tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30132018040273600762024-02-18T22:10:52.461-08:00Love, JulieJulie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-28221476096739472202011-08-15T01:30:00.000-07:002011-08-15T01:30:00.470-07:00DIY To Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMjMAn2H-BCD8bNa7ba4DMPRjYwIAnOv8WNNvM_TML_ByNYQmjcJ1bl539c4vFO2PFz3vVAiwiZ4tzdpfuGWW5lUnf1kSgL91RsSaZcZ0jNKNEFrKqvxyJbnYL4jcuaG4fhu4qEy2YhCi/s1600/Vase+DIY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMjMAn2H-BCD8bNa7ba4DMPRjYwIAnOv8WNNvM_TML_ByNYQmjcJ1bl539c4vFO2PFz3vVAiwiZ4tzdpfuGWW5lUnf1kSgL91RsSaZcZ0jNKNEFrKqvxyJbnYL4jcuaG4fhu4qEy2YhCi/s1600/Vase+DIY.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Greece people love to drink Fanta from a pretty glass bottles, sitting at a table looking out on the street. I was describing this do it yourself vase project from <a href="http://thecolorfullivingproject.blogspot.com/2011/05/spray-bottles-diy-project-part-one.html">The Colorful Living Project</a> to my mom as we sat at a table just like this and we realized the Fanta bottles we had been looking at all through Greece and Turkey would be perfect for this project. The problem was getting 10 glass Fanta bottles into my carry-on and through three airports and three plane rides. My dad said I was out of my mind but I was determined to bring them home. In the end I may have over packed, pulled a few stitches out of the handle of the bag Sarah lent me, and cried in airport security but I now have 10 Fanta bottles sitting on the table in my apartment, waiting to be painted!</div><br />
Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-79314654424147120702011-08-11T02:00:00.000-07:002011-08-11T02:00:00.779-07:00Happy Birthday Abby<table><tbody>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEtHx9YFoPTAUzeDA_fAYp6qHwzLt6BCTEZMb8V3oDX24_Tr3uZRqqzfyktM3ECc_V7ztVerhG01YJacOVKVhSoyhLbBvMpugzXOAH5Yc-XtuZoVniATGnRwJ8FUb905TefmSENQ6EAeG/s1600/e+%252B+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEtHx9YFoPTAUzeDA_fAYp6qHwzLt6BCTEZMb8V3oDX24_Tr3uZRqqzfyktM3ECc_V7ztVerhG01YJacOVKVhSoyhLbBvMpugzXOAH5Yc-XtuZoVniATGnRwJ8FUb905TefmSENQ6EAeG/s400/e+%252B+a.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br />
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</tbody></table>Today <a href="http://juliedmonds.blogspot.com/2011/04/meet-abby.html">Abby </a>turns two and I feel as surprised as I imagine parents feel about their own children getting older. I have been watching Abby she was a month and half and I can't believe Sunday I am going to her second birthday party, complete with pony rides and a petting zoo.<br />
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At the end of August I start working in the classroom to finish up my teaching credential and that means the end of my full days with Abby. I am happy to get started teaching and doing a real life job but I can't imagine days without playgrounds and picnic lunches and grilled cheese three days in a row. Just look at those little hands, she is so cute I don't know how I will leave.Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-82308506605500743432011-08-08T01:30:00.000-07:002011-08-08T01:30:03.653-07:00Weekend Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeAtDxgOqy_aIFCxdturKOudFsWj_-5XZ7txsxB84FM82FGmRlyXNwawTZ6xUH-ufEoTqy9OMJTc8pqYgPyTLOSimMgf912eDByBosvHS1u6tKDb-z8wSdHaXbyEeKnOrUy1WsQbtyJaI/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeAtDxgOqy_aIFCxdturKOudFsWj_-5XZ7txsxB84FM82FGmRlyXNwawTZ6xUH-ufEoTqy9OMJTc8pqYgPyTLOSimMgf912eDByBosvHS1u6tKDb-z8wSdHaXbyEeKnOrUy1WsQbtyJaI/s320/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Friday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- got my bangs cut so I can finally see clearly -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- quick road trip with Lizzie and Mitchell to Santa Cruz to see my grandparents on their summer trip to the beach -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- At 4:00 I realized I forgot my clothes for our engagement photos at 4:30 -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Cried and called my dad -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Met my dad exactly half way to my house, got my clothes, made it only ten minutes late -my dad is the best -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Slightly cold, but very fun photo session on the beach -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- French toast and a chocolate malt at the Santa Cruz Diner to end the day- </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Saturday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Banana pancakes and eggs at Stacks with Mitchell and my dad -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Back to Santa Cruz for the day-<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Sunday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Sat on my balcony to eat breakfast and soak up the sun -<br />
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- Second breakfast/lunch with Mitchell's sister and parents - <br />
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- San Francisco to get a tour of the Presidio by our fabulous caterer -<br />
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- take out Chinese - the best way to end a busy weekend - <br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">The only way to sum up this weekend is by saying, I clearly eat a lot of breakfast foods...</span></div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-59925002672498644382011-08-05T09:11:00.000-07:002011-08-05T09:11:36.391-07:00Lucky Winner!I am here to announce the lucky winner of the stamp (or mini stamps!) from Cupcake Tree - chrissy from <a href="http://www.theperfectpalette.com/">The Perfect Palette</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCw0qwqGVeJvxt8Jg9wOhyphenhyphennb59UXa57P69k-zHXY1Oe0OJcw3iAwapC6OBsWL1wq8_9J1J23XjJM0QbAZ5kTTJ41gCjmjjZYCOK1KH6K6XI5I_C_s6md0vzhHXHqkyoiX9qRMe7PoY7jr/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCw0qwqGVeJvxt8Jg9wOhyphenhyphennb59UXa57P69k-zHXY1Oe0OJcw3iAwapC6OBsWL1wq8_9J1J23XjJM0QbAZ5kTTJ41gCjmjjZYCOK1KH6K6XI5I_C_s6md0vzhHXHqkyoiX9qRMe7PoY7jr/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Thank for entering everyone!</span></div><br />
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</dd></dl>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-32941899463600241652011-08-04T06:43:00.000-07:002011-08-04T06:43:02.861-07:00Photographer LoveEven before I got engaged I knew one of the most important things at my wedding would be the photographer. Everyone says the day flies by so it was important to me to have great photos I can look back on to remember the day. As soon as we found our venue and date I started doing excessive research into photographers and met with a few in the area. I was hesitant to commit to any of them until we met with<a href="http://portfolio.jamesmoes.com/"> James Moes</a> and instantly fell in love with his photos.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFyeX9PIOqWI4auP5R8yfsL7GV9oH01fdbjwE5wE1EgDPP6flwUxdIFSJVHYvrlOizIrj7qjypfSywzNyopZMBtnLdqWFVETG955sk0se2yECoGYxX6h1OF5aytUcuhI_z_l9NM0oAB9/s1600/hs-wedding-319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFyeX9PIOqWI4auP5R8yfsL7GV9oH01fdbjwE5wE1EgDPP6flwUxdIFSJVHYvrlOizIrj7qjypfSywzNyopZMBtnLdqWFVETG955sk0se2yECoGYxX6h1OF5aytUcuhI_z_l9NM0oAB9/s640/hs-wedding-319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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We are so excited to have an official photographer and to take our engagement photos this Friday! Here are so more of James' amazing photos so you can see how easy it was to make the decision to have him shoot our wedding day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ut9xYQ_ICmt9EnCyL3aAbw4tt0GRTuXUmSOuuLzFBMzR89cMplYc0TNf5wi6sstWHQZfG9mpv8Ooh82PYl33Wh8qB_i1hbLOgoz-6406OZMQdAxuQTaFCs5ZDuzXq6Hb_b2eVUbU2ow5/s1600/re-jamesmoes-blog-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ut9xYQ_ICmt9EnCyL3aAbw4tt0GRTuXUmSOuuLzFBMzR89cMplYc0TNf5wi6sstWHQZfG9mpv8Ooh82PYl33Wh8qB_i1hbLOgoz-6406OZMQdAxuQTaFCs5ZDuzXq6Hb_b2eVUbU2ow5/s640/re-jamesmoes-blog-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4A1WMlHHNnyu2C2syD_jBvpTPx91IeI_QFTwYkwiK-OMCdMjlneuyEQNzHQOK41oEXBv2bF0uh4L7Yceqn9rcBY6Hj6yz4zL4wEo0__hScY5KKM1rMauuBcFdh9FFaahSEEH7YavZdmG/s1600/dh-portraits-093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4A1WMlHHNnyu2C2syD_jBvpTPx91IeI_QFTwYkwiK-OMCdMjlneuyEQNzHQOK41oEXBv2bF0uh4L7Yceqn9rcBY6Hj6yz4zL4wEo0__hScY5KKM1rMauuBcFdh9FFaahSEEH7YavZdmG/s640/dh-portraits-093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEqGGJMePE_UbzUuRgWRLb5dkHSjG4oJcHVQhCHSgeZvmNP8Z74X1iK2YMGGVQm5DzVYCrhlGS0F__d6leqK0QQ_hVQQ6JEip5cqAqL7UrcUyg4tJKseayegFYCPAaOpYBlQjtg6W_USI/s1600/lukas-natalie-engage-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEqGGJMePE_UbzUuRgWRLb5dkHSjG4oJcHVQhCHSgeZvmNP8Z74X1iK2YMGGVQm5DzVYCrhlGS0F__d6leqK0QQ_hVQQ6JEip5cqAqL7UrcUyg4tJKseayegFYCPAaOpYBlQjtg6W_USI/s640/lukas-natalie-engage-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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P.S. I know I said I would pick the winner for my <a href="http://juliedmonds.blogspot.com/2011/07/stamp-giveaway.html">stamp giveaway</a> today but I am giving everyone one more day to enter! So if you haven't entered yet, hurry up!Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-50862272285072917662011-08-02T01:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T01:00:02.773-07:00All About Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F0D_0jI12RkMWlan3Bj95O3rDn-AzZrFo76qYS0HeyzM61xJkKDAODtVxXyMZrTFsGTzHCG9Yxg8kpM3fupSUe1FUT2xCBlOV3VdEU5srOkQqd7Pbx2J7gccP76cDfG92qAEXWOILOsW/s1600/all+about+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F0D_0jI12RkMWlan3Bj95O3rDn-AzZrFo76qYS0HeyzM61xJkKDAODtVxXyMZrTFsGTzHCG9Yxg8kpM3fupSUe1FUT2xCBlOV3VdEU5srOkQqd7Pbx2J7gccP76cDfG92qAEXWOILOsW/s400/all+about+us.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br />
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I gave Mitchell this funny little book a few years ago for some valentine's day or anniversary or another and we have had so much fun filling it out since! It is a 113 page book fun of questions you and your loved one can fill out and laugh at each others answers. We haven't finished filling it out yet because every time we start I have so much fun I make us stop after a few pages so we have more to do later! Here are some questions and our answers:<br />
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<div style="color: #e06666;">What would you like to outlaw in your relationship?</div>Mitchell: crying<br />
Julie: cell phones<br />
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<div style="color: #e06666;">What is happiness?</div>Mitchell: no worries<br />
Julie: chickens, pizza, Mitchell, my mom, cats<br />
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<div style="color: #e06666;">Thing or person you would like to be in your next life</div>Mitchell: pro-athlete (quarterback for the SF 49ers)<br />
Julie: PenguinJulie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-50870281211592383422011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-01T07:00:48.465-07:00Weekend Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKwtl2wkuEaz4hPdDCWcHVwKfT30OXjAW1gxeEsFrN9KPX9oZVylj15qsBSXewo2tt4zRUB2Bh8lxnV-jDVe2lrbpIIIo4m9WY4HvIq7QW-Rs_x-LZPr2gjk2VYyDUMTendyOCryF0eHw/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKwtl2wkuEaz4hPdDCWcHVwKfT30OXjAW1gxeEsFrN9KPX9oZVylj15qsBSXewo2tt4zRUB2Bh8lxnV-jDVe2lrbpIIIo4m9WY4HvIq7QW-Rs_x-LZPr2gjk2VYyDUMTendyOCryF0eHw/s320/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Friday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- lunch with Mitchell and his friends at work - <a href="http://juliedmonds.blogspot.com/2011/04/meet-abby.html">Abby </a>was the life of the party -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- two year olds are the best because sometimes they sleep three hours and so can you - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- tried my first oyster shooter, chased it with a few glasses of champagne - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Saturday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- morning walk to Starbucks for coffee and breakfast - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- talked about our future dream house during a trip to the pottery barn and restoration hardware - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Winnie the Pooh with Abby -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pizza my Heat for dinner - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- too many episodes of Toddlers and Tiaras - those girls are <i>crazy </i>- </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Sunday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- woke up early and made a healthy breakfast of oatmeal with soy milk - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- went to my parents house and ate a second breakfast of not as healthy, eggs, bacon, and croissants with my family- </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- engagement photo outfit shopping with Sarah with no luck finding just the right dress - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- wedding dress shopping with tons of luck finding <i>just the right dress!!</i> -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">p.s. how do you all like my new big, yellow buttons over there on the right? The fabulous, Jillian from </span><a href="http://www.cornflakedreams.com/" style="color: #e06666;">cornflake dreams</a><span style="color: #ea9999;"> made them for me :)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-74555328272221570502011-07-30T04:30:00.000-07:002011-07-30T04:30:00.139-07:00Happy Weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq9guyjNirZGfvYqMiyHfnPqUfyKIarHTFAlJtRtTmN39v-__5ABunlwIH41K59Ii4aT4rj78Tpdm2T-kQH0Yeyx1FYaLXLm0P3Rxx9B4FrU9DpHcqmlnLi-rNnEXQ0LhLsHEremyBXGP/s1600/umbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq9guyjNirZGfvYqMiyHfnPqUfyKIarHTFAlJtRtTmN39v-__5ABunlwIH41K59Ii4aT4rj78Tpdm2T-kQH0Yeyx1FYaLXLm0P3Rxx9B4FrU9DpHcqmlnLi-rNnEXQ0LhLsHEremyBXGP/s1600/umbrella.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I just wanted to do a quick post today to wish everyone a very happy weekend and apologize to anyone who tried to comment on my posts yesterday, I am having some trouble with Blogger and it was only letting the author of the blog (me!) leave comments. Anyway, its all fixed up so comment away! I hope everyone has wonderful plans for a wonderful weekend!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, don't forget, you only have a few days to enter my <a href="http://juliedmonds.blogspot.com/2011/07/stamp-giveaway.html">stamp giveaway</a>!</span></div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-6002145004410381692011-07-29T16:00:00.000-07:002011-07-29T16:00:30.606-07:00IPhone Photos of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmLJkPEFDRL7zDe6qKRinNK8i2WcT_QxKIXIFibTl6Kb33ZcUy85fzoJHHzNSaLf18oY9EgpHyWYixRO7S68htXYebb31CFhlHfYDW5Ca6iVj0WDGCXuw_bQNKsR42ekuTMxk4BTVV4Yz/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmLJkPEFDRL7zDe6qKRinNK8i2WcT_QxKIXIFibTl6Kb33ZcUy85fzoJHHzNSaLf18oY9EgpHyWYixRO7S68htXYebb31CFhlHfYDW5Ca6iVj0WDGCXuw_bQNKsR42ekuTMxk4BTVV4Yz/s1600/collage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #e06666; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Hope everyone is having a fantastic Friday and has plans to have a wonderful weekend!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-50140755137922014582011-07-27T09:50:00.000-07:002011-07-27T10:02:29.608-07:00Deep Dark Secrets<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wgAHkX62A9lHhn16MqLysWdgkYNRf5wkYIRxHwbEAtIDWMv-Ex2T36sqBlVl-lPy3GfWv4E4J-2R1s0yxnYts2fKkGZAAvk8YDCmokG2xZOx4InOESefaEH0wutbfvTemHQEoHPuwXur/s1600/secret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wgAHkX62A9lHhn16MqLysWdgkYNRf5wkYIRxHwbEAtIDWMv-Ex2T36sqBlVl-lPy3GfWv4E4J-2R1s0yxnYts2fKkGZAAvk8YDCmokG2xZOx4InOESefaEH0wutbfvTemHQEoHPuwXur/s400/secret.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.kissthegroom.com/2010/12/a-sweet-secret/">kiss the groom photography</a>}</td></tr>
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I recently told one of my best friends (hey tay!) about Love, Julie for the first time. She loved it, of course but I was apprehensive about first telling her because I don't tell just everyone about my blog. My family reads it and most of my friends by now but when acquaintances ask about it, I get a little embarrassed and I am not quite sure how to answer the questions, "What do you write about?", or "How do you have time to do that", or, "Isn't it weird talking to people you don't even know?"<br />
