tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71990236642936958172024-02-19T23:41:27.220-05:00The Rambling LlamaMelissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-45268639087324464902016-08-05T00:00:00.000-04:002016-08-05T00:00:26.624-04:00Bridal Shower Planning: 101
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The key to any successful shower or party is in the details. Your guests will notice the little things you did to go above and beyond preparation. Sometimes, prep work and planning takes a team. In my case, it took me and two other bridesmaids to throw my sister an epic bridal shower. </div>
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<span class="s1"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Make a budget. </span></u></span></div>
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We started planning months before the actual bridal shower to make sure we didn’t over spend. I had to reign the other girls in a few times because, let’s face it, this gal isn’t made of money. But for the most part we stuck to the plan. </div>
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We thought about where to get food, what we would use for favors, drinks, everything. Start planning in advance so the money for everything isn’t a shock when it’s a week before the wedding and you still have to buy meats and cheeses! </div>
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<span class="s1"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Plan your menu</span></u></span></div>
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Originally we were going to try and have Chick Fil A cater everything. Sadly Chick Fil A isn’t open on Sundays. Plan B, Sam’s club for food in bulk! We decided getting lots of meats and cheeses to make sammies was the best idea to feed a large amount of people. We were able to get some of the meats on sale with coupons and manager’s specials for the Salami. (win!) </div>
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Fruits are always a great idea! </div>
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Just keep in mind who you’re feeding. We struggled with having a few guests that couldn’t have gluten, so obviously bread for sambas were off limits. Instead we offered gluten free crackers and popcorn. Finger foods are perfect for showers like this. </div>
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<span class="s1"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Stay hydrated! </span></u></span></div>
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Obviously we had to have a mimosa bar! We offered both OJ and Grapefruit juices to mix things up. (Hint, the grapefruit was my favorite!) </div>
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Don’t worry, we had options for guests that might not want to day drink with us. (I swear I’m not a lush)</div>
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We got a great deal on the four drink dispensers. In addition to the mimosa bar: we had lemonade, sweet tea, and water. </div>
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<span class="s1"><u><span style="font-size: large;">It’s all in the details </span></u></span></div>
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I cannot take any credit for crafting portions of the bridal shower. That was all on one of the other bridesmaids. She essentially told me and the matron of honor what to do / how to do it and we did. </div>
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<b>|| Polished Brides. </b></div>
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Hot glue + flowers / mini veils on nail polish = these cute little favors for guests. They were able to choose a color they loved to take home. </div>
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<b>|| Chocolate Sunflowers</b></div>
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Yes we melted chocolate. Yes we had to dye it. Yes this was a pain in the butt. </div>
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<b>|| Mint To Be</b></div>
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Mints + Hot glue / hand written decor = cuteness galore. </div>
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<b>|| Date Box</b></div>
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We painted / added pictures / decorated this cute little box from the craft store to make a date box idea for my sister and her soon to be hubby. All of the guests at the party wrote down a date idea for when they get stuck on what to do. They choose a date randomly and have an adventure! </div>
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<b>|| Gifts for the mom’s / Step mom’s </b></div>
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Because they’re important too! We threw these little “spa” boxes together for the amazing women in the bride’s life. </div>
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<b>|| Letters to the bride</b></div>
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When invitations were mailed out, we asked everyone invited to write a letter to my sister. It could’ve been a memory, a funny story, anything. We made sure to have the letters a week before the shower so we could make a scrap book. We gave her the book as a gift. She knew nothing about this until we surprised her with it. We even had her finance type up a letter. (Everyone else’s was hand written) Her reaction was priceless. </div>
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Needless to say, we felt like the shower was perfect. We had games, prizes, and lots of laughter. Even unwanted advice from Grandma. No one was surprised with that though. At the end of the day, we were thankful for the mimosas! </div>
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<br />Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-85714021476221012482016-08-03T00:00:00.000-04:002016-08-03T00:00:11.569-04:00Coping With Back to School
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This time last year I was preparing to put my oldest on a school bus for the first time. He had never ridden a bus before. He was starting kindergarten. I was a ball of emotions. I was worried about everything imaginable. How he would like school, how he would do on the bus, etc. </div>
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This year is different. </div>
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This year I’m emotional for very different reasons. I don’t get to put my son on the bus. </div>
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The reality is, there’s parts of divorce that no one ever talks about. Parents missing out. Split custody. Shared custody. Whatever the case may be. I’ve shared briefly here that my ex has primary physical custody of the kids (for now). We also live an hour away from each other. The distance makes it difficult to be there for a lot of activities especially when I work full time. </div>
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Being an hour away is why I can’t put him on the bus. When you have an hourly job and you go in late without paid time off, that cuts into bills you have to pay. I’m conflicted. My company would allow me to see him onto the bus and go in late, but then I’d be missing on hours. See where I'm torn? Gotta work to pay bills, but then you miss out on things. </div>
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Yesterday I went to my son’s open house. I got to meet his new teacher. I saw his classroom. I made sure everyone at the school had my contact information. He was extremely excited, and I am excited for him. I hid my sadness well. Sadness because I never thought there’d be a day in his life that I wasn’t there on his first day. Honestly, I’m tearing up about it. I cried about it Monday night talking with my boyfriend. </div>
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So how do you deal with this? How do you cope? </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Remind yourself there are worse things to miss out on. </span></u></div>
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There's going to be more first days of school. He's only in first grade. It's not like I'm missing his high school graduation. I'm not missing a major award. Would I prefer to be there? Absolutely? Is it something to get broken up about? Probably not. But if we're being completely honest, I did get broken up about it. He's my baby. I get upset about everything that I miss. I just have to remember that this isn't the worst thing to miss in his life. </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Talk everyday. </span></u></div>
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I call my kids every night. I ask what their favorite thing about their day was. What they did, who they played with. Everything. Some nights they're more talkative than others, but they're also 3 and 6 so conversations may be limited. With Zander going back to school, I can ask him about the bus ride, his new teacher. The main thing is that they (both) know that no matter what... no matter how far away I am... that I care more than anything in the world. </div>
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Honestly, I felt like there'd be more to it than that.... but that sums it up. Really, just celebrate the little things. I make sure he knows how proud I am of him daily. How proud I am of both kids. They know how much I love them. They know I'm there for the big stuff. And really, that's all that matters. Like I said, yes... it sucks. But this too shall pass. </div>
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Have you ever dealt with split custody? How did you cope with missing out on accomplishments and milestones? </div>
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<br />Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-63486057490125247002016-07-29T00:00:00.000-04:002016-07-29T00:00:10.406-04:00Starting Over After Divorce It's no secret, any sort of life altering change can leave a person feeling completely turned around. Lost even. Unsure how to start over. Unsure where to go next.<br />
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Let me be the first to tell you, starting over is sometimes the greatest thing ever.<br />
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It's no secret that my "do-over" has been a result of divorce. I celebrate that the divorce actually happened. I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record, but I'm finally getting back into my groove. Or trying to at least. It's taken a lot of figuring out, and this may not work for everyone... but then again, hopefully not everyone is getting divorced this year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Find out who you are.</u></span><br />Whoa. Did I ever need this one. This is the first time ever, in my whole life that I have lived alone. I've always had either my parents, my ex, or roommates. Now it's just me. I've had to really think about if the shows I used to watch with my ex were really my favorite shows. Do I really like to listen to a certain type of music, or was it just because I couldn't have my own opinion? For me, I learned I really do love to knit. There were shows and movies I had never seen before that I have fallen in love with.<br />
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I've found a new love for the library. Did you know you can check out entire seasons of shows at the library and binge for a whole week on things you haven't seen before? Yeah! I'm finally starting to adjust to living alone. (And no, there are no cats involved.) Yet.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Find out who your friends are. </span></u><br />This may be in the form of a nice bottle of moscatto... whatever, no judgment here... But seriously though,<br />
This may seem a little silly, but for me it really hit hard. Some of the people you had as mutual friends in the marriage turn out to not really be your friends. You need people who will raise you up, and, like in my case want to send hate mail to your ex. Do not be afraid to talk about how you're feeling with your friends.<br />
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I can't tell you how many times I texted Amanda and my boyfriend how insecure I have felt about everything. (Am I the common denominator about everything bad happening?) Turns out, no, I'm not... my ex is just toxic and that kind of thinking is a result of a toxic relationship. (Have some more wine). Talking about anything with your friends throughout the day can make you feel more normal than you realize. I'm thankful that my little circle has kept me so grounded. (To my blogging tribe, I'm so sorry I have been so distant.)<br />
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Real friends will be the ones to encourage you to get back into your old routines that they knew you were a constant in your life no matter the situation. Cooking for yourself, working out, etc.<br />
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however...<br /><br /><u><span style="font-size: large;">Old Routines may take time. </span></u><br />Once I moved into my own place, I didn't want to cook for a long time. I would rely on leftovers from when I would cook or I would just eat out. Don't feel like you really need to rush anything. I haven't worked out in MONTHS. I just now got back into it, and it took me not being able to fit into my bridesmaid dress (for my sister's wedding in Oct) that I have to get back into it. I tried a few times but my heart wasn't in it. I just wanted to sit and watch TV. (Hi, not a great idea when you're eating out and not cooking every night)<br />
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Don't beat yourself up about not getting back into old routines immediately though. This goes back to figuring out who you are. I cried about cooking for myself some nights because it was just ME. I cried about not having anyone to serve a dinner for. My solution? I invite friends over. I cook for friends. Mostly my Marcus, but a friend is better than just alone.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Just Don't beat yourself up. (Period). </span></u><br />
This may be the silliest advice, but I swear it really is the truth. This is the new reality. You have your own place (saying to myself). All beating yourself up does is make you feel worse about everything. It brings you down. Find something positive about the day and grasp onto it. I promise, it helps. It may be hard to find in the first few months, but it does help! Smile, it helps.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Keep moving forward. </span></u><br />
This isn't the end of the world. A new chapter, a change, a new life event. It's not the end of everything. It's a chance to grow and adapt and change. Drink that bottle of wine. Sing karaoke. Dance in the rain with your kids. Do what makes you happy, and don't let anyone make you feel bad for it.<br />
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Oh... and get you an amazing boyfriend that will randomly send you a "cheer up" package that includes your favorite things... including amazing prints such as this.<br />
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I kind of love the face that he knew nothing about blogging before having me in his life and now, I'm officially his llama.<br />
