tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90292825053330101642024-02-18T22:03:25.465-05:00Tara Being TaraTara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-36794681250154213052012-11-23T21:40:00.002-05:002012-11-23T21:40:58.969-05:00Some updatesHi there... if anyone is still even reading this blog. It's been awhile. Sorry about that. My absence wasn't planned, but it was needed. Nothing bad has happened, just a whole lot of stuff going on.<br />
<br />
My adjustment to my new job has been wonderful but exhausting. Couple that with a few too many volunteer commitments, wanting to spend time with family and friends, and trying to get ready for the holidays and something had to go. And sweet blog, it was you for awhile.<br />
<br />
The thing is that I've recently found that I'm starting to miss it. It had gotten to a point where I felt stressed by the idea of maintaining it and didn't always feel like I was posting great stuff. Lately though, I've wanted to write about something, share a great recipe, or post pictures of something we've done or made. And I've missed my blog friends.<br />
<br />
I've also found that I go back to this blog often when I'm referencing something that's happened in my life. I don't want to stop the documentation that's been the past few years.<br />
<br />
Somewhere along the line this blog because more about who was reading it and getting more people to read it, and less about me and my life. Which just doesn't fit with what I want it to be.<br />
<br />
So... I'm proposing a switch. And since I'm the Tara behind this blog, I guess that I'm also just saying that I'm making this switch. I'm not abandoning this blog altogether, but I'm also not committing to a posting schedule. I'll post things that I want to share with you, but I won't post just to post.<br />
<br />
If you don't want to read anymore, I'll miss you, but it's okay. Otherwise, stay tuned. It just might get good.Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-8237968303677891822012-09-27T09:55:00.000-04:002012-09-27T09:55:00.722-04:00Lessons Learned by a First Time Dog OwnerWhen we adopted Derby, we truly had no idea what we were getting into. Zac and I had both had dogs growing up, but they were never <i>our</i> dogs. Honestly, I don't think I ever even fed any of those dogs.<br />
<br />
We always said that we'd be open to adopting a dog if it found us, but that we weren't going to looking for one. When a friend of mine had a friend who had puppies that were going to the pound if they weren't adopted, we were interested. We made a list of pros and cons of having a dog, and could only think of one or two cons in contrast to our tons of pros. Decision made.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/268939_10100259625724890_4841311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/268939_10100259625724890_4841311_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A year and a half in, I'm so grateful that Derby is part of our family. There are some lessons we've learned along the way that might be helpful to those pondering adopting a dog, or who find themselves totally overwhelmed with a new puppy...<br />
<br />
<b>Crating is a good idea. </b>I don't understand why anyone doesn't initially crate a puppy when they aren't home. Puppies don't mean to destroy your house, but they often do. Get a crate from Craigslist (we paid $40 for ours) and lock up that sweet puppy when you aren't home.<br />
<br />
<b>Listen to advice, but be willing to throw the book out the window. </b>We listened to advice about crating Derby at night and not letting him sleep in our bed. And he hated it. And cried. A lot. All night. <i>For an embarrassingly long time.</i> We put his crate in the dining room downstairs and would go upstairs to bed and listen to him whine. We finally moved his crate into our room - and he immediately started sleeping all the way through the night. He just wanted to be near his mom and dad!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/261328_10100259626513310_4884231_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/261328_10100259626513310_4884231_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Go to an obedience class, but you probably don't need more than one. </b>You learn a lot in an initial obedience class about your dog and how he learns, but in your first series you'll master sit, lay down, and make progress on stay. You can probably figure out the rest of what you want your dog to learn, especially if he is a natural pleaser.<br />
<br />
<b>Socialize the heck out of your dog the first year. </b>Go to the dog park, a lot. Expose him to kids and adults and anyone you possibly can. The more comfortable your dog is with other people and dogs, the less worried you'll have to be about him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/249380_10100282928031880_3352439_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/249380_10100282928031880_3352439_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Handle that sweet puppy. </b>Play with his ears, stick your fingers in his mouth, pull his bowl away when he's eating, take toys away and bones out of his mouth. Pull his tail, touch his feet. Make sure that none of that will seem scary when he's older. Make sure he won't snap if a child pulls his ears or trys to pull a toy. We did this <i>obsessively</i> with Derby and I'm so glad we did - a two year old neighbor grabbed Derby's face the other day and Derby couldn't lick that little guy enough in response.<br />
<br />
<b>Know that the "rules" you have will be broken.</b> I don't know a single person whose "no dogs on the couch/bed" has actually worked. If you feel really strongly about this, find a way to make it work.<br />
<br />
<b>There's no way to prepare yourself for how much you will love your dog. </b>Or how much your dog will love you. It doesn't take very long for your heart to go to mush over these sweet creatures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539532_10100899486922920_1612505572_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539532_10100899486922920_1612505572_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do you have any other advice to share with first time dog owners? What do you wish you'd done differently?Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-7554614513162792552012-09-20T08:47:00.000-04:002012-09-20T08:47:00.301-04:00A visit to Lynn's Paradise CafeAfter our tailgating weekend, we drove from Lexington to Louisville to see my friend Clare. She is recently engaged (yay!) and I hadn't been able to meet her fiance yet. Well, verdict in: he's adorable. And nice. And funny. And all around wonderful. The Nolands approve of this guy!<br />
<br />
Clare was in Louisville for a wedding, and she made a reservation for the four of us at Lynn's Paradise Cafe. Have you heard of this place? Apparently it's been on the<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> Oprah Winfrey Show, The Food Network's "Best Of," the Discovery Channel's "Christopher Lowell Show," CBS "Good Morning America," and Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Needless to say, we had high expectations. And friends, they. were. met. Aunt Ellen, these pictures are for you. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4Qx5nhc4mKOROqCRt5-JN7GBx35UR6ZvX6NAYbuhKHqvfPtn09Q-hsTaS2_hCjk0oC9gw8C_iy6jVno7EhQG8wuakQPGdy6_ZT7_yVaRXEEdtMGqOmTj0UHKCliN0xIBUcX3j5urdIc/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4Qx5nhc4mKOROqCRt5-JN7GBx35UR6ZvX6NAYbuhKHqvfPtn09Q-hsTaS2_hCjk0oC9gw8C_iy6jVno7EhQG8wuakQPGdy6_ZT7_yVaRXEEdtMGqOmTj0UHKCliN0xIBUcX3j5urdIc/s640/IMG_1195.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">How cool is the outside?</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-sdvCvxTst4g5JPvUZqHvlgpJNG9GdPxY2YD8gCadr5OZBgqNBf3lYb2n48JBxh7YJDR01T7xblCxZk80IXHhH72KWx9Giedk-i_mz3e5aXbPPMa6XImfLv-BYtGQ1flutrMu5uj6aA/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-sdvCvxTst4g5JPvUZqHvlgpJNG9GdPxY2YD8gCadr5OZBgqNBf3lYb2n48JBxh7YJDR01T7xblCxZk80IXHhH72KWx9Giedk-i_mz3e5aXbPPMa6XImfLv-BYtGQ1flutrMu5uj6aA/s640/IMG_1187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">A view from our table</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf3nVSKcHxElfCbbZhvwkln1WpuJ-dFVqz82u1Rnl-qOGQJ7lP24Smmnr7BWIlahco6PY2hyphenhyphenx-4wgCDn4L0FumBVgxOLx6VSvtWmhCiorzBXAfO0uetk5QicnsDJzPotUyvRTIlKt5Hk/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf3nVSKcHxElfCbbZhvwkln1WpuJ-dFVqz82u1Rnl-qOGQJ7lP24Smmnr7BWIlahco6PY2hyphenhyphenx-4wgCDn4L0FumBVgxOLx6VSvtWmhCiorzBXAfO0uetk5QicnsDJzPotUyvRTIlKt5Hk/s640/IMG_1188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Close up of the tree</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjBUD3_h6jepKc4rtQvWpuemG4KMRWnpWXqZgoNr6YEx6QCdFOYUMCPwWicH1Lg1BzOIhmAFdbhlxAm2Mpf3EGWB5FLTMVN7piBybuOKzpf136AV0rLTAWp09jZNTJK68c7UUhZOx9r8/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjBUD3_h6jepKc4rtQvWpuemG4KMRWnpWXqZgoNr6YEx6QCdFOYUMCPwWicH1Lg1BzOIhmAFdbhlxAm2Mpf3EGWB5FLTMVN7piBybuOKzpf136AV0rLTAWp09jZNTJK68c7UUhZOx9r8/s640/IMG_1189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These are legs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7x-_FjgkoYJd2CX8Qt8tuptGkfiaK4vtgZphiiYsh4XJ3JsqImJNIirYMzmFWSd421Ab0bTMSvuWIG3nsJPAo0FMlNDt4yndVmS9d7P9zCFJr2BF90J1YLPtWqVsUbOEeqNHu9JQTrw/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7x-_FjgkoYJd2CX8Qt8tuptGkfiaK4vtgZphiiYsh4XJ3JsqImJNIirYMzmFWSd421Ab0bTMSvuWIG3nsJPAo0FMlNDt4yndVmS9d7P9zCFJr2BF90J1YLPtWqVsUbOEeqNHu9JQTrw/s640/IMG_1190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More legs!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3lny0vov7JqhVlPn9nL7MQWQWYGLY4iv7pAdPWy14qjNCSOl4EvAh5MOnVQivG9C1TGqg0lXAUbXh75DW4SKRYYl2q5bHw2OPjDpDJ0hKWFIgn2TOAiCWfiTkJJ2TnzQVLAq8YJXVcQ/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3lny0vov7JqhVlPn9nL7MQWQWYGLY4iv7pAdPWy14qjNCSOl4EvAh5MOnVQivG9C1TGqg0lXAUbXh75DW4SKRYYl2q5bHw2OPjDpDJ0hKWFIgn2TOAiCWfiTkJJ2TnzQVLAq8YJXVcQ/s640/IMG_1193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So. So. cool. I wish my license plate said FLY-SWA.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2swWDKxUzv8KVYSumpQEWjDlWJrlmLKbaptgmfWtimkSMAzFzW2OrjQ2KLDJwQrN4lURJSmU8oLmoM5tlWX9K3_4FsuMz7DSeDEJH66mzTqSwndJyHaz6ttdD0s6uhj2YACHfquNmAo/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2swWDKxUzv8KVYSumpQEWjDlWJrlmLKbaptgmfWtimkSMAzFzW2OrjQ2KLDJwQrN4lURJSmU8oLmoM5tlWX9K3_4FsuMz7DSeDEJH66mzTqSwndJyHaz6ttdD0s6uhj2YACHfquNmAo/s640/IMG_1194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even their uncool chairs were cool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Breakfast didn't disappoint either. Zac ordered biscuits and gravy...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlOWWykN71PgqDR33ZD7PGUlo7Zg1Nyr8WgDKwmg_gAGQvVqJU2CCoTx7PHrVQ0wwOGJgOjPgxLaFbThJvL-o41iTGzFEtKkwFx8ey7BSE86uhvGcYyVYMAqcqtWDP5OpGlGo1JAlWSQ/s1600/IMG_1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlOWWykN71PgqDR33ZD7PGUlo7Zg1Nyr8WgDKwmg_gAGQvVqJU2CCoTx7PHrVQ0wwOGJgOjPgxLaFbThJvL-o41iTGzFEtKkwFx8ey7BSE86uhvGcYyVYMAqcqtWDP5OpGlGo1JAlWSQ/s640/IMG_1191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and I got a mushroom scramble with a side of MAC and CHEESE. Which yes, they offer as a side at breakfast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaHqZocHvSiY6oKHF5HINL5ffln6HDJDcSM5Eusyn-qoDWLoiA-DBSvnHBx-xIGT9cr0kDmKQjjeSDwj3pGw3ACbM-3CKeeAXJNXfQI65WRkcrXCQa0ReLgfYMQTFwyWrJCzA75Iqnro/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaHqZocHvSiY6oKHF5HINL5ffln6HDJDcSM5Eusyn-qoDWLoiA-DBSvnHBx-xIGT9cr0kDmKQjjeSDwj3pGw3ACbM-3CKeeAXJNXfQI65WRkcrXCQa0ReLgfYMQTFwyWrJCzA75Iqnro/s640/IMG_1192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The monstrosity on the right is the mac and cheese. I ate almost no eggs because I was eating so much mac and cheese!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxZBwanmR9t2mkkt_7B_9s7bVTfYHrXUbCCC018v95cEqFtlpGJxRAYd7De57v5DUZPunppIC7P1xUUMxAhQwqnjBAepJ_thkEL0gkJmUzWsnT0XCraQyBuVVQgqQjQ33v2Ew47aQXy4/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxZBwanmR9t2mkkt_7B_9s7bVTfYHrXUbCCC018v95cEqFtlpGJxRAYd7De57v5DUZPunppIC7P1xUUMxAhQwqnjBAepJ_thkEL0gkJmUzWsnT0XCraQyBuVVQgqQjQ33v2Ew47aQXy4/s640/IMG_1185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't go to Clare's engagement party next weekend, so I brought her a gift. I embroidered their monogram on a dish towel and used it to wrap a newlywed cookbook. Adorable, if I do say so myself!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Lul-_o8mJNgkzaYwAyJRVnMqRkw8H4XHAOUtEa4zX3teePdD8-rfXuc6N1nVqLEEavYsK346y7unilq0UAAmRAO-EIO60ZQP484_3a1d01TGKCRB74zQh2MABCUqR92sKCruf1yk7ao/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Lul-_o8mJNgkzaYwAyJRVnMqRkw8H4XHAOUtEa4zX3teePdD8-rfXuc6N1nVqLEEavYsK346y7unilq0UAAmRAO-EIO60ZQP484_3a1d01TGKCRB74zQh2MABCUqR92sKCruf1yk7ao/s640/IMG_1196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and Clare</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had SUCH a good time with Clare and Chris, and it was so much to visit Lynn's Paradise Cafe. Has anyone else ever been there??</div>
Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-31353473520120969252012-09-19T19:28:00.000-04:002012-09-19T19:28:00.108-04:00USA! USA!I wasn't kidding when I said we had been busy --- last week Zac and I also drove up to Columbus to watch the US Men's Soccer Team play in a World Cup Qualifier against Jamaica.<br />
<br />
It was a late night for us. I can't remember the last time I wasn't home at midnight on a weeknight, but it was worth it. Zac is a huge soccer fan, but this was my first big game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYSyKFInrg5YLAlKXKQcb8eUJ_6NYFnhUVL6FJTnIQ_W-qllk9V54V3DvlLF4eR3rtyQxJwxddjDrVvUkTcsoJvGpFd7FPFJ3Evb5tUlE8Sj6D26kP_fJODYJ6FCJGYs90SZiOwJUiYo/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYSyKFInrg5YLAlKXKQcb8eUJ_6NYFnhUVL6FJTnIQ_W-qllk9V54V3DvlLF4eR3rtyQxJwxddjDrVvUkTcsoJvGpFd7FPFJ3Evb5tUlE8Sj6D26kP_fJODYJ6FCJGYs90SZiOwJUiYo/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had GREAT seats. It was a blast - I don't think anyone in that stadium ever sat down. People were cheering and singing and jumping and just having a great time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The US missed what felt like a hundred shots before finally scoring their first goal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv88_gFWQcPjY-Pfh_pzI-t8XZk5yrk9HbaCP-qSgobQJIwd-2VRRQ1HQrlyatz42yWW4V7HO3vvFm_BqrNGTnBtrfQQD4jiAiYRTBiDBNArhyxhvGA2iZC0Kn2C5SMcYaD509h4nN6c4/s1600/IMG_1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv88_gFWQcPjY-Pfh_pzI-t8XZk5yrk9HbaCP-qSgobQJIwd-2VRRQ1HQrlyatz42yWW4V7HO3vvFm_BqrNGTnBtrfQQD4jiAiYRTBiDBNArhyxhvGA2iZC0Kn2C5SMcYaD509h4nN6c4/s640/IMG_1139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was something extra special about cheering for the USA on the 11th anniversary of 9/11.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMzgv83Fs12eeV0sEm0oMiLS6Lmt2c_469JvlZsF0JliNqZCTiGYraoxdyRRpRKeCY1KN10jevo2DDZujufVlYdQQKYLTn3oTxwNchQG1Rdu__lAXu-Ipd2bLSMjY037uUWrwwYRPAMc/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMzgv83Fs12eeV0sEm0oMiLS6Lmt2c_469JvlZsF0JliNqZCTiGYraoxdyRRpRKeCY1KN10jevo2DDZujufVlYdQQKYLTn3oTxwNchQG1Rdu__lAXu-Ipd2bLSMjY037uUWrwwYRPAMc/s640/IMG_1148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The US is in the red/white uniforms, and Jamaica wore yellow. The players look a bit like a "Where's Waldo" book, but I do love their jerseys.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv9TbLZGwM1d_648s7KMVYrfCnKwECszGQIByLLWntzImgNTTu34ZCkfrYqNfH2s_RMTgQezA9DU4wFCiD_h_MEylvJ1CApqBdlB-KLLtnHJkfkbiXyXAt5GW9jQAkV9sIIhP7N5DEg0/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv9TbLZGwM1d_648s7KMVYrfCnKwECszGQIByLLWntzImgNTTu34ZCkfrYqNfH2s_RMTgQezA9DU4wFCiD_h_MEylvJ1CApqBdlB-KLLtnHJkfkbiXyXAt5GW9jQAkV9sIIhP7N5DEg0/s400/IMG_1151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final score was 1-0... USA! USA!</div>
Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-45877056774964385342012-09-18T18:57:00.000-04:002012-09-18T18:57:00.585-04:00Go Big Blue!We have a wonderful group of college friends, and we try to get together as much as possible. Living in four different cities complicates this factor, as does the fact that some of our guy friends refuse to maintain calendars longer than a few days in advance (cough, Joe!).<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is the same group of friends that we have <a href="http://www.tarabeingtara.com/2011/12/3rd-annual-friends-christmas.html">Friends Christmas</a> with every year, but seeing each other once a year just isn't enough. Someone suggested a tailgate to bridge the gap between our other gatherings - and I'm so glad that we did!<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzbPJojkVHNArmgQSwCdvJiSngqSHhbE-sXzjsjoI7klYl8ovGXGqKY-D6Zyzqo9Ik-purEPD89-qu30syuOW5BmusgVyKKvJYBykvGpJyDZboVOjvpQ3ZsVKOk7aK0WLIfTuhaoAeyQ/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzbPJojkVHNArmgQSwCdvJiSngqSHhbE-sXzjsjoI7klYl8ovGXGqKY-D6Zyzqo9Ik-purEPD89-qu30syuOW5BmusgVyKKvJYBykvGpJyDZboVOjvpQ3ZsVKOk7aK0WLIfTuhaoAeyQ/s400/IMG_1165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Katie and I like to keep our tailgating classy. Thanks for the glasses, Lois!<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0anvQOfOmtfcOzjkb3p6nfxU-ZHMGpTRdkinL-f-X1Xrod2g8kb-MpbwlnF6OP4K1jh2_b9pmhJxnOJKCkJwiYfPJnh1kd1F_zpqt6MW8qv1deGEWJTt8lv5x7VI_stpV5QlfJYjIUo/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0anvQOfOmtfcOzjkb3p6nfxU-ZHMGpTRdkinL-f-X1Xrod2g8kb-MpbwlnF6OP4K1jh2_b9pmhJxnOJKCkJwiYfPJnh1kd1F_zpqt6MW8qv1deGEWJTt8lv5x7VI_stpV5QlfJYjIUo/s400/IMG_1169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My handsome hubby and I</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8Du9A-B928s9yn-NL3LQUx9FyBUf-BLs_IhF9w1R7tAYIqzdD30cA_73vepGAANfybTsUcqnJNO9jN62UCCy8xZ1Ozl20NnYAhUvymX9u62fe2dPvXRmRBhjDubeK6EfdQmoP8t1NOs/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8Du9A-B928s9yn-NL3LQUx9FyBUf-BLs_IhF9w1R7tAYIqzdD30cA_73vepGAANfybTsUcqnJNO9jN62UCCy8xZ1Ozl20NnYAhUvymX9u62fe2dPvXRmRBhjDubeK6EfdQmoP8t1NOs/s400/IMG_1175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I managed to find my friend Claire and snuggle this handsome fellow. How cute is Charlie? I love him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8p8ne6GGwJsKqqCQDsnBEZg-FOyvGL-esQFW-AVRn2gr2T3fOviTDxdjIeAPJY9zvkXheEiZTc8EKP14GOww1FEdyK86QYGTwx_WsSP9vQS9rWN2LmbEIruUyJ5kbrwFz2DPQD4tH00/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8p8ne6GGwJsKqqCQDsnBEZg-FOyvGL-esQFW-AVRn2gr2T3fOviTDxdjIeAPJY9zvkXheEiZTc8EKP14GOww1FEdyK86QYGTwx_WsSP9vQS9rWN2LmbEIruUyJ5kbrwFz2DPQD4tH00/s400/IMG_1174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Zac's dad came down to see us. It was a giant party!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHZhv_eRRcblwiiZbU57NYxMveALMcTKGYsRpAp30NzpsgbJ3lbh7eQiMk5xF4PaJKt-G_K0Pn5keZMEAhPF2o6sCcya0n4fL3FhOB3V0-e2t3L-kLwir5ii1zTjZ_iwUFVjvSp1qTzQ/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHZhv_eRRcblwiiZbU57NYxMveALMcTKGYsRpAp30NzpsgbJ3lbh7eQiMk5xF4PaJKt-G_K0Pn5keZMEAhPF2o6sCcya0n4fL3FhOB3V0-e2t3L-kLwir5ii1zTjZ_iwUFVjvSp1qTzQ/s400/IMG_1179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hooray for long lost friends rediscovered!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENzPdaBkMeUk4HX2f1lsp_DtzCn3M0OyQZVoqCeFY6lL4iFiwfvnU4cVj8pWVxw12cMGLGTlADYFBnnecuTq5rs6Gt6Qm5mLWwYw75vDJPLkvIPhk7_WQfLtnmviK71ORBjzeMeVAO2M/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENzPdaBkMeUk4HX2f1lsp_DtzCn3M0OyQZVoqCeFY6lL4iFiwfvnU4cVj8pWVxw12cMGLGTlADYFBnnecuTq5rs6Gt6Qm5mLWwYw75vDJPLkvIPhk7_WQfLtnmviK71ORBjzeMeVAO2M/s400/IMG_1181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Go Cats! Even though they lost embarrassingly at the end. Bummer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you had a great weekend, too!</div>
Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-48475785155673145512012-09-17T06:49:00.000-04:002012-09-17T06:49:00.515-04:00We've been busy!We have had a really busy - but fun! - month. It seems like we've had fun things going on every weekend, and sometimes on weeknights in between.<br />
<br />
Last weekend, my in-laws came to visit us. My father-in-law is a prostate cancer survivor, so when we found out the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge was coming to Cincinnati, we were quick to sign up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/399600_2408778075307_1323672235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/399600_2408778075307_1323672235_n.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zac and I each ran the 5K (you can't see Derby, but he's off to the side! He ran with me), and my in-laws both walked the whole 3.1 miles. They're awesome!<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/560989_2408785675497_808310238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/560989_2408785675497_808310238_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was pretty dreary for the first half of the day, but by the time we crossed the finish line, it was sunny and starting to warm up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217099_2408784835476_1396271788_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217099_2408784835476_1396271788_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just curious - who do you like Zac looks more like?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Naptime was a necessity after waking up early to run a 5K, but so was what happened next... Beer Fest!! We headed downtown to Fountain Square for an outdoor beer festival. They had a ton of booths, and there's absolutely no way we could have used our <i>25 sample tickets -- each!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyFj1rNTBR5qtLQaUks6tFf7ppb4ECdGfRz_fpsxY1xkoyuLZ7HKR-GtfBCVfwllklhqocSW7aHb2Y4mXkMz_SqyNkhe5mKYJgBO5ZLayQ9_CIFFiz_z4UAX-uWh56X33KJTADyybwJ4/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyFj1rNTBR5qtLQaUks6tFf7ppb4ECdGfRz_fpsxY1xkoyuLZ7HKR-GtfBCVfwllklhqocSW7aHb2Y4mXkMz_SqyNkhe5mKYJgBO5ZLayQ9_CIFFiz_z4UAX-uWh56X33KJTADyybwJ4/s640/IMG_1124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My beautiful friend Tory modeling the sizes of our cups!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa5IDYkTEfS5GCqAJ9z9yWD4tzkCn_so6me7j0hTQYeL7en2XPF2mX_jbpH26T-hzGICdwkEXRuqGt0W-bamedT8giLxj2Kq7S5YsvcxjyVlePYRB7ZYvHsvXXJyEq1aASnJO595gAKM/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa5IDYkTEfS5GCqAJ9z9yWD4tzkCn_so6me7j0hTQYeL7en2XPF2mX_jbpH26T-hzGICdwkEXRuqGt0W-bamedT8giLxj2Kq7S5YsvcxjyVlePYRB7ZYvHsvXXJyEq1aASnJO595gAKM/s640/IMG_1127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A view of the square</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a blast, but man.... there's a chance we're getting too old for all this fun! I'm beat! More to come soon...</div>
Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-81496110724203244812012-09-05T11:56:00.000-04:002012-09-05T11:56:00.178-04:00Steals, Deals, and EmailsI love a good deal.... which means that I receive <i> a lot</i> of emails every day advertising various "one day deals." I think this trend started with Groupon, but now it's totally out of control.<br />
