXHqdGD5j6rqc_nDyAIEWzxFzql-CC8sFu6ItPQjSEnye5VdBrpGa9aQSRo98n6z4wmPyoTNedfg/s1600/blog20121013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFkHgKYgm5uuIxMMkOM6KKxtTeBTDPaSx4xtzcEwhJNXbDiCHagqbrplxk4iGoeNXHqdGD5j6rqc_nDyAIEWzxFzql-CC8sFu6ItPQjSEnye5VdBrpGa9aQSRo98n6z4wmPyoTNedfg/s320/blog20121013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-22365694283721702432012-11-07T00:46:00.000-08:002012-11-07T00:46:14.667-08:00Some Family Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember when I mentioned the family reunion that I was the photographer? Well, these are some photos from our formal-ish family group shots.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_E8RPdzNrV3jGNP5wNEwibmkwMaApWUABiZgUEyCS1b2yCIMfuIctzbL3VYnNZQFJtuc9STi1p3bQ6j5TnLOW-GEKocq9RbMD9Mb97IMbO7qM-SPoMqoBYkW_egTNDPS5ZebnshESA/s1600/johnstonreunion_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_E8RPdzNrV3jGNP5wNEwibmkwMaApWUABiZgUEyCS1b2yCIMfuIctzbL3VYnNZQFJtuc9STi1p3bQ6j5TnLOW-GEKocq9RbMD9Mb97IMbO7qM-SPoMqoBYkW_egTNDPS5ZebnshESA/s320/johnstonreunion_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91d0vnuF9JNptPCu3SHQ-jOp_o5ptol3QkWTny0wIU0M_tNpG5gc-UmYb4jjS6R7so1lateDmtFdSbjjIq6tYYuuiESSoX071bENF8tuobW1jNye-TfL5EcoX-xEVibD9N-_k8as_uA/s1600/johnstonreunion_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91d0vnuF9JNptPCu3SHQ-jOp_o5ptol3QkWTny0wIU0M_tNpG5gc-UmYb4jjS6R7so1lateDmtFdSbjjIq6tYYuuiESSoX071bENF8tuobW1jNye-TfL5EcoX-xEVibD9N-_k8as_uA/s320/johnstonreunion_1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbyXrVj1krpV1AJcCiiQECdwm24EYicDMWEPLmq0zNaYQOpEY9l5hpRfe0m3Y28qJ_S1XGeAy_xf3NIIKyG1rG2mgqlqRTzPZHvMTN_ksQz4s8yX9mgcQKbwzy0dbNJdN15TRPmLQLA/s1600/johnstonreunion_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbyXrVj1krpV1AJcCiiQECdwm24EYicDMWEPLmq0zNaYQOpEY9l5hpRfe0m3Y28qJ_S1XGeAy_xf3NIIKyG1rG2mgqlqRTzPZHvMTN_ksQz4s8yX9mgcQKbwzy0dbNJdN15TRPmLQLA/s320/johnstonreunion_6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdOCmbrBtu7NYT0qj5hfY54Cz__MjO3tgwTPgi3IKwXhxFxYhMCNUJ5mytne1dJ1gx4oU6yrDlaLXxQ0fKfrGZTgeN-acGbWnco7QTTQmyqUkeM7orBFvyxHbM10F2chora8lMjz6VA/s1600/johnstonreunion_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdOCmbrBtu7NYT0qj5hfY54Cz__MjO3tgwTPgi3IKwXhxFxYhMCNUJ5mytne1dJ1gx4oU6yrDlaLXxQ0fKfrGZTgeN-acGbWnco7QTTQmyqUkeM7orBFvyxHbM10F2chora8lMjz6VA/s320/johnstonreunion_7.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDYfFeA4pR7IMdRzveM6_FCGkQWMQM4tvLHomIg_h-6dzSZ8yEFTkJ-T7bSuAqFM3rpm3WtK-5gOLSz6-IzDumNVOWgxTQWxcnqGjPBT769wPPnIV2k28lhm1e13HboZP4v4l_1oLww/s1600/johnstonreunion_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDYfFeA4pR7IMdRzveM6_FCGkQWMQM4tvLHomIg_h-6dzSZ8yEFTkJ-T7bSuAqFM3rpm3WtK-5gOLSz6-IzDumNVOWgxTQWxcnqGjPBT769wPPnIV2k28lhm1e13HboZP4v4l_1oLww/s320/johnstonreunion_5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFMHQqkpEaZq5_cWJUZfzMCkT_KATIvc5BqkHcMZBL4jN289k15gdvXL9G0XztPLa1xgtbCjCKUvSp0LHTZhKmgoCPBjrcw7EXQMpanxchLibnKlEZAb8UTPoC98DrEAB0HRrO5xH7A/s1600/johnstonreunion_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFMHQqkpEaZq5_cWJUZfzMCkT_KATIvc5BqkHcMZBL4jN289k15gdvXL9G0XztPLa1xgtbCjCKUvSp0LHTZhKmgoCPBjrcw7EXQMpanxchLibnKlEZAb8UTPoC98DrEAB0HRrO5xH7A/s320/johnstonreunion_8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH22FsrfFBBA7osn3PlviSUomw_Yc2OnO6Jw0O9FMuEWz7bclNqozLlI3nt1GwraqL0z_tYKK5a6KAcCo-APF1SWjKRV5ydw6FLrlRFr_-nd8eRlF6ixO290rVfdd167d14Hlii6CQFQ/s1600/johnstonreunion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH22FsrfFBBA7osn3PlviSUomw_Yc2OnO6Jw0O9FMuEWz7bclNqozLlI3nt1GwraqL0z_tYKK5a6KAcCo-APF1SWjKRV5ydw6FLrlRFr_-nd8eRlF6ixO290rVfdd167d14Hlii6CQFQ/s320/johnstonreunion.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigprwRLmt48D_MitwNHGUjIswpxDHEkIOc0GRYWmnQlnQ07wgJMpSfN27_ZGB0ygdpuRt7yEcZ2jYn9OJcZMx_yNEEogotuiwPc16b_EX_BMk0GxscGHL58JQoBXywcu4mQ3DJDvZpw/s1600/johnstonreunion_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigprwRLmt48D_MitwNHGUjIswpxDHEkIOc0GRYWmnQlnQ07wgJMpSfN27_ZGB0ygdpuRt7yEcZ2jYn9OJcZMx_yNEEogotuiwPc16b_EX_BMk0GxscGHL58JQoBXywcu4mQ3DJDvZpw/s320/johnstonreunion_3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGhBAYGQcH1R-dN3Y4Q0N1J_Z8EgFrys2JI9sfFEjVbagoYMPlF5nYh4tRbxne90sN0XdLgp2VOPIXT2EkOIPIJbwcPe_iqwFyZDlNyo7Jb7xk4ow40kjpBwZm6CQLglxPPXRQnjv6g/s1600/johnstonreunion_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGhBAYGQcH1R-dN3Y4Q0N1J_Z8EgFrys2JI9sfFEjVbagoYMPlF5nYh4tRbxne90sN0XdLgp2VOPIXT2EkOIPIJbwcPe_iqwFyZDlNyo7Jb7xk4ow40kjpBwZm6CQLglxPPXRQnjv6g/s320/johnstonreunion_4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-14349930271459781352012-10-30T09:00:00.000-07:002012-10-30T09:00:08.860-07:00Just DealI've been away for too long. Forgive me. I come bearing a