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What major life change have you bounced back from? How did you adapt? What advice would you share?<br />
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<u>Check out This Month's Daddy Llama</u></h3>
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<br />Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-85042112322960468022016-04-13T00:00:00.000-04:002016-04-13T00:00:14.703-04:00Blogging Without InternetsOk... So... Wow. Getting back into this thing has been harder than I realized. I'm all moved into my new place. I totally don't have internet though, so I'm writing this at my local starbucks. Hence the name of this post. Yep. I'm one of THOSE people. It's strange being alone. Like, really strange. But things are slowly falling into place. I love it, and it's all mine, and that's all that matters.<br />
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I still have so much to say. So much to explain. But I kind of feel like since it's been SO long since I've been around here, I'm just going to fill you in with a currently.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Currently With the Llama... </span></u></div>
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<b>|| Listening to:</b> <i>Say it Ain't So</i>, Weezer. I'm listening to pandora while at starbucks because the music over the loud speakers is kind of annoying. Thanks to my Twenty One Pilots radio, I have enjoyable music. This particular song makes me smile a lot. Pandora is random but every now and then they really do a stellar job in throwing out songs that put me in a good mood.<br />
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<b>|| Eating: </b>not much lately. I know... I'm horrible. I have food for the kids at the apartment, but my diet has really gone down hill. I need to figure out a better routine for me.<br />
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<b>|| Drinking: </b>Venti Java Chip Frap. because, star bucks. If I'm not getting a white chocolate peppermint mocha, this is what I'm getting. It's nice out here today, so this is perfect.<br />
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<b>|| Feeling: </b>alll the feels. In one way I'm excited. I went public on social media about a relationship I'm in. It's someone I've known for ten years, and it's absolutely one of those things that "just sort of happened". Neither of us planned it, but both of us are glad things happened the way they did.<br />
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<b>|| Needing: </b>More sleep. Y'all. I kid you not, if you saw my Jawbone sleep patterns, you would want to shake me. I have been going to bed after midnight and waking up after 6. Some nights I only get 4 hours of sleep. It's bad. Part of it is trying to get used to sleeping alone in a new place.<br />
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<b>|| Thinking: </b>about Friday morning. This week I'm going to the social security administration to get my name changed back to Hardin. If you follow me on snapchat, you probably saw the #HelloHardin. I'm not gonna lie, this has been one thing I'm super excited about that has come from this divorce. I feel like it's a way for me to really get closure that this divorce is really real. Now if someone could just tell my ex that he doesn't need to try and call and text ALL the time anymore. Help.<br />
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<b>|| Enjoying: </b>My new design. Seriously, y'all <a href="http://www.knockonwoodblog.com/">Amanda</a> is just the BEST. We talked about upgrading the look of my blog, and she really did the best job. I feel like it looks more grown up.<br />
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<b>|| Looking Forward To:</b> This weekend. It's a kid free weekend. Which I hate. But a co worker of mine is throwing a viewing party for the new season of Kimmie Schmidt! I'm obsessed with that show, I cannot wait for the new season. I'm glad I have friends in my life with internets and netflix that I can bum off of. I'm gonna have to get permissions to blog about this party though, because her food ideas and the whole party is just going to be too cute.<br />
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So... in a nut shell that's what's going on.<br />
If anyone wants to fly into Atlanta to help decorate my new place, please feel free. What's going on with y'all currently? I haven't been around to actually reading other blogs yet. Baby steps.<br />
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<u>Check out This Month's Daddy Llama</u></h3>
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<br />Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-31579179278766044492016-03-28T00:00:00.000-04:002016-03-28T00:00:00.641-04:00Q & ASo, as many of y'all saw earlier this week, yes I am back. and I'm trying to write a little more regularly. I have a lot on my mind and trying to figure out where to start has been a bit difficult. While the divorce is completely finalized, and I'm beyond thrilled about it, I'm still getting lots of questions. I figured the best place to start (aside from letting y'all know that I'm here) is to answer a few questions I keep getting.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">How are you? </span></u></b><br />
Honestly, this answer changes daily. Mostly I'm good. Like I said, I'm excited that the divorce is final. I can finally move on and start a happier life for the kids and myself. However, there's definitely days where it's hard. <i>(I just have a lot of feelings, okay?) </i>I'm going through a lot of emotions about the fact that I'm about to be on my own for the first time, EVER. I went from living with my mom, to living with Josh, to living with my grandparents. Hi, I'm 28 and never lived alone. On top of emotions about not having primary physical custody of my children. Which leads me into the next question...<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Why don't you have the kids?</span></u></b><br />
This is super hard for me. As a mother, it breaks my heart <i>daily </i>that I don't have them with me. I give myself a hard time a lot about being a bad mother. Honestly though, I don't know a single mother out there that doesn't give herself a hard time. But for a JUDGE to tell you "you don't get primary physical custody of YOUR children"... that is basically the equivalent of having your heart ripped out, crushed, and then set on fire.<br />
Long story short, the judge in our case decided that due to my lack of "my own place" and the fact that I've only been at my job since January, I was "unstable". Additionally, I was the one causing Josh's bi polar breaks. With all of that combined (I was not Captain Planet), he got primary custody. And I get every other weekend. Yeah, it sucks. I can refile for custody in a few weeks and I plan to. Until then, I have to trudge on and just make the time I have with them the best possible.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">How are the kids?</span></u></b><br />
With all things considered, they are wonderful! Zander is thriving in school and getting nothing but good progress reports. Ainsley is really blooming with her speech. They both had birthdays recently. I officially have a three year old and a six year old. There have been a few bumps in the road. Like Ainsley asking me one weekend, "Mommy why you no love us anymore?"... yeah, that one hurt. But after a lot of hugs and kisses and a long talk, that's past us. Overall though, the kids are amazing and that's all anyone needs to know<br />
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I'm sure there was more, but I really can't think of it. The struggle of not planning my posts. Sorry, y'all...<br />
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Was there anything that y'all wanted to know? Please ask me. I'm not shy, and I'd rather y'all ask than assume anything. Even if it's "why did you move to your grandparents'?"<br />
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-68541585552455781922016-03-20T12:34:00.000-04:002016-03-20T12:42:01.236-04:00A New BeginningOk. So. Wow. I kind of wish someone could get a picture of me right now. I'm literally sitting on the bed at my grandparents' house in the basement. With my fingers hovering over the keyboard. I have no idea where to start, y'all.<br />
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Um so. I guess, I'm back. Or I'm trying to be. I have no idea if I still have any loyal readers anymore or not, but I kind of don't care. I really don't know what my blog will be focused on anymore, but I just know I want to get back into it. Thanks to <a href="http://www.knockonwoodblog.com/">Amanda</a> for sending me her old friend, Mabel (hi, my macbook has a name!) so I have a laptop once again.<br />
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A quick update... My divorce is final. As of this past Monday, March 14. There's still some things I would like to get worked out, and some things I really don't agree with. Like him having primary physical custody of the kids. I hate it.<br />
For now, just know I'm okay. I will be moving soon. I will update with that new adventure.<br />
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Since my last blog post, I have started a new job. I've been at this job since January of this year. I absolutely love it here. The people I work with are amazing. Just no blogging at work. ;)<br />
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I guess this post really has no point. My mind is still all over the place. Just know, for now, that things are OK. I'm still working through some things, and I'm really sorry for falling off of the face of the earth. I'm a bad Llama.
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-8613796608078161092015-11-04T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-04T00:00:03.511-05:00RebootDo you ever feel like sometimes in life, you just want to CTRL, ALT, DEL everything? Like you feel like you keep getting knocked down, and can't catch your breath? You're stuck under a tidal wave and keep getting pushed to the ocean floor? Ok. You get the idea. This entire year has kind of felt like that for me. I felt like I couldn't recover. And then, an unexpected reboot (of sorts) happened.<br />
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I don't imagine many people will be reading this. I've taken an unplanned blogging break for the past two months. I kind of wanted to keep this private, but at the same time, I realize the support of the blogging community is unlike any other. So. *deep breaths*<br />
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I never planned on this happening. Like. I almost can't bring myself to type these words. But. It's reality.<br />
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I have filed for divorce.<br />
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I kind of feel like this whole year has been a build up to it. I'm not telling everyone for pity. I'm not bragging. I don't want any sympathy. The fact of the matter is, there was no turning back from this.<br />
I know what some of y'all might be thinking, "there's always a way". Believe me. I have expressed all options. I've tried to fix this. There comes a point where if you're the only one trying and fighting, you start to realize "what's the point".<br />
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I'm not trying to justify anything. This is kind of a blanket "hey, this is what's going on in my life!" This year has been full of ups and downs.<br />
Of course, this also means that I AM trying to find a job. <br />
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So the title for this post is the only way I can really sum up my life right now. I'm going through a reboot. I'm figuring out how to be a <single> mom. Figuring out how to live alone. We are separated. I've never actually lived alone, so this is a new thing for me. It's new for the kids. It's just a process.<br />
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I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm not pulling away from y'all on purpose. I'm trying to really figure out who I am. What I like. I've lived with my parents my whole life and then went from that to immediately living with Josh. Bear with me through this process, y'all. I promise I'm not going off the grid like I did in January. And I promise I'm trying to get better at blogging. This includes getting back to reading and commenting regularly. Even if I don't post anything.<br />
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I love you all. I love my tribe. Thank you all for the support. <br />
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-63028529864268393212015-08-31T00:00:00.000-04:002015-08-31T10:14:44.004-04:00Make the Most of Your Road Trip! Road trips. You either love them or hate them. Personally, I love them. Cranking up the music, rolling the windows down, and just having fun! Over the years, I've made several long trips both with kids and without. You could say I'm a road trip professional. Okay, not really. But it sounded good, right? I do have a few tips that have helped make road trips a little more enjoyable over the years.<br />
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<b>// Snacks are Key.</b> Let's face it! Fast food and snacks from the gas station can get pricy. Before you leave, load your car with lots of tasty filling snacks. Granola bars are winner for us! We can usually get away with going to the dollar store a few days before we leave to get things that everyone loves. Along with the snacks, drinks are important. I of course prefer water, but capri suns are great for the kids. Heck, there's even great recipes to make your own granola snacks to save even more.<br />
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<b>// Know your MPGs!</b> To get the most out of your journey, it helps to know how often you'll have to stop for gas. You may not be able to map out where exactly to stop for gas, but you'll at least be able to know how often you will need to stop based on how far you're going and your MPG's. For example, when we drive from Georgia to Jersey we know we'll have to fill up three times. This gets worked into our travel budget. Without stressing about stopping too much allows you and the driver to enjoy the ride a little more.<br />
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<b>// Enjoy the ride.</b> Plain and simple. Just make the trip fun. Just because you're literally stuck in the car for hours on end, you don't have to be cranky about it!You may have taken the same road trip every year and know your route so well that you could do it in your sleep. But don't make the ride boring! Play I-Spy games. This helps keep the driver entertained.<br />
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<b>// Crank up the tunes!</b> Road trip songs are the best! Before you leave, get some playlists together that will have you and the driver singing along. My husband and I have a bunch of mixed CD's we use just for road trips. We both sing and dance along. And hey, if you have kids, you DON'T need to keep the kids songs playing. Let's face it, y'all... those get old FAST. The kids can learn to appreciate Journey at an early age!<br />
