tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51249989127950742352012-01-21T05:35:49.762-08:00Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.comBlogger3961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-7570584255246525962012-01-02T08:52:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:02:00.511-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0DFuWF4_Pk/TwHiMmATpmI/AAAAAAAAFj8/TKe4EA8pbKY/s1600/6231938571_c95468c387_z_large.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0DFuWF4_Pk/TwHiMmATpmI/AAAAAAAAFj8/TKe4EA8pbKY/s400/6231938571_c95468c387_z_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693080109961160290" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weheartit.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div>If you are like me, resolutions are nothing more than lip service, or at the very most, a week-long attempt at trying to reinvent a part of myself that just won't have it. So this year, instead of focusing on all the parts of me that I need to "change" in order to better myself and my life, I am going to just <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">e</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">mbrace, support, and love me for who I am</span>. It is so easy to be all these things to the family and friends we love, but often we lose ourselves along the way.<br /><br />So cheers to not making empty promises to myself that I will<br />(1) Read the Wall Street Journal everyday,<br />(2) Stop biting my nails,<br />(3) Slow down and smell the roses, and<br />(4) Spend less time online.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-757058425524652596?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-13031614180021066152012-01-02T08:46:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:51:04.347-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWG2A4lpliY/TwHgPR-9LKI/AAAAAAAAFjk/fLqPleUxVGg/s1600/121277_fpx.tif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWG2A4lpliY/TwHgPR-9LKI/AAAAAAAAFjk/fLqPleUxVGg/s400/121277_fpx.tif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693077957103135906" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />There is nothing better for my 30 something skin than <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/yves-saint-laurent-radiant-touch-touche-eclat?ID=87434&amp;cm_mmc=Froogle_pla_pe-_-adtype-pla-_-target-21882504424-_-kw-&amp;gclid=CObu9q3lsa0CFQR5hwodQRUiag">Yves Saint Laurent's Radiant Touche Eclat</a>. It instantly brightens my eyes, and is the perfect eye base for days when I don't feel like wearing very much makeup. Now that I am getting older, the "never wear makeup on the weekends" Marcie is becoming a distant memory. So little tricks like this highlighter that aren't heavy and are hassle free are absolutely a necessity.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1303161418002106615?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-47787296631983831472011-10-21T18:36:00.000-07:002011-10-21T18:41:43.788-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sErcWAjzHU/TqIe00c8FcI/AAAAAAAAFjY/SWsePGNGEqQ/s1600/160550618_BOAzfQYU_c_large.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sErcWAjzHU/TqIe00c8FcI/AAAAAAAAFjY/SWsePGNGEqQ/s400/160550618_BOAzfQYU_c_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666125173967558082" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.weheartit.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}<br /></span></a><br /></div>Have you ever had that feeling that you were exactly where you were meant to be? That somehow the stars aligned and it all made sense? A little house is what I set out to get this weekend. After 6 months of searching for a place to call home, Jimmy and I FINALLY found a place offer-worthy. We came in as close to asking as we could to our dream home. Now, we live in the bay area of CA, and this house was a far cry from perfect, but<span style="font-weight: bold;"> it was perfect for us</span>. A perfect place to start a family and lay roots.<br /><br />We found out today that after receiving multiple offers, the house went to the highest bidder. Unfortunate when this happens. It is out of our control, but it doesn't erase the certainty I have that we are meant to love within these walls. I am not sure how it will happen, but I just think we are meant to be here, in this moment . . . in this house.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4778729663198383147?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-82844207752732046222011-10-21T18:34:00.001-07:002011-10-21T18:36:18.305-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrr5RSBnrv4/TqId0FxEe0I/AAAAAAAAFjM/DQpOdZqP0DA/s1600/10.15.11%2B%252829%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrr5RSBnrv4/TqId0FxEe0I/AAAAAAAAFjM/DQpOdZqP0DA/s400/10.15.11%2B%252829%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666124061923900226" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Meet my newest niece, Ella Marie. <br />New life is so sincere and sweet. It literally makes life worth living.<br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-8284420775273204622?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-67752775249339550052011-09-20T12:11:00.000-07:002011-09-20T12:12:20.595-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJDas1ARAUQ/TnjleFp_jYI/AAAAAAAAFi8/PppPRFpJhk8/s1600/life%2Bdoes%2Bnot%2Bhave.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJDas1ARAUQ/TnjleFp_jYI/AAAAAAAAFi8/PppPRFpJhk8/s400/life%2Bdoes%2Bnot%2Bhave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654521637240802690" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdL4jQdlgfc/TnjleAclofI/AAAAAAAAFjE/UjsZiFi-SH4/s1600/people%2Bnever%2Bsee%2Bwhats.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdL4jQdlgfc/TnjleAclofI/AAAAAAAAFjE/UjsZiFi-SH4/s400/people%2Bnever%2Bsee%2Bwhats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654521635842400754" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6775277524933955005?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-75790468791990946842011-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:002011-09-14T16:32:34.799-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcAFD4SedU8/TnE5hRbIfuI/AAAAAAAAFis/F5M80zb_9C4/s1600/your%2Bfirst%2Binstinct.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcAFD4SedU8/TnE5hRbIfuI/AAAAAAAAFis/F5M80zb_9C4/s400/your%2Bfirst%2Binstinct.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652362251102355170" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZS574ifnA4/TnE5g_0RtQI/AAAAAAAAFik/KFkpD_widGA/s1600/if%2Byour%2B8%2Byear%2Bold.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZS574ifnA4/TnE5g_0RtQI/AAAAAAAAFik/KFkpD_widGA/s400/if%2Byour%2B8%2Byear%2Bold.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652362246375978242" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2TghajfUvw/TnE5hhHeNjI/AAAAAAAAFi0/hx53eKVPG_U/s1600/the%2Bability%2Bto%2Brun.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2TghajfUvw/TnE5hhHeNjI/AAAAAAAAFi0/hx53eKVPG_U/s400/the%2Bability%2Bto%2Brun.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652362255314859570" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7579046879199094684?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-69231148799624642662011-09-05T18:23:00.001-07:002011-09-05T18:28:08.755-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_K6rYCV0ew/TmV2DqhTVkI/AAAAAAAAFic/YxfqnRmniGw/s1600/The%2BHuman%2BExperience.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_K6rYCV0ew/TmV2DqhTVkI/AAAAAAAAFic/YxfqnRmniGw/s400/The%2BHuman%2BExperience.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649051112931808834" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />The <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1252298/">Human Experience</a> is a great documentary that follows two brothers from a broken home as they travel the world in search of the meaning of life. What is your purpose on this planet? What does it mean to really be human? These are just a few questions explored as the brothers (1) live with the homeless of NYC, (2) visit the forgotten children of Peru, and (3) talk with a lepers colony in Africa.<br /><br />The most touching story was of a homeless woman who said that on a cold night in NYC, she was sitting on the streets with three dogs. People were frantically calling their friends to see who could take a dog for the night so it didn't freeze to death. All three dogs were "rescued," but the woman was left on the streets.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6923114879962464266?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-59257666405583513112011-08-30T18:36:00.001-07:002011-08-30T18:37:46.356-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xAcOtG94oY/Tl2QRFwztQI/AAAAAAAAFiU/1Y-LKR2t-kg/s1600/everything%2Bhappens%2Bfor%2Ba.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 350px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xAcOtG94oY/Tl2QRFwztQI/AAAAAAAAFiU/1Y-LKR2t-kg/s400/everything%2Bhappens%2Bfor%2Ba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646828131071538434" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvCVW1Z0-fQ/Tl2QQ3SV9HI/AAAAAAAAFiM/w-BsSmfBLtE/s1600/have%2Byou%2Bever%2Bwanted.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 144px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvCVW1Z0-fQ/Tl2QQ3SV9HI/AAAAAAAAFiM/w-BsSmfBLtE/s400/have%2Byou%2Bever%2Bwanted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646828127185663090" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is where I am. <br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-5925766640558351311?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-90696220015547355192011-08-15T13:48:00.000-07:002011-08-15T13:49:17.107-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkGt_7d0Aaw/TkmGLF7vnvI/AAAAAAAAFho/rJWjW_VE4i0/s1600/it%2527s%2Bnot%2Bwhat%2Bwe%2Bdo.PNG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkGt_7d0Aaw/TkmGLF7vnvI/AAAAAAAAFho/rJWjW_VE4i0/s400/it%2527s%2Bnot%2Bwhat%2Bwe%2Bdo.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641187533387702002" border="0" /></a> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b__QVZVvqs0/TkmGK5f2QHI/AAAAAAAAFhg/O-RZjz3gPts/s1600/no%2Bone%2Bsaid%2Bthat%2Blife%2527s.PNG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b__QVZVvqs0/TkmGK5f2QHI/AAAAAAAAFhg/O-RZjz3gPts/s400/no%2Bone%2Bsaid%2Bthat%2Blife%2527s.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641187530049470578" border="0" /></a> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XonkiYudDbs/TkmGLXOWwRI/AAAAAAAAFhw/90w9fOzuXP0/s1600/constantly%2Btalking.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XonkiYudDbs/TkmGLXOWwRI/AAAAAAAAFhw/90w9fOzuXP0/s400/constantly%2Btalking.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641187538029166866" border="0" /></a> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a> <br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-9069622001554735519?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-20150124063196584502011-08-01T13:37:00.000-07:002011-08-01T13:38:17.722-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVG5S5fTmtk/TjcOjQTb8hI/AAAAAAAAFhE/tq473DGF2C8/s1600/33WaysToStayCreative1-590x763.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 477px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVG5S5fTmtk/TjcOjQTb8hI/AAAAAAAAFhE/tq473DGF2C8/s400/33WaysToStayCreative1-590x763.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635989457512165906" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bicyclette.to/">{via}</a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-2015012406319658450?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-45569882628266255802011-07-29T10:33:00.001-07:002011-07-29T10:35:26.131-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWh9-WmbDM/TjLvFWH_-GI/AAAAAAAAFg4/W1X-zbs58-4/s1600/appreciation.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWh9-WmbDM/TjLvFWH_-GI/AAAAAAAAFg4/W1X-zbs58-4/s400/appreciation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634828958911428706" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-obM_Pdu32Wo/TjLvFH7jdDI/AAAAAAAAFgw/CaRd7w6zDjY/s1600/if%2Bonly%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bsecond.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-obM_Pdu32Wo/TjLvFH7jdDI/AAAAAAAAFgw/CaRd7w6zDjY/s400/if%2Bonly%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bsecond.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634828955101131826" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvgoKr3AEdI/TjLvE0YCsXI/AAAAAAAAFgo/cfht14MzzDE/s1600/go%2Bdo%2Bsomething.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 257px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvgoKr3AEdI/TjLvE0YCsXI/AAAAAAAAFgo/cfht14MzzDE/s400/go%2Bdo%2Bsomething.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634828949851910514" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4556988262826625580?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-18308381339099781652011-07-22T20:54:00.000-07:002011-07-21T20:57:12.163-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X9iLxa2RTA/Tij0o2wXctI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/T4E5nYq4Uf4/s1600/Simple%2BPump%2B70%2BNude.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X9iLxa2RTA/Tij0o2wXctI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/T4E5nYq4Uf4/s400/Simple%2BPump%2B70%2BNude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632020316757127890" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.christianlouboutin.com/simple-pump-70mm-16986.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">{Christian Louboutin}</span></a><br /><br />The perfect nude heel.<br />Christmas needs to come early in my home, and it must be red soled.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1830838133909978165?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-67768717840770984372011-07-21T08:52:00.000-07:002011-07-21T10:02:49.076-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gk9MkH5pjo/TihOIQ-kT9I/AAAAAAAAFgI/A9imfdNZu-A/s1600/banksy_in_palestine_2.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gk9MkH5pjo/TihOIQ-kT9I/AAAAAAAAFgI/A9imfdNZu-A/s400/banksy_in_palestine_2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631837237930119122" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{Banksy - West Bank Barrier}<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/---TbrnnZHH0/TihNsSGy2KI/AAAAAAAAFfw/ECDO1lL3QCg/s1600/banksy%2Bgraffiti%2Bart.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/---TbrnnZHH0/TihNsSGy2KI/AAAAAAAAFfw/ECDO1lL3QCg/s400/banksy%2Bgraffiti%2Bart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631836757196724386" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587707/">Exit Through The Gift Shop</a> opened up a whole new world to me . . . street art. This documentary gives a rare look into the underground world of street art. World renoun artists, such as <a href="http://www.banksy.co.uk/">Banksy</a> (who to this day is an anonymous street artist), let the camera tag along as they create art masterpieces on the side of buildings, streets and even curbs. These artists are geniuses and their trade is intriguing. Since watching the movie, I've been looking up images on the internet. I can't wait for my next trip to LA where I will be scouring the streets for these sometimes hidden gems.<br /><br />Do you follow street art?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIprLwCzNFI/TihNhgFg93I/AAAAAAAAFfY/sovrma4RWYM/s1600/Banksy-Graffiti-11.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIprLwCzNFI/TihNhgFg93I/AAAAAAAAFfY/sovrma4RWYM/s400/Banksy-Graffiti-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631836571970893682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Gh_pfLQW4/TihNha_gv1I/AAAAAAAAFfQ/nSqsWEuC7WE/s1600/banksy-Graffiti-21.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Gh_pfLQW4/TihNha_gv1I/AAAAAAAAFfQ/nSqsWEuC7WE/s400/banksy-Graffiti-21.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631836570603536210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaDah-6uF7w/TihNhDRYzHI/AAAAAAAAFfI/QSroUytIbPU/s1600/banksy-graffiti-collage.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaDah-6uF7w/TihNhDRYzHI/AAAAAAAAFfI/QSroUytIbPU/s400/banksy-graffiti-collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631836564236061810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppZz9TDTUs4/TihN-yE34xI/AAAAAAAAFf4/1-b0ZCfVEYk/s1600/banksy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppZz9TDTUs4/TihN-yE34xI/AAAAAAAAFf4/1-b0ZCfVEYk/s400/banksy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631837075016246034" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{all images via <a href="http://www.banksy.co.uk/">Banksy</a>}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6776871784077098437?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-6926473850621762362011-07-19T16:35:00.000-07:002011-07-19T16:43:20.377-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoVkKioiuDc/TiYVk6wnC9I/AAAAAAAAFfA/oJjViDdSeFo/s1600/20110204-FAT%2BSICK%2Band%2BNEARLY%2BDEAD.