tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11063804903838443712024-03-14T04:41:17.101+01:00Jennifer the GeminiA little something about everythingJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-15305193371494687632012-06-08T10:30:00.000+02:002012-06-08T15:59:12.627+02:00One more thing...<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b5hYBMZft9w" width="420"></iframe></center><br />
<ul>
<li>Laughed out loud at the trailer for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1710417/">this movie</a>. Really hoping it <a href="http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/5168">comes to Amsterdam</a>.</li>
<li>I will wear sunscreen every day after seeing this <a href="http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2012/06/do-you-drive-the-same-route-ev.html?mbid=social_fb_fanpage">shocking case study</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.doobybrain.com/2012/06/05/a-pink-ethernet-cable/">A cable</a> you wouldn't want to hide!</li>
<li>Just added <a href="http://jenniferthegemini.blogspot.nl/p/bucket-list.html">#21 to my life list</a>, but maybe I should include <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NHGeSr3pFE&feature=player_embedded">this as part of it</a>.</li>
<li>I had no idea what I was <a href="http://urlybits.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Heyyyy-610x322.png">actually saying</a>!</li>
</ul>
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This week I turned 29.<br/>
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I think that deserves its own paragraph. My brother Andrew is headed here to Holland today in about 3 hours and I. Am. So. Excited. It's my first family member visit in my new country. I get to play tour guide, which is always fun. Plus, he just graduated high school and he's also turning 19 tomorrow. So. Lots of happiness up in here.<br/>
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Hope you guys have fun this weekend!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-78258334141364018732012-06-01T11:00:00.000+02:002012-06-01T11:00:04.618+02:00One more thing...<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.yummly.com/blog/2011/06/10-jello-shots-worth-the-hangover/" target="_blank">Jello shots sure have grown up</a>! I would like one of all of those...</li>
<li>... plus a cocktail mixed by the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=60GJ0dJ1xmE" target="_blank">world's best bartender</a>, please.</li>
<li>More than likely, though, I'll just settle for a beer... that is, if I can find a darn <a href="http://vimeo.com/42674279" target="_blank">beer opener</a>.</li>
<li>So happy to see this <a href="http://laughingsquid.com/isaacs-live-lip-dub-proposal-wonderfully-surprises-his-girlfriend-amy/" target="_blank">adorable proposal</a> -- and that I'm not the only one who thinks Bruno Mars is singing about dancing Jews!</li>
</ul>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-59018765110059561042012-05-25T10:30:00.000+02:002012-05-25T11:26:09.604+02:00One more thing...<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-pv8D-ydR1s" width="560"></iframe></center><br />
<ul>
<li>Just when you thought it was safe to visit YouTube again, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognuueexAOk&feature=youtu.be">new Parry Grip videos</a> to get stuck in your head!</li>
<li><a href="http://exp.lore.com/post/23563690839/so-you-know-why-we-yawn-its-not-why-you" target="_blank">Why we yawn and why it's contagious</a>. (Have you ever seen a fish yawn? There's one in this video!)</li>
<li>Would you try <a href="http://laughingsquid.com/southwest-flight-attendants-make-galley-food-recipes-with-passengers/" target="_blank">airplane food recipes</a>? I'm not sure about that Chocolate Mousse one...</li>
<li>This <a href="http://deepseanews.com/2012/05/solving-the-mystery-of-the-placental-jellyfish/" target="_blank">video</a> is weird and mesmerizing, even if it is just a jellyfish.</li>
<li><a href="http://whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com/post/22807711542/when-my-boyfriend-tries-to-wake-me-up-before-he-leaves" target="_blank">Such a sweet gesture</a>, but why god why?</li>
<li>Just updated my <a href="http://jenniferthegemini.blogspot.com/p/bucket-list.html" target="_blank">Life List</a> to add a visit to one of these <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/pepsinext/10-beautiful-places-in-the-world-that-actually-exi" target="_blank">10 magical places</a>!</li>
<li>The original is good, but <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrYntgFr-s0" target="_blank">this cover</a> might be better...</li>
</ul><br />
Yesterday, Rolan & I celebrated our one-year anniversary as a couple. We decided to go to this laid-back all-you-can-eat sushi place in Amsterdam and exchange gifts there.<br />
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We both were apparently thinking that life was missing some excitement, because we both got each other tickets. I got him two tickets to see his absolute FAVORITE band in The Hague in September. And he reserved us a cabin by a lake in Drenthe for this long, holiday weekend. We are headed there today after work!<br />
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I hope everyone reading has a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! Are you headed somewhere fun?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-51651634653410955232012-05-23T13:35:00.001+02:002012-05-23T14:38:43.324+02:00HuntingI. want. these. shoes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/98510?article=98510-A#article=98510-C" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaYsvt7wtzUvEY-O0Mo6jzyAfu_HoQkvK-ybIObDJpyAVahx5l9tD7R3VGk9pceCH8CjoYJFayIfe-PJeQNi8z8SPh1HlU1s1WZMGTNjFOIpmq3OlgY-bGWcg5wwO4Nw7vbA7yl4e4M4/s400/HM_scallop_shoes.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
There are exactly 11 H&M stores in Amsterdam. Surely one of them...<br />
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<b>UPDATE: </b>Just like a certain honey badger, I take what I want!<br />