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<b>// Plan to Explore. </b>This kind of goes back to enjoying the ride. Before you leave allow little wiggle room in your travel time to stop and explore. Y'all may not realize there's a zoo you haven't been to before or a random "state's biggest (fill in the blank)" Look up some random attractions on your route and explore! For example, there's a natural bridge in Virginia that someone might like to see! This makes for great memories and pictures.<br />
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See? Road trips don't have to always be long and boring! Make it fun and make it something you enjoy. 13-15 hours in the car is a long time, y'all. We don't want to kill your spouse at the end of it, right?<br />
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<b>What are some things you do on road trips? What's your favorite road trip song?</b><br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-73531061895945441882015-08-12T00:00:00.000-04:002015-08-12T00:00:03.872-04:00Low Impact Working Out + Meet NinaYou know what the best thing in the world is for a runner? Getting a clear from the Ortho that you can start low impact walking and low impact working out.<br />
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I saw the ortho yesterday, y'all. MRI's were done, and a small bit of physical therapy to see how things were healing.<br />
I swear I almost hugged him, y'all! Obviously it will still be a few more weeks before things are back to 100%. And they may not even be back to 100%, so I can't push things.But I was told that I can start working out with legs again. I can't run, and I can't do jumping jacks. I CAN do squats and lunges though! So GREAT NEWS!<br />
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Additionally,<br />
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I no longer have to wear my brace unless I feel like I need it. So, not a whole lot going on in the workout world this week. (That makes three weeks in a row! Ouch!) But, now that I've got the clear to do some low impact stuff, I feel better about actually doing something. Here's to a new week!<br />
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How have y'all been doing with Bloggers Give it 100? Link up with <a href="http://kenjiishere.com/">Kendra</a>, <a href="http://heartoflife07.blogspot.com/">Lora</a>, and I to share!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>And now for a real treat!</u></span></b></div>
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<b>Describe yourself in four words. </b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"creative\nfaithful\npassionate\nresilient "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">creative<br />faithful<br />passionate<br />resilient </span><br />
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<b>I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"I've always been a writer. It's the one thing that has been clear to me but I don't know what it will look like. In the meantime, I want to be a good steward of the passion God gave me. Meanwhile, at the time, I'd moved away from my entire Italian family (no one leaves the Midwest) to San Francisco without knowing a soul and I wanted to chronicle the adventure, the hard parts and the amazing parts!"]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">I've always been a writer. It's the one thing that has been clear to me but I don't know what it will look like. In the meantime, I want to be a good steward of the passion God gave me. Meanwhile, at the time, I'd moved away from my entire Italian family (no one leaves the Midwest) to San Francisco without knowing a soul and I wanted to chronicle the adventure, the hard parts and the amazing parts!</span><br />
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<b>You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Anything bright. Just not purple. I have nothing against purple but every time I wear it, something truly awful happens. I am not even superstitious so I have even tested it out! But when you have to put a beloved dog down wearing purple and you're broken up wearing purple...Seriously! My friends love purple and I love that purple is kind to them but purple just messes with my mojo."]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Anything bright. Just not purple. I have nothing against purple but every time I wear it, something truly awful happens. I am not even superstitious so I have even tested it out! But when you have to put a beloved dog down wearing purple and you're broken up wearing purple...Seriously! My friends love purple and I love that purple is kind to them but purple just messes with my mojo.</span><br />
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<b>What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"I've gotten plenty of technical help. How do I start a newsletter? How do I optimize my posts?\n\nBut I guess the actual writing and blogging part, the content and so on...I don't really follow advice. I am sure I could write more pinnable posts more often but I want to stay true to my mission statement and why I started the blog in the beginning.\n\nBetter than advice, the encouragement and support has been amazing. Maybe that's the best advice I've gotten: keep telling your story. "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">I've gotten plenty of technical help. How do I start a newsletter? How do I optimize my posts?<br /><br />But I guess the actual writing and blogging part, the content and so on...I don't really follow advice. I am sure I could write more pinnable posts more often but I want to stay true to my mission statement and why I started the blog in the beginning.<br /><br />Better than advice, the encouragement and support has been amazing. Maybe that's the best advice I've gotten: keep telling your story. </span><br />
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<b>What's your favorite movie quote?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"This is so easy. Cary Grant says it to Katherine Hepburn in A Philadelphia Story: \"You'll never be a first class human being or a first class woman until you've learned to have some regard for human frailty.\""]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">This is so easy. Cary Grant says it to Katherine Hepburn in A Philadelphia Story: "You'll never be a first class human being or a first class woman until you've learned to have some regard for human frailty."</span><br />
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<b>If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Anything my nonna makes.\n\nWhy would I choose it? Come over to Nonna's and you'll know why."]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Anything my nonna makes.<br /><br />Why would I choose it? Come over to Nonna's and you'll know why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how genuine Nina is. If you want to see more about her, follow along! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11232665">Bloglovin</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/nbwearsflowers">Twitter</a> || <a href="http://instagram.com/nbwearsflowers/">Instagram</a> || <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nbwearsflowers/">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-88749935513623021162015-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:002015-08-10T00:00:09.642-04:00Why People Need Creative Outlets Y'all, let me tell you something. Without fully opening up on here, I must say I have been going through some craziness for the past several weeks. My home life has essentially been flipped upside down, and without going into too much detail, I've been a complete mess. It's shown in my (lack of) promoting sponsors, lack of interacting on social media, lack of reading and commenting on blog posts. Well, you get the idea.<br />
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Enter my creative outlet.<br />
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I've always had a deep love for art. I love drawing, painting, singing, all of it. Art to me is the best way to express yourself because there's no wrong way to do it. It's in art that I've been able to grab ahold of my creative outlet to get through these tough times.<br />
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A few weeks ago, you probably saw this on instagram.<br />
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This was the first time in over 10 years that I've actually sat down, and made an effort to just draw for the fun of it.<br />
Y'all. I felt amazing just to draw. Ever since that day, I've really felt more relaxed. I'm incredibly grateful that I took a few moments for myself.<br />
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Since then, I've been drawing like crazy. Sometimes it's a silly doodle with Ainsley. Sometimes, it's like the bear up there and I make an effort for it to look nice. The only problem is I haven't had really good pencils for drawing. I had said something about not having great sketching materials to a friend's dad two weeks ago. I mentioned that I'm so glad that I'm back into drawing and I feel like I have "me" time again. The only downside is, I didn't have my charcoals and all that. But, I said that you work with what you have, right? Right!<br />
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Well, this past Friday, I got this in the mail. A totally, complete surprise from my friend's dad.<br />
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I seriously cried y'all. It's people like this that the world needs more of. I didn't ask for sketching things. I didn't say I needed them. He just sent them. I'm grateful to have him in my life.<br />
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After I got the drawing materials, I immediately starting sketching. For the longest time I've had this face in my head. I'm not sure who she is. And please forgive, because I'm really horrible at drawing people. But the happiness I felt while drawing her was so great. Loved it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Dfa0DEwVFGa9zKOagpODDy54b9hPI8YsI9lMAd4ZVwYMcs08Ciy8E78LvjxvV-OJLNwP4eXqGW3E0S6w6qhVev_eTyAWzl5dFY_fVeCVhgA6lM6REYdU3mt3A12oV18b-N3uF_omiuc/s1600/KIMG0207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Dfa0DEwVFGa9zKOagpODDy54b9hPI8YsI9lMAd4ZVwYMcs08Ciy8E78LvjxvV-OJLNwP4eXqGW3E0S6w6qhVev_eTyAWzl5dFY_fVeCVhgA6lM6REYdU3mt3A12oV18b-N3uF_omiuc/s640/KIMG0207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, what I'm trying to say. If you don't have a creative outlet. Find one. It helps. I never knew how much I needed it until I just started drawing. For all of this, I'm grateful, and I'm starting this week on a happy note.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">linking up with <a href="http://www.embergrey.com/">Emily</a>.</span></div>
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-61945630606381725812015-07-31T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-31T00:00:01.118-04:00How to Prepare for Kindergarten + A GiveawaySchool is literally right around the corner for us. I'm partially in denial that I will have a kindergartener as of next week. These past few weeks have been spent preparing Zander (and myself) for him to be in real school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIo7cZV2nPXU1Os-p_0Y9EUJya6Z9vruDeWSh_B5iRrrZ493dabyYDwJ3T3lZHO5MhSiQDd4KgwurMNagfGOjWS0G4Nanq7yjKQ2XZaG5NVT6Q1q_Ho9VddCvhYfx0hBle0AIpYjwROU/s1600/How+toPrepare+For+Kindergarten.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIo7cZV2nPXU1Os-p_0Y9EUJya6Z9vruDeWSh_B5iRrrZ493dabyYDwJ3T3lZHO5MhSiQDd4KgwurMNagfGOjWS0G4Nanq7yjKQ2XZaG5NVT6Q1q_Ho9VddCvhYfx0hBle0AIpYjwROU/s640/How+toPrepare+For+Kindergarten.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>|| Go to the Kindergarten Round Up. </b><br />
Shortly before the school year ended, the Pre-K told us about the kindergarten round up night. This gives the kids (and parents) a chance to see the school before the open house at the beginning of the school year. Here, you can tour the classrooms, the computer lab, library, and more to get a sense of what the kids will be doing during their day. Also, the kids get to ride the school bus since most have never ridden one before Kindergarten. Zander learned all the bus rules here.<br />
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<br />
<b>|| Get your supply list early.</b><br />
Y'all, the closer the first day of school gets the faster supplies at the store disappear. We took a trip to the school about a month ago to get the list and buy early. We still need to get a bookbag and a few new pairs of pants, but this weekend is tax free in Georgia so we'll be doing some shopping this weekend!<br />
<br />
<b>|| Practice buttoning pants and tieing shoes. </b><br />
This is something I did not consider working on over the summer until we went to the kindergarten round up. The kindergarten teachers actually suggested it. But seriously, I never realized how many times I've had to re-tie Zander's shoes or help him (and Ainsley) button their pants after going potty. Yes the teachers will still help. Zander still hasn't mastered tying his shoes, however he can button his pants (and jackets) with ease now. One less thing for the teachers to help with.<br />
<br />
<b>|| Look for letters and numbers everywhere. </b><br />
Zander is still not reading, however he does know his letters and numbers. From driving to the store and back or just reading together at home I am always asking him to identify letters and numbers and the sounds they make. Even with doing this will help him develop his ability to read while he's in school. Some kids are reading at his age, but we're not really pushing a whole lot. He practices writing his first and last name daily.<br />
<br />
<b>|| Have tissues ready.</b><br />
If you're dropping your kindergartener off in the car, or if they're riding the bus (like Zander) tears are almost guaranteed. Zander is my oldest. This is our first school experience. I totally cried when he went to pre-k last year. Kindergarten marks the start of his school career. It's real that he's really growing up. I'm fighting tears now.<br />
<br />
Hell... might as well have the wine ready for when they get home and celebrate how much fun they had, and how much they can't wait to go back!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojAcRS7lTSQkOP_SaX7qZWEZ-K0JM5PBUDi-kwTW7FCE6hJKjHCYHX3Fd9vbnijN5IpGqnURyIzlxDG6FUqt8aCsoZ7sl1pXR6hmHTu0moAlx24PpcI12_P624h0ZzIpdTdRY1N6ZRBY/s1600/1438096503164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojAcRS7lTSQkOP_SaX7qZWEZ-K0JM5PBUDi-kwTW7FCE6hJKjHCYHX3Fd9vbnijN5IpGqnURyIzlxDG6FUqt8aCsoZ7sl1pXR6hmHTu0moAlx24PpcI12_P624h0ZzIpdTdRY1N6ZRBY/s640/1438096503164.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>|| Take lots of pictures. </b><br />
These are the moments made for photo albums. New friends. New memories. All of that. Time goes by quickly and you don't want to miss a single thing.<br />
<br />
And now for a real treat, especially with back to school around the corner! <a href="http://penninghope.com/">Hope</a> and I have teamed up with <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/">Firmoo</a> to giveaway one FREE PAIR of glasses from <a href="http://firmoo.com/">Firmoo.com</a>!! <a href="http://theramblingllama.blogspot.com/2015/02/just-kid-with-glasses.html">I've worked with Firmoo</a> earlier this year, and I absolutely stand by this company 100%. This is a great chance to win an amazing pair of prescription glasses!<br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-20093114285309592122015-07-29T07:41:00.003-04:002015-07-29T07:41:32.065-04:00Bloggers Give it 100 || Life Happens Y'all... life happened this past week. I was on a roll. I ran Wednesday last week and I got my 3 mile time under 40 minutes. My best time EVER. I was stoked to see what I could get my time to be last Friday. And then.... accidents happened. Life happened.<br />
