tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43772372844884797112024-03-05T13:10:19.100-05:00the real young housewife of southern virginiaLauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-78224976947269257162013-04-18T08:55:00.002-04:002013-04-18T08:55:24.631-04:00She's a Better Woman than Me! <i>I don't think this guest could have shared her post at a better time! I have the utmost respect for our country's military and their families! The sacrifice they make is a substantial one and for what?! My freedom, your freedom, our freedom. What they give up to protect our country is something I'm not sure I would ever have the courage to do and for that I can't thank them enough! They are brave, courageous, and selfless. They give up time with their families. Spouses are left to raise families a lone while they sit and wonder about the safety of their heart and soul! It's enough to bring me to tears just writing about it. While I dry my tears please enjoy Becca and her beautiful family and thank her for the sacrifice she and her hubby make for us! </i><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Hi y'all!</span><br />
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My name is Becca. I blog over at <a href="http://faithloveandbabies.blogspot.com/">Faith Love & Babies</a>, my blog is about being an army wife, a new mama, random tidbits about my life and the things I love. I blog because it's a creative outlet and a definitive way to keep me on the path of becoming better. A better me. A better wife & mother. A better friend. Just an overall better person in general. I love to give advice and share things that I'm passionate about. I'm still fairly new to the blogging world but I absolutely love it and enjoy meeting other bloggers!</div>
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I'm 21 and became an army wife when I married my high school sweetheart, KC. We got married in September of 2012 and a few months earlier, we became parents to a precious little boy, named Wyatt. We also have two fur-kids; Cinnamon and Lucy. </div>
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Meet KC, he's a solider in The United States Army, my very own personal mechanic, my best friend and just such a good man. He will make you laugh, I promise you that. He's goofy, quirky and has such a kind heart.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">KC & I at our wedding.<br />Mr. & Mrs. Moss</span></td></tr>
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Meet Wyatt, as of today he's ten months old and he's the happiest baby I've ever met. He's literally always happy, unless he's hungry or fighting sleep, because then he's a bear. Being a mommy is the best gift and the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced. You can see how much he has grown from the first six months he's been here in this post <a href="http://faithloveandbabies.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-last-six-months.html">right here</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZn0iwzKSunwR1SPc8EVABVdv3C_OEBuY904w-0eUS1Amo2PQQPNW_ldEE1GyW4QwX-U7taRzbu-BqYHCvTJI9CJfjy2rHIl9cOlTu9RdQ9LbrSVRKpJGvU0L3o6xspqqeG0KZYoLgjc/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZn0iwzKSunwR1SPc8EVABVdv3C_OEBuY904w-0eUS1Amo2PQQPNW_ldEE1GyW4QwX-U7taRzbu-BqYHCvTJI9CJfjy2rHIl9cOlTu9RdQ9LbrSVRKpJGvU0L3o6xspqqeG0KZYoLgjc/s320/7.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Meet the girls; Cinnamon & Lucy. Back in 2010 KC & I rescued Cinnamon as a puppy, we believe she is a Lab/Beagle Mix. She's got a long body and short little legs. And as for Lucy or as we like to call her, Moose, she was in a litter of puppy's my brother-in-law's dog had, we got her in 2011. Moose is a Bull Mastiff/Boxer Mix. She does <b>not</b> like the snow but she loves to cuddle. </div>
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As for me, I'm a simple girl. I love the color yellow, <a href="http://faithloveandbabies.blogspot.com/2013/03/makes-me-happy.html">happiness</a> and anything pumpkin. Colorful paper clips at work, the occasional margarita and of course some football (<a href="http://faithloveandbabies.blogspot.com/2012/11/sunday-football.html">who-dey!</a>). I have a positive outlook on life, I believe that there is always something to be thankful for, I truly believe that "Faith Conquers Fear", that everything happens for a reason and that all things are possible. </div>
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Come on by <a href="http://faithloveandbabies.blogspot.com/">Faith Love & Babies</a> and say hi, I'd love to meet y'all!</div>
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Want to know some more facts about me? </div>
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You can read a post dedicated entirely to facts & quirks about little ole me <a href="http://faithloveandbabies.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-facts-about-me.html">right here</a>!</div>
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<i>How adorable is she and her precious family?! I love that we share a great abundance of love for furrbabies, pumpkin anything, and football! Not to mention, colored paperclips kind of rock my world too! Please be sure to head on over to her neck of the woods and say hello!!! She has a lot to say and share!!! </i><br />
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<i>XOXO, </i><br />
<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-56765662845850737332013-04-17T09:01:00.000-04:002013-04-17T09:01:30.430-04:00Another Photo Dump For Ya! I know I said What I'm Loving Wednesday would be back this week but in the light of recent events I'm just not super thrilled about much this week! Emotions are at an all time high and I'm honestly speechless with the events happening in our nation and world. The only place I've been able to find comfort or understanding is in the arms of my hubby with Baby Reef in my lap. It's a place I never want to leave.<br />
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Since I don't have much to share, for today I'll post photos from our Easter lunch at my mom's house! My mom did a fantastic job as usually with her tablescapes, food, and our annual Easter egg hunt {that I did not take photo's off because I was too busy participating in it}! Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquwyemRsKveReHQOfYOo3xxRtc-BFQr4SIODFLLzKYz-VgEEiIOj9LpNdSzdFjLgaWE1zu0gm2S3o9cAoPVdNtXYhYJXfbkD4a3MdQ-j3dEdx0kh8Xk1mwjjMWG6f39yrEk0q390cq88/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquwyemRsKveReHQOfYOo3xxRtc-BFQr4SIODFLLzKYz-VgEEiIOj9LpNdSzdFjLgaWE1zu0gm2S3o9cAoPVdNtXYhYJXfbkD4a3MdQ-j3dEdx0kh8Xk1mwjjMWG6f39yrEk0q390cq88/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Drink Station! Love a good ole Mason Jar! Country Living! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tablescape with Carrot treats! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkg7x-vPJikK1sKbH6CxU6_lmV5W7wxzlT7nxxHYNOTjVNRi286E1N51E39esOs5pDfcqnkhjZbS0Sw5L4zq2azglVDHggRt39KZbq8Gx49S4Aly0Av9b0kv37hfMFoEfa5RC3Jj5SFO4/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkg7x-vPJikK1sKbH6CxU6_lmV5W7wxzlT7nxxHYNOTjVNRi286E1N51E39esOs5pDfcqnkhjZbS0Sw5L4zq2azglVDHggRt39KZbq8Gx49S4Aly0Av9b0kv37hfMFoEfa5RC3Jj5SFO4/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mommy and Cousin Mason have bunny ears! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our first furchild together! His name is O'Neil and he is the size of a baby lion! He now lives at GiGi's (my mom) house where he can roam the woods and fields and hunt like the lion he is! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj1E3uRHvoirzKPe0QU_N9C_bZFj182gHh_T8L6_pEZntMCvLRkYrZDFYEUUX-L9v_LUxEhE2midNa0132zg3KOGPuCOsdLqhasPLQ2oZuxB5GVM3JfOpxhTzdsy7sm1pIY5ETbjWGks/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj1E3uRHvoirzKPe0QU_N9C_bZFj182gHh_T8L6_pEZntMCvLRkYrZDFYEUUX-L9v_LUxEhE2midNa0132zg3KOGPuCOsdLqhasPLQ2oZuxB5GVM3JfOpxhTzdsy7sm1pIY5ETbjWGks/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Momma, My Nanna, and Me! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EnX3a9Tph-kzD0mYrfPPH39PCumx_IcN40EXz0s6Hy_Bfc4XAY2t0Ji0M_t0GowSSx2GXccsf9mK4G2zsKVchpbMlwRTgK55UuydkBzjbBuZrJEvDBZQr8gbGa3_QOfhOx8mEUVl7oo/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EnX3a9Tph-kzD0mYrfPPH39PCumx_IcN40EXz0s6Hy_Bfc4XAY2t0Ji0M_t0GowSSx2GXccsf9mK4G2zsKVchpbMlwRTgK55UuydkBzjbBuZrJEvDBZQr8gbGa3_QOfhOx8mEUVl7oo/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" height="640" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubby playing on Mason's scooter! Never gives up the chance at being a kid! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifecImzqD721wSSztrNXdSmTy6RcIDAEwaEl9_PNOfS8kG2XmTyxBBEj-mPXI818RWEZDKgAVmi1sBucjEOiG-Hxs45YsVd0-ozo2cIXvn8XISNbsBPxyGTjalkmOC6R_ARY67vRiOhHQ/s1600/DSC_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifecImzqD721wSSztrNXdSmTy6RcIDAEwaEl9_PNOfS8kG2XmTyxBBEj-mPXI818RWEZDKgAVmi1sBucjEOiG-Hxs45YsVd0-ozo2cIXvn8XISNbsBPxyGTjalkmOC6R_ARY67vRiOhHQ/s1600/DSC_0386.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and her baby TinkerBelle have the same hair style and coloring! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi222fQ1J9H1LgnQy0tzlc0lQ1FRnauNqgRphPAL7f7IlPKz09ZNGLd2IkgLVjcAKEDdCewaUIgdcNrGY4LjBkws_BLG5DcuH2KgWMAmSZmNkQ_kAj8Lourk3MEmaP1F4kiiXzcL-YNHBg/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi222fQ1J9H1LgnQy0tzlc0lQ1FRnauNqgRphPAL7f7IlPKz09ZNGLd2IkgLVjcAKEDdCewaUIgdcNrGY4LjBkws_BLG5DcuH2KgWMAmSZmNkQ_kAj8Lourk3MEmaP1F4kiiXzcL-YNHBg/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My everything!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgJpdioB17-CIjVsXxP9DT5UJRNEBPKxubJFTQ8Cot0lzXdsSe6ycV8QMhmRn0_s_kBr4AwYQiwnR17kBSiDLX440I2EhMVX0bPaYo8aiQU4O2fEBGLluPvtx3Ts5QdHMr7pXIFkhs8E/s1600/DSC_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgJpdioB17-CIjVsXxP9DT5UJRNEBPKxubJFTQ8Cot0lzXdsSe6ycV8QMhmRn0_s_kBr4AwYQiwnR17kBSiDLX440I2EhMVX0bPaYo8aiQU4O2fEBGLluPvtx3Ts5QdHMr7pXIFkhs8E/s1600/DSC_0401.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Sister was able to come after work!!! Can't believe she graduates from high school in 2 months! </td></tr>
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Hope everyone has a splendid day! XoXo,<br />
<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-65021115089031919212013-04-16T09:45:00.000-04:002013-04-16T09:45:00.992-04:00A Bit Fallish But Who Cares! <em>*I liked to take a moment and express my deepest sympathies to those victims in yesterdays horrific Boston Marathon events! Prayers are continuous and I hope that they can all find peace and comfort during this time! Boston, you will prevail and evil... evil will never win!*</em><br />
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A few weeks ago one of my favorite local go to lunch spots {<a href="http://www.gourmetgang.com/new/">Gourmet Gang</a>} had this to-die-for salad as a special! Anything with pumpkin and goat cheese is a win in my book so I had to give it a try! Who knew I could fall deeply in love with a salad?! After devouring this goodness I knew I would have to recreate it at home and of course add a little meatiness {the shrimp} to it for the hubby!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What You Will Need:</span></u></b><br />
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1 pound of shrimp {I use frozen but you can use fresh if you'd like}<br />
1 bag of Ready to Eat Leaf Spinach or Baby Spinach<br />
Goat Cheese<br />
Sunflower Seeds<br />
Dried Cranberries<br />
Roasted Sweet Potatoes<br />
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<i><u>For the Dressing:</u></i><br />
Pumpkin Butter<br />
Apple Cider Vinegar<br />
Extra Virgin Olive Oil<br />
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{If you noticed I don't have any measurements so just eyeball how much you would prefer}<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Butter-Shrimp-Goat Cheese-Sweet Potatoes- Spinach- Sunflower Seeds-Dried Cranberries<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u></b></td></tr>
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Peel, Cut and Cube Sweet Potatoes {One Sweet Potato should be PLENTY}. Toss in Extra Virgin Olive Oil until fully coated.<br />
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Spread out evenly on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.</div>
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While roasting sweet potatoes sauté shrimp until cooked thoroughly.</div>
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After shrimp and sweet potatoes are finished cooking, fill bowls with spinach, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Then top with goat cheese, shrimp and sweet potatoes.<br />
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To make your dressing combine equal parts pumpkin butter, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl and mix together until blended. </div>
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Drizzle over salad and ENJOY!!!<br />
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XoXo,<br />
<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-22752340351574309382013-04-15T08:57:00.000-04:002013-04-15T08:57:56.052-04:00Weekend Recap! Helllllooooo my darlings!!! I trust all of you had a splendid weekend?! For those who commented on Friday's post about my dog bite, I promise, promise, promise I will respond soon and I am not ignoring y'all!!! Life is getting busy with the increasing warm temperatures and home improvement tasks and I can honestly say I did not check my e-mail once this weekend! I did instagram per the usual so here's a recap of our weekend through my IG photos!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Friday evening was our typical relaxing evening in! When I got home I headed to the gym to get in a hard workout! I clocked a one mile run on the treadmill, one mile on the elliptical, and three miles on the bike! I then came home and made <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2012/07/poppy-seed-chicken-recipe.html">Poppyseed Chicken</a> {minus the poppyseeds because we were out of them} while the hubs spent the evening doing an online driving improvement course {Can we say too many speeding tickets?!}. After dinner, Baby Reef crashed, the hubby studied and then studied some more, and I got started on painting some wine glasses! It's funny how Friday nights are so different than they were several years ago! I certainly wouldn't trade them now for anything.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsa0iQ_b-tcyh4Tse-0fMKwiUbY6UhALybtWmiw8_vYz0Km37ePK8by96EKG5DnT5ml8JCsG9cg4k9x2BU9As9ujnQeBoolkxwXT76lVI2cAPgesD_EW2DTuWmQJaGdpH2purkyyZkjo/s1600/weekend1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsa0iQ_b-tcyh4Tse-0fMKwiUbY6UhALybtWmiw8_vYz0Km37ePK8by96EKG5DnT5ml8JCsG9cg4k9x2BU9As9ujnQeBoolkxwXT76lVI2cAPgesD_EW2DTuWmQJaGdpH2purkyyZkjo/s1600/weekend1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Friday Night! </td></tr>
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Saturday, the hubby woke up early to cover some more driving improvement lessons. While he studied, I went for a refreshing one mile run. Early afternoon consisted of going to watch the hubby coach a baseball game! Sadly I didn't take any photos! I took Baby Reef and while he was on his best behavior and I was so proud of him for being calm, keeping my full attention on him made it hard to whip out the camera and take photos of the game! </div>