gift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2efIDPfKWWh3UWXQSQn8WSBRk-k4OD64qJ11svfn7ZcI8YP0fdF7jFZw6XVJ8VNkSHVy_MD5xOOkK9Pwgh8b4_8o7abmK5Neupc8AP5F6uVOuMeT9F2dpxlyjEAKtd9wO5FwsoZUJ4A/s1600/holidayspecial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2efIDPfKWWh3UWXQSQn8WSBRk-k4OD64qJ11svfn7ZcI8YP0fdF7jFZw6XVJ8VNkSHVy_MD5xOOkK9Pwgh8b4_8o7abmK5Neupc8AP5F6uVOuMeT9F2dpxlyjEAKtd9wO5FwsoZUJ4A/s400/holidayspecial2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-48084105394931459172012-09-03T10:01:00.000-07:002012-09-03T10:01:00.248-07:00Let Me 'SplainNo, there is too much. Let me sum up. In the past two months I have accomplished a few things:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Attended and photographed <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2012/03/mi-familia.html">my family</a> reunion (that included celebrating 3 birthdays) in Utah</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iYJK8YkySiXUzGlh4HjHz3F3fXhYi70aypinmQVUgR_KB3E4sFbftnaLwIR03s_QicZMHkxaDQ0iYI-ORpnVlxnFnTw5vJAH2ewhIldts_U87SaC617OtrVbr_rcNO5gMCOSAdXxrw/s1600/reunionfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iYJK8YkySiXUzGlh4HjHz3F3fXhYi70aypinmQVUgR_KB3E4sFbftnaLwIR03s_QicZMHkxaDQ0iYI-ORpnVlxnFnTw5vJAH2ewhIldts_U87SaC617OtrVbr_rcNO5gMCOSAdXxrw/s320/reunionfamily.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2. Visited with some of my <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2012/07/people-in-my-neighborhood.html">favorite people</a> in Utah, who I wish were me neighbors<br />
<br />
3. Enjoyed visiting with <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2011/01/sisters-family.html">my sister and her kids</a> every day for 2 weeks before they moved to Brazil<br />
<br />
4. Celebrated the <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/official-toddler.html">Boy's</a> 4th <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2011/08/ka-chow.html">birthday</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVWuYbNozYyaDtonyPExSi5lUwJ9QJ55AtK3coWaSAW5BBIz28jyV22juS6rasQWYpvoPxsbxSOHTfFHIod0a23cbnw1udA0xy_OsMxsUaH8_dCoiuYNn6EcrmSnxH6yJcARVArcQvw/s1600/sumup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVWuYbNozYyaDtonyPExSi5lUwJ9QJ55AtK3coWaSAW5BBIz28jyV22juS6rasQWYpvoPxsbxSOHTfFHIod0a23cbnw1udA0xy_OsMxsUaH8_dCoiuYNn6EcrmSnxH6yJcARVArcQvw/s320/sumup.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5. Attended <a href="http://pinterest.com/likefireworks/zumba/">Zumba </a>class at least once, and up to 5 times, a week plus instructed an unofficial class 3 times<br />
<br />
6. Killed my first sewer <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/07/it-was-mightyduel.html">roach</a>, unaided, without screaming<br />
<br />
7. Signed the Boy up for <a href="http://www.valuesparenting.com/joyschool/">preschool</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ4-geyLsuj7zCGmIBH7Lmllli-CRZF5hCfuToOQGR190SAJD-mCDd0VsaOSt9ZN6Ryaer9_BoR6gQHhRm0cuFuX0BAnAA4EgzFKi3tWU80GLRWmEZ9_l0566LF0pcEChfGnLo0aHiQ/s1600/sumup_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ4-geyLsuj7zCGmIBH7Lmllli-CRZF5hCfuToOQGR190SAJD-mCDd0VsaOSt9ZN6Ryaer9_BoR6gQHhRm0cuFuX0BAnAA4EgzFKi3tWU80GLRWmEZ9_l0566LF0pcEChfGnLo0aHiQ/s320/sumup_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
8. Painted the <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2011/07/in-middle-of-our-street.html">fireplace</a> with Husband<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji54lUuoD0IjYmBpR35Xym5eQD1Bfa-eoDV0sPNUVcvqRiIvcym_m9HNpjUD-V_uEj8VSAsJK1879GvtAH4OM_MaaubKusRSH408UxKHik_KMkNln9IO2pZvCRdduELGFwhyphenhyphenvL9mDykw/s1600/paintedfireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji54lUuoD0IjYmBpR35Xym5eQD1Bfa-eoDV0sPNUVcvqRiIvcym_m9HNpjUD-V_uEj8VSAsJK1879GvtAH4OM_MaaubKusRSH408UxKHik_KMkNln9IO2pZvCRdduELGFwhyphenhyphenvL9mDykw/s320/paintedfireplace.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
9. Celebrated my <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/happy-birthday-mj.html">brother's</a> 35th <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2011/09/another-year-another-excellent-party.html">birthday</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYH3oCNyq4juZ2IMkYq4cSqZbgj4EmKIwX4K75_omfnMQgCWxh_54A2V0coqQBl1vOXrflOv4mzTIcCLgsayJM48h0G5N5XDj5duVsutCRbltTaq6NS1TE3cywtPsC5p4uuWsF5Tycw/s1600/sumup_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYH3oCNyq4juZ2IMkYq4cSqZbgj4EmKIwX4K75_omfnMQgCWxh_54A2V0coqQBl1vOXrflOv4mzTIcCLgsayJM48h0G5N5XDj5duVsutCRbltTaq6NS1TE3cywtPsC5p4uuWsF5Tycw/s320/sumup_2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
10. And... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDM3eYp4KQ">I</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29wWL-40Mts&feature=related">GRADUATED</a>!!!<br />
<br />