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Here was the need for all the urgency:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt2LHGEBSieX-znYHSfGqcyeaDf5Zla93jHXRaFObrkGyY3i0Xu_am7TnVV__cundF29A_7V7SFAYei_MC0QNf-cfTseEfgzikEALIYuByqHMZXdwxF5I7pNPar1NooD68H_vSTsFpFY/s1600/broken_shoes" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt2LHGEBSieX-znYHSfGqcyeaDf5Zla93jHXRaFObrkGyY3i0Xu_am7TnVV__cundF29A_7V7SFAYei_MC0QNf-cfTseEfgzikEALIYuByqHMZXdwxF5I7pNPar1NooD68H_vSTsFpFY/s320/broken_shoes" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sadly, my favorite pair of animal print flats from Charlotte Russe have a big mouth and just can't keep it shut. These shoes have lasted over two summer seasons and they were really cheap, so they were a good buy. I just hate to see a good shoe go down this way. I think I'll let Rolan try to glue them. :)<br />
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I hopped over to the Dam Square on my lunch break and scoped out the local H&M's scalloped cut-out shoe offering. They had all three available colors, but I kinda fell in love with the neon yellow. The "powder" color (above) is actually a lot more pale pink in person. I don't wear a lot of pale pink.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBlfK6A2YG-sAPiTBrw7G3QYzbd8vpHIwBU1Z0zBBnWL20o2MtLcfHVeU0Emv9iJngF87QN1n-zPlc1bTsQKZ9osM22k_A1tGl8QC6Sn4cfV7uT0U2Y6GcihrD7RIMI1Xwm5ESshbIgY/s1600/neonyellow_shoes" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBlfK6A2YG-sAPiTBrw7G3QYzbd8vpHIwBU1Z0zBBnWL20o2MtLcfHVeU0Emv9iJngF87QN1n-zPlc1bTsQKZ9osM22k_A1tGl8QC6Sn4cfV7uT0U2Y6GcihrD7RIMI1Xwm5ESshbIgY/s400/neonyellow_shoes" width="400" /></a></div>
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Who knows, though. Maybe I'll go back and get the powder ones too. These shoes are VERY soft and comfortable. And only $24.95!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-20790402428035752912012-05-11T17:00:00.000+02:002012-05-25T10:28:30.184+02:00One more thing...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/5442180704_b98ae753fd_b-640x426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/5442180704_b98ae753fd_b-640x426.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">picture via <a href="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/05/nikolaj-lund-reinvents-classical-music-portraiture/" target="_blank">thisiscolossal</a></span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>These <a href="http://www.nikolajlund.com/" target="_blank">photos of classical musicians</a> are so fun!<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/05/nikolaj-lund-reinvents-classical-music-portraiture/" target="_blank"></a></span></li>
<li>Two friends who love the song "somebody that I used to know" by GOTYE make a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNtoq6SJ3_A" target="_blank">music video</a>. Somehow even more interesting than the original. (And a <a href="http://klgh.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/10/11638180-adorable-baby-grooving-in-car-to-gotye-goes-viral?lite">baby version</a>!)</li>
<li>Would you wear this <a href="http://www.idontlikemondays.us/page/IDLM/PROD/WOMENS-NEW-ALL/10001614" target="_blank">chain lock necklace</a>?</li>
<li>Did you guys know that <a href="http://translate.google.com/#de%7Cde%7Cpv%20zk%20bschk%20pv%20zk%20pv%20bschk%20zk%20pv%20zk%20bschk%20pv%20zk%20pv%20bschk%20zk%20bschk%20pv%20bschk%20bschk%20pv%20kkkkkkkkkk%20bschk%0A%0A">Google Translate can beatbox</a>? I am a couple years behind on this, but nonetheless impressed.</li>
</ul>
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Rolan and I are headed to Groningen this weekend to spend Mother's Day with his parents. Not only is it Mother's Day, there's also a birthday for his dad so I'm hoping for some <i>lekker</i> (delicious) cake in my future! And plenty of quality time with the family.<br />
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Have a great weekend!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-89267892325288414122012-05-07T22:58:00.001+02:002012-05-08T10:50:02.040+02:00Weekend recap: Fiets!All last week Rolan was hinting that he had a surprise for me. He gave me few hints, but told me that he had to pick it up from Middelburg (basically Belgium!) on Friday after work. He got home on Friday night around midnight with tired eyes and...<br />
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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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszuln3jH_chaKwwIyGDldzCSEEbxutqDCQyUfj1H096PI6A1-b5EBH0xLF93tnksnEsqeinNsA26gWWSDNqvuIDpGnMiBr22bYHiGKi-OwxEmXuQFbV0DMMDg2nTkA7wmXWUQjwq_dgQ/s1600/tumblr_l5pr2mCPK31qchei5o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszuln3jH_chaKwwIyGDldzCSEEbxutqDCQyUfj1H096PI6A1-b5EBH0xLF93tnksnEsqeinNsA26gWWSDNqvuIDpGnMiBr22bYHiGKi-OwxEmXuQFbV0DMMDg2nTkA7wmXWUQjwq_dgQ/s1600/tumblr_l5pr2mCPK31qchei5o1_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11662171@N02/" target="_blank">mulleady</a></span></td></tr>
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... my new bike! Of course it has taken awhile to get to this point, as any big purchase does for us.<br />
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We decided on a folding bike (<i>vouwfiets</i>) because I wanted to bike on my daily commute. With a folding bike, I can bike to the train station, fold it up for train travel, and then bike to work.<br />
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I also liked the idea of being able to bring my bike with me when we go on vacation, since it's really hard to find rental bikes in Holland that fit my short legs. (People here are super tall! Seriously!)<br />
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Lastly, it's nice to not have to worry about locking up my bike since I can just bring it with me -- indoors and outdoors. There is even a line of bags you can attach to the front so that when the handlebars are not folded, <a href="http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/biking-on-a-brompton-ii-shopping/" target="_blank">you can use your bike as a shopping cart</a>.<br />