<br />
That being said, I've snagged a lot of wonderful things through these deals, and thought you might want to know about a few of these. Hopefully you'll know of things I haven't found yet, as well! I'm starting with the ones I LOVE....<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.pickyourplum.com/">Pick Your Plum</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I LOVE this site. I have ordered quite a few items from here and am always ultra impressed with the quality. This is well worth the daily email, but beware that items often sell out quickly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/round-sticker-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.the36thavenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/round-sticker-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.groopdealz.com/index/index/deal/1690/ref/113190">GroopDealz</a></b><br />
<br />
This is my new FAVORITE -- all "boutique" deals. Everything is super cute and really affordable. I actually have a hard time controlling myself with this site, so be warned! If you're only going to sign up for one deal email, this is the one I would do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.groopdealz.com/index/index/deal/1690/ref/113190"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPxs5jtBkveriIyCU6tyXWAU_jYAz9GOCqjGqDBD2UxWfEvfMOvcM09wOGDblUhmjx-mdfJl5XoRNcLo6ncrS3Nn0y4m08MTxthvWvDckBlcdc-UGXDi65WEMboGRo66kxM-fXzlVKfI/s320/gd+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.zulily.com/invite/tnoland647">Zulily</a></b><br />
<br />
Zulily is cute baby, kid, and maternity stuff. I signed up because I can often find great baby gifts for friends - I'm not ordering anything for myself quite yet! Their stuff is flat out adorable. If you're a mom, this one is a must see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zulily.com/invite/tnoland647"><img border="0" src="http://www.mommieswithstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/150x150_zulily_logo_whitetag.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://veryjane.com/">Very Jane</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my very favorite new site - I want literally everything on it, and I think their prices are really good. I'm generally not impressed if things cost more than $20, and these prices seem like a total STEAL.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://www.plumdistrict.com/?ref=ufbda99a1ba9">Plum District</a></b></div>
<br />
Another site with a lot of kid stuff, this is supposedly "for moms, by moms." They have a lot of grown-up stuff too, which is why I subscribe. They have national deals, which are usually pretty good, and also deals localized to your city. I don't order things often from here, but I have snagged a few good deals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.plumdistrict.com/?ref=ufbda99a1ba9"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.southernsavers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/plum-district-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Groupon</b><br />
<br />
I still get Groupon emails, and I also get the "Groupon Goods" and the "Getaways." Verdict? I bought <i>tons</i> of Groupons when it first started. I bought my first one in 2012 just a few days ago (cheese making class for two for $19? Yes, please!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.groupon.com/l/uu665482"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://estarrassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/groupon_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We've never bought a getaway or a good, but I know people who have. Just waiting on the right one I guess.<br />
<br />
<br />
Bottom line - it's quite a few emails, but I think it's worth it. I can open them quickly, scan for anything good, and then delete if I don't find anything, which is what I do more often than not. That being said, I have snagged some DEALS and am generally looking for things for people I will need gifts for in the near future.<br />
<br />
Are there any really great deal sites I'm missing? I am always especially interested in the "cute stuff" sites!<br />
<br />
<i>Please know that I wasn't compensated at all for this post, but I did include referral codes for sites if any apply. These are my honest opinions</i>.Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-89923127439418608822012-09-04T10:13:00.000-04:002012-09-04T10:13:00.887-04:00Girls Night Make up Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have three college best friends who live in different cities. We try to get together once a month-ish in one of our cities and do something fun. We've gone to a pumpkin patch, shoe shopping, spent a day at the pool... and so on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
August was my month to host, and I invited the lovely woman who did my wedding makeup to give us some lessons. Elizabeth is so patient and talented, and she also doesn't sell any makeup. That meant we got the real scoop on what you need to splurge on (anything that touches your skin) and what you can go drugstore cheap on (lipstick, blush). She also gave us great recommendations for cheapie brushes that are as nice as expensive ones.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made these yummy <a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/220113500507221304_V9MpnWYV_f.jpg">gooey white chocolate cake bars</a>, which were good but were <i>so</i> sweet. Borderline too sweet. But still good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNnnF-ZFjnKviriqQGt6ck5FV0qFOQ3eavZl8lbecJDo93u5BKHM7M4xTh0B8kyRli3i3kabh2FGfsb8y9qm7lihtKHvoQjXnGO2GpTRcaKMG3URuIrR4OL0MSRki5OO59hpdHqAfwdU/s1600/IMG_3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNnnF-ZFjnKviriqQGt6ck5FV0qFOQ3eavZl8lbecJDo93u5BKHM7M4xTh0B8kyRli3i3kabh2FGfsb8y9qm7lihtKHvoQjXnGO2GpTRcaKMG3URuIrR4OL0MSRki5OO59hpdHqAfwdU/s640/IMG_3914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The first thing we did was dump our our makeup bags (sorry for the blurry pics. Blame the empty drinks). Elizabeth made suggestions for what we should get rid of (eyeliner I bought in college), gave some mascaras the smell test, and made recommendations for what key items we were each missing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOFkRlJevwiCcN61lvAopBcWtbbPfYCVlts-sfB7NKUodaG8fu47HmnlZS2IajnPSQ1ecL-LUhyphenhyphen9ZUpl0qI8lJWbZd3gzj1BoDC-CnvqmRDlzK1HBavYq5EhjC_7LK69-8YzvBb1mSXc/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ee1BhFih68SCd1wNKhJ2tkllcmBUWmLSWJbKUBE9gTn4GRjwZdy6LYgdyHvc8TWWtIP89DLDHU18K4iw2247rz_L3TPOlCz6lVk16yyEtxkU6Xsm3ugn6NuH2FYdi-sLrMpCzIPP25s/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ee1BhFih68SCd1wNKhJ2tkllcmBUWmLSWJbKUBE9gTn4GRjwZdy6LYgdyHvc8TWWtIP89DLDHU18K4iw2247rz_L3TPOlCz6lVk16yyEtxkU6Xsm3ugn6NuH2FYdi-sLrMpCzIPP25s/s640/IMG_3920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth giving us makeup tips... I'm guessing she's taking about mascara!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOFkRlJevwiCcN61lvAopBcWtbbPfYCVlts-sfB7NKUodaG8fu47HmnlZS2IajnPSQ1ecL-LUhyphenhyphen9ZUpl0qI8lJWbZd3gzj1BoDC-CnvqmRDlzK1HBavYq5EhjC_7LK69-8YzvBb1mSXc/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOFkRlJevwiCcN61lvAopBcWtbbPfYCVlts-sfB7NKUodaG8fu47HmnlZS2IajnPSQ1ecL-LUhyphenhyphen9ZUpl0qI8lJWbZd3gzj1BoDC-CnvqmRDlzK1HBavYq5EhjC_7LK69-8YzvBb1mSXc/s640/IMG_3917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each of us identified a "look" we wanted to learn how to do, and then Elizabeth walked us through it, step by step. She'd do one eye, then you had to do the other. Such a great way to learn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSO5flaDdhezyFtXhsQzX4SMJNFMoochM8ULTq9xAmWdJgRvAaDS11fwG9Q8_oVE__tAOeY1cxW9ihQwZE8DAgIcR5DLEP5JWlTRPyuvKyiEmwo1maHZGYeBhjVmGsqRE09OQkytxVxI/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSO5flaDdhezyFtXhsQzX4SMJNFMoochM8ULTq9xAmWdJgRvAaDS11fwG9Q8_oVE__tAOeY1cxW9ihQwZE8DAgIcR5DLEP5JWlTRPyuvKyiEmwo1maHZGYeBhjVmGsqRE09OQkytxVxI/s640/IMG_3923.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition, we had a blast! I would definitely recommend this for any kind of birthday party or girl's night -- especially if you can find someone as wonderful as Elizabeth!! She definitely understood that a lot of us don't like to wear a lot of makeup, and was way open to that.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Am I the only one who isn't talented at applying makeup? I feel like there was a secret makeup class in high school that I never got invited to. How did you learn how to apply makeup??</div>
<br />Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-34574997665493405042012-09-03T09:53:00.004-04:002012-09-03T12:00:04.692-04:00Status of my resolutions<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi, friends. I know it's been a while. Sorry about that - life has seemed to be extra busy lately and I just haven't had the motivation to blog. Thanks for sticking with me. Hopefully I'll be filling your google reader more often in the coming weeks. I do have some fun things to share with you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought I'd get back on the horse with an update on my New Year's Resolutions. My friend Kim at <a href="http://www.newlywoodwards.com/">Newly Woodwards</a> sets her goals monthly, which I think is probably a better plan going forward. Seems to be less overwhelming!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Without further ado, here's my progress this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. Try to "have it all," but don't go crazy when I can't.</b> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So this can probably be filed away under very large, gigantic, fail in some ways, though I guess in another sense it isn't as bad as I think it is. We sat down a few weeks ago and came up with a "five year plan" - basically identifying where we want to be in five years (twoish kids, new house, new cars) and working backwards to figure out what we need to do to get there. It made me feel more on track than I often think we are.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another realization? A lot (and I mean most) of our friends are older than us, and I need to keep that in perspective. We'll get there, too.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. Schedule a monthly date night.</b> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We went to see Jim Gaffigan in August, and he was hilarious! We went for a yummy dinner beforehand and just plain had a blast. We need to do this more often!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. Stick to an exercise routine.</b> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few months of slacking in the jogging department, I think I'm back on the horse. A re-adjustment of goals helped here to. I'm not 21 and I don't wear a bikini for a living, so it's okay if my body isn't bikini ready at all times. What matters is that I feel healthy, my clothes fit, and Derby gets some exercise too. A 30 minute jog a few times a week achieves that, and it works for me.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Make enough time for my hobbies. </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">I've been making an effort to reserve books from the library as soon as I think of them (thanks, <a href="http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/">Cincinnati Library</a> iPhone app!). When I have a book on my nightstand or coffee table, I read it. I tend to pick up "real" books more than Nook versions, so I need to solve that problem.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">A re-arranged sewing room (details coming soon!) has helped me in the sewing department, though my Etsy orders take up more time than I was expecting. I just received some fun fabric that is going to turn into really special Christmas gifts for my sistas, so I have to get sewing!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. Stick with our budget.</b> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Still on track -- and I just have to brag for one second because I'm so proud... we are just a few months away from getting a new car! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. Stay present.</b> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is basically out the window. Not proud of that.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Stay organized. </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been struggling with my calendars lately. I decided to make the switch away from a paper planner to just my online calendar, but now I can't figure out where to make to-do lists?? Home organization is consisting of lots of building projects.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. Take a vacation</b>. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We took it. Happiness. It's over. Sad face. How long until we can go again?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>9. Stick with my blog</b>. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, see the intro paragraph and cut me some slack, please! I still read all of your blogs every day, even when I'm not writing!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How are your new year's resolutions and 2012 goals going?</span></div>
Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-36483801005149761012012-08-14T05:33:00.000-04:002012-08-14T05:33:00.356-04:00The More You Know...I learned a hard and unfortunate lesson last weekend. I thought it would be good to wash the curtains in our living room. They've been hanging for two years now, so they are probably musty and such.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing. I don't care if someone has spilled sour milk on my curtains. I'll never, ever wash them again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly0xwze5-IbwwlcZxibLRN-BH2NnyQ5Q96NvifyRKFBI_j6r3TDWw9j-2ky2aC92_MLNgtSmTr6L2bszM63EJS87kBDR7CJ_9z0AhIYNkaV4GYEKGE4M03g7oU9JkY5MecEl0qXWbPNg/s1600/curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly0xwze5-IbwwlcZxibLRN-BH2NnyQ5Q96NvifyRKFBI_j6r3TDWw9j-2ky2aC92_MLNgtSmTr6L2bszM63EJS87kBDR7CJ_9z0AhIYNkaV4GYEKGE4M03g7oU9JkY5MecEl0qXWbPNg/s640/curtains.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If your curtains get nasty enough that they need to be washed, save yourself the trouble and buy new ones instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wccpqmdsrqT-XGyg9_bEZwDMQJTUNxwLbADMD_9vjLGpAvZD_gosAtZhciH-Urc-bUTIm3q9EGKISZRiAeWNdcXYKeffltzfs_bpCY4CykNTQLAHF8I5DHeId5tA20BmeLlwvm3aXrU/s1600/curtains2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wccpqmdsrqT-XGyg9_bEZwDMQJTUNxwLbADMD_9vjLGpAvZD_gosAtZhciH-Urc-bUTIm3q9EGKISZRiAeWNdcXYKeffltzfs_bpCY4CykNTQLAHF8I5DHeId5tA20BmeLlwvm3aXrU/s640/curtains2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Or at least read the instruction label before you throw them in the dryer on hot. Oops.Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-5941094400919566932012-08-13T05:47:00.000-04:002012-08-13T05:47:00.451-04:00A nice weekendWe had such a nice weekend - the kind with not much to do and a lot of time to do it. On Friday night we went to my parent's house for dinner, which was fun. I managed to come home with some nail polish, socks, and dog toys as well... someone in our family was pretty happy about that one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXIQ-8qkL3zn1KVLEYhIACWMAisRqVDTO4z38XfVvPRRRIuwrCgwfwFxp0F1c3aPUINjSBCc4ZvI_TEeJ6SPVg55LRZOznQscgTCAFWQsfOLS1laz8ITMWfeRb00IgKy9s_pW5KTSisE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXIQ-8qkL3zn1KVLEYhIACWMAisRqVDTO4z38XfVvPRRRIuwrCgwfwFxp0F1c3aPUINjSBCc4ZvI_TEeJ6SPVg55LRZOznQscgTCAFWQsfOLS1laz8ITMWfeRb00IgKy9s_pW5KTSisE/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We worked on a few house projects, did some cleaning, and <i>finally</i> watched Bridesmaids. I get what all the fuss was about - what a fantastic movie. Zac and I both loved it. Hopefully Kristen Wiig will make another one soon now that she's left SNL.<br />
<br />
I even got in a little bit of sewing. I made a few baby gifts and started working on a "just because" project. It will be a table runner for our dining room - it still needs corners, applique, and to be quilted, but here's a preview.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlfR9kibU0laT2737Pr-5AacOaP9FQ0sSgFxSx0_pxgDnNctWVdksedFWwNoGKlapnsJ5s28JfhyphenhyphenKjiYhZEcfgusZeOgb8HtNBFpBhyM159RXsDiO5FGqollmpALBLme7hXbpYlyqBSw/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlfR9kibU0laT2737Pr-5AacOaP9FQ0sSgFxSx0_pxgDnNctWVdksedFWwNoGKlapnsJ5s28JfhyphenhyphenKjiYhZEcfgusZeOgb8HtNBFpBhyM159RXsDiO5FGqollmpALBLme7hXbpYlyqBSw/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am tickled with how straight my lines ended up!! Those are 3.5" squares, for reference.</div>
<br />
The horrific heat finally lifted in the Mid-west, and it felt a little bit like fall this weekend. We even made chili yesterday, though I have to admit that may have been pushing it a little. I can not wait for when it actually IS fall!<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooT4J64hB0V8LUWo_7__bO6ObhXZhVcKKYTNoeLmI5AyB4qEYeGeQKNW3Xf7BqKoT_7ahs7BgX6Jzq6i29hl8wwySEzNOl5i_d1OMdu4sNWCp9Mda6D8cS7UbC5EnuzIRXw-21Vq3KO0/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooT4J64hB0V8LUWo_7__bO6ObhXZhVcKKYTNoeLmI5AyB4qEYeGeQKNW3Xf7BqKoT_7ahs7BgX6Jzq6i29hl8wwySEzNOl5i_d1OMdu4sNWCp9Mda6D8cS7UbC5EnuzIRXw-21Vq3KO0/s400/photo-2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even the crape myrtle had a nice weekend. <span style="text-align: center;">I hope you did too!</span></div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-56718803791661260732012-08-09T19:02:00.003-04:002012-08-09T19:02:45.252-04:00Review: Firmoo SunglassesA few weeks ago, <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/">Firmoo</a> offered to send me a free pair of glasses or sunglasses to review. Awesome, right? Well - yes. Except I'm not as special as I thought. I'll explain that in just a minute.<br />
<br />
Since I don't wear glasses anymore (yay!) I went for a pair of sunglasses. Ever since my Lasik surgery, I'm really picky about my sunglasses. Don't think that means I pay a lot for them - because you know I'm cheap. Actually, I'm picky because my eyes are sensitive to the sunlight and I really need sunglasses that actually block the sun.<br />
<br />
Here's the pair I chose:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJzXtAKlEBvCqCLsl0cJHwAmfkcBPrkFmshKuI0MjyAbSzRmoE0tmkkoNluyB0txFHRIxZWYzTxvQzALcwmdl7IFEovs0YgFR6MlNiFhtSga8Q_D8UitV8aI5itNC8-wBKrxZbTFN4IQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJzXtAKlEBvCqCLsl0cJHwAmfkcBPrkFmshKuI0MjyAbSzRmoE0tmkkoNluyB0txFHRIxZWYzTxvQzALcwmdl7IFEovs0YgFR6MlNiFhtSga8Q_D8UitV8aI5itNC8-wBKrxZbTFN4IQ/s640/photo+(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was really pleasantly surprised -- I absolutely love them! I have a really narrow face and a lot of sunglasses just like giantly stupid on me. These are large enough to be fashionable but narrow enough that they fit my face well. The color is really pretty and unexpected, which is fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauGPliXmHyTvrlyNj2oJtbZcDqKWrIP0QCO4l5QRDmLw3JySVWPBGix1QXp4oq_6WIUZFZbfzmANLtML5mn4WExDWEN3xPqv12b9yPSJazTFwtcanDMmgZ-86bD_sg_lQ3N8iBdXI6x8/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauGPliXmHyTvrlyNj2oJtbZcDqKWrIP0QCO4l5QRDmLw3JySVWPBGix1QXp4oq_6WIUZFZbfzmANLtML5mn4WExDWEN3xPqv12b9yPSJazTFwtcanDMmgZ-86bD_sg_lQ3N8iBdXI6x8/s640/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aren't they pretty? Ordering them was incredibly easy, and they came really quickly. They included a lens cleaning cloth, a soft case, and a hardshell case. Wow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL_sMvtpYmdf_3Ye1Cfaz48YELiyWlUP5R57uxCFsWXUjDaoo2XwJnJztPUrCrNwIziGA3V22N2gyzJZoQXfHuaxLyukOOKeeZ-j9YQjjubaTWWvk9l7iLWF4eHv2LxXckMs8JX3-s6M/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL_sMvtpYmdf_3Ye1Cfaz48YELiyWlUP5R57uxCFsWXUjDaoo2XwJnJztPUrCrNwIziGA3V22N2gyzJZoQXfHuaxLyukOOKeeZ-j9YQjjubaTWWvk9l7iLWF4eHv2LxXckMs8JX3-s6M/s640/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm really impressed with the way they block out light, especially considering that when you're wearing them, they don't color the world in a strange way. I didn't edit this pictures at all, by the way. Sorry - next time I'll wear some lipstick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So when I mentioned before that I wasn't as special as I thought, it's because you can all get a pair of free glasses too! <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html">New customers can get a pair of <i>prescription</i> or non-prescription glasses totally free</a>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
According to Firmoo, "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vision & Fashion the Frugal Way</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"> is our ultimate goal, so we offer free eyewear including regular eyeglasses, bifocals, progressives, sunglasses, goggles, etc. for customers to try our quality products and service."</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;">Boom. You won't be disappointed. <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html">Head over there right now</a> and get your own pair!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 30px;"><i>*I was sent a free pair of glasses in exchange for writing this review, but all opinions are my own.*</i></span></div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-15229465841670131572012-08-07T10:12:00.000-04:002012-08-07T10:12:00.137-04:00Some BFF projectsI spent almost all of my staycation sewing... and a lot of that sewing was for my BFF, Violet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/582676_10100715405678210_369255295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/582676_10100715405678210_369255295_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's Violet. She just turned 2, and she is unbelievably awesome. Her parents are friends of ours, but between you and me, they aren't the reason I go to their house anymore (sorry Mina & Taft!). I made <a href="http://www.tarabeingtara.com/2010/06/sneak-peak.html">Violet a quilt</a> a few years ago before she was born, and when her little sister was born this summer, we know she'd need one too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhrECgiBdD7H-Tq0RM9arwcswVeqpwqmh28CXBK_MJcAB8LJuH7gRuvqTLBHjv3ebHsSBRLnXVrCmBtTFJrlHLJTem5BAHekGsISzQ73fqbSiXEGPVkWV5mBLqDm8hJCy3jrGuDbPV3s/s1600/quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhrECgiBdD7H-Tq0RM9arwcswVeqpwqmh28CXBK_MJcAB8LJuH7gRuvqTLBHjv3ebHsSBRLnXVrCmBtTFJrlHLJTem5BAHekGsISzQ73fqbSiXEGPVkWV5mBLqDm8hJCy3jrGuDbPV3s/s640/quilt.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This quilt is a mix of quilting cottons, minky, felt, and chenille. The result is an incredibly soft, cuddly quilt that was a <i>nightmare</i> to put together. Cue mountains of fuzz, please.