tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77062004353985535742024-03-21T05:09:13.270-07:00Simply Sweet MomentsFamily of three, sharing all life's simply sweet moments. Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-73107079124975663262015-06-03T07:40:00.003-07:002015-06-03T07:43:17.792-07:00Currently<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Currently | 06.02.15</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Watching </b>| TV... What's That?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lets talk about my DVR for a minuet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shark Tank. Ellen. Undercover Boss. The Kardashians. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrity Wife Swap. Modern Family. Shipping Wars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">All my guilty pleasures, exposed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">And in no specific order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multiple episodes of all sitting on the DVR, that's how often I watch TV these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reading</b> | Toddler Books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Don't knock them, I've always had an absolute love for children's books,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and before buying them to grow my little man's library,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would buy them for my husband. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know the lovey-dovey ones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right now our favorites have been:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-Pete The Cat | The Wheels On The Bus</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-The Berenstain Bears | Big Honey Hunt</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-And The Train Goes</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-Good Night Daniel Tiger</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Listening To</b> | My little man telling me everything he "has to have." :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Working On </b>| My Etsy Shop- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously a never ending, work in progress!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely love my little shop, and it's been so amazing </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to see how much it's grown in a little over a year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />There is so much competition, and some days I feel as though</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm listing items that no one will ever see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other days I create something new, and it's an instant favorite, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I just know there are others out there that will love it just as much as me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I plan on growing this little business of mine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">until it can be a steady source of (second) income for my family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until then, I will keep plugging away! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The key is staying positive and motivated, in this and any business!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Feeling</b> | Ready for summer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the days of 100+ degrees are here to stay in Arizona </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">until, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">oh... probably September, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">there is just something about the summer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pool Days. Running In The Sprinkler. Outdoor Concerts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunshine. Ice Cream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You just find the times during the day where you can enjoy being outside, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and you go for it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the other times of the day, you sit inside, and enjoy the luxury of</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">air conditioning. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Planning</b> | </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">My Sister's Baby Shower</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was over the moon excited when I found out my sister was pregnant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, one of my first thoughts after "OMG I'm going to be an Auntie!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was "OMG I can not wait to plan her baby shower!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's at the end of the month, and it's going to be perfect!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All things sweet and girly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom and I have been planning, shopping, and crafting for it,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for a couple months now, and I can not wait </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to see it all come together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Loving </b>| Life</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Okay, cheesy answer, yes. But seriously.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life with my amazing husband and my equally amazing little man</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is simply the best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I truly feel blessed to wake up each and every day to this life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />My days are filled with more joy, laughs, and smiles than I ever</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thought was possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time goes way too fast, against all my wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I'm just making sure to take in each and every day,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and each and every moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My Favorite Photo:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almost every day, or morning I should say, is a pool day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to Arizona summers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took this one the other day to send to Daddy, and my heart melted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, yes... he is always this happy! :)</span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-55072651520082297432015-06-01T07:56:00.000-07:002015-06-01T07:56:09.616-07:00Make A Mess | May<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you to all that stopped by </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to read about my <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2015/05/make-mess.html" target="_blank">April Messy Box</a> by <a href="http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was one of my favorite post to date, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">due to the fact that I love to craft, and crafting supplies is one of my love languages! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Next to coffee and cozy sweatshirts... obviously.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I'd like to say Happy June 1st, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by sharing my <a href="http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/messy-box" target="_blank">May's Messy Box</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my third month receiving the Messy Box subscription,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm still totally hooked!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month's theme was centered around</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">celebrating the color of life, and included:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3- "9x12" Scrapbooking Papers (Single Sided)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npmW8N1QX7I/VWueIOxlEPI/AAAAAAAADyI/ESADgP6c604/s1600/MB7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npmW8N1QX7I/VWueIOxlEPI/AAAAAAAADyI/ESADgP6c604/s400/MB7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"6x12" Alpha Letter Set</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Especially with it being summertime, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am loving all of the bright colors this month! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die Cut Banners</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chipboard Shapes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and a HUGE bonus... they are adhesive! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"3x4" Happiness Is, Stamp Set</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"1 Yard" Of Black & White Stripped Ribbon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEQUINS! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I most likely won't use them for crafting, and instead insert them</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">into cards I send back home,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I was most excited about these little cuties! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously, such fun colors! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6- "4x6" Journal Cards (Double Sided)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6- "3x4" Journal Cards (Double Sided)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12- "3x3" Journal Cards (Double Sided)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, there you have it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like my past two boxes, I am extremely impressed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with the products and quality, and already can't wait for this month's box!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What did you guys think about everything that was included </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in May's box?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I convinced you to add a messy box to your life yet?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information on monthly subscriptions, <a href="http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/messy-box" target="_blank">click here</a>!</span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-26657870411025958272015-05-20T00:06:00.000-07:002015-05-20T00:08:04.322-07:00New Additions | Simply Sweet Prints<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I've been MIA from the blogging world,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been spending my days with my little man </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">playing cars, trucks, trains, coloring, doing puzzles, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">building with blocks, reading, reading, reading,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and then when I have a minute to myself I do some Simply Sweet Prints work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my favorite new items</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have been my decorative prints.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The majority of the time I am inspired to designed </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with a little one's nursery / bedroom in mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So today, I wanted to share a few of those sweet little additions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints shop</a>!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TBKSF0wJcg/VVwt-YTNnoI/AAAAAAAADsc/Tg-GYclfPbk/s1600/The%2BLittle%2BPrince%2BEtsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TBKSF0wJcg/VVwt-YTNnoI/AAAAAAAADsc/Tg-GYclfPbk/s400/The%2BLittle%2BPrince%2BEtsy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You, you alone will have the stars as no one
else has them...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of
them I shall be laughing.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And so it will be as if all the stars were
laughing, when you look at the sky at night...</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You, only you, will have stars that can laugh.”</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/232239889/the-little-prince-quote-you-alone-will?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Antoine de Saint-Exupéry | The Little Prince</a></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1bAwuLJ3l0/VVwsCMuu7zI/AAAAAAAADrw/fKc5h6OHXIc/s1600/Sparkle%2BEtsy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1bAwuLJ3l0/VVwsCMuu7zI/AAAAAAAADrw/fKc5h6OHXIc/s400/Sparkle%2BEtsy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/226147896/she-leaves-a-little-sparkle-wall-art?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank">She leaves a little sparkle.</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4r4ubtsaUF4/VVws4EzawCI/AAAAAAAADsA/zf1fJ50z7wM/s1600/Andrew%2BMcMahon%2BEtsy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4r4ubtsaUF4/VVws4EzawCI/AAAAAAAADsA/zf1fJ50z7wM/s400/Andrew%2BMcMahon%2BEtsy%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224892517/the-best-by-far-is-you-print-cute?ref=shop_home_active_8" style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness | </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">Cecilia and the Satellite</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvQ6UQnTqs/VVwsZpavZYI/AAAAAAAADr4/5dc0GX14euE/s1600/Here%2BComes%2BThe%2BSun%2BEtsy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvQ6UQnTqs/VVwsZpavZYI/AAAAAAAADr4/5dc0GX14euE/s400/Here%2BComes%2BThe%2BSun%2BEtsy%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/233144914/here-comes-the-sun-the-beatles-print?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Here Comes The Sun | The Beatles</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc5ZnxKPFZM/VVwtXJvy3eI/AAAAAAAADsQ/1qHS7OfZNNU/s1600/Let%2BHim%2BSleep%2BEtsy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc5ZnxKPFZM/VVwtXJvy3eI/AAAAAAAADsQ/1qHS7OfZNNU/s400/Let%2BHim%2BSleep%2BEtsy%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Boy Version Of:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">"Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will
move mountains."</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">-Napoléon Bonaparte</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/234047697/let-him-sleep-for-when-he-wakes-nursery?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Let Him Sleep, For When He Wakes</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
</span></span>Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-42422635149214130712015-05-17T23:28:00.000-07:002015-05-18T08:25:05.853-07:00Make A Mess!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm just going to start here, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you are not following <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on </span><a href="https://instagram.com/abeautifulmessofficial/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you are missing out in a big way!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you ever have a lack of inspiration, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this will solve all of your problems: <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/" target="_blank">abeautifulmess.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously. I visit both, daily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I would say you all know how much I love to craft,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I'm pretty sure you don't.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always have all these great plans for updating my blog</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and well... life just happens.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I'm going to tell you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I. Love. To. Craft.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always have. Always will. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's in my blood. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, when I heard about the launch of the very first </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/messy-box/" target="_blank">Messy Box</a>...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do what I always do,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sent the link to my amazing husband,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and put it on my wish list (most likely for Christmas).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just said he was amazing... but really guys, he is AMAZING</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because now this beautiful perfect little box of crafting supplies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">shows up in my mail box once a month. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So, because I'm way behind on this sweet little blog,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am going to skip ahead and bring you my second Messy Box from April.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSg5fmy4dbI/VVl9LhWJLsI/AAAAAAAADqU/ImWjJn5eYJM/s1600/May%2B%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSg5fmy4dbI/VVl9LhWJLsI/AAAAAAAADqU/ImWjJn5eYJM/s400/May%2B%231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #282828; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Messy Box subscribers
get a monthly box of awesome products </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #282828; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you can use to document your life in
style." </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You’ll get a bunch of one-of-a-kind items like stickers,
patterned paper, </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">journaling</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> cards, </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">(my favorite) washi tape, and so much more!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #282828; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #282828; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each month, they focus on a cool design or theme to get
