tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19027207670877353872024-02-06T21:53:04.359-05:00mandeefofandee.the impossibly honest ramblings of a self proclaimed crazy cat lady.MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.comBlogger638125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-83607097245002591882013-07-17T22:10:00.000-04:002013-07-17T22:10:30.965-04:00lately [tidbits + pics]<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was recently reminded that I haven't blogged in three weeks (thanks <i>KAYCIE</i>). Life has been busy and hectic and fun and OMG SUMMER. So here's what we've been up to - in bullet point form, naturally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Our house is officially on the market! As exciting as it is to plan our future in a new home (details to come on that in another post - I don't want to jinx it), it's pretty overwhelming in a lot of ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First of all, we have a TON of last minute projects to wrap up before we have showings... you know those little things you've been putting off for years... like un-cluttering the empty bedroom and repainting the outdoor stair rail? We've been busting our asses (meaning, Sean has been busting his ass) getting all this stuff done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also, it's a little emotional to think about leaving this place and starting over somewhere else. This was our first home we owned together and we have a ton of memories here. But I'm so excited to start fresh in a home that ISN'T 60+ years old. So yeah, that shiz has been a little crazy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Ronin loves the pool. Granted, we've only been a handful of times, but he loves the water and that makes me such a happy Mama. We spent a few hours at the pool on the 4th of July and it made me so excited to spend his first Independence Day doing something fun. We had a little cookout at our home to celebrate the 4th and sadly, I took zero photos. But trust me when I say we are certainly enjoying our summer so far!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- My Arbonne business has been such an eye opening experience, and I'm really enjoying everything I'm learning about network marketing, our products, and building leadership skills. I'm bound and determined to move up in rank by the end of the year, and it feels extremely empowering to have a goal like that in mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I have yet to take Ronin's 10 month photos and he'll be 11 months old next week. I also sent his birthday invitations out this week and I may or may not have cried in the parking lot of the post office. This kid is looking more and more like a little boy and less like a baby by the day, y'all. And I just can't. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ronin's birthday invite - designed it myself, blocked out the address for privacy reasons, duh.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I'm currently reading Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (author of the infamous Gone Girl), and I cannot put it down. It's been a long time since I was so into a book that I finished it in less than a week. We're reading it for our book club and it's going to be so hard to wait until August to discuss! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I'm thinking that we may have a slight intolerance to fruit going on with Ronin - either that, or I'm just giving him too much of it and he can't handle all of the fiber. He's been in disposables for about 10 days because he's been pooping SO MUCH, and he also had a nasty diaper rash that lasted for almost 4 days. It seems to be getting better (the poop frequency AND the rash) now that I've cut back on the fruit at meals, so let's hope that's all it was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just talked about baby poop on my blog. I think I'm officially a mom blogger now?</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Hump Day!</b></span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-21849966408556079932013-06-25T23:03:00.002-04:002013-06-28T09:55:19.961-04:00we sleep trained at 9 months. and we lived to tell the tale!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let me preface this by stating that we seriously have the easiest baby on the planet. If I knew that we could duplicate his laid back personality and ability to adapt to change, I would seriously have 12 more babies in a heartbeat. Thankfully, this made helping him learn how to self soothe a breeze. I'm aware that many of you probably want to punch me in the face, and that's fine. But remember that my next kid will most likely be a fucking nightmare. And then you can laugh.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk0n_9pM_-S8sYazK4aQAZOnjZVQcqxoeHAEcycRgveIucE60dmQZt6HZm38xJUktfBJMPUGfngd8Uny46zXYloXli7stZ1EwKHfLuBKjtr6pfq0lYon5azwLv0mjjWlbWVmkxhRBXGM/s1600/969877_821271505199_424529594_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk0n_9pM_-S8sYazK4aQAZOnjZVQcqxoeHAEcycRgveIucE60dmQZt6HZm38xJUktfBJMPUGfngd8Uny46zXYloXli7stZ1EwKHfLuBKjtr6pfq0lYon5azwLv0mjjWlbWVmkxhRBXGM/s400/969877_821271505199_424529594_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I <a href="http://mandeefofandee.blogspot.com/2013/05/that-time-karma-bit-me-in-ass-oh-and.html">mentioned before</a> that we were following the SleepEasy Solution sleep learning program. We began the crib transition by sleeping in the room with him (on a blow-up mattress) for a week before forcing him to stay in the room by himself. I felt that it helped him to know that we were still in the room with him, especially since he's only slept without us on a few occasions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the most part, he did exceptionally well being in his crib at night. We would do his nightly routine like usual (diaper change, baby massage, jammies, book, song, and rock to sleep), and then place him in his crib and try not to wake him up. He would sometimes wake after his sleep cycle, but was pretty skilled at putting himself back to sleep. Occasionally, he would be pretty upset, and that's when I would just go up to comfort him and go to bed myself. There were a few times that I just brought him to bed with me on the air mattress - I felt it was better to do that than fall asleep rocking him in the glider. I also may or may not have wanted to really soak up those last nights of snuggling and smelling his sweaty little head while he sleeps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, after a week of killing my back on the air mattress, we decided to start the full program on May 31st. We did everything the same, except that I took the time to tell him while we were doing our routine that we were going to be leaving him in his room all night, and that he was ready to sleep in his crib all by himself. Also, instead of rocking him to sleep, we put him in his crib awake. I just rocked him for a minute and sang "you are my sunshine" to him, and laid him down. As I was walking toward the crib, I said "alright buddy, it's time for you to learn to self soothe. you're a big boy and you're going to do great!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, as soon as I shut the door, I could hear him start to cry. As instructed by the book, we went in after 5 minutes of crying. I just walked halfway to his crib so that he could see me and I said, "I know this is hard for you, Ronin, but you're such a big boy now that you have to learn to sleep by yourself. I'll be back in to check on you in a few minutes. night night!" I was in the room for less than 30 seconds. They really encourage you to sound confident and not weary at all, and I think that's important. Babies can totally sense if you are nervous or hesitant and if you aren't comfortable with what you're doing, they certainly won't be either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, so there was more crying. Sean did the second check 10 minutes later, and we figured we'd take turns. Oh, and Ronin had also just gotten over a bit of a cold, so he was still kind of congested and his nose was a little runny. The book suggests NOT beginning sleep learning while a baby is sick or teething, but I knew if I didn't start it then, I would just keep putting it off. He wasn't running a fever and had been playing like normal, so I knew he'd be okay. At least... I knew that in the very back hidden corner of my mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After 10 minutes of crying, I was thisclose to saying "fuck it" and going upstairs to soothe him. I just kept picturing his little face covered in snot and tears and it broke me. There is no doubt in my mind that sleep training is WAY worse on Mamas than it is on Dads. Sean assured me that he was fine, that he needed to learn how to soothe himself. I still protested and tried to come up with excuse after excuse as to why we should just "wait until next weekend." At that point, he just flat out refused and didn't try to comfort me because he knew I was being ridiculous. I then found myself crying in the bathroom with the fan on to drown out Ronin's crying. With a beer, of course. <!-----------><!-----------></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sean continued to do the check-ins at the suggested intervals (every 15 minutes after the first two at 5 and 10 minutes). For instance, if Ronin was placed in bed at 8:00 and continued to cry, he would be checked on at 8:05, 8:15, 8:30, and every 15 minutes after that until he fell asleep. On the first evening, it took 56 minutes for him to finally self soothe. It was probably the longest hour of my life. The second evening only took 24 minutes, and by the fifth night or so, he was down to 6 minutes and zero crying. The time it took him to fall asleep dwindled with each passing night, which was wonderful to witness. It made me SO proud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was incredibly heart wrenching to listen to him cry, but I knew he was okay. He was only upset because he wanted me to help him sleep, even though I knew he could do it on his own. He first soothed himself to sleep around 4 months, so I encouraged him to do that for a while in our bed. Once he became mobile though, it was impossible to put him in our bed for a nap by himself, so I think he forgot how to do it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do I miss co-sleeping? Yes and no. Obviously, I miss having the snuggly, warm little body next to me at night, and I definitely miss helping him to go back to sleep in the middle of the night by rubbing his back or playing with his hair. However, it is SO nice to have our bed back and not having to prop pillows up along the edge of the bed when I get up to pee in the middle of the night. The freedom of being able to take a nice long shower while he naps is more amazing than I could ever describe. I love that I don't have to worry about making too much noise and waking him up - either at night or during naps, which means I can get things done around the house instead of tip-toeing around and watching the monitor like a hawk. It's so awesome watching him play in his crib and talk to his blankie when he can't sleep. I think it helps him to become more independent, even though he's still so young.