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjf-rzLZe9uMx7jmbcwUssezLjf7qW8-ecNPfg9mE3U3LGYWywjmdJmX9weDDdo1yIDOJ_8PZnSvfA7Ryv60UMqdLJc_f6PxOOQcVL1Nps-K_mWB9lb8Vw93Sppx-_nNEOpecJv1fl954/s1600/quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjf-rzLZe9uMx7jmbcwUssezLjf7qW8-ecNPfg9mE3U3LGYWywjmdJmX9weDDdo1yIDOJ_8PZnSvfA7Ryv60UMqdLJc_f6PxOOQcVL1Nps-K_mWB9lb8Vw93Sppx-_nNEOpecJv1fl954/s400/quilt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The monkeys are just too sweet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegMfkAwfmZlD6-1x6CQ47-B39g9ohGCch0pK_Y1REJav5ixN5oUC40E3ozXS0DdmCuwQ4a52pkmLlcO_FNoP3JxJkQqvjUX1nKtvYodcNb1x07eI-FsA4JS-Oo2N50EYmI9nLwcBv1Ek/s1600/quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegMfkAwfmZlD6-1x6CQ47-B39g9ohGCch0pK_Y1REJav5ixN5oUC40E3ozXS0DdmCuwQ4a52pkmLlcO_FNoP3JxJkQqvjUX1nKtvYodcNb1x07eI-FsA4JS-Oo2N50EYmI9nLwcBv1Ek/s400/quilt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv9qenklH02kfjIbAoFq3cIaZmfJzL35tc2rScooWOgPKbtLpr_BjKwBddkGiqVccehyphenhyphenGWklzQYCRPsQ_COvQ5xF34-mnVpHI0-pHuqc3kRq0ZbNokvDpDcrcJyWZMmEoq4LfNkr8Isk/s1600/quilt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv9qenklH02kfjIbAoFq3cIaZmfJzL35tc2rScooWOgPKbtLpr_BjKwBddkGiqVccehyphenhyphenGWklzQYCRPsQ_COvQ5xF34-mnVpHI0-pHuqc3kRq0ZbNokvDpDcrcJyWZMmEoq4LfNkr8Isk/s400/quilt4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xGAphh0l0pXZIzqaUvUpX4VfisCl2g_-P_7nox-11gfWjsBj5bcTtJ1v4enB_da1osllVUlSfGwXaXnnAuK7bzZoCDR1eY2Hfoe05RYhwHq9hw15lmyTUVMcEfnsdd5BVFSxSFESrhc/s1600/quilt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xGAphh0l0pXZIzqaUvUpX4VfisCl2g_-P_7nox-11gfWjsBj5bcTtJ1v4enB_da1osllVUlSfGwXaXnnAuK7bzZoCDR1eY2Hfoe05RYhwHq9hw15lmyTUVMcEfnsdd5BVFSxSFESrhc/s400/quilt6.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the back -- those are lady bugs. See that white square in the corner? Violet and Lucille's dad, Taft, is the closest thing I'll ever know to a real life rock star. So of course she needed this finishing touch!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxoTm37TJvz1-Aa2eMfW3JCah47ZQ_VDvz2gjBLlVI1AXhwWzajjkPZwtS1q7TFWuYpsHm7kewpMsO4m_1bH-sa-1R-72u6E5QKIpKsbesdozF429e7nGzOGKu1QAvyHHGkk5eFNAl_0/s1600/quilt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxoTm37TJvz1-Aa2eMfW3JCah47ZQ_VDvz2gjBLlVI1AXhwWzajjkPZwtS1q7TFWuYpsHm7kewpMsO4m_1bH-sa-1R-72u6E5QKIpKsbesdozF429e7nGzOGKu1QAvyHHGkk5eFNAl_0/s400/quilt7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had some extra soft fabric so I made these little "lovies" for the girls. They're 10 inch by 10 inch squares and they're perfect for snuggling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqCBr0a7wPj34HAE5EKBaD2h_xUn6RAHuQoQMxx9JG7sNsHQOwhM89wrP2kGOAWXsMnyFaIGrNUM14v6OUMpyXNTtZGsOCGbdIKcP9Tg3w_MU5FHfhguR4X_ecDyu2csgGOD8fu0BQ0w/s1600/quilt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqCBr0a7wPj34HAE5EKBaD2h_xUn6RAHuQoQMxx9JG7sNsHQOwhM89wrP2kGOAWXsMnyFaIGrNUM14v6OUMpyXNTtZGsOCGbdIKcP9Tg3w_MU5FHfhguR4X_ecDyu2csgGOD8fu0BQ0w/s400/quilt5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See? I told you! Violet calls it her "BFF Blanket" when she wants it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/582029_10150964307363299_331530101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/582029_10150964307363299_331530101_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217812_10150978878613299_705935450_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/217812_10150978878613299_705935450_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And if you don't believe me that Violet is my BFF... I have proof. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150841586413299&set=t.12902432&type=3&theater">Click through to the video</a> - it's short and worth it, I promise!</div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-85366365552486722112012-08-01T10:02:00.000-04:002012-08-01T10:02:00.715-04:00Lots for lunch!I pack my lunch almost every day. You know I'm cheap, so I like that I save money when I pack my lunch, and I tend to eat healthier too.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I ordered a new lunch box. You've probably seen it on Pinterest - it's called the <a href="http://www.easylunchboxes.com/?AFFID=93818">Easy Lunch Box</a> and I'm officially obsessed.<br />
<br />
My order came with four containers and a cooler pack, which perfectly fits two coolers and an ice pack. I don't even put my lunch in the fridge - it just sits under my desk until lunch time and it's still perfectly cold. It was only $20, and it came with a bunch of stuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.easylunchboxes.com/images/containers7bagsverticalSMAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.easylunchboxes.com/images/containers7bagsverticalSMAL.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think the best way to explain it to you is to let my past few weeks of lunches speak for themselves. I pack two containers every day - one is snacks / mini meals (usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon) and the other is my lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGpWDn6qwvnIF0J72w_W1prpJlOW9OfHe5hfDR5Xfktw1ga2UdtcLznqyGuz_LijPsL7bLZWL48xs9uev9sltn576E6seXoH48ik0tRMfYmBdNidf7n2F_LcWB4CChNLmlA9bx8q-SrI/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGpWDn6qwvnIF0J72w_W1prpJlOW9OfHe5hfDR5Xfktw1ga2UdtcLznqyGuz_LijPsL7bLZWL48xs9uev9sltn576E6seXoH48ik0tRMfYmBdNidf7n2F_LcWB4CChNLmlA9bx8q-SrI/s400/IMG_0986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leftover calzone, carrot sticks, granola thin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdMw_tSPyFbwF1x8a7Pn1KVCtGHPRVgZ1D2LFKeQzJ2mIGLeQiAS6mPjHpR7L75fWAX88X5WBH-4UqcPgxVhiVSBsJdR81qYGi88wrb6tMmcDU3n3OvodzamzEwn0GHXzhhBWck6nSdQ/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdMw_tSPyFbwF1x8a7Pn1KVCtGHPRVgZ1D2LFKeQzJ2mIGLeQiAS6mPjHpR7L75fWAX88X5WBH-4UqcPgxVhiVSBsJdR81qYGi88wrb6tMmcDU3n3OvodzamzEwn0GHXzhhBWck6nSdQ/s400/IMG_0987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Strawberries, pretzels, knock off goldfish that were disgusting</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66EBcX3SkIoCr86eZDDfFPYPX9iB-HuqxkHovzHH3KjsfdiPDjBZ81xPkfcPiQhTqKtOAd4Z0nkE0lsG21ud53cF8yV5E28b3LmdeaOKsFQbPBIzH7Bp2PzRsajlzEri-m3zTAicXNO0/s1600/IMG_0989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66EBcX3SkIoCr86eZDDfFPYPX9iB-HuqxkHovzHH3KjsfdiPDjBZ81xPkfcPiQhTqKtOAd4Z0nkE0lsG21ud53cF8yV5E28b3LmdeaOKsFQbPBIzH7Bp2PzRsajlzEri-m3zTAicXNO0/s400/IMG_0989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leftover pork roast, smashed potatoes, fruit snacks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedliwyWEQtjukiFP0eMhsjUhOka4GYk0BgIQgQ7DcUd7YvsU42HIq6iZ5hRV3pdoz72hFSyBvDh6ilSrszbpZo8k_m9wuxbk2AESu3bbYaGdvRCXIaYOnigH8efmJG6oZHwE31e6q3PY/s1600/IMG_0990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedliwyWEQtjukiFP0eMhsjUhOka4GYk0BgIQgQ7DcUd7YvsU42HIq6iZ5hRV3pdoz72hFSyBvDh6ilSrszbpZo8k_m9wuxbk2AESu3bbYaGdvRCXIaYOnigH8efmJG6oZHwE31e6q3PY/s320/IMG_0990.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Carrot sticks, string cheese and triscuits, granola thins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIJk30k8Z8-xafBNhiTfOhi9W51remkoWZ37cBYXUzS9zbW7EVKEQLlu9AHDYWJ5vakHwj09D_lKLB9HtjhVTRzq2D3gImwQGlJx_deEULqVEv20_eh9byXuJDYgYOMhpE3PCLaubnLk/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIJk30k8Z8-xafBNhiTfOhi9W51remkoWZ37cBYXUzS9zbW7EVKEQLlu9AHDYWJ5vakHwj09D_lKLB9HtjhVTRzq2D3gImwQGlJx_deEULqVEv20_eh9byXuJDYgYOMhpE3PCLaubnLk/s400/IMG_1002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tortilla chips, avocado chicken salad, carrot sticks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra7i7WZjRF3h8eHD4SE9LKWZqfy6qDe13wdmMrVsDXelnF7E2tvX916ZXgURXtILvp4lf9_VOc3t2qwTJv2hPvD5zu4HkMMmmJ4mPKLxxo-2UcX5bjNdMT7R7vVagjV4tVy5kWLcezp0/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra7i7WZjRF3h8eHD4SE9LKWZqfy6qDe13wdmMrVsDXelnF7E2tvX916ZXgURXtILvp4lf9_VOc3t2qwTJv2hPvD5zu4HkMMmmJ4mPKLxxo-2UcX5bjNdMT7R7vVagjV4tVy5kWLcezp0/s400/IMG_1008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
English muffin pizza (for the toaster oven at work), carrot sticks, strawberries</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFwl1r7NHA3sT_1jNu4zXiiNoSy46D3rhrihIkWU8axceN0gr4FfqPIm8Nc4Xrsnbv2gktxccHr1TvP0XyFsDXbvOayDPPc0_edfLFKGLMniJPnJ0QrtooY-CjnD9LlCnIYe2yGIiQMM/s1600/IMG_1009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFwl1r7NHA3sT_1jNu4zXiiNoSy46D3rhrihIkWU8axceN0gr4FfqPIm8Nc4Xrsnbv2gktxccHr1TvP0XyFsDXbvOayDPPc0_edfLFKGLMniJPnJ0QrtooY-CjnD9LlCnIYe2yGIiQMM/s400/IMG_1009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretzels, weight watchers string cheese (it's yummy), dark chocolate almonds, grapes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0SPN4mHblwfQ_8QCPqPKVDlCr5AWYpvs0nPlcBDNlN1Tp9Vc5Ky6T2BVRfZJmvxMyPPt2goqOQWFc4Sepz1cRSViB8lkYEXC7uUDyTzW0A6T_uMmvEEQ9Ai6CDLX-vmc7vKFnI0hCyE/s1600/IMG_1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0SPN4mHblwfQ_8QCPqPKVDlCr5AWYpvs0nPlcBDNlN1Tp9Vc5Ky6T2BVRfZJmvxMyPPt2goqOQWFc4Sepz1cRSViB8lkYEXC7uUDyTzW0A6T_uMmvEEQ9Ai6CDLX-vmc7vKFnI0hCyE/s400/IMG_1014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leftover tacos, fruit snacks, grapes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJP-3Qqs8vKMyOJM1n5V_BbRjk4qXu9rFvnU9deN59w8wISSqwf-2U0iqYaxn3tehg6-6u6qeFoVxXiC-gEPlevkfkdZ-cIJvIsrTqqY41stjyJN0ZWDjmEuvC1D_5t-dGzlQwATCBes/s1600/IMG_1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJP-3Qqs8vKMyOJM1n5V_BbRjk4qXu9rFvnU9deN59w8wISSqwf-2U0iqYaxn3tehg6-6u6qeFoVxXiC-gEPlevkfkdZ-cIJvIsrTqqY41stjyJN0ZWDjmEuvC1D_5t-dGzlQwATCBes/s400/IMG_1013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretzels, carrot sticks, apples with caramel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQyZJ-PN5zTh2l3H1t8LPvsUTVmQ6-MAsNH-EOi1soLzvdBMg3yPYOLnfbMFTMJgHhZwAOuM_IkDhx2imClDOxdmuJ2TlOG0DU7ShSawYrGyUz_D7rCb3uSMmU_ttPSdUYwgiOC31dM8/s1600/IMG_1039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQyZJ-PN5zTh2l3H1t8LPvsUTVmQ6-MAsNH-EOi1soLzvdBMg3yPYOLnfbMFTMJgHhZwAOuM_IkDhx2imClDOxdmuJ2TlOG0DU7ShSawYrGyUz_D7rCb3uSMmU_ttPSdUYwgiOC31dM8/s400/IMG_1039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buffalo chicken eggrolls with ranch (more on that later), caprese pasta salad, raw asparagus</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've never really liked the actual packing of my lunch, but it's fun to do it when you have little compartments to fill. They are deceivingly big - and will help you with portion size. The individual bags of baby carrots fit exactly into the mid-sized compartment, which means you can buy a big bag and portion accordingly. One serving of goldfish crackers fits perfectly into the small compartment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This would be perfect for kids going to school, too, but I love it as a grown up going to work! I didn't get anything for writing this post -- I just seriously love the lunch box. You can <a href="http://www.easylunchboxes.com/?AFFID=93818">visit their website if you want to get one for yourself</a>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you have any ideas for other things I can have in my lunch?</div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-89187814668450493222012-07-31T08:28:00.000-04:002012-08-01T11:47:43.396-04:00Tips for Decorating Your KitchenIt’s been said that the heart of every home is the kitchen. Day-to-day family life tends to happen there,
so it is no secret that kitchen décor tends to evolve over time as families
grow and change. <a href="http://www.carpetone.com/tile-category">Click here</a> to get
started with a great kitchen makeover.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Picking a central theme<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A theme? In the kitchen? Believe it.