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoVkKioiuDc/TiYVk6wnC9I/AAAAAAAAFfA/oJjViDdSeFo/s400/20110204-FAT%2BSICK%2Band%2BNEARLY%2BDEAD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631212108065999826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Jimmy and I watched the documentary <a href="http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/">Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead</a> last night. It was inspiring, heartwarming and educational. It was <span style="font-weight: bold;">inspiring</span> to see an unhealthy truck driver turn around his health, <span style="font-weight: bold;">heartwarming</span> to witness a community change together, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">educational</span> to see how much our society neglects our bodies. The best part of the documentary was that it offered a SOLUTION! Juicing your vegetable can be tasty and help you get your nutrient rich veggies everyday! I just purchased a juicer. (And no, I am not usually the person who orders from infomercials constantly.)<br /><br />This documentary is definitely worth a watch and I guarantee it will make you think differently about feeding your body!<br /><br />Do you juice?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-692647385062176236?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-88726767169787447892011-07-18T14:35:00.001-07:002011-07-18T14:37:06.409-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-890KO968oJo/TiSnYNA2q1I/AAAAAAAAFe4/k58v26iNRts/s1600/you%2Bhave%2Bthe%2Banswer.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-890KO968oJo/TiSnYNA2q1I/AAAAAAAAFe4/k58v26iNRts/s400/you%2Bhave%2Bthe%2Banswer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630809468371905362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGwdQAC06qM/TiSnOeo4x8I/AAAAAAAAFeo/6lrEAybYN90/s1600/what%2Bwe%2Bthink.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGwdQAC06qM/TiSnOeo4x8I/AAAAAAAAFeo/6lrEAybYN90/s400/what%2Bwe%2Bthink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630809301304526786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wmspoZTXSM/TiSnOkaiiFI/AAAAAAAAFew/tredU0yBRk8/s1600/what%2Bcounts%2Bin%2Bmaking.PNG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wmspoZTXSM/TiSnOkaiiFI/AAAAAAAAFew/tredU0yBRk8/s400/what%2Bcounts%2Bin%2Bmaking.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630809302854961234" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bitsotruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br />Happy Monday!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-8872676716978744789?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-13537568802374571462011-07-06T13:12:00.000-07:002011-07-07T12:20:44.582-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-veSapks7N1Y/ThURQO70UII/AAAAAAAAFeE/cY8vQ-G5m94/s1600/1128730-9-1307836017641_large.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-veSapks7N1Y/ThURQO70UII/AAAAAAAAFeE/cY8vQ-G5m94/s400/1128730-9-1307836017641_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626422280053870722" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>After much thought, I've decided to end Lemons and Laundry. It has been a great journey, and I can't believe how far it has come (click <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-lemons-and-laundry.html">here</a> for where it all began). This blog has been such a rewarding and fun hobby for the past year, but the incredibly talented friends I've meet along the way have been the best. Initially I thought it would be a short-term project for a few months, then 400+ followers and 14 months later, I have been constantly inspired by so many things.<br /><br />Lemons and Laundry has allowed me to<br /><ul><li>Connect with my high school friend, <a href="http://www.redvinesforbreakfast.blogspot.com/">Valerie</a><br /></li><li>Make new friends . . . A special thanks to <a href="http://www.winksmilestyle.com/">Josie</a>, <a href="http://thisfreebird.blogspot.com/">Carrie</a> and <a href="http://fashionsmaven.blogspot.com/">Katie</a> for being there<br /></li><li>Cry over the loss of a friend I have never met - rest in peace <a href="http://bumpkinonaswing.blogspot.com/">Bumpkin</a></li><li>Stretch my creativity and <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/06/lemons-laundromat.html">imagination </a></li></ul>To all my friends and family, thank you for all support and for being loyal readers. You've inspired every single post for this blog. <span id="eow-title" class="long-title" dir="ltr" title="The Lawrence Welk Show: Adios, Au Revior, Aufweidersehn `78"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span id="eow-title" class="long-title" dir="ltr" title="The Lawrence Welk Show: Adios, Au Revior, Aufweidersehn `78">Adios, Au Revior, Aufweidersehn</span></span> . . .<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0khuIeDt4E/ThUPC9RK8II/AAAAAAAAFd0/rpU4zbjsYek/s1600/072%252Bcopy_large.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0khuIeDt4E/ThUPC9RK8II/AAAAAAAAFd0/rpU4zbjsYek/s400/072%252Bcopy_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626419852950040706" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMvqPffzDMQ">until we meet again</a> . . . .</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1353756880237457146?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-80562054260020730072011-07-05T10:26:00.001-07:002011-07-05T10:27:25.723-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrCA2jNRahs/ThNJUYpVwcI/AAAAAAAAFdk/33C8GKCpqCE/s1600/the%2Bbest%2Bplace.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrCA2jNRahs/ThNJUYpVwcI/AAAAAAAAFdk/33C8GKCpqCE/s400/the%2Bbest%2Bplace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625920974077936066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRoL-KkjwJY/ThNJT3eD-1I/AAAAAAAAFdc/9D2MLF3uQlI/s1600/always%2Bremember.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 367px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRoL-KkjwJY/ThNJT3eD-1I/AAAAAAAAFdc/9D2MLF3uQlI/s400/always%2Bremember.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625920965172263762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c58Be3d969Y/ThNJU2UAzJI/AAAAAAAAFds/ZlHBuQ1WQ9o/s1600/it%2Bnever%2Bgets%2Beasier.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c58Be3d969Y/ThNJU2UAzJI/AAAAAAAAFds/ZlHBuQ1WQ9o/s400/it%2Bnever%2Bgets%2Beasier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625920982041545874" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-8056205426002073007?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-39344502695673532512011-07-01T09:58:00.000-07:002011-07-01T10:15:19.255-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soahIndP-5E/Tg39di6v5gI/AAAAAAAAFdM/dWdADIy-8xM/s1600/beverly-hills-90210.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soahIndP-5E/Tg39di6v5gI/AAAAAAAAFdM/dWdADIy-8xM/s400/beverly-hills-90210.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624430193686865410" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >Hey everyone - This is Marcie's brother Sean. And I have a question for you.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">High School</span>. Just hearing this word can either invoke wonderful memories of a nearly carefree youth or can immediately put even the most successful adult into a cold sweat. So whether you were the prom queen that enjoyed her reign as teen royalty or the outsider that was counting down the days till your diploma was in hand, there is no question that these four years bring about some type of emotion. So why the nostalgic trip down memory lane? I’m approaching my ten year high school reunion and I have found myself thinking about the person that I was during my high school years. </span><p style="font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I have a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >challenge</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> for all of you former jocks, cheer leaders, goths, band members, and intellectuals.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Think back to the days when your home belonged to your parents, when you had a curfew (or the creative ways that you broke it), and when the most exciting news you heard was in between classes.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >What are your memories of high school?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sad it’s over or happy to be done with it?</span></span><p style="text-align: center;" face="times new roman" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMvRh2oTO9g/Tg39v0w2wMI/AAAAAAAAFdU/FI3cC3Wr9J4/s1600/cruel%2Bintentions.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMvRh2oTO9g/Tg39v0w2wMI/AAAAAAAAFdU/FI3cC3Wr9J4/s400/cruel%2Bintentions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624430507714855106" border="0" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><span style=" ;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3934450269567353251?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-66869812579053438862011-06-29T09:14:00.000-07:002011-06-29T09:15:48.718-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDqgf2p44bo/TgtPhiaatZI/AAAAAAAAFdE/M85s37-tFek/s1600/what%2Bwould%2Byou%2Battempt.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDqgf2p44bo/TgtPhiaatZI/AAAAAAAAFdE/M85s37-tFek/s400/what%2Bwould%2Byou%2Battempt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623675997294081426" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6686981257905343886?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-77458731712417356822011-06-28T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-28T10:18:00.673-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dip0VRf8s6s/TgoLrhBwIHI/AAAAAAAAFc8/jmEJecxwvgs/s1600/2011-06-25%2B16.09.53.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dip0VRf8s6s/TgoLrhBwIHI/AAAAAAAAFc8/jmEJecxwvgs/s400/2011-06-25%2B16.09.53.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623319926953484402" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There are so many different types of smiles. Personally, I love Alex's coy smile in this photograph. It seems like he is up to something that us "grown ups" don't even see coming.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7745873171241735682?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-33991530898673802952011-06-28T21:25:00.000-07:002011-06-27T21:27:33.333-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCDwtid9ZJY/TglX7kqAvnI/AAAAAAAAFc0/QWJOycI8JHQ/s1600/marley_and_me.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCDwtid9ZJY/TglX7kqAvnI/AAAAAAAAFc0/QWJOycI8JHQ/s400/marley_and_me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623122290712559218" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0822832/http://">Marley &amp; Me</a><br />Gets me every time.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3399153089867380295?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-37266868417819507832011-06-27T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-27T07:50:50.135-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5875612442/" title="IMG_5997 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/5875612442_d46cfffd07.jpg" alt="IMG_5997" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Fresh veggies, salmon, and cedarwood is my new favorite combination. The cedarwood adds an entirely new flavor to the dish and is incredibly easy to make. Simply wrap your favorite veggies and meat/fish in a thin plank of cedarwood and smoke it on the BBQ or bake in your oven. The result is a sophisticated and tasty dish. Too busy? Head over to <a href="http://www.wholefoods.com/">Whole Foods</a> and pick up an assembled meal for $7, and bake for 15 minutes.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5875053671/" title="IMG_6003 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5275/5875053671_ddcf5e255d.jpg" alt="IMG_6003" height="414" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{serve over rice}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3726686841781950783?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-33848205095141726592011-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:002011-06-24T16:37:09.428-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUMj27S6f-o/TgUfZ8pN-BI/AAAAAAAAFcs/3XEgjcUvBYA/s1600/your%2Bstomach.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUMj27S6f-o/TgUfZ8pN-BI/AAAAAAAAFcs/3XEgjcUvBYA/s400/your%2Bstomach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621934240478132242" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3384820509514172659?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-69428018212658015022011-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-24T00:00:15.327-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-758KpMeIfak/TgOEWf3txWI/AAAAAAAAFck/qHLeT-oiWuA/s1600/TowneReese004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-758KpMeIfak/TgOEWf3txWI/AAAAAAAAFck/qHLeT-oiWuA/s400/TowneReese004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621482281935684962" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://style-obsession.blogspot.com/2011/06/reviewed-towne-reese.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Affordable and fun are two words I'd use to describe <a href="http://towneandreese.com/Towne_%26_Reese/Home.html">Towne &amp; Reese</a> jewelry. The company is named after the founders' daughters, two ex-advertising executives whose passion is to inspire style without breaking the bank. And since most jewelry is seasonal, the right price is critical, a point Towne &amp; Reese takes seriously.<br /><br />I was thrilled when Towne &amp; Reese gifted me their Elise coral <a href="http://towneandreese.com/Towne_%26_Reese/Necklaces.html">necklace</a>. It is the perfect color for summer, and the chunky size is a real staple piece. I've been pairing it with navy shirts for work and have received many compliments. Visit them online . . . You won't be disappointed! <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cN-sAa7uUhU/TgJ8qv0EaNI/AAAAAAAAFcM/7XkSJDRKOTE/s1600/T%2526R%2BFINAL%2BLOGO.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 99px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cN-sAa7uUhU/TgJ8qv0EaNI/AAAAAAAAFcM/7XkSJDRKOTE/s400/T%2526R%2BFINAL%2BLOGO.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621192358743009490" border="0" /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6942801821265801502?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-23772379697143104772011-06-22T16:30:00.000-07:002011-06-23T08:52:36.047-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK46eMKa_Co/TgNf_Ju7JDI/AAAAAAAAFcU/CORqTMGTOkY/s1600/06172011195613.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK46eMKa_Co/TgNf_Ju7JDI/AAAAAAAAFcU/CORqTMGTOkY/s400/06172011195613.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621442298437641266" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />My favorite artist, Brit Brit, has an new music video out and it is fun! The song is catchy and Brit is rocking a great post-baby body! This is by far the best video/song on her new CD. Check out the music video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-sxSd1uwoU">here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34DOHvx1PHg/TgNf_T5EhyI/AAAAAAAAFcc/GZzwd2eL4WI/s1600/06172011195625.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34DOHvx1PHg/TgNf_T5EhyI/AAAAAAAAFcc/GZzwd2eL4WI/s400/06172011195625.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621442301164554018" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.britneyspears.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{images via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-2377237969714310477?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-34145228586628419002011-06-22T15:48:00.000-07:002011-06-22T15:49:57.488-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISGwQe0d4LY/TgJxXUNDlYI/AAAAAAAAFb8/ky8UqjLr_Nc/s1600/when%2Byou%2Bare.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISGwQe0d4LY/TgJxXUNDlYI/AAAAAAAAFb8/ky8UqjLr_Nc/s400/when%2Byou%2Bare.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621179930286200194" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3414522858662841900?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-47555345906481762282011-06-22T08:38:00.000-07:002011-06-22T08:48:26.730-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tz7o60cUjUs/TgIOQIOuOZI/AAAAAAAAFb0/KWsJeobLS54/s1600/trish-mcevoy-eye-base-250.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 318px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tz7o60cUjUs/TgIOQIOuOZI/AAAAAAAAFb0/KWsJeobLS54/s400/trish-mcevoy-eye-base-250.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621070955161729426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>I have so many fun and practical products to share this week. My favorite makeup product is <a href="http://www.trishmcevoy.com/products/tabid/61/productid/29/catid/39/sename/eye-base-essentials/default.aspx">Trish McEvoy's Eye Base</a>. I literally never leave home without it, and it is perfect for the minimal summer makeup routine. This eye base is <span style="font-style: italic;">essential</span> because it enhances and evens out the area above your eyes, and it is <span style="font-style: italic;">practical</span> because it keeps eyes shadows flawless all day and prevents creasing. Wear this for a day and you will wonder how you ever lived without fresh and flawless eyes.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4755534590648176228?