tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43847390160446597402024-03-12T20:02:04.412-07:00A Little Sugar...A Little SpiceHere's a peek into our crazy life!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-71989432562998418592011-08-17T19:42:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:42:06.209-07:00Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti RecipeOne of hubby's favorite meals is chicken spaghetti and he's been begging me to make it for awhile. Unfortunately, my chicken spaghetti recipe isn't exactly a quick and easy meal so I had been putting it off. I finally gave in and made it for dinner tonight so I thought I would share the recipe with you guys. This recipe is a collaboration of my mother-in-law's recipe and my grandmother's recipe---thus I'm calling it the ULTIMATE Chicken Spaghetti Recipe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCsmfJCpySQ/Tkxu3d3BOlI/AAAAAAAAALY/_90uQmvgr0Q/s1600/DSC02034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCsmfJCpySQ/Tkxu3d3BOlI/AAAAAAAAALY/_90uQmvgr0Q/s320/DSC02034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The ingredients....minus the chicken! I totally forgot to put it in the picture! ha!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OIyo3U-fQjY/Tkxu3aVAv1I/AAAAAAAAALc/wbXU3kDI8ww/s1600/DSC02036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OIyo3U-fQjY/Tkxu3aVAv1I/AAAAAAAAALc/wbXU3kDI8ww/s320/DSC02036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 small onion, 1 cup bell pepper, and 1 cup chopped celery all finely chopped.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dQk90X8BPk/Tkxu87ESbiI/AAAAAAAAALg/-6skWTDvS3I/s1600/DSC02038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dQk90X8BPk/Tkxu87ESbiI/AAAAAAAAALg/-6skWTDvS3I/s320/DSC02038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cube the Velveeta and shred the boiled chicken.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWo3e60kp4I/TkxvQwHAoRI/AAAAAAAAALk/6l_Nwp_5du4/s1600/DSC02040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWo3e60kp4I/TkxvQwHAoRI/AAAAAAAAALk/6l_Nwp_5du4/s320/DSC02040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Melt the stick of butter in a medium skillet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hOcJeGYqp0/TkxvWZaB-2I/AAAAAAAAALo/B3bedcziLEk/s1600/DSC02041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hOcJeGYqp0/TkxvWZaB-2I/AAAAAAAAALo/B3bedcziLEk/s320/DSC02041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saute the onion, bell pepper, and celery until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper and celery are tender.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjEEA0P9JpQ/TkxvaoWjCiI/AAAAAAAAALs/GBM8S2WXoJM/s1600/DSC02042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjEEA0P9JpQ/TkxvaoWjCiI/AAAAAAAAALs/GBM8S2WXoJM/s320/DSC02042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cook the noodles according to package directions, drain, and return to the warm pot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L70_snquZQ/Tkxvvwr9Z3I/AAAAAAAAALw/1uqEcsoWY60/s1600/DSC02043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L70_snquZQ/Tkxvvwr9Z3I/AAAAAAAAALw/1uqEcsoWY60/s320/DSC02043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Add the tomato soup, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and Rotel tomatoes to the noodles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zeq6GbGzZAA/Tkxv09iQu8I/AAAAAAAAAL0/RJZOvNqitLI/s1600/DSC02044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zeq6GbGzZAA/Tkxv09iQu8I/AAAAAAAAAL0/RJZOvNqitLI/s320/DSC02044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stir until well combined.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkuXxoGZ5nI/TkxwGOQ9q3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/22bPjtWDHok/s1600/DSC02045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkuXxoGZ5nI/TkxwGOQ9q3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/22bPjtWDHok/s320/DSC02045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery and stir.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FV9CtGz979U/TkxwPn-LJZI/AAAAAAAAAL8/TChuLBQMLjU/s1600/DSC02046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FV9CtGz979U/TkxwPn-LJZI/AAAAAAAAAL8/TChuLBQMLjU/s320/DSC02046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, add the chicken and Velveeta and mix until everything is well combined. Hopefully, if you did this quickly enough your warm noodles, and the warm pot will slowly start to melt the Velveeta and make it easier to mix.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihy6ZGamUpk/TkxwRwv77iI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Z6mHD7ElP9k/s1600/DSC02047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihy6ZGamUpk/TkxwRwv77iI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Z6mHD7ElP9k/s320/DSC02047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour into a greased 9x13 in casserole dish, and bake at 350 for 1 hour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVUdjS9EFn4/Tkxwb47Q-WI/AAAAAAAAAME/EsT2RjhX53M/s1600/DSC02050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVUdjS9EFn4/Tkxwb47Q-WI/AAAAAAAAAME/EsT2RjhX53M/s320/DSC02050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like to stir mine occasionally to keep the top layer from getting that dry noodle crusty texture. It also helps me monitor the moisture, and I add chicken broth as needed. Here's a shot of mine after baking for an hour--see, no crusty noodles!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Ingredients:</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 medium package spaghetti noodles (cooked per package directions)</div><div style="text-align: left;">4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (boiled and chopped)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 can Rotel tomatoes</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 can tomato soup</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 can cream of mushroom soup</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 can cream of chicken soup</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 small onion (finely chopped)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup bell pepper (finely chopped)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup celery (finely chopped)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 stick of butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">1(16 oz) block Velveeta cheese</div><div style="text-align: left;">chicken broth (amount varies--I usually use 1/2 cup to 1 cup)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Directions:</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x13in baking dish.</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Boil chicken and shred/chop into bite-size pieces.</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Prepare noodles per package directions.</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Saute onion, bell pepper, celery in the stick of butter until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper and celery are tender.</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Combine chicken, noodles, soups, Rotel, Velveeta, and chicken--mix thoroughly.</div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Pour mixture into baking dish and bake at 350 for 1 hour. Stir occasionally and monitor the moisture, adding chicken broth as needed.</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-63736572085257044082011-08-03T19:55:00.000-07:002011-08-03T19:55:20.071-07:0017 WeeksI know I didn't do an official announcement here on the blog (considering it's been FOREVER since I've updated), but if you are my friend on facebook you know that Carey and I are expecting!! We will meet our precious little one in January (official due date is 1/11/12)! I am 17 weeks today, and here's a little update.<br />
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<strong><u>Size of Baby</u></strong>: Baby Antoon is about 5 inches long, and weighs approximately 5 ounces.<br />
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<strong><u>Maternity Clothes</u></strong>: Some. I can still wear most of my normal shirts, but they are quite snug! I can only wear my normal pants if I use the "rubber band" trick or wear a belly band--I found these great ones called the "Belly Button" that have a button and button holes that match up to the button and button holes on your pants. This way, your pants are still "buttoned" and the belly band folds down over the top of the pants and looks like a long tank top hanging out under your shirt.<br />
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<strong><u>Gender</u></strong>: <em>HOPEFULLY</em> we find out next week!! I've got my fingers crossed that Baby Antoon cooperates because I'm dying to know!<br />
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<u><strong>Movement</strong></u>: Apparently, I'm supposed to be feeling the baby move right now, but I don't know if I have. At this stage, the flutter that you feel when the baby moves is, supposedly, very similar to other stomach "gurgles." I've been having some stomach issues, so "gurgles" have been happening a lot, and I'm not sure how to distinguish between those and possible baby movements. <br />
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<strong><u>Sleep</u></strong>: I'm sleeping really good right now. I have at least one bathroom run in the middle of the night, but I usually fall right back to sleep (about two weeks ago, though, this was NOT the case). I am definitely taking advantage of this sleep and enjoying while I can! <br />
