tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52808175270175526012024-03-12T23:18:37.303-04:00Jess (& Marie) FindsWe are a mommy blog, but more than that we are a humor, reviews, life and journey blog. Jess is blogging from the East coast. Marie blogs from the West.JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.comBlogger650125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-41931700823335440142011-02-21T15:08:00.001-05:002011-04-13T23:22:58.980-04:00[JessFinds] Updates and MoreWe made it west and have set up shop on the other coast!<br />
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In odd news - my domain was suddenly disrupted, now it appears to be owned by someone other than me and they are trying to sell it. Very strange.<br />
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So, I have decided not to care. JessFinds.com was a hoot. It ran for a long time, we had a lot of fun with it. The postings will remain up, hosted by Blogger. It is probably time for a new blog anyway since Marie and I are technically no longer cross-country blogging!<br />
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I will redirect to any new blogs when they are up and running. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Update:</span></b> You can find me at <a href="http://www.jessoutwest.com/">Jess Out West</a>.<br />
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xoxoxo,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG14gmc43Xg4wzIoufGy-5OSvZEmamsmi2rR9PKaS5HSm_kAJc5TvgLRdTN5HkljT70y7jz9b8I_2tS79OIwSdV00zbSaVRO0nSeNR0Qu3xiPYVNUJ4qdZRrZipU1uagabwdPdWZacA3I/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG14gmc43Xg4wzIoufGy-5OSvZEmamsmi2rR9PKaS5HSm_kAJc5TvgLRdTN5HkljT70y7jz9b8I_2tS79OIwSdV00zbSaVRO0nSeNR0Qu3xiPYVNUJ4qdZRrZipU1uagabwdPdWZacA3I/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-32821256163847239082010-12-20T16:11:00.001-05:002010-12-20T16:35:06.444-05:00[JessFinds] First real snow of the yearWhew. Cutting it close! We sold our truck. Have donated and found homes for almost all of the stuff that we don't want to move. We need to sell our snow blower but I am watching the weather and hoping we don't need it to get out of our driveway! Just light snow for now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ulKIrvqyjZhVmcXG2Yl9d7N9ByK6lr6LprtYaJSoNVuC0E6O3JQ7ePNld0jPszvhX8nchlHYkRD8xXDTdbZSaM6-xUptvWekK73thzdeOr9KOn1GNkn6CS44mCyDcI4GOURTwW6Qw_g/s1600/P1080869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ulKIrvqyjZhVmcXG2Yl9d7N9ByK6lr6LprtYaJSoNVuC0E6O3JQ7ePNld0jPszvhX8nchlHYkRD8xXDTdbZSaM6-xUptvWekK73thzdeOr9KOn1GNkn6CS44mCyDcI4GOURTwW6Qw_g/s400/P1080869.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get to work kid...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3LzxQrfEXs2N18cNvyrJBk5d2aln7WCbwZR_TAhvJTI7BEBaIieDorgPqeRFAO1fzCCaxFwdeJevhNHIUU2cJ3eN2ofHY0lZnBtdAjUN7muIyNQNdeDhZG6NppUShV1MZobCM7Ezzdc/s1600/P1080866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3LzxQrfEXs2N18cNvyrJBk5d2aln7WCbwZR_TAhvJTI7BEBaIieDorgPqeRFAO1fzCCaxFwdeJevhNHIUU2cJ3eN2ofHY0lZnBtdAjUN7muIyNQNdeDhZG6NppUShV1MZobCM7Ezzdc/s400/P1080866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>I have both girls at home now. It could go great or go very badly. Gonzo is a bully and just pesters Miss Crab till she loses it. When they play nicely - it is bliss. I am <i>really</i> hoping for more of the latter.<br />
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My husband married the right girl when it comes to this life we have built. He does not drop roots and neither do I. I am looking around me at this house, our improvements, our little plot of land and thinking ... meh. My little brother is my exact opposite. My mom too. They build up around them, engage in their surroundings, plant things and form attachments. I am a nomad. I moved six times while at the same college (why???). I must have just loved paying security deposits.JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-32128990068915442382010-12-15T14:17:00.000-05:002010-12-15T14:17:56.082-05:00[JessFinds] I am a mean one...I am the Grinch. It is freaking my husband out.<br />
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See, normally I am all starry-eyed and filled with good cheer. He can rely on me to deck halls, shop, cook, show excitement, rally the family round the hearth and generally be Mrs. Claus.<br />
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I ain't feelin' it.<br />
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Listen, I have things to sell, stuff to donate, endless stuff to clean, organize and pack ... Christmas? I have a moving truck arriving before Christmas. Why would I possibly hang a single bell? Plus the doctors are running massive tests on me and I am out of blood. I am tired. Bah Humbug.<br />
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He is tip-toeing around me like I am some crazy person who invaded his home. But here is the funny thing ... he is turning in to a little Christmas Elf. Throwing extra toys in to the cart. Putting up a small tree. If he busts out with "Jingle Bells" I am going to start worrying more about him ...<br />
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IN OTHER NEWS:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9m1T0kMQamtidDxxFV2lGSU0Lrbru_7PGJCRfA36CdhsMdV6Y-ndAQh3MF8GO7MqfIwkBQi4Uxat948RzT_MPrnGdCjUEHL3QmTYlFL6oD6ZgXBMgHp3Co_sP15JvMnRdThiLpGrywVo/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9m1T0kMQamtidDxxFV2lGSU0Lrbru_7PGJCRfA36CdhsMdV6Y-ndAQh3MF8GO7MqfIwkBQi4Uxat948RzT_MPrnGdCjUEHL3QmTYlFL6oD6ZgXBMgHp3Co_sP15JvMnRdThiLpGrywVo/s320/Picture+12.png" width="237" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9m1T0kMQamtidDxxFV2lGSU0Lrbru_7PGJCRfA36CdhsMdV6Y-ndAQh3MF8GO7MqfIwkBQi4Uxat948RzT_MPrnGdCjUEHL3QmTYlFL6oD6ZgXBMgHp3Co_sP15JvMnRdThiLpGrywVo/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>My daughter may be completely quirky, meow like a cat, speak in robot monotone to strangers and walk like a t-rex when nervous ... but she is smarter <i>than all of us.</i><br />
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Miss Crab is having a sudden learning spurt that is throwing me for a loop. I don't know if they decided to start challenging her (she was bored) but suddenly she is reading at the top of her class and tells me how easy it is. Also, her math skills make me question if she is even my child. Super advanced math skills. Yay Montessori! <br />
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So, she can't socialize worth a damn, but she is smart as a whip and showing a ton of independence and humor. I am totally okay with that. <br />
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And now I will take her out of school for two months and then put her in a new school. See? We try to screw up our kids as much as possible. Can't win. I am going to be plagued with mommy guilt...<br />
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On a side note, I remember when I was in first grade and I was given my first math test. It was a 0+ test. 0+1. 0+2. 0+3. I panicked - at age 6. Total panic. Had no idea what to do. Thought I was going to throw up. I remember it like it was yesterday!JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-13675764783755788252010-12-13T18:28:00.002-05:002010-12-13T18:33:05.352-05:00[JessFinds] Wordy, Wordy ... No PicturesUGH. Total emotional drain! But we did it. We got through one of the toughest weekends ever with dignity and with grace. I am so incredibly proud of my husband. He might be up for the "Worlds Kindest Man" award. I think he deserves to sleep for a week straight! <br />
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I kept a smile on my face and acted as gracious as possible. I also answered questions bluntly and honestly. I am not obligated to sugar coat anything further. This situation was ugly. I have been so lucky to travel the world and live in a lot of different places. I look forward to closing the chapter on this place. I have a few friends from here who I will keep in touch with, cannagetta YAY for Facebook, but I can't imagine coming back. <br />