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Another part of this is the fact that I am not quite sure I am ready for everyone I have ever met to know my opinion on rose pink peonies, my etsy wish list, and my love of dessert crepes. I guess it is sort of like when you invite two different groups of friends to a party and when they all arrive you don't know how to act because you act differently with different groups of people... Maybe that's just me...<br />
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Anyway, I wrote this because I want to know about you. Do you tell everyone about your blog, attach it to your personal facebook, sign every email you send with the url? Or do you write mostly for yourself and keep your blog completely separate from your "real world" life?<br />
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<div style="color: #f4cccc; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to find out!!!</span></div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-19825991372274755372011-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-26T06:40:55.597-07:00Our Engagement PartyMy parents and Mitchell's parents threw us a fabulous engagement party this weekend in my parents backyard. My college friends (and bridesmaids) from San Diego flew in for the party and weekend and we invited a whole backyard of family and friends to celebrate with us!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4rphsNcVZHhOXs2od1A65FkcWK4L2V33NhhMMritD0RxGYkOfdxhvGlWdajlA1xSYFWKHl8qHCg8SXufQRiSJxLyAkr8XsmbaJUpG64D9JD_FYtz0rPJgHFq6xxPzz9iad24uHHjPA8Z/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4rphsNcVZHhOXs2od1A65FkcWK4L2V33NhhMMritD0RxGYkOfdxhvGlWdajlA1xSYFWKHl8qHCg8SXufQRiSJxLyAkr8XsmbaJUpG64D9JD_FYtz0rPJgHFq6xxPzz9iad24uHHjPA8Z/s640/DSC_0115.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitchell and me with my Grandma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The morning of the party we went to the Saratoga Farmers Market and picked up flowers for all the tables</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPgvRi68pW9I8t_jxYnrHUquXUYtILmzOoOl3CvFQH_VUlguVFx53AeA6j5TAu2zuflmL_sE1zriGj4qBCBmDTEam9o6ATkUYq53Qh1-3mLuEB8b-L6DGtegDdcGtDtf49AcWpIHENi1X/s1600/Engagment+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPgvRi68pW9I8t_jxYnrHUquXUYtILmzOoOl3CvFQH_VUlguVFx53AeA6j5TAu2zuflmL_sE1zriGj4qBCBmDTEam9o6ATkUYq53Qh1-3mLuEB8b-L6DGtegDdcGtDtf49AcWpIHENi1X/s640/Engagment+party.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting the chickens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bridesmaids!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mFbo99zLHuPy-EDlsIbjYv7kmptGNBouTgDcJknH1MigC9uqqL-Z2bnwKkGttQpmEQ4wl_QB-qBElobNHqtY2Oa03-gb1NKnGvPMX9VEdbjNElnVqVibXKQi-eBQxYfXvB1OLvJW-li4/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mFbo99zLHuPy-EDlsIbjYv7kmptGNBouTgDcJknH1MigC9uqqL-Z2bnwKkGttQpmEQ4wl_QB-qBElobNHqtY2Oa03-gb1NKnGvPMX9VEdbjNElnVqVibXKQi-eBQxYfXvB1OLvJW-li4/s640/DSC_0130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5InQJ7M-JOQgsFWUFG8b2sRK6xgt19GbPsGyHmthyissLiJmgMZfmLd4UDJ2bQIdbWgMY8M7SdfCGXpbOovlGsVLLVM8fkdrYaN4FfsTAGFnrZdwiK5C4og-g6xC_Kq9fqaZ_MxxMI_P/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5InQJ7M-JOQgsFWUFG8b2sRK6xgt19GbPsGyHmthyissLiJmgMZfmLd4UDJ2bQIdbWgMY8M7SdfCGXpbOovlGsVLLVM8fkdrYaN4FfsTAGFnrZdwiK5C4og-g6xC_Kq9fqaZ_MxxMI_P/s640/DSC_0119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Sorry about the picture overload post, I usually try to keep them to a minimum but Mitchell and I both had such an amazing day and weekend, I couldn't help share it all! So many people we loved could come to the party, the backyard looked like a dream (I wish it were big enough for the wedding!), and it was so nice seeing my friends for the first time since we have gotten engaged. I can't wait for more wedding fun!Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-57312595127442787332011-07-25T07:52:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:53:39.426-07:00Weekend Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5sfgGKrUlm3mzh4uGVlnnAnqU1hCEEARH37GuJs60kc7b2JN2kZo4r2UouXkSMoYXd0rwNj2S9uj1GjEGUp3ZnyTk8ykM5gjziM8-7mTKQgq5_yjK12hx3z1lYbILgQ6yKB6Z-uAdSSV/s1600/sarah.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5sfgGKrUlm3mzh4uGVlnnAnqU1hCEEARH37GuJs60kc7b2JN2kZo4r2UouXkSMoYXd0rwNj2S9uj1GjEGUp3ZnyTk8ykM5gjziM8-7mTKQgq5_yjK12hx3z1lYbILgQ6yKB6Z-uAdSSV/s320/sarah.PNG" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztdAs_6EgDaxRQIj2xGsYrp24qpwgq-YTt3JSbgO8L8gL1xkUwo1FEUbALfb080DyXNEZXYG5TAarZ3A8AnL3TlNJhCRGMW1kc59DCfvl9QMj6CKyssCe77xHkU8Ut6LxG1E71MRO14LJ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Friday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- fantastic day off - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- quality time with my college roommate titty (yeah. titty.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- banana pancakes and omelets at Stacks, of course</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- last minute party errands - way too many trips to party city -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Strawberry-banana Orange Julius smoothies -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Power nap -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Happy hour margaritas and sweet potato fries at Elephant Bar -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- pick up more friends and bridesmaids, Taylor and Kelsy, from the airport - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Downtown Campbell fun - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Saturday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Early morning trip to the Saratoga farmers market for flowers for the party - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Party set up/ flower arranging - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pizza my heart slice and a shirt - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Trip to visit Mitchell's family and cat, Dre -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- four girls, one shower, one blow dryer, one mirror equals strict getting ready stations -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Wonderful engagement party with family and friends! -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Sunday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Sunday-funday mimosa brunch - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Second breakfast of banana cake - </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Airport trip number one -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Killed time by eating hotdogs and beer -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Food comma, obviously -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Airport trip number 2 -</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Asleep by 8:45 -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">I hope you had a weekend as wonderful as I did, I can't wait to show you some pictures from the party and weekend soon!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-86474614872675621962011-07-22T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-22T07:40:28.853-07:00Today is a Fabulous Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eUboKdXKB1ki9xsw3zSELCZ8Ev035RbQwrSZ3EiuDnaZIeN0JCOibBHmItlpydeyQD_qD1Y1VE3jMgkBaSkh2f8rIgaLmLGPzxB36RhAzYV9WCE69XcTpwoujXhkJVMS2B8uy4bgc48M/s640/happy.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://abirdtoldme.blogspot.com/2011/02/dont-sit-under-apple-tree.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">{image}</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today is wonderful because:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have the day off - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Tomorrow is our engagement party -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- We are having a world famous, totally delicious, banana cake from <a href="http://www.icingonthecakebakery.com/index.php">Icing on the Cake</a> to celebrate -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- My friends (and bridesmaids) are flying from San Diego tonight -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- I haven't seen them since I got engaged so I get to show off my new ring :) -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-50834642088562318992011-07-21T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-21T07:11:33.602-07:00Stamp Giveaway!!