<br />
I did some at home workouts on Friday. I make it a point to do abs, core, and some sort of hand weights at home if I'm not doing a workout video. Everything seemed pretty normal to me, and I didn't feel like I had pushed myself too far.<br />
<br />
Until...<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/5henZMPayg/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Life is #imperfect... There's messy living rooms & unexplained injuries after working out. You just have to roll with the punches. #morethanaframe</a></div>
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A photo posted by Melissa Louise (@ramblingllama) on <time datetime="2015-07-24T14:58:57+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 24, 2015 at 7:58am PDT</time></div>
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I'm still not entirely sure what happened. I do know the knee twisted, then popped, then I collapsed.<br />
<br />
Zander helped me get the brace on and helped me get dressed. I had to go the rest of the day with 4 kids in the house though. I should've probably gone to the doctor sooner, but because I had all the kids I just couldn't. By the time the other 2 kids went home, I was in tears from the pain. I could barely hobble around by then. Thank goodness for mother in laws. She came over around 7 PM that night so I could go to the E.R. to get things looked at. Not the best way to spend my Friday night.<br />
<br />
Long story short, I have a partially torn patellar tendon.<br />
Which means, no surgery needed. Plenty of rest, elevate as much as possible, and keep my brace on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkfLS27DPTyGu1Lhrtzs9SItohCIoXxiFiW3K2hV1nDvlg4JwowVFdkWsoh9wNLRbyfJwUCEBn3OPauZy1UolcTK751egSLLBG7rTjoKgerK6uLodGGK9ez_Zx82l4_5ZsAE6J6DOip4/s1600/IMG_20150727_135500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkfLS27DPTyGu1Lhrtzs9SItohCIoXxiFiW3K2hV1nDvlg4JwowVFdkWsoh9wNLRbyfJwUCEBn3OPauZy1UolcTK751egSLLBG7rTjoKgerK6uLodGGK9ez_Zx82l4_5ZsAE6J6DOip4/s640/IMG_20150727_135500.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This also means NO RUNNING for another 4 weeks or so.<br />
<br />
UGH.<br />
<br />
That news killed me. I mean, I knew it wasn't a great idea. But I think I've been in a depression since then. I know there's other workouts I can do that don't require standing. (Core, upper body, back, etc). I just haven't done anything since then.<br />
<br />
So, like <a href="http://heartoflife07.blogspot.com/">Lora</a> I'll be added a few weeks to the end of my Bloggers Give it 100. I want the full experience, and with me not doing anything since Friday I felt like I was cheating myself. So, today we're just hitting the reset button and starting over.<br />
<br />
How did you do this week? Link up with Kendra, Lora and I and share!<br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-56983485983626325972015-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-22T00:00:00.428-04:00And We Were Running || Bloggers Give it 100Did anyone else read the title in their best Forest Gump voice? No? Just me. Ok... moving on...<br />
Y'all...<br />
This past week I learned something very important about myself. I'm officially a runner. I found this quote and it spoke volumes to me.<br />
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<a href="https://chasing42.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/run-quote.jpeg?w=538&h=313" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://chasing42.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/run-quote.jpeg?w=538&h=313" width="640" /></a></div>
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I never thought of myself as a runner. In fact, I avoided those teams in high school (track and cross country). Even running for P.E. or swim practice really turned me off. I seriously hated everything about running. I was the "what is the point" person. I was the person that when I saw a running update on social media for anyone, I'd scroll past faster.<br />
<br />
And then something changed.<br />
<br />
A little over a year ago I was able to afford a gym membership. I was able to meet with a personal trainer for about 3 months (twice a week for three months) It was a LOT, y'all. I really have her to thank to change my mind about running. She made me see the fun in it.<br />
<br />
It's still not something I can totally explain. It's absolutely one of those things where, when you're a runner you know it. I know I have several blogging and IRL friends that get this. I really don't want to explain it. Instead, I want to share my amazing #bloggersgiveit100 moment from this past week.<br />
<br />
I was able to run a full three miles without stopping in 47 minutes. Y'all. This is a big deal for me. I have never before now been able to run even a full mile without stopping. The day I did this, you better believe I posted it all over social media. I'm proud of myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo-yCccI1VfLRnfeT5md-_cwg_tJCIm8gTaDNtEgx5b_2ous7OC95-ZE53buyipzJXvF6N0-z8bjilq5aKUKeVUgaZSRZ7kN_NfAyjl36c5Sbqk2krVf7t8Wf4FytuY8ZF4dhQBBESvg/s1600/melissagoesrunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo-yCccI1VfLRnfeT5md-_cwg_tJCIm8gTaDNtEgx5b_2ous7OC95-ZE53buyipzJXvF6N0-z8bjilq5aKUKeVUgaZSRZ7kN_NfAyjl36c5Sbqk2krVf7t8Wf4FytuY8ZF4dhQBBESvg/s640/melissagoesrunning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, the time isn't the best in the world. But that doesn't matter to me. What matters is what I pushed myself to do. I didn't feel any pain after awhile. I felt a high. Endorphins are a real thing. ("Happy people don't kill their husbands", right <a href="http://penninghope.com/">Hope</a>?) I also apologize to anyone on my snapchat friends that are sick of workout snap feed stories, cause they won't be stopping anytime soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEjwZmt_5q4VQQyXaPtKFRpcROj-OZFm2VY1FYZZi4h-ctT3aFNr164H7A6jlGW5JvxmkNZ17p7sY0oHPkMx-SAlAzmIJoaRS-6SqKaWfhbnMgl34qz1dXrvxpZ3AMTdrev6CVDIIlsQ/s1600/andwewererunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEjwZmt_5q4VQQyXaPtKFRpcROj-OZFm2VY1FYZZi4h-ctT3aFNr164H7A6jlGW5JvxmkNZ17p7sY0oHPkMx-SAlAzmIJoaRS-6SqKaWfhbnMgl34qz1dXrvxpZ3AMTdrev6CVDIIlsQ/s640/andwewererunning.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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So now I'm excited to see how I can push myself further. What else can I do? Where else can I run in my town to explore? I also am dying to get something to hold my phone on my arm while I run so I don't have to just carry it. Any suggestions on that are welcome.<br />
<br />
I'm truly grateful for my entire blogging community. Y'alls encouragement on my fitness journey have been nothing but incredible. I love each and everyone of y'all, and I truly appreciate the comments.<br />
<br />
What have you done to keep moving this week? Are you participating in #BloggersGiveIt100? Grab a button and link up with Kendra, Lora, and I. And don't forget. It doesn't matter how fast you are going. You're still going faster than everyone on the couch!<br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-46858216746686606442015-07-21T03:00:00.000-04:002015-07-21T07:53:14.051-04:00Tell Me About Your Town : Fun Facts<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
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History to me is fascinating. I'm thrilled that the month I get to co-host Tell Me About Your Town with <a href="http://www.amandamoments.com/">Amanda</a> we get to talk history! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmAIKJlcoBK6eWjQXNV3o-lG_3wur2rHn8p8OXRwzAafCWg1CKbYFUZpomjBRgfCyL6FZ8NPQLdY2pbJpjnBjyD7yElSY_oKteQ2RXXDZ9CYYEZsrQevgxLGf9ajrMmp37j0HMJZaFx4/s1600/375px-Walton_County_Georgia_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Monroe_Highlighted.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmAIKJlcoBK6eWjQXNV3o-lG_3wur2rHn8p8OXRwzAafCWg1CKbYFUZpomjBRgfCyL6FZ8NPQLdY2pbJpjnBjyD7yElSY_oKteQ2RXXDZ9CYYEZsrQevgxLGf9ajrMmp37j0HMJZaFx4/s640/375px-Walton_County_Georgia_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Monroe_Highlighted.svg.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had to do a bit of googling about Monroe. Cause, let's be real, y'all. Georgia is a massive state. Not the biggest by any means, but it's big. I grew up in one particular county and knew very little about many other counties / cities most of my life. Hubs and I have lived in Monroe for about 2 and a half years now, so I guess it was about time I started learning a little more about the city... other than where the best place to get pizza was. (That's Amici's by the way!) </div>
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<b>Random fact:</b> Monroe, GA has an elevation of 909 ft. </div>
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The town was founded in 1818 and made a city in 1896. The county we live in (Walton) was named in honor of George Walton. So basically the county I live in was named after a guy that wasn't even BORN in this state. That to me is hilarious. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/George_Walton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/George_Walton.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Walton</td></tr>
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In the 1900s, Monroe was one of the state's top producers of cotton. </div>
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The two main cotton mills no longer produce cotton, however they still serve as economic engines for the city. They have been turned into two large antique mills. One rests nicely behind our house about 3 tenths of a mile. The back of the mill near our house is sometimes used to film the Walking Dead. About once a year since we've been here the film crew and trailers park back there. Can you blame them for wanting to use it though? It's creepy at night back there</div>
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<b>Random fact:</b> Monroe has the nickname "city of Governors". Seven of the men to act as Governor over Georgia have come from Monroe. In Chronological order:<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson_Lumpkin" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Wilson Lumpkin">Wilson Lumpkin</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howell_Cobb" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Howell Cobb">Howell Cobb</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">, </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Colquitt" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Alfred Colquitt">Alfred Colquitt</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">, </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Boynton" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="James Boynton">James Boynton</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">,</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Dickerson_McDaniel" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Henry Dickerson McDaniel">Henry McDaniel</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford_Walker" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Clifford Walker">Clifford Walker</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">, and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Russell,_Jr." style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Richard Russell, Jr.">Richard Russell, Jr.</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: large; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">And a fun fact about Georgia in general:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: large; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">It's illegal to tie a giraffe to a lamp post </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">What's a fun historical fact about where you live? Link up with <a href="http://www.amandamoments.com/">Amanda</a> and I to share! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-64864375683840982782015-07-20T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-20T10:58:27.629-04:00Criss Cross Applesauce: DIY Fancy TeeFirst of all. Don't freak out. Don't run away. You're still in the realm of the llama. Yes, we're doing a fashion DIY today.<br />
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I originally saw this on a facebook video. (I think <a href="http://theramblingllama.blogspot.com/2015/05/llama-hair-braided-headband-tutorial.html">one other DIY</a> was thanks to facebook as well!) It was just a minute long video, so I had to watch and rewatch about 50 times before I felt comfortable enough to even try this for the blog! (<a href="http://www.embergrey.com/">Emily</a>, #fortheblog). I lucked out last Friday and my step sister wanted to help out, so we totally practiced on one of her shirts before I attempted one of mine. Full disclosure: I did two of my shirts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgfDWpGHgx_gUAtcj7YAgWMqbzoqXqhc1kxfXt-wIzeYyRbfRV3WALKQyNbmZQCTFOR0ng9giefAZawCWUI8AWkZjsZRFGzgjyZXxk5-wD867lM97UUHIqsmyX26hwduoQuf7qXWPV3w/s1600/crisscrosstee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgfDWpGHgx_gUAtcj7YAgWMqbzoqXqhc1kxfXt-wIzeYyRbfRV3WALKQyNbmZQCTFOR0ng9giefAZawCWUI8AWkZjsZRFGzgjyZXxk5-wD867lM97UUHIqsmyX26hwduoQuf7qXWPV3w/s640/crisscrosstee.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">What You'll Need:</span></u><br />
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<ul>
<li>A Shirt you won't hate that you totally ruin if you mess up (hey, all honesty, it could happen!) But it also needs to be a shirt you would want to wear more often than not! I suggest a plain, but cute Tee. </li>
<li>Sharp scissors</li>
<li>Needle </li>
<li>Thread (preferably to match your shirt, but hey, get adventurous. Why not?)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwJbwxK6i1fJZB42fY_72MGoIlTQn-u3NmU8soJhyUHFan2LOYiNpujgOLVCyzv11u52_a9yr5t8dhKMV46TAF7_j7iUe4UBFflSK_nN9rZKR8ay65s6M2GYzaB0GGDShhQP7tNY90vw/s1600/crisscrosswhatyouneed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwJbwxK6i1fJZB42fY_72MGoIlTQn-u3NmU8soJhyUHFan2LOYiNpujgOLVCyzv11u52_a9yr5t8dhKMV46TAF7_j7iUe4UBFflSK_nN9rZKR8ay65s6M2GYzaB0GGDShhQP7tNY90vw/s640/crisscrosswhatyouneed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>What To Do:</u></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>Fold your shirt in half in the back ONLY. We're not cutting through the whole shirt here, y'all. Just fold the shirt in half in the BACK. </li>
<li>Cut into the back of the shirt. Your incisions will need to be at least half an inch but up to two inches into the shirt. The smaller your cuts, the smaller the width of the "box" on your back will be. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTckrWzdamzDZE1x7rNUWTtaeW_OAJJ3GeVZb59cPQQkip5rzVTAp7W8e0VDjdjioqRB06OmDEg_3CJCwVJ6klaiU4xQT9wTENh0cDQucVQo3ICQKCD48acB3mWZ_qtLNFgsCE1bKyXus/s1600/crisscrosscut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTckrWzdamzDZE1x7rNUWTtaeW_OAJJ3GeVZb59cPQQkip5rzVTAp7W8e0VDjdjioqRB06OmDEg_3CJCwVJ6klaiU4xQT9wTENh0cDQucVQo3ICQKCD48acB3mWZ_qtLNFgsCE1bKyXus/s640/crisscrosscut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>The closer the cuts, the smaller the bars you will have across your back. So the distance between your cuts depends on how you want yours to look. I made mine pretty close together. </li>