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nine months is a long time to wait to sleep train for some people, but it ended up being perfect timing for us, including Ronin. He adapted so quickly and I think he sleeps better in his own room than he did in ours. He's doing so well in his crib now and it's hard to believe I ever doubted that he'd be able to sleep in there. Buuuuuut I do still nap with him in our bed occasionally when I really miss the cuddles or it's a rainy day and just feeling like snuggling. We are so thankful to have such an easy going baby - if only I could clone him!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>So I wanna know:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What method did you use for sleep training? How long did it take? How many cases of beer (or wine) did you go through during the process? :)</span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-83879837995154300842013-06-20T21:53:00.000-04:002013-06-21T22:33:10.245-04:00Friday loves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMC77UlF0lq6uSzRuhMEMRtYcQLkBIBmq4LDz29hu8Wzi6Ok-AXV7qOfVXWCsAbLg9lK_lIzmAU-8UiEArqtrpoDsnDtLEirmqm1Inux-GE7PVR1d9j8U95Zc_w2tELyV1eLRid4RMnQ/s1600/fridayloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMC77UlF0lq6uSzRuhMEMRtYcQLkBIBmq4LDz29hu8Wzi6Ok-AXV7qOfVXWCsAbLg9lK_lIzmAU-8UiEArqtrpoDsnDtLEirmqm1Inux-GE7PVR1d9j8U95Zc_w2tELyV1eLRid4RMnQ/s400/fridayloves.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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this is <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/8-foods-we-eat-in-the-us-that-are-banned-in-other-countries">a fraction of the junk</a> that is in our food here in the U.S. </div>
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- sad, but true. so happy to be a part of <a href="https://arbonne.com/">a company</a> that bans these ingredients from our products. </div>
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<a href="http://gawker.com/russell-brand-destroys-msnbc-talk-show-host-for-treatin-513992493">Russell Brand is a boss</a>.</div>
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I hope that when Ronin is four, he's half as cool as <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/2013/06/19/uh-oh-guess-what-day-it-is/">this girl</a>. </div>
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some Etsy love: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125748604/connected-necklace-gold-double-links?ref=shop_home_active">this necklace</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101688729/to-do-today-2-notepads">a detailed to-do list</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/107019153/monogrammed-journal-personalized">this personalized journal</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtynNSCXJ29NnCttEVr8qGLRWeUmXWIItGh7L-wsEXCFQz0KoPihh3nLfj8Yt3uRzLT_lxzr9pj31U7LJb7MkZLMkrFDedkjnbbcHuBxBfNoUG3cu1KX2lsgQK9M43Pr42gefEPP-l0CQ/s1600/il_570xN.435412122_lhov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtynNSCXJ29NnCttEVr8qGLRWeUmXWIItGh7L-wsEXCFQz0KoPihh3nLfj8Yt3uRzLT_lxzr9pj31U7LJb7MkZLMkrFDedkjnbbcHuBxBfNoUG3cu1KX2lsgQK9M43Pr42gefEPP-l0CQ/s400/il_570xN.435412122_lhov.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she's screwing things up." </div>
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- <a href="http://www.irocksowhat.com/2013/06/were-not-screwing-things-up.html">Jess' awesome take</a> on this quote. </div>
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a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YNPrUWXVlAY">baby sea lion jumps on a boat</a> and cuddles. aka my dream come true.</div>
<br />MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-56956565037582107842013-06-20T21:25:00.000-04:002013-06-20T21:25:04.211-04:00RRQ: nine months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">super late on this month's update. so hard to take photos when dude is ALL over the place. I had to practically hold him down for this picture and he's not even looking at me. oh well. only three more to do! eeeeks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">um, I took a LOT of photos between months 8 and 9. photo overload ahead!</span></div>
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<br />MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-26065538722534556822013-06-11T21:53:00.003-04:002013-06-11T21:53:37.680-04:00pure. safe. beneficial. <div style="text-align: center;">
a few weeks ago, a friend of mine posted on Facebook about wanting to employ someone part time through her Arbonne business. I'd heard of Arbonne before, but didn't really know much about the company or the products. for the past few months, I've been considering working part time to bring in some extra income. our bills are paid, but we really don't have a lot leftover at the end of the month to put into savings, and that has bothered me. so I emailed Angela to inquire about the business, and not only did she welcome me with open arms, but she mailed me a substantial package full of samples and product information. </div>
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as I read through the material, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I agreed with the company policies. along with being carbon neutral and <a href="https://arbonne.com/company/green/index.asp">totally green</a> (and not in a trendy way), Arbonne makes an incredible commitment to their customers when it comes to providing the safest products possible. every product offered through Arbonne is the best combination of scientific research and botanic ingredients. I found myself thinking "wow, that's amazing!" about 983 times while reading through the paperwork. </div>
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obviously, I began using the product samples that very evening, and I am not even exaggerating that by the next evening, I could see and feel the difference between the <a href="https://arbonne.com/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?category=51">Arbonne RE9 skincare line</a> and my drugstore purchased stuff. my skin felt firmer and seemed to breathe easier within 24 hours. the fact that every single product is made without nasty chemicals or fillers made my decision that much easier. in fact, Arbonne not only follows FDA standards with their ingredients (did you know that the FDA only prohibits 13 ingredients from being added to products that GO INTO OUR BODIES?!), but they follow European guidelines as well (which ban over 200 ingredients). what's even more awesome is that there is a product for everyone - products that provide targeted results, from acne and wrinkles to weight loss and ridding your body of toxins. </div>
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I think the best thing about this opportunity is that I get to work at my own pace, all while I stay home with Ronin. as much as I love the products, it really is about the convenience for me. I can take someone to Starbucks and teach them about the products and the company, and it will be considered "work." Arbonne isn't just about selling products, it's about people - it's about improving the lives of others, whether it be through the products, or the business opportunity that is offered. </div>
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so with all that said, I'm very excited to announce that I've decided to join the Arbonne team as an Independent Consultant. I feel privileged to associate myself with such a reputable company and cannot wait to learn as much as I possibly can. I never thought I'd have my own piece of a <a href="https://arbonne.com/company/opportunity/industry.asp">network marketing company</a>, but here I am. I attended a local Arbonne Retreat over the weekend and left feeling more inspired than I have been in YEARS. the group of women that surround me within this business are absolutely incredible, and I can't wait to work (if I can even call it that...) with and learn from them all. </div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-30130229454630671112013-06-06T21:00:00.004-04:002013-06-06T21:00:44.721-04:00Friday loves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tp2aZhDLiEySNjVdniDlI4hyphenhypheni-4Juh2LkePrjLfzetKVy_CscIiKRCrqXF0LCdoEQXLO1EIbqYgwPmXx2CHsrpmlq5DaVe1F1sSeSZdZ8oTB7NyVF4jEqX9zm7-mQc1R-7LwJtVcB8U/s1600/fridayloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tp2aZhDLiEySNjVdniDlI4hyphenhypheni-4Juh2LkePrjLfzetKVy_CscIiKRCrqXF0LCdoEQXLO1EIbqYgwPmXx2CHsrpmlq5DaVe1F1sSeSZdZ8oTB7NyVF4jEqX9zm7-mQc1R-7LwJtVcB8U/s400/fridayloves.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicamisener/33-teachers-who-got-the-last-laugh?sub=2239701_1188528">thirty-three teachers who got the last laugh</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- false. I just laughed REALLY hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">loving the <a href="http://spilledmilkblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/quiet/">latest photos</a><span id="goog_467338868"></span><span id="goog_467338869"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> at Spilled Milk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">cannot wait to get <a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/product/Soft-Seat-Baby-Pool/_/R-535640">this baby pool</a> for Ronin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">possibly the <a href="http://instagram.com/peejet#">most hilarious IG feed</a> of all time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2013/06/showing-our-stuff/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YoungHouseLove+%28Young+House+Love%29">John & Sherry (and Clara & Burger) moved again</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- is it just me or does it seem like they moved into the second house like yesterday?