tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431725907251817752024-03-19T06:24:00.032-05:00Books, Pups, and Stilettos Because I can't pick just one...AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-51140758032338785102016-01-16T11:04:00.001-06:002016-01-16T11:04:42.519-06:00Heartbreak and Healing It has been quite awhile since I have taken the time to share more of my journey, so as I sit here on vacation, feeling relaxed and cared for (I am waiting on homemade muffins as I type this - lesson: let people love you - check!) I wanted to take a moment to share a little more about where I am.<br />
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The past eight months have been a transformative time in my life, and after being able to take time to process my feelings and move through the shock, pain, and change, I know now that I wouldn't take any of it back. I shared on New Year's that I feel like in the past year my heart has been broken and then rebuilt better, bigger, and more open to love than I ever thought possible. So much of my healing has been because of the support of those around me. I think it is amazing how people can support one another from hundreds of miles away, just by a simple text, a heartfelt message, a silly meme, and I have felt the love and support deeply and am so happy to be a part of that network. I don't have the capacity or words to express how deep my gratitude goes. The friendships in my life, especially with other women who have had the same experiences, has been vital to my healing process.<br />
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And I truly feel healed - on a deep, soul-level. I am at such peace with the decision to end my marriage. It was right and honest and good to end it - and I will always reflect on it as a time that I learned so much about myself, about love, about family, and happiness. Yes, of course it is bittersweet to say goodbye to something so precious, but I have so much excitement about my future. I feel like 2016 is going to be a huge year for me in so many ways. Big things are coming and I am excited to be able to share them as they do - both personally and professionally.<br />
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My heart is so full. Six months ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible that I could have such a capacity for love or that I would go through my days with an authentic smile on my face. I want to encourage other people who are struggling - there is beauty in the breaking. You can get through the hard parts by leaning into those around you who love you, let them lift you up, let them help you heal, and give yourself time. Be kind to yourself and respect your own limits. It hurts now, and sometimes it may seem like there is no way you will find happiness, love, laughter, and joy again - but I promise you, you will. And it will be so much sweeter, and more precious to you because of the path of sadness and heartache you walk through now. I am as hopeful for your future as I am for mine .AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-3103930679084852062015-08-24T20:53:00.002-05:002015-08-24T20:58:38.231-05:00Clear Eyes, Full Heart First of all, I just want to tell all of my friends, family, and blog-readers that my heart is beyond full. I had no idea how cathartic it would be to share my story, or how inspiring, or how uplifting. I received some amazing, supportive comments and messages from friends, from women who are walking this same path, and from some strong, amazing women who have walked this path before me. There was not a single negative word from anyone - and for that, I am extraordinarily grateful. Thank you all for your love, your grace, and your compassion.<br />
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I know that being able to share this part of my life and having the freedom to be open, honest, and real has helped me process that this is where I am in my life in a deeper way and I don't have the words to explain how healing that has been.<br />
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And guys, I am really, really good.<br />
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Honestly. I am so incredibly content - a state of mind that has always been elusive for me. I am allowing these hurts to heal at their own pace and taking steps forward in my life and its been a beautiful thing. I am working on letting other people take care of me (another lifelong struggle) and just trusting that God is working in my life in ways that I can't even begin to fathom.<br />
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I am so grateful for where I am in my life right now and am at peace with it. My job has been such a blessing. There is no question in my heart that God went before me and prepared my life for this new season. Many of the people I work with have a strong faith and have been exactly where I am in my life right now. The support system is amazing. I am nurturing relationships and friendships that I did not have the capacity for a few months ago, and learning more about who I am on my own.<br />
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And ya know what?<br />
I really like who I am.AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-36848333467281839242015-08-17T22:27:00.002-05:002015-08-17T22:27:28.765-05:00My Messy Life Today I read this blog post: <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/2015/08/17/when-life-feels-like-a-mess-theres-something-we-can-do/" target="_blank">When Life Feels Like a Mess, There's Something We Can Do</a>.<br />
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”</em><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">–</em><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Brené </em><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Brown</em></div>
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That post seriously spoke straight to my heart.<br />
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I want to start by saying that I value authenticity in people so highly, and I strive for that in my own character. I want to be authentic and real and sometimes realness is messy. I'v known for a very long time that life can throw you curveballs and that there can be circumstances that occur in life over which you have no control - but when it happens to you, it still takes your breath away.<br />
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At the beginning of this summer, my curve ball came. It hit me hard and unexpectedly and completely out of left field...<br />
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I may be mixing up my baseball metaphors now.<br />
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Anyway, when my husband of 6 years, partner of nearly 9 years, sat me down and asked me for a divorce, it took my breath away. It literally felt as if something was squeezing my heart and lungs. I couldn't get air and there was a pain deep in my chest. I felt my heart break in the realest way.<br />
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I cannot begin to explain the tumult of emotions I have experienced this summer. It doesn't matter that we didn't go down in flames, that our relationship has ended quietly, respectfully, and lovingly, its still a painful experience to end something that has been so precious.<br />
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My life is a mess.<br />
I am a mess.<br />
I am embracing the mess.<br />
I am sharing my mess.<br />
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It has been hard to decide how to handle this situation since we live in such a connected and socially driven world - one that I am proudly very active in. I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out whats appropriate, what isn't, what may be offensive and hurtful to those I love, and what may invite unwelcome, hurtful comments. I have also struggled at not being outright and frank about the situation. We always hide so much of our hurts and struggles - and while sometimes that is appropriate and right and good - sometimes its not. For me, right now, in this season of my life, I cannot hide. I have to acknowledge that what is happening is big and scary and sad and hard and messy and real.<br />
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For the people who have let me do this already - I am so incredibly grateful. Honestly, my cup runneth over with love for those friends and family who have held me up during the first few weeks of this life change, and those that still do. To my friends who support me, let me cry on your shoulders, and text you at all hours, I cannot express my gratitude. For those that have reached out to me via social media - thank you too. Its been a supportive and beautiful thing to feel so cared about.<br />
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One thing that is really important to me as I move through this phase of my life is that I don't get caught up in being ashamed of this part of my story. This may not be the path I had expected to walk, but its the one that is laid before my feet. And so today, in celebration of not being ashamed and of owning my story, I share my mess.<br />
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I am so hopeful for my future, even as a I mourn for my loss.<br />
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I won't deny my story, I didn't want to know the pain of starting over or the beauty in the growth of that pain, but I do - and I want to own that.AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-9852207795834141932015-07-21T20:31:00.000-05:002015-07-21T20:33:00.435-05:00Luckiest Girl Alive <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
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<i>HER PERFECT LIFE IS A PERFECT LIE.<br /><br />As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve.<br /><br />But Ani has a secret.<br /><br />There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything.<br /><br />With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that's bigger than it first appears.<br /><br />The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?</i><br />
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I found this review on amazon.com and I think <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1TO4EG7QN8X28/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp" target="_blank">MeanGreenZen</a> took the words out of my mouth and made them sound more intelligent and witty:</div>
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"With Gone Girl comes a new genre of writing--one where things seem one way, and then masterfully shift to show they were something different the whole time, like that picture where you think you are looking at a vase and then find you are looking at two faces, or is it still a vase? The lines are the same, but your perception is changed to see things in a way that, although they were right in front of you the whole time, you didn't see before. Girl on A Train also does this well, even with a drunken narrator.... In the case of this book, it's more like you are looking at a picture and then the drunken artist comes along and sloppily erases it and draws something else right in front of you, burps in your face, and expects you to be amazed. It's lazy, sad, flat read and I found it insulting to reader and the genre.<br />
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That is to say, if you enjoy the mental workout of a twisty plot and trying to piece together what will happen, don't buy this book. If you find the exploitation of national tragedy distasteful, especially if it's done in a lazy way, don't buy this book. If gaping plot holes and flimsy characters bother you, don't buy this book. If there are any other books available to you, don't buy this book.<br />
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I gave the book one star because there are a few funny parts, but overall I found the whole thing barely readable. A character who seems to be tough and interesting in the first chapter devolves into a whiny, vapid victim with no redeeming qualities, and yet we are supposed to root for her and care what happens to her? Things that are already part of our collective fear and sadness as Americans are leveraged in a pathetic way, to make us feel by memory what the writer could not by skill. Things we are told about characters do not hold up throughout the book, leaving me confused and going to back to see if I missed something, but sadly we are just supposed to suspend disbelief enough to forget what we read a few chapters before. By the last chapter, I was thinking something earth shattering had to happen to explain all of this...at that point I was so underwhelmed that I felt like the author might even play the "it was all a dream" card, but no, the biggest trick was done by the publishing house, who lured you in with the promise of Gillian Flynn-level writing on the book jacket and then, in a classic bait and switch, gave you something that was even sadder and faker than the lead character herself."<br />
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I was going to review this book myself, but honestly, MeanGreenZen's review on amazon seriously sums up most of my feelings. I can no longer handle all of these books with reprehensible characters - its why I disliked (but was captivated by, because as she points out, it was done exceedingly well) Gone Girl, hated Wild, and couldn't stomach Luckiest Girl Alive. The characters have no redeeming qualities. They have no desire to improve their character, to be better people, to just not be awful. (This might be slightly unfair to Wild, because I do think she wanted that, but I still disliked the book) And since she mentioned Girl on a Train, I think that book is also very well done, twisty-turny, but redeeming in the end.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Books like this are what push me to read steampunk-fantasy fluff - which is exactly what I did on Friday - vampires, werewolves, and steam-powered robots with flamethrowers with the same tired love story will win me over any day over vapid, selfish, cruel characters. </span>AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-2714446038530252982015-07-08T19:39:00.002-05:002015-07-08T19:39:22.311-05:00Wild: A Review <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq4S7d9_h1Y-i0ziI5lkzy8in5tGmyaW8kQwFnzapJ6rlD85K0BRkYYCYfF6Hv6qL5XG5bvpH-P6bzzxSd49ZKEdQ-dWfL8vdrY0oBaW_PaeYwwcgJ_yrAPd-ER1RfanOaITxofeEmiDM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhGq4S7d9_h1Y-i0ziI5lkzy8in5tGmyaW8kQwFnzapJ6rlD85K0BRkYYCYfF6Hv6qL5XG5bvpH-P6bzzxSd49ZKEdQ-dWfL8vdrY0oBaW_PaeYwwcgJ_yrAPd-ER1RfanOaITxofeEmiDM/s320/Unknown.jpeg" width="208" /></a><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone. Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Wild</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her. (photo and synopsis from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307476073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436402155&sr=8-1&keywords=wild" target="_blank">Amazon</a>)</span></i></div>
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When Wild hit the big screen as Reese Witherspoon's passion project, I was intrigued. Then I saw it on a must-read list of memoirs, so I thought I would give it a go. One of my friends shared that she didn't like it at all, and I was surprised. I mean, how can you go wrong with a woman striking out on her own to hike across the country to refocus her life?!<br />
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Well, let me tell you how you can go wrong.<br />
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You can go wrong when she's an immature, selfish, basically horrible person. I honestly hated Cheryl Strayed. She destroyed her own marriage. She did a bunch of heroin. She was kind of a hoe.<br />
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I thought that I would at least be able to relate to her grief over losing her mom. But no. I got mad at her over that too. She got her mom until she was in her mid-20s - got to be friends with her mom and know her woman-to-woman, and then when she died, she completely let her life fall apart. I am the first person to empathize with the loss of a mom - I share that wound. I know how hard it is. I have friends who know what its like to ache over the loss of their mothers. None of them went and did heroin for kicks. Maybe I didn't like it because I was just so far from who I am - I have nothing in common with this woman.<br />
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I know life is messy and that people make mistakes and its not pretty. I get that. Things worked out fine for Cheryl as she hiked along the PCT. But I couldn't root for her.<br />
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I will say that I was engaged with her story and wanted to see it through to the end, and in no way did I want her to fail. I just couldn't root for her. I will be very intrigued when I get around to seeing the movie - maybe Reese can make this woman more relatable.AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-74609195565832267842015-03-05T12:04:00.002-06:002015-03-05T12:04:21.500-06:00Station Eleven: A Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>An audacious, darkly glittering novel set in the eerie days of civilization’s collapse, Station Eleven tells
the spellbinding story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a
nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great
Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. <br /> <br /> One snowy night Arthur Leander, a famous actor, has a heart attack onstage during a production of King Lear.
