tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64752866850291629312024-02-07T13:57:21.285-06:00loved and lovelyRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.comBlogger1030125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-63257709225167408762016-12-11T22:55:00.004-06:002016-12-11T22:55:49.259-06:00My darling, RhettOh, my love.<br />
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It's nearly 11:00 the night before your arrival, and I can hardly wait to meet you. I've been dreaming about tomorrow for 35 weeks, and I still can't believe it's finally here.<br />
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I spent a few minutes tonight just sitting in your nursery, thinking about what you'll look like. Wondering how life will be with you here. My heart already feels so full it could burst, but I know that a supernatural thing will occur when I first hear your little cry. I know that you'll slide right into our hearts as if you've always been there, as if there was never a time that you weren't a part of our lives.<br />
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Your big sister is nearly overcome with excitement at the thought of you. She thinks you're her baby, and I don't have the heart to correct her. Mostly because I know she's going to do such a good job helping us take care of you. And you won't appreciate this at first, but you literally hit the daddy jackpot. Your dad is, without a doubt, the most attentive, selfless, patient, kind man on the planet, and we get to call him ours. (Plus, he's ridiculously good looking, smart, and athletic, so you've got a fairly good chance of landing a really fortunate mix of genes.)<br />
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I'm praying that I will be worthy of you, son. I don't worry about what you'll do in this world -- I know God has a special plan for your life, and I trust Him to draw you to His path. But I'm going to miss the mark as a parent. I'm going to apologize a million times for losing my cool. I'm going to yell when I should laugh. Forgive me, sweet boy. And remember that I will always root for you. I will always believe in you. I will always love you.<br />
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Know that I've treasured this time with you. I am overjoyed to meet you, but it's bittersweet. So much of me wants to keep you to myself, safe and warm. I want to feel your little kicks and jabs and rolls forever. But I'm ready to see your face. I'm ready to kiss the feet that have been keeping me up at night.<br />
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See you in the morning, sweet boy. I love you.<br />
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Love,<br />
MomRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-59708480619692166522016-10-05T21:23:00.001-05:002016-10-06T16:22:33.595-05:00I Have Never Voted for a Democrat in My Life. But I'm with Her.<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the age of 19, I proudly cast my first ballot in a presidential election for George W. Bush in 2004. I did the same for John McCain in 2008. And I won't say I was necessarily <i>proud</i> to vote for Mitt Romney in 2012, but I did it.</div>
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Because I am a Republican.</div>
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Or at least I <i>was</i> a Republican.</div>
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Today, I don't know what the heck I am. I am struggling with the direction the GOP is headed, and I don't know that I'm willing to follow.</div>
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But here's what I do know.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">There is no part of me that will hesitate to cast my ballot for Hillary Clinton on November 8, 2016.</span></b></div>
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That's a sentence I never, <i>ever</i> thought I would say. Because when this presidential race began, I was certain I'd be voting for whoever the Republican nominee was. Even as early as February of this year, when it became clear that Donald Trump might <i>actually</i> be my political party's choice for president of the United States, I was fully prepared to abstain from voting completely because I didn't think I could ever bring myself to vote for Hillary Clinton. I, along with virtually every other Republican in the country, found her fundamentally unlikable, and I didn't even really know why.</div>
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When Trump and Clinton emerged as victors of their respective nominations in July, however, I decided that I was going to have to take a legitimate look at both of them. Because the idea of <i>not</i> voting had become unacceptable to me, and after doing some basic research on the third-party candidates, it was clear that none had the experience, skills, or knowledge required to effectively govern our nation. (Nor do they have any legitimate chance of winning.) So I set out to evaluate both Trump and Clinton as neutrally as I could, doing my best to set aside all of my preconceived notions, and decide once and for all who would get my vote come November.</div>
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When it was all said and done, I came to the (obvious) conclusion that there's no real way to declare either one of them an objective winner. Instead, it comes down to my priorities. And your priorities. What attributes are most important to us? What do we value most in our nation's leader? When we weigh the objective facts surrounding each candidate, who ends up on top from our particular perspectives?</div>
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Thus, while I can't declare Hillary Clinton as an objectively more desirable presidential candidate than Donald Trump, what I can propose is this:</div>
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<i>If you have legitimately weighed all available (and credible) evidence and have still come to the conclusion that Donald Trump is better suited than Hillary Clinton to be the president of the United States, I have to wonder what it is that you value in a presidential candidate.</i></div>
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Here's why.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Hillary Clinton has more relevant knowledge and experience than Donald Trump.</span></b></div>
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Is this a thing we even need to debate? Clinton has basically spent her entire life preparing for this job. Yale law graduate. Eight years as first lady. Eight years as a senator. Four years as secretary of state. She has experience serving on congressional committees related to our armed services, the budget, transportation, and health. Her interactions with world leaders during her time as secretary of state lent her unique opportunities to develop relationships and experience invaluable to the nation's commander-in-chief and chief diplomat. In short, she's got the chops. (And virtually no one seems to be suggesting that she lacks the knowledge or experience to do the job well, so I haven't even bothered citing anything here. If this is where you quarrel with me, I'm afraid you should just stop reading now.)</div>
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In contrast, Donald Trump has demonstrated that he lacks basic knowledge about fundamental principles that form the foundation of our governmental system -- things most citizens <i>should</i> know, but things the president <i>must</i> know. (See <b><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-foreign-policy-interview-hugh-hewitt">here</a></b> and <a href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/opinion-blog/articles/2016-03-31/donald-trump-doesnt-understand-the-us-political-system-or-government" style="font-weight: bold;">here</a> for examples of his failure to grasp basic governmental concepts.) To compound the problem, he often speaks definitively on a subject while getting the facts completely wrong. Like when he swore that Putin would never make a military move into Ukraine, <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/31/politics/donald-trump-russia-ukraine-crimea-putin/">despite the fact that Putin has already done precisely that</a></b>.</div>
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What's worse, throughout his campaign, Trump has demonstrated an unwavering unwillingness to acquire the knowledge necessary to do the job. And, in fact, he has said <b><a href="http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/there-are-presidential-duties-trump-doesnt-want-do">he doesn't even <i>want</i> to do certain aspects of the job</a></b>.</div>
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Some will posit that Trump is qualified to run the country because he's a successful businessman. I disagree. Is he a very rich man? Well, it's sort of hard to tell exactly<i> how</i> rich he is without the ability to objectively analyze his wealth via his tax returns. But he has repeatedly told us how rich he is, so I guess there's that.</div>
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Does he have experience leading an arguably successful company? Unquestionably yes, and I won't even quibble here over whether his business ventures have actually been as successful as he claims or whether his policies would benefit the economy (though I will cite to <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/02/29/the-myth-and-the-reality-of-donald-trumps-business-empire/">this article</a></b> outlining certain facts about his purported success and <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/09/16/what-a-donald-trump-presidency-would-do-to-the-global-economy/">this article</a></b> containing a non-partisan prediction of the effect a Trump presidency would have on the economy). But even assuming that his career has lent him certain valuable financial experience, the economy is only one slice of a very large pie. Why would we think that business acumen could be a substitute for experience in effectively running a government? The former prime minister of Yugoslavia offers up <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/02/09/i-was-a-ceo-turned-prime-minister-business-acumen-isnt-enough-to-run-a-country/?utm_term=.16e701956a50">his unique experience</a></b> as evidence that it cannot, which makes perfect sense given that the two roles require completely distinct sets of skills and knowledge. </div>
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But we can't stop here. Knowledge and experience are important -- very important -- but the president of the United States must be more than smart and accomplished to effectively govern.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Trump's arrogance, lack of self-control, </b><b>misogyny, racism, and xenophobia</b><b> make him fundamentally unsuitable to be chief of state, chief diplomat, and commander-in-chief.</b></span></div>
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If you are a Trump supporter, please explain to me what you do with these issues. Truly. We can get to the criticisms you will undoubtedly offer regarding Clinton and her scandals or her lies next, but you've got to grapple with this particular thing first.</div>
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Trump has said and done things that are inexcusable for any human being, but most especially for our nation's leader. I literally don't have the space to list them all, but here are some of the most egregious examples:</div>
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The Mexican "rapists" <b><a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/donald-trump-speech-debates-and-campaign-quotes-1.11206532">comments</a></b>. <b><a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/donald-trump-speech-debates-and-campaign-quotes-1.11206532">Suggesting</a></b> that POWs aren't war heroes because they were captured. His <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/17/23-things-donald-trump-has-said-that-would-have-doomed-another-candidate/">mocking</a></b> of a disabled reporter. <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/17/23-things-donald-trump-has-said-that-would-have-doomed-another-candidate/">Inciting violence</a></b> at his rallies. Referring to the size of his genitalia <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/17/23-things-donald-trump-has-said-that-would-have-doomed-another-candidate/">during a debate</a></b>. Belittling the judge overseeing the Trump University case for <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/17/23-things-donald-trump-has-said-that-would-have-doomed-another-candidate/">being Mexican</a></b>. <b><a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-gop-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/03/donald-trump-geneva-conventions-221394">Suggesting</a></b> that he would violate the Geneva Contention's prohibition on war crimes. <b><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/us/donald-trump-quotes-the-10-scariest-things-the-presumptive-republican-nominee-has-ever-said-a7015236.html">Asserting</a></b> that Bill Clinton cheated on Hillary because she couldn't satisfy him sexually. <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/21/politics/trump-foreign-policy-interview/">Indicating</a></b> that he would violate NATO. </div>
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There are <b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/politics/donald-trump-sexism-tracker-every-offensive-comment-in-one-place/"><i>so many</i> terrible things</a></b> he has said about women that I regrettably must gloss over them. I truly can't fathom looking my daughter in the face when she's old enough to understand and telling her that I voted for a man who has called women he didn't like "fat pigs," "dogs," "slobs," and "disgusting animals." That I voted for a man who would value my daughter less if she isn't beautiful or large-breasted or because she has gained weight. But if you're a Trump supporter, you've surely already heard these things, haven't you? Are these comments simply not offensive to you? Republicans (understandably) lambasted Bill Clinton for his infidelity but are willing to overlook <i>this</i>?</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2016-09-02/donald-trumps-lying-cowardly-nature-makes-for-dangerous-foreign-policy">As many have observed</a></b>, the fact that Trump can be so easily baited and is apparently incapable of exercising restraint before speaking off the cuff could be disastrous in foreign relations, where the president has broad powers. Clinton, herself, said it best: "A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons."</div>
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To favor Trump over Clinton, you must either be unaware of these things or have weighed them and deemed them less important than some weakness or flaw you perceive in Clinton. I've tried so hard to figure out which of her flaws could possibly outweigh his, and I'm simply at a loss. Because these aren't isolated moral failures in a man who is contrite about his mistakes. The frequency with which he displays these attributes (and I haven't even scratched the surface) makes clear that this is simply <i>who Donald Trump is</i>, and he's not sorry for any of it.</div>
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Do you actually believe that Donald Trump -- the man who has unapologetically done and said all of these things and so many more -- is suited to negotiate with foreign heads of state, assume control of our armed forces, and shape foreign and domestic policy? </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. In a balance of "scandal," Trump is no better than Clinton.</span></b></div>
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So here's where we can talk about the things you're going to say about Clinton. And I hear you. I really do.</div>
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You'll tell me about Benghazi. And the emails. And the potential conflicts of interest involving her charitable foundation. And I absolutely agree that Clinton showed errors in judgment in each situation. Full stop.</div>
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But there is certainly scandal on both sides. I cannot possibly say it better than John Oliver recently did, so I'm going to point you to his t<b><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/john-oliver-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-election-scandals-2016-9">horough and hilarious discussion of the issues</a></b>. He concludes that Trump's scandals are far worse than Clinton's. (What he actually says is this: "The point is, this campaign has been dominated by scandals, but it is dangerous to think there's an equal number on both sides . . . And you can be irritated by some of Hillary's. That is understandable. But you should then be f---ing outraged by Trump's.") I'd submit that they're at the very least a wash. Which is unsurprising to me, honestly, because we're talking about people who are running for political office. I don't expect them to be perfect people. I don't expect them to have never made mistakes. Mistakes I can understand and get past. A fundamental lack of knowledge, competency, relevant experience, humility, and basic human decency? That I can't get over.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Trump lies significantly and quantifiably more than Clinton.</span></b></div>