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We visited a local bike shop two weekends ago to peruse the folding bikes, thinking we were going to fall in love with a <a href="http://www.dahon.com/bikes/2011/ciao-d5" target="_blank">Dahon Ciao</a> since that's the bike I loved on the internet. But it only took one comparison of the folding mechanism between the two to know that the Brompton was the one for me. It was lighter, it was easier to fold and the salesman told us the Bromptons tend to last longer. Sold right there already, but then we watched him do this:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2Bx0NwaEIR0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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The store we went to didn't have the color I wanted with the 6 gear option and I wasn't sure if we should buy it new (€1200!) right then and there, so we decided to think about it. But sneaky Rolan found the EXACT bike we were looking for on a second-hand web site for much, much cheaper.<br />
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We tried it out yesterday for a 30-minute trip to Rolan's sister's house for a birthday party and it worked perfectly. Now I just have to get my legs to be able to do the same...<br />
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So how was your weekend? Did anyone surprise you? Finally pull the trigger on any big purchases you've been planning?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-78865019542177090112012-05-04T13:03:00.000+02:002012-05-04T13:10:56.292+02:00One more thing...... before you head out for the weekend, do one of the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Listen to this one song: <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Pl9H7LEO_rk" width="420"></iframe><br />(Love Imagine Dragons. Been listening to them all week on repeat. Not exaggerating.)</li>
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<li>Read what one blogger is <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2012/5/3/things-im-afraid-to-tell-you.html" target="_blank">afraid to tell you</a>.<br />(And then read what the other bloggers posted, too! Very brave and inspiring writing there!)</li>
<li>Check out what one Dutch artist is doing with <a href="http://laughingsquid.com/incredible-packing-tape-art-by-max-zorn/" target="_blank">packing tape</a>!</li>
<li>Try this one simple beauty trick for a <a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/04/beautician-magician-lip-illusion/" target="_blank">more voluminous lip</a>!</li>
<li>Subscribe to this one <a href="http://dailyworth.com/subscribe" target="_blank">email list</a> with practical money tips for women. I love reading these every day!</li>
</ul>
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Today is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_of_the_Dead" target="_blank">Remembrance Day</a> here in The Netherlands, a day to remember the civilians and soldiers who died in World War II. And tomorrow, on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_Day_%28The_Netherlands%29" target="_blank">Liberation Day</a>, the citizens of Holland celebrate their liberation from German occupation.<br />
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I am only still a little bit Dutch, but I will at least be celebrating my liberation from work for two days. :)<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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</ul>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-5522913781655987102012-05-02T11:51:00.000+02:002012-05-25T10:28:54.993+02:00Weekend recap: Queen's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, as I mentioned (more than) a few times last week, this past weekend was a holiday weekend. Sunday night, the night before <i>Koninginnedag</i> (Queen's Day), is referred to as Queen's Night. This is basically <i>the</i> biggest celebration in The Netherlands.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_lhlyLJScP7OEBIpi9Td1RAcQB7TTXTCzD9zCjF2uQakC8BDZ8XOLVd8Dg-vqNGsNo6jUqk0dNS_3CDYxpJwYzQaSOGY0nNkBBSZRveifGmuKHC7qDizlmfY2Yykp-lJgwMBXEM4LeI/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_lhlyLJScP7OEBIpi9Td1RAcQB7TTXTCzD9zCjF2uQakC8BDZ8XOLVd8Dg-vqNGsNo6jUqk0dNS_3CDYxpJwYzQaSOGY0nNkBBSZRveifGmuKHC7qDizlmfY2Yykp-lJgwMBXEM4LeI/s1600/photo-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Rolan and I headed out Queen's Night with his cousins and their dates in tow. We hung out for a while on the Domplein in Utrecht, where a radio station was DJing live right there in front of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht" target="_blank">centuries-old church</a> and a huge crowd. There were dozens of places like this throughout the city, where someone had just plopped a stage and hundreds of people gathered to drink and dance.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gerardstolk/4143693993/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="aanschaf oliebollen by Gerard Stolk (vers l'Ascension), on Flickr"><img alt="aanschaf oliebollen" height="180" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2542/4143693993_1841711ed2_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Originally uploaded by Flickr user<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gerardstolk/">Gerard Stolk (vers l'Ascension)</a></td></tr>
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I also had my first chance to sit by the <i>gracht</i> and enjoy a glass of wine. And I had my first <i>oliebollen</i>, a doughnut-like treat that comes as a ball covered in powdered sugar.<br />
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We had to end the night a little earlier than most people did, around midnight, so that we could get up early on Sunday to see the Queen of Holland in Rhenen. <i>Koninginnedag</i> is an opportunity for the Queen to honor citizens for their service to the Netherlands and she did so this year by visiting the city of Rhenen and Veenendaal. We got a few chances to see her and the royal family pass by as they made their walking tour through the city, shaking hands with people and interacting with the random activities the citizens had set up along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxtjVaxU3FTxRBfwSc5ie_9u2gwtMHpJx3fWWJkTv2ZZeARFH9Bbi1PsY-SczJ3xKbbjDW9pPDpcuuq-aTqqx4Xc4HoG4CgqUBHrOUYTVwhEs1T_E3oK2VRcrFDu3DzJEkkkFfgx4YTw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxtjVaxU3FTxRBfwSc5ie_9u2gwtMHpJx3fWWJkTv2ZZeARFH9Bbi1PsY-SczJ3xKbbjDW9pPDpcuuq-aTqqx4Xc4HoG4CgqUBHrOUYTVwhEs1T_E3oK2VRcrFDu3DzJEkkkFfgx4YTw/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I even managed to snap this picture on the right of the queen as she passed by us pretty close:<br />