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<strong><u>What I miss</u></strong>: Oddly enough, the occasional glass of wine. I was never a big drinker before, but I've been craving a good glass of wine when we go out to dinner on the weekends. <br />
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<strong><u>Symptoms</u></strong>: Stuffy nose. It's the worst at night when I'm trying to get to sleep. I am also experiencing dizzy spells if I'm walking and change directions too quickly or turn my head abruptly.<br />
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<strong><u>Cravings</u></strong>: Not really having any cravings right now--more food aversions than anything. Chicken...ugh, chicken! I can't even hardly look at it...cooked or raw, doesn't matter! Some things may gross me out one day, and then sound good to me the next....but chicken has been gag-inducing since the beginning!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-1754295551343233682011-07-26T18:14:00.000-07:002011-07-26T18:14:16.966-07:00On My NightstandI know it's been awhile, but it's time for another issue of "On My Nightstand!" Here lately I have really been into following a book series. Not necessarily a series where you have to read one before you go to the next, but my favorites are where the character(s) are the same in each book, but each book's story is independent of the other. Am I making any sense?! <br />
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For example, have you seen the movie The Lincoln Lawyer? Well, that movie was actually based on a book by Michael Connelly. The main character in that movie, Mickey Haller (played by Matthew McConaughey), is actually the main character in 4 other books. While each book is independent of the others, I like the fact that you feel like you really know the characters and you learn more about them in each book. I try to read the series in order and, while it's not necessary to understand the stories, I feel like it helps when something is happening with the character's personal life to have some background information.<br />
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Anywho....on to the real point of this post. The series I want to introduce you guys to today is written by Janet Evanovich, and it is referred to as the Stephanie Plum Series. There are 17 main books and 4 "Between-the-Numbers" books. The titles of the main books are all number related (<u>One for the Money</u>, <u>Two for the Dough</u>, <u>Three to Get Deadly</u>, etc.) and the titles of the other books are not number related (thus, they are referred to as "Between-the-Numbers"). These 4 books are also shorter books--kind of like mini stories.<br />
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The main character of these books is Stephanie Plum. She's a 30-something, single woman who lives in New Jersey. Stephanie has a bit of bad luck when it comes to holding down a job and, in a fit of desperation, decides to try her hand at bounty hunting. All of these books center around her job as a bounty hunter and the shenanigans she gets herself into.<br />
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These books are action-packed, and extremely hilarious at the same time. Stephanie has a meddling mother, a crazy grandmother, and smoking hot boyfriend that all seem to work their way into the craziness that is her professional life. Each book has a mystery tied into it so they are definitely page turners, but in the midst of all this you will likely find yourself laughing hysterically throughout the book.<br />
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You definitely don't have to read them in order, but I recommend it because it will help you follow the small side stories about her personal life a little better. Below is a list of the books in chronological order. Keep in mind that the first several books were written awhile ago so don't be surprised when Stephanie has to pull over to use a pay phone because cell phones are something that only the super-rich have!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">One for the Money</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two for the Dough</div><div style="text-align: center;">Three to Get Deadly</div><div style="text-align: center;">Four to Score</div><div style="text-align: center;">High Five</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hot Six</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seven Up</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hard Eight</div><div style="text-align: center;">Visions of Sugar Plums</div><div style="text-align: center;">To the Nines</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ten Big Ones</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eleven on Top</div><div style="text-align: center;">Twelve Sharp</div><div style="text-align: center;">Plum Lovin'</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lean Mean Thirteen</div><div style="text-align: center;">Plum Lucky</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fearless Fourteen</div><div style="text-align: center;">Plum Spooky</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finger Lickin' Fifteen</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sizzling Sixteen</div><div style="text-align: center;">Smokin' Seventeen</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you guys try some of these books out--I think you'll become as addicted as I am! Number 18 is coming out this fall, and I'm already thinking about pre-ordering it on my Kindle because I'm so excited......yes, I'm that much of a nerd!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Talk to you soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Erin</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-18910589763915838882011-07-25T19:52:00.000-07:002011-07-25T19:52:48.880-07:00Oreo Truffle RecipeI absolutely love Oreo truffles...or, as the hubs likes to call them, Oreo balls. Literally, I could eat an entire batch by myself. They are always a hit, and my friends love them! I helped throw a baby shower for a sweet friend of mine, and the mom-to-be actually requested that the only dessert was Oreo truffles. So, of course, I obliged making several different flavors, and they were devoured. I think my favorite thing about them is that they are so easy.<br />
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I know there are tons or recipes out there and you can probably Google this and you would get 234932847528 hits. BUT, here's my recipe along with pictures.<br />
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**Note: the pictures in this post show that I used peanut butter Oreos which shows that you can use all the variations of Oreos, but my all-time favorite is truffles made with the regular Oreos.<br />
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<u>Oreo Truffles</u><br />
1 bag of Oreos<br />
1 (8oz) block of cream cheese, softened<br />
Almond bark (amount varies, depending on how thick you coat)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dG3-Am7Dw1g/Ti4g50hax2I/AAAAAAAAAKE/5u8YJXUb2HA/s1600/DSC01877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dG3-Am7Dw1g/Ti4g50hax2I/AAAAAAAAAKE/5u8YJXUb2HA/s320/DSC01877.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Place the Oreos in your food processor, and pulse until the cookies are crushed into a fine powder.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guFY18QtAIw/Ti4g9fYtfII/AAAAAAAAAKM/RNez_yaIj9Q/s1600/DSC01878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guFY18QtAIw/Ti4g9fYtfII/AAAAAAAAAKM/RNez_yaIj9Q/s320/DSC01878.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(At the time, I didn't have a large food processor, but have since upgraded!)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykvC5E-vkdA/Ti4g7MyhYEI/AAAAAAAAAKI/GNHog9my0nw/s1600/DSC01880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykvC5E-vkdA/Ti4g7MyhYEI/AAAAAAAAAKI/GNHog9my0nw/s320/DSC01880.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Here's the consistency that you should have after pulsing in the food processor.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Using a mixer, combine the cookie crumbs and the softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined--the mixture should be kind of shiny (almost wet looking) and form a large ball. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2gYFcPeUgw/Ti4hZpj-YII/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Bt6WuXkp7ME/s1600/DSC01884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2gYFcPeUgw/Ti4hZpj-YII/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Bt6WuXkp7ME/s320/DSC01884.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I use my stand mixer which I LOOOOOOOVE. It was one of my favorite wedding gifts and I use it all the time!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W31iVFQHHUI/Ti4haTJKR-I/AAAAAAAAAKU/TUUOTA8eahM/s1600/DSC01888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W31iVFQHHUI/Ti4haTJKR-I/AAAAAAAAAKU/TUUOTA8eahM/s320/DSC01888.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is what the mixture should look like after mixing.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once well combined, pinch off small amounts and form into about 1 inch balls. I've seen them made bigger, but I like to keep them small and bite-sized. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEUuYDui-Gg/Ti4ha3Vq-kI/AAAAAAAAAKY/HU9s6n8X2BE/s1600/DSC01889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEUuYDui-Gg/Ti4ha3Vq-kI/AAAAAAAAAKY/HU9s6n8X2BE/s320/DSC01889.