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">just bought <a href="http://www.target.com/p/assets-by-sara-blakely-women-s-halter-1-piece-ruffle-swimsuit-magenta/-/A-14231868#prodSlot=medium_1_15&term=one+piece+bathing+suit">this bathing suit</a> and I lurve it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- so flattering and not the typical black, ruched one piece. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll be spending most of my weekend working on my new business venture, and I'll be spilling the beans early next week. so excited to share everything with you guys! :D</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">HAPPY WEEKEND, friends! </span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-61468904699832328862013-06-03T21:51:00.000-04:002013-06-25T23:04:19.652-04:00weekend recap. <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we had a fun weekend here in the FoFandee household: a little relaxing, a little productiveness, and lots of sunshine and high temps. let's recap, shall we? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">on Friday morning, Mr. Ronin had his 9 month wellness check up. Sean left work for a bit to come with us to the appointment. little dude is super healthy and remaining steady in the 25th percentile for his age. he now weighs 18lbs 14oz and is 28 inches long - such a long and lanky boy! I didn't really have any questions for our pediatrician this month, so the appointment went pretty quickly. he did have to get one vaccine (hepB), which was NOT fun, obviously. he screamed bloody murder, but luckily, I had a nice big bottle ready for him afterward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">oh, and I haven't even taken his 9 month photos yet, because this squirmy seal will NOT stay on his back. he screams bloody murder when I change his diaper or try to get him dressed, so laying on his back for photos is not really an option right now, haha. little punk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">since the weather was so nice, we spent the rest of the afternoon out on the patio. Sean came home from work and grilled some pork chops and after dinner, it was time to start the sleep learning. the program we're following noted that it would probably take an hour for him to fall asleep on the first night, and while it doesn't sound like a long time, hearing a baby cry for an hour is absolutely heartbreaking. I will elaborate more on our experience so far, but it's going surprisingly well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">on Saturday, we spent a majority of the day doing typical cleaning around the house, and then we met up with Sean's parent's to enjoy some crabs & cold beer in Annapolis. the crabs were huge and heavy, but Ronin was kinda sick of being a highchair after a while, so we took turns holding him while the other ate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hosted our monthly book club meeting at my house on Sunday. although there were only 6 of us, we had a great time just chatting (barely about the book, ha!) and enjoying some yummy food. after the ladies left, we headed out to Target to pick up <strike>a few</strike> a bunch of things, including another bathing suit for the mister and some paper goods for his birthday party. no pictures from Sunday, but it was a nice day. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">hope your weekend was fun! we've been having some great weather here in Maryland, albeit, a bit on the HOT side. that just means we get some early pool days! woohoo! </span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-21747811596580960242013-05-27T21:11:00.000-04:002013-06-25T23:03:59.095-04:00that time karma bit me in the ass. oh, and sleep training. <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">remember last week when I mentioned that Sean was sick again and that he was being a big baby? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">yeah. that was dumb. Friday morning I woke up feeling congested and by Saturday, I had a fever of 101.4 that was kicking my ass. you know what sucks worse than being sick? being sick while you're trying to transition your kid (who is ALSO sick) to his crib at nine (!!!!) months old. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we're following a modified version of the <a href="http://www.sleepyplanet.com/index.html">SleepEasy Solution</a>, since they have a good plan on moving baby from your bed to his own. we're stretching the whole "sleep with baby in his room and soothe as you normally would" thing for a whole week (they recommend 2-4 nights) since Ronin is older and is aware of his surroundings. we'll start the actual sleep learning program this weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we began the transition on Friday night, and Sean started off by sleeping on the floor in the nursery right next to the crib. Ronin was only asleep for an hour or so before he leaked out of his cloth diaper (ugh, SO frustrating) and we had to put him in a disposable and change his jams. and then Sean ended up coming downstairs to our bed at about 2AM because his back was killing him. naturally, when Ronin woke up crying, it was Mama to the rescue. so now I'm sleeping on the floor next to the crib, but he still didn't want to sleep. he would be passed out, but as soon as I laid him down, he'd wake up and stand up in his crib. finally, I pulled him out of the crib and onto the floor with me and we both fell asleep... until the fever crept up on me and I went from comfortable to freezing in about 20 seconds. we spent the last few hours of night one all huddled up in our bed downstairs. well, I guess I was the only one huddling since I was the one with the chills. Friday night was a shit show. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1) yay, he's sleeping! IN HIS CRIB! 2) well shit. 3) aw, best Dad ever...<br />4) not pictured: my fevered ass bundled up on the floor with a baby on my chest.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday, we wised up and moved an air mattress up to the nursery so we could avoid sore backs by sleeping on the floor. I went ahead and volunteered to take the second night of wake ups, even though I was exhausted and still feeling like total shit from the virus. we had our first wake up at about 10:00 or so, but he was quick to get back to sleep. he woke up a few more times and was to the point of standing up and not laying back down by about 4:30, so I brought him to the air mattress with me and he slept until around 7:00. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sean took nursery duty on Sunday night. we actually stayed up later than usual and watched the first two episodes of the North America special on the Discovery Channel. Ronin didn't have his first wake up until close to midnight, woohoo! Sean went up to comfort him and I was SO relieved and excited to get a good night's sleep. except Sean brought Ronin down to our bed at almost 5:00 - apparently he couldn't get Ronin to sleep with him on the air mattress and he was coughing a lot. so once again... Mama to the rescue... even though I didn't go to sleep until about 1AM. I finally got him to fall back asleep at around 6, only to have him wake up for good at 6:45. eff. my. life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so needless to say, we had an early bedtime of 7:00 tonight. we're going to take turns sleeping in there with him this week and then we'll put him in his crib awake and start sleep training on Friday evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish liquor stores had loyalty programs for frequent customers. #beerme</span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-22885901839963713682013-05-22T12:24:00.000-04:002013-05-22T12:24:24.056-04:00tidbits.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- um, my kid is mobile (!!!!). thus, I can no longer sit him down to play independently without having to immediately chase him into the other room. baby gates are comin' soon, but until then, blogging has to wait until nap/bed time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">chasing the cats is his #1 favorite thing to do.</span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I am working on a little venture of my own as a way to bring in a little extra income. I'll wait til things are official, but I can't wait to tell you about it! I'm pretty excited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Sean is sick. <i>AGAIN. </i>he's been sick like 49 times since Ronin was born. men are the biggest babies when they're sick, amIright? I mean damn, I wish I could just lay on the couch all day when I'm sick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- last weekend I went to Wine in the Woods. it's an annual event that showcases local wineries - there's yummy food and local music too. all in all, it's a grand ol time, and this mama got white girl wasted for the first time in what seems like forever (probably at least 2 years). it was a blast and I'm already looking forward to next year's festivities. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WOJy7mWfzb17FiDpUMCp8cQ6kQc774AadCDwInLplkdu_zLZmEQLYh7Gv8hHc_H-U4O7TAnPmkOcSZ6du2Yqov-KUD_vwUKINmJ67CovyX7M0xBdB8YZFuAAoJrsXZIYTZxnoN8jOGA/s1600/WITW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WOJy7mWfzb17FiDpUMCp8cQ6kQc774AadCDwInLplkdu_zLZmEQLYh7Gv8hHc_H-U4O7TAnPmkOcSZ6du2Yqov-KUD_vwUKINmJ67CovyX7M0xBdB8YZFuAAoJrsXZIYTZxnoN8jOGA/s640/WITW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I'm supposed to be reading The Night Circus for my monthly book club and I'm still only like 20% into it. and I PICKED THE BOOK. we're meeting in a little over a week, so I need to start dedicating my evenings to reading instead of other shit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I cannot even fathom that I will be putting together Ronin's 9 month post this weekend. CAN'T. EVEN. how do you mamas do it? it kills me that he just keeps getting bigger and smarter and more like a little boy than a baby. and the fact that we are only 3 months out from his first birthday is enough to make me crawl in a hole and drink heavily, while crying uncontrollably. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- oh yay, Ronin is up from his 30 minute nap. gotta go! </span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-26652774767318859462013-05-16T23:58:00.000-04:002013-05-16T23:58:37.258-04:00Friday loves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcCGtijsWe_-_NgRHIbAS3I4V66EJzE5-hZHDYhz5c8fyeUHRlDQKpTIXjQ71a3K8cjj0gaePst7XjZTLWigAOliGtmmzlTmA7Q7nBVikZl4cq-E_B9AdjwnkD4EyHvxygWSFyPhnEdE/s1600/fridayloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcCGtijsWe_-_NgRHIbAS3I4V66EJzE5-hZHDYhz5c8fyeUHRlDQKpTIXjQ71a3K8cjj0gaePst7XjZTLWigAOliGtmmzlTmA7Q7nBVikZl4cq-E_B9AdjwnkD4EyHvxygWSFyPhnEdE/s400/fridayloves.