Jeevan Chaudhary, a paparazzo-turned-EMT, is in the audience and leaps
to his aid. A child actress named Kirsten Raymonde watches in horror as
Jeevan performs CPR, pumping Arthur’s chest as the curtain drops, but
Arthur is dead. That same night, as Jeevan walks home from the theater, a
terrible flu begins to spread. Hospitals are flooded and Jeevan and his
brother barricade themselves inside an apartment, watching out the
window as cars clog the highways, gunshots ring out, and life
disintegrates around them. <br /> <br /> Fifteen years later, Kirsten is an
actress with the Traveling Symphony. Together, this small troupe moves
between the settlements of an altered world, performing Shakespeare and
music for scattered communities of survivors. Written on their caravan,
and tattooed on Kirsten’s arm is a line from Star Trek: “Because
survival is insufficient.” But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the
Water, they encounter a violent prophet who digs graves for anyone who
dares to leave. <br /> <br /> Spanning decades, moving back and forth in
time, and vividly depicting life before and after the pandemic, this
suspenseful, elegiac novel is rife with beauty. As Arthur falls in and
out of love, as Jeevan watches the newscasters say their final
good-byes, and as Kirsten finds herself caught in the crosshairs of the
prophet, we see the strange twists of fate that connect them all. A
novel of art, memory, and ambition, Station Eleven tells a story about the relationships that sustain us, the ephemeral nature of fame, and the beauty of the world as we know it.</i><br /><br />
(<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Station-Eleven-Emily-John-Mandel-ebook/dp/B00J1IQUYM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425577719&sr=8-1&keywords=station+eleven" target="_blank">Photo and synopsis from Amazon.</a>) <br />
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This was the first book I finished this year and I had started reading it over Christmas break. It was the Sci-fi/Fantasy book of the year on Amazon, so I downloaded it before the Christmas holiday, hoping to read it while on vacation. After I got into the meat of the story, it was not hard to see why it was the book of the year. It was a spectacular read and I loved it. The flipping back in forth to pre-pandemic and post-pandemic didn't even bother me and I easily followed both story lines. I was enraptured by both the past and present voices in Station Eleven and this book even inspired me to start keeping track of inspiring quotes in a journal. The first one I wrote down, back in January, was<br />
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"Hell is the absence of people you long for" <br />
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This book is full of inspiring nuggets like that and this is actually a very thought-provoking and inspiring novel wrapped up as dystopian fiction. I would definitely recommend this book! <br />
AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-65858455071070058092015-02-26T15:41:00.004-06:002015-02-26T15:42:52.845-06:00Oscars Fashion So I love the red carpet and seeing what the ladies are wearing. I believe it is a part of Hollywood's job description to have almost a character of sorts that they play - <a href="http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a26460/katy-perry-elle-cover-2015/" target="_blank">Katy Perry</a> talked about that in the music industry, comparing Kanye to the villain character and Taylor Swift to the sweetheart - on the red carpet and that's who I feel like I am watching on TV, a caricature of a real person. Anyway, I really like seeing what people are wearing - that is more fun than the show itself. But - the very feminist part of me also sees it as objectifying (because it is) and I see Reese Witherspoon's point about the differences between the interviews of men and women on the carpet. She even started a hashtag campaign <a href="https://celebrity.yahoo.com/news/reese-witherspoon-promotes-askhermore-campaign-oscars-2015-were-013000358-us-weekly.html;_ylt=A0LEVjCg.exU02AA3Q8nnIlQ" target="_blank">#AskHerMore</a> because women are about more than their dresses. <br />
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Obviously fashion is an absolutely integral part of the Hollywood industry and I plan to celebrate my favorite and least favorite looks as usual, but with a higher degree of respect than in the past. I did say that <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-style/pictures/oscars-2015-red-carpet-fashion-what-the-stars-wore-2015222/44265" target="_blank">Marian Cotillard's</a> dress looked like maxi-pad and that <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-style/pictures/oscars-2015-red-carpet-fashion-what-the-stars-wore-2015222/44283" target="_blank">Kiera Knightly's</a> looked like vomit and I have to own that, but moving forward I am going to try to abide by advice my mama gave me many, many, many years ago while watching some figure skating. (Figure skating the ALL the rage in the early 90's) Anyway, child-me commented on how hideous some costume was and my mom sat me down (I am sure in an effort to prevent me from turning into the mean girl I sometimes am) and asked me what I would say to the girl wearing the outfit. Would I say how fugly (ok - she definitely didn't say "fugly") her costume was or not? I obviously was way too polite to tell someone to their face how awful their outfit was and said something to that effect to my mom. And then she brought it home - if I wouldn't say it to someone's face, I shouldn't say it at all. So, in an effort to be the kinder woman my mom hoped for me to be, and to be more feminist, I am going to approach this Oscar's Fashion review a little bit differently and talk about these women as if they were my best friends. If I knew these women in real life, and they asked me how they looked before stepping out the door to attend the Acadamy Awards, what would I say to them...<br />
I hope you enjoy it. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi Watts - I wouldn't recommend wearing a tube-top to the Oscars, even if it is sparkly. You've looked so much classier. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica Chastain - Honey, you look like Jessica Rabbit in navy and I am drooling right now. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqExzVg43KTzNmegwMBgpYqk2QsbuSu9uex3ZOXPSyvLKfc4IKkiUe20oi57V9FQeltIqXN_4FPkkp8H3JZqIBCJqdsJ5kwoYmt8KuZ5Nj_NZZrMjEqBNzHUs6SXU-Z99Q8-AmG8BzepW8/s1600/2b228cd03a7f664e97b298c8daf218bc8eac536c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqExzVg43KTzNmegwMBgpYqk2QsbuSu9uex3ZOXPSyvLKfc4IKkiUe20oi57V9FQeltIqXN_4FPkkp8H3JZqIBCJqdsJ5kwoYmt8KuZ5Nj_NZZrMjEqBNzHUs6SXU-Z99Q8-AmG8BzepW8/s1600/2b228cd03a7f664e97b298c8daf218bc8eac536c.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behati Prinsaloo - I think having your hair down will look less severe... but I doubt anyone will care with the arm-candy you've got. I don't have dreams about your husband... what do you mean we can't be friends anymore?! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aVHfdKResnpQlWAbF4d2cLIsT1dACumWg4EhLuE80uFYg4DcIIrrDVSowbAFUcEKDRGJYgfpc0ZhLFe_9Hg2jrWugmyt9oNRpxKKCvBeVXmgBEPdDPSfe7xqN3Mi_YsxwralMCnxjA9h/s1600/6b955b1e3349a6e3d6ded8eb3cbd5da05ebd7104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aVHfdKResnpQlWAbF4d2cLIsT1dACumWg4EhLuE80uFYg4DcIIrrDVSowbAFUcEKDRGJYgfpc0ZhLFe_9Hg2jrWugmyt9oNRpxKKCvBeVXmgBEPdDPSfe7xqN3Mi_YsxwralMCnxjA9h/s1600/6b955b1e3349a6e3d6ded8eb3cbd5da05ebd7104.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah Bagshawe - This is a fabulous unique dress and no one else will have anything like it and I love, love, love it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kuDfLOx3mOfeOR5LeOzA4zaAxeGOFQ_pBgfiweiQiDE1ZUs-9HGt7yKgmKnbF4kc6UuiIE_BpbAMEZjzrj6oGlaEs3BZYUMwCTpBZtJaSqcQsuzO3aJzPzGkCZkpoUBFhRrzKJxFK6Aq/s1600/6ea45b787d016e2e7b4ead64df2a10e1e434910f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kuDfLOx3mOfeOR5LeOzA4zaAxeGOFQ_pBgfiweiQiDE1ZUs-9HGt7yKgmKnbF4kc6UuiIE_BpbAMEZjzrj6oGlaEs3BZYUMwCTpBZtJaSqcQsuzO3aJzPzGkCZkpoUBFhRrzKJxFK6Aq/s1600/6ea45b787d016e2e7b4ead64df2a10e1e434910f.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zendaya - I am not sure how to actually pronounce your name, but I loooooove this look. You look like a chic, sexy bohemian queen. The hair is seriously my favorite part of this look. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5QmmY7LfxHNYqZ8Gsxq-QCmF6FLuQ3k8-9xkvndBiWWKByb_f9xXRNWoeZkbmAvOxMF7Zuhz7fiGEqzhAd-g4-DciDAB2XgBJNFSfiJOmLNARYNe3SvN6iqUAg_LhqQuXqKWGRljavQ6/s1600/20d44064a3e6f85bb01e2330597a19aa9bc615ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5QmmY7LfxHNYqZ8Gsxq-QCmF6FLuQ3k8-9xkvndBiWWKByb_f9xXRNWoeZkbmAvOxMF7Zuhz7fiGEqzhAd-g4-DciDAB2XgBJNFSfiJOmLNARYNe3SvN6iqUAg_LhqQuXqKWGRljavQ6/s1600/20d44064a3e6f85bb01e2330597a19aa9bc615ee.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felicity Jones - I think a brighter color would do you better - but I love this dress as a costume for your Star Wars movie... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7iyUsFQgJrB1iDxuKtAndrRn3jq9m8CGVZjw_QxjEr0VTxJX1gGvOd75uz23kwJBt9WsCw0zARTf302uBTZDeemL86ZvY3eqWALkGMFUtBtDyKeRMdQACP993B2hCjnio_Wa0hsvjIBP/s1600/76e2312d99c7c4fab298e48cb1837bedc393fd68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7iyUsFQgJrB1iDxuKtAndrRn3jq9m8CGVZjw_QxjEr0VTxJX1gGvOd75uz23kwJBt9WsCw0zARTf302uBTZDeemL86ZvY3eqWALkGMFUtBtDyKeRMdQACP993B2hCjnio_Wa0hsvjIBP/s1600/76e2312d99c7c4fab298e48cb1837bedc393fd68.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaga - Firstly, you are actually stunning. Secondly, let's take off those dishgloves and show the world your gorgeous engagement ring. You've already tweeted it, so people know what it looks like... they are just distracting from the beautiful simplicity of this look. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK9gmIRzfxB1gFsWnkSz1eNHjG_hC_60lUwNNwG2I1FKPcpU4Z92DtMsbKPa-V7lTE7mcD646JZXz95QHIqblHQknh4fT9fMYm28bfcZ8hWNd_pj9gCf-XuxIBeE1JK7NTvBWUptIfua5/s1600/399c14cd41757e541845fa283e8dd144136b5ea4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK9gmIRzfxB1gFsWnkSz1eNHjG_hC_60lUwNNwG2I1FKPcpU4Z92DtMsbKPa-V7lTE7mcD646JZXz95QHIqblHQknh4fT9fMYm28bfcZ8hWNd_pj9gCf-XuxIBeE1JK7NTvBWUptIfua5/s1600/399c14cd41757e541845fa283e8dd144136b5ea4.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cate Blanchett - You are a goddess and I love you. Please adopt me. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-shz2MlnrIAOc-V6iirgQKgjVW7svdED7xF3p5YPoCEDRO7IUWwUIscJBHk6Dsrjam0CQkTvj1wFFBNxO7LuUrYhync8HyIuse2nR00kPfquMGoY9Fv0w0gywuuM19t60QxJ8dgLvkkrF/s1600/653ffb78efd57166b32a306709f81f3471904b9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-shz2MlnrIAOc-V6iirgQKgjVW7svdED7xF3p5YPoCEDRO7IUWwUIscJBHk6Dsrjam0CQkTvj1wFFBNxO7LuUrYhync8HyIuse2nR00kPfquMGoY9Fv0w0gywuuM19t60QxJ8dgLvkkrF/s1600/653ffb78efd57166b32a306709f81f3471904b9a.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosamund Pike - Guuuuuuuuuuuurl. You look hot, hot, hot. Like you are dressed in rose petals. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCIFXuA6IpHGim2Zbi31KqUu5m_WyD9z2mHCgdsOTZj2vS2VQlOcl3kfNxuLCo5a63IXqbXPa2xJ4CAsWft24_dbR6C46kvOn7inxXGRmQLRp-9vLx3okEOzovEJxpWrqjhv5mh-D4fLm/s1600/5996ba8809679a8782df010f1b4230a7274faca4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCIFXuA6IpHGim2Zbi31KqUu5m_WyD9z2mHCgdsOTZj2vS2VQlOcl3kfNxuLCo5a63IXqbXPa2xJ4CAsWft24_dbR6C46kvOn7inxXGRmQLRp-9vLx3okEOzovEJxpWrqjhv5mh-D4fLm/s1600/5996ba8809679a8782df010f1b4230a7274faca4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna Farris - You look adorable and like you could be in Frozen, but in a good way. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaKypHrSqnFjwzp15Y_IlDRWFbtQmDvQ7qzHOJB-JJoifJJEFg3tG3QbKPCr0dWcuN9pZmpxvzXMKIL48ULHJt-qjSK19XygZdEP7pmL55SKVLASUoRu22nunSWAT8RrVCaCvIvtHF_WJ/s1600/0616038de72cc615617b3fd958939da49085e60e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaKypHrSqnFjwzp15Y_IlDRWFbtQmDvQ7qzHOJB-JJoifJJEFg3tG3QbKPCr0dWcuN9pZmpxvzXMKIL48ULHJt-qjSK19XygZdEP7pmL55SKVLASUoRu22nunSWAT8RrVCaCvIvtHF_WJ/s1600/0616038de72cc615617b3fd958939da49085e60e.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupita - you are a stunning woman, you don't need gimmicky dresses. But, if anyone could pull this off, its you. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgYerN9B6bvjdH8tDbZlRATYaA80gjpRgr7sEqRBhReI4TjF4WM00yz0rIhFrr5Ko8B0UUWnyu8utrKXrflrlD0lV8DJy2YKT6HaZD8-cGJoV_hseHThf5pGkbApuDsSudZ1I0525C19I/s1600/749853ae311517a557d2a47793b0f415ea00fada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgYerN9B6bvjdH8tDbZlRATYaA80gjpRgr7sEqRBhReI4TjF4WM00yz0rIhFrr5Ko8B0UUWnyu8utrKXrflrlD0lV8DJy2YKT6HaZD8-cGJoV_hseHThf5pGkbApuDsSudZ1I0525C19I/s1600/749853ae311517a557d2a47793b0f415ea00fada.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole, Nicole, Nicole - Can I be your stylist? You are so, so beautiful and this dress is chintzy. If you insist on wearing this, the belt has GOT to go. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ihwAcOkFlzzmZqILQRiMeWxZio5DPokdEhYG9Z3IMSODRLdcPYJAc0tbinQv9g0dtmhWiXRUFGnq5kzgi1Q5BpTfEdm3XtOBIbzhXwIyjOfx2txX0mgkh_vpF3n5jWR6uMbDreWshMmV/s1600/1068643722aae4d8310dc398e1216d0d53621610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ihwAcOkFlzzmZqILQRiMeWxZio5DPokdEhYG9Z3IMSODRLdcPYJAc0tbinQv9g0dtmhWiXRUFGnq5kzgi1Q5BpTfEdm3XtOBIbzhXwIyjOfx2txX0mgkh_vpF3n5jWR6uMbDreWshMmV/s1600/1068643722aae4d8310dc398e1216d0d53621610.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly Osborne - You look gorgeous and graceful and this is a perfect red carpet dress. Get 'em girl. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dcc6dnx7l8BKP7BJTfRnW2TUh7Fha-MDQuBoghA5KUpZDOmxbbqT2wddfEuxOdKN6Xmti2ubouuSW-tZ2dna8ZQz5j1GsQz8PwOOzxboY3h4EC3NvpOByxNDGQ4T_cCmR3qFAq4PTp2g/s1600/a4789cc21431222a7e967671fc4ac773a35e753a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dcc6dnx7l8BKP7BJTfRnW2TUh7Fha-MDQuBoghA5KUpZDOmxbbqT2wddfEuxOdKN6Xmti2ubouuSW-tZ2dna8ZQz5j1GsQz8PwOOzxboY3h4EC3NvpOByxNDGQ4T_cCmR3qFAq4PTp2g/s1600/a4789cc21431222a7e967671fc4ac773a35e753a.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese Witherspoon - You can do no wrong. Go show them how brilliant women are and look flippin' gorgeous while doing it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjOY-VJU-8IXN8YohwqrcHgIAjE6a4uibgxeuiXxBQHGg5kwfa2t3b6A9HNusZfS5BnAZN7blYUrsu_mChispYZx4bKWQfjG1C3dv2-rbZElui15sfo7nNF0Dh1JtoxOsXdbDXW2Wo9s2/s1600/af54f72f6e4185529ed3e62977940642b35b0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjOY-VJU-8IXN8YohwqrcHgIAjE6a4uibgxeuiXxBQHGg5kwfa2t3b6A9HNusZfS5BnAZN7blYUrsu_mChispYZx4bKWQfjG1C3dv2-rbZElui15sfo7nNF0Dh1JtoxOsXdbDXW2Wo9s2/s1600/af54f72f6e4185529ed3e62977940642b35b0299.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julianne Moore - You have been killing it for me all awards season and I bet the detail on this dress is stunning, but it is not translating from a distance. If it didn't have the 2nd row of flowers I would like it better. But, I am SO rooting for you to win it all and it is so amazing that you are bringing more mainstream awareness to the epidemic that is dementia. Also - your hair and makeup is so on point. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AnBKNbk-KaseankIrSWDAPZIZJ1WDmqVNehbxkON1IWU-Sz-dBTkZT1yaD6wYPyhgz6YJi6Vm8MaCFseCKSzyZ85tS6Z9YWa9X6OkjQaerR5_stAwdH_Pb3y6C2-qQ1NWmnjSmeSdmnM/s1600/b40512df7e44688ddcf2bd37648b0f987257a9c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AnBKNbk-KaseankIrSWDAPZIZJ1WDmqVNehbxkON1IWU-Sz-dBTkZT1yaD6wYPyhgz6YJi6Vm8MaCFseCKSzyZ85tS6Z9YWa9X6OkjQaerR5_stAwdH_Pb3y6C2-qQ1NWmnjSmeSdmnM/s1600/b40512df7e44688ddcf2bd37648b0f987257a9c0.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solange - no capes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28RE_gsaUGxlHvz3MZE7BMD-kXQ4y37IcVq_Iuxe7J2J_daMKG7cFPjZHwTNZcoQEwVtZ8qV6fvjqF057eVQ3cANw7xfKTakMiB32cIJjhzjh9sw_dbAcHPZGmlGdSj2yr8267xcLGiLf/s1600/bb1140995952936d0af9bbc306e90a4417d131f9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28RE_gsaUGxlHvz3MZE7BMD-kXQ4y37IcVq_Iuxe7J2J_daMKG7cFPjZHwTNZcoQEwVtZ8qV6fvjqF057eVQ3cANw7xfKTakMiB32cIJjhzjh9sw_dbAcHPZGmlGdSj2yr8267xcLGiLf/s1600/bb1140995952936d0af9bbc306e90a4417d131f9.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna Kendrick - this is how its done darling. So, so beautiful. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iakEV8xa8NKLrZjApN9Thla57O1wMofabjd2nPfuG7SpJRO37dhZON0NzsVGpDywduZ3zJi4QZnKgqH8v2HhH7TcVH1QvqdV9OGCrk4ubixvc_KT1CiUANRPAleKRcX1romyf30Ou3u7/s1600/c739b04d0ae9c67b3c0c9f56a475b357464daa26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iakEV8xa8NKLrZjApN9Thla57O1wMofabjd2nPfuG7SpJRO37dhZON0NzsVGpDywduZ3zJi4QZnKgqH8v2HhH7TcVH1QvqdV9OGCrk4ubixvc_KT1CiUANRPAleKRcX1romyf30Ou3u7/s1600/c739b04d0ae9c67b3c0c9f56a475b357464daa26.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oprah - I bow to you. You are so stunning and I love the hair. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mqt7hWdxT8xcEsJTUj8FaXeb0nGJeVcqaqEf3qZMf3wSP7-hdOHDCeskvJO4qd9UaNp-sSSSz4yuNiP64UCR4tjT1mubIFRz2HApUoeL31cPXvpoAEP6AFSJrYhCk9P8JYrbS0NVOjyb/s1600/e8053b634e89080e109a1e051cb9b03e7bd9e25e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mqt7hWdxT8xcEsJTUj8FaXeb0nGJeVcqaqEf3qZMf3wSP7-hdOHDCeskvJO4qd9UaNp-sSSSz4yuNiP64UCR4tjT1mubIFRz2HApUoeL31cPXvpoAEP6AFSJrYhCk9P8JYrbS0NVOjyb/s1600/e8053b634e89080e109a1e051cb9b03e7bd9e25e.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ScarJo - Are you sure you want to wear that necklace? I mean, like really sure???? I feel like your earring bling is edgy enough with that haircut, so do you think you NEED to wear that necklace??? </td></tr>
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<br />AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-88379051379944578842015-01-27T14:22:00.001-06:002015-01-27T14:22:04.092-06:00Golden Globes vs. the SAGsI had really good intentions to share my thoughts on the Globes red carpet much, much sooner (like the same week they happened) but, well, life happened. But that's OK because now the SAGs have happened and I can pit celebrities against themselves!<br />
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So, without further ado, let me sit here in an oversized baseball-tee, messy bun, and crest white strips and judge celebrities on their abilities to look good in gowns that cost more than I make in a year. *insert maniacal laughter here*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAvJXGdy0fz5J7fdSzpA88WpcDIJx407TLOxmdla86OYPfcMFPaUJONJDaRKqnuOtQl2s5iSEkMOLg6WHDNeFlhs2a3B7Nf8RO00HlNrCYsJ-fJBU9UY01cpHzAguYboANiVyQPmOxHnQ/s1600/0b71990faf88dd0141c79cbe42e53b8e073627e7_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAvJXGdy0fz5J7fdSzpA88WpcDIJx407TLOxmdla86OYPfcMFPaUJONJDaRKqnuOtQl2s5iSEkMOLg6WHDNeFlhs2a3B7Nf8RO00HlNrCYsJ-fJBU9UY01cpHzAguYboANiVyQPmOxHnQ/s1600/0b71990faf88dd0141c79cbe42e53b8e073627e7_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosamund Pike</td></tr>
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Is it bad that I hate her because of Gone Girl? I need to go back and watch some Pride and Prejudice to cleanse my palate on this actress. Anyway, she totally did SO MUCH BETTER at the SAGs. At the Globes she looked saggy. It was a bold look for a pregnant lady, and I like that she went for it, but was just ill fitting. I really like the black dress and the way it shows off her legs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQws69vw4mWClnknEbOR9XxhIEJaoqZl5X40OcoWwB3oh4xMD8if2Ja41cZz3feQfRgDHWboQDCgiT8OEgc7K-Hv9oio2GVaHI_yWtL0ZSLGAw7_rsEKqgT8qI3P_3xuPXQeqccv4bp2oZ/s1600/9c79fcfb0d25f096821a60d6d2e5add2dd08e097_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQws69vw4mWClnknEbOR9XxhIEJaoqZl5X40OcoWwB3oh4xMD8if2Ja41cZz3feQfRgDHWboQDCgiT8OEgc7K-Hv9oio2GVaHI_yWtL0ZSLGAw7_rsEKqgT8qI3P_3xuPXQeqccv4bp2oZ/s1600/9c79fcfb0d25f096821a60d6d2e5add2dd08e097_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma Stone</td></tr>
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I love Emma Stone. I do not love her SAGs look. She was on the best-dressed list for me for the Globes, but it at Worst-dressed level for the SAGs. I am pretty sure this is because of my hatred of sheer skirts. I know she is on most people's and critic's best-dressed lists, but I just really, really hate sheer skirts. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6alnlB-hD_kGMCtzE1Qfb8zfe3-LO95o1zI2lflf_sWpGuAHaP2ylQr00w-8EFvj84j5bo28JBcz6SgPH63nEmHCqXhL5jgPMpq66gvQD8vDsUa8dGO1qKgHcCS8BizTQtzq0xyqmKGQo/s1600/234bf82a765e9438a706642544650ececb35dfcd_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6alnlB-hD_kGMCtzE1Qfb8zfe3-LO95o1zI2lflf_sWpGuAHaP2ylQr00w-8EFvj84j5bo28JBcz6SgPH63nEmHCqXhL5jgPMpq66gvQD8vDsUa8dGO1qKgHcCS8BizTQtzq0xyqmKGQo/s1600/234bf82a765e9438a706642544650ececb35dfcd_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire Danes</td></tr>
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Massive, massive improvement from the Globes. Her Globes dress was ill-fitting and the details were totally lost on TV. The green is gorgeous on her and her hair is perfection at the SAGs. Plus it is still a really interesting, unique look that is not comparable to what anyone else was wearing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiOl8wKVmpIC85Me8vO7o5OmrIiBYJQh-ppq0V7IniOkjP7_vdlQ39MCMznzXd9O3HuQne-zRLEjcsLRS9_sqPki4BKAOmLvB6TYrH7XCXzl-5pFbaTktRdqJKo0_1qdOUwt86xGTnGNx/s1600/4653f0f8561642dd0efb2abc555621217d21731e_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiOl8wKVmpIC85Me8vO7o5OmrIiBYJQh-ppq0V7IniOkjP7_vdlQ39MCMznzXd9O3HuQne-zRLEjcsLRS9_sqPki4BKAOmLvB6TYrH7XCXzl-5pFbaTktRdqJKo0_1qdOUwt86xGTnGNx/s1600/4653f0f8561642dd0efb2abc555621217d21731e_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Hyland </td></tr>
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Now, her first look was for a Globes after-party, so not really a red-carpet look, but I still really like it. I actually like both of her looks, but I think it would really soften them to have her hair down, instead of so tightly pulled back. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqtl0hYJfKa5NFN_2F2A0fIznUlHVeW115pE4YOU1Zr927JY9Dg9ArZiJAoFuZcwv6H0yqt5HZ85dHe4MDOiCecpRzAQOBsJG7fBFj0aEXwZSqnFTcvX0QPbg44-s8s1h71qzLynbCT1w/s1600/011115-jennifer-aniston2-428_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqtl0hYJfKa5NFN_2F2A0fIznUlHVeW115pE4YOU1Zr927JY9Dg9ArZiJAoFuZcwv6H0yqt5HZ85dHe4MDOiCecpRzAQOBsJG7fBFj0aEXwZSqnFTcvX0QPbg44-s8s1h71qzLynbCT1w/s1600/011115-jennifer-aniston2-428_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennifer Aniston </td></tr>
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Oh Jen, Jen, Jen. I know it was a vintage look at the SAGs, but the girls don't look good and it does not do anything for her figure. The black look at the Globes though defines her waist and shows of a little bit of leg, sexy but still classy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJvBKyGYXKZ2mnTWFZmf5GaX3B7qHUd-9-dzW7cjs4iO6_J4-90e_1RZkwNBIe_4si5WKgLvnuZuQ6N-ny7ZIlGvq1g5WuF8718V_R4lACbKnykWR_1mrUfuLXgxLjMMAFPvDoqrfiMBM/s1600/efa34a2a4dd00be736cf3fc9fcd11b516f1f3e37_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJvBKyGYXKZ2mnTWFZmf5GaX3B7qHUd-9-dzW7cjs4iO6_J4-90e_1RZkwNBIe_4si5WKgLvnuZuQ6N-ny7ZIlGvq1g5WuF8718V_R4lACbKnykWR_1mrUfuLXgxLjMMAFPvDoqrfiMBM/s1600/efa34a2a4dd00be736cf3fc9fcd11b516f1f3e37_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salma Hayek </td></tr>
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Again - she was not at the SAGs, so I am comparing her red carpet and after-party looks from the Globes. I think she looks totally stunning and sexy in the after-party dress. The red carpet is too bridal and she over accessories with large earrings AND a flower in her hair. One or the other sweetie, not both. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUXV9JuOBQ885byv8XICt2R6akRHdOKT7MIFGMVw9f_OwIPAOvdR5JznyWHQ-gA1Nk6nn1bi54B-9DcSrGQNre2Dq5v4RA0XYy8bcxIohGC42MJGJ4obrM-yJRpHga4NEMjpHVuSr8su5/s1600/f36cefde4fc9b35158f2a800c3e908c3b3db6553_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUXV9JuOBQ885byv8XICt2R6akRHdOKT7MIFGMVw9f_OwIPAOvdR5JznyWHQ-gA1Nk6nn1bi54B-9DcSrGQNre2Dq5v4RA0XYy8bcxIohGC42MJGJ4obrM-yJRpHga4NEMjpHVuSr8su5/s1600/f36cefde4fc9b35158f2a800c3e908c3b3db6553_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi Watts</td></tr>
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She went from best-dressed levels - mostly because of the stellar snake necklace - to snooze-fest at the SAGs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjTbT1rOuL5-ojVliw6fbtZFJ7D_CzajlynZF3MZ8qj0F3jDgp49PAmBIGu559Lpndw2s_YIhd3HSmzZwEsmCEXAfyL-Ek0ENEkLZoTDwxp7bBZfCrtBHNVI-no0UZcHU3u0XyPq2tGzt/s1600/ff6bf0b34c04baf41e913706f2ae3b673b1a13c5_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjTbT1rOuL5-ojVliw6fbtZFJ7D_CzajlynZF3MZ8qj0F3jDgp49PAmBIGu559Lpndw2s_YIhd3HSmzZwEsmCEXAfyL-Ek0ENEkLZoTDwxp7bBZfCrtBHNVI-no0UZcHU3u0XyPq2tGzt/s1600/ff6bf0b34c04baf41e913706f2ae3b673b1a13c5_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupita Nyong'o</td></tr>
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Really, she can do no wrong for me. But, if I HAD to choose, I prefer her SAGs look. But just stunning either way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxgtKrSp4pyFMw6GCfHX8P8M-SsE729HMhbMEW8gu6DpqsmS3g4xb-t0yepDzFdlC0IXE_RnVc85tL7RcpguogMRAod8a1DWmwXVAvC-_c5vnQj6S3zlmxcz6sORT5LuGHOeWNdTO95Tr/s1600/golden-globes-2015-slide-IB66-master495_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxgtKrSp4pyFMw6GCfHX8P8M-SsE729HMhbMEW8gu6DpqsmS3g4xb-t0yepDzFdlC0IXE_RnVc85tL7RcpguogMRAod8a1DWmwXVAvC-_c5vnQj6S3zlmxcz6sORT5LuGHOeWNdTO95Tr/s1600/golden-globes-2015-slide-IB66-master495_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julianne Margulies</td></tr>
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I am so sad that she wasted this blue stunner on an awards show where she was not even seen. Her hair is better and she looks like 10 years younger. It was actually sad to see her in that red frumpy look with bad hair presenting an award at the Globes... but that blue - that would've been perfection. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDkpUY1zgbqJCnOGA_o8un4NIOElxJy_YEx0DmljQxl22oFDk6IQLMDziZZFijOvogb7umN6VKPoiy_lMWv7Ukr5-SM8V6oDs_1l6YqjhHtP4Fgky1WojVuAUaNkB9gy1F9JgzCAaFgiv/s1600/rs_634x1024-150111155537-634-tina-fey-amy-poehler-globes_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDkpUY1zgbqJCnOGA_o8un4NIOElxJy_YEx0DmljQxl22oFDk6IQLMDziZZFijOvogb7umN6VKPoiy_lMWv7Ukr5-SM8V6oDs_1l6YqjhHtP4Fgky1WojVuAUaNkB9gy1F9JgzCAaFgiv/s1600/rs_634x1024-150111155537-634-tina-fey-amy-poehler-globes_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy Poehler </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, I love me some Amy Poehler. Love her. But she definitely did better at the Globes. She looked classy and sophisticated. I like the sassy, sexy feeling she brought to the SAGs, but this dress just did not work for her shape. <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/AVvXsEh0pqCzsOfr0Jjo_nfcoPN1JDYJ6YyQmoP8vYmw0BaTM3w5sEPI2cDRf945v0uwhdWpThXp2J4QtaLIB_m3m2A16B2G3WqS8GBibduh79IbRhgKMgHt1_sbP_stWwCI3kOV3Vbc2uIJHtnY/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125162448-634_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pqCzsOfr0Jjo_nfcoPN1JDYJ6YyQmoP8vYmw0BaTM3w5sEPI2cDRf945v0uwhdWpThXp2J4QtaLIB_m3m2A16B2G3WqS8GBibduh79IbRhgKMgHt1_sbP_stWwCI3kOV3Vbc2uIJHtnY/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125162448-634_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julianne Moore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I swear this woman hired a new stylist. I cannot decide which of these looks I like better. Just absolutely stunning either way. Best dressed at both shows.<br />
<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/AVvXsEiZ7yd87OQ6EpCNKFmLkiZFOV2j_1ydWn5npjJ3nFAgg-rSBMidPkc-eW7AJnoPhWDCw_DBzCQhOK2ISKArlhSxbiBNmkSTXaKGz_pUDwZ_U1IDN1UgxUU7SAO6KCgthq5ZRytzvEXDovhO/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125164048-634_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7yd87OQ6EpCNKFmLkiZFOV2j_1ydWn5npjJ3nFAgg-rSBMidPkc-eW7AJnoPhWDCw_DBzCQhOK2ISKArlhSxbiBNmkSTXaKGz_pUDwZ_U1IDN1UgxUU7SAO6KCgthq5ZRytzvEXDovhO/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125164048-634_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keira Knightly </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keira seems to be a bit more old-school about dressing her baby-bump and that's great, as long as she is not doing it in a bug-adorned, ruffled sack that she donned at the Globes. I mean, bleh. The purple stunner at the SAGs is a 100% improvement. So stunning - and her hair and make up are better too - I prefer a softer look on her I think.<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/AVvXsEiCOO121cb4vaaoFv5G7iMkIDhUFa4x6_hOdWRnwBbBeH0FDskaSEcJDq58-qH4sqZzbdq-h0dy3uZRbZTZnN2-bY7Pvi85WifUYqr6Uu9TwkdmNd8SX2cKju2IcFbU8lvBmjP9ze459ctj/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125175843-634-Patricia-Arquette-sag-awards_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOO121cb4vaaoFv5G7iMkIDhUFa4x6_hOdWRnwBbBeH0FDskaSEcJDq58-qH4sqZzbdq-h0dy3uZRbZTZnN2-bY7Pvi85WifUYqr6Uu9TwkdmNd8SX2cKju2IcFbU8lvBmjP9ze459ctj/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125175843-634-Patricia-Arquette-sag-awards_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOO121cb4vaaoFv5G7iMkIDhUFa4x6_hOdWRnwBbBeH0FDskaSEcJDq58-qH4sqZzbdq-h0dy3uZRbZTZnN2-bY7Pvi85WifUYqr6Uu9TwkdmNd8SX2cKju2IcFbU8lvBmjP9ze459ctj/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125175843-634-Patricia-Arquette-sag-awards_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">P</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOO121cb4vaaoFv5G7iMkIDhUFa4x6_hOdWRnwBbBeH0FDskaSEcJDq58-qH4sqZzbdq-h0dy3uZRbZTZnN2-bY7Pvi85WifUYqr6Uu9TwkdmNd8SX2cKju2IcFbU8lvBmjP9ze459ctj/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125175843-634-Patricia-Arquette-sag-awards_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">atricia Arquette </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Either way you look at it, Patricia's style is not that great. However.
