tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57691169772990298492024-03-05T20:30:24.824-06:00build a balanceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-78270336156227665572013-03-07T21:58:00.000-06:002013-03-07T21:58:21.374-06:00My Destination's Biggest Baddest Bucket List I am coming back from hiatus to ask/beg/plead/grovel for all of you to vote for me for My Destination's Biggest Baddest Bucket List competition. If I win, I would get to travel around the world for 6 months on 6 different continents. This is basically all I've ever wanted to do with my life and it would (literally) mean the world to me if you got me one step closer to making this a reality! <div>
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Click <a href="http://www.mydestination.com/users/aboleman/bbb#tab" target="_blank">here</a> to vote and enjoy my video below. </div>
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My BBB - Top 5 Tips for Italian Travel</div>
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Again, don't forget to <a href="http://www.mydestination.com/users/aboleman/bbb#tab" target="_blank">VOTE</a>! </div>
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xxxx Amanda</div>
Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-40693677392975714642012-11-23T04:50:00.001-06:002012-11-23T04:50:52.081-06:00Hiatus <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Today Daisy and I are off for our two week road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas!<br />
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After a rough quarter that had me feeling extremely <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/11/overwhelmed_5.html" target="_blank">overwhelmed</a>, I'm more than ready to hit the open road and see what adventures traveling has in store for us this time.<br />
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One of the best parts about embarking on a new journey is the chance to <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/07/disconnected.html" target="_blank">disconnect</a>, reflect and have different experiences than what you know in your day to day. I have reached a point that I really need to do all of these things and figure out where I'm heading.<br />
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Sans laptop, I'm heading to California to tune into myself and find what I really want this balance to be all about.<br />
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All I know is that it will definitely always involve travel. There is nothing better than going out to explore the unknown. Except maybe coming back home to share it with everyone you miss while you're gone.<br />
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I'll be back to share soon! <br />
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<i>Image via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/151503974934697081/" target="_blank">1 </a></i><br />
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<br />Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-5069311843242071902012-11-18T16:11:00.002-06:002012-11-18T16:11:25.705-06:00Dying to Go Destinations: San Francisco, California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the wrap-up of my last Autumn Quarter ever, I've finally been able to focus a bit more on planning the <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/08/travel-bug.html" target="_blank">epic road trip</a> I started talking about a few months ago.<br />
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Starting in San Francisco, Daisy and I will make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway with stops all along the California coast. We'll also cut over to Temple City to see my lovely auntie and finish up our West Coast adventure with a few nights in Vegas!<br />
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In previous trips to CA, I've gotten as far north as Santa Barbara, but can't wait to actually experience everything North Cal has to offer! I've always wanted to go San Francisco, but the opportunity was never there when I've visited before.<br />
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Now that we're driving ourselves, we've got free reign to go everywhere and anywhere our little hearts desire.<br />
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From taking in the sea lions at sunrise to hanging with the hippies in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco has Amanda Boleman written all over it and I can't wait to experience it all in real life in just 5 days!<br />
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<i>Images via <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/42683911/via/imperfectoverthinker" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/268386459013902809/" target="_blank">2</a>, <a href="http://stupiddope.com/2012/06/15/16th-avenue-mosaic-steps-san-francisco/barrcrutcher03/" target="_blank">3</a>, <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/43001563" target="_blank">4</a>, <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/35528751/via/princesslauren888" target="_blank">5</a></i>Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-27525748545353781432012-11-07T19:21:00.002-06:002012-11-08T17:00:16.975-06:00Election Night in Chicago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although I haven't actually gotten to see the President speak in the flesh, I feel so blessed to have been in Chicago for the past two elections.<br />