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As you can surmise, I don't expect much from politicians. I honestly kind of expect them to lie to me.</div>
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But what's baffling to me is how people can continue to brand Clinton as an unforgivable liar while affirming their commitment to vote for Trump.</div>
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Because <b><a href="http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/lists/people/comparing-hillary-clinton-donald-trump-truth-o-met/">neutral fact-finders</a></b> have determined that 60% of what Clinton says is true. Not awesome, obviously. But only 12% of what Donald Trump says is true. TWELVE PERCENT. And 48% of what he says is "pants on fire" false, compared to 6% for Clinton.</div>
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If you're using truthfulness as your measuring stick (and I'm not) you can't conclude that Trump is better than Clinton. You just can't. Not if you're being intellectually honest with yourself.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. I am pro-life, and I will still vote for Clinton.</span></b></div>
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One of the things I struggled most with when contemplating voting for Clinton is her pro-choice stance on abortion. (Here's where I should probably add that I'm a faithful Christian and grew up in the Baptist church.)</div>
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I am pro-life. I've probably just lost all credibility with any left-leaning readers, but at least understand that I am <i>actually</i> pro-life and not just anti-abortion. As in, I am invested in the lives of women and children, before and long after babies are born. I am invested in the lives of refugees and immigrants and racial and ethnic minorities, as well as in the lives of the LGBTQ community.</div>
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Once again, I'll point you to the <b><a href="http://www.shannondingle.com/blog//im-pro-life-and-im-voting-for-hillary-heres-why">analysis</a></b> of someone who has said it much better than I could. But to sum up her conclusions: on balance, Clinton is more invested in the lives of each of these groups than Trump could even begin to be, despite her pro-choice platform. Moreover, the author observes that while we've had many pro-life presidents since <i>Roe v. Wade</i>, there have been few meaningful changes in that area of policy. And if a president who is truly anti-abortion was unsuccessful in changing the tide on this issue, how can one reason that Trump -- whose previous pro-choice position on abortion did a convenient about-face when he decided to run under the Republican ticket -- will somehow get it done?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. My taxes may go up, but I find that less troubling than the idea of Trump as president.</span></b></div>
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Here's where I'm probably going to offend you. Because if I'm being honest? I think that if you are someone who is voting for Trump because you simply cannot vote for Clinton, it is likely you have either (1) not considered all of these facts because you just can't bring yourself to vote for a Democrat or (2) considered all of these facts and nevertheless decided to overlook Trump's numerous and indisputable shortcomings because you just can't bring yourself to vote for a Democrat. And, at least for some of you, the reason you can't bring yourself to vote for a Democrat is because you are more concerned that Clinton may raise your taxes than the fact that Trump is a demonstrably terrible human being and is not qualified or suited to be president.</div>
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Maybe we will just have to agree to disagree here. Because this truly comes down to a matter of personal values, and I can't convince you to care more about competence, humility, self-control, and human decency than you do about money. </div>
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But I will point out that there is a staggering group of traditionally non-partisan and/or <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/30/heres-the-growing-list-of-big-name-republicans-supporting-hillary-clinton/">Republican individuals and organizations</a></b> who have endorsed Clinton for these very reasons. This is simply not the time to hold fast to party lines. There's too much at stake. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bottom line?</span></b></div>
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You don't have to vote for my candidate, and I don't have to vote for yours. We are all entitled to make our own choices on election day, and that's the beauty of this great land of ours. But I do think we have an obligation to consider and weigh all relevant and credible evidence in deciding where to cast our vote.</div>
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And when you do that -- when you truly evaluate each candidate based upon his or her experience, knowledge, truthfulness, and temperament -- I struggle to understand how you can conclude that Trump is a better fit than Clinton for president.</div>
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-44195305967300088532016-03-13T17:52:00.000-05:002016-03-13T17:52:00.381-05:00On loving God and also pretty clothes {A Simply Bliss Boutique Review}<div style="text-align: justify;">
You know what's hard for me, friends? Like <i>really</i> hard? Balancing my desire to honor God with my thoughts and words and actions and my complete and total obsession with fashion and makeup and curling irons. </div>
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Honestly, the line is razor-thin, and I fall mostly on the vein and materialistic side. But I think the struggle is made easier when companies like <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/?variant=2793207107">Simply Bliss Boutique</a></b> recognize and <i>honor</i> the notion that our worth comes not from the world's validation of our beauty but from God's utter adoration for our hearts and our souls.</div>
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So when they reached out to collaborate, it was really a no-brainer because I'm such a <i>huge</i> fan of small companies who strive to honor God in an authentic way. And I also just <i>really</i> love their clothes. They've even got a <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/collections/plus-size">curvy</a></b> section with clothes that have a curvy fit or come in plus sizes. Which is so nice. </div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/FECBDA8E-8620-4CB3-92B8-298DE2C19D6A.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FECBDA8E-8620-4CB3-92B8-298DE2C19D6A.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/FECBDA8E-8620-4CB3-92B8-298DE2C19D6A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/products/trapeze-dress-in-emerald?variant=16314071427">Trapeze Dress in Emerald</a></b></div>
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They sent me two tops to try. This <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/products/trapeze-dress-in-emerald?variant=16314071427">Trapeze Dress in Emerald</a></b> is TO. DIE. FOR.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/CF0E4C33-EA91-4A91-81F8-EB89DF98EE9F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CF0E4C33-EA91-4A91-81F8-EB89DF98EE9F.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/CF0E4C33-EA91-4A91-81F8-EB89DF98EE9F.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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When I pulled it out of the bag, I knew it was going to become a staple. The vibrant color, comfy fit, flattering hemline, and fun buttons combine in a really great way. I can both sleep in this top and also wear it to the office. Win.<br />
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They also sent the curvy-fit <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/products/choco-tassel-mint-top?variant=11663543043">Choco Tassel Mint Top</a></b>, and it's <i>so comfy</i> and fun.<br />
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<i><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/13F8A346-1B2B-436E-A88A-7B6771431B92.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 13F8A346-1B2B-436E-A88A-7B6771431B92.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/13F8A346-1B2B-436E-A88A-7B6771431B92.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></i></div>
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<b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/products/choco-tassel-mint-top?variant=11663543043" target="_blank">Choco Tassel Mint Top</a></b></div>
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<i><br /></i>I paired it with my chocolate brown faux-leather leggings from Hue and some simple peep-toe flats, and I think this look works so well for spring.<br />
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Because they're amazing, <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/?variant=2793207107">Simply Bliss Boutique</a></b> is offering two different promo codes for you guys. Use code LOVED for 15% off the <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/products/trapeze-dress-in-emerald?variant=16314071427">Trapeze Dress in Emerald</a></b>, and use code LOVELY for 15% ANYTHING in the <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/collections/plus-size">Curvy</a></b> section. Plus, they offer free shipping with orders over $50! I'll just be over here eyeing <b><a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/collections/tops/products/fancy-and-free-sleeveless-dress?variant=16313083587">this tunic</a></b> and<b> <a href="http://shopsimplybliss.com/collections/tops/products/tiered-tank-dress-in-ivory?variant=10979286019">this tank</a></b>... :)<br />
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<i>I received the above products in exchange for an honest review. As always, though, all opinions contained herein are my own.</i></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-14151409049499441742016-01-22T06:00:00.000-06:002016-01-22T14:21:31.694-06:00Hello...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>It's me.</i></div>
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Ha. How many blog posts have you seen with that intro? I couldn't help myself, you guys.</div>
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I've been itching to come say hi. Not because anything big or important is going on. Quite the opposite, actually. Life is so quiet right now. It's beautifully simple, and I'm crazy for it. </div>
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We spend a ton of time laughing at the crazy things Grace is saying lately. Micah and I were telling her last night that she'd need to go get her pajamas on after her movie was over, and she looked at us and calmly said, "I don't know about that, Mommy." Um, excuse me? She's such a little <i>person</i>.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/2016%2001%2022.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2016 01 22.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/2016%2001%2022.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I feel like she's legitimately judging my duck face in this picture.)</div>
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As usual, I'm dreaming of wandering away somewhere. My trial that was slated for March got pushed to May, and I'm all, "VACAY!" I'd love to make it down to Belize for a quick beach getaway, and I'm <i>aching</i> to see Scotland. I'm telling you... if it's not on your must-see list, it should be. Because <b><a href="http://dreamtravelspots.blogspot.com/2015/10/19-reasons-why-scotland-must-be-on-your.html">this</a></b>.</div>
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I had a ball in New York with my best friend. I took a zillion pictures that I planned on editing and sharing here at some point. We ate the BEST food and saw basically everything. And at the same time, nothing at all because there is SO MUCH to experience in New York. I feel like it's one of those places I need to go see every year so I can immerse myself in the small moments. And eat all the food.</div>
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I'm in the middle of yet another Whole30. I know it's probably annoying to hear about at this point, but it's going well. I've got a girls' night dinner at one of my favorite pizza restaurants tomorrow night and am THISCLOSE to just saying screw it and going for the good stuff. But I'd like to finish this thing strong, so I'm going to do my best to resist. #wishfulthinking<br />
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I mailed a friend a potato the other day, just for kicks. I don't know why, but I find this whole <b><a href="http://potatoparcel.com/collections/products">concept</a></b> hilarious.</div>
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So how are you all, friends? What's been going on with you? I haven't been reading blogs as regularly as I'd like, and I miss you guys. A ton.</div>
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-20196974861097272042015-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:002015-11-09T15:09:09.686-06:00Here...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Ahem.</i></div>
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I'm long overdue for a post. Believe me, I know.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/C41FA1FE-824C-4E2B-A8A0-C26FFF4CC69F_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo C41FA1FE-824C-4E2B-A8A0-C26FFF4CC69F_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/C41FA1FE-824C-4E2B-A8A0-C26FFF4CC69F_1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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But you know what it's like when you just feel like you have nothing to say? Like you've shared the most mundane details of your life for so long and so people must know all there is to know about you? I have felt myself withdrawing from this blog and other social media for a little while now, and I really have no good reason for it. It's not like I suddenly discovered an overwhelming sense of privacy. And there's nothing scary/hard/embarrassing going on in our lives. </div>
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It's just that I don't feel very relevant right now. It's like I turned 30 and automatically became too old to be cool. (I'm obviously joking except not really.) I know I'll snap out of it. This space and community has meant too much to me for too long to disappear entirely. But I may be a little quieter than usual. </div>
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<br />
Until Stella gets her groove back, here are some things you should know:<br />
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-- I finished my Whole30. I think I mentioned that I was doing a "lazy" Whole30, which meant that I disregarded rules I didn't feel like following. Gum being the main thing. I had also been taking Plexus Slim for about three months before I started (I swear I'll never, ever try to sell you anything -- pinky promise!), which has some stevia or something in it, and I didn't quit that. And I know I ate salad dressings/meats/sauces that had hidden no-nos in them, but I very rarely deliberately cheated. I just operated under the working rule that if it looked fine and wasn't obviously non-Paleo, I'd allow it. I dropped about 12 pounds, which was necessary.<br />
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-- I am FREAKING OUT about the fact that Lauren and I are headed to New York in ten days. In the best way.<br />
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-- I was in Charleston for work this past weekend and have decided that I want to move there. As long as everyone I know moves there, too. Who's with me?</div>
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-- I'm utterly smitten with this sweetheart.<br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/26E89471-1220-4542-9F75-7A2C2716D150.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 26E89471-1220-4542-9F75-7A2C2716D150.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/26E89471-1220-4542-9F75-7A2C2716D150.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></u></span><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/8F649807-B62A-477D-9C78-41605A61B76C.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 8F649807-B62A-477D-9C78-41605A61B76C.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/8F649807-B62A-477D-9C78-41605A61B76C.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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She's been extra funny and sweet lately. I just want to bottle it all up and save it for the days when I want to pull my hair out. :)<br />