That last accomplishment has been a <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2009/05/nothing-i-like-more-friday-getting.html">long time coming</a>, and my feeling can be best explained by the pictures found in a <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-am-home.html">post</a> written right after my trip to New York City 2 years ago. Replace 'trip' with 'major' and 'traveling' with 'graduating' to get the gist.<br />
<br />
I hope to get back to a more regular blogging schedule soon, just have to bearings on this new life sans school. I did spend 21 years dedicated to it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">p.s. Hope you enjoyed the hyperlinks galore!</span>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-30019535375719293942012-07-10T00:59:00.000-07:002012-07-10T00:59:00.921-07:00People In My NeighborhoodSorry for my absence, I've been up to my ears in technical writing and family reunion planning.<br />
<br />
The Boy, Husband, and I recently got back from a fantastic week in Utah. I decided this trip was the perfect time to start a portrait project I've been dreaming about. Details to be explained later, but note that if we are friends, you are invited to be a part of this project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGKQNCJOix7oTEaXrjnb9XFqPvUVFniKQGa2S1iqZjCByp3I8o6JBSOt7w6i78IW-hOc4xHgrJgO7Tnvlm-i9jxsp0Os86sfD4JUeBcsmeI3Ha8OF2IP4ORkb15gp5hXkIPx5bz4hNg/s1600/diana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGKQNCJOix7oTEaXrjnb9XFqPvUVFniKQGa2S1iqZjCByp3I8o6JBSOt7w6i78IW-hOc4xHgrJgO7Tnvlm-i9jxsp0Os86sfD4JUeBcsmeI3Ha8OF2IP4ORkb15gp5hXkIPx5bz4hNg/s320/diana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwxvihpHHdp0Nx35uKcg62_ToUui3f2pxPzEtna2fYwWDu9jpJjNZ4xpFQvjl1bTaThJ2AXGAhX0LPRlgOxqi_gwZt2ydobc72rlAhsOBl8IHDLCuz6TK4w75kGOyPbS-h01PdqaAQA/s1600/stephanie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwxvihpHHdp0Nx35uKcg62_ToUui3f2pxPzEtna2fYwWDu9jpJjNZ4xpFQvjl1bTaThJ2AXGAhX0LPRlgOxqi_gwZt2ydobc72rlAhsOBl8IHDLCuz6TK4w75kGOyPbS-h01PdqaAQA/s320/stephanie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiYbuDC9tUOTsNSQpr9aZkHZ3fKFlodwiLyCwYu_TY1RyvSM_Ybv3NK0ro7VNM9-bfs-drO6VIaFvRaI55gevFkSldCweJD63GJdE0luKyCvluMbh8sbuNILNQlkOy86hMs0_v17RFQ/s1600/taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiYbuDC9tUOTsNSQpr9aZkHZ3fKFlodwiLyCwYu_TY1RyvSM_Ybv3NK0ro7VNM9-bfs-drO6VIaFvRaI55gevFkSldCweJD63GJdE0luKyCvluMbh8sbuNILNQlkOy86hMs0_v17RFQ/s320/taylor.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOPa0GREqqupm-_tVDiRADyG9hSobp4YZcXndVNXuy_92euehfYdNIop0QJdTeDYdQz_6ApgGLKAflLO9ZEvPH4Q2wOzhyphenhyphenXt5_O4EHJFgsRxBa9EDS8XRCR1w154gvwJuTLgNoN2pcg/s1600/worth&paige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOPa0GREqqupm-_tVDiRADyG9hSobp4YZcXndVNXuy_92euehfYdNIop0QJdTeDYdQz_6ApgGLKAflLO9ZEvPH4Q2wOzhyphenhyphenXt5_O4EHJFgsRxBa9EDS8XRCR1w154gvwJuTLgNoN2pcg/s320/worth&paige.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't expect much from me for a few weeks more. I've got an analytical report to write.Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-54847994997444983062012-06-09T10:11:00.002-07:002012-06-09T10:11:42.393-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Vihq2l_smHYdd6cnjC58lccDRS4qtHSaLMrQCpoq7VZzgfb5CKK24_ydqq661ePcXZIabAJ-IueLVDaC4Md83AGyr1EhToycVwGiI74su3lOI6hpJTyxw_Tr2tdYQbibI2zg9x74bg/s1600/avatar.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Vihq2l_smHYdd6cnjC58lccDRS4qtHSaLMrQCpoq7VZzgfb5CKK24_ydqq661ePcXZIabAJ-IueLVDaC4Md83AGyr1EhToycVwGiI74su3lOI6hpJTyxw_Tr2tdYQbibI2zg9x74bg/s1600/avatar.png" /></a> </div>
<br />
I'm over at <a href="http://hellotherehouse.blogspot.com/2012/06/lesson-learned-refinish-chair.html">hello there! house</a> again. Check it out.Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-25847508994118519712012-05-31T23:07:00.001-07:002012-06-01T16:40:00.381-07:00Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We BBQ'd with Husband's dad and swam in his pool. It was pretty chill.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classy hors d'oeuvres</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_B4arHTxDZJ303G3GNrEhkDdehKTIBq5Hu17bGsehG-PPL_whpTZBl39SN1_CEG_WXjogglJMGTUHNDn_7e0FzSfODKW9fZ7okrDFtCwgwaxIWXjmcnoV9nVJ9KB9g8-GGzn9XNhbw/s1600/2012memorialday_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_B4arHTxDZJ303G3GNrEhkDdehKTIBq5Hu17bGsehG-PPL_whpTZBl39SN1_CEG_WXjogglJMGTUHNDn_7e0FzSfODKW9fZ7okrDFtCwgwaxIWXjmcnoV9nVJ9KB9g8-GGzn9XNhbw/s320/2012memorialday_2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My seat by the pool</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyI-6aAaElMaCXirrB8dBA7H6BIBlO68ofGi0jDS_YKKiCWSONutLE1d6bReomH-FW6buQZedh-sH8-Urrsu1GqLbnrpoMYxu6lkyEkwrijyed-4lltVKF3SrQDYkrkwZVfnqte6ngQ/s1600/2012memorialday_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyI-6aAaElMaCXirrB8dBA7H6BIBlO68ofGi0jDS_YKKiCWSONutLE1d6bReomH-FW6buQZedh-sH8-Urrsu1GqLbnrpoMYxu6lkyEkwrijyed-4lltVKF3SrQDYkrkwZVfnqte6ngQ/s320/2012memorialday_3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The