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She's the one in the big purple hat holding flowers. *wink*<br />
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All in all, it was a really wonderful weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect, there was a feeling of celebration and happiness in the air and all of Holland was in a joyful mood.<br />
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We don't get too many holiday weekends for celebrating here in The Netherlands, so when they do get one -- they go all out.<br />
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P.S. Did you see that Joanna Goddard from <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Cup of Jo</a> came to Amsterdam this past weekend? She and her husband took a last-minute trip here and I can't wait to see what she has to say about her experience. She already posted about the spectacle that is <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/04/motherhood-mondays-biking-in-amsterdam.html" target="_blank">biking in Amsterdam</a>. Check it out!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-22050254925704636682012-04-26T17:43:00.000+02:002012-04-26T17:48:13.273+02:00Nail on the headI am pretty new to the nail polish scene, having only kicked my terrible nail-biting habit about a year ago. But I am pretty excited to try some of the cool <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=nail+art">nail polish art</a> I've been seeing on Pinterest.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I know that red is supposed to be a lady's go-to color when it comes to nails and lips, but I just do not think that red looks right on me. And given that I am used to my nails being their natural color, I tended to shy away from any bright or bold colors there. But I have been more adventurous lately when it comes to my nails. Exhibit A:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMOjC3oHOhrSaKHq_62GgrP1J7TK2tGH3SWL-3QS9Yn9WAeQ6gHuL3cvXY2uRy2i6UMXarvEM1neHT04ygg9bj5DNMP2L8QPBzZmYTzktt00j5fBS8CdHLm9uoaNS5-uJUwUKsrcYZ_M/s1600/coral_nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMOjC3oHOhrSaKHq_62GgrP1J7TK2tGH3SWL-3QS9Yn9WAeQ6gHuL3cvXY2uRy2i6UMXarvEM1neHT04ygg9bj5DNMP2L8QPBzZmYTzktt00j5fBS8CdHLm9uoaNS5-uJUwUKsrcYZ_M/s400/coral_nails.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M's Coral Rose, found in store for €0.95</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What I have been loving lately about nail polish is that it's a great way to add a pop of a trendy color without shelling out a lot of money on a wardrobe piece. The nail polish I finally decided on was H&M's Coral Rose. Coral is on trend lately, of course, but it also helps that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koninginnedag">Queen's Day</a> (when all the Dutch locals will be decked out in orange) is right around the corner.<br />
<br />
If you're like me and tend to steer towards a more neutral palette for your nails, here's a tip that helped me go for a bolder nail color: pick out your favorite shades at the polish counter and stroke one layer of each onto one nail.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv4GocnTzxVqxYn8u73n0TPwsoy-8tP0ZiNJASUwIf7ivq06Sgel9zcfbfN9NHqpWmJ5dgivMM-tZ1RLHkuUa0BwSZcU50DkIKeSahXeDhRMSI77C3rFyhxFPG2pmLOZUAGpBiVCeZyE/s1600/trial_nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv4GocnTzxVqxYn8u73n0TPwsoy-8tP0ZiNJASUwIf7ivq06Sgel9zcfbfN9NHqpWmJ5dgivMM-tZ1RLHkuUa0BwSZcU50DkIKeSahXeDhRMSI77C3rFyhxFPG2pmLOZUAGpBiVCeZyE/s400/trial_nails.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Then... wait. Give it a good week or so and let the colors sit on your nails while you think it over. This will help you get used to the bolder colors on your nails, but it will also help you to see which color you like more and which polish goes better with the colors already in your wardrobe.<br />
<br />
In the store, I would've easily chosen the grey color you can see on my pointer finger (<i>Zzzzzzzzzzz</i>). The blue and the gold, which I thought I would love, were not so pretty on my nails. The bright pink that I painted on my thumb was one I <i>never</i> would've purchased, as I typically do not like pink, but it was actually the one I ended up liking the most.<br />
<br />
That said, I just realized that the store attendants probably hate me. '<i>There's that girl again.. the one that tests 5 nail polishes and then leaves the store without buying a single one.</i>'Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-26020355473086549752012-04-23T14:42:00.000+02:002012-04-26T13:48:30.334+02:00Weekend recap: Rommelmarkten<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFng9c-XLsaH-fkiun75_HWpHZ1CMFMleq4565RZCLQimO2EYQV0LiF_EAhWSkEtdWaF38LxdKomOKVAjiUCrqNZXLHsy7rP53vghV6g_kPdyg8gQ3ni6w-Rxx_lCmD67vovR2nzcxGs/s1600/5797472341_e1396276f2_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dutch 'rommelmarkt'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFng9c-XLsaH-fkiun75_HWpHZ1CMFMleq4565RZCLQimO2EYQV0LiF_EAhWSkEtdWaF38LxdKomOKVAjiUCrqNZXLHsy7rP53vghV6g_kPdyg8gQ3ni6w-Rxx_lCmD67vovR2nzcxGs/s400/5797472341_e1396276f2_n.jpg" title="Photo by Flickr user leefschool" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Originally uploaded by Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leefschool/">leefschool</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you all had a great weekend!<br />
