tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14553344410811284572024-02-06T22:23:12.115-07:00Piloting LifeAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16678835803511719128noreply@blogger.comBlogger505125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-8701497259446114542016-11-25T16:49:00.001-07:002016-11-25T16:49:12.556-07:00Christmas Wish List | Black Friday DealsBlack Friday shopping has never been at the top of my wish list. I have, however, had to work a retail job on this day, and I don't really want to do that again. That being said, online shopping isn't so bad. I could get used to Black Friday shopping if it involves shopping from home while wearing pajamas.<br />
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Christmas isn't too far away, and there are so many great deals right now. I've managed to knock some items off of my shopping list, but I can't help looking a little for myself as well. Here are a few things on my wish list. A couple of them are great Black Friday steals!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/christmas_wish_list_2016/set?.embedder=4510221&.svc=copypaste&id=212130510" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas Wish List 2016" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Oc93M7TFcV46OAQQmh4JQ/cid/212130510/id/dLi5dGiz5hG4JXpjXi33Qg/size/c600x598.jpg" height="598" title="Christmas Wish List 2016" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/christmas_wish_list_2016/set?.embedder=4510221&.svc=copypaste&id=212130510" target="_blank">Christmas Wish List 2016</a> by <a href="http://ashjane55.polyvore.com/?.embedder=4510221&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">ashjane55</a></small></div>
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I typically ask for pajamas each year at Christmas, and these pajamas are perfect for Christmas day. --- <i><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=603629909&pid=uid6025-3068605-30">thermal pajamas</a></i></div>
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For years I've wanted a Rebecca Minkoff bag. The <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532540802&pid=uid6025-3068605-30">Avery bag</a> is on sale currently, but I love this Mini mac bag too. --- <i><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=533696410&pid=uid6025-3068605-30">crossbody bag</a></i></div>
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My Christmas wish list wouldn't be complete without a pair of Kate Spade stud earrings. I usually get a pair for a gift each year. Pst! They're on sale. You can't go wrong here. --- <i><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=515783083&pid=uid6025-3068605-30">stud earrings</a></i></div>
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I worked at Anthropologie for a while, and I often found myself sniffing the Voluspa candles after the store closed. They are quality candles and smell amazing. This fragrance is perfect for winter, and it makes your house smell like a Christmas tree. Yum! --- <i><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=543836262&pid=uid6025-3068605-30">voluspa candle</a></i></div>
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These booties have been on my wish list for quite a while, and they currently have an amazing Black Friday price. --- <i><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=532531556&pid=uid6025-3068605-30">cutout booties</a></i></div>
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If you read my <a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2015/10/trapeze-dresses-saturday-favorites.html">post from last fall,</a> you know that I really wanted this dress back then. I finally got my hands on it during this Nordstrom Black Friday sale! It's about half off, and I can't wait to wear it. --- <i><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=483902447&pid=uid6025-3068605-30">black trapeze dress</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What's on your Christmas wish list?!</i></b></span></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16678835803511719128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-36841997418256119812016-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:002016-10-28T08:00:00.814-07:00Schnepf Farms | Arizona Fall TraditionLast week we braved the heat and celebrated fall at <i><b><a href="http://www.schnepffarms.com/">Schnepf Farms</a></b></i>' Pumpkin & Chili Party. This was our second year attending the party, but it was unseasonably too hot for eating chili this year. We did, however, take full advantage of the plethora of pumpkins.<br />
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<i>picking pumpkins</i></div>
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The sun was shining so brightly this year. We sweated our butts off on the hay ride, train ride, and in the pumpkin patch, but we wouldn't have missed it for anything! Schnepf Farms has activities and fun that our toddler loves, and we have fun just watching him enjoy it.</div>
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<i>sunny day hayride</i></div>
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<i>our rosy-cheeked toddler finding the perfect pumpkin</i></div>
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In typical toddler boy fashion, we headed first for the hayride and then to the train. There is nothing that makes our boy smile like the sound of a train whistle. Tractors are a close second, so we packed in some favorite activities quite easily in our short trip to the farm.</div>
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With the scorching sun and heat, we didn't stay long. Though we did take time to pick out a wagon full of pumpkins to take home. We added a jar of peach salsa and apple butter to our purchase on the way out as well. Even though this was a short visit to Schnepf Farms, it was a fun one.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy fall everyone!</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are your favorite fall traditions?</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 113px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2992px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 113px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2992px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-53746082748431656172016-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:002016-10-26T08:00:11.397-07:00Arizona Sightseeing | Mogollon Rim with KidsSince moving to Arizona, we kept hearing about the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogollon_Rim">Mogollon Rim</a></i> and how beautiful it is. Like true non-natives, we slaughtered the name for quite some time until finally taking it upon ourselves to learn the pronunciation (mug-ee-yun) and see it for ourselves. My husband had seen it from the air plenty of times, but, like all impressive geological phenomena, you have to see it up close.<br />
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<i>visiting the Mogollon Rim</i></div>
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<i>toddlers.... they always cooperate for pictures</i></div>
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In celebration of my husband's birthday, we decided fall would be the perfect time to go visit this mythical Mogollon Rim. Much of Arizona, especially the part where we live, hadn't gotten the memo it's fall. Pinetop-Lakeside, however, hopped on the fall train and was showing off it's beautiful leaves when we pulled into town. We enjoyed a glorious drive with two sleeping kids and arrived at our hotel just after dusk. After unpacking and getting settled, we fell asleep and woke up the next day to a lovely forest view from our second floor unit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgc3fuYpMTwhbX4ixeB-KukH_WUFrvtKZoca28JRJy4YC_SPwNfLm8LYDz7KyqBHKzD4141qPGB_G1kQuXDup4Dbh6m-VCipIDST_FddrDbyx9ghixj5n_9UpRXijmLH67n7z5rWZ51aN/s1600/IMG_5481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgc3fuYpMTwhbX4ixeB-KukH_WUFrvtKZoca28JRJy4YC_SPwNfLm8LYDz7KyqBHKzD4141qPGB_G1kQuXDup4Dbh6m-VCipIDST_FddrDbyx9ghixj5n_9UpRXijmLH67n7z5rWZ51aN/s640/IMG_5481.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The cooler temperatures, quiet mountain breeze, and fresh air were just what we needed. Our first day we explored Woodland Lake. It was the perfect little hike for kids, and the paved trail worked perfectly for pushing our little one in the jogging stroller. Our two year old could easily navigate the path and loved the fishing pier and all of the ducks. I even spotted a Lewis's woodpecker and added it to my life list (nerd alert) of birds.</div>
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<i>view from the Woodland Lake Trail</i></div>
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<i>again... toddlers and pictures can be a challenge or pure entertainment</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjPWcTXGett7Fu_xj10GgaTV_DcNvYQOPePQHl7PZNTKAiyeSgkDLNsnjBAlXe28SepueqMovizNP8Ef7pbgkG75wT4vH86Oc0cUJ6XtUYJKqTmm7JPSAgQwLvCydl6-Gicz-gtF9iZ7Q/s1600/IMG_5458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjPWcTXGett7Fu_xj10GgaTV_DcNvYQOPePQHl7PZNTKAiyeSgkDLNsnjBAlXe28SepueqMovizNP8Ef7pbgkG75wT4vH86Oc0cUJ6XtUYJKqTmm7JPSAgQwLvCydl6-Gicz-gtF9iZ7Q/s640/IMG_5458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Having grown up in Michigan myself, and my husband Colorado, it's nice getting out of the desert and being surrounded by tall trees every now and then. Our two year old had a great time playing with sticks and running free. Just getting outdoors and hiking a little, we were able to unplug somewhat. We really must do this more often!<br />
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<i>walking the Mogollon Rim Trail</i></div>
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<i>Woodland Lake Trail bridge</i></div>
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Hiking isn't quite the same with kids. Our two year old doesn't want to ride in the hiking pack anymore, so we can only move as quickly as he does. While he's interested in every little stick, leaf, and bug, as adults we sometimes move so fast that we miss those things. Hiking with a toddler reminds you to slow down and take in the little things. Seeing the world through a two year old's eyes can be a challenge at times, but it's so fun to see the outdoors a little differently.</div>
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<i>looking for the perfect stick</i></div>
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We had a really relaxing stay in Pinetop, Arizona. It's a place we'll visit again. We're thinking it will make a great summer getaway when the temperatures soar in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_metropolitan_area">Valley of the Sun</a>. I think the Mogollon Rim gets overshadowed by the ever popular Grand Canyon. There's just so much beautiful landscape to see in Arizona. You can see everything from mountains and canyons to desert and forests.<br />
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<i>overlooking the Mogollon Rim</i></div>
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I hope both of our children will get enough exposure to nature as kids. It's something that both my husband and I took for granted having grown up in small towns. Getting outside is something we all need and we benefit from it. Not only can we all use a little more leg stretching, it's just good for the soul to unplug a little while taking in what was here long before us.<br />
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<b>Hiking with Kids in Pinetop-Lakeside</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(both of these trails were jogging stroller friendly)</span></div>
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<i><a href="http://azwildlifetrails.com/northeastern-arizona-viewing-areas/pinetop-lakeside-wildlife-trails/woodland-lake-park-2/">Woodland Lake Trail</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=45017&actid=50">Mogollon Rim Trail</a></i></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-69533308267858105322016-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:002016-10-24T08:00:29.874-07:00The Past Year | Family of Four & Our HouseIf you've followed my blog, you may have noticed an absence. It's been over a year since I've shared my life here, and I'd love for that to change. However, all of you parents out there know how much time it takes each day just keeping up with little ones. I thought one was time consuming, and then we added another child to our family. Now we're a family of four. Just like that.<br />
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<i>life with a toddler = interesting family pictures</i></div>
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Since my last blog post a year ago, we not only added to our family, but we also bought our very first house here in Arizona. It was one of the most scary and exciting things we've ever done. How's that for boring?! If you've read my <i><b><a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">about me</a></b></i> page, you'll see that we don't exactly stay in one place for long. Making a commitment to Arizona was a little scary, but it's been great so far. Summers are scorching hot, although not as difficult as a humid Florida summer, but we are only a couple hour drive from drastically cooler temperatures. Not to mention, the mountains aren't far away, and that makes us slightly less homesick for Colorado.<br />