<li>Start About where your shoulder blades would be on the shirt and cut down as far as you will like. (If you don't want to sew much, don't go too far down!) </li>
<li>Unfold the shirt. </li>
<li>Intertwine your fingers (using both hands) and GENTLY stretch out your cuts to thin out the "bars"</li>
</ul>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Now here's the tricky part:</span></u><br />
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<ol>
<li>Take the top "bar" (I don't know what else to call it!) Overlap it with the one immediate next to it. Grab the next "bar". </li>
<li>Sew these together in the middle. Just enough thread to where they don't pull apart. </li>
<li>Do this until you're done! </li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dwyzKrSccvqxwTRb4RZovVZDNpCnMF9pPn2zjJ5g-XQAs2BE5i2H9sWJ9bSsxpRFbu4E661soc_yY940_8QUPrVMc9oGlGg1Wb4tfzkGEhtUBo8kKqrrJHFdEWfwjYmMPltT46wKPOc/s1600/crisscrossdiy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dwyzKrSccvqxwTRb4RZovVZDNpCnMF9pPn2zjJ5g-XQAs2BE5i2H9sWJ9bSsxpRFbu4E661soc_yY940_8QUPrVMc9oGlGg1Wb4tfzkGEhtUBo8kKqrrJHFdEWfwjYmMPltT46wKPOc/s1600/crisscrossdiy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Basically, the bar you grab will always overlap the one next to it. You're sewing every other bar together to get the criss cross appearance.<br />
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Once you get to the bottom, that's it. You're done! Now you have a really fancy looking tee, that in stores could have cost big bucks!<br />
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I want to hear from you! Would you try this shirt? Do you love this look? Tell me in the comments!<br />
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-48216685092351972682015-07-15T09:17:00.002-04:002015-07-15T09:17:31.425-04:00Working Out as a SAHMSo, I realize this is not the case for all SAHM's. I'll start with that. Because this is my unique case.<br />
My husband and I cannot afford for me to have a gym membership. As much as I'd love one (because, hello! indoor pool for laps!!) I don't want to put us in a poor financial situation just cause I want to stay healthy. So! I have to improvise. Y'all are pretty familiar that I do workout videos and things like that. But sometimes that doesn't cut it. You gotta switch things up!<br />
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Granted, some weeks (some DAYS) are better than others. I will say, I can always count on my kids to be my workout buddies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFxGG9hZomMY02IgEUrJ3-uBB9l6LQtJZS-zmeiYxvMxWJaNlrLylLm4Ka6AS1302SP5DTABCq5NXDsryOeb593u_PwLGsiBWE-5f9grOh1Bc-yMx8gxaS6-PfFb4-H5jhmWPjWCsPXI/s1600/1436795493720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFxGG9hZomMY02IgEUrJ3-uBB9l6LQtJZS-zmeiYxvMxWJaNlrLylLm4Ka6AS1302SP5DTABCq5NXDsryOeb593u_PwLGsiBWE-5f9grOh1Bc-yMx8gxaS6-PfFb4-H5jhmWPjWCsPXI/s640/1436795493720.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
My at home gym is not as big as other people's but it works for me. On days I don't do a workout video I count on my hand weights and remembering things an old personal trainer taught me. <a href="http://socalledhomemaker.com/">Christine</a> had blogged about <a href="http://socalledhomemaker.com/2014/12/playground-workouts-moms-on-go/">using playground equipment</a> to workout. Which is great, when we actually go to the park (but in this heat... yikes!)<br />
<br />
I use my coffee table. At least twice a week, if not three times a week I focus on upper body and back. (My back and core is my huge problem areas!) The coffee table is sturdy enough to do inverted push ups. This works my triceps and upper back.<br />
If I push the coffee table against the wall I can also use it for step ups and jumps. Don't worry, I clean it after my feet have been all over it!<br />
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<br />
I have 5 lb hand weights. I'd love to get bigger ones, since I've gotten to the point where I really need to do a LOT of reps to really feel anything. I'm not complaining too much though, because at least I have them!<br />
<br />
Finally, a workout isn't complete with some sort of cardio. I have found a really amazing running partner in Zander.<br />
Earlier this week, we tried to go on a run while he rode his bike. A mile into the run, the chain broke on his bike. We were forced to cut the run short and head back home. Sadly, I had to carry the bike the whole way back because the back tire wouldn't spin. He stayed positive the whole way back. Yesterday he was begging to go on a run again. It didn't workout because Daddy didn't get home until almost 9 last night. That was just too late for a little boy to be running with me! On days we don't run we always do jumping jacks, jump ropes (without the ropes), and other forms of cardio in the house to get our heart rates up.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzUtBYr3IwBMWwWx1NWxLNLLcEKh5cPQr1cnztM4BeZigzEUiqPTaG8jHbnxfQ1_Gv68ySYAbgIHNQoKlUNlUW-6uYVMo2ErjRSEUJwPg4bxquUcFojivJy-fDzZU6Jg5xieYs86aXZM/s1600/1436833083132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzUtBYr3IwBMWwWx1NWxLNLLcEKh5cPQr1cnztM4BeZigzEUiqPTaG8jHbnxfQ1_Gv68ySYAbgIHNQoKlUNlUW-6uYVMo2ErjRSEUJwPg4bxquUcFojivJy-fDzZU6Jg5xieYs86aXZM/s640/1436833083132.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course pictures or it didn't happen</td></tr>
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I love that my kids will do all the workout moves with me. Their version of hand weights are some form of dog toys. It works though, right?! At least they're getting the moves down and proper form!<br />
<br />
So this week for #BloggersGiveIt100 was a good one. I'm thrilled that I'm constantly teaching my kids better habits. Lets keep this good vibe going into next week!<br />
Are you participating in the Bloggers Give it 100 challenge? Tell us how you did this week! Link up with <a href="http://heartoflife07.blogspot.com/">Lora</a>, <a href="http://www.kenjiishere.com/">Kendra</a>, and I so we can encourage you! <br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-13374013506109751122015-07-13T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-13T00:00:04.247-04:00Is There a Perfect Bun? So, let's talk hair today, y'all. <br />How many of y'all out there have tried to achieve that "perfect bun" look that most ballet dancers pull off so well? If you're like me, most likely your bun ends up coming out a little messy and your look goes from sophisticated to "I don't really care what I look like" in about 4.5 seconds. Am I right? My IRL bestie Amanda from <a href="http://www.knockonwoodblog.com/">Knock on Wood</a> sent me a happy mail package a few months ago. Completely random, and full of pampering goodies. One item she included was the "<a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/27661563?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227019603484&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40843120472&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78656755112&veh=sem">Perfect Bun</a>" that you see in the "as seen on TV" aisle in the store. That's kind of what inspired this post.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This is what we're working with here:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bzO_hRpvsRnUH2deNqBvtQ6KuoVWqXDADvH3zSAbv0uTMBoI5O1RV66YsDcPRiISm2gunqYRirSNxdfVrfUl1B3XfooT8VB636BnIfTaPDth4kgzLaodCWY84Z8unpqZikhC2TntQFs/s1600/myhair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bzO_hRpvsRnUH2deNqBvtQ6KuoVWqXDADvH3zSAbv0uTMBoI5O1RV66YsDcPRiISm2gunqYRirSNxdfVrfUl1B3XfooT8VB636BnIfTaPDth4kgzLaodCWY84Z8unpqZikhC2TntQFs/s1600/myhair.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>|| The Perfect "Bun in a box"</b>. <br />I was really excited to try this. I had seen it on T.V. and based on the pictures on the box, my bun was destined to turn out... well, <i>perfect</i>! OMG... <b>Y'all...</b> This did not work for my hair. It's supposed to wrap the hair and secure it without having to use bobby pins. It didn't connect the back of the bun for me at all. From the front it has the illusion of a nice, neat bun. However, as you can see from the picture, in the back it's sloppy and not connected. Like I said, fail. As many attempts as I made to get this to work, it just did not. I'm sorry to the makers of this product but I will not be using this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW55HmtxJ626LkvOj-lLSn5kuF1KdTT2YGRJaZXj9cEAxQ53bK4Px_QC9dm5Z1kHW0g_dFWSfC3EYB8fmVGWDX56Ic6MPZ03zo6Nbgc3CH35BVcmFOro7eKsQSGG5LoLDWAZWaPsj7lEY/s1600/buninabox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW55HmtxJ626LkvOj-lLSn5kuF1KdTT2YGRJaZXj9cEAxQ53bK4Px_QC9dm5Z1kHW0g_dFWSfC3EYB8fmVGWDX56Ic6MPZ03zo6Nbgc3CH35BVcmFOro7eKsQSGG5LoLDWAZWaPsj7lEY/s1600/buninabox.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>||Sock Buns</b>. <br />Y'all! I have to give <a href="http://chitsandgigglesblog.com/">Kristyn</a> all the credit here. I legit had never tried doing a sock bun. With my bun in a box failure, I posted on <a href="https://instagram.com/melissaisllama/">Instagram</a> how I got a better bun with just my hair tie. <a href="http://chitsandgigglesblog.com/">Kristyn</a> commented on the picture saying "have you tried a sock?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdeScY5V1aSvwaZOoU33Dcjj5W6jWyzCjBKgyQyQEbD_AFFhSkd16ETJZId1kF5iHDoQQPJLWuIkaeS4G_t3C9TeE3C_FlpIYmk82zqVZHF6kCVA2vwyO0dHARt5wZWlushuRaaejxgk/s1600/instagramchitsgiggles.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdeScY5V1aSvwaZOoU33Dcjj5W6jWyzCjBKgyQyQEbD_AFFhSkd16ETJZId1kF5iHDoQQPJLWuIkaeS4G_t3C9TeE3C_FlpIYmk82zqVZHF6kCVA2vwyO0dHARt5wZWlushuRaaejxgk/s1600/instagramchitsgiggles.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Naturally, I <u>had to</u> try. Now, I'm <i>not</i> a fashion blogger. I'm extremely hair style challenged. Having said that, I will not be doing a tutorial. I will say though, this has absolutely been the best bun I've ever had. I will share I used <a href="http://www.prettygossip.com/2012/07/31/how-to-make-a-sock-bun/">this tutorial</a> to create the sock bun. I also used an old sock to create the sock part of the sock bun. You can buy the donut shaped things in the store for $3-$5, but why not just make one for free?<br />
Also, this took quite a bit of practice. As you can see in the picture, the bun itself looks a bit frizzy. This is from me having to take down the bun and keep trying. Once you have the technique down, it's super easy and it looks amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjaUWLgAz85UPmcMBNrZWDqXuYcUPJPYW_R5oaLs2qnW_qhuKHkmVzkgvP-NxDT8BsTDE0KmArKKv-5vEgR8D6UiuvmqZy3C0D0Qh2Uq0ep3bKjszfQuf0oA7bgiRXdsDh5TWqgk5OSo/s1600/sockbun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjaUWLgAz85UPmcMBNrZWDqXuYcUPJPYW_R5oaLs2qnW_qhuKHkmVzkgvP-NxDT8BsTDE0KmArKKv-5vEgR8D6UiuvmqZy3C0D0Qh2Uq0ep3bKjszfQuf0oA7bgiRXdsDh5TWqgk5OSo/s1600/sockbun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<b>|| "My bun"</b>. <br />Prior to trying sock buns, I would just use a hair tie to secure my buns. My hair is long enough to where I can make a high pony, twist it around and wrap a pony tail holder to secure everything in place. Before my hair was this length, I would have to use bobby pins to keep stray hairs from escaping. I've had a lot of practice with wrapping my hair and securing it to where it looks more put together than just a messy bun. However, compared to the sock bun it's much smaller. The sock bun ads much more volume.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuwPNd5XHKKMEWI3B5QlomSwj7j2E0dk_hm0__1e5yYw0kMMgiFWiflrCuu5UPvTKhwOJnYAcRfJ3BSsGNsi17AprsX6rQ_BzjDxu6h0a94ZzAjY2PcWJQOScalHqXCUAz1mv0gv0uyA/s1600/mybun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuwPNd5XHKKMEWI3B5QlomSwj7j2E0dk_hm0__1e5yYw0kMMgiFWiflrCuu5UPvTKhwOJnYAcRfJ3BSsGNsi17AprsX6rQ_BzjDxu6h0a94ZzAjY2PcWJQOScalHqXCUAz1mv0gv0uyA/s1600/mybun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sure the bun in a box has to work for some people. For me it was a complete fail. Thanks, <a href="http://www.knockonwoodblog.com/">Amanda</a> but I just can't. <br />
The verdict for me is sock bun = perfection for a nice "put together" look for a night on the town. "My bun" = perfection when I just want my hair off of my neck and not really having anywhere to go.<br />
Which technique do you use to create your bun look? Are you happy with the messy bun, or do you aim for the sophisticated neat bun?<br />
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The "perfect bun" from a box makes a good mustache though.<br />
<br />
previously seen <a href="http://chitsandgigglesblog.com/2015/04/sock-bun-rule-universe/">on Chits & Giggles</a> in April<br />
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-10229985257082240702015-07-08T10:09:00.001-04:002015-07-08T10:09:27.182-04:00Bloggers Give it 100 : 93 Days LeftWell, here I am a co-host to this amazing new linkup and I'm late to the party. True llama fashion, right? Oh well, I'm here! That's what counts right?<br />
<br />
So last week was our first week of #bloggersgiveit100. I did not do as well as anticipated. Sometimes life just happens, and you have to roll with what you're thrown with.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Last Week:</span></u><br />
<b>I worked out one day.</b> ONE. Y'all. It's pitiful. I would count swimming with Christine as a workout, but after all I ate I'm fairly sure it doesn't count.<br />
I admit it was bad, but I can't beat myself up about it. Everyone has those days. Or weeks. It happens. Just try to start over.<br />
<br />
<b>I ate all the food</b>. Josh bought popsicles. TOOTSIE ROLL POPSICLES! This is not a drill. I ate at least two every single day since he brought them home.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">This Week:</span></u><br />
My goals are going to be simple....<br />
<br />
<b>Work out at least 4 days a week.</b> I have to just stay moving. Every day I plan to mix it up with different workout to not get my body used to the same thing.<br />
Yesterday I did zumba sculpt and tone. Y'ALL! I FEEL THE BURN today. This was zumba on CRACK. I don't have the toning bars from Zumba, but I do have hand weights so I used those. My entire body feels it. This is a good thing!<br />
<br />
<b>Don't eat all the food.</b> I really need to be better about eating healthier. This is my biggest problem. All the crunches in the world aren't going to help the fact that brownies and pizza are going in my belly.<br />
<br />
I wish I had more to contribute this week, but last week was hard. It was the first of the month. A holiday weekend. I know, all the excuses. This week is a new week though. We're going to rock this week! I'M going to rock this week.<br />
<br />
What are your goals for the next week?<br />
What are you trying to do for the next 93 days?<br />
<br />