She did much better at the SAGs if you just don't look at her hair
(which is a hot mess.) The forest green is a softer color on her and the
structure of that dress is so much more flattering. Oh and there is not
a giant shoulder-piece competing with her head for attention. <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/AVvXsEgaI3E-ImgG5Z2Rq2f7RnJoRCuG2Lx7mAHTg8a2MU7QmEe6OT7Xh-K79ytvQYz8eoACXqj9ZqPoJDTdCmCuoJq3r5C48FGFEjCpsKAWORSc9TivjvlGtK6s_zHOLqIc4HW1iVb-7OxJrH8Q/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125162038-634_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI3E-ImgG5Z2Rq2f7RnJoRCuG2Lx7mAHTg8a2MU7QmEe6OT7Xh-K79ytvQYz8eoACXqj9ZqPoJDTdCmCuoJq3r5C48FGFEjCpsKAWORSc9TivjvlGtK6s_zHOLqIc4HW1iVb-7OxJrH8Q/s1600/rs_634x1024-150125162038-634_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emilia Clark and Felicity Jones </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, these are obviously two different women. BUT they made the same bad choice. Why is this X-neckline a thing? This is NOT something the Mother of Dragons should be wearing. AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-23282104472510284742015-01-24T12:34:00.000-06:002015-01-24T12:34:41.790-06:00New Year's Resolution: Progress Report I was catching up on my favorite blogs this morning and feeling a bit guilty that I was lounging on the couch at 9:15am with a cup of coffee and my computer. I am not quite out of graduate-school mode and still get a panicked sense of urgency now and then like "oh-my-gosh-what-paper-is-due-at-midnight?" but then I just take a deep breath and calm the heck down. It is still fairly new to feel like I can actually use a Saturday to relax and do what I want, like not put on real pants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyMocxvTHLJTeQ2I_WJ9dZCrYSe_xPJbSaD2AVzL2zl4EKZOdYThwrAV8YPCU26egv0-H1LSJITpls8FEv1ZG_mCiUs-P4gwgSuzKgKWiRA8eZwG3p2_ELiAqfrtbnR5OFIF5Urd5p5Sa/s1600/4baf9699552b9a763ca1ec5b4f3c3068353e6fa359f1f2b6aa73d18797395509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyMocxvTHLJTeQ2I_WJ9dZCrYSe_xPJbSaD2AVzL2zl4EKZOdYThwrAV8YPCU26egv0-H1LSJITpls8FEv1ZG_mCiUs-P4gwgSuzKgKWiRA8eZwG3p2_ELiAqfrtbnR5OFIF5Urd5p5Sa/s1600/4baf9699552b9a763ca1ec5b4f3c3068353e6fa359f1f2b6aa73d18797395509.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
So, a quick update on my New Year's goals.<br />
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I am killing it on the fitness part, yo. I have been doing the <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity-max-30-workout.do" target="_blank">Beachbody, Insanity Max 30 program </a>since January 5th, so I just completed the 3rd week. I have a Facebook group with a couple coaches that are awesome and there is this whole instagram culture of fitness, which is awesome and encouraging and inspiring. Having that level of accountability is huge. Plus, I am honestly already seeing results. I am not ready to share any photos or numbers on that front, but just trust me, things are less jiggly than they were at Christmas and that makes me a happy girl, a sore girl, but a happy girl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D9rCdi5yJNm0HNksbIBIJaFNDpAbfAAzjl7v_zFsWzQDW6q8Mn4Zv_dDfIO-DD07gg27JbJGcPCpphEpUSdocrgVMOpjs8KGpAqGLqgmtVzaxjM3OIOWLhXNs7YEhgJ8y8eOjrcDw44U/s1600/shaun-T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D9rCdi5yJNm0HNksbIBIJaFNDpAbfAAzjl7v_zFsWzQDW6q8Mn4Zv_dDfIO-DD07gg27JbJGcPCpphEpUSdocrgVMOpjs8KGpAqGLqgmtVzaxjM3OIOWLhXNs7YEhgJ8y8eOjrcDw44U/s1600/shaun-T.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am incorporating their dietary shake supplements, <a href="http://www.shakeology.com/en_US/?tracking=BB_SHAKEOLOGY&icid=BB_SHAKEOLOGY_HP_RR_BS_CHL1" target="_blank">Shakeology,</a> also, but I am still skeptical of it. I am NOT replacing any meals, just adding it in as an after-work-out snack. Some of the recipes are pretty delicious. I think though, more than the workouts, what has made a difference is paying way more attention to what I am putting in my body for fuel. I have been tracking my calories/cards/sodium/sugars with MyFitnessPal and it makes a HUGE difference. This does not mean my cooking as improved... this week my husband did ask me if Smaug had stopped by to help me prepare a chicken breast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfUfSdeNsjmftNo8orFQprW1JAAs8SxXbiRuzRs_lpPn8kjhuBvj9EVF-Qt9vy0Bw6eMRDOSuf0eO4ZL0evlGPZ8F2VvKEsDw-DUde2ezweHL-FrZI4mDhEJfsrX-8ynNHY2xO-XT5ldK/s1600/smaug-burn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfUfSdeNsjmftNo8orFQprW1JAAs8SxXbiRuzRs_lpPn8kjhuBvj9EVF-Qt9vy0Bw6eMRDOSuf0eO4ZL0evlGPZ8F2VvKEsDw-DUde2ezweHL-FrZI4mDhEJfsrX-8ynNHY2xO-XT5ldK/s1600/smaug-burn.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chicken looked something like Laketown after this shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway, moving on to the last two goals - Shopping ban and organization.<br />
<br />
I have not purchased any clothing, shoe, or unnecessary personal care items since January 5th. However, a bunch of last minute after-Christmas purchases I did make were arriving for the first two weeks of the ban, so it really hasn't been that hard. Another thing that has taken away some of the sting of the ban was a fun Style-Swap night that a bunch of girls from church participated in. We all brought a few of our items we no longer wanted and got to take home a few new-to-us items! I came home with a purse, a pair of shoes, and a new coat! There is also an awesome Twitter-group of ladies supporting each other through this ban - and again, the support is SO GOOD (if I am quoting Sophia Grace). Although, I did read <a href="http://www.onelittlemomma.com/2015/01/meet-cozy-orange.html" target="_blank">a post</a> today that's making me jones for some cute work out clothes.... that I really don't need.<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/AVvXsEglG_pSDuCWsnwfWOW9kFEJlAeevGM5X6SvVnO3WoohyP2MgTSeZagH0Unv4891gHAv8wxrln4aLHnc9qH-VbsJDfhHTgUKrq9NEzSO0HzjWtV5fdODdwNlflinkl_PdCaWduu7djwIQcRE/s1600/f0d47fe83800af0e3a50db7eef14e288.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG_pSDuCWsnwfWOW9kFEJlAeevGM5X6SvVnO3WoohyP2MgTSeZagH0Unv4891gHAv8wxrln4aLHnc9qH-VbsJDfhHTgUKrq9NEzSO0HzjWtV5fdODdwNlflinkl_PdCaWduu7djwIQcRE/s1600/f0d47fe83800af0e3a50db7eef14e288.png" height="182" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except, not really. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Organization - psh. I got the Christmas tree down last week and the living room de-holiday'd. I have not tackled any of the other trouble spots in our home, but I am counting it as a win if I can keep the kitchen and bedroom clean-ish.<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/AVvXsEjB2VqA_O-mcJEDpPzXYzIXk-xKsnRQL5WSHumCpOZmq5uQme0HzJJvwvPQWizCCJMrthKTeo35vep7XeN0oqxAFCVB3qlQZtH4pqMpizLucmSISGD4cZ-VLa9zF_NMx3aQNBZyTtClik6x/s1600/funny-Powerpuff-girl-cleaning-house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2VqA_O-mcJEDpPzXYzIXk-xKsnRQL5WSHumCpOZmq5uQme0HzJJvwvPQWizCCJMrthKTeo35vep7XeN0oqxAFCVB3qlQZtH4pqMpizLucmSISGD4cZ-VLa9zF_NMx3aQNBZyTtClik6x/s1600/funny-Powerpuff-girl-cleaning-house.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttercup gets me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So that's it - how are you going 3 weeks into the new year?<br />
<br />AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-26905732532556636652015-01-04T20:11:00.004-06:002015-01-04T20:11:56.767-06:002015 - Resolute I know it is cliche or basic (I kind of hate that term, btw) to write about New Year's goals and resolutions and people never really stick to them and so on and so forth. But I am going to do it anyway, because this is my blog and I do what I want. :)<br />
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I really do feel like 2015 is going to be a year of opportunity and of no excuses for me since I have now wrapped up grad school. I am going to have so much free time to fill with <i><u>whatever I want</u></i>! The options are almost endless. However, there are 3 things I have really focused in on in the last week as I have mulled this over, and I hope to be able to update you on my progress throughout the year on my three big goals.<br />
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1. Institute a Shopping Ban<br />
2. Work on my Fitness<br />
3. Get (and stay) organized<br />
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Number 1 - Institute a Shopping Ban.<br />
It starts tomorrow. Sigh. I started early on goal 3 and cleaned out my closet. I have a great wardrobe and I honestly have no need to add more stuff to it for the sake of adding more stuff to it. I also cleaned out my make up, hair, and body products - again so much stuff. So, for the next 5 months (that number will make more sense soon) I will not be purchasing any of the following: clothing, extra make up or hair products, nail polish, shoes, or accessories. Well... I won't be spending cash on them. I have hoarded up all of my Christmas/birthday/graduation gift cards and may need to give myself a carrot now and then over the next few months, but the firm rule is that it cannot cost me anything out of pocket, and I should try to refrain from buying any of these goods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XrjW4N02HVD7GHaNhtbip9o4RfpulAPi43LqnfEPzFrrV8EK_BLMctRm4dnsE33Qz6u9DSxlOklkKV6K73b8OvwKX6RWmwWJjFDFaia0KmuZc_5Dq4q5Rq9rCZj23MYlNBg5P9qr6qZJ/s1600/enhanced-buzz-10928-1381944554-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XrjW4N02HVD7GHaNhtbip9o4RfpulAPi43LqnfEPzFrrV8EK_BLMctRm4dnsE33Qz6u9DSxlOklkKV6K73b8OvwKX6RWmwWJjFDFaia0KmuZc_5Dq4q5Rq9rCZj23MYlNBg5P9qr6qZJ/s1600/enhanced-buzz-10928-1381944554-6.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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Goal Dos - Work on my Fitness<br />
For the past two years I have worked really hard on my academic achievements and career. Now I need to turn the focus to my bod (ha! anyone remember that cologne? yikes) and diet. To do this, starting tomorrow I am taking part in a 60 day Insanity Max 30 challenge with a group of others online. I am also super excited that a Core Power Yoga studio opened up nearer to me and am going to try to work that into my weekly routines as well. The Insanity Challenge should then get me through to when the weather gets a bit warmer and I can start running again. I am going to be super motivated for the next 5 months because I am in a wedding. I refuse to be a fat bridesmaid, so there. I think the hardest part is going to be the diet and I think I am going to have to break down and finally learn to cook.<br />
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Goal # 3 - Get (and stay) Organized<br />
I have already started the de-cluttering process and its been eye opening. So far we have organized and purged my closet, the dog cupboard, the pantry, my bathroom, and the office (which was a 2-day debacle where I may have had a meltdown or 10, but thank goodness it's over). Still to go: miscellaneous paperwork, under the bed, the big bathroom, and the hall closet. We both agreed to save the storage unit for Spring. It is going to be so freeing to have a place for everything and I hope this keeps us more mindful in not just adding extra stuff that does not have a clear use or purpose for entering our home.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All photos found on pinterest. </span></div>
<br />AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-43621444911405449012014-12-09T11:05:00.003-06:002014-12-10T10:24:28.171-06:00A Review: Portals of Water and Wine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwi2Vu8nxEab7HXZZa1Hks0hkdspqwhER9Qr8SXeRw15lzZepItOQIwtO8AaDEG_lBdfjVe7rMexMrQxLAI9HHH-WRxGxis0BqEsGqshXllIXPCYHAXoCgmHcZg6rOjrXknqHzB05YYnif/s1600/dcbff312b0759f7ab3b27eb9409c9712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwi2Vu8nxEab7HXZZa1Hks0hkdspqwhER9Qr8SXeRw15lzZepItOQIwtO8AaDEG_lBdfjVe7rMexMrQxLAI9HHH-WRxGxis0BqEsGqshXllIXPCYHAXoCgmHcZg6rOjrXknqHzB05YYnif/s1600/dcbff312b0759f7ab3b27eb9409c9712.jpg" /></a>I have to admit that I was actually really excited to read this book despite knowing almost nothing about it. I will tell you what I did know before picking it up: I knew it was about fairies and I knew the woman who wrote it. This is R. L. Haas's debut novel and it has been really excited to see her chase her dreams and make them come true. </div>
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I want to do this review justice, and because I respect the author, I want it to be honest. I mostly loved this book and actually found myself wishing there was more - more to sink my teeth into of this beautiful world Haas created and more of the relationships to flesh out between the characters. Her writing is dramatic in the best way possible and the girl made me feel like I should at least attempt to learn how to cook with her ah-mazing descriptions of Naya cooking. Really - it was mouthwatering to read about Naya's lasagna and homemade bread, and since when is cooking sexy?</div>
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Anyway, I digress.</div>
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Her characters are lovable, a bit gritty, and endearing. Sometimes the plot felt a little predictable, but then I would get sucker-punched with a turn I never saw coming. It is also really important to me to tell you all that I actually had to put this book down a couple times because of Haas's eloquent, and frighteningly accurate descriptions of grief. It brought emotions to the surface in me that I rather not feel and I feel like that is an extraordinary talent. </div>
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Now, I do like my endings all wrapped up in a bow, but since this is Book 1 of a trilogy, I did not get that. Haas actually ripped out my heart, stepped on it, and then left me with a thread of hope for the future books at the end. </div>
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And, actually, I would like that sequel now please. I would definitely recommend this book and give it a 4/5 - As a debut novel, I feel like it is the first stone thrown into a lake and it is just going to keep rippling, spawning more fantastic stories and I look forward to that. </div>
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You can grab a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Portals-Water-Wine-R-Haas-ebook/dp/B00OKSBLYM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418228643&sr=8-1&keywords=portals+of+water+and+wine" target="_blank">Kindle copy for yourselves over at Amazon for 99 cents for a limited time</a>!! </div>
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AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-35996023700771311782014-11-27T20:09:00.001-06:002014-11-27T20:11:36.898-06:00Thankful. I am sitting here today, alone, working on homework on this Thanksgiving, and aside from being only slightly lonely, I am feeling incredibly blessed beyond measure.<br />
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No, I was not forgotten or overlooked by my family. I chose to use this day of Thankfulness to put in my last sprint towards the finish line of grad school and my sincerest hope is that I will wrap up all of my major projects by Sunday evening and be able to close this chapter. Right now I am thankful for the fluffy pups keeping me company today, and snuggle breaks when I need them.<br />
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For my final capstone project I am forced to be reflective and write five separate personal statements about my experience over the past two years in the program. While yes, I have a lot to say about the materials, classes, and coursework, I come back to being grateful that I even had this chance and was encouraged to take the risk of graduate school. I feel incredibly enriched by the whole experience.<br />
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I am also reflective on all of the support I've been given to do this. My husband has not faltered in supporting my goals and dreams to go through this program and I feel like we understand one another better than before this experience.<br />
