tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10291116793177536462024-03-18T23:51:24.276-04:00Blonde Girl ChroniclesHere you will find whatever inspires me today, and the days before...Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-17286653733221492292013-04-08T21:43:00.002-04:002013-04-08T22:36:01.214-04:00Please Help Save Balue Part 2<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP51IBHpUgbDVTmjfX-0vK4jRui7NZqGpwnbjb3F1Q0JKg9CtfyS8E2FURZptL5XOE_ctdmhnFaXXGns_Wdom-Q3B2dJMbaGFIjHRefDvU1XYWr-C15ey8Jy8peee-YhKnYuFH6ltCVDEB/s1600/Puppy+Balue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Save Balue http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP51IBHpUgbDVTmjfX-0vK4jRui7NZqGpwnbjb3F1Q0JKg9CtfyS8E2FURZptL5XOE_ctdmhnFaXXGns_Wdom-Q3B2dJMbaGFIjHRefDvU1XYWr-C15ey8Jy8peee-YhKnYuFH6ltCVDEB/s320/Puppy+Balue.jpg" title="Cute puppy" width="320" /></a></div>
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I posted <a href="http://blondegirlchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/03/please-help-save-balue.html" target="_blank">Please Help Save Balue</a> two weeks ago. I told you of the love of my dog, Balue, and how he was recently diagnosed with cancer. His fundraiser at <a href="http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue" target="_blank">http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue </a>has been absolutely a miracle and everyone who has shared and prayed and donated has helped to almost raise enough money for him to have his life saving surgery, he should be able to have it very soon if the donations keep coming, and live a long, happy, healthy and spoiled life! As of right now with online donations, cash donations, and personal items I have sold we are up to $2150. I'm just in awe of how wonderful and amazing people are! <br />
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I made this short video, that you will find below, about Balue for everyone who wanted to see more
pictures of him and learn more about him. I have so many pictures of my
baby that it was hard to narrow it down, but here are a few of my
favorites! Please enjoy!<br />
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If you are wondering if this is a real cause please note the "Verified" seal on the upper right hand corner of his <a href="http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue" target="_blank">donation page</a>. If you hover over it you will see that it signifies that I have provided paperwork to verify this is the real deal, which included a letter from his Dr. Some people are iffy about inputting their information into the website, I have full faith that you should have no worries, however if you do I can give you either a mailing address or a <a href="http://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">paypal</a> address to send donations to. Just <a href="mailto:findbarbarajean@hotmail.com" target="_blank">email me here</a> if you'd like to send a donation directly to me instead of through the website. <i>Due to an effort of keeping my personal privacy, even though I do have a big dog to protect me, I will not be giving out my home address.</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNag_Dn8dcAm_Omf8gkKTTn6COljoYnexAc4SC5na5kA-v6Da6FHNVlGt7xaMtRbPpggVjtQYqmP9jh9-J4zWJKFkfta8BuijtTXwrC0Musz2dX6i531hU8eW2x_5W-mD-c-dYHQdi6Xvk/s1600/Grownup+Balue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Save Balue! http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNag_Dn8dcAm_Omf8gkKTTn6COljoYnexAc4SC5na5kA-v6Da6FHNVlGt7xaMtRbPpggVjtQYqmP9jh9-J4zWJKFkfta8BuijtTXwrC0Musz2dX6i531hU8eW2x_5W-mD-c-dYHQdi6Xvk/s320/Grownup+Balue.jpg" title="Cute Dog" width="320" /></a><br />
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Please continue to share his story, pray for him, and if you can
donate at least a dollar... please donate that life saving dollar! Help Balue however you can to see his 6th birthday in June of this year!<br />
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Once Balue has his surgery and is in recovery I will post again and let everyone know how he is doing! <br />
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I really cannot say enough how thankful I am for all the wonderful people who've gotten involved! Please continue to post his story on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Craigslist, and everywhere you can think of. I even have a flyer that I can send you via pdf if you <a href="mailto:findbarbarajean@hotmail.com" target="_blank">email me here</a>.<br />
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Much Love! And many Balue Bear kisses!
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Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-59925601599611798232013-03-26T23:26:00.001-04:002013-03-26T23:35:06.046-04:00Please Help Save Balue<a href="http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue#fundraiser_details">Save Balue | MicroGiving.com</a><br />
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Hello WORLD!<br />
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I know I have not blogged in pretty much forever! A LOT has been happening in my life. Mostly good. =) I've been so busy, and I've lost touch with writing here. However I do come to you now with a plea for help.<br />
<br />
My beloved dog Balue was diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumors cancer yesterday. He needs a surgery to have it removed before it spreads to his organs. If it is removed in time he will have a good prognosis and will be able to live a happy healthy life, however if I'm unable to come up with the funds in time the cancer will spread and take his life quickly.<br />
<br />
He's very special to me. He will be 6 years old in June 2013, less than 3 months. This boy has been with me through the falling apart of my marriage and eventual divorce. As well as when I lived in another crappy relationship for 2 years. He's been with me when men have come and gone, and friends have come and gone in my life. I've had lows and I've had highs, and the one constant in my life for almost 6 years has been Balue. He's my best friend, I love him more than I love any person in my life. If I had the money for the surgery myself I would pay for it, unfortunately I'm a single woman on an income that just cannot afford it in time.<br />
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Please find it in your heart to <a href="http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue" target="_blank">donate</a> a dollar, or more if you can, towards his surgery. If you cannot donate just helping by sharing the <a href="http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue" target="_blank">link</a> to his cause and your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated!<br />
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<a href="http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue" target="_blank">http://www.microgiving.com/cause/save-balue </a><br />
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Thank you for taking the time to read this. Balue and I are grateful for anything you can do!<br />
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Much love!<br />
XOXO<br />
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<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://blondegirlchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/03/please-help-save-balue.html" data-send="true" data-width="450" data-show-faces="false"></div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-17314181198584686622012-06-08T09:24:00.001-04:002012-06-08T09:54:33.688-04:00Bounce by Mohu Review - Give Me The Juice<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUfpueVuGvCZhtE73j6kAajTaMLG5ShH4GE9R7VS6zBNXQIKmWqZvz1gol0dyrFvwwWAxabUHNWkA2JdYySNf61in_EZ4iZ-4jHYiDZM7oWQxEEf3HfX_QCMkJ7eHmpwE6DS3fp0Thjeo/s1600/DSCN3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUfpueVuGvCZhtE73j6kAajTaMLG5ShH4GE9R7VS6zBNXQIKmWqZvz1gol0dyrFvwwWAxabUHNWkA2JdYySNf61in_EZ4iZ-4jHYiDZM7oWQxEEf3HfX_QCMkJ7eHmpwE6DS3fp0Thjeo/s200/DSCN3790.JPG" title="Mohu Bounce Review" width="200" /></a></div>
I'm a person who loves technology and gadgets. You may have possibly read <a href="http://blondegirlchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/02/leaf-by-mohu-review-best-hdtv-antenna.html" target="_blank">Leaf by Mohu Review- Best HDTV Antenna</a>, and I absolutely love my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QK7HI8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QK7HI8">Leaf</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004QK7HI8" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> . My new gadget is another from <a href="http://www.gomohu.com/" target="_blank">Mohu</a> as well called the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZD70US/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007ZD70US">Bounce</a>. It is a neat little WiFi enhancer. On the packaging they claim "3x extra juice for your WiFi". When you pull the device out of the box it's kind of an egg shaped hunk of plastic looking thing. On first glance I can not help but wonder if this plastic thingamabob is actually going to do anything, however after the luck that I had with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QK7HI8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QK7HI8">Leaf</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004QK7HI8" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> antenna I wasn't too skeptical. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8pbgdWErzo_Ins1BxvqMbYSDeGB0NvtsQ2ObfLzbxeqAM7_EeywmlwxJUOiDSzajHfrVSvcyRUa6zBpC_IDyBWPqX5hPDHHfcGPscL5iOFUtHRLWHrK6hJxVe8CUO773NEVMnAMLDbja/s1600/DSCN3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8pbgdWErzo_Ins1BxvqMbYSDeGB0NvtsQ2ObfLzbxeqAM7_EeywmlwxJUOiDSzajHfrVSvcyRUa6zBpC_IDyBWPqX5hPDHHfcGPscL5iOFUtHRLWHrK6hJxVe8CUO773NEVMnAMLDbja/s200/DSCN3778.JPG" title="Mohu Bounce Review" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just slide the Bounce onto an antenna!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The way this nifty gadget works... well I can't tell you exactly how it works, that is a mystery hidden within it's egg shaped walls. But, to install the device to boost your WiFi just slide it right over one of your router's external antennas, and wahlah! It works! Simple = Awesome!<br />
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I have both a pc and a laptop. In all honesty I prefer using the pc most of the time. One of the reasons being that since the pc is jacked directly into the router with a wire it loads things much more quickly than the laptop. I'm the typical impatient person that prefers instant gratification when it has anything to do with waiting on stuff to happen on the internet. Buffering is a royal pain in the butt! So of course one of the first things I tested was going to my bedroom where I would typically use the laptop and firing up the web, which loaded pretty much instantly. Never has that happened before. Then I went to watch a video online that I had tried watching on the laptop before and remembered being irritated by the lag time and there was absolutely no lag and the video played right away. Woohoo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRYbT9REILAXnyUSWTZplR3Y2UFitnmW3cIwmiY9RA8ohYySF2tZu_Np4Q28xiM7RM_LgglQuFGM-np6Kij3J5tSjqXy39aoLO0RSUN1YyGc44uLgbN62i8lU8wOsOcQCrexwD7iwC-Mq/s1600/DSCN3775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRYbT9REILAXnyUSWTZplR3Y2UFitnmW3cIwmiY9RA8ohYySF2tZu_Np4Q28xiM7RM_LgglQuFGM-np6Kij3J5tSjqXy39aoLO0RSUN1YyGc44uLgbN62i8lU8wOsOcQCrexwD7iwC-Mq/s320/DSCN3775.JPG" width="320" /></a>I do not really use my laptop outside, but my phone is Wifi capable and I do not get much signal in the dog park next to my apartment, so I decided to go and check that out. In this photo I'm standing in front of the wall where my router and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZD70US/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007ZD70US">Bounce</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007ZD70US" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> are located about 4 feet behind me, and if you squint your eyes and look for the arrow I inserted you can see the brown picnic table in the distance. That's where I spend my time while Balue is having his park time. Usually I get 1 white bar with WiFi at that table, I now get 3 green bars, and 4 is the most that would be on my phone. So 3 out of 4 green bars, when before I had no green isn't too shabby!<br />
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I do have other electronics in my home that run on WiFi and it does seem that everything is running more smoothly since I slipped this nifty little guy onto my router's antenna. If your WiFi is needing a boost and your router has an external antenna I suggest giving it a shot. It is an American made product and you can purchase it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZD70US/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007ZD70US">Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007ZD70US" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> for only $25!!! And it is eligible Super Saver or Amazon Prime shipping.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gomohu.com/" target="_blank">Mohu</a> is quickly becoming a favorite brand, and I'm currently awaiting their new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GQIIEM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006GQIIEM">Leaf Plus Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006GQIIEM" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> to come in the mail, so expect to hear from me fairly soon on how that works out.<br />
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Have you tried the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZD70US/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007ZD70US">Bounce</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007ZD70US" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> and seen a difference?<br />
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Much Love!<br />
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Oh hey! It's Friday, WiFi just got better and David Bowie is forever sexy... LETS DANCE!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N4d7Wp9kKjA" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TE1HXG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000TE1HXG">Let's Dance (Single Version) Only 99 Cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000TE1HXG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-63505272782346703952012-06-07T10:42:00.000-04:002012-06-07T12:23:40.765-04:00Jealousy Consumes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42NMvsUhyzZC9MCsZgDmybutM7dOkmriN1gAkFzAZgtN5zN6oHeAcnQIxJVBY0qqzo6GxgCFT6RXgjn-6tFZ-DC_6x0x0l4X5C76E8g_DqqMyiaH172IhuLPULRHf9KNu62mfz1Nx1LhP/s1600/mothmaneye-43151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" fba="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42NMvsUhyzZC9MCsZgDmybutM7dOkmriN1gAkFzAZgtN5zN6oHeAcnQIxJVBY0qqzo6GxgCFT6RXgjn-6tFZ-DC_6x0x0l4X5C76E8g_DqqMyiaH172IhuLPULRHf9KNu62mfz1Nx1LhP/s320/mothmaneye-43151.jpg" title="Jealousy Consumes" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been thinking about how jealousy can consume a person, and sometimes they may not even realize it. Being consumed by jealousy does not just apply to the person who is a jealous lover that flips anytime anyone even looks in the direction of their partner. There are many forms of jealousy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent my early 20's being jealous a lot, because my life wasn't what I really wanted, and sometimes I didn't even realize that was my problem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it affected my mood and attitude and how I treated people. As I've gotten older and especially since I've had to restart my life, losing everything and being humbled, twice, it's brought a lot into perspective. If I dwelled on everything that I'm not, and what I do not have all of the time I would be a very miserable and stressed person. Instead I make the choice to be positive, because I've built up a life more than once, and I can do it again and again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel that jealousy in a lot of situations is a choice. You can chose to be happy for those around you who may have the things you want or are able to do the things that you want and make it a goal to eventually be there. Unfortunately I see too many people watching what they seem to think is everyone else around them just has it easy, or whatever their thoughts may be, and even though their life isn't absolutely horrible, they still have this constant woe is me attitude because they do not have everything they want in life right at this very moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've worked to develop a personal awareness to be in self control of jealousy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of people talk to me about their lives. And I love that they do. I'm always willing to be a bouncing board for people to throw their thoughts and emotions and feelings at, because everyone needs someone in their life that they can do that with. However being a person who experiences an onslaught of expression from other people regarding their personal feelings and life experiences, I tend to absorb and learn from them as well. I have had people in my life who are in that constant woe is me state. I usually find them draining and eventually our friendship tends to fizzle after awhile, I get burned out on constant negativity. I didn't always, in my younger years I absorbed the negativity and instead of learning from it and doing what I could to avoid being that way I would be constantly pessimistic and depressed and emotional. I wasn't getting everything I wanted and here were other people who weren't either and everyone who was, well they were jerks. Right? No. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh the joys of getting older. This is a reason I enjoy getting older, I always tell people the older I get the less I feel like a dumbass. I knew nothing when I was a young adult but I thought I knew everything. At one point I decided I never wanted to be that pathetic person who was constantly jealous and depressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to keep respect for someone who is that way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find it particularly sad when I watch people I know who express their constant or very often state of near depression and/or jealousy over life actually intentionally trying to make people jealous of them. Any kind of satisfaction they may get from other people being jealous of them is only temporary. I try to be a very observant person in these matters, I may not always notice a new hair cut but a lot of times I will be able to pick up on a person’s intent when they are actually trying to provoke me into green eyed monster mode. And I will admit that it is a guilty pleasure to see their taunting turn into frustration when I do not give them the satisfaction of my jealousy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve also found that it seems the people who express the most jealousy also seem to express feelings of entitlement to things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not think that they realize it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess for myself since I come from very humble roots, I’ve never been spoiled, and know that nothing in life is just handed to you, or feel that it shouldn’t be anyways, that it is hard for me to relate to people when they come across as that person who thinks it is just their right or something to have everything they want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just an odd thing for me to be able to process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just a brief statement on being jealous that other people have the person you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are plenty of wonderful people in the world and making yourself miserable over one is just silly. And if they are cheating on their current partner with you but they won't completely leave them for you, do you really think anyone who cheats is worth having for the long haul?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not get me wrong. There are times I will get jealous. Like when Natalie Portman is all up on my future boyfriend Thor. That’s just some bs right there. HA I jest. But in some situations it is a natural feeling. However it is not natural to constantly be jealous and/or try to make others jealous of you. Consumed with jealousy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are struggling with jealousy issues like I did in my younger life then start working on them today. You will find your life is much less stressful and depressing and start feeling much more self confident. We may not get everything we want in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we are better off not getting the things that we want. And the things that we do get will come to us with patience and working at our goals. Anything good in life can be much more appreciated if we get it through working for it. Or if your problem is waiting on love or some other non-material thing, the same rule can apply; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>anything good in life can be much more appreciated if we get it through being patient and waiting for when it is truly right for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much love!</span><br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-52556009463796060732012-06-06T10:59:00.001-04:002012-06-06T11:07:17.940-04:00Apparently I Am A SlackerHow the heck has 3 months flown by since the last time I wrote a blog? I seriously was intending to take just a short break, however I obviously was caught up in doing a whole lot of nothing! <br />
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I've gotten a new gadget I will be reviewing within the next couple of days that is very cool. Any kind of technology that is affordable and improves the quality of life is ok with me. <br />
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I'm keeping my fingers crossed that in the near future I will be adopting a new little dog, because my big dog, Balue, needs a pet. What? Don't your pets have pets?<br />
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I decided to go on some dates after my year of dating break, and I decided that I hate dating. More and more I see why arranged marriages make sense. Now if someone could arrange for me to be with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/" target="_blank">Thor</a> that would be greatly appreciated. <br />
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I've cooked a bunch of super yummy stuff lately, and thought as I was doing it "I should be blogging this" but lacked the heart to feel like taking photos of the process. But trust me there's been some good stuff going into my belly.<br />
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See, obviously a whole lot of nothing going on here. Which I'm assuming it's better that I haven't mindlessly written about nothing daily for 3 months straight, like some kind of blog writing zombie who feeds on wasting your brain cells instead of actually feasting on your brain cells. NOM NOM NOM<br />
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Ok so now that you've gotten this far and finally realized this was a complete waste of your time, HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!<br />
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Much Love!<br />
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In light of I obviously like to disappear for months at a time I thought I would share with you this cute little <a href="http://pinterest.com/blondiebabs/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> find....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6W9saP3l5MYoCtR1qu_zybNS0jUltMbCLI4Qm5xVZnnMYe8IdfwaGYL2p46Qz9AOv8lCI3lWjb_ldYZ3ZNHzXxsZugNr2qbIuxRwt3r3dpXmZ4ClWT5rhm56au9hjUpuhtS5icDswfQPw/s1600/196171_3611941331902_1074823029_3179288_1743834072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" fba="true" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6W9saP3l5MYoCtR1qu_zybNS0jUltMbCLI4Qm5xVZnnMYe8IdfwaGYL2p46Qz9AOv8lCI3lWjb_ldYZ3ZNHzXxsZugNr2qbIuxRwt3r3dpXmZ4ClWT5rhm56au9hjUpuhtS5icDswfQPw/s320/196171_3611941331902_1074823029_3179288_1743834072_n.jpg" title="Follow Me On Pintrest http://pinterest.com/blondiebabs/" width="320" /></a></div>
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And for wasting your time here's a song I love.... </div>
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<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://blondegirlchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/apparently-i-am-slacker.html" data-send="true" data-width="450" data-show-faces="false"></div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-50007174559199078672012-03-18T14:38:00.000-04:002012-03-18T14:39:12.555-04:00Dirty LoveThere's this super goofy movie, that for some reason amuses me, it's definitely not for the weak at heart or anyone easily offended by... well anything, but it's just I don't know over the top so cheesy it's good. It's called <i>Dirty Love</i>. Jenny McCarthy is in search of her soul mate basically and all kinds of madness ensues. She keeps meeting all the wrong men. Does that sound familiar? I know that I know that tune quite well. At one point as she's sitting on the filthy floor of a jail cell in tears she sees this poem on the wall and it just kind of makes sense for anyone who's been in bad relationship after bad relationship. Most people thought the movie was just awful, and really it was, but still I enjoyed it because it was an over exaggerated version of my life. Well not really, but kind of. ;)<br />
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So here is the poem, maybe it'll make some sense to you.<br />
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<i>The hardest love to learn is that which is dark<br />
The kind that causes the most pain<br />
It is up to the soul to look past that dirty love<br />
and regain the beauty that illuminated so bright before...<br />
PURE LOVE</i><br />
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So many people are in search of that "Pure Love". One day hopefully we will have the love for us. In the mean time be good to yourself and love yourself. If you cannot love yourself alone how can you truly love someone else?<br />
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Much love! And good luck in your search!<br />
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I had never heard this song before but just ran across the video and found the song so great I had to share. Who doesn't love Dolly Parton? Such a good message. Enjoy!<br />
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Much Love!<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-75074246373091185862012-03-12T21:50:00.001-04:002012-03-12T21:57:50.346-04:00Law of Attraction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a7kdFHuMH5KDzu7kjdR_ZWd-LWlbdR6XivCN8xQWbDVirmN53U70neqoHVupJvIrmItvvMR3i9GA5Wlzxn_zfNn5adr2qo-MCDdIfFQ8S2sgfh5CLCqu7016cBRc22Lum2Bi0Bjedplq/s1600/Law+of+Attraction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a7kdFHuMH5KDzu7kjdR_ZWd-LWlbdR6XivCN8xQWbDVirmN53U70neqoHVupJvIrmItvvMR3i9GA5Wlzxn_zfNn5adr2qo-MCDdIfFQ8S2sgfh5CLCqu7016cBRc22Lum2Bi0Bjedplq/s320/Law+of+Attraction.jpg" width="320" /></a>You have possibly heard of the Law of Attraction, I will not sit here and try to explain it in depth or act like I know everything there is to know about it. But I do believe if you focus on positive things in your life then positive things will happen. I hear so many people talk about Murphy's Law and see my friends post about it almost daily. I know in my past I was always so worried about how bad things were and how much worse things would get. I was allowing negativity in my life. In a sense inviting Murphy's Law to manifest. Over the recent years I've been refocusing my thought because I know life can get better if I work for it and if I allow it to. If you have never heard of the Law of Attraction it's some interesting stuff that in your spare time would be something worth reading about. If anything life just feels better focusing on positive things and inviting them into your life instead of allowing negativity to take hold. I say all this because someone emailed me this picture today, actually it was kind of almost divine intervention because I was super tired and feeling quite pessimistic about something and they didn't even have a clue, so when I saw it I had to stop and refocus myself. I've lived through some crazy bad stuff in my life, but I've made it through it. Grown from it, learned from it. Life is good and always getting better! I believe the Law of Attraction is much more powerful than Murphy's Law, if you focus on negativity you attract negativity, however if you focus on the positive then you will attract positivity... it sounds simple right? So why not try! Just thinking and wishing for something doesn't mean stuff will happen if you do not take steps to make it happen, there is no Fairy God Mother out there granting our wishes. It would be nice, however a good start to changing your life is to stop being negative and start being positive.<br />
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I see this little quote here and there throughout my daily life and it's a good point to focus on... "If anything can go well it will." <br />
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Much Love!<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-15999054067120026122012-02-17T23:31:00.000-05:002012-05-01T10:09:56.896-04:00Leaf by Mohu Review - Best HDTV AntennaSince I've been living alone one way I've found to cut my monthly bill costs is not pay for satellite or cable television. And I do not miss it, mostly I do not miss those insane bills! Between local television and things like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, <a href="https://signup.netflix.com/home?g=E4BC9311270648085AAD88CFBF8200FA0AC01F72&mqso=80027989&lnktrk=EMP&lkid=bottom_cta&country=1&rdirfdc=true" target="_blank">Netflix</a>, and internet tv there is plenty for me to watch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj59KCMVuP97MC9p7JJ7zqumMAnHuOsxX8PZ2Pz0VjjM8ZbrRvNWWBlMTmaooHkGQTVeqWJvf3XLtIGOtk7Y1KW3PijJaOrqZVoCdnSB-Cmlkkp0d2N429mVTfvsVutlo5MvkrIjsQZoei/s1600/Old+Dumbass+Antenna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj59KCMVuP97MC9p7JJ7zqumMAnHuOsxX8PZ2Pz0VjjM8ZbrRvNWWBlMTmaooHkGQTVeqWJvf3XLtIGOtk7Y1KW3PijJaOrqZVoCdnSB-Cmlkkp0d2N429mVTfvsVutlo5MvkrIjsQZoei/s320/Old+Dumbass+Antenna.jpg" width="311" /></a>Since analog television went extinct and we are left with digital television, aka DTV, I was frustrated with the reception of the signal I was receiving with DTV. Between not getting local stations and then the few I was getting constantly digitizing and me having to do everything I could think of to get reception back... I decided I was fed up and there had to be a better antenna than the one I had with the big huge rods sticking to the sky and the stupid round pointless thing in the middle. I had enough of cutting the power off to things and turning it back on, adjusting rods and changing channels. I was spending more time just trying to keep a signal than I was watching the show. Despite over the past year what I was experiencing with DTV, I still wasn't so frustrated that I was willing to pay huge bills every month to watch tv!!!<br />
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So began my reading of reviews, and more reviews, and even more reviews. I wasn't sure how much I was going to be willing to pay for an antenna but I was seriously looking at reviews for everything from the cheap stuff to the ones into hundreds of dollars. It had to be an indoor antenna since I live in an apartment. I finally found it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, yes I know I refer to Amazon a lot but I am an avid shopper of Amazon and I find my best deals there and I wouldn't recommend it if I didn't shop there myself! So what did I find on Amazon? It's called the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QK7HI8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QK7HI8">Leaf HDTV Antenna made by Mohu</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004QK7HI8" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />. It is a paper thin indoor antenna and it is made in the USA. It also has a black side or a white side so you can fit it in with your color scheme, or you can put in a window or behind some furniture, or I saw pictures where people just taped it to the back of the tv. There is a super thin ring of plastic around it that they have provided if you'd like to secure it with push pins instead of tape.<br />
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I read dozens and dozens of reviews about it on and off of Amazon. There are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/B004QK7HI8/?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending" target="_blank">over 700 customer reviews on Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, actually that is what caught my attention because I believe it had the most reviews of any of them that I saw there. It of course had mixed reviews as expected. Some people live in areas where they really just aren't going to have much luck no matter what they use. However in over 700 reviews less than 100 were 2 stars and under, 5 stars being max.<br />