you inspired!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #282828; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #282828; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here is what was included in my April Messy Box!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd7iRwY7jCw/VVl-Q2VsogI/AAAAAAAADqc/m8wrGuMVVFA/s1600/May%2B%234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd7iRwY7jCw/VVl-Q2VsogI/AAAAAAAADqc/m8wrGuMVVFA/s400/May%2B%234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">6- "9x12" Papers (One Sided)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vz6FcbpPOW8/VVl-pfDFFtI/AAAAAAAADqk/tEW1QZoZHM4/s1600/May%2B%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vz6FcbpPOW8/VVl-pfDFFtI/AAAAAAAADqk/tEW1QZoZHM4/s400/May%2B%233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKHn1BG0UZk/VVmBBgKkXWI/AAAAAAAADqs/5wg0mK54aIQ/s1600/May%2B%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKHn1BG0UZk/VVmBBgKkXWI/AAAAAAAADqs/5wg0mK54aIQ/s400/May%2B%232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Tiny Black & White Alpha Stickers</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Rainbow Washi Tape</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Rotary Phrase Stamp</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Heart Die Cut Shapes</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36kL3re4uto/VVmB4tzYwsI/AAAAAAAADq0/7Iz8hf2voPk/s1600/May%2B%236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36kL3re4uto/VVmB4tzYwsI/AAAAAAAADq0/7Iz8hf2voPk/s400/May%2B%236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also wanted to point out how cute the packaging is!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvbYM1docv4/VVmCc7oPtXI/AAAAAAAADq8/jtkvtXA-z9g/s1600/May%2B%235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvbYM1docv4/VVmCc7oPtXI/AAAAAAAADq8/jtkvtXA-z9g/s400/May%2B%235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7- "4x6" Journaling Cards</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(And I LOVE that some include quotes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because I am a HUGE quote lover!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4UR0a1FTHw/VVmDO-jvDMI/AAAAAAAADrE/Wzw2NA4_RkI/s1600/May%2B%237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4UR0a1FTHw/VVmDO-jvDMI/AAAAAAAADrE/Wzw2NA4_RkI/s400/May%2B%237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">6- "3x4" Journaling Cards</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMN8LmRfaMw/VVmDlL8hQRI/AAAAAAAADrM/S15Jp5LE3rw/s1600/May%2B%238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMN8LmRfaMw/VVmDlL8hQRI/AAAAAAAADrM/S15Jp5LE3rw/s400/May%2B%238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12- "3x3" Journaling Cards</span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I am a huge fan of journaling cards, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">and there are so may fun ways you can use them </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">while scrapbooking.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I love that these are not your typical designs that all stores carry</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">like Michaels & Hobby Lobby.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">They are unique, and so much fun!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">AND they are on a heavy weight paper as well as double sided. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">(Varying colors on the alternative side.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Great quality on all products. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I was hooked after my first box,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">and my May subscription should be tucked inside my mail box early this week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br />I already can not wait to see what is in side and share! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">If you want to look into a subscription for yourself,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">and I'm going to highly recommend you do :)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">visit <a href="http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/messy-box" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess - Subscriptions</a> for more information! </span></span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-56780030064285689952015-05-04T13:40:00.003-07:002015-05-04T13:41:27.365-07:00Messy Box<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming to the blog soon... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite reviews yet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#messybox</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rdHpRALOkms/VUfZK_YB1II/AAAAAAAADno/LM4QpKlYlsw/s1600/DSC_0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rdHpRALOkms/VUfZK_YB1II/AAAAAAAADno/LM4QpKlYlsw/s400/DSC_0168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-66718227055850855682015-02-10T00:03:00.001-07:002015-02-10T09:19:39.803-07:00Four Things Now That I'm A Mom<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the title of this post is really:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Four Things I Do Now That I'm A Mom, That I Think Are Totally Normal, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But Are Probably Not Normal At All. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And for the sake of this post, I will throw out there that my son is </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">freshly two years old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... these habits are two years, and going strong, haha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hand wash each and every one of my little mans bottles, and now cups and dishes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(And of course sanitize.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know why but I can not bring myself to put them in the dishwasher. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since we are on the topic of washing baby items-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a separate sponge that I use only for washing his dishes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get weirded out thinking about washing his dishes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with the same sponges that we clean our dishes with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since for the most part, our dishes are way dirtier than his. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have to dry each and every item.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water spots give me anxiety, haha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TWO</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never put a single item of my little man's clothing in the dryer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hang and air dry everything down to his socks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weird... I don't know, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I can tell you this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It keeps his clothes looking new and fresh, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(a huge perk for, if in the far future he has a baby brother)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and he has gotten to wear everything much longer due to things not shrinking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Win, Win in my book! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THREE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I over pack to a fault now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something that has gotten much worse since becoming a Mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, my son is two, and leaving for the house is like </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">packing for a weekend getaway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food, Toys, Books, Snacks, Water, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Light Jacket (especially in the summer since it's SO cold in most stores)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taggie, Pacifier, Back up Pacifier...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all to go grocery shopping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought the older he got, the less I could leave with</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but it just seems to get worse! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOUR</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fear forgetting the little things to a fault. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have taken a picture of my little man every day for the first two years </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of his adorable little life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've relaxed a bit on the third year... but it's been hard for me haha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also keep a word document on my lap top </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where I write things down every day or two </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just little notes to myself about things I don't want to forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... there you are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some may be more normal than others, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but either way,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weird or not, I do all these things for this little face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(One day I'm sure he'll tell me I was crazy, and I'll just say... I know!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are there more, of course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I decided to keep my list to four (for now) so that you all don't think </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm TOTALLY crazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How about you Mama's out there...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is there anything you do now that your a Mom that you think is </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">normal... but probably isn't?!</span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-79655039340922134742015-02-05T10:52:00.001-07:002015-02-10T00:04:47.578-07:00Currently<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't blogged in a couple months,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I figured this would be a good place to start!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Currently | 02.05.15</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Watching </b>| Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little man gets to watch a little TV in the mornings, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before we turn it off, and blast some toddler radio. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shows I'm currently watching via my lovely DVR:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shark Tank, The Middle, Modern Family, Parks & Recreation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have time to get into any new shows, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's hard enough finding time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to watch the four above!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(PS. Who else is SUPER sad that Parks & Rec is ending,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and that you won't get your weekly does of Chris Pratt?!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reading</b> | American Sniper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well... I am waiting for my husband to finish it,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I can read it, so we can go see the movie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I have a problem with reading books after seeing a movie,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so if that is the case, and it's a book I want to read,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to read the book first!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Listening To</b> | Taylor Swift "1989" STILL.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who wants to go see her on tour with me?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really... she is so great. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I'm in the car, and the radio is on, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm listening to the local country station, or the new alternative station. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also in love with this song (anyone else?!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Working On </b>| Getting a blogging schedule together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really, I took off time for the holidays, and never found my way back! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to a blogging event in a couple weeks, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I also want to get new business cards that combine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">both my blog and Etsy shop. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I'd love to hear who you use for your business cards below!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND I know it's a little early so </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*cover your ears*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm working on the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a> "Easter Collection"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I am so excited (I really do love ALL holidays!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I switched programs in the middle of last year,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm having to re-create everything,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I'm also re-vamping and adding a couple new additions as well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Feeling</b> | Like I can finally breath.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This holiday season my little man turned two. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Between Thanksgiving, a 2nd Birthday party, Christmas, New Years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's been a wild ride. So fun, but so non-stop!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that it is February, I finally feel like I'm able to sit down,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and try to get organized for the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better late than never! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Planning</b> | NOTHING. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's actually not true,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm trying to plan out my goals for <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2015/02/currently_5.html" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a> for 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and start working on the new additions for the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Banners, & Party Accessories)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also going to start offering printing on all invitations / announcements...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's going to take a little bit of time, but I will get there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Loving </b>| That it is February.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather is BEYOND BEAUTIFUL here in AZ,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and Valentine's Day is a week from Saturday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't do anything big, but how can you not get it the Valentine's spirit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">when you have the best husband in the world!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Plus... I love holidays about LOVE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">(yes, even the definitely made up Sweetest Day!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking. Hearts. Glitter. Hugs. Kisses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need I say more! *wink*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My Favorite Photo:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took this photo of my little two year old right after the Christmas season... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I am still DYING. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm biased for sure, but I think he is just the cutest! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59bfDaNVsec/VNOr-EMovUI/AAAAAAAADNo/NHtCGzpzI4I/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59bfDaNVsec/VNOr-EMovUI/AAAAAAAADNo/NHtCGzpzI4I/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-29641874058295450322014-12-05T09:49:00.000-07:002015-02-10T17:51:31.715-07:00Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide | Toddler Edition: Part Two<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now today, I bring you part two of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Mini Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide | Toddler Edition!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, all items I am highlighting are under $12</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and are handmade with love AND can be found on Etsy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first shop I want to share with you today is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PipsEmporium" target="_blank">Pips Emporium</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jen is the woman behind the shop and makes a wide varitey of items </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">such as <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PipsEmporium?section_id=12213175&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">peg dolls | playsets</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PipsEmporium?section_id=12792011&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3" target="_blank">children's toys | games</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PipsEmporium?section_id=13793667&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6" target="_blank">stuffed animals</a> & <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PipsEmporium?section_id=14030014&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7" target="_blank">totes</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">She use a local natural wood and non-toxic paints and varnishes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">One of my favorite items from Jen's shop</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">has to be her hand painted memory games.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">With a variety to choose from, each set is cuter than the next</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Jen was so kind, and sent me a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155682908/made-to-order-farm-animals-memory-game?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank">Farm Animal Memory Game</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeR_FRIsmEc/VIHXGFbKukI/AAAAAAAADFI/44ziXpmlhOA/s1600/Matching%2BTwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeR_FRIsmEc/VIHXGFbKukI/AAAAAAAADFI/44ziXpmlhOA/s1600/Matching%2BTwo.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">"Your child will love to
match these cute farm animals </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">which include sheep, cows, roosters, pigs, and
ducks. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This set comes with a hand made drawstring bag for easy store and travel."</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8VDfsnWpJck/VIHV3IaKEFI/AAAAAAAADE8/ZdYmO_6Vr98/s1600/Matching%2BOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8VDfsnWpJck/VIHV3IaKEFI/AAAAAAAADE8/ZdYmO_6Vr98/s1600/Matching%2BOne.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">Each wooden game piece
measures 2-1/4"W x 3-1/8"T</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and is hand stamped and painted with acrylics
and sealed with a non-toxic varnish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">Seriously, I can not say enough about how stinkin cute these</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">little matching cards are!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xDPygbabIM/VIHXcH-iT0I/AAAAAAAADFQ/-HaZkwFr2K0/s1600/Matching%2BThree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xDPygbabIM/VIHXcH-iT0I/AAAAAAAADFQ/-HaZkwFr2K0/s1600/Matching%2BThree.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are made to order-</span></div>
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</span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and they are hand stamped / painted with such great detail! </span></div>
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I absolutely love that these are so different from any matching game you</div>
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can buy at the stores, and the quality is amazing! </div>
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As with the other gifts yesterday-</div>
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an added bonus / major selling point,</div>
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they are small enough to fit in your purse | diaper bag</div>