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am so excited to announce an exciting giveaway from the etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cupcaketree">Cupcake Tree</a>! I featured her adorable, hand carved stamps on the blog and she has generously offered to give a lucky winner one full sized stamp or three mini stamps! Here are my pick for favorites but check out her shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cupcaketree">here </a>for her huge collection, she has stamps of everything you can imagine!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iZBt2a6JloWNXUo7GUvyGqP0pTbb4po5NrIxqz1Cnz-a8VBmfLwpSaPs4DVNXT5A740QSP-lPmukk4eC-NLFcpkJltT6DDP72tyfePcI5fsy3pvu4XIYELr3Claf9IMX6GRMObJGXqjm/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iZBt2a6JloWNXUo7GUvyGqP0pTbb4po5NrIxqz1Cnz-a8VBmfLwpSaPs4DVNXT5A740QSP-lPmukk4eC-NLFcpkJltT6DDP72tyfePcI5fsy3pvu4XIYELr3Claf9IMX6GRMObJGXqjm/s640/collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ways to Enter:</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><b>Entry 1 (mandatory)</b> </span>: Be a follower of Love, Julie - if you aren't click the <i>Let's be Friends</i> button on the upper right side of the page and join the club - we're fun!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Entry 2 </b>: Visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cupcaketree">Cupcake Tree</a> and tell us the stamp (or mini stamps!) you would choose if you win!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Entry 3</b> : Favorite <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cupcaketree">Cupcake Tree</a> on Etsy</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's three ways to enter - make sure you leave a separate comment for each and don't forget to add your email!</span> <span style="font-size: large;">The giveaway will end in two weeks so you have until August 4th to enter!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-82172811720867048002011-07-20T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-20T06:30:06.080-07:00What I Wish I Were Wearing Wednesday<div style="height: 500px; position: relative; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/engament_party/set?.embedder=2317498&.mid=embed&id=34262911"><img alt="Engament Party" border="0" force="1" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/34262911/id/9qndJkmy4BGERFFepH-38A/size/x.jpg" title="Engament Party" width="500" /></a></div><br />
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<div><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2317498&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=37529059" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://cf1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/37529059.jpg" title="White top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2317498&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=36734827" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://cf1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/36734827.jpg" title="J Crew vintage long skirt" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2317498&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=35544570" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://cf2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/35544570.jpg" title="Floral pattern shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2317498&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=31180653" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://cf2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/31180653.jpg" title="Michael Kors bezel jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=2317498&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=36428222" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://cf2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/36428222.jpg" title="Kendra Scott cocktail earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div><br />
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Saturday is Mitchell and my engagement party (exciting!!) and this is what I wish I wearing. I love the light coral of the skirt and the anthropology sandals go perfectly! And I know I have used this watch on past Wednesday outfits but this one is in rose gold and is very high up on my wish list right now!<br />
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What I will actually be wearing Saturday has not actually been decided, are there rules to what one wears to her own engagement party? <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Happy Wednesday everyone, celebrate that we are half way through the week!!</span></div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-48423372838403627312011-07-19T07:12:00.000-07:002011-07-19T09:14:23.086-07:00Weekend Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDnHw_FBUlF93glgfJgOM1iqRlsVGiHVZ-71ZXnAkyVqb5Vwk3HldtuPShLIqHVRmpOnq13p3J50L-qPyEh9gx-aous-ttww4aaFPDwlpaxl2gHt1IdImTeO8kQ9eXQR3okv7zgScryGG/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfdTzIeG1wzM9JcUAjOlp9JtyFPcei7PlALi1VowY7nNby-JmyNN4k8eHFnJGSzWjz_NbLPF8br56PC-CLwB804Uj4pcMK6QzMzcDSiRvZ7Lm3pjv8ZgGHLInmb3rAbY7PTgO-H4u8aX0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfdTzIeG1wzM9JcUAjOlp9JtyFPcei7PlALi1VowY7nNby-JmyNN4k8eHFnJGSzWjz_NbLPF8br56PC-CLwB804Uj4pcMK6QzMzcDSiRvZ7Lm3pjv8ZgGHLInmb3rAbY7PTgO-H4u8aX0/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Friday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Nachos and individual champagne bottles after work with Sarah -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Hotel party with some friends from SLO -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Los Gatos fun - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Saturday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Quick walk to downtown Campbell -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Scrambled eggs at Stacks - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Tag team apartment cleaning session - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Home depot trip to buy boxwoods for the balcony -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Afternoon nap - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Coronas and chips and salsa at Aquis - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">:: Sunday ::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Late sleep in morning -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Starbucks chai latte and iced coffee -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Wedding planning with my mom - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-75117491360652786352011-07-18T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-18T07:59:33.773-07:00California Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbK1Eo1yYWKc8h11J-7jpeIVU9JchaOE4hTVaMMrXS_MlNFpzCxt2qSSaC4I_DUjnY6XrP3InMIQGVQQiGwrTrpb-wpNJedQKxKjv9E5K78uB0pHH1dahSHZSt8yvpoQpdZdbxww9ZBKN/s1600/california.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbK1Eo1yYWKc8h11J-7jpeIVU9JchaOE4hTVaMMrXS_MlNFpzCxt2qSSaC4I_DUjnY6XrP3InMIQGVQQiGwrTrpb-wpNJedQKxKjv9E5K78uB0pHH1dahSHZSt8yvpoQpdZdbxww9ZBKN/s400/california.JPG" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check me out <a href="http://www.whereweloveishome.com/2011/07/guest-post-love-julie.html">here </a>on Joelle's fabulous blog, <a href="http://www.whereweloveishome.com/">Love is Home,</a> talking about just a few of the things that make California the.best.state.ever.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh1HVkfA26-xG58KGE_ueBRg2hClmnQY0t6nq1YrR3Kr9GarLAin8BW4drDgELawtBRwFnPE0fuC3xmFX6t1d7MH6gF4nnJQtP-cY1w6ZX-XAdI21kKHrPJLB5vnZ0Fc4bKUJDhXNjruT/s1600/california.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-13825727246746384622011-07-15T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-15T06:30:00.260-07:00Things to Love Friday<span style="font-size: large;">I am back from Greece and Turkey with a brand new list of things I am loving Friday. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUoNE5ee2o4XEgyLyvUPphl1v4ZFqSF__kpH8CFkNEsDQLp8D0LaBmQSjFXF7X94sEIWbQKPtJ89ECHJB5P8ARK_InrYnyqZBtAcrAUbFSfRoXiePtp-1rnavVaR-QTsSZGu5KhtUfx2u/s1600/prettygirlwithhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUoNE5ee2o4XEgyLyvUPphl1v4ZFqSF__kpH8CFkNEsDQLp8D0LaBmQSjFXF7X94sEIWbQKPtJ89ECHJB5P8ARK_InrYnyqZBtAcrAUbFSfRoXiePtp-1rnavVaR-QTsSZGu5KhtUfx2u/s640/prettygirlwithhat.