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So I decided to give it a try! I ordered it on Sunday and it arrived today on Friday via USPS mail. The I opened it up and it resembled not much more than a piece of laminated paper with a wire attached. I had it delivered to my office and had said to my coworker as I was showing her my new technology discovery, she has a love of technology like I do, that I was going to be pissed if I got home and it ended up just being a piece of plastic that didn't do anything!<br />
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I get home I take it out of the packaging, take the old crazy bulky antenna and toss it to the ground triumphantly now that I wouldn't have to look at the eyesore anymore, and hoping that this Leaf actually worked! Oh no did I break the eyesore? Well if I did it doesn't matter because the Leaf works beautifully! When I first hooked it up there was no change in the channels and everything was still digitizing and I was like dang it! Noooo! Then I thought to go into my tv menu and have it re-tune the channels doing an auto-scan and my tv who is much smarter than I automatically tells me as soon as it starts the scan that it detects a new antenna and will be rewriting all the previous saved channels. Why do I love technology? That's why I love technology! I'm thinking maybe this is why others had issues with the Leaf is because they didn't take the time to go into the menu and have it reset and wait on the tv to re-auto-tune the channels.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxktoMV9HhH5jam_aFhXW8JyvhE0dXf_N-9JHvBNV37A_9_Q3UOTbMBkm9myqw7hCoiRY91SCcmDdZ6xxM0bF43gW8VA4AsCAnpYy2vI1opEE7wYEREdHr60l2cVx7FzRD7VMXLeUShCTB/s1600/Leaf+Antenna+By+Mohu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxktoMV9HhH5jam_aFhXW8JyvhE0dXf_N-9JHvBNV37A_9_Q3UOTbMBkm9myqw7hCoiRY91SCcmDdZ6xxM0bF43gW8VA4AsCAnpYy2vI1opEE7wYEREdHr60l2cVx7FzRD7VMXLeUShCTB/s320/Leaf+Antenna+By+Mohu.jpg" width="271" /></a>I checked with <a href="http://www.tvguide.com/Listings/" target="_blank">TV Guide</a> online and looked at what the actual local broadcast area channels were for me and I now receive all but one with the Leaf! From what I understand some areas have lots more channels available to them, and some people assume that since it was so widely broadcasted when the switch was made that it was going to be better because there would be so many more channels now, however that does not mean that they are all actually broadcasted in your area. I suggest going to TV Guide putting in your zip and seeing what available to you. Also the other exciting part, besides more channels, is the tv has been on for 7 hours and not once has it digitized! I'm so excited over this more than anything because the digitizing was bad. It would do it every few minutes before and sometimes I'd fully lose service for hours at a time. I would get so frustrated with the digitizing I'd just switch to watching a movie or tv show on Amazon Prime or Netflix! <br />
<br />
I know I've only had this thing for a few hours and it's working beautifully now and maybe I'm jumping the gun on writing this this long review, however I just couldn't wait to share this new discovery of mine with you. And since I had read so many reviews where people had them for several months or over a year and they worked great I feel confident in telling you about this now! But I promise if I have a problem in the near future I'll definitely make an update and let you know.<br />
<br />
If you are frugal like me and prefer to not pay some corporation your hard earned dollars just to subscribe their overpriced service to watch television and are sick of only having 3 channels that you can barely watch anyways then I suggest try out the Leaf!<br />
<br />
OH WAIT!! I forgot one of the best parts! This miracle antenna only cost me $37.59 and it was free shipping! What what! Yep that's right!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=blongirlchro-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004QK7HI8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
Ok Balue is sick of me giving you guys so much attention and is now laying here pawing at me and would love for me to spend some time snuggled up with him watching our perfectly clear awesome television picture.<br />
<br />
Much Love! Have a wonderful weekend!<br />
<br />
UPDATE: 5/1/12 - Antenna still works awesome! No digitizing in months. LOVE IT!<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-18575088640743166262012-02-16T22:26:00.001-05:002012-02-16T22:34:29.503-05:00Plum District Savings for WomenSo I discovered this totally awesome new website tonight much like Groupon and Living Social, except it's completely geared towards women! I love it!! It's called Plum District. If you sign up now you get a $5 credit! <br />
<br />
I'm so ecstatic I found the site today because in less than five hours this totally awesome deal ends to receive a $130 credit for only $30 towards hair tools or hair extensions on the <a href="http://www.numeonline.com/" target="_blank">NuMe</a> website. I spent the evening reading tons of customer reviews not only on the NuMe website but on other sites as well, as well as watching youtube vids of people trying their products. The tools seem pricey but to me if they actually work and last then they are worth it! You get what you pay for! AND not to mention with $130 credit for paying only $30 at Plum District you've now paid the same price for an expensive superior tool for the price of something cheap! AND IT GET'S BETTER.... Can you tell I'm excited? Since I signed up tonight I got a $5 credit on my Plum D account, and I found a coupon code for another 10% off if you use a visa to pay. SO I paid $22 for $130 credit!! OH M GEE! Oh yes I just said that. I love saving money and awesome deals!<br />
<br />
Now I'm going to head over now and buy this totally rad <a href="http://www.numeonline.com/shop/products/Wet-to-Dry.html" target="_blank">Wet to Dry</a> flat iron they have on the site. I have curly hair and I haven't met a flat iron yet that really does it's job. Plus it's such a hassle to blow dry then flat iron I usually just sport the curls. So I'm excited to be able to flat iron my hair from wet! I see they have it at RRP $350, sale price $145, so I just paid $37 for a $350 professional grade flat iron!<br />
<br />
Ok ok I'll stop so you can snag the deal. You have less than 5 hours to get it so do it!! <a href="http://www.plumdistrict.com/three_for_free/1efc22c3b7/click" target="_blank">Click here for the $130 Credit at NuMe!</a> <br />
<br />
If you missed that deal I'm sure Plum District has many more super deals ahead for us, as well as the great deals they already have listed now. Start saving money ladies!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.plumdistrict.com/?ref=udd80929e229" target="_blank">Click here to go to the Plum District site and sign up and receive your automatic $5 credit.</a><br />
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MUCH LOVE! And happy saving!<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-19018079079233346582012-02-16T21:22:00.000-05:002012-02-16T21:23:28.177-05:00Best Box Brownie Mix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCUZOCQdOhuDQVzdkqsDXNTcz8u6jPreHPtbU7v_rUOtUktV7FueA71mbhw7ku6MhTs4s7IWLxDWvgsm7SN2N3KEE6rQFLp9qcC5XJP_IUEtOn0cQZCdRetIzpjMejzY7WHJ3VIbQYWho/s1600/Blonde+Girl+Chronicle%27s+Ghirardelli+Dark+Chocolate+Brownie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCUZOCQdOhuDQVzdkqsDXNTcz8u6jPreHPtbU7v_rUOtUktV7FueA71mbhw7ku6MhTs4s7IWLxDWvgsm7SN2N3KEE6rQFLp9qcC5XJP_IUEtOn0cQZCdRetIzpjMejzY7WHJ3VIbQYWho/s200/Blonde+Girl+Chronicle%27s+Ghirardelli+Dark+Chocolate+Brownie.jpg" width="200" /></a>This evening I experienced the best boxed brownies ever. <a href="http://shop.ghirardelli.com/product-exec/product_id/928/nm/Ghirardelli_Dark_Chocolate_Brownie_Mix" target="_blank">Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix</a> is superior awesomeness. I've always loved their little candies being the chocolate phene that I am, but the brownies.... holy cow! Not only is it dark chocolate mix, but there's chocolate chips in the mix making these gooey super awesome... really I need to stop before I drool on my desk.<br />
<br />
I would love to visit the Ghirardelli factory some day. If you want some fun facts for next time you are having some water cooler chocolate chat visit the <a href="http://www.ghirardelli.com/about/ghirardelli_difference.aspx" target="_blank">Ghirardelli Difference</a> page to see what makes them so special!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVY8SLWx5q-I0gDhQvEtmt6mIOjKNhP489qnAOw6Kipm2fhYnP_UCUkKquuxLYtdu7vryGIGMH-QGqpSQCc3len_LASK6R4S3aAcxA7EuhfE-aIJILc4Br7Mr7JzzOrAMhhYJU5DXcEBNl/s1600/928_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVY8SLWx5q-I0gDhQvEtmt6mIOjKNhP489qnAOw6Kipm2fhYnP_UCUkKquuxLYtdu7vryGIGMH-QGqpSQCc3len_LASK6R4S3aAcxA7EuhfE-aIJILc4Br7Mr7JzzOrAMhhYJU5DXcEBNl/s200/928_600.jpg" width="200" /></a>If you want to wow some people without going through the work of making some kind of insanely intense homemade brownie batter take the easy route and give these a try! You will be in looove! If your local stores do not sell them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&keywords=ghiradelli%20dark%20chocolate%20brownies&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=ur2&qid=1329444264&rnid=2528832011&camp=1789&creative=390957&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aghiradelli%20dark%20chocolate%20brownies%2Cp_lbr_brands_browse-bin%3A2592554011#/ref=sr_nr_p_lbr_brands_browse-_0?rh=i:aps,k:ghirardelli%20dark%20chocolate%20brownies,p_lbr_brands_browse-bin:2592554011" target="_blank">click here to buy Ghirardelli brownie mixes at Amazon.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm in love.<br />
Why don't I marry them then?<br />
Well I would if I could, I'm pretty sure our relationship has been consummated.<br />
<br />
Much Love and chocolate!<br />
<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-58115268853345179962012-02-15T20:53:00.000-05:002012-02-15T20:55:24.319-05:00Homemade Strawberry Syrup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQSDc6l_nYIiC8-7M5M05ShfMsfCdQJRN6AldEIYXNKyp0ltG9FRBPcEeep_Gv3dYA44rqQ70ayF1QIHb6OL6Sd3g4WRSCoQv5ifHKXNUQ6gycIBs2I9cQTsHCRRYBtCeSlbcFkX6xYjp/s1600/DSCN3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQSDc6l_nYIiC8-7M5M05ShfMsfCdQJRN6AldEIYXNKyp0ltG9FRBPcEeep_Gv3dYA44rqQ70ayF1QIHb6OL6Sd3g4WRSCoQv5ifHKXNUQ6gycIBs2I9cQTsHCRRYBtCeSlbcFkX6xYjp/s200/DSCN3505.JPG" width="200" /></a>I woke up this past Saturday thinking I wanted pancakes. However I did not have any syrup and I always wondered how it would taste homemade so I proceeded to read about 6000 recipes. I got the jist that the bulk of them used one part brown sugar, one part white sugar and one part water. I had all of those things and some strawberries I needed to use up. Swwwweeet! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha7ocREKhvortZajbhieMuFE8nuse5HOpMc1FUUOiJ8XOUwC0RaYLhjHyMmp_1hP34oKKgg6es13AJN067wm_FsE1RmTOoRO4zzNNm-sauDub6gj9889Y-r4kQ06Q0QRXsoAIO-3bAx-U/s1600/DSCN3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha7ocREKhvortZajbhieMuFE8nuse5HOpMc1FUUOiJ8XOUwC0RaYLhjHyMmp_1hP34oKKgg6es13AJN067wm_FsE1RmTOoRO4zzNNm-sauDub6gj9889Y-r4kQ06Q0QRXsoAIO-3bAx-U/s200/DSCN3509.JPG" width="200" /></a>And sweet it was. I had mixed the strawberries that I strained out of the syrup into the pancake batter and that was actually my mistake when it came to sweetness. I rarely come across anything that is too sweet for my sweet tooth and the basically candied strawberry pancakes were it. The next day I decided to give it a second try since I had leftover syrup and without the candied strawberries in the batter it was great. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7JgiiSmT5-Q-tjEAzqoYDdHLD2Ar2vD-1pgH7qfkcFK4G-OxnCLQP1-Q5Ujwz93NFrrEGioIfGc8ZNZ4EvJfu-c6FR-x8BmV_6m9zcoy3HICCBGaP8Yg7o6JIP0tyDGD2hcKmRIcgjJ3/s1600/DSCN3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7JgiiSmT5-Q-tjEAzqoYDdHLD2Ar2vD-1pgH7qfkcFK4G-OxnCLQP1-Q5Ujwz93NFrrEGioIfGc8ZNZ4EvJfu-c6FR-x8BmV_6m9zcoy3HICCBGaP8Yg7o6JIP0tyDGD2hcKmRIcgjJ3/s200/DSCN3511.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkTkVohgCkdwN1awxlLswEIfOkoJ0Xbkgy30nZWjaxM6yLRc_ez1thRp7pT2Lr2GjDI90RIN0jm1nrHe6TTfbUjKzKIIt8rETbMrdfp2FcnzOGjE3M0qPnQxwKOm6SB3yM7eezEWmLgf7/s1600/DSCN3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkTkVohgCkdwN1awxlLswEIfOkoJ0Xbkgy30nZWjaxM6yLRc_ez1thRp7pT2Lr2GjDI90RIN0jm1nrHe6TTfbUjKzKIIt8rETbMrdfp2FcnzOGjE3M0qPnQxwKOm6SB3yM7eezEWmLgf7/s200/DSCN3510.JPG" width="200" /></a>The syrup had a fun pink tint to it due to the strawberries, however I'm not as handy with a camera as I am with a skillet. The strawberry flavor was a nice light tone and not overpowering. However if you'd like super strawberry flavor use more. You can also use other berries, fruits, butter, maple or other extracts, only brown sugar, dark brown sugar instead of light, or only white sugar and other variations if you'd like a different flavor. <br />
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I know what you are thinking "STOP JABBERING and get to the recipe!" Your wish is my command....<br />
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<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
1 Cup Light Brown Sugar</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1ltJGjyM5mvR5l4MfuAPytX17t5jKDobJV6cZEYQbIF22rfEByHHM_VHnFKfo9Mh_JsKxdepSODglAMke23NqNmp3DvSK1oEWSPa9f6LChqeBeCGKoMyNoMwK_S3I3oYRsQwucgQ5UTK/s1600/DSCN3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1ltJGjyM5mvR5l4MfuAPytX17t5jKDobJV6cZEYQbIF22rfEByHHM_VHnFKfo9Mh_JsKxdepSODglAMke23NqNmp3DvSK1oEWSPa9f6LChqeBeCGKoMyNoMwK_S3I3oYRsQwucgQ5UTK/s200/DSCN3513.JPG" width="200" /></a> 1 Cup White Sugar</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
1 Cup Water</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
1 Cup Sliced Strawberries</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
1 Large sauce pan, it needs boiling room. </div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Put strawberries and brown sugar in sauce pan.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdVZfkKv583UrZyjik_vRgOESxaCe88wtqOomTPE3Nzlnw6uZxw24E6CF-kvA8wnyHnjmw4UnKTBSr_ily1JxS35WPAxNARKKYFJRGUTeNShCOp4U4kOOSTHp2Vmj7hcxLmh9HESIcE39/s1600/DSCN3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdVZfkKv583UrZyjik_vRgOESxaCe88wtqOomTPE3Nzlnw6uZxw24E6CF-kvA8wnyHnjmw4UnKTBSr_ily1JxS35WPAxNARKKYFJRGUTeNShCOp4U4kOOSTHp2Vmj7hcxLmh9HESIcE39/s200/DSCN3514.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Over medium heat slowly stir in the water and stir constantly until brown sugar is dissolved about 1-2 minutes. The mixture will just be starting to get warm.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Slowly pour in white sugar while stirring and constantly stir until the white sugar is dissolved.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNnwV7ITMUJq2HsqH1xXHWsj_ksM_9NiKkKH1F-eBS1xnENrSiPXgp4QkheMsYAN_yMRP5fccEFA4Bhs4JqmpuFsNOysvr4Nbz_IYiRA8zbEBj7AUytMzaWZ4ssYCf75x0cCZQMKQ1MUt/s1600/DSCN3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNnwV7ITMUJq2HsqH1xXHWsj_ksM_9NiKkKH1F-eBS1xnENrSiPXgp4QkheMsYAN_yMRP5fccEFA4Bhs4JqmpuFsNOysvr4Nbz_IYiRA8zbEBj7AUytMzaWZ4ssYCf75x0cCZQMKQ1MUt/s200/DSCN3516.JPG" width="200" /></a>Turn heat to high bringing mixture to a boil for 2 minutes while constantly stirring. </div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<i>(Do not stop stirring at this point or it WILL overflow. </i></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<i>If it starts to bubble too close to the top just lift off the burner </i></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<i>for a few seconds until it pipes back down.)</i></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Turn heat to medium low.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Add vanilla and stir.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOth1nSD6FkL6niGb-KH-AiLLlAKK_tA942E2AvYD1PJsvT-3oLd21IpeTPjNUHgNYP-yt1MkXVx1natEbXOLyPjUSXJuZqzuvQIbwxw2f0B9sQEFLt3mrZbK3ds6Bjg8bGRkC33N2X1O7/s1600/DSCN3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOth1nSD6FkL6niGb-KH-AiLLlAKK_tA942E2AvYD1PJsvT-3oLd21IpeTPjNUHgNYP-yt1MkXVx1natEbXOLyPjUSXJuZqzuvQIbwxw2f0B9sQEFLt3mrZbK3ds6Bjg8bGRkC33N2X1O7/s200/DSCN3517.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Simmer for 15-25 minutes stirring often. I did it for 25, the longer the thicker it will be the shorter the thinner it will be.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Strain into a bowl. Figure out something yummy to do with the strained fruit.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF8rMCuaISeu_-foCVRVVhAssKRJQ4Ss8BmptYVt60KBIZJ17yWnNHfG8JGqFqg-rip6libaYUA_kMAQMaOm0tCfT4EqDl0mYFdlJYSx0n-qQC1vOzXq3p84Li1XdLYbm_o7Xtb26bsP5/s1600/DSCN3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF8rMCuaISeu_-foCVRVVhAssKRJQ4Ss8BmptYVt60KBIZJ17yWnNHfG8JGqFqg-rip6libaYUA_kMAQMaOm0tCfT4EqDl0mYFdlJYSx0n-qQC1vOzXq3p84Li1XdLYbm_o7Xtb26bsP5/s200/DSCN3522.JPG" width="200" /></a>Use a funnel to transfer the syrup from the bowl to a mason jar or some other kind of containing/pouring device that will be convenient to transfer your super yummy syrup to your pancakes, waffles and other culinary awesomeness creations. </div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