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and SO GREAT for entertainment on the go! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lP7OV7D2N34/VIHYhmYGzmI/AAAAAAAADFc/sOd2XmnQJD0/s1600/Cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lP7OV7D2N34/VIHYhmYGzmI/AAAAAAAADFc/sOd2XmnQJD0/s1600/Cow.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f000Kc-SazU/VIHY6QMqNwI/AAAAAAAADFk/yHtkNV6ux8A/s1600/Rooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f000Kc-SazU/VIHY6QMqNwI/AAAAAAAADFk/yHtkNV6ux8A/s1600/Rooster.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">And, now the last shop / item in my </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I bring you </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettygirlshop" style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">Pretty Girl Designs</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">"Glitter, Shimmer, Personalized Gifts- </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">their ideas are endless </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">and because they're small and nimble they can work with you </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">to create the perfect invitations, announcements, cards or gifts!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Pretty Girl Designs offers <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettygirlshop?section_id=7378970&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">invitations</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettygirlshop?section_id=7378972&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank">personalized stationary</a>, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettygirlshop?section_id=10986843&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5" target="_blank">note cards</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettygirlshop?section_id=11069310&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6" target="_blank">prints</a>, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123891979/my-mom-snaps-a-childrens-book?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">THIS</a>:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8JRkGcOxxk/VIHayvupWYI/AAAAAAAADFw/KzleHdekN1Y/s1600/Snaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8JRkGcOxxk/VIHayvupWYI/AAAAAAAADFw/KzleHdekN1Y/s1600/Snaps.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I can not even BEGIN to tell you just HOW MUCH I am in love </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123891979/my-mom-snaps-a-childrens-book?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">My Mom Snaps</a>, a book (by: Kari McGarath & Darcy Jerome)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> that Darcy was sweet enough to send me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"What does Mom do while her little ones
explore the world around them? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">She snaps, of course."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"Mom stands by with her
camera while kids enjoy everything </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">from splashing in the pool and learning to
ride a bike to baking a cake </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">and snuggling up to sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Bright colors, cheerful
illustrations and playful rhymes </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">engage kids who’ve ever felt they’re being
followed by the mom-arazzi." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"What's more, in heartwarming verse, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Mom Snaps
reveals the endearing reason why Mom snaps so much: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To preserve childhood's
sweet memories for a lifetime."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mY4WrSilec0/VIHdyXFSyAI/AAAAAAAADGY/vcOmtSgVvk8/s1600/Book%2BOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mY4WrSilec0/VIHdyXFSyAI/AAAAAAAADGY/vcOmtSgVvk8/s1600/Book%2BOne.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously, for all the crazy mom "photographers" out there...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THIS IS FOR YOU! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZfkWIbT13A/VIHfCMTdxHI/AAAAAAAADGw/c0wvZC-AfTQ/s1600/12_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZfkWIbT13A/VIHfCMTdxHI/AAAAAAAADGw/c0wvZC-AfTQ/s1600/12_edited-1.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am beyond obsessed with taking photos of my little man.</div>
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Want proof?</div>
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I take a handful of pictures daily (how many, I wont say)</div>
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and have them organized by date on my laptop.</div>
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And just when I think I have enough photos-</div>
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I take a few more, just in case! </div>
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This book is an absolute perfect way to justify all</div>
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the times Mom snaps,</div>
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and would make a great gift for your Mommy friends </div>
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or your family photographer... if she's a mom of course!<br />
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OR because I love reading to my little man,<br />
it now sits on his bookshelf.<br />
So many people that you can give this sweet little book too!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">And, if the text in this book was not sweet enough,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">the illustrations are simply gorgeous! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kjk3kLspCs/VIHeHBIunKI/AAAAAAAADGg/0BtACh_6wI4/s1600/Book%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kjk3kLspCs/VIHeHBIunKI/AAAAAAAADGg/0BtACh_6wI4/s1600/Book%2B2.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">This is a book you can not get in the bookstore (unfortunately!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">and at just $9.95, you can even treat yourself this holiday season,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">because this book is a must have</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">no matter who you get it for! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Thank you all for stopping by, if you missed yesterday's Gift Guide Ideas</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">you can click <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/12/stocking-stuffer-gift-guide-toddler.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I hope I was able to help you out this year, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">because</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">we all know how <i>hard </i>those toddlers can be to shop for! *wink*</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">77c3eb947d2a48695a92d419d70ffca3959605fbb9f20e2bb5</span></span></div>
</span>Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-62594179761616760992014-12-04T01:40:00.000-07:002014-12-04T01:40:38.846-07:00Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide | Toddler Edition: Part One<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can not believe it's that time of year again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really am trying to stay ahead of the game this year,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and as always- trying is always the key word though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always see so many gift guides this time of year-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but now that I'm a mom, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my focus is always on my little man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With his birthday being just a couple weeks before Christmas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm finding that I need to think outside the box more and more</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(this will be his third Christmas, even tho he will only be turning 2!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say he is <strike>spoiled</strike> loved would be an understatement,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I find that there are only so many gifts for his age range in the stores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And after his birthday a handful of my ideas turn into</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a fun day of <strike>returns</strike> errands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I've taken my search to Etsy this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to break this up into two posts-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because I want to take the time to highlight these four AMAZING Etsy shops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chose to do a Mini Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because that is always where I struggle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(My husband makes up for my lack of SS creativity!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All items I am highlighting are under $12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and are handmade with love AND can be found on Etsy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So keep supporting those small business this year, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and check out these </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">first two Etsy shops! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first shop I want to share with you is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarasDaisyLove" target="_blank">Saras Daisy Love</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my goodness does this shop have some adorable handmade items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My absolute favorite are Sara's crayon rolls, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but she also makes adorable <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarasDaisyLove?section_id=10503733&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">coffee sleeves</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarasDaisyLove?section_id=16430584&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5" target="_blank">bookmarks</a>, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarasDaisyLove?section_id=16430746&ref=shopsection_leftnav_9" target="_blank">sun glass cases</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarasDaisyLove?section_id=7930585&ref=shopsection_leftnav_10" target="_blank">tissue holders</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But back to the crayon rolls...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have three options: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">either a 8 count, jumbo, or a 16 count crayon roll. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Added bonus:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the patterns she uses are SO STINKIN CUTE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sara sent met the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113402552/jumbo-toddler-crayon-roll-bermuda-pigs?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank">Bermuda Pigs Jumbo</a> crayon roll, and it's perfect!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tisrhvyqol0/VIADZQTyFTI/AAAAAAAADDM/58xvvZUafR4/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BThree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tisrhvyqol0/VIADZQTyFTI/AAAAAAAADDM/58xvvZUafR4/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BThree.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">"This crayon roll holds 8 toddler or
triangular crayons (crayons not included). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">All products are made of 100% cotton fabrics and they</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">easily roll up and close with a coordinating elastic band and button. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">No ribbons to tie for little
fingers and no noisy Velcro in church!"</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSUX-nu_8Bo/VIADeP5enqI/AAAAAAAADDY/NeMKmcI6kSg/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BFour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSUX-nu_8Bo/VIADeP5enqI/AAAAAAAADDY/NeMKmcI6kSg/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BFour.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Each crayon roll is machine washable and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">measures </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">approximately 10"x5" (un-rolled) and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">approximately
3"x5" (rolled)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I have two things I must say about this product...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One- It's genius.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two- The quality is AMAZING.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sara was a sweetheart as well, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I know there is competition as many shops make Crayon Rolls </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on Etsy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">however, I'm highly recommending </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarasDaisyLove?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Saras Daisy Love</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I promise, you will not be disappointed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if I didn't sell you already, the price, totally affordable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Small- $6 | Jumbo- $9 | 16 Count- $12)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a mom to a (almost) two year old, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am never without some paper and crayons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My son LOVES to color. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it keeps him busy... win WIN.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This product keeps each crayon neatly in place, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and eliminates loose crayons falling to the bottom of your purse / diaper bag.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hP7QWrjmqhc/VIADZDORUqI/AAAAAAAADDI/yuVrAOf6IvU/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BFive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hP7QWrjmqhc/VIADZDORUqI/AAAAAAAADDI/yuVrAOf6IvU/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BFive.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, how cute does this look all rolled up and ready to go?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TNUWP3Bqws/VIAEKsRae6I/AAAAAAAADDg/HvdVTs7YLZ8/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BTwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TNUWP3Bqws/VIAEKsRae6I/AAAAAAAADDg/HvdVTs7YLZ8/s1600/Crayon%2BRoll%2BTwo.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I want to share <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/2HeartsDesire" target="_blank">Hearts Desire</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hearts Desire is run by Karen and her husband,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and they hand make so many great items for your little ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/2HeartsDesire?section_id=12325196&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">Peg Dolls, Memory Games, & Sorting Games</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just to name a few! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karen sent me a set of their <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153030247/lacing-buttons-waldorf-toy-wooden?ref=shop_home_active_17" target="_blank">Lacing Buttons</a>, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and at just $8 this is a perfect gift for any toddler.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A0gpaxJPMI/VIAHwh0b2II/AAAAAAAADD0/n9ipFr_ZnOw/s1600/Buttons1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A0gpaxJPMI/VIAHwh0b2II/AAAAAAAADD0/n9ipFr_ZnOw/s1600/Buttons1.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">"These are great little buttons for
toddlers and small children to learn lacing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">Emphasizes eye-hand coordination </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">and can be used for teaching them colors as well."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19rB5LnaX9E/VIAIVtkModI/AAAAAAAADD8/IY3YwveZX9o/s1600/Buttons2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19rB5LnaX9E/VIAIVtkModI/AAAAAAAADD8/IY3YwveZX9o/s1600/Buttons2.jpg" height="400" width="377" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">"Each set comes with 6
brightly colored maple buttons that are 1.5" across, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">a shoelace, and a 100%
cotton muslin bag for storing.</span><span style="background: white;">"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">(Recommended age: 3+)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These buttons are the PERFECT size for little hands,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and with their cute little storage bag,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they are perfect for all the Mamas out there to toss in their purse.</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U62QDxL6LLY/VIAI7S15qlI/AAAAAAAADEM/6DuTSKmzIpc/s1600/Buttons4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U62QDxL6LLY/VIAI7S15qlI/AAAAAAAADEM/6DuTSKmzIpc/s1600/Buttons4.jpg" height="125" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Busy bags are very much IN right now, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and why? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well that's obvious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They keep your little ones BUSY! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These buttons are so perfect for plane rides, restaurants, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or for around the house when you need a minuet to yourself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes. Even the most amazing Mamas need a break, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">even if it's </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for just a few short minutes! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And not only are these lacing buttons perfect for lacing-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> you can also use the shoelace for learning to tie, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">knots, bows, you name it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You still have time to get your orders in before the BIG rush </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the last minuet Christmas shoppers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you loved these two items as much as I do-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I hope they make their way into your little one's stocking</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this holiday season! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, I will be sharing two more items</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that you won't want to miss out on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I promise! :) </span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-36593684046356977372014-11-26T09:38:00.001-07:002014-11-26T10:00:26.920-07:00Review: Austin Lloyd | November<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as excited as I was to bring you my first</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Austin Lloyd box review last month, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-austin-lloyd-october.html" target="_blank">click here if you missed it!</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm even more excited to be able to share their November box </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with you this month! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYGVUvgyWvY/VHYFS6KFAaI/AAAAAAAADAw/IfNrFW453ME/s1600/AL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYGVUvgyWvY/VHYFS6KFAaI/AAAAAAAADAw/IfNrFW453ME/s1600/AL.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things that makes the</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.austinlloyd.com/" target="_blank">Austin Lloyd</a> box subscriptions stand out, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(and I totally forgot to share this last month)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is that each month</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they have a theme which their boxes are </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">centered around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely love that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only do I think it makes it so much fun for the little ones,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's even more fun for the Mama's to be able to tie all the fun toys </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">together </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for some really great play time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here is a look at November's theme!