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I am thankful to my entire family who are gracefully accepting and supporting my absence in today's gatherings, as well as everything else I have missed in the past 2+ years. Thank you for allowing me to be selfish with my time and for allowing and supporting me to grow.<br />
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I am thankful for a job that allowed me flexibility to both work and complete an internship at the same time and for a boss who sees the benefits of higher education.<br />
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I am thankful for dear, dear friends who continue to encourage me, even today and who, like my family, have forgiven me all that I have missed in the past 2+ years to put in this work.<br />
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I am also thankful for growing up in a family that valued both education and older adults and instilled a love of both within me. In working on this capstone project, it is so clear to me that I would not be who I am without my amazing grandparents who have unwaveringly supported me and encouraged me and never let me quit.<br />
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It would be remiss to note that I am also incredibly thankful that I am at the end. I have nearly made it, can see the finish line, and am so, so grateful that I won't have to miss any more Thanksgivings for school work… at least for the next couple years, because you know, there is no harm in having more than one advanced degree…<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving All - I hope you had a blessed day.<br />
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XOXO<br />
<br />AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-46913092077510264752014-11-02T10:31:00.001-06:002014-11-02T10:31:29.753-06:00And then what? And then what?<br />
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I keep getting asked this question in regards to what I am planning once I get my Masters degree next month (holy crap, next month!), so I wanted to take the opportunity to answer it:<br />
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I<br />
Don't<br />
Know.<br />
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I have no major, grand scheme plan lined up and do not foresee my life changing all that much after December 13th, aside from a great reduction in stress.<br />
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I recently had a family member of one of the residents on my unit ask me "And then what?" and after I gave him a schpeal about how there were a lot of different directions I could go and various things I would be interested in doing, but I will definitely be staying put in my current position for the time being, he gave me a challenge. He challenged me to set 5 and 10 year professional goals because without goals I am like a "ship without a rudder, blowing wherever the wind may take me" and that I need to have direction, so I can always be working towards something.<br />
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Since this conversation a month or so ago, I have seriously been fretting over these lists he wants from me by Christmas. Fundamentally, I don't disagree with him. It is great to have goals and something to work for - absolutely. But, all of the best things that have happened to me have been because I was open to them. I found my undergrad minor in Gerontology by happenstance and it has shaped the trajectory of my career. I sent out my resume cold to multiple facilities in the area and the one I am at is one of the few that called me in for an interview. Then, I took my current position when something opened at my facility and found my passion for working with older adults with dementia. These were not goals I had laid out or a specific career road map I was following.<br />
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I decided to get my Masters in Gerontology to be more effective in my current job, learn more about the vast field of gero, and add more skills and qualifications to my resume. I feel infinitely more enriched and knowledgeable in my field and more competent as a supervisor because of all I have learned in the last two years. I would go back and do it all again because it has been an enormously valuable experience.<br />
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Moving forward though, I am going to continue doing as I have done. I am going to remain open to various opportunities that may come my way. If I find something I really want to do, I will pursue it. Right now, I don't know what the next few years of my life are going to look like, and perhaps for the first time, I am OK with that. So, to really answer "and then what?"<br />
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And then, I might get around to learning how to cook<br />
And then, I might set a goal to train and actually run a 10K<br />
And then, I might want to take an art class<br />
And then, I might read for fun and review more books on my blog - maybe even join a book club<br />
And then, I will get organized and clean out all of the stuff that has been accumulating for the past two years<br />
And then, I am going to enjoy being out of school and just live my life, open to whatever opportunities and chances come my way professionallyAshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-1355704042949302372014-09-07T08:39:00.002-05:002014-09-07T10:14:15.442-05:00Looking for Alaska - A Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFn_XTkXTRgpYR9ITrAyFn4BXbCRnboO5hB8UN8B1-wqtIyOq5IACehLJ2gDgJM8RF-E4x8ZOOUh2lgOh_NfoUp_smTkg8HjFnyXfzNBewMF6JxAhHQ5uW0OW474iTeWeJB57GZDKfM24/s1600/alaska.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFn_XTkXTRgpYR9ITrAyFn4BXbCRnboO5hB8UN8B1-wqtIyOq5IACehLJ2gDgJM8RF-E4x8ZOOUh2lgOh_NfoUp_smTkg8HjFnyXfzNBewMF6JxAhHQ5uW0OW474iTeWeJB57GZDKfM24/s1600/alaska.jpeg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words–and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps. </i>(<a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/looking-for-alaska/" target="_blank">from John Green's website</a>) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Honestly, I thought I might call this post "John Green is a sadist" because I think the man enjoys ripping out people's hearts and displaying them like hunting trophies. I mean, I haven't even read <a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/the-fault-in-our-stars/" target="_blank">The Fault in Our Stars</a> yet because I know it can't end well…. because stories about teenagers with terminal illnesses are always a barrel of laughs. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I chose Looking For Alaska to read, because I had heard good things and I thought it would be safe. Be warned, I was wrong about that. John Green now has my mangled heart in a trophy case. Don't get me wrong - the story is great, well written, interesting and the characters are likable, </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">relatable, and I feel like I could have gone to high school with them. It is a coming of age story that will stick with you. But it broke my heart. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I think one thing really, really killed it for me though. You never forget the day you lose someone you love. Ever. That will make more sense to people who read the book, but it upset me on a deeper level than just reading a book that got sad. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Read at your own risk folks, it is a really good book, but it might be too much for the sensitive reader. </span></span></span>AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-27052742582297831872014-08-16T10:53:00.000-05:002014-08-16T10:53:11.598-05:00To Me at 17The hubs and I visited my Nana and Papa last weekend at my teeny-tiny hometown. I had a bridal shower to go to for my high school BFF and we decided to just make a weekend of it and spend some quality time with my family. It was good to unplug for a bit (Nana and Papa have no wi-fi!) and just be. But you know how it is when you are all snuggled up in your childhood home with people who have known you since you were in diapers. Nostalgia sets in for sure. I have been thinking a lot about the girl I was in high school and the ways I have changed and grown since that time. Then, this week while doing my regular blog-trolling, I happened upon <a href="http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2014/08/ask-lauren-dear-18-year-old-me-laguna-beach/" target="_blank">Lauren Conrad's blog in which she gave her 18 year old self advice</a>. The timing was perfect and I was inspired. I spent that whole drive to work thinking about what I would tell that 17 year me. Here's what I came up with:<br />
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1. Be Brave. Oh hunny, you are about to embark on some big-life changing adventures (hello college!) and you need to put on your big girl panties and embrace it. I know it is so, so scary to leave the only place you have ever known, but let go of that fear and embrace the newness. Don't be afraid to leave your dorm room. But, it is still OK to let Janna drive your car in heavy traffic until you get used to it.<br />
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2. Be intentional in your friendships. Growing up with the same people for the last 17 years has made you complacent at working on friendships. They were just built in. You don't know how to work and maintain them yet, and because of this, you are going to lose some really great relationships that you probably would've been able to hang onto for life. This is going to be something you regret in the future.<br />
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3. If it isn't drugs or sex, just say yes. - I heard this advice given to a college freshman and while it seems a bit wild, you should really just abide by it. There are going to be so many opportunities that come your way and you need to at least try new things, and if it isn't sex or drugs, it probably won't hurt you.<br />
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4. On boys - Now, I am actually pretty proud of the boys you have dated up to this point, but you are about to have a serious lapse in judgement. Be a little picky. Have some standards as to how you should be treated. It all works out, and you are super happy now, and more than a little embarrassed about that one guy - you will know him when you see him… Also, your next heartbreak will be your worst, it is going to rip out your heart, get confusing, and you still get through it just fine, but it is messy and you should probably not listen to that Faith Hill/Tim McGraw song "Like We Never Loved at All" while walking to class. Also avoid Norah Jones at all cost after this one. Also, say yes to camping. You will thank me later:<br />
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5. Study Abroad. I know the thought of that terrifies you, but, see #1. You will never have another opportunity like that, so also, see #3.<br />
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6. Stop rushing things. I know you feel like you have to get through school as quickly as possible to be able to start real life and I know that you feel like school is too expensive to drag out - but finishing in 4 years instead of 3 and a half is Ok. Take a light load that last semester and live. it. up.<br />
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What about you? What would you tell your 17 year old self?<br />
<br />AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-59127908840446763342014-07-20T10:07:00.001-05:002014-07-20T10:34:03.857-05:00Stuff I Loved! I love a good stuff-I-love round-up, so I thought for my once-in-a-blue-moon posting schedule that I am on at the moment, that would be a good way to hit some high points and cover a lot of ground.<br />
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Products:<br />
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There are two new products that I have become a pretty big fan of.<br />
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First up, <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/nails/nail-polish/extraordinaire-gel-lacque-1-2-3.aspx" target="_blank">Loreal Extraordinare Gel-Lacquer</a> (although, that name is quite the mouthful guys). This is a 3-step at-home-no-fancy-light-required gel mani. The first time I tried it I went FIVE DAYS with minimal chippage. That is huge! I am usually happy if I can get through three days without chipping which then leads to obsessive picking until I have effectively scraped off all nail polish and my nails look like they've gotten in a fight with a shredder. I started with a fun, summery red and after my amazing experience went back and bought a stormy gray and two shades of orchid. I could give you the actual colors, but that would require getting up and walking to my bathroom to look, so I am sure you can understand why that's just not happening.<br />
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The other product I am digging is this magical potion I found on pinterest. The pin said that you put it on your hair and magically wake up with it curly! I thought, hey, I have got to try that magic! It is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sebastian-Wearable-Styling-Treatment-5-1-ounce/dp/B000V1QTBM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405867582&sr=8-2&keywords=sebastian+no+9" target="_blank">Sebastian Potion 9, Wearable Styling Treatment.</a> I like to air-dry my hair by just tossing it up in a loose bun and sleeping on it and I usually use a leave-in conditioner anyway, so I switched that out for the new product. It does give my hair extra texture to work with and really lends itself to a messy-curls look. I just refine it a bit with my brand-spanking-new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CHI-Texture-Tourmaline-Ceramic-Curling/dp/B003981CJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405867801&sr=8-1&keywords=chi+curling+iron" target="_blank">CHI curling iron</a> that I looooooooooove, which takes all of 2 minutes and then I am out the door. A perfect lazy-girl hair product.<br />
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Watching:<br />
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I have watched nothing but Animal Planet's River Monsters on Netflix this week. Jeremy Wade is an insane silver fox and am in love with this show that is a marriage of crime drama and fishing. Just give it a go, you can thank me later.<br />
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Reading:<br />
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I am currently reading Ender's Game, and because I am in the middle of it, I can't give a full opinion quite yet, but I am digging it. I also plan to watch the movie before giving it a proper review in it's own post.<br />
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Doing:<br />
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I might be crazy, but I decided to train for a 10K run in September. It gives me exactly 12 weeks to work up from running 2-3 miles to 6 miles. *gulp* I felt like I needed some extra motivation through, so I needed something to work towards. I did my first week of training, which was some easy short runs and a 2-miler. I hit my personal best on my mile and 2-mile time this week!<br />
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Shopping:<br />
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So, I am not sure if you've been anywhere near the internet for the past several days, but in case you haven't, Nordstrom is having a sale. I am not a typical Nordstrom-shopper - its all too expensive for me, and I just stay away to avoid tempting myself into splurging on things I just don't need. Welllllllllll, I did make one itty bitty Nordstrom sale purchase of a scarf, but I am super excited because I have been wanting a <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/leith-faux-fur-infinity-collar/3714621?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=Black%2F+White&resultback=215&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_B" target="_blank">faux fur scarf </a>since Christmas and just could not find one that lived up to my expectations. This purchase has now led me to trying to track down a new winter coat and boots (two things which I actually am in need of). Oh and yes, I do know it is July, but if you had lived through the last winter in the polar vortex of Chiberia, you would want to be well-prepared too!<br />