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-4400002449008785112011-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:41:13.446-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ-pHpXnLcI/TgAMR2_I_-I/AAAAAAAAFbs/Pjp8BwPzC4g/s1600/bb3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ-pHpXnLcI/TgAMR2_I_-I/AAAAAAAAFbs/Pjp8BwPzC4g/s400/bb3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620505835916034018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've been reading a lot about summer lip color. Bright corals and pinks are in this season, but to be honest, I am not much of a lipstick girl. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE it if I looked good in a bold red, but I just can't pull it off. I was so excited, however, when I found <a href="http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/spp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22745&amp;PRODUCT_ID=PROD12649">Bobbi Brown's Creamy Lip Color</a> in <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">pale mauve</span>. The shea butter and plant-derived ingredients are hydrating, and the color is subtle and light. Pretty enough for everyday wear, it is the perfect compliment to my <a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips-lip-balms/">Burt's Bees Wax Lip Balm</a> obsession.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtCSXUrno4E/TgAL5f3-RHI/AAAAAAAAFbk/bzd7VOmxqJk/s1600/bobbi_brown_creamy_lip_colo.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtCSXUrno4E/TgAL5f3-RHI/AAAAAAAAFbk/bzd7VOmxqJk/s400/bobbi_brown_creamy_lip_colo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620505417395094642" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-440000244900878511?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-1567394726214455232011-06-20T21:29:00.000-07:002011-06-19T21:46:28.702-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zlBP0E4AV0/Tf7M4XVezMI/AAAAAAAAFbc/JvIUPFnnR8A/s1600/22shellac-tmagSF-v2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 362px; height: 264px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zlBP0E4AV0/Tf7M4XVezMI/AAAAAAAAFbc/JvIUPFnnR8A/s400/22shellac-tmagSF-v2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620154653713812674" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{Shellac <a href="http://shellacblog.com/">Blog</a>}</span><br /><br /></div>Over the weekend I finally got a <a href="http://www.cnd.com/Products/Color/shellac-intro.aspx">Shellac </a>manicure, and I am SOLD! When I first heard of this revolutionary manicure process, I was a little skeptical. A manicure that lasts two weeks and doesn't damage nails? I am day two into my manicure and it has lasted past sunscreen and the pool, two things that are usually manicure killers for me. I don't think I will be going back to the standard three-day manicure again. For those who try Shellac, I highly recommend the light pink polish (third in the photo above), and please<span style="font-weight: bold;"> avoid the french manicure. It is so 1999.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-156739472621445523?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-6797464720793317412011-06-17T08:04:00.000-07:002011-06-17T08:07:30.953-07:00<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVEVSodK8Pw/TfttLb5X1BI/AAAAAAAAFbU/UboC0xHGZyQ/s1600/the_happiest_people.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619205003309208594" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVEVSodK8Pw/TfttLb5X1BI/AAAAAAAAFbU/UboC0xHGZyQ/s400/the_happiest_people.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-679746472079331741?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-15948377067818374172011-06-16T21:12:00.000-07:002011-06-17T12:09:04.154-07:00I have arthritis. I've had it since I was 3, and while I've gone in and out of remission over the years, I am in another flare up. Perhaps it is the pain I'm experiencing in both my knees tonight that has compelled me to write about it. My blog is usually a place of positivity and fun, but I just don't have it in me tonight.<br /><br />The thing people don't get about arthritis is that you do not have to be 60 or older to get it. If only I had a dollar for every person who looked at me in disbelief every time I told them I had this disease, I'd be rich. If I had a penny for every person who disregarded my disease and its effects on my immune system, I'd be richer. You see, it is a double edged sword. Because of my age and energy level, most days you'd never know I had bad knees. This is a blessing, and it could definitely be much worse. But at the same time, not being able to engage in certain activities or being " too tired" to do something often gets shrugged off. You see, arthritis affects the immune system, and I get rundown quick. This disease is frustrating at times, but it makes me who I am. And I will keep on keeping on.<br /><br />Now if I can get my next wave of meds to start working, I'd be in business.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1594837706781837417?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-58848099410207832362011-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-20T20:15:54.519-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuQlSp-7wps/Tfl3jKXRjEI/AAAAAAAAFbM/b7i1UPIVBRE/s1600/qvc_bobbi_brown.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuQlSp-7wps/Tfl3jKXRjEI/AAAAAAAAFbM/b7i1UPIVBRE/s400/qvc_bobbi_brown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618653456082504770" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.beautifulmakeupsearch.com/beauty-blog/2009/4/25/qvc-its-a-beautiful-day-bobbi-brown-cosmetics.html">{via}</a></span><br /><br /></div>Any eyeliner that outlasts spin class and never smudges is a real gem. That is exactly how <a href="http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/spp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22753&amp;PRODUCT_ID=PROD1109">Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner</a> works, and I've been a loyal fan since 2005. Not make-up savvy? Don't be intimidated by the eyeliner application. Bobbi Brown's <a href="http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/spp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22796&amp;PRODUCT_ID=PROD14436">Ultra Fine Eyeline</a>r brush makes it impossible to mess up, and in no time you will be a pro with eye makeup that can withstand the harshest weather conditions.<br /><br />Bonus Tip: For hazel eyes, the black plum color is subtle and brings out the green in eyes.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-5884809941020783236?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-32907571363932848092011-06-15T19:24:00.000-07:002011-06-15T19:30:35.820-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GT9YGBLNJNM/TflqPZSZtXI/AAAAAAAAFbE/Ljmk0gcccXk/s1600/birthday%2Bchihuahua.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GT9YGBLNJNM/TflqPZSZtXI/AAAAAAAAFbE/Ljmk0gcccXk/s400/birthday%2Bchihuahua.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618638822840055154" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://99plusforever.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is my little brother's 29th birthday. Sean always goes out of his way for others and is extremely thoughtful. Did I also mention he is hilarious? Help me wish him a happy and healthy year as he ends a decade!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cheers to your last year in your twenties, Sean!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3290757136393284809?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-88271146883990365352011-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-14T20:43:40.421-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN3GCFu30jA/TfgpbjK3K9I/AAAAAAAAFa8/ELEYbqzJ2u4/s1600/Kate-Middleton-shopping-for-bargains-in-London.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN3GCFu30jA/TfgpbjK3K9I/AAAAAAAAFa8/ELEYbqzJ2u4/s400/Kate-Middleton-shopping-for-bargains-in-London.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618286088418700242" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.styleandmore.net/kate-middletons-shopping-session"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br /></div>I am the queen of loving what I buy and feeling like I have nothing to wear in my closet about one month later. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get it together when it comes to maximizing what I have. I thought the problem was with my closet, but it might actually start before my clothing even hits the scanner.<br /><br />My sister-in-law was reading an article out of <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">Real Simple</a>, and one line stuck with me. <span style="font-weight: bold;">When shopping for clothes, buy items that you would wear all the time if no one was keeping track. </span>Makes sense right? And come to think of it, I wear my green Target cargo pants 24/7. So before you start stocking up on clothes ask yourself if you would wear it for days on end if no one ever noticed. I am excited to apply this tip on my next shopping trip.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-8827114688399036535?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-60881381400290284552011-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-13T20:56:46.381-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG1jqf_2eHU/TRp5YC_nQpI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/ZHQTxdOZQuw/s1600/our%2Bmost%2Bmemorable.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG1jqf_2eHU/TRp5YC_nQpI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/ZHQTxdOZQuw/s400/our%2Bmost%2Bmemorable.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555886544342434450" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bitsotruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br />So hard to do, but so crucial. Any tips or tricks for relinquishing control?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6088138140029028455?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-41519247219994228482011-06-13T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-13T00:00:04.111-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RVjq-eQ028/TfVtr8cW6sI/AAAAAAAAFas/tW0h0CxJLuI/s1600/23.%2Bhollywood%2Bmontage.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RVjq-eQ028/TfVtr8cW6sI/AAAAAAAAFas/tW0h0CxJLuI/s400/23.%2Bhollywood%2Bmontage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617516711941434050" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.opendemocracy.net/arts-shorelines/article_2109.jsp"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br /></div>Happy Monday! With the weather finally heating up, it is only appropriate I re-post one of my favorite blog posts from the first week I ever started blogging - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI">Everybody Is Free to Wear Sunscreen.<br /></a><br />Every once in a while I will read a quote, hear a song, or get one of those lengthy "remember when" emails that really makes me pause and think. This is one of those songs. Below are a few of my favorite verses, but if you have time I encourage you to listen to the entire song.<br /><ol><li> Enjoy the power and <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">beauty</span> of your <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">youth</span>. Oh, never mind, you won't understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">faded</span>, but trust me in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">fabulous</span> you really looked.</li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Don't worry</span> about the future, or worry, but know that<span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);"> worrying</span> is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.</li><li>Keep your old <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">love letters</span>; throw away your old bank statements.</li><li>Don't waste your time on <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">jealousy</span>. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">yourself</span>.</li><li>Get to know your <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">parents</span>; you never know when they'll be <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">gone for good</span>.</li><li>Accept certain inalienable<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> truths</span>: prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old; and when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children<span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"> respected</span> their elders.</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4151924721999422848?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-60130548801101303902011-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-10T00:00:00.386-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5801519529/" title="IMG_5671 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2324/5801519529_0c6308f66c.jpg" alt="IMG_5671" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I obsess over chocolate ice cream. That said, I have zero shame asking for 15 samples at an ice cream parlor, even when I know the exact flavor I want. But when it is all said and done, I always end up with some variation of chocolate. That is, until I had Northern Oregon Blackberry (a flavor Jimmy was smart enough to try). For everyone living in the San Francisco Bay Area, head to a specialties market and treat yourself to this fruity slice of heaven. It is made by Santa Cruz's famous <a href="http://www.scruzwiki.org/Marianne%27s_Ice_Cream">Marianne's Ice Cream</a> and it is the perfect alternative to favorites like mint chip, butter pecan, and yes, even chocolate. (Yes mom, I really have found a chocolate alternative.) For those of you who don't live close, it might be time to take a vacation. Trust me, you won't regret it. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5802076100/" title="IMG_5670 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/5802076100_7051920e4b.jpg" alt="IMG_5670" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>What is your favorite ice cream flavor?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6013054880110130390?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-25081772039404868742011-06-09T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-08T19:27:41.723-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEEMZhq54BM/TewD7I9S4iI/AAAAAAAAFaA/u3jNCpk0abs/s1600/much%2Bunhappiness.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEEMZhq54BM/TewD7I9S4iI/AAAAAAAAFaA/u3jNCpk0abs/s400/much%2Bunhappiness.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614867149975904802" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-2508177203940486874?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-37079762104339337812011-06-08T16:10:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:06:39.415-07:00<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFElI-D51Js/Te7Uo9VAYsI/AAAAAAAAFaY/AhR-rDSeEp8/s1600/tumblr_lmdss14tp81qh3n58o1_1280_large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615659585500111554" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFElI-D51Js/Te7Uo9VAYsI/AAAAAAAAFaY/AhR-rDSeEp8/s400/tumblr_lmdss14tp81qh3n58o1_1280_large.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.weheartit.com">{via}</a></span><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="left">You know that saying . . . When the bed is a rockin, don't come a knockin? I was in that predicament at 11 pm and again at 7 am this morning. I am traveling for business and even the swankiest hotels are hookup alleys. It all started when I was knee deep in "words with friends" on my iPad. I heard a little squeak, so subtle that I figured it was running water from upstairs; however, I quickly realized I was wrong. The sounds got louder, and after a few OMGs I realized that "adjoining doors" might as well be joining. Luckily I brought along my trusty earplugs (note to self: don't ever travel without them). My guess is that this is some high-end affair. Yes, this is a rash generalization, but given the type of people at this hotel, I bet am not too far off. Now I can't help but think that every hotel guest I pass is my romping neighbor. Oh the joys of travel.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3707976210433933781?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-5355646445698932182011-06-07T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-07T00:00:03.758-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDzP6_63cfM/TewALzjKo9I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Ba5ugBehC1o/s1600/essie_nail_varnish_ballet_slippers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 316px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDzP6_63cfM/TewALzjKo9I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Ba5ugBehC1o/s400/essie_nail_varnish_ballet_slippers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614863038240433106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>I am a creature of habit and was in a full blown panic at the nail salon this weekend when I found out they were out of Essie Mademoiselle. Already half way into my mani/pedi, leaving was not an option (I should mention that my panic was irrational but justified since I am off on a business trip next week), so I experimented with <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/ballet-slippers-p-44.html">Essie Ballet Slippers</a>. I am now in love with this color, and it is perfect for summer. This just goes to show you that venturing out of a routine can lead to great and unexpected discoveries.