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inZ5r4IohJw/VHVq-eTQ3JI/AAAAAAAAC-E/WrlyNJbjny4/s1600/AL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inZ5r4IohJw/VHVq-eTQ3JI/AAAAAAAAC-E/WrlyNJbjny4/s1600/AL1.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.austinlloyd.com/" target="_blank">Austin Lloyd</a> will release the theme of their box</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prior to you recieving it... so if you purchase your box monthly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it gives you time to decide if you want to continue your subscription</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and if you purchase a 3 / 6 month subscription-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it gets you really excited to start thinking about what you may receive!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a look back at some previous themes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and there is not one that I would have passed up! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41GUoECYVEk/VHV1sGdDVcI/AAAAAAAAC-g/cPdqJQ8_QoY/s1600/AL%2BOctober.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41GUoECYVEk/VHV1sGdDVcI/AAAAAAAAC-g/cPdqJQ8_QoY/s1600/AL%2BOctober.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iu-6WZfZLc/VHV1xyds9wI/AAAAAAAAC-s/siUDJkBmkPQ/s1600/CL%2BSeptember.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iu-6WZfZLc/VHV1xyds9wI/AAAAAAAAC-s/siUDJkBmkPQ/s1600/CL%2BSeptember.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8E3nJZK-OFE/VHV1_MGnF4I/AAAAAAAAC-w/Qri6RIe16u8/s1600/CL%2BAugust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8E3nJZK-OFE/VHV1_MGnF4I/AAAAAAAAC-w/Qri6RIe16u8/s1600/CL%2BAugust.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you missed my original post, you can click <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-austin-lloyd-october.html" target="_blank">here</a> for all the details,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but for now, I will just recap your subscription options.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, you can do a monthly, three month, or six month subscription plan,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and Austin Lloyd boxes go up to age three! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KOEjee8iSs/VHXw2dDOD4I/AAAAAAAAC_I/07toByNA9WQ/s1600/Subscription%2BPlans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KOEjee8iSs/VHXw2dDOD4I/AAAAAAAAC_I/07toByNA9WQ/s1600/Subscription%2BPlans.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just in case you are wondering just what an Austin Lloyd box consists of:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.austinlloyd.com/" target="_blank">Austin Lloyd</a> boxes include unique high end toys that are not</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">typically sold at chain retail stores, and toys that are bpa and phthalate free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They include engaging toys that are targeted at improving fine motor and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cognitive skills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They typically include a book- and no food, snacks, or samples!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another plus- no battery operated toys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay... so lets get to the good stuff,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here is a look at my November box! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRgPqtDeac0/VHXyiQFjdJI/AAAAAAAAC_g/fDez9IE41Ig/s1600/Fun%2BFact.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRgPqtDeac0/VHXyiQFjdJI/AAAAAAAAC_g/fDez9IE41Ig/s1600/Fun%2BFact.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIDa-SSzub8/VHXxgzmzWaI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/AqffHV5GUNs/s1600/Top%2BBox%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIDa-SSzub8/VHXxgzmzWaI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/AqffHV5GUNs/s1600/Top%2BBox%2B1.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't their packaging beautiful?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also comes customized with your little one's name </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which I absolutely love! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the little things, right?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here is what was in our box...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wcx9b04tYU/VHXx5QZOLTI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/ZrzABqhr3Cw/s1600/November%2BBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wcx9b04tYU/VHXx5QZOLTI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/ZrzABqhr3Cw/s1600/November%2BBox.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Austin Lloyd | November Box</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goldilocks & The Three Bears (Book) <i>illustrated by</i> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/goldilocks-and-the-three-bears-parragon/1109793585?ean=9781445477947" target="_blank">Gavin Scott</a> | <b>Retail $5.99</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Owl Wizard Pupped <i>from</i> <a href="http://www.trudi.com/it/shop" target="_blank">Trudi</a> | <b>Retail $29.99</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rolling Story Blocks <i>from </i><a href="http://www.edushape.com/" target="_blank">edushape</a> | <b>Retail $9.95</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knight Arthur Battle Puzzle <i>from </i><a href="http://www.janod.com/" target="_blank">Janod</a> | <b>Retail $15.99</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of the items this month were so amazing I don't know where to start, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but we love books, so let's start there!<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely love that all Austin Lloyd boxes include a book,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as we are ALWAYS looking to grow our little library!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't have any "fairy tale" books just yet,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I was so excited to see this little cutie,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/goldilocks-and-the-three-bears-parragon/1109793585?ean=9781445477947" target="_blank">Goldilocks and the Three Bears</a>, in our box this month!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNoDn3U8vh4/VHX2JJrnkPI/AAAAAAAAC_o/Il5eTC8H2vI/s1600/Book%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNoDn3U8vh4/VHX2JJrnkPI/AAAAAAAAC_o/Il5eTC8H2vI/s1600/Book%2B2.jpg" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone knows the story of little Goldilocks...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she enters a little cottage to get some food and rest,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and ends up meeting three grizzly bears.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This story is not only so fun to read, (my son already loves it)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but the illustrations are beyond adorable, and that is always</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">such a great bonus!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lE92KRB_3k/VHX2lhmGB4I/AAAAAAAAC_w/TFlj0kaCRuo/s1600/Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lE92KRB_3k/VHX2lhmGB4I/AAAAAAAAC_w/TFlj0kaCRuo/s1600/Book.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up is our <a href="http://www.janod.com/" target="_blank">Owl Wizard Puppet</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgEIEbJv20E/VHX3vvesAiI/AAAAAAAAC_4/dC-LPmagJvk/s1600/Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgEIEbJv20E/VHX3vvesAiI/AAAAAAAAC_4/dC-LPmagJvk/s1600/Owl.jpg" height="400" width="382" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously... how beautiful is this little guy?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only is he super adorable, but the quality is unbelievable! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With this month's theme being "fairy tales and make believe"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could not think of a better toy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We haven't come up with a name for him yet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(suggestions welcome!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I see him joining us for LOTS of story times in our future!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, we got this super bright, colorful, and fun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Janod-07072-Knight-Arthur-Puzzle/dp/B00JARISFS" target="_blank">Knight Arthur Battle Puzzle</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0bpsFuTGYo/VHX6D4EVEKI/AAAAAAAADAE/2gpa_-33bZU/s1600/Puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0bpsFuTGYo/VHX6D4EVEKI/AAAAAAAADAE/2gpa_-33bZU/s1600/Puzzle.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a 12 piece jigsaw puzzle that is just perfect for little hands!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My son gets the 2 year box, and this is such a great toy </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to help with shape recognition, while enhancing fine motor skills as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While my son is just a little on the young size for "big boy puzzles"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he is not far behind being ready to dominate them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best thing about this item-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the plywood puzzle has a cut out on the frame that allows you </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">easily take out all of the pieces, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and then, there is a removable poster underneath!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having the poster to help is great for beginners, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but then removing it gives your little ones more of a </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">challenge </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as they get older.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I have never seen a puzzle like this before, and think it's a genius idea! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSEAewuhjM/VHX7eTK9GOI/AAAAAAAADAM/Y_rr5ijkyag/s1600/Puzzle%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSEAewuhjM/VHX7eTK9GOI/AAAAAAAADAM/Y_rr5ijkyag/s1600/Puzzle%2B2.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last but not least,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we received these amazing <a href="http://www.edushape.com/web/8888/nsf/ProLookup.taf?_function=details&_ID=186646&PF=&did=5400&G=&lang=EN&SM=&_UserReference=D1D43C48E517EB78546FDDA2" target="_blank">Rolling Story Blocks</a>! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji8fR4SYt30/VHX8ZPZ1GHI/AAAAAAAADAU/lVQu4f7m2vo/s1600/Storyblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji8fR4SYt30/VHX8ZPZ1GHI/AAAAAAAADAU/lVQu4f7m2vo/s1600/Storyblocks.jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I had heard of story blocks before, but never paid much attention,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I am here to tell you, don't ignore them like I did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are SO great, and SUCH an awesome way to help children </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">refine their imagination, and help their creative thinking skills grow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how do these work?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So. Simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With each cube having a different theme,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you start with one cube, toss it, and you start telling a story with the</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">image that is on the top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then you can either toss a second cube, third cube, and so on</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">adding to the story and watching it grow-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OR you can toss all the cubes at the same time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and create a story right from the beginning linking all the cubes together.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6JT-UujXzs/VHX9oNExo6I/AAAAAAAADAc/1UJO8Qb0Syw/s1600/Storyblocks%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6JT-UujXzs/VHX9oNExo6I/AAAAAAAADAc/1UJO8Qb0Syw/s1600/Storyblocks%2B2.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love story time in our home, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and this just made it a little more exciting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to take a different approach, and help my little one's</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">imagination grow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I honestly feel like every home should have a set of story telling blocks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND remember that little owl at the beginning of this post,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think he would be a GREAT help telling some of these stories! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>November Box Summary:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dM7VtU0RiDY/VHX-F7HatRI/AAAAAAAADAk/PMrkwMOHY_c/s1600/November%2BBox%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dM7VtU0RiDY/VHX-F7HatRI/AAAAAAAADAk/PMrkwMOHY_c/s1600/November%2BBox%2B2.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was sent my November box to review courtesy of Austin Lloyd, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>but I promise you that all views are mine and mine alone.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.austinlloyd.com/" target="_blank">Austin Lloyd</a> went above and beyond and exceeded my </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">expectations two months in a row.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With toys that are not normally found in retail chain stores, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Austin Lloyd box subscription service</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> gives you a step outside the box, and refreshing new toys each month </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that are not only fun, but educational for your little one</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my son gets older, I find myself getting more passionate about</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">making sure my son enjoys, and hopefully loves learning new skills,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and of course reading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These toys are not only engaging, and educational, but so much fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As far as the value of my box,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a monthly box subsctiption will run you $49.99 per month</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and this month my box retailed at $61.92</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I came out ahead $11.93! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(The savings is of course greater,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you purchase a three or six month subscription!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are looking for a unique gift this holiday season,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I highly recommend giving an Austin Lloyd box subscription</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.austinlloyd.com/join/" target="_blank">click here for more pricing and information</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's not only fun for the Mama </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to get new toys to help her little one grow each month,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but so much fun for their little ones as well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have personally given box subscriptions as gifts,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and they have always been a hit! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I have to hid my box until I get pictures taken, or my son freaks out!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are looking to sign up for yourself, or as a gift for the holidays,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">don't wait!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You only have unitl November 30th to sign up for the December Box!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND here is a sneek peek at the theme..</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RgTr84xvGE/VHYHFF2WyVI/AAAAAAAADA4/T5pmbXr3qhw/s1600/ALFAV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RgTr84xvGE/VHYHFF2WyVI/AAAAAAAADA4/T5pmbXr3qhw/s1600/ALFAV.jpg" height="400" width="388" /></a></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-13763662666567511462014-11-25T08:35:00.001-07:002014-11-25T08:41:48.980-07:00Thanksgiving Traditions<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, my family has MANY more Christmas traditions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">than we do Thanksgiving traditions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm actually kind of sad that I can only think of four.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. We watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes. I am aware it's pretty awful,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm sure I'm not alone, but my husband <i>hates</i> parades.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I always remember watching it growing up, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and to me </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it doesn't feel like the holidays unless it's on the TV.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, who doesn't get the biggest feeling of holiday cheer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when they see Santa arrive at the end on his sleigh-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">marking the official beginning to the holiday season!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, although silly, this is one tradition I plan on passing down </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to my little man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLUS a little birdie on the street told me Thomas will be making </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">appearance this year,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I'm pretty sure my little man is going to think</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm the coolest mom ever for this great tradition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Well, at least for this year.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2- Thanksgiving dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We do not switch it up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Side dish for side dish- the same every year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I absolutely love it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry, Ryan. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Ryan is way more adventurous in the food department,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my family knows what they like-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and we don't typically stray!