The syrup will keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator. </div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Reheat in the microwave at 50% power until it's the desired temperature.</div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzmX2R8IDQfEVxwQmt0T6n7ItKk7GLwTF2zCEAwGKydEZm08ZsbbCIjnYsvdkk-r9EMcYQqdq7xJk1iX-Yc4h-5HJlUkHBfWEaOm-vooHreVcQH9eJYjYqv2xG91eVKnhYlDNf0j1L7xk/s1600/DSCN3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzmX2R8IDQfEVxwQmt0T6n7ItKk7GLwTF2zCEAwGKydEZm08ZsbbCIjnYsvdkk-r9EMcYQqdq7xJk1iX-Yc4h-5HJlUkHBfWEaOm-vooHreVcQH9eJYjYqv2xG91eVKnhYlDNf0j1L7xk/s200/DSCN3524.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="color: #4c1130;">
Text all of your friends and brag about what a domestic goddess you are because you just made homemade syrup and none of those store brands have anything on you.</div>
<br />
Mmmmmmm! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6-pu3DVsSDPwzFbdLM3TjXVvaUSo40xITXCf_ZvkkG9t-MxtYLbxZdYgb4tdaF6Ij3AHFm7haKBi6HReV40OXZGif1wqwuDJUBTQmHijoJzVWjKqL5LGB1JUiwGaW-TBnPWYPQdnM_PW/s1600/DSCN3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6-pu3DVsSDPwzFbdLM3TjXVvaUSo40xITXCf_ZvkkG9t-MxtYLbxZdYgb4tdaF6Ij3AHFm7haKBi6HReV40OXZGif1wqwuDJUBTQmHijoJzVWjKqL5LGB1JUiwGaW-TBnPWYPQdnM_PW/s200/DSCN3525.JPG" width="200" /></a> <br />
<br />
Who would have thought homemade syrup was actually this easy? <br />
<br />
I hope you not only enjoy eating it but enjoy making it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Much love and super yumminess! <br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-79037001046698285602012-02-14T18:38:00.000-05:002012-02-14T20:12:56.306-05:00Be My Valentine or Here's Some Great Songs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5qJHhEyUsd-MRGcj_thX0OSy14K6GCXWzxmKqlVSrJVKlFj2Y73HgJjxnwdAY7QLK4jcJ3DTf4fZASM3t0CwLTMil0vQYRTTCHyvp6-T-0FQuzzVt2OVioB2XMqOt8H-xonL_MAPOrNY/s1600/music_love_by_jma27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5qJHhEyUsd-MRGcj_thX0OSy14K6GCXWzxmKqlVSrJVKlFj2Y73HgJjxnwdAY7QLK4jcJ3DTf4fZASM3t0CwLTMil0vQYRTTCHyvp6-T-0FQuzzVt2OVioB2XMqOt8H-xonL_MAPOrNY/s200/music_love_by_jma27.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Happy Valentine's day! Do not have a valentine? Take a moment to reflect on how much you love yourself today. =D</span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">My first love will always be music. Here's a few of my favorite love songs, there are so many it was really hard to stop! </span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><div style="text-align: center;">
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</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">MUCH LOVE!!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GC5E8ie2pdM" width="420"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SZ4I1O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SZ4I1O">The Best - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon for only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000SZ4I1O" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DFg0SC9hqeU" width="420"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S55TTY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000S55TTY">Up Where We Belong - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon for only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000S55TTY" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5EdmHSTwmWY" width="420"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V61B4M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000V61B4M">Save The Best For Last - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000V61B4M" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m0nc-hh9viQ" width="420"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VC3P5Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VC3P5Y">Baby, I Love Your Way - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VC3P5Y" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8XNaPX6MKlU" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NZZAVU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NZZAVU">Be Without You - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001NZZAVU" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pVESzTCqc50" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VRPFFM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VRPFFM">You're The First, The Last, My Everything - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VRPFFM" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lNL8aAw6IQA" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KV0K6Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004KV0K6Y">Secret Love - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004KV0K6Y" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4OZ9F3NTvzY" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00124DIB6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00124DIB6">Leather And Lace - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00124DIB6" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yyZU4iNRdsM" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T6VA1O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004T6VA1O">Never Tear Us Apart - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004T6VA1O" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NdYWuo9OFAw" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122IZXO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00122IZXO">Iris - Download the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00122IZXO" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OTvhWVTwRnM" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QP4IBG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000QP4IBG">Happy Together - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QP4IBG" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bnVUHWCynig" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KR5RKA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001KR5RKA">Halo - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001KR5RKA" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2XY3AvVgDns" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057AOTZ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0057AOTZ0">Countdown - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0057AOTZ0" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ob7vObnFUJc" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057AOTR8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0057AOTR8">Love On Top - Buy the MP3 at Amazon now!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0057AOTR8" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes I just posted 3 Beyonce songs, and I could have posted more, what can I say, the woman loves love. =) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DJpyG3PXoKw" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VZVKWG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VZVKWG">Hopelessly Devoted To You - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 69 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VZVKWG" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to... </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9G-Y__6zIig" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NT3RGG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NT3RGG">You're The One That I Want - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001NT3RGG" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LuN6gs0AJls" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IYWHJ4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001IYWHJ4">I Melt With You - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001IYWHJ4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y1hcc1QvM2Q" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013K1EYW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013K1EYW">Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 69 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013K1EYW" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mTa8U0Wa0q8" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VWKL9M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VWKL9M">Your Song - Buy this MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VWKL9M" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x-Q3Pc1RwoM" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QP5YRM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QP5YRM">Kiss From A Rose - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 69 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001QP5YRM" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RvuVFHTvdaY" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V61642/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000V61642">Underneath It All - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000V61642" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VdQY7BusJNU" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136LQQ2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00136LQQ2">Time After Time - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136LQQ2" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0habxsuXW4g" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NTSTK0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NTSTK0">We Belong Together - But the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001NTSTK0" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BERd61bDY7k" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00260UPI4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00260UPI4">I Got You Babe - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00260UPI4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wM-XhQeFzW4" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00124DGHM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00124DGHM">You're The Inspiration (LP Version) - Buy the MP3 now at Amazon only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00124DGHM" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">I'm ending with Meatloaf. His music is epic!</span> </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5RejXE22tlA" width="420"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VHP1BU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blongirlchro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VHP1BU">I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) - Buy the MP3 at at Amazon now only 99 cents!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blongirlchro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VHP1BU" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-86046253185409106082012-02-11T22:50:00.000-05:002012-02-11T22:51:19.315-05:00Speak Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrXhPyMjZk26dIGltbMQRU_O6Q26cTxwylPNYk4RtML9yiIhqbBgVvDTumZJT4Z3irISVqvoF35Z4a4PL4a1OiLLvxBM7wjwTs-MLqXQMNgdMplMLxfEB-OBJflbJZM5ft5oQTr8gByYq/s1600/speak-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrXhPyMjZk26dIGltbMQRU_O6Q26cTxwylPNYk4RtML9yiIhqbBgVvDTumZJT4Z3irISVqvoF35Z4a4PL4a1OiLLvxBM7wjwTs-MLqXQMNgdMplMLxfEB-OBJflbJZM5ft5oQTr8gByYq/s200/speak-up.jpg" width="149" /></a>I find it super sad that Whitney Houston passed away today, growing up in the 80's she was everywhere. I know they haven't released the cause of death yet, however I am of course drawn to the fact that she was very publicly addicted to drugs and basically threw her life away for a high... well many highs. It's very sad to me and I hate to see anyone take that path. I've had loved ones on that path as well, and have even lost people very near and dear to me due to addiction. Watching people you love die young that way takes a toll on your heart. I now straight up tell my loved ones how I feel if they are drastically addicted to drugs or alcohol, which I know many did with Whitney as well. I do not care if it makes them mad or hurts their feelings. Unfortunately we cannot force people to change, however we can tell them we love them and we do not want them to die and we do not want to have to go to their funeral mourning the loss of a person we loved who died way too young. I really hope those in my life, and yours, who are addicted to things that will one day kill them will get their lives together. Take a moment to pray for them or have a thought or whatever you believe in. And when you feel afraid to confront them, just keep in mind that maybe you speaking up will be what plants the seed in their heart that will one day drive them to make a real change that will save their life. You may not be able to change the whole world, but just speaking up may change someone's world.<br />
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<br />
Much Love!<br />
<br />
Please enjoy some of these great songs that I love by Whitney Houston who died way too young, only 48. 1963-2012 <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eH3giaIzONA" width="420"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2RgMngGPTJg" width="420"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rFcnGLFGbL8" width="420"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H7_sqdkaAfo" width="420"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IYzlVDlE72w" width="420"></iframe>
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Whitney's all time #1 song was "I Will Always Love You" that she recorded for The Body Guard, a great movie that I loved in my youth. I hope that she finally has peace and she will always be loved and missed by everyone she left behind. RIP<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-85157294308006954782012-02-03T18:13:00.001-05:002012-02-03T18:19:15.204-05:00Cocky Guy Pancake Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDGV8Su_jzSc3MPg48j_tZNSukoQTgwyJKU3LCVIjTiq29upF0_n2ZpEDH_FkX635j6dFjJqK0HjVG1StNoG45HSZb28zKIJWjKSEamgdGgKb03KZ19ohRhZB7_eA1sxKVDRt9hAgozO6/s1600/Cocky+Smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDGV8Su_jzSc3MPg48j_tZNSukoQTgwyJKU3LCVIjTiq29upF0_n2ZpEDH_FkX635j6dFjJqK0HjVG1StNoG45HSZb28zKIJWjKSEamgdGgKb03KZ19ohRhZB7_eA1sxKVDRt9hAgozO6/s200/Cocky+Smile.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Today after work I'm pulling up to the exit in my work parking lot and this young college age guy is walking through it. I come to a stop to wait for him. He looks at me in my car cocks his eyebrow at me and then slows down his walk and does this slow-mo cocky ass douche walk changing his stride and his swing and does that the rest of the way through.<br />
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The only thing that could have made it worse was if he had suddenly stopped and sagged his pants halfway down his ass so his underwear would hang out. <br />
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I can only imagine what was going through his head....<br />
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'She's looking at me. She definitely wants me. Take a look at what you can't have baby. Oh yeah that's right I'll even walk slow because I'm that hot. I wish I had worn my saggy ass pants. Yeah she wishes she could get f*cked by me.'<br />
<br />
What was going through my head?<br />
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'Dammit there's a guy walking through the exit I hope he doesn't take all day. What the hell was that eyebrow? Cocky ass motherf*cker. Oh my God is he really walking slower? Is he trying to look cool doing that dumb crip walk? He looks like a freaking douche while he walks like that. Does he not know it is Friday and I just want to get out of here? Wow, I can't wait to text <a href="http://dinosaurmommy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DinoMommy</a> about this idiot. He's lucky I don't turn him into a douche pancake.'<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOva1ar_XCsdh0I3f9GNRVv2rYa3u8kp7IHCEQyBIphL3cYuR1A2XmkX6yjurQz6JGWEI7xMRSrY46DkYzKz6Cqq_sUpmraIvCSqM-aoNnkclgswWS-RoG-5-Auvy0UMB-JvVo-qSGACsx/s1600/Mila+Kunis+Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOva1ar_XCsdh0I3f9GNRVv2rYa3u8kp7IHCEQyBIphL3cYuR1A2XmkX6yjurQz6JGWEI7xMRSrY46DkYzKz6Cqq_sUpmraIvCSqM-aoNnkclgswWS-RoG-5-Auvy0UMB-JvVo-qSGACsx/s320/Mila+Kunis+Quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Moral of the story... Do not block a girl from getting to her weekend. She more than likely doesn't actually want your body... however you may end up in a body bag if you do not move along and stop acting like an attention whore. Well maybe not, however there will possibly be some giggling at the thought of it. <br />
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I've missed you all! I've been on a hiatus from blogging. I decided to just take the month of January off. What did I do? NOTHING. And it was fantastic.<br />
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Much Love!