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-535564644569893218?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-61897293308810754832011-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-05T20:30:59.930-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EuxiDsFN_k/TewHsol-CiI/AAAAAAAAFaI/sc-O3wFDUok/s1600/Clinique-Dark-Spot-Corrector.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EuxiDsFN_k/TewHsol-CiI/AAAAAAAAFaI/sc-O3wFDUok/s400/Clinique-Dark-Spot-Corrector.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614871298816477730" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chicprofile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Clinique-Dark-Spot-Corrector.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.chicprofile.com/2010/03/clinique-presents-even-better-clinical-dark-spot-corrector-the-power-to-even-skin-tone.html&amp;usg=__oYNN_YqtLwGDAMxhGDeoUP-P0KY=&amp;h=400&amp;w=350&amp;sz=30&amp;hl=en&amp;start=0&amp;sig2=IyIoUJA84CSeypGdoRU6pQ&amp;zoom=1&amp;tbnid=E9TQgAkCQN6LiM:&amp;tbnh=117&amp;tbnw=101&amp;ei=bwfsTcfLA9HViAKqgJnhCA&amp;prev=/search%3Fq%3Dclinique%2Bdark%2Bspot%2Bcorrector%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DQL2%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1170%26bih%3D614%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&amp;itbs=1&amp;iact=hc&amp;vpx=328&amp;vpy=147&amp;dur=2546&amp;hovh=240&amp;hovw=210&amp;tx=100&amp;ty=107&amp;page=1&amp;ndsp=22&amp;ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&amp;biw=1170&amp;bih=614"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><br />I may have found the best kept skin secret for sun-kissed skin. <a href="http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY21368/PROD15706/Skin_Care/Uneven_Skin_Tone/index.tmpl">Clinique</a> has developed a way to fade dark spots without going through a hellacious process. If you remember, I went through an 8 week treatment with Obagi to get rid of my melasma (see post <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/12/product-push-obaji-facial-system.html">here</a>), and the results were fantastic! However, the journey to get there left me looking like a red and peeling reptile for about 6 weeks, and once treatment stopped, the spots came back (thank you hormones). Needless to say, the pain was not worth the short-term reward. I love that Clinique's product is gentle and painless. I apply the serum morning and night under my moisturizer and proceed with my usual skin routine.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Bonus</span>: Trina Turk bag and products with a purchase of $25 or more. (The bag is amazing, and the lipstick color is perfect for summer.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGwFjJZOwnA/TewJzjII9rI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/ruRyud50QYE/s1600/clinique-may-gift-with-purchase2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGwFjJZOwnA/TewJzjII9rI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/ruRyud50QYE/s400/clinique-may-gift-with-purchase2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614873616631527090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://fashfood.bloginky.com/2011/05/24/exclusive-trina-turk-cosmetics-bag-and-clinique-bonus-starts-today-at-nordstrom/">{via}</a></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6189729330881075483?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-10348193153935066122011-06-03T20:38:00.000-07:002011-06-02T20:54:08.846-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5792538280/" title="IMG_5586 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2132/5792538280_ba296933b8.jpg" alt="IMG_5586" height="277" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />When traveling in Florence, Jimmy and I stepped off the beat and path and randomly into a store that I swear is bewitched. Walking through the door was like stepping into a Harry Potter book, and the entire experience was unsettling (in a good way). I still can't quite figure out what this store was, but it sold handmade jewerly, weird energy machines were on display, and dusty "potion" bottles lined the walls. I even saw the "mad scientist" at work at his cluttered desk, and he never once glanced up at his browsing customers. After spotting him, I realized that if we were going to get killed on our trip, it could be in this exact building. After all, how does a place like this exist in an alleyway in Florence? Had we stepped into another dimension completely with no way of returning? After I got hold of my mind, I enjoyed the rest of our experience. It was fun to let my imagination run wild for a few minutes as I imagined stepping into the kind of world that only exists in the movies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5791979729/" title="IMG_5593 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5791979729_4871f2f148.jpg" alt="IMG_5593" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{unclear what this mechanism is}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5791979425/" title="IMG_5587 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/5791979425_1c155099c5.jpg" alt="IMG_5587" height="242" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{handmade crown rings}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5792539050/" title="IMG_5595 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/5792539050_01febf3bb3.jpg" alt="IMG_5595" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{unassuming entrance}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5791978583/" title="IMG_5574 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5791978583_f8403f08c6.jpg" alt="IMG_5574" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5792537404/" title="IMG_5582 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5792537404_d5bf1557a9.jpg" alt="IMG_5582" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1034819315393506612?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-43090599331768320882011-06-02T09:32:00.000-07:002011-06-02T09:34:45.425-07:00<p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3g7q0m5VSLw/Tee7S8Ecl-I/AAAAAAAAFZU/1n_DNJiwUG4/s1600/you%2527re_the_only_one.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613661394577430498" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3g7q0m5VSLw/Tee7S8Ecl-I/AAAAAAAAFZU/1n_DNJiwUG4/s400/you%2527re_the_only_one.png" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://bitsotruth.blogspot.com/">{via}</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4309059933176832088?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-11992637144464678782011-05-31T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-30T21:31:34.087-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5778620385/" title="IMG_5661 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/5778620385_04f6772773.jpg" alt="IMG_5661" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br />Quick and simple pasta is a must in my home; therefore, Jimmy and I took a cooking class in Tuscany. To my delight, we learned that northern Italian cooking includes canned tomatoes! Maybe all these years I have been cooking like a true Italian. Our instructor told us that Italians avoid fresh tomatoes because they contain too much water for a thick sauce. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/San-Marzano-Tomatoes-Whole-Peeled/dp/B0001K5MGG"> San Marzano</a> whole peeled tomatoes are the tomatoes of choice because they don't contain extra ingredients, and this is consistent with the Tuscan tradition -- <span style="font-weight: bold;">simple cooking</span>. As soon as I got home, I immediately went to <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/">Whole Foods</a> and stocked up. I made a red pasta sauce this weekend, and the San Marzano tomatoes didn't disappoint. (More on how to make a Tuscan red sauce later this week.)<br /><br />Here are a few other Tuscan secrets.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5779166632/" title="IMG_5284 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5779166632_eae3c3e30f.jpg" alt="IMG_5284" height="378" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />(1) Use either garlic or onion in your sauce, NOT both! And cook it simultaneously with extra virgin olive oil to prevent burning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5778621659/" title="IMG_5386 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/5778621659_0c948e73c6.jpg" alt="IMG_5386" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />(2) Use a noodle pasta for red sauce, and shell or penne for white because it can hold the creamy sauce.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1199263714446467878?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-73958124411861049452011-05-27T09:15:00.001-07:002011-05-27T09:15:48.321-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9J_Xjr7PU0/Td_OJONJjuI/AAAAAAAAFZM/xnLrOWdC3Mg/s1600/21900421_HanNQrvW_c.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9J_Xjr7PU0/Td_OJONJjuI/AAAAAAAAFZM/xnLrOWdC3Mg/s400/21900421_HanNQrvW_c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611430318554320610" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7395812441186104945?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-46243484026179395852011-05-26T20:55:00.000-07:002011-05-26T09:05:58.317-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRHrr1XQX7k/Td3mnrrq1ZI/AAAAAAAAFZE/t_GNlyxy_Eo/s1600/139.5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 424px; height: 283px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRHrr1XQX7k/Td3mnrrq1ZI/AAAAAAAAFZE/t_GNlyxy_Eo/s400/139.5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610894280188679570" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I was so excited when I came across my friend's beautiful engagement photos. Then I found out her photographer is the talented <a href="http://www.sashagulish.com/">Sasha Gulish</a> from San Francisco (previously mentioned <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/06/sweet-engagement.html">here</a>). First, how amazing is Michelle's skin? (No surprise I notice this first given my <span style="font-style: italic;">slight</span> skin obsession.) She is absolutely glowing.<br /><br />What I love best about engagement sessions are the excitement and anticipation of the couple and how much they have to look forward to. This setting is perfect and unique because the couple's love takes an urban setting, something so ordinary and plain, and transforms it into something so beautiful. Congratulations the to stylish couple!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFyH55_kvN4/Td3l09hIWPI/AAAAAAAAFY8/QMDN4uC8sIk/s1600/110.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 276px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFyH55_kvN4/Td3l09hIWPI/AAAAAAAAFY8/QMDN4uC8sIk/s400/110.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610893408802986226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Dixw3xnv4/Td3Ab4T-X8I/AAAAAAAAFYs/UJExE_-3Cro/s1600/160.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 258px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Dixw3xnv4/Td3Ab4T-X8I/AAAAAAAAFYs/UJExE_-3Cro/s400/160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610852295978672066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLxKTj2KcUE/Td3Abv-N1RI/AAAAAAAAFYk/n6-3TPSLKSU/s1600/88.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLxKTj2KcUE/Td3Abv-N1RI/AAAAAAAAFYk/n6-3TPSLKSU/s400/88.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610852293739926802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PKN5KGo_4Q/Td3AayhOqNI/AAAAAAAAFYU/Am_p1RxRbm4/s1600/25.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PKN5KGo_4Q/Td3AayhOqNI/AAAAAAAAFYU/Am_p1RxRbm4/s400/25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610852277243783378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10SKnYPOlLA/Td3AcFoJNGI/AAAAAAAAFY0/itVGRhGhjZM/s1600/154.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10SKnYPOlLA/Td3AcFoJNGI/AAAAAAAAFY0/itVGRhGhjZM/s400/154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610852299552928866" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4624348402617939585?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-76441939017701872132011-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-24T20:58:04.292-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5753016136/" title="IMG_5182 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/5753016136_f0d1863d6c.jpg" alt="IMG_5182" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br /></div>The best part of our Italian getaway was the food. We spent an inordinate amount of time lingering over breakfast. In "real life" I inhale a yogurt as I dart out of the house, usually leaving stains on my shirt before I even reach the car door. But in my Italian life, Jimmy and I spent at least an hour each day savoring jam-filled croissants and the hillside views from our balcony. Now that we are back to reality, we are making an conscious effort to sit down for breakfast together, even if it means waking up 10 minutes early.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5753015792/" title="IMG_5185 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5753015792_0fef69bc17.jpg" alt="IMG_5185" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{sweet views}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5753039548/" title="IMG_5176 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5753039548_cdc4470128.jpg" alt="IMG_5176" height="345" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{sugar-filled croissants}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5753016414/" title="IMG_4925 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/5753016414_8440b4a778.jpg" alt="IMG_4925" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{balcony views}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5752470039/" title="IMG_4937 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5752470039_01d10e3567.jpg" alt="IMG_4937" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{rolling hills landscape}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7644193901770187213?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-16116179420328816152011-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-23T20:35:04.050-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNTwHi85DdU/TdmrxZQZ_iI/AAAAAAAAFYE/_DVtUJpZg2U/s1600/tumblr_llk0qxJCxe1qcci1fo1_500_large.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNTwHi85DdU/TdmrxZQZ_iI/AAAAAAAAFYE/_DVtUJpZg2U/s400/tumblr_llk0qxJCxe1qcci1fo1_500_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609703675948301858" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br /></div>I recently had lunch with a good friend and our conversation got me thinking, how do you maintain your marriage/relationship, especially during the time when things aren't particularly good or bad? The time when things just are? I've written <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2011/04/evolving-love.html">here </a>about the butterfly effect when it comes to dating and the early days of marriage. We all know that marriage (or any long-term relationship) takes work, especially when solving a major conflict or problem. But what about all the other times in your marriage; the time long after the newness has faded and when no major problem is taking center stage? What do you do with this time?<br /><br />Unfortunately, many people go into autopilot and merely exist. During this time, however, it is critical to consciously "maintain" what you have and solidify your relationship's foundation. During your marriage maintenance, it is key to either keep the positive momentum going or create it, depending on where you are at that give time, and make your relationship <span style="font-style: italic;">worth it</span>. I italicize this because when you leave the house, it is important to know the value of what you have at home, and you want your spouse to do the same. Temptation is everywhere, and it is not going away. Temptation is not limited to infidelity either. It includes anything that strains your marriage, for example, a busy career. Properly maintaining your marriage is the best defense against the outside world that leads to so many bad marriage statistics (especially here in California).<br /><br />What, if anything, do you do to properly maintain your marriage/relationship?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1611617942032881615?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-79785805736422839672011-05-23T11:17:00.000-07:002011-05-23T11:18:04.618-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBzTDsIBJc0/TdqkwycgwzI/AAAAAAAAFYM/OZArFSonvto/s1600/sing%2Bto%2Bher.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBzTDsIBJc0/TdqkwycgwzI/AAAAAAAAFYM/OZArFSonvto/s400/sing%2Bto%2Bher.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609977443925410610" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7978580573642283967?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-31317351835365524552011-05-23T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:30:16.119-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mntr2607O7g/TdcH5aGRgkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/xhzCma318IQ/s1600/204683_10150212410880190_546760189_8710824_1882540_o.