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3- What we are thankful for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was younger we always went around the table</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and said what we were Thankful for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family doesn't have a ton of deep conversations,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and not that this is deep by any means-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but it's nice to hear what everyone is most thankful for</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in their own lives year to year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something I will definitely continue with my little family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4- My husband and I do not cheat on the Black Friday Ads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meaning- we do not look at any deals online, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we wait until Thanksgiving Day to grab TWO papers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so we can be surprised at all the (no so great) deals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that are going to be offered on Black Friday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We get so excited, hence the two papers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I know it's silly, but I love being surprised! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a lot of the stores opening on Thursday now</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(which I am a million percent against)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this has lost a lot of it's excitement in terms of</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">being motivated to wait in lines for items I really don't need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, it's something we've done since our first holiday together,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I love our little tradition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now that my little man is going to be two,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love to focus more on the Thanksgiving holiday-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and add some new traditions next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this is where I need your help!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are some your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love for you to share!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And because I couldn't resist...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I added two new Holiday Prints to the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Shop</a>! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGNUCdjh6UY/VHSf77-yugI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/BNnnc7ht9oQ/s1600/Comfort%2B%26%2BJoy%2BEtsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGNUCdjh6UY/VHSf77-yugI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/BNnnc7ht9oQ/s1600/Comfort%2B%26%2BJoy%2BEtsy.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/212333200/comfort-joy-christmas-print-8x10?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Comfort & Joy (8x10) Print</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QeMAqPq66g/VHSgXGysW-I/AAAAAAAAC9g/Iy06jMZBzpA/s1600/Holly%2BJolly%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QeMAqPq66g/VHSgXGysW-I/AAAAAAAAC9g/Iy06jMZBzpA/s1600/Holly%2BJolly%2BBlog.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/212131868/holly-jolly-christmas-decorative-print?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Holly Jolly (8x10) Print</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be announcing Black Friday deals for the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simply Sweet Shop tomorrow on my <a href="http://instagram.com/simplysweetprints" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so make sure you are following along! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow Simply Sweet Prints On Instagram Here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/simplysweetprints" target="_blank">SimplySweetPrints</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIj58o3k9iY/VHShuTlc3UI/AAAAAAAAC9w/YemMp4WHqUs/s1600/instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIj58o3k9iY/VHShuTlc3UI/AAAAAAAAC9w/YemMp4WHqUs/s1600/instagram.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-61474254664604061902014-11-24T01:12:00.001-07:002014-11-24T11:28:39.236-07:00Currently<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Currently | 11.24.2014</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Watching </b>| Everybody Loves Raymond</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(thank you Netflix)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is almost 1 in the morning where I'm at, and I should be sleeping</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I'm really trying to stick to my blogging schedule,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so here I am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eyes half open, so I hope this all makes sense!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dedication... Right?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reading</b> | the Hunger Games, Mocking Jay</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Still. </b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Really... I'm still reading it. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel as though I'm safe for another week or two since </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">refuse to see a movie right when it comes out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">One- I hate crowds.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Two- I hate crowds.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*NO SPOILERS PLEASE & THANK YOU*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Listening To</b> | Taylor Swift "1989"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm seriously obsessed. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I have to confess, sometimes I sneak the Christmas station</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for a song or two when I'm in the car.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't help it... I'm trying to hold off until Friday </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT it just puts me in such a good mood! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valid</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> reason to cheat, right?</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Working On </b>| Sticking to a blogging schedule.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really... Why is it so hard?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh I know...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because I have an (almost) two year old and do nothing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but play with</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">truckstrainscarsblocks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all day, every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which leaves me with little to no time to do my "chores"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I do those when my husband gets home.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then by time I get my little man to bed I'm </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pretty much as useful as a walking zombie! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Feeling</b> | SO EXCITED!!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, yes I love Thanksgiving</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT I FREAKING LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my family it's always been tradition to </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOT DO ANYTHING CHRISTMAS RELATED</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">until AFTER THANKSGIVING.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously- I was brainwashed.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the older I get the harder it gets, and now especially with my little man</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's near impossible.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT I try my hardest. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Buble is waiting to keep me company and </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've yet to stop at Starbucks to get a red cup...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(white chocolate peppermint mocha thank you!) </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also itching to get my tree and decorations up!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT I can (hopefully) wait just four more days, </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">until after I have a belly full of Mom's amazing Thanksgiving dinner,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I've shopped until I can't take the crowds anymore (I really do hate them).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Planning</b> | Planning my little man's 2nd birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know he's only going to be two and under no circumstance</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will he remember his 2nd birthday party,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but that doesn't mean that as a Mama </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't want it to be anything but perfect!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No spoilers now- but I can't want to share it with you all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Loving </b>| The feeling this time of year brings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone is a little more cheerful, and I absolutely love it! </span></div>
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<div style="font-family: 'PT Sans';">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My Favorite Photo </b>| Last weekend we took our 2014 family photos,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'PT Sans';">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm beyond obsessed with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sharing too many just yet, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because we are using them for our Christmas cards,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm weird, and want them to be a surprise,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but here is one we are not using.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definitely an absolute favorite right now! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpsEYIjsbKU/VHLnBq5PgpI/AAAAAAAAC8s/UuxeoHzUBb4/s1600/Risselman-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpsEYIjsbKU/VHLnBq5PgpI/AAAAAAAAC8s/UuxeoHzUBb4/s1600/Risselman-45.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-42214289503786628642014-11-20T05:53:00.002-07:002014-11-20T05:53:33.283-07:00Merry & Bright Collection | #03<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am both happy and a little sad to bring you</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the final three additions to the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints?section_id=16242273&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">Merry & Bright Collection</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first holiday season my shop has been open</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I've had a blast creating thirteen festive little </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">photo </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cards from scratch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many hours and late nights, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I absolutely love what I do, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and can't wait to continue growing my business.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here they are, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">let me know what you think! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LU-RwK-jBU/VG2UJOUal0I/AAAAAAAAC7Y/wZ0v4_iaw5o/s1600/Christmas%2BEleven%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LU-RwK-jBU/VG2UJOUal0I/AAAAAAAAC7Y/wZ0v4_iaw5o/s1600/Christmas%2BEleven%2BBlog.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211867708/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1OUXZNLEcI/VG2UeTAIfcI/AAAAAAAAC7g/hjigKBLu0JE/s1600/Christmas%2BTwelve%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1OUXZNLEcI/VG2UeTAIfcI/AAAAAAAAC7g/hjigKBLu0JE/s1600/Christmas%2BTwelve%2BBlog.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211682488/christmas-joy-new-year-blessings-photo?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Christmas Joy & New Year Blessings</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPJX7ZP2t_w/VG2UuQasLSI/AAAAAAAAC7o/MqpfrKOA1Lc/s1600/Christmas%2BThirteen%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPJX7ZP2t_w/VG2UuQasLSI/AAAAAAAAC7o/MqpfrKOA1Lc/s1600/Christmas%2BThirteen%2BBlog.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211946288/holly-jolly-christmas-photo-card-5x7?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Holly Jolly Christmas</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I've also added a couple decorative prints</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which can be printed and shipped or sent as a digital file!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ_7Q6f0vlI/VG2WP_JnYiI/AAAAAAAAC74/2vmkXYuL30c/s1600/Tis%2BThe%2BSeason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ_7Q6f0vlI/VG2WP_JnYiI/AAAAAAAAC74/2vmkXYuL30c/s1600/Tis%2BThe%2BSeason.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211960973/tis-the-season-decorative-print-8x10?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Tis The Season Decorative Print</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8MFuhEkGAw/VG2WxHi5voI/AAAAAAAAC8A/chaiSkILGvM/s1600/Baby%2BIt's%2BCold%2BOutside%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8MFuhEkGAw/VG2WxHi5voI/AAAAAAAAC8A/chaiSkILGvM/s1600/Baby%2BIt's%2BCold%2BOutside%2BBlog.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210607267/baby-its-cold-outside-decorative-print?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Baby It's Cold Outside Decorative Print</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final additions!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure I'll add a few random listings here and there,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but now before the holiday craziness REALLY kicks in,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can take a deep breath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, an added bonus,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just marked down all holiday cards to $14.00!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints?section_id=16242273&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">You can shop the Merry & Bright Collection Here!</a></span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-88536827511792114192014-11-18T00:11:00.000-07:002014-11-20T05:58:46.739-07:0023 Months<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How on earth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can not believe as I sit here and type this, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that there is just one more month (ONE) until you turn two years old.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two- as in you won't be one anymore. I can't even believe it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did that happen and how did time go by so fast?!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could sit here and list everything that I love about you at this age</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and how sad I am that you are getting bigger by the day-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but at the same time, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">more and more proud of you with each passing minuet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But instead, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just want to tell you how much I love you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUi8XLO686U/VGrwRXzeQcI/AAAAAAAAC5w/v_PbxR7w1lg/s1600/Paint%2BOne_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUi8XLO686U/VGrwRXzeQcI/AAAAAAAAC5w/v_PbxR7w1lg/s1600/Paint%2BOne_edited-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like, I know that is an obvious statement,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but at the end of each and every day,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">after things settle down from all the craziness that</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">simple but powerful thought circles my mind.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after the calm, relaxing, snuggle filled mornings, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the crazy, hectic, sometimes tantrum throwing afternoons</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">at night, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when those little eyes finally close,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I get one last cuddle for the day in,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that is all I can think about.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know how it is possible to love someone </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so much that you literally can't explain it, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and that sometimes your heart LITERALLY feels</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">like it is going to explode</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I just want you to know it is the most amazing feeling in the world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands down, nothing is better.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here is to one more month hanging out with my </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">one year old...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my best friend, and the most amazing little boy in the world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You make me the happiest mommy,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I love you more than all the hot wheels in the world! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX1mjaXJGI0/VGrvmOOL6QI/AAAAAAAAC5o/SL2DahKST3U/s1600/Paint%2BTwo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX1mjaXJGI0/VGrvmOOL6QI/AAAAAAAAC5o/SL2DahKST3U/s1600/Paint%2BTwo2.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-62606403313225331632014-11-14T09:49:00.001-07:002014-11-20T05:59:27.222-07:00Zoo Trip With Gram!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Tuesday, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my mom was off work, and "I'm off work every day"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as some may say!:)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we packed up the little man and took him to the zoo!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I don't go nearly enough but I absolutely love the zoo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite animals are the tigers, Jackson loves the giraffes, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and we share a love for the monkeys. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could have stayed all day, but Jackson's nap schedule </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">decided otherwise for us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we spent all late morning / early afternoon at the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wildlifeworld.com/" target="_blank">Wildlife World Zoo</a> in Litchfield Park, Arizona</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and it was the best time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Grandma is around- Mommy takes a backseat,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but for the most part I don't mind at all, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fully enjoy sitting back and taking it all in!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just brought my standard lens,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so don't have any amazing animal pictures to show you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But more than that, I enjoy capturing this little love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Capturing this moment of his life right now. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Expression. Size. Personality.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here are just a few pictures from our zoo trip! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Cxq2BJdJXY/VGWj9VvFvXI/AAAAAAAAC3M/mqJXe_O7g00/s1600/Zoo%2BOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Cxq2BJdJXY/VGWj9VvFvXI/AAAAAAAAC3M/mqJXe_O7g00/s400/Zoo%2BOne.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU8YzQotD2U/VGWkZRMweoI/AAAAAAAAC3U/8x3Zv0Xtg0I/s1600/Zoo%2BTwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU8YzQotD2U/VGWkZRMweoI/AAAAAAAAC3U/8x3Zv0Xtg0I/s400/Zoo%2BTwo.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4Z8IZcUJZI/VGWlRoyGD_I/AAAAAAAAC3g/nx7nA3uzN9I/s1600/Zoo%2BThree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4Z8IZcUJZI/VGWlRoyGD_I/AAAAAAAAC3g/nx7nA3uzN9I/s400/Zoo%2BThree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KydvNYmNl0s/VGWmJs0jirI/AAAAAAAAC3o/gzd4w2cxIYc/s1600/Zoo%2BFour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KydvNYmNl0s/VGWmJs0jirI/AAAAAAAAC3o/gzd4w2cxIYc/s400/Zoo%2BFour.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Ve22eEYnE/VGYshKzQxiI/AAAAAAAAC34/wWDmSmO_c2Y/s1600/Zoo%2BFive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Ve22eEYnE/VGYshKzQxiI/AAAAAAAAC34/wWDmSmO_c2Y/s400/Zoo%2BFive.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0OwQ_vhgSQ/VGYyQr9gKPI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/xrq6-H29m2g/s1600/Zoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0OwQ_vhgSQ/VGYyQr9gKPI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/xrq6-H29m2g/s400/Zoo2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qgqT0u07FY/VGYw9m6EF9I/AAAAAAAAC4E/zKHhtGAMUFI/s1600/Zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qgqT0u07FY/VGYw9m6EF9I/AAAAAAAAC4E/zKHhtGAMUFI/s400/Zoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-12103658232455063772014-11-13T08:28:00.000-07:002014-11-13T09:36:40.157-07:00Merry & Bright Collection | #02<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay loves, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merry & Bright Collection is almost complete!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the holidays literally around the corner, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to share the newest additions!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yes,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know Thanksgiving is not for a couple more weeks,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but it's definitely not too early to start deciding</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what Christmas cards you want to send out! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here you go, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the five newest members of the Merry & Bright Collection! </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkeztAVTkmI/VGQ-L4FhclI/AAAAAAAAC1w/nTaYK_1Kme4/s1600/Christmas%2BTwo%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkeztAVTkmI/VGQ-L4FhclI/AAAAAAAAC1w/nTaYK_1Kme4/s400/Christmas%2BTwo%2BBlog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210545619/warm-wishes-christmas-photo-card-digital?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Warm Wishes Photo Card</a> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210545619/warm-wishes-christmas-photo-card-digital?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNRx36SEOis/VGRHrYP0lrI/AAAAAAAAC2A/W2tA91rF5Yg/s400/Christmas%2BSeven%2BBlog.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209748117/be-merry-be-bright-photo-christmas-card?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">Be Merry Be Bright Photo Card</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjwWgHfpfzE/VGRIpokqyWI/AAAAAAAAC2M/bSB7jM30XZ0/s1600/Christmas%2BEight%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjwWgHfpfzE/VGRIpokqyWI/AAAAAAAAC2M/bSB7jM30XZ0/s400/Christmas%2BEight%2BBlog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210092366/merry-christmas-black-gold-glitter-photo?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Black & Gold Glitter Photo Card</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnpPZbkbiiU/VGRJjyAy5EI/AAAAAAAAC2U/vmdbg_ry0x8/s1600/Christmas%2BNine%2BBlog%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnpPZbkbiiU/VGRJjyAy5EI/AAAAAAAAC2U/vmdbg_ry0x8/s400/Christmas%2BNine%2BBlog%2B2.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210053865/merry-christmas-photo-card-5x7?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">Merry Christmas Photo Card</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IW8uKI5l8SU/VGRNU-1ALnI/AAAAAAAAC2o/HvVpGvwpZlI/s1600/Christmas%2BTen%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IW8uKI5l8SU/VGRNU-1ALnI/AAAAAAAAC2o/HvVpGvwpZlI/s400/Christmas%2BTen%2BBlog.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210440701/happy-holidays-digital-photo-card-5x7?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Happy Holidays Photo Card</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are just a few more additions left,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and they will be in the shop in the next few days!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm beyond excited for this holiday season, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I can't wait to send out our family Christmas cards!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you decided what cards you're sending out this year?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If not, I'd love to help you out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo cards are such a great way to send an updated picture</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to all your friends and family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLUS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are also unique and one of a kind!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints?section_id=16242273&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">Shop the Simply Sweet </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints?section_id=16242273&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">Merry & Bright Collection here!</a></span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-91427537242372284602014-11-06T09:07:00.000-07:002014-11-20T06:00:22.107-07:00Giveaway Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Favorite Books Giveaway is officially over.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojiYYwz4-ok/VFuWHNED3_I/AAAAAAAACzo/s9f47Bqu7c0/s1600/MFB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojiYYwz4-ok/VFuWHNED3_I/AAAAAAAACzo/s9f47Bqu7c0/s1600/MFB1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A huge thank you to all the bloggers & shop owners who participated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.awhimsiclelife.com/" target="_blank">A Whimsicle Life</a> | <a href="http://www.sunshinewhispers.com/" target="_blank">Sunshine Whispers</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.adventuresofnobleandpond.com/" target="_blank">The Adventures Of Nobel & Pond</a> | <a href="http://www.joyfulfamilylife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joyful Family Life</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.onehooliemama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Hoolie Mama</a> | <a href="http://readysetparenthood.com/" target="_blank">Ready Set Parenthood</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sweetsammiphotography.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Sammi Photography</a> | <a href="http://www.shinebrightlittlemama.com/" target="_blank">Shine Bright Little Mama</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thecurriednut.com/" target="_blank">The Curried Nut</a> | <a href="http://www.sweetshoppemom.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Shoppe Mom</a> | </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mosswoodconnections.com/" target="_blank">Mosswood Connections</a> | <a href="http://thecsiproject.com/#axzz3I4ptujjp" target="_blank">The CSI Project</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely loved getting to learn a little more </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">about each and every one of you,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and even more so loved reading the story behind </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">why the children's book you donated was one of your favorites!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to do this again next year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also want to thank everyone that entered, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and only wish I was able to enter myself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now, a big congrats to the winner</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the 1st My Favorite Books Giveaway... </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dBFYDmcem8/VFuZ9ftCJjI/AAAAAAAACz0/c6sZ-fxpwa4/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dBFYDmcem8/VFuZ9ftCJjI/AAAAAAAACz0/c6sZ-fxpwa4/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks again to all that entered,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you found some great new books</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that you will want to add to your little one's book collection! </span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-88695098383201584552014-11-05T17:39:00.000-07:002014-11-20T06:00:03.889-07:00My Favorite Books Giveaway | Feature #05<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here it is! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last and final feature for the My Favorite Books Giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to save these for last, with the Christmas holiday </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">right around the corner</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they will be the perfect addition to your little one's collection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(And lets face it, getting in the Christmas spirit, even this early,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is hard to avoid since the Christmas commercials are in full swing, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the stores are all decorated, and the red cups are out!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first blogger I want to introduce you to is</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicci from (Live A) <a href="http://www.joyfulfamilylife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joyful Family Life</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicci loves cheesecake, gardening, and zumba. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And she loves her family of course!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When she's not at home with her kids, she helps people</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">work towards a more fulfilling and joyful life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only is she a counselor, but a wife and mom too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicci chose to donate </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/merry-christmas-big-hungry-bear" target="_blank">Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear</a> by Don & Audrey Wood.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_siWPgwBVyo/VFnWqWlK5YI/AAAAAAAACxQ/zOKcPbb8CSI/s1600/DSC_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_siWPgwBVyo/VFnWqWlK5YI/AAAAAAAACxQ/zOKcPbb8CSI/s1600/DSC_0149.jpg" height="320" width="299" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is one of Nicci's favorite children's books because</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"it was the first book that our 2 year old learned to "read." </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGhplJjMKzU/VFnXKMkeIrI/AAAAAAAACxY/Zk2LB5DTzEU/s1600/DSC_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGhplJjMKzU/VFnXKMkeIrI/AAAAAAAACxY/Zk2LB5DTzEU/s1600/DSC_0151.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He loved it so much he had it memorized, our voice inflections and all. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so sweet hearing him "read" to us</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and that is wht this will always be one of our favorite books."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An added bonus to this book, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the super cute and festive illustrations!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axFoV0ZyUh4/VFnYIF1D8vI/AAAAAAAACxk/ZSLKgl3c-GM/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axFoV0ZyUh4/VFnYIF1D8vI/AAAAAAAACxk/ZSLKgl3c-GM/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7OUoJtLVPI/VFnYuJOi0sI/AAAAAAAACxs/U1F7cRedWlU/s1600/DSC_0160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7OUoJtLVPI/VFnYuJOi0sI/AAAAAAAACxs/U1F7cRedWlU/s1600/DSC_0160.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last feature for this great giveaway goes to</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen of <a href="http://readysetparenthood.com/" target="_blank">Ready Set Parenthood</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Kristen is a 30 something wife, mother and educator living and loving life in Cleveland, Ohio! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">"I love to blog about our parenting experiences and tips I have learned along the way, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">as well as the fun things our family gets into. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">We love life in Cleveland, so I post about all the fun things we like to do in the area."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen donated </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/book/1~TNM~TFB~5351/thats-not-my-snowman.aspx" target="_blank">That's Not My Snowman</a> by Usborne.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLRUxPsjhUY/VFnbPHhyffI/AAAAAAAACyA/uGOaEnuUITQ/s1600/snowman-new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLRUxPsjhUY/VFnbPHhyffI/AAAAAAAACyA/uGOaEnuUITQ/s1600/snowman-new.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I asked Kristen why this was one of her favorite books, she shared</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We love the entire "That's Not My" series from Usborne. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have been my son's favorites since he was 2 months old. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were excited to learn they had some winter and holiday themed books </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in the series too. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My son (now 18 months) has loved feeling all the textures along with the story, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the bright colors catch his eye! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"That's Not My Snowman" quickly became one of his favorites!"</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDN3ucnEw64/VFndO00D-SI/AAAAAAAACyg/bX3PLNODRyQ/s1600/DSC_0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDN3ucnEw64/VFndO00D-SI/AAAAAAAACyg/bX3PLNODRyQ/s1600/DSC_0168.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen was also sweet enough to share some pictures of her little one</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">enjoying this book! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just how cute is he?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, and I saved this next book for last, because I didn't want to waste time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hightlighting myself on the blog features, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However I did want to share this book with you all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also wanted to share why this book is so special to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Love-Caroline-Jayne-Church/dp/0545392152" target="_blank">Good Night, I Love You</a> by Caroline Jayne Church</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was the very first book we started reading to our little man while he was still</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and itty bitty little thing growing in my belly. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1l0D3R22j04/VFq_i-_6R2I/AAAAAAAACy4/nHqw7luA_x0/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1l0D3R22j04/VFq_i-_6R2I/AAAAAAAACy4/nHqw7luA_x0/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would read it to him every night,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and continued that tradition from the very first day he was born, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(We even brought it to the hospital with us!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There has not been a single night where we don't open this book, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and read this story to our baby who is now 22 months old, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so it is absolutely one of my favorites,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and it's the book that inspired me to do this giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you've all had a great time getting to "meet" some new bloggers,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for reading about some of the great books that are out there for your little ones!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The My Favorite Books giveaway ends today at midnight,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I don't want you to miss out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To enter, click <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-favorite-books-giveaway.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned... The winner will be announced tomorrow morning!</span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-5224530728325956762014-11-05T00:31:00.001-07:002014-11-05T00:31:21.294-07:00My Favorite Books Giveaway | Feature #04<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, here it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last day of the My Favorite Books Giveaway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm gonna kick it off with part one of today's featured bloggers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, I am excited to share Shelah from <a href="http://mosswoodconnections.com/" target="_blank">Mosswood Connections</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The contributors of Mosswood Connections are parents and therapists </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">specializing in autism services. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They believe in maximizing a child's potential through positive reinforcement, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">play based interventions and skill building activities."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The creators of Mosswood
Connections, Shelah and Sarah, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have been working with children who have special
needs for many years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years they have acquired a variety of
therapy tools and </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">parenting techniques to enhance the educational and
developmental programs </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the children with whom they work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As parents they
bring the same energy and approach to parenting their own kids. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their success in working with children is based on their using a
creative, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">collaborative approach to connect with children </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in order to enhance