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The hubby and I decided after the game that we would treat ourselves to dinner out which we hadn't done since February {due to lots of family get togethers}. We had a gift card to a somewhat new restaurant in my hometown, Suffolk, named <a href="http://www.harperstable.com/">Harper's Table</a>! It was a super cute place and the food was amazing!!! We started with Pork Belly Biscuits and shared a Fuji Apple Salad. For our entrees Todd had the Sea Scallops with roasted cauliflower, thompson raisin puree, pecans and brown butter and I had the Chesapeake Bay Flounder with fennel, new potatoes, peas and a chorizo vinaigrette and we shared a side of hand cut fries & bacon mayonnaise! For dessert we had a homemade donut with a maple glaze and buttermilk ice cream and corn pudding! It sounds like A LOT of food but they are smaller portions which I love {not tapas small but the correct portion small}! This restaurant reminded me of the restaurants we ate at while in Charleston, SC last summer! I loved everything about it and the fact that I felt as though I was on a mini vacation but I was only thirty minutes from my home! After dinner we came home and crashed from a legit food coma! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgHX9haCC80bvJamKsHNjrdFQbz_gnCn0BWieozilXbenyOhIuEuJKhFe8ijs69aJxy50aIduJM15ZKbkmTNwvS_-wcEQz1elnFjAawPvANkoHaDYnrXL3EPxYXwBPBVVMkIdSQ-uyjc/s1600/weekend2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgHX9haCC80bvJamKsHNjrdFQbz_gnCn0BWieozilXbenyOhIuEuJKhFe8ijs69aJxy50aIduJM15ZKbkmTNwvS_-wcEQz1elnFjAawPvANkoHaDYnrXL3EPxYXwBPBVVMkIdSQ-uyjc/s1600/weekend2.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Morning sky during my Saturday morning run! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDDfOcPRaxzMg559Z8bxhS7SnTZQSvHBeb-iC5eJBfGc6pApfUjyXO6W64T5BxEL551DMoG9eIap7zVVheDJcL_12MQ751FJTBZuwBDfl5q-2a8GjglxLU0_56-tpTGokPXlz5wUuHYI/s1600/weekend3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDDfOcPRaxzMg559Z8bxhS7SnTZQSvHBeb-iC5eJBfGc6pApfUjyXO6W64T5BxEL551DMoG9eIap7zVVheDJcL_12MQ751FJTBZuwBDfl5q-2a8GjglxLU0_56-tpTGokPXlz5wUuHYI/s1600/weekend3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When renovating and creating Harper's Table, they found this original painted ad that was covered up by a border wall! </td></tr>
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Yesterday, we slept in a bit later than I would have liked, however I know I needed the extra sleep! One thing I love about my hubby is that he is a master breakfast chef! He can whip up any breakfast related dish and it's always fantastic! He treated me to fluffy chocolate chip pancakes and bacon! The pancakes were to die for! Seriously, I'm not sure if it's because I haven't had any in some time, but holy moly they were amaze balls!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jdAmbYHwvQwaolaJaHaKentbjL5dljfxZSzAViWR2zFpiQToI0J7vuXFLg0HIwN5BDyesxajBk3WGJxpODZENk2CHHnbEV2qVGFoidFssR2cVJG5-1nj_-3tEU5jNs0fgZgFdvu4mV0/s1600/weekend4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jdAmbYHwvQwaolaJaHaKentbjL5dljfxZSzAViWR2zFpiQToI0J7vuXFLg0HIwN5BDyesxajBk3WGJxpODZENk2CHHnbEV2qVGFoidFssR2cVJG5-1nj_-3tEU5jNs0fgZgFdvu4mV0/s1600/weekend4.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the hubby's plate as I devoured my pancakes before even thinking about snapping a photo! </td></tr>
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After our late breakfast, the hubby headed to take his driver improvement test! This allowed me to start working on things around the house: laundry, dusting, straightening up, creating the grocery list and starting the removal of the wallpaper border in our kitchen! Once the hubby came back home {with a A on his test} he gave our yard some close attention with some good ole dandy yard work!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd6rjhfDt-wwJiMW1W9L2rGv1FgugLDNH0Z833B164cGLtMK8Y3lku162pPZX9BiAeB8MDJqptCpZ3zTjQam07J-DP8BEdQAPAE0Qr_IsOHW_pufFZ1fAVWXMZQRU_mdATUCmBrFy2H0/s1600/weekend5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd6rjhfDt-wwJiMW1W9L2rGv1FgugLDNH0Z833B164cGLtMK8Y3lku162pPZX9BiAeB8MDJqptCpZ3zTjQam07J-DP8BEdQAPAE0Qr_IsOHW_pufFZ1fAVWXMZQRU_mdATUCmBrFy2H0/s1600/weekend5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to remove the '80s wallpaper border!</td></tr>
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Later in the evening, I headed to good ole Harris Teeter to do some grocery shopping and was so excited to pick up some pretty tulips to brighten the coffee table as well as some scrumptious fresh fruit! Strawberries and Watermelon scream warm weather and I love that I can add them to my breakfast routine now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5y-9jwlObFuNeLQ1NyH0P19vr0KchK9XaBKtf_oZgRBiyb2iwjl9qi6sj_k66Kn6CS-VvdP8tOsBMOUjb61TtZWqj8fOuuIr9477dplwBs2162yZZlMizLN4cy2N8NkGn1qDAuyW1gA/s1600/weekend6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5y-9jwlObFuNeLQ1NyH0P19vr0KchK9XaBKtf_oZgRBiyb2iwjl9qi6sj_k66Kn6CS-VvdP8tOsBMOUjb61TtZWqj8fOuuIr9477dplwBs2162yZZlMizLN4cy2N8NkGn1qDAuyW1gA/s1600/weekend6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon, Strawberries, and Tulips! Gloriousness!</td></tr>
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After putting the groceries away we decided to head out for a nice evening walk with Baby Reef! We don't walk him often because in the past he would pull and drag me along {even with the gentle leader} but after seeing how well behaved he was Saturday at the ball game we figured maybe he has matured a bit! To our surprise he most definitely has matured! The walk was great {and over a mile long} and I loved being able to do it as a family! Maybe I will be able to take Baby Reef on my runs here sooner than later! </div>
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What did y'all get into this weekend? It was beautiful here in my area and I'm beyond thankful for it! The house is still a work in progress but I feel accomplished on what we did do this weekend! Here's to more fantabulous weekends! Cheers! XoXo! </div>
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Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-46939963325872233672013-04-12T11:09:00.000-04:002013-04-12T11:09:44.263-04:00A Bit Distraught! Bare It All Friday is on hold for today as I am suffering some minor emotional issues! Okay so I'm joking, kind of! If you are a Facebook friend of my personal page or you follow me on Instagram, well than you may know why I'm horrifically scared for life now. If you don't follow me on either, allow me to explain.<br />
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Please understand that I am a HUGE dog lover! I am not biased towards dogs, except for my own, but seriously, I love ALL dogs! Teacups and Minis to Huge and Heavy! ALLL dogs! I have never had a bad experience with a pooch. I'm not a fan of barkers and yappers buuut I've never encountered an actual mean vicious pup.... until last night!<br />
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I decided that I would take a nice run yesterday evening and forgo the gym since the weather was so nice and I knew today would be rainy. I got my gear on, put my head phones in, start my Nike Running app and got to stepping! Mind you I don't run in my neighborhood. Since we live in a townhouse development it takes close to 3 laps to complete a mile. I HATE running past the same things more than once, so I've been running in the neighborhood behind my own. Lots of streets and different directions to go but they all lead back to the same place. Needless to say I've enjoyed running it A LOT!<br />
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I have to cross an elementary school football field and some baseball fields on the way to the neighborhood! Tons of kids and parents out playing on the swing sets, basketball court, and even some baseball games going on at the fields. Once I got to the neighborhood I noticed lots of folks doing yard work, loads of children bike riding, folks walking, I even saw another runner! It was a typical suburban neighborhood on a gorgeous Spring evening! Side Note: I love seeing kids out riding bikes and playing considering it seems so many of them are stuck indoors playing video games on their own iPads!<br />
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I decided early on I was only going to run one mile for the evening and at my half way point things took a turn for the worst. I was running, minding my own business, jamming out to Matt & Kim when I noticed up a head a young kid on a bike.... being chased and barked at by a small yippy dog! The kid looked a bit scared, threw his baseball cap at the dog and called out to his dad who was walking up ahead of him. The dog ran off into a yard. I ran by during all of this still minding my own business! All of a sudden I see this little black furry thing dart at me from the corner of my eye. I don't balk at dogs and figured with his size he was harmless and if I just kept running he'd leave me be. Oh how I was wrong. I couldn't hear his yapping as I still had my headphones blaring, but I did see him circle me {and almost trip me} and then I felt it, a sting on my ankle. I thought he was jumping on my leg as I ran and scratched me, so I just kept running. Then I felt it again, a longer drawn out sting, and it hit me, THIS DOG JUST BIT ME! I dropped an f-bomb and stopped to look at it. Blood. Really?! This little pipsqueak dog just bit me and drew blood! I looked up to see a grown man standing in the yard looking at me with this dumbest expression I had ever seen. Seriously it was a "duh da duh" face. Not even trying to retrieve the dog, he proceeds to yell at me "Are you Okay?" in the most unsympathetic way. I responded with "I assume so, hope he's up to date on his shots"! His answer "Oh yea, he is" to which I replied "You better be glad I like dogs"! I continued running and about 30 seconds into it, I started to cry! Not from pain but from utter disbelief! I have NEVER been bitten by a dog or felt threatened by one and here this little 10 pound rat just bit me for no good reason! I cried as I ran and then I cried when I hit my mile mark and began my walk back home!<br />
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I really had no idea what to do. After posting about it on Facebook and Twitter people were telling me to report it, but I felt it was silly. The dog was tiny and I felt like I was being a baby about the whole incident, but then I kept thinking about that boy on the bike the dog was chasing after. What if he had been walking?! The dog most certainly would have bit him! I headed to my neighbors house to see what she thought. She suggested just going back to the house and asking to review the dog's rabies records! She then proceeded to clean up my wound and her youngest son, who I like to refer to as my boyfriend, bandaged me up with a little bandaid! Best neighbor award goes to them, no doubt!<br />
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After getting my neighbor's advice Todd and I went to the house where this dog lives! I kindly but sternly asked to see the dogs rabies information. From there I learned that the man, who I assumed was the owner, is not the owner! The man and his wife are staying at the home and caring for his wife's parents who are elderly. The dog apparently belongs to his brother in law who was conveniently not there. The wife went inside to ask her elderly mother where the paper work was, but her parents were apparently asleep. She did say several times that she knows the dog is up-to-date on his shots but that she just doesn't know where her mother keeps the paperwork. She then offered to have the information for me sometime today. I reaffirmed that I would be back later today for the information and that I needed to see it for my own well being! I took down their name, address, and phone number to call later today. After I took their information the husband then chimed in that the dog likes to escape from the house and backyard and that this isn't the first incident this week! Yes, the dog has bit other folks this week!! I don't want to be the reason someone has their dog taken away, but jeeze! To know I'm not the only one he has attacked this week and they aren't watching him more carefully, pisses me off!<br />
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By the time it was all said and done I felt it was too late to call the police about it, however, if these people can't supply the shot records to me today, I will be filing a report. Thank goodness I know to take photos and such, as I did after it happened and once it was cleaned up! Regardless of the size of the dog I'm still in shock over it! Part of me really thinks I am "over reacting" that it's just a small peasize dog who has Napoleon syndrome and whose bite marks look and feel like scratches. The other part of me is like "holy crap I just got attacked by a dog! A freaking dog bit me, while I was running". I think because of this incident I am going to be really apprehensive around dogs for some time. Not around Baby Reef of course, but definitely around strange dogs I don't know. And I won't lie, if he comes at me again while I'm running, I may possibly punt him down the street! I love animals and don't condone cruel behavior towards them but mean dogs like that need a lesson and some home training.<br />
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I will of course keep you updated on the outcome of this situation. Meanwhile, check out the mark that little punk left!<br />
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Happy Friday and Happy Weekend! XoXo!Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-58815315597656580482013-04-11T09:57:00.000-04:002013-04-11T10:05:00.665-04:00Heads Up, Heels Down is Not Just for Horseback Riding! <div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Saaaaay what?! Is it really Thursday! My week seems to be all mushed together and to be completely honest, I felt like yesterday was Tuesday! I know, it's a nice surprise to learn I was a day behind! Since it's Thursday, y'all know the dealeeo! Ashley reached out to me after finding my blog page on Facebook! Come to find out she lives like 45 minutes away, her mom used to live in the area I live in now, and her uncle owns an auto body shop that my friend's husband works at! Small world right?! This gal right here has the sweetest most genuine heart I think I've ever encountered! I can't wait to arrange this blate and I hope it involves horses and riding since I've been dying to get back in the saddle after almost 15 years of saying goodbye to my beloved sport! Enjoy Ashley and wish her a Very Happy Birthday - it's today!!!</i><br />
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Hello sweet girls!! Birthday girl here, Ashley, and I ramble over at <a href="http://www.horseshoesandpearls.blogspot.com/">Horseshoes & Pearls</a>! I turned the big twenty-three today! Woo hoo! I actually found Miss Lauran through her blog's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Real-Young-Housewife-of-Southern-VA/182621805211379?ref=hl">Facebook page</a> right around the time I was debating on whether or not to start a blog of my own. After visiting hers and others that I found via Lauran's, I decided to press forward and enter the blogging world. I am so thankful and happy that I did! I have met some amazing women, including Lauran, and I am so thankful for the friendships that have been created. Not to mention, I'm totally in love with Baby Reef, Lauran's lab and her sense of style and the honesty she puts into her posts. OH, and ps, we still need to arrange a blate! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi! That's me!</td></tr>
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So, a little about me real quick before I go into my post. I am a newly engaged,
wife-to-be to my best friend, Chris. We are
currently chin deep in wedding plans, planning and preparing for a September
2013 wedding! See how he proposed, <a href="http://horseshoesandpearls.blogspot.com/2013/02/holy-valentines-day-were-engaged.html">here</a> or view our engagement pictures, <a href="http://horseshoesandpearls.blogspot.com/p/the-journey-to-our-wedding.html">here</a>. We live in a small town of Southern, VA
with our two fur babies Chevy & Oliver, and two horses, Bailey & Paddy.