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mntr2607O7g/TdcH5aGRgkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/xhzCma318IQ/s400/204683_10150212410880190_546760189_8710824_1882540_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608960543752815170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Before I launch into my new favorite blogger, let me start off by saying that I <span style="font-style: italic;">usually</span> am all about photographs. Let's be honest, most days I have too much ADD (self diagnosed of course) to read more than a paragraph. But that all changed when I found Elana over at <a href="http://www.mrsschneed.blogspot.com/">mrsschneed</a>. She writes about staying at home, breastfeeding and everything in between. My recent favorite was a story about the "lunching ladies of Niemen" that she observed while in the midst of a recent botox conundrum. Her writing is witty, funny and pulls you in immediately. Best of all, Elana is relatable and tells it like it is.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3131735183536552455?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-75847592467852670802011-05-20T13:56:00.001-07:002011-05-20T14:00:45.463-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZNbZ0lJnDE/TdbWa2xfe2I/AAAAAAAAFX0/vPHjFanGGaY/s1600/20874314_7LujYIw2_c.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZNbZ0lJnDE/TdbWa2xfe2I/AAAAAAAAFX0/vPHjFanGGaY/s400/20874314_7LujYIw2_c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608906142804573026" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/20874314/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7584759246785267080?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-40619684130020042892011-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-19T21:18:08.517-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735141177/" title="IMG_5244 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5735141177_f377697094.jpg" alt="IMG_5244" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{Tuscan walnut sauce}<br /><br /></span></div>The Italians are food extraordinaires. The passion they have for food is obvious in they way they talk about it, prepare food, and savor every bite. Italians also take regional pride in their food and the specialties. Cinque Terra is known for pesto, and in Tuscany it is all about the walnut sauce. The best part for me was the guilt-free eating. After all, on vacation everything is fat free, right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735140953/" title="IMG_5215 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/5735140953_d1a70e6989.jpg" alt="IMG_5215" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{tomato and mushroom ravioli}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735140073/" title="IMG_4696 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5735140073_9f450559da.jpg" alt="IMG_4696" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{pesto from Cinque Terra}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735687786/" title="IMG_4419 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5735687786_8de9817424.jpg" alt="IMG_4419" height="292" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{egg pasta from Varenna, Lake Como}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735139291/" title="IMG_4284 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5735139291_0aedce01a6.jpg" alt="IMG_4284" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{vegetable soup - so amazing I had it twice}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735139781/" title="IMG_4682 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/5735139781_d908df8623.jpg" alt="IMG_4682" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{dill olive appetizers}<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735140665/" title="IMG_5066 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/5735140665_dc830f8bf1.jpg" alt="IMG_5066" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{the best picnic lunch}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5735688586/" title="IMG_4857 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/5735688586_73d3969feb.jpg" alt="IMG_4857" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{pesto gnocchi}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4061968413002004289?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-26144810424919766742011-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-19T00:00:06.466-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5516796104/" title="568 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5516796104_31315273a7.jpg" alt="568" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Today marks four years. Here is to many more wonderful and exciting moments!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-2614481042491976674?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-43712444763105417692011-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-18T00:00:02.216-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5731966536/" title="IMG_4759 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/5731966536_a1ed4e0986.jpg" alt="IMG_4759" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The hiking in Italy was the perfect offset to my enormous pasta intake. The best hike was in Cinque Terra between the five towns. After a difficult hike up the mountain, there was nothing better than looking down at the destination, a beautiful seaside village. I must say, I owe it to Jimmy for actually finishing because there were many times I was cussing up a storm and ready to take the train to the next town.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5731966008/" title="IMG_4742 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/5731966008_6708288646.jpg" alt="IMG_4742" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{after a steep hike up, the first town peeked behind the mountain}</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5731418757/" title="IMG_4774 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/5731418757_01b66707d4.jpg" alt="IMG_4774" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{view from the other side of Vernazza - heading to town 3}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5731419079/" title="IMG_4775 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/5731419079_9920c617cc.jpg" alt="IMG_4775" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{beautiful destination}</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5731967680/" title="IMG_4800 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/5731967680_53b36b87b2.jpg" alt="IMG_4800" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">{after four hours, the final town!}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5731963784/" title="IMG_4617 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2066/5731963784_0b8848cc5e.jpg" alt="IMG_4617" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{grand finale}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4371244476310541769?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-44468848243247198022011-05-17T18:44:00.000-07:002011-05-17T18:46:19.688-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5731417477/" title="IMG_4740 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/5731417477_f518ba9d62.jpg" alt="IMG_4740" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wear satchels!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4446884824324719802?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-2362767603537866342011-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-17T00:00:06.916-07:00A trip to Europe from the States can easily become a whirlwind experience that leaves you exhausted. Jimmy and I are too busy in our ordinary lives to take a vacation from our vacation; therefore, our itinerary focused on relaxing. We stayed at 3 hotels in small northern Italian cities.<br /><br />Jimmy planned our entire vacation, (literally the whole thing) and I was along for the ride, sun, and pasta. We started in Lake Como, then set off to Cinque Terra, and ended in the Tuscan hilltown of San Gimignano<span style="font-size:85%;"></span>. We got our "big city" culture from day trips to Siena and Florence, but the majority of our time was spent hiking, soaking up the sun, and enjoying lazy lunches "Italian" style.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5727786415/" title="IMG_4350 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/5727786415_1243459bb5.jpg" alt="IMG_4350" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stop 1</span>: Varenna, Lake Como (3 nights)<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Highlight was renting a boat and cruising the lake.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5728338336/" title="IMG_4745 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/5728338336_b81d5978f2.jpg" alt="IMG_4745" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stop 2</span>: Cinque Terra (3 nights)<br />-Highlight was the five town hike.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5728338804/" title="IMG_5153 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/5728338804_032f16e7f8.jpg" alt="IMG_5153" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stop 3</span>: San Gimignano, Tuscany (4 nights)<br />-Highlight was the Tuscan landscape.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5728339132/" title="IMG_5564 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5728339132_e6c6531059.jpg" alt="IMG_5564" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stop 4</span>: Day trip to Florence<br />-Highlight was finding The Jersey Shore house and seeing the cast!<br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-236276760353786634?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-33195613008927798662011-05-16T14:28:00.000-07:002011-05-16T14:37:19.856-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5728121930/" title="IMG_4468 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/5728121930_1f88dc4496.jpg" alt="IMG_4468" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{Varenna, Lake Como}</span><br /><br /></div>My little hiatus was spent internet free and across the pond! Jimmy and I just returned from a fabulous 12 day vacation in Northern Italy. There is so much to tell (which will be the focus over the next several days), but let's just say I indulged on wine, gelato and pasta every single day!<br /><br />Ciao<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3319561300892779866?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-69543793416638683142011-05-06T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-06T00:00:02.726-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki-a6NTCoGc/Tb9rbZkPAPI/AAAAAAAAFXk/4vH9XYNOpUA/s1600/tumblr_lilc7gsnrx1qe1zcwo1_500_large.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki-a6NTCoGc/Tb9rbZkPAPI/AAAAAAAAFXk/4vH9XYNOpUA/s400/tumblr_lilc7gsnrx1qe1zcwo1_500_large.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602314579935690994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/9145648">{via}</a><br /></span><br /></div>I am going on a one-week electronic free hiatus. This time will be spent reading, practicing yoga, and writing in my journal. I am looking forward to being unplugged.<br /><br />See you in a week!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6954379341663868314?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-44140804996808485382011-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-05T00:00:13.754-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_4eIbd9Glo/Tb9KzMFE0jI/AAAAAAAAFXc/HOapSiVxhTQ/s1600/women%2Busually%2Blove.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_4eIbd9Glo/Tb9KzMFE0jI/AAAAAAAAFXc/HOapSiVxhTQ/s400/women%2Busually%2Blove.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602278704748483122" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br />Why is this so true?<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4414080499680848538?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-26111005748885923822011-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-03T21:02:18.477-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5682174212/" title="IMG_4178 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5682174212_5e4f2a7e52.jpg" alt="IMG_4178" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />To offset my McDonald's binge, Jimmy made a great <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/07/food-friday-jimmys-meal.html">Sunday supper</a>. It is no secret that Jimmy loves to cook, and that is great for me. He tried a new recipe and made an amazing sausage and pea pasta. He completed the meal with baked artichoke, farmer's market salad, and Italian wine. My contribution? Strawberries and cream (a simple and quick dessert), and the oh-so-coveted job of dish duty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5681607773/" title="IMG_4174 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5681607773_cdc7a00ee1.jpg" alt="IMG_4174" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{the greens/reds}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5681607349/" title="IMG_4189 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5681607349_39e259fff3.jpg" alt="IMG_4189" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{berries &amp; cream}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5682173220/" title="IMG_4185 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5682173220_dceee63f0b.jpg" alt="IMG_4185" height="321" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{the complete dinner table}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-2611100574888592382?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-49167514949770863932011-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:15:45.600-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5426777763/" title="IMG_3084 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5426777763_e9a5d98730.jpg" alt="IMG_3084" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Attention all bookworms, I really need help here! I am in desperate need of good fiction summer reads. Any suggestions? Here are a few of my favorites.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341">The Help</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Travelers-Wife-Audrey-Niffenegger/dp/015602943X">Time Traveler's Wife</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Wife-Novel-Curtis-Sittenfeld/dp/1400064759">American Wife</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Water-Elephants-Novel-Sara-Gruen/dp/1565124995">Water for Elephants</a><br /><br />All <a href="http://emilygiffin.com/">Emily Giffin</a> Books<br /><a href="http://emilygiffin.com/books/somethingborrowed.php">Something Borrowed</a><br /><a href="http://emilygiffin.com/books/somethingblue.php">Something Blue</a><br /><a href="http://emilygiffin.com/books/lovetheone.php">Love the One Your With</a><br /><a href="http://emilygiffin.com/books/babyproof.php">Baby Proof</a><br /><a href="http://emilygiffin.com/books/heartofthematter.php">Heart of the Matter</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4916751494977086393?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-71312067717068270142011-05-02T12:56:00.000-07:002011-05-01T21:33:58.622-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5678290211/" title="IMG_4162 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5678290211_9b6e3c186d.jpg" alt="IMG_4162" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I hardly ever eat fast food, but hey, I am not perfect. Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day, and you can't beat the taste of hash browns and hotcakes at McDonalds. I mean really, they are delightful! Now I know some of you are judging me and thinking "gross," but bring on the judgments because this breakfast was well worth it. The best part? I rode my bike a few extra few miles this weekend, so there is no guilt here!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5678290001/" title="IMG_4158 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5678290001_562bba3e19.jpg" alt="IMG_4158" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5678289767/" title="IMG_4163 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5678289767_4bac4764e2.jpg" alt="IMG_4163" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7131206771706827014?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-33184404271236042302011-04-30T19:33:00.000-07:002011-04-30T20:15:24.485-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4tu4j6yC4I/TbzG0PUHU5I/AAAAAAAAFXU/bBk-CNnNNoI/s1600/KateMiddletonWeddingDress.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 274px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4tu4j6yC4I/TbzG0PUHU5I/AAAAAAAAFXU/bBk-CNnNNoI/s400/KateMiddletonWeddingDress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601570637308449682" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I am so captivated by these girls' style and grace. I suddenly find my self thinking "what would Kate wear?" or "would Pippa buy this?" Sick, I know, but I am elated over Kate and Pippa's charm and beauty. These sisters are refreshing and real.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3318440427123604230?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-23290031410909055482011-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-29T00:00:11.051-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_fvuGnu3ec/TbodqOe5LfI/AAAAAAAAFXM/iP_JvBoEWZk/s1600/be%2Bproud%2Bof%2Bwho.