<br />Rolan and I spent Saturday morning rummaging through the neighborhood <i>rommelmarkt</i>, which is basically the Dutch word for flea market. The whole neighborhood heads outside and spreads their gently loved items on tables and blankets for sale. It's a good way to meet your neighbors and get some cheap goods! The weather did not cooperate much with hail and rain falling intermittently all weekend, but Rolan tells me that this is typical Dutch weather. And it didn't seem to deter the bargain-hunters at all.<br />
<br />
The biggest rommelmarkt will happen this coming weekend. From what I've heard, this rommelmarkt turns Amsterdam into a mad house for a day, with every single <i>gracht</i> (canal) street filled with people and lined with tables piled high with antiques, clothes, etc. And on Monday, Queen's Day, the streets will continue to be filled with people dressed in orange, the color their royal family is named for. I am looking forward to celebrating my first Queen's Day as an honorary <i>Nederlander</i>!<br />
<br />
In true American style, I'm getting the party started early by listening to this fun, upbeat ditty by Electric Guest. It's a real day-changer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yBZgHVXGyBg" width="560">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;It&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-42923391799377515302012-04-20T11:40:00.000+02:002012-04-23T14:46:55.352+02:00Since I've been gone, I...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0Q3HWdESELmmaUcuxT4NlIJ1MjQH3dBBI58ixEcBtdLRpUsq8pm0XTMhetGrfQUquBUOf7LlXQK-tfGLMlQLk3ucrfezapxlPO-Un7gHJieNz1lqLv-zoZvK9kXa6Z5nfFg78Qn5KfA/s1600/216246_972515065058_20710342_46168124_644757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0Q3HWdESELmmaUcuxT4NlIJ1MjQH3dBBI58ixEcBtdLRpUsq8pm0XTMhetGrfQUquBUOf7LlXQK-tfGLMlQLk3ucrfezapxlPO-Un7gHJieNz1lqLv-zoZvK9kXa6Z5nfFg78Qn5KfA/s320/216246_972515065058_20710342_46168124_644757_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><ul><li>... quit my 9-to-5 desk job </li>
<li>... packed up my life in Nashville and moved all my stuff into my parent's house in Ohio</li>
<li>... joined a cruise ship as a photographer</li>
<li>... sailed around Mexico and Alaska for 5 months</li>
<li>... met a handsome, tall, wonderful guy from The Netherlands</li>
<li>... fell in love</li>
<li>... left the cruise ship and moved to The Netherlands</li>
<li>... got a 9-to-5 desk job in The Netherlands</li>
</ul>So, yeah. That was a hell of a year off, huh? Life throws you curve balls sometimes, I guess. You just gotta swing and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
The ship life was demanding and exhausting, but also an experience I wouldn't trade for the world. I laughed, I lived, I loved. But for all the pros of the ship world, there are certainly also cons. I worked seven days a week, I got no sleep, and I had no personal life. But it was scary and it was crazy and I did it. And now my life is VASTLY different because of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXatEG875vDg8VXapfRvbvb2TbwW9xa4bcz8F290qoQcpAUVzQ5Pcu3j1owZZPGn0OSa59fed7sXpc9K80IOaT29mLjUw8kbvU6RzDVR89EOz5HgCg8tciO0dqxqwAoU4WYTtYDkMOX78/s1600/260193_10100102027173728_20710342_46591119_1170159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXatEG875vDg8VXapfRvbvb2TbwW9xa4bcz8F290qoQcpAUVzQ5Pcu3j1owZZPGn0OSa59fed7sXpc9K80IOaT29mLjUw8kbvU6RzDVR89EOz5HgCg8tciO0dqxqwAoU4WYTtYDkMOX78/s320/260193_10100102027173728_20710342_46591119_1170159_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>For one, I am living in another country. On another continent. I want to talk a lot about living abroad more in the future, but right now I will say that if you feel the pull at all to study or live abroad and there is nothing holding you back from doing so, by all means -- do it! It's scary, but -- like anything that is scary -- it is worth it!<br />
<br />
It wasn't as scary as it could've been in my case just because I knew I had my boyfriend here to help me, guide me and hold me when all the stress of moving and immigrating got to be too much. Again, I am planning to talk a lot more about Rolan here in the future, but suffice it to say that there was no doubt in my mind that moving to The Netherlands was the right choice for me.<br />
<br />
So, here we are. Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-90234568182678540882011-02-25T17:53:00.001+01:002011-02-25T17:54:37.403+01:00SiiiiiiiiiiiickWith all the traveling I've been doing, I was bound to catch some kind of bug. I've been sick since returning from my vacation in Florida. Luckily it looks like it's just a flu of some sort so I should be back on my feet by the end of the weekend.<br />
<br />
I'll be posting the last of my 30 for 30 remix outfits as soon as I can get out of bed for longer than an hour at a time.<br />
<br />
Until then, looky what I won:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.magpielovely.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=930" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpQtiSjMy-vkdOshMXWTwloU7O0lAcwPA3cSNdvo_tjf7jIaEoRVSXKVmGY2oPQAXatILSnOP1fyQF6ES-7NOJgAv1_EK-TjWqLce3fox9Z2Gq2gNsPf3Ons-2RQcsAvlB4cUQai-C9U/s400/brydferthrosettetrionecklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rosette Trio Necklace from Magpie Lovely</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I can't wait to pair it with my plain white t-shirts for a fun pop of statement necklace!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-77225418588562794142011-02-20T18:30:00.004+01:002011-02-20T18:30:00.365+01:0030 for 30: Day 17If it looks like I am sleepy in this picture, there's a very simple reason why: I am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MClOOXmOuG8tCbS9EpNnm7tTPWrdmsyAhHWQ2WOl64myXwT_mH18NmfvXMJ8MgNDAZepc4LxXhaBanzHiKgjId7EMQnZvCdnrOiMOvv12uwpnoZunRy9o2X3zs0sqScZZR-V2LB623I/s1600/30for30_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MClOOXmOuG8tCbS9EpNnm7tTPWrdmsyAhHWQ2WOl64myXwT_mH18NmfvXMJ8MgNDAZepc4LxXhaBanzHiKgjId7EMQnZvCdnrOiMOvv12uwpnoZunRy9o2X3zs0sqScZZR-V2LB623I/s1600/30for30_17.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This week I worked a full extra day (8 hours) of overtime. While I don't mind the extra moola, I do mind the sleep I've been missing and the sanity I seem to have misplaced.<br />
<br />
<br />