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I've totally slacked on blogging this month. I've been so scattered in my mind since my last blog that I just haven't had opportunity to calm my thoughts and come up with a well thought out blog. And speaking of last blog, when my mind is going in circles is when it's the hardest to not smoke.... back to square one. <br />
<br />
Over the last couple of weeks I've been questioning a lot about what I REALLY want out of life at this point. I have a dream job, I have the best dog ever, I feel mentally sound. I've been loving being single but in my heart always lay love, companionship, and family. Perhaps one day I'll give a go at it again because I really cannot see myself as one of those people who chose to forever be single, however finding someone compatible and trustworthy is the hard part. Dating truly sucks and may be in the end what drives me to being the cat lady. HA<br />
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I really want/need a new/used car as well as I'd rather be living in a house than an apartment. So then comes my choice because I can only do one or the other this coming year... go for a more comfortable living situation or get a more reliable ride. Though the decision should be cut and dry very easy, a rational mind would say reliable car is more important, but I still cannot help but wish for the comfort of not dealing with apartment living and having a yard for my awesome dog. Getting a degree has been in the forefront as well. I've done really well without one, however I could be doing a lot better with one I know. <br />
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And then there are about 72 billion other things spinning around in that mind of mine. I think that my mind has been going since it's a new year upon us. So now I can't help but wonder what I'm going to do with myself next. Really I need to find 7 billion dollars, buy and island, and retire there. It could happen right? As usual the universe will deliver me where I need to be. <br />
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I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions. I never have made one. But I always ponder what the next year will bring. Whatever happens I'll be moving forward and making my life better as I always strive to do!!!<br />
<br />
Step it up this year and do something to make your life better this coming year!<br />
<br />
I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and I hope that all is well in your world.<br />
<br />
Much love!<br />
<br />Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-23283119669036053692011-12-07T14:16:00.001-05:002011-12-08T15:38:06.241-05:00Blonde Girl Vs Quitting Smoking<div style="text-align: center;">
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Monday, December 5th, 2011 was my one year quitting smoking anniversary.<br />
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I started smoking I guess when I was young. At school, in Jr High, in Texas in the mornings someone always had cigarrettes in the alley. Both of my parents smoked, and back then it wasn't as big of a deal to smoke in the house or the car with kids sucking in the second hand smoke. So really I guess I've smoked somehow or another all of my life. <br />
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I went for about 2 years when I was 18-20 I had quit smoking, though it was not by choice, I just happened to live somewhere that I could not smoke. When I left there I almost immediately picked it up again. One time someone had told me how they did 90 days in jail and they were not allowed to smoke so when they got out the first thing they did was start smoking again and I asked them why because they had kicked it by that point and they said they spent the entire 90 days thinking about how they couldn't wait to get out and start smoking again. It's pretty crazy how controlling such a nasty little thing can be.<br />
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I quit smoking a couple of other times after that. Once for about a year or so and picked it back up because I worked with a ton of people who smoked and at one point I was like you know what I want a smoke. So I went and bought a pack of cigarrettes and instead of smoking 1 I smoked the whole pack and figured I may as well keep going. <br />
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At one point I had a heart issue and my dr told me to quit or die. So I chose to quit. That time I actually didn't smoke at all for 2 years. However my exhusband refused to quit smoking on top of me, it was pretty ridiculous. His younger brother lived with us and he smoked as well. So despite living with two smokers who constantly shoved it in my face I was determined I was going to be healthy and not smoke and stuck it out for those 2 years. Then dun dun dun I decided to leave my husband, when my decision was final I went out and bought a pack. As you are reading you may start thinking my leaving husband timelines aren't matching up from previous blogs, however this was the first time I left him, then there was this reconcilation and seperation and then there was a second time leaving him which is the timeline I usually refer to in my blogs, however in this blog the smoking restarted the first time I walked and now throwing off everything you thought you knew about me and my timelines. I was crazy and stressed and about to make a drive moving from CA to FL and had flown out a friend to make that drive with me and she smoked so I figured I'd smoke for the drive. I told myself I'd quit when I got to Florida. Ha fast forward to four years later....<br />
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I finally quit smoking again last year days after my breakup with my exboyfriend that I talked about in <a href="http://blondegirlchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/blonde-girl-single-anniversary.html" target="_blank">Blonde Girl Single Anniversary</a>. Over the 2 years that I lived with him smoking was a constant battle between us because we'd both say we wanted to quit and then we wouldn't, or we would try but hours into it we'd be at each other's throats. I found myself constantly having to buy him packs of cigarrettes as well for some reason or another and it was annoying that I was not only buying them for myself but another person too, especially after that huge price increase. After we had broken up we actually decided to live together for a couple more months because I needed to save up a deposit for an apartment and he needed to get a running vehicle. I was running out to go grocery shopping and as many times before he asked me to pick him up a couple of packs of smokes and he'd "pay me back" which he never once did and I just thought to myself how freaking sick and tired I was of supporting my habit and his, kind of having this mental breakdown over finances and knowing I couldn't afford this crap anymore. So instead of buying us smokes I bought nicotine patches and told him I had decided to quit and he was welcome to use one too or he could go buy his own smokes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhX7bb0p6jpdz-F3a12OzVRFTKhDi0oTwOlS1E51MdfYK7LGp0ozVRhgB-rtGBFrmppCmWx-cSsF38sqnE5kmLamIK4P1RMieMV_wcECTKsuzZuC7qcn_CgWbvfrn9C2uTlogLWIJd2wW/s1600/hello-kitty-nicotine-patches_thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhX7bb0p6jpdz-F3a12OzVRFTKhDi0oTwOlS1E51MdfYK7LGp0ozVRhgB-rtGBFrmppCmWx-cSsF38sqnE5kmLamIK4P1RMieMV_wcECTKsuzZuC7qcn_CgWbvfrn9C2uTlogLWIJd2wW/s320/hello-kitty-nicotine-patches_thumbnail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately there were no cute Hello Kitty patches like Lisa used.</td></tr>
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It may sound like I was just being a bitch, maybe I was, it was a really really hard week, I had some job worries, I was living with my ex boyfriend, and being treated like an asshole by his family and the list goes on of stress I had right then. I sat there and smoked 2 packs of ciggs in 1 day, my normal habit was 1 pack a day, and I felt like crap. My chest was congested more than normal, my heart was hurting not only emotionally from the breakup but physically from the smoking, my sinuses and eyes were burning and gooking up, my head was hurting, and I was phening ciggs more than ever. So after sitting there and smoking 2 days worth of ciggs in one day and driving on my way to buy more I stopped and thought to myself how almost exactly 4 years before I had started again and told myself it was only for a few days. So I guess I decided I wanted to do the opposite, instead of diving into what I knew would be a smoking binge that would possibly be something I'd continue on with as I had a family member who actually smoked 5 packs a day, so what was to stop me from continuing with 2 packs a day or more, and smoking till my heart exploded or my lungs shut down... I decided I needed to just stop and deal with the stress a different way because stress plus feeling like shit from smoking that much just felt like hell. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cNTvxdBZZbpQq5x1t_kYI1Y8ZXqeH2rylTQ535uC9mwxF1WfsTfc5JJKY4IuNpw_slwtsr9VTTZ4VubODGxg1baGzkX5nXiE-PGZNF1b3KSk7oFIviSFOVYQCM6_P6Wuui2pMBG4ps-I/s1600/4421603594_39bbf585b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cNTvxdBZZbpQq5x1t_kYI1Y8ZXqeH2rylTQ535uC9mwxF1WfsTfc5JJKY4IuNpw_slwtsr9VTTZ4VubODGxg1baGzkX5nXiE-PGZNF1b3KSk7oFIviSFOVYQCM6_P6Wuui2pMBG4ps-I/s320/4421603594_39bbf585b6.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
I had never tried patches or gum or anything, when I quit before it was cold turkey. After the before mentioned blow outs with the boyfriend when we tried to quit together and all of the stress I was under and a certain major blow out I remember I had when I had quit smoking cold turkey 6 years before after the heart incident I decided I'd take the easier route and use the help that was available to me in the form of nicotine in bandage form. If you've ever tried to quit cold turkey you probably know all about the sweating the shakes and the emotional freakouts. <br />
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For your amusement... The major blow out I had 6 years before I was a few days in it. I had all the classic symptoms, I was standing in line at a grocery store and just had 2 things, ginger ale and crackers because I felt like hell and was hoping they would help. The cashier saw an elderly woman behind me, who had a cart full of stuff, I had been in a very long line waiting for quite awhile which felt like about 16 hours, and I guess the cashier decided that the elderly lady should come before the girl who was sweating and coughing and hacking and only had 2 things so she told the elderly lady to please step ahead of me and I flipped the fuck out. Never in my life have I seen a cashier actually pull someone ahead in line like that and never have I since. I've seen cashiers open new lines and pull people out, but not rearrange the line that was already in front of them. If I had been in my right mind I would have not said a thing and would have probably thought awe that's nice yeah the old lady is probably tired of standing... that wasn't the case this time. I'm pretty sure the entire store heard me cussing that cashier out and when I asked for a manager she turned out to be the manager. I left called with my cell phone and cussed her out again, and I'm pretty sure I wrote a blog about how pissed off I was. Quitting nicotine pretty much turns you into this insane person. So living with my ex and trying to quit without help I decided wouldn't be a good idea because I knew my history... which kinda looks like this...<br />
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The patches really really helped me. I couldn't believe it. I thought about smoking but I physically wasn't craving them, it was all mental and always passed when I'd wait it out. Since I've quit the patches I've been able to be around friends who smoke and not feel like I need to. I think I'm in a different mental state than I was for the rest of my adult life. For one the cost is out of control and I refuse to spend that much on it anymore and for two I am on a quest to not let such a stupid addiction control me. Over the year there have been times I was super stressed, like when something was happening with my old job and I was craving ciggs. I am a big girl and can admit that yeah over this year there has been those times that I've said screw it and went and got a smoke, but the difference has been instead of keeping smoking I tasted it and was reminded it tasted like shit and then I smelled like a giant terd ball. Actually when the job thing happened I did smoke a whole pack over a few days instead of in 1 day like before (things were really bad, no excuse, maybe I should have gotten some patches instead). For the most part though when I'm stressed and driving past that store and know it holds my disgusting smokey release I keep going and usually by the time I get home I've forgotten I even wanted a smoke. I'm not going to start my quit date over just because I "cheated" because I'm proud of myself that I didn't keep going like I did 4 years ago, I was able to use some self control and stop again. And I guess when it comes down to it I'd still rather smoke a cigg than drink when I'm stressed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLgRo-74fapjThTs8ralspCHBFsDe3AeL04LFyYY-x0JLbDSnsZjit7rf2VWqdrXBez_hYozIoK9LPa21gsrnRD6kTVdrokIyxhxr2chp2wLieXZAYUErO-fS2hjxlQ3ZkGbA1Rs4KZj_/s1600/Say-No-to-Smoking-600x799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLgRo-74fapjThTs8ralspCHBFsDe3AeL04LFyYY-x0JLbDSnsZjit7rf2VWqdrXBez_hYozIoK9LPa21gsrnRD6kTVdrokIyxhxr2chp2wLieXZAYUErO-fS2hjxlQ3ZkGbA1Rs4KZj_/s320/Say-No-to-Smoking-600x799.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Is this a forever quit? I don't know, I really really hope so. I know that I feel better when I'm not smoking. My coworker who quit over 20 years ago still thinks about it. So I know it'll always be a battle and every day I'll be quitting (and shuffling). I heard a stop smoking commercial on the radio this morning and it was so perfect because they said "stop smoking one cigarrette at a time". That's kinda what I've been doing and I hope I can keep doing it. I hope not to beat myself up if I break down again and smoke 1 and say screw it I may as well keep smoking, I hope I can continue on this path I've been on this year and be thankful for the blessings I have despite the stresses I may be experiencing and hopefully this will be a forever thing. <br />