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty Girls in <span style="color: #ffd966;">Fun, Summer</span> Fedoras </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVy1g4u1o4Kgs3liHVLYIgfzxmeyahIWXtGQhdKhnPNc2NshPTCegNMGmiB8eCaf9i4q_MH6LCEToTHL1PSMmQLE9oML8nZlKNIZ13c81PjsttUIEyHjO99di1V7vhpZ43DIXQcRmKXoca/s1600/greek+yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVy1g4u1o4Kgs3liHVLYIgfzxmeyahIWXtGQhdKhnPNc2NshPTCegNMGmiB8eCaf9i4q_MH6LCEToTHL1PSMmQLE9oML8nZlKNIZ13c81PjsttUIEyHjO99di1V7vhpZ43DIXQcRmKXoca/s640/greek+yogurt.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Greek Yogurt with <span style="color: #ffd966;">Fruit</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{I ate this in Greece almost every day and now I can't get enough! It is delicious with fruit, honey, nuts, or maple syrup and oh.so good for you!}</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglxOTDqR7Ln_MSJpEBZtANYmEyy7b4ww7BNazwQ_Vo_zjPx77I2UQ-oJ0zDwExHtwGRkWymt5ruY0QsrNWrQazgNQt9CjK5JR0r7HhaWBWd8Ze559V4lveGjJ6TuqE6f88zUwPmE5Rn5L/s1600/magnolias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglxOTDqR7Ln_MSJpEBZtANYmEyy7b4ww7BNazwQ_Vo_zjPx77I2UQ-oJ0zDwExHtwGRkWymt5ruY0QsrNWrQazgNQt9CjK5JR0r7HhaWBWd8Ze559V4lveGjJ6TuqE6f88zUwPmE5Rn5L/s400/magnolias.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bold </b>Magnolia Center Pieces </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBmWCTTLrSs3yzn-9lXzAYq3ypW2kI4auBR5kLX6leESCDaGvLggMUG5vkFeeGqGma-2suptheCQHMUPEXq4GO_K27wOmE6gvNnLMUUxahH_gie8t57nhSVXxu1VDTblmjntVRm5mNT6o/s1600/ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBmWCTTLrSs3yzn-9lXzAYq3ypW2kI4auBR5kLX6leESCDaGvLggMUG5vkFeeGqGma-2suptheCQHMUPEXq4GO_K27wOmE6gvNnLMUUxahH_gie8t57nhSVXxu1VDTblmjntVRm5mNT6o/s400/ring.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Adorable<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Big Top</span> </span>Ring</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1VjcIoPxLn6fpV_mo2OjBxuFKqrotpr-HgqcDpk19fPZlykPpqJmBy5bnsfneUh2JEOqrb_TB3rvdTXOZ2Iv7MXB0Ka7kdfaaWp0uvtglN8BtARw88bHf37d7a6avhg9Lf-rISiL7Lvq/s1600/baby+nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1VjcIoPxLn6fpV_mo2OjBxuFKqrotpr-HgqcDpk19fPZlykPpqJmBy5bnsfneUh2JEOqrb_TB3rvdTXOZ2Iv7MXB0Ka7kdfaaWp0uvtglN8BtARw88bHf37d7a6avhg9Lf-rISiL7Lvq/s640/baby+nursery.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Baby's Room So Cute I Wish I Lived There</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a wonderfully relaxing week and spent plenty of hours sleeping and soaking up some quality time with Mitchell. I can't wait to get back to blogging next week and start to share some wedding plans and details as get ready to really start planning! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday and a spectacular weekend!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Images: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.<a href="http://kimberlymy.tumblr.com/post/7494401717"> kimberlymy</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/going-greek.html">in the little red house</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/goodthings/big-blooms-on-a-small-budget?&backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/spring-good-things#slide_16">martha stewart weddings</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. <a href="http://oldgoldboutique.com/shop/circo-de-bango">old gold boutique</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Decorpad via </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thepaintedhive.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-03-01T21%3A53%3A00%2B11%3A00&max-results=8" style="font-family: inherit;">the painted hive</a></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-45825172078939536822011-07-11T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-11T06:30:03.923-07:00I'm Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDngctBNU6Dle29ObxnmVRvDTwigT_UGPjjrtnDIYui8Cw_T2ik2mj56hxK8Ud5Rzo5RB9dw9PP4tFSkvN_1X-HEGCtfWwfhtVM-VzL0cFS8sB0EAf-oSXtj73x5UsCsy-61WctRZ8NpC/s1600/il_570xn.228821558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDngctBNU6Dle29ObxnmVRvDTwigT_UGPjjrtnDIYui8Cw_T2ik2mj56hxK8Ud5Rzo5RB9dw9PP4tFSkvN_1X-HEGCtfWwfhtVM-VzL0cFS8sB0EAf-oSXtj73x5UsCsy-61WctRZ8NpC/s640/il_570xn.228821558.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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I am home from my trip to Turkey and Greece and I had a wonderful time! I can't wait to tell you guys all about it but this week I am looking forward to sleeping a lot, seeing Mitchell a lot, and enjoying lots of American food. I will try to keep up with some posts for this week but if I am not around, don't be concerned, I'll be back soon!<br />
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I also want to thank all my fabulous, amazing, spectacular guest posters and everyone who read and commented on their wonderful posts. I had wifi at a few of the hotels I stayed at and I loved turning on my phone and getting all your comments and love. You guys are the very best blogging friends a girl could have!<br />
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Image via <a href="http://poppytalkhandmade.com/table21">PoppyTalkHandmade</a>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-69379593493768214522011-07-08T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-08T06:30:05.247-07:00Baklava Love :: Hannah :: Culture Connoisseur<i>To finish up my guest posting I have a <b>second</b> Baklava recipe from the blogger I would defiantly want to teach me the ways of international cooking and living. Hannah from <a href="http://www.culture-connoisseur.blogspot.com/">Culture Connoisseur</a> is an expert at all things international - browse her culture and travel posts for tips about food, safety, and travel etiquette when you are done marveling at her baklava skills</i>. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY8gYN4bg5E3sztjWffV7l6nNQrRnmvzlGZbW0oXvUIQiSmTPuTwrK1VJNkD7Cu8oDJ89Xl6BE6K0l-4IthSIX8Ud-g8orh11d-lbUkF50e5ZLFVQYH7l76KWSjV1IptZipEmb4gJe3-F/s1600/Picture+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY8gYN4bg5E3sztjWffV7l6nNQrRnmvzlGZbW0oXvUIQiSmTPuTwrK1VJNkD7Cu8oDJ89Xl6BE6K0l-4IthSIX8Ud-g8orh11d-lbUkF50e5ZLFVQYH7l76KWSjV1IptZipEmb4gJe3-F/s640/Picture+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I want to thank Julie so much for allowing me to share one of my favorite desserts with you today. Baklava has been around for ages and making it is an art of labor and love. I'm Hannah from <a href="http://www.culture-connoisseur.blogspot.com/">Culture Connoisseur</a> <a href="http://www.culture-connoisseur.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"></a>and I love taking the best recipes and cooking tips from my international friends and sharing them with you</div><div><br />
</div><div>The first time I ever made this I was hosting international students in my home for a movie night. I had many friends from the Middle East coming and I was nervous to hear their judgements. They loved the recipe and argued for a good thirty minutes over which of them could claim its history! My Turkish friend was confident that Turks owned its past. My Persian friend spoke loudly and emphatically that "Perrrrrsians" had developed the tasty treat. Before I knew it my house was an all out war zone of Saudis, Turks, Persians, and Libyans fighting for rights. See? Everyone wants a piece of this action!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyways, having had it tested and approved by "the real deal" I'm confident you'll love it. </div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bZ4dB-CSu2aw3y6uRIRDQezjEiY78heNbvn-f3BNfGOizqDlolmEJxRK8uoxQQlV0fV5LwU6Lu0VFwOdvbN7qgHwl8iKf851W0p4DI7Hiy-i_xAAjSEC41Fp3XKPbibbOvbEjqySseOq/s1600/Picture+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bZ4dB-CSu2aw3y6uRIRDQezjEiY78heNbvn-f3BNfGOizqDlolmEJxRK8uoxQQlV0fV5LwU6Lu0VFwOdvbN7qgHwl8iKf851W0p4DI7Hiy-i_xAAjSEC41Fp3XKPbibbOvbEjqySseOq/s640/Picture+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div>I've adapted this recipe from <a href="http://www.dedemed.com/#axzz1MngyP1uH" target="_blank">DedeMed's Kitchen</a>. (link- <a href="http://www.dedemed.com/#axzz1PMCLXyqu" target="_blank">http://www.dedemed.com/#<wbr></wbr>axzz1PMCLXyqu</a>) You will need the following ingredients: </div><div><br />
</div><div>2 cups water</div><div><br />
</div><div>2 cups sugar</div><div>2 tsp vanilla extract</div><div>3/4 cup honey</div><div>1 (16 oz) pkg. phyllo dough</div><div>1 lb. chopped nuts (I use walnuts)</div><div>1 cup butter (melted)</div><div>1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon</div><div><br />