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Listening:<br />
Considering I am still on a high from the Blake Shelton/Band Perry concert I saw last night, I will leave you with one of my fav's from each of them<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIdCo_QAz_E" target="_blank">Better Dig Two - Band Perry</a> (this is on my running playlist)<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asxrMSVrJ08" target="_blank">Ol' Red - Blake Shelton</a> (this is an oldie, but a goodie)<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZjosn2u1gA" target="_blank">Honeybee - Blake Shelton</a> (Alright, I couldn't pick just one)<br />
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Ooooh - I feel like it would be remiss to mention the one thing I did NOT love this week and that's only because in a roundabout way it brought a lot of hilarity to my life on Friday. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJDXYYW/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Cheap coffee tumblers</a> are not a good life-choice! Here - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2V3RC7U14N78B/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00FJDXYYW" target="_blank">read my amazon review</a> for yourself and I am sure you can figure out why me and my co-workers got a laugh.AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-48086529058085602102014-06-21T08:42:00.002-05:002014-06-21T09:25:31.587-05:00Youtube Yoga When I was in college and actually started thinking about maintaining physical fitness for the first time in my life (helllloooo Freshman 15), I wanted an easy-non-cardio-don't-make-me-actually-sweat workout. I thought, Eureaka! Yoga is easy!<br />
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Now, all you Yogis out there don't start gunning for me yet...<br />
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I was so wrong. Yoga is totally challenging and actually DOES make me sweat! I loved it - and if it hadn't been for 3 jobs and a crazy class schedule and a serious relationship, I probably would've taken waaaaaay more advantage of the free classes at our rec center. However, se la vie, and I didn't do as much yoga as I would've liked. Fast forward 5 years (holy crap, I've been out of college for FIVE years?!) and I still love yoga, but I had fallen out of doing it with any regularity.<br />
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When I picked up running a couple years ago (wow, I still feel like such a beginner!), I started having some inflammation in my hip (something about an extra vertebrae and a pelvis that likes to twist). The first bout of inflammation I treated with ice and chiropractic care and proper running shoes. Then I stopped running for 6 months, ya know, because of that hip... and internship... and job.... and oh yes, a polar vortex. (I have lots of great excuses guys!)<br />
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Running and I were on a break.<br />
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But we are working things out now. <br />
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My renewed relationship with running now has the added component of regular yoga. Since I am cheap and my husband is probably the biggest fan of youtube.com I've ever known, I decided to give it a whirl and see if I could find some post-run yoga stretching for my hips on the ol' youtube.<br />
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I found that and so much more! Here are a few of my favorite videos:<br />
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My go-to post run stretch:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1tZ1fCW8cpQ?list=PLxywR97NbxFhjlIyI7B-GT8sSV-3ozqoq" width="459"></iframe>
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I love her whole channel and this video really got me sweating:<br />
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ci3na6ThUJc?list=PLxywR97NbxFhjlIyI7B-GT8sSV-3ozqoq" width="480"></iframe>
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This was harder than I thought, and dang, I was sore afterwards:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ORzlvF8inyI?list=PLxywR97NbxFhjlIyI7B-GT8sSV-3ozqoq" width="480"></iframe>
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Oh and an oldie but a goodie!:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/q5nyrD4eM64?list=PLxywR97NbxFhjlIyI7B-GT8sSV-3ozqoq" width="480"></iframe>
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I love that all of these are free and the only equipment you need is some stretchy pants and a yoga mat, but still a great work out in the comfort of your own living room!<br />
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<i>Disclaimer here - I am not any type of fitness guru and you should have some common sense and not do stuff if it hurts or your doctor tells you not to - kapeesh? </i>AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-3663399772550502512014-05-11T10:25:00.001-05:002014-05-11T10:25:43.753-05:00A Stylish Mama So, today is Mother's day - never my favorite day out of the year since losing my own mom to cancer 17 years ago. It has absolutely gotten easier to celebrate this day over the years and I have a lot of amazing women in my life to celebrate on this day. Women who treat me like one of their own, mentor, and help to guide me along this crazy thing called life. It is a complex thing to celebrate this day but today I want to focus on something I love - style. I saw<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2783791663&blog=2242&group=0&frame_type=a" target="_blank"> this adorable blog</a> about what women have learned from their mom's about fashion and <a href="http://blog.modcloth.com/2014/05/09/modclothmom/" target="_blank">ModCloth's instagram and blog</a> have been filled with "mom-inspired" outfits all week!<br />
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I love the idea of celebrating mom's style because most of the time a mom is going to be a big source of your fashion and style choices, even unconsciously. My own sweet mama was definitely my biggest style inspiration just by her own love of clothes, fashion, shoes, and all things accessories. Some of the biggest fashion lessons I learned from her were:<br />
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- If you've got it, flaunt it. (aka dress for your body, every one has something to flaunt! Play up your assets!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvSDlVt8bVPs_DTMl4mn3PmjI_nm1KGCgMKz9PBQdTcn1VcWmteMSqol8XmvvIrDo6pKqPcbMu_DPHCACkgsALIYQKDvmaZWY40_VuTSjvticLYp8OX8QQQX2NMgX6CsTHyQ-JtxaP0hB/s1600/IMG_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvSDlVt8bVPs_DTMl4mn3PmjI_nm1KGCgMKz9PBQdTcn1VcWmteMSqol8XmvvIrDo6pKqPcbMu_DPHCACkgsALIYQKDvmaZWY40_VuTSjvticLYp8OX8QQQX2NMgX6CsTHyQ-JtxaP0hB/s1600/IMG_0063.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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- Always look put together, because how you look affects how you feel. My mom was often undergoing some sort of medical procedure or treatment for her cancer, but by god I dare you to find a hair out of place. She felt better if she looked put together.<br />
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- When in doubt, buy the shoes. She is the reason I inherited by<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/imelda-marcos-3000-pairs-shoes-9044413" target="_blank"> Imelda Marcos level shoe hoarding habits</a>. She had dozens and dozens of shoes, and she found a way to wear them all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_wA-XX7S0Ir7VNOtTr-IzZzBCwgKnWMdrZVcyg1fReCudGdvX4oM8aW6-KhBNZNO9qvclx4k0hztVapTdTR7JPQImRcY4z7zWhFyJ8F67T3Acd5d6_GIlwLFsS19mlwhxhDKxhE10y7u/s1600/IMG_6961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_wA-XX7S0Ir7VNOtTr-IzZzBCwgKnWMdrZVcyg1fReCudGdvX4oM8aW6-KhBNZNO9qvclx4k0hztVapTdTR7JPQImRcY4z7zWhFyJ8F67T3Acd5d6_GIlwLFsS19mlwhxhDKxhE10y7u/s1600/IMG_6961.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
- And perhaps most importantly, be confident. Be OK with who you are and embrace yourself. It may have took some urging by her best friend (hey, we all have self-confidence issues now and then) but it was brave and amazing of her to bare her adorable little head during her chemo. She also had a blonde wig that she wore because, as she said, "Blondes have more fun".<br />
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So today, in order to honor her, I am wearing an outfit directly inspired by my mom. I have lots of 80's - 90's fashion inspiration photos to choose from, as you can see from above, but when I first decided to do this post I picked this one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuRMCEH4etMF9-QsWws1RQQDNUofu4FqDAZbzrz8IHzTmCpHtygeVKZXtL9YWb16dq_74OPbatUnUOHYIfdMEbtYM_42z8i2HF6IWQPXuena1zqdFPQH2ifMHoU0vi4N3y_sNanWeMJ_6/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuRMCEH4etMF9-QsWws1RQQDNUofu4FqDAZbzrz8IHzTmCpHtygeVKZXtL9YWb16dq_74OPbatUnUOHYIfdMEbtYM_42z8i2HF6IWQPXuena1zqdFPQH2ifMHoU0vi4N3y_sNanWeMJ_6/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Just look how adorable she is! :) Stripes are totally on trend right now and I love red. I thought this would be the perfect outfit to try to emulate. So I tried. And I tried. And I hated the new top I bought (I am actually taking it back) and it just didn't feel right.<br />
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I went back to the photo album. I learned that my mom wore white jeans a lot. Like, she even had a pair of white overalls! I learned that she also wore pastels. a lot. I also learned she apparently had her photo taken in winter a lot, or she was just always cold, because I swear the woman is wearing a turtleneck or heavy knit in almost every photo! Then I started to re-think this whole post and thought that a photo album was making me a liar…<br />
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Then I took a minute and breathed.<br />
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I decided to go simple. So, I went back to some of my favorite photos, of some of my most cherished memories. I changed my mind and picked this one:<br />
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A snapshot from our last vacation together in Sedona, AZ. The time when my mom was being amazingly brave. A classic outfit - a floral top (even if it is a turtleneck (IN ARIZONA MOM - REALLY?)), jeans, and a long sweater. That I can do.<br />
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So here is my version. Updated print and silhouette and let's not talk about acid wash, but ultimately the same concept. Plus, I think she would've liked it.<br />
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Happy Mother's Day Mama.<br />
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Has your mom influenced you fashion sense? What's the best style advice your mom gave you?AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-72648839376628949532014-05-09T09:56:00.002-05:002014-05-09T09:56:17.690-05:00Friday Favorites I like to hop around the blogosphere to see everyone's Friday posts because they are all usually so upbeat and lovely. Everyone is celebrating the fact that it is Friday, the hard week is over, and the weekend is just a few hours away... It is like a party on the internet and I love it.<br />
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I want to put out some positive Friday-vibes on my little corner of the interwebs too, so I thought I would just throw out a couple things I am loving from this past week! (Prepare yourself for this to be all over the place, I love lots of things!) <br />
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1. Jif Whips<br />
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This is heaven in a dish. Oh my goodness, it is light and fluffy and super delicious. I am telling everyone I know about this stuff and my husband and I are going through almost 2 tubs a week! We are constantly fighting over the chocolate one... its almost like candy or nutella but FLUFFY. Really, there is no going wrong here.<br />
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2. Nurses and Teachers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieT3M8ej4k_gXDdEFWoCSkI_mc-mgpt9LsLDSVGYViKN57jw2Uwi9GfweoI7QhbwiYnUaBTowv-D3fZt1ekALgmbrL24E6equdXY6RMrkYHaO0DiuzDnz8ceMzywP-g4RanlspjOUWn-ml/s1600/1656105_10152405498807767_8205536728852759253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieT3M8ej4k_gXDdEFWoCSkI_mc-mgpt9LsLDSVGYViKN57jw2Uwi9GfweoI7QhbwiYnUaBTowv-D3fZt1ekALgmbrL24E6equdXY6RMrkYHaO0DiuzDnz8ceMzywP-g4RanlspjOUWn-ml/s1600/1656105_10152405498807767_8205536728852759253_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hey it's nurse and teacher appreciation week - I know a bunch of both and they are some of the most giving, loving, patient, kind people with stomachs of steel... I mean kids and patients = body fluids. *shudder* But really, I do think you are amazing and respect all of the really hard work you all do to make the world better either by teaching or by nursing. :)<br />
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3. The Originals<br />
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If it is wrong that my husband and I bond over smutty supernatural shows, then I don't want to be right. We both totally love this new CW spinoff (even better than the original... har har) and always watch it together. Elijah is my favorite. I think the hubs prefers Klaus. :)<br />
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4. Pinterest - Geek Section<br />
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This section of pinterest truly speaks to my soul... or at least my funny bone. When I need a pick-me-up at work, I spend 5 minutes here and giggle to my heart's content. It's also full of great gifs of Jensen Ackles (Supernatural) dancing. Go ahead. Click<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/490118371920213868/" target="_blank"> here</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/280349145528381645/" target="_blank">here</a>,<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/466404105130053704/" target="_blank"> here</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/122863896056826879/" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/222224562836585852/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbmvv3rOHH1rziwwco1_500.gif" target="_blank">here</a>. You will thank me. <br />
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5. Summer Country Music<br />
Now this truly does speak to my soul. Some of the new country songs hitting the air waves are seriously taking me straight back to 17, laying in the grass, watching the stars, and being carefree. It's nostalgic, bittersweet, and just lovely. (Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't go back to 17 for a million dollars, BUT it is nice to get all reminisce-y) <br />
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You can check out some of my absolute favorites right now on the ol' youtube.com:<br />
Luke Bryan - <a href="http://youtu.be/ALV-QtDFpSw" target="_blank">Play it Again</a> (I mean... swoooon)<br />
Black Shelton - <a href="http://youtu.be/KLWDF4DFbF0" target="_blank">My Eyes</a> <br />
Keith Urban - <a href="http://youtu.be/aJAe5miXN_Y" target="_blank">Cop Car</a><br />
Band Perry - <a href="http://youtu.be/jmCN2JzWyJU" target="_blank">Chainsaw</a><br />
Eric Church - <a href="http://youtu.be/VrDbBMWRuOU" target="_blank">Hometown</a><br />
Rascal Flatts - <a href="http://youtu.be/VgSJ96Mz6V8" target="_blank">Rewind</a> <br />
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What are YOU loving this week?? Products, music, websites?? Share in the comments! <br />