menfolk were grillin'</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjGEWRjttZLSkswrLU_6I11VAYw8waHD7ix5lE7msTHqysCRZBN_A7DAgQQhY4uGpiKoYLU5oXueEwqpkQdssN8XXOPT9NCtj_yzNulYXmlQgYEtYSwz2JQRgYz87ezUoLfu1SHHEng/s1600/2012memorialday_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjGEWRjttZLSkswrLU_6I11VAYw8waHD7ix5lE7msTHqysCRZBN_A7DAgQQhY4uGpiKoYLU5oXueEwqpkQdssN8XXOPT9NCtj_yzNulYXmlQgYEtYSwz2JQRgYz87ezUoLfu1SHHEng/s320/2012memorialday_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxzXjKCEDnQ0koMXiy1HY6iYb5u9QXtTvu0i3kG0wy-qJ5j5IRsI7c2w4jQsxgk-ijJebdH4jruyZJAKidgCIqRVBGpq3gh4Py0NbTXSn0loMHhs4jtSVtlx16x4X8R0-qHAjHF1ndQ/s1600/2012memorialday_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxzXjKCEDnQ0koMXiy1HY6iYb5u9QXtTvu0i3kG0wy-qJ5j5IRsI7c2w4jQsxgk-ijJebdH4jruyZJAKidgCIqRVBGpq3gh4Py0NbTXSn0loMHhs4jtSVtlx16x4X8R0-qHAjHF1ndQ/s320/2012memorialday_4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Boy suffered from mymomtakestoomanypicturesofmeitis.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7uMAMcP7McnfRYjHXFEIBgRV33pbC-r8UmTblKc2FDxBOSxDp5fMrjYi2r3frJkiV5WGiPs5vPo_ZlYwHOaVMblmJOEEUY2o8vRiwGZRoYd8KMs1CS5fecl2SssWwo0W14e9Xnc8ag/s1600/2012memorialday_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7uMAMcP7McnfRYjHXFEIBgRV33pbC-r8UmTblKc2FDxBOSxDp5fMrjYi2r3frJkiV5WGiPs5vPo_ZlYwHOaVMblmJOEEUY2o8vRiwGZRoYd8KMs1CS5fecl2SssWwo0W14e9Xnc8ag/s320/2012memorialday_5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">But it is nothing some good watermelon couldn't cure.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhChU_pqhuNc_ua-U6rPvItuB-2nJIXEBgtMGuFymfvLsftnIIUt1aOgwrqjIz0FMtyZoOvtkjLCpMsBSmBeHOKhZ5x2kEWOIEDlf8FNbMKW5UhpKYHGZ60kNVhmEvadFRQsSP3xiklg/s1600/2012memorialday_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhChU_pqhuNc_ua-U6rPvItuB-2nJIXEBgtMGuFymfvLsftnIIUt1aOgwrqjIz0FMtyZoOvtkjLCpMsBSmBeHOKhZ5x2kEWOIEDlf8FNbMKW5UhpKYHGZ60kNVhmEvadFRQsSP3xiklg/s320/2012memorialday_6.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The delicious bounty.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1URTlb9a0puM4774kyBHNgH91VCDkMuW92xT_Zt0WmmrlkwOHreAftq2-6le81v_Y6-Z8qSRKixVoe4jG6HG0NgcsqphnkgtxaWnHrTbh2iziVz62iRRNMH9SbiEmYXvrmtWjw0e8Q/s1600/2012memorialday_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1URTlb9a0puM4774kyBHNgH91VCDkMuW92xT_Zt0WmmrlkwOHreAftq2-6le81v_Y6-Z8qSRKixVoe4jG6HG0NgcsqphnkgtxaWnHrTbh2iziVz62iRRNMH9SbiEmYXvrmtWjw0e8Q/s320/2012memorialday_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>It was a day to relax and silently give thanks to those who served and serve, especially my Grandfathers.</i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVih7dMYOWPUidmLXegivbK0x1jp5O0nAsx8lD5iM7hV3j-30g2V6kyY7BXbJOWwPv2R9IzLT2jvH7fUiXcFjJjt7IZDGyDS3GNpdVtjmKKQM1TT0jVwKStxA_8r7Qshl4sZMPxT2ew/s1600/5x7+DOR+and+Emma+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVih7dMYOWPUidmLXegivbK0x1jp5O0nAsx8lD5iM7hV3j-30g2V6kyY7BXbJOWwPv2R9IzLT2jvH7fUiXcFjJjt7IZDGyDS3GNpdVtjmKKQM1TT0jVwKStxA_8r7Qshl4sZMPxT2ew/s320/5x7+DOR+and+Emma+wedding.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJJ80a-unPl9GKmqpOJVPRroGxVu-vxmOYHxJC3dVSfvSxqa0SFHAB8Qow25P0zcfQKBT4pwem6OKa72NAlhilYjB9NKrnpQmqtwPt8kG52yo5pRy9x88-baTwaEZCOEsv6GvCLIcyQ/s1600/Lavar+Johnston+in+Navy2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJJ80a-unPl9GKmqpOJVPRroGxVu-vxmOYHxJC3dVSfvSxqa0SFHAB8Qow25P0zcfQKBT4pwem6OKa72NAlhilYjB9NKrnpQmqtwPt8kG52yo5pRy9x88-baTwaEZCOEsv6GvCLIcyQ/s320/Lavar+Johnston+in+Navy2.JPG" width="204" /></a></div>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-86402689088242876732012-05-30T15:10:00.002-07:002012-05-30T15:12:32.105-07:00Brunches Of Fun<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Saturday we brunched, celebrate a special birthday with some of our favorite people, and ate the most delicious crepe cake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>The <a href="http://nothingcomesofnothing.blogspot.com/">Hostess</a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6Oh5elRY3I_QMKtlkfmJMFoVqgQWL5PwZC_Mi4eUnZT87Crh8-sChPk567VxWnD-OLTjhyG_b_5Jf9dn26h_yEFR6fEUjdGBs_0d8U1Mrjj_G_WBONJfE84JJborCFnDr7_FCLC39A/s1600/milaparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6Oh5elRY3I_QMKtlkfmJMFoVqgQWL5PwZC_Mi4eUnZT87Crh8-sChPk567VxWnD-OLTjhyG_b_5Jf9dn26h_yEFR6fEUjdGBs_0d8U1Mrjj_G_WBONJfE84JJborCFnDr7_FCLC39A/s320/milaparty.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2011/08/baby-mila.html">Birthday Girl</a></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN8UJwpMxe0pNHB_A5fCRfMqjXZgTz1fiFw-OSnE21lzMSGjVWKuR1OsqnVlweBLUySnCiITwr-W2VJgT7RzZwyC5ITWuxbr4sSfjBazS6lfecbTm2XQBZ3J3mdIe7LykKRui6mJoJg/s1600/milaparty_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN8UJwpMxe0pNHB_A5fCRfMqjXZgTz1fiFw-OSnE21lzMSGjVWKuR1OsqnVlweBLUySnCiITwr-W2VJgT7RzZwyC5ITWuxbr4sSfjBazS6lfecbTm2XQBZ3J3mdIe7LykKRui6mJoJg/s320/milaparty_3.