I'm a very positive person and I try to find the positive in any negative
situation. I'm <span style="color: black;">a God
fearing</span> woman and strongly believe in<span style="color: black;"> the <a href="http://horseshoesandpearls.blogspot.com/p/the-journey-to-our-wedding.html">power of prayer</a></span>. Making people smile makes my heart happy. I've been riding and
<span style="color: black;">showing </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://horseshoesandpearls.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-have-this-dream-i-want-to-inspire.html">horses</a></span><span style="color: black;">
ever</span> since I was old enough to know what one was. Graduated from Virginia Tech
in 2010 with a degree in Animal & Poultry Sciences, now continuing my
education to become a large animal LVT (licensed veterinary technician). I'm
very OCD when it comes to cleaning, making lists, staying organized, and making
plans. I'm addicted to <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/afisherswife2be">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/afisherswife2be">Instagram</a></span>, cowgirl
boots, Mason jars, the color pink, Kate Spade, polka dots, and Criminal Minds. I
love to cook, bake, try new recipes, tackle DIY crafts and projects, decorate,
and then re-decorate again. Anything rustic, vintage, or antique is right up my
alley. I'm the girly girl who loves hunting, fishing, <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://horseshoesandpearls.blogspot.com/2013/03/just-call-me-annie-oakley.html">shooting sports</a>, and sports. Jeans, cowgirl boots, and a strand of pearls is
typically my outfit of choice. Closet book nerd and an aspiring <a href="http://www.simplysouthernphotographyva.blogspot.com/">professional photographer</a>. And now, on to the good stuff...</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylTSn_X1opY/UWRJ41lyS2I/AAAAAAAABPw/vv5aPpRqzE4/s1600/Ashley+Swindell-0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylTSn_X1opY/UWRJ41lyS2I/AAAAAAAABPw/vv5aPpRqzE4/s400/Ashley+Swindell-0130.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's us! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imr95L0Alkc/UWQ3MgU8MZI/AAAAAAAABPQ/FzXtvpHqpD0/s1600/Ashley+Swindell-0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imr95L0Alkc/UWQ3MgU8MZI/AAAAAAAABPQ/FzXtvpHqpD0/s640/Ashley+Swindell-0038.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's a sneak peek from our engagements... about to play kissy face! ;)</td></tr>
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So, after reading Lauren's <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/04/bare-it-all-friday.html">Bare It All</a> post on Friday, I decided what I would write about here today. </div>
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I've struggled with weight all my life and am constantly struggling with insecurities and doubts that it puts in my head. I was the "thicker" girl growing up, elementary school all the way through high school... but it wasn't until <em>that day </em>that my weight changed my world upside down. I had a legit <em>"enemy"</em> all through elementary school and middle school. Her name was Ashley, too, and to be completely honest I can't remember why on earth she hated me so much. I remember the day so vividly that sometimes thinking about it still stings my heart in ways that I just can't really explain. </div>
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Gym class, my 6th grade year, we had to start "changing out" in front of other girls in the bathroom before and after class. I knew, compared to my classmates, that I was "bigger" than they were but it didn't really bother me until this.... I was cramming myself into one of the corners of the locker room trying to change for class without really letting anyone see me (regardless of my weight, I still felt super uncomfortable <em>changing </em>in front of other girls, it was just super weird to me). I had just gotten undressed down to my skivvies when my <em>enemy </em>walked over with her little posse of friends and they started shoving me back into the wall. Of course I lost balanced and fell backwards, dropped my gym clothes that were in my hands, leaving me completely exposed, they started laughing, calling me names, mean names that I'll never forget, they grabbed my gym bag, all of the clothes and ran out of the bathroom, leaving me there with nothing but my panties and bra. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't run out after them. I couldn't go get a teacher. I had no clothes. I was just left there, exposed. About five minutes later I started hearing people walking down the hall towards the bathroom and I thought, thank God, the teacher realized I was missing and has come to find out what was going on. No. It wasn't the teacher. It was a group of boys in my grade being led by the <em>enemy</em> and her posse to come see the "fat girl naked." The boys started laughing and calling me mean names right along with the <em>enemy</em> and her friends. This went on for about five minutes until our gym teacher finally realized that there was something going on and came in to cease the chaos. </div>
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I was devastated. Of course the boys, <em>enemy</em>, and her posse were suspended, put in detention and other disciplinary actions charged against them for bullying. But that wasn't any good. It had already scarred me, cut me deep, for life. Still to this day it haunts me. I blame this incident for being the stem of all of my insecurities and self consciousness. It's ruined past relationships and caused me to think very little of myself every now and then. Of course it got better, a little, as I got older and out of high school, but I'm still nowhere near my best. I have my good days and my bad days. My good months and my bad months. My good years and my bad years. But I still occasionally struggle with feeling like I always have to be "skinnier" and "tanner" and "blonder" and "wear more make-up" and "buy cuter clothes" and "always fix my hair"... and honestly, the majority of the time when I'm not these "things", I feel very insufficient. </div>
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Chris has been an amazing support system with my insecurities and knowing how I feel about certain things he always makes it a point to encourage and lift me up. He's the first man that I feel 100% comfortable with and we've decided that together we are going to work towards a healthier lifestyle. It's a work in progress, and probably will be for years to come, but I know I'll be just fine! </div>
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Of course there's more to feeling the way I do, ie media, social expectations, etc. these days... but I feel like this incident that happened in 6th grade was the base, the stem to all of this. I wanted to share this story to encourage Lauran and others who may be dealing with the same insecurities. It's a very difficult thing to overcome and feeling insufficient about anything can be a real heavy burden on someone. If you struggle with the same insecurities, or ones like it, and want to talk about it and try to encourage each other, I am more than willing to open my arms to anyone and listen, talk, discuss, or be a support system if needed. </div>
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A big thank you to Lauran for having me today! And thank you'll so much for taking the time to read my ramblings. I hope that you'll come visit me over at <a href="http://www.horseshoesandpearls.blogspot.com/">Horseshoe & Pearls</a>! I look forward to meeting you!<br />
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Follow along...</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">xo,
Ashley</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">First off, I cried like a baby when I first read this post, so if you are crying, it's only natural! I think Ashley is already a beautiful person and I'm so glad she is on her way to accepting herself! I still remember being 23 myself! It's definitely an in between stage where you thought you knew who you were but you're starting to find out who you are meant to be! I certainly believe in karma and I believe that you reap what you sow, therefore, I will go ahead and assume that Ashley's enemy is or has paid for the horrible, cruel, and sick way she treated Ashley! Children can be so mean and hurtful and it's sad that they have no clue as to how deep such behavior can affect someone! I'm certainly proud of Miss Ashley for sharing her story with all of us! It takes a brave soul but it's also a way to heal. I think you are on your way to being healed! Keep your head up loves whether you're riding a horse or riding life!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">XoXo,</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-60121202867914657262013-04-10T08:10:00.000-04:002013-04-10T08:10:15.343-04:00Baby Reef Had a Photo-shoot! What I Love Wednesday will be back next week! In the meantime, check out this precious pup child of mine! This little man has my heart! Side Note: Don't judge my photography skills! I've never claimed to be good with a camera though it doesn't help that this guy couldn't be still for longer than 3 seconds!<br />
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Baby Reef and I both hope y'all are having a stellar week so far!!! XoXo!Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-80592042567930977912013-04-09T09:01:00.000-04:002013-04-09T09:01:06.589-04:00I Could be a Vegetarian, Just Not a Vegan, I Like Cheese Too Much! <br />
Here is another Pinterest worthy recipe, first appearing in <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/appetizers-snacks/goat-cheese-caramelized-onion-and-spinach-quesadilla/">Fitness Magazine</a>, to add to your recipe boxes!!! It's a Vegetarian dish and even though I'm not a Vegetarian I really enjoyed it! The goat cheese was my favorite part and this was the first time I made caramelized onions! Yuummmmy!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What You Will Need:</span></u></b><br />
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1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
2 cups thinly sliced onion<br />
1 teaspoon sugar {I used Splenda}<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
9 ounces baby spinach {I used ready-to-eat Leaf Spinach}<br />
4 8 inches whole-wheat flour tortillas<br />
4 ounces semi soft goat cheese<br />
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole Wheat Tortillas-Splenda-Onion-Tomato-Spinach-Goat Cheese-Olive Oil</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u></b><br />
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Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, sugar and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is dark golden brown.<br />
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Remove from pan.<br />
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Add the spinach and 1 tablespoon water to the skillet; cook 2 minutes, or until spinach is just wilted. Remove from skillet and turn off heat.<br />
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Spread a quarter of the goat cheese on each tortilla and top with spinach, tomato and onion.<br />
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Fold closed and press lightly. Heat the skillet and place two folded quesadillas in it; cook two minutes per side, or until golden brown and lightly crisp. Repeat.<br />
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I hope y'all are having a fantastic start to the week! The weather here in Southern VA has been beautiful which makes the beginning of a work week so much more bearable!! XoXo!!!Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-15197146134498321392013-04-08T09:43:00.001-04:002013-04-08T09:43:08.984-04:00Five Truths You Didn't Know About Me! A few weeks ago I was tagged by the beautiful Natalia over at <a href="http://www.allthethingsetc.blogspot.se/2013/03/truths.html">All the Things, Etc.</a> to admit some truths to my readers!!! I've done a few of these "types" of truthful-bet-you-didn't-know posts in the past but they were usually linked to some kind of blogger award. There is no award for this one, no rules, no have to dos, just honesty, and while I would love to just copy and paste Natalia's, because the majority of hers were me to a T, I can't! So here we go with some honest secrets about me that you may find interesting, funny, or down right strange!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://melangephotographyblog.com/">Via</a></td></tr>
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<u><b>Truth One:</b></u></div>
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I am a horrible housekeeper! I'm not the worst out there, but I am pretty terrible! If you notice, I don't take many photos of the inside of our home because I'm ashamed of its condition! We always seem to have stuff piling up every where, crap on the desk and dining room table, dirty clothes piles waiting to be washed, and don't even get me started on all of the dog hair! It's literally everywhere! It's gross, but I feel like it's so bad that I just can't even get motivated to vacuum and mop regularly! It basically has to be a daily chore. The hubby and I have discussed trying harder to keep it up instead of hiring a cleaning service and I'm hoping to come up with some kind of cleaning schedule to help tackle this disaster! Admitting this secret just inspired a new Bare It All Friday post and I can't even believe I'm thinking about doing it! You'll probably want to stay tuned! </div>
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<b><u>Truth Two:</u></b></div>
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I cried on my wedding day and not just happy tears! Only a handful of people know this as they were standing with me when the tears came, but it's something I'm not ashamed of and don't mind sharing to outsiders. Our wedding was one of the best days of my life because I said "I do" to my hubby and to the rest of our lives, we became one and I would never be ashamed of the day that all happened. To say it went off without a hitch or drama, well that would be a lie. During our reception, my feelings were incredibly hurt and with all kinds of emotions already running high, it wasn't long before I ended up in tears. Luckily I had some awesome bridesmaids who stood with me afar from the party, in the middle of my childhood home front yard, and snapped me back to reality with hugs, a cigarette {yes I used to smoke}, and a touch up of makeup! Even though I still remember that moment, it's a foggy distant memory because it didn't matter! At the end of the day and looking back on it, our day was perfect for us and that's what matters! </div>
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<b><u>Truth Three:</u></b></div>
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I do not own anything by Lilly Pulitzer! I know, I know, this is almost a crime! I was so sadden to hear of Lilly's passing yesterday. Her designs have been so classic and timeless, which are the types of designs and styles I go for! Without a doubt I loooooove anything and everything Lilly Pulitzer, but I've never owned an LP piece! Part of it is my inability to spend money on myself {if you follow me you know this is an "issue" I'm working on} and part of it is there are only a few stores in my area who sell her items and they're not in the most convenient locations for me to get to - and before you say shop online, the answer to that is NO! My body type is too wacky to shop online! I just ordered some shoes not too long ago that I ordered in a 9 {I wear an 8.5} and had to send them back for a 9.5 because they were too small! Seriously, if I have issues with shoes I most doubt will have issues sizing clothes! </div>
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I can't listen to a lot of country music! I love being from the "country", I love riding horses, I love my southern twang, but Lord knows I don't love listening to country music! Don't get me wrong, I love love love country music. I actually love ALL genres of music, but I DO NOT LOVE listening to country music. It's extremely emotional for me! For instance, I happened to have it on one morning last week and "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice came on and before it even got to the chorus I had tears streaming down my face! Miranda Lambert's recent song "Mamma's Broken Heart" gets me all teary eyed, even with it's upbeat chords, because where I come from, it's the truth. Been there done that with a broken heart but you never forget how it made you feel! Crazy, lost, revengeful, and the list goes on just like Miranda describes! Don't even get me started on all of Toby Keith's songs about our soldiers and America! I lose it every time he sings about his American pride! I'm beyond grateful and blessed to say America is my home! I cried watching the ACM's last night.. yea.</div>
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<b><u>Truth Five:</u></b></div>
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I used to love eggs, now I find them hard to eat! I have no idea if it's a texture issue or what, but I can't eat eggs unless they are scrambled and dried out. If they have any moistness or sliminess to them at all I will gag. I used to love love love deviled eggs but now it takes great effort to eat them! I got through two of them at Easter but had to cut them up in small pieces! They tasted great and the whites weren't slimy so I was good to go! Egg whites on a fried egg make me gag as well and I can't eat a hard boiled egg so save my life! The reason I can get through a deviled egg is the mayo and mustard that is mixed with the yolks! I can't even put hard boiled eggs on my salads anymore or enjoy egg salad! This saddens me because of the protein I could get from eating them but I guess I'll just have to enjoy it's momma more...actual chicken! </div>
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Did you learn anything new about me today??!! Hope y'all had fantastic weekends!!! I enjoyed the beautiful weather, had my hair done, enjoyed a manicure and pedicure afternoon date with the hubby, did a few house things, perused Home Depot, planted an herb garden, worked on YAAA! obligations, spent time with some family, clocked 3 miles total this weekend, and had a photo shoot with Baby Reef. All in all a pretty darn good weekend if I do say so myself! </div>