their development </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by tapping into each child’s interests and strengths."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shelah chose to donate </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mosswoodconnections.com/books-and-lessons-2/picture-books/" target="_blank">Don't Turn The Page</a> by Rachelle Park.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nWnqIlVJE4/VFm3AU01MVI/AAAAAAAACvc/uU0zK6mniWg/s1600/DSC_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nWnqIlVJE4/VFm3AU01MVI/AAAAAAAACvc/uU0zK6mniWg/s1600/DSC_0190.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I asked Shelah why this was one of her favorite</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">children's books, she shared</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">"I have too many "favorite" picture books to list but my latest favorite is</span><br style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">Don't Turn the Page by Rachelle Burk, illustrated by Julie Downing. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">This </span><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">clever story has a book within a book and centers around a scene that all</span><br style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">parents know well: the child who doesn't want to do go sleep quite yet.</span><br style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">The prose and the pictures are captivating and engaging. I can see this</span><br style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">book becoming a favorite bedtime book in many homes."</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXrU05VfZOQ/VFm3bo18ayI/AAAAAAAACvk/hhgi3yw-R6E/s1600/DSC_0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXrU05VfZOQ/VFm3bo18ayI/AAAAAAAACvk/hhgi3yw-R6E/s1600/DSC_0198.jpg" height="198" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">One of the great things about Mosswood Connections </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">is that their website has coordinating activities.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">You can click on the following link to take you to the</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><a href="http://mosswoodconnections.com/books-and-lessons-2/picture-books/dont-turn-page-book-activities/" target="_blank">coordinating activity for Don't Turn The Page</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">Next, I am sharing Megan who blogs over at</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.adventuresofnobleandpond.com/" target="_blank">The Adventures Of Nobel & Pond</a>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Adventures of Noble & Pond was started as
a means </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">to marketing Megan's Etsy business, Nobel & Pond.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.972549);">As
she shares, her love of writing soon took over, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.972549);">and her blog became a place for
her to share her various passions. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.972549);">She is an avid animal lover, and
tea enthusiast. does not sow, but does sew.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On her blog you will find
a little bit of everything, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">but she likes to keep her readers informed on her
exploits as a pet mom </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.972549);"><span style="line-height: 115%;">and
novice sewist.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.972549);"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.972549); line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Megan chose to donate a set of books by the Smithsonian Institute the</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.972549); line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=180399" target="_blank">Smithsonian's Backyard Series</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan chose these books <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">because when she was little </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she was obsessed with wildlife. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I loved camping and I always enjoyed going to the demonstrations </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that were hosted by the park rangers. After one of these demonstrations, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we went to the park gift shop and my parent's bought me a book about chipmunks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read that book to death. I wish I still had it, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but it was extremely well loved and one day it made it's way to the recycling bin. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I found The Smithsonian Series at my local book store, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was filled with nostaglia for my long lost chipmunk book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I know that any little one who loves animals will love to learn from this </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">brilliantly illustrated series."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a quick look at the four books you will receive!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How beautiful are those illustrations?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later today I will be posting part #02</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to finish up this great giveaway,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the winner will be announced tomorrow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't entered yet, click <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-favorite-books-giveaway.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to view the original post...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in love with each and every one of these books, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and don't want you to miss out! </span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-54684837894393094482014-11-04T08:37:00.002-07:002014-11-12T23:21:29.333-07:00Merry & Bright Collection | #01<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the weekend I added a few new additions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints?section_id=16242273&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">Merry & Bright Holiday Collection</a>,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and am so excited to share!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and just thinking about Christmas cards puts a huge smile on my face!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here they are, three new additions!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hDs6T-RF88/VFjwnAthKBI/AAAAAAAACuo/BH4bn-pOF3U/s1600/Christmas%2BFive%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hDs6T-RF88/VFjwnAthKBI/AAAAAAAACuo/BH4bn-pOF3U/s1600/Christmas%2BFive%2BBlog.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209245870/merry-christmas-chalkboard-photo-card?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Merry Christmas Chalkboard Photo Card (5x7)</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuxt_UbtfDU/VFjw5MGh0yI/AAAAAAAACuw/JWKMfczEjKQ/s1600/Christmas%2BOne%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuxt_UbtfDU/VFjw5MGh0yI/AAAAAAAACuw/JWKMfczEjKQ/s1600/Christmas%2BOne%2BBlog.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209560592/merry-christmas-lights-photo-card-5x7?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Merry Christmas Lights Photo Card (5x7)</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWUxsBvNdnk/VFjxUT7aDgI/AAAAAAAACu4/JQgOmfLbMgM/s1600/Christmas%2BSix%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWUxsBvNdnk/VFjxUT7aDgI/AAAAAAAACu4/JQgOmfLbMgM/s1600/Christmas%2BSix%2BBlog.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209245086/joys-of-christmas-photo-card-5x7?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Joys Of Christmas Photo Card (5x7)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just because- I'll be adding a couple Thanksgiving cards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is never a bad time to send a personalized greeting with </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">updated family photos! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ1MFudc4bE/VFjxupd_lhI/AAAAAAAACvA/Qj-aVfh_g_U/s1600/Thanksgiving%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ1MFudc4bE/VFjxupd_lhI/AAAAAAAACvA/Qj-aVfh_g_U/s1600/Thanksgiving%2BBlog.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209599661/happy-thanksgiving-photo-card-5x7?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">Happy Thanksgiving Photo Card (5x7)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only would I love to help you with your holiday cards this year,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I'd love to hear your thoughts below! </span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-87758550910636075822014-11-03T23:29:00.002-07:002014-11-04T08:51:24.386-07:00My Favorite Books Giveaway | Feature #03<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay loves,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just two more days until the winner of the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Favorite Books Giveaway is announced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm seriously so excited,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm ready to ship these amazing books off to their new home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few more bloggers to feature today! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I want to start off with</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dana from Sweet Shoppe Mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dana traded her career in biotechnology </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to open Simply Sweets Cake Studio in Scottsdale, AZ</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(ummm... totally going to have to check that one out!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dana fell in love with blogging and social media as she worked to market her business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">& In 2012 she decided to launch Sweet Shoppe Mom </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so she could blog about her own interests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dana donated </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicka Chica Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and what a fun book this is!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xg2ydpeyuk/VFhnlDdRQUI/AAAAAAAACto/EJvC7-QQ14o/s1600/DSC_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xg2ydpeyuk/VFhnlDdRQUI/AAAAAAAACto/EJvC7-QQ14o/s1600/DSC_0179.jpg" height="400" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have it for my little man yet, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but it's on his Christmas List!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's bright colors and fun rhymes </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are sure to make this a favorite for your little one!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EPNrci5BBs/VFho0Vb87cI/AAAAAAAACt0/teQdtMqbefg/s1600/DSC_0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EPNrci5BBs/VFho0Vb87cI/AAAAAAAACt0/teQdtMqbefg/s1600/DSC_0188.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I have Suzanna from <a href="http://www.onehooliemama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Hoolie Mama</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">Suzanna is "a mama to a bunch of hooligans (aka “hoolies”) both furry and non-furry. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">I am a w</span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">ife to my wonderful, long-suffering husband, </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">boy mom (#BabyD and #BabyD2), </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">fur mom (5 dogs and a cat at the moment), </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">runner (who may or ma</span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">y not be slower than a turtle running through peanut butter) and </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">fitness enthusiast, blogger, volunteer, who also happens to work full time."</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">What. Even with being a stay at home mom</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">I'm not sure how she wears so many hats,</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">but she inspires me, that's for sure! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">Suzanna donated </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://robertmunsch.com/book/love-you-forever" target="_blank">Love You Forever</a> by Robert Munsch</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">and who doesn't love this book!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rs5XbbZ4ZiQ/VFhrB_sl7DI/AAAAAAAACuA/_6FN2LCeylk/s1600/DSC_0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rs5XbbZ4ZiQ/VFhrB_sl7DI/AAAAAAAACuA/_6FN2LCeylk/s1600/DSC_0122.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">It's a must have for everyone's book collection</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">big or small, </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">and it definitely takes on a whole new meaning once you become a mama yourself!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcMYtW9Aj50/VFhrUbs3adI/AAAAAAAACuI/0UHh4DjirAM/s1600/DSC_0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcMYtW9Aj50/VFhrUbs3adI/AAAAAAAACuI/0UHh4DjirAM/s1600/DSC_0124.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">Our next book comes courtesy of Dee from <a href="http://thecsiproject.com/#axzz3I4ptujjp" target="_blank">The CSI Project</a>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: start;">Okay. Seriously. How much fun is she?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"My name is Dee and I am the CSI crafty girl! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a diet coke
with lime drinkin’, modge podge lovin’, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">anything that glitters and sparkles
makes me happy, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">party throwin’, church goin’, pj lovin’ crafty girl! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did I
mention spray paintin’ crafty girl’? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite color is glitter and I am
obsessed with leopard print!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favorite color- Glitter. Check. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure we could be besties in the real world. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For this giveaway, Dee donated</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.seussville.com/books/book_detail.php?isbn=9780394806228" target="_blank">Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?</a> by the one and only Dr. Seuss. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8PVjyB27h4/VFhvaCWCHxI/AAAAAAAACuY/dm6H7UXuqds/s1600/DSC_0142_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8PVjyB27h4/VFhvaCWCHxI/AAAAAAAACuY/dm6H7UXuqds/s1600/DSC_0142_edited-1.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have this as well as a million other Dr. Seuss books</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for my little man and although I tend to get tongue tied, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they are all so much fun to read!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I asked Dee why this was one of her favorite children's books</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she replied,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I have always loved the words of Dr. Seuss </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and becoming a step mom meant I could share this love with my step daughter. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Brown Can Moo, is a favorite of my step daughter's. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, in honor of her and the incredible gift she is to me, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope the winner of this giveaway can make wonderful memories too!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my goodness, so many great books to share, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">later today I will be sharing two more books</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that are perfect for the holidays right around the corner! </span></span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-13616934476743848132014-11-03T01:20:00.001-07:002014-11-04T08:50:47.721-07:00My Favorite Books Giveaway | Features #02<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you have all had fun reading about the </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Favorite Books Giveaway, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which goes until Wednesday (midnight).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I'd like to share a few more great bloggers </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the books they donated!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first blogger I'd like to introduce to you today is </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sara from <a href="http://www.sunshinewhispers.com/" target="_blank">Sunshine Whispers</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33gqeRhr2WY/VFclsui9VwI/AAAAAAAACrE/wzDpX_3CuZg/s1600/Sunshine%2BWhispers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33gqeRhr2WY/VFclsui9VwI/AAAAAAAACrE/wzDpX_3CuZg/s1600/Sunshine%2BWhispers.jpg" height="111" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sara is "a<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.3125px;"> Mom who loves God, loves her family and friends, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.3125px;">and loves to have fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.3125px;">Seeking the ever elusive work-life balance and </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.3125px;">having a blast keeping up with a beautifully spirited little girl!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sara chose to donate </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nancytillman.com/books/sleep/" target="_blank">It's Time To Sleep My Love</a> by Nancy Tilman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sara had such great things to say about this book and why</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it is one of her favorites.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It's Time To Sleep My Love" is such a beautiful book. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The illustrations by Nancy Tillman are magical... </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the kind of artwork you want to frame and hang in your child's room. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">he words of the book are lyrical-lilting and as I read the book, I often find myself </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">trying to imagine Garrison Keillor reading it with his slow, musical voice. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">When our daughter was younger we could actually read the book in such a way </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">that by the end of it she was literally nodding off. It is still one of her favorites."</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbwdh7X-uaE/VFcoLqBfVLI/AAAAAAAACrk/AjiBBTYMLuI/s1600/DSC_0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbwdh7X-uaE/VFcoLqBfVLI/AAAAAAAACrk/AjiBBTYMLuI/s1600/DSC_0115.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next we have JoAnn & Megan from <a href="http://www.awhimsiclelife.com/" target="_blank">A Whimsical Life</a></span>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef1VHWUqZDs/VFctJiykJtI/AAAAAAAACr0/zYp6hW_OZN0/s1600/Whimsicle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef1VHWUqZDs/VFctJiykJtI/AAAAAAAACr0/zYp6hW_OZN0/s1600/Whimsicle.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just how fun are these two!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JoAnn & Megan blog specifically to those living in the Phoenix area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Which I'm loving since I live in the Phoenix area!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each weekday they publish creative