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">The Best Cake Ever</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSj8_wsyq00Clh5DPfu8ksrPkI1V-bQuXa6xTroRMHiOt9XjVOo5XnDLAt128eJdJQzCRknFFtvB2fz1-okvhoFztQUDvFXV6LZWV0VbWQyC-wTcvACY7DUKhfWjO5f9eLwi1sIrVgw/s1600/milaparty_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSj8_wsyq00Clh5DPfu8ksrPkI1V-bQuXa6xTroRMHiOt9XjVOo5XnDLAt128eJdJQzCRknFFtvB2fz1-okvhoFztQUDvFXV6LZWV0VbWQyC-wTcvACY7DUKhfWjO5f9eLwi1sIrVgw/s320/milaparty_1.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SN6H-RGjMHL1whqBVNJJg6k5Nk9LK8ggpljifNX_-AbuG7aXLOPDmm9uU46DJnr4-ZwKu9qWEvd753Dzy11T0XkqvwBwDBoU5DiC3kSC4f2hEh_DJfJZJheHRyuuU9YtEo_P62DWKw/s1600/milaparty_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SN6H-RGjMHL1whqBVNJJg6k5Nk9LK8ggpljifNX_-AbuG7aXLOPDmm9uU46DJnr4-ZwKu9qWEvd753Dzy11T0XkqvwBwDBoU5DiC3kSC4f2hEh_DJfJZJheHRyuuU9YtEo_P62DWKw/s320/milaparty_5.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>The Boy Who Could Only Be Fooled Into Blowing on the Fake Pinwheels So Many Times</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m8mkNUDFFJFl5lFfWVDdyjK5u-D3oIuPHhepBAYprdCiFciKOt05eVvD-0jcHYGZVBwGxgp9_3uOI1GqpvHMm0dCjsoCUstGzXAHR6XCAm6gbLqESKm8rfnhATBNRhyBcp2PLOgb0w/s1600/milaparty_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m8mkNUDFFJFl5lFfWVDdyjK5u-D3oIuPHhepBAYprdCiFciKOt05eVvD-0jcHYGZVBwGxgp9_3uOI1GqpvHMm0dCjsoCUstGzXAHR6XCAm6gbLqESKm8rfnhATBNRhyBcp2PLOgb0w/s320/milaparty_4.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>The Official Birthday Present Openers, ie The Boy and The Chloe</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeXMnuP_4ocmQlyLJDNLVF3Ccox9UMruleQY-u65pzTnzd9xtH6t9CeuXRg5uFe2BM-GoNYXvJB8Ai7d8_S5KvzPfIcCNQctgbDaomEkMZPMaJ-utncZXRLhHlmk523saqDmmFtCCWw/s1600/milaparty_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeXMnuP_4ocmQlyLJDNLVF3Ccox9UMruleQY-u65pzTnzd9xtH6t9CeuXRg5uFe2BM-GoNYXvJB8Ai7d8_S5KvzPfIcCNQctgbDaomEkMZPMaJ-utncZXRLhHlmk523saqDmmFtCCWw/s320/milaparty_6.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">The Best Husband Ever</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehyphenhyphen37q97CqZ5tqyH5-z1FrYUBw30O9IpqxPpL4a3F5vWg-5PRxMqIa7hnTeJBWxI8ShKruJzGjCWiHl4DbprFuIJcvR5FvdYIvv0_K5XIqWMq8ffNFmtT6qz96seJ8wX3jv8OW2zjJQ/s1600/milaparty_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehyphenhyphen37q97CqZ5tqyH5-z1FrYUBw30O9IpqxPpL4a3F5vWg-5PRxMqIa7hnTeJBWxI8ShKruJzGjCWiHl4DbprFuIJcvR5FvdYIvv0_K5XIqWMq8ffNFmtT6qz96seJ8wX3jv8OW2zjJQ/s320/milaparty_7.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-4505214957176582782012-05-28T10:30:00.000-07:002012-05-30T15:12:04.228-07:00Daytime of the Night<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 100%; text-align: left;">A week ago I spent an evening at the most excellent photography workshop taught be Sarah from <a href="http://www.arrowandapple.com/">Apple&Arrow</a> (she is kind of a big deal). It was all about lighting, specifically using artificial light to imitate daylight. This class was so helpful, for so many reasons. And honestly, it erased my fears of artificial lighting.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A detailed list was provided to make a lighting set-up out of inexpensive materials.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 100%;"><img alt="" border="0" height="187" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747517196275989266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VIGMWdJ3Z4UVA67djmwH2vceqdVjRT21vcvO9DoAb_c8Aj-UOyngAgNO0fe3UKginM5lQuc-RI9rDPv_fA0NR7zVn3CafcKp6zZyM1IU4QMGWPEVOPTn_oz3lsdGhI9Xs8NolY8IZA/s400/makingdaylight.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; display: block; font-size: medium; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" width="400" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Various lighting set ups for </span>portraits were demonstrated as Chelsea from <a href="http://www.chelsea-bird.com/">Tea Talk</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> patiently modeled</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 100%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747517194963127426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIMf6_xFuS_VF60kQS2NKq5nwubv76ufWMq4ILcxj-oFmf0YTLUJ6ELSDpgdzRwgc38IWgviSuLZzNWY8msmcMctnVCU6dwAKinpddh-KiLvtz6gRfB7RknJiWW-znL3dntGCQLIN-Q/s320/makingdaylight_6.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-size: medium; height: 224px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We were allowed time to practice different lighting figurations to photograph various products.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747516699802940386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGSJpQYFkmZVLIRSbrQDGdOlX3iXvtFV7LN9AF-9wufVXZgem6qPF13jog_U-8gdSM7IEuLNtdKiVvH_DgReZlqemFU6ALBJxKrqbls5PxVP0J54Zn_Yssto0TcsPADhxkOPfAVMq4w/s320/makingdaylight_1.