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Happy Monday! XoXo! </div>
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Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-90314919978113812492013-04-05T09:19:00.001-04:002013-04-05T10:22:19.207-04:00Bare It All Friday! I'm still debating whether I want to start this series or not. It's been in the works for some time now and I'm hoping, that if I stick with it, it will turn into a link up for the rest of you to participate. I'm keeping it solo right now to see how I feel after opening up to all of you on some of my insecurities, fears, doubts, hopes, and dreams. There is a lot I always want to say or explain about myself, but it comes at a cost. The cost of baring it all to the public. Everyone knowing the inner battles I struggle with is not what frightens me, it's more of the judgmental attitudes and scrutinization some will give.<br />
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My hope for this series is that it will allow you all to be inspired to always be honest with yourselves! I find, here in blog land, that many writers portray their lives in a certain light, a very positive light, which I think is great! However, for me every now and then, I'd love to see some raw emotion and honesty. That is what I hope to bring to you who come, read, and support my daily rambles. Life isn't always rainbows and butterflies but what is life without storms and rough seas? It's pretty damn boring would you not agree? </div>
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As you all know, if you frequent here a lot, I have really been "working on my fitness" since January! The age of thirty is right around the corner for me. A little over a year and a half if you want the actual countdown! It's scaring the bejibbas out of me and I am noticing changes everywhere in my body! More cellulite, drooping breasts, flabby underarms, and a slew of other things I find disheartening. It's enough to make me want to go get some nips and tucks that's for sure! {side note: Nip/Tuck? Best show there ever was!}</div>
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Ever since I was young {as in early elementary school} I was ALWAYS "chunkier" than my peers! I wouldn't say I was fat, but I had a pooch that would put a beer gut to shame. All my peers?! Yea, they had flat little tummies without an ounce of chub! Just call me a cherub! I'm pretty sure my insecurities started at the age! </div>
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Then there was middle school, where I had to change out for gym, in front of other girls, who were all thinner than me. Granted non of us had boobs or anything of the like to which, I'm pretty sure a rumor was started that I stuffed my bra with scrunchies in the 6th grade! Talk about scared for life?! If I still remember it, obviously it did a number on me way back when. </div>
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Next was high school and of course I was still chubbier than all my friends! I was a base on the cheerleading squad for crying out loud. If that doesn't scream, I'm a "bigger" girl, I don't know what does. Although it did mean I was a "strong bigger girl" so that was a tad bit of a confidence booster! It still didn't help however, when I was called a "fat bitch" by certain mean girls. By the way, bullying has been around for years.. it's nothing new! There should have been anti bullying campaigns 10 years ago! As in middle school, if I can remember it, I still have scars from it! The other worse part about high school? I gained the college freshman 15 my senior year, before I ever went to college! </div>
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My original college experience was a great one. Original as in, I did the whole go off to college for a few years thing, but then I transferred to a college closer to my hometown later and no longer lived on campus or close to campus for that matter. More on that in a different post. My first two years were great and bullies didn't exist, BUT the opinions of young men did! It would sting when a potential date would chose the skinny friend over me! I'm pretty sure that during the Spring of my Sophomore year, after going on a low carb diet and losing 20 pounds, one guy in a drunken stupor told me I was not skinny enough for him. This of course also being after he lead me on for a few weeks! Luckily as a confidence booster I had other guys who were interested, but of course I ruined all of those because, let's be real...what girl wants to date the nice guy who thinks she's beautiful?! None! At that age, we want the douchebag jerk who tells us we aren't good enough! Oh my, if I could have known what I know now! </div>
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I wish I could say since I started dating my now husband and have gotten married that I am comfortable with my body. Honest truth, I'm not! My hubby tells me I'm beautiful and perfect and wonderful and, well I'll spare you the rest of the mushiness. While I would like to believe it all 100%, I don't! My weight has continuously fluctuated since we've been together! Skinny and confident one year, chubby and down the next. This last year is a chubby down year for me as I just can't make myself feel good about my body or appearance! The last time I felt absolutely flawless was my wedding and honeymoon. Why?! Because I was the skinniest I'd been in a very long time! I had a jawline, neck bones, and my stomach was the flattest I think I had EVER seen it. How'd I get to that point?! I took over seas diet pills that you could only order online and that were probably really dangerous for my health. Why not take them again?! 1. I did, you can now get them in the states but the formula has changed to make them legal in the US, and they didn't work. 2. I know that's not the solution for long term healthy living! </div>
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Long term healthy living is my ultimate goal but I do want to lose weight! I know exercise isn't the only way and that diet plays a HUGE role as well! While I haven't turned every meal into rabbit food, I am slowly making some changes! My love for food is a constant battle. I just want to get to where I was 2 years ago! I was happy with my body and how I felt in a swim suit! Now I'm embarrassed to even think about putting one on! I've lost my sexy and I need to bring it back! Even when I did have my sexy back I knew I wasn't as small as my friends and always held on tight to those insecurities when they were around. I still do! I don't know if I will ever truly rid myself of my weight insecurities, if I will ever truly think my body is attractive. Maybe if I went from Carrie Underwood American Idol days to Carrie Underwood now I would love my body, but let's be real, the girl works out like six hours every day! That's unrealistic for my schedule! </div>
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I wanted to share this with you all because it is a very large insecurity that I posses and to let you know that if you feel this way too, you are not alone! I very much feel a lone as many people I know either, lose weight very easily or just don't talk about their insecurities of it! One reason I don't speak much of it is because I don't want to hurt other peoples feelings! There are bigger gals than me who suffer these same insecurities and may look at me like I'm crazy for feeling this way! I know when thinner girls than me talk about themselves being "fat" it makes me want to slap them across the face! <em>HOWEVER</em>, I have to remind myself that we are our own worst critics! I can't judge a thinner girl for having the same insecurity about her body as I have. Just as a larger girl shouldn't judge me for my insecruity. Either way, I wanted you all to know that I am here to listen or offer advice or to be an accountability partner for your workout routine! Support is one of the best ways to reach a mighty goal! </div>
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I really do appreciate y'all reading my blog! It is my goal to help make women feel empowered and stronger as females, individuals, and spouses {married or not} one honest bare boned post at a time!! Thank you for reading today and have a glorious weekend!!! XOXO! </div>
Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-25304358059582279432013-04-04T09:23:00.002-04:002013-04-04T10:21:25.364-04:00We Pulled a Switch-a-roo and Love Sam Steele Ponder Too! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>I've come to the conclusion, that upon first glance, my Thursday posts titles will <b>NEVER</b> make sense and I'm okay with that! With that being said, I'm ridiculously stoked about my guest today!!! I know I've shared that I've made many blogging buddies through Instagram, but this gal and I share a unique IG friendship! We met through Samantha {then Steele} now Ponder. Don't know who she is?! Well, she has my dream job and is an ESPN broadcaster! She also married Christian Ponder, the Minnesota Vikings QB on my birthday this past year! If you want to know the rest of the story, you'll have to wait till the end of the post because I'm dying to introduce Taylor to you!!!! Enjoy this girly girl! She's a fashionista who shares my love for classic pieces, her furrbaby, Princess Kate and a cute pair of Hunter Wellies too! </i></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hi friends!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m Taylor from </span><span style="color: #001f67; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.thetaylordiary.com/">The Taylor Diary</a></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">! I am a
non-profit fundraiser during the day and am fashion and beauty obsessed by
night…well, during the day too! </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
I am a newlywed and a dog mom….a really obnoxious dog mom. I was a Fashion
major in college and after graduation I worked as a shoe buyer in St. Louis,
Missouri for a large online shoe retailer called shoes.com. It was a wonderful
job but being from Kansas City originally, I decided to head home and be a little
adventurous. Okay, A LOT adventurous. I opened my own boutique in downtown
Kansas City and worked…</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Arial Italic"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and worked</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">…</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Arial Italic"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and worked</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> for three years straight. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Arial Italic"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Overworked</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">. Needless to say, that is why I am
doing what I do now. (non-profit fundraising and event planning)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I decided to start my own blog after I got
married (who doesn’t these days?!?) just to keep my creative juices flowing. My
job is so much business during the day that I needed a little bit of fun and
flirty on the side. When you visit my blog, you will see my ramblings, your
typical outfit of the day posts, and lots and lots of beauty reviews. I’m
serious. I love trying new beauty products and am always dying to share the
latest and greatest with my readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">However, now that spring is here and the days
are longer (and much warmer) there will be a lot more fashion and a little less
gabbing. Kansas City had one of the worst winters in a long time and it is
really hard taking outfit photos in 24 inches of snow. You wouldn’t have been
able to see the shoes! And those are sometimes the most important! Right?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I love new Instagram friends. (Just ask
Lauran. It is how we met!) So stop by and follow me <a href="http://instagram.com/thetaylordiary">@THETAYLORDIARY</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I decided to put together a fun, spring outfit for y’all today.
I love a girlie lace top, printed pants and statement extras because they make
for a totally unique mix of pattern and texture, coincidentally one of spring’s
hottest trends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What I’m wearing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lace top: Karlie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Printed pants: asos.com (Vila Clothes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Shoes: Emilio Pucci<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Clutch: Sondra Roberts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">necklace: Anthropologie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lipstick: </span><a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/310/Lipstick/index.tmpl"><span style="color: #001f67; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Sunny Seoul</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I want to give a huge thanks to Lauran for
letting me take over her blog. It has been a blast being an honorary Real Young
Housewife correspondent today! Head on over to </span><span style="color: #001f67; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.thetaylordiary.com/">my blog</a></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> and see what Lauran has to say. We
swapped! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Xoxo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i>Is she not super adorable?! I know without a doubt if we lived closer we would be the bestest of friends!! I definitely could use her help in the fashion department, that's for sure! I've even used some of her IG posts as inspiration for my own outfits {I'm still working on finding my inner fashionista}! You really have to pay her blog a visit now, especially, to find out more about our initial meeting!!! It'll give you a chance to check out some cheaper cosmetic alternatives that I've come across recently too!!! <a href="http://www.thetaylordiary.com/">Head on over and pay me a visit! </a></i></div>
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Hope you darlings are having a bright and happy Thursday! Almost to the weekend! </div>
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XoXo,</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-57886856464183584502013-04-03T09:17:00.001-04:002013-04-03T10:15:32.144-04:00What I'm Loving Wednesday! Alrighty loves, I'm not going to lie, this is going to be a short and sweet post! I have my monthly migraine and I'm really just not in the mood for staring at the computer for too long! What am I loving this week?! Certainly not this headache!<br />
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<b><i>1. I ran 2 miles yesterday! </i></b>Yes, you read that correctly! I, Lauran, ran two miles, nonstop yesterday! I'm pretty positive that was the first time I've EVER run two miles straight! I may have ran it in high school but I can't remember so it definitely doesn't count! I'm still in utter disbelief but I'm also super proud of myself! On another plus side, my hip isn't bothering me anymore either! Bring on the miles!!! I've already clocked 4 miles total for the 30 Miles in 30 Days link up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nike Running App! Some of the red spots signify me running in place for passing traffic or slowing down. I did not stop or walk at all! </td></tr>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">2. <a href="http://dashingdish.com/">The Dashing Dish Blog</a>! </b>I ran across this blog yesterday while doing some research on "clean eating". This girl has it going on! Loads and loads of amazing recipes and a whole tab dedicated to clean eating! She has the most amazing faith in God and watching her video promo and listening to her story is inspiring!! I can't wait to try some of her recipes and hopefully share them with y'all!<br />
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<b><i>3. The Origami Owl necklace my momma gave me for Easter.</i></b> Even though I told her I didn't want one she couldn't resist buying one for me and filling it with little treasures! An "L" for my name, a heart to represent her love for me, my birthstone, and a dog paw for Baby Reef! She also added a pearl charm as well! I'm looking forward to filling it with more sentimental goodies!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet necklace!</td></tr>
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<b><i>4. Baseball is officially back! </i></b>If you are a fan of baseball you know Monday was Opening Day!! Baseball is HUGE in our home. My husband played his entire life, played in college, and now coaches at his high school! I like to refer to baseball as his "other wife" but when I'm annoyed with it I'll usually refer to it as his "mistress"! From now until the playoffs in October, some kind of game will be on nightly. It's such a familiar sound; announcers, the cracks of bats, and the roar of the crowd! I'm praying the Braves have a great season and I foresee they will with the Upton brother's joining the roster this year! You know they are from my neck of the woods right?! That makes me love them even more!!!<br />
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<i><b>5. The home next door to us and the home two doors down are for sale! </b></i>I hope I don't have to eat these words later but I really am excited about the possibility of having new neighbors!! The townhouse next to us has been empty for about two years now. An elderly woman, who was sweet as pie, lived there but she ended up moving in with her daughter and the house has been empty ever since {it's also the house where I scored that awesome vintage tufted ottoman I told y'all about<a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/02/weekend-recap.html"> here</a>}. The town home on the other side of that one just went on the market yesterday! That home has been a rental and has seen its fair share of tenants! I'm looking forward to the possibility of some nice young families moving into both of them! Fingers crossed that they will be as awesome as our neighbors across the street! So, who wants to be our neighbors?! Seriously, if you are looking in the Hampton Roads area add them to your list!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For sale signs! Come on and be our neighbors!!!<br />
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Happy Hump Day!! I'm off to pop some more exedrin in hopes this headache goes away!!<br />