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It is so much easier to just be nice. Think the best of people first. Work collaboratively. Find solutions rather than focus on problems. I need my family to experience some kindness for a while. We signed on to live in a fishbowl, be public figures, have our lives held to a higher standard. I get it. But honestly? It kinda sucks the happiness out of you when you become the subject of rumor, a target for aggression and a general punching bag. But enough with the dwelling on the ickies. <br />
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<b>So, I am excited now. I am exhausted, but excited. </b><br />
<ul><li>I am having a firesale on everything I don't want to move across country. I am selling off so much stuff. It is so liberating! </li>
</ul><ul><li>I sold all of our white wicker sunroom furniture. In California, a sunroom is called a deck (hee). Still need a buyer for the Preacher's truck.</li>
</ul><ul><li>My husband bought me a case of Malbec. <i>It is like he knows me. </i></li>
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<ul><li>My health is in the crapper - it appears that we can't stablize my thyroid function. Plummet after plummet. Just got the latest news today. I am going to invest in a fancy-pants Endocrinologist when we reach the West Coast. I have an irrational fear that I have thyroid cancer and I just need to simmer down and jump off the hypochondriac train at the next whistle-stop. We are going to be switching to the Kaiser health program. The Kaiser is not going to kill me, right? </li>
</ul><ul><li>In other health news, I am getting my hip checked on Wednesday. Because I am apparently 120 years old and now have hip problems. It is okay, laugh at me. It is a family tradition to fall apart in our 30's only to be STRONG LIKE BULL from 40 on out. I will have the hips of a belly-dancer again. And the knees of a spry gymnast. A girl can dream.</li>
</ul><ul><li> Did I mention the hubby bought me a case of Malbec?</li>
</ul><ul><li>We have a moth infestation of grand proportions - my house is covered in them (outside). Anyone know what is up with that? I am hoping that tomorrow's freezing temps will reduce the moth population because it is feeling a little too Silence of the Lambs for my tastes. </li>
</ul>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-56215293727632494992010-12-11T09:47:00.000-05:002010-12-11T09:47:40.799-05:00[JessFinds] More than you ever needed to know about my faceI am <strike>pale</strike>. Umm... I am really pale. I baby my skin with SPF year round so that I will look like a snow goddess in my 60's and beyond. I used to hate being fair when all of my contemporaries were bronzed, but you gotta rock what you got. Just born in the wrong century.<br />
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So I take care of it.<br />
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My skin is also very dry. And as I get older, apparently sensitive. Fun. I found myself (at 36) looking like I was going through puberty. I have always had clear, albeit pale, skin. Not any longer. Stress does a number on me. So does winter weather combined with dry indoor heating, etc...<br />
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So I have this dry, flaky, dull, broken-out T-zone face. No moisturizer or exfoliant has helped. I was looking tired. A quintessential stress-worn face. I had a few "I am not stepping outside of this house" days of late.<br />
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I tried tea tree oil hoping that it would clear me up, but no luck. So I did a little research and remembered reading that <b>olive oil</b> was good for dry skin as it is incredibly nonreactive.<br />
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O.M.G. (Yep, I omg'd). I have been rubbing a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in to my face each morning for about seven days now and my skin is almost 100% healed. It feels like cheating. Shouldn't I be back at my dermatologist spending a fortune on small bottles of imported French cleansers?<br />
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<b>Olive oil. </b>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-53772427284651887092010-12-10T13:58:00.001-05:002010-12-10T14:01:25.911-05:00[JessFinds] Traveling with Wild AnimalsCar travel with kids can be daunting, especially when your children start whining within moments of hitting the asphalt. Mine yell things like: "I feel like I am gonna barf." It is their charming variation on "Are we there yet."<br />
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I am building up an arsenal of go-to travel toys for when we depart for our cross country adventure. I plan on keeping these toys hidden until we are actually on the road. <br />
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Here are some of the newest additions to my bag of tricks:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCUVD1GTijQFVDnKSUbJLNwODXG6bIGnKGpGQevl9Ktp4Rr74yiULoKQd05MRk9bA9co6NqyoU3ndA-VKaoacrqQBJUWrWn9TAZe8rd_UVnrnkkGLvGynr7hWqkpew_viv7Bp0s8-0z4/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCUVD1GTijQFVDnKSUbJLNwODXG6bIGnKGpGQevl9Ktp4Rr74yiULoKQd05MRk9bA9co6NqyoU3ndA-VKaoacrqQBJUWrWn9TAZe8rd_UVnrnkkGLvGynr7hWqkpew_viv7Bp0s8-0z4/s1600/Picture+6.png" /></a></div>The Victorian Wonder Ball has been a time eating joy for parents since the 1800's. Each of my girls will get a ball to unwind, gather the trinkets, play with and then attempt to strangle each other with the yarn. I picked this up from <a href="http://www.thinkfasttoys.com/home.php?cat=870">ThinkFastToys</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZomZUPZVtyjzaNfTZlxAznHFDnbTrnGSqZkWn8CVVgtMh8zoKH1sVYZ5xS-MCAwlAILaDgdbfkOj0-YGgHqm1MByLmD0n95xWyWk2ZNg6b5QY7YVi4gMCk7FQMEJIw45laEXuLldvODU/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZomZUPZVtyjzaNfTZlxAznHFDnbTrnGSqZkWn8CVVgtMh8zoKH1sVYZ5xS-MCAwlAILaDgdbfkOj0-YGgHqm1MByLmD0n95xWyWk2ZNg6b5QY7YVi4gMCk7FQMEJIw45laEXuLldvODU/s200/Picture+7.png" width="163" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQmyElS31PfE34iu9Tf8CltYo7rp_iaDsiuQpAwE7GrqprT1PR3PQnIrKy7tSHsDGrProKvYN6iPsMpKI5Nx4Snib2kdMreQeNeYQgrfbYmfudPHG9RZCxFO379uZpFcpyNEc1G7A8aU/s1600/Picture+20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQmyElS31PfE34iu9Tf8CltYo7rp_iaDsiuQpAwE7GrqprT1PR3PQnIrKy7tSHsDGrProKvYN6iPsMpKI5Nx4Snib2kdMreQeNeYQgrfbYmfudPHG9RZCxFO379uZpFcpyNEc1G7A8aU/s200/Picture+20.png" width="159" /></a></div><br />
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These little card sized games were picked up for under $2 each. Also at <a href="http://www.thinkfasttoys.com/home.php?cat=913">ThinkFastToys</a>. I love the little Magnetic Mini Dozer - you use the magnet to push the dirt in to piles. Catch a Mermaid has you flipping the little plastic mermaids in to the net. <br />
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A certain Uncle and Auntie are sending the classic Etch-a-Sketch and a Crayola Glow Board. A certain grandmother has tended to their comfort w/ soft car blankies and fleece coats. <br />
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Now all I need is that tranquilzer dart gun... (it is a joke people)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-50319121974935408382010-12-09T09:15:00.001-05:002010-12-09T09:18:52.989-05:00[JessFinds] Boot Obessions, Darn Cold, Swatting GwinnyI am in the midst of moving hell. And apparently, hell just froze over. It is COLD! I think we had a high of 28 yesterday. To quote one of my favorite men: "Burrrrrrweeenies." Did I mention I am moving to California? (sticking tongue out)<br />