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So anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm still here in my little corner of northeast Texas doing my thing -- loving life and my family and Paleo cookies. </div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-46392760854091766472015-10-16T06:00:00.000-05:002015-10-16T11:13:02.575-05:00Taylor and other things... AGAIN.Just felt like dropping in and saying hi for no good reason. None at all.<br />
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Life has been calm and quiet-ish lately, though we did drive about 24 hours over three days to get to Missouri and back to Texas for Micah's family reunion last weekend. It was about as nuts as it sounds. Grace was sort of a bear on the trip there (which we did in one day) but was an angel on the trip back. And we had fun seeing Micah's aunts and uncles and cousins for the first time in several years. But I am henceforth boycotting any road trips longer than three hours for next six months. My mama heart can't take any more.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/CB551297-5C0C-4751-AB70-E88B7A5643EC.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CB551297-5C0C-4751-AB70-E88B7A5643EC.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/CB551297-5C0C-4751-AB70-E88B7A5643EC.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd say that Grace is, like, 90% potty-trained, which is kind of insane. Everyone says you have to let kids do it on their own timetable, and that has been very, very true for her. We're still doing Pull-Ups during nap time and at night, but she's sporting her Frozen underwear the rest of the time with very few accidents. Hallelujah and amen.<br />
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I'm going to see Taylor Swift in concert this weekend. Again! And I'm as excited as I was the first time around. Even more, actually, because I know how amazing she is live. There will be dancing and singing and red lipstick and fun with my best friend.<br />
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Speaking of my best friend. We booked a girls' trip to New York for November, and I am <i>giddy</i>. Like, SO FREAKING EXCITED. She has never been, and I'm always aching for that city. We've started making a "We Must See/Eat These Things" list, and here's what's on it for me.<br />
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– St. Patrick's Cathedral (since it was covered in scaffolding the last time I went)<br />
– Stroll through Greenwich Village/Chelsea and eat/shop at Chelsea Market<br />
– Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate (touristy, I know, but I've never tried it)<br />
– Macaroons and<strike>/or</strike> gourmet donuts<br />
– Spice Market for dinner<br />
– Dinner on a rooftop<br />
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I just love that you can always experience something new in New York, no matter how many times you visit. We're staying at New York Palace, and I will very much be imagining myself into Gossip Girl the entire trip. (It's apparently where much of the show was filmed.) So that's exciting.<br />
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I'm on Day 12 of another Whole30. Ha. I know I crashed and burned on Whole30 #3, but it feels good this time, and I don't have any events coming up to tempt me. I've been a <i>bit</i> looser with the rules this time but have not had any legitimate, "Screw it all, I'm eating chips and queso today!" moments. And I made Paleo deviled eggs last night, and they are amazing. I'm fairly certain they'll be my go-to breakfast from now on. Which is just so weird.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/81A7FD8C-8BD3-438F-9C56-0D0041A1E7D2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 81A7FD8C-8BD3-438F-9C56-0D0041A1E7D2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/81A7FD8C-8BD3-438F-9C56-0D0041A1E7D2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So that's what's up.<br />
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P.S. Gracie is still cute.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/8DC8E6D6-B5B2-4F03-8E40-0FAB9C17F15A.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 8DC8E6D6-B5B2-4F03-8E40-0FAB9C17F15A.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/8DC8E6D6-B5B2-4F03-8E40-0FAB9C17F15A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-19451325120785742592015-10-06T06:00:00.000-05:002015-10-06T15:40:16.956-05:00How we survived Destin with a toddler. . .<div style="text-align: justify;">
Man, you guys. If I could pick Dallas up and plop it right down onto the Emerald Coast, I totally would. Before we went there for our most recent vacation, I hadn't been since I was a kid, and I had basically zero memories of our time there. Which was cool because I got to discover it again through Gracie.</div>
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Bottom line: we had an amazing trip. <i>Amazing</i>. We went with my mom and stepdad, as well as Micah's parents and his brother's family. It was a big group, but I loved it. And having two sets of grandparents around to help with toddler mayhem was <i>so</i> nice.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The drive:</span></b></div>
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We did the 11-hour trip from Dallas in two days. (We spent the night in Baton Rouge at the most disgusting La Quinta you could ever imagine, but that's a story for another day...) I stressed so much about the long car ride and spent an obscene amount of money on Amazon and the Target Dollar Spot on things to entertain her. But the portable DVD player and iPad we purchased specifically for the trip were the definite winners. And her Mamaw, who sat in the back with me and entertained her.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Where we stayed:</span></b></div>
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We rented a beachfront house through VRBO. </div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0106.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0106.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0106.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We opted for a house rather than a condo partially because the group was so big but also because Micah wanted to bring the boat, and parking with a boat can be tricky. It was right on the sand along a great stretch of beach with several other houses and no big condos around, so it was ideal.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The beach:</span></b><br />
Speaking of the beach...<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0121.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0121.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0121.jpg" height="421" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was incredible. I've never seen so much variation in color in one place.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_9959.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9959.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_9959.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0320.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0320.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0320.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0117.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0117.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0117.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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(There's Micah! He and his dad drove the boat up the shoreline and came to say hello. It looks so small out there!)<br />
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The water was gorgeous, and the sandy was sugary white. The only thing I didn't expect was a strange attack from biting flies one afternoon. They got Gracie pretty bad, and she was <i>very</i> aware of bugs from that moment on. But they left us alone the rest of the time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What we did:</b> </span><br />
Mostly this.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0044.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0044.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0044.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_9991.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9991.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_9991.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_9967.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9967.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_9967.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0017.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0017.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0017.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0028_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0028_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0028_1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_9977.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9977.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_9977.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We spent the majority of our time playing in the sand and waves on the beach. The main source of Grace's entertainment was a huge bag of sand toys that we carted down to the beach every morning. Other than that, she "painted" with her Mamaw and read books. It was surprisingly easy to keep a kid happy at the beach. Who knew?<br />
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I slept nearly every day while Grace napped, which was glorious. I also read <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-With-All-Gifts/dp/0316278157">this book</a></b>. And we went to the Gulfarium in Fort Walton, which was cool and awful. I just feel so terrible about the way all of the animals are cooped up. I don't know the circumstances of this particular place and where they source their animals from (maybe they're rescues that can't be reintroduced into the ocean for some reason?), and it all looked very humane, but still. Something about it just makes me sad.<br />
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We drove over to Seaside one morning and fell in love with the picturesque town (it's where the movie The Truman Show was filmed!). It has a fun, little town center with shops and food trucks and a quick walk to the beach. None of the buildings can be over three stories tall, so everything feels so homey. I'd love to stay there at some point.<br />
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At night, we played games together or crashed early from all the fun in the sun. I loved sitting out on the back deck after Grace went to sleep when it was dark to listen to the waves crashing in. And I even <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2015/09/no-13-sleep-under-stars.html">slept out there</a></b> one night!<br />
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The rest of the time?<br />
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We were eating.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What we ate:</span></b><br />
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The food was delicious. Overpriced at times, but very very good.<br />
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My favorite dinner spot was the Ocean Club near Sandestin. We ordered the special, but EVERYTHING looked good! The restaurant is pretty dated, and it's your typical "fancy" food with steak and fish and other seafood dishes, but it is all executed well. Great for a date night!<br />
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We loved the Hog's Breath for lunch. Excellent BBQ and seafood there. I got the fried shrimp, and it was some of the best I've had. AMAZING homemade tartar sauce, too.<br />
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Harbor Docks was also really good. Micah and I shared a fried seafood platter and a sushi roll that was good but weird. They have a surprisingly great sushi selection there!<br />
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The Back Porch and Louisiana Lagniappe are apparently owned by the same folks, but we found the latter to be much better. Pricier too, but delicious.<br />
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We got donuts at The Donut Hole, which were mediocre at best. But the actual breakfast looked AMAZING. We meant to make it back to try something but never did.<br />
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In Seaside, we had grilled cheeses from the Meltdown food truck, and they were <i>soooooo</i> good. When we go back, I'm itching to try The Shrimp Shack, which was just across the street from the food trucks. They have lobster rolls there which are basically my love language.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The moral of the story:</span></b><br />
We had an incredible trip.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0183.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0183.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0183.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just getting to spend time together as a family with the people we adore was wonderful. The beautiful water and sand in the background were really just icing on the cake.<br />
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And Gracie did so much better than I expected. The last two days were dicey, as she was way off her routine and extra grumpy. Putting her down for naps and bedtime was significantly more difficult than usual, but I chalk that up to not being in her own bed and the fact that she didn't like missing play time with her cousin and grandparents. Mostly she was a dream.<br />
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So we'll definitely be seeing you again soon, Destin! Stay beautiful.</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-20157584145970091142015-09-29T21:38:00.000-05:002015-09-29T21:38:05.055-05:00{No. 13} Sleep Under the Stars...<div>
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While we were in Destin, I was sitting outside on the patio and looking out into the night sky, full of stars, and it hit me that I could totally sleep out there and cross number 13 off my <a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/p/photo-30before30turquoisecopyjpg.html"><b>30 Before 30</b> <b>list</b></a>.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0061.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0061.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0061.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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So we dragged down a mattress from one of the extra bunk beds, and I grabbed a couple of blankets, and I went for it. Micah wasn't interested in joining me (weenie!), so I had to go it alone. Which made actually falling asleep nearly impossible because every little noise became a rat and/or serial killer.</div>
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But I eventually closed my eyes, listened to the sounds of the waves rolling in, and fell asleep.</div>
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And then I woke up to this.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0080.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0080.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0080.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Glorious, right?<br />
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To be honest, it was some of the best sleep I've ever had. (And apparently Gracie woke up in the middle of the night and ended up in bed with Micah, and I completely missed that.)</div>
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Does this also count as camping? I say yes.</div>
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-65038525164942493232015-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:002015-09-28T11:46:14.823-05:00Where I've been...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi friends. World's worst blogger here.</div>
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The reason for my absence is lame. We got back from Destin, and I desperately wanted to share pictures, but the internet at my house has been stupid, and while I got them all edited, I couldn't upload them. Good news is that the internet is fixed, and I should theoretically get them uploaded tonight... <i>ifffffffff</i> I don't have to play catch up with a work project. Ha.</div>
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But either way, I wanted to drop by and say hi because I missed y'all. And because I'm feeling a little guilty about neglecting this space given that I've been busy elsewhere. </div>