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_fvuGnu3ec/TbodqOe5LfI/AAAAAAAAFXM/iP_JvBoEWZk/s400/be%2Bproud%2Bof%2Bwho.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600821697868017138" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-2329003141090905548?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-43839095225385025382011-04-28T22:40:00.000-07:002011-04-27T22:49:18.965-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5663141063/" title="IMG_4156 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5663141063_114328fa95.jpg" alt="IMG_4156" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />My latest simple pleasure is my gratitude journal. Writing down positive thoughts of happiness every single day develops a positive mindset. The best part is that this journal gives tips on what to write for the day, beating any writers block, and I only need to write a short page. Reflecting on gratitude has never been so easy, and I love the pretty packaging of my thoughts.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4383909522538502538?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-11420549920529274962011-04-27T22:33:00.000-07:002011-04-26T23:39:24.934-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5660483512/" title="IMG_4142 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5660483512_22833ff08e.jpg" alt="IMG_4142" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I always forget how much I love the desert until I visit Palm Springs. I am not talking about Palm Desert or the other fancy nearby resort towns, but the vintage Palm Springs. The town is filled with 60 and 70s architecture and style (my favorite), and the warm nights are priceless. <br /><br />Are you a desert lover?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5660023715/" title="IMG_4143 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5660023715_349a98ed4f.jpg" alt="IMG_4143" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{prickly &amp; pretty}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5660483228/" title="IMG_4140 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5660483228_e1212f4e00.jpg" alt="IMG_4140" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{ideal desert drink}<br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5660510178/" title="IMG_4138 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5660510178_befa62ab28.jpg" alt="IMG_4138" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{classic poolside}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1142054992052927496?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-90307241415439319652011-04-26T21:09:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:18:12.556-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5655996941/" title="IMG_4096 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5655996941_b2d162f0bd.jpg" alt="IMG_4096" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Baked artichoke is the latest vegetable to hit my household, and Jimmy has perfected the recipe. Here are the steps to making this tasty summer treat.<br /><br />(1) Lightly roll in olive oil.<br />(2) Put in a dish and cover the top with foil.<br />(3) Bake for 1 hour at 400 degrees (less time for small to medium artichokes).<br />(4) Serve and enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5655997665/" title="IMG_4108 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5655997665_151b504258.jpg" alt="IMG_4108" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{tasty leaf}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5656570072/" title="IMG_4098 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5656570072_7effee3344.jpg" alt="IMG_4098" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{fully baked}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-9030724141543931965?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-52981037907220248482011-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:15:20.282-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgfrHpXjm80/TbTyzX1YOeI/AAAAAAAAFW8/qtRZY3cvakU/s1600/the%2Bgrass%2Bis%2Balways%2Bgreener.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgfrHpXjm80/TbTyzX1YOeI/AAAAAAAAFW8/qtRZY3cvakU/s400/the%2Bgrass%2Bis%2Balways%2Bgreener.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599367201113520610" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bitsotruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br />I never thought of it this way, but it makes perfect sense.<br /> Happy Monday!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-5298103790722024848?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-37290736024170702582011-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-22T00:00:09.053-07:00The only people capable of <span style="font-weight: bold;">loving</span> you <span style="font-weight: bold;">unconditionally</span> are<span style="font-weight: bold;"> parents</span>. Everyone else loves with conditions. Spouse, kids, siblings . . . everyone else. Think about it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZoqqNIHa1Y/TbCPn_2cXFI/AAAAAAAAFWs/N424cBbGo0g/s1600/the%2Bworld%2Bis%2Bnot.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZoqqNIHa1Y/TbCPn_2cXFI/AAAAAAAAFWs/N424cBbGo0g/s400/the%2Bworld%2Bis%2Bnot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598132254138981458" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3729073602417070258?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-79539791845147244162011-04-21T20:30:00.001-07:002011-04-21T20:31:25.405-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDyTPA4P-Dk/TbD2bSJEMrI/AAAAAAAAFW0/SvpNxX32czw/s1600/surround%2Byourself%2Bwith%2Bonly.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDyTPA4P-Dk/TbD2bSJEMrI/AAAAAAAAFW0/SvpNxX32czw/s400/surround%2Byourself%2Bwith%2Bonly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598245285408289458" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7953979184514724416?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-54371033459073724062011-04-21T00:00:00.001-07:002011-04-20T21:04:55.378-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lbubkAe8wk/TZJdAtdGNNI/AAAAAAAAFQI/Onng52CE-L4/s1600/american-pickers.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lbubkAe8wk/TZJdAtdGNNI/AAAAAAAAFQI/Onng52CE-L4/s400/american-pickers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589632354303227090" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />When it comes to television entertainment, Jimmy and I couldn't be further apart. It is always the History Channel vs. Bravo . . . the Real Housewives of Orange County vs. Modern Marvels. My reality TV addiction rivals his practical shows. Then along came <a href="http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers">American Pickers</a>, the one show that has brought my household together. Being an antique junkie, I enjoy curling up on the couch and watching Mike and Frank find hidden treasures, while Jimmy enjoys their bargaining antics and bargain hunting. For Jimmy's 30th, I even emailed Frank, and he sent Jimmy a little message. It was an exciting moment, and we will always be faithful fans.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-5437103345907372406?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-78772240030440677992011-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-19T21:09:40.358-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX1dnkttQ-s/Ta4r42TXQxI/AAAAAAAAFWY/SYJz2W2LYoY/s1600/vp9kbt_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX1dnkttQ-s/Ta4r42TXQxI/AAAAAAAAFWY/SYJz2W2LYoY/s400/vp9kbt_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597459642517504786" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />This morning, radio hosts discussed two traits of successful couples. Because they are so simple, they are often are forgotten.<br /><br />(1) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Good Morning</span>. Start every single day with "good morning." This simple gesture will let your significant other know you are there and you care.<br /><br />(2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks for Mutual Tasks</span>. Thank your significant other for doing tasks you both benefit from, e.g. doing the dishes / making dinner. These simple acts easily become routine, and gratitude is lost. A small thank you goes a long way over time.<br /><br />What simple rules work for you? And, more importantly, have you done them today?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0QtxSkqxx8/Ta4qq9TdcDI/AAAAAAAAFWI/-OR9EE5Tvvs/s1600/4831518985_660461ec4e_z_large_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0QtxSkqxx8/Ta4qq9TdcDI/AAAAAAAAFWI/-OR9EE5Tvvs/s400/4831518985_660461ec4e_z_large_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597458304367161394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{images <a href="http://weheartit.com/">via</a>}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7877224003044067799?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-33897417227380883382011-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-18T21:31:57.928-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccJBW7P36e4/Tazpi1_fTaI/AAAAAAAAFWA/_y9XxnRiKck/s1600/tumblr_lfg72sf8dL1qgo07oo1_500.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccJBW7P36e4/Tazpi1_fTaI/AAAAAAAAFWA/_y9XxnRiKck/s400/tumblr_lfg72sf8dL1qgo07oo1_500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597105221732879778" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Environmental pollutants and harsh sun rays cause many health concerns. But I won't lie, my five-step skincare process is strictly in the name of vanity. I obsess over youthful skin and will do almost anything to maintain it. This weekend, I learned four new tricks about skincare from an expert, and here are the tips that surprised me.<br /><br />(1) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Take</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bioflavonoids</span>. Certain types of Vitamin C contain bioflavonoids which come from orange peels. This element increases capillary strength (reducing broken blood vessels on the face), and helps the overall appearance of skin. It is most useful in doses greater than 150 mg. Currently, I am taking <a href="http://www.ester-c.com/">Ester-C</a>, a vitamin C rich in bioflavonoids (200 mg).<br /><br />(2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Avoid Fluorescent Lighting</span>. I thought that fluorescent lighting just made me look terrible, but it goes much deeper. UV light emits from certain fluorescent lights, which can lead to increased brown spots (aka <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/12/product-push-obaji-facial-system.html">Melasma</a>) and other skin conditions. Check work and home and replace any fluorescent lighting.<br /><br />(3) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Use Tepid Water</span>. Not only does hot water strip natural oils, it can increase broken capillaries. Only lukewarm water should touch your face . . . always.<br /><br />(4)<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Toner Works</span>. There are mixed reviews about toners, and therefore, I've always stayed away from them . . . until now. Have you ever splashed water on the mirror? When it dries, the white residue are chemicals and minerals, and they stay on your face. Only a toner wipes away the "invisible" residue and primes the skin for moisturizer.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3389741722738088338?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-36095045896875709762011-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-18T00:00:03.613-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5629599351/" title="IMG_4091 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5629599351_0442399b9f.jpg" alt="IMG_4091" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />With summer over a month away, I've already adjusted my home menu. The summer salad is one of my favorite, no hassle staples in the kitchen. Jimmy and I used fresh mixed greens from the farmer's market and grilled free-range chicken breast. (Organic chicken is packed with 100x more flavor than regular chicken.) Toss in balsamic vinaigrette and you have a healthy supper salad. As a bonus, the veggie of the night was baked artichoke, Jimmy's current favorite.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5629584639/" title="IMG_4058 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5629584639_3c3d6850be.jpg" alt="IMG_4058" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{fresh farmer's market greens}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5629585487/" title="IMG_4085 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5629585487_47f0fd40d2.jpg" alt="IMG_4085" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{baked artichoke}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5629584953/" title="IMG_4078 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5629584953_99db466379.jpg" alt="IMG_4078" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{extra caution when handling poultry}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3609504589687570976?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-33610785918028883972011-04-17T07:26:00.001-07:002011-04-17T07:30:20.003-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5627142473/" title="IMAG0112 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5627142473_8e544a75b5.jpg" alt="IMAG0112" height="500" width="299" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since ancient times, Sunday is a day of rest and reflection. <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2011/03/productive-sundays.html">Julian</a> is using today for meditation. How are you spending it?<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3361078591802888397?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-64138852722442044542011-04-16T13:57:00.000-07:002011-04-16T13:59:20.677-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP-7l2yQ_lk/TaoDA3cNIOI/AAAAAAAAFVg/eQnN_8FSpyY/s1600/look%2Bat%2Byour%2Bpast.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP-7l2yQ_lk/TaoDA3cNIOI/AAAAAAAAFVg/eQnN_8FSpyY/s400/look%2Bat%2Byour%2Bpast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596288800378396898" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bitsotruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6413885272244204454?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-15432678762035967652011-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-14T21:16:43.620-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2v7xhoSkuUc/Tac4rQWPx2I/AAAAAAAAFVU/9Hm4wdDI5gM/s1600/tumblr_ljmdaaUSvR1qfjv55o1_500_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2v7xhoSkuUc/Tac4rQWPx2I/AAAAAAAAFVU/9Hm4wdDI5gM/s400/tumblr_ljmdaaUSvR1qfjv55o1_500_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595503377804937058" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Love takes so many forms, and it is constantly evolving. One day you feel over the moon (the whole butterflies in the stomach feeling), then before you know it, that fades. What used to happen every heart fluttering moment when you are together, only rears it's lovely head in certain moments.<br /><br />But if that butterfly feeling is gone, is the "spark" between a couple dead? My answer is simple, no. Instead, the emotional reaction is to leave when the"butterfly" feeling is lost. The relationship is filled with doubt, and emotions start to dictate choices. Now, don't get me wrong, emotions play a big role in love, but even bigger is the understanding that to truly love someone means to dedicate your life to their happiness. With this comes the realization that your love still has a spark, only it has <span style="font-weight: bold;">evolved into a deeper understanding of love and respect</span>. Having each others' back, no matter what, is instrumental in this.<br /><br />With love, lead with your heart, but also let your intelligence steer course when emotions cause doubt. The spark is there, it just isn't in the butterfly form. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> It is a deeper love, and it is beautiful. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OB-eBdwxbs/Tac4rDTM3uI/AAAAAAAAFVM/3_7Upd34Qx4/s1600/old-couple_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 360px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OB-eBdwxbs/Tac4rDTM3uI/AAAAAAAAFVM/3_7Upd34Qx4/s400/old-couple_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595503374302502626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1x5ay0P8cY/Tac4q9QCF4I/AAAAAAAAFVE/J88GtPxt9DY/s1600/dance-practice-australia_23924_990x742_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1x5ay0P8cY/Tac4q9QCF4I/AAAAAAAAFVE/J88GtPxt9DY/s400/dance-practice-australia_23924_990x742_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595503372678600578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ruxyi-bv1Wo/Tac4qpOoqSI/AAAAAAAAFU8/fL-t01G_TcM/s1600/5531382029_4469cf468e_z_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ruxyi-bv1Wo/Tac4qpOoqSI/AAAAAAAAFU8/fL-t01G_TcM/s400/5531382029_4469cf468e_z_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595503367304030498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{all images <a href="http://weheartit.com/">via</a>}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1543267876203596765?