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I use my small cookie scoop to get uniform sizes.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGAerktIXwQ/Ti4h1CF-bHI/AAAAAAAAAKc/xHKoD17JT_g/s1600/DSC01890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGAerktIXwQ/Ti4h1CF-bHI/AAAAAAAAAKc/xHKoD17JT_g/s320/DSC01890.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sorry this is such a bad picture--I didn't realize the ball was blending in with my black stovetop!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But, you can still see the size here.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place the balls onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. You don't want them to be frozen solid, but you want them to be very chilled and firm because you will be tossing them in hot, melted chocolate and you don't want them to lose their shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbk-jsCFa8w/Ti4iAUPUW7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/fsfexelBOtA/s1600/DSC01892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbk-jsCFa8w/Ti4iAUPUW7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/fsfexelBOtA/s320/DSC01892.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Melt your almond bark in a small, deep bowl. Almond bark can burn very easily so I warm it in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring inbetween.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUwcjAyFoFw/Ti4h_8rtMUI/AAAAAAAAAKg/sg6y428r3aw/s1600/DSC01905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUwcjAyFoFw/Ti4h_8rtMUI/AAAAAAAAAKg/sg6y428r3aw/s320/DSC01905.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdliCYgj75c/Ti4iWupHLSI/AAAAAAAAAKo/yjYN_5gbcdM/s1600/DSC01906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdliCYgj75c/Ti4iWupHLSI/AAAAAAAAAKo/yjYN_5gbcdM/s320/DSC01906.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Drop the Oreo balls into the almond bark, one at a time. I like to use two forks to toss the ball around in the melted almond bark to get them well coated. Once coated, place them back on the wax paper-lined cookie sheet to cool/harden. IMPORTANT: do not place in the freezer or the refrigerator--this will cause the truffles to sweat and condensation will form on the outside. They will harden fairly quickly even at room temperature.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uAx9dt5655k/Ti4id2m8-FI/AAAAAAAAAKs/DY-3csVXunY/s1600/DSC01907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uAx9dt5655k/Ti4id2m8-FI/AAAAAAAAAKs/DY-3csVXunY/s320/DSC01907.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCBqLSbt0d0/Ti4ijSqHODI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Sv6pzMdM2eA/s1600/DSC01908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCBqLSbt0d0/Ti4ijSqHODI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Sv6pzMdM2eA/s320/DSC01908.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDDnnifGz_A/Ti4iwHVvL1I/AAAAAAAAAK0/zr3pcSHWWLc/s1600/DSC01909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDDnnifGz_A/Ti4iwHVvL1I/AAAAAAAAAK0/zr3pcSHWWLc/s320/DSC01909.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And, of course, my ever-present kitchen helper was right there <strike>hoping I would drop something</strike> assisting.</span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emYkf5DsF8A/Ti4i0gsh3OI/AAAAAAAAAK4/hszgXLK9rkc/s1600/DSC01913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emYkf5DsF8A/Ti4i0gsh3OI/AAAAAAAAAK4/hszgXLK9rkc/s320/DSC01913.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally, every good cook knows that you must sample your treats before you serve them---I just wanted to make sure they were edible! =)</span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you enjoy. However, I must warn you--this are HIGHLY addicting!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-67851127922699916232011-03-16T18:12:00.000-07:002011-03-16T18:12:15.612-07:00Wedding Wednesday - Pre-CeremonyI know, I know. It's been forever. I have been a BUSY little beaver, and have completed lots of projects around the house. I have documented most of it and will be posting about that soon. Meanwhile, it's time for another installment of Wedding Wednesday. Today I'll show you pictures of the pre-ceremony.<br />
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The morning of the wedding, some super sweet ladies prepared a wonderful breakfast for my bridesmaids and me. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of that, but it was such a fun time! After the breakfast, we split into three groups--some of us went to the reception site to check on the decorations, some went to the church to see what the florist had done the night before (she had to go out of town the night before the wedding so we hadn't seen anything that she'd done at the church), and some went back to my mom's house to start getting ready. My sweet sister and amazing cousin (who, by the way, was over 8 months prego at the time!!!!) took on the task of doing everyone's hair and makeup.....they worked their BUTTS off and then only had about 15 minutes to get themselves ready!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOA5CMWiTAU/TXhJ-upsxSI/AAAAAAAAAGc/L6wuMWttvNk/s1600/Antoon+Before_039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOA5CMWiTAU/TXhJ-upsxSI/AAAAAAAAAGc/L6wuMWttvNk/s320/Antoon+Before_039.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nt-4p9vwywE/TXhKvLLGtzI/AAAAAAAAAGs/XqVePLOU2PA/s1600/Antoon+Before_036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nt-4p9vwywE/TXhKvLLGtzI/AAAAAAAAAGs/XqVePLOU2PA/s320/Antoon+Before_036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hTUqly9XVhU/TXhJjeDFN8I/AAAAAAAAAGY/tHeO-Z-9-nw/s1600/Antoon+Before_035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hTUqly9XVhU/TXhJjeDFN8I/AAAAAAAAAGY/tHeO-Z-9-nw/s320/Antoon+Before_035.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this picture! This is my cousin, Marci, who was over 8 months pregnant.....that's sweet little Tucker in her belly!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9vVSkVECdxE/TXhKW38u8FI/AAAAAAAAAGo/3IN2cxjKrdE/s1600/Antoon+Before_065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9vVSkVECdxE/TXhKW38u8FI/AAAAAAAAAGo/3IN2cxjKrdE/s320/Antoon+Before_065.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my sister's beautiful creations!! Ashley Rose has A LOT of hair so this was quite the task, but my sister has some serious skills!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3CeJwn6H1i4/TXhH_c-mbZI/AAAAAAAAAFs/6mmGGMCTbLU/s1600/Antoon+Before_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3CeJwn6H1i4/TXhH_c-mbZI/AAAAAAAAAFs/6mmGGMCTbLU/s320/Antoon+Before_002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sooooo, due to a little mis-communication, there were no pew markers at the church when we went to check it out the morning of the wedding. My super-hero cousin was not only my resident makeup artist, but she was also our emergency florist!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tgtf1M_n6kA/TXhIAtH0g0I/AAAAAAAAAF0/BQxWz0mo-08/s1600/Antoon+Before_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tgtf1M_n6kA/TXhIAtH0g0I/AAAAAAAAAF0/BQxWz0mo-08/s320/Antoon+Before_005.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">True to fashion, I started getting a migraine the morning of the wedding so my sweet Aunt Deb rubbed my neck and back and saved the day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FivXIP373zo/TXhK703TIXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/fPganjTlrks/s1600/Antoon+Before_068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FivXIP373zo/TXhK703TIXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/fPganjTlrks/s320/Antoon+Before_068.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This picture makes me laugh so hard....and is another reminder of the most memorable bachelorette party ever. Less than a month before the wedding, we went to Kansas City for my bachelorette party. We had been there all of 30 minutes and my finger gets slammed in a window and we spent the rest of the night in the emergency room! Not only had the window busted through my acrylic nail, my real nail, and cut my nailbed to the bone, it also broke my finger! So, due to this unfortunate accident, I had only 9.25 fingernails on the my wedding day and had to resort to press-on nails....how classy is that?! ha!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wg6cbeyagV8/TXhL8wekCOI/AAAAAAAAAHE/wTJTDbAwTZw/s1600/Antoon+Before_071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wg6cbeyagV8/TXhL8wekCOI/AAAAAAAAAHE/wTJTDbAwTZw/s320/Antoon+Before_071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my great-grandmother's cameo pin that I pinned on my bouquet to be my something old. This was really special to me because I never got to meet her. She died when my grandmother was only 16. I've heard she was an amazing seamstress--I like to tell myself that this is where I got my love for all things crafty!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MhkgTf1i7rM/TXhLeAcVMiI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1vWKBloqxqc/s1600/Antoon+Before_141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MhkgTf1i7rM/TXhLeAcVMiI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1vWKBloqxqc/s320/Antoon+Before_141.