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I know many smokers are looking for motivation to quit, many of my smoker friends have asked how I finally got to the point of doing it... well in all honesty it took a freaking mental breakdown and deciding enough was enough. Perhaps your motivation can be to be healthy, or to save some money or refusing to be controlled by anything anymore. Whatever finally motivates you to start stopping smoking, just keep on pushing through, even if you break and smoke, move past it and keep stopping. Good luck to us all!<br />
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Much Love!</div>
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Hilarious song if you've ever tried quitting smoking you can relate.</div>
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-40375234783430945512011-12-02T14:41:00.001-05:002011-12-02T17:57:55.024-05:00Giving Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt5_PQZPASgX6z1DWaTfWKbz6dxbl_RyuKquEiXGh8dIQ2s6Q4a0QAFkbcvFj1K3gw4iOYPwElHrk6M2G6ZMfjgVDcVIqjcCQQV00wUDY5TPCVeMTFFNzorOWbdQNh2VgzcukEp3okAas/s1600/canstock4326476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt5_PQZPASgX6z1DWaTfWKbz6dxbl_RyuKquEiXGh8dIQ2s6Q4a0QAFkbcvFj1K3gw4iOYPwElHrk6M2G6ZMfjgVDcVIqjcCQQV00wUDY5TPCVeMTFFNzorOWbdQNh2VgzcukEp3okAas/s1600/canstock4326476.jpg" /></a></div>
It is that time of year when people are out buying gifts for one another, their children, themselves. Giving to the one's you love is usually pretty gratifying especially when you get the looks of excitement and the words of gratitude.<br />
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There are volunteers ringing bells for money donations and boxes at the front of every store collecting food donations. Giving to the needy perhaps isn't as gratifying to some because you do not actually get that smile or hug and the thank you praises. However is that really the spirit of giving? Self gratification.<br />
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I think it is wonderful if you are able to donate money or food to a good cause that you can find on every random street corner this time of year. However there is a good cause that doesn't always get as much attention and that is the cause of children without gifts. Sometimes families are in a tough spot at Christmas and just do not have the means to buy their child a gift. It's easy for someone who never had one of those Christmas' as a child to say "Christmas isn't about stuff, we were taught..." I've heard it time and time again. It kind of reminds me of some lyrics in one of my favorite Everclear songs...<br />
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<i>"I hate those people who love to tell you money is the root of all that kills, they have never been poor, they have never had the joy of a welfare Christmas"</i><br />
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True, Christmas is not about stuff, and hopefully families teach their kids that. However children are innocent and know that their friends and classmates and other children they are related to are receiving gifts at Christmas, and they see other children opening gifts in abundance on tv and in movies.<br />
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How heartbreaking do you think it is for a kid to wake up on Christmas morning knowing that to them billions of presents are being opened that morning by other children around the world and to not find a single gift has been given to them...<br />
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If you can find it in your heart this Giving Season please donate a gift to a needy child. There are usually angel trees at every mall. Local children's services usually have lists of needy children as well. Usually hospitals accept gifts for the children in their care because a lot of them are terminal and the families are completely broke due to their child's medical expenses. Perhaps ask your church minister if they know of any needy children. And there many organizations that you can donate to online as well.<br />
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I know I may sound like I'm contradicting myself from the blog, <a href="http://blondegirlchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankful-reflections.html" target="_blank">Thankful Reflections</a>. I was talking about people were spending hundreds of dollars on each of their children buying them insanely extravagant gifts. Kids do not need tons of super expensive gifts, but nothing at all... I do not feel is right. Unless the family does not celebrate Christmas and the child has been taught to not expect anything. But the rest of the kids out there who do celebrate, they may not expect anything but they have hope in their heart. Why not give them some joy and turn that hope into what can be a long lasting reassurance that there actually is some good in humanity. You never know what kind of situation this kid is living in, perhaps they need that reassurance.<br />
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To be honest I feel so strongly about this because I was one of those kids. I mentioned on my about me, Blonde Girl's Narnia Quest, that when I was a kid it was feast or famine in my childhood and that is just how it is for some families. Not every Christmas was the greatest. But one of the greatest Christmas' I can remember was a year when there were no gifts for me or my brother, on Christmas morning my mom's boss showed up with a sack full of presents just like a real life Santa. It could have been like 2 gifts for each of us, I don't remember how many there were, but to me it was the equivalent to him dumping a semi-truck load of gifts in the front yard. I do not remember how old I was, but I wasn't very old, and it's always stuck with me. It was an early lesson on how good a benevolent heart can make another person feel.<br />
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If you decide to participate, a lot of times when you see a child's wish gift or list you'll see what you possibly feel like are extravagant things, sometimes these are things the parents wrote down because it's what they wish they could give the kid, and sometimes kids just want cool things. I saw on an angel tree today a parent wrote down for their child they would like a wii racing game, my first thought was well if they can afford a wii then why can't they afford gifts and I immediately had to check myself. We had video games as kids, but we didn't always have the means for gifts at Christmas. I saw MP3 player, kids do not think about the cost of gifts, they just know they want what other kids have, my exboyfriends child asked for an iPod when she was 5, but meant MP3 player for music, it's just the typical thing they ask for, when I was a kid it was all about the Walkman. A cheapy MP3 player is not so hard to get, 10-30 bucks is not a lot to spend on a child, especially if that is possibly the only thing they will be getting this Christmas. Also, it's easy to think "can't the parents just go get them some cheap stuff at the dollar store"... or something similar may run through your mind, perhaps they can and unfortunately many really can not. It is no reason to validate yourself not helping out the kid because of resentment towards a hypothetical situation.</div>
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Even though you may not get that gratification of seeing a child's excitement when they open up their gift, and we as adults all know Christmas is not really about stuff, we need to remember it's also not about personal gratification. However it should feel good to know you are helping a child!<br />
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Perhaps find a place in your heart to help out a kid because no kid should have to wake up Christmas morning without at least one present to bring some beauty to their small world.<br />
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Below is the video to one of my favorite Macy Gray songs. Enjoy.<br />
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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!<br />
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Much Love!<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-83129070454199132362011-11-30T13:21:00.001-05:002011-11-30T22:26:21.057-05:00Blonde Girl Single AnniversaryThis week commemorates one year that I have been single. I don't know the exact day, just like I couldn't tell you the exact day that I met my exhusband or the exact day that I left him, or the exact day that I met my exboyfriend and not sure of the exact day that I left him. However I do happen to know that broke up with him during the week after Thanksgiving so I'm just going to call the last day of November my single anniversary. =)<br />
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It kind of goes hand in hand with my blog from last night, <a href="http://blondegirlchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/life-remote-control.html" target="_blank">Life Remote Control?</a>. I was miserable in my living situations, I tried and tried my hardest to make the situations work, and since I was not happy with my life situations, and nothing else I tried worked, I decided I would take life into my own hands, control what I could, which was me leaving the situations and starting over. Take charge and change my own life.<br />
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I see people sit in miserable relationships for years, complaining to everyone around them about how bad it is, but staying in it. And then we see people divorce after 20-30 years and have no problem saying that they had never been happy or hadn't been happy in years. I stuck the first one out for 10 years, I got married young and had that naive idea that marriage is supposed to last FOREVER no matter what! HA! And it ended horribly. So when I was in the second relationship I just got to the point where I knew it wasn't working and it was never going to, I had to dig deep in myself and to be an adult and end it before it got to the point to where it turned to complete shit, it already was kinda, but it could have gotten much worse. It took a lot for me to be able to end something while I still cared for the person, however I've resolved in my heart it's better to end it before it turns into a situation where I pretty much hated them.<br />
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So now that I've been single for a year I've come a long way. This is the longest I've been single since I was 19, because I met my exboyfriend the same week I moved out of my exhusband's home. Yeah I fell into the rebound thing, they never work I hear. Luckily I'm a person who actually enjoys alone time, actually thrives from and needs alone time. I've rarely felt lonely during this year, I've had my moments, but they never last long.<br />
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I left behind a lot of nice things that I either purchased or helped purchase. Though I have a lot of stuff, I still need/want a lot of other stuff. So over the past year I've been able to get some of those things, and I'll hopefully be able to continue to get them. A couple of my major goals is I desperately need a new/used car, the one I have is living on borrowed time and I'm thankful every day it gets me where I need to go. Secondly I would love to get out of this tiny apartment and possibly move into a house or something. I'd really love for my dog, Balue, to have a fenced yard again! As mentioned in the blog last night I was able to upgrade my job and hopefully will continue to be able to upgrade my life.<br />
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What does my future hold for me? I have no idea. I have goals and aspirations. But I'm not worried, I know I always end up where I need to be. Even if my last two relationships weren't all great, they weren't all bad, but more importantly I learned a lot about life and myself during both of them. So even if they didn't last forever, not everything is meant to, but I was where I needed to be at the time, because otherwise I wouldn't be where I am now. And it's a really good place. And I'm grateful for that.<br />
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<b>Truly loving, trusting, and respecting yourself will get you through anything. </b><br />
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Whether you are single or living life with another person or people... always strive to better yourself. <br />
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A virtual toast to the people who are able to move on and move up in life no matter their circumstances!<br />
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<a href="http://www.cherrybam.com/life-quotes.php" target="_blank" title="Life Quotes, Life Quote Graphics, Life Sayings"><img alt="Life Quotes, Life Quote Graphics, Life Sayings" border="0" src="http://www.sadmuffin.net/cherrybam/graphics/quotes-life/life238.gif" /></a><br />
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Much love!<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com4Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.324826229.5412394 -82.4827547 29.7620294 -82.1668977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-7957578943754481422011-11-29T22:36:00.001-05:002011-11-29T23:10:34.697-05:00Life Remote Control?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuwLvNvH9UIszNLIrw-RlU3DJY3ADUXTgNWkX_9TVGRYZtF_j3OSWk27cTXOTu6MdnH5pLkD3T387sxHPOtQnlMVXxrNIV7m5B5v5eYa3pc6o-M3EXmFD6XP2u9l-GWg0KM-bRT2rNZ3F/s1600/Life+Remote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuwLvNvH9UIszNLIrw-RlU3DJY3ADUXTgNWkX_9TVGRYZtF_j3OSWk27cTXOTu6MdnH5pLkD3T387sxHPOtQnlMVXxrNIV7m5B5v5eYa3pc6o-M3EXmFD6XP2u9l-GWg0KM-bRT2rNZ3F/s200/Life+Remote.jpg" width="200" /></a>
Today someone posted this little image on Facebook stating "Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself!!" It reminded me of a blog that I wrote on another website a few months ago, and since I've pretty much integrated myself to only blogging here I thought I would transfer it over to share with you. Life may not always be easy, but that is the beauty of it, to go through the good the bad and the ugly and to grow and make a life for yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
****************<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Luck, Fate, Dedication and a lot of Gumption. ~Written by Me on 9/1/11</span> </u></b><br />
<br />
Today was my last day at the job I was at for little over a year.