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<i>this was the beginning of our house</i></div>
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I hope to post more regularly, but I'm not the best with time management lately. For now, I'm just happy to share a little update with you all. I have a few trips and maybe some house stuff that I want to share with you all, so I'm hoping to be back soon!<br />
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-16833600721213611112015-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:002015-10-13T07:00:05.656-07:00The Most Beautiful Place in AmericaDeciding on the most beautiful place in America is quite subjective, but Good Morning America did vote Michigan's <a href="http://www.sleepingbeardunes.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Sleeping Bear Dunes</span></a> as number one back in 2011. Having been there a number of times myself, I'd have to say it's definitely tops when it comes to natural beauty. There aren't many places, if any, like it. Seeing the giant dunes climb out of a big blue lake is pretty amazing. Describing these places can sometimes be difficult for me, so I hope the pictures help a little.<br />
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<i>Sleeping Bear Dunes on a misty August afternoon</i></div>
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After all the years of being with my husband, we'd still not taken the time to see Sleeping Bear Dunes during any Michigan trips. I'd always wanted to take him, so we made sure to visit on our trip this summer. Plus, we purchased a National Park pass back when <a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-grand-canyon-aka-wow.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">we visited the Grand Canyon in May</span></a>. We had no excuses to not see it this time around, and I wanted to stamp our son's National Park passport as well. He's already racked up an impressive number of stamps, and it's something that will be fun to continue over the years.<br />
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My dad joined us on our trip to the dunes. We left somewhat early in the morning for the drive to Empire, Michigan. It's a little more than 2 hours from the town where I grew up, so it's an easy day trip. Thankfully one of my good friends lent us their hiking pack for the week we were in Michigan. It made for the perfect ride for our little guy. We tried him in a pack before, and he hated it. Thank goodness he actually really enjoyed riding around in our borrowed pack. We're going to have to get one for hikes in Arizona!<br />
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<i> panoramic shot from above the dune climb</i></div>
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<i>taking a break and eating a few snacks</i></div>
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While everyone else took a little rest, I decided I would tackle a taller dune and try to get a glimpse of Lake Michigan. From the dune climb area, it's quite a hike if you want to get all the way to the great lake. I did get a peek at it through the mist from atop a tall dune. It was a long ways away, but I saw it. The best part of climbing these dunes is running down them so quickly that your legs can barely keep up with your body. It's fun; I promise! I must have a thing for dunes, because back in 2010 I insisted on <i><a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2010/05/many-shoes-full-of-sand-later.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">climbing the Great Sand Dunes in Alamosa, Colorado</span></a></i> as well. Climb on, I say!</div>
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<i>my dad and us... glad we brought some sand toys</i></div>
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<i>no joke... this is a very steep climb</i></div>
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After visiting the dune climb, we took a drive around Pierce Stocking scenic drive. From there, you can park in a pull off and it's a short walk to a dune that directly overlooks Lake Michigan. If you're short for time, this is a perfect spot to quickly experience some incredible views and get some pictures. We did just that.<br />
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<i> someone won't wear sunglasses... or hats</i></div>
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<i>Pure Michigan</i></div>
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One day I hope to return and maybe even camp somewhere nearby. There's so much to see and do all around the Sleeping Bear Dunes, that a few hours hardly scrapes the surface. We really enjoyed our day at the dunes.<br />
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<i>blue skies, green trees, and lots of sand</i></div>
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Do you have a favorite outdoor park? Even just a local one? I love getting outdoors. I think it's great for renewal and getting grounded again. Sometimes it's so easy to forget that we have these incredible places right out our front door. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Arizona, and I can't wait to return to the Sleeping Bear Dunes again!<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/upload/2015_visitorsguide_web-2.pdf"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">2015 Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Guide</span></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://findyourpark.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">#findyourpark</span></a></i></b></div>
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-20185168894244940032015-10-11T13:36:00.003-07:002015-10-12T13:03:13.143-07:00TSC : Football, Food, & a Birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
Today is all about football, food, and celebrating the birthday<br />
of someone very special to me... my husband. Happy Sunday everyone.<br />
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<i>we're finally getting a bit of a cool down here in the desert</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">reading</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> -- well, I'm still not really reading anything at the moment, but I do want to read "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed. My aunt mailed her copy a while ago, and I just haven't found time to sit down and read it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">writing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> -- just this Sunday Currently for the blog. I imagine I should probably think about putting together a meal plan for this week. Does that count as writing?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">listening</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> -- I finally signed up for Spotify. Thanks <b><i><a href="http://siddathornton.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Lauren</span></a></i></b>! Right now I'm enjoying "Pulaski at Night" by Andrew Bird and also "The Less I Know the Better" by Tame Impala.</span><br />
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any Spotify peeps know why this play button doesn't work??<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="80" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:6K4t31amVTZDgR3sKmwUJJ" width="300"></iframe>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">thinking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">-- that I'd really like to see something new. I can't stand not getting out and seeing the surrounding country! There are a couple of national parks in Arizona I'd like to see, and I also really want to visit Solvang, California... oh, and maybe Disneyland. :-P</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">smelling</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> -- Nothing right now... but I am anxiously awaiting my <i><b><a href="https://emileeakey.scentsy.us/Buy"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Scentsy</span></a></b></i> delivery! I can't wait to have our place smelling like fall. Yum yum.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">wishing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">-- for much cooler weather and to get outside more! I can't wait to take part in all of the upcoming fall festivals and events.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">hoping</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">-- that the Broncos win today of course!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">wearing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> -- light blue skinny jeans and super cute Young, Fabulous & Broke top that I found at Marshall's for cheap... and my Pandora bracelet.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">loving</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">-- my Spotify songs that take me back. There are so many great songs I sometimes forget about that I enjoy listening to lately. It's been fun finding new music on there too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">wanting</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> -- a person who will do my grocery shopping for me. Haha! I've really grown to dislike the whole process of grocery shopping. It's nice quite as easy with a little one, but I guess someone has to do it. Now who wants to shop for me?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">needing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> -- patience. I don't always have a lot of it. It helps to take a deep breathe every now and then... and relax. Maybe I need to find a good yoga studio for some me time. :-)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">feeling</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">-- ready for fall. Seriously.... this is about the time of year I start hoping to wear boots and scarves, etc. Again, remember how I can use some patience... ugh.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">clicking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">-- through some of the Sunday Currently entries to see what others are up to today!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">* If you missed previous editions of The Sunday Currently, you can see them all <i><b><a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/search/label/thesundaycurrently"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Now link up your edition of<b> <i>The Sunday Currently</i> </b>with<b> <a href="http://siddathornton.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-sunday-currently-volume-39.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lauren</span></a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Happy Sunday!!</span></b></span></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-28119723108080040302015-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:002015-10-07T07:00:02.140-07:00Top O' Michigan Marathon NationalsIn my Michigan post from a couple days ago, I mentioned that we watched my dad race boats during our trip. It's considered the toughest race in the world for that type of boat race. Something to brag about I suppose. As a young girl, I grew up looking forward to the race that occurred at the end of summer each year. It brought people from around the world to our small town, and I loved the energy that came with it. One year my dad met some racers and offered them a place to stay in our yard. We had quite the yard full of racers each year, and it's a tradition that's been carried on for over 20 years. Now my dad, who worked in carpentry for quite a number of years, builds and races the very boats we watched race for all those years. It's pretty fun to see these things come full circle! We're quite proud of my dad (grandpa).<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>checking out the boats</i></div>
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<i>enjoying the noise of engines revving</i></div>
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<i>trying out grandpa's boat</i></div>
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<i>hanging out before the race</i></div>
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<i>giving grandpa's boat a good luck tap</i></div>
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<i>obligatory family shot</i></div>
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<i>beautiful Burt Lake</i></div>
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<i>the starting line</i></div>
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<i>watching from dad's shoulders</i></div>
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<i>watching grandpa cross the finish line on day 2</i></div>