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-79200966726949536122011-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-14T00:00:18.485-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhYv9AvJZzg/TaONViG0xEI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/v0TlqXm3bEc/s1600/XL_SC022.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhYv9AvJZzg/TaONViG0xEI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/v0TlqXm3bEc/s400/XL_SC022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594470563196486722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>I've hit the jackpot with this SkinCeuticals miracle serum. The <a href="http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/catalog/prevent/C-E-Ferulic.htm">CE Ferulic Serum</a> is an antioxidant combination that fights photoaging, builds collagen, and protects again harsh environmental pollutants. What this means to me is extra hydrated skin, an even tone, smaller pores, and a flawless look. I've been using the serum for only a week, and already I can tell a difference in my skin's elasticity and texture. Definitely worth the investment.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7920096672694953612?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-5553591997212070402011-04-13T19:04:00.000-07:002011-04-13T19:08:32.637-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssci0mPJ9Oc/TaZXAvaWdfI/AAAAAAAAFUk/cT879wISNCM/s1600/even%2Bif%2Byou%2Bfall.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssci0mPJ9Oc/TaZXAvaWdfI/AAAAAAAAFUk/cT879wISNCM/s400/even%2Bif%2Byou%2Bfall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595255257293026802" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-555359199721207040?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-15996372894648308442011-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-12T21:10:22.614-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5611295799/" title="IMG_4000 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5611295799_89058d06bc.jpg" alt="IMG_4000" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />A few photos of the fresh veggies and fruit Jimmy and I picked up at our local Farmer's market this weekend. The oranges are amazingly sweet, and I am actually craving vegetables for supper every night. I will never go back to store-bought produce. The flavors that pour from these farm fresh veggies and fruit is just amazing, and spending Sunday mornings wandering around the market is an added bonus. Do you shop at farmer's markets?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5611879192/" title="IMG_4009 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5611879192_634d43a210.jpg" alt="IMG_4009" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{thick lettuce made for stir fry}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5611295217/" title="IMG_3993 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5611295217_d230f8d009.jpg" alt="IMG_3993" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{sweet squash}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5611879730/" title="IMG_4021 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/5611879730_9c3e5913a4.jpg" alt="IMG_4021" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{giant artichoke}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1599637289464830844?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-751403123911052922011-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-11T21:17:44.059-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyRkxZAB2PU/TaOOZO5kTGI/AAAAAAAAFUY/lHZKwABxEYQ/s1600/P170800_LARGE.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 350px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyRkxZAB2PU/TaOOZO5kTGI/AAAAAAAAFUY/lHZKwABxEYQ/s400/P170800_LARGE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594471726271712354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Since turning 30, I've had to come to terms with the fact that my skin is changing and loose powder isn't cutting it anymore. I need more coverage, but I cringe when I think about using heavy liquid foundation. I hate the way it looks and feels. Enter <a href="http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Foundation-VITALUMI%C3%88RE-AQUA-119648">Chanel's ultra-light skin perfecting foundation</a>. It is sheer and offers the perfect amount of coverage. Since I've started wearing it, I have received numerous comments on my complexion. Not only does it look good on the outside, but it feels weightless which is ideal for everyday use.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-75140312391105292?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-79497131628098816272011-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-10T21:34:18.665-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5608224902/" title="IMG_3977 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5608224902_afd2f806e4.jpg" alt="IMG_3977" height="268" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I got the idea of painting a canvas from Rhiannon at <a href="http://www.heygorg.com/">Hey Gorgeous</a>. The hardest part of the project was coming up with the right quote. I knew this canvas was for the bedroom, so love had to tie into the theme. After hours of research, I finally came up with "Love And Be Loved No Matter What" which simply sums up relationships. Painting was surprisingly relaxing and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I can't wait to do another canvas quote project. Contact me if you are interested.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5607640407/" title="IMG_3970 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5607640407_9a67354f16.jpg" alt="IMG_3970" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{painting the white letters required the most patience}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5607639799/" title="IMG_3935 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5607639799_17e2478b6a.jpg" alt="IMG_3935" height="345" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{hippo gray}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5607640169/" title="IMG_3953 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5607640169_e2391b2dac.jpg" alt="IMG_3953" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{broad brush strokes for the background was the most fun}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7949713162809881627?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-82011244774122387772011-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:002011-04-08T17:58:46.986-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9n8xuPaLnE/TZ95lo-mXCI/AAAAAAAAFUI/xC6g-RVr24Q/s1600/you%2527re%2Bgoing%2Bto%2Bcome%2Bacross.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9n8xuPaLnE/TZ95lo-mXCI/AAAAAAAAFUI/xC6g-RVr24Q/s400/you%2527re%2Bgoing%2Bto%2Bcome%2Bacross.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593322949779545122" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-8201124477412238777?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-75151342577020357032011-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-07T20:06:00.541-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaABAKotiCY/TZ57E_VKOMI/AAAAAAAAFUA/dug4m42mqmc/s1600/thinking.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 437px; height: 347px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaABAKotiCY/TZ57E_VKOMI/AAAAAAAAFUA/dug4m42mqmc/s400/thinking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593043112890611906" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bottomoftheironingbasket.blogspot.com/">{via}</a><br /><br /></div>This week I heard someone talk about being "the best version of yourself." What does this mean exactly? It is obvious that we are all different and have unique strengths and talents. I think that being the best version of yourself really is a journey specifically tailored to an individual and what they want out of life.<br /><br />The best version of myself:<br /><ol><li>Accepts nothing less than perfection at work,</li><li>Connects to people at every opportunity,</li><li>Wears my heart on my sleeve,<br /></li><li>Loves a good, hard laugh,<br /></li><li>Tries to be the most loving wife and friend. </li></ol>What is the best version of yourself?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7515134257702035703?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-19526052218818978272011-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T21:04:08.522-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5596755390/" title="marcie style board by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5596755390_1beafc3772.jpg" alt="marcie style board" height="357" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here is my style board put together by the amazing Taylor over at <a href="http://www.sterlingstyle.net/">Sterling Style</a>. I am working with Taylor to maximize my wardrobe and make it work for me. My major "fashion problem" is not knowing how to work with what I have. I feel like I have great stand alone pieces, but knowing how mix &amp; match outfits isn't my strong suit, in fact, I am terrible at it. I am tired of staring at a closet full of clothes and feeling like I have nothing to wear. Enter Taylor. She is a fashion genius and after a brief conversation, she instantly got my style. Stay tuned for more details on this adventure I am calling Project Style.<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1952605221881897827?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-3870123652231778582011-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-05T20:55:22.901-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKG0nh-LVfk/TZao6NQu2OI/AAAAAAAAFSA/-i9n1kJeiK8/s1600/Riley.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKG0nh-LVfk/TZao6NQu2OI/AAAAAAAAFSA/-i9n1kJeiK8/s400/Riley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590841705372768482" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Let me be clear, I don't have children yet, but I am so in love with <a href="http://www.modmomfurniture.com/">Mod Mom Furniture's</a> products that I just might buy one of her toy chests. The designs are sleek and functional, along with fun which is exactly what children need to make "clean up time" an adventure. Even more amazing is that Kiersten, Mod Mom's founder, is an executive turned stay at-home mom turned self-taught furniture designer. When her husband lost her job, Kiersten turned to carpentry to design amazing toy chests in order to support her family. She really is a testament to how powerful and brilliant women can be! She has really inspired me.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvr9WFnDbC8/TZao5xDzFiI/AAAAAAAAFR4/96xI5dugSDE/s1600/RileyOpen.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvr9WFnDbC8/TZao5xDzFiI/AAAAAAAAFR4/96xI5dugSDE/s400/RileyOpen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590841697802327586" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.modmomfurniture.com/rileyPaige.htm"><span style="font-size:85%;">{Riley Paige Storage Box}</span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4F25fHTNMR4/TZao5pcUr5I/AAAAAAAAFRw/0c2kHFZXakk/s1600/Owyn.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4F25fHTNMR4/TZao5pcUr5I/AAAAAAAAFRw/0c2kHFZXakk/s400/Owyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590841695757709202" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modmomfurniture.com/owynToyBox.htm"><span style="font-size:85%;">{Owyn Storage Box}</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnR3FFsqEXU/TZaqto-KLEI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/bfg-WBnn6TQ/s1600/76139_10150348610375451_361080970450_16279409_5238582_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnR3FFsqEXU/TZaqto-KLEI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/bfg-WBnn6TQ/s400/76139_10150348610375451_361080970450_16279409_5238582_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590843688496016450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKd1HaK55cg/TZaqt2L84LI/AAAAAAAAFSY/MH7f0hfQh3Q/s1600/25475_320622129389_121337859389_3246562_2009037_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKd1HaK55cg/TZaqt2L84LI/AAAAAAAAFSY/MH7f0hfQh3Q/s400/25475_320622129389_121337859389_3246562_2009037_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590843692043526322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ88FyXdY-4/TZapnFqJGQI/AAAAAAAAFSI/Zuv9sgAloos/s1600/aboutUsHeader.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 103px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ88FyXdY-4/TZapnFqJGQI/AAAAAAAAFSI/Zuv9sgAloos/s400/aboutUsHeader.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590842476425976066" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mod Mom is made in the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">U</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">S</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">A!</span></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-387012365223177858?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-2108404690125377372011-04-05T14:22:00.000-07:002011-04-05T14:30:33.364-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RhkYV5Nwys/TZuJr7-N_pI/AAAAAAAAFTo/O4GCoKnxTk4/s1600/IMG_3479.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RhkYV5Nwys/TZuJr7-N_pI/AAAAAAAAFTo/O4GCoKnxTk4/s400/IMG_3479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592214750236638866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> Just a little <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/06/something-to-smile-about.html">Baby Alex </a>to brighten up your Tuesday afternoon.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1FeDfhgajE/TZuJrvzkVEI/AAAAAAAAFTg/e5d4d4u1v0Q/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1FeDfhgajE/TZuJrvzkVEI/AAAAAAAAFTg/e5d4d4u1v0Q/s400/IMG_3492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592214746970739778" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-210840469012537737?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-49576699671348997302011-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-04T20:26:34.175-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5583800063/" title="IMG_3802 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5583800063_86d7204938.jpg" alt="IMG_3802" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We had Jimmy's birthday picnic at the perfect place this weekend. Different levels of mountains added depth to the breathtaking scene. Blossoming trees offered the perfect contrast to the green redwoods, and the week's rain made the air crisp and fresh. The picnic bench center pieces were a combination of party blowers and yellow wildflowers I picked the night before. Days like this make me so happy to live in Northern California where I am surrounded by nature.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5584388764/" title="IMG_3783 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5584388764_2888ef61b1.jpg" alt="IMG_3783" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{old-fashioned party blowers}<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5584389880/" title="IMG_3865 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5584389880_9d9107d4c0.jpg" alt="IMG_3865" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{baby reese enjoying the view}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5584390224/" title="IMG_3816 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5584390224_3a88ba4fbe.jpg" alt="IMG_3816" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{blossoming trees}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5583801017/" title="IMG_3909 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5583801017_5892493581.jpg" alt="IMG_3909" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{favorite wine}</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5584388608/" title="IMG_3774 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5584388608_00a34274b8.jpg" alt="IMG_3774" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{wildflowers picked the night before}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-4957669967134899730?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-78271397467101310122011-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-04T00:00:05.006-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIEFL6a-q_Q/TZkzDhPrTfI/AAAAAAAAFTI/9GK7860HaEY/s1600/triple2.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIEFL6a-q_Q/TZkzDhPrTfI/AAAAAAAAFTI/9GK7860HaEY/s400/triple2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591556547913928178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Today is my favorite person's birthday, my auntie! I've often talked about her amazing cooking skills (see <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/06/food-friday-aunties-cupcakes.html">here</a> and <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/08/food-friday-rocky-road.html">here</a> and <a href="http://lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com/2010/08/bargain-bandwagon.html">here</a>), and all that she's taught me in the kitchen. You know that person who has your back no matter what? That is my auntie. There is really no one like her and she just can't be replaced. I grew up right next door to auntie, and every childhood memory includes her. The support and love she's shown me throughout the years just can't be explained in words. She is truly an inspiration and I am so luck to have her in my life. <br /><br />Please join me in wishing Auntie many more happy and healthy years to come!