When I took the position the pay was fine, however I was in a
relationship and there were two incomes. Supporting yourself is not so
easy on a low wage. Over the past several months I realized that though
I loved my job and my coworkers it was time to move on for bigger and
better things. I tried working my way up in the department I was in,
unfortunately I was unable to. There was a lot of frustration and
heartbreak involved in the process. I then began applying for
promotions within the university in other departments.<br />
<br />
After weeks of applying for positions I was called in for an
interview! It happened to be with the first department that I had
applied for and the night that I applied it was the last night that the
posting was available to apply for. I then did more in depth research
as to what the department actually did. I sat down carefully thought
out questions that I wanted to ask the people who would be interviewing
me and wrote them down. I also went through the job posting and
reviewed the listed job duties and preferred qualifications and wrote
down everything that I felt would show myself as an asset as pointers to
glance at when in the interview in case I had a loss for words.<br />
<br />
<b>Sell yourself as someone that they feel like they need to have working for them and then you will be a front runner candidate.</b><br />
<br />
Before even applying for positions I put together a carefully thought
out and professional resume. I also like to ask supervisors when I am
leaving a job, or when they are perhaps leaving, for a letter of
recommendation. A great resume, cover letter, and letters of
recommendation are what sell you to even land you the interview. Out of
105 candidates I was chosen for the 10 that they brought in for
interviews. After giving the interviewers a good idea of who I was and
selling myself as the valuable employee that I truly am, I was then
chosen for the top 2 to come back and interview again with the head
honcho. It felt like I was on Survivor!<br />
<br />
<b>Would I be voted off the island or would I win the grand prize?</b><br />
<br />
Out of 105 candidates I ended up being NUMBER 1!!! I cannot wait to start tomorrow. The promotion in position of course comes with a pay raise, that was
the whole purpose of this process to begin with so that as a single
person I could live a better quality of life, and stop depending upon Top Ramen to sustain me, the department I am
transferring to also has a few added perks that I did not have in the
old one.<br />
<br />
This long story to get to about 8:05 this morning. I was walking
through the office and a coworker at the job I was leaving was standing
there talking to someone else, looks at me and says “Barbara today is
your last day.” and I say “Yep it sure is!” as I’m walking away I hear
her saying to the other person “I really hate lucky people.” This truly
struck a nerve within me. <br />
<br />
<b>“I really hate lucky people.” </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Luck: Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions.</li>
<li>Fate: The development of events outside a person’s control.</li>
<li>Dedication: The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose.</li>
<li>Gumption: Shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness.</li>
</ul>
Perhaps some of the process that happened was a little luck, perhaps
some was fate, but if it were not for my dedication and determination to
find a better job to improve my life it would not have happened. It
was not like I sat there for years moaning about my situation never
doing anything to fix it and was just walking down the street one day
and BLAM new job offered to me just out of the blue. That would be
truly lucky. No I truly struggled, and had some “bad luck” in the
process as well. I persevered and saw what I was trying to accomplish
through until I achieved success.<br />
<br />
If you are a person who finds yourself quoting that same line of
hating the lucky look at the circumstances that got the person there.
What effort did they actually put in to get to where they are, or have,
or whatever it is you may be coveting that they have going in their life
that you do not? Make a goal, come up with a plan, deal with the
obstacles, be flexible, vent when things aren’t going your way but keep
going, and in the end make a better life for yourself. Being “lucky”
isn’t always just happenstance by itself and it’s not always easy.<br />
<br />
<b>When you achieve success do not forget to thank those who
helped get you there even if all they did was lend you an ear (or read
your rantings on Facebook). </b><br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
“Admiration for a quality or an art can be so strong that it deters us from striving to possess it.”<br />
~Friedrich Nietzsche<br />
<br />
***********<br />
<br />
And just an update, if you are wondering, I LOVE my new job and
department even after 3 months of being there. Taking the reigns of you own life is a good thing.<br />
<br />
Much Love!<br />
<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.324826229.5412394 -82.4827547 29.7620294 -82.1668977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-16118013530571691052011-11-27T20:11:00.001-05:002011-11-28T22:47:33.499-05:00Thankful Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy6H1qhdPspvNQD0aJ87y9Z-Z5lA4Q-k08dEGOQ63owQ_-jzBNaSf5y59u8d8DfjBMwamULhSt6rAZCrGSvMoYYex6PvtFRQxOB2OxLmqj9eO6_EUBHJN4Bclfq4zDxLQv3TlKDN10W7j/s1600/a_thankful_heart_is_a_happy_heart_phrase_C00763_20509.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy6H1qhdPspvNQD0aJ87y9Z-Z5lA4Q-k08dEGOQ63owQ_-jzBNaSf5y59u8d8DfjBMwamULhSt6rAZCrGSvMoYYex6PvtFRQxOB2OxLmqj9eO6_EUBHJN4Bclfq4zDxLQv3TlKDN10W7j/s200/a_thankful_heart_is_a_happy_heart_phrase_C00763_20509.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
Over the past 4 days of Thanksgiving weekend I thought a lot about all of the things in my life that I have to be thankful for. So many big things and so many many more tiny things. I slacked off was lazy and didn't blog and just enjoyed the time off from work and pretty much all reality. Which is one thing that I am so grateful that I have opportunity to do from time to time.<br />
<br />
I'm currently enjoying a wonderful cup of hot coco, it may sound silly to be thankful for a cup of hot coco but there are so many people on this planet who live in such dire circumstances that they probably have never even imagined that such a simple thing as a cup of hot coco exists. To them just a drink of the fresh tap water that I conveniently have coming out of not 1 but 3 faucets in my home would be nothing less than a miracle.<br />
<br />
Today I participated in more than one disturbing conversation where parents were talking about how much money and the extravagant gifts they were giving to their young children this Christmas. I posted my opinion on this matter on Facebook...<br />
<br />
"<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">People
wonder why kids & young adults these days act so spoiled and
entitled... I can tell you why kids act
like that, it's kind of obvious. I was lucky if<span class="text_exposed_show">
I got $10 spent on me at Christmas some years. What is funny/sad is
these parents spend that much on their kids and they are gonna be
disappointed because they forgot something, or didn't read their minds
about wanting something. Tis the season for greed, disappointment and
teaching kids that everything they want in life will just be handed to
them with a bow on it."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">That is a condensed version of the post however the point is still made. Some of the responses my friends came back with gave me hope that perhaps I'm not the only one left in this world who does not feel like children need to have everything adults have and everything that they want.....</span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> "</span></span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I agree, and when these kids
have to be out in reality, it hits them and they can't handle it. Our
kids only get 3 presents - want, need, surprise. Christmas isn't about
stuff."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">"</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Maybe they should have taken
there kids to the stores and had them pick out some gifts with some of
that money for needy kids that aren't going to get presents this year.
And then had them donate the gifts to toy for tots! Show them that
giving is better than receiving."</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">"</span></span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">We always had a good
Christmas when I was a kid, but I never felt entitled to anything but
air. And even on some days that was questionable."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">"</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I'm really proud of my kid; he only really asked for one thing, a bigger gun."</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">"</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Some of my best memories involve tall grass, streams and jumping off of the couch"</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">When your children open their presents do they spend time whining about what they didn't get? Do they really need everything they ask for? Is it possible to work out a rewards system and let them actually earn some of the more extravagant things that they want?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">This holiday season when you are shopping for your children stop and think what kind of message you are sending to them. I know too many young adults, and even ones my age, who are mooches, lazy sit at home and expect to have everything given to them and act like it's the end of the world because the life of their dreams is not being handed to them. I personally cannot respect a mooch. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">I feel like a lot of times, based on certain people I know backgrounds, that this attitude can stem from being raised in circumstances where they had little to no responsibility as a child or teenager, everything was done for them and almost everything they wanted they received. Perhaps the start to building a better future for our future generations is to stop spoiling them and to start teaching them in the way of love and respect and responsibility. As one of my friends stated "Christmas isn't about stuff." Christmas is supposed to be about family and love. Are your kids more worried about their stuff or are they looking forward to spending a special day set aside for some real loving family bonding time?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">As you are looking at your child's Christmas wish list perhaps you will see a thing or two there that you can use as a learning opportunity to teach your child how to earn the things that they want, even if it is just by being more helpful around the home. And perhaps that will also teach them to be more thankful for what they receive.</span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">As whoever "they" are say... just some food for thought.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Much Love!!<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.324826229.5412394 -82.4827547 29.7620294 -82.1668977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-5363969669383634642011-11-24T11:14:00.001-05:002011-11-24T12:11:36.500-05:00Homemade Cranberry Sauce<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IpWhmvvvVlGW1P6Jv71RovNVWggKlqqU5ZQI707zPfxxSCWlRl5Z21chOfQGEyZSMQCOo2eK6YyrihxoBTsLce-kTEpybRctE9zi47gq5ICYSQ1EtbO4ddnHXrDaOhDNVctUw07Z3wWh/s1600/DSCN2952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IpWhmvvvVlGW1P6Jv71RovNVWggKlqqU5ZQI707zPfxxSCWlRl5Z21chOfQGEyZSMQCOo2eK6YyrihxoBTsLce-kTEpybRctE9zi47gq5ICYSQ1EtbO4ddnHXrDaOhDNVctUw07Z3wWh/s200/DSCN2952.JPG" width="200" /></a>A few days ago I ran across a recipe for homemade cranberry sauce. I had never even thought to try to make it and when I saw how easy it is I was like what!!!!!! Cranberry sauce is one of my favorite additions to any holiday feast and I had to try it. Even though I had already purchased some of the canned stuff I ran out and got fresh cranberries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is the same basic recipe that I saw on a million and one websites. I made some earlier and it's so wonderful! I'm pretty sure I'll never buy that canned stuff again.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
12 Ounces Fresh Cranberries <br />
1/2 Cup White Sugar<br />
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar<br />
1 Cup Orange Juice<br />
<br />
(Some people added cinnamon, I did not)<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Bring orange juice and sugar to a boil, stir frequently.<br />
Add cranberries, reduce heat to medium, stir frequently.<br />
Cook for 10 minutes. <br />
Remove from heat.<br />
Let cool then put in a bowl to gel in the refrigerator, for several hours or over night. It will thicken as it cools. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes it's that easy!!!</b></span><br />
<br />
You'll hear these wonderful little popping sounds as the cranberries start to burst open.<br />
I saw many people say they used a splash guard, so I put mine on at first but found I didn't need it since I used a pan deep enough that the concoction didn't pop out.<br />
I also went ahead and added about 3 dashes of salt while it was cooking. <br />
<br />
I also saw commentary on recipes where people had noted that they ran theirs through a food processor or used a hand mixer on it after it cooked to give it a smoother consistency. However I love the whole berries myself. <br />
<br />
This made a little less than 2 cups of cranberry sauce, and it'll surely be a hit amongst your cranberry sauce lovers, so you may want to double or triple the recipe for a large group.<br />
<br />
DO IT!! It's so easy and yummy!! Not to mention a beautiful addition to your holiday spread. Your friends and family will be impressed that you were domestic enough to make it from scratch. It can be our little secret how easy it really is. ;)<br />
<br />
ENJOY!!<br />
<br />
Much Love! & Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.324826229.5412394 -82.4827547 29.7620294 -82.1668977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-35430547899060729892011-11-23T21:22:00.001-05:002011-11-23T23:00:21.356-05:00Sweet Potato Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sweet potato casserole is a fantastic edition to any holiday menu!! It's definitely one of my favorite dishes to make now. So many years I went to Thanksgiving and other holiday feasts where the person who contributed the sweet potato dish came up with this bland from the can puree with nuts mixed in and topped with marshmallows. Not that I did not enjoy it, however when you decide to try a homemade sweet potato casserole that actually consists of flavorful ingredients that make your sweet potatoes go boom pow in your mouth, you'll never want to go back to eating that can of sweet potato puree covered in marshmallows. I just pulled mine out of the oven and it's so tempting to dive in now!<br />
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I'm not sure how large the ones you have there are, but the ones here
are to me about a medium size and so it's about 8 sweet potatoes to come
up with about 8 cups give or take a little. I've never weighed them out or I'd tell you that, I just eyeball it. =) Also do not forget to take your butter out of the refrigerator about half an hour to an hour before you want to use it so it will be soft and workable!<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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Casserole:<br />
8 Cups Quartered Fresh Sweet Potatoes<br />
1 Stick (8 Tbls) Softened Butter (I prefer unstalted.)<br />
2 Eggs <br />
3/4 Cup White Sugar<br />
1/4 Cup Orange Juice (I use 1 Fresh Orange for juice.)<br />
1/4 Cup Milk or Cream <br />
1 Tsp Vanilla<br />
1/2 Tsp Salt<br />
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon<br />
1/4 Tsp Nutmeg<br />
1 Cup Pecans (Optional)<br />
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Topping:<br />
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1 Cup Brown Sugar<br />
2/3 Cup Flour<br />
Couple of dashes of cinnamon. <br />
6 Tbls Softened Butter (Again I prefer unsalted.)<br />
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Directions: <br />
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First up you want to wash the sweet potatoes. Then cut the ends off of your sweet potatoes and cut the the potatoes into quarters. Put them in a big pot, peels still on, cover with cold water and then bring them to a boil. Boil until they are tender, mashing consistency, and the peels are starting to pull away. (Some people prefer the flavor of baked over boiled, if that is you go for it!)<br />
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Drain the water and let them cool until you are able to handle them, about 15-20 minutes. Pull the peels away and cut out any eyes (hard black spots). <br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. <br />
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In a large bowl mash the sweet potatoes.<br />
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Add butter, mash or stir it in until it's pretty much completely incorporated into your potatoes. <br />
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Add the rest of your ingredients except for the pecans and stir well.<br />
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Spread the sweet potato mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. (I like to do a light spray of canola oil into the baking dish before adding the mixture for easier clean up later, but it is not necessary.