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-size: medium; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747516702896263970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPphtpvKo0m3k_Sehv9gA11J68e9VDv-smQrXA0jvP9zddArKDl3FQJ_NKlRMvGMH2a9wMcsW9tvIpmNWIjkDJXKY6lK6fbWTdYqk9YtoNyuiZrGwb5tk25QW8M5cGqaG6Hv56a_73g/s320/makingdaylight_2.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747516710607766962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM9lismi3S5TKsxasRPQB0eZOj4sTbxbtoNY_-3tU_sVdTMdKJL2uuEG6huNzWRjbR3-ohOFBsyHt-Ez8o_oXkb2hv5WTe8z6R52NN_uKaFpuYzINjYFKiw6O92yocGpwnn_fQIElSw/s320/makingdaylight_3.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747516721018227058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqaStrcA9JSoPtu75U9XMzVCDXTO3LOK3fM9HUSU9IFE-F8xKHvce9_AWwAMUIvTw6XX1iCq5kNkTUxcwJ0JVQPiH_KypciZQRdJKC8AFU7GLkQ-GWPmcKLwdghE4CwHs88TBmqinLw/s320/makingdaylight_4.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747516726403751138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78PxwSoS42uEfrA3YCI41VYtCc5FjxhLEdWeIrE9FDhE9vN9DfgnmQrmu6EgaNXisO8lUqleEAndGnVr6PViAJYfvSaX9af8jOyo1asZd10RSb_QWlxIAzCfP23SgKGvotLrHEIjCIw/s320/makingdaylight_5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">This was an enjoyable evening with very cool people, including my favorites, <a href="http://nothingcomesofnothing.blogspot.com/">Jen</a> and <a href="http://fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com/">Camille</a>. I can't wait for another </span>opportunity<span style="font-size: 100%;"> to hang out with Sarah and talk photography.</span></span></div>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-17669970956651706152012-05-12T10:07:00.003-07:002012-05-12T10:07:57.168-07:00Holiday DecorLook at me, I've got a guest spot series on another blog! I'm over at <a href="http://hellotherehouse.blogspot.com/2012/05/lessoned-learned-holiday-decorations.html">hello there! house</a> today talking about holiday decorations.Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-57924072588733842142012-05-09T12:17:00.001-07:002012-05-28T10:34:33.425-07:00Cinco de Mayo Fiesta<span style="text-align: center;">A few weeks ago I looked up the history behind Cinco de Mayo, and came to the conclusion that it is an American holiday to eat Mexican food. Good enough. I invited some family over and we ate glorified taco salads, listened to mariachi music, and</span><span style="text-align: center;"> burst open a <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">piñata. This may be the start of a fantastic family tradition.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF_6rRcZtCEqz7iDpe3dq1nkGhLABimsBraRQj7j0WTFuTXB95ZYuC7wvQrjJRrVWN6SQKg7Y9PxefqtmOwGygucj-x54x0NF9Fzz-jE2t_rjfUyaEI1oEC1GEfDP2FkpGcEEYbnXTQ/s1600/cincodemayo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF_6rRcZtCEqz7iDpe3dq1nkGhLABimsBraRQj7j0WTFuTXB95ZYuC7wvQrjJRrVWN6SQKg7Y9PxefqtmOwGygucj-x54x0NF9Fzz-jE2t_rjfUyaEI1oEC1GEfDP2FkpGcEEYbnXTQ/s320/cincodemayo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">decorations inspired by <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2012/04/diy-geometric-fiesta-garland/">oh happy day</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRhrFPzexuJxv636DHW05X6q4iiTfXGNoXbJJrb6FaJXr83D5ByAGQIXqoud-rkF37_J5_IwGdMU6e6W2cKAE5AEYeKljLpbi8-VMHx48-gnBUTl1bNpj4XwdVDIJ7-uLy8FxZHd_Rg/s1600/cincodemayoparty5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRhrFPzexuJxv636DHW05X6q4iiTfXGNoXbJJrb6FaJXr83D5ByAGQIXqoud-rkF37_J5_IwGdMU6e6W2cKAE5AEYeKljLpbi8-VMHx48-gnBUTl1bNpj4XwdVDIJ7-uLy8FxZHd_Rg/s320/cincodemayoparty5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">delicious salad fixings - i had elk for the first time and it was amazing</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRswYJW7HTChDtLSEU4aRaewZOjHfq2U2xEf5F6dSJIK2aoQndDgqihRt-zhlxLocERRVTQMMaYUBbSxmgbDcaO0dC4iKrdkL6OK4b6px16D9wet-RMujuBqU909x3Ve0TTYXsfmVuHg/s1600/cincodemayoparty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRswYJW7HTChDtLSEU4aRaewZOjHfq2U2xEf5F6dSJIK2aoQndDgqihRt-zhlxLocERRVTQMMaYUBbSxmgbDcaO0dC4iKrdkL6OK4b6px16D9wet-RMujuBqU909x3Ve0TTYXsfmVuHg/s320/cincodemayoparty2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">best cupcakes I've ever eaten - red velvet <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">piñata/flowers and Mexican hot chocolate</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu9ZbJMxIAqhHIQTM6XF7BU2Yz2VNLc8QPwY6-Gs797dXvg5VeIZROSPsNRjAwFHPBOhpoXadOcxz8MSQibCZAgXFzgW6lDeMZeZZT1I7y01n8KnLAx6uSpKp5ofDsxC7Xl4BkyD4Yg/s1600/cincodemayoparty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu9ZbJMxIAqhHIQTM6XF7BU2Yz2VNLc8QPwY6-Gs797dXvg5VeIZROSPsNRjAwFHPBOhpoXadOcxz8MSQibCZAgXFzgW6lDeMZeZZT1I7y01n8KnLAx6uSpKp5ofDsxC7Xl4BkyD4Yg/s320/cincodemayoparty1.