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It is cold enough to reconsider my stance on (shudder) classic Uggs. <i>Footwear that makes you legs look like they end in tree stumps</i>. Almost. I did buy these in from Lands End.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT8BapM_WxNZsiDtpQzK-2JD7YKlTo2u_dB9G5bjyON41Rokd6yGMZ-yND8c0uy_jgcx9m03c3FvvoazmHi5XJw2ogjP-NdJFczxkgZgga31gngQ5sE5G4Nxt9_GBEbVBj7NbQKKuex4/s1600/Picture+30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT8BapM_WxNZsiDtpQzK-2JD7YKlTo2u_dB9G5bjyON41Rokd6yGMZ-yND8c0uy_jgcx9m03c3FvvoazmHi5XJw2ogjP-NdJFczxkgZgga31gngQ5sE5G4Nxt9_GBEbVBj7NbQKKuex4/s320/Picture+30.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/FauxShearlingBoots%7E213135_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BU2&CM_MERCH=IDX_00009__0000000917&origin=index">Chalet Faux Shearing Boot</a> in Stone Gray</td></tr>
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They arrived yesterday and are super cozy. I may sleep in them. These may be my go-to boot for the cross country trip. As a matter of fact, people on the San Francisco Peninsula better get used to seeing me in these boots any time it dips below 45 degrees.<br />
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Today on GOOP (oh yes, guilty pleasure ... I do subscribe) Gwinny talks about all of her favorite winter boots. I love having early morning unbridled hatred of Gweneth Paltrow while sipping eggnog in my coffee. I love her clueless pretension as she goes on about her $1,000 boots and how you can have a knockoff for under $200. She is so darling. Did she mention her BFF is Stella McCartney? No? Don't worry, she will in the next paragraph. Thank you for handing me early morning snarkoportunites Gwinny. I feel protective of you. Like if someone else talks poorly of you, I will need to kick them with my knockoff boots. Or at least nail them with the <a href="http://goop.com/newsletter/105/en/">$53 leather flyswatter</a> you promo'd in your last newsletter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-5588368825031397712010-12-05T13:47:00.000-05:002010-12-05T13:47:45.914-05:00[JessFinds] Goodbye to our play structureThis is the first thing I have had any emotional reaction to. We have sold our play structure / slide / swingset for $100 to the lucky person who found it on Craigslist first and is willing to come disassemble it. We spent over $1000 building the mamajamma but figure that it would be a really great find for someone on CL. <br />
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It is going to a really nice military family over the bridge from us. Sigh.<br />
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My husband built it before we even started unpacking. Still had boxes to the ceiling and he was off buying lumber. Could not wait to build it for his girls. We had many buried treasure hunts in the sandpit. And, shockingly, nobody ever was hurt on the structure. Plus, I love the University of Oregon colors on the canvas! Go Ducks!<br />
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Now there will be a giant sandbox. I am sure that the neighborhood cats will appreciate that.JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-25138060402438206762010-12-04T14:29:00.001-05:002010-12-04T14:31:02.353-05:00[JessFinds] Backpacking through Europe seems like much more fun.My moving truck arrives in 2 and a half weeks. Gulp.<br />
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Today I started attacking my wardrobe. So painful. I figure if it has not been on my radar in a season or two, it is outta here. Lots and lots of clothes will be donated. I am working on a travelers wardrobe that all coordinates together for our month of living out of suitcases. <b>Minimalism! </b>Everything else is being boxed up and shipped.<br />
<br />
I have one guilty pleasure I am holding on to: a beautiful medium gray wool sheath dress that is lined in bright sky blue satin. I have not fit in to it in 3+ years. But I will. Oh yes, I will. <br />
<br />
Preacher and I spent six weeks traveling in Europe living out of backpacks. These backpacks specifically:<br />
<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/AVvXsEiqL8EMQRabgj5gtlWA8xRgyUrnUv3UPCGbTS4XvuBuMqhmnbBsyuixfHmcn_aYztzrEaDD188nBdIhlOiYtVIxvu8_RPw54PPQn2NUXq9tESOuMS3GPlA85-c_8i7VaIVnxlf1jFrbNrA/s1600/Picture+24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqL8EMQRabgj5gtlWA8xRgyUrnUv3UPCGbTS4XvuBuMqhmnbBsyuixfHmcn_aYztzrEaDD188nBdIhlOiYtVIxvu8_RPw54PPQn2NUXq9tESOuMS3GPlA85-c_8i7VaIVnxlf1jFrbNrA/s1600/Picture+24.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=346">Rick Steves' Classic Bag / Backpack</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now, admittedly I was never in the same place for very long so I did not worry too much about fashion. We traveled during the Spring so we had to layer, but most of it was light layers. Still, if I can do six weeks out of that, I can certainly handle four weeks! <i>With two children and two angry cats...</i> Sure. No problem.JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-82032906458923550232010-12-01T20:56:00.000-05:002010-12-01T20:56:13.261-05:00[JessFinds] A family architecture firm<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/AVvXsEgOS_yp0OvcZpXYEId1jbHMDDM59Hwy8CuoLMx6p8Lfr_XE6x48tqBJj2oqF3UZOQyWd75SpUeRi4BjlZkwk2N4FbZy2IjxTZ0vzbt72I6K_KJ06EcQRL_5lPqFtyROhSyfR5nOWpb6sTY/s1600/P1080676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS_yp0OvcZpXYEId1jbHMDDM59Hwy8CuoLMx6p8Lfr_XE6x48tqBJj2oqF3UZOQyWd75SpUeRi4BjlZkwk2N4FbZy2IjxTZ0vzbt72I6K_KJ06EcQRL_5lPqFtyROhSyfR5nOWpb6sTY/s400/P1080676.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Crab shows restraint, careful thought and placement in her home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIer1fCz-rirxh5w6zu0lOTaiGQJdpGcSI7hpdUyapqiPQHG-a2eFnAErfz6Y3OgdNBTxSKpRI-tUVVDeDR3Ou-D3E9xboj9O6CEhyIlyuhOnehhvlyDP4n8lBs_dQiclaJwJKxSIU6E/s1600/P1080654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIer1fCz-rirxh5w6zu0lOTaiGQJdpGcSI7hpdUyapqiPQHG-a2eFnAErfz6Y3OgdNBTxSKpRI-tUVVDeDR3Ou-D3E9xboj9O6CEhyIlyuhOnehhvlyDP4n8lBs_dQiclaJwJKxSIU6E/s400/P1080654.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gonzo threw a bag of candy at a pile of frosting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpkeQsCCGCfKueRUCknFr3dJSKsELSGOuGHhpVD9fIt3vgA1Pi_1YeKG2Mi_o-JdyDq0IGozUguT6DjkLiMM5_UN_VwVNZAxrs-pUUNjs35HYoVJ6R6UQ0W6d1Nqnjc6A-kvm6aFFeKo/s1600/P1080657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpkeQsCCGCfKueRUCknFr3dJSKsELSGOuGHhpVD9fIt3vgA1Pi_1YeKG2Mi_o-JdyDq0IGozUguT6DjkLiMM5_UN_VwVNZAxrs-pUUNjs35HYoVJ6R6UQ0W6d1Nqnjc6A-kvm6aFFeKo/s400/P1080657.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I opted for a small cabin with a fire pit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEkdbKpyD676BdfjCNjAMbXfx9n4iepTNJabSyf-wWDWAFce1ZPuiujXaqcxaoTB3p4NocO2vXDls3ExNkn6IxUhPNQgFZKH0Dqul554wWX81k60-VQwWVmZqwYnX12SPsXLtoYOOQKc/s1600/P1080653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEkdbKpyD676BdfjCNjAMbXfx9n4iepTNJabSyf-wWDWAFce1ZPuiujXaqcxaoTB3p4NocO2vXDls3ExNkn6IxUhPNQgFZKH0Dqul554wWX81k60-VQwWVmZqwYnX12SPsXLtoYOOQKc/s400/P1080653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0auBNgmBqk7lua7G2_EmveBZUCtflvZhEzVXNggGlymfaK_HK-hu4bFG3ukMZooGjGni0nFreeRgoVEXguiXvaU6SinTnuUkTJNyfS23M2igTObWRh7XEBQFDmLt0jA9ODo-drJ_YFE0/s1600/P1080659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0auBNgmBqk7lua7G2_EmveBZUCtflvZhEzVXNggGlymfaK_HK-hu4bFG3ukMZooGjGni0nFreeRgoVEXguiXvaU6SinTnuUkTJNyfS23M2igTObWRh7XEBQFDmLt0jA9ODo-drJ_YFE0/s400/P1080659.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mother-in-law proved to be a wicked master of the icicle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmEuVX2WNtQYrwIQnxfneEU2wsX1-sNBOUISAAEalxawsm60TmYszopGpICwixvzH_YOWLhrZf_ppRz7PlbW_g8C2y1RzYZv5afSaBxomPA7bbF7jxTFCcKI5eK5Xkx_hMkXptg5OtV0/s1600/P1080663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmEuVX2WNtQYrwIQnxfneEU2wsX1-sNBOUISAAEalxawsm60TmYszopGpICwixvzH_YOWLhrZf_ppRz7PlbW_g8C2y1RzYZv5afSaBxomPA7bbF7jxTFCcKI5eK5Xkx_hMkXptg5OtV0/s400/P1080663.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband's fine work. Note the stained glass window, gravestones and yes...red door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2FhCg1m2jZVLcWXB6gwoGYiUGL1f0s7kryFqtzgcKqP69CtcffcN3G-G2pzEXNWtfK4JzQwCfXb_4vYtS35F3dpXZo3ysb6mpqn55_nuzthe98fv1wTwJg3p1IwQRQS5PVvBISLUr_Y/s1600/P1080673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2FhCg1m2jZVLcWXB6gwoGYiUGL1f0s7kryFqtzgcKqP69CtcffcN3G-G2pzEXNWtfK4JzQwCfXb_4vYtS35F3dpXZo3ysb6mpqn55_nuzthe98fv1wTwJg3p1IwQRQS5PVvBISLUr_Y/s400/P1080673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ed39wEZ2ef-C7wAd8cx9-yuyfmnydj9Gcp4r6RvA-t-PtptETQAQ2KiEQCYvxWswPdMcvl81kCukEPYhGWFuOxFg7-qBWI3CrM9k8JlP6wOJJ0ToNFwV4j-LUOQyEoIZ9970nKKRFUI/s1600/P1080680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ed39wEZ2ef-C7wAd8cx9-yuyfmnydj9Gcp4r6RvA-t-PtptETQAQ2KiEQCYvxWswPdMcvl81kCukEPYhGWFuOxFg7-qBWI3CrM9k8JlP6wOJJ0ToNFwV4j-LUOQyEoIZ9970nKKRFUI/s400/P1080680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-10451958743522799602010-11-26T09:12:00.001-05:002010-11-26T09:20:49.201-05:00[JessFinds] Open letter to my family and friendsDear Family and Friends*;<br />