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<i>On a side note, if any of you follow <a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectjenn.com/">Perfectly Imperfect Jenn</a> than you know she lost her beloved pup child Daisy on Monday! I am planning to do something nice for her to show her that all of her blogging buddies care deeply and are heartbroken for her! If you would like to partake please let me know!!! I'll be putting a group email together to send out the details later this evening!! </i><br />
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XoXo!</div>
Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-1984447899190855842013-04-02T08:56:00.001-04:002013-04-02T10:21:32.609-04:00Arugula, Spugula! Gnocchi, Ganache!I found this <em>AMAZING</em> recipe while gallivanting through the land of Pinterest not too long ago! Who is the gal behind the recipe you ask? Mandy from <a href="http://bakingwithblondie.blogspot.com/2012/05/gnocchi-sweet-corn-arugula-in-cream.html">Baking with Blondie</a>! After finding her blog through my wee little pin, I am really excited to try some more of her recipes!<br />
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I gave this recipe my own added twist - shrimp. If you've been following me for some time you know my hubby has to have some sort of manliness in his dinner! I seriously think I could be a vegetarian! The hubby? Not so much!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What You Will Need:</span></u></b><br />
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3 medium-sized fresh sweet corn on the cob<br />
3 cups fresh arugula {I used a mixture of fresh arugula and spinach as Mandy did}<br />
3/4 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped {this was optional but I did include them}<br />
1 pound potato gnocchi<br />
3/4 cup half and half, half heavy cream, or half whole milk/skim {I used whipping cream that I had in the fridge}<br />
3 oz light cream cheese {I used fat free}<br />
1 teaspoon salt {see next ingredient}<br />
1 teaspoon garlic powder {I used garlic salt in place of the garlic powder and the salt}<br />
1 teaspoon fresh basil, julienne {I used dried basil in my spice cabinet}<br />
1/4 teaspoon black pepper<br />
Pinch of crushed red pepper<br />
Parmesan cheese for sprinkling<br />
And my little added ingredient:<br />
1 lb frozen or fresh tail off deveined shrimp<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7z47sW9KBsg8y3mBEyNStuz4f6K_v-z6NowVynDVW_Pu7SCswyLz_LkB25oWNBxj-sw4MoYjbVrSF6xmFfH0XnoCFApnvel6u0QjnfZL3p4Ji0ntfrbAsG80SH7RoTL1nSHHsN0mgaw/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7z47sW9KBsg8y3mBEyNStuz4f6K_v-z6NowVynDVW_Pu7SCswyLz_LkB25oWNBxj-sw4MoYjbVrSF6xmFfH0XnoCFApnvel6u0QjnfZL3p4Ji0ntfrbAsG80SH7RoTL1nSHHsN0mgaw/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">garlic salt-whipping cream-gnocchi-spinach-crushed red pepper-dried basil-frozen cooked shrimp-arugula-mushrooms-corn on the cob</td></tr>
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In large pot, boil water and cook gnocchi according to package directions, adding in the corn on the cob in the last five minutes. Remove corn, transfer to cutting board. Drain gnocchi, but make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Don't rinse your gnocchi. </div>
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{My gnocchi packaging stated to cook until gnocchi rose to the top and that the cook time was only two minutes. I wasn't able to add the corn to it, so I drained the gnocchi using a slotted spoon and just added the corn to the pot after I removed the gnocchi.}</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Sauté shrimp in a sauce pan {I used the same pan for the cream sauce and combining all the ingredients at the end} Once the shrimp is cooked/heated thoroughly, remove from pan and set aside. </span></div>
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For the cream sauce, combine half and half, cream cheese, salt, garlic powder, fresh basil, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about ten minutes, stirring until cream cheese has evenly dispersed throughout sauce. Stir in reserved pasta water. </div>
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Remove corn from pot and let cool before slicing corn off the cob. </div>
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In a medium bowl combine your shrimp, pasta sauce, corn, mushrooms, gnocchi, spinach and arugula. Sprinkle with additional salt, pepper basil and crushed red pepper if desired. </div>
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{I combined all the ingredients in the sauce pan to help wilt the spinach and arugula}</div>
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Once fully mixed and coated, plate and top with Parmesan cheese! Enjoy!!!<br />
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From start of preparing to plating to eat, this recipe took 30 minutes! Y'all know I'm all for that!!! Be sure to add this to your recipe box! It's really yummy and I love that it's packed with loads of veggies! I may or may not have added a ton of spinach to it!! Thanks to<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauranhharrell/"> Pinterest</a> for bringing another yummy recipe to my kitchen and for introducing me to another blogger to add to my reading list! </div>
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XoXo, <br />
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<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-49510676262954210382013-04-01T08:49:00.003-04:002013-04-01T08:49:35.368-04:00It's Warming Up and So Are My April 2013 Mini Goals! Greeting April means a plethora of things; warmer weather, opened toe shoes, opened windows, and more mini goals!! I really can't believe we are saying hello to the month of April! It seems just like yesterday we were celebrating New Years! I am beyond excited to see what this month has in store for the hubby and myself, hopefully a list full of completed goals!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy33CXTASrB9LWhtR1RH3aDiFJs2PFlGWqii-hg7enl1QP4MjoMBayjDJ87trSeNzBiVM1PLDJjliHYsQ9f4ixgenkM8LPWL0Uc7aZx9XeS9A7AM9KpSJDk9Ywc2Qo-6MD5wXSlT666M8/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy33CXTASrB9LWhtR1RH3aDiFJs2PFlGWqii-hg7enl1QP4MjoMBayjDJ87trSeNzBiVM1PLDJjliHYsQ9f4ixgenkM8LPWL0Uc7aZx9XeS9A7AM9KpSJDk9Ywc2Qo-6MD5wXSlT666M8/s1600/spring.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thewheatfield/4883698946/in/photostream/">Via</a></td></tr>
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<b><i>1. Complete at least one Pinterest project that I posted about <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/03/crafts-on-to-do-list.html">here</a>!</i></b> I'm hoping painting the front door will happen this month, however, I have some serious crafting to accomplish for my cousin's Bachelorette festivities at the end of the month. I know I will be busy trying to complete that, so I may work on something a bit smaller that will be easier to tackle and finish! I certainly do not want to set myself up for failure before I even get out of the starting gate!<br />
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<i><b>2. Arrive on time to work, every morning.</b></i> Y'all know about this goal, so no need to explain! If you are new to the blog you can read about it from <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-is-near-march-2013-mini-goals.html">March</a>, <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-month-new-goals-february-2013-mini.html">February</a>, and <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/01/no-resolutions-just-january-2013-goals.html">January</a>! At least I know I'll get there on time this week as it is Spring Break and traffic was a breeze this morning! <br />
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<i><b>3. Buy a scale.</b></i> We have not had a workable weighing scale in our home since we moved into this house over 3.5 years ago! I don't like weighing myself because I am usually very disappointed by what it tells me! However, I've been working on my fitness since January and I really wish I would have started keeping track of my weight at that point. Now that I have added running into my fitness routine, I really am hoping to see a drop in weight and the only way to track that correctly would be through using a scale! It's not something I hope to use every day, maybe just once a week so I can see a significant change! Anyone recommend a good scale? I haven't done my research yet and would love recommendations!<br />
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<b><i>4. Host at least one family lunch, dinner or activity. </i></b>I have said it more times than I can count, how hard it is to divide time between all of our families. We don't do a lot of random, just because get togethers because there are often birthday celebrations or holiday's traditions we participate in! I wouldn't mind hosting a dinner or lunch for some of the family or even an activity of some sort, like visiting the local zoo! I'll have to get creative on the activity but you get the point!<br />
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<b><i>5. Accomplish the 30 Miles in 30 Days workout plan. </i></b>Nikki over at <a href="http://thepinkgrowl.blogspot.com/">The Pink Growl</a> did this last month and I think it's a BRILLIANT idea!! The point is to clock at least a mile a day, whether it's running, biking, walking or the doing the elliptical. If you miss a day or two, you have to make it up in another day! I am reeeeeeally excited about doing this and hope adding this to my fitness routine will help me see more good results with my body, energy levels, and stamina! I've already started clocking miles with running a few days a week but I love the option to use other methods to clock miles as well! I plan on hitting the bike or elliptical after my Pilates class tonight to clock my first mile!<br />
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<a href="http://thepinkgrowl.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae274/venustrappedinmars/pinkgrowl.jpg" /></a>
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<b><i>6. Figure out if blogging is really something I want to do and stick with!</i></b> I'm not going to lie, blogging is exhausting me. I stay up incredibly late creating posts the night before. I mean like midnight to 1 a.m. which has really taken a toll on me! I don't feel like I'm forming solid relationships either, because I can't seem to show many readers and other bloggers the attention they deserve! It's hard to juggle this with a full time job and an active home life! Seriously, I'm dying to know how some of you do it, especially those of you with children!! I hope to really reflect on this for April. I don't necessarily want to leave the blogging world, because I do love it, but if I don't learn how to juggle it correctly, I'm going to end up dropping balls in other aspects of my life and I just can't sacrifice those things for this little piece of the Internet world.<br />
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<b><i>7. Start working on renovations in the kitchen.</i></b> Being that we've been in our home for so long now, I have no idea why we really haven't tried harder to complete the kitchen! It really is the one room in the house where we haven't done ANYTHING, except for replacing the dishwasher and the oven. Our goal is to replace the flooring, refurbish the cabinets, add new hardware, paint the walls, add back splash, install new faucet, purchase a new refrigerator and replace the counter tops! It seems like a lot reading it but our kitchen is small enough that it's not going to be a crazy project to take on, as long as we do one step at time! First step?! Take the hideous 80's wall paper border down!<br />
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<b><i>8. Try harder to prepare better for birthdays and other special events! </i></b>I will always promise that I will never show up empty handed for a birthday or other special occasion celebration! However, I am HORRIBLE at waiting until the last minute to buy a gift! I would loooove it if I could think so far in advance that we can purchase something more sentimental and personal! I'm a lover of ANYTHING personalized, but I never seem to treat anyone to those kinds of gifts because I'm a crazy procrastinator! I also want to utilize Etsy for more unique and thoughtful gifts as well, which also involves thinking far in advance! I just need to reference my planner more frequently! What's the point of having that if I don't use it?!<br />
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<i><b>9. Develop the attitude of "It is what it is".</b></i> Here's your shout out Taylor! My little sister and the hubby have this mindset which is very different from my own! I tend to worry about everything, to over analyze everything, and to try and fix everything and sometimes that adds an unnecessary amount of emotional stress to my life! I don't want to adopt this attitude completely, because I feel that my personality allows me to express my compassion on a greater level, but I do want to rid myself of emotional stress beyond my control. It is what it is, there is nothing I can do to change it, therefore I must accept it.<br />
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<b><i>10. Secret goal!</i></b> As much as I want to share this, for my well being I can't. If things change from this goal I will, without a doubt, publicly tell you about it, but at this moment I have to protect myself and certain parts of my life. I'm including it on this list, because if I write it down, I tend to stick to it!! If your curiosity is getting the best of you and you would like to know what it is, shoot me a comment or email, I'm totally okay with sharing it privately!<br />
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As always, some of these are a bit easier than others! I brought a few over from last month but I am really excited to have added some new ones to the list! Any of you trying new goals for the month of April?! I'm looking forward to what this month will bring, including warmer weather, though the forecast for this week isn't looking too swell in the warmth department!<br />
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Be sure to check out my April Sponsors to your left in my sidebar!!! I am beyond thrilled to add them to TRYHOSOVA Family!<br />
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XoXo!<br />
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<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-39785119267567672762013-03-29T07:24:00.001-04:002013-03-29T07:24:44.953-04:00March 2013 Mini Goals Roundup and a WINNER! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTV0UKZ0pof-8TM_X93QfExLBzi0YyJIweoQozM2Q8M76dbx_yc1ArnTz6LdPOezlVzZ09mGSPdJ_wbmLR3BbWd6RLiGrqThQcaTYLsxF58MI5MKGrXAvFKqdONv-ORUE8yiMLnOcMXqs/s1600/goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTV0UKZ0pof-8TM_X93QfExLBzi0YyJIweoQozM2Q8M76dbx_yc1ArnTz6LdPOezlVzZ09mGSPdJ_wbmLR3BbWd6RLiGrqThQcaTYLsxF58MI5MKGrXAvFKqdONv-ORUE8yiMLnOcMXqs/s1600/goals.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fitnessmotivated.com/">Via</a></td></tr>
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First off, I have to admit this because I find it sad and hilarious! For my January and February Goal Roundup posts, I labeled them 2012 instead of 2013!!! Apparently I was trapped in last year! Oppps!<br />
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I would like to think that my March goals went well but that is really yet to be decided! I'm updating y'all on them today as the last day of the month is Sunday, and well.... I don't blog on the weekend! I do still have a few days to get some more wins in! Nonetheless, how did I do?! Let's review!<br />
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<b><i>1. Continue to purge and organize the house, one room at a time and donate all to Goodwill! WIN/FAIL!</i></b> This is forever ongoing, but I was able to donate a huge load of stuff to Goodwill a few weekends ago! I didn't get much organizing done, but really hope to tackle our guest rooms in the coming weeks!<br />
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<b><i>2. Finish reconstructing my resume. WIN!</i></b> I'm saying win because there are only a few things that need to be finished and the end of the month isn't technically here yet! The goal is to finish it this evening! So far I think the presentation of it looks great and highlights my assets a heck of a lot better than my dated resume ever did.<br />
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<b><i>3. Arrive on time to work, every morning. FAIL! </i></b>I made it to work on time ONCE this month! I know, I know, I know, it's terrible! I just can't seem to get up out of bed and out of the door on time! Not being a morning person is becoming an issue for me! How do I become a morning person?!?!?!<br />
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<b><i>4. Stay off of the phone and computer on evenings we are both home! FAIL! </i></b>With March Madness happening this month, several surf competitions occurring, and my addiction to Instagram, neither myself nor the hubby did really well at this! I think we just need to make more of an effort to put the electronics away when we get home!<br />
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<b><i>5. Update our iPhones. FAIL!</i></b> However, the month isn't over yet. While I'm finishing my resume this evening there will be some updating of iPhones too!<br />
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<b><i>6. Keep a better track of our expenses! WIN!</i></b> I joined <a href="https://www.mint.com/">mint.com</a> and we have saved all of our receipts from everything we purchased this month. This weekend I hope to tackle them all, organize them into a spread sheet and find out where we can cut some corners! I also want to be able to start using the checkbook register and balance it every night! Hopefully once the expenses from this month are organized it should be simple to do so!<br />
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<b><i>7. Work on my reactions when others are rude to me. WIN!</i></b> Basically, how I look at this, is that I need to act like I don't even notice it! Though this week, because of PMS, most rude people just made me cry! I guess crying is better than being ugly! This is an ongoing goal of mine. I'm a firm believer in killing people with kindness when they are ugly to you! As easy as it is for us to say something snarky in return, saying something nice says a lot about the person you are! I definitely want to have more self control and continue to work on my reactions and expressions when I've been offended!<br />