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/science/picking-up-infants-calms-by-slowing-heart-rates.html">new research</a> shows that an infant's heart rate slows in just 3 seconds in his/her parent's embrace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10 ways to <a href="http://honeybeeinthecity.blogspot.com/2013/05/10-ways-to-spred-blog-love.html">spread the blog love</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">most <a href="http://www.maskcara.com/maskcara/2013/05/10/3441/">common beauty blunders</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201080019072851">this video</a> - so cute, and so heartwarming. I hope this is how Ronin sees me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60946040/custom-family-of-4-hand-painted-wooden?ref=shop_home_active">custom hand painted</a> wooden dolls. I WANT. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">loving <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98799892/picnic-blanket-portable-outdoors-camping?ref=shop_home_active">this colorful picnic blanket</a>. we'll need one for our park trips this summer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Veronica Roth <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Allegiant-Divergent-Veronica-Roth/dp/006202406X/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368668756&sr=8-1&keywords=allegiant">released the title and cover</a> for the third book in the Divergent trilogy. SO EXCITED.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a Hungarian theater group <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvvkJrKKYF8">performs on Britain's Got Talent</a>. - a MUST watch video. these folks are so incredibly talented. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Weekend! </b></span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-66211151375105829122013-05-16T22:50:00.000-04:002013-05-16T22:50:51.678-04:00Insta-Ronin v.5<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">just some photos of this cool dude from the last couple weeks. SO much personality oozing out of this guy. I mean, he fake coughs, you guys. he's hilarious! </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">8 months may just be my favorite age so far.</span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-74499078367287895412013-05-14T22:22:00.001-04:002013-05-14T22:22:48.430-04:00round up: summer style for mamas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">now that I'm down about 20lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight, I'm having a lot of fun shopping for summer clothes. I actually bought a pair of actual shorts (aka not bermuda shorts) for the first time a few weeks ago. it's fun to shop for clothes now that I like the way I look... for the most part. I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm feeling more confident than I have in a long time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm adding a lot of small patterns and stripes to my closet (nothing new there), along with some fun colors of the season: coral, mint, navy, yellow (of the neon and mustard variety), aqua, and orange. since I will be chasing around a mobile baby and dealing with Maryland humidity, I'm all about simplicity - printed tanks, colored shorts/jeans and comfortable dresses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>dresses:</b> <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91339&vid=1&pid=524231002">one</a> | <a href="http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-womens-short-ruffle-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-14318356#prodSlot=medium_1_44">two</a> | <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Swim-Shop/Sundresses/entity/pc/3046/c/0/sc/3075/236314.uts">three</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/breezy-street-dress">four</a> | <a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-v-neck-tie-waist-maxi-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-14374439#prodSlot=medium_1_3">five</a> | <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=82417&vid=1&pid=352645002">six</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>swimwear:</b> <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=52005&vid=1&pid=330909002">one</a> | <a href="http://www.southmoonunder.com/Kathy-Jeanne-Basic-Straw-Floppy-Hat/158963,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=1109">two</a> | <a href="http://www.southmoonunder.com/Ray-Ban-Straight-Brow-Sunglasses/156246,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=1109">three</a> | <a href="http://www.southmoonunder.com/Roxy-%E2%80%98Radiate-Love%E2%80%99-Open-Fringe-Swim-Cover-Up/157881,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=1110">four</a> | <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=92323&vid=1&pid=153460042">five</a> | <a href="http://www.everythingbutwater.com/accessories/browse/products/danielle-nicole/bags/52887+dn123150+289.html">six</a> | <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=66455&vid=1&pid=383460012">seven</a> | <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=66455&vid=1&pid=385694022">eight</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT5njBOsNUbH84gpBvAwkoYwXOtWIUaNQjD_dt-iPAngGj16jVEuYgF7YLPFOsyz2ODe8gHye5euHcQHlRlpFTa96NvhaYv4l9KrZUgxPF5H_5B511UmRaU3N_8T8vDF0kEJtuVQW61k/s1600/tops+and+bottoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT5njBOsNUbH84gpBvAwkoYwXOtWIUaNQjD_dt-iPAngGj16jVEuYgF7YLPFOsyz2ODe8gHye5euHcQHlRlpFTa96NvhaYv4l9KrZUgxPF5H_5B511UmRaU3N_8T8vDF0kEJtuVQW61k/s640/tops+and+bottoms.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>tops:</b> <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/basic-tops/night-and-day-off-tank">one</a> | <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17081&vid=1&pid=453186012">two</a> | <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/basic-tops/southwestern-dreams-top">three</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>bottoms:</b> <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91611&vid=1&pid=389322012&ssiteID=GAP">four</a> | <a href="http://www.express.com/clothing/stella+colored+brushed+sateen+legging+to+mint+green/pro/5945323/cat290004">five</a> | <a href="http://www.francescas.com/product/harper+tab+shorts.do?sortby=ourPicks">six</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>what summer trends are you loving this year?</b></i></span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-15888996507204808272013-05-13T20:57:00.000-04:002013-05-13T20:57:17.967-04:00my first mother's day.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">since my mother passed in 2003, I haven't had a reason to celebrate Mother's Day. meaning that Sunday was the first time I'd even acknowledged the holiday in 10 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and even though I didn't really "get the day off" from motherhood, I still had a pretty fantastic day. I got to sleep in a little bit and I received an amazing gift from Sean & Ronin. they got me a sweet little personalized necklace. it has two silver discs and a little peridot (August birthstone) gem - one disc says "you are my sunshine" and the other disc says "ronin." I just need to find a better chain for it - can't wait to wear it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we didn't really do anything special for the day - we just kinda laid low and did some housework. my dad stopped by later on in the day to drop off some fresh Maryland rockfish that he'd caught. he also schooled my ass on my veggie garden that I put in a few weeks ago - apparently my plants are WAY too close together. so I guess I'll be transplanting some of them next weekend, haha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did, however, get to spend an hour or so outside on the patio planting all my new flowers into containers. I'd been collecting pots and planters for a few months, and on Saturday, I finally went to our local nursery to pick out some annuals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm pretty excited to watch as those pots get more and more full and start to overflow with gorgeous blooms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ronin and I also got to nap together, which is one of my absolute FAVORITE things to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">all in all, it was the perfect first Mother's Day. I got to spend the whole day with my mini and that's all I wanted. it's incredible how full my heart feels when I so much as think about him. he has taught me so much about myself in a mere 8.5 months. being a mom is taxing and difficult some days, but it's also so rewarding. it is the only career that requires you to be completely selfless, to put yourself second and your family first. I knew it would be hard, but I didn't realize just how heartwarming it would be to be a mother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I now have a new appreciation for everything my mom did for us and it makes me miss her that much more. I want to wrap my arms around her and tell her what an amazing mother she was, and how lucky we were to have her. I just want to tell her, "I get it now." and I do. I totally get it. the feeling of your heart walking outside of your body. the desire to educate them and raise them to be good people. the worry and fear that comes with the realization that you can't always keep them safe from the world's evil. the want... no, the NEED... to be a better person for your child. I get it. and I love every minute of it. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">thanks for makin' me a mama, dude.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, and to those of you that are moms - I hope your Mother's Day was as wonderful as mine was. </span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-65025056085634574282013-05-11T23:50:00.000-04:002013-05-11T23:50:39.157-04:00baby Q: first birthday planning! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a planner. I am also very type A and <strike>sorta-kinda</strike> definitely OCD when it comes to being organized and having all my ducks in a row. therefore, I am already ankle deep in planning Ronin's first birthday party. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided a few months ago that our favorite bedtime song, "You Are My Sunshine," would be the theme of his first birthday party. naturally, I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration and found a few other parties with ideas similar to mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the <a href="http://catchmyparty.com/parties/you-are-my-sunshine-1st-birthday">bubbles + pinwheels</a> for favors. so cute for the kiddos, and budget friendly too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.chiccheapnursery.com/2011/baby-shower/striped-birthday-pool-party-entertaining-ideas/">this food table</a> display is beautiful - the banner, the jars of candy, and the striped straws. perfect! I will be make a lot of the party paper goods myself - the banners, decor, favor packaging, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.ontobaby.com/2013/01/darling-sunshine-themed-birthday-party/">poms and garland</a>. need I say more?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">white <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2012/04/11/you-are-my-sunshine-carolines-first-birthday-party/">smash cake + cupcakes</a> for the guests. and I absolutely adore the cupcake wrapper, which I'm sure I could DIY with scrapbook paper. also from this party: <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2012/04/11/you-are-my-sunshine-carolines-first-birthday-party/">12 months of baby photos</a> displayed as decor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a <a href="http://www.hwtm.com/index.cfm?page=albums/view_album&albumid=7324&photoid=88435">simple invite</a>. yes please. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">an end of August birthday definitely calls for <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/desserts/popsicles-00100000064997/index.html">homemade popsicles</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so excited to really get started with the planning. I may or may not have (hint: I have) already designed the invitations. I'll most likely just print them at home, as long as we have printer ink, ha! I'm hoping to get them out by mid-July so that people have time to make plans. I'm thinking that the menu will just be mostly BBQ type food - burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, etc. plus a bitchin' dessert table. can't wait to see it all come together!</span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-34230443757086858872013-05-09T18:27:00.000-04:002013-05-09T18:27:46.148-04:00Friday loves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2013/05/06/summer-wardrobe-essentials-boy-edition/">summer wardrobe essentials</a> for little fellas. </div>
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the only <a href="http://spilledmilkblog.wordpress.com/">spilled milk</a> that leaves me in awe. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125749848/you-are-my-sunshine-my-only-graphic-baby?ref=usr_faveitems">this onesie</a> for Ronin to wear at his first birthday party (someone hold me). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1aPwAm7yzzDDUzb1fCH5nNVA3D-0R9cvdPSbIea5lL2TfvwWtybKtqzJyxdkXr_i_eAUQnXax_pBczmNAk6ShcuYaSRnniMDbgGBdZaKIvnGJnE7CcJprIa7nK4xesVE9sjiKExQJXo/s1600/x-a-teepee-to-call-your-own.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1aPwAm7yzzDDUzb1fCH5nNVA3D-0R9cvdPSbIea5lL2TfvwWtybKtqzJyxdkXr_i_eAUQnXax_pBczmNAk6ShcuYaSRnniMDbgGBdZaKIvnGJnE7CcJprIa7nK4xesVE9sjiKExQJXo/s320/x-a-teepee-to-call-your-own.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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tiny teepees are all the rage right now, and I want one, damnit. <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/orange-stripe-teepee/s415928">this one</a>, to be exact.</div>
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um, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWHdMLiLTfI">this kid</a>. what a freakin' heart breaker. </div>
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and finally, <a href="http://www.doublethefunblog.com/2013/05/mom-friends.html">this post</a> on having mom friends. - it's SO hard being a first time mom and not having local mom friends. don't get me wrong, I have friends with kids (my BFF has two and another on the way), but they all live 30+ minutes away from me, and it's not exactly convenient to visit and have playdates when I have to work around pumping and nap time. I'm making it a goal of mine in the next few weeks to meet more local young moms. </div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-72463475309386182162013-05-07T17:08:00.001-04:002013-05-07T17:08:32.170-04:00round up: Mother's Day gift ideas. <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">although I was told "Happy Mother's Day" a few times last year when I was pregnant with Ronin, I'm pretty excited to<i> really </i>celebrate this year. being the awesome husband that he is, Sean already bought me a gift (something from Etsy, apparently, so it should be good!) this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was inspired by Jessica at <a href="http://littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com/2013/05/mothers-day-gift-ideas.html">Little Baby Garvin</a> to put together some gift ideas for those still looking for the perfect gift. unlike her themed gift guide, I went the route I normally travel - the practical gift. I'll be honest - I don't want flowers for Mother's Day. I want something that I can wear, drink, or use to relax. I'd be ecstatic to receive any of the items on this list for Mother's Day. oh, and as a bonus, <i><b>they're all under $40!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. for the technology lover:</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/124367646/iphone-4-or-5-case-pastel-leaves?ref=br_feed_39">cell phone case</a></span> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">($39.00).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. for the sentimental: </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/124196036/mothers-day-card-funny-sarcastic-mothers?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=mother's+day+card&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all">unique greeting card</a> ($4.25).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. for everyone:</span> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/naked-basics-palette-P376213?skuId=1458157">NAKED basics palette</a> ($27.00).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. for the wine lover: </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com/product/507/wine-of-the-month-club-gift-memberships">wine of the month membership</a> ($34.00/month for classic series).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. for the beauty product fanatic:</span> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox-1">birchbox subscription</a> ($10/month).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. for the jewelry lover: </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109385852/tiny-gold-letter-necklace-gold-initial?ref=shop_home_active">personalized initial necklace</a> ($36.00).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. for the busy mom who needs a break (aka everyone):</span> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Avobath/00052,en_US,pd.html?start=5&cgid=bath-bombs">LUSH bath bomb</a> ($6.35).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. for the fashionable:</span> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-hobo-bag-green/-/A-14395314#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink">mint hobo bag</a> ($32.99).</span></div>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-74157921834966234742013-05-05T23:44:00.000-04:002013-05-05T23:44:15.379-04:00our long weekend (in photos).<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we had such a great weekend! Sean took off work on Thursday and Friday to get some things done around the house since the weather was supposed to be perfect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">on Thursday, we spent most of the day outside - he cut the grass and dug out my garden bed while I hung out with Ronin on the patio and built our raised bed for fruits and veggies. we've had this thing in our garage since the fall of 2011. I wanted to plant vegetables last year, but since I was pregnant, I knew that I wouldn't have the energy to tend to the garden, so we put it off until this year. I was pretty proud of myself for putting it together solo... even if it did take me a few hours since I was working with an 8 month old's schedule. ;)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN93Hy70Hh2T8w8WAsFAzig8PD8rrKDaiApjh2nd0Wgtw86hF5pngLjPA6gqd7_ePTxHEltO6qMfBJfcIB_qKtXeEvRo5T5MOGwmMMYtCm-SHMdrG3Iz9GE08hV7cwu9juhbm3ck-15I/s1600/311704_621610342769_1953864462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN93Hy70Hh2T8w8WAsFAzig8PD8rrKDaiApjh2nd0Wgtw86hF5pngLjPA6gqd7_ePTxHEltO6qMfBJfcIB_qKtXeEvRo5T5MOGwmMMYtCm-SHMdrG3Iz9GE08hV7cwu9juhbm3ck-15I/s400/311704_621610342769_1953864462_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">raised <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Greenes-Fence-48-in-x-96-in-Cedar-Raised-Garden-Bed-RC-4C8T2/202520864#.UYck87XCaSo">garden bed</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7O8jMEA0JnW3GVOpuDkd1HPtQnLkWpn-jmkATV3cbtXsSLOmRoleeVpXe0nMQEwseyVx54t2nssbMGGQ5O-RXbxIwWaTOVnmVb-8akjM5XLLKyUZeTjHXYpV06dzeu5h-dOyUjo68dw/s1600/946207_813410803109_1809275362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7O8jMEA0JnW3GVOpuDkd1HPtQnLkWpn-jmkATV3cbtXsSLOmRoleeVpXe0nMQEwseyVx54t2nssbMGGQ5O-RXbxIwWaTOVnmVb-8akjM5XLLKyUZeTjHXYpV06dzeu5h-dOyUjo68dw/s400/946207_813410803109_1809275362_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-5-x-8-rectangular-patio-rug-paper-stripe-warm/-/A-14219790"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">outdoor rug</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday was spent cleaning around the house and finishing some indoor projects. we did get out of the house to go to lunch with Sean's dad and run to Target for a few things. we had lunch at Gordon Biersch, so a beer was necessary. I mean, when is it not?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteJSLPgJQTHmqOhnOspsJWKb_0L4O2qBJ__cUeRFSDolyVa8oIxO1edGaV_6t1xUbw5A8HAxG57nnY82Bi7M_BPuVZK1xyIgZrPOiGLG8iF8Uur7nb2mi3NSiJ0ZeJZOcCvR0q73yktM/s1600/936962_813767518249_1855989697_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteJSLPgJQTHmqOhnOspsJWKb_0L4O2qBJ__cUeRFSDolyVa8oIxO1edGaV_6t1xUbw5A8HAxG57nnY82Bi7M_BPuVZK1xyIgZrPOiGLG8iF8Uur7nb2mi3NSiJ0ZeJZOcCvR0q73yktM/s640/936962_813767518249_1855989697_n.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I co-hosted a baby shower on Saturday for one of my friends and it was SO much fun. we've been planning for months and I've been busy with DIYing a lot of the decor for the past few weeks. it was a wonderful day, and baby Tucker is surrounded by love already. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">also? it felt amazing to get all dolled up for once. and to be baby free for an entire afternoon, ha!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6leS6Hb8cLvoslI6zEKgvldPOrOpJGOh-u1ybLHvAXysFKhmyy0GwafHpZdWqG2eywVKUDg6xR32nb0SrKiRx-2o-VqAHaa0RgOrY7fvc9uEV25vtNbVCJshsrhN3rdqWINax-ivBRI/s1600/249153_814192761059_2057918069_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6leS6Hb8cLvoslI6zEKgvldPOrOpJGOh-u1ybLHvAXysFKhmyy0GwafHpZdWqG2eywVKUDg6xR32nb0SrKiRx-2o-VqAHaa0RgOrY7fvc9uEV25vtNbVCJshsrhN3rdqWINax-ivBRI/s640/249153_814192761059_2057918069_n.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91340&vid=1&pid=387521012">striped dress</a><br /><a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-merona-maye-core-heel-assorted-colors/-/A-14072139#prodSlot=medium_1_11">nude heels</a></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_qYJ_2sgI-7mBIYCBdwpumAROihxqSRPbBd9muuYU5SJjJoLox7bf5lgB1RdvGUFlz-T9s5SNFOvmDq-nPwA5lQ8PEc1ukQ6wK1bUwvHXog9iFU64kUxd-CCn4IWL5Xosm79j-hPKpU/s1600/tuckershower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_qYJ_2sgI-7mBIYCBdwpumAROihxqSRPbBd9muuYU5SJjJoLox7bf5lgB1RdvGUFlz-T9s5SNFOvmDq-nPwA5lQ8PEc1ukQ6wK1bUwvHXog9iFU64kUxd-CCn4IWL5Xosm79j-hPKpU/s640/tuckershower.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">today was a productive day around the house. Sean finished painting the trim and touch ups in the nursery (yes, the nursery. the room where Ronin is supposed to be sleeping. he is 8 months old and we're finally finishing it) in the morning, and then he took over baby duty while I got the fruits & vegetables planted. I had to run out for more soil, but once I had enough, it only took me maybe 2 hours to get everything planted. I chose veggies based on what we would actually eat and what seems to do well in our area (according to recommendations from friends & family). I planted cucumber, yellow squash, zucchini, string beans, bell peppers (yellow, orange, and red), tomatoes, strawberries, and cantaloupe. can't wait to see how they do! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">oh, and I celebrated Cinco de Mayo by drinking beer while gardening. naturally. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvis9j1WOFY-OBqiIwgTx8EukJ1SRGvnWy2N4du55-tMSfn7xq6LzEP_YIm4-8_HDEP53Y0vn6BZ8rcpxsex98iDymWroWMR5ypEiHIoCRdVC8KNYfhhtyh7UamTlyn3G3HJ2WeEGdDw/s1600/225696_814451387769_1887232531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvis9j1WOFY-OBqiIwgTx8EukJ1SRGvnWy2N4du55-tMSfn7xq6LzEP_YIm4-8_HDEP53Y0vn6BZ8rcpxsex98iDymWroWMR5ypEiHIoCRdVC8KNYfhhtyh7UamTlyn3G3HJ2WeEGdDw/s400/225696_814451387769_1887232531_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I'll be back this week with a post detailing the DIY baby shower decor (hopefully) and a Mother's Day wishlist. </span></span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-70254210652458080172013-05-02T23:55:00.001-04:002013-05-02T23:55:39.540-04:00Friday loves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt1StUKj5E9akoea2OmWDetg7vIc4P6rT3DIsPGtrryY4EmuH_E8jcCf-3KEcvRxXbj_VE_uD7aJoyoUP1LYxJCaE_YS5R4Jkf36TfskDIdee8RHEBkdyruSQk9XVh_lNO0qS6qZ2HKA/s1600/fridayloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt1StUKj5E9akoea2OmWDetg7vIc4P6rT3DIsPGtrryY4EmuH_E8jcCf-3KEcvRxXbj_VE_uD7aJoyoUP1LYxJCaE_YS5R4Jkf36TfskDIdee8RHEBkdyruSQk9XVh_lNO0qS6qZ2HKA/s320/fridayloves.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a <a href="http://megandmartinmen.blogspot.com/2012/03/p-s-citronella-oil-kids.html">PSA</a> regarding citronella oil & kids. - A <i>MUST-READ</i> for all parents of young children. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a cute <a href="http://minestyleblog.blogspot.com/">child fashion blog</a>. psst. they have a <a href="http://mineshop.bigcartel.com/">shop</a> too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLEWewOUhjc">Aubrey Plaza on Ellen</a>. - I want to be friends with her. she's so awkward and hilarious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=15292">dresses</a> at Old Navy right now are amazing. I want one of each. seriously.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBmoVdgmiCfC2q0wgONsDCewxiMHtw7lc0m18Y6LIB6-NDjjrlS3zWup3xPfmhgcJcnSRYoUICYY7m9H7Lore7tl0QeqPGipEd-U_YK7eq6xknoshh0uvoQmk9F2SuZXwV3stRkeDN4w/s1600/cn6274632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBmoVdgmiCfC2q0wgONsDCewxiMHtw7lc0m18Y6LIB6-NDjjrlS3zWup3xPfmhgcJcnSRYoUICYY7m9H7Lore7tl0QeqPGipEd-U_YK7eq6xknoshh0uvoQmk9F2SuZXwV3stRkeDN4w/s320/cn6274632.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">something hilarious: the reviews of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047E0EII/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_awd_GXNFrb0DP5QH5?tag=hydfbook0e-20&ascsubtag=US-SAGE-1366316691346-DDMAI">this banana slicer</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a <a href="http://www.irocksowhat.com/2013/04/a-link-of-all-free-downloads.html">link to a link</a> to all of IROCKSOWHAT's free downloads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(confession? there are 3 of these in Ronin's nursery.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">two words: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CwtchBugs?section_id=8147885">bandanna bibs</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">HAPPY WEEKEND, friends! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we have a busy one coming up. I finally built our raised garden bed today, so </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll be planting an abundance of fruits and veggies tomorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm co-hosting a baby shower on Saturday (cannot wait to share the details!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for my friend Jen, and Sunday will be spent doing stuff around the house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you all enjoy your weekend! </span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-42175622994179111512013-04-30T14:57:00.000-04:002013-04-30T14:57:25.266-04:00the Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Jogger - add it to your must-have list!<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco. I am honored to have the opportunity to provide a review of the <a href="http://www.gracobaby.com/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=1852634#sthash.KE2FrrhS.dpbs">Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Jogger</a>, which I received at no cost to me. All thoughts and opinions within this post are my own. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a new first time mom, I don't really know a whole lot about strollers. Ronin and I are just starting to really venture outdoors enough that a stroller (other than my beloved Snap N Go) is even necessary. However, I do know what features are important to me when choosing a stroller that I'll be using outside on a regular basis - storage space for all my crap, a place to put my bottled water (or beer... ya know, for those rough days), and a smooth, comfortable ride for the babe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Luckily for me, I was given the chance to test out the new <a href="http://www.gracobaby.com/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=1852634#sthash.KE2FrrhS.dpbs">Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Jogger</a>, which has ALL of those features, and many more. I was invited to attend a local blogger event in the DC Metro area held by Graco, and a few weeks prior to said event, this pretty package was sitting on my doorstep. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGdYKCKaptQFRX76W_gJxsRifclgWvRSKKbFL3rUw8oLMCoVTzk4F59NcM60SKD1YEOofg3kuPkVh5ta0B97jhyphenhyphen9Bwdyrie8AOXmcqYkL0_WfijEZIRtymlUL4bL5j6vUYKuhwWj-q9c/s1600/df186c9897f011e28a7322000a1fa414_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGdYKCKaptQFRX76W_gJxsRifclgWvRSKKbFL3rUw8oLMCoVTzk4F59NcM60SKD1YEOofg3kuPkVh5ta0B97jhyphenhyphen9Bwdyrie8AOXmcqYkL0_WfijEZIRtymlUL4bL5j6vUYKuhwWj-q9c/s640/df186c9897f011e28a7322000a1fa414_7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I knew that Sean would put off assembling it, so I ended up doing it myself, and surprisingly, it was incredibly easy. I couldn't wait to get out and take it for a test drive. Of course, the day I put it together, it just happened to be raining out. So I did what any sane person does - I strapped Ronin in and rode him around the house in it, duh. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2vrcIVE0OLFscgqmv_B29JRPiqtEnF_0bKOY6BEFj0QqTLa_dr5rM2P5DMnTY_xKArJHBrruhiYpuqO38MnZw-t2a2dU0h04GZJ68VLmciEeaMCsYr18ZHq6NOEBxq0bgG5WsRcoSyQ/s1600/20130423_153344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2vrcIVE0OLFscgqmv_B29JRPiqtEnF_0bKOY6BEFj0QqTLa_dr5rM2P5DMnTY_xKArJHBrruhiYpuqO38MnZw-t2a2dU0h04GZJ68VLmciEeaMCsYr18ZHq6NOEBxq0bgG5WsRcoSyQ/s640/20130423_153344.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the sun reappeared, we took a little walk around outside. In fact, every walk we've taken outside since the end of March has been accompanied by this stroller. Why? Because I absolutely love it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I like to keep it real here, and I'll be honest in saying that I'm not a runner... or even a jogger, really. But I do love having the option to jog if I'm feeling like I want to pretend. That is NOT the case with my other "jogging" stroller, since you're not even supposed to jog with it. For those of you that DO like to jog/run with a stroller, you'll be happy to know that the front wheel locks easily for a seamless transition from walking to jogging and the air filled tires provide an amazingly smooth ride on any sidewalk or trail you choose to run on. It even comes with a handy tether you can strap to your wrist in order to keep the stroller attached to you at all times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This stroller is one that provides so much convenience for the mom on the go. The cup holders are key here for me - we can take family walks around the block and be hands free, thanks to the two adult cup holders and the two kiddie cup holders. The tray for parents includes a little covered storage area for your keys or wallet, as well as a cradle for your smart phone or mp3 player (although, my Samsung Galaxy SIII does not fit in the cradle, but I just keep it in the cup holder). I mean... how smart, right? The storage basket is larger than average. As in, I wouldn't even need to use the stroller straps for my diaper bag, because the entire thing could just be placed in the basket... and I'd still have room to add some shopping bags in there, too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Jv2b2LlU0J9mR0Kj3_7UAwic3c2vQqfMOPVLsjlwJtqvOiZ51F2-Cch3j20tsWnyPa2MJnIhyau-DRoZdmfytaS4535BoWnG09hF2tO_yC8c7YG1LqN7LFX6EuAgoezBzJler90KUuQ/s1600/Image00004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Jv2b2LlU0J9mR0Kj3_7UAwic3c2vQqfMOPVLsjlwJtqvOiZ51F2-Cch3j20tsWnyPa2MJnIhyau-DRoZdmfytaS4535BoWnG09hF2tO_yC8c7YG1LqN7LFX6EuAgoezBzJler90KUuQ/s640/Image00004.