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I don't remember exactly, but my dad ended up in about 6th place overall. Not too shabby for an older guy in a class of 30-something boats. Some day he just might build our little one a boat. We have to carry on the tradition, right? We hope to keep watching my dad race for at least a little longer. If not, I'm sure we'll find another reason to visit Michigan in the summertime!</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-45809396991696478982015-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:002015-10-05T07:00:02.530-07:00Pure Michigan | Back HomeLast week I promised pictures from our trip to Michigan back in August. I continually find myself saying better late then never when it comes to posting pictures lately. I'm amazed at the amount of digital files we have. Maybe someday I'll get around to printing some of them, because it's nice having something you can actually see and touch in your home. That aside, I love having the opportunity to share my hometown with my husband, but it was extra special watching our son experience Michigan for the first time!<br />
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We spent some time watching the sunset from the place where I grew up. There honestly isn't a day that I don't think about the beautiful lake I took for granted as a kid. I don't think too many people had a backyard like that. Like they always say, hindsight is 20/20. I'm so glad we're fortunate enough to at least make it back for visits.<br />
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No trip to northern Michigan would be complete without a bonfire. A big storm blew threw the week before our visit, so there were quite a few downed trees. I remember losing massive trees to raging storms when I was younger. There was a night my mom packed up me, the dog, and our bird and headed into town to my grandma's house. The next day we returned to multiple downed trees lying on our roof. It was crazy. Reminds you not to mess around with mother nature.</div>
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Speaking of mother nature, you just can't beat a sunset up north! We witnessed a few spectacular sunsets. They're one of the best parts of being in northern Michigan.<br />
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We timed our visit so we could watch my dad race power boats! He builds them and races them. We're pretty proud. Chase said "boat" for the first time while we were there. Who could blame him? They are pretty fascinating and exciting to watch. Plus, they're loud. It was a little boy's heaven. He even got to sit in grandpa's boat. Those pictures will come later this week.<br />
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There were so many new experiences to be had in Michigan. Living in Arizona, we don't spend much time near water, grass, or trees. Don't get me wrong, I love our desert environment, but I think our little guy loved all of the new adventures in Michigan. Grandma bought him some fun beach toys, and we took full advantage of the water, sand, and rocks!<br />
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We all enjoyed fresh air and the outdoors. There's just something special about northern Michigan. I guess maybe you need to see it for yourself before you can really understand. Most people aren't sure what to think when you say you're from Michigan. I love when I come across someone who actually knows where my hometown is. It doesn't happen often, but it's nice to know others appreciate it too. I hope we get to visit often enough that our son will appreciate it some day too.<br />
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Our visit was filled with many firsts for our son: first time in a lake, first time driving across the Mackinac Bridge, first time watching grandpa race boats, first haircut, first time meeting some new friends, and most importantly first time seeing where mom grew up.<br />
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I have plenty more pictures to share from our trip to Michigan. I figured I'd spare you and break it up a bit. Later this week, I'll post pictures from the boat races and our trip to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Monday everyone!</span></b></i></div>
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-65283382838804458892015-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:002015-10-03T09:00:06.055-07:00Trapeze Dresses | Saturday FavoritesEver since seeing a salesgirl at Nordstrom wearing the adorable black trapeze dress below, I've been obsessed with finding one for myself. I love the versatility of being able to dress this up or down, and it's a great fall piece. Not to mention, this type of dress doesn't cling to your body or reveal less than favorite areas on your body. Below are some of my favorite trapeze dresses, and they're all $60 and under. I can't wait to wear mine this fall!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/trapeze_dress_favorites/set?.embedder=4510221&.svc=copypaste&id=177877043" target="_blank"><img alt="Trapeze Dress Favorites" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/w1UbKxXA6v6chiqGlaBtg/cid/177877043/id/NnEqH-ll5RGblrat6ODk1w/size/c600x415.jpg" height="415" title="Trapeze Dress Favorites" width="600" /></a></div>
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<i><b>. . : : from left to right : : . .</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=483902447&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Leith Trapeze Dress</span></a> -- This dress has been taunting me for days now. I had it in my online shopping cart, and the next day it was gone. It's nowhere to be found now, and I won't be able to get a good night's sleep until I get my hands on one. (<i>I'm known to be a bit dramatic at times</i>)<br />
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=491026792&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Forever21 Stretch Knit Trapeze Dress</span></a> -- For the price, this is a great buy. It looks really similar in cut to the Leith dress, but you save some cash on this one. I bought this dress in grey for fall, and I'm going to pair it with my cowgirl boots and a scarf.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=484531442&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Express V-neck Long Sleep Trapeze Dress</span></a> -- I love the color of this dress. I'm a sucker for olive green lately. If you're not wanting a little black dress, then this is a great option. This color green looks great with brown boots and accessories.<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=490026217&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Everly Stripe Trapeze Dress</span></a> </span>-- This is a great option from the black, grey, and greens of the world. It would look great styled with a colorful cardigan or handbag. It's casual enough for tennis shoes too.<br />
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Which one is your favorite?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links which means I will make a</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">small commission if you purchase from a link on this website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">thanks for reading!</span></div>
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-91326978468580725012015-10-02T07:00:00.000-07:002015-10-02T07:00:01.969-07:00Leaving On a Jet Plane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our little guy absolutely loves airplanes. I don't have much experience with other boys his age, so I can't speak for any other boys besides ours. He really, really loves things that fly though! We've traveled with him by plane, I believe, 4 times now. He's a pretty decent traveler. *<i>knock on wood</i>* I probably jinxed us by saying that, but I swear he loves the change of scenery that comes with traveling and, of course, the opportunity to see airplanes up close.</div>
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<i>trucks, planes, and trains... a little boy's dream</i></div>
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<i>I can't pass up an <span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/58OL5UpAyi/?taken-by=ashjdub"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">#airportcarpet</span></a> </span>photo op</i></div>
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<i>watching the activity below</i></div>
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<i>DTW is still one of my favorite airports... and I love the fountain there</i></div>
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<i>watching the train and people at DTW</i></div>
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<i>one last #airport carpet shot before we head home</i></div>
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<i>for the love of lines....</i></div>
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<i>the tunnel at DTW... check it out if you're in the McNamara terminal</i></div>
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<i>otherworldly lighting</i></div>
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<i>who can resist peeking at the 747?!</i></div>
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All of these photos were taken during our trip to Michigan in August. I'll share more about our trip back to my home state next week! There's a lot to share.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Friday!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WA73vJEuqto%2FVgW0m9C9zuI%2FAAAAAAAABcY%2FIHZYg4vvb9w%2Fs640%2FIMG_6037.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WA73vJEuqto%2FVgW0m9C9zuI%2FAAAAAAAABcY%2FIHZYg4vvb9w%2Fs640%2FIMG_6037.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-38079121302743150252015-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:002015-09-30T07:00:01.239-07:00Scenes from ArizonaIt's sometimes hard to believe that we've lived in Arizona for about 10 months now. It's cheesy but true, but time flies when you're having fun. We've had a lot of firsts since moving here. We're still surviving, and surprisingly not hating, our first summer in the desert. We also saw our first dust storm. It wasn't nearly as exciting as I was hoping. We still miss our family and friends very much, but I think Arizona is doing a nice job growing on us.<br />
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don't be fooled... this is turf and not real grass</div>
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watching our first dust storm roll in</div>
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we caught a local 4th of July parade</div>
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trying to stay cool in the pool</div>
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watching a little team roping</div>
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what little boy doesn't love breakfast at the airport?!</div>
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starting him young ;-)</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever been to Arizona?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Did you love it or hate it?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">If not, come & see it for yourself!</span></i></b></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-33108981177994788642015-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:002015-09-28T14:18:55.532-07:00The Grand Canyon :: aka WowThis is incredibly indicative of my nature, but I worried about our Grand Canyon plans for weeks before leaving. We would only have a few hours there, and I didn't want to blow our opportunity to really experience the natural world wonder. I was concerned that we would have unrealistically high expectations and be disappointed after viewing it from the parking lot or a crowded overlook. Thank goodness we're only about a 4 hour drive away, so we should be able to visit again.<br />
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After our <a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2015/07/road-trip-across-arizona.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Arizona road trip</span></a> and a <a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2015/07/las-vegas-with-kids.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">stop in Las Vegas</span></a>, we finally made it to the Grand Canyon. Everyone says it, but it really is one of those places you need to see with your own eyes. I also tend to say this about a number of places, but pictures and videos really don't do it justice. I hope my pictures do this beautiful place at least a little justice or maybe even make you want to visit for yourself!<br />
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The night before our Grand Canyon visit, we spent the night at a hotel in Tusayan, Arizona. It's just a couple miles south of the southern entrance gate. It killed me being so close to the Grand Canyon and having to wait until morning to actually leave the hotel and see it. Patience may not be one of my strengths, especially when it comes to travel. What can I say? I want to do it all and with a limited amount of time.<br />
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Driving into the Grand Canyon from the south, we were pleasantly surprised at the number of trees and how lush the plant life seemed. I guess I have no idea what we were expecting. You tend to imagine Arizona as simply a desert filled with cacti, dirt, and various other shades of brown. However, you'll find the landscape varies tremendously, especially in the northern mountains of the state. The 48th state has been surprising us since we moved here.<br />