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZjUDKU9tdG0/TXhL9OfKagI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Im0RM5isnyo/s1600/Antoon+Before_146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZjUDKU9tdG0/TXhL9OfKagI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Im0RM5isnyo/s320/Antoon+Before_146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PVlxEdm1u4Y/TXhMx8zwZfI/AAAAAAAAAHU/oJAYUNXlSB8/s1600/Antoon+Before_152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PVlxEdm1u4Y/TXhMx8zwZfI/AAAAAAAAAHU/oJAYUNXlSB8/s320/Antoon+Before_152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZwpTjUG-xU/TXhM9yKrwfI/AAAAAAAAAHk/laaxXXppYrc/s1600/Antoon+Before_147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZwpTjUG-xU/TXhM9yKrwfI/AAAAAAAAAHk/laaxXXppYrc/s320/Antoon+Before_147.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy, if you're reading this, PLEASE don't kill me! I just couldn't resist putting these pictures on here! I gave my dad his gift right before the ceremony, and my photographer caught it all. I gave him an antique handkerchief that I had embroidered with a sweet message. It said: "Daddy, you'll always be the first man I ever loved. Love, Erin" It is such a true statement and I wanted him to know that, even though I was getting married, I would always be his little girl. I gave my mom a charm bracelet with an engraved charm that said "All that I am, or ever will be is because of you," and it had my wedding date on the back. Unfortunately, I had given that to her earlier in the day before the photographer was around so I don't have any pictures, but she really liked it. My mama is the strongest, smartest, hardest working woman I know, and she has always been there for me no matter what. I love her dearly!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rETKv4uSMYs/TXhMzAtK3aI/AAAAAAAAAHc/YGVTxt0DUA8/s1600/Antoon+Before_157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rETKv4uSMYs/TXhMzAtK3aI/AAAAAAAAAHc/YGVTxt0DUA8/s320/Antoon+Before_157.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CM1myqhSGa4/TXhOQMrj_sI/AAAAAAAAAHw/kvxICokmN78/s1600/Antoon+Before_158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CM1myqhSGa4/TXhOQMrj_sI/AAAAAAAAAHw/kvxICokmN78/s320/Antoon+Before_158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My bridesmaids made me write my full maiden name one last time. It was so weird to think that that was the last time I would write it and it still be my name!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yrUwZFFn1oU/TXhPKqj40NI/AAAAAAAAAII/bLRxLqRLiCw/s1600/Antoon+Before_177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yrUwZFFn1oU/TXhPKqj40NI/AAAAAAAAAII/bLRxLqRLiCw/s320/Antoon+Before_177.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v8cFg8Y8cnM/TXhPs-1FlfI/AAAAAAAAAIM/i3_w1M7U_a0/s1600/Antoon+Before_179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v8cFg8Y8cnM/TXhPs-1FlfI/AAAAAAAAAIM/i3_w1M7U_a0/s320/Antoon+Before_179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My mom and sister (my Matron of Honor) helping me with my dress! Love them both SO much!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kfp8XlyQRLs/TXhRfg3zJ3I/AAAAAAAAAIw/gR6E-mnz_y4/s1600/Antoon+Before_204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kfp8XlyQRLs/TXhRfg3zJ3I/AAAAAAAAAIw/gR6E-mnz_y4/s320/Antoon+Before_204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uccQdoJykZw/TXhTAqcyOVI/AAAAAAAAAJU/B6I69x01Hw8/s1600/Antoon+Before_224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uccQdoJykZw/TXhTAqcyOVI/AAAAAAAAAJU/B6I69x01Hw8/s320/Antoon+Before_224.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7YDGk9X3htc/TXhSsrDmp_I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rA9ADAfTFLk/s1600/Antoon+Before_225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7YDGk9X3htc/TXhSsrDmp_I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rA9ADAfTFLk/s320/Antoon+Before_225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Putting on the veil...one of my favorite parts of my dress!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gwGysaBWPV8/TXhQn5f5VjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/R1DjezggPb8/s1600/Antoon+Before_187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gwGysaBWPV8/TXhQn5f5VjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/R1DjezggPb8/s320/Antoon+Before_187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know, I know....I had the CUTEST flower girls ever! Stella (on the left) and Presley Kate (on the right).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WTeLoVsUSE/TXhRpA-SsoI/AAAAAAAAAI4/NZiWkkE2gZ8/s1600/Antoon+Before_214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WTeLoVsUSE/TXhRpA-SsoI/AAAAAAAAAI4/NZiWkkE2gZ8/s320/Antoon+Before_214.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bcpWy_yv21g/TXhR4CfkdiI/AAAAAAAAAI8/3HIZHfON3lI/s1600/Antoon+Before_215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bcpWy_yv21g/TXhR4CfkdiI/AAAAAAAAAI8/3HIZHfON3lI/s320/Antoon+Before_215.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This is my sweet Aunt Deb putting the sixpence in my shoe. The sixpence was my something borrowed, and it was SO very special. This was the exact same sixpence that my grandaddy put in her shoe on her wedding day. My grandaddy passed away when I was only 15, and it was nice to think that I had a little piece of him there with me. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-efnvy99ZLa8/TXhSo5TyQ2I/AAAAAAAAAJM/nJNUAbGDmTM/s1600/Antoon+Before_231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-efnvy99ZLa8/TXhSo5TyQ2I/AAAAAAAAAJM/nJNUAbGDmTM/s320/Antoon+Before_231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to wedding planning extraordinaire, Mrs. Ashley Rose Rausch! I was one lucky bride because one of my best friends and bridesmaids is a certified event planner, and she is DANG good at it! Ashley, I cannot thank you enough for everything you did!</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FS5qSz-zJyE/TXhQvlxgI_I/AAAAAAAAAIk/sPbt1BdLBrs/s1600/Antoon+Before_194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FS5qSz-zJyE/TXhQvlxgI_I/AAAAAAAAAIk/sPbt1BdLBrs/s320/Antoon+Before_194.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>My Maid of Honor (and bff) ,Morgan, putting my garters on for me. Morgan worked her little fingers to the bone the weekend of my wedding, and was the best Maid of Honor I could have ever asked for. <div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U_pa1dZkf7E/TXhDFXdWNzI/AAAAAAAAAFk/G-7Kxsa-BDM/s1600/Antoon+Before_230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U_pa1dZkf7E/TXhDFXdWNzI/AAAAAAAAAFk/G-7Kxsa-BDM/s320/Antoon+Before_230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this picture. Both of my flower girls were in awe of my wedding dress that day, and it was the cutest thing ever. I may be a little biased, but I was kind of in awe of my wedding dress too! =)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AKUi8ixjt6I/TXhT39YKtfI/AAAAAAAAAJk/ieprmm6ZyZE/s1600/Antoon+Before_242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AKUi8ixjt6I/TXhT39YKtfI/AAAAAAAAAJk/ieprmm6ZyZE/s320/Antoon+Before_242.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">....and I leave you with this....my handsome Daddy! I love this man.</div><br />
Well, that's it for today's edition of Wedding Wednesday. See you all soon.<br />
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</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-43651724615920899112011-02-02T19:36:00.000-08:002011-02-02T19:36:01.008-08:00Wedding Wednesday<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I realize that my one year anniversary is just around the corner, but I still consider myself a newlywed! My wedding day was one of the happiest days of my life and the wedding itself was more than I could have ever imagined. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to do a "Wedding Wednesday" section to share the details of all of my wedding festivities.</div><br />
Today, I want to share pictures from my rehearsal dinner. My mother-in-law and some of her friends did an absolutely wonderful job putting this all together. The dinner was held at a place called Lee's Catfish and Steakhouse. I know, I know....it sounds awfully redneck, but it was absolutely perfect! Lee's is a great low-key, laid back, restaurant that has great food, a large banquet room, and live music. Carey is your typical outdoors man so my mother-in-law chose a fishing theme and decorated accordingly.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaMSnkBaI/AAAAAAAAAE4/3zvyCQdGIN8/s1600/A+B_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaMSnkBaI/AAAAAAAAAE4/3zvyCQdGIN8/s320/A+B_004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Galvanized buckets with the favors.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaTYwHwXI/AAAAAAAAAE4/ykDvZVL4O_8/s1600/A+B_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaTYwHwXI/AAAAAAAAAE4/ykDvZVL4O_8/s320/A+B_012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the adorable cookies that were given as party favors. Obviously, I'm from Texas and Carey is from Arkansas. Can you see the little silver beads located in Northeast Texas (where I'm from) and South Arkansas (where Carey's from)? Now, do you see the yellow heart in Northwest Arkansas? That represents Fayetteville--where we met and fell in love. How.Cute.Is.That?!?!?!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaON1t8qI/AAAAAAAAAE4/MqMVESOXVXA/s1600/A+B_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaON1t8qI/AAAAAAAAAE4/MqMVESOXVXA/s320/A+B_005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My new family! Terry (my mother-in-law) is on the right, MawMaw (Carey's grandmother) is in the middle, and Janet (she doesn't have a formal title, but she's Carey's mom's very best friend and is a HUGE part of our lives--she and her husband, Jim, are the absolute kindest souls you will ever meet!).