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<center><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">piñata inspired by <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/diy-pinatas/slideshow#slide-44">refinery29</a></span></center></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfOBIB3LYT5QTJ-Own7aMhoJ1eiBiRqF7FJHKKNyschVNwMbiiO-du9XAZiJSvT8FMP3dI4nuprbw4FU3hGgik00PAX9m0SlkkN6Yr4lcPs0ql8VeI9ZleZy4b2vLTN8wfqUFSF8NoQ/s1600/cincodemayoparty4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfOBIB3LYT5QTJ-Own7aMhoJ1eiBiRqF7FJHKKNyschVNwMbiiO-du9XAZiJSvT8FMP3dI4nuprbw4FU3hGgik00PAX9m0SlkkN6Yr4lcPs0ql8VeI9ZleZy4b2vLTN8wfqUFSF8NoQ/s320/cincodemayoparty4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">the <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">piñata was too heavy for the string, so I told the boys they could throw it at the wall to bust it open. they were more than happy with that plan.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB_vn9Fw-W5kXehQXiRZDeiE8YzC9D2emHDj5Vzi4zlvTUJ7bCfmVDJaJ4k88pbaFs57mVXce9wH3g2hLM4tEh-Fe5JkCPfVzOfCTcyl2JY3jlJUi71CLt3FGGRfd_1rFKx1pppWMmA/s1600/cincodemayoparty3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB_vn9Fw-W5kXehQXiRZDeiE8YzC9D2emHDj5Vzi4zlvTUJ7bCfmVDJaJ4k88pbaFs57mVXce9wH3g2hLM4tEh-Fe5JkCPfVzOfCTcyl2JY3jlJUi71CLt3FGGRfd_1rFKx1pppWMmA/s320/cincodemayoparty3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">the boys were satisfied with the payoff.</span></div>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-78538048990852967722012-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:002012-05-03T10:00:03.214-07:00Alexa and Dawson Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I feeling really blessed to have been asked to photograph this wedding. Alexa and I have been friends since high school - we actually bonded most in a photography class. Every aspect of this wedding was sweet, and I loved watching all their family coming together for a pretty sweet ceremony. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGLem_vOTuzKl_WXtG6r-PioAy5Jc2rrWwApyRpK6VtCeNBYrQhdsbm27rx4OnfxuoqAQNzofu8X-TvTuS-YaxA2Pr_-jSy3MWN3oaQ0nX8DJbxclZnQ0KPSYOrIFJ-9cRnU6ia2roQ/s1600/dawedding_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGLem_vOTuzKl_WXtG6r-PioAy5Jc2rrWwApyRpK6VtCeNBYrQhdsbm27rx4OnfxuoqAQNzofu8X-TvTuS-YaxA2Pr_-jSy3MWN3oaQ0nX8DJbxclZnQ0KPSYOrIFJ-9cRnU6ia2roQ/s320/dawedding_1.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajenUcMQ-U5mpV-dLV6A6VpBDj0-KaWS5vf6QyHRcubLQwiJgXMo20XrMJ7x1GVS6v19e30QmxdC-rc81PG9AJ3YUxrB_nM2l-H_ZOWEiAU5SCie8iBP2sDf1TFl5n9bZitaD2YYVZw/s1600/dawedding_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajenUcMQ-U5mpV-dLV6A6VpBDj0-KaWS5vf6QyHRcubLQwiJgXMo20XrMJ7x1GVS6v19e30QmxdC-rc81PG9AJ3YUxrB_nM2l-H_ZOWEiAU5SCie8iBP2sDf1TFl5n9bZitaD2YYVZw/s320/dawedding_2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1yMxvv09HYXf0xp4FqF4lCBlHdg9VefIKszuhCfPC-vV8e_X2yF2pJh1gkEMJR53cqqkcm4eBWjUtZH6pgC9qOKD1LRitIYrl9Wf1VEWnFrTaJ8nZKVyUMzHBWChEfITTANxi9kVqg/s1600/dawedding_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1yMxvv09HYXf0xp4FqF4lCBlHdg9VefIKszuhCfPC-vV8e_X2yF2pJh1gkEMJR53cqqkcm4eBWjUtZH6pgC9qOKD1LRitIYrl9Wf1VEWnFrTaJ8nZKVyUMzHBWChEfITTANxi9kVqg/s320/dawedding_3.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1omIf8i4zNt_25LsMMvA-xourO89DPwTif7KUwdu8ixooi0s5ktCKUHeBM75mt0Pm3-5clEKcKY5RCiKZpr5OG9Yt87PnlcvpWJMh8b6VGFz-_t86FjwRLDna8G3R5uSAF5uqIqB3w/s1600/dawedding_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1omIf8i4zNt_25LsMMvA-xourO89DPwTif7KUwdu8ixooi0s5ktCKUHeBM75mt0Pm3-5clEKcKY5RCiKZpr5OG9Yt87PnlcvpWJMh8b6VGFz-_t86FjwRLDna8G3R5uSAF5uqIqB3w/s320/dawedding_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIxzy0qXwvmyoS4T4LKWKlE5LZ0fH6hqcHnxd1M8rZS7iFPNyg2HBdzOdu_01GsOC74hg8Iy42NQN_bDNTVb0AuVotWeEUA9ifUtJsPej5QtzYE-1BenDlsmYmXBmxXr8uOcH2vt6pA/s1600/dawedding_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIxzy0qXwvmyoS4T4LKWKlE5LZ0fH6hqcHnxd1M8rZS7iFPNyg2HBdzOdu_01GsOC74hg8Iy42NQN_bDNTVb0AuVotWeEUA9ifUtJsPej5QtzYE-1BenDlsmYmXBmxXr8uOcH2vt6pA/s320/dawedding_5.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFyJ0D3Ai9Dz2K8HPUX3DQGzbQQg_eHePErLLgjaVHdk7SoC46wsVYKEZK776bGG0sKT67uPeSsJ6lhflofhEaS0Yf638LF_VgvDao7QQD0QLdME_GNdEAXi7U296DcNq5IRtwnOTIA/s1600/dawedding_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFyJ0D3Ai9Dz2K8HPUX3DQGzbQQg_eHePErLLgjaVHdk7SoC46wsVYKEZK776bGG0sKT67uPeSsJ6lhflofhEaS0Yf638LF_VgvDao7QQD0QLdME_GNdEAXi7U296DcNq5IRtwnOTIA/s320/dawedding_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6Jbj6Q1n5xR9A_jV7Nx3C6EH6sUwjETgSRE3zP73WzfUoTuuKjpnyLIlg-bjHSc7IO9n2sVonIl4Old9hhPfz0u4FNJhpkXnwurUhWiZcaYr78c3e_RuYVDF1gY86-ttoMazS2pXlQ/s1600/dawedding_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6Jbj6Q1n5xR9A_jV7Nx3C6EH6sUwjETgSRE3zP73WzfUoTuuKjpnyLIlg-bjHSc7IO9n2sVonIl4Old9hhPfz0u4FNJhpkXnwurUhWiZcaYr78c3e_RuYVDF1gY86-ttoMazS2pXlQ/s320/dawedding_8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaf1awuuYhxT7TsTLPellUR7o-3BUSCETHUT8sBlrWTBWbv2Thq06grpy9A9CPnRdqv2RsGtst8I9BP1O2JxHljoYTEB7jT7tgbATFbh_MWmKVr0eAcvgCGuS2oo2gbTYQrXJ3_lpAg/s1600/dawedding_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaf1awuuYhxT7TsTLPellUR7o-3BUSCETHUT8sBlrWTBWbv2Thq06grpy9A9CPnRdqv2RsGtst8I9BP1O2JxHljoYTEB7jT7tgbATFbh_MWmKVr0eAcvgCGuS2oo2gbTYQrXJ3_lpAg/s320/dawedding_7.