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My <b><a href="http://dallas.citymomsblog.com/daughter-you-are-more-than-your-body/">post for Dallas Moms Blog</a></b> this month was deep and sort of difficult to share, but I did it because I feel like I cannot encourage my daughter to have courage and self-confidence if I cannot exhibit those things myself. So head on over there for that.</div>
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And then Kate from <b><a href="https://k8sbalancingact.wordpress.com/">Kate's Balancing Act</a></b> sweetly invited me to come hang around her blog for the day today, and I'm happily <b><a href="https://k8sbalancingact.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/things-you-shouldnt-be-living-without/">sharing some of my favorites there</a></b>. If you've been reading for any significant amount of time, some things will look familiar and others will definitely not. Go say hi. Kate's a doll, and her blog is so much fun.</div>
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Moral of this story: I will definitely be back with some Destin details and pictures very soon. We had a ball, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.</div>
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XOXO.</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-12809282163232793922015-09-09T13:27:00.001-05:002015-09-09T13:27:12.344-05:00Taylor and other things...I'm currently sitting in a Starbucks in Houston, and getting more and more giddy by the minute.<br />
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Because tonight I'm doing something I've wanted to do for about ten years now.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'M GOING TO SEE TAYLOR SWIFT IN CONCERT!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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Haters gonna hate (hate, hate, hate, hate...), but I've loved her music since she released her very first album. And tonight I finally get to see her perform in person. So if you follow me on <b><a href="https://instagram.com/lovedandlovelyblog/">Instagram</a></b>, be prepared for an annoying amount of pictures and videos of me and my friend having the time of our lives singing ALL THE WORDS.<br />
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And then Micah and Grace and I leave on Friday for Destin. We'll be gone a full, glorious week, and I can't even handle myself right now. I haven't taken more than a four-day vacation since we went to <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2012/12/what-we-loved-about-paris-part-one.html">Paris</a></b> in 2012 when I was pregnant with Grace. And I haven't been to a beach that wasn't Galveston (I have a hard time counting Galveston -- sorry, South Texas friends) in four or five years. So we're due for a good, long beach trip. We rented a house right on the beach, and Micah's family and my mom and stepdad are joining us, which will be a blast.<br />
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What probably <i>won't</i> be a blast is the 10.5-hour drive to Florida from Texas with a toddler. I spent an embarrassing amount of money at the Target dollar section and Amazon buying things to keep her busy, so I feel as prepared as I can be. Any good apps you guys can suggest for a toddler? We just bought an iPad mini, so I plan on spending some time on Thursday night loading up on Barney episodes and other obnoxious things. Hit me with your ideas, friends.<br />
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Alrighty, I think that's about it for now.<br />
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I'll check in and tell you all about Taylor soon! Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-75223595827193387282015-08-26T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-26T16:00:47.051-05:00This is thirty...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to come say hi and just quickly check in, but this feels like more of a sit-down kind of visit.</div>
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Don't freak out... I'm not, like, moving to China or anything. </div>
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But I did turn 30 this past Saturday, which you're well aware of if we're <b><a href="https://instagram.com/lovedandlovelyblog/">Instagram friends</a></b> because I blasted you all with many, many pictures. (Sorry about that.)</div>
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I'm not really sure why, but I just wasn't up for celebrating with a big party or a trip to Vegas. That's just not really my style anyway, and I've been so busy at work these past couple of months that I didn't have time to plan something even if I had wanted to. So I had dinner with each of my parents and then a fun dinner with my best friend and her husband.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/1490F872-EDF7-47EB-95D3-7B10ECC2791A.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1490F872-EDF7-47EB-95D3-7B10ECC2791A.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/1490F872-EDF7-47EB-95D3-7B10ECC2791A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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If you're local to the Dallas area and haven't eaten at Stampede 66, definitely try it soon. It's upscale but not fancy, which I appreciate. The food is phenomenal (I'd call it contemporary Texan), and the vibe is fun. I drink next to nothing, but they had this delicious-sounding margarita on their drink menu that just looked super fun, so I went for it, and it was an <i>event</i>. They mix and freeze it table-side with liquid nitrogen (!), which means that, as it melts, the flavor isn't diluted with water. Best drink I've ever had in my life (not that I'm any sort of connoisseur).</div>
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On my actual birthday, my mom and I headed to Waco for a <b><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/shows/fixer-upper">Fixer Upper</a></b> fan day. Have we talked about how obsessed I am with that show? If you're unfamiliar, it's a home renovation show on the HGTV channel (stay with me, I swear it's amazing). It's hosted by a married couple, Chip and Joanna, and I want to put them both in my pocket they're so adorable. She does the design and staging, and he does the contracting. They show each couple three older houses and give them a rough idea how they could be renovated within the couple's budget. The couple picks one, and then the show goes through the renovation and reveal. I mostly love watching because Chip and Joanna are just so stinking adorable together, but Joanna's style is pretty flawless if you're into farmhouse chic. (Not shabby chic, though, as it's mostly clean-ish lines and contemporary design. Seriously, if you're into Pottery Barn, it's your thing, I swear. I'm not sure why I'm trying to make you Fixer Upper fangirls. Anyway. Moving on...)</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/D4EFA632-6A00-499C-B1D0-A59D2E1EED0F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo D4EFA632-6A00-499C-B1D0-A59D2E1EED0F.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/D4EFA632-6A00-499C-B1D0-A59D2E1EED0F.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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They have a shop in Waco called Magnolia, which probably isn't worth a trip on its own (SUPER small and pricey), but we made a day of it, driving around Waco and shopping/eating. It was really a blast and the perfect way to spend my birthday... and that's how I know I'm no longer in my twenties.<br />
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And I didn't forget about my <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/p/photo-30before30turquoisecopyjpg.html">30 Before 30</a></b> list. Unfortunately, I did <i>not</i> complete everything on the list, but I made it a little over one-third of the way through. So my plan is to convert it into a 35 Before 35 list. Ha. I feel like I can TOTALLY accomplish the rest of the list by the time I'm 35. Famous last words, right?<br />
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As I consider my life at thirty, it's basically everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. And that's such an incredible blessing. I know bloggers throw that word around a lot, but I'm not talking about #blessings. I'm talking about <i>blessings</i>: God's mercies and graces which have been more extravagant and undeserved than I can even say. These faces, alone, friends.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/6794B784-D937-4699-AB53-24338D79787D.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 6794B784-D937-4699-AB53-24338D79787D.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/6794B784-D937-4699-AB53-24338D79787D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are enough goodness to fill my heart up for a lifetime. </div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-57887919363498106642015-08-20T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-20T06:00:02.409-05:00That Time They Stuck Needles In My Face: My SkinPen Experience<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>This post isn't at all sponsored. Just wanted to share this crazy thing I did with you guys because I figured you'd find it entertaining at worst and informative at best.</i><br />
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About six months ago, the signs that I am approaching 30 (two days, y'all!!!) became extra apparent. I mean, obviously the <b><a href="https://instagram.com/p/y-zGf9tYF5/">gray hair</a></b>. My complete disdain for the majority of Top 40 music and new country artists (<i>ahem</i>, Florida Georgia Line). And the crow's feet.</div>
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Boo.</div>
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I already have a <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2014/02/before-and-after-my-skin.html">fairly consistent skincare regime</a></b>, but I asked the girl who does my facials one day what I could do to get the most bang for my buck for my skin that wasn't super invasive and wouldn't require upkeep (i.e., no Botox). She suggested I get a <b><a href="http://www.skinpen.com/">SkinPen</a></b> treatment, which is more generally referred to as microneedling. The awesome thing about microneedling is that you're not introducing any harmful or foreign chemicals into your body like you do with Botox and fillers. Instead, microneedling is basically a souped-up version of microdermabrasion. It's generally performed at med spas, and they run a pen-like tool (hence the name), which has a bunch of tiny needles on its tip, across your skin repeatedly. It simulates injury, so your immune system responds by pumping growth factors, collagen, and elastin to your skin to "heal" it. It was developed to help heal burn victims' scars, and some genius figured out that it could help all of us really vain selfie-takers stay younger a bit longer with no real downside (apart from cost).</div>
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The result is overall improved skin, but specifically:</div>
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<li>Minimized appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring</li>
<li>Reduced pore size</li>
<li>More even skin tone</li>
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My skin has definitely <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2014/02/before-and-after-my-skin.html">come a long way</a> </b>and was much clearer than it used to be, but I still had some acne scarring, an uneven, ruddy skin tone, and I really just wanted my skin to <i>feel</i> smoother to the touch. </div>
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So my friend from work and I made appointments for a SkinPen treatment at a place here in Dallas for the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and went for it.</div>
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I'm the world's worst blogger, so I only remembered to take a "before" picture as we were in the parking lot of the spa. </div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/81100741-96A3-411C-B0B8-4143A738AF4D.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 81100741-96A3-411C-B0B8-4143A738AF4D.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/81100741-96A3-411C-B0B8-4143A738AF4D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Geez. I'm so sorry, y'all. But you can see that, while I didn't have many breakouts, my skin was very reddish and uneven looking, and my pores basically needed their own zip codes.)</div>
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When we walked into the spa, they ushered us in and applied a topical numbing cream to our faces. As you can imagine, needles freaking hurt, so they apply the cream about 15-30 minutes before your treatment to help ease the discomfort of the procedure. And it really does help, but the numbness of my face felt <i>so</i> strange.<br />
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After we were completely numb, they took us into what looked like little massage rooms, had us disrobe and slide into a comfy bed, and cover up with blankets and sheets. I honestly could have fallen asleep. This particular place applies a peel along with the SkinPen to help amplify results, so I think my esthetician did that first. Then she started the procedure.<br />
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She began systematically running the SkinPen across my entire face in lines. To be fair, it really doesn't hurt much at all on most parts of your face; it feels a lot like a Clarisonic or some other exfoliator. When she got to my nose, I got a very strange urge to sneeze, which is fairly common. And then she hit my forehead, and it began to get a little painful. Apparently, the forehead is usually painful for most people because there's less skin and more bone there. I think the numbing cream was wearing off by that point, too, and it really wasn't pleasant. But the whole process only took about 20 minutes, and my esthetician told me I must have a very high pain tolerance (I've never been told that before in my life, so do with that information what you will). One thing to note is that the procedure is customizable in that they can adjust the depth of the needle penetration depending on what kind of results you're looking for. I told my esthetician to be as aggressive as she wanted, and I'd just deal with the pain. (Again, though, it wasn't bad, I promise.)<br />
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After she finished, I got dressed and followed her to pick up some products. They recommended a growth factor serum, hyaluronic acid (which is a GREAT GREAT GREAT moisturizer to use after procedures like this or sunburns), plus a Vitamin C and E cream.<br />
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And let me tell you, this stuff wasn't at all cheap. The procedure was $250 (plus tip), and the products were about $125 total. So you're looking at over $400 after tip if you buy all the products. I just figured that if I was going for it, I might as well do it right. And this was my Mother's Day gift from Micah.<br />
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I was told the down time was "minimal" -- I'd be red and swollen for a day or two but that by day three, I'd be back to normal. And that was mostly true.<br />
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This was me right after the procedure.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/9370EC72-15CE-499C-A870-E68461CC26D1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 9370EC72-15CE-499C-A870-E68461CC26D1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/9370EC72-15CE-499C-A870-E68461CC26D1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Very red, very swollen, tight, and my skin felt hot to the touch.<br />
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You're instructed to ABSOLUTELY stay out of the sun, Micah wanted to take Grace "fishing" that night, so this was my solution.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/C6454300-42FB-4EEE-B40F-AC69D9A1E2DA_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo C6454300-42FB-4EEE-B40F-AC69D9A1E2DA_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/C6454300-42FB-4EEE-B40F-AC69D9A1E2DA_1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ha. I'm sure the people driving by thought I was out of my mind.<br />
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The next morning (Saturday), we had to go to my niece's recital. I was still <i>very</i> red and swollen, but I slathered on some foundation and went anyway.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/BE193871-F8E9-4508-B838-4F24A6B5C003.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo BE193871-F8E9-4508-B838-4F24A6B5C003.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/BE193871-F8E9-4508-B838-4F24A6B5C003.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not awesome, but workable.<br />