ideas for kid’s activities, places to go in the Phoenix area, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">funny parenting
stories, recipes, book reviews, and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JoAnn & Megan are the women behind Whimsicle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moms
themselves, they like to conquer each day with humor and humility, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">offering insight and inspiration along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JoAnn & Megan chose to donate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/if-you-give-dog-donut#cart/cleanup" target="_blank">If You Give A Dog A Donut</a> by Laura Numeroff.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEpGnFiJwO4/VFcvx2qQ-RI/AAAAAAAACsA/6ZUP_SMl-QQ/s1600/DSC_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEpGnFiJwO4/VFcvx2qQ-RI/AAAAAAAACsA/6ZUP_SMl-QQ/s1600/DSC_0133.jpg" height="400" width="371" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When asked why this was one of their favorite children's books,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JoAnn shared, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">"If You Give A Dog a Donut" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">was one of the first books that my daughter figured out how to read herself. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5diWpGIpaY/VFcwG7ZiNfI/AAAAAAAACsI/Y5cwfwXqLOw/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5diWpGIpaY/VFcwG7ZiNfI/AAAAAAAACsI/Y5cwfwXqLOw/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">Since it has a predictable text structure, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">she was able to easily figure out what the words say by using the pictures </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">and knowing the structure of the story. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">She was so happy reading it and it gave her such a big sense of pride. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">All of these Laura Numeroff books are favorites in my house. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">We also love "If You Give A Mouse a Cookie" and "If You Give A Pig A Pancake."</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYSHz5lT2Kk/VFcww31V4mI/AAAAAAAACsU/cZ6wn8KpN6w/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYSHz5lT2Kk/VFcww31V4mI/AAAAAAAACsU/cZ6wn8KpN6w/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These next books were donated by one of my </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sweet friends Jacquie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacquie works with 4th-5th graders at a before-after school program</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and this fall will be an assistant teacher for the little ones in Pre-K.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't even imagine all the fun children's books she will be reading in her future! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacquie chose to donate two sets of <a href="http://pbskids.org/sesame/" target="_blank">Sesame Street</a> books. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGRCkrEaG64/VFcyt-85NlI/AAAAAAAACsg/77nEWJ20eyo/s1600/DSC_0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGRCkrEaG64/VFcyt-85NlI/AAAAAAAACsg/77nEWJ20eyo/s1600/DSC_0128.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qpHYfgGkhs/VFczMrwekFI/AAAAAAAACso/gx5v7w7Rrv0/s1600/DSC_0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qpHYfgGkhs/VFczMrwekFI/AAAAAAAACso/gx5v7w7Rrv0/s1600/DSC_0129.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacquie chose to donate these two sets </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because she grew up watching and loving Sesame Street. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She shared that, "It is a great learning show, and has so many lovable characters. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought it would be a perfect set for another little boy or girl to learn with and love." </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She also donated 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed (not pictured, sorry!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It is a fun counting song, one of the most memorable from my childhood. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book is cute, and I couldn't resist since it came with a CD full of songs!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last blogger I have to share with you today, is another dear friend.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samantha of <a href="http://www.sweetsammiphotography.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Sammi Photography</a>.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD0cR1cYuZo/VFc3PlLwMCI/AAAAAAAACs0/oaT-sowEwAc/s1600/sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD0cR1cYuZo/VFc3PlLwMCI/AAAAAAAACs0/oaT-sowEwAc/s1600/sam.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have known Samantha for over half my life, and she is like a sister to me,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I was beyond excited when she wanted to participate!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samantha just started her photography business, </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so definitely check her out when you get the chance!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here photos are beautiful, especially the ones of her two handsome little boys!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samantha chose to donate</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-morning-good-night-melanie-mitchell/1115272061?ean=9781581172799" target="_blank">Good Morning, Good Night</a> by Melanie Mitchell.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezYsOMtcs4s/VFc3mQUm3wI/AAAAAAAACs8/AJlpuTMD1Zo/s1600/DSC_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezYsOMtcs4s/VFc3mQUm3wI/AAAAAAAACs8/AJlpuTMD1Zo/s1600/DSC_0171.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.3pt;"> This book was chosen </span><span style="line-height: 21.7333335876465px;">because</span><span style="line-height: 16.3pt;"> it is was her oldest son's</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"> favorite books as a baby. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">"Now he likes to take the book and will try to read it to himself or to his brother. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">I especially love the touch and feel part of the book with the different textures."</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzJIg65uj8w/VFc5IgR_IhI/AAAAAAAACtI/jbANsDvbpQg/s1600/DSC_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzJIg65uj8w/VFc5IgR_IhI/AAAAAAAACtI/jbANsDvbpQg/s1600/DSC_0177.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned, tomorrow I will be featuring four more amazing bloggers, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with four more amazing books!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And again,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you haven't entered the My Favorite Books Giveaway yet,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you have a few more days to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just click <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-favorite-books-giveaway.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to take you to the official entry form!</span></div>
Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-55740032175704807842014-10-30T01:30:00.002-07:002014-10-30T01:43:13.788-07:00My Favorite Books Giveaway | Feature<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am starting today with two features in the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-favorite-books-giveaway.html" target="_blank">My Favorite Books Giveaway</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to share all the great bloggers that chose to participate </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in this great giveaway,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as well as share why they chose the books they did! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first blogger I'd like to introduce you to is</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meagan of </span><a href="http://www.thecurriednut.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Curried Nut</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-CTAMUmbw/VFHvtW44bPI/AAAAAAAACqI/w0SOwLpeZVA/s1600/Curried-Nut-Header11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-CTAMUmbw/VFHvtW44bPI/AAAAAAAACqI/w0SOwLpeZVA/s1600/Curried-Nut-Header11.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meagan is a born-and-bred Washingtonian who likes to wax eloquent on apples, </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lord of the Rings, and the finer points of Indian restaurants. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is an avid reader, and has been blogging since February 2013.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She uses blogging as an excuse to try things she might not otherwise do.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meagan chose to donate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.icanread.com/9780064440455/morris-goes-to-school" target="_blank">Morris Goes To School</a> by B. Wiseman</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j43g27rjKo8/VFHb31lXiFI/AAAAAAAACpc/YdJoJPcpHzU/s1600/MD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j43g27rjKo8/VFHb31lXiFI/AAAAAAAACpc/YdJoJPcpHzU/s1600/MD1.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morris Goes to School is a part of the <a href="https://www.icanread.com/" target="_blank">I Can Read</a> book series,</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and is a great book to have on hand for when your little ones first start reading.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-225dqhvWhDI/VFHt-6HU8MI/AAAAAAAACp8/Q6NBXlRlcMA/s1600/MD2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-225dqhvWhDI/VFHt-6HU8MI/AAAAAAAACp8/Q6NBXlRlcMA/s1600/MD2-2.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I asked Meagan why this was one of her favorite children's books, she said</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">"I read<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.icanread.com/9780064440455/morris-goes-to-school" target="_blank">Morris Goes to School</a></span><span style="text-align: start;"> when I was in early elementary; it’s one of the first
books </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">I remember reading on my own, and I loved it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">The pictures, the story,
everything. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">I read a lot of books over the years, and this was absolutely one
of my favorites. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">Its charm has withstood the test of time, and as I read it now
to my nieces and nephew </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">(and see nephew pointing, smiling, and tracing over
Morris’s antlers), </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">I am truly blessed to pass along the love I feel for this
little book to the next generation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next blogger I'd like to introduce you to is</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chrissy of </span><a href="http://www.shinebrightlittlemama.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Shine Bright Little Mama</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--86F-IFsYUM/VFHzO0dWNdI/AAAAAAAACqg/SS9mJq2Ycz4/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--86F-IFsYUM/VFHzO0dWNdI/AAAAAAAACqg/SS9mJq2Ycz4/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chrissy is a mom of three and created her blog</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"in hopes of helping other mamas out there realize that they too</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">can shine bright</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">even when their little darlings are in the midst of a full blown tantrum."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need more people like Chrissy in the world! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chrissy chose to donate</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.workman.com/products/9781563054426/" target="_blank">Barnyard Dance</a> by Sandra Boynton</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2S46WzVTHo/VFHyLBP2wSI/AAAAAAAACqU/PjMnU8Mop68/s1600/CF1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2S46WzVTHo/VFHyLBP2wSI/AAAAAAAACqU/PjMnU8Mop68/s1600/CF1.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I asked Chrissy why Barnyard Dance was one of her favorite</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">children's books, she said</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The <a href="http://www.workman.com/products/9781563054426/" target="_blank">Barnyard Dance</a>” by Sandra Boynton </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">was given to my son </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">as a birthday gift a couple of years ago. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My kids instantly fell in love with the silliness and musical rhythm of the book. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to read it using different voices! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have since read Boynton’s other books, and love them just as much as this one!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DqRQVkanZk/VFH0I1l7AcI/AAAAAAAACqo/Y2Klekdmg9k/s1600/CF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DqRQVkanZk/VFH0I1l7AcI/AAAAAAAACqo/Y2Klekdmg9k/s1600/CF2.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a couple books by Sandra Boynton for my little man,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I not only have to agree with Chrissy </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I promise you they are so much fun to read!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More bloggers and great books to come!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is still plenty of time to enter, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you haven't entered yet, just click <a href="http://simplysweetmoments.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-favorite-books-giveaway.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to do so! </span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-59305179784788902662014-10-29T08:07:00.001-07:002014-10-29T09:38:53.458-07:00Holiday Collection Preview<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a> "Holiday Collection" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will officially launch next week,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but today I wanted to share a preview of what I've been working on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the first two additions now available </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a> shop!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I just have to throw this out there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working on this collection </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">makes me wish it was cold and snowy outside, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">while sitting by the fireplace with a peppermint mocha in my hand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and Michael Buble's Christmas album playing in the background. :)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3z-qb4yQV6Q/VFCjEZLbQ4I/AAAAAAAACpE/ZKBGbS6Qj4c/s1600/Four%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3z-qb4yQV6Q/VFCjEZLbQ4I/AAAAAAAACpE/ZKBGbS6Qj4c/s1600/Four%2BBlog.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzbZ7qB_6vM/VFCjqmq-8UI/AAAAAAAACpM/oZykrvmNP3I/s1600/Three%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzbZ7qB_6vM/VFCjqmq-8UI/AAAAAAAACpM/oZykrvmNP3I/s1600/Three%2BBlog.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts! </span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706200435398553574.post-63958546632201235442014-10-28T09:07:00.001-07:002014-10-28T09:07:59.912-07:00Currently<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Currently | 10.28.14</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Watching </b>| Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>For the one hundredth time.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I seriously wonder if I will ever watch adult TV ever again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, if you have little ones and haven't seen this, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's super cute and of course festive! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: 'PT Sans';">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reading</b> | the Hunger Games, Mocking Jay</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Still. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a 22 month old that doesn't nap and sleep you will understand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that sometimes it takes a year to finish a single book. </span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'PT Sans';">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*NO SPOILERS PLEASE & THANK YOU*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Listening To</b> | Taylor Swift "Shake It Off"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because I absolutely love her and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">until I get the new album,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">well this is all I have, haha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Working On </b>| The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetPrints" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Simply Sweet Prints</a> Holiday Collection.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be launching the first three cards tomorrow, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I am seriously, so excited! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also working on my little man's 2nd (sigh) birthday </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">invitation, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">that needs to go out asap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I keep thinking is how on earth is this little thing going to be</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">turning two already?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Feeling</b> | A little less stressed, very overwhelmed, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and so excited for Halloween Friday! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I'm obsessed with each and every holiday, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some holidays being extremely obsessed "insert Christmas here")</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Planning</b> | Planning my little man's 2nd birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that we have a set location (our home)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am starting to plan out what and where everything will go, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and how crazy (or not so crazy) I want to get in the decorating department.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I tend to go overboard easily.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Loving </b>| That my husband will be home Thursday, for good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's had some out of state training and it's been a stressful month.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once he gets home, I'm never letting him leave me ever again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My Favorite Photo </b>| We took the little guy to a Fall Fest this past weekend, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm not sure if it was the fest in general, the pumpkin patch that he absolutely loved,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or the sucker in his hand... but oh my gosh, this picture! </span></div>
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Erica Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01733042519991034306noreply@blogger.com47