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There is no tactful or polite way to say this, so I will just blurt it out: <i>Unless you plan on sending seasonal clothing or travel toys ... please hold off on the kid presents until we are in our new home.</i> I know they are darling girls who deserve lavish gifts that would embarrass the Hiltons and Trumps of the world. I know that you wanted to send the full-size carousal and the matching set of twin ponies. But we just can't pack a carousal and the ponies on a big moving truck. Okay. We could, but it might be a bit inhumane for the ponies. I am sure PETA would take issue with that.<br />
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To put it plainly... I don't wanna pack it. I would also feel cruel giving a great toy to my girls only to take it away promptly and put it on a truck for a month (we will be living in extended stay corporate hotel housing while our stuff will be living on the truck until our new home is ready for move in).<br />
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<b>*Friends: </b>I love your babies. I know you love mine. I would love to spoil your offspring rotten but this season is all about the move for us. You are off the hook!<br />
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We are planning a much scaled back version of Christmas this year. Not even sure if we are breaking out the decorations as, well, they are already boxed up and it seems like an exercise in redundant packing. <br />
<ul><li><b>Travel toys</b> are greatly appreciated as 4 and 6 year olds don't generally take well to being strapped to a seat for 7 hours out of a day while careening down the interstates at 80mph with two angry cats. </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Clothing - comfy! Soft! </b>Gonzo loves pairing a cotton dress with legging/pants. Crab is all about soft pants and tops. Both girls could use some fleece. <b>Gonzo is a size 4 T </b>and <b>Crab is a size 6.</b> Adjustable waistbands are a big deal because as much as Crab loves wearing pants, the pants like falling down to her ankles. Gonzo loves everything and anything pink. Crab still likes purples and greens. Anything that coordinates is great for being on the road. </li>
</ul>So that is my tacky open letter. Thank you for holding off on the ponies this year (and the custom embroidered personalized saddles).<br />
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Love to all,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-23857635314942282532010-11-25T10:04:00.000-05:002010-11-25T10:04:40.055-05:00[JessFinds] A Guest Posting by K ...<b>Guest Posting: </b>My dear friend K introduced me to my husband and is one of the most life-embracing, soulful, funny, smart sexy women I know. <b><br />
</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tacksam (is Swedish for grateful)</b></span></div><br />
It started last year with a scrap of paper in my pocket and a lonely night in Eugene. I began jotting down the little, everyday things that make me feel grateful. Today is Thanksgiving Eve ... a perfect time to share a few of these notes with all of my friends. If you're interested, here are 10 things I'm grateful for in 2010:<br />
<br />
1. The way Eva sounds in the middle of the night when she says, voice as gravelly as a 90-year-old smoker, "Mama? Snuggle me!"<br />
2. The ability to turn strangers into friends. Also: Friends who don't turn into strangers.<br />
3. Things that grow in my garden even though I never planted them there.<br />
4. That Eva still believes in the tooth fairy, Santa, the garden fairies, the garden gnomes, the Easter Bunny, the "Halloween Fairy" (good one ... replaces candy with a gift!) and in all things magical.<br />
5. That Eva also still believes her mother is the most beautiful woman in the world.<br />
6. Shiny red rainboots that not only keep my feet dry but also make me want to go go-go dancing.<br />
7. Baked potatoes. Hot. Drenched in Bragg's Liquid Aminos and Nancy's sour cream.<br />
8. Taking dog walks in the rain, with red boots on and Ipod pumping old Social D. tunes.<br />
9. The ability to laugh -- deep, long belly laughs -- with my friends. And, also, the ability to laugh at myself. Often.<br />
10. The fact that, when I am forced by circumstance (working in Washington County) to stop at Starbucks for a pick-me-up, I do not order a no-fat, no-whip, no-fun drink. Instead, I order a big tall cup of salted caramel hot chocolate and I don't care if it adds a whole millimeter to my hips.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving loved ones ... hope it's a great one.JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-28676048682132258232010-11-23T14:26:00.001-05:002010-11-23T20:02:41.714-05:00[JessFinds] Finally made the headlines...We are famous. Famous for being canned! Woohoo! It is always fun when you make the newspaper for a big life achievement, like being the face of the new disastrous economy.<br />
<br />
Actually, the article in our local paper was not that bad. There were a few errors, a few misquotes - but whatever. Nothing to cry over. They were interested in numbers during the interview, and I am interested in 100% transparency, so we gave them numbers. How much the Preacher makes. How much we bought our house for. I did not think that they would be used, but again - whatever. It is tacky but if that is what people care about then by all means, lap it up. I don't play coy when they are just facts. <br />
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Also, our local paper had the story before we knew what our next step was. So maybe it is easier to read because I know we are fine. All will be fine.<br />
<br />
Another local paper contacted hubby for an interview, so we will see how that goes. It is hard being so famous. <i>I swear, the paparazzi are camped out on our lawn. </i><br />
<br />
<i>UPDATE: </i>The other article was written by a bigger paper and was actually really well done with the exception of an unflattering photo of my hawt husband.<i> </i>Two papers in one week. Famous us. Email me if you would like a link to the articles.<i><br />
</i><br />
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JessJessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-45775790242799729182010-11-23T08:37:00.001-05:002010-11-23T08:37:36.742-05:00[JessFinds] Thanksgiving - Too!I agree wholeheartedly with Marie about Thanksgiving. It is definitely my favorite holiday too. Unfortunately, this year, I am just not wrapped up in the hearth-and-home of the holiday since this will not be my home in a few weeks. I have boxes everywhere. And packing paper. And I have a small group of four adults. Two children. I want to thank everyone for the invites, but this year it seems right that we just keep our little group hunkered down. <br />
<br />
So... our menu is very basic this year:<br />