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The next day (Sunday), I started peeling like nobody's business. So, so gross.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/FEE27766-0002-476B-AAAA-D5D4240ADF6B.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FEE27766-0002-476B-AAAA-D5D4240ADF6B.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/FEE27766-0002-476B-AAAA-D5D4240ADF6B.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This picture's a little blurry, thank goodness, but it was bad. I stayed home from church and basically avoided leaving the house for the entire day.<br />
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The next day (Monday), I was still a bit red, but most of the peeling was gone, and my skin began to feel really smooth.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/262347D9-1CFA-4BE9-B648-1284D93C6B56.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 262347D9-1CFA-4BE9-B648-1284D93C6B56.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/262347D9-1CFA-4BE9-B648-1284D93C6B56.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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If I had had to go to work, I could have. Thankfully, my firm was closed that day, so I had an extra day to heal.<br />
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By the next morning (Tuesday), I was good to go. No more redness, no peeling, and a definite improvement in skin texture. But the thing about the SkinPen is that, because it requires your body's own inflammatory cascade, the results can take up to six weeks to see. I remember thinking at four weeks that the procedure wasn't really worth it because I noticed <i>some</i> improvement to fine lines, but no significant change. And the texture of my skin, while vastly different in the first two weeks, seemed to get subsequently less smooth.<br />
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BUT.<br />
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At the six-week mark, I could see major change. My pores were smaller, the fine lines definitely reduced, and the surface of my skin was truly transformed. One of the things about the SkinPen is that it's said to help the products you're already using work better. I'm definitely going to preach the wonders of glycolic acid to you guys at some point, but I began using these <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=463021636&pid=uid400-29723520-59" style="font-weight: bold;">Bliss That's Incredi-Peel Daily Glycolic Resurfacing Peel Pads</a> a few months back at the recommendation of a friend, and they are the HOLY GRAIL. Hands down my favorite product right now. And I KNOW they're working better because of the SkinPen.<br />
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So I know you've been waiting patiently for the "after" picture. I will now oblige.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/F97B6EE4-EC66-48CB-B944-DAFD01BE5FA9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo F97B6EE4-EC66-48CB-B944-DAFD01BE5FA9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/F97B6EE4-EC66-48CB-B944-DAFD01BE5FA9.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So much better, right?! I haven't edited any of these pictures -- they came straight from my crappy iPhone (as did the before and progress pictures, which were also (clearly) not edited).<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/552C52E9-5D0C-4CB9-ACFB-E712BDE2193F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 552C52E9-5D0C-4CB9-ACFB-E712BDE2193F.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/552C52E9-5D0C-4CB9-ACFB-E712BDE2193F.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Definitely less red, smaller pores (though they could still be smaller), and a DEFINITE reduction in my wrinkles. The acne scarring was also reduced.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/A32C1BCA-F812-478E-8B49-52C52512A565.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo A32C1BCA-F812-478E-8B49-52C52512A565.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/A32C1BCA-F812-478E-8B49-52C52512A565.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Let's do a side-by-side, shall we?<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/81100741-96A3-411C-B0B8-4143A738AF4D.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 81100741-96A3-411C-B0B8-4143A738AF4D.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/81100741-96A3-411C-B0B8-4143A738AF4D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/552C52E9-5D0C-4CB9-ACFB-E712BDE2193F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 552C52E9-5D0C-4CB9-ACFB-E712BDE2193F.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/552C52E9-5D0C-4CB9-ACFB-E712BDE2193F.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll take it.<br />
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And the SkinPen isn't something you have to keep doing on a regular basis. It has now been almost three months, and my skin still looks great. The girl who does my facials told me about a week ago that my skin is the best she has ever seen it. I'll probably go in for treatments twice a year or so, just to see how much more improvement I can see. The way I see it, if I take small measures to take care of my skin now, maybe I'll avoid the need for anything more drastic later. I mean, a girl can dream, right? :)<br />
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In sum, I would ABSOLUTELY recommend the SkinPen treatment to anyone looking for an improvement in their skin.<br />
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<u>Pros</u><br />
- Minimally invasive and uses your OWN immune system<br />
- Improves skin texture<br />
- Reduces pore size<br />
- Minimizes appearance of fine lines and wrinkles<br />
- Lessens acne scarring<br />
- Quick procedure<br />
- Minimal down time<br />
- Minimal pain<br />
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<u>Cons</u><br />
- Expensive (but not compared to other comparable procedures, including Botox)<br />
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<i>Have you ever done anything crazy to your skin? Would you consider a SkinPen or other treatment to combat aging?</i></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-72945728789838134862015-08-18T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-18T11:49:04.850-05:00Why I think two isn't so terrible. . .<div style="text-align: justify;">
I swear, you guys. Two is magic.</div>
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Yes, it's hard. Gracie has opinions about <i>everything</i>, and we're no strangers to feet-kicking, scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs tantrums. She's still learning what "share" means, and her mood can shift from sweet to sour faster than you can even imagine.</div>
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She's also been cutting her two-year molars, and I notice a marked difference in her demeanor every time another tooth comes through. (Hallelujah that we're almost done with this teething madness.)</div>
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But when it's good? It's <i>so</i> <i>good</i>. </div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0138.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0138.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0138.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a> <a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0132.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0132.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0132.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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She's into everything I'm doing. If my hair is down, she wants hers down (even if that involves ripping out her bow and her "pony"). If I'm wearing a kimono (always), she runs to her closet and reaches for one of her "'monos" to wear, too. She'll just lean in and lay her head on my shoulder to be a little closer, and it slays me.</div>
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She has also been saying the funniest things. Just this weekend, I caught an <b><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6afi1lNYET/?taken-by=lovedandlovelyblog">adorable video</a></b> of her telling me, "I cooking right now. . . . I busy!" as I was trying to get her down for a nap. <i>Convenient timing, kid</i>. . . </div>
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When something upsets her, she says, "That hurt my feelings, Mommy. That hurt my heart." And then I crumble into a million little pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0126.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0126.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0126.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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She knows she's cute, which makes her even cuter. And difficult to discipline.<br />
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I don't mean to suggest that she's any smarter or more adorable than any other two year-old on the planet, but she is, in fact, <i>my</i> two year-old. And it's incredible to me to look at her and remember what she was like as an infant. She's changed <i>so much</i> in just two <strike>short</strike> <strike>long</strike> years in both appearance and demeanor. What in the world will she be like at four? Or eight? Or heaven help me, 16??<br />
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For now, we are soaking up this time. Some nights, I'm counting down the minutes until bedtime. But most nights, we negotiate some couch-time cuddles and sneak in an episode of Sophia the First so that we can enjoy her a little longer.<br />
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Everyone says that babies don't keep.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0131.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0131.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0131.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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But I still look at her and see the wild-haired newborn who claimed my heart with her first cry. I don't think that will ever change.<br />
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So, in this small way, she'll always be that baby to me. No matter how old she is.</div>
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-13612389725878250352015-07-29T06:00:00.000-05:002015-07-29T06:00:01.895-05:00#beblessedlovelies<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you guys have been around these parts for any length of time, you know that I thought the world of <b><a href="http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/p/about_6.html">Leslie Sisti</a></b>. <b><a href="http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/">A Blonde Ambition</a></b> was one of the first blogs I began reading religiously, and I loved watching her sweet love story with Stephen unfold. And then we became mommies around the same time, and I so identified with her approach to motherhood and life generally (though I'll never achieve her flawless style and perfect combination of wit and Southern charm).<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/IMG_0852-ABOUYT.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0852-ABOUYT.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/IMG_0852-ABOUYT.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/p/about_6.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via</span></a></b></div>
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After the birth of her youngest daughter, Ainsley, Leslie was hospitalized for quite some time for a heart condition. She eventually was able to come back home to be with her family but returned recently after her health took another turn for the worse.</div>
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And on Monday, Leslie went home to be with Jesus. </div>
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All I can think about is her husband, who clearly thought Leslie hung the moon, and her precious baby girls who now have to grow up without their precious mama. There's a <b><a href="http://www.gofundme.com/d53bgd5p8s">GoFundMe account</a></b> where you can donate money to be saved for her daughters' college funds. Leslie was brilliant, and I know her babies' education will have meant the world to her.</div>
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In honor of her beautiful memory, I thought I'd share some of the <b><a href="http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/2013/11/a-messy-house-thankful-heart.html">words she wrote</a></b> a couple of years ago after she had Caroline. I will remind myself of these words and avail myself of Leslie's wisdom when the day-to-day struggle threatens to rob me of my joy:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Know what I call a success these days? </i></blockquote>
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<i>Holding in this girl. Going to sleep at night knowing that I really savored the moments of the day, which God so generously gave me. Seeing my husband walk in the door and pick up our daughter, his face beaming as he says, "Hey kiddo." The three of us spending a Friday night on the couch snuggled up in front of the fireplace with cheese pizza and an even cheesier Lifetime movie. </i></blockquote>
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<i>I have a sneaking suspicion that no one will remember me for a spotless kitchen floor. Or a stack of perfectly folded towels. Or for my promptness on replying to emails. </i></blockquote>
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<i><b>No, I'd rather them say that I was a great wife and a great mom.</b> </i></blockquote>
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<i>Isn't it the quality of the relationships with those we hold dear that really enriches us? </i></blockquote>
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<i>I tend to think so. </i></blockquote>
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<i>My wish for all of us as this holiday season kicks off is to drink each moment in fully. Live in the here and now. Don't fret over a perfect table setting or making sure the house is in magazine-order condition. Instead, just take it all in. </i></blockquote>
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<i>I think one of the best ways to thank God for the people in your life is to spend your time with them well. <u>Make it count.</u></i></blockquote>
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Hold your love ones a little tighter, friends. Make time for the things that matter and spend time with the ones you love well. We only get this one life.<br />
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<b>Make it count</b>.<br />
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Be blessed, lovelies.</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-17263297347352969422015-07-28T13:00:00.000-05:002015-07-28T13:00:00.916-05:00Adulting is hard...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I left work early yesterday to try and make it to the Sunnyvale courthouse in time to take care of the tickets I got a few weeks ago. (Because I know you're curious, I was going 65 in a 45, had expired registration, and apparently my brake lights were out. The cop gave zero shits about the tears I cried. Understandably.)</div>
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On the way there, I ignored a sign that indicated that the road I was exiting onto was closed and then got annoyed when traffic began to back up. (Because that's reasonable.) I did what every other law-breaking driver ahead of me did and popped the curb onto the service road. Which was also backed up. So I took a "shortcut" through a movie theater parking lot. Which was also backed up. </div>
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I finally made it to the municipal court, dealt with a rude clerk whose job I do not envy, paid nearly $300 to make the tickets go away, and went home.</div>
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I popped into our study to admire the gallery wall I spent hours hanging the night before and saw this catastrophe on the floor.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/CE3D5E1D-304E-4EAD-8D34-9B4529DAF541.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CE3D5E1D-304E-4EAD-8D34-9B4529DAF541.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/CE3D5E1D-304E-4EAD-8D34-9B4529DAF541.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Apparently those Command strips are no substitute for a hammer and a nail. Thankfully, the (overpriced Pottery Barn) frame was intact, so I'll just have to have a new pane of glass cut to fit.<br />
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Micah had a softball game last night, so after tucking Miss Priss in for the night, I crawled into bed at 8:00 and called it a day.<br />