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I will never forget 2008: climbing on porta-potties to catch a glimpse of the big screens through the throngs of thousands gathered from Grant Park all the way back beyond Millennium Park. Crying and hugging the strangers around me who were just as ecstatic as I was that we had elected our first African-American president. Feeling like a part of something bigger than myself and not even worrying for a moment about my safety, despite warnings from others that the rally may turn violent.<br />
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There was nothing but pure excitement and hope for what was to come and I am beyond thrilled that the American people decided to continue down this progressive path to see where this amazing man will lead us.<br />
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Admittedly, my vote in '08 was not the most informed decision. Everyone around me, including my family and very liberal classmates at DePaul, were all voting Democratic so it seemed like the right thing to do. Obama's fierce messages for hope and change also played a role, igniting something within me that I had never really cared about before, but in all honesty, I just figured that someone with his amount of swagger should be the man in charge of my country. </div>
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Four years later, my experiences abroad along with my education (and an extremely political ex-boyfriend!) all contributed to a much more educated decision -- that oddly enough didn't change a bit.<br />
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Gathering at the Thompson Center at Clark & Randolph, I was disappointed to see that the crowd wasn't as energetic and massive as back in '08. But don't get me wrong--it was still incredible to be in the President's home state, surrounded by his supporters and celebrating the progress we can make with four more years. Popping the bubbly, I couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear to be standing with so many of the people that joined me in 2008 in support of Barack Obama.<br />
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-45565569564959953772012-11-06T16:59:00.001-06:002012-11-06T16:59:29.938-06:00Rock the Vote <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVSYo1FnwyyOP1XhrvGQeretdTmWbVgR200-CZ6KcmoWOVmAlDFw18d_QkwgbZz1F6EOzpKsqy_S4yhz-Jzqraw9PLh-0fZmh8-Tjna572OvwIJEFRkzgF9Kitz12ZzEx5lRHYcwKzHY/s1600/vote%2520register.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVSYo1FnwyyOP1XhrvGQeretdTmWbVgR200-CZ6KcmoWOVmAlDFw18d_QkwgbZz1F6EOzpKsqy_S4yhz-Jzqraw9PLh-0fZmh8-Tjna572OvwIJEFRkzgF9Kitz12ZzEx5lRHYcwKzHY/s640/vote%2520register.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My Fellow Americans (and all of you wonderful international readers!) - if you haven't noticed: <b>TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPCdozrhuzMzxfyX0jtYlHjoRUdixB__zgdg55DCAPOqInHjZr3sU5MFQMIcuzvYz3AYA3JJ3zUA0fS8_Ext_3rY6UFj-_6_ynnZaQUyVmmwhcvIvMphQqh1q9jSyIvcV4ALtqebTef4/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPCdozrhuzMzxfyX0jtYlHjoRUdixB__zgdg55DCAPOqInHjZr3sU5MFQMIcuzvYz3AYA3JJ3zUA0fS8_Ext_3rY6UFj-_6_ynnZaQUyVmmwhcvIvMphQqh1q9jSyIvcV4ALtqebTef4/s640/IMG_2223.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25175290" target="_blank">Pins and Needles Blazer</a>, <a href="http://www.shopakira.com/" target="_blank">Akira</a> Dress, <a href="http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?viewAllFlag=false&langId=-1&parent_categoryId=208582&storeId=13052&catalogId=33060&pageSize=20&categoryId=208713&sort_field=Newness#viewAllFlag=false&langId=-1&parent_categoryId=208582&storeId=13052&catalogId=33060&pageSize=20&categoryId=208713&sort_field=Newness&beginIndex=1" target="_blank">Topshop Sunglasses</a>, Knit Tights, <a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/" target="_blank">Steve Madden</a> pumps}</div>
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For this momentous occasion, I've transformed my favorite <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/10/date-night-in-stripes.html" target="_blank">date night dress</a> into the ultimate election day duds with a smart blazer, thick black tights and red and blue accessories to bring it all together. </div>
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Rather than trying to push my political opinions in these last few voting hours, I am simply here to state that I hope each and every one of you exercised your right to vote for what you believe in today. </div>
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Voting absentee from Illinois for my home-state of Minnesota, it was extremely important for me to <b>VOTE NO</b> to both the Marriage Amendment and Voter Restriction Amendment on this year's ballot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxS6iIA5FSitoiu8LmYl41rOEkHOP7FKT7YgmrW7AUY1XMiuOoIVaEY2nCUhh_grEcGWPYaDBpjHBTE3h4i8NniSqOzKgpbSjttzhTJxB-5fsP1jEYOxqBkYwOwh9bJEUFJ2_1WQ6wFk/s1600/6a00d834516a0869e2017d3ce27d0e970c-300wi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxS6iIA5FSitoiu8LmYl41rOEkHOP7FKT7YgmrW7AUY1XMiuOoIVaEY2nCUhh_grEcGWPYaDBpjHBTE3h4i8NniSqOzKgpbSjttzhTJxB-5fsP1jEYOxqBkYwOwh9bJEUFJ2_1WQ6wFk/s640/6a00d834516a0869e2017d3ce27d0e970c-300wi.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />I am also incredibly proud to say that just as I was in 2008, I am in full support of President Barack Obama in the 2012 election. I hope Chicago will be celebrating tonight just the way we did all over the streets of downtown four years ago.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0PdOZsZN9vsgfYvj2qyAXSS7m-E9-Ndq69x4WTQmdfLnLims4-TKIoxLqNQamxwHGffyB6mY2OC4Wfl1kKYn1Zo405CqJo7iG9Pg2QyQdAAixzO4Okys6USTeTl5f_TTzvnEIkbTqhM/s1600/377_38153922202_1094_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0PdOZsZN9vsgfYvj2qyAXSS7m-E9-Ndq69x4WTQmdfLnLims4-TKIoxLqNQamxwHGffyB6mY2OC4Wfl1kKYn1Zo405CqJo7iG9Pg2QyQdAAixzO4Okys6USTeTl5f_TTzvnEIkbTqhM/s640/377_38153922202_1094_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Note:</b><i> </i>In stating my political opinions, I am in no way saying that they should be yours or that they are right. They are simply what I believe in and I am not here to start any sort of argument!</div>