Grab a button and link up!<br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-31097657121935632692015-07-06T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-06T00:00:08.438-04:00Easy Sloppy Joe's! They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Right? Right. Well, y'all are in for a treat today. So I figured what better way to nab a southern guy than through his stomach. But we don't want to ruin our girly figure either, so don't worry ladies! That won't be an issue!!<br />
<br />
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<br />
This is a favorite around our house. So if you're serving your best friends, the significant other in your life, or your kids, you needn't worry! Even with the veggies cut up and hidden inside, this will be a favorite at your next dinner party.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">What you'll need:</span></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1.5 lbs ground turkey meat</li>
<li>1/2 medium onion diced</li>
<li>1 green bell pepper diced</li>
<li>1 cup water</li>
<li>1/2 cup ketchup</li>
<li>1/4 cup chili sauce</li>
<li>2 tbsp brown sugar</li>
<li>1 tsp spicy brown mustard</li>
<li>A Dash of worchestershire sauce </li>
<li>Dash of salt (I don't use a lot... some people use 1.5 tsp... a dash will do)</li>
<li>1 pinch cayenne pepper</li>
</ul>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">What to do:</span></u><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Combine ground meat, onion and pepper in a HOT skillet. // cook until meat is completely cooked through. </li>
<li>Add the water</li>
<li>Mix in the rest of the ingredients. </li>
<li>Bring to a slow boil. </li>
<li>Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until most of the water is gone and everything starts to get thick. </li>
<li>Remove from heat and add to buns! </li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2008/4/7/0/NY0109_Spensers-Sloppy-Joes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2008/4/7/0/NY0109_Spensers-Sloppy-Joes.jpg" height="479" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's seriously that easy, y'all! And the best thing is that the calorie count for one serving is 171 without the bun! Talk about easy and good for you! Serve with some yummy collard greens and you've got yourself the best southern meal! </div>
<div>
I'm a lover of food, so getting to enjoy something super southern without all the fat is a huge win for me! I'd love to know what y'all think if you make this!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Previously seen back in May at <a href="http://heartoflife07.blogspot.com/2015/05/guest-post-easy-sloppy-joes.html">Heart of Life</a></span></div>
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-10603063844490451362015-07-03T00:00:00.001-04:002015-07-03T00:00:01.494-04:00Why I Refuse to Baby-Proof the HouseBaby Proofing. Child Proofing. It's all the same thing. Essentially you're trying to prevent your child from getting hurt. Or in some cases, you're trying to prevent your child from taking down hundreds of DVD's. The things to baby proof your home are pretty much in every store, including dollar stores. So obviously there's people that go for this crap. Based on the title of this post, <u>I am not</u> one of those people. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-jViB05F2NghE8Wrdb9WDKlmJu1csAO3xU2oTKz8ZCU9qf93Dm5yU9wmNHKL522i0lI-ZGQdc5AR0xW5S4JXdqai5gyybqH-RejW0PpJl3kAXVGRDTJQJVwH_M7_c75RGDR399c6oRg/s1600/workshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-jViB05F2NghE8Wrdb9WDKlmJu1csAO3xU2oTKz8ZCU9qf93Dm5yU9wmNHKL522i0lI-ZGQdc5AR0xW5S4JXdqai5gyybqH-RejW0PpJl3kAXVGRDTJQJVwH_M7_c75RGDR399c6oRg/s1600/workshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Josh and I did not spend hundreds of dollars on baby proofing equipment. Things we were gifted at the baby showers were not used. We just didn't feel like it was really needed. At first it was just kind of an unspoken thing for us. I talked to Josh a little before posting this to try and figure out if we had a reason or not. Apparently we did, it was just always unspoken for us.<br />
<br />
<b>I want to be able to get into my cabinets and refrigerator.</b><br />
Y'all. Those things that go on kitchen cabinets, drawers, and the fridge to keep the kid out. I hate them. Despise them. Sure, some aren't that hard to open. That's not that the point. They're preventing me from being able to zip around the kitchen like a tornado and cook something! Also, pots and pans... while loud... prove to be excellent baby toys. When I was a new mom having to cook and take care of the baby; it was safer to let the babies sit on the floor and play with pots rather than getting held and burnt by hot grease. If the cabinets are locked, how can they get to their drums??<br />
<br />
<b>I despise door knob things. </b><br />
O.K. Yes, I have children that have almost a three year age gap. So my oldest knows how to open doors with any kind of knob. Ainsley has yet to figure out knobs and can open the handles. However, by the time our kids have been able to open knobs or handles or anything, they've also been old enough to understand, "the door is closed for a reason... don't go in there". Plain and simple. I don't want to make my children feel like they're locked into a room, or locked out of one. They have learned to knock on doors to get in. I don't lock them in their rooms for punishment. They are pointless.<br />
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<a href="http://www.carouselandrockinghorses.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/door_knob_covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.carouselandrockinghorses.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/door_knob_covers.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The door knob things kind of inspired this post. Zander was at a friend's house last week. This friend has door knob things on the bedroom doors to keep the children in the room at night. Well, the bedroom door got closed while Zander was there and he couldn't get out to use the restroom. As a result he had a full blown panic attack. He didn't know how to get around the child proof knob. If we had them in the home maybe he would've eventually figured it out by this age, but we've never needed them.<br />
<br />
<b>Our DVDs are in the open.</b><br />
This has proven to be a problem with Ainsley. She is more rebellious than Zander is, and she has been more curious about the DVD's. As a result of her curiosity, she's been the one to take the movies off of the shelves. With her it's taken a bit more "no, don't touch Ainsley" and redirecting. But that's been the key. In my opinion, kids are going to be more prone to find something that's hidden to see what it is. If something is out in the open as part of their normal day to day life, they'll be more likely to leave it alone. I promise as soon as I packed away DVD's or xbox games Zander and Ainsley both started to try to figure out what they were.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY_gf8XBAc-yiv6fBKWGTV2X3PZFLjd80oD4Y9iorjU0GAMwhfl8TjRXBAeeXs5yvj1Bc2DArCE1efrVQlJZdQhY4ikVh8-JsLc-xfIFRHpVDboUpE_DddJmb2N_Wi3_ki1NeZ-_bX9g/s1600/KIMG0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY_gf8XBAc-yiv6fBKWGTV2X3PZFLjd80oD4Y9iorjU0GAMwhfl8TjRXBAeeXs5yvj1Bc2DArCE1efrVQlJZdQhY4ikVh8-JsLc-xfIFRHpVDboUpE_DddJmb2N_Wi3_ki1NeZ-_bX9g/s640/KIMG0069.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">So what am I really trying to say??</span></i><br />
I guess, I didn't want to be inconvenienced in my regular daily life. As bad as that sounds, hear me out. I knew baby(ies) would change our lives. I knew we'd give up a lot for them, and we have. But I didn't want to give up the way we stored things, or lived in the home just because of the baby. I feel like in not changing anything in the home to create any bubbles, it helped teach the kids.<br />
The kids learned to listen (don't touch. that's hot. corners hurt).<br />
I guess deep down I wanted my kids to feel like the house was theirs too. Which it is. Somehow I got it stuck in my mind that if we changed how we kept the house then the kids wouldn't feel at home. Silly yes. But it's our home. And the book shelves don't get emptied during the day.<br />
<br />
Now, please keep in mind... <b><u>I'm not</u></b> in any way shaming any of my readers if you baby proof. Seriously. To each their own. It just was not right for Josh and I. I would love to hear your thoughts though. Do you/ did you child proof? Did it help? Will you child proof with future kids?<br />
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-25561132099501057292015-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-01T00:00:00.989-04:00Bloggers Give it 100 // #BloggerBooty Challenge: Recap Happy Wednesday, Y'all! Who's ready to officially spend the next 100 days staying active and motivating each other? For the kick off of Bloggers Give it 100, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on my past 30 days. If y'all are new around here <a href="http://socalledhomemaker.com/">Christine</a> and <a href="http://makingmrsm.com/">Jaelan</a> hosted a <a href="http://socalledhomemaker.com/2015/05/blogger-booty-challenge/">Blogger Booty Challenge</a> for June. 3,000 squats for the whole month. I ACCEPTED. And y'all... I did it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOjLX9GZd8IFroNh7FZ5BxE533_ShV9JK4TR4kULZxt4ESkYV0Xq8kMPkGttUO5sM1tjZ7Az5yCb6PJGlVcOHgTd_8DXOYq-KGD-PV5VLoJKHcLTu2dI_RhnXjH47k4HYrR7eidqBY_4/s1600/bloggerbootychallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOjLX9GZd8IFroNh7FZ5BxE533_ShV9JK4TR4kULZxt4ESkYV0Xq8kMPkGttUO5sM1tjZ7Az5yCb6PJGlVcOHgTd_8DXOYq-KGD-PV5VLoJKHcLTu2dI_RhnXjH47k4HYrR7eidqBY_4/s640/bloggerbootychallenge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In true Llama fashion though, I couldn't JUST do the squats. I mean how boring would that be? So in addition to the squats, I decided to incorporate this workout.<br />
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<a href="http://cdnpix.com/show/imgs/42b156a7b4e3345899c19a92585afb63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdnpix.com/show/imgs/42b156a7b4e3345899c19a92585afb63.jpg" height="640" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to do the math for this particular workout because it seemed like a lot. (it was). Each day I did this, I ended up doing the following.<br />
275 Jumping Jacks<br />
110 Crunches<br />
95 Squats (If I stuck to this) but I did 100 squats a day for #BloggerBooty.<br />
80 Pushups<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Good?</span><br />
This particular challenge helped keep me moving most every single day for June. I can absolutely tell a difference in my butt and upper leg muscles. Sorry, y'all I don't have a before and after picture. The really good part was I did something for a full 30 days. Hey, <a href="http://theramblingllama.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20Day%20Shred">I've done it once before in March</a>, so why not now? So basically, this was all good. Especially now that I'm finally starting to see muscle definition. Something I have not seen since high school! Yikes!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Bad?</span><br />
There were some days when I totally slacked in the squats. Like to the point where some days I'd have to do 200 or 300 squats to just catch up. In all fairness though, some days I did more just to get ahead to where I didn't have to do any some weekends. Who seriously wants to do squats on weekends? Not me. I did though if I had to. But in all seriousness, there really wasn't much bad. I did something good for me. Something good for my body. Where's the bad in that? I think none!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Ugly?</span><br />
Sweaty snapchats. Sorry not even sorry though, y'all. The sweat was real. Mostly the fact that I incorporated jumping jacks and push ups into all of June was ugly, too. Let me in on a secret to ladies that are not moms yet... After you have kids, you lose the ability to control your bladder if it's shaken too much. So 275 jumping jacks a DAY will definitely make you pee on yourself. Not pretty. At all. But, hey, real life.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">So, what did I actually do?</span></b></i><br />
<br />
Well, obviously I did the 3,000 squats. Let me tell y'all. The first three days of that was the hardest. Going to the bathroom and stairs were my worst enemy.<br />
<br />
The rest, I didn't do all 30 days for June. However, I did do 21 days. After doing a bit more simple math, here are my totals:<br />
<b>5,775 jumping jacks.</b><br />
<b>3,000 squats. <br />2,310 crunches. <br />1,680 push ups.</b><br />
<br />
Ouch. Ouch. and, yep... Ouch. BUT SO WORTH IT. Y'all, there's a good chance if I keep up daily pushups I can actually do a real one before the year is over and not have to do a "girlie" push up!<br />
<br />
So on that note. Here's to the start of doing something for a full 100 days!! Are you going to try and eat better? Walk? Let us know! link up and share your highs or lows every Wednesday!<br />
<br />
You can have results or excuses... not both. Get up and MOVE!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to grab our button & link up with me, <a href="http://heartoflife07.blogspot.com/">Lora</a>, & <a href="http://www.kenjiishere.com/">Kenji</a> to motive other bloggers</span><br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-85532521487843804642015-06-29T00:00:00.001-04:002015-06-29T00:00:03.578-04:00Christmas in July + Meet RebeccaY'all, last Thursday was my half birthday. June 25. If you do the math, then you've probably figured out that we're a little less than half way to Christmas by now!<br />
Christmas is my favorite holiday. It's also my birthday. I've always loved it. So the fact that <a href="http://www.knockonwoodblog.com/">Amanda</a>, <a href="http://www.lifewithmrsgandtheartist.com/">Faith</a> and I have something really awesome that's CHRISTMAS related brings me pure joy!<br />
<br />
The idea is to bring the joy of gift giving in the middle of the year. So why not have Christmas in July and celebrate spreading the love?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">C</span><span style="color: lime;">H</span><span style="color: red;">R</span><span style="color: lime;">I</span><span style="color: red;">S</span><span style="color: lime;">T</span><span style="color: red;">M</span><span style="color: lime;">A</span><span style="color: red;">S</span> <span style="color: lime;">I</span><span style="color: red;">N</span> <span style="color: lime;">J</span><span style="color: red;">U</span><span style="color: lime;">L</span><span style="color: red;">Y</span><span style="color: lime;">!</span><span style="color: red;">!</span><span style="color: lime;">!</span> </span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what you need to know...</span></i><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Dates to Remember:</span></u><br />
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
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<ul>