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Of course, that meant I forgot to pack Gracie's bag for splash day at school, which means she'll be the only kid splashing around in the water in her t-shirt and shorts rather than a swimsuit. (At least I had the foresight to bring some extra clothes for her cubby last week...)<br />
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Mother of the year over here, y'all.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/5D4EC78E-E311-467F-A767-F98ED106EFE2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5D4EC78E-E311-467F-A767-F98ED106EFE2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/5D4EC78E-E311-467F-A767-F98ED106EFE2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Can I have a do-over?</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-12537653192435134532015-07-28T06:00:00.000-05:002015-07-28T09:45:19.094-05:00A Stitch Fix Review: July 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
A good, but not <i>great</i>, month with <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ryan32/stitchfix/">StitchFix</a></b>. My stylist nailed it fairly well on style (three items were on my <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ryan32/stitchfix/">Pinterest board</a></b>!) but the details were just slightly off. But I did find one keeper. Scroll on down to see what it was!</div>
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<b>Gilli Sina V-Neck Printed Maxi Dress ($74)</b></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/FB456BF4-82E7-4F87-B6FB-2C1F94ED818F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FB456BF4-82E7-4F87-B6FB-2C1F94ED818F.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/FB456BF4-82E7-4F87-B6FB-2C1F94ED818F.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/E7BEE1FE-A869-4BF8-8542-95CC1C1CE7FE.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo E7BEE1FE-A869-4BF8-8542-95CC1C1CE7FE.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/E7BEE1FE-A869-4BF8-8542-95CC1C1CE7FE.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had pinned this dress because it looked fabulous on someone else. But on me? The fabric looked strange, and my, <i>ahem</i>, bosom was abundant. Not a good look.</div>
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<b>Brixon Ivy Ronan Maxi Dress ($78)</b><br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/64B40EA6-9114-4E5E-97FA-E4BF6ED16BC2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 64B40EA6-9114-4E5E-97FA-E4BF6ED16BC2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/64B40EA6-9114-4E5E-97FA-E4BF6ED16BC2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/C1097020-76EE-459B-BA8C-6AB7A7A689F7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo C1097020-76EE-459B-BA8C-6AB7A7A689F7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/C1097020-76EE-459B-BA8C-6AB7A7A689F7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also pinned this one and LOOOOOOOOVED it. Like, wanted to marry it. The coral color is perfection, and the waistline is so flattering. But it seems to run a bit small and was a smidge too tight on my tummy and derriere. Begrudgingly, I sent it back.</div>
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<b>Zad Elvira Natural Stone Pendant Necklace ($34)</b><br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/2938F4B6-4DDB-442F-AA85-B98FD91CA1DF.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2938F4B6-4DDB-442F-AA85-B98FD91CA1DF.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/2938F4B6-4DDB-442F-AA85-B98FD91CA1DF.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wanted to love this but didn't. The color of the stone was very <i>blah</i> to me, and the gold chain and setting looked pretty cheap. I do want a natural stone necklace of some sort, but this wasn't quite what I was looking for.</div>
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<b>Skies Are Blue Kaia Crochet Trip Top ($54)</b><br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/189AD4A4-3000-4DBD-AB6D-F9253FED947C.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 189AD4A4-3000-4DBD-AB6D-F9253FED947C.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/189AD4A4-3000-4DBD-AB6D-F9253FED947C.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/8900A896-66EC-40A9-A12F-CB5BE0BE3422.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 8900A896-66EC-40A9-A12F-CB5BE0BE3422.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/8900A896-66EC-40A9-A12F-CB5BE0BE3422.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I feel like we've talked about the fact that cap sleeves usually aren't my favorite. I haven't said this to my stylist, though, because she sent a cap sleeve top once that I really loved. This one was fine (and apparently I pinned this one, too!), but the problem is that I would likely wear this to work, so the sleeves would make a regular bra impossible. And there's no way I'm suffering through a strapless bra all day. Sent this one back, also.</div>
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<b>Papermoon Toland Kimono ($48)</b></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/DD0EDD8E-F86F-4E15-B9C4-83D9931060CA.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DD0EDD8E-F86F-4E15-B9C4-83D9931060CA.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/DD0EDD8E-F86F-4E15-B9C4-83D9931060CA.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/A4DC129B-10AA-40B8-B1A7-B5C2BE282405.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo A4DC129B-10AA-40B8-B1A7-B5C2BE282405.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/A4DC129B-10AA-40B8-B1A7-B5C2BE282405.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The fabric, the crochet detail on the back, and the roomy fit of this kimono made it a winner for me. I do so much black, so the navy and cream were a nice change. I've worn this a couple of times now and have gotten compliments each time. Fabulous with a lacy, cream tank and skinny jeans.<br />
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I'm definitely still loving <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ryan32/stitchfix/">StitchFix</a></b>. Even when I only keep one item, I find the "investment" totally worth it, and my closet is <i>full</i> of things I probably would never have picked out for myself. Give it a try for a month or two and see what you think. I bet you'll be hooked.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 14px;">** </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">All links in this post to StitchFix are referral links, but I love this company and do these posts because they're fun. Over and out.</i></div>
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-47348247284283159892015-07-23T06:00:00.000-05:002015-07-23T12:54:42.020-05:00Hallelujah and amen...<div style="text-align: justify;">
So my phone fell in the toilet on Monday. What's ridiculous and unfortunate is that, just before I heard the telltale splash, I thought to myself, "Oh wait! My phone is in my back pocket. Maybe I should take it out. Nahhhh.... it'll be fine."</div>
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The moral of that story is that, if I am ever blessed with psychic powers, you can count on me to do absolutely <u>nothing</u> with them.</div>
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Fortunately, the phone is just fine. My screen was being a diva for a few hours, but apparently everything dried out, and I have avoided, for the time being, having to go buy a new phone. #hallelujah (#yesIknowblogginginhashtagsislame)</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/CFD9C66D-536D-4ACB-AE23-61C1479C7261.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CFD9C66D-536D-4ACB-AE23-61C1479C7261.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/CFD9C66D-536D-4ACB-AE23-61C1479C7261.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2015/07/friday-shenanigans.html">Whole30</a></b> number 3 I was doing? Well, I made it solidly to day 16 when I cheated in an epic way. And then I squeezed through to day 22 before I enthusiastically gave up the charade. Ugh. I'm definitely doing the moderation thing okay right now, but goodness gracious. I don't <i>need</i> moderation. I need <i>motivation</i>.</div>
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Thankfully, a friend at work has been persistent in encouraging me to join her in her workout sessions. Our firm just installed a gym in our office, which really renders my ready-made excuse ("I'm too busy to schlep all my stuff to the gym and spend 45 minutes working out!") sort of moot. The workouts she does (mostly strength training with some bursts of mountain climbers, etc. to get her heart rate up) take 30 minutes at most, and the gym is <i>right there</i>. So I've gone with her the past week and am really liking it. I sort of overdid it yesterday (which is so lame because I was going <i>super light</i> on the weights), and my quad is on fire today. Let's all say a hearty "amen" that today is rest day.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/FF85621E-A17C-4A4F-BA28-742F246F0309.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FF85621E-A17C-4A4F-BA28-742F246F0309.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/FF85621E-A17C-4A4F-BA28-742F246F0309.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Compounding the soreness of working out, I've also made the switch to a stand-up desk at work. It's adjustable, so I can move it back down when I need to rest, which is nice. It's probably the case that, 20 years down the road, the research will demonstrate that stand-up desks are no healthier than sitting on our rears all day, every day. But for now, I feel like I'm doing something good for my body for standing up a bit more each day. And, I swear, I feel more productive. I think it's because I tell myself that I get a sit-down break as soon as I complete a task. And for a person who really despises standing, that's a pretty good incentive.</div>
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(Also, how pretty is my <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=436919453&pid=uid400-29723520-59">new painting</a></b>? I got it from <b><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=436919453&pid=uid400-29723520-59">One King's Lane</a></b>, and I'm really liking it. The artist has several pieces that I'd love, as I feel like they're the perfect mix of, "I'm a professional, and I hang serious art in my office" and also "I've totally got two X chromosomes.")<br />
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One other thing I forgot to mention here, though you may have seen it on <b><a href="https://instagram.com/lovedandlovelyblog/">Instagram</a></b>: I'm a brand-new contributor to <b><a href="http://dallas.citymomsblog.com/dallas-moms-blog/dallasmomsblog-contributors/">Dallas Moms Blog</a></b>! So crazy, right? If you're a mom in the DFW area and are not already a reader of this blog and/or following them (us??) on <b><a href="https://instagram.com/dallasmomsblog/">Instagram</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DallasMomsBlog">Facebook</a></b>, you're definitely missing out. I had been reading for over a year when they announced an open call for some new contributors, and I just thought, "Hey, I think I want to get to know those women!" Because it really is a diverse group of moms who have tons of great ideas on doing life well with kids. I think I'll most certainly be the underachiever in the group with not a whole lot to contribute, but you'll nevertheless be able to find me there once a month, rambling as I do here. :)<br />
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Last, but certainly not least, Gracie is still cute.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/0C22DFDB-9323-4BB8-90E4-87E556C03421.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 0C22DFDB-9323-4BB8-90E4-87E556C03421.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/0C22DFDB-9323-4BB8-90E4-87E556C03421.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just in case you were wondering.<br />
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<i>I'm linking up with <b><a href="http://www.kedarhower.com/">Kristin</a> </b>and <b><a href="http://www.hodgespodges.com/">Joey</a></b> for Stuff and Things. What stuff and/or things do you have going on this week? Link up and share!</i></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-56209443200299853172015-07-20T21:43:00.000-05:002015-07-20T21:43:25.571-05:00She loved life... (and a treat for you!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
You guys know I'm a sucker for an adorable graphic tee for toddlers. It's just so hard to find tees that aren't cheesy and/or covered in cheap-looking appliques. (I'm looking at you, Carters.)</div>
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That's why I buy most of Gracie's clothes from small shops on Instagram or Etsy. I'm never disappointed with quality, and the designs are different and clever. I stumbled upon <b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/default.asp">Alley and Rae Apparel</a></b> last November when a friend tagged me in a picture of their I Stole Santa's Cookies Tee. I immediately purchased it (along with the raglan version of this <b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/Kids-T-Shirt-p/sunshine-tee.htm">Sunshine Tee</a></b>), and it arrived quickly and was as adorable as I had hoped.<br />
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You may remember it... </div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/A4DD8FA1-4667-4206-ADAF-40101D6830FA_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo A4DD8FA1-4667-4206-ADAF-40101D6830FA_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/A4DD8FA1-4667-4206-ADAF-40101D6830FA_1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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(I think this particular design may be retired for the moment, but let's all beg them to bring it back for the holidays again this year! Also, someone please tell me where my chubby baby disappeared to.)</div>
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So you can imagine that when I got the opportunity to try out a few more of their things, I said yes just as fast as I could.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0028.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0028.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0028.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is their <b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/Girls-T-Shirt-p/loved-life-tee.htm">She Loved Life Tee</a></b>, and I'm obsessed with it. It's in the most beautiful watercolor lettering, and it's probably the softest thing in Gracie's closet.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/FullSizeRender%201.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FullSizeRender 1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/FullSizeRender%201.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/Girls-T-Shirt-p/loved-life-tee.htm">tee</a></b> / <b><a href="http://www.camdenandkate.bigcartel.com/products?page=1">kimono (sold out)</a></b> / <b><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1012857&vid=1&pid=434883012">shoes (similar)</a></b> / <b><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=66823&vid=1&pid=342215002">shorts</a></b></div>
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"She loved life and it loved her right back."<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0004.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0004.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0004.jpg" height="640" width="457" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0022.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0022.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0022.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/IMG_0048.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0048.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/IMG_0048.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yep, I'd say that pretty much sums it up.<br />
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They also generously sent their <b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/Girls-T-Shirt-p/inner-beauty-tee.htm">Inner Beauty Tee</a></b>, which is just as fun.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/FullSizeRender%202.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FullSizeRender 2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/FullSizeRender%202.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/Girls-T-Shirt-p/inner-beauty-tee.htm">tee</a></b> / <b><a href="http://www.camdenandkate.bigcartel.com/product/free-bird-kimono">kimono</a></b> / <b><a href="http://www.zappos.com/salt-water-sandal-by-hoy-shoes-sun-san-sweetheart-toddler-little-kid-white?zlfid=191&ref=pd_brand_page">shoes</a></b></div>
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I styled this one with another kimono, some bright Saltwater sandals, and, of course, some shades.<br />