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<b><i>8. Find a cobbler/shoe repair shop to spruce up some of my damaged heels and to put life back into my Tory Burch's! WIN! </i></b>The heels I took were too far gone to save but they polished my TB's and made them look like new!!! All for $8 bucks! Read about my experience at the shop <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/03/weekend-recap.html">here</a>! I'll definitely be going to a different cobbler in our area next time!<br />
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<b><i>9. Keep writing true honest posts for my readers! WIN! </i></b>At least I think it's a win! I've even created a theme/link up that focuses on honest posts and I plan to start it next Friday!!! I think it will really give me a chance to share more about me as a person to all of you!<br />
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<i><b>10. Try to arrange at least one family lunch/dinner! WIN/FAIL! </b></i>While I didn't arrange any family lunches or dinners this month, we have had and are having {this weekend} many family gatherings! I didn't think about Easter and all the family birthday's that were part of this month when I made this goal but technically it worked out nicely!<br />
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That's 5 Wins, 2 Win/Fails, and 3 Fails! That's actually the same count as last month's roundup! At least I kept it consistent!! The motivation was lacking this month but I am really thrilled I was able to keep the Wins going! Some of these will, for sure, roll over to April!!!<br />
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Now for what ya'll have been waiting for... The Winner of A Few of My Favorite Thing's Give Away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZici1IKY-aXmkBwprbw-wPEBkHfN3XYgzeD6VjkKibXlLsNBvtOCa5jrNsp38QUBOgIbdpcLeeRmb6M0pebutT49uFniFcG_4c61XhnXMKgzV1GN-ZrfINiKhEGm9mmExsqSKazLxXCA/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZici1IKY-aXmkBwprbw-wPEBkHfN3XYgzeD6VjkKibXlLsNBvtOCa5jrNsp38QUBOgIbdpcLeeRmb6M0pebutT49uFniFcG_4c61XhnXMKgzV1GN-ZrfINiKhEGm9mmExsqSKazLxXCA/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the Winner Is........<br />
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Chris Williams from <a href="http://www.chubbetteadventures.blogspot.com/">Chubbette Tales... Life after Spanx!</a><br />
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I'll e-mail you for needed information so I can ship this too ya as soon as possible!!! Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated!!!<br />
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I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend and a beyond blessed Easter! It's a great time as ever to reflect on our Lord and Savior's resurrection and all the blessings he has bestowed upon us!! Pretty powerful if you ask me! XoXo!<br />
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<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-4894030430005599652013-03-28T09:19:00.002-04:002013-03-28T09:19:59.098-04:00Put Some Spring in Your Step or At Least a Photo Frame! <i>Don't forget... The Give Away Contest ends tonight at midnight!!!! Winner will be announced on tomorrow!!! <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-give-away.html">Enter here!!! </a></i><br />
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<i>Do you realize how random social media can be?! How it can connect people with just a click here or a click there! We visit someones twitter and see them conversing with someone else so we click on that someone else and before we even know it we click to follow them! We visit someones blog and peruse recent comments, happen to like what someone said, click on that someone and before we know it we are now a huge fan of their blog! It's an ongoing cycle! We find people that interest us and other folks come in contact with us because we offer something that appeals to them! Well Well Well, that's how I met this little gem today! Twitter can be credited for our blogging friendship and while I don't know exactly how she found me, I find it pretty rad that she did! Enjoy this sweet girl and find her on your own Twitter!!! Better yet just go visit her neck of the woods and follow everything!! She has some changes going on next week so you'll want to be a first hand witness! </i><br />
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Hey there! </div>
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I'm Heather from <a href="http://hgifford.blogspot.com/">Keeping Up With the Giffords!</a></div>
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I'm an English teaching twenty seven year old mom, who is obsessed with pearls, polka dots, Target, books, flip flops and drinks with umbrellas in them. My love of the warmer months is in complete contradiction to the fact that I live in Massachusetts and only see warm weather for about 3 months a year!</div>
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When you get to my site, you won't find many pictures of me (because I'm <i>terrible </i>at selfies and my husband can't take a picture of the side of a barn without it being blurry!) but you will find a TON of pictures of my super <a href="http://hgifford.blogspot.com/search/label/emma">cute kid</a>, <a href="http://hgifford.blogspot.com/search/label/50Book2">books</a> I'm reading, things I'm lusting for at <a href="http://hgifford.blogspot.com/search/label/Target">Target</a>, and <a href="http://hgifford.blogspot.com/search/label/Pinterest">Pinterest pins</a> to die for! I offer<a href="http://hgifford.blogspot.com/p/sponsor.html"> free advertising</a> and even do spotlights for each person who works with me!</div>
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I'm also working on a <a href="http://hgifford.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20by%2030">30 by 30 list</a> which has proven to be a LOT of fun!</div>
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With Spring officially here (even if it's still snowing by me!), Easter isn't too far away!</div>
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I try and keep an updated mantle every season/holiday and I wanted to share with you a free Spring time printable!</div>
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I hope you love it as much as I do!</div>
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<a href="http://share-fastly.picmonkey.com/prod/photo_posts/M6zXF7p3N0S_5866305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://share-fastly.picmonkey.com/prod/photo_posts/M6zXF7p3N0S_5866305.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/p/M6zXF7p3N0S">Click here</a> for the full version! You can download or share with friends!</div>
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I'll be adding more printables as the year goes on so be sure to stop by my<a href="http://www.hgifford.blosgpost.com/"> blog </a>and see all the fun changes happening in the next week!!</div>
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You can also find me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/heathgiff">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hgifford1">Pinterest</a>!</div>
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<img align="center" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa479/hgifford1/signature-1_zpsafcc5db1.jpg" height="100" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="200" /></div>
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<i>I don't know about you but I love printables! I'm known to have a subway art framed for every season and holiday on the table in our foyer! I've recently been looking to some printables to frame for certain rooms and decor projects! I will definitely be paying close attention to Heather's collection throughout the coming months! I hope you enjoyed meeting Heather and pay her a visit next week to see the new happenings occurring in her blog world!!! Have a fantastic Thursday my darlings!!! xoxo! </i>Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-32830975862167812502013-03-27T09:27:00.000-04:002013-03-27T12:00:31.502-04:00What I'm Loving Wednesday! Howdy Hoo everyone!!! I hope you're having a stellar week so far! I am still trying to figure out how to maneuver through this crazy schedule of mine! Working a full time job, spending time with my little family, working on my fitness, and blogging regularly, as well as trying to do 50 billion other things is starting to take a toll on me! I don't know how some of y'all do it, but I give you mad mad props for doing it!! My sleep is suffering but I keep chugging a long! Maybe this is just training me for the future when we decide to have a wee one! None the less if you have any advice on how to juggle it all and keep your sanity, let a girl know! Other than not loving the fact that I'm losing sleep, here is what I AM loving this week!<br />
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<b><i>1. That Easter is this weekend!!!!</i></b> I love family dinners, lunches and brunches and we will have our fill of them this weekend! My mom is hosting a large family lunch on Saturday and Sunday we will be having brunch with Todd's family! I really do love spending time with all of our families and would love to do it more, not just on holidays! I'm also looking forward to reflecting on my God who is forever forgiving, faithful and understanding and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.<br />
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<i><b>2. The New/Prospective Member <a href="http://www.jlnvb.org/">Jr. League</a> event I attended Monday! </b></i>This was the second event I have attended as a prospective member! The first one was nerve-racking being that I was "new" but I had my friend Tatiana there and we stuck together like glue! The only bad part about that was we stuck pretty close together and we didn't branch out as far to meet other ladies! We did meet a couple of gals and carried on some fun conversations that night but I think we missed some opportunities to gain more information about the group from actual members! I was able to do that Monday night! Why?! Because I was by myself and didn't have a friend as a crutch! Even the two members I do know weren't able to attend, so I was really on my own! Now if you know me, you know I do love to talk, but you also know I am very nervous about meeting new people, especially females! I'm not one to just walk up to a stranger and start a conversation and I'm certainly not one to join in on conversations already happening, so sometimes I end up standing awkwardly by myself! I made a greater initiative to walk up to different women and begin conversations and truth be told I really enjoyed it!!! I met some really great ladies who were funny and full of personality and who shared their Jr. League experiences with me, which makes me want to join this group 100x more than I did before! I'm already looking forward to next month's event!<br />
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<i><b>3. My fitness accomplishments!</b></i> If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/lauranhuffmanharrell">IG</a> you know that last Wednesday I ran my first mile {all the way through, mind you} in YEARS! On Saturday you learned that I went to the gym at 8 in the morning {yea, call me crazy, I called myself crazy} and Monday, well, I ran 1.25 miles during my lunch break! If you're new to my blog you should know that I've never been a fan of the gym or running for that matter {though I have been active my whole life} so this is a HUGE deal for me! I've been going to the gym regularly since New Years and I know that this hard work will pay off! Nonetheless, I'm proud of myself that I have stuck with it this long and that I am actually loving it!<br />
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<b><i>4. Bates Motel!</i></b> I hate admitting this, though I'm not sure why, but I am totally addicted to the new Bates Motel television show on A&E! I've never seen Psycho so once I read up on the plot of that movie it gave me a better understanding of the show! It's ridiculously odd but the kind of odd you just can't look away from! It's creepy, dramatic, strange, thrilling, peculiar, and heart wrenching all at once! In layman's terms, it's a freaking emotional roller coaster but it's a spectacular ride! I'm really looking forward to learning more about Norma and Norman and this town they are living in! To say their relationship is strange is an understatement!<br />
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<i><b>5. Being told that I am an inspiration!</b></i> Yea, you read that correctly. Someone told me Monday that I've inspired them to get back into the gym and work out! I still can't wrap my head around that and I won't lie, it makes me incredibly emotional! When I told the hubby about it, I couldn't even finish the sentence because I was crying! Crying because I feel incredibly honored that someone is changing their lifestyle for the better, because of little ole me, who hated the gym and working out my entire life and who has battled with weight loss and body issues for just as long! I don't feel worthy enough to be told that I am inspiring but I know one thing, a comment like that keeps me going! It gives me the inspiration and determination to continue to better my body, my mind, and my soul.<br />
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See you fabulous folks tomorrow!!! XoXo! </div>
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<i>Don't forget... The Give Away Contest ends Friday! <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-give-away.html">Enter here!!! </a></i><br />
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Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-56201583059195432702013-03-26T09:19:00.000-04:002013-03-26T09:19:50.815-04:00It's an Easy Peasy Kind of Side!Today I'm forgoing the main dish recipe post and sharing a really quick side dish to add to your favorite dinner meal {and because I forgot to take photos of a main dish last week}. Hopefully you can find these cutie patootie potatoes at your local market. If not, you can no doubt use small redskin potatoes or gold yukon potatoes cut into quarters!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What You Will Need:</span></u></b><br />
2 cups Gold Creamer Potatoes or Red Creamer Potatoes<br />
1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil<br />
Teaspoon of Rosemary {fresh or dry}<br />
Teaspoon of Parsley {fresh or dry}<br />
Salt and Pepper<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u></b><br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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Add olive oil and salt and pepper to a bowl.<br />
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Toss potatoes in bowl of olive oil until they are fully coated.<br />
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Spread potatoes out evenly on a non-stick cookie sheet or you can cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Sprinkle potatoes with rosemary and parsley. </div>
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Bake for 30 minutes or until light brown and crispy on the outside!<br />
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Pair with your choice of protein and fresh veggies for a scrumptious evening meal!<br />
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Couldn't be any easier for ya!<br />
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Enjoy your Tuesday my darlings!!! XoXo!<br />
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<i>Don't forget... The Give Away Contest ends Friday! <a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-give-away.html">Enter here!!! </a></i><br />
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<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-89553676347316372132013-03-25T09:20:00.000-04:002013-03-25T09:20:18.808-04:00Crafts on the To Do List! Thanks to Pinterest, I am forever adding crafts to my To Do list! Have I done any of them?! I'm pretty sure I haven't, but let's be real for a moment. The point of Pinterest is to inspire us and give us ideas on new meals to cook, new outfit combinations to try, new home decorations to create, and do-it-yourself gifts and projects to make. There really is an unlimited amount of ideas you can pin and draw inspiration from!<br />
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Since I haven't really followed through with any of my DIY crafts or home decor pins, I'm making it a point to, hopefully, in the coming months work on creating some pieces I've added to my boards! I don't want to set myself up for failure so I'm not going to try anything that will be too intense or expensive {I'm on a super severe spending freeze at the moment}. Those big projects will have to wait, however, the ones that are easy on the pocket and time are what I'm hoping to accomplish! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yesmrholmes.tumblr.com/post/25500925229">Via</a></td></tr>
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I really would like a new front door, however to extend the life of the one we have for a wee bit longer I think painting it may be a better alternative! I love this mint color and think it would look great with our contrasting black shutters! I may just paint it black though, as to keep it all cohesive!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYGcPOelCyMYvKMgY2bQvHu4iW0kkl6AcLaFpZaZShHUir6NJ5PlNU-dOxl4arZTx1xQkOVSVqs2l2KeoqpRG9yWbIHbqulYTYlrUyALZTryWawi23kbocnMGr6z9m-foEIyLQRZhkgg/s1600/burlap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYGcPOelCyMYvKMgY2bQvHu4iW0kkl6AcLaFpZaZShHUir6NJ5PlNU-dOxl4arZTx1xQkOVSVqs2l2KeoqpRG9yWbIHbqulYTYlrUyALZTryWawi23kbocnMGr6z9m-foEIyLQRZhkgg/s1600/burlap.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66287425737892546/">Via</a></td></tr>
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These are burlap covered canvases with the initials drawn on with a black sharpie marker! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUWXNr76fGpLmZlQC0mSnG6CHsguTNhcqgiTT5tiumkeL551qHABdNniIHN2zBPOtmhNGbBhNAzUrPuhUFJtKkWI6ucwt9fZ1kCNm78hoWAHllNBtWKrPi6Ox0Ym-fnRtGUzfxI2tRfI/s1600/tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUWXNr76fGpLmZlQC0mSnG6CHsguTNhcqgiTT5tiumkeL551qHABdNniIHN2zBPOtmhNGbBhNAzUrPuhUFJtKkWI6ucwt9fZ1kCNm78hoWAHllNBtWKrPi6Ox0Ym-fnRtGUzfxI2tRfI/s1600/tray.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/diy-acrylic-tray/">Via </a></td></tr>