</div><div>To begin place the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over med-high heat until the sugar is melted. Add the vanilla and honey and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Then let cool on the stove top. </div><div><br />
</div><div>*While you are cooking the syrup set out the frozen phyllo dough to let it warm up enough for unrolling.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EdxoD1TlcszbYCTFqqzYyhowqtaigXQWYXSCSE0O6oZCJvlt-Lc_yWJspCx8QJAFnbo0hRjbZZbmkcKO-xSiz0USDkmSUfMmNsrOOwI_OivyKRAIuXbHewLpJU6bWRTcwJ5edMoPdfFe/s1600/Picture+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EdxoD1TlcszbYCTFqqzYyhowqtaigXQWYXSCSE0O6oZCJvlt-Lc_yWJspCx8QJAFnbo0hRjbZZbmkcKO-xSiz0USDkmSUfMmNsrOOwI_OivyKRAIuXbHewLpJU6bWRTcwJ5edMoPdfFe/s640/Picture+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div>Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of a 13x9 pan. Place two sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the pan and brush on the melted butter lightly with a pastry brush. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered. (Be sure to cover the unused dough with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.) Working with the dough can be frustrating, but even if it tears and breaks it will still taste the same! </div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQrTF478CWr9KlQSkq1YxyFlMFJmDZahKEdAUYO_tOeP2VSGJsZFPl_kZxwa-XiaqlPhVUisi7NNdldV-Hs8tHwIzZZtXzXkLDKbcUAkgwQbzT_y154NsQL4uLhC8oxit42b5BP_uNS_x/s1600/Picture+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQrTF478CWr9KlQSkq1YxyFlMFJmDZahKEdAUYO_tOeP2VSGJsZFPl_kZxwa-XiaqlPhVUisi7NNdldV-Hs8tHwIzZZtXzXkLDKbcUAkgwQbzT_y154NsQL4uLhC8oxit42b5BP_uNS_x/s640/Picture+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div>Sprinkle the 8 sheets with a small handfull of the chopped nuts that have been tossed with cinnamon. Top with two sheets of phyllo dough and brush with butter. Continue layering nuts, 2 sheets, butter leaving 6-8 sheets for the top layer as you did the very bottom (just layering 2 sheets with melted butter).</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa_FWs58braXAvbQdIgZOpjf-Fi0rfZnpXhCA9tU8Olnj_KrU5jxU-PdzuDwiEPO7xpp_DPN1c1BRAKQLp4VYB18lauvbKaSrwvvp-8jRS8NrGp3LyGLNi4HOEVf6hsB48ciqX-H_D_7M/s1600/Picture+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa_FWs58braXAvbQdIgZOpjf-Fi0rfZnpXhCA9tU8Olnj_KrU5jxU-PdzuDwiEPO7xpp_DPN1c1BRAKQLp4VYB18lauvbKaSrwvvp-8jRS8NrGp3LyGLNi4HOEVf6hsB48ciqX-H_D_7M/s640/Picture+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div>Once you've finished layering, cut the baklava into the shapes you desire <i>before</i> baking. I like to do the little triangles, but simple squares work fine to. Bake for 50 minutes, until golden and crisp. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndLlkB4NGskvf1uYF8eugxFDrBJ5bdAhnwQlCSF3FmN7R0abTQWHivWgqEsEghKGcCbyiM9KAfzL0ardhEgo2D6v4gkw-Um1Qp-meOX-vaW3kPXhD2Piyy9w2QsAz-feHFXMbS_Qkqwvt/s1600/Picture+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndLlkB4NGskvf1uYF8eugxFDrBJ5bdAhnwQlCSF3FmN7R0abTQWHivWgqEsEghKGcCbyiM9KAfzL0ardhEgo2D6v4gkw-Um1Qp-meOX-vaW3kPXhD2Piyy9w2QsAz-feHFXMbS_Qkqwvt/s640/Picture+6.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>Once the baklava is done baking, pour the syrup over each piece with a spoon while it is still hot. Even though it looks like too much syrup, be sure to use it all. It will make for a sweet, mouth-watering ethnic dessert! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Let it cool, and be sure to lightly cover it with a cloth. Covering with plastic wrap or foil will make the baklava soggy. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY8gYN4bg5E3sztjWffV7l6nNQrRnmvzlGZbW0oXvUIQiSmTPuTwrK1VJNkD7Cu8oDJ89Xl6BE6K0l-4IthSIX8Ud-g8orh11d-lbUkF50e5ZLFVQYH7l76KWSjV1IptZipEmb4gJe3-F/s1600/Picture+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div>Now, in honor of Julie's trip, play a little Greek or Turkish music and enjoy the fruits of your labor! :)</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-26799250475211164072011-07-07T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-07T06:30:01.428-07:00GREEK DREAMS {are sweet dreams} :: Brynn :: Chartreuse and a Twist<i>Today's fantastic guest poster is Brynn from <a href="http://chartreuseandatwist.blogspot.com/">Chartreuse and a Twist</a>, a great blogging friend of mine! She is describing her ultimate Greek Dream and I can only hope I am having this amazing of a time on my vacation right now!</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">{photo credits: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/40041530/">here</a>}</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had a dream last night…</div><div class="MsoNormal">that I was wandering the Greek Isles… </div><div class="MsoNormal">I stayed at the most heavenly villa where the view just took my breath away…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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After exploring the gorgeous beaches, I wandered into town and popped into an adorable little tavern…</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where I feasted on ladenia {a greek sort-of pizza}…oh, it was soooooooooo delicious!!! </div><div class="MsoNormal">I also enjoyed a little ouzo! {when in Greece…}</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6cYuFzJ36GHVV22w8VXxhlqo97KFVNyAK1A5DTF_mbklB_0tNzAYDjPKlabllqXY-wyZxNQkZ7eLEdCto5bJOBCAR1s2eymRgI8P6ev27vqJaeadpX-iQ1opiMW3HePaX95B8YtYDAEi/s1600/greek+dreams3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6cYuFzJ36GHVV22w8VXxhlqo97KFVNyAK1A5DTF_mbklB_0tNzAYDjPKlabllqXY-wyZxNQkZ7eLEdCto5bJOBCAR1s2eymRgI8P6ev27vqJaeadpX-iQ1opiMW3HePaX95B8YtYDAEi/s400/greek+dreams3.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> {<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">photo credits: tavern – <a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4906333407_46b3529e8b.jpg">here</a>, ladenia – <a href="http://kalofagas.blogspot.com/2008/07/ladenia.html">here</a>, ouzo – <a href="http://myouzo.info/drink/">here</a>}</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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Once I was finished with lunch, I met up with a girlfriend and we set out on a shopping adventure around town…</div><div class="MsoNormal">I found the most gorgeously perfect pair of Greek sandals, an amazingly beautiful necklace with a vintage brass stamping of an Ancient Greek woman thinking {totally suited for a goddess!}, and the coolest vintage Greek typewriter {definitely couldn’t pass that one up!}</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ahhh…it was such a perfect afternoon!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1cNR50R-k5TY7tJ1cYXsh0FFXAEMvXayhqQXKKOPrpndI3z5Cm3POh1-idG5wVXcZlfQd1CyvOD5m15p8iitVb8-am0Qu_gDpLuuQICIMGb8CIFYBkLcPdS70EUL1uf_9-L8ogrQiztB/s1600/greek+dreams4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1cNR50R-k5TY7tJ1cYXsh0FFXAEMvXayhqQXKKOPrpndI3z5Cm3POh1-idG5wVXcZlfQd1CyvOD5m15p8iitVb8-am0Qu_gDpLuuQICIMGb8CIFYBkLcPdS70EUL1uf_9-L8ogrQiztB/s400/greek+dreams4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">{photo credits: Greek street – <a href="http://www.yesandyes.org/2011/03/mini-travel-guide-greece.html">here</a>, vintage girls in Greece – <a href="http://vintage-glam-2.livejournal.com/93293.html">here</a>, sandals – <a href="http://www.melissinos-art.com/eng/sandals.html">here</a>, clothesline – <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/4200958">here</a>, necklace – <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59843906/for-my-inner-greecian">purchase here</a>, typewriter – <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60921880@N02/5552861863/">here</a>></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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A little later in the evening, I made a wardrobe change into my most lovely Greek goddess inspired ensemble {hair & all!} …</div><div class="MsoNormal">And headed to a rooftop bar overlooking the Isles, where I met some friends…we found ourselves sipping away on fancy Greek cocktails all night long {including this very scrumptious ouzotini!