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The product is fantastic, but the thing I love most about <b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/default.asp">Alley+Rae Apparel</a></b> is the way their clothing promotes positivity and optimism and, of course, inner beauty. You guys know how <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2015/04/pretty-on-inside.html">nerdy I am about that stuff</a></b>.<br />
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You can find more from them here:</div>
Website Link: <b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/">www.alleyandrae.com</a></b><br />
Facebook: <b><a href="http://facebook.com/alleyandrae">facebook.com/alleyandrae</a></b><br />
Instagram: <b><a href="http://instagram.com/alleyandrae">instagram.com/alleyandrae</a></b><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/alleyandrae" style="font-weight: bold;">twitter.com/alleyandrae</a><br />
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And I've got a treat for you guys, too! Use code "LOVELY15" for 15% off your <b><a href="http://www.alleyandrae.com/default.asp">purchase</a></b>. You'll love their stuff, I promise.<br />
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Happy shopping, friends!<br />
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* <i>I received these products in exchange for a blog review, but, as always, all opinions are my own.</i>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-78335060042046404042015-07-13T06:00:00.000-05:002015-07-13T06:00:01.193-05:00My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Apparently I've been living in a cave because I didn't fully understand the import of the <b><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.nordstrom.com%2FAnnivSignin.aspx%3Forigin%3Dtopnav%26dept%3D8000001&pid=uid400-29723520-59">Nordstrom Anniversary Sale</a></b> to the blogging community until this year. But if you, like me, have also been living in the dark, let me enlighten you. </div>
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It's a big freaking deal.<br />
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It's Nordstrom's <b><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.nordstrom.com%2FAnnivSignin.aspx%3Forigin%3Dtopnav%26dept%3D8000001&pid=uid400-29723520-59">biggest sale of the year</a></b>, and they drop their stuff down to, what I like to call, "normal people prices." Like that pancho down there? Less than $40. So is the Kendra Scott necklace.<br />
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I love shopping at Norstrom because shipping is always free (no minimum!) and because they offer <i>free return shipping</i>. When buying your toddler's shoes is akin to fitting Cinderella's glass slipper because her feet are so chunky, you really appreciate free return shipping. But, to be honest, I used to feel kind of douche-y when I shopped there. Because I grew up in the country, and you had to go to the <i>fancy</i> mall to shop at Nordstrom. Now I realize that's dumb because (1) normal people shop at Nordstrom (2) the aforementioned policies and (2) it's awesome.<br />
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The catch is that you can't actually <i>shop</i> the sale until July 17th unless you're a Nordstrom credit card owner. So... I got a card. (<i>Sucker. Well done, Nordstrom.</i>) Even if I only ever use it for purposes of this yearly sale and pay it off immediately, I will consider the two minutes I spent applying online well-spent.<br />
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Below are all the things I bought. I clearly have zero self-control.</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nordstrom_anniversary_sale_picks/set?.embedder=10067075&.svc=copypaste&id=168374886" target="_blank"><img alt="Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ocN2qp7dv8kdHacUIyOFnA/cid/168374886/id/vNUiTzkn5RG3DeC97EzHKw/size/c600x530.jpg" height="530" title="Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><small>(1) <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=483903884&pid=uid400-29723520-59" rel="nofollow">Woven Heart Plaid Poncho</a> / (2) <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Ftwo-by-vince-camuto-back-seam-denim-leggings%2F3392802%3Fcm_cat%3Ddatafeed%26cm_ite%3D619941%26cm_pla%3Dwomen%3Abottoms%3Apant%26cm_ven%3DPolyvoreExplore&pid=uid400-29723520-59" rel="nofollow">Two by Vince Camuto Jean Legging</a> / (3) <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=483901375&pid=uid400-29723520-59" rel="nofollow">Pleione Tunic</a> / (4) <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-olson-pointy-toe-studded-t-strap-flat-women-nordstrom-exclusive/3882378?cm_mmc=polyvorecpcdesktop-_-datafeed-_-women:shoes:flats-_-887632&mr:referralID=baa09c7b-273a-11e5-8fcd-005056946dac" rel="nofollow">Halogen Pointed Toe Flat</a> / (5) <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=483911625&pid=uid400-29723520-59" rel="nofollow">Kendra Scott Necklace</a></small></span></div>
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Good luck to you, friends. Hold out as long as you can. I know you're stronger than I am. :)</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains referral links, but all opinions are my own. Duh.</span></i></div>
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-49588449095385481292015-07-10T06:30:00.000-05:002015-07-10T11:42:23.870-05:00Friday shenanigans...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I swear I didn't fall off the planet, y'all. We've been busy (both at work and at home), so I took some time away from blog-land to maintain my sanity. But you guys know I can't stay away for too long.</div>
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So here's what we've been up to:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fourth of July-ing.</b> </span></div>
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We spent the morning on the lake in the <a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2015/06/monumental-things.html" style="font-weight: bold;">new boat</a>, which was a blast. Gracie likes to "go fast" and go "fimmin'" in the water. (I'm not a huge fan of swimming in the lake because an alligator is obviously going to come by and eat me for breakfast.) And then my best friend turned 30 on July 5th, and her adorable husband threw her an awesome "surprise" party in the evening on the 4th. (I say "surprise" because Lauren is nosy and knew about the party way ahead of time, so we didn't even go through the charade of hiding. She just showed up when the rest of us did.)</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/5C4E4A25-398B-4F52-A0E1-7AE0B4650957.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5C4E4A25-398B-4F52-A0E1-7AE0B4650957.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/5C4E4A25-398B-4F52-A0E1-7AE0B4650957.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had a ball listening to people sing karaoke, splashing around the little kiddie pool they had set up for all the toddlers... and then watching Grace puke all over everywhere.<br />
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We still have no idea what that was about, but she took a turn when it got dark (just as all the fireworks were going off around us!), and we had to hightail it home.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Recovering.</span></b><br />
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Thankfully, she didn't puke again, but from Saturday through yesterday, she consistently ran a 100-101 fever and had a sore throat. (She also thought now would be a good time to boycott the thermometer and all medicine, which was <i>super</i> fun.) So Micah, his mom, my dad, and I have all tag-teamed staying home with her this week, which has been crazy for me at work. (Of course it has.)<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/71A9F1DE-9D6F-4F5E-8BBA-CEC2B52553EB.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 71A9F1DE-9D6F-4F5E-8BBA-CEC2B52553EB.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/71A9F1DE-9D6F-4F5E-8BBA-CEC2B52553EB.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I have no idea about the antlers.)</div>
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Given that all her cultures came back negative for bacterial infection, we think it must have been viral. From what I can see on my Instagram feed, it looks like it's going around. We've watched a ton of movies, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Sophia the First. (If I hear the hot dog song <i>one more time</i>, I may lose it.) And I got to pretend to be a stay-at-home mom for a couple of days, which was fun (and hard - kudos to you ladies!). HomeGoods is so much less crowded at 10:00 on a Thursday morning!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Decorating.</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>Speaking of HomeGoods, I've also gotten motivated to really try and get my house finished up. I'd say it's, like, 80% decorated now, and I'm mostly just working on finishing touches. (And switching out all the bad decisions I made when we first moved in...)<br />
<br />
Certain parts are coming together. Like this little vignette on the buffet in our dining room.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/FC7636B3-4357-4211-A2D2-7B2F1C08B0B5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FC7636B3-4357-4211-A2D2-7B2F1C08B0B5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/FC7636B3-4357-4211-A2D2-7B2F1C08B0B5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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(The fact that the cloche isn't straight over the greenery is annoying me, too, friends, but I forgot to snap another picture after I straightened it.)</div>
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What I really struggle with are walls. What are your go-tos for decorating a blank wall? I've got about a 7 foot by 9 foot alcove above our stairs that's been torturing me since we moved in in 2011. I feel like I won't be able to find something I like without spending one zillion dollars.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Whole30-ing.</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Oh yeah. So I'm on day 17 of my third Whole30. It's a lazy girl's Whole30, though, because I haven't been sticking to <i>all</i> the rules the way I did before. I've had some green juice, a Paleo cookie, and I had donuts with Gracie for breakfast yesterday. Ha. But at this point, my focus is really just to regain some semblance of moderation and get my mind back in the game. And I figured y'all have seen enough pictures of my eggs and Louisiana Hot Sauce that I probably don't need to blast them all over the blog and social media again. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
<i>And even though this post isn't technically in confession style, I can't resist linking up with <b><a href="http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/">Leslie</a></b> because I'm SOFREAKINGHAPPY that she's back and healthy and just as lovely as ever. I'm a broken record, I know, but if y'all don't follow her, you are just really missing out.</i></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-57368414359883847412015-06-23T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-23T10:01:08.157-05:00Currently...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Reading... </b>Bone Tree by Greg Iles. I just discovered that it's the second book in a three-book installment, which explains why I have no clue what's going on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Watching...</b> very little TV lately. I have zero enthusiasm for anything that's on right now (most especially The Bachelorette), and all I ever want to do is watch Friends re-runs. Anyone feel me?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Trying...</b> to gather prints/pictures for the gallery wall I'm putting together in our home office. I seriously can't wait to show you guys when it's finished.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cooking...</b> healthy things again. <i>Finally</i>. I'm jumping into another Whole30 because I just need it, so I'm meal-planning all kinds of things this week.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Eating...</b> Paleo chicken salad, buffalo chicken salad, chicken curry, turkey burgers, and Paleo chicken pot pie. I'm suddenly ravenous.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Drinking...</b> unsweet tea. With a straw. Always with a straw.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Pinning...</b> all kinds of things, <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ryan32/pins/">per the usual</a></b>. Today I attempted <b><a href="http://www.twistmepretty.com/2015/02/twisted-crown-braid-tutorial.html">this hair tutorial</a></b>. Mine obviously didn't turn out quite as perfect as hers, but I kept it in because I didn't feel like messing with it anymore.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/804A432B-B389-46D1-85BA-9E2C2E5291F6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 804A432B-B389-46D1-85BA-9E2C2E5291F6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/804A432B-B389-46D1-85BA-9E2C2E5291F6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Going...</b> to Minneapolis tomorrow for a deposition. I'll be back late on Thursday, so it'll be a short trip, and then I should be DONE traveling for awhile. Hallelujah.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Loving...</b> this <b><a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11571032">Smashbox Double Exposure Eyeshadow Palette</a></b>. Flushed and Fig have been my go-to colors with this red hair.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>Hating...</b> the heat. Where are you, fall?<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>Discovering...</b> that purchasing fragile things via the Internet isn't always the best course. I ordered a mirror for the office a week or two ago, and it arrived very <i>rattle-y</i>. Sure enough, the glass was in shards at the bottom of the box, and I'm having heck getting the company to respond to my emails.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Thinking...</b> that we <i>really</i> need a vacation but probably won't get one until after my trial in October or November.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Feeling...</b> like the gray hairs that have popped up on my crown seem to be here to stay. I'm not even <i>thirty</i> yet, you guys.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hoping...</b> for no more rain, at least for a week or two. My hometown experienced very serious flooding this past weekend, and while a Texas girl is always thankful for rain during the summer months, I feel like we've had our fill for awhile.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Smelling...</b> <b><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=56826556&cm_vc=200">this candle</a></b>. It's the most perfect summer scent, and it's on major sale right now.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Thanking... </b>the Lord for this little pretty. She makes my world go round.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/5D79CD2B-35A0-47EE-BA90-DC26C4069A6B_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5D79CD2B-35A0-47EE-BA90-DC26C4069A6B_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/5D79CD2B-35A0-47EE-BA90-DC26C4069A6B_1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Considering...</b> going for it on <b><a href="http://www.maskcaracosmetics.com/apps/productbuilder/custompalette">this contour palette from Maskcara</a></b>. I adore her and, though I wasn't obsessed with the formula of her first contour palette, this looks like it might be worth trying.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Finishing...</b> this tea. Time for some more, yeah?<br />
<br />
What are you up to, currently?<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thanks for posting your Currentlies, <b><a href="http://www.tricianaeblog.com/2015/06/currently-june.html">Tricia</a></b>! I took your hint and posted some of my own!)</span></i></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-49098777091519350222015-06-21T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-21T06:00:00.705-05:00What I didn't expect...<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the very beginning, I knew you were going to be a wonderful dad. I could see it in the softness of your touch, your servant's heart, and the way you treated your mama.</div>
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I had every expectation that you'd do your fair share of the raising of our children and that I would feel like I had a partner in crime as we navigated new territory together.</div>
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I figured you'd help change the diapers and pitch in when I got overwhelmed. And that you'd be present for dance recitals and school plays and basketball games.</div>