Deciding on a kitchen theme is the easiest and most budget-friendly way
to coordinate colors, accessories and décor; it also provides an ideal way to
showcase creativity and personal style.
Kitchen themes can be guided by the existing look of the home (traditional,
shabby chic, ultra-modern) or by cultural heritage (Italian, Mexican, Scandinavian). Some homeowners choose a kitchen theme based
on a favorite vacation spot, a favorite color or a single item like a great
looking bowl or a treasured antique.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The importance of color<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Using color in the kitchen can be tricky business. Consider carefully
the color of wall paint, cabinets, and countertops, and the flooring; stick to
neutral colors. Accessories in bold colors can then be incorporated (and
changed out often) to give the room some pop.
For more adventurous homeowners, some of the most popular kitchen colors
are yellow, gray, brown, red and the classic Tuscan palette (burgundy, gold,
olive green). Before committing to a
color scheme, remember that the kitchen is probably the most used room in the
house so colors should be tested out at various times of day. Something that looks great in the early
morning sunlight could be horrible under artificial lights after dark.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Flooring options<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first rule of kitchen flooring: It’s got to be easy to clean. Those who have ever had to endure a carpeted
kitchen floor (they’re out there) can certainly relate. Vinyl, tile and linoleum are all pretty
traditional kitchen flooring options, but homeowners should not feel limited by
these choices. It’s now possible to
match flooring to the overall style of the space - reclaimed hardwood is
perfect for a farmhouse kitchen or vintage theme, glazed concrete looks very
cool in an industrial kitchen, sustainable bamboo or cork is a great complement
to an eco-conscious design. And, of
course, it’s possible to add a punch of color with a few strategically placed
area rugs.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>More tips and advice for
decorating a kitchen<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><br />
Try a liquid stainless steel finish, self-adhesive metal tiles or a faux steel film to give kitchen surfaces a modern look without the cost of purchasing new appliances.<br />
<br />
Get creative with artwork. Collect interesting images from thrift stores, second-hand shops, flea markets, used calendars or vintage books.<br />
<br />
Updating drawer and cabinet hardware is a quick and affordable way to make big changes in the look of a kitchen with very little effort.<br />
<br />
Don’t underestimate the importance of window treatments in tying a kitchen theme together.<br />
<br />
For a healthy dose of visual interest, consider displaying all those great gadgets, serving pieces, whimsical cookie cutters and other treasures that have been hiding in the cupboards.<br />
<br />
Add small houseplants or a windowsill herb garden to bring some freshness into the kitchen</div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-9583937155148574602012-07-30T07:06:00.000-04:002012-07-30T20:16:16.820-04:00A summery wreathI have been thinking about making a new wreath for our front door since springtime. I have a few things I like that I alternate throughout the year, but nothing that really stands out for spring/summer.<br />
<br />
I like my wreaths to be cute and themed, but also somewhat neutral. I need to be able to forget to take it down after the season ends and not have it be totally out of place!<br />
<br />
I was extra inspired when I asked my friend Mandy what she wanted for her birthday - and she wanted a summer door hanging. Done and done!<br />
<br />
I came across <a href="http://busybizblogs.blogspot.com/2012/05/spring-wreath.html">this wreath</a> on <a href="http://busybizblogs.blogspot.com/">my friend Biz's blog</a> and knew it was the right one for both of us. I won't bore you with how I made mine because her instructions are great. I actually went to Hobby Lobby and bought the exact same supplies she did!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMIaMjEnw97TFVk88pGhbnTKxBLD3VYH2r2EzwhN_Mzf6FuxKUh_6Kg9Lc2Y-Wbs1e-w5Iau5-w9ARL1jiaO82w5Jv4rtqg0O5_MgRW8LzO8Rdm7EqANQyGM_9EHKY-M0IO8g2Rlre7c/s1600/wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMIaMjEnw97TFVk88pGhbnTKxBLD3VYH2r2EzwhN_Mzf6FuxKUh_6Kg9Lc2Y-Wbs1e-w5Iau5-w9ARL1jiaO82w5Jv4rtqg0O5_MgRW8LzO8Rdm7EqANQyGM_9EHKY-M0IO8g2Rlre7c/s640/wreath1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a pretty simple creation - a wreath from Hobby Lobby, wooden letter painted in whatever color, and some fabric rosettes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8MtNy7-AfHC0HaWrk3Z-zu3pGquk6djUe4Wp4VmVQ77WaCyrHY2SEmNTYb16HCxcGTMcMJmZZcvmLsbBN6fxXbB0DApVhcLxDI1ZbqARtFXfyc-9GGF07LkN_mxmtfsYb2SVC7m4byk/s1600/wreath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8MtNy7-AfHC0HaWrk3Z-zu3pGquk6djUe4Wp4VmVQ77WaCyrHY2SEmNTYb16HCxcGTMcMJmZZcvmLsbBN6fxXbB0DApVhcLxDI1ZbqARtFXfyc-9GGF07LkN_mxmtfsYb2SVC7m4byk/s640/wreath2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They're pretty easy to make, though be prepared for a glue gun burn or two and it does get kind of tedious to make a lot of them. Biz has the <a href="http://busybizblogs.blogspot.com/2012/05/rosettes-how-to-vlog.html">cutest video tutorial</a> if you haven't made them before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoqsyhTFvmxfmp3JF6yQ7EHVsYXTzC1KDShv2Vym1pr1OUplBSU2sRdFK-JnmY0FIGW5vMvTF56ef_LSRLZVwdrnYwSLX0E-1HhmfblD3OIPVgFELraIi6kTPrrenvYUFzxhyphenhyphenFQq49u4/s1600/wreath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoqsyhTFvmxfmp3JF6yQ7EHVsYXTzC1KDShv2Vym1pr1OUplBSU2sRdFK-JnmY0FIGW5vMvTF56ef_LSRLZVwdrnYwSLX0E-1HhmfblD3OIPVgFELraIi6kTPrrenvYUFzxhyphenhyphenFQq49u4/s640/wreath3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's what it looks like on the door. I'm happy with how it turned out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2uS3xibmTE_38au6a_qZKezX5BrhA2iJwRl1C5R5oRQLN2M1uRNIGUKKdnY5lBRo6ws-eTyo6srMnBOrAyBo7QttBbauu7b0tfsjEncSJLVua4-XSOz7B1um2_QqlaTj-i2BCaEjqas/s1600/wreath4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2uS3xibmTE_38au6a_qZKezX5BrhA2iJwRl1C5R5oRQLN2M1uRNIGUKKdnY5lBRo6ws-eTyo6srMnBOrAyBo7QttBbauu7b0tfsjEncSJLVua4-XSOz7B1um2_QqlaTj-i2BCaEjqas/s640/wreath4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What do you think? Does it make you want to come inside and visit??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Click </span><a href="http://www.tarabeingtara.com/2012/01/blog-parties-i-love.html" style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> to see the blog parties where I'm linking!</span></div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-79751109395005118922012-07-28T09:37:00.000-04:002012-07-28T09:37:00.525-04:00Well ma'am....<span style="font-family: inherit;">Conversation from the other day:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Cashier at CVS: "Can I see your ID to buy this wine?"</span><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Me: "Oh, you're sweet that you think I'm that young."</span><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Cashier: "No offense ma'am, but you are also buying glitter nail polish, so I thought it was appropriate to ask."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Yes, I did buy glitter nail polish. It was in the sale bin for $1.99 and it looks like this:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/connect/blogs/tvdaily/Deborah-Lippmann-nail-polish-thumb-233x361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.teenvogue.com/connect/blogs/tvdaily/Deborah-Lippmann-nail-polish-thumb-233x361.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"> I'd say it was money well spent.</span><br />
<br />Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-57680457450159806312012-07-27T09:21:00.000-04:002012-07-27T09:21:01.051-04:00Happy Olympics!!After <i>years</i> of waiting, the Olympics are finally here! I can't explain what I love so much about them, except that it's literally everything. I cannot wait to watch every event, see the medals, cheer for the athletes, and celebrate the world.<br />
<br />
We're heading to a friend's house this weekend, where the plan is to eat, drink, and watch the Olympics. <i>For the entire weekend.</i> And I CANNOT WAIT!<br />
<br />
If you need to catch the Olympic spirit, this should help:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zRaQRbAxXaA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Opening Ceremonies!!</div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-78129000157942099302012-07-26T09:17:00.000-04:002012-07-26T09:17:00.547-04:00Real life Pinterest wins and failsI think pretty much everyone is obsessed with Pinterest at this point. In fact, I was discussing with my sisters last weekend how we ever lived without it! I guess people <i>told each other</i> about new recipes?? Strange....<br />
<br />
We've been trying a lot of Pinterest ideas in real life lately, and I wanted to share the verdicts with you in case there's any you're thinking about trying for yourself.<br />
<br />
<i>Project: </i><b>Freshen your house with vanilla in the oven</b><br />
<i>Verdict: </i><b>WIN</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
We are coming to the end of a two week heat wave where we haven't opened a single window and have run the A/C units constantly. Our house just smelled a little stale. A small squirt of vanilla baked in a mug at 300 degrees made our house smell heavenly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/3025924719336977_WGnUNHNQ_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/3025924719336977_WGnUNHNQ_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<i>Project: </i><b>Hang your scissors on a magnet strip</b><br />
<i>Verdict: </i><b>WIN</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
We found the magnet strip at IKEA - it's real purpose is to hang knives. It works wonders in the sewing room - no more wondering where your scissors went or having to store them on the counter. Plus, if you have little hands you want to keep your scissors from, this will do the trick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/85498092895382188_Fav3wqbk_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/85498092895382188_Fav3wqbk_f.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Project: </i><b>Submerge your nails in ice water to dry them</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Verdict: </i><b>FAIL</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was super excited to read that if you put your wet nails in ice water for three minutes, the polish will emerge dry and the extra polish will come off your skin. Guess what? Neither happened. Nails just looked like they'd been smudged, and polish still on skin. Bummer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/281404676686764147_h2yPwMrl_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/281404676686764147_h2yPwMrl_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Project</i>: <b>Baked Parm </b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Zucchini</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Verdict: </i><b>WIN</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my new favorite way to eat zucchini. It was so delicious and easy... not to mention a decently healthy way to add more flavor. Yum!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec8.pinterest.com/upload/24066179228464063_59gBpzt3_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="265" src="http://media-cache-ec8.pinterest.com/upload/24066179228464063_59gBpzt3_f.