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We drove into Grand Canyon National Park, purchased our National Park annual pass and proceeded a parking lot near the main visitor center. All along we're wondering when are we going to see this incredible canyon. We made a stop at the visitor center and gift shop before proceeding down the trail to one of the many overlooks.<br />
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We wound our way through the trees and followed signs to the canyon. I couldn't help but wonder how much further until we could see it. (<i>Patience is a virtue.</i>) Then all of a sudden the trees ended and, <i>bam!</i>, there it was. There we were standing in front of the Grand Canyon itself. I can honestly say it took my breath away. Even our 16 month old could sense the wonder of it, because he repeatedly hollered "wow" with amazement. All my worrying about where to park, hike, overlook didn't matter anymore. We were there standing in front of one of the grandest sights in all the world. It was incredible.<br />
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Utilizing all of your senses is a must when visiting the Grand Canyon. The sound of the blowing wind next to the giant chasm is indescribable. The sound masks all the noises of daily distraction. No horns honking, planes flying, or phones ringing. When the wind blows and you're standing next to the Grand Canyon, all you hear is the thoughts in your head. That can be a good or bad thing, but I think it helps you really take in the sights.<br />
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I wish we would have had more time at the Grand Canyon. That tends to be a theme when we travel. There never seems to be enough time. Such is life though. We enjoyed the little time we did have. Even the littlest adventurer among us seemed to enjoy shaking fences while shouting his amazement into the canyon.<br />
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It blows me away that we heard multiple different languages and accents while walking the canyon trails. People from all over the world stop to get a look at this wonder, and all too often we take these types of places for granted. They are right underneath our noses, and we often don't make the time to see the beauty of our own country.</div>
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Every now and then we caught a glimpse of the Colorado River down below. It's sometimes too easy to forget that a river, plenty of passing time, and the forces of mother nature shaped this place. The Grand Canyon doesn't give credit to any human for shaping, creating, building, or forging it. Man has designed and built some pretty spectacular things, but natural wonders like the Grand Canyon exist outside of man. Quite simply, it's a place to be enjoyed and experienced.<br />
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We walked a rather small portion of trail along the canyon rim, and it's shocking to think that plenty of people make the hike down into the canyon each year. I'm sure that experience is something completely different and one for the record books. Maybe some day we'll tackle the trails leading down into the canyon, but for now we have visions from atop the canyon seared into our memories. Our little guy probably won't remember our visit, but we have pictures to prove he was there.<br />
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If you've never visited the Grand Canyon in person,</div>
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I hope you'll get to see it some day.</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-59238425140923476262015-09-25T13:25:00.000-07:002015-09-25T13:25:01.971-07:00Falling for Faux FurI have always loved wearing at least a little bit of faux fur when it gets snowy and cold outside. I think part of me is clinging to the cold-weather girl inside of me. What can I say? I grew up in northern Michigan, and I love cuddling up to something cozy when it gets cool outdoors. My winter coat has a faux fur trim around the hood, I had a fun pair of tall boots with fur trim around the tops, and I even wore a faux fur jacket on our wedding day. I guess you can say I'm a little crazy for faux fur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKNYyDnw2ZtNboiJvaQM0pmp2H3rCWUl159tRPG8gd2uZhUX8RES7KqWpqahAnjlBRNAwB2wOkR_vJi1Inh1Qb-9eYlE936dtRo7YDWv92gslQ4v1ySYyPDNv092dk_gssKlI0kbhLfB_/s1600/0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKNYyDnw2ZtNboiJvaQM0pmp2H3rCWUl159tRPG8gd2uZhUX8RES7KqWpqahAnjlBRNAwB2wOkR_vJi1Inh1Qb-9eYlE936dtRo7YDWv92gslQ4v1ySYyPDNv092dk_gssKlI0kbhLfB_/s640/0189.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">picture by <i><a href="http://aroseweddingphotographer.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Alison Rose Photography</span></a> </i>in Denver</span></div>
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Finding the perfect faux fur vest for fall has consumed me recently. I searched online for quite some time and thought I knew what I wanted, but there are so many different styles out there. For now I found a really affordable option (<i>under $40</i>) at Forever 21. I can't wait to wear it once the temperatures drop a bit!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> :: some of my favorite faux fur vests ::</span></i></b></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=488608705&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Forever 21 Open-Front Vest</span></a> I recently bought this and can't wait to wear it in cooler temps. The Arizona weather isn't exactly faux fur friendly at the moment.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/36268?article=36268-D&cm_mmc=pla-_-us-_-ladies_jackets_coats_waistcoats-_-36268&cm_mmc=adwords-_-us-_-brand-_-&gclid=CIHU3NnL9ccCFZSCfgodDI8F7A"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">H&M Brown Fur Vest</span></a> I almost purchased this one. It's a little looser fitting than I wanted, so it would be great for layering over top of larger items of clothing like sweaters.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=463812837&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mark & Graham All-Over Fur Vest</span></a> this is a nice versatile, brown vest for fall.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=488693764&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Camille Faux Fur Vest by Lovers + Friends</span></a> This vest is a little pricey, but I love the color variation in this one. I think this vest looks a little more like real fur than some others.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any favorite faux fur items?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Friday!</span></i></b></div>
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-55615062758412762822015-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:002015-09-24T07:00:01.463-07:00Taking in Tacoma, WAAfter <a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2015/09/sightseeing-in-seattle.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">experiencing Seattle</span></a> and spending some time <a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2015/09/hotel-murano-tacoma.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">relaxing in our hotel</span></a>, it was fun taking some time to explore Tacoma. It's such a fun artsy-fartsy city. After all the years my cousin attended college at the University of Puget Sound, I can see why she loved (loves) it there so much. It was fun finally seeing the place that she called home for so many years. In Tacoma, you come across something beautiful at every turn. We spotted intricate murals, beautiful parks, ornate and historical buildings, wildlife, among other things. The city surpassed any expectations that we had.<br />
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If you attended high school in the late 90s, then chances are you've heard of a little movie called <i>10 Things I Hate About You</i>. Chances are you also grow a little wistful at the thought of Heath Ledger singing and running up and down the stairs in the image below. If not, then you can at least appreciate the interesting architecture of this beautiful high school. Yes, this is probably one of the most spectacular public high schools you'll ever see!</div>
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My cousin's college campus was likely pulled straight out of storybook. It was beautiful and lush and everything you would expect from a northwestern location. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather for an outdoor graduation. It had apparently poured the year before, so we were thankful for sun and blue skies. A rarity, I believe.</div>
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We had a little bit of time to drive around Tacoma and explore Point Defiance Park. It wasn't nearly enough time to fully enjoy it (theme of this trip), but we did come across the cutest raccoon on our drive. We did take a few steps into the forest in order to get the full effect of the towering trees and their giant canopy. I have to be honest, I couldn't help but see why vampires like it up there. (<i>This just gave away my Twilight books obsession.</i>) Needless to say, we need at least another week in Tacoma!</div>
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One evening we stumbled across the coolest little brewery and restaurant near the University of Puget Sound campus. <a href="http://www.ehouse9.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Engine House no. 9</span></a>. The brewery had set up residence in an actual old fire engine house. Back when they used it for such, the engines were pulled by horse. You can see the horse stall openings in the brewery walls today. It's a fun place with a great atmosphere and good beer and food to boot. We call that a win, win.<br />
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My cousin wanted to take us to her favorite local farmer's market, <a href="http://www.proctorfarmersmarket.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Proctor Farmers' Market</span></a>. We enjoyed food, music, coffee, and the sights & smells. I have a soft spot in my heart for tamales, so I was pleased to find some really delicious ones at the market. My cousin also took us to the <a href="http://www.pacificnorthwestshop.com/visit-the-pacific-northwest-shop.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pacific Northwest Shop</span></a> right around the corner from the market. We got some nice little souvenirs to remind us of our trip.</div>
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If this post feels a little hectic, it's probably because our trip to Tacoma was a little hectic, in a good way, as well. We crammed in as much as humanly possible during our limited time there, and we did a little of this and that. Hopefully we'll find ourselves up that way again soon! I know my cousin would love to show us around her city some more. Until then, see you later Pacific Northwest! We had fun.</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-67750897643853410842015-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:002015-09-22T09:34:31.631-07:00Hotel Murano :: Tacoma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday I recapped <i><a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/2015/09/sightseeing-in-seattle.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">our time spent in Seattle</span></a></i>. Today I'm sharing our experience at the <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.hotelmuranotacoma.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Hotel Murano</span></a> </span>in Tacoma. It was quite the hotel.<br />
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It's not often that we stay in a hotel that should go on our list of places to stay again. However, my cousin's graduation from University of Puget Sound was one of those special occasions that calls for a boutique hotel experience. The Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington did not disappoint.<br />
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Upon entrance, your eyes are drawn to the various pieces of art on display. We spotted beautiful glass Viking boats hanging over the stairway that leads to meeting spaces below. There was also an eye-catching and shiny blown glass chandelier hanging near the check-in counter. Among other artwork, the building architecture is interesting as well. I loved the mix of warm and cool textures, materials, and artwork.</div>
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All of the hotel staff provided excellent service, and they were more than happy to help whenever needed. An extra set of hands on luggage is always welcome when traveling with a little one. Room service was also a savior when we didn't want to leave the room with our little guy who ended up with a little head cold from all our travels.</div>
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We walked into a guest room with really unique and interesting decor. The couch under our windows made a perfect perch for our son who loved staring at the tiny cars from our 14th floor room. There was one point in time where we were able to see Mt. Rainier. Too bad Mt. Rainier stayed in hiding for much of our trip. Although when it did come out, we thoroughly soaked up its presence. When it's out, you can't miss it. The clouds part, and the mountain looms over the area like a giant watchdog. You can't always see it, but it's out there. Even with the clouds, we enjoyed our views of Tacoma from our room.</div>