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Happy Friday! AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-71461598187556083532014-05-08T11:34:00.000-05:002014-05-08T11:34:49.344-05:00Product Review: Primer (for yo face, not yo wall)Since I have some great friends who are in the middle of a home-reno, paint primer was the first thing I thought of when I wrote my title, which is why I needed to clarify this is primer for the face! I actually had no idea what primer was until about 5 years ago when shopping for wedding-day make up. Any girl needs to know that her wedding day make up will stay put and stay flawless and primer helps to make that happen. It also helps moisturize and some have SPF protectant. I literally used it 1 time and relegated it to the bottom of my make-up bag because, as the meme goes, "ain't nobody got time for that".<br />
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Well, as I have grown out of my early 20's baby face and have been turned on to more grown up make-up, primer has actually become a regular part of my make-up routine. I have tried several and will share my thoughts about them with you here!<br />
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First up, the wedding day primer:<br />
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Make Up Forever<br />
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I just got another sample of this in my recent Sephora order and was reminded of why it works so well. This is definitely a high quality product, it is light and silky going on. The smell is light, fresh, and clean. It is very thin consistency, so a little goes a long way. It is a higher price tag than I would typically spend - $35, but a fantastic product. <br />
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Benefit Pore-fessional <br />
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This is another super silky product and you could wear it alone if you just wanted very sheer coverage because it is very slightly tinted and helps to even out skin and cover up pores to make make-up glide on easily. I also like this product, but I tend to get a little shiny in the T-zone by the end of a day when I use it. However, I do not like the smell of this one. I can't even describe it to you, but I find it to be icky, but not quite icky enough to not use. This one can also be pricier than I am usually willing to pay ($31 for full-size) but you can get a mini version to try for around $10. <br />
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Neutrogena Primer<br />
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This was is totally budget friendly ($10 or less) and has a mattifying effect which I loved. It is fairly light consistency and also a thinner consistency so it spreads on easily, and make up goes on easily over it. It kept me pretty matte all day, which is a win in my book. I got it at Target, but I've been back several times and can't find it again! <br />
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My fruitless hunt for the Neutrogena primer led me to try this last one -<br />
No. 7 mattifying primer.<br />
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Whoa man. Matte for days baby. This one has kind of a sticky formula, which took some getting used to, but it is very effective and budget friendly too. I am using it every day, but probably will try to find something a bit lighter on my next trip to the store since the weather is warming up, I try to go lighter on the facial products in the summer. It is about the same price tag as Neutrogena - $10 or so.<br />
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If I had to pick out of all of them, I would go for the Neutrogena one, because it is budget friendly and it had a mattefying effect without being super sticky. However, the Make-Up forever one is definitely a winner in my book as well, and it is a brand I love (I use their foundation and blush too!) but I feel like you should save where you can.AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-47197593464375391942014-04-24T15:17:00.001-05:002014-04-24T15:17:20.842-05:00Tired<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Guys, sometimes this whole blogging this is really hard. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mean, yes, I have been super busy as of late, but it is
more than that. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I stress over the content here. I adore reading other blogs,
but I have little confidence that anything I say is readable. I am not very
funny, not very witty, and don’t have any type of platform to tout products or
anything else. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel extraordinarily ordinary. And most days, really, I am
A-OK with ordinary. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But is ordinary worth blogging? </div>
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<br /></div>
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What about those really tough, but still ordinary seasons of
life? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Weeks when people you love are exceptionally hard on you for
no good reason. The weeks you disappoint yourself. The days you cannot stand to
look in a mirror. Those times that if one more person asks you to do something
you will just scream. I have had a lot of these lately. I have had no desire to
string words together and plaster them up on the internet, because why? I have
nothing positive of note to say. I don’t want to be a whiny blogger and just
express my feelings when things are tough or I am down. And my gosh, if I have
to take one more selfie… </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ApsccXyyogH-4nOZPDKGSezznqkfJlWFzY8WPKKRZO_SQbLgEhXhZcTHqCjxSzl7m8MQv6W8Fn_uhUwyTQGhnkCiNC7q7croLI2rTdktK83iF7KfbR9wIJ9MQQK0JZSdRHngDfk3ffY0/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ApsccXyyogH-4nOZPDKGSezznqkfJlWFzY8WPKKRZO_SQbLgEhXhZcTHqCjxSzl7m8MQv6W8Fn_uhUwyTQGhnkCiNC7q7croLI2rTdktK83iF7KfbR9wIJ9MQQK0JZSdRHngDfk3ffY0/s1600/004.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But at the same time, I want to be authentic and real
because that is what I love so much about some of my favorite bloggers. They
keep it real yo. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbkIAcyiRY4to6WyBn2owjxRItU0PfUj49HFRbWQBJulcESj6tr8ZSVoKGN51JPqGisKWl15OoxyQ5Yl4BZlhYHwVk70AHmzOyYtiW-h_fFFDzQVB7_laY7NTROU-cCpqgCIMCQHX0jrK/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbkIAcyiRY4to6WyBn2owjxRItU0PfUj49HFRbWQBJulcESj6tr8ZSVoKGN51JPqGisKWl15OoxyQ5Yl4BZlhYHwVk70AHmzOyYtiW-h_fFFDzQVB7_laY7NTROU-cCpqgCIMCQHX0jrK/s1600/002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So in the spirit of authenticity – life has been hard. I am tired. Eh - more than tired, weary. I
have not wanted to blog. I have not wanted to take pictures of myself. I’ve
taken some hits to my self esteem (honestly, sometimes I amaze myself for the
amount of self-confidence I do have). I’ve worried more than my norm. I have
hit my stress limits on all fronts; work, school, and home. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOm1ipkT4HwvwpAKnSyoVz-IWodJ2blBQIM5T2KtEBr2kQySzUnczxE24m5ZsilX-qI_JCRY45j2-bhF5h13_S6h8XWAp6PePztKYyZzHl9CvyoERV8VRqklJlnY9j9nLyZxd5yu6l6uN/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOm1ipkT4HwvwpAKnSyoVz-IWodJ2blBQIM5T2KtEBr2kQySzUnczxE24m5ZsilX-qI_JCRY45j2-bhF5h13_S6h8XWAp6PePztKYyZzHl9CvyoERV8VRqklJlnY9j9nLyZxd5yu6l6uN/s1600/003.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But today – I see the light at the end of the tunnel. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been taking care of myself a bit better and hitting
the pavement again. I am feeling stronger and blissfully sore again. I am
almost done with another class and that much closer to my Masters. The winter
has finally broke and Spring is here. I am going to be practicing a little more
self-love and taking more time to appreciate my accomplishments rather than
just plowing ahead to the next thing. I am setting a new intention for the rest
of the year; to love my whole self. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t know what that might look like yet – I do know that
I need to holistically care for myself; mind, body, and soul. Maybe a little
more exercise, a little more reflection, possibly some journaling, hopefully a
little less stress and anxiety, and a little more confidence perhaps? </div>
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<br /></div>
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What do you do to love yourself and renew mind/body/spirit? </div>
AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-510618044351648912014-04-16T16:36:00.000-05:002014-04-16T16:36:09.863-05:00Bloglovin' <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5878557/?claim=udmuyysdvw8">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
Guys - I finally jumped on the Bloglovin band-wagon. I am such an awful blogger! I will get myself together sometime I swear! AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-70283161451453750682014-04-03T16:35:00.003-05:002014-04-03T16:35:31.510-05:00100 Day Shopping Ban - Home Stretch <div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2162" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In January of this year, I am embarked on a 100-day shopping ban with some fellow bloggers. The idea was proposed by the lovely <a href="http://www.rachelthehat.com/" target="_blank">Rachel the Hat</a> and she wrote a great mid-way follow up post which you can read <a href="http://www.rachelthehat.com/2014/02/update-half-way-through-100daynospend.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It really encompassed a lot of the feelings I was having about this journey.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2161" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_1947" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since January 6<sup>th</sup> I have been purchase-free. My ban included clothes, shoes, and any accessories. I did spend some Christmas gift cards on 3 tunics from ModCloth (see <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/hosting-for-the-weekend-tunic-in-pepper" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/hosting-for-the-weekend-tunic-in-merlot" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/basic-tops/static-eccentricity-tunic" target="_blank">here</a>) which I have gotten a ton of use out of, but no other new clothing has graced by closet or dented my bank account. Well, I also purchased a pair of rain/winter boots that were deemed a necessity, but those are probably worth their own post AND were OK'd by the Twitter shopping ban support group :) </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_1942" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We are two weeks away from the end of this shopping ban and it is making me think that April 15<sup>th</sup> will be my most favorite day of the year this year. (My hubs is an accountant, so tax day marks the day we can be normal people again –that AND I get to buy clothes again!) With the weather FINALLY feeling like Spring, I have to admit, I am jonesing for some new springy clothes! I meandered around Target for almost 45 minutes on Saturday just looking at and touching all of the new seasonal styles and making some mental notes for things I will be more than happy to add to my wardrobe. Also, Easter is almost upon us and I always love a new Easter dress. So, when my ban lifts I will likely purchase the following:</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2165" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Floral, springy dress(es)</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2166" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Floral, multicolor scarf</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2167" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Denim vest</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2168" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Light-weight cardi(s)</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2169" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Soft, pastel shirt(s)</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Linen pants</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Comfy wedges</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2160" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Something in cobalt</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is nice to actually have a well-thought out list of things that I actually need to supplement my wardrobe and I have also been able to do a lot of purging over the past few months as I have been able to clearly see which clothing items I don’t wear. I even started a Pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ashleah/my-style-wish-list/" target="_blank">Wish List</a> that can keep me realistic about the clothing items I really want to own, not just those that inspire me. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Some lessons I have learned over the past 90ish days:</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. I really don’t NEED new clothes – I mean, I know this seems completely obvious, and it really is, but I think I needed to go through this ban to just see how many clothes I really do have.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. I can be more creative with mixing and matching. – Again, duh Ashlea.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Shopping is almost like stress-eating for me. When I am unhappy I shop and I am glad to be able to “window shop” in the same way without making impulse purchases and still get that little “high” or bit of inspiration to take home.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2148" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Purge, purge, purge. I’ve been able to make way in my closet for some new seasonal items because I purged. I am also going to make an attempt to switch from a winter-to-summer wardrobe for the first time in, oh ever. My drawers are prime real estate, so I will work on actually putting some stuff into storage in the next month or so.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5. There are actually better things to spend money on than new dresses… kind of. We were able to get a new blender and some new pillow shams that really completed our bedroom and all because I was actually paying attention to things in our home that reside in other places than my closet.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I do miss shopping, totally. I LOVE getting new packages of goodies in the mail and making impulse Target shopping trips. However, I hope to move forward as a more responsible, careful, and thoughtful shopper.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5435465252MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396489565844_2186" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-56819715114221589642014-03-28T13:41:00.000-05:002014-03-30T15:45:38.412-05:00Women Shaming Women: A Rant <div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10656">
One
of my favorite radio stations will do an occasional segment called
“Grind my Gears” and the newscaster gets to just rant about current
things that drive me crazy or “grind his gears”. Consider this my version of "Grind my Gears".</div>
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<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10654">
So, I saw <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/mar/27/tutu-self-magazine-lame-running-apology/" target="_blank">this article</a> in my facebook newsfeed and actually had a violent reaction to it. It grinds my gears so to speak.</div>
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<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10654">
Self magazine asked to use a woman's photo of her running in a marathon in a tutu, which she heartily agreed to, and then used it to mock her efforts. Oh, and by the way, she was mid-chemo treatments AND has a charity to raise money for young girls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnQhdqEK22UmLURxujmg3o510CdtGWM3FUQ4pC3Jd0SCD0oF5OtgEQExRa3nfbMOrxcTChRBqZIvQFCIDeV1Vq6H-oF7x2HBuHVKpK5iVQ7Es44ZWEMyIzQ7pzQ9uJl2FQ8RQ2w5EZir-/s1600/tutu+runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnQhdqEK22UmLURxujmg3o510CdtGWM3FUQ4pC3Jd0SCD0oF5OtgEQExRa3nfbMOrxcTChRBqZIvQFCIDeV1Vq6H-oF7x2HBuHVKpK5iVQ7Es44ZWEMyIzQ7pzQ9uJl2FQ8RQ2w5EZir-/s1600/tutu+runner.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10652">