By the time you read this, though, I will be in Florida on vacation! Yay, vacation! Just in the nick of time! I'll catch back up with you on Wednesday!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-10408900970090939952011-02-19T18:30:00.003+01:002011-02-19T18:30:00.544+01:0030 for 30: Day 16A jacket over a wrap? Ordinarily I wouldn't do this, but...<br />
<br />
...desperate times call for desperate measures. And, friends, I am getting desperate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcKeDT7fmV4GalO8JDHzGzJsIhB9zL7yH3YcKI-OHNEuqsKzn5GfREJubkdBCN54ynJg5dp7w1dSZ93RzDk6eE2LD0_7frDYaSjfyqg2V3fdMojj0ys1pP2gqLdBcM44m8ty3AWeCrlI/s1600/30for30_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcKeDT7fmV4GalO8JDHzGzJsIhB9zL7yH3YcKI-OHNEuqsKzn5GfREJubkdBCN54ynJg5dp7w1dSZ93RzDk6eE2LD0_7frDYaSjfyqg2V3fdMojj0ys1pP2gqLdBcM44m8ty3AWeCrlI/s1600/30for30_16.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I really need to find a better spot for pictures. This one is not doing my shoes justice.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-17286331748756806322011-02-18T23:18:00.000+01:002011-02-18T23:18:55.796+01:00BrowsingSo I know I'm not supposed to buy anything while I'm doing the 30 for 30 challenge, but that doesn't mean I can't (browser) window shop... I hope! Because I've got my eyes on quite a few items I wish I could add to my list:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8793&vid=1&pid=821637" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu91xz7nRmQs-vxvt-aeUbJw519TLk7Hp0sJMYjnQnrbpPT1cUzpAnbSOaCWvX-q3maIDPyAxIp6Tnvp8KrrKYyxmwVXR9XLnUwsn5bCAJhioFcvCdORNOGLai4sinF6FFEARzKnyTB5w/s1600/gap_denimshjirt.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gap Denim shirt (dark wash)</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> <td width="10"><br />
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8793&vid=1&pid=804178" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS8S35tpPwzYnDmBjhPSgk6wYyUq149CtSBZZVxF5wH9s61THrSksiwuvF4mA6Ze9xMDyHDOlOo0tVqYRuWX5q6XaIkAlVP4mnW1162X1gBkt2mPCI2Jy0kUuXnVl8R4H7ChL9xrKhq4/s1600/gap_chambrayshirt.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gap Chambray shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Like one of these shirts from Gap. I've been meaning to add a chambray or denim button-down to my wardrobe for awhile now because they're so versatile and always in style. These are pretty nicely priced right now thanks to a sale. Must. Restrain. Self.<br />
<br />
Banana Republic is KILLING IT in the accessories department for me lately. Want, want, want, want:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=63688&vid=1&pid=832265" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4vP_sf8_0wkY0YTR6_nTX_d5p3BgTM36aKPBxkNAXjdkJeKOgIQFeYnjelYlbGjw1QNFYZ9PmLhfnitgVrXrb3wLuspucBlCAlJ5VsKJ-e3bSCXVDaHa10Xl5eimRTVNaOETWZX0uKs/s200/banana_earring.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="productName">Rondelle bead earring</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> <td width="10"><br />
</td><td align="right"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=63688&vid=1&pid=832412" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmueYpJE1jOBYcn5jVeg3Kbq34i09NcZpDgdeLCLUdLdWneenFgSP33AHypLpDL2m_V8L5Heem8BEdE1CddUWHfb1GxHxkLnEdia0f98IUZhgbRdZmwnUhhxSzaRTJ4WiU1N_OU7xOSH0/s200/banana_pinball.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="productName">Pinball necklace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> </tr>
<tr> <td colspan="3" height="10"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr> <td align="left"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=63688&vid=1&pid=813348" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiKWYJ8bpesUdxhSuciV1RnpuyjLjSp4haAm_MY8ucK-13YN2Cb2l_8P_-mSqVVFCbenQ7EaogyquQZXL6avv2yVCPGIBwh4-WzoJ1tdbHLnKb9sv8yzECHWmIBsHuSdARwjE0Sszg_A/s200/banana_wedge.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="productName">Lahaska<br />
criss-cross wedge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> <td width="10"><br />
</td><td align="right"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=63688&vid=1&pid=832414" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm_hTq1K-nzmiESL6-SmjXBtfc4mctFqMfhopGD7EPEs95shYE6mvQMPBSGk6Uz78Zq6e1FfhzyHsXz9KZbcUvZ6Qb6iMLoyk8Q-tisTZcySozG75pU05FKC736DVpSXrfTriRpUKRCw/s200/banana_necklace.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="productName">Sandpiper<br />
strands necklace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And, seriously, how adorbs is this ruffly white shirt from Ann Taylor Loft? It's just the right amount of business-meets-pleasure, I think:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=31319&N=1200003&categoryId=1720&pCategoryId=3359&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_1720&Nty=1&No=15&loc=TN&defaultColor=White&defaultSizeType=Regular#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPxzFCoXLtqOefHBsLvuUrnIgxgDjJ_dyOKRHHsOCQd25cUbDIQ6AIAqZiyxgI40hbYm28hicyt232qvu4AhyphenhyphennPEYjEFp_pU2jHskLD6wuLLuBVCGI0e4l0kFg4yFqq84qT3VVjIux5Y/s1600/loft_shirt.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I thought that writing all this would be therapeutic and make me stop wanting to rush out right now and buy things. Turns out, no.<br />
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Oh well. Hope ya'll have a fantastic weekend! And if you're a remixer... try to stay away from the malls! There's bound to be TONS of President's Day sales that will be way too tempting!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-1627339587124701002011-02-18T18:30:00.001+01:002011-02-18T18:30:01.280+01:0030 for 30: Day 15We used to have this thing at my work called "Sweater Vest Thursdays" and when I started working there I had no idea what a sweater vest was, much less owned one. But I wanted to fit in and join the fun on Thursdays so I would do my best to find things I could pass off as a sweater vest. Such as:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJfpuRq9fskSYdgbxZYX6MPBSvd9XFwdBYXzs2fk1yreTWjscCAtliy9W-7Rbz2r5rIxvGFd4ob1yz3lLptLL4FvmzfcSNWPo2oHsxmFo1qlOSjJriSp1oEKDbjEtFpFEfZ9LqfwdMCc/s1600/30for30_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJfpuRq9fskSYdgbxZYX6MPBSvd9XFwdBYXzs2fk1yreTWjscCAtliy9W-7Rbz2r5rIxvGFd4ob1yz3lLptLL4FvmzfcSNWPo2oHsxmFo1qlOSjJriSp1oEKDbjEtFpFEfZ9LqfwdMCc/s1600/30for30_15.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The challenge is starting to get hard. I am finding myself standing in my closet in the mornings just staring at my 30 pieces, willing them to put themselves together into outfits for me. Also, I am afraid that I did not take my vacation to FLORIDA into account when I picked my 30 items. I might be sweating to death on vacation.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-81350859855297508752011-02-17T18:12:00.000+01:002011-02-17T18:12:00.723+01:0030 for 30: Day 14Feeling kinda moody and blah, but this was the day I decided to whip out my last "new" item in the list hoping it would pull me out of my funk.<br />