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We enjoyed dinner at the hotel's restaurant, <a href="http://www.hotelmuranotacoma.com/bite-restaurant/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Bite</span></a>, on a couple of evenings. Their menu changes seasonally, so you can expect different menu items throughout the year. My aunt had her heart set on the beet carpaccio, but the waiter had informed us it was no longer on the menu. He said it had just been removed, but he told us if the chef still had beets it might be possible to have it. Lo and behold, they had the ingredients and would make us a plate. My aunt was thrilled, and we all happily enjoyed the beet carpaccio.<br />
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The fried green tomatoes were a hit as well. I can't pass up any meal consisting of kalamata olives and capers. "<i>Nosiree</i>!" Actually, I don't think any of us had a bad meal. I enjoyed the halibut, plus who can resist joking about having their meal "just for the hal-i-but". Cheesy. I know.</div>
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Even though our little guy was battling a head cold, we managed to enjoy some time just relaxing and taking in the views from our room. Again, room service is great when traveling with kids! We enjoyed a couple of meals with a view.</div>
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Tacoma seemed like such a thriving college city. There was always a bit of hustle and bustle occurring in and around the hotel. Having multiple college graduations on the same weekend may of had something to do with it, but there was a nice energy about the city.<br />
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Like Seattle, we didn't get to spend much time in Tacoma. Hopefully we'll return. The <a href="https://museumofglass.org/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Museum of Glass</span></a> was right down the road from the Hotel Murano, and we didn't even have enough free time to visit. Taking a 15 month old to a museum of glass seemed like a bad idea as well. It made me sweaty thinking about our child knocking over something fragile and expensive.<br />
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For a beautiful hotel within walking distance to some of Tacoma's attractions, the Hotel Murano fits the bill. If you don't want to leave the hotel, it's perfect too. You get to choose. Don't forget to check out the artwork on each floor as you exit the elevator. The Hotel Murano is an experience in itself. It really holds its own in a city like Tacoma.</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-13992514573856761842015-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:002015-09-21T07:00:03.006-07:00Sightseeing in Seattle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back in May my cousin graduated from college in Tacoma, so we flew in from Phoenix to celebrate her achievements. This was our first time in Washington as a family. On a few occasions, my husband had briefly touched down in the state, but we were all finally able to set foot in Washington and see it from the ground.</div>
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People always tell you that the Pacific Northwest is green, cloudy, rainy, etc. You honestly have no idea until you actually see it with your own eyes though! It was truly everything people have said, but it was so much better. I'm honestly grieving the fact that we only had a few days to spend in the entire Seattle/Tacoma area. It just wasn't long enough.</div>
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Before heading off to Tacoma, we met up with my cousin in downtown Seattle. With a very limited few hours to spend there, we did what any tourists would do and visited the area near the Space Needle, the EMP (<i>Experience Music Project</i>) Museum, and the Pike Place Market. Total tourists we were!<br />
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Being an architecture major, I of course had to at least see Gehry's Experience Music Project. It's hard taking your eyes off of his colorful and sculptural design. It's amazing what a massive building the museum is, and you feel so small wandering around the undulating walls. The light and reflections off of the building are ever changing. We even caught a glimpse of the building from the monorail that rides right through it. I hope we get to spend more time in Seattle some day, because I really want to spend time browsing the inside and experience the music for myself. Maybe next time!<br />
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My cousin studied music and played violin in her college's orchestra, so it was especially fun getting her take on the museum and its exhibits. I'm going to need her to guide me through this monstrous museum. She did a wonderful job guiding us around Seattle for the few hours we were there.</div>
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After wandering around outside of the EMP Museum, we made our way to the monorail that dropped us off near Pike Place Market. I could have honestly spent an entire day eating my way around that place, so it pains me to say we only dropped into a couple of places while we were there. We did however eat some of the most delicious salmon stuffed pastries, mushroom stuffed pastries, and macarons.<br />
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Again, I hope to visit the Pike Place Market again after having not eaten for maybe a few days. Then I'll go wild and possibly need my stomach pumped from all of the seafood and desserts I'll eat there. I have big dreams, you guys.<br />
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I've had a change of heart (<i>and conscience</i>) recently, and my love for Starbucks is no longer. It's like I'm maturing and growing up or something. *<i>yeah right</i>* Even with my newfound disdain for the "SBux", I couldn't help but want to see the place where it all started.<br />
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Before Starbucks was busy taking over the world, they started as a little known local place right there in Seattle's Pike Place Market. It's a totally different experience than any other Starbucks store today. You can get a really nice pour over made with freshly roasted small batch coffees. The baristas provided an awesome atmosphere, and it was just fun to see where it all started.<br />
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My cousin couldn't quite bring herself to dancing with the devil, but I did enjoy a nice hot cup of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. She provided great moral support though while I contemplated leaving before actually ordering a drink. Curiosity got the best of me though, and I walked out with my cup of coffee and souvenir mug in hand. Darn you Starbucks!<br />
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Before leaving, I obviously had to take the Instagram-worthy shot of our shoes and the worn wood floors. The entire experience is touristy, but where else will you be able to see the first Starbucks ever. You should go there at least once.<br />
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Doing the next touristy thing we could think of, we headed to the counter where they throw fresh caught fish! Actually, maybe they throw the smelly about-to-expire month old fish. I really have no idea. I can't imagine wanting to throw around my prized catch of the day though. Either way, these guys throw, and miraculously catch, heavy and slippery fish! Who knows, maybe they throw deflated fish that make for easier throwing and catching. Either way, it's a sight to see.</div>
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Before leaving the seafood counter, we scooped up a cup of their fresh Dungeness Crab with cocktail sauce. You can't beat fresh seafood! We saw a bunch of people taking a tour of Pike Place Market. They were stopped at the seafood counter while we were there, and they ask for volunteers to attempt catching a fish. That's how they get you! Only people on the tour get an opportunity like that. I'm not sure how much the tour cost, but I think I'd rather spend my money eating the fish than getting slimy attempting to catch one myself. I think we'd pass on the tour, but I do hope we go back to eat more seafood.<br />
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My cousin led us back to the monorail, and then we parted ways for the evening. We drove off to Tacoma, and she spent the night with friends in Seattle. I think we'll be back to experience more of the city some day. Like any city, it's just too big to experience in a few hours. You can really only touch on a few places with that kind of time.<br />
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See you later Seattle!</div>
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Thanks for letting us have a little taste of your city.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Come back later this week</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">for our visit to Tacoma!</span></i></b></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-52182502379950686982015-09-20T13:17:00.000-07:002015-09-20T13:17:49.151-07:00The Sunday Currently: No Chick-fil-A For You!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Why do I always crave Chick-fil-A on a Sunday?! It never fails.<br />
I guess it's human to want what you can't have. Harumph.<br />
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<i>please pass Go (Chick vil a) and do not collect $200 (chicken sandwich)</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">reading</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> do catalogs count? Ha. It's about all I have time for any more. I desperately need to find time for reading. Oh how I miss reading!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">wishing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">for some time to do things that I love. I was teaching myself to crochet and sew, but those things have fallen by the wayside since raising a toddler takes most of my time these days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">feeling</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> ready for fall. I am so excited to get outside more often. We've been cooped up inside too long this summer. Cabin fever at its finest!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">clicking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">hopefully through some blogs... I have got some catching up to do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">* If you missed previous editions of The Sunday Currently, you can see them all <i><b><a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/search/label/thesundaycurrently"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Now link up your edition of<b> <i>The Sunday Currently</i> </b>with<b> <a href="http://siddathornton.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-sunday-currently-volume-39.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lauren</span></a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Happy Sunday everyone!!</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-84239520844500311742015-08-17T14:44:00.000-07:002015-08-17T14:44:12.742-07:00The Sunday, er... Monday Currently<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I've written and published any blog posts.<br />
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If you <i><a href="https://instagram.com/ashjdub/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">follow me on Instagram</span></a></i>, you have have already seen some pictures from Michigan...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBz9ih8pA7bwWReloEeX-Q0hwS_TbDdPkl0Uzi_cwlNr_dL3x9jPMQOh9rP6PVZ1IYh7BHIX9smMTJCYH7GrQIeEmmxNz-XUCR6uzQYVGeXkUARBBN192c8JHzUYTsOykpVmB6xkYGM80/s1600/IMG_6193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBz9ih8pA7bwWReloEeX-Q0hwS_TbDdPkl0Uzi_cwlNr_dL3x9jPMQOh9rP6PVZ1IYh7BHIX9smMTJCYH7GrQIeEmmxNz-XUCR6uzQYVGeXkUARBBN192c8JHzUYTsOykpVmB6xkYGM80/s640/IMG_6193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My blog friend Lauren over at <i><a href="http://siddathornton.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">siddathornton</span></b></a></i> has recently<br />
started posting her Sunday Currently posts again,<br />
so I figured what better way to get back into the swing of things.<br />