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<div style="color: #0c343d; text-align: center;">(pre-cooked) Smoked Spiral-Cut Country 1/4 Ham and mustards</div><div style="color: #0c343d; text-align: center;">(pre-cooked) Smoked Country 1/4 Turkey Breast and gravy</div><div style="color: #0c343d; text-align: center;">My version of my mom's stuffing/dressing</div><div style="color: #0c343d; text-align: center;">Trashy green bean casserole </div><div style="color: #0c343d; text-align: center;">Smashed Potatoes (Yukon Golds are the only way to go)</div><div style="color: #0c343d; text-align: center;">Cranberry sauce</div><div style="color: #0c343d; text-align: center;">Baked Mac n' Cheese for the Kiddles<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not very impressive, but it will be small and simple in comparison to my gourmet feasts of years past! I drooled over Marie's appetizers. I love putting out chevre with honey and making Nigella Lawson's rosemary, brown sugar and cayenne "hot nuts." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sigh. Next year. I will go big. Especially because next year I am going to be 20 minutes from my Aunt. My Aunt who works for <i>Williams Sonoma</i>. (maniacal laughter inserted). So excited. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201038/0044/img88m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201038/0044/img88m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brine your bird and then load this <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/6818918/?catalogId=56&bnrid=3180501&cm_ven=Shopping&cm_cat=Froogle&cm_pla=default&cm_ite=default">Potlatch seasoning</a> on it before roasting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>When I cooked big turkey beasts, I always used William Sonoma's Turkey Gravy Base as backup gravy. It fits right in - you just blend in some of the pan drippings. It is great stuff. <br />
<br />
Preacher and I have always hosted fantastic Thanksgivings. We love a crowd. We had a tiny townhome in Alexandria, VA and packed it with 25 people one year. Dinner was on a combo of paper plates and actual plates, people were perched on the stairs ... but it was so much fun.<br />
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And there was the Tur-Duc-Hen year. It was delicious (layered with etoufee) but cooking it was a bit traumatizing. <br />
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<b>I am old enough now to have firm ideas about Thanksgiving. </b>For example, a bird should ALWAYS be brined before roasted. Otherwise it is just a big chicken. Stuffing should NEVER go inside the bird as it hampers even-roasting and runs the risk of containing uncooked turkey juices (eeeeew). Instead, it is "dressing" and cooked separately, never, ever wet and gloppy. Real butter is essential on at least this one day of the year. There ain't nuttin' wrong with trashy green bean casserole. And I have even come to accept that sweet potatoes are palatable with that crunchy marshmallow topping. Why not? They are side dishes and side dishes are all about crowd-pleasing. Salad is ridiculous on Thanksgiving unless it is some sort of fruit salad or you are having a Sonoma County type of T-Day. I know that some people might run me out of town for some of my beliefs, but I am master of the Thanksgiving Table in my home and I rule the holiday with conviction!<br />
<br />
My mom taught me that Thanksgiving was a time to open your doors to all wayward children. Abundance is to be shared. In a way, it was our own <span lang="es"><i>Día de los Muertos</i></span> - a time to thank all those who came before us and passed on their traditions to us.<br />
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Apparently my Great-Grandma H. was a Queen of Thanksgiving. I was never lucky enough to be at her table for the holiday, but my mom continued many of her traditions throughout my childhood.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-67365678569943599922010-11-22T13:37:00.003-05:002010-11-22T13:45:47.509-05:00(MarieFinds) Thanksgiving!Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's all about food, friends and family. There are no presents or other issues clouding the issue. This is a day to be grateful for everything and everyone in your life. And a day to eat and drink like crazy. <br /><br />This year I am hosting Thanksgiving. I never get to do this. The Lawyer's sister and her family are coming out, so I bullied my mom into letting us host the combined family. Menu is as follows ...<br /><br />Appetizers<br />- Marcona almonds / olives<br />- Crudite platter<br />- Spicy crab dip<br />- Deviled eggs<br />- chevre with chutney<br />- pate<br /><br />Dinner<br />- Herb roasted turkey with sage stuffing<br />- Pumpernickel / cabbage dressing<br />- green beans with pancetta<br />- brussel sprouts<br />- roasted carrots and parsnips<br />- cider mashed yams<br />- mashed potatoes<br />- corn<br />- cranberry sauce<br />- cranberry relish<br /><br />Desert<br />- Bourbon Pecan Pie<br />- Pumpkin Pie<br />- Sugar Free Apple<br />- chocolate cake (it is also Baby Boy's second birthday party)Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14470327571930765262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-18758701733081020642010-11-22T12:33:00.000-05:002010-11-22T12:33:00.743-05:00[JessFinds] Some hae meat and canna eat<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Top Ten Things I am Thankful For </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(<i>Inspired by my friend Heather</i>)</div><br />
1. <b>My girls.</b> My brilliant, beautiful, hilarious, perfect-in-almost-every-way girls. <br />
2. <b>My hubby.</b> My tolerant, sweet-natured, funny and wikked-smaat hubby.<br />
3. <b>My great huge extended family</b> (my crazy and not-so-crazy relatives, non-relatives, relatives-in-law and my amazing friends)<br />
4.<b> My cats.</b> They keep my blood pressure down.<br />
5. <b>Health Insurance</b>. Hate that I have it and others don't, but thankful that I have it.<br />
6. <b>Malbec Wine.</b> Thank goodness they rediscovered that grape varietal. My life is better for it.<br />
7. <b>Options.</b> I am thankful I have so many of them when so many people in the world do not. <br />
8. <b>For having Scottish ancestry</b>. It makes my eccentricities seem cool.<br />
9. <b>My Nana, </b>rest in peace, for bequeathing me her power of finding prime parking spots<br />
10. <b>My new home</b>, the chance to have a great adventure and still being young enough to appreciate it.<br />
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<div id="flashContainer"> </div><div style="padding: 5px 0px 5px 40px;"> </div><div class="quoteText"><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>"Some hae meat and canna eat, <br />
And some wad eat that want it, <br />
But we hae meat and we can eat, <br />
And sae the Lord be thankit." </i><br />
— <a class="authorNameRegular" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/75831.Robert_Burns">Robert Burns</a></div></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-32004193538515462672010-11-21T16:02:00.001-05:002010-11-21T16:03:26.257-05:00[JessFinds] Lancaster, PAWe visited the Amish of Lancaster County, PA.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu0KTo79R9unzMAnp_GRIMLwOt7hLYgT0Gsk0ihDgB3gO33OoJB9HG2A3G1DiGJHMdo28vNZRX88NYYrIjFbUupcREu79tU6TPV6qigaNO_7EGUIo6WyO1D7XeVfBhAprzd8s9L-1364/s1600/P1080571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu0KTo79R9unzMAnp_GRIMLwOt7hLYgT0Gsk0ihDgB3gO33OoJB9HG2A3G1DiGJHMdo28vNZRX88NYYrIjFbUupcREu79tU6TPV6qigaNO_7EGUIo6WyO1D7XeVfBhAprzd8s9L-1364/s400/P1080571.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoa! Where's the fire, Elder? Someone give this guy a ticket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I am pretty sure you can't steal their soul by taking a picture of them from behind. <i>Apparently this is not actually true ... but still. Just in case. No souls stolen on my watch.</i><br />