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It didn't.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiICafClGTpsV7rwf3AxTJM69cvvCpg8PXtAmE3CnOJSc9b2n2nkHsslmhqSIN3ShwpmzwhQPDTtbhwCiSV6B5SduMh_Q5IYOJG4NVGFTUnxYxbRFzdlOfLAbUNBbzu4jqTuoO-eT3hQ/s1600/30for30_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiICafClGTpsV7rwf3AxTJM69cvvCpg8PXtAmE3CnOJSc9b2n2nkHsslmhqSIN3ShwpmzwhQPDTtbhwCiSV6B5SduMh_Q5IYOJG4NVGFTUnxYxbRFzdlOfLAbUNBbzu4jqTuoO-eT3hQ/s1600/30for30_14.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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It's okay, though, because I have a vacation coming up this weekend! No funk allowed in Florida!<br />
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I am having such a fun time looking through the blogs of my fellow remixers! You guys are so creative and inspirational. Also, I wish I could raid all of your closets.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-6090828329288779222011-02-16T18:31:00.000+01:002011-02-16T18:31:00.239+01:0030 for 30: Day 13So I actually bought the <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=65182&vid=1&pid=760906">printed tie-neck top</a> and the lilac v-neck sweater on clearance from Gap at the same time... and when I was in the dressing room just trying to see if they both fit I put the sweater over the top willy-nilly like so:<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5ow4Hy1xvI9eUrAixOkr4CDPOoxEt1QUG2iSEeEFUEnY_jHbGHybCNYd-rnsydSL729bR5Hfdfw_64c9rqd5yigesbIrKm3dS-HtAVO4lMsYeT6-X57NdgA2t6fVfIXjuz9McdQlDA0/s1600/30for30_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5ow4Hy1xvI9eUrAixOkr4CDPOoxEt1QUG2iSEeEFUEnY_jHbGHybCNYd-rnsydSL729bR5Hfdfw_64c9rqd5yigesbIrKm3dS-HtAVO4lMsYeT6-X57NdgA2t6fVfIXjuz9McdQlDA0/s1600/30for30_13.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>And I thought... 'Jennifer, you are a GENIUS.' It's like 3 shirts now. Yep. 1 + 1 = 3.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So. Like I said. Genius.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Speaking of genius, I LOVE Latoya's pattern mixing in <a href="http://achameleonscloset.blogspot.com/2011/02/another-mix.html">this outfit</a>. I rarely mix patterns, so her outfit is an inspiration for sure.</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-18326419877392113232011-02-15T18:25:00.002+01:002011-02-15T18:25:00.236+01:0030 for 30: Day 11 & 12After this post I have officially worn all but one piece of clothing from my 30. I still haven't quite decided how I want to style that last piece.<br />
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Maybe I'm holding out on wearing it because it's my last "new" item. When I buy new clothes, I like to "save" them to wear on a day when I'm doing something special. I know a lot of people like to wear new clothes right away, but I feel like I'm doing my new purchase a disservice by "wasting" it on a day when nobody will care or notice it. I don't know... do you guys do that? Wear new clothes right away or save them for a special day?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL7cToGoNS9XmeAuPt2-2Jcfrb4t8C47UwF4QkTYlaW37GG7qzyF3Di9-P2q0f6JaAz5f35iM4E5vb5qZkA8fFrAlhTt2f9JexE-3fR6pe_6sQ-oqzRV4IvZmNJ5dGXuzHRi8bu7lhv8/s1600/30for30_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL7cToGoNS9XmeAuPt2-2Jcfrb4t8C47UwF4QkTYlaW37GG7qzyF3Di9-P2q0f6JaAz5f35iM4E5vb5qZkA8fFrAlhTt2f9JexE-3fR6pe_6sQ-oqzRV4IvZmNJ5dGXuzHRi8bu7lhv8/s1600/30for30_11.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I love this black and white shrug. It's made with yarn that's both black and white, so it turns out looking like this interesting grey color. I think it picks up tones of whatever color you wear it with. The necklace is from NY&Co. and was a gift from one of my friends. I think my friends have better taste in jewelry than I do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABnt6F9Yv1dKiT-wn4EKhOyrBoxcjda5-aM8-evU8V1joHK53wFFqCuflKFL6uBYJ86Ku4WmpMs9v37lXtR6d_DrH7Ie8KpsxH17KRsupuZErOn7mVS7lgiXASURMxkT5oN3Jf_TbhAI/s1600/30for30_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABnt6F9Yv1dKiT-wn4EKhOyrBoxcjda5-aM8-evU8V1joHK53wFFqCuflKFL6uBYJ86Ku4WmpMs9v37lXtR6d_DrH7Ie8KpsxH17KRsupuZErOn7mVS7lgiXASURMxkT5oN3Jf_TbhAI/s1600/30for30_12.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Can't go wrong with a cowl-neck. With a neck this stretchy, I'll probably wear this as an off-the-shoulder sweater when it gets a little less chilly.<br />