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I am dying to make this Acrylic Tray!!! And I think with how inexpensive it is, I may have to make one for every room!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiP4w9jniLwLfHlkPcr-z7Gez2Krpg2ZjkDIITtedKKRwXybNceAtT3evF_rcZxHcMvUauM8vc5MzqR53R1LZ1pEJeIeuKgSD47H9ru5_AIB1hHoRmaHKyyr5hCzFhfqW1SlOGT4JSB8/s1600/shilo..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiP4w9jniLwLfHlkPcr-z7Gez2Krpg2ZjkDIITtedKKRwXybNceAtT3evF_rcZxHcMvUauM8vc5MzqR53R1LZ1pEJeIeuKgSD47H9ru5_AIB1hHoRmaHKyyr5hCzFhfqW1SlOGT4JSB8/s1600/shilo..jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesoulfulhouse.com/2011/12/how-to-make-silhouettes/">Via</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I would love to do this with me, the hubby, and Baby Reef and hang them as a part of our gallery wall I am planning to put up in our hallway!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0CdTIaPhw8OJlkRpQOn0zM5CyTlyNcu7T3iC4oOx9hZXAAtfooktNmUAyGbo1qTyktpz-2afWIkiST9Wkcuz58Vm7VvfRbIFPlmF_EZUKXpRy1hTKa8mktmfleSd_fT1MmIjT-DbP2M/s1600/key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0CdTIaPhw8OJlkRpQOn0zM5CyTlyNcu7T3iC4oOx9hZXAAtfooktNmUAyGbo1qTyktpz-2afWIkiST9Wkcuz58Vm7VvfRbIFPlmF_EZUKXpRy1hTKa8mktmfleSd_fT1MmIjT-DbP2M/s1600/key.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beforemeetsafterblog.com/">Via</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I definitely would like to do this with one of our home keys as a part of the gallery wall as well! </span></td></tr>
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These are all pretty simplistic, wouldn't y'all agree?! I'm looking forward to accomplishing some of these sooner than later! There is A LOT going on in our home right now! I may even "bare it all" to you soon and share how imperfect the inside of our home is! Lots of projects going on at once and never enough time to finish them! </div>
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Hope y'all had a fabulous weekend!! We had snow yesterday! Yes, snow at the end of March! Where is Spring?!?! I hope it's closer than it appears!!! Have a lovely Monday my darling's and don't forget to enter my Give Away<a href="http://realyounghousewife.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-give-away.html"> here</a>!! It ends on Friday! XoXo!<br />
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Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-47552297683641391102013-03-22T08:58:00.001-04:002013-03-22T08:58:54.168-04:00A Few of My Favorite Things Give Away! Ohhhh yes, you read that title correctly, the give away I've been working on for two months is finally done!! I'm super excited because these really are products I use and love and I can't wait to share them with one lucky fan!! Ready for a looksie?!?! I'll stop rambling and get on with it!<br />
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<b><u><i><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what this Give Away includes: </span></i></u></b></div>
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*Out the Door Fast Drying Top Coat*</div>
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*8 J'adore notecards with matching envelopes*</div>
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*Soft Leather Journal*</div>
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*Philosophy Snow Angel Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Bath*</div>
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*Philosophy Time On Your Hands Exfoliating Hand Cream*</div>
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*Gold Bow Earrings with Pink Rhinestones*</div>
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*Lauren Ralph Lauren Home Coconut Lemongrass Candle*</div>
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*Kate Spade Graham Wellesley ID/Credit Card Holder*</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q8RDM5ye3iKsNo0SiVYomr2KyFvLIYAW9mCZGN-JyJerqQtOXACoQEaAShJLpHkSLR-aJBMl5WXxJWnNZAVI0e8itS5DSQodby5E_qciVfKlQJUNe-j_Rs-5bviP9JXyGRex_t8XVrQ/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q8RDM5ye3iKsNo0SiVYomr2KyFvLIYAW9mCZGN-JyJerqQtOXACoQEaAShJLpHkSLR-aJBMl5WXxJWnNZAVI0e8itS5DSQodby5E_qciVfKlQJUNe-j_Rs-5bviP9JXyGRex_t8XVrQ/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" height="238" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Spade Graham Wellesley ID/Credit Card Holder & Gold Bow Earrings with Pink Rhinestones!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Side of Kate Spade Card Holder! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeEUKpn7Mpau5nne1OM8z6sknXDF5kEJWWHmaEa2E9EAx0VWLMrqDUVbAgKVLpzUsn3-iebrtsCzPctred9gOluRHpsFrjVod-2cLuiQsv-uIxr91fJazf9fd4CkGalXjLkTC6UWYe0M/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeEUKpn7Mpau5nne1OM8z6sknXDF5kEJWWHmaEa2E9EAx0VWLMrqDUVbAgKVLpzUsn3-iebrtsCzPctred9gOluRHpsFrjVod-2cLuiQsv-uIxr91fJazf9fd4CkGalXjLkTC6UWYe0M/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren Ralph Lauren Home Candle {what it looks like outside of the box}<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Just a tidbit on why these items are my favorite! Out the Door Fast Drying Top Coat is the next best thing to visiting a salon for a gel manicure! Not to mention it dries your polish in less than a minute! It keeps your polish shiny and chip free for an entire week! It's glorious and will save you money and trips to the nail salon! * I have a drawer full of notecards and thank you cards! You can never have too many! It allows you to send a quick hello to someone or a thank you for a nice gesture! I'm all about snail mail!! * I have tons of journals floating around our home! Most of the time I use them to jot down ideas {blog ideas} when they develop randomly! I've used one for tracking my health and fitness goals and another to keep track of future goals and dreams! Every girl needs somewhere private to write her thoughts out! * Who doesn't love bows? And on your ears no less? Enough said. * I adore Philosophy products! I do apologize that I didn't purchase a more springy scent {I bought this for the give away back in January!} but it smells divine! The exfoliating hand cream will help you skip those trips to the nail salon as well! Put it on at night and you will wake up with the softest hands ever! * I had to throw in something by Ralph Lauren {bet you didn't know I was named after him}! These candles smell absolutely amazing and will invigorate your entire home! I love the monogram holder that you can reuse once the candle has burned down! It's a class look you can't beat! </span></td></tr>
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So.... are y'all ready to enter?! Just follow the RaffleCopter rules below!!! Good Luck and have a glorious weekend!!!!!!! XoXo!!!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5103361/" id="rc-5103361" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-62460914374670349532013-03-21T09:16:00.000-04:002013-03-21T09:16:56.689-04:00Whoopie! There's the Faith, Whoopie! There's Maddie! <i>I have no idea how this sweet gal and I became blogging buddies but I am beyond glad we did!!! She reigns from VA but currently lives in NC {and not that far so we really need work out a blate}! My favorite quality about her is her openness and honesty! This girl doesnt hide a thing! After I wrote about a very debilitating fear I have she sent me the sweetest most heart wrenching e-mail! I cried when I read it, I cried after I read it, and I cry now just thinking about it, but it made me love this girl so much more as a new friend! She shared a part of her with me that people rarely ever see in others and I appreciated it more than she may every truly know! Her raw honesty is why I'm one of her biggest fans, well that, and of course because she hails from VA! Two up, Two down, baby! Enjoy Mrs. Maddie!!! </i><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey, Y'all! I am Maddie from <a href="http://tingeofwhimsy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>A Tinge of Whimsy</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I am really excited to be visiting over here with Lauran today. We are both Virginia girls and so I always get extra giddy for my "local" ladies...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although...for the last 10 years I have called North Carolina 'home'. I live with the hubs, Wiki, in the Raleigh area. I work part time in sports and he is an engineer for a construction management firm.. And yes, that is his nickname b/c he is entirely too smart for his own good. He knows just a little bit </span><strike style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">more than even</strike><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><strike style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">wikipedia</strike><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> about everything. Which for the most part is awesome...unless you're playing trivia and he happens to be on the opposite team. and then you think it's the antithesis of cool. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv0KGDmXvinah6cueNCCyZYN6L5RyachIbKGFXiidoRZr3xmvuS9DpuQ1-1f8Y6PDPNG_7BDTJZ-y2crzQO1z_ASQeSmqrw5sMWkcvNFFNdyoOxg8mHOQ8YFceBQIMcsICpWD1MVyca4/s1600/tree.JPG" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv0KGDmXvinah6cueNCCyZYN6L5RyachIbKGFXiidoRZr3xmvuS9DpuQ1-1f8Y6PDPNG_7BDTJZ-y2crzQO1z_ASQeSmqrw5sMWkcvNFFNdyoOxg8mHOQ8YFceBQIMcsICpWD1MVyca4/s640/tree.JPG" height="640" width="472" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what 5'3 looks like next to 6'5, even wearing heels;)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This June we will be celebrating 10 years of being hitched. I am a country girl from the boondocks and he is a city boy from Boston...but somehow we are perfectly matched.(other than our baseball teams, I am all pinstripes and he loves his dirty water) We love to try new foods and meander our way through small towns off the beaten path...especially if there is a winery off of said paths. Hoping we get to explore some new jaunts this year, perhaps finding food to devour along the way via Diners Drive Ins and Dives or Man VS Food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the most part, I blog about a smorgasbord</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> of topics; traveling, fashion, sports, tasty cocktails and simple, but tasty food. I do a weekly post on varying whoopie pies. They are my favorite, basically an inside out cupcake...less mess. I have made the 'from scratch' variety...but mainly I enjoy the taste of mixing up cake mix flavors.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is my <a href="http://tingeofwhimsy.blogspot.com/2012/08/whoopie-pie-wednesday-pineapple-malibu.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>pineapple and malibu</i></b></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQQCIDOLl0G8-UziRk5c5rQk6KP63mDO-UgkiPzCIjhpJJBhpbH0oBs9Mkd3OcxiMm0fvDdJQXe4iycbsSQw_w27q0vgb4gQ_qVXZPj_mJ8HTUdgR5uvg967fWEv_gL_TEi04ISgqlyk/s1600/pineapp1.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQQCIDOLl0G8-UziRk5c5rQk6KP63mDO-UgkiPzCIjhpJJBhpbH0oBs9Mkd3OcxiMm0fvDdJQXe4iycbsSQw_w27q0vgb4gQ_qVXZPj_mJ8HTUdgR5uvg967fWEv_gL_TEi04ISgqlyk/s400/pineapp1.jpg" height="400" width="343" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and my favorite, <a href="http://tingeofwhimsy.blogspot.com/2012/11/whoopie-pie-wednesday-maple-spice-and.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>maple spice</i></b></a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5tP9Rm-IOTqo1IAMM3qW09_I4Xj1cBtSw9XLHfIwbQb_iB0nDsme9xEQbhk2OK59aSKw0IQr537UAvJZiyguoO89EYl-jNtpyvp0ZLwxzlpM8zvETDnQVV_8yjBpPQNJdXOPQarhsjs/s1600/maple.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5tP9Rm-IOTqo1IAMM3qW09_I4Xj1cBtSw9XLHfIwbQb_iB0nDsme9xEQbhk2OK59aSKw0IQr537UAvJZiyguoO89EYl-jNtpyvp0ZLwxzlpM8zvETDnQVV_8yjBpPQNJdXOPQarhsjs/s400/maple.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since Easter is coming up...these would be really easy to swap out the spice cake for carrot cake mix. yum!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and lately, I have forayed into discussing some more personal issues and am in the process of doing "the infertility prayer project" as a way to pray for women who are or have struggled with infertility/miscarriages/<wbr></wbr>adoption process.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can read more about that here in <a href="http://tingeofwhimsy.blogspot.com/search/label/infertility" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>this</i></b></a> post</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will be having my first success guest post in 2 weeks and please, if you would like to be added to the prayer list or know anyone who would need and appreciate prayers as well, feel free to contact me!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Please stop by and visit, would love to make new friends...bloggy style.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks for having me over here today, Lauran! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><i>See, I told you she was honest! I adore what Maddie is doing in working to bring other bloggers together and offer support and strength to one another! Healing from your issues {whatever they may be} comes from being honest and facing it dead on annnnd relying on your faith! Maddie is a prime example of that! She is also the prime reason of why I now have a severe craving for something sweet! I'm going to have to give these whoopie pies a shot! Make sure you pay Maddie a visit over on her side of the blogging world! I have no doubt she'd love to have you! And Please Please Please make sure you add yourself to her prayer list if you are struggling from some of the issues near and dear to her heart! There really is something amazing in the Power of Prayer! </i></span><br />
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<i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">If you are interested in Sponsoring The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA for <b>FREE</b>. Please e-mail me at Lauran.Huffman@gmail.com or comment below! I am now booking for April and May!! </i></div>
Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-58775331834921298322013-03-20T10:21:00.003-04:002013-03-20T10:21:47.280-04:00What I'm Loving Wednesday!Yea, Yea, Yea, so I know I said here and here that I created a new series for my Wednesday's posting and here I am writing, yet again, another WILW. Well, that's because I'm going to keep WILW and move my new series to Friday! Yes, Friday will be the new day with the new posts!! I still plan on making it a link up so others can participate if they would like! Stay tuned, I'm really hoping to kick it off in April! Now... on to the good stuff!<br />
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<i><b>1. Befriending someone who I had a rough first encounter with! </b></i>E-mails suck when trying to communicate clearly and effectively and unfortunately E-mails were how this new friend and I were first communicating! It didn't go very well, one because we are both passionate about what we were conversing about and two, because we were communicating passionately through an email! Over the last several weeks we've learned that we have more in common than we thought and decided this week to start fresh! Clean slates are good! Here's to a flourishing friendship!<br />
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<i><b>2. Enjoying the gym for the first time in my life!</b></i> I was always active as a child; dance, horseback riding, swimming, cheerleading, soccer, and the list goes on, but I have never enjoyed actually working out or going to the gym! Since January, I've been going to the gym every week and have even added a third night into my week! I'm thinking about adding a Saturday morning as well! I've been told my whole life how working out can make you feel great but never really enjoyed it until now. And while I'm not seeing results quite yet I am feeling them! Not to mention I just feel plain good about myself! I like these new feelings and hope my new found love for the gym and keeping my body going is something that doesn't fade!<br />
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<b><i>3. A BLT!</i></b> This sandwich could be why I'm not seeing results quite yet from the gym! Ha! Granted I had my first one last night in what seems like forever! This has to be the best sandwich on the planet, probably because bacon is involved!!! Toasted bread, a little Dukes Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato {depending} and some good ole Bacon! Yummmmm!<br />
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<b><i>4. People talking to me in person about my blog, who actually read my blog! </i></b>In the last few weeks I've been approached by <b>BOTH</b> of my boss's husbands on how they actually read my blog! I couldn't help but laugh thinking these grown men are reading my girly rambles {whether it's out of boredom or interest} but while laughing it also made me feel humble! I realized my words reach <b>A LOT</b> of people and a variety of people at that! Sometimes I really do forget that people actually read this thing and that I'm not just writing to myself!<br />
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<b><i>5. Baby Reef's Daycare!</i></b> Baby Reef goes to daycare once a week! Usually Wednesdays so that he can get his mid week energy out! Some folks may think we are nuts for taking our pup to Doggie Daycare, but we believe it's one of the best things we can do for him! Reef isn't a crazy lab! He doesn't tear up our home or mess with things he shouldn't. He listens well and is ridiculously calm for a 20 month old yellow lab! Because of his calmness we don't "see" the point in walking him. We know it's good for him but he never begs to go or needs to "get his energy" out! He is <i>that</i> calm and he enjoys just hanging out in the back yard! We enrolled him in Doggie Daycare to help with his social skills around other dogs and people and so that he could have a day to play, play, play! And goodness gracious do we love that day! He is always so worn out when I pick him up! He sleeps on the commute home, eats dinner as soon as we get home, and then curls up on his couch {our loveseat that he only uses} and passes out for the rest of the night! It's glorious! He literally remains like that for the next two days! He gets so excited about going and seems to know Wednesday's are the day! We can't say "School" around him or he will totally freak out and run to the door, hoping and skipping, literally. We he sees me open the closet for his leash, he knows what it means and makes a beeline for the back gate! When we turn the corner on the main road this Doggie Daycare is on, he starts pacing in the back of the car and whines with excitement! I love how he knows where he is going and has so much fun that he can't wait to get there!<br />