Don't mind that this is a day late.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">writing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> just this blog post for now, but it's been a while. I would love to get back into blogging again, and maybe I'll post more than once a month. Don't hold your breath though. ;-)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">listening</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> to the sounds of a toddler waking up. I hear some chattering on the monitor. I suppose it could turn into screaming pretty quickly. Must.type.faster.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">thinking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">that naps are never quite long enough. Ha!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">smelling</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> nothing at the moment. I feel like I should go bake cookies now or something. Isn't that a great smell?! Baked goods. Got to love them!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">wishing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">for an endless supply of cash. :-P</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">hoping</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">that the temperatures drop a little bit soon. I mean... this Arizona weather is still much easier to handle than the humid Florida summers, but after a while you just want fall to appear out of nowhere.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">wearing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> some really old ripped up skinny jeans, a grey t-shirt, my blue Broncos hat with a pony tail, and my silver Pandora charm bracelet.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">loving</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">the opportunity to write a blog post. I seriously need to get on here more often. I miss hearing from my blog friends!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">wanting</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">to travel and see more national parks! We just got back from a trip to Michigan and visited <i><a href="http://www.nps.gov/SLBE/planyourvisit/index.htm"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sleeping Bear Sand Dune National Lakeshore</span></a></i>. I just love that place. There are so many national parks near us now, and I want to see them all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">needing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">to go grocery shopping. After getting back from Michigan, we've come home to a pretty empty refrigerator.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">feeling</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Hungry! I should seriously bake cookies, but I don't want to turn on the oven in 100+ temps. Oh the dilemma!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #444444; font-size: large;">clicking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">hopefully through some blogs... I have got some catching up to do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">* If you missed previous editions of The Sunday Currently, you can see them all <i><b><a href="http://pilot-life.blogspot.com/search/label/thesundaycurrently"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Now link up your edition of<b> <i>The Sunday Currently</i> </b>with<b> <a href="http://siddathornton.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-sunday-currently-volume-39.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lauren</span></a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Happy Sunday... er, Monday!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4639002520423479358%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D33%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nZipK-tGlbs%2FVdJUrx1l_yI%2FAAAAAAAABO4%2FX44CnEUEYSw%2Fs640%2FIMG_6193.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 230px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4639002520423479358%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D33%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nZipK-tGlbs%2FVdJUrx1l_yI%2FAAAAAAAABO4%2FX44CnEUEYSw%2Fs640%2FIMG_6193.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 230px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4639002520423479358%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D33%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nZipK-tGlbs%2FVdJUrx1l_yI%2FAAAAAAAABO4%2FX44CnEUEYSw%2Fs640%2FIMG_6193.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 230px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4639002520423479358%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D33%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nZipK-tGlbs%2FVdJUrx1l_yI%2FAAAAAAAABO4%2FX44CnEUEYSw%2Fs640%2FIMG_6193.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 230px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-91346309663841783102015-07-23T13:21:00.002-07:002015-07-23T13:37:40.896-07:00Mom Makeup RoutineIf you're a busy mom, then finding time to apply even a drop of makeup is challenging at times. Heck, finding just a minute to use the bathroom alone is tricky. There are days where I have just a few minutes to put some bb cream, concealer, and powder. Sometimes I still put on a full face of makeup. It just depends. Either way, I have a few of my favorite beauty items I wanted to share.<br />
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|--<i> when we travel, this is what I pack... plus my brushes </i>--|</div>
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Some of these things have been favorites for years. Like I mentioned, I'll use any combination of these things on any given day. Sometimes it's just mascara and lip gloss... or else I feel naked.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/mom_makeup_routine/set?.embedder=4510221&.svc=copypaste&id=169827295" target="_blank"><img alt="Mom Makeup Routine" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Rf7cBQ7IPscjvEDK14U8bA/cid/169827295/id/4Lu6uSQv5RGr9yMvZFZllw/size/c600x374.jpg" height="374" title="Mom Makeup Routine" width="600" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=467740226&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue</span></a></i> -- I went into Sephora asking for a new bb cream, and one of the sales associates recommended this. I went home with a sample, and the rest is history. This stuff is great. It barely feels like you're wearing makeup, and it has pretty decent coverage too.<br />
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<i><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=4886599&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">M.A.C. Studio Finish Concealer</span></a></i> -- most of my makeup items are things I've been using for years. This concealer is no exception. I wear the shade NW20 and use a tiny brush to apply the concealer precisely where I need it. I use my Skinfinish Natural to set everything, and it has great staying power!<br />
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<i><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=465000783&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pixi Concealing Concentrate</span></a></i> -- this was something I saw in a YouTube video, and it sounded good enough to try. I use this in the peach color for concealing under eye darkness. I love it so far.</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=450001509&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish Natural</span></a></i> -- this is a great powder that is very light and does a great job setting my BB cream. I've been using it for quite a while, and I still have a lot of product left. It's worth the money!<br />
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<i><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=2741168&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">NARS blush/bronzer duo</span></a></i> -- I have the full-sized Laguna bronzer, but I love my little travel sized duo for throwing into my makeup bag when we travel. The full-sized bronzer and blush are too big for packing, so this is perfect for on the go. The Nars orgasm blush is flattering for just about anyone. I've been wearing these colors for years.<br />
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<i><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=10073469&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Too Faced Shadow Insurance</span></a></i> -- this is another item that I like buying in the mini size. I guess I'm a sucker for miniature items. Don't even get me started on my hotel toiletry collection. Anyway, this primer doesn't crease for me even after wearing all day.<br />
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<i><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=395975856&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette</span></a></i> -- Don't get me wrong. I love my Naked palette, but this one is also great for a very natural and pretty eye. I also love the tin packing. Again, it's great for travel. There's a nice assortment of colors in this palette. You can play around and create quite a few looks.<br />
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<i><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=430619114&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara</span></a></i> -- This mascara is fantastic! I've been wearing this one for quite a while. I actually think it was the free Sephora birthday gift one year. I've been hooked ever since. I have the mini size version of this. Sensing a trend here? You don't have to commit to any one mascara by trying the mini size first. Plus, it's great for travel.<br />
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<i><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=381732557&pid=uid6025-3068605-30"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss</span></a></i> -- I have this in the color 'Yes You', and I love the pretty neutral look to it. For some reason lipstick scares me a little. I do have a couple that I love, but I'm mostly a lip gloss girl. You can't go wrong with any of the Buxom glosses or polish.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Do you use any of these products?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What are you favorite beauty items?</i></b></span></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-76821931582471013782015-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:002015-07-07T13:45:01.885-07:00Historic Route 66 in Arizona<div>
Route 66 was always such a mystery to me. You hear about it, but you never really know what to think. I had heard that famous song about getting "<i>your kicks on Route 66</i>" plenty of times, but I had no clue what that actually meant. Apparently, in its heyday, you could get some thrills and have fun while driving the <i>Mother Road</i>. After driving it ourselves, I can see how that might have been possible.</div>
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<i>my route 66 patch... read more about <a href="http://www.adventurepatch.com/">adventure patch</a> if you're interested</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbauI1NxGyuIEWzrwM8MjW79Tvuyg2jXrT7mb2jIMPkcbKEIwRPo23sZx7Tow9BNDTBBPN_ig3I4xSGnbk5tihoUC4EiBJYvHgFGTPvYbkaKQTnNVwkZ0MwbFHi1hT5NtGTbsgNblnGxnp/s1600/IMG_5475_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbauI1NxGyuIEWzrwM8MjW79Tvuyg2jXrT7mb2jIMPkcbKEIwRPo23sZx7Tow9BNDTBBPN_ig3I4xSGnbk5tihoUC4EiBJYvHgFGTPvYbkaKQTnNVwkZ0MwbFHi1hT5NtGTbsgNblnGxnp/s640/IMG_5475_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In its prime, Route 66 took people from Chicago to L.A., or Santa Monica, California. While the road covered about 2,448 miles, we only drove a tiny portion between Kingman and Seligman, Arizona. Maybe some day we'll explore more of the Mother Road. It's amazing to see these small towns that once thrived. They're practically ghost towns today. Travelers gained an interstate to save a little driving time, and entire towns lost their livelihood. It's sort of sad.</div>
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<i>antique cars next to the <a href="http://www.hackberrygeneralstore.com/">Hackberry General Store</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAm9vi-8sYXifGVCm4lY2gfvmvXrXjy8BeKJlIkEKP-lugBN1ezwF_UvmVN_CDVs53Yqncdm4E0KMMcjSPpYmD_hLUx4l7UT5pAzrA2vOHpDZMuKG9e_g-66YgPpjOHTv6QDM2wPjMo76/s1600/IMG_5471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAm9vi-8sYXifGVCm4lY2gfvmvXrXjy8BeKJlIkEKP-lugBN1ezwF_UvmVN_CDVs53Yqncdm4E0KMMcjSPpYmD_hLUx4l7UT5pAzrA2vOHpDZMuKG9e_g-66YgPpjOHTv6QDM2wPjMo76/s640/IMG_5471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our Route 66 drive started in Kingman, Arizona. We then drove the stretch of historic Route 66 that veers away from I-40 and takes you through Hackberry, Truxton, Peach Springs, and ending in Seligman. I kept asking my husband to stop or pull over at each small town. Give yourself some extra time to just enjoy the scenery along the way.<br />
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<i>another shot from the Hackberry General Store</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvJTlPwziaWUM-rVqmc7zkMIdlHV3AJlK091-cQE5bxLwV_etoEPGEh7ePYzk-Crs4Ke-zTNGmG9Nm9pmJfyarW1cP3hQa11-DLjBPZPKrM0z_wgry5tXVcPUU2R109VcnwC5onHwzzUR/s1600/IMG_5472_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvJTlPwziaWUM-rVqmc7zkMIdlHV3AJlK091-cQE5bxLwV_etoEPGEh7ePYzk-Crs4Ke-zTNGmG9Nm9pmJfyarW1cP3hQa11-DLjBPZPKrM0z_wgry5tXVcPUU2R109VcnwC5onHwzzUR/s640/IMG_5472_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We would find beautiful old reminders of the towns that were once busy stops for travelers in the past. I loved seeing the old vintage signs from hotels or stores. It would have been fun to see them all lit up in neon welcoming weary travelers.<br />