<li style="font-family: Times;"><b>Sign-Ups Start:</b> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587191" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday, June 29th at 6AM</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Times;">Sign-Ups End:</b><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587192" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Times; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, July 8th at 6AM</span></span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: transparent;">Partners assigned:</b><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587193" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, July 11th</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Times;">Packages Shipped:</b><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587194" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Times; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday, July 20th</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Times;">Linkup Opens:</b><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587195" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Times; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, July 30th</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Times;">Linkup Closes:</b><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587196" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Times; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, August 6th</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">The Rules:</span></u><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| When you are assigned your partner, get to know them, and send items in your package that fit your partner’s wants and likes.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| All packages should cost approximately $15-$20 before shipping, so that each swap package is fairly close in pricing and no one feels cheated.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| Please reply to emails from us about the swap in a timely manner.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| Your packages MUST be mailed on or before <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587197" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 20th</span></span>.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| We suggest you send a tracking number for your package via email to your partner when you mail it out.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| Please post and link up to your swap reveal, which will be posted on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1216587198" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 30th</span></span>. Everyone would like to see your goodies after all!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| Please do not sign up for this swap if you cannot follow the rules above.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
|| If anything comes up, where you can no longer participate PLEASE contact either <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" style="color: #222222;">Faith</a>, <span style="color: #222222;">Amanda</span>, or <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" style="color: #222222;">myself</a> immediately so we can work out something for your swap partner.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
<i><b>** Please note:</b></i> Non-US-based participants can only be accepted if we have enough bloggers willing to ship internationally (not everyone can afford the higher shipping prices). Thank you for understanding, we want everyone to be able to be able to participate! <b>**</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Interested??</i></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">
Take a moment and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W_pwgoESFRTr6zpt5IoGvO-gyLkHiCnRb3TudFc4KJk/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link">fill out this form</a>!! Don't forget to grab the button for the link up on July 30th! </div>
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Christmas in July Blogger Swap" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3JIPoA6KNK9h8-CdVg7N5f2GODkVMEps6VKmubNUhvSg0W0kIzpoOSW0aYu2CyerHTgAeRIlGaQwNE8W_lK9S5mgn2MUFWrkvvx5FEp1OMF_Cb3YJ-Yn6DiwT3WlbJenSTHYVNiLlXvf/s1600/Christmas+in+July+2.jpg" title="Christmas in July Blogger Swap" /></div>
<pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://www.knockonwoodblog.com/2015/06/christmas-in-july-blogger-swap.html" rel="nofollow" title="Christmas in July Blogger Swap"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3JIPoA6KNK9h8-CdVg7N5f2GODkVMEps6VKmubNUhvSg0W0kIzpoOSW0aYu2CyerHTgAeRIlGaQwNE8W_lK9S5mgn2MUFWrkvvx5FEp1OMF_Cb3YJ-Yn6DiwT3WlbJenSTHYVNiLlXvf/s1600/Christmas+in+July+2.jpg" alt="Christmas in July Blogger Swap" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
</textarea></pre>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now for something even more fun... </span></div>
Some of my new followers might not remember this... but maybe. Back in Aug of last year there was a bloggy soul mate pairing. It was meant as a way to connect other bloggers that were either similar in blogging styles or had something outside of blogging in common. I was paired with <a href="http://www.allthejoysblog.com/">Meagan</a> and <a href="http://www.adventuresofbugandboo.com/">Rebecca</a>. Let me tell y'all, I'm so happy to have been paired with these two. Meagan I already knew from a few link ups, but Rebecca was new to me.<br />
<br />
I love this gal, y'all! She has quickly turned into someone I can randomly text for encouragement. We give each other mommy advice. She's amazing. It's my pleasure to finally get to introduce her to y'all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCECgK8eI2gJzBboaf0pM6cvOPrmhyphenhyphena10nTCpyvg_cBhYWcOt4oi4udVfkRifFQI8v48E_4imhaiNPR-jD3kppqbdNjf4borTDD_tDG4tiitrxIbuf3dBeF9hmZx76fbVYuh4K6ykziok/s1600/TheAdventuresOfLlama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCECgK8eI2gJzBboaf0pM6cvOPrmhyphenhyphena10nTCpyvg_cBhYWcOt4oi4udVfkRifFQI8v48E_4imhaiNPR-jD3kppqbdNjf4borTDD_tDG4tiitrxIbuf3dBeF9hmZx76fbVYuh4K6ykziok/s640/TheAdventuresOfLlama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Describe yourself in four words.</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Loyal. Trustworthy. Sarcastic. Fun. :p"]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Loyal. <br />Trustworthy. <br />Sarcastic. <br />Fun. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75UzDfZwHWThdqYPKQM402oYhr0AR94y82z2ftJvhiLTGX17O3vjabwe8P6Q5O0dOH9pHtOy1ZWmnVV8a5hQ2RTcK90brkOo7mvBD8I2d8ADiUQBBVUWZNtPR0AmxuWc5emUJMe44irE/s1600/10012698_283122458529975_6996908213233421029_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75UzDfZwHWThdqYPKQM402oYhr0AR94y82z2ftJvhiLTGX17O3vjabwe8P6Q5O0dOH9pHtOy1ZWmnVV8a5hQ2RTcK90brkOo7mvBD8I2d8ADiUQBBVUWZNtPR0AmxuWc5emUJMe44irE/s1600/10012698_283122458529975_6996908213233421029_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"My husband, daughter and I were living in London and trying to keep in touch with all of our friends and family (mine back in the US and his back in Ireland). I had a photo blog for my daughter's first year where I posted pictures of her growing and changing for everyone who was missing it in person and I started thinking about *writing* a blog too - my husband pushed me to do it! "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">My husband, daughter and I were living in London and trying to keep in touch with all of our friends and family (mine back in the US and his back in Ireland). I had a photo blog for my daughter's first year where I posted pictures of her growing and changing for everyone who was missing it in person and I started thinking about *writing* a blog too - my husband pushed me to do it! </span><br />
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<b>You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Some shade of purple, since that's my favorite!"]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Some shade of purple, since that's my favorite!</span><br />
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<b>What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Network, network, network! Or more simply - make connections. Read other blogs, comment on them with thoughtfulness, build relationships. Not only will you become friends with some individuals, but you'll find many will support and encourage you, offer advice, and help you learn more than you ever would on your own! "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Network, network, network! Or more simply - make connections. Read other blogs, comment on them with thoughtfulness, build relationships. Not only will you become friends with some individuals, but you'll find many will support and encourage you, offer advice, and help you learn more than you ever would on your own! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA0xiSHxyRUdjFiJUcQ034kKNinYLtfam78tSjCqIephCj1YuwVxF9exerWkVOx8Nu4oOQiE1KJZ7qA7RT4pDPiiHTE7QNVj6iS9KGux_y00cNo5GFp_1JapKDkvZ1XVK2UdVDZ5wEX4/s1600/DSC00856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA0xiSHxyRUdjFiJUcQ034kKNinYLtfam78tSjCqIephCj1YuwVxF9exerWkVOx8Nu4oOQiE1KJZ7qA7RT4pDPiiHTE7QNVj6iS9KGux_y00cNo5GFp_1JapKDkvZ1XVK2UdVDZ5wEX4/s640/DSC00856.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>What's your favorite movie quote?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Ooooh tough question. Totally depends on the movie! \n\nOne of my faves though is the sarky interchange between Duncan and Hawkeye in Last of the Mohicans...Hawkeye says they're going West and Duncan questions him: \"There is a war on. How is it you are headed WEST?\" to which Hawkeye looks at him without expression and says \"Well, we kinda face to the north and real sudden-like, turn left.\" \n\nIt's the kind of sarcastic crap I'd pull, ha!"]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Ooooh tough question. Totally depends on the movie! <br /><br />One of my faves though is the sarky interchange between Duncan and Hawkeye in Last of the Mohicans...Hawkeye says they're going West and Duncan questions him: "There is a war on. How is it you are headed WEST?" to which Hawkeye looks at him without expression and says "Well, we kinda face to the north and real sudden-like, turn left." <br /><br />It's the kind of sarcastic crap I'd pull, ha!</span><br />
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<b>If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Bread. Who doesn't love bread?? "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Bread. Who doesn't love bread?? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhTS4GV597ThUBMMa_AuwbFpqYSu8wPpnT2idIHnOp5q_WW17CJr8IMybwVd64oPtPIO0e0DI37DugN0Lv-V3YjVST3f6_XpWUJ2Pwwj5-6oljWtjMV9QNpiWFxePj504a5D80TL2L24/s1600/20150429_113602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhTS4GV597ThUBMMa_AuwbFpqYSu8wPpnT2idIHnOp5q_WW17CJr8IMybwVd64oPtPIO0e0DI37DugN0Lv-V3YjVST3f6_XpWUJ2Pwwj5-6oljWtjMV9QNpiWFxePj504a5D80TL2L24/s640/20150429_113602.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Bread. Who doesn't love bread?? "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Bread. Who doesn't love bread?? "]" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Want more Bug & Boo?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Bread. Who doesn't love bread?? "]" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Follow Along here:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Bread. Who doesn't love bread?? "]" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12251519">Bloglovin</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/BugBooAdventure">Twitter</a> || <a href="http://instagram.com/bugandbooadventures">Instagram</a> || <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mrsoloughlin/">Pinterest</a></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-14724522642796638682015-06-26T00:00:00.001-04:002015-06-26T00:00:01.236-04:00Things I Don't Understand OK. So I think it's safe to say that the internet is a big place. Correct. There are things in these big interwebs that I just don't understand. Given that it's Friday, I feel the need to share with you. So, you're welcome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxlME0wK3w2RHbWd4imK1smDNYalSjB3x2-VrjFAmap7zFAKR-AxfwZqQc7UNskrcnxljoLphCUx95yAh30iwqgqIOakEuxKbVW2aGfNERSJVWLk81zJ66CCNFS08b0RR0M2ADKq74Mk/s1600/wii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxlME0wK3w2RHbWd4imK1smDNYalSjB3x2-VrjFAmap7zFAKR-AxfwZqQc7UNskrcnxljoLphCUx95yAh30iwqgqIOakEuxKbVW2aGfNERSJVWLk81zJ66CCNFS08b0RR0M2ADKq74Mk/s1600/wii.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>|| <a href="http://elitedaily.com/envision/merman-hair-trend-photos/1084662/">Mermen hair trends</a>.</b><br />
Why is this even a thing? I'm a fan of expressing oneself with hair, tattoos, clothes, etc. BUT. I don't get this one. I found this while scrolling facebook the other day. Y'all. Some of these guys have <i>matching beards</i>. I'll let that one sink in for a minute.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn29.elitedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rainbow_elitedaily-800x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn29.elitedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rainbow_elitedaily-800x400.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://elitedaily.com/envision/merman-hair-trend-photos/1084662/">Mermen Style </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>|| <a href="http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Universal-Wired-Phones-Camera-Selfie-Stick-Handheld-Monopod-Built-in-Shutter-Mount-Holder-For-Smartphone-iPhone/32318467103.html?currencyType=USD&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=708-803-3821&isdl=y&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&albcp=206813665&albag=14156629225&slnk=&trgt=56128534817&plac=&crea=en32318467103&netw=&device=c&mtctp=&gclid=CjwKEAjwqqmsBRDGy_3h_eS80jYSJACS95CvTh56lsFlMEld_NeBII6AaB0cnJyaOAh64padwoIsIhoCLWbw_wcB">Selfie Sticks.</a></b><br />
Technically these are not an internet thing. I still don't get them. I mean... I do, but I don't. My biggest question. HOW do you actually TAKE the picture? I saw this meme on facebook Wednesday night. This got me asking the previous question. Now, inquiring minds want to know.<br />
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<a href="http://starecat.com/content/wp-content/uploads/dustpan-selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://starecat.com/content/wp-content/uploads/dustpan-selfie.jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></div>
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<b>|| <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/06/22/pizza-hut-hot-dog-bites-pizza-is-junkfood-hybrid-mashup-your-dreams/">Hot Dog Pizzas</a>. </b><br />
Y'all. This is a thing. Like, we should all know by now that I'm a huge fan of pizza. Give me all the pizza. But, y'all. Why did they have to put hot dogs on the crust? This is just a hard no. WHY is this a thing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.itsallviral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hot-dog-bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.itsallviral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hot-dog-bites.jpg" height="244" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>|| <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=on+fleek">On Fleek</a>.</b><br />
This term. Why does it exist and where does it come from? According to Urban Dictionary:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c353c; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"the quality of being perfect, or on point."</span></span></blockquote>
Why can't we just use "on point" anymore? Am I really getting to be that old, y'all? I'm not even 30 yet. Not even close. Well. Almost.<br />