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Top with pecans.<br />
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Now mix your brown sugar, cinnamon and flour for the topping. Then use a fork to turn in the butter into the dry ingredients until they are completely mixed and a nice moosh.<br />
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Sprinkle the topping over the top of the pecans. If you like less crunch and sugar on top only make a half recipe of the topping.<br />
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Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the topping is crispy and starting to brown. <br />
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Some people just prefer marshmallows, if that is you, skip the topping, throw on your marshmallows and cook until they are melting and starting to brown.<br />
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A couple of years ago I was actually requested to make a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows covered in a crispy topping... hmmm! I did my best, I covered it with mini marshmallows. Mixed roughly guessing now (I did not write it down) 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and about 2 tbls of butter, creating a more granulated mixture. Sprinkled over the top and this is what came out. It was actually devoured by all and insanely praised. One of those things I'm not sure if I'd ever be able to recreate! =)<br />
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I hope you and your guests enjoy!<br />
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Much Love! And Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!<br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com2Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.324826229.5412394 -82.4827547 29.7620294 -82.1668977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-73297985582233577152011-11-21T10:52:00.001-05:002011-11-22T23:02:08.212-05:00Brine That TurkeySeveral years ago I was watching one of my domestic goddess heroes, Martha Stewart, while she was putting on a Thanksgiving special. Luckily it was several days before Thanksgiving because she did something I had never seen before... brined the turkey!<br />
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I was immediately fascinated and had to try it that year. It was the best most magically wonderful turkey I'd ever made. Juicy, flavorful, practically falling off the bone and melting right into your mouth. Every year since I have made sure my turkey is in the brine before it's roasted. This has become a tradition now and my brine has evolved over the years because I've done lots of reading of different recipes and techniques. I'm not actually going to share all of my brine ingredients with you because then my turkey isn't as special if you use them too. ;) However below I'll post some brine recipes for you to check out and try or build your own recipe off of.<br />
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You may be thinking... "what does brine the turkey even mean?? This is madness, a turkey that melts in my mouth and has flavor, I do not understand."<br />
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Trust me... It's easy!!! And more importantly, worth it! Basically you are soaking your uncooked turkey for 12 hours in a solution of salt, sugar, spices, herbs and other aromatics. Be warned too much salt or letting your turkey sit in the brine too long can cause a tough not so great turkey. So when you are looking at recipes do not think, well the more salt I add the better or the longer its in the better it will be. This is the kind of thinking that will result in people wanting to slap you as they try chewing on their Thanksgiving turkey jerky you've fed them.<br />
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Tonight kicks off the beginning of my brine process. First I've brought to a boil fresh cold tap water with my special blend of spices... oh yeah... that's my brew. I will be letting this cool completely and then putting it in the refrigerator so that it can become very cold over night.<br />
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This 4 gallon bucket is my brine bucket. It's never used for household cleaning chores. I like the square shape of it because the awkward shape of the turkey slides right into it for full submersion. Your turkey being fully submersed is a must for even brining. If you cannot find a bucket big enough use an ice chest but make sure to bleach and wash it well before and after the brine process, and you will be adding a bag of ice to your brine. However as long as you are not buying giant turkeys a bucket should suffice. <br />
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Tomorrow what is going to happen is the 13 pound turkey pictured above will be coming
out of that wrapper, giblets removed, and turkey thoroughly washed. Then it will be placed in the brine solution that I boiled and let cool tonight and my herbs and other aromatics will be added. Finally I will be putting a heavy plate on top to keep the turkey weighed down and fully submersed and refrigerating it.<br />
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When you take the turkey out of the brine make sure to properly discard
of the liquid as well as all spices, herbs, etc that were used. Do not
use any of it to cook with! Use fresh herbs, spices, etc when cooking.<br />
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I will be putting the turkey in the brine about 13 hours before I plan to have it in the oven to start cooking. It will only be in the brine for about 12 hours, and the other hour is to let it come to about room temperature for extra juicy goodness, and that is a great time rub some oil of your choice into the skin. As well to chop any onions, herbs, apples, citrus, etc that you plan to season the turkey with while cooking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBbjZPFNJ1OVIplzx822aBMV-XDQfTqede-V9wSnMEMGOv5l7gDZLta1bwMtqTESSzvdf1I23aa7TucUb9EFehvaDfivDN_E7LLJqN0nAmSEkoazIO9UKjwJ5Q9irvGAqB7sb9-k-rK55/s1600/Herb+Roasted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBbjZPFNJ1OVIplzx822aBMV-XDQfTqede-V9wSnMEMGOv5l7gDZLta1bwMtqTESSzvdf1I23aa7TucUb9EFehvaDfivDN_E7LLJqN0nAmSEkoazIO9UKjwJ5Q9irvGAqB7sb9-k-rK55/s200/Herb+Roasted.jpg" width="193" /></a><br />
This is a wonderful fresh herb roasted turkey from a couple of years back. Even with a horrible oven that was on it's last leg and did not heat properly I was still able to produce a nicely browned turkey with a crispy flavorful skin and juicy wonderfully flavored meat.<br />
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Warning!! If you cook a fantastic brined turkey for your friends and family you may forever be dubbed the official Thanksgiving turkey baker and be requested upon to bring it year after year.<br />
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Seriously watch this video it's pretty great and gives you some really good tips on not only turkey brine, but turkey in general!</div>
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Some Turkey Brine Recipes<br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274271/how-to-brine-a-turkey/@center/276949/everything-thanksgiving#/183182" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's How To Brine A Turkey</a><br />
Martha actually has several brine recipes on her site.<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Good Eats Turkey Brine</a><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipe-collections/brined-turkey/index.html" target="_blank">Food Network's Collection Of Brine Recipes (26)</a><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/turkey-brine/" target="_blank">Sheri's AllRecipes.com Turkey Brine</a><br />
There are countless recipes out there! Just do a basic internet search keyword "Turkey brine recipe"<br />
Have fun with it and use ingredients you love and you will have an awesomely seasoned turkey! <br />
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Now that you know what's what, get your brine going!<br />
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Much love! <br />
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.324826229.5412394 -82.4827547 29.7620294 -82.1668977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029111679317753646.post-23475356133629256432011-11-20T03:35:00.001-05:002011-11-20T18:58:20.947-05:00MawMaw Eade's Banana Nut Bread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G8cbHhaf07yCjjdDFE7t_b-hzKSwpEiqc2RgYILGja7Hb-eN1ZmWzG-OFWyM_5DPe_FTFof1z-t9qs5P9UYytw3h2N1Bc8DlEFgnout7H7oxSQaLplHIJYcUZ_fGj9_FvVX9eDJ4OsMP/s1600/DSCN2839+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G8cbHhaf07yCjjdDFE7t_b-hzKSwpEiqc2RgYILGja7Hb-eN1ZmWzG-OFWyM_5DPe_FTFof1z-t9qs5P9UYytw3h2N1Bc8DlEFgnout7H7oxSQaLplHIJYcUZ_fGj9_FvVX9eDJ4OsMP/s320/DSCN2839+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a> The week of Thanksgiving is officially here!! I absolutely love Thanksgiving, it is my favorite holiday no matter what. <br />
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Everyone seems to have their own traditions for Thanksgiving. Mine has always been to cook a ton of food! It does not matter if Thanksgiving dinner is being held at someone else's house, I will bring my contribution to that dinner, and then we always have all of the fixings of Thanksgiving leftovers at my house since I had cooked everything for home as well. A lot of years during my stay in California we would have the family gathering the day before Thanksgiving, which many families seemed to do there, so the day of Thanksgiving we would just have friends over eat and it would be a great time. There's probably only been 2 years in my adult life that I just did not cook anything. <br />
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This year for me is very low key. My first Thanksgiving as a single woman and not living near family and all of my nearby friends have their own things to do so it's just me and I'm ok with that. I'll be cooking a downsized version of my favorite Thanksgiving foods and having any of my neighbors I see hanging about with no Thanksgiving food come and help themselves to a plate.<br />
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After waking up super early and putting the turkey in the oven... My first tradition of the day is enjoying some Banana Nut Bread with some hot coffee. This was something we always had when I was a child at Thanksgiving and I've carried it into adulthood using the same recipe that my mom used when I was a kid. My great grandmother, MawMaw Eade's recipe. MawMaw was very special and passed away about 18 years ago, I'm happy each year to celebrate her memory baking this bread. I'm so not filling up on a bunch of everyday breakfast foods and making it to where I don't have room to over-stuff myself with the good stuff later. So for me it's all about in the morning just having a couple of slices of the banana nut bread warmed up and slathered with some real butter. YUM!!<br />
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This bread freezes well if you want to make several in advance and freeze them until it's time to eat them. I always bake 2-3 loaves several days in advance and actually munch on them all Thanksgiving week. It's the first thing I bake for the Thanksgiving season every year and when that delicious aroma starts wafting from the oven you know Thanksgiving is officially here. <br />
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MawMaw Eade's Banana Nut Bread<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrbqTRWLfFZpvGNLViGnwsWLWRXtZ1dvwePtrmJbA2o7NTKugwrqwDz6_YUFXTWGRXBPYIYXmLyjoX9g4jSr7fC27Ayzj8O0cYBY1-xJylx8zqJNajr69YktuYLftmaDyx80HuCMe3uqT/s1600/DSCN2806+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrbqTRWLfFZpvGNLViGnwsWLWRXtZ1dvwePtrmJbA2o7NTKugwrqwDz6_YUFXTWGRXBPYIYXmLyjoX9g4jSr7fC27Ayzj8O0cYBY1-xJylx8zqJNajr69YktuYLftmaDyx80HuCMe3uqT/s320/DSCN2806+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a>1 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour<br />
1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder<br />
1/4 Tsp Baking Soda<br />
1/4 Tsp Cinnamon<br />
1/8 Tsp Salt <br />
1 Egg<br />
1 Cup Mashed Bananas<br />
(about 2 large bananas)<br />
1/4 Cup Oil (Vegetable or Canola)<br />
1 Tsp Lemon Zest (optional)<br />
3/4 Cup Sugar <br />
1/2 Cup Pecans or Walnuts (I'm using walnuts this year)<br />
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**My MawMaw's recipe did not call for vanilla, however I have incorporated 1/2 Tsp of Vanilla Extract over the years as well. I also forgot to grab a lemon for zest at the store so I used 1/4 tsp lemon juice.<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
Grease and lightly flour loaf pan. (Or use a baking spray that contains flour.)<br />
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Stir together dry ingredients in a large bowl. (Excluding sugar and nuts.)<br />
Lightly beat the egg in a separate bowl. <br />
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Stir the rest of the wet ingredients, including banana, together in the bowl with the egg.<br />
Add sugar into the wet ingredients until mixed well. <br />
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients making sure dry ingredients have all been incorporated.<br />
Your batter will be lumpy and thick.<br />
Mix in the nuts.<br />
Pour into your prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes. (Toothpick test.)<br />
Serve warm with real butter!<br />
Wrap in foil to keep moist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuSwCoSL9kJtLmunbJLMqgZ8JoO2iq-W1PDa9RXlQBYaggABX-yTJsngFPEkKMc2xCxBkIu47KwsaMlqxI6xb85VRUKAKoxRmno5lBllv1ixoVQE7rcCdfbmInLfJmbKFF9Oi-tYwUlie/s1600/DSCN2851+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuSwCoSL9kJtLmunbJLMqgZ8JoO2iq-W1PDa9RXlQBYaggABX-yTJsngFPEkKMc2xCxBkIu47KwsaMlqxI6xb85VRUKAKoxRmno5lBllv1ixoVQE7rcCdfbmInLfJmbKFF9Oi-tYwUlie/s200/DSCN2851+-+Copy.JPG" width="200" /></a>Reheat slices in microwave for about 15-20 seconds to experience warm banana nut bread goodness time and time again.<br />
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If you do not have a freezer stockpile of ripe bananas and find that your grocery store does not have ripe bananas just put them in a brown bag with an apple as I've done here, these were still slightly green yesterday. <br />
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I hope you enjoy this recipe! I know there are many ways to make it, but this recipe has never failed me. I love how it has just enough banana and it's not too sweet.<br />
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Much Love!
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</div>Blondie Babshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247668512761950041noreply@blogger.com0Gainesville, FL, USA29.6516344 -82.324826229.5412394 -82.4827547 29.7620294 -82.1668977