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<i>beautiful old sign in <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-ghostsarizona66.html">Truxton, Arizona</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOjTHZJwkfdXwESaBstB7pX938LnuEfNbCQrom-GlLJMQdOmtCUHz_v5qSqDNxL2oJB_-8E8qAc1kt3b_S67yTg-FnC93MVyhuysqoHdbWfoLdGZTAyHLCiNQN4UARsk-T4g7y3a3-H7v/s1600/IMG_5489_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOjTHZJwkfdXwESaBstB7pX938LnuEfNbCQrom-GlLJMQdOmtCUHz_v5qSqDNxL2oJB_-8E8qAc1kt3b_S67yTg-FnC93MVyhuysqoHdbWfoLdGZTAyHLCiNQN4UARsk-T4g7y3a3-H7v/s640/IMG_5489_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There wasn't much traffic on the stretch of Route 66 that we drove. It was a little eerie being one of few cars on the road through forgotten Arizona, but it was nice being able to take our time without tailgaters or traffic jams.</div>
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<i>the open road</i></div>
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We came across a few places to stop along the way. Hackberry had a general store that was open to visitors. Truxton had a coffee stop and a beautiful old hotel sign. We unfortunately breezed through the town of Peach Springs before stopping in Seligman.</div>
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<i>this car was in front of <a href="http://www.seligmansundries.com/">Seligman Sundries</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OZmCHLhBmkPScDHTcq9GPbraZKI41XKTB3cbO4y21hxBF2Ak2GemqNeaQLbtkiQqP-kMQcGr8JGLDlBCoiCKh6j91UOFVwALuCmh1zSYR7FX8uKomcsP0A0zCLzdPhd12bYwQQL905Pz/s1600/IMG_5482_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OZmCHLhBmkPScDHTcq9GPbraZKI41XKTB3cbO4y21hxBF2Ak2GemqNeaQLbtkiQqP-kMQcGr8JGLDlBCoiCKh6j91UOFVwALuCmh1zSYR7FX8uKomcsP0A0zCLzdPhd12bYwQQL905Pz/s640/IMG_5482_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our one year old enjoyed the cars parked outside of <i><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g31353-d514629-Reviews-Delgadillos_Snow_Cap-Seligman_Arizona.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Delgadillo's Snow Cap</span></a></i> drive-in. We weren't hungry, so I cannot attest to the food, but we had some really great root beer floats while we were there. I highly recommend stopping! If you're pressed for time and can't drive much of Route 66, at least pop off of the interstate for a little stop in Seligman. You won't be disappointed.<br />
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<i>visit the pranksters at Delgadillo's Snow Cap</i></div>
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Today it's hard to get your kicks on an interstate while you're flying through at 70mph. You tend to miss some things along the way. Many of us take part in a trip and we're so focused on the destination that we miss experiencing the journey too. I guess that's part of living in our hurry-up society today. Driving Route 66 was a great reminder to slow down and take it all in while we drove.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever driven any of Route 66?</span></b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9oaiwHN0rOY%2FVZwu3gZVkjI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2FUbPm2wjMDIg%2Fs640%2FIMG_5487_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4704px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9oaiwHN0rOY%2FVZwu3gZVkjI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2FUbPm2wjMDIg%2Fs640%2FIMG_5487_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4704px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9oaiwHN0rOY%2FVZwu3gZVkjI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2FUbPm2wjMDIg%2Fs640%2FIMG_5487_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4704px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9oaiwHN0rOY%2FVZwu3gZVkjI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2FUbPm2wjMDIg%2Fs640%2FIMG_5487_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4704px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9oaiwHN0rOY%2FVZwu3gZVkjI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2FUbPm2wjMDIg%2Fs640%2FIMG_5487_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4704px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1455334441081128457%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9oaiwHN0rOY%2FVZwu3gZVkjI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2FUbPm2wjMDIg%2Fs640%2FIMG_5487_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=h2oi5aVkR1n1&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4704px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-26531687760469317662015-07-03T12:00:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:00:00.930-07:00Las Vegas with KidsWhen you think of Las Vegas, I'm sure that taking a one year old out on the strip isn't the first thing that comes to mind. After all of my visits to Sin City, I never imagined that I'd be there with my one year old son. That's exactly what happened when we tagged along on one of my husband's work trips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdy8ukhrxbVBXliWZhcn5pj6qKzyoxen3czqEYfyfRv6em-4jaLJL70jQqD2x3c3_QvBDKu5tD4MI1iyaMXTZEqy4N82z5NqXqxpBFS88VJEEI4J4G6x2_d3EYM2LC6QeYAb6S3eX96_j/s1600/IMG_5544_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdy8ukhrxbVBXliWZhcn5pj6qKzyoxen3czqEYfyfRv6em-4jaLJL70jQqD2x3c3_QvBDKu5tD4MI1iyaMXTZEqy4N82z5NqXqxpBFS88VJEEI4J4G6x2_d3EYM2LC6QeYAb6S3eX96_j/s640/IMG_5544_3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a little research, I found quite a few activities in Las Vegas that would be appropriate for a one year old. Depending on the age of your kids, there are other options to these suggestions as well. We stayed in a hotel off the strip, but it worked just fine for what we needed. We also had our own car, because we drove to Las Vegas. I think that made a big difference in what we could do.</div>
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Take Advantage of Free Valet at the Resorts!</b></span></u></i></div>
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I would highly recommend using the free valet parking at each casino if you drive to the casinos like we did. This was especially helpful to a mom with a one year old, diaper bag, and a stroller in tow. It was so nice to pull up, get out with our son and stroller, visit the casino, and then return to a cool car. I will gladly tip the valet over self-parking with very full arms any day. I believe it can be quite a walk to the self parking in some of the casino garages. Save yourself the trouble and valet.</div>
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<i>enjoying a gondola ride</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><b>Venetian gondola rides</b></u></i></span><br />
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On our first evening in Las Vegas, we visited the Venetian. It's fun how, with our one year old, we were able to experience some new things in Las Vegas. This was our first time riding the gondolas through the canals at the Venetian, and I can say it was fun for the whole family. Our gondolier was fantastic, we enjoyed the scenery, and the singing topped off a lovely ride. We enjoyed the indoor ride since outside was quite hot during our trip. If you go in cooler weather, the outdoor ride would be fun as well.<br />
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After the gondola ride, we strolled through the shops and found a place to eat that had an acceptable environment for a one year old. As badly as I wanted the <i><a href="http://www.venetian.com/restaurants/american/yardbird.html">Yardbird Southern Table & Bar</a></i> to work, it just wasn't a great place to eat with a child. We settled on dinner at I Love Burgers. The environment worked fine, but the food was just okay. Eating with a child in Las Vegas proved to be a tad tricky. Finding a family-friendly eatery with good tasting food proved to be even trickier.<br />
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garndens</b></span></u></i><br />
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On our first day without dad, we explored the <i><a href="https://www.bellagio.com/attractions/botanical-garden.aspx"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens</span></a></i>. This is, in my opinion, a must-see even without kids. The gardens change three times a year, and it's always fun to see what kind of creative display they come up with at the Bellagio. The best part, you can enjoy the gardens free of charge. Just walk past the lobby area, and you'll find yourself in the conservatory looking at beautiful displays of flowers and plants.<br />
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<i>just taking it all in...</i></div>
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Our one year old was in awe at the fish hanging from the ceiling. He exclaimed "wow" quite a few times while walking through the garden. We enjoyed the jellyfish, turtle, fish, and mermaid that were on display. I'd love to come back once they change the gardens for fall in September.<br />
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After visiting an attraction, we drove back to our hotel for an afternoon nap. I think visiting with small children would be more difficult without your own car, because it's very far to walk between casinos in Las Vegas. You would want to stick close to your resort if you were walking with children. If anyone can clue me in to the logistics of traveling in taxis with kids and car seats that would be eye opening!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><b>Town Square Las Vegas</b></u></i></span><br />
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Another great spot for kids in Las Vegas is the outdoor shopping area called <i><a href="http://www.mytownsquarelasvegas.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Town Square Las Vegas</span></a></i>. We didn't want to tackle another casino for dinner, so we left the strip for the evening. We ate at the <i><a href="http://www.mytownsquarelasvegas.com/restaurants/item/yard-house-2"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Yard House</span></a></i> and enjoyed the distractions on their outdoor patio. After dinner, we burned off a little steam in their park that overlooked airplanes landing at the airport.<br />
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We only went to Town Square Las Vegas for dinner, but you could spend an afternoon at their <a href="http://www.mytownsquarelasvegas.com/concierge/children-s-park"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">children's park</span></a>. If we go again, I know we'd pass some time there. You will find a treehouse, maze, and playhouse for your children to explore! If you have a car and can get off of the strip, you might want to try this.<br />
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay</b></span></u></i></div>
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Another great Las Vegas attraction with kids is the <i><a href="http://www.sharkreef.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Shark Reef Aquarium</span></a></i> at Mandalay Bay. We found all of the children in LV at the aquarium. It was definitely the place to be! There were a couple of people in scuba gear cleaning the reefs, and they were waving to the kids. I heard "wow" quite a few times while staring at all of the fish and sharks. It was a neat experience. The gift shop on the way out had some great stuff too. We left with a stuffed sea turtle to remember our visit.</div>
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Again, dining with a child in Las Vegas is tricky. Many of the restaurants with great food aren't exactly family friendly. Out of ideas, we dined at the Hard Rock Cafe. Our server was great, they had awesome crayons and notebooks for the kids, and the noise helped to drown out our one year old's yelling. However, we were disappointed by the food again. It's a great place for kids, but the food leaves a lot to be desired.<br />
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<i>we have a future drummer on our hands...</i></div>
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Even with mediocre food all was not lost, because we left the Hard Rock Cafe with a new pin for my collection and a "first Hard Rock t-shirt" for our son. Again, this is a great spot to see low-flying airplanes, and that is everything to a little boy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We survived Las Vegas with a one year old!</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Must-See Attractions:</span></b></i></div>
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The Bellagio gardens (<b>free</b>)</div>
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Venetian gondola ride</div>
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Mandalay aquarium</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Off of the Strip:</span></b></i></div>
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Town Square shopping area</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">For Older Kids Also Try:</span></b></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller#.VZHjqFwsZsg">High Roller</a></i> observation wheel at The Linq</div>
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(they even have family pricing)</div>