}</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphkFk0HY2Q0VwEmcYIaU1w-RApCl-Vm8tfq8gPRmpUbeAlUfWyB7Zk0rPBVgr_Eyo9q4937r6HngBZ2zGHGjQ0rXxdKNWpKrHyq0IY0wQNDoboeZfa459OVA-AgErGxduMeAqpcXqGBCC/s1600/greek+dreams5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphkFk0HY2Q0VwEmcYIaU1w-RApCl-Vm8tfq8gPRmpUbeAlUfWyB7Zk0rPBVgr_Eyo9q4937r6HngBZ2zGHGjQ0rXxdKNWpKrHyq0IY0wQNDoboeZfa459OVA-AgErGxduMeAqpcXqGBCC/s400/greek+dreams5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><photo credits:=""><a href="http://erinfetherston.tumblr.com/post/3766020753/more-great-pics-from-pfw-thanks-to">erin fetherston</a>, village – <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/10578136">here</a>, ouzotini – <a href="http://myouzo.info/drink/">here</a>, bar – <a href="http://www.thecoolhunter.net/food">here</a>}</photo></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">…And then I woke up…</div><div class="MsoNormal">and realized that it was Julie who enjoying all of this lovely Greek goodness!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you so much, Julie, for inviting me to do this guest post! It is such an honor <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I hope that you have an amazing trip & the time of your life!!! I can’t wait to see the photos!</div><div class="MsoNormal">xoxoxo</div><div class="MsoNormal">Brynn</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-62468791904318236222011-07-06T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-06T06:30:06.996-07:00What I Wish I Were Wearing Had Julie Taken Me On Her Trip With Her Wednesday<i>My post today is a dream outfit from one of my most inspiring blogging friends, Laura from <a href="http://www.youstirme.com/">You Stir Me</a>. I seriously love this girl and I wish I could fly her here for the next year to plan my wedding. </i><br />
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Hi lovelies! I'm thrilled to bits and pieces Julie asked me to come over here and keep this little blog of her's company while she's off having the time of her life in Greece and Turkey! Can you imagine a more romantic place to unwind and celebrate your recent engagement? I suppose that's why she didn't invite me. No hard feelings, Julie! If she had let me hop in her suitcase, here's what I would have packed for a wonderful day gallivanting around one of the most picturesque areas of the world.<br />
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<div style="height: 600px; position: relative; width: 600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/greece_turkey/set?.embedder=2317208&.mid=embed&id=32627466"><img alt="Greece/Turkey" border="0" force="1" height="600" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAABAoWRDF2Y20zUTdkZU03Nit3RjY0WTRBZwAAAAQuc2lnCgNqcGcAAAAELm91dAoWaEpPWW92aVY0QkdLWDZHVGdZLTRVQQAAAAJpZAoIYzYwMHg2MDAAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Greece/Turkey" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<div><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/greece_turkey/set?.embedder=2317208&.mid=embed&id=32627466">Greece/Turkey</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=2317208&.mid=embed&id=2317208">Laura *You Stir Me*</a> </small></div><br />
I pack light. All I need is a comfy dress, a pair of sandals, a cute bikini and some fun accessories. Throw in a camera to capture everything and I'm ready for my getaway. Sigh...someday I'll make it to Greece and Turkey, but until then, I expect a postcard, Julie!<br />
<br />
xox LauraJulie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-51697311672192286662011-07-05T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-05T06:30:03.929-07:00Summer Vacation :: Tamuna :: A Journey to Style<i>Today's post is a totally inspiring group of ima<span style="font-family: inherit;">ges from Tamuna of</span><b style="font-family: inherit;"> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><a href="http://tamunatko.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">A Journey to Style</a><b style="font-family: inherit;">. </b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>I hope all my future vacations are filled with such lovely outfits, accessories, and strawberry slushies. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOcJlJVMwxXJeY_8EfLzRkVDPwJ6iFpGVfLUwNipPsQ-0rsaz8y7SyEBud6ZMg_NSSDw5BAPgKo8J8wVESgWfYH_93R-GUIig70RuEZWne-cUTxL9rMmA5H5F0kP_7FlP1lZqwXU6sQ/s1600/Blog+pics93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOcJlJVMwxXJeY_8EfLzRkVDPwJ6iFpGVfLUwNipPsQ-0rsaz8y7SyEBud6ZMg_NSSDw5BAPgKo8J8wVESgWfYH_93R-GUIig70RuEZWne-cUTxL9rMmA5H5F0kP_7FlP1lZqwXU6sQ/s640/Blog+pics93.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{</span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/33085609/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36735120/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36737963/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi there all Love, Julie readers, it's Tamuna from <a href="http://tamunatko.blogspot.com/"><b>A Journey to Style</b></a><b>.</b> Today I'm sharing with you this colorful collage inspired by my thoughts of summer vacation. I'm planning a trip to California in early July and can't wait to get my feet soaked in the ocean water, lay on the beach for hours enjoying strawberry slushies away from all the worries...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What is your dream vacation like?</div>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-34693789618084228112011-07-04T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-04T06:30:01.862-07:00VA-cation :: Leslie:: Fresh Out of Lemons<i>I am oh-so excited to have one of my first and favorite blogging friends guest posting today. Leslie from <a href="http://www.freshoutoflemons.com/">Fresh out of Lemons</a> is funny and charming and after reading her posts I sometimes want to live at her house full time. Is that weird? </i><br />
<br />
<i>Anyway... here is the traumatic story of her childhood vacation. I hope mine is going slightly better at this point in my trip. After you are done laughing, check out Leslie's blog <a href="http://www.freshoutoflemons.com/">here </a>for more fun.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
When my husband was a kid, his family traveled all over the country. Two trips to Disney<br />
World, a few west coast tours, and a drive up the east coast into Canada. My experience was<br />
quite different and is probably why I'm a bigger fan of “staycations” rather than vacations.<br />
Aside from a handful of expeditions from Georgia to South Carolina to visit family when I was<br />
really young, the only true "family vacation" occurred the summer before I entered the sixth<br />
grade. My mom, grandmother, sister, and I loaded up in the Ford Aerostar minivan and pointed<br />
north to Virginia, where my aunt and uncle lived. The idea of staying in a hotel would have<br />
been thrilling, but I figured that a week with Ray and Jan would be more familial and hospitable<br />
so I was game. And they promised a neighborhood pool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-mXh46XjGQXWzpb7hdzUmHdukLRHk8joBJ7bvI30MzMK7fy_UVW1wmbBAU1VHlFFLRo-qc5jYra8Ufgb-nb0q4nzp1tgAYrRCpf2uyM42Vc3l_9jWs3tYOkykobeOzCNcmdC23SIiNuZ/s1600/VA-cation--+01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-mXh46XjGQXWzpb7hdzUmHdukLRHk8joBJ7bvI30MzMK7fy_UVW1wmbBAU1VHlFFLRo-qc5jYra8Ufgb-nb0q4nzp1tgAYrRCpf2uyM42Vc3l_9jWs3tYOkykobeOzCNcmdC23SIiNuZ/s400/VA-cation--+01.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmdDhIJfOxyqrdSAIyuQqPRjPw79cNRWE-MWjUNuECKbgmFtWdthi-xVNztlTSsrh9ARRlsVjCzi31VdnQcK0wIOK7F-pn2mMds98mLP51jl8sV9uvItLKWOmkTCKSLWR_hJjE018ojQK/s1600/VA-cation--+02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
I remember very few details of the week that ensued, other than to share with you that my<br />
adventure bubble was burst. Ray and Jan, who worked full time and only had one car, were<br />
thrilled to have another mode of transportation— our minivan— in their driveway. From dawn<br />
to dusk they left us stranded in their house. The only distinct thing that I can recall about being<br />
there was their cat, which spent all day lying in the bathroom floor gnawing at its skin, which<br />
was a surface of bare spots and scabs. To go to the bathroom, you had to step over him. They<br />
assured us that we weren't disturbing him, and they were right. He wouldn't even look up.<br />
Though he did emerge once to throw up on the carpet.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmdDhIJfOxyqrdSAIyuQqPRjPw79cNRWE-MWjUNuECKbgmFtWdthi-xVNztlTSsrh9ARRlsVjCzi31VdnQcK0wIOK7F-pn2mMds98mLP51jl8sV9uvItLKWOmkTCKSLWR_hJjE018ojQK/s1600/VA-cation--+02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmdDhIJfOxyqrdSAIyuQqPRjPw79cNRWE-MWjUNuECKbgmFtWdthi-xVNztlTSsrh9ARRlsVjCzi31VdnQcK0wIOK7F-pn2mMds98mLP51jl8sV9uvItLKWOmkTCKSLWR_hJjE018ojQK/s400/VA-cation--+02.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Oh, and the "neighborhood pool" that they told us was in walking distance? Turns out this<br />