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It's Hump Day and the First Day of Spring!!!!!!! Hope you are having a fantastic week so far! Unfortunately, I've been suffering from a migraine for the last 24 hours and the workers who are cleaning up the town home next door left the radio on FULL BLAST last night, which I could hear clear as day in our bedroom, so I am running on empty! A 5 Hour Energy maybe in my near future! XoXo!<br />
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<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-66581953500157540962013-03-19T09:26:00.001-04:002013-03-19T09:26:36.701-04:00Beef or Turkey?! It's Still a Meaty Loaf! I can't stress enough how much I <i>LOVE</i> easy recipes! I enjoy cooking and I enjoy having home cooked meals during the work week, but I refuse to slave away in a kitchen all evening! It just doesn't work with my schedule! I get home from work at 6 pm. If it's a gym night I come home, change and head back out the door for my 6:30 class and I don't get back home till about 7:45. It does not help that the hubby usually heads to bed at 9 p.m. {he has to wake up at 3 in the morning for work!}. That gives me, on average, only an hour to prepare, cook, and eat a meal. I also like to change meals up during the week and offer a variety! Meat and potatoes one evening, a casserole dish of some sort another, a pasta dish at least one night is a must, and for the past several weeks I've been incorporating more fish into our dinners!<br />
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One of my little secrets?! I utilize <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/home.aspx">Kraft Recipes</a> <b>A LOT</b> {which is where this recipe came from}!! They have easy and quick recipes for all kinds of dishes and the great thing I've found is that you don't have to use the exact ingredients! Just substitute your favorite brands and/or healthier/low-fat/nonfat choices!<br />
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This recipe is my hubby's favorite meal! I've been making it for several years and I try to cook it for him at least once a month! I love when he asks "what's for dinner?" and when I tell him "meatloaf!" he lights up like a Christmas Tree! His reaction always makes me feel good!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What You Will Need:</span></u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stove Top {Chicken} - Ground Meat - Barbecue Sauce - Eggs </td></tr>
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{I normally cut this whole recipe in half for the two of us}<br />
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2 lb. Lean Ground Beef {I used 1 lb. of Lean Ground Turkey}<br />
1 package Stove Top Chicken Stuffing Mix {I use 1/2 of a package}<br />
1 cup of Water {I use 1/2 a cup of water}<br />
2 Eggs Beaten {I use 1 Egg}<br />
1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce, divided {I usually just eyeball this}<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u></b><br />
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Heat oven to 375 degrees.<br />
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Place meat, stuffing mix, water, eggs, and 1/4 cup barbecue sauce in bowl.<br />
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Mix just until blended.<br />
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Shape into loaf in a greased 13x9-inch backing dish {I use a loaf pan}.<br />
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Top with remaining barbecue sauce.<br />
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Bake 1 hour or until done. {I usually heat the oven to 400 degrees and cook for 45 minutes}.<br />
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Serve with your choice of sides! This particular evening I opted for fresh green beans and roasted creamer potatoes!<br />
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I post a lot of dinner photo's on Instagram and I get many comments about my cooking skills! I promise you it's not hard to make hearty and delicious meals even on a work night! I meal plan each week which keeps me organized! When meal planning, I look for recipes that don't include crazy preparations or a billion ingredients! By doing this alone it helps in cutting down my time spent in the kitchen! Because I've received so many sweet comments I'm thinking that Tuesday's will now feature a weekly post {as I've kind of already started} showcasing an easy main dish that you can whip up any time! I'm not a chef or cooking guru by any means nor am I trying to become a food blogger. I just want to help make your life a tab bit easier in whatever way I can!<br />
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Have a fantastic Tuesday my darlings! XoXo!<br />
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<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-89704109744210705472013-03-18T09:16:00.001-04:002013-03-18T09:16:14.502-04:00Weekend Recap! Here we are, staring Monday straight in the face, again! Have you noticed how we all seem to live for the weekends?! Counting down the days starting on Monday, complaining how the week is so long and then moaning and groaning about the weekend flying by?! It's sad that we seem to live our lives for the weekend! Buuut why wouldn't we?! It's two days that we have off to jam in all kinds of "to-dos" "must-dos" and fun stuff! I want to try harder at not wishing my weeks away just to get to my weekend! Wishing it away is wishing time away and quite frankly I would like it to slow down just a bit! It's already the mid to latter part of March! Didn't we just celebrate New Years?! Anywho, enough of the serious philosophical thoughts... what kind of St. Paddy's Day shenanigans did y'all get into this weekend? Me?! Buying Bailey's Irish Cream flavored Irish colored French Macarons were about as crazy as I got for St. Paddy's Day!<br />
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Friday evenings for us, are usually relaxing nights in! We eat dinner at home, sip wine {for me} and beer {for the hubs} and chill out from our hectic weeks with the pup in front of the TV! This Friday was no exception, though I did grow a wild hair up my rear and decided it was time to tackle the daunting task of cleaning off our office desk. I kid you not, when I say, that there were bills {that have been paid, just needed to be filed} piled up on the desk since before Christmas! Ugh please don't judge! I've been procrastinating on buying a file cabinet and instead of putting everything in their designated folders, I've been piling it up on the desk! Well, I decided to pull out the folders and file it all away. While doing so, Baby Reef decided it would be a grand idea to nap... right in the middle of all my files. He even was brazen enough to move some folders and papers out of his way so he could make room for his napping spot! Silly Silly boy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmzw9SzJUyD58LXIarltHctA4ZPiCi_n0LIAQtFIJ79Q3nJpgGJ_Ra8SS9VSk7oHAIdlWdRNf4HoGkaO6yShupAYRPzOuJjP7p4XMQJuUH_vvfCixgRXCdsZm1l1wkkAFCrmIXNhl0hY/s1600/reef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmzw9SzJUyD58LXIarltHctA4ZPiCi_n0LIAQtFIJ79Q3nJpgGJ_Ra8SS9VSk7oHAIdlWdRNf4HoGkaO6yShupAYRPzOuJjP7p4XMQJuUH_vvfCixgRXCdsZm1l1wkkAFCrmIXNhl0hY/s400/reef.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Reef in the midst of all my organizing and filing! </td></tr>
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Saturday we slept in which was glorious since we had a morning rain shower come through and it was incredibly grey out. When we woke up, the sun was trying to peak through and the hubby headed off to baseball practice! Meanwhile I decided to accomplish a few things outside of the house since it was turning into a beautiful day! I packed up the car with stuff that has been taking over our dining room to donate to Goodwill and I grabbed my Tory Burch's and a pair of hard worn heels to take to the cobbler for some sprucing up and repairs. Mind you, I've never been to this cobbler, or any cobbler for that matter, and I wasn't sure if they would be able to fix the heels or my TB's. When I walked in the man at the counter stared at me intently, making me feel really uncomfortable. I explained to him that I had never been to a cobbler before and I wasn't sure if my shoes were fixable. He didn't say anything, just kept staring. At this point, even with how uncomfortable I was feeling, I felt I couldn't just turn around and leave. I pulled the heels out first and he paused and looked at them and said they weren't fixable; fine I'll just buy another pair. I then pulled out my TB's and explained that they were very special to me, and I just really needed them spruced up if that was possible. Meanwhile he is <b>STILL</b> staring and looking at me as if I am ET, himself. He took the shoe and said "I can polish them". At that point I was so eager to get out of there, I said <b>OKAY</b>, gave him needed information, took my ticket and ran! Once I got in the car all I kept thinking was I hope he doesn't hold my shoes hostage or something... I should've never left them with this dude! I mean he was just creepy. Thank goodness Baby Reef was tagging along in the car to help with my anxiety attack I was having! I will give the guy some credit! They did a nice job polishing them and they look very much to being almost brand new!!! I plan on taking them to another cobbler the next time they need some attention as to avoid the creepy guy, though. I'd rather not deal with the unsettling feeling again!<br />
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Once I dropped my shoes off, I headed to the grocery store to pick up some bread for the appetizer I was making for my best friend, Tatiana's birthday celebration later that night! Then with the windows down, music up, and a doggy hanging out the window, we headed to Goodwill! We dropped off quite a few things and I was immediately relieved to see it go! It was causing too much clutter in the house and needed to go months ago! I'm still purging and organizing so this will not be the last trip but knowing this batch is gone helps relieve some of the purging stress I have right now!<br />
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After dropping off the donations, Baby Reef and I headed into Old Towne Portsmouth to visit a local bakery, Artisans Bakery! I had inquired on their Facebook page last week if they sold French Macarons and they informed me that they would have St. Paddy's Day themed ones this weekend! They then commented to me Friday saying they were available for purchase during the weekend! I'd never been there before so I was really excited! Seriously.... cutest place ever! It's a full service bakery/cafe in a historically built home! Absolutely adorable and I can't wait to go back and grab lunch sometime, coffee, and more macaroons! I bought a dozen of them to take to the birthday party later that night! They were green, orange, and cream colored and Irish Bailey's flavored! Annnd they were tasty to boot!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uz9KKwRc7r7sD3b4n_s-e0JsH63YoyopKel9t41ogt317by50cVHcBYZuKPcN24sI7XRT01J5xbfaNlnZ6pmAI-FiEHE6pSQ175OpMJ6aKE22K-tL94U0EApJwmb-7RQfjizlaFgxws/s1600/macarons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uz9KKwRc7r7sD3b4n_s-e0JsH63YoyopKel9t41ogt317by50cVHcBYZuKPcN24sI7XRT01J5xbfaNlnZ6pmAI-FiEHE6pSQ175OpMJ6aKE22K-tL94U0EApJwmb-7RQfjizlaFgxws/s400/macarons.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey's Irish Cream Flavored St. Paddy's Day inspired French Macarons! </td></tr>
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When we left there with the goodies we headed to Starbucks so I could use my gift card towards a Chai Tea Latte {my favorite!}. Once Baby Reef said his hello's to the Drive Thru girls we headed to an older neighborhood in the area to check out homes for sale! I love love love the Old Towne area with it's historic 18th century homes and gorgeous architectural buildings! I would love nothing more than to buy a home {renovated or we renovate ourselves} from the early 1900's! They have such character and charm and contain so much history! It's just difficult to find these houses in safer areas and in good school districts. Nonetheless it was really nice to just cruise with the pup and look at the beautiful homes!<br />
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Later, once we were all spiffy and ready to go, the hubby and I headed out to Tat and Kevin's house! Tat decided she wanted to have a "wine/cheese tasting" birthday celebration and she did not disappoint with the spread! Lots and lots of artisan cheeses, salami, nuts, olives, fruit, french breads, and even dark chocolate and of course more than a few of yummy wines for us to try! After all the girls caught up with their girl talk in the kitchen, we joined the the guys for a game of LCR. If you don't know what that is, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCR_(dice_game)">check this out!</a> I had <i>NEVER</i> heard of it but -oh my lanta- how fun! I'm not much of a gambler so it's not something I think would play <i>ALL</i> the time but it was definitely a good way to add some innocent fun to a party!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Birthday Girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1EVd0rDaMC0cruhBmneUL_jY6MKsOn_0gYFQVRb73RkRuxAMruEdQ1y6x-9A5maERQpbYFzEG4gZeYcEaSFHbKp8aCvXtEp5FRSGdht5y2h_IwWx9a417M1GQKY69ebXBzZodebYI8w/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1EVd0rDaMC0cruhBmneUL_jY6MKsOn_0gYFQVRb73RkRuxAMruEdQ1y6x-9A5maERQpbYFzEG4gZeYcEaSFHbKp8aCvXtEp5FRSGdht5y2h_IwWx9a417M1GQKY69ebXBzZodebYI8w/s400/DSC_0237.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amazing spread! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgni6OIOaDYT-uDZo7x1P0rAERp21f2Xaw5fjt3b9PSo-9kdOEDRtAzGUKV7eQTREp72BsDTrEh8VNsa8NnF68A_G414UkmIt_klzJTrcpvKczO2MPA5x05TGVA7KIJc3cNpOlQG4bgn3o/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgni6OIOaDYT-uDZo7x1P0rAERp21f2Xaw5fjt3b9PSo-9kdOEDRtAzGUKV7eQTREp72BsDTrEh8VNsa8NnF68A_G414UkmIt_klzJTrcpvKczO2MPA5x05TGVA7KIJc3cNpOlQG4bgn3o/s400/DSC_0238.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the delicious wine!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wspFB1gQn3Y_vJjybic1lrv8ypsh8a7mvs6RjRHNCE0_D4Jd8sGfQVSrXkdYJXT5kc9P_asqRthfpYHpTzgwoN_Jz7M_25GDQC2mrTI4aLqP6yv6RrSNdhPqaIdzuIeVeU2wz5FZjIA/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wspFB1gQn3Y_vJjybic1lrv8ypsh8a7mvs6RjRHNCE0_D4Jd8sGfQVSrXkdYJXT5kc9P_asqRthfpYHpTzgwoN_Jz7M_25GDQC2mrTI4aLqP6yv6RrSNdhPqaIdzuIeVeU2wz5FZjIA/s400/DSC_0242.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tat and Kevin's sweet puppies Bosley and Kenya! They just so happen to be brothers and are the sweetest little souls! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LCR</td></tr>
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Tat and I have an appreciation for some of the finer things in life and we share an obsession for Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutins! We also share an unhealthy obsession with Paris too! Neither of us have a pair of Louby's but we often chat about buying our first pair one day! Because we share this love, I haaaaad to buy her this wine bottle holder <a href="http://www.homewetbar.com/diva-noir-wine-bottle-holder-p-2156.html">{this isn't the exact one but very similar}</a>! She loved it and I told her that was the closest I could get to giving her the real deal!! I hope when we both can buy our first pair, it's an experience we can have together! And yes, it is that serious when it comes to Louby's and LV!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdwuby5MsIFPZIqtFEUEBfhYruNkUgZMqCg9zPZSn4mRIXt29CIIf0vqFKFPOkJ80drvGuV2XgI4XTsCeiOrvziAslIwO2G-VByRuq7YNXIx7ymLMe3CJ1V4E87jhjunkQEjdoLoBAiI/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdwuby5MsIFPZIqtFEUEBfhYruNkUgZMqCg9zPZSn4mRIXt29CIIf0vqFKFPOkJ80drvGuV2XgI4XTsCeiOrvziAslIwO2G-VByRuq7YNXIx7ymLMe3CJ1V4E87jhjunkQEjdoLoBAiI/s400/gift.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to but the polka dot gift wrap paper! </td></tr>
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Yesterday we did absolutely nothing! And when I say nothing, I really mean nothing! The weather was grey and damp all day which made if difficult to get motivated! I did manage to watch Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married, Too? on TBS! I have to give Tyler Perry credit... he makes some movies that really pull at your heart strings! I haven't seen all of his work, but the ones that I have seen always move me, usually to tears, but they do make me laugh too! I did give myself my weekly manicure as well, but other than that and watching the movies, we literally did nothing!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV-SCxmnPVvW2VgbXAKRB81Gf0h9qNF2um8By-0sCYlR48H8G-K2kEBEtdDlnpIe4g_wQL6Fl_yPmcROJsH9346VDGe3UHWd70jDTe2T7ji5d3jCMQ2rOAyyGsdarEbb10vSbHRbNKgE/s1600/nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV-SCxmnPVvW2VgbXAKRB81Gf0h9qNF2um8By-0sCYlR48H8G-K2kEBEtdDlnpIe4g_wQL6Fl_yPmcROJsH9346VDGe3UHWd70jDTe2T7ji5d3jCMQ2rOAyyGsdarEbb10vSbHRbNKgE/s1600/nails.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My manicure - Essie Pink Lemonade </td></tr>
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How was all of your weekends?!?! It felt good to be somewhat productive on Saturday! The winter weather has a way of making me want to stay in bed under the covers so it was great to get out in the warm sunshine and accomplish some things! Hope everyone is having a stellar Monday so far! XoXo!<br />
<br />Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377237284488479711.post-39541023778491911642013-03-17T01:28:00.005-04:002013-03-17T01:28:36.826-04:00Claiming my Blog! <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3774078/?claim=9c2zyuquz4y">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Lauran {The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08790809252590734518noreply@blogger.com0