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But I never expected this.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/ACCF8BFF-73CB-43F0-BCE8-2D119CEE86C7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ACCF8BFF-73CB-43F0-BCE8-2D119CEE86C7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/ACCF8BFF-73CB-43F0-BCE8-2D119CEE86C7.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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I didn't expect ring around the rosie in the front yard in your work clothes. Or Daddy/Gracie dinner dates when I'm out of town. Or belly laughs at a volume that I can never seem to procure.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/9AC18F1E-7A85-4705-A1B7-D221B64CFFD9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 9AC18F1E-7A85-4705-A1B7-D221B64CFFD9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/9AC18F1E-7A85-4705-A1B7-D221B64CFFD9.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't expect you to be so utterly devoted to a curly-haired two year-old who adores you more than life itself.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/123DB05D-0878-4F24-9D70-C7F428A05A4F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 123DB05D-0878-4F24-9D70-C7F428A05A4F.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/123DB05D-0878-4F24-9D70-C7F428A05A4F.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
You change diapers and sing songs and watch Frozen for the zillionth time and dispense snacks and give piggy-back rides and kiss boo-boos and tickle toes. You are truly one of the most dedicated and affectionate fathers I have ever seen.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/F7D24B25-E29B-451D-8833-362303D87C9A.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo F7D24B25-E29B-451D-8833-362303D87C9A.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/F7D24B25-E29B-451D-8833-362303D87C9A.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Grace and I are the luckiest ducks to have you.<br />
<br />
I hope you know that you are my dream come true.<br />
<br />
Happy Father's Day, my love. You deserve a medal.</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-38439337299369584502015-06-19T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-19T08:38:55.032-05:00The last little while...There are so many things to tell you about what we've been up to the last couple of weeks.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
For instance, Gracie made it down the aisle in her first (and maybe last) stint as a flower girl. Barely.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/1361ECD4-F31F-4B13-BF55-EEE2C78B82DB.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1361ECD4-F31F-4B13-BF55-EEE2C78B82DB.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/1361ECD4-F31F-4B13-BF55-EEE2C78B82DB.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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She was such a doll in her little dress and flower crown, and she sat so still and good as I was curling her hair and putting on her shoes and dress. And she had a ball playing around on the stage and in the aisle when the church was empty. But then all the people began arriving, and she started to get scared. In fact, as everyone was lining up, I thought Micah was going to have to walk down the aisle with her. But we grabbed her little hand, stuck in my niece's (they were walking together), and pushed her out. Thankfully she didn't cry until she saw my dad in the front row. Ha.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/9F1FD053-8FFD-452F-9359-05B36B858DD1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 9F1FD053-8FFD-452F-9359-05B36B858DD1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/9F1FD053-8FFD-452F-9359-05B36B858DD1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We didn't make it very long into the reception until she had had her fill of the DJ's loud voice ("Noise, Mommy! I go home now?"). But we survived, and she was adorable.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And then we woke up the next morning, dropped Grace off with my dad, and headed down to Galveston for another wedding, this time for one of my best friends.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/EC514A45-DB95-4E58-9852-CD3F58618833.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo EC514A45-DB95-4E58-9852-CD3F58618833.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/EC514A45-DB95-4E58-9852-CD3F58618833.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/A4AA4FDC-6950-4335-A515-596BE0DC5DCB_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo A4AA4FDC-6950-4335-A515-596BE0DC5DCB_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/A4AA4FDC-6950-4335-A515-596BE0DC5DCB_1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
(Don't mind the bathroom selfie and my ridiculous roots. I need a fresh color <i>bad</i>.)</div>
</div>
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It was so beautiful and so very Candice.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/0312608A-4A46-4AA0-A328-B786EBAD8506_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 0312608A-4A46-4AA0-A328-B786EBAD8506_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/0312608A-4A46-4AA0-A328-B786EBAD8506_1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
... including Christmas lights and a rooftop view of Galveston!<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a quick trip, and I headed straight from Houston to Austin the next morning for a three-day trip that just about killed me. On top of the mental gymnastics involved in expert depositions, I just missed my loves. Thankfully, I made it to the airport in time to catch the last flight out of Austin on Wednesday. And now I'm home.</div>
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Hallelujah.</div>
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So what did I miss? What have you guys been up to?</div>
</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-9416945805469725822015-06-12T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-12T10:21:22.718-05:00A Stitch Fix Review: June 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
Y'all, my <b><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4037627">Stitch Fix</a> </b>stylist <i>killed it</i> this month. After last month's<b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-stitch-fix-review.html"> misses</a></b>, I went back and edited my <b><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4037627">style profile</a></b>, added some new stuff to my <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ryan32/stitchfix/">Pinterest board</a></b>, and left a detailed note for my stylist with some general pointers and preferences. And she totally listened. I kept everything!</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Crescent Sage Dress ($74) </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/49A6AD5D-3668-429D-9454-76F3C8117F17.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 49A6AD5D-3668-429D-9454-76F3C8117F17.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/49A6AD5D-3668-429D-9454-76F3C8117F17.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/21A9D69E-0B39-45E7-87E1-4601CA49C5D7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 21A9D69E-0B39-45E7-87E1-4601CA49C5D7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/21A9D69E-0B39-45E7-87E1-4601CA49C5D7.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This dress is perfect for summer. The fit is flattering if you've got curves, the crochet detail is gorgeous, and the print is fun and trendy. It's a <i>teensy</i> bit short for my taste, but I feel like adding the jean jacket gave me the ability to go a bit shorter without feeling like I was showing everyone all my goodies. Totally kept it.</div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Papermoon Bankside Split Neck Tunic ($64) </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06/17450DC1-0B56-4339-B1AB-8B421BE15A90.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 17450DC1-0B56-4339-B1AB-8B421BE15A90.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06/17450DC1-0B56-4339-B1AB-8B421BE15A90.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></b></div>
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This tunic is <i>so</i> me. Like, if I saw this in a store, I'd make a beeline to it. Fit = perfect. Style = perfect. White for summer = perfect. Kept it.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Daniel Rainn Hydie Floral Print Crochet Detail Blouse ($68) </b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/44CCAD78-CCB1-4134-8DA5-1F7B7955C6EB.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 44CCAD78-CCB1-4134-8DA5-1F7B7955C6EB.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/44CCAD78-CCB1-4134-8DA5-1F7B7955C6EB.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/CA8F75AB-5D5C-4E41-842B-64A008759649.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CA8F75AB-5D5C-4E41-842B-64A008759649.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/CA8F75AB-5D5C-4E41-842B-64A008759649.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This shirt is also so very perfect, and I totally kept it. I love the floral print, the crochet sleeves, and the flowy fit. It's long enough for skinny jeans, and it'll look great layered underneath my favorite lightweight cardigan for work.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Papermoon Upland Embroidered Tunic ($54) </b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06/3FB6B4B6-5F81-44B9-BC4D-00B65D89EB1C.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3FB6B4B6-5F81-44B9-BC4D-00B65D89EB1C.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06/3FB6B4B6-5F81-44B9-BC4D-00B65D89EB1C.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I kept this one, too. You can see that it's a bit sheer, so I'll probably wear a nude cami underneath. But the length is great for skinny jeans, and the color is fabulous for summer. I'm also majorly obsessed with the high neckline, which you can't really see in this awkward mirror selfie, but trust me. It's great.</div>
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<b>Bancroft Alize Hammered Oval Bracelet Set ($28)</b><br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Blog%20Stuff/73EA7D83-8C8D-41A1-A377-20271BDC9D5B.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 73EA7D83-8C8D-41A1-A377-20271BDC9D5B.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Blog%20Stuff/73EA7D83-8C8D-41A1-A377-20271BDC9D5B.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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These little bracelets are so dainty and classic! And I love that I got both silver and gold versions. Kept these, as well.</div>
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Have you tried <b><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4037627">Stitch Fix</a></b> yet? It's seriously my favorite indulgence each month. The surprise of the box is a blast, and I'm honestly just <i>way</i> too busy to spend my time searching for fashionable clothing. I like being able to keep my wardrobe updated and current without having to step foot in a dressing room. Plus, I have so much fun playing dress up with this little photo bomber.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06/EC97D85A-4649-46AC-8DF4-957393C28426.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo EC97D85A-4649-46AC-8DF4-957393C28426.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06/EC97D85A-4649-46AC-8DF4-957393C28426.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 14px;">** </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">All links in this post to StitchFix are referral links, but I love this company and do these posts because they're fun. Over and out.</i></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475286685029162931.post-39395815816238369572015-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-08T06:00:07.347-05:00Monumental things...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Before I forget, I want to say thank you so, so, so much for your encouraging and supportive comments on last week's <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2015/06/callhercaitlyn.html">post</a></b>. To be completely honest, I wasn't expecting such an overwhelmingly positive response given the divisive nature of the topic. But you guys lifted me up, as always. And, judging by the insane number of hits that <b><a href="http://lovedandlovely.blogspot.com/2015/06/callhercaitlyn.html">post</a></b> has gotten over the last week, you guys must have been sharing it, as well. Just know that I'm always thankful for this space and your unyielding support. Always.</i></div>
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Hi friends! I'm quickly typing out this post at nearly midnight on Sunday evening. I just finished up a work project and have a 7 a.m. flight to Austin in the morning. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a ridiculously busy ten days that I'm hoping will fly by. I've got three work trips, two weddings (one of which will involve a certain two-year old in a flower girl dress), and a rehearsal dinner to conquer, and I'm tired just thinking about trying to fit it all in.</div>
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But before I disappeared (because you know <i>something's</i> got to give), I just wanted to drop in and share a couple of things that we've been up to. The first is sort of monumental, given that Micah's been waiting for this moment basically since we started dating nearly 13 years ago.</div>
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/E69D74B9-E50A-436E-B6EF-EFE04604F651.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo E69D74B9-E50A-436E-B6EF-EFE04604F651.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/E69D74B9-E50A-436E-B6EF-EFE04604F651.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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The boy got himself a boat!<br />
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It's a bay boat, and he'll be able to use it in freshwater and saltwater for fishing. It'll also double as a playpen for Grace when necessary. Ha. She definitely likes playing "in [her] boat."<br />
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This purchase marks a dream come true for Micah, and I'm over the moon happy for him.<br />
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Also fairly monumental, we finally got around to getting built-in bookshelves installed in our home office, and we even managed to get paint up on the walls. Given that we've lived in this house over four years, I'd say it's about time. I'm still working my tail off decorating the space, but I'm making progress, and I've got a plan. Which is definitely significant. You may have already seen a sneak peek on <b><a href="https://instagram.com/mrshargrave/">Instagram</a></b>, but here's another one.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/164A6DFC-DD37-4065-9BCE-1C40A3DEE6CF.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 164A6DFC-DD37-4065-9BCE-1C40A3DEE6CF.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/164A6DFC-DD37-4065-9BCE-1C40A3DEE6CF.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I spent several hours covering books with craft paper this weekend. Nothing will take you back to the days of high school like putting book covers on textbooks while watching Friends re-runs.)<br />
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I'm going for an understated nautical theme, and when you see the wall paint color, you'll understand why.<br />
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Last, but not least, figured I'd share this lazy girl hairstyle with you guys.<br />
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<a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/3EAA369C-6E54-464D-9032-6C9884A880B8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3EAA369C-6E54-464D-9032-6C9884A880B8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/3EAA369C-6E54-464D-9032-6C9884A880B8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/user/ryanahargrave/media/5075D128-B570-4E97-8BAD-7A0508F7875F.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5075D128-B570-4E97-8BAD-7A0508F7875F.jpg" border="0" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/ryanahargrave/5075D128-B570-4E97-8BAD-7A0508F7875F.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It looks complicated, but if you can french braid your hair, you can do this, I promise. I just sectioned off about 2-3 inches in the middle, french braided it back, and then threw it up in a high pony. This style is perfect for straight or curly hair that's too dirty to wear down, but not dirty enough to justify getting up early to wash and blow-dry it. Ha.<br />
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That's all I got.</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404284493136658634noreply@blogger.com5