</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaVXHADTI/AAAAAAAAAE4/8jT3TmUrMsE/s1600/A+B_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaVXHADTI/AAAAAAAAAE4/8jT3TmUrMsE/s320/A+B_013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A nice shot of how the tables were set up and some of the decorations.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaXGWolsI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Uqy6eI_Ti5Q/s1600/A+B_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaXGWolsI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Uqy6eI_Ti5Q/s320/A+B_016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mom and dad! Love them soooo much!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaKs5xCbI/AAAAAAAAAE4/S8muk2Sr0xI/s1600/A+B_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaKs5xCbI/AAAAAAAAAE4/S8muk2Sr0xI/s320/A+B_003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carey with his Dad (Pat) and his step-mom (Mandy). I love how happy they look in this picture! It's just proof of how wonderful this entire weekend was!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoalUa68HI/AAAAAAAAAE4/4FGsNFm7rPw/s1600/A+B_049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoalUa68HI/AAAAAAAAAE4/4FGsNFm7rPw/s320/A+B_049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love his picture of my sister (Whitney/Sister/Sissy) and her husband (Nate....aka: Nater, Brother, but he's known to most as "Sweet Nate"). Don't you love candid photos that catch such sweet moments?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoao-BXZlI/AAAAAAAAAE4/L4qU_H8X51w/s1600/A+B_052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoao-BXZlI/AAAAAAAAAE4/L4qU_H8X51w/s320/A+B_052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I realize that this is a MOST unflattering picture of me, but that pretty much sums up my emotions for the entire night. Carey and I took a moment to thank everyone for coming and this was the moment when I was <strike>trying to thank</strike> thanking my parents for everything that they had done for Carey and me, and for making my wedding so special.....buuuut, as you can see I barely made it through my speech without losing it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaqWMTwDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/1zng3b0eYKk/s1600/A+B_053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoaqWMTwDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/1zng3b0eYKk/s320/A+B_053.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another amazing candid my photographer caught. I absolutely love this picture with my parents in the foreground looking at Carey and me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoawih5ZFI/AAAAAAAAAE4/H7i6WT_L6aE/s1600/A+B_056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TF60BaHWgYY/TUoawih5ZFI/AAAAAAAAAE4/H7i6WT_L6aE/s320/A+B_056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, you don't have to tell me....CUTEST.PICTURE.EVER....I know! This is Carey holding one of our flower girls, Presley Kate. She loves her "Cousin Carey" and my amazing photographer caught them in action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, that's all for the rehearsal dinner. Next time on "Wedding Wednesday" I'll feature pictures of the actual wedding day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toodles,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Erin</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-66046346746479086452011-01-26T19:05:00.000-08:002011-01-26T19:05:04.621-08:00My Dirty Little SecretI have a confession to make.....I, Erin Antoon, am addicted. I'm addicted to torturing myself. Let me explain.....<br />
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....I torture myself by online window shopping for things I cannot afford! I do this for a lot of things--clothes, shoes, home decor, jewelry, and even makeup! Clothing is where I spend most of my "window shopping" time so I thought I would share with you a few of my current obsessions. I just want to clarify that I do not spend a lot of money on clothes. Those of you that know me, know that I am an EXTREME tight-wad and very rarely have on an outfit that isn't mostly from Forever21 or Target. I love a good bargain! BUT, I also appreciate beautiful designer clothes--a girl can dream, right?!<br />
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I have an extreme love affair with Rebecca Taylor. While I do not own a single piece of clothing from her line, I consistently find myself drooling over her things online. Here are a few of my favorite pieces right now (all of these images are from <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/">www.shopbop.com</a> and you can click on the images to view or purchase!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/fly-away-runway-dress-rebecca/vp/v=1/845524441881324.htm?folderID=2534374302166571&fm=hearts-shopbysize-viewall&navFolderId=2534374302166539"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oSk2GQL5Wu3-uMJFIMm9VjL7recy6Ge9_fcsHWZGrolFYr9RIgXP_691r6oq-OVYHmZskW5zZnLSZX-ct7vJuxiPGQBLiOaTO9udhIKXuQAoj4wnNZO0MHqxdgJzg27ehokahZqz17-_/s320/Rebecca+Taylor+1.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seriously?! How cute is this dress?!? I would totally rock this to a wedding or a fancy party with a great pair of strappy heels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/femme-military-cape-rebecca-taylor/vp/v=1/845524441881294.htm?folderID=2534374302166571&fm=hearts-shopbysize-viewall&navFolderId=2534374302166539"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0sCkw_AZ2l7UwvC0ktoIh80xHHILZWmXvRImSmguDV3T_fu9Awcf40cmyfi74_x80G8QUY1MqFbkPiTxlP9whdTlsUi56ugBfEOqLLYztM9mvmkgJlX-84OPu7yUgQHGNo5mX-a_8THG/s320/Rebecca+Taylor+2.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Capes are huge right now and this cape is beautiful! I love that it has that military look to it (also huge right now) and my favorite part is that it has the belt that can cinch in your waist. While I love the cape trend, it can sometimes make you look larger than you really are....the belt on this cape would totally remedy that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/petite-fleur-runway-dress-rebecca/vp/v=1/845524441877542.htm?folderID=2534374302023845&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize-viewall"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwptqgSuUYUvS_kbcrNZODS6229iKphJHEJ9LH80xJ2ubkHbNC2cZXR_90ZN8rRPPi-tKfmAnMKqFT6gMFXCF8WRqRb_rSoUUHy8O7vgW-inYC4ZZ4JL8bYFhY9r7N_NuNZonM-Q2dTA9/s320/Rebecca+Taylor+3.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have the luxury of being able to wear jeans to work everyday (don't be jealous!) and my go-to wardrobe this winter has been skinnies or jeggings with boots and a flowy top. This would definitely fit in to my rotation of flowy tops!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/belted-ruffle-coat-rebecca-taylor/vp/v=1/845524441878756.htm?folderID=2534374302166571&fm=hearts-shopbysize-viewall&navFolderId=2534374302166539"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtQcO-IrxR2itgpIWT0a-ghVre0VdE8sCcApfoXwcJZDYULlaZ01xMvuRcgdwIJ6PejM6Uf6P5Ljg5OgRKny5Oj-9-70r6dOcclx_qxDFQ-Ya-zp8EWWEEIyPkPRN_zD-iqEjx3k5OF8y/s320/Rebecca+Taylor+4.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ohhhhh Rebecca, how you torture me!!! The color, the cut, the ruffles....what's not to love about this coat?!? Oh yeah, the ridiculous price tag! ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/ruffle-cami-dress-rebecca-taylor/vp/v=1/845524441890029.htm?folderID=2534374302166571&fm=hearts-shopbysize-viewall&navFolderId=2534374302166539"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xVB1_OePqXB5nZ-j-yV7Fq6iuHtc_27F8nmswOARoer4q70_00tFhJ8fKFPeulbY74V2jz9HFoeBFVajMhKLwTW8nXAaPjTgILrTLU2K-Fv3-Jzjp8glcn2EBmP5wTaOuWyBxCfsqZbu/s320/Rebecca+Taylor+5.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a perfect little dress. Not only can it go from casual to dressy with a shoe change, but it can also go from spring (with a cardigan), to summer (no cardigan), to fall/winter (with tights and a jacket). I'm picturing it on a fun Saturday lunch date with the girls with strappy gold flats, a neutral palette makeup, and flowy waves. OR, throw on some fun wedges, darken the eye makeup a little and give your hair some bouncy curls and you have a great outfit for date night with your honey. Got a wedding you need to go to?! No problem...grab your go-to strappy metallic heels, give yourself a great green-black smokey eye, and pull your hair back into a soft, curly up-do. All you need are some banging earrings and you are good to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sooo, my apologies if I have now gotten someone else hooked on this, but I felt like I needed to confess my little secret. Maybe one day I will be able to afford these beautiful clothes, but until then, I will rock my thrifty outfits with pride!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toodles,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Erin</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-1797801470393300062011-01-13T19:58:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:58:58.852-08:00Our First HomeThe hubs and I officially became homeowners on December 10, 2010 and it was such a great day! We had decided to wait until Summer 2011 to start house hunting, but the interest rates got so low we thought it wouldn't hurt anything to go ahead and start looking. We had been looking for a few months and were about to give up when our realtor took us to this house. As soon as I walked in the front door, I knew I had to have this house!<br />