mecca was at least a mile away and the route was along a fairly significant and heavily traveled<br />
State road. No sidewalks. Just me, my mom, sister, and almost 70 year old grandmother<br />
pilgrimaging along in the high grass.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6ytUg1DEe1QPHzordgoTtE084kSp47wlhyphenhyphenxQQYNJJqVQWKlrAaOmJgSLwV8Mb4Yh0YGe45g6UrLcLCt09I_vrTm2eQditynzRACL2dleCKSGnESVd7FGr2C31V4hRbXK_yIPVwlHZe_D/s1600/VA-cation--+03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6ytUg1DEe1QPHzordgoTtE084kSp47wlhyphenhyphenxQQYNJJqVQWKlrAaOmJgSLwV8Mb4Yh0YGe45g6UrLcLCt09I_vrTm2eQditynzRACL2dleCKSGnESVd7FGr2C31V4hRbXK_yIPVwlHZe_D/s400/VA-cation--+03.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My sister and I did get to go to the beach for the first time. On their schedule. Which only<br />
allowed for an hour.<br />
<br />
Do I sound bitter? Really, I can laugh about the adventure now. But Ray and Jan weren't<br />
invited to my wedding. ;)<br />
<br />
I’m wishing Julie happier travels and wonderful memories (that don’t involve an obsessive<br />
compulsive cat!)Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013201804027360076.post-41298580485590260192011-07-01T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-01T06:30:02.235-07:00A Classic Greek Dessert :: Jill :: Sincerely Jill<i>I am super excited for today's guest post because it involves one of my all time favorite things, dessert- and one of my favorite bloggers, Jill from <a href="http://sincerelyjill.com/">Sincerely Jill</a>. Enjoy!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I can’t begin to tell you how excited and flattered I am to be a guest blogger for Love,<br />
Julie! While I’m extremely jealous of her future travels (Greece, really?!), I thought it<br />
would be only right to celebrate her incredible trip to Greece by making their most<br />
well-known dessert: Baklava.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8sRgkPJgvWGLhsV_MM2DB_7MVhSEPArTGP3m_rTlp1nLbP_GvygpRl4H8yghkxfQKev_lnVzJAyDpR4jOKv1qryxeLGCDaff97Sa9c2qZuKtP5ZV1oOlMk9PIbGW-isf05Z-mUK8eNqz/s1600/b1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8sRgkPJgvWGLhsV_MM2DB_7MVhSEPArTGP3m_rTlp1nLbP_GvygpRl4H8yghkxfQKev_lnVzJAyDpR4jOKv1qryxeLGCDaff97Sa9c2qZuKtP5ZV1oOlMk9PIbGW-isf05Z-mUK8eNqz/s640/b1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
I can’t remember my first experience with baklava. I’m sure I didn’t care for it much<br />
when I was younger… nuts in things wasn’t really my bag.<br />
<br />
However, I do remember when my now husband and I were first dating he brought<br />
my Nana a piece of baklava from the bakery he worked for, and she LOVED it! He<br />
100% won her over. That and he played golf in high school; I’m sure she would<br />
have passed out if he were Catholic.<br />
<br />
There has always been this intimidation factor that has kept me for attempting to<br />
make baklava. People would always say that it was so challenging. Me, being a bit<br />
of a perfectionist, decided it would be best to steer clear of this dessert at least for<br />
the time being rather than mess it up.<br />
<br />
What was I to do when Julie asked me to write a guest post? I knew that the oven<br />
and baklava recipe were calling my name. So I decided to take that challenge.<br />
<br />
After reading through the recipe, I didn’t get what the big deal was about the recipe.<br />
Seemed pretty straightforward to me. But oh, no, no, no! Phyllo dough is one tricky<br />
beast it is! Rips without cause, doesn’t lay where you want it to...<br />
<br />
But I persevered! And so will you! Co-workers and friends will annihilate this<br />
sweet treat within minutes. Don’t be scared. You can do it.<br />
<table><tbody>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8fthyphenhyphenAdpOTh-qxht7RuQ_E_ZAPxpg16g3C3FskMzu6qk9kqgkMB5gcNGqEiKiag1ccUm-hSm6Rz7fP-62UtUrP32E_8-DG9NY4YfrmkqdRjyZnMa2Pc2A5s46A9ZnA0c_ykXUr12RK6L/s1600/b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8fthyphenhyphenAdpOTh-qxht7RuQ_E_ZAPxpg16g3C3FskMzu6qk9kqgkMB5gcNGqEiKiag1ccUm-hSm6Rz7fP-62UtUrP32E_8-DG9NY4YfrmkqdRjyZnMa2Pc2A5s46A9ZnA0c_ykXUr12RK6L/s320/b3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Baklava<br />
<br />
Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse (link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/<br />
emeril-lagasse/baklava-recipe2/index.html)<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
For the Syrup:<br />
• 1 cup honey<br />
• 1 cup sugar<br />
• ¾ cup water<br />
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
• 2 cinnamon sticks<br />
• 1 (1-inch) strip lemon zest<br />
• Pinch of clove & cardamom<br />
<br />
For the Filling and Dough:<br />
• 1 ½ pounds combination of walnuts and almonds<br />
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
• 1 teaspoon ground clove<br />
• ¼ teaspoon salt<br />
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted<br />
• 1 pound phyllo, thawed according to package instructions<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
<br />
To make the syrup: Combine the sugar, honey, water, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks,<br />
lemon zest, cloves and cardamom in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat,<br />
stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the<br />
heat to medium-low and cook until the syrup is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.<br />
Remove the cinnamon sticks and lemon zest and set syrup aside to cool.<br />
<br />
Using a Chef's knife, finely chop the nuts. (Alternatively, if you have a food processor,<br />
pulse the nuts until finely chopped.) In a medium mixing bowl, combine the nuts,<br />
cinnamon, and salt and stir well to combine.<br />
Melt the butter over low heat in a small saucepan.<br />
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat a 13 by 9-inch or 15 by 10-inch baking dish with some<br />
of the melted butter.<br />
<br />
Open the package of thawed phyllo and lay the thin sheets on a clean work surface.<br />
Measure the phyllo sheets; if the type you have purchased measures approximately the<br />
same size as the baking dish you are using, then proceed from here. If they are larger<br />
than your baking dish, use a sharp knife to cut the phyllo sheets approximately the same<br />
size as your baking dish. Discard any scraps. Cover the sheets with a piece of plastic<br />
wrap and a lightly damp kitchen towel, as the sheets of phyllo dry out very quickly if left<br />
uncovered.<br />
Position rack in center of oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
Place 1 of the sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the buttered baking dish and lightly brush<br />
with some of the melted butter. Repeat this procedure with 6 more sheets of phyllo, for<br />
a total of 7 layers. Measure about 3/4 cup of the nut mixture and spread the nut mixture<br />
evenly over the buttered phyllo sheets. Repeat with 7 more sheets of phyllo, buttering<br />
each layer as before, and top these sheets with another 3/4 cup of the nut mixture.<br />
Continue this layering process, buttering 7 sheets of phyllo and topping each 7 sheets<br />
with 3/4 cup of the nuts, until you have used all of the nut mixture. Layer any remaining<br />
sheets of phyllo on top, buttering between each layer, until all of the phyllo sheets have<br />
been used.<br />
<br />
Use a sharp knife to make 4 cuts lengthwise through the layered phyllo at 1 1/2 inch<br />
intervals. (You should end up with 5 lengthwise strips 1 1/2 inches wide.) Now use your<br />
<br />
knife to cut diagonally across the strips at 1 1/2-inch intervals to form diamond shapes.<br />
You should end up with approximately 36 diamond-shaped pieces of baklava in the<br />
baking dish.<br />
Bake the baklava until golden brown, about 40 minutes.<br />
Using oven mitts or pot holders, remove the baklava from the oven and set aside on a<br />
wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Using a ladle or small measuring cup, slowly drizzle the<br />
cooled syrup over the warm baklava. Allow to stand several hours before serving.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<i>I can only hope I am lucky enough to be eating this delicious desserts A LOT during this vacation! Thanks Jill!</i>Julie {love, julie}http://www.blogger.com/profile/16560120755667269398noreply@blogger.com3