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We also visited Thomas the Train. The girls loved this. Had a lovely afternoon train ride on Thomas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHgktnxGD03TdTJAdtur6jtPmtPAHOKtHWmqJ1QJQkfe7OkOaPICopHLfDVE6gATc1tKa5A5RdoP7SugfS1ELaIVrcgWi-xUo8JAxTlxl7LPL5coEwEY2Phv8KhPOoQ5CqMXMX8ScY7U/s1600/P1080601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHgktnxGD03TdTJAdtur6jtPmtPAHOKtHWmqJ1QJQkfe7OkOaPICopHLfDVE6gATc1tKa5A5RdoP7SugfS1ELaIVrcgWi-xUo8JAxTlxl7LPL5coEwEY2Phv8KhPOoQ5CqMXMX8ScY7U/s400/P1080601.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas, you are creepin' me out with those googly eyes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We giggled at the names of places. Bird-in-Hand. Intercourse. Blue Ball. Paradise. Geesh. Suppressed much?<br />
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We visited THE <a href="http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/index.shtml">train museum</a> of all train museums: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobSKvqUhhZbJecKqoCsKRRBqLayRkZf4A4swXSr_FhQahlo21FaY4c4rcx0W5NfxPyqKF9uZdNMn3p6bmJcuK06krcQudyKBMjfGiYf8QJ1zxnGBqqG66YYPm-LVU6zb24RJEkRnH9Vc/s1600/P1080590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobSKvqUhhZbJecKqoCsKRRBqLayRkZf4A4swXSr_FhQahlo21FaY4c4rcx0W5NfxPyqKF9uZdNMn3p6bmJcuK06krcQudyKBMjfGiYf8QJ1zxnGBqqG66YYPm-LVU6zb24RJEkRnH9Vc/s400/P1080590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In addition to climbing on trains (so cool) there was a great miniature train play area. I could have stayed there all day. So many trains to play with. <br />
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Aside from being stuck for two full hours in the Bronx just to get across the Hudson River, the trip was a blast. Repeat after me: Tappan Zee bridge. It is there for a reason. Don't spend two hours of your life in the Bronx unless it is at the Bronx Zoo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-35212106803294937482010-11-17T16:49:00.000-05:002010-11-17T16:49:15.877-05:00[JessFinds] Hold FastI am the queen of the scatterbrained post of late, so here are my musings for today:<br />
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<b>Yawn Alert: </b><br />
I have not made a big deal about it here on the blog because I hate sounding like someone who constantly complains about their medical issues. Nothing more (yawn) boring to read about. But in the midst of all the family upheaval I have documented over the last two months, I also found out I was really sick. My thyroid levels plummeted and, oddly enough, I am vitamin D deficient. Not just deficient - nonexistent. The two issues are related ... and combined make for a lethargic, achy Jess. It mimics <a href="https://health.google.com/health/ref/Fibromyalgia">Fibromyalgia</a>. It also mimics depression, etc.. So much fun! See, I am not a depressive person by nature. By nature, I am a pollyanna nutbag. I was just assuming that my lack of energy and constant body exhaustion was due to all the stress and lack of sleep. I am sure those did not help. Anyway, I am being bombarded by the MEGA PILL of D. I take it once a week for four weeks. I don't feel much better yet (week 2) but I hope things pick up. If you have Hashimotos like I do or Hypothyroidism in general, ask your doc to run a vitamin screen on you. Apparently D and Magnesium can be all out of whack.<br />
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<b>I am not cool enough to wear these:</b><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="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.165159862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.165159862.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Etsy - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53543744/green-hold-fast-tattoo-rockabilly?ref=pr_faveitems">SweetAddictions Shop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>But I loove them.</i> So very much. I am told I am named after my Great-Great Grandmother, Jesse MacLeod.* A good solid Scottish name. And "Hold Fast" is the motto of Clan MacLeod. It is also a salty old sailing term. <i> </i><br />
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<i>*I am also told I am named after Jessica Walters, an actress. </i><br />
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Other Scottish clan motto's in my family include "Endure Fort" and "Do Not Forget" (Ne Oublie). I like that. Hold Fast. Endure Fort. Do Not Forget. All pretty good motto material. <br />
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One that is not in my family but belonged to a friend of mine (a Bruce of Kinnaird): "Fuimus" meaning, in Latin "We have been." Some say "We Were." Sort of anticlimactic, no? Might as well be "Meh."JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-61239126924196771652010-11-16T13:00:00.000-05:002010-11-16T13:00:11.647-05:00[JessFinds] Foot Painting. Everyone is doing it.<b>Me:</b> <i>"Uhhh. Gonzo? What are you doing in there?"</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_Pjai7R8PMMRt2fIzIN30eVCj1CLWNVUihE71UgzdVPvWW-lylSJBK7B3SSXYgF1Bn1Ze0LCjkp9OVv62sntO9AYb9k2ixSos6PfVhN3NAUHhilYpK1MXgdwvOYaTITFXxAMByf4EAY/s1600/P1080546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_Pjai7R8PMMRt2fIzIN30eVCj1CLWNVUihE71UgzdVPvWW-lylSJBK7B3SSXYgF1Bn1Ze0LCjkp9OVv62sntO9AYb9k2ixSos6PfVhN3NAUHhilYpK1MXgdwvOYaTITFXxAMByf4EAY/s320/P1080546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnMIEkkqAW3jA1-Y0VROi4lcCl1XdoigYOk3PuWxsXBzi4hWRDOGO6RyfKYo_PYbyHaEkUpYS7CWvBcSpf8ZP8vOI8oJ8V3jv11qkASx8AI4-kNz3yuFrPa4Xu7ML_LYvBdkAyekoVlA/s1600/P1080548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnMIEkkqAW3jA1-Y0VROi4lcCl1XdoigYOk3PuWxsXBzi4hWRDOGO6RyfKYo_PYbyHaEkUpYS7CWvBcSpf8ZP8vOI8oJ8V3jv11qkASx8AI4-kNz3yuFrPa4Xu7ML_LYvBdkAyekoVlA/s400/P1080548.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Answer:</b> <i>"Foot painting."</i>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-20008820703965078962010-11-15T15:58:00.001-05:002010-11-15T15:58:36.307-05:00[JessFinds] Pack it upWe have a huge Home Depot credit after returning all of the supplies for home improvement projects that we will NOT be doing now. That credit is going towards buying all of our packing supplies - which is good because we are going to need a lot of boxes!<br />
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We are starting with Miss Crab's room. It is a little hard because her room was the first "finished" room in the house. I decorated it with such attention to detail and ... funny enough... it ended up not fitting her personality at all. She was not even 3 years old when we moved in and she thought princess fairies were fun. She still loves the light purple /light green colors but is definitely not a butteries and fairies kind of girl! Right after her 3rd birthday <i>we discovered that she was a pirate</i>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure this is the last time I saw her, willingly, in a tutu. Okay. Maybe not willingly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vW0t9zvsUaBsXILnOJM5WyYQck3icV53nQ9qf_1mSsQs22g95vZ74OIpDaaBZlnq8hdkQZWzIORz_UJPJ8CVtfdD1T5aDfIFVtwEA0PMZd36tOhobWVvHshiAroUjfrdkZeZhRgOdg/s1600/n529604839_833517_1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vW0t9zvsUaBsXILnOJM5WyYQck3icV53nQ9qf_1mSsQs22g95vZ74OIpDaaBZlnq8hdkQZWzIORz_UJPJ8CVtfdD1T5aDfIFVtwEA0PMZd36tOhobWVvHshiAroUjfrdkZeZhRgOdg/s400/n529604839_833517_1911.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall mural, framed out with chair-rail molding.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP_XyxxqZtDSjuchsKb9wI21YBUTSF0J8HWawNv4gs-dwNaolw8FyTJ-8sY7-fz3BXeSD0XusJbzNsrsbPBqlvc8IOIAZX4oL2HWIaycO1jTQntZuzvjgCllm1EQJgbjkRXIvBRWi05E/s1600/AugustRandom+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP_XyxxqZtDSjuchsKb9wI21YBUTSF0J8HWawNv4gs-dwNaolw8FyTJ-8sY7-fz3BXeSD0XusJbzNsrsbPBqlvc8IOIAZX4oL2HWIaycO1jTQntZuzvjgCllm1EQJgbjkRXIvBRWi05E/s400/AugustRandom+009.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tot-requisite IKEA leaf. I chose those drawer knobs from Anthropologie. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>So I am slowly disassembling the room that I put together, feeling a little bittersweet about it. It has been slowly pirate-afied over the last few years to reflect her personality. The subversively placed dinosaur and light saber, here and there. She will get a new room and some input on how it is put together. She said something about sunsets and mice for her next room...(???)<br />