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Also, as soon as I am allowed to shop again I'm picking up a pair of super colorful tights so I can do something like <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-heart-colored-tights-and-sure-love-in.html">Brittney</a> did with hers. What a fun way to brighten up the winter neutral blahs!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-48456807711072491192011-02-14T22:44:00.004+01:002011-02-14T22:46:33.609+01:00Happy Valentine's Day!I've always loved Valentine's Day, and this year is no different despite my 'non-committed' relationship status. I did have a little fun with my valentines this year, though. I am giving my single girlfriends this card from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66733363/anti-valentines-day-card-heart">studiostellamarina</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.211543931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.211543931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Adorable, no? Here's to loving and being loved! <3Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-66944315278109671102011-02-14T18:25:00.000+01:002011-02-14T18:25:00.199+01:0030for30: Day 9 & 10I'm running behind! How is it almost halfway through the month of February and I'm only on Day 10 of this challenge? The math just isn't working.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJS86l7lEbU2Jpf_qMfS3zwaIiudZrNBJLtj4HdZPhoNbAHDRfvCW5LnT1Iv3DtdRKKt2D3mOfBvrifM1lLPMMPYXPtiypCCGPPu7T8g1SKDatjIagi2k3st7RcTHF25SJQzqVFwxXeI/s1600/30for30_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJS86l7lEbU2Jpf_qMfS3zwaIiudZrNBJLtj4HdZPhoNbAHDRfvCW5LnT1Iv3DtdRKKt2D3mOfBvrifM1lLPMMPYXPtiypCCGPPu7T8g1SKDatjIagi2k3st7RcTHF25SJQzqVFwxXeI/s1600/30for30_9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When you've got an ample busom, sometimes ruffle-y shirts like this make your front side look like Dolly Parton's, but I've found that adding a busy pattern into the mix and layering the ruffles under something solid helps to tone it down. And I take every excuse I can get to wear this amazing <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=25781&vid=2&pid=770836&scid=770836012">puffer vest from Gap</a> because it's warm and such a nice color.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwoPKlXiY0zcVQ-Lm4bLsifFxIomLdDmOi4Ch7xp-VQCIZQ3A0YQdGuacSBiiVjpFoCwV8nq_78_3ogBBw1MaNTxlxpJnrSF9Zt4KV-rzKpI-J2dysLo5WU5QLbA-ZSf5mwSUb3WJwu0/s1600/30for30_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwoPKlXiY0zcVQ-Lm4bLsifFxIomLdDmOi4Ch7xp-VQCIZQ3A0YQdGuacSBiiVjpFoCwV8nq_78_3ogBBw1MaNTxlxpJnrSF9Zt4KV-rzKpI-J2dysLo5WU5QLbA-ZSf5mwSUb3WJwu0/s1600/30for30_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />
May I just say how much I enjoyed pairing a tough (faux) leather motorcycle jacket with a dainty lilac sweater? If you have these two things in your closet... you might want to give it a whirl. It's such a fun juxtaposition.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-45004534137963517782011-02-12T17:45:00.000+01:002011-02-12T17:45:00.929+01:0030 for 30: Day 8More purple! This deep purple sweater dress is so purple it's almost red and the Gap leggings are so dark purple they're almost blue. You might say this outfit is so purple it's almost not purple.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioU7QMLnBhLwbtccFE8zh3eSkZ89llfW-bSRdadwftK6YD0wKAiyFmGL8kPCLvlawHv0vJqe6CWbitxlI2J5p5jN7btfPgXRPlXYJQXhnzV2urVkRdRo8qbk1bAIjphu9P4EvS1pCZNqY/s1600/30for30_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioU7QMLnBhLwbtccFE8zh3eSkZ89llfW-bSRdadwftK6YD0wKAiyFmGL8kPCLvlawHv0vJqe6CWbitxlI2J5p5jN7btfPgXRPlXYJQXhnzV2urVkRdRo8qbk1bAIjphu9P4EvS1pCZNqY/s1600/30for30_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Or you might not... say that.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-63539581395405015592011-02-11T23:30:00.001+01:002011-02-11T23:33:26.086+01:00Spring hairI've been having fun learning new and quick! ways to do my hair in the morning. My favorite one lately is this bird's nest top knot by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AndreasChoice">Andrea's Choice</a>.<br />
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She makes it super simple to emulate and I find this is even great for those mornings when you wake up and don't have time to wash your hair since the messier it is the better it looks.<br />
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Give it a shot! If I can do it, ANYONE can do it because I'm hair stupid.<br />
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<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HQa_Cni5GuQ?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="295"></iframe>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-9946307857214518452011-02-11T18:45:00.004+01:002011-02-11T18:45:00.047+01:0030 for 30: Day 7I just realized that 5 of my 30 things are purple. And I wish it was more! I would love to add a pair of dark purple suede heels to my shoe collection.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0psPtGMezzuHcMghyphenhyphen8Om13sJsnUWlnMn-zjZfqdH4AGDaDlfgBzuSMOdOWu13C-zaC6jFh3Cqp8h7YLQ5kW5G5nzAkAqA6gxYO3zdq0QGtpeyw7LCb9XgWY7LvPm3bp1N_2e9YkgzwNo/s1600/30for30_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0psPtGMezzuHcMghyphenhyphen8Om13sJsnUWlnMn-zjZfqdH4AGDaDlfgBzuSMOdOWu13C-zaC6jFh3Cqp8h7YLQ5kW5G5nzAkAqA6gxYO3zdq0QGtpeyw7LCb9XgWY7LvPm3bp1N_2e9YkgzwNo/s1600/30for30_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This whole outfit was brought to me by Gap. The <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=65182&vid=1&pid=760906">printed tie-neck top</a> is versatile enough to be a staple in both my winter and summer wardrobe. It's on sale and so, so flattering.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106380490383844371.post-65520283269912712212011-02-10T19:15:00.001+01:002011-02-10T19:15:00.158+01:0030 for 30: Day 6I think every woman should own a classic black and white striped shirt. This one is absolutely my go-to top when I'm trying to run out the door but still look put together. I layered it today beneath a green military jacket for some warmth in my chilly office.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwUGYMLekOQMF7CsMbismeJZ2AiIpONh5HNo1-MjEXZ_oZ9NyJ8LkIavIl2zDnYijBrZloWHbk4y8S-5UQWuY-d-MdS0tmUduoZh53xD-rmdsaUq5q62C2SsfBP2FzHV2woqQ5CYlPBs/s1600/30for30_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwUGYMLekOQMF7CsMbismeJZ2AiIpONh5HNo1-MjEXZ_oZ9NyJ8LkIavIl2zDnYijBrZloWHbk4y8S-5UQWuY-d-MdS0tmUduoZh53xD-rmdsaUq5q62C2SsfBP2FzHV2woqQ5CYlPBs/s1600/30for30_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The necklace and military jacket are from Charlotte Russe. The black and white striped top and jeans are from Gap.<br />
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I am going to try to make sure my future pictures include shoes. I promise I'm wearing the ones in my list!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557807035279031584noreply@blogger.com0