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<i><a href="http://hersheyschocolateworldlasvegas.com/">Hershey's Chocolate World</a></i> at New York, New York</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.newyorknewyork.com/attractions/the-roller-coaster.aspx">Big Apple Roller Coaster & Arcade</a></i> at New York, New York</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.excalibur.com/entertainment/tournament_of_kings.aspx">Tournament of Kings Dinner</a></i> at Excalibur</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.mirage.com/attractions/secret-garden.aspx">Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat</a></i> at Mirage</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Other Free Fun:</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.bellagio.com/attractions/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx">Fountains of Bellagio</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/caesars-atlantis-fountain/">Fall of Atlantis Fountain Show</a> at Caesar's Palace</div>
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<a href="http://www.mirage.com/attractions/volcano.aspx">Volcano eruption</a> nightly at Mirage</div>
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If we stay in Las Vegas again with our son, Mandalay Bay looks like a great place to stay with kids. The pool area has a wave pool and lazy river. You would also be within walking distance to a few other resorts and attractions that have options for kids. That area of the south strip has Excalibur, New York, New York, and the MGM. Depending on the age of your kids, you could walk to the Excalibur dinner show, New York roller coaster, and the MGM Rainforest Cafe.</div>
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Traveling with kids to Las Vegas can be tricky, but with a little effort you can make it work. You might even find some things they will love!</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-50257383627833428482015-07-01T12:00:00.000-07:002015-07-01T12:00:01.985-07:00Road Trip Across ArizonaThere's just something about a good road trip that brings a little excitement into life. You never know exactly what you're going to see. The scenery, weather, plant life, traffic, roadside attractions... they're always changing. The same drive can be completely different the next time you do it. The explorer inside of me jumps for joy every time there's an opportunity for a good road trip in our life!<br />
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<i>we spotted this beautiful ranch entrance gate outside of Wickenburg, Arizona</i></div>
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Just recently my husband had a work trip in Las Vegas, so naturally I decided to tag along with our one year old. We survived a cross country move with a 7 month old, so we can pretty much do anything now, right? The drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas really isn't that long, and it was so incredibly picturesque. It's worth experiencing at least once.<br />
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<i>we even drove through an area with some Joshua trees... so neat</i></div>
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Once we drove northwest of Phoenix, I couldn't help but realize there's so much of Arizona we really need to see! The landscape is so varied within this state. It's incredible that you can go from desert to Ponderosa pine forest in a few hours time. I know we had this image of endless desert in our heads, but Arizona is so much more than that. I promise.<br />
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<i>passing through Kingman and getting a taste of Route 66 history</i></div>
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After hours of driving, we were all in need of a little "pit stop", so we took a little detour from the highway in Kingman, AZ. We came across <i><a href="http://kingmanhistoricdistrict.com/points-of-interest/lewis-kingman/index.htm"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lewis Kingman Park</span></a></i>. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs, enjoy the lunches I had packed, and change a diaper. The park sits directly on a stretch of historic Route 66 that leads you right into downtown Kingman. We would be spending more time on Route 66 during our return trip from Las Vegas, so we passed through Kingman pretty quickly this time.<br />
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After getting back on U.S. Route 93, we noticed a few historical markers along the roadside. Curiosity got the best of us, and we stopped to read one of the signs. We learned that this stretch of the road drove us right near a few ghost towns that had once been booming mine towns of the Wild West. Mineral Park happens to be one of those towns. It was even the county seat at one point in the late 1800s. I hope to return some day and visit these Arizona ghost towns!</div>
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Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the view from an airplane. However, there's something special about seeing this land from a car. It's funny how sometimes we move, with such focus, towards a destination that we miss some special things along the way. A road trip is a great way to slow down a little bit and see some of the things we all too often miss when we're in a hurry.</div>
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Later this week I will be back with some tips on visiting Las Vegas with kids. I hope you'll come back! Happy Monday everyone.<br />
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<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_93_in_Arizona">U.S. Route 93 in Arizona</a></i></div>
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Arizona ghost towns:</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/mineralpark.html">Mineral Park</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-cerbat.html">Cerbat Mountain ghost towns</a></i></div>
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-2432881286087173312015-06-29T13:22:00.000-07:002015-06-29T13:22:45.699-07:00Snapshots from LifeThings have been busy around here for a while, but I guess that's life with a one year old. We have been running around and traveling. Isn't that what summer is for? I cannot believe it's already almost July. This spring/summer has flown!<br />
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I have so many photos that I haven't shared on Facebook or Instagram.</div>
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Some go back to about April of this year,</div>
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and some are more current as well.<br />
Here goes:</div>
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<i>Chase turned 1 year old and had a wonderful birthday party!</i></div>
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<i>He got some really fun toys... including a Thomas the Train!</i></div>
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<i>We went to Washington for my cousin's college graduation... and visited Seattle.</i></div>
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<i>Chase and Nicolette played near the Space Needle.</i></div>
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<i>I forced my husband to drive us by the <a href="http://www.filminamerica.com/Movies/10ThingsIHateAboutYou/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">10 Things I Hate About You house</span></a></i>. :-)</div>
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<i>We stayed at the <a href="http://www.hotelmuranotacoma.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Hotel Murano</span></a> in Tacoma during our visit.</i></div>
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<i>On Memorial Day, we attended a ceremony in downtown Gilbert.</i></div>
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<i>We spent a morning exploring the <a href="http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Boyce Thompson Arboretum</span></a> east of Phoenix.</i></div>
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<i>Chase loves his car! We've been trying to stay cool in this Arizona heat.</i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">What are your favorite things to do during summer?</span></b></i></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-74354405842687289742015-06-04T11:00:00.000-07:002015-06-04T11:00:02.639-07:00The Thrill of FlightWhat is it with boys and airplanes? It's actually most things that move, but there's a special love for airplanes in our little man's heart. His father is a pilot, so I guess he comes by it honestly. I swear we aren't even brainwashing our guy to love airplanes. He just does. For many months now, he has pointed to every single plane he spots overhead. He doesn't even need to see them. Just the sound of jet engines triggers him to look skyward. It's a fun thing to see your little one drawn to something that catches their fancy. Airplanes it is!<br />
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There's something fascinating about watching a giant metal bird soar through the open blue sky! I love birds of a feather, and my husband and son gravitate towards the metal ones. I'm still working on teaching our one year old a love for feather birds too. I need a birdwatching sidekick, you know.<br />
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What is it about these man made metal birds that keeps us interested? They're piloted by humans. That's a start. Many people dream of flying an airplane but never do. Some, that would be me, prefer sitting in a seat while a trained pilot does the job. Then there are those who actually do fly these crazy contraptions that seem to defy gravity each time they take flight. There's also the people who are amazed/frightened by the fact that anyone would set foot aboard a plane let alone do it themselves. Airplanes are cool. Plain and simple.<br />
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Fighter jets are a whole different animal. They maneuver like nothing you've seen. I think they fly more like birds than many of the other planes out there. Up, down, breaking away, almost vertical climbs. If you've ever been to an airshow you might have seen something like that. One day I'm sure we'll take our little guy to an airshow. I hope he's still in love with airplanes then, because I can't wait to see him stare in amazement.<br />
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My grandpa, who Chase unfortunately never got to meet, had his private pilot's license before he could drive a car. Although there are many, it's one of my favorite stories about him. He knew everything there was to know about all the older airplanes out there. There were times when his memory would just blow you away. This airplane had a fill-in-the-blank horsepower engine. That airplane flew in this-or-that war. I hope to pass on some of my grandpa's stories to our son. Maybe one day he'll understand that kind of passion for flying.<br />
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I wonder what a one year old imagines when they see an airplane flying through the sky. One may never know, but it sure is fun to see a smiling face. After three trips by airplane, I'm sure our little guy won't remember a single one of them. We'll have pictures to prove it though. He shouted plenty of "wow's" and made lots of jet engine sounds while taking off down the runway. One day he'll understand the physics behind an airplane's flight, and I hope he'll still be amazed.<br />
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If it wasn't 100 degrees when we visited the airport, we might have stayed all day. All I know is that if our boy gets excited by spotting an airplane soaring above, then we'll have many more trips to the airport in our near future. Heck, we'll probably go watch planes even if our one year old tires of it.<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455334441081128457.post-53030800615477084772015-06-03T14:43:00.002-07:002015-06-03T14:43:51.286-07:00Get CookingThere's nothing like a good home cooked meal to lift your spirits. Not that my spirits are in desperate need of lifting, but a tasty meal never hurts. I'm on a quest to find some good summer recipes to combat the Arizona heat. I just cooked some fantastic meatball-stuffed spaghetti squash, but let's be honest, having the oven on in 100 degree temperatures isn't the best of ideas.<br />
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If you're not hungry now,</div>
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you might be after looking at these images.</div>
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<i>spaghetti squash stuffed with meatballs</i></div>
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<i>sesame breaded chicken wraps with sriracha sauce</i></div>
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<i>mexican soup with chicken topped with avocado</i></div>
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Let's be real here...</div>
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Soup isn't a great idea in the summer heat either.</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Anyone have some good summer weather</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">recipes that they are willing to share?</span></b></i></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05396800149031526395noreply@blogger.com1