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I love that my eldest daughter has the soul of a pirate. She is an adventurer. She goes to her own drum. Does this look like a girl that lives in a fairy bower?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp8qFu-tO02j5t_9k7PEQ0aoptTTg_1V17698Wd64IWRQM9_CX6QvVvBtYYnJ_C229uFF7OJOdXWZEfIkPnB6MAQy9LLwcZRWrqrJnY2pP_9ae_id42dFSJsQq9S8sY-Dw29rKiYIruM/s1600/P1080474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp8qFu-tO02j5t_9k7PEQ0aoptTTg_1V17698Wd64IWRQM9_CX6QvVvBtYYnJ_C229uFF7OJOdXWZEfIkPnB6MAQy9LLwcZRWrqrJnY2pP_9ae_id42dFSJsQq9S8sY-Dw29rKiYIruM/s400/P1080474.JPG" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah. I didn't think so. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VMCwYzFVtojN2WSA_UvSgjoQLNn4_Yzu_8n4tsAQaVibFtmr_rAi8ApuTKjt0qlYHTrIiPUetfy77a0k_MAd-rdSWTXKGMFb4IxJH0-ePQfWnsDwPB-K1kyM4fbE89CwT0VWFjbGsvY/s1600/P1080530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VMCwYzFVtojN2WSA_UvSgjoQLNn4_Yzu_8n4tsAQaVibFtmr_rAi8ApuTKjt0qlYHTrIiPUetfy77a0k_MAd-rdSWTXKGMFb4IxJH0-ePQfWnsDwPB-K1kyM4fbE89CwT0VWFjbGsvY/s320/P1080530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It is okay. I never was a butterflies and fairies girl either.JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-63866958219176174072010-11-13T12:09:00.001-05:002010-11-14T10:29:11.895-05:00[JessFinds] Leiderhosen, Sir Topham Hat and Other Disconnected Stuff<b>Couple of things:</b><br />
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1. Viel Spaß auf Deutschland Laura und Nick! Ich bin neidisch. Cheers! Zu viel trinken Bier und essen Kugel bis sie explodieren.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8xNV-HCULIZ_qlDUh9X2iOUhLYOrJIIgLgB5s6WR1vafiMJQR0LsFyBSOURvMTVxfpDncKoX_3u1-VmPj_kStP-7sunGWuQgADbtz3JgQuGJDsnQaX06hY2tWLk57vRNd6nfKPq-2Hs/s1600/Picture+13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8xNV-HCULIZ_qlDUh9X2iOUhLYOrJIIgLgB5s6WR1vafiMJQR0LsFyBSOURvMTVxfpDncKoX_3u1-VmPj_kStP-7sunGWuQgADbtz3JgQuGJDsnQaX06hY2tWLk57vRNd6nfKPq-2Hs/s200/Picture+13.png" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura, can you get Nick in a pair of these for me? Photo? Huh? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. We are going to take a mini-vacay in Amish Country. Got any Dutchy advice? We are going to (giggle) Intercourse, PA (snort) and nearby Strasburg to see <a href="http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/day-out-with-thomas.php">Thomas the Train. </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5vEmdb3C2Wx7PDYZd3TWWppCI7VdBGsO6DGMQcU1k1wmT9NTEf6ACHZCx6TmN8l2myEPPD7uArkQU6L3pB8Anyo5PoUXqmXC-DBa2OdIjvLgqPDYuTf7fE5JdAat-UJcyiJhdB9TBNE/s1600/Picture+14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5vEmdb3C2Wx7PDYZd3TWWppCI7VdBGsO6DGMQcU1k1wmT9NTEf6ACHZCx6TmN8l2myEPPD7uArkQU6L3pB8Anyo5PoUXqmXC-DBa2OdIjvLgqPDYuTf7fE5JdAat-UJcyiJhdB9TBNE/s200/Picture+14.png" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Topham Hat, aka: The Fat Controller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. Ohmifreakingah these shoes are consuming my brain! Miss Sixty "Kiki" at <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/jgates12">Rue La La</a> (member site - you can use my link to join the site for free). I want to drop 50lbs and wear them with burgundy tights and a green/burgundy plaid kilt. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR_NfwN6Ufjc3v7aKnrmAJS-Z1BwG4nwe4V0aVeyxBN3Sj7KbKRO8hwOZjh7_ymQsJkMwCZqHNXMdE3apWGczohZVNniwBjIqoA-xgpj3SJCvaUaWhYElZYAc4nyJaVsCkRBy1zMVmA0/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR_NfwN6Ufjc3v7aKnrmAJS-Z1BwG4nwe4V0aVeyxBN3Sj7KbKRO8hwOZjh7_ymQsJkMwCZqHNXMdE3apWGczohZVNniwBjIqoA-xgpj3SJCvaUaWhYElZYAc4nyJaVsCkRBy1zMVmA0/s200/Picture+12.png" width="200" /></a></div>4. Packing sucks. I have so much stuff to get rid of that I just want to look at shoes and work on planning out Thanksgiving. This is what we in the professional field refer to as "procrastination." Okay, I am not a professional but you get the idea.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-70863422760613349512010-11-12T15:09:00.003-05:002010-11-15T20:15:14.426-05:00(MarieFinds) Children's ProgrammingWhen Squirrel was a wee one, we limited her TV / other programming pretty dramatically. She was close to two before she found the joys of Sesame Street. With Baby Boy, video consumption started younger, because she was already watching.<br /><br />Here's my thing: I don't mind the programming, I hate them watching commercials. So, no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Nickelodeon</span>, no Sprout. PBS, yes. DVDs yes. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Netflix</span> streaming is my freaking hero. We keep it somewhat limited, and try to find new creative things. Recently found Wonder Pets, which the Lawyer and I both like for the creativity. <br /><br />Our list to date for the kids runs something like this: (+ and - are indicative of whether Lawyer and I like it) Sesame Street (+), Dora (loses creativity points every time they go to something or other mountain), Diego (-), Wonder Pets (+), Eloise, Kipper (+), Blues Clues (+), Mustard Pancakes (+) and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caillou</span> (-).<br /><br />So, my question to the room is, enjoyable programming for kids ... for when we all need to placate, chill them out and cook dinner. Suggestions for quality stuff that won't make my ears bleed, and hopefully not dull their brains too much.<br /><br />In the words of Wonder Pets, "This is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">sewious</span>."Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14470327571930765262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-70720547744278670052010-11-12T13:10:00.007-05:002010-11-13T10:42:23.481-05:00[JessFinds] Holiday Gift Guides<div style="margin: 0px;">Each autumn, I put together a Crave List for each of my children. It is both a wish-list and a gift guide. Admittedly, we do have family that go off the list for Christmas ideas. But more importantly, the feedback I have received over the years from bloggy parents and grandparents has been great. I am no expert, but I do love curating fun finds. Our Crave Lists (Marie has Lust Lists) are some of the highest repeat traffic areas of our blog.</div><br />
There are very practical items along with crazy $$$ out-of-this-world ones (check out the pirate bed or cottage bed for this curated round!) I think of it as inspiration boards and ideas.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #b45f06;">Note: If you are family and actually interested in the girl's stats... Miss Crab is a girls size 6 but has an itty bitty waist so we look for pants that are adjustable. Shoe size is 11.5 toddler. Miss Gonzo is a size 4T and wears a size 9.5 toddler shoe. Parker loves all things purple and green. Paige goes nuts for pink. </i><br />
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I am trying something new this year and hosting the gift guide off-site via Kaboodle. You can just click the link to go directly or wait for the slide show below.<br />
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<b>What do you get a six and a half year old tomboy for Christmas? </b><br />
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">6 (1/2) YEAR OLD GIRL</span><span style="font-size: large;"> - <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds/for-my-6-year-old-daughter.html" style="color: #990000;">Crave List 2010</a></span><br />