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This is definitely a house that we will be in for awhile, and start our family in. It's four bedrooms, and three baths--one of the bedrooms and bathrooms is a bonus room above the garage. It has beautiful hardwood floors and wonderfully tall ceilings. There are a few things that we want to change over time, but for the most part, it's perfect! So, here's a tour of our house--these pictures were taken before we painted and moved any furniture in. I will definitely be posting more pictures as I finish decorating the rooms, but it's a slow process and each room is only partly finished.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjE6f2ZnYFA8VjAk5Lx2b7KBduS9Zd04SgeHcCS0zQc-oRgxA7KRM_ukfPBhRNKsAcu6w_y7dCXRhfpTnDlGadRj2v65TKmS_zk8j1KZBVrZySE1ZhAgPigEmwlOdcB2zS6KpsuXoUgBx/s1600/Closing+Day+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjE6f2ZnYFA8VjAk5Lx2b7KBduS9Zd04SgeHcCS0zQc-oRgxA7KRM_ukfPBhRNKsAcu6w_y7dCXRhfpTnDlGadRj2v65TKmS_zk8j1KZBVrZySE1ZhAgPigEmwlOdcB2zS6KpsuXoUgBx/s320/Closing+Day+Picture.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div align="center">Me and the Hubs on closing day!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKcWVGUpW1d89rESlQe4vzGEr0IRZw9alqZq01llcekFfsOOuREFEN0Ou-9IEuNQoEMyu35lPL5mAhB32nhaC1byfyxsQ-lWTCis73Uc0Gr_1eezHGN3Nb9NAvmUXPLZDLZczmsY16SM0/s1600/Front+of+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKcWVGUpW1d89rESlQe4vzGEr0IRZw9alqZq01llcekFfsOOuREFEN0Ou-9IEuNQoEMyu35lPL5mAhB32nhaC1byfyxsQ-lWTCis73Uc0Gr_1eezHGN3Nb9NAvmUXPLZDLZczmsY16SM0/s320/Front+of+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For some reason, the only picture I have of the entire front of the house is the one I took this week after it snowed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-e5RiJANSqB1c2WoRBm30FxurJouRZoH0Rxxxqu9AbVW_N-3ozQW0lkJLK60a6cK2hWjhhqVW1N8ehiuz5MMWY9uZb_xJ3r_ZmB4BRFbPjSVVyzu8GTx8BsGQSLRHkaLh3e9IjTwG9Wy/s1600/View+from+Front+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-e5RiJANSqB1c2WoRBm30FxurJouRZoH0Rxxxqu9AbVW_N-3ozQW0lkJLK60a6cK2hWjhhqVW1N8ehiuz5MMWY9uZb_xJ3r_ZmB4BRFbPjSVVyzu8GTx8BsGQSLRHkaLh3e9IjTwG9Wy/s320/View+from+Front+Door.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the view of the living room as you walk in the front door. I'm thinking about changing the tile around the fireplace eventually....who knows....I'll probably change my mind 100 times before we actually get ready to change it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqlWAoVenYsRZyTFLme94NcaIMShVDklHNapFl3oE4MoUnoq4XdM6pvl_vDT5p7a3uF8dmTP1nNnH0GAbk_M1L0nBBmoPqv5AnMuLWjrkOY5myA4dMFIpwMqBwRCPv-yvFDMT8cd2QgH8/s1600/View+of+Dining+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqlWAoVenYsRZyTFLme94NcaIMShVDklHNapFl3oE4MoUnoq4XdM6pvl_vDT5p7a3uF8dmTP1nNnH0GAbk_M1L0nBBmoPqv5AnMuLWjrkOY5myA4dMFIpwMqBwRCPv-yvFDMT8cd2QgH8/s320/View+of+Dining+Room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The view of the dining room and front door from the corner of the living room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7g65nhKCWTF4iGbQXnKVxhr6XyRvBTNz-zlFzfI-RrE4k72_9huapDAqKIcuTSidKpp1-LwUI3m60lbVL9kntFKt3xcHDuoSF7VjPKxbRyMWlk_fDShnISfrR079od12URk3IhyphenhyphenfJCpp/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7g65nhKCWTF4iGbQXnKVxhr6XyRvBTNz-zlFzfI-RrE4k72_9huapDAqKIcuTSidKpp1-LwUI3m60lbVL9kntFKt3xcHDuoSF7VjPKxbRyMWlk_fDShnISfrR079od12URk3IhyphenhyphenfJCpp/s320/Kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kitchen! We plan on replacing the counter tops with granite and putting a great glass tile on the back splash. We've also been throwing around the idea of glazing the cabinets. This isn't happening anytime soon, but it's definitely on the list of "Things to Change in the Future"!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pv6kJJoxbneVSoa5zaLvZ-MjHGgUYhdjLghNDIK9JB3U7peeuYHFkKmh7KK8dztcDsQzWg7fKl_KypBs8nN0PvGpvmtLwKkD7RptakWTaR30svBCXIsIoUNVOB86ufYznjpPLFknOMKh/s1600/Breakfast+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pv6kJJoxbneVSoa5zaLvZ-MjHGgUYhdjLghNDIK9JB3U7peeuYHFkKmh7KK8dztcDsQzWg7fKl_KypBs8nN0PvGpvmtLwKkD7RptakWTaR30svBCXIsIoUNVOB86ufYznjpPLFknOMKh/s320/Breakfast+Nook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking at the breakfast nook from the kitchen--please excuse the horrible picture quality.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgtOY_RWzvTfLN3obUC3kycjoOTNhAmXGHtzDGWVdSA5sCH2nKT2UycAnRGmTiiJbQVNwDYmr9ZSffDXf18oNJpYfN2NQVA2UNipRH8N7W9bb4iwT8ahx4GrHwY6CdSQEpLMzWuz78BL1/s1600/Master+Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgtOY_RWzvTfLN3obUC3kycjoOTNhAmXGHtzDGWVdSA5sCH2nKT2UycAnRGmTiiJbQVNwDYmr9ZSffDXf18oNJpYfN2NQVA2UNipRH8N7W9bb4iwT8ahx4GrHwY6CdSQEpLMzWuz78BL1/s320/Master+Bedroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Master Bedroom--this picture doesn't show it very well, but it's actually a pretty big room! I love it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VnQJREI27z93ORZwKqoWCEXZVmz-uCH_OEY_pW9KuY2WYfc8xInyfGahuTWB-vM4jGxvIJvXre996TIZe6xa4M7FlSzgDE58ae0Zz6FQrIA84MV9NaYpFhQbcPKLj5ZMuLyR7YvX39id/s1600/Master+Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VnQJREI27z93ORZwKqoWCEXZVmz-uCH_OEY_pW9KuY2WYfc8xInyfGahuTWB-vM4jGxvIJvXre996TIZe6xa4M7FlSzgDE58ae0Zz6FQrIA84MV9NaYpFhQbcPKLj5ZMuLyR7YvX39id/s320/Master+Bathroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Master bathroom. Yes, this room was FOR SURE painted before we moved in. This room is also the next room on our "To Do" list--we plan on changing out the brass fixtures. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZXYudmI7texcgR9_68pfx8Z5H_b3SnvoztzCl8ozVc3n47XcNKvIEKO8igNJQLOE8VjvA4iWCyiQok2frYfKnC-pF6RsYb0pTMp_ogUAytwJXZkmCJtH8XCx6xvgW_VCqN6QTvyJhphd/s1600/Guest+Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZXYudmI7texcgR9_68pfx8Z5H_b3SnvoztzCl8ozVc3n47XcNKvIEKO8igNJQLOE8VjvA4iWCyiQok2frYfKnC-pF6RsYb0pTMp_ogUAytwJXZkmCJtH8XCx6xvgW_VCqN6QTvyJhphd/s320/Guest+Bathroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Guest bathroom....and me in the mirror. Ha!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOJVipyYusCr7bA6imfDooL8DjeL0fY7RMdTh5ME6VQheY8H8VL00Q0r8c32nFz5Ct2H6Ur14ECRUiajBngaCU1ANNneDHykwdqOvZzOg0haXuZ9UXVJ7nH-dukPKHhufoYIpQRm49s0J/s1600/Guest+Bathroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOJVipyYusCr7bA6imfDooL8DjeL0fY7RMdTh5ME6VQheY8H8VL00Q0r8c32nFz5Ct2H6Ur14ECRUiajBngaCU1ANNneDHykwdqOvZzOg0haXuZ9UXVJ7nH-dukPKHhufoYIpQRm49s0J/s320/Guest+Bathroom2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Another picture of the guest bathroom. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the wallpaper, but it's grown on me and I'm liking it more and more everyday.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD1qSt9d9zcwbtZHBX3wFDCIElDEE2zAhmzRX8OwNUeUcc_hi5D9XOXhw0R4zVrE4znTo9x44OfyLRdc5jkKe81uygW2Su6b7d-3AlxIrl-aIO3J-ogZjGdaM3TN1I1O4doSsvuHg7ZJC/s1600/Guest+Closet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD1qSt9d9zcwbtZHBX3wFDCIElDEE2zAhmzRX8OwNUeUcc_hi5D9XOXhw0R4zVrE4znTo9x44OfyLRdc5jkKe81uygW2Su6b7d-3AlxIrl-aIO3J-ogZjGdaM3TN1I1O4doSsvuHg7ZJC/s320/Guest+Closet2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">One of the guest bedrooms downstairs. This one has two closets in it, which you can see in the picture above.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzQP6TB5mFcaSQlvtUEhXSkC1x1nfDaWv25qtHy5NorjddiasqRDtn-ZdjQ6zb_7xu4JYxb1_mWVMURvq8PUGkYbj8eUYxSiq4uapk9yU5t-5wRqu0-9GCjnnm8ht7V1uOYqGHYzU8FRa/s1600/Guest+Closet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzQP6TB5mFcaSQlvtUEhXSkC1x1nfDaWv25qtHy5NorjddiasqRDtn-ZdjQ6zb_7xu4JYxb1_mWVMURvq8PUGkYbj8eUYxSiq4uapk9yU5t-5wRqu0-9GCjnnm8ht7V1uOYqGHYzU8FRa/s320/Guest+Closet3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">This is the closet on the left in the picture above this one--the closet on the right has the hanging bars and a few more shelves. This picture doesn't show it very well, but this is actually a huge closet--I fit a full size desk in the bottom of this closet. It has officially been declared my "craft closet" and I could not be more excited to put it to use!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">The other guest bedroom is the same size, but with just one closet.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9G4qqSE5I-soqGhDmMOiMpHh7HugUCwzypi8EAJNsZ0pct-b2qjR98i5cAcSNbbfkW1awBZmMVfcG5bwoIPeYSsCu2qRYf27sf2qafpOAhplLtjbQ7HlKubHl-u4FLmQ0Tt1tqO_mAtnj/s1600/Bonus+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9G4qqSE5I-soqGhDmMOiMpHh7HugUCwzypi8EAJNsZ0pct-b2qjR98i5cAcSNbbfkW1awBZmMVfcG5bwoIPeYSsCu2qRYf27sf2qafpOAhplLtjbQ7HlKubHl-u4FLmQ0Tt1tqO_mAtnj/s320/Bonus+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the bonus room that is upstairs above the garage. Since Carey works from home this is his office and it is also our workout room. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8HsSW0n4KgugftJOEB-eLxS3lsEnRwzDuXJJDFeRVo1ZtvJjjjyTwg0GKV9OmZoqBJ8gYtNjVvIkCypCqCI0BQSgE39_4J_QjMVS7Vw3k5Qffq2KcA5MZX6X7OslmJOIdDq4LXzWP9Sx/s1600/Back+Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8HsSW0n4KgugftJOEB-eLxS3lsEnRwzDuXJJDFeRVo1ZtvJjjjyTwg0GKV9OmZoqBJ8gYtNjVvIkCypCqCI0BQSgE39_4J_QjMVS7Vw3k5Qffq2KcA5MZX6X7OslmJOIdDq4LXzWP9Sx/s320/Back+Deck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">The back deck (with the previous owners' furniture and grill still out there, ha!)