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-7827139746710131012?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-68454090042711334812011-04-03T19:05:00.001-07:002011-04-03T19:06:36.808-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c16x9ycffK0/TZkniK8R-VI/AAAAAAAAFTA/wnjhKSPgDto/s1600/icecreamsundae11-hp.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 155px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c16x9ycffK0/TZkniK8R-VI/AAAAAAAAFTA/wnjhKSPgDto/s400/icecreamsundae11-hp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591543880363407698" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />{via}</span></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is the 119th anniversary of the first documented ice cream sundae! Now if that isn't cause to go out and enjoy one, I don't know what is!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6845409004271133481?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-39466202366691820062011-04-02T22:11:00.000-07:002011-04-02T22:15:17.952-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7THJKfO5jvE/TZgB300TUWI/AAAAAAAAFSo/TMQjIsQX7ww/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7THJKfO5jvE/TZgB300TUWI/AAAAAAAAFSo/TMQjIsQX7ww/s400/IMG_3906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591220995962917218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>This is just too hilarious not to post. I saw this guy posing in front of his Honda Accord today. He is a very proud car owner and isn't afraid to show it. As my mother would say, <span style="font-weight: bold;">to each his own</span>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kg6rAKxO1NU/TZgB4Qz9_nI/AAAAAAAAFS4/nncBpnQ2poQ/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kg6rAKxO1NU/TZgB4Qz9_nI/AAAAAAAAFS4/nncBpnQ2poQ/s400/IMG_3907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591221003477712498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu5GgYsstuQ/TZgB4HPCzRI/AAAAAAAAFSw/1PzmkeyZ9QE/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu5GgYsstuQ/TZgB4HPCzRI/AAAAAAAAFSw/1PzmkeyZ9QE/s400/IMG_3908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591221000906919186" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3946620236669182006?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-67586264506015081662011-04-01T22:19:00.000-07:002011-04-01T22:21:26.413-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxE0_nJyxzQ/TZayAtQfVNI/AAAAAAAAFSg/hqS3a7_zhtU/s1600/if%2Bwe%2Bdid.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxE0_nJyxzQ/TZayAtQfVNI/AAAAAAAAFSg/hqS3a7_zhtU/s400/if%2Bwe%2Bdid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590851712645551314" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6758626450601508166?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-54897749066527984072011-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:002011-03-31T21:51:04.479-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDYpq4XWhz8/TZVMC49oRgI/AAAAAAAAFRo/7OMFbV_6Kio/s1600/tumblr_liq8n1zmbl1qho3bao1_500_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDYpq4XWhz8/TZVMC49oRgI/AAAAAAAAFRo/7OMFbV_6Kio/s400/tumblr_liq8n1zmbl1qho3bao1_500_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590458124984665602" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/8314405"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br /></div>There is nothing like a good blog. After following stories everyday, I've come to feel connected to the writer and find myself following their story. A good blog also offers continuous inspiration that changes daily, so stories are always fresh and fun. I've developed a morning ritual of looking at my favorite blogs, and each one speaks to a different side of me. I wouldn't exchange these lovely ladies for anything, and I hope they know how much I appreciate their hard work in bringing new content several times a week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For Food &amp; Fashion</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7JSpFiJ5lJU/TZVJgV2m1RI/AAAAAAAAFRY/LzYpEpDyk7g/s1600/yellow8.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 354px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7JSpFiJ5lJU/TZVJgV2m1RI/AAAAAAAAFRY/LzYpEpDyk7g/s400/yellow8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590455332421162258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GXZxX9-efg/TZVJzJPfuCI/AAAAAAAAFRg/QGHqFrbk5lw/s1600/milano8.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 352px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GXZxX9-efg/TZVJzJPfuCI/AAAAAAAAFRg/QGHqFrbk5lw/s400/milano8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590455655453407266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Valerie, author of <a href="http://www.redvinesforbreakfast.blogspot.com/">Red Vines for Breakfast</a>, is a cross between a fashionista and bakerella, all with an LA twist! She makes the most delicious desserts (Nutella lovers beware) and always looks polished with her impeccable style. I will let you in on a little secret, Val and I went to high school together, but she was a couple years older so we never really hung out. She was the stunning upperclassman that everyone looked up to. Now, I feel like I know her so well and this is all thanks to Red Vines for Breakfast.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For Fashion and Motivation </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Am1lIPlJtcU/TZVICrLcNCI/AAAAAAAAFRI/vPbO890o8jQ/s1600/5532787463_af7abce8aa_z.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 292px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Am1lIPlJtcU/TZVICrLcNCI/AAAAAAAAFRI/vPbO890o8jQ/s400/5532787463_af7abce8aa_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590453723237987362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Taylor, author of <a href="http://www.sterlingstyle.net/">Sterling Style</a>, is my source of all things fashion. I love that she lives close to me and we went to the same college (although we've never met). Her fashion sense is very affordable and practical, so I often keep her style in mind when shopping. Taylor is also extremely driven with her career. There have been a few times when I am analyzing my own career path and I've thought of Taylor and how she is really grabbing onto her dreams. Check out her most important project yet, the Glitter Guide, <a href="http://theglitterguide.com/comingsoon/">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For Advice and Perspective </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://louboosandshoes.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 463px; height: 159px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlnOR_iafw8/TZNW7FjhBQI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/jJ716kll4nU/s400/loubooheader.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589907135600329986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Lou, author of <a href="http://louboosandshoes.blogspot.com/">Lou, Boos and Shoes</a>, is my daily source of perspective (with a UK twist). Her writing is always so honest and open, and her photos are gorgeous too. Lou, thank you for opening up and sharing all your dreams and fears with us. Your blog has such a special place in my heart. And I'd like to think of you as my friend across the pond.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-5489774906652798407?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-14571729737584094652011-03-31T13:00:00.000-07:002011-03-31T16:07:19.796-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRDauOgHzuI/TZUIkuqt2DI/AAAAAAAAFRA/xN_rPllfQ8Y/s1600/success.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRDauOgHzuI/TZUIkuqt2DI/AAAAAAAAFRA/xN_rPllfQ8Y/s400/success.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590383939545847858" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-1457172973758409465?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-31458469118093685502011-03-31T01:00:00.001-07:002011-03-31T16:07:05.544-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OBBQpItUDw/TZQCQ3_G_XI/AAAAAAAAFQw/haABI9J_Ly0/s1600/how%2Bto%2Bhave%2Ba.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 417px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OBBQpItUDw/TZQCQ3_G_XI/AAAAAAAAFQw/haABI9J_Ly0/s400/how%2Bto%2Bhave%2Ba.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590095526403439986" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love number 5 and number 6. These are things I don't always think about, but I definitely can do! A crisp outfit, nice make-up and a great (but subtle) fragrance is the perfect feminine combination!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3145846911809368550?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-8521572648199438712011-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:002011-03-29T21:42:46.005-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5566335576/" title="IMG_3725 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5566335576_b17caef39f.jpg" alt="IMG_3725" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br /></div>With the rain comes everything green and clean! This weekend I slipped on my rain boots and challenged the mud to enjoy clean air and bright green scenery. Filled to the brim, raging rivers offered the perfect soundtrack to the lush and green mountains. My mini-hike made me so thankful for the plentiful rain that rejuvenated the area. I can't wait for sunshine which will give life to wildflowers in April.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5566336156/" title="IMG_3728 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5566336156_d04af333a4.jpg" alt="IMG_3728" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5566334570/" title="IMG_3709 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5566334570_78a1fa92c9.jpg" alt="IMG_3709" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5566335116/" title="IMG_3718 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5566335116_522197eb90.jpg" alt="IMG_3718" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{redwood trail}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-852157264819943871?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-61782938353795738432011-03-29T08:24:00.000-07:002011-03-29T08:46:10.735-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5571053643/" title="IMG_2836 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5571053643_8e2e22bb12.jpg" alt="IMG_2836" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy 30th to Jimmy!</span><br /><br />I think I'll take a moment to celebrate my age<br />The ending of an era, and the turning of a page<br />Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here<br />Lord, have mercy on my next thirty years<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5571641994/" title="IMG_3404 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5571641994_4d2226421c.jpg" alt="IMG_3404" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />In my next thirty years<br />I'm gonna have some fun<br />Trying to forget about all the crazy things I've done<br />Maybe now I've conquered all my adolescent fears<br />And I'll do it better in my next thirty years<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5571054027/" title="IMG_0133 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5571054027_b2fb77a7ce.jpg" alt="IMG_0133" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />In my next thirty years<br />I'm gonna settle all the scores<br />Cry a little less, laugh a little more<br />Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear<br />Figure out just what I'm doing here, in my next thirty years<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5571053741/" title="IMG_2850 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5571053741_f339fd3e61.jpg" alt="IMG_2850" height="500" width="330" /></a><br /><br />Oh my next thirty years<br />I'm gonna watch my weight<br />Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late<br />Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers, huh<br />Maybe I'll remember my next thirty years<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5571641312/" title="IMG_0829 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5571641312_6800095050.jpg" alt="IMG_0829" height="500" width="264" /></a><br /><br />My next thirty years<br />Will be the best years of my life<br />Raise a little family and hang out with my wife<br />Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear<br />Make up for lost time here<br />In my next thirty years<br />- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m1rTU8sqpA">Tim McGraw</a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5516790766/" title="437 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5516790766_50c4b7f70d.jpg" alt="437" height="500" width="333" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6178293835379573843?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-62910844639114588242011-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:002011-03-28T20:51:39.672-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5565739327/" title="IMG_3673 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5565739327_aeffe362ee.jpg" alt="IMG_3673" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />"Tasting the wine" was the highlight of the weekend. Jimmy and I joined our first wine club at our favorite local winery in the hills by our house. After years of enjoying this quaint little tasting room, we decided to make the relationship permanent. Now we can enjoy free tastings, wine parties, and two delicious bottles per quarter. Here are some pretty pictures from our simple wine tasting day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5566319826/" title="IMG_3706 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5566319826_1e96301f23.jpg" alt="IMG_3706" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{the swirl}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5565740531/" title="IMG_3684 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5565740531_a23d8cc7b7.jpg" alt="IMG_3684" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{red wine favorites}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53096254@N07/5566319202/" title="IMG_3672 by LemonsandLaundry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5566319202_b0a8b6ba07.jpg" alt="IMG_3672" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{the estate}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-6291084463911458824?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-37073721835181915212011-03-28T17:09:00.000-07:002011-03-28T17:11:39.190-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ns02APQcrk/TZEjX5IZquI/AAAAAAAAFQA/g_TiX8ATVUU/s1600/the%2Bbest%2Bway.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ns02APQcrk/TZEjX5IZquI/AAAAAAAAFQA/g_TiX8ATVUU/s400/the%2Bbest%2Bway.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589287505923517154" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bitsotruth.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">{via}</span></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-3707372183518191521?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124998912795074235.post-24625328819321461122011-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:002011-03-27T21:21:17.747-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKE_HQYlc_I/TY1rK7uPORI/AAAAAAAAFP4/Ursy7fF3vJo/s1600/Lost%2Bboys%2Bof%2BSudan.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKE_HQYlc_I/TY1rK7uPORI/AAAAAAAAFP4/Ursy7fF3vJo/s400/Lost%2Bboys%2Bof%2BSudan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588240548211144978" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />On Friday night, I was scrolling through Netflix and stumbled across <a href="http://www.lostboysfilm.com/">Lost Boys of Sudan</a>. I was instantly captivated by the movie's trailer about African refugee boys relocating to America. Jimmy and I watched the movie intently; this was literally the first time in ages I wasn't simultaneously on the computer. A few hours after the movie, we were still talking about the acclimation process refugees in America go through. Every once in a while, a story captures your heart and changes your perspective on an otherwise ordinary day, and Lost Boys of Sudan will do just that. I highly recommend it.<br /><br />Jimmy and I are anxious to get involved and have reached out to our local organization. To get involved or learn more, click <a href="http://www.lostboysfilm.com/take.html#lostBoysDonate">here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xXLV2A69us/TY1rKi5du4I/AAAAAAAAFPw/o8kaZy1VJlw/s1600/All4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xXLV2A69us/TY1rKi5du4I/AAAAAAAAFPw/o8kaZy1VJlw/s400/All4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588240541547346818" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">{One group of boys that graduated from American schools}</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5124998912795074235-2462532881932146112?l=lemonsandlaundry.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557790177801142318noreply@blogger.com6