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<div style="float: right; padding-right: 4px;"><a href="http://about.kaboodle.com/slideshows/?m_ep=sl&ruid=00000001a10b8ece00000000026ee8c7"><img border="0" src="http://www.kaboodle.com/ht/img/kpage/slideshow-klogo.gif" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="float: left; padding-left: 4px;"> <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds/for-my-6-year-old-daughter.html?m_ep=sk" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </a> Six Year Old Gift Guide <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds?m_ep=su" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> jessfinds </a> </div> <br />
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<div id="animageGallery" style="height: 222px; width: 290px;"> <embed height="222" src="http://www.kaboodle.com/ht/flash/kpageAnimateGallery.swf?a=http://www.kaboodle.com/za/collageView?showTitle=true&pid=AAAAAaELjs4AAAAAAm82CA&scaleMovie=true&ver=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="290"></embed> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">******************** </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<b>What do you get a 4 year old force of energy for Christmas? </b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #006600; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">4 YEAR OLD</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #274e13;"> GIRL</b> - <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds/for-my-4-year-old-daughter.html" style="color: #990000;">Crave List 2010</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="float: right; padding-right: 4px;"><a href="http://about.kaboodle.com/slideshows/?m_ep=sl&ruid=00000001a10b8ece00000000026ee8c7"><img border="0" src="http://www.kaboodle.com/ht/img/kpage/slideshow-klogo.gif" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="float: left; padding-left: 4px;"> <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds/for-my-4-year-old-daughter.html?m_ep=sk" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </a> 4 Year Old Gift Guide <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds?m_ep=su" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> jessfinds </a> </div> <br />
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<div id="animageGallery" style="height: 222px; width: 290px;"> <embed height="222" src="http://www.kaboodle.com/ht/flash/kpageAnimateGallery.swf?a=http://www.kaboodle.com/za/collageView?showTitle=true&pid=AAAAAaELjs4AAAAAAm82Hw&scaleMovie=true&ver=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="290"></embed> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b>What do you get for a really long cross country road trip with two kids? </b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #006600; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">ROAD TRIP</span><span style="font-size: large;"> - <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds/travel-toys.html" style="color: #990000;">Crave List 2010/2011</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="background-color: #424542; color: #cccccc; padding: 4px 0pt; width: 290px;"> <br />
<div style="float: right; padding-right: 4px;"><a href="http://about.kaboodle.com/slideshows/?m_ep=sl&ruid=00000001a10b8ece00000000026ee8c7"><img border="0" src="http://www.kaboodle.com/ht/img/kpage/slideshow-klogo.gif" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="float: left; padding-left: 4px;"> <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds/travel-toys.html?m_ep=sk" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </a> Road Trip Gear <a href="http://www.kaboodle.com/jessfinds?m_ep=su" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> jessfinds </a> </div> <br />
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</div></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-79696605607804313032010-11-12T11:54:00.001-05:002010-11-12T11:57:02.800-05:00[JessFinds] A new BFF First - enjoy this photo of my beautiful family. All I need in the world is right there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mUHKcclauouMzMxf_bK1ieSC8lAbBHBvQkOnZYt8UPlgPdjyuN0qLNA4XnKsqOQzoXLyeWZTWzCKh2b9iBRNJ-z8rwwLB_ctamD9O5Ob5aRgoHpUkOEtpiEEb8Y-OLAIDnJ4SfKHwJ4/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mUHKcclauouMzMxf_bK1ieSC8lAbBHBvQkOnZYt8UPlgPdjyuN0qLNA4XnKsqOQzoXLyeWZTWzCKh2b9iBRNJ-z8rwwLB_ctamD9O5Ob5aRgoHpUkOEtpiEEb8Y-OLAIDnJ4SfKHwJ4/s320/Picture+2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now, I need to have you meet my new best friend, Kat of <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/">Mama's Losin' It!</a> She does not know that we are BFFs yet. Kat makes lip-synching videos like this:<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><object height="375" width="470"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DIf4FyrXV0o?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DIf4FyrXV0o?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
Read <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2010/11/taylor-swift/">her post about it</a> - imagining the person singing the lovely song is rather unfortunate and looks nothing like the divine Miss Swift. Get it? Come on, ugly is funny. But Kat is cute, even with her mullet. <br />
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Soul mates. Clearly. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1h0pU9F62CHHbjam3Q6revqa0TyFyMHk69Ltj2VznsAOllYwmLML14F6TxVPGPkIKaD3yDiqbwjUTxFLsvH06n_oNgM_1GuyWgyPIgsWCMpBJwGc9GcuqR98VfFLnhoKdaWe2QjUnOo/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280817527017552601.post-71960739402669829982010-11-10T08:33:00.001-05:002010-11-10T08:33:54.608-05:00[JessFinds] Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkO4seVbr9RdNhNIPnYyxi1tH-oVq56bICL71BxwqHwQUrlXA7FSMs_vB15qNV_wlbNbSJmsIISE7CVrOh7JuOb-ys3lGewYOLD3ZPXrbBSF7NPmdeDc8FXAywmJlDnluAtOiOqZoOfs/s1600/Picture+21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkO4seVbr9RdNhNIPnYyxi1tH-oVq56bICL71BxwqHwQUrlXA7FSMs_vB15qNV_wlbNbSJmsIISE7CVrOh7JuOb-ys3lGewYOLD3ZPXrbBSF7NPmdeDc8FXAywmJlDnluAtOiOqZoOfs/s400/Picture+21.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">+ </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ll4ayGfexAQTOGT9MVsm7vu7-TqYA8yesQMstCfQy0yQPZiTIi_IrvAIDYqnJhn9BesMPGuNV_Adl_PPeVwH_AdLqTEnOFSe40rm3Q25l4-UoiRvfL7-hDAyMi0EP2wibshdQlL9Wc/s1600/Picture+29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ll4ayGfexAQTOGT9MVsm7vu7-TqYA8yesQMstCfQy0yQPZiTIi_IrvAIDYqnJhn9BesMPGuNV_Adl_PPeVwH_AdLqTEnOFSe40rm3Q25l4-UoiRvfL7-hDAyMi0EP2wibshdQlL9Wc/s320/Picture+29.png" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">+</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUKjIY9yLKlC-OgfiVkNMKKDmyDwNxvZ1RBMzsqIxDxVtDRh5z2bpjQuatAA3-GZnyTK0BNLFLaCxYjfUQHdXH_IHitMR0y5ehmp9HH2RybYn3m_P6M46fzcHWd7Qyb7XYGH20DXHwnE/s1600/Picture+27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUKjIY9yLKlC-OgfiVkNMKKDmyDwNxvZ1RBMzsqIxDxVtDRh5z2bpjQuatAA3-GZnyTK0BNLFLaCxYjfUQHdXH_IHitMR0y5ehmp9HH2RybYn3m_P6M46fzcHWd7Qyb7XYGH20DXHwnE/s400/Picture+27.png" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">+</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox-POPDRkEaUIaTm2-T1q1aSP3h0C5ktTZDyXAsofUMjGqIDJy42u_Gy1eHmFIiliSi8LtQiWjsgZLx7Gdo-nrSUlNjB3f4Zm8aHqaWcoBrKTroOUQbkUTaSkvJxSFa-y-J9LCNmEMsw/s1600/Picture+31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox-POPDRkEaUIaTm2-T1q1aSP3h0C5ktTZDyXAsofUMjGqIDJy42u_Gy1eHmFIiliSi8LtQiWjsgZLx7Gdo-nrSUlNjB3f4Zm8aHqaWcoBrKTroOUQbkUTaSkvJxSFa-y-J9LCNmEMsw/s320/Picture+31.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">=</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtDx2QoFyFp1dVWSgfqAoW24D_5MB1C-wT9ceFzdVHjhLgQ5n7htXTZ3tmIxl8tE4SQK6iRv8NgS9dzPe-ELf2x_ws1iaucXjsLYk5MnOm5mR2eebJdkvH1SzsMhNa1lxp7NrDgIHK0U/s1600/Picture+32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtDx2QoFyFp1dVWSgfqAoW24D_5MB1C-wT9ceFzdVHjhLgQ5n7htXTZ3tmIxl8tE4SQK6iRv8NgS9dzPe-ELf2x_ws1iaucXjsLYk5MnOm5mR2eebJdkvH1SzsMhNa1lxp7NrDgIHK0U/s320/Picture+32.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>JessFindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325162599309612585noreply@blogger.com1