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQLYCpcnxvQuJoTBilVfdMK3ORmkjfx-v0xnW8H3mW2Nv00avxq-7n6kWo_ZyisQkw4wgaVZLCt6Om5N3pF6YfCXRCqPV1ivKM2iEjiX0ArMbpYP1-QtKTANETWIS7UOIKB43yVyAKQ/s1600/dawedding_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQLYCpcnxvQuJoTBilVfdMK3ORmkjfx-v0xnW8H3mW2Nv00avxq-7n6kWo_ZyisQkw4wgaVZLCt6Om5N3pF6YfCXRCqPV1ivKM2iEjiX0ArMbpYP1-QtKTANETWIS7UOIKB43yVyAKQ/s320/dawedding_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfATttng6YzmbsIsIScPWPGDbGoxmZzZmhTTAmoauLfEie5kiPdvZRPQ7huaJJktsvfu3ky-7zwm_L_5ylUlTl1hbs4lX7BGUmj85FqPn415sQ3BLLU3Wdiq3bRj9v9lwz1l94D4XJA/s1600/dawedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfATttng6YzmbsIsIScPWPGDbGoxmZzZmhTTAmoauLfEie5kiPdvZRPQ7huaJJktsvfu3ky-7zwm_L_5ylUlTl1hbs4lX7BGUmj85FqPn415sQ3BLLU3Wdiq3bRj9v9lwz1l94D4XJA/s320/dawedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxISjpdFAv5iyaDHlbcgPDAtSFk1tRJtVA70LG563_jc15BsMoEPLXK4X3UXLXzmNp9IJJRoCk6CytC3CMaR-nQWc0SlEyfFv9pyhXgpt29kqqBfVmRvFbhPeiPEnlm5jlgaFbmhURxQ/s1600/dawedding_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxISjpdFAv5iyaDHlbcgPDAtSFk1tRJtVA70LG563_jc15BsMoEPLXK4X3UXLXzmNp9IJJRoCk6CytC3CMaR-nQWc0SlEyfFv9pyhXgpt29kqqBfVmRvFbhPeiPEnlm5jlgaFbmhURxQ/s320/dawedding_9.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888845248735917.post-68349200945322060312012-05-01T18:39:00.000-07:002012-05-01T18:39:08.286-07:00Arizona Blogger ConventionI attended a <a href="http://phxstylecollective.blogspot.com/2012/04/az-blogger-conference-lineup-announced.html">blogger conference</a> this weekend. Thankfully <a href="http://nothingcomesofnothing.blogspot.com/">Jen</a> came along. It was at the fantastically hip <a href="http://www.thesaguaro.com/">Saguaro Hotel</a>. It was a great experience to mingle (as much as I awkwardly could muster) and meet a few other bloggers in the area.<br />
<br />
The photographer for the event was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brendaedenphotography">Brenda Eden</a>, who I found out went to elementary school with my sister. Small world, right? I think she is a fantastic photographer, but I obviously did not give her any good material because these are the awkward gems that I <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/gallery/4780490/1/AZ%20BLOGGER%20CONFERENCE%201?h=b4bfdb">found</a> of me from the event. They basically sum up how I was feeling.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">cheesy much?</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXVworfsy7BGuJ3xWDMOgs25AN0j-6AMSxFU0tu6HuIwQGd61J-Py2ejIBFzKPtk5JAzZCack29uXfN1Xt193Iwy1UAsx4nkMYY_BNfdFeu9gkVHT9IdTyXt0ZEhRNaCmwlfmlMskNA/s1600/0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXVworfsy7BGuJ3xWDMOgs25AN0j-6AMSxFU0tu6HuIwQGd61J-Py2ejIBFzKPtk5JAzZCack29uXfN1Xt193Iwy1UAsx4nkMYY_BNfdFeu9gkVHT9IdTyXt0ZEhRNaCmwlfmlMskNA/s320/0056.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">and check me out creeping in the background - the term photo bomb may or may not have been discussed at the table where I was standing</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7VquLUKXvH_2aLGCjxvXweFM0PfZGb0mx-zGUQvc1s6pJVTcS1otgvEIhWc6bLEEHfUyEvBBFUfXzQKAllzHZ6uInPd6_PEaVLFgcZPYqE9iTuUDXp-HuAqv0htDRd3BMviUzCi_IQ/s1600/0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7VquLUKXvH_2aLGCjxvXweFM0PfZGb0mx-zGUQvc1s6pJVTcS1otgvEIhWc6bLEEHfUyEvBBFUfXzQKAllzHZ6uInPd6_PEaVLFgcZPYqE9iTuUDXp-HuAqv0htDRd3BMviUzCi_IQ/s320/0090.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zmqgVhtRLThaONTfBssYYEOot1Li5XKoRzxv9A0AuHdlMGFU_8ctufOpmwA1TF6-hzyTgSXNHQQvZAVTaIiasHt0mx7tBt2eBNXa15NgrcuGdU1DJw8soE-JHwM5rxnkd3Mse7JXUw/s1600/0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zmqgVhtRLThaONTfBssYYEOot1Li5XKoRzxv9A0AuHdlMGFU_8ctufOpmwA1TF6-hzyTgSXNHQQvZAVTaIiasHt0mx7tBt2eBNXa15NgrcuGdU1DJw8soE-JHwM5rxnkd3Mse7JXUw/s320/0094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The topics discussed really got my brain a turnin' and I have big dreams for what this blog can become. Since I am (really!) finishing up school soon, those dreams could quite possibly become a reality. Oh, the content I have swimming around in my head! If only I could work blogging topics in to my technical writing course...Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10800571949685711393noreply@blogger.com1