</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACr1DjuIYOSLBOTkgjsEZH0DodByzaQeUxi-F1mxmdynd0g7VdmzenT6JowU3O0peIeVoz-lBP2Yvxn3OLYHNCL19pyPTDUfsf71nOE545RQezlDec9PKLTnJVpOaLfua-bYo1Je2Vp8B/s1600/Back+Yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACr1DjuIYOSLBOTkgjsEZH0DodByzaQeUxi-F1mxmdynd0g7VdmzenT6JowU3O0peIeVoz-lBP2Yvxn3OLYHNCL19pyPTDUfsf71nOE545RQezlDec9PKLTnJVpOaLfua-bYo1Je2Vp8B/s320/Back+Yard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">And, finally, the back yard! No, that's not our dog....we took this picture and the one above during the inspection when the previous owners still lived there.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em>This</em> is our <strike>dog</strike> child, Bradi:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSl-Qz3DuNN6UPkBdeL5LAnHQaRjv1vQQpyi_JuYvo9iNTcc9MUUyIXOQ5HnyWLfvxwV8VLFFkqzuFOMs2JXHn0x7LUF0OZWrukO4eiOiwA2exYqCzwE6bdjh2DCwUStDQ8tiCzQcLuss/s1600/Bradi+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSl-Qz3DuNN6UPkBdeL5LAnHQaRjv1vQQpyi_JuYvo9iNTcc9MUUyIXOQ5HnyWLfvxwV8VLFFkqzuFOMs2JXHn0x7LUF0OZWrukO4eiOiwA2exYqCzwE6bdjh2DCwUStDQ8tiCzQcLuss/s320/Bradi+Girl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I hope you enjoyed our house tour. Until next time....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toodles,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Erin</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-78624754309321085202011-01-12T19:07:00.000-08:002011-01-12T19:07:59.827-08:00My Newest ObsessionIn our new house, we have beautiful, honey colored hard wood floors. We also have a beautiful, ebony colored "child" who sheds like it's her job! If you've ever had hardwood floors (or tile for that matter) and an excessive amount of dog hair, then you understand my frustrations. Sweeping with a regular broom did nothing but stir up the hair....I couldn't vacuum because it would scuff the floors......I was warned not to try to Swiffer because it would ruin the finish on my floors. **Sigh** What's a girl to do?! <br />
<br />
Enter, my mom! Let me start by giving you a little insider information about my mom. Mitzi (that's my mom) is the queen of all things cleaning! At any given time, you can walk into her house and eat off the floors and give her baseboards a white glove test (which she will pass with flying colors). She also has wood floors and a shedding dog so when she found out about me having wood floors in my new house, she introduced me to the greatest.invention.ever.....the Rubber Broom:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZSpht8Kwegfz-L6MYQhhu0T7414jgS8dUdwb_2NEUgv0LIVyOg-hYT0NTUho6VDyDGr3-HU7yIzEX2SpQP9iRfDO_cyAjVB1OV47tUfHJxwf68W4PKYN88R4htW_9Uj0p3LtVMEjcqUn/s1600/Rubber+Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZSpht8Kwegfz-L6MYQhhu0T7414jgS8dUdwb_2NEUgv0LIVyOg-hYT0NTUho6VDyDGr3-HU7yIzEX2SpQP9iRfDO_cyAjVB1OV47tUfHJxwf68W4PKYN88R4htW_9Uj0p3LtVMEjcqUn/s320/Rubber+Broom.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/rubber_brooms.htm">Sweepa Rubber Broom</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/rubber_brooms.htm">Click here to purchase</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This beautiful creation dominates the dog hair in my house! Instead of having long, straw-like bristles like a regular broom this is made of short, densley packed rubber bristles. The rubber bristles form a wall as you pull it across the floor, but the key is the static charge that builds up at the same time. Nothing gets past this bad boy....no dirt, no hair, no pesky little dust bunnies! It even has a squeegie on the opposite side so it can be used to clean wet floors. It can be used indoors or outdoors....on wood, tile, and even carpet.....wet or dry. Seriously, I can't say enough about it. If you have wood or tile floors you need one of these brooms!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, if my rambling didn't convince you, maybe this will:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIeiCECPPL0fyRPJ2wAatiKisz7gCEylPJQDIS26p_FRIJfu-fqj_BTlrjzq7zJ0UWdGZRVaMUfND4WcCbllxRc5zNwFocCdD0PuPN_17d05nh6paSnhRLaCkWAKI4010TcQJSPzHiedB/s1600/Rubber+Broom_Dog+Hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIeiCECPPL0fyRPJ2wAatiKisz7gCEylPJQDIS26p_FRIJfu-fqj_BTlrjzq7zJ0UWdGZRVaMUfND4WcCbllxRc5zNwFocCdD0PuPN_17d05nh6paSnhRLaCkWAKI4010TcQJSPzHiedB/s320/Rubber+Broom_Dog+Hair.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, that is dog hair.....don't judge! Ha! Okay, that's all I have for today. Hope you enjoy your new rubber broom as much as I do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Toodles, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Erin</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-63611608210082329082011-01-06T18:13:00.000-08:002011-01-06T18:13:12.119-08:00On My Nightstand<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Welcome to the first edition of "On My Nightstand."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read a lot and love it when people tell me about good books that they have read so I wanted to do the same for others. I do most of my reading at night before I go to sleep and my book always stays on my nightstand so that's how I came up with the name for my book review segments. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Now, just fair warning, I am in no way claiming to be a great book critique and I must also warn you that I read a lot of (as my husband calls them) "trash" books. Not "trash" as in "trashy romance novels"…I mean "trash" as in, "not necessarily going to make you grow intellectually" kind of book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason I read a lot of these books is because my brain has to work hard all day at my job, and I like to read for entertainment….I don't always want to lay down in bed, and snuggle up with a book that is going to make me question everything about myself and cause me to have "I Can't Turn My Brain Off Insomnia."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read to relax and wind down….therefore, most of the books I read are just for fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The first book I chose to tell you guys about is Caught by Harlan Coben.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlc6OJzsXlGC7yiP_mfSFda26srO4Mxop_L_L_dtEijVZvfEu1TqGyzoM2YpHUaXPmZuyajdVCgaud3J1AgdMO-Z21Di_gXoUcaa9aiPlkyrT3b6D9oMUhtBHJ9ajJv6MX0SFk2PmzgaU/s1600/Caught_Harlan+Coben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlc6OJzsXlGC7yiP_mfSFda26srO4Mxop_L_L_dtEijVZvfEu1TqGyzoM2YpHUaXPmZuyajdVCgaud3J1AgdMO-Z21Di_gXoUcaa9aiPlkyrT3b6D9oMUhtBHJ9ajJv6MX0SFk2PmzgaU/s320/Caught_Harlan+Coben.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.harlancoben.com/static/novels/caught.htm">"Caught"</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I read my first Harlan Coben book back in college and was a little surprised by the book. It had a sci-fi twist to it, but I absolutely could not put it down. I am so far from being a sci-fi loving girl that it's not even funny, so I was shocked that I enjoyed the book as much as I did. Well, over the years I have read a few more of his books (no more sci-fi, and they were all good….you can't go wrong with any of his books, check him out!), but none of them, in my opinion, hold a candle to Caught. Mr. Coben is known for this edge-of-your seat, can't-put-it-down, gotta-read-one-more-page kind of stories and he does not let you down with this one. If you like a good mystery novel, this one is for you. Your head will be spinning until you turn the last page. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Below is the summary of the book on his official website (www.harlancoben.com):</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">"17 year-old Haley McWaid is a good girl, the pride of her suburban New Jersey family, captain of the lacrosse team, headed off to college next year with all the hopes and dreams her doting parents can pin on her. Which is why, when her mother wakes one morning to find that Haley never came home the night before, and three months quickly pass without word from the girl, the community assumes the worst.</div></blockquote><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">Wendy Tynes is a reporter on a mission, to identify and bring down sexual predators via elaborate—and nationally televised—sting operations. Working with local police on her news program Caught in the Act, Wendy and her team have publicly shamed dozens of men by the time she encounters her latest target. Dan Mercer is a social worker known as a friend to troubled teens, but his story soon becomes more complicated than Wendy could have imagined.</div></blockquote><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">In a novel that challenges as much as it thrills, filled with the astonishing tension and unseen suburban machinations that have become Coben’s trademark, Caught tells the story of a missing girl, the community stunned by her loss, the predator who may have taken her, and the reporter who suddenly realizes she can’t trust her own instincts about this case—or the motives of the people around her."</div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Well, I hope you enjoyed the first edition of "On my Nightstand." Until next time…..<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Toodles,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Erin</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-39989434068924959562010-12-08T19:45:00.000-08:002010-12-09T07:00:27.784-08:00Guess Who's Back....<div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">....back again....Erin's back....tell a friend!</span></div><div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