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<b>|| <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqtunQ4yd30">Drop That Kitty</a>. </b><br />
This song. Y'all. I was first introduced to this at one of the many award shows that take place at the beginning of the year. I thought it was strange then, and for some stupid reason it stuck in my head. You really don't need to listen to the entire song to fully understand the stupidity of the song. But this is on youtube. With over 10 million views. Don't understand.<br />
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So what's out there that you don't understand? Anything I've left out that needs to be here immediately.<br />
Happy Friday, Llama friends! xoxo<br />
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-20098072700390632292015-06-24T00:00:00.001-04:002015-06-24T00:00:00.058-04:00Bloggers Give it 100 + Meet Kristin <span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, it's no secret around these parts that I'm taking my health (and my family's health) pretty seriously. If you are following me on snapchat, you've probably seen running and dance central videos. #SorryNotSorry... it's not going to stop anytime soon. Especially here on the blog. Leave now if you're sick of workout posts. You won't hurt my feelings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, <a href="http://heartoflife07.blogspot.com/">Lora</a> approached <a href="http://www.kenjiishere.com/">Kendra</a> and I about a fun new project. I personally love both of these ladies, so I'm always more than willing to work with them. Lora and Kendra both share a love for getting fit the healthy way. Staying active, and eating better. So it gives me so much happiness to announce our new collaboration / project / link up. More of a link up than anything else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If y'all are familiar with Kendra, (and if you're not... you should be) then you'll know she does a workouts with Kenji each Wednesday. This is kind of going to go hand in hand with that. Y'all! We're happy to announce Bloggers Give it 100! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BQY7w6HIpnsg2M5Xu_TieCZ6ntiR_3jnD25mWeHokES7DwVk6TkfrUmE69sPGqSZMfeZ_OH_y0PxE3cQl4X25S6A8xfUV5uPITwLx4MeVqWPY5SzR2vbmcxFDm675a_jVUKtLuGQvV0/s1600/BLOGGERSGIVEIT100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BQY7w6HIpnsg2M5Xu_TieCZ6ntiR_3jnD25mWeHokES7DwVk6TkfrUmE69sPGqSZMfeZ_OH_y0PxE3cQl4X25S6A8xfUV5uPITwLx4MeVqWPY5SzR2vbmcxFDm675a_jVUKtLuGQvV0/s640/BLOGGERSGIVEIT100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The idea came from <a href="https://giveit100.com/">#GiveIt100</a>. A motivational tool to stay active for 100 days, and track your results. Most people update videos and monitor their progress. It's all up to you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The link up will occur every Wednesday and will serve as a check in, a motivational, a rant session if you're not doing so well. Whatever works for you. We just want to see our blogger friends to get active and stay active with us for 100 days. We're very excited about this to help keep everyone on the path of motivation and getting fit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I hope you'll join us on our journey. I hope you link up. Or at least support us on our journey. This will go live NEXT WEDNESDAY July 1. Grab a button, and use hashtag #bloggersgiveit100 on social media so we can spread the love! </span><br />
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<img alt="The Rambling Llama" src="http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af34/silkybowties/BLOGGERSGIVEIT100_zpsvqtg4e8s.jpg" title="The Rambling Llama" /></div>
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<a href="http://theramblingllama.blogspot.com" title="The Rambling Llama"><img src="http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af34/silkybowties/BLOGGERSGIVEIT100_zpsvqtg4e8s.jpg" alt="The Rambling Llama" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />AND NOW... for something really special. (I know, excitement overload on this Wednesday </span>today<span style="font-family: inherit;">!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Y'all, I have a real treat for you today! I'm happy to introduce you to a blogger that I've become very close with over the last few weeks. She is also all about getting fit the healthy way, so this was a happy accident that our announcement came on the same day that I'm </span>introducing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.myyearinthemaking.com/">Kristin</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i6kZXO-SCt01pm428Jzg20FGf5E9QSghap1sBDajgGaQ-b2wIPzCy-uCZ7bL3n0HKP-fcOyZpm6FIFrfu3rNMifUHhXLRcn9RnXMEtym-87W9WwJnoYTulCEIPkLtYhnTJmPRzj4kEM/s1600/myYearintheLlama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i6kZXO-SCt01pm428Jzg20FGf5E9QSghap1sBDajgGaQ-b2wIPzCy-uCZ7bL3n0HKP-fcOyZpm6FIFrfu3rNMifUHhXLRcn9RnXMEtym-87W9WwJnoYTulCEIPkLtYhnTJmPRzj4kEM/s640/myYearintheLlama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.myyearinthemaking.com/">Kristin</a> is very real, down to earth, focused on getting fit, and a lover of cats! I love our daily snapchat conversations. She's seriously an inspiration to me working out at bootcamps and in the crazy South Carolina heat! phew! Take it away, Kristin! </span><br />
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<b>Describe yourself in four words. </b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Loud. Bubbly. Odd. Cats. "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Loud. <br />Bubbly. <br />Odd. <br />Cats. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-NMwexmkpgzUPgch2zMxucuwTbH882Luuk4SObzRPhDQlXVnCv633JcdjUllXweJHchRpm3ihGFZ-Y2xowXT5tK8ljkirldcNwBD7qfoVVEFxJYkT6STl8Da6Yp9TgX3ETCFpQc-pbA/s1600/cattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-NMwexmkpgzUPgch2zMxucuwTbH882Luuk4SObzRPhDQlXVnCv633JcdjUllXweJHchRpm3ihGFZ-Y2xowXT5tK8ljkirldcNwBD7qfoVVEFxJYkT6STl8Da6Yp9TgX3ETCFpQc-pbA/s640/cattoo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>I really love your blogging style. What made you start blogging?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Oh man, I've been doing the blogging thing off and on since the LiveJournal days. I've always loved writing and having a diary-of-sorts online has been a part of my life ever since I learned to type. I had a Fitness blog on tumblr years ago that I really enjoyed but eventually just got too busy to post. Back in September I decided to create this blog when I got bit by the crafting bug (hence the name My Year in the Making) and wanted to document it, but soon the crafting bug went away and I decided to start blogging about health and wellness again. "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Oh man, I've been doing the blogging thing off and on since the LiveJournal days. I've always loved writing and having a diary-of-sorts online has been a part of my life ever since I learned to type. I had a Fitness blog on tumblr years ago that I really enjoyed but eventually just got too busy to post. Back in September I decided to create this blog when I got bit by the crafting bug (hence the name My Year in the Making) and wanted to document it, but soon the crafting bug went away and I decided to start blogging about health and wellness again. </span><br />
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<b>You're a new addition to the crayon box. Which color would you be, and why?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Yellow. Because it's bright and happy. Even if it doesn't show up on white paper very well. (That's not a metaphor, it's just a fact.) "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Yellow. Because it's bright and happy. Even if it doesn't show up on white paper very well. (That's not a metaphor, it's just a fact.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrqlABy6kA1mC2epWb2j6WCxIo7kGiCGmB_X5dEyugVlr636IF94HqIvzm1EmUaNa3sak8-kXUNQ_opx2Ee2W6JozqlVWlsDRglTq9Dm0CTfkHg07ccOJOeF7T3zvVcDhoiPXuXfHxP8/s1600/kristinandbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrqlABy6kA1mC2epWb2j6WCxIo7kGiCGmB_X5dEyugVlr636IF94HqIvzm1EmUaNa3sak8-kXUNQ_opx2Ee2W6JozqlVWlsDRglTq9Dm0CTfkHg07ccOJOeF7T3zvVcDhoiPXuXfHxP8/s1600/kristinandbf.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>What's the best advice you've ever gotten about blogging?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Don't force yourself to post if you don't want to. No one wants to read forced content. "]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Don't force yourself to post if you don't want to. No one wants to read forced content. </span><br />
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<b>What's your favorite movie quote?</b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"\"It is better to help people than Garden Gnomes\"-Amelie"]" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">"It is better to help people than Garden Gnomes"-Amelie</span><br />
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<b>If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? </b><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Pizza :D Because life is not worth living without pizza. "]"><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">Pizza :D Because life is not worth living without pizza.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Llama's note:</i> TRUE STORY! I completely agree with you on this one, Kristin!! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEORrVQ4ORwAUNoCn9vy-CaedNBT7Mo_13ZJLCTRli15aGLftxnceQjjS6Fwj1j9oqwtsD6J8m7ghO5M_k3sUav50I3VKzxoKNO1QJMbCqdXEKgDTsRuzuCbX7O6GZPMC0TwlUEaoDtBU/s1600/prettykristin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEORrVQ4ORwAUNoCn9vy-CaedNBT7Mo_13ZJLCTRli15aGLftxnceQjjS6Fwj1j9oqwtsD6J8m7ghO5M_k3sUav50I3VKzxoKNO1QJMbCqdXEKgDTsRuzuCbX7O6GZPMC0TwlUEaoDtBU/s640/prettykristin.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Pizza :D Because life is not worth living without pizza. "]"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Pizza :D Because life is not worth living without pizza. "]"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want to get to know Kristin better?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Pizza :D Because life is not worth living without pizza. "]"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Follow along!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/my-year-in-making-13054759">Bloglovin</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/kwinthemaking">Twitter</a> || <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kwinthemaking/">Pinterest</a> || <a href="https://instagram.com/kwinthemaking/">Instagram</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/user/PineappleHead87/media/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/PineappleHead87/TRLSigNov2014_zps7a838dc4.png" /></a>Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199023664293695817.post-41114247162736600442015-06-22T12:26:00.002-04:002015-06-22T12:26:34.211-04:00Summer Expectations vs. Reality Y'all. We're about a month into Summer vacation, and I've learned a lot about myself and my kids. I think I had this idea in my head about what summer vacation would entail. Getting all of those pinterest crafts knocked out etc... Y'all. That's not happening. My expectations are no where near my reality of being at home with the kids during the hottest time of the year in the south.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2LPiDq11tLE25YCcLvN-_c2O7XsTscBndez9w3Ov2aY6ALgGEBDLILdk-N-noWUTITzQ94rJbTjsS63hnJM_9sWSE2HgqhzE71k37ZhaeCS8TSTKewFkCjQKXcYZqUSAXS61O9qJbXI/s1600/summer+expectations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2LPiDq11tLE25YCcLvN-_c2O7XsTscBndez9w3Ov2aY6ALgGEBDLILdk-N-noWUTITzQ94rJbTjsS63hnJM_9sWSE2HgqhzE71k37ZhaeCS8TSTKewFkCjQKXcYZqUSAXS61O9qJbXI/s640/summer+expectations.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Expectation:</b> We'll do tons of fun crafts and be able to blog about all of my pinterest wins!<br />
<b>Reality: </b>Arts & Crafts portion of the day consists of either coloring or play dough.<br />
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Y'all, the material needed FOR arts & crafts is mostly not kid friendly. Trying to make home made flubber or salt dough with the kids at the ages they are now is just not reasonable. Ainsley throws ingredients. Zander gets bored with the mixing.<br />
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<b>Expectation:</b> We'll be too busy playing games to watch T.V.<br />
<b>Reality:</b> Nick JR stays on for the most part... all day.<br />
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The kids do have plenty of toys, and yes they keep themselves entertained. But let's be honest y'all. Being home with the same toys all day can get boring. So While I'm cleaning (daily), the kids go between playing with their toys, watching Nick JR, and cleaning their room. I do sit and play with them, and we do read. It's just not all day, and I'm not going to lie, sometimes I just don't care. At least Nick JR has shows that teaches math and stuff, right?<br />
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<b>Expectation:</b> We'll have lots of outside time to where the kids will get so worn out they'll sleep wonderfully!<br />
<b>Reality:</b> It's Summer in GEORGIA.<br />
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What was I thinking, y'all? Summer in GA means 80-90 + degrees. YES, we do go outside. If you follow me on snapchat you've probably even seen us running in this crazy heat. However, most of this is done either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Zander tends to whine about this, and tries to convince me to go outside at like 1:00 in the afternoon. Twice I've let him. He lasted 5 minutes both times before complaining about the heat.<br />
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That being said, I'm very happy to have this time with the kids. Because I AM able to do things with them that I otherwise would not be able to do if I was working. Like go to the library each week. (Y'all! I've been reading again! big deal alert!). At least the library has air conditioning AND kid's activities. This week we'll be going to the night time movie.<br />
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So yes, some expectations were not met, but the good outweighs the bad. I'm grateful that I'm able to teach my kids a few things. Zander is working on tieing his shoes. If he can catch on before school starts in Aug, that would be a big deal. Ainsley is learning colors and shapes. Both kids are incredibly smart, and I'm so grateful for them.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">linking up with <a href="http://www.embergrey.com/2015/06/eg-interviews-tinker-coffee-very.html">Emily</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.embergrey.com/p/grateful-heart-monday-linkup.html" title="Grateful Heart w/ Ember Grey"><img alt="Grateful Heart w/ Ember Grey" src="http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad295/embergrey/Jan2015GHMButtontransbkg_zps55af070d.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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If only this GA heat weren't so terrible. Maybe we'll go play in the water today!<br />
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Melissa Camachohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183913099571893308noreply@blogger.com18