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although all of those features would be enough alone to sell me on this stroller, the FastAction fold and kickstand are the two things I love most about it. It literally takes me five seconds to take Ronin out of the stroller and have it folded up and ready to store. It's so easy to fold that I can do WHILE holding him, too. Just a swift pull of the strap is all it takes, and it's automatically locked and able to stand upright without falling over, thanks to the kickstand it rests on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The multi-position reclining seat and the 3 or 5-point harness ensure that your baby will have a comfortable ride, too. I found that Ronin seemed to enjoy his ride in the Graco much more than with our other strollers, simply because he could actually sit up and look around, while resting his hands (and banging them) on the kid tray. If your baby isn't sitting up yet, no worries - the Click Connect technology provides compatibility with the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat - it just snaps right in! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ronin and I had so much fun meeting up with other local bloggers and chatting about this stroller. It was so interesting to learn what other moms loved about it based on their preferences and lifestyles. We also found it hilarious to have 15 of the same stroller all lined up, like a motorcycle gang or something. Don't worry ladies, I'm having our "Sons (and Daughters) of Anarchy" leather vests made up for us. But seriously, how awesome is this?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvPbSyM21RPw3N49A_62BaBTRchj1RNJNCm4OW_tFQRE8Hk2qnlv2HKCF6hGRiKMfvjgnzHtcsXzCHKtgvpM6dpEZFz35PBkmz7A1PHIJ147f6rXZV454mexmuLhmAUvMUbcl2CLd_-s/s1600/20130424_110816.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvPbSyM21RPw3N49A_62BaBTRchj1RNJNCm4OW_tFQRE8Hk2qnlv2HKCF6hGRiKMfvjgnzHtcsXzCHKtgvpM6dpEZFz35PBkmz7A1PHIJ147f6rXZV454mexmuLhmAUvMUbcl2CLd_-s/s640/20130424_110816.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you'd like to experience the unrivaled performance of the <a href="http://www.gracobaby.com/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=1852634#sthash.VrdjJz67.dpbs">Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Jogger</a> for yourself, it is available for purchase at the following retailers: Babies R Us, Target, Buy Buy Baby, Walmart, and Amazon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://bit.ly/UJOMAl" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Graco’s NEW jogger</span></a><span style="color: #333333;"> is the ultimate crossover stroller, combining all the comfort and convenience features of a traditional stroller (FastAction Fold and Click Connect Technology) with performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain jogger.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As an added bonus, Graco’s innovative one-second, one-hand FastAction™ fold automatically locks & is self-standing.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #333333;">This post is sponsored by the </span><a href="http://bit.ly/UJOMAl" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Graco</span></a><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></i></span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-27808630604466742802013-04-29T23:50:00.004-04:002013-04-29T23:50:55.379-04:00Friday loves... on Monday. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">THANKS Blogger, for not posting my scheduled Friday Loves post on... uh... Friday. you whore.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRZSVsIc7xNPAxolyLuFQFITRRytFN2ONsFYA6De-WnQUuzBh8xHd7A_KT147zPGPYQnuM0xaW1eHZNHIwc0Wyx9LaP0D48C3q1a6CF_973mzSbiwX99KsQRGZnxCXRdpgryk7sDwJA4/s1600/fridayloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRZSVsIc7xNPAxolyLuFQFITRRytFN2ONsFYA6De-WnQUuzBh8xHd7A_KT147zPGPYQnuM0xaW1eHZNHIwc0Wyx9LaP0D48C3q1a6CF_973mzSbiwX99KsQRGZnxCXRdpgryk7sDwJA4/s400/fridayloves.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I attended a sponsored blogger meetup this week, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and thought I'd share two new (to me) blogs that I've been enjoying: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.airforce-wife-life.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Air Force Wife Life</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://my-scenery.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Double The Fun</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://cammostylelove.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cammo Style Love</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_he_APOvZCyDw-D47ZPado4cmSt8ypmIeo_D3Sfbhi3kpsQyeBIQHYpg4YQCsZ0fdbUW9LsUejX_NXKsyepcG4EoXL3mXsoLhUD-cTuRr75o7R8YyuVi46348vRHp-28DiRkiCt2XKI/s1600/cn6204815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_he_APOvZCyDw-D47ZPado4cmSt8ypmIeo_D3Sfbhi3kpsQyeBIQHYpg4YQCsZ0fdbUW9LsUejX_NXKsyepcG4EoXL3mXsoLhUD-cTuRr75o7R8YyuVi46348vRHp-28DiRkiCt2XKI/s320/cn6204815.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=63922&vid=1&pid=443616022">these shorts</a> from Gap. - for Ronin, duh. but I'd rock a pair too if they came in my size. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">husband sent me <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=110798529120995">this video</a> and I about died laughing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2013/04/23/washi-tape-activities/">different ways to use washi tape</a>. - I really should get some of this stuff. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Small Fry <a href="http://www.smallfryblog.com/2013/04/24/from-head-to-toe-louis-b/">featured a new shop</a> for boys. - adorable duds for your dudes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.alovelylark.com/2013/04/lucys-birth-story.html">Lucy's birth story</a>. - grab the tissues. </span></div>
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<br />MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-80753262876435152882013-04-29T15:05:00.000-04:002013-05-07T17:11:40.312-04:00round up: summer style for baby boys.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started stocking up on Ronin's summer wardrobe before he was even born. I couldn't help but picture my little seal decked out in khaki shorts, little tanks, and one piece rompers. now that the weather is finally starting to warm up on the East Coast, I'm adding even more summer staples to his closet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love to pick out styles that I would wear myself - in fact, I may have chosen a few of these items based on the idea of matching outfits with me, haha. I have a neon yellow striped shirt that I can''t wait to throw on while dressing him in the first romper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've also been eyeing up some swimwear for pool days with our <a href="http://poagfamily.blogspot.com/">BFF</a> and the beach trip we're planning for late summer. so here's a peek at what I'm loving this season... a few of which I've picked up for my dude. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9OJnaCcthEXr9VLYUNR_w7QQAFKW01WsOUvNI5Iv7uJxSPiGFYwiLoMGYtgO2Jhb-moNjF2VkDBEj_ULNWEZTdeLuqx5TpbxG67spaei3BECmGfJebsP4iHguh2v5gDy58r-cE_Ld4I/s1600/rompers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9OJnaCcthEXr9VLYUNR_w7QQAFKW01WsOUvNI5Iv7uJxSPiGFYwiLoMGYtgO2Jhb-moNjF2VkDBEj_ULNWEZTdeLuqx5TpbxG67spaei3BECmGfJebsP4iHguh2v5gDy58r-cE_Ld4I/s640/rompers.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-newborn-boys-romper-neon-yellow/-/A-14450368#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">one</a> : <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=6177&vid=1&pid=386430002">two</a> : <a href="http://www.carters.com/null/Sleeveless-Romper/886149100289,default,pd.html?cgid=carters-baby-boy-one-piece-rompers-sunsuits&start=">three</a> : <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=78098&vid=1&pid=377979002">four</a> : <a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-newborn-boys-romper-jade/-/A-14450257#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">five</a> : <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=6177&vid=1&pid=382602032#close">six</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=54661&vid=1&pid=377807002">one</a> : <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=54661&vid=1&pid=443614002">two</a> : <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50789&vid=1&pid=425366002">three</a> : <a href="http://www.carters.com/null/Short-Sleeve-Polo-Shirt/886149139135,default,pd.html?cgid=carters-baby-boy-tops&start=">four</a> : <a href="http://www.carters.com/null/Pull-On-Cargo-Shorts/886149133980,default,pd.html?cgid=carters-baby-boy-bottoms&start=">five</a> : <a href="http://www.target.com/p/cherokee-newborn-boys-skull-short-grey/-/A-14398309#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">six</a> : <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37874&vid=1&pid=382021002">seven</a> : <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7143&vid=1&pid=303140012">eight</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=35381&vid=1&pid=436084002">one</a> : <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50789&vid=1&pid=435276002">two</a> : <a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-infant-toddler-boys-swim-trunk/-/A-14254799">three</a> : <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/shark-stripe-baby-beach-wraps-2013/?pkey=bbeach-and-outdoor-baby&cm_src=beach-and-outdoor-baby||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-">four</a> : <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50725&vid=1&pid=378321002">five</a> : <a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-infant-toddler-boys-surfboard-swim-trunk/-/A-14278925#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">six</a> : <a href="http://www.carters.com/carters/Sunglasses-and-Flip-Flop-Pre-walker-Set/V_24987,default,pd.html?dwvar_V__24987_color=Navy&cgid=carters-baby-baby-boy-accessories-shoes-and-slippers&start=">seven</a> : <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=35381&vid=1&pid=443623002">eight</a> : <a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-infant-toddler-boys-rashguard/-/A-14278921#prodSlot=large_1_11">nine</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">am I the only one who LOVES dressing a little boy? don't get me wrong, I definitely swoon at the little dresses every time I peruse through Target. but honestly, I prefer skulls and sharks over pink bows any day. who says dressing a boy isn't fun? not this mama!</span></div>
MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-58340871968959286372013-04-28T00:05:00.000-04:002013-04-28T00:05:29.827-04:00RRQ: eight months!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4YoLJsUD4NrseJlc0mNawsk2s4Q8CuP1QqgOrVVypSuqKfsN0F9Cd8Jpt-DFeM876zrk0wYQa9LOSeMzI2RdQWXyLpQrnQ9Qcb3RvIue4SXDyzTLpr8rc1QRcYtSaaE1MBtBPrLFaFo/s1600/8+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4YoLJsUD4NrseJlc0mNawsk2s4Q8CuP1QqgOrVVypSuqKfsN0F9Cd8Jpt-DFeM876zrk0wYQa9LOSeMzI2RdQWXyLpQrnQ9Qcb3RvIue4SXDyzTLpr8rc1QRcYtSaaE1MBtBPrLFaFo/s640/8+months.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">(please note that he has gained TWO POUNDS (approximately) since starting baby-led weaning. little oinker.)</span></td></tr>
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<br />MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-31938208800210231792013-04-24T23:27:00.001-04:002013-04-24T23:30:49.368-04:00RRQ's first smile, caught on camera. <div style="text-align: center;">
all was quiet in our room on the evening of Ronin's birth. </div>
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well, except for the sounds of a snoring new Papa. </div>
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unable to sleep, I held my newborn and whispered to him how much I loved him already. </div>
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as new babes do, he made the funniest of faces at me, </div>
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so I decided to take a little video to look back at. </div>
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little did I know, I would capture the very first time those little lips would curve into a sweet smile. </div>
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it's incredible how much love you have for such a tiny being.<br />
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-27581881515996222062013-04-23T16:06:00.000-04:002013-04-23T16:06:56.456-04:00eye candy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqeuW9JBIuBeow45AJD-K2QInUJJaZpAwvOAu4zaqyyCcx0ncyzCHMrpBF7yFtrKwdWid5h8nUUg7RVwrh1TGfZhh1G_Vi-0WEgxxpF9oxOScALtf_NR-jTmBWnJB4cW3sEPKimRC77Y/s1600/cecyjinteriors_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqeuW9JBIuBeow45AJD-K2QInUJJaZpAwvOAu4zaqyyCcx0ncyzCHMrpBF7yFtrKwdWid5h8nUUg7RVwrh1TGfZhh1G_Vi-0WEgxxpF9oxOScALtf_NR-jTmBWnJB4cW3sEPKimRC77Y/s640/cecyjinteriors_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://cecyjinteriors.com/">Cecy J Interiors</a>]<br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGr_hVMGBeTyTChvXdDjGpHuDOrZhormFZzsVQUSZC8w376oSrxTjOUrE4QlTgsAUfdOLw6sJNwxOKrRCIxwk5aSHtFSiKBLUMeZEhs2OJfoFzepVa09U_9N4Gbce1xyf7zv6Ecwo94Q/s1600/priceypads.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGr_hVMGBeTyTChvXdDjGpHuDOrZhormFZzsVQUSZC8w376oSrxTjOUrE4QlTgsAUfdOLw6sJNwxOKrRCIxwk5aSHtFSiKBLUMeZEhs2OJfoFzepVa09U_9N4Gbce1xyf7zv6Ecwo94Q/s640/priceypads.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://priceypads.com/">Pricey Pads</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhripr8z2IShjKPfzdXqudAqJSoKr7C4wgZEKviNavocL6bhiWN0wj8SxGnAONZmvv3AZS_38sNH8GJ0ubZaYN2Z2BXyohm2InHbvqyGfO3RGxD5EsDhpapjqzTAK-jbN1B6sFqU5Tzx1M/s1600/simodesign_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhripr8z2IShjKPfzdXqudAqJSoKr7C4wgZEKviNavocL6bhiWN0wj8SxGnAONZmvv3AZS_38sNH8GJ0ubZaYN2Z2BXyohm2InHbvqyGfO3RGxD5EsDhpapjqzTAK-jbN1B6sFqU5Tzx1M/s640/simodesign_2.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://simodesign.com/">Simo Design</a>]<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR1oVKaVX3YdkdbBuqxioM0CuXhetOfiJMcPD_JOJbmsfKFYGHpMSL5-j-xftoCZW9sCAApypym5tsTr074L58cauzGA-sku-mzIIbagYbd-AHOg_Yr3vNOacf83Psm-Cquvkicmi_jY/s1600/andrewhoward.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR1oVKaVX3YdkdbBuqxioM0CuXhetOfiJMcPD_JOJbmsfKFYGHpMSL5-j-xftoCZW9sCAApypym5tsTr074L58cauzGA-sku-mzIIbagYbd-AHOg_Yr3vNOacf83Psm-Cquvkicmi_jY/s640/andrewhoward.png" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://andrewjhoward.com/">Andrew Howard</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefFOzijT-qsv4MfmM2cTbMKrDec_nL3YqVRNBGCMazIcxMSYDmEFJEVjNin6J9SFz0WQOivc93aBs3cKdsDJaltDuB004es9FO3mStBrQDlK71Qs4gTCvhtgGWZZR8yYhZjzorKoboRw/s1600/BHG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefFOzijT-qsv4MfmM2cTbMKrDec_nL3YqVRNBGCMazIcxMSYDmEFJEVjNin6J9SFz0WQOivc93aBs3cKdsDJaltDuB004es9FO3mStBrQDlK71Qs4gTCvhtgGWZZR8yYhZjzorKoboRw/s640/BHG.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://www.bhg.com/">BHG</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qnS7kVTjUA3iMWaCPPfKTWbVFnoYOCXN3mKCMzIs5jGT_a8b68O8wNc8gyR7TkdHdsjSIUEJvRgHeFILvb4IPUuKtgM52qrFeu3JNwSXH6GoeNJKLeiaZ6Ye-sdY9w9qT-GV2AWqL6w/s1600/cecyjinteriors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qnS7kVTjUA3iMWaCPPfKTWbVFnoYOCXN3mKCMzIs5jGT_a8b68O8wNc8gyR7TkdHdsjSIUEJvRgHeFILvb4IPUuKtgM52qrFeu3JNwSXH6GoeNJKLeiaZ6Ye-sdY9w9qT-GV2AWqL6w/s640/cecyjinteriors.png" width="474" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://cecyjinteriors.com/">Cecy J Interiors</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia23EEthXzTl9FqqB64uG5-qQIwn195ZN84lZN8zHW8R1xjqn5pGs5VyD_m1mE-BNDORZamBVLOiI9-QwJMc-nnUK2nJfGqEv_4CU7T1MKrVJPxi5H9gm_jj7dsQBu8uaIweWwp1JDmw/s1600/tothconstruction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia23EEthXzTl9FqqB64uG5-qQIwn195ZN84lZN8zHW8R1xjqn5pGs5VyD_m1mE-BNDORZamBVLOiI9-QwJMc-nnUK2nJfGqEv_4CU7T1MKrVJPxi5H9gm_jj7dsQBu8uaIweWwp1JDmw/s640/tothconstruction.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://www.tothconstruction.com/">Toth Construction</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUZQs1a-nyMOapgHeBi3MFigO7M9OSf1mi5LFgQZvIiSDm5o41nAyfQ3kxRf1pZyNEiEOTfWfS1lZ9tFJH_53itnXBMWq7VOBorvn_mI4dGGBVHMqc_7E3pdyTqx4PIiUpR05rKAbX6Y/s1600/andrewhoward_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUZQs1a-nyMOapgHeBi3MFigO7M9OSf1mi5LFgQZvIiSDm5o41nAyfQ3kxRf1pZyNEiEOTfWfS1lZ9tFJH_53itnXBMWq7VOBorvn_mI4dGGBVHMqc_7E3pdyTqx4PIiUpR05rKAbX6Y/s640/andrewhoward_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://andrewjhoward.com/">Andrew Howard</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx7Ra_OIq8WDIILDOpU_jK5vQ4yW4qr_R2lVMNXi1H088SR2OeDtGE9lV0lQdVWv7MArG-rN8YWzfZSt0oFFb8ghnmK4pRvjNpwO6pBnIAiVfvM7EBICxOjuHIl2Gsww07iqbLN5UBcM/s1600/housebeautiful.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx7Ra_OIq8WDIILDOpU_jK5vQ4yW4qr_R2lVMNXi1H088SR2OeDtGE9lV0lQdVWv7MArG-rN8YWzfZSt0oFFb8ghnmK4pRvjNpwO6pBnIAiVfvM7EBICxOjuHIl2Gsww07iqbLN5UBcM/s640/housebeautiful.jpeg" width="512" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0fwOFWEman9icZJQ88ejythD0cy53OTofErfXKNVX9fT-t-zVPgHZ89bpPthxTwa0isvt3JZG3JUfrrY2VF0kTQAgFZf-1oiG_XT4KfqEc7Ms7WXTWP3DEQtuQg0I-8EBO3zhRZ7tAY/s1600/cecyjinteriors_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0fwOFWEman9icZJQ88ejythD0cy53OTofErfXKNVX9fT-t-zVPgHZ89bpPthxTwa0isvt3JZG3JUfrrY2VF0kTQAgFZf-1oiG_XT4KfqEc7Ms7WXTWP3DEQtuQg0I-8EBO3zhRZ7tAY/s640/cecyjinteriors_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://cecyjinteriors.com/">Cecy J Interiors</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCpY_CMAd9gQ2kTbaYDm8vrTbK-AN9I4zxAhHFmM01EOC-A0MgQRocdogFiMdT_Cur9DVDJc5whOxjL66IvQMfL0KCglEQHunANJqpno5qyigCubdwWBSJ4i-55lCCLPt7lTFsOQuHVw/s1600/BHG_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCpY_CMAd9gQ2kTbaYDm8vrTbK-AN9I4zxAhHFmM01EOC-A0MgQRocdogFiMdT_Cur9DVDJc5whOxjL66IvQMfL0KCglEQHunANJqpno5qyigCubdwWBSJ4i-55lCCLPt7lTFsOQuHVw/s640/BHG_1.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://www.bhg.com/">BHG</a>]<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBB7_9zcKRNgZ0OaE3z_bqBrJzikOufhbV6eB25lN0MfnkVxkpvU7CeB9HzG3EmNy45JLAbYEr5KVWWMD6BiVq1fxq9GdSKKTaOmrDkloTHtOXkia8SSBUvcrRO9BgrVH0pajGYPNn48/s1600/simodesign.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBB7_9zcKRNgZ0OaE3z_bqBrJzikOufhbV6eB25lN0MfnkVxkpvU7CeB9HzG3EmNy45JLAbYEr5KVWWMD6BiVq1fxq9GdSKKTaOmrDkloTHtOXkia8SSBUvcrRO9BgrVH0pajGYPNn48/s640/simodesign.jpeg" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">[<a href="http://simodesign.com/">Simo Design</a>]</span></td></tr>
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902720767087735387.post-58339259744270865282013-04-22T22:32:00.000-04:002013-05-07T17:12:05.420-04:00round up: favorite small shops for babes! <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">it's no secret that I love <a href="http://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home">Etsy</a>, so it should come as no surprise that when it comes to buying unique items for Ronin, Etsy is my number one place to go. however, I have discovered a few other handmade shops along the way thanks to the easy networking of Instagram. and you have to admit, there's something incredibly rewarding about supporting small businesses. here's a little roundup of some of my favorite shops for babies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/uswoodtoys">U.S. Wood Toys</a> - adorable wooden toys made right here in DC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlehipsqueaks">Little Hip Squeaks</a> - baby blankets and headbands in fresh prints and fun colors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ajalor">Ajalor</a> - vintage inspired handmade baby shoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/2giggles">Two Giggles</a> - modern baby books and journals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/trulysanctuary">TrulySanctuary</a> - eclectic, hip, and witty printed onesies (kids & adult sizes too). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmilingTreeToys">Smiling Tree Toys</a> - personalized wooden toys, puzzles, teethers, nursery decor, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlenestbox">LittleNestBox</a> - colorful mobiles and garlands - customized to match your decor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/juniperwilde">Juniper Wilde</a> - sophisticated, eco-friendly decor and other products for kids. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9 <a href="http://candykirbydesigns.storenvy.com/">Candy Kirby Designs</a> - organic baby leggings and blankets in stylish patterns. </span><br />
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MandeeFoFandeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16208696427064959985noreply@blogger.com2