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<div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">It has officially been over a year since my last post which is absolutely ridiculous. I thought that starting a blog during the wedding planning process would be a good way to keep track of the fun stuff I was doing so I could look back at it one day and remember all the crazy times. Well....I was wrong! Planning a budget-friendly wedding while living 4.5 hours away meant a lot of travling and a lot of DIY projects. I got overwhelmed to say the least, and I neglected the blog....obviously! Ha!</span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
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<div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Well, lots of things have changed and I'm a little more settled so I thought I would give it another try. You may be wondering what all has changed (or you may not care at all...in which case, poo on you because I'm gonna tell you anyways!). I'm married now (for over 7 months!), the company I was working for in Fayetteville, AR relocated to Houston, TX which meant that hubby and I either had to dust off the ol' cowboy boots and move to south Texas or this girl had to get a new job! So, I got a job as a financial analyst at Windstream Communications which is headquartered in Little Rock, AR. We had always talked about moving closer to family after we got married and started thinking about having kids, and the move to Little Rock puts us 2.5 hours closer to both of our families. While the move had to happen sooner than we had anticipated (we haven't been married very long and we certainly aren't thinking about kids anytime soon!), we still think it was for the best. Leaving Fayetteville was bittersweet--I had been there for 8 years and it had become home to me...that's where Carey and I met, and where SO many fun memories were made--but, we were also excited about what the move to Little Rock meant to our future. Luckily, the hubs works from home (I know, lucky dog, right?!). He can live anywhere within his sales region so the move didn't effect his job. So, less than 2 months after our wedding, we packed up and headed south.</span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
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<div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Another excited change is that, in just two days, Mr. and Mrs. Antoon (that's us!) will officially be homeowners!!! We are closing on our first home this Friday, and we are beyond excited. We have really been blessed and the good Lord is certainly smiling down on us right now. I'm sure the new house will be the subject of many blog posts in the upcoming future as we have a lot of fun things planned!</span><br />
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<div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Well, that's pretty much it on what's new with me. I will try to keep updating the blog on a more regular basis. I hope to share lots of stuff with you guys that's more exciting than just what I did that day...must I remind you that I'm a financial analyst?! I'm sure most of you might be shocked to hear this, but that doesn't really make for very exciting days! Ha-ha! I love to read, cook, and craft so I will be sharing my thoughts on books I read, recipes I have tried, and crafts I attempt.</span><br />
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<div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Check back soon!</span><br />
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<div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Toodles, </span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Erin</span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-79323745598536574102009-08-26T19:16:00.000-07:002009-08-26T20:02:46.393-07:00"My Ashleys"Okay, so it's been over a month since my last post...that is NOT ok!!! I guess I'm not too good at this blogging thing yet. I'm going to get better though!<br /><br /><br /><br />Tonight, I went to dinner with "My Ashleys." Two of my very best friends are both named Ashley, and I met them for dinner and we chatted for 3 hours! It was way overdue and SO much fun.<br /><br />I guess I should start by explaining that we never call either of these girls by their first names. I'm not really sure how this got started, but I guess we just decided that they needed nicknames so we wouldn't get confused with two Ashleys in our group of friends. So, for the past 7 years they have been known as "Lass" and "Post". And now, I would like you to meet My Ashleys...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374465466536243682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx7TuLqEomm2u5auwlPOYhsowhdTdwL4-0jfsDTgTOjUrTRZuQLWY-Wf4NWZTvSRZt0ad_W0GSr7hp1xQl0LYbPLKnl9mWEwgCdSBwifeiw9TXpcEySKkhN5FvgG8XlAlQ3ZOOQxsJq9d/s320/ErinLassPost.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><strong>Ashley On The Left = "Lass"</strong> <br />Lass and I both majored in accounting in college so we spent A LOT of time together, and I'm not sure if I would have made it through Senior year without her--she definitely kept me sane! She is such a wonderful friend and I really can't imagine life without her. Lass just got married in May and was such a beautiful bride! Sadly, she is moving in about three weeks... =( Her husband just graduated from law school and has been accepted into a Tax Law program in Gainseville, FL. I am so excited for the two of them because it is going to be such an adventure, but I'm SO sad she will be so far away!</p><p><strong>Ashley In the Middle = "Post"<br /></strong>There aren't enough words in the English language to describe Post...she is just an all-around AMAZING person! She is that type of friend that you could call in a time of need and she would drop everything to be with you. Post is getting married next March, and I am soooo excited--it's going to be a beautiful wedding. Once she gets married and settled down in her new home, she is going to start her own event planning business. She is such a go-getter and so creative--she will do so well with it! </p><p>Both of these girls are absolutely amazing, and I couldn't live without them. They are definitely two of my forever friends. I love them so much!</p><p><br /> </p>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-9943310744565588162009-07-20T19:27:00.000-07:002009-07-21T05:46:38.996-07:00I found it!...I found "The One" !!!So, I went wedding dress shopping this weekend and I found my dress! I had an appointment at Low's Bridal in Brinkley because I had heard so many wonderful things about it and I was just dying to go! So, my mom and I planned a little trip for this past weekend. Unfortunately, my sister wasn't able to make it, but I was lucky enough to have my friend Brandi come with me.<br /><br />I'll spare you all of the details, and I will just sum up our trip to Low's as "disappointing" (to say the least!). I tried on TONS of dresses, but I just never got excited about any of them. Back in June, my mom , my sister, and I went dress shopping back home just for fun and I found a dress that I loved. Buuuut, it was a little over what I was wanting to spend, and I found it so quickly that it made me nervous...so, I told my mom I wanted to keep looking. Well, every dress I tried on after that just didn't compare. So, after the disappointing shopping trip on Friday, the hunt for this dress was on--I knew that if I could just try it on again, all would be right with the world!<br /><br />Long story short, I found it....and even better....it was ON SALE! This dress is beautiful! It makes me smile just thinking about it! All I have to say is that Maggie Sottero is a genius....there is no doubt about it! I felt sorry for Brandi because she had never seen this dress and every dress I tried on at Low's that was decent, I kept saying, "It's just not the Maggie..." haha!<br /><br />So, one big task down, TONS more to go!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384739016044659740.post-41491146411951172332009-07-15T17:50:00.000-07:002009-07-15T18:56:35.768-07:00Hello All!<span style="font-family:verdana;">My name is Erin, and I am new to the blogosphere so please bear with me as I learn the ins and outs of blogging.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here's a little info about me:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I live in Fayetteville, AR and I love it! I'm orginally from Texas, but I came here for college and decided to stay after graduation. I am engaged to my best friend, Carey. He currently lives in Little Rock, but he is moving back to Fayetteville in a few months (yay!). We met in college and were really good friends, but didn't start dating until after I graduated. He had to move to Little Rock for his job last October, but he's recently gotten a new job that is bringing him back to Fayetteville! </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have an older sister, Whitney, who recently got married. She lives back in Texas and I miss her a lot. She's an amazing big sister--she's always there for me and she always shoots me straight and tells me what I need to hear. Her husband Nate is awesome--he's so good to her and our family just loves him!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I wanted to start a blog because Carey and I are getting married next April and I wanted a way to document all the fun things that are about to start happenings in our lives. I hope you all enjoy a little peak into life, as I know it! </span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11158508555225557817noreply@blogger.com0