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Project: </i><b>Mini Caprese Salads on a Toothpick</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Verdict: </i><b>FAIL</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These tasted fine, but I don't know how the person who made the originals got them to look so pretty. Mine looked ridiculous. Plus, unless you have <i>perfectly</i> round tomatos, which you'd never find, they won't stand up. Cute idea... poor execution.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/32088216065439449_8p0Bh5i3_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/32088216065439449_8p0Bh5i3_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Project: </i><b>Dying skewers for a party</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Verdict: </i><b>WIN</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/227994799855953203_oP6qjKMm_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/227994799855953203_oP6qjKMm_f.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did these for our <a href="http://www.tarabeingtara.com/2012/05/happy-mothers-day-brunch.html">Mother's Day Brunch</a> and it was adorable. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Project: </i><b>Bread in a Dutch Oven</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Verdict: </i><b>WIN</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/128000814379325083_9touIDMk_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/128000814379325083_9touIDMk_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I tried this just a few days ago and it was AWESOME. I've never made bread before and it made me feel all womanly and pioneerish. Plus, the bread was delicious and it took four ingredients I already had in my house (flour, water, yeast, salt).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel like this list could go on forever, and there are people who have whole blogs talking about what they try from Pinterest (how do I get that job?). What wins have you had that I'll want to try, and what fails do I need to stay away from??</div>
<br />Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-66169823055065968132012-07-25T09:44:00.000-04:002012-07-25T09:44:00.324-04:00I'm still here!Hi friends! It's been awhile, hasn't it? Life has been a little crazy in these parts. My staycation was wonderful, although it flew by. I felt like I never even had a chance to sit down, but at the same time like I don't have as much to show for it as I'd like. It was a very productive week though, and I'll be sharing some projects with you soon.<br />
<br />
My new job started last week, and it is as wonderful as I hoped it would be. The work is interesting and challenging, the organizing is functional and impressive, and the people are supportive. There is so much to learn and I've felt so very welcome. My brain is just fried when I get home every night and I haven't had much energy to blog!<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to jump back on the horse, so look for me around these parts a little more often. I've still been following all of my blog friends, but sometimes it's easier to read than to write. I do miss hearing from you in my blog comments, though!<br />
<br />
I'll have more to share soon. In the meantime, I've missed you!Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-22405271243223867662012-07-17T08:43:00.000-04:002012-07-17T08:43:00.524-04:00Etsy is awesome.I'm having a crazy week with the start of my new job, but I came across this the other day and wanted to share it with you. So cool!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mbaonline.com/etsy-mba/"><img border="0" alt="Etsy MBA" src="http://images.mbaonline.com.s3.amazonaws.com/etsy-mba.gif" width="500" /></a><br />Created by: <a href="http://www.mbaonline.com/">www.MBAOnline.com</a></div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-55158247597688855032012-07-09T07:04:00.000-04:002012-07-09T07:04:00.534-04:00A very crocheted blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few months ago, I was bitten by the crocheting bug. I don't know why, but all of a sudden I just wanted to crochet things. It coincided with the end of school, so it could have been that I wasn't multi-tasking all the time at home so I needed something else to do!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love crocheting for so many reasons. It's easy, it's fast, and it gives me something to do with my hands while we're just hanging out talking or watching tv. It also makes the time we spend watching a movie or a tv show feel productive, and you know I love to feel productive!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saw some sweet baby yarn on sale at JoAnn's and bought enough to <a href="http://capscrochet.webs.com/apps/blog/">try this pattern</a>, found on Pinterest, of course. I used <a href="http://www.joann.com/jo-ann-sensations-sensations-baby-solid-cuddle-yarn-/zprd_10143840a/">Sensations Baby Cuddle yarn</a>. I loved everything about the yarn except the color selection. I used one skein of each color, and had a little bit left over to make some coordinating baby hats. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/235313149250181727_wDCts32P_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/235313149250181727_wDCts32P_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started crocheting the first week of May. I did it mostly in the evenings after dinner when Zac and I were spending time together. I also took it with me on a girl's night and got a few rows finished while we were gabbing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEw7xThMk383OAcec8nx2bDPl92mc-OhlwEFv8aOiqBAu3mF02sAKX8c1Aq1TwdfI4vCAi8kGh4E8LBAUzVZWr1njyxiKdKwVg_l8j-HnpS7QA8dyI6g66nE-eQYwVogOQPQNSmcyuGU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEw7xThMk383OAcec8nx2bDPl92mc-OhlwEFv8aOiqBAu3mF02sAKX8c1Aq1TwdfI4vCAi8kGh4E8LBAUzVZWr1njyxiKdKwVg_l8j-HnpS7QA8dyI6g66nE-eQYwVogOQPQNSmcyuGU/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In progress</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I finished it about four weeks later. I'm not sure exactly how many hours it took, but it never felt long or overwhelming. In fact, it really came together quickly.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQPAa_zTnD6fh8E7-W0IdHxsvUa0X3jfEmIUoZfF9z3-i3S9EbhIOCLmB0uS9NXb_DsLlKtghI-sFIjhcx_ialgbhSiBEUPByJ8894r3m9lIGV-hQML9CL2W2xTQLtXnn2DyZqhesX4g/s1600/crochetblanket1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQPAa_zTnD6fh8E7-W0IdHxsvUa0X3jfEmIUoZfF9z3-i3S9EbhIOCLmB0uS9NXb_DsLlKtghI-sFIjhcx_ialgbhSiBEUPByJ8894r3m9lIGV-hQML9CL2W2xTQLtXnn2DyZqhesX4g/s640/crochetblanket1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pattern uses an alternating single crochet and double crochet stitch. It's <i>crazy easy</i>. I consider myself an intermediate crocheter, but you could easily tackle this as your very first project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyOpV-tiFjr951pvQzgnc7HeaWfMqfDfDOKe6A2XEIqTh7om2B4ci9Iu80pJ6UoMPnMFTiiEHEGBuN0zvPqO1Dq5nsew_BYKQj-mCuvlLs54kQ-NbCO2paISep1YkzONfD7ODRPu76hU/s1600/crochetblanket2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyOpV-tiFjr951pvQzgnc7HeaWfMqfDfDOKe6A2XEIqTh7om2B4ci9Iu80pJ6UoMPnMFTiiEHEGBuN0zvPqO1Dq5nsew_BYKQj-mCuvlLs54kQ-NbCO2paISep1YkzONfD7ODRPu76hU/s640/crochetblanket2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only change I made was to use five colors instead of six (because I couldn't find a sixth that coordinated). On the pattern, I used pink twice (as D and F). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Vgh6Dyb5Uo2z3nPHc3PpqJodEohVudRd4mWmAovj8ldSEFkTE6xfLkIi8W2ix6vUYDdp2zY6eYiPLP0aG4Rd6KnXwmVlUVz4OUAC1BFfO3BrMN0UOMxJ8fytWQVWdk_k-axnNJjtLXw/s1600/crochetblanket3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Vgh6Dyb5Uo2z3nPHc3PpqJodEohVudRd4mWmAovj8ldSEFkTE6xfLkIi8W2ix6vUYDdp2zY6eYiPLP0aG4Rd6KnXwmVlUVz4OUAC1BFfO3BrMN0UOMxJ8fytWQVWdk_k-axnNJjtLXw/s640/crochetblanket3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The blanket feels like it comes together quickly because you can finish a color strip in one sitting. When you finish a section you feel like you're making progress!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmBbV2ge0yduT4ih5tQanZYZG1AbfK4_MFs_XEGOVbsqombfIZXx4Lvzos9QVTF3zHxXmqMtBOE9-fQUmrCPSNkIx8iBxEXCFY5F4tUVtOsUxqcv9oHbG3k8dK5UzO53rGDQvA2IDfFM/s1600/crochetblanket5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmBbV2ge0yduT4ih5tQanZYZG1AbfK4_MFs_XEGOVbsqombfIZXx4Lvzos9QVTF3zHxXmqMtBOE9-fQUmrCPSNkIx8iBxEXCFY5F4tUVtOsUxqcv9oHbG3k8dK5UzO53rGDQvA2IDfFM/s640/crochetblanket5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The stitch is so pretty and makes the blanket feel heavy yet stretchy. It's the perfect size and weight for a toddler to drag around as a security blanket.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0DvZ95cKpLjPv1ZKVhK0-06aOtvEFwJWwGzpxSCusmCDkhxqahCk4n3IXfisGiz3DwKp8q6Udcsyxr-WirqiuWTbmpvHn7PvUX4PGgpV268tBlwDsT1wtikIJFoxJvYnMJLwfrPMFo0/s1600/crochetblanket6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0DvZ95cKpLjPv1ZKVhK0-06aOtvEFwJWwGzpxSCusmCDkhxqahCk4n3IXfisGiz3DwKp8q6Udcsyxr-WirqiuWTbmpvHn7PvUX4PGgpV268tBlwDsT1wtikIJFoxJvYnMJLwfrPMFo0/s640/crochetblanket6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the double border - it makes the blanket feel so much more "finished" than others I've seen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm in love with the whole thing. It doesn't belong to a specific baby yet -- I need a baby girl to be born who I love enough to part with it! I'm working on a boy version next, though admittedly much slower since temperatures have been in the triple digits here lately. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've ever thought about crocheting but haven't known where to start, start here! I promise you won't regret it. If you have any other good crocheting projects to share, let me know. I'm not sure what I'll tackle next!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Click </span><a href="http://www.tarabeingtara.com/2012/01/blog-parties-i-love.html" style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> to see the blog parties where I'm linking!</span></div>Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-27483098562354148912012-07-06T09:46:00.000-04:002012-07-06T09:46:00.369-04:00Where does your effort go?Finishing school has left me with so much extra time and energy - way more than I even expected. And it's wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.<br />
<br />
One unexpected (or expected if I'm honest with myself) is the amount of self-reflection this new free time has brought to my life, and my family life. Guess I should be honest again - more reflection is being done by me than Zac but he's happy to participate when I ask him to!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://personalexcellence.co/downloads/manifestos/manifesto-self-reflection-large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://personalexcellence.co/downloads/manifestos/manifesto-self-reflection-large.gif" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We started out with a re-evaluation of our budget. We've been using a budget strictly for almost a year and a half, and it's been such a blessing to us. I say strict because we strictly track our expenses, but it isn't a super strict budget - we have included room for fun things like dinner out, hobbies, and house projects. Building an emergency fund has meant that car repairs haven't broken us, and when we've needed money unexpectedly, we have it. We sat down last week and realized that we still aren't satisfied with the amount we're saving. Our emergency fund isn't all that full because we seem to keep having "emergencies." Plus, we have some things we'd like to save for - mama needs a new car pretty badly!<br />
<br />