I am not sure which reason pushed me completely over the edge after reading this but there are a few possibilities. </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10652">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10652">
Maybe it is because I have dabbled in running in tutus. </div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Pmk4stxQvuMwhuLEMyJWB8aUsrP8DfJPMrM-OtizjFf0D8UixSHWHvzm1OiAXBaWC0D_kJbWYSxr-bXHfKuDY5HBIY5Jksy3n2rKcEDBSWruBoDt-nmOQDZyaNZRso0t_8OKyU5e2rF/s1600/400785_10100805122155849_476838866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Pmk4stxQvuMwhuLEMyJWB8aUsrP8DfJPMrM-OtizjFf0D8UixSHWHvzm1OiAXBaWC0D_kJbWYSxr-bXHfKuDY5HBIY5Jksy3n2rKcEDBSWruBoDt-nmOQDZyaNZRso0t_8OKyU5e2rF/s1600/400785_10100805122155849_476838866_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10651">
Maybe it is because I have never been and never will be the super-fit athletic wonder woman. </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10650">
Maybe it is because I struggle immensely with weight loss. </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10575">
Maybe
it is because it is just a super bitchy thing for Self magazine to have
asked to use this woman’s photo to heartlessly mock and shame her. </div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10661">
Seriously,
the fact that she is a cancer survivor is the least of it for me (not
that it isn’t 100% awesome, rock-star status to run a marathon in the
midst of chemo, plus raise money for charity besides!). It is the fact
that she is a woman, trying to better herself, make healthy life choices
and a magazine FOR WOMEN’s HEALTH cut her down for having fun while
being healthy. This is everything that is wrong with the world we live
in. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10662">
If
I need to strap on a tutu to run a 5K, what the hell is wrong with
that? Are you truly pretentious enough to say I dumbing down your sport? Have I personally offended you with
my tulle-adorned waist?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10662">
Wait, let me answer that for you. The answer is No. Just enjoy my fluffly behind as you pass me and move on with your life. </div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10664">
Then, later in the day, I saw this headline. <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/03/27/joan-rivers-accuses-lena-dunham-of-promoting-obesity/6959703/" target="_blank">Joan Rivers Accuses Lena Dunham of Promoting Obesity</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10665">
For
the record, I don’t watch Girls and don’t know much about Lena Dunham,
but I do know that she is a real person and no one deserves to be the
target of this unkindness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1ow41fmvKFj4u7z39ziiUVdJEXJ4KZ4ZIMtBalGt9z2vzgsfYrSrF2xpoZU6VbVWlNgAjBz8Bj2hX86DbADB-IbfCVeaINARZnVLQJH-tu6Mza01Bu4cxdavbEE0Iv2r4os-TKh6TFV1/s1600/3004360-inline-inline-2-172-feature-judd-apatow-lena-dunham-talk-about-stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1ow41fmvKFj4u7z39ziiUVdJEXJ4KZ4ZIMtBalGt9z2vzgsfYrSrF2xpoZU6VbVWlNgAjBz8Bj2hX86DbADB-IbfCVeaINARZnVLQJH-tu6Mza01Bu4cxdavbEE0Iv2r4os-TKh6TFV1/s1600/3004360-inline-inline-2-172-feature-judd-apatow-lena-dunham-talk-about-stuff.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10666">
I
am not sure if Joan Rivers needs to be the poster girl for obesity and diabetes
prevention here and aside from that, <i>why oh why</i>, as a woman who broke
down so many boundaries for women in comedy would she viciously attack
another young woman who is in a similar situation as she was? Shame on
you Joan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTvzWvGLDoehHUrQQDamT_hez7TEDfLw0tG1wAvUCBDRPfQ1jUQ1EJTpIiutzn1f2imKjG6jTouS8YQdnITBDAY1oFpl-kikESIZWzKX4ILPz8exF7vtaL7e-lxtfKPbOZnU6A77a9_mb/s1600/lena_dunham_grammys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTvzWvGLDoehHUrQQDamT_hez7TEDfLw0tG1wAvUCBDRPfQ1jUQ1EJTpIiutzn1f2imKjG6jTouS8YQdnITBDAY1oFpl-kikESIZWzKX4ILPz8exF7vtaL7e-lxtfKPbOZnU6A77a9_mb/s1600/lena_dunham_grammys.jpg" height="320" width="193" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10667">
And,
for the record, Lena Dunham isn’t fat. She is a perfectly normal-sized
individual with a normal BMI. Just because she doesn’t fit into some
unrealistic Giselle-shaped pigeon hole does not mean she is not a
beautiful person. Plus, from what I have gleaned, this girl is downright brilliant, so maybe we should celebrate that instead of cutting her down for what she looks like. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgivzvOPmGZPNt9jfX_lbffVt65izEkpQyOwfTLvB4G9lV9Ofmmmz3YFZBKTdgX0dZMFOH3PQ64MvaGNyJ0vt4CD6qXx3iiexZA7-qYd2C6wdHgnTSsvXlfSOg1VhbAXx4rUsitR6ewKh/s1600/lena-dunham-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgivzvOPmGZPNt9jfX_lbffVt65izEkpQyOwfTLvB4G9lV9Ofmmmz3YFZBKTdgX0dZMFOH3PQ64MvaGNyJ0vt4CD6qXx3iiexZA7-qYd2C6wdHgnTSsvXlfSOg1VhbAXx4rUsitR6ewKh/s1600/lena-dunham-600x450.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10669">
When will we learn that fat-shaming doesn’t work? </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10670">
Making
a person feel embarrassment and shame is never going to spur them into
making healthier decisions for themselves and honestly probably just
sends some into a deeper spiral. If a person is able to accept and love
themselves, they are going to be more likely to make good, healthy
decisions than if they are forced to keep tearing themselves down. </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10671">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10671">
Do
you people really have no idea that you can’t say anything to a chubby
girl that she hasn’t already said to herself 1000 times? </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10672">
I
guarantee I have hated on my body WAY more than anyone else ever could,
but it still hurts deeply when someone else says anything negative
about it. We already know what is “wrong” with our bodies, so maybe just
don’t be a jerk and keep it to yourself. </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10673">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10673">
Anyway, why is it wrong to love myself and my body the way it is – curves, lumps, and bumps and all? </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10674">
To
be honest, I would rather be chubby with curves than super skinny –
that’s my personal preference and why isn’t it OK for me to embrace
that? There are so many different body types out there, why is only 1
considered beautiful? </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal">
And
women (myself included) – Can we please just stop being a bunch of
catty bitches? I mean honestly, together we could do so much good, why
do we waste our time tearing each other down? </div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal">
Whew. It felt good to get that out. </div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10676">
Anything that is grinding your gears lately? Run in a tutu recently? <br />
<br />
UPDATE: I just wanted to include here a<a href="http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Joyful-Tutu-Run-San-Diego-SELF-Magazine-253050981.html" target="_blank"> response by San Diego residents </a>to the Self Magazine debacle. </div>
<div class="yiv5265697066MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1396014381878_10675">
Some of my faith in humanity may be restored :) </div>
AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343172590725181775.post-86509773996328760032014-03-11T19:16:00.000-05:002014-03-11T19:16:56.295-05:00Fashionably Late Oscar FashionI am going to try to play this off like a fashionably late entrance to a party. You know, the one that starts at 7, but the really cool crowd doesn't show up until 9? No? You don't know that party? Me either. I am the one that gets there at 6:45 to help set up, but let's pretend anyway shall we?<br />
<br />
The Oscars wrapped up a weeks ago now and I shamefully still don't have my Oscar Fashion post done - I have downloaded photos and have plenty of opinions popping around in my mind - so let's get cracking!<br />
<br />
I am not going to feature everything here today - I want to highlight through several posts the best, the worst, some trends I saw, and who did it better at the parties than the show. I will also have posts detailing some leading ladies and their entire award-show-season looks.<br />
<br />
For today, let's start with the trends and who wore them best!<br />
<br />
1. Blush Pink<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cHKrWf-ONIIY0v9POrnq0UnJ7WoRj8355jtS_LwnSHeDAKAd3hR90GhdEvnCDwNVPJHaDbmVQjTSKOtMX1uJuJGZOey_-NuzTlrFHvckh35n0W6QaSssbQyVuflNodl-V22syUuiA1CW/s1600/68e81150-a266-11e3-b239-7d09c756fe0d_LauraDern_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cHKrWf-ONIIY0v9POrnq0UnJ7WoRj8355jtS_LwnSHeDAKAd3hR90GhdEvnCDwNVPJHaDbmVQjTSKOtMX1uJuJGZOey_-NuzTlrFHvckh35n0W6QaSssbQyVuflNodl-V22syUuiA1CW/s1600/68e81150-a266-11e3-b239-7d09c756fe0d_LauraDern_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Jada Pinkett-Smith, Penelope Cruz, Ellie Kemper, Laura Dern </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But my Best of the Blush: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKfHQKXDcI8zIX6Kl0UD6_dd21UK859g75jmLJjUrOnnrsy9XV0W69DMFOD5QVf27UMwyoZdfQ-sy7NMM4skbpu0acbsc7g5yKwuaXkF2CovG-o5oy5ZbmeLAgPx6ie_NiiDHN1NMbD4J/s1600/62067e80-a26b-11e3-aacd-1ff334314e3f_McConaughey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKfHQKXDcI8zIX6Kl0UD6_dd21UK859g75jmLJjUrOnnrsy9XV0W69DMFOD5QVf27UMwyoZdfQ-sy7NMM4skbpu0acbsc7g5yKwuaXkF2CovG-o5oy5ZbmeLAgPx6ie_NiiDHN1NMbD4J/s1600/62067e80-a26b-11e3-aacd-1ff334314e3f_McConaughey2.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Camilla Alves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How stunning is she in that dress? And the draping?! So much drama and class in one dress. Oscar Perfection. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Pedal to the metal - metallics!! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Lady Gaga (why was she there?), Jennifer Garner, Angelina Jolie, Miranda Kerr </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz1iFx-Vef5ObhPvxJir6Vz6mbOLufvcseyz4IzRtgqinMUK7eRqNhmN4r4MYc7t1pJ-mTDv1vQzTynq5asTr7ceL6C1xEILEFlAaInyawWgcImmOw05y4tmVSkoMuI_HxvCcLNs_ruXz/s1600/f78e22c0-a269-11e3-83ac-dbd001b9a9c0_JessicaBiel_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz1iFx-Vef5ObhPvxJir6Vz6mbOLufvcseyz4IzRtgqinMUK7eRqNhmN4r4MYc7t1pJ-mTDv1vQzTynq5asTr7ceL6C1xEILEFlAaInyawWgcImmOw05y4tmVSkoMuI_HxvCcLNs_ruXz/s1600/f78e22c0-a269-11e3-83ac-dbd001b9a9c0_JessicaBiel_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Julie Delpy, Jessica Biel </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But my favorite ladies in metallic hues:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw8BEAc2a83yqwwM7hRoXHF_ob6B8NMkfkyM7tDmBCCB0tjkaHamC7hHxaEG6GsGJzZohIm2AwCNgcySJdY7DPk2XxZU4oJoVDawpnS4wPgEWWZYno3hPW33Z12WSbHX_598V33QWMtxU/s1600/f7133350-a29e-11e3-b38d-2f983a26a911_RumerWillis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw8BEAc2a83yqwwM7hRoXHF_ob6B8NMkfkyM7tDmBCCB0tjkaHamC7hHxaEG6GsGJzZohIm2AwCNgcySJdY7DPk2XxZU4oJoVDawpnS4wPgEWWZYno3hPW33Z12WSbHX_598V33QWMtxU/s1600/f7133350-a29e-11e3-b38d-2f983a26a911_RumerWillis.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rumor Willis (cause wow, girl looks good)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg621Y6NOu_c5qFng6l8vPmwUzvzCAp5wQNu7QzaG8Z3Vh2fZeT34dRbLfnWShPhETfQaEOzpXxvv4fvDw68nT5HLSWlq54ggctzgqDgUzKIYfRxARP4konWFXGRIT60HQ2Cph9fw1gX23l/s1600/83f5c070-a26e-11e3-9b03-a5ff66e534f3_KateHudson_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg621Y6NOu_c5qFng6l8vPmwUzvzCAp5wQNu7QzaG8Z3Vh2fZeT34dRbLfnWShPhETfQaEOzpXxvv4fvDw68nT5HLSWlq54ggctzgqDgUzKIYfRxARP4konWFXGRIT60HQ2Cph9fw1gX23l/s1600/83f5c070-a26e-11e3-9b03-a5ff66e534f3_KateHudson_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kristen Chenoworth and Kate Hudson </div>
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Little Kristen looks like she should BE an Oscar and Kate just oooooooooozes old Hollywood glamour and sex appeal. Stunning. </div>
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3. Nude and white hues </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhef44Joh1TA3qZbXJaG4xsCjGqDThHPIK3e3AeiupM6RWlYSK4ne3_glIO4V1C7EDOy14MRGyX0cfJbtu4kahO5KPt9K-DXElXCNO5ARdaqDfCNloyrd_bPgJ6agiaV4lElcCAoC3MznnX/s1600/0a1907d0-a29b-11e3-9ce9-e99a901836fe_SofiaVergara_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhef44Joh1TA3qZbXJaG4xsCjGqDThHPIK3e3AeiupM6RWlYSK4ne3_glIO4V1C7EDOy14MRGyX0cfJbtu4kahO5KPt9K-DXElXCNO5ARdaqDfCNloyrd_bPgJ6agiaV4lElcCAoC3MznnX/s1600/0a1907d0-a29b-11e3-9ce9-e99a901836fe_SofiaVergara_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, Sofia Vergara </div>
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All of them win. Just freaking gorgeous. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf8wYQRaOFLADaNCftWNNOMu0eca7QvfJVl7fOc-er5ht8CdiRtkkWbmWCN-62qnIi9RYgwaAYb6-tAco3FIlqbPMbYIoHRKKCLcL3GN7hmoYEXx3inAuCip9q2S8rB7zl-0BZFOce991/s1600/06896420-a269-11e3-aacd-1ff334314e3f_CalistaFlockhart01_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf8wYQRaOFLADaNCftWNNOMu0eca7QvfJVl7fOc-er5ht8CdiRtkkWbmWCN-62qnIi9RYgwaAYb6-tAco3FIlqbPMbYIoHRKKCLcL3GN7hmoYEXx3inAuCip9q2S8rB7zl-0BZFOce991/s1600/06896420-a269-11e3-aacd-1ff334314e3f_CalistaFlockhart01_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Naomi Watts, Calista Flockhart, Olivia Munn (committing some sort of awful crime against boobies in that dress)</div>
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4. Green Goddesses</div>
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June Squibb, Adele Nazeem (Idina Menzel), and Evan Rachel Wood</div>
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All stunners - but ERW may be my all-time favorite look of the entire night. I mean THAT is how you do the Oscars - and she wasn't even there! That's at the Vanity Fair party! </div>
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5. And finally - a LBD is a timeless, classic look:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-JpAksNvIspSCPVnGFfgE-nAvLat69qwptg2a7Ei6h-okfg2AtyJ98hhi4YxyZKxliK6R9pFtCTLVVHybis6S1_uVLjR68kb5tcXJbNM8yV8S-FRPfstxo3c95i034hg7jiw8JDtrdP9/s1600/07009fa0-a31c-11e3-94c7-a5f20aef0734_476427537_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-JpAksNvIspSCPVnGFfgE-nAvLat69qwptg2a7Ei6h-okfg2AtyJ98hhi4YxyZKxliK6R9pFtCTLVVHybis6S1_uVLjR68kb5tcXJbNM8yV8S-FRPfstxo3c95i034hg7jiw8JDtrdP9/s1600/07009fa0-a31c-11e3-94c7-a5f20aef0734_476427537_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mindy Kaling, Anna Kendrick, Olivia Wilde </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFSQzGc1jtfm-kKl7wushAe9sSKc887JGpY1bTMaBRJ8MX88Pcv8NiewHv46Ijf86Xrfd4sxVNwipxeCL-SZ9sOGJy8pO06dK4LGYRb_w8bBr8jST0QrGCQNjxDsDfxEytJe0czBpg9GQ/s1600/07009fa0-a31c-11e3-94c7-a5f20aef0734_4764275370_fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFSQzGc1jtfm-kKl7wushAe9sSKc887JGpY1bTMaBRJ8MX88Pcv8NiewHv46Ijf86Xrfd4sxVNwipxeCL-SZ9sOGJy8pO06dK4LGYRb_w8bBr8jST0QrGCQNjxDsDfxEytJe0czBpg9GQ/s1600/07009fa0-a31c-11e3-94c7-a5f20aef0734_4764275370_fotor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Margot Robbie, Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway</div>
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Most of them are gorgeous, a few a little boring, a few a little off (looking at you Anna and Anne) but the creme de la creme of the black dresses: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeP47j4qFQNJintOn7ARUQ84otSE3IZlm24o2n1S3Cn5IemU0kysFW7RqLvJYnKgxH2YnEQLFMTebVCYejUJgDnQxNgyTMvLku9BuuU8Eemc4VgtEd9kHn3muoX7VaUb8piRWPsB5BEz4/s1600/41160790-a26b-11e3-aacd-1ff334314e3f_CharlizeTheron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeP47j4qFQNJintOn7ARUQ84otSE3IZlm24o2n1S3Cn5IemU0kysFW7RqLvJYnKgxH2YnEQLFMTebVCYejUJgDnQxNgyTMvLku9BuuU8Eemc4VgtEd9kHn3muoX7VaUb8piRWPsB5BEz4/s1600/41160790-a26b-11e3-aacd-1ff334314e3f_CharlizeTheron.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
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The always-stunning Charlize Theron</div>
AshleaDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09513566321737503943noreply@blogger.com1