One area where we noticed we could cut expenses was to stop having a cleaning lady. When I was in school, we decided that this expense was worth it. Our dirty house drove me crazy but I didn't have any time to clean it, and I just felt like it wasn't fair to ask Zac to pick up <i>yet another</i> thing around our house. It was worth it when I was gone all the time... but now I'm not gone anymore. I have the time to clean our house and I do a better job of it anyway!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cleaningservicenashvilletn.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Home-Cleaning-Nashville-TN_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://cleaningservicenashvilletn.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Home-Cleaning-Nashville-TN_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This has led me to reflect on where my effort goes. We all have a limited amount of time and effort... where do you choose to put yours?<br />
<br />
I'm trying to make where I put my effort a conscious decision. I hate when I get home from work at 5:30 PM, climb into bed at 11:00 PM, and can't figure out where the hours between those went.<br />
<br />
Here's what I've learned in the past few weeks of cleaning again, and apologies in advance to those of you who are thinking, "Duh! Tell me something I don't know!"<br />
<ul>
<li>It's worth taking 10 minutes each night to clean your kitchen so you never have to really <i>clean</i> your kitchen</li>
<li>Doing one load of laundry each night seems a lot less oppressing than 5 loads on a Saturday</li>
<li>It only takes me 30 minutes to vacuum and mop our whole downstairs. That's do able</li>
<li>Dusting is a chore that should be delegated to husbands</li>
<li>You can make a lot of your own cleaning products via Pinterest or Martha -- or experiment yourself and add vinegar to things and see what they clean</li>
<li>When our house is cleaner, we tend to keep it cleaner. Victory</li>
<li>The cleaning "schedules" I've found online seem backwards to me. Vacuum on Monday and mop on Thursday? Wouldn't you have to <i>re-vacuum</i> on Thursday, too?</li>
</ul>
<div>
I guess I'm realizing that while I'm consciously redirecting my effort, a small portion of it can be redirected to keeping our house clean and tidy. I'm also realizing that our house must have been disgusting when I <i>wasn't</i> doing this?<br />
<br />
The past few weeks of focusing on our house has also made me feel a little better about not being able to do a great job of it when I was in school. I just didn't have the time - and it takes quite a bit of time to maintain a house!<br />
<br />
Do you have any tricks to share that help you keep your house cleaner without spending a million hours on it?</div>
<br />Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-13380548209777224372012-07-05T09:37:00.000-04:002012-07-05T09:37:00.129-04:00Staycation all I ever wanted...I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July yesterday! We went to Dayton to spend the day with my family. It was relaxing and pool filled and overall just wonderful. I hope that you celebrated America's birthday in a similar fashion.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is my last day of work, and then comes my amazing staycation. Every time I think about my staycation next week, I hear this in my head:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1u2G6OyZyCI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've never had a staycation before, and I can't wait. I usually take the week between Christmas and New Year's off, which is wonderful for spending time with family and friends, but negative wonderful for getting any projects done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been day dreaming about this glorious week ever since I found out it was going to happen. I have <i>so. many. projects</i> that I just can't wait to tackle!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few of the things I'm thinking about doing:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/60587557457025529_f160YW46_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/60587557457025529_f160YW46_f.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Making homemade laundry detergent. This recipe is for an HE version. My friend makes it and swears by it, and it's <i>soooo</i> much cheaper than buying it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/68719924226_Ly3TjMhl_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/68719924226_Ly3TjMhl_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Monogrammed throw pillows for our bed. Once I make these, I think our bedroom is officially finished!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/177540410279725861_D1phJFo6_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/177540410279725861_D1phJFo6_f.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bought the fabric to make this skirt two years ago. It's about time I actually do it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/177540410279725858_CEHxKStu_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/177540410279725858_CEHxKStu_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This hat is made out of an old t-shirt. I have all the supplies to make this too - just need to do it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm also planning to visit a friend, have lunch with my mom, clean, clean some more, finish organizing my sewing room, find some new curtains for our dining room, exercise, prepare for my new job, read a few books, and oh yes, relax.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess I probably won't get to everything, but hopefully I'll get to a good chunk. Any other ideas for things I should tackle?? If you've ever had a staycation, let me know if you have any advice for how to make the best of it!</div>
<br />Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029282505333010164.post-69308554368463089192012-07-03T07:52:00.000-04:002012-07-03T07:52:00.602-04:00Organizing your craft ideasLike pretty much everyone else in this world, I'm obsessed with Pinterest. That's where I store all of my online crafting to-dos, among other things. I love how easy it is to organize and view ideas, and how easy it is to find ideas later.<br />
<br />
Problem, though. I have craft ideas and patterns that aren't online. How do I organize them? Like most other people, I had a huge stack of papers and patterns a few feet high - and I couldn't find a single thing in that stack. I sat down for an hour with some basic supplies and created a system that lets me find the projects I want to make, view them for inspiration, and keep everything neat and tidy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e3RJ0enEVXCiEck9FxVje3ztBVuWH9rOJG72SnnuxgPxTY-6ngqzpsGj4oqcI2gt8UhG2_HYiGcAiKS_e4ZVL7HJLvfMzskb6xLFtjQz80uBFgNndRU8kqjRRey2wPaQE6vGU_mTo8s/s1600/craftbinder1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e3RJ0enEVXCiEck9FxVje3ztBVuWH9rOJG72SnnuxgPxTY-6ngqzpsGj4oqcI2gt8UhG2_HYiGcAiKS_e4ZVL7HJLvfMzskb6xLFtjQz80uBFgNndRU8kqjRRey2wPaQE6vGU_mTo8s/s640/craftbinder1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started with a simple binder - but make sure you get a big one. Mine is 4 inches, and it's already pretty full! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDnKH8TojfBz5gjAMYYvsx61BWiHWkgZaQ9Xet7M-yTLaFhz6GMXu9xVcfdTjaot1oYX-CG4S33JrJ4QkSfJxfkbf73zXwt0j4DFHlK_WLyIhlt9osjfSZDhkT79O56vr0IW2hszJhH8/s1600/craftbinder2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDnKH8TojfBz5gjAMYYvsx61BWiHWkgZaQ9Xet7M-yTLaFhz6GMXu9xVcfdTjaot1oYX-CG4S33JrJ4QkSfJxfkbf73zXwt0j4DFHlK_WLyIhlt9osjfSZDhkT79O56vr0IW2hszJhH8/s640/craftbinder2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, you'll want some dividers. I recycled ones that had been given to me in a training binder. I just used my label maker to create new labels! You can see from the picture how I divided my categories, but of course, you can do it any way that makes sense to you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeJwXvEILiFBYFPwH6Oz6AzI7iCGyUZcZCY3fQaSWzp22OeBv9oRVipl-YlIXNadbsTGOIXuySgvSeJ6UloRYXacPRDUVjPjKenAaBU_TjyGraNH1AB_PXhEM4zLbwfLvWoUIToM2sa8/s1600/craftbinder3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeJwXvEILiFBYFPwH6Oz6AzI7iCGyUZcZCY3fQaSWzp22OeBv9oRVipl-YlIXNadbsTGOIXuySgvSeJ6UloRYXacPRDUVjPjKenAaBU_TjyGraNH1AB_PXhEM4zLbwfLvWoUIToM2sa8/s640/craftbinder3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bought a giant pack of page protectors from Sam's Club for about $12. Filling this entire binder has only used about half of the package, so I'm in good shape to have many, many more ideas. The page protectors make it easy to flip pages and will help you keep the patterns together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The right side of each page is the image of the finished product. All of the other relevant parts and information are tucked behind it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2Tk72el-W-75x3x7KUY2-xOUENeNgNPQ_Ltu25fHwp85-BVrZwk5510loS2EwvEp8L0Wzb7QJ64_juT4AbgR2x28A1_DX71huFqrx37yIOWBDI8UMbbWBuyOhj6nhDlmJsgi8vXZZFc/s1600/craftbinder4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2Tk72el-W-75x3x7KUY2-xOUENeNgNPQ_Ltu25fHwp85-BVrZwk5510loS2EwvEp8L0Wzb7QJ64_juT4AbgR2x28A1_DX71huFqrx37yIOWBDI8UMbbWBuyOhj6nhDlmJsgi8vXZZFc/s640/craftbinder4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also tucked full patterns in here, which makes it so much easier to find them later!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrcEzMHr056MMbPkLRDSopdWONQUGqEXRhZUh55kWHAVvsBbdKJGXnUF35qyn1NNecRwsVotX6mn-EQgrafqp_WyLe7vqcivPuPLfTkLmg0zcrYYsLErnZdH2qr01nDlZbgUrF79f_y0/s1600/craftbinder5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrcEzMHr056MMbPkLRDSopdWONQUGqEXRhZUh55kWHAVvsBbdKJGXnUF35qyn1NNecRwsVotX6mn-EQgrafqp_WyLe7vqcivPuPLfTkLmg0zcrYYsLErnZdH2qr01nDlZbgUrF79f_y0/s640/craftbinder5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A lot of the projects in my binder came from quilting magazines. You just can't forget to rip out the pattern pages too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTDw97fryHaNOBjmVDW_iEjgQ2VZIkx7372xjupzFWTlukB2nys1ox8LyGbcHAN5CyZ-gPe9KZi9-48nQx6JlJFoABzeHyFdZGP2-lVPk5tAegNtAHULFVVmiI5whWw8EFivGtBvFXf0/s1600/craftbinder6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTDw97fryHaNOBjmVDW_iEjgQ2VZIkx7372xjupzFWTlukB2nys1ox8LyGbcHAN5CyZ-gPe9KZi9-48nQx6JlJFoABzeHyFdZGP2-lVPk5tAegNtAHULFVVmiI5whWw8EFivGtBvFXf0/s640/craftbinder6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is also a great place to store patterns that come in kits. This is one from <a href="http://www.connectingthreads.com/">Connecting Threads</a>. I made this wall hanging already, but that doesn't mean I couldn't make it again with different fabrics! All of the pattern pieces are tucked in this pocket in case I want to make one for someone else.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AKfp8kRUkxDb4XkgybR43aMYcViOARjQvHpwqQ6e-16Rj18S_shyphenhyphenDGU6BoxIU7guPLMNGjtHsGDdSOw1FN8LFZBAoJPwFPBRziWIb405WmaXW5CgMnzIon8Qr2xQjq-d6w7GQIx2o78/s1600/craftbinder7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AKfp8kRUkxDb4XkgybR43aMYcViOARjQvHpwqQ6e-16Rj18S_shyphenhyphenDGU6BoxIU7guPLMNGjtHsGDdSOw1FN8LFZBAoJPwFPBRziWIb405WmaXW5CgMnzIon8Qr2xQjq-d6w7GQIx2o78/s640/craftbinder7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last but not least are applique shapes. When I have to find a shape for an applique, I stick it in here in case I ever need it again. No sense in re-inventing the wheel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So there you have it - a way to organize the craft ideas and patterns you have that you can't keep on Pinterest! Do you like the cover of my book? You can have it too! <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9EGYrbs1E2Oa0N5LXh6RkNnNFk"><span style="color: #990000;">Just click here to download it.</span></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Click </span><a href="http://www.tarabeingtara.com/2012/01/blog-parties-i-love.html" style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> to see the blog parties where I'm linking!</span></div>
<br />Tara @ Tara Being Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088400671295064303noreply@blogger.com15