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-16411778560673395622012-11-05T18:35:00.001-06:002013-02-02T08:09:22.113-06:00Overwhelmed <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over the past few weeks--maybe even months--I haven't been feeling quite like myself. Some of my actions have caused me to second guess what I'm doing and where my life is headed.</div>
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When all of my friends were freaking out about graduation last year, I rest assured knowing I still had the bonus year of my 5-year Master's Program to look forward to. But now that time seems to be ticking away faster than I can keep up and there's only two quarters left of my college career, it's my turn to panic.<br />
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The worst part about all of this added stress is the fact that it seems to be self-inflicted. Of course school brings on all of its regular moans and groans, but all of my outside worries and fears seem to stem from my own mistakes and self-created anxieties.<br />
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Take for instance, trying to change my major with only two quarters left of school. Prompted by my video and multimedia work at <i>RedEye, </i>I decided to take broadcast journalism for a spin. I learned quickly that this is not the kind of thing you can just dive into! </div>
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Luckily I figured out it wasn't for me before I got too involved and have since decided to refocus my efforts back to print/online journalism with an emphasis in multimedia storytelling techniques & blogging. Since this realization, I've been a lot more centered and am looking forward to applying for new internships in freelance travel writing and web producing for Winter Quarter.<br />
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Beyond the professional, my personal life has also become a cause of stress and uncertainty. In this crazy transition stage of my life, I feel like I'm at a crossroads with what I want for myself and unfortunately, I was dragging someone else along on that roller coaster ride far longer than he ever deserved to be on board.<br />
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While I don't regret any minute of our beautiful time together, I know that to truly get better and find my way, I need to take some time to tune into myself. It's time to breathe and reboot<i>--all by myself. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmx6x75eZoL8-LyDi9RAxaDfhZ6-00C0iwTXxcdvaRGisUqBIcifcYsCnIgkPwDCwrgsFuAWIAosCqyp4U5m2aPl3voST0EMmQyxtni3iCRrGJgvPq86-3nghu45kd5nAJHRDdLWqmKGg/s1600/102.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmx6x75eZoL8-LyDi9RAxaDfhZ6-00C0iwTXxcdvaRGisUqBIcifcYsCnIgkPwDCwrgsFuAWIAosCqyp4U5m2aPl3voST0EMmQyxtni3iCRrGJgvPq86-3nghu45kd5nAJHRDdLWqmKGg/s640/102.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is still no certainty for what life has in store, but I'm looking forward to keeping calm & carrying on with whatever comes my way.<br />
<br />Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-86392492000359689712012-10-31T19:37:00.000-05:002012-10-31T19:37:52.250-05:00InstaLife: Halloween 2012 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iY0sADyuVQEFW8Bxb133-rYy2hWbfMprzzkyhAzQ-v-phfH5xDzYlz1n_emu3tSB2194hNu59kOF5eEdXhu84o7ZuqQPbujk42QI0MDuiIszlgTGmTar11ipP0k0swiCAnrMYnSv11A/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iY0sADyuVQEFW8Bxb133-rYy2hWbfMprzzkyhAzQ-v-phfH5xDzYlz1n_emu3tSB2194hNu59kOF5eEdXhu84o7ZuqQPbujk42QI0MDuiIszlgTGmTar11ipP0k0swiCAnrMYnSv11A/s640/IMG_2124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{haunted hayride scarecrows}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnt8JsPRMoXQhwuIo0DS0hEQ2NdSpW7hQSLEo2wyzSghMFseInzkSrGrDX1uRsE-n9qNEZGap85cHXWc6swRDZVh9LIFwbT0BiBlWz4LsMExhHuAoTAmOym-E8VnLAixOtrKa3DS_6_eQ/s1600/IMG_2125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnt8JsPRMoXQhwuIo0DS0hEQ2NdSpW7hQSLEo2wyzSghMFseInzkSrGrDX1uRsE-n9qNEZGap85cHXWc6swRDZVh9LIFwbT0BiBlWz4LsMExhHuAoTAmOym-E8VnLAixOtrKa3DS_6_eQ/s320/IMG_2125.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheruNAHMzGZoc77S61PrsyOhXrhdj6UDWttfN_xQPywDAnj8t3SFT8anuJYnRmj6iBfa70TwFKc7GfcUcWTbzfbnHkdQsEL9v3UpU1SkcU3SsB-LEtPN2TtmFK3v9E3gseopCHDSKm3KY/s1600/IMG_2127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheruNAHMzGZoc77S61PrsyOhXrhdj6UDWttfN_xQPywDAnj8t3SFT8anuJYnRmj6iBfa70TwFKc7GfcUcWTbzfbnHkdQsEL9v3UpU1SkcU3SsB-LEtPN2TtmFK3v9E3gseopCHDSKm3KY/s320/IMG_2127.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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{pretty pumpkins - small & large}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRcGUAOe6gk5lwYqNOZOudPmE4UmYHIH33tn6yRVKm5ZBYILVFJkbPOSkL46n5SknYbBYYh2wI5AuSoV6sTy20ze5Eb9LuDeyR3fdMKzOP_cYrnZE6kviNlhKWennx0arjiHhCHN-Dx8/s1600/IMG_2126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRcGUAOe6gk5lwYqNOZOudPmE4UmYHIH33tn6yRVKm5ZBYILVFJkbPOSkL46n5SknYbBYYh2wI5AuSoV6sTy20ze5Eb9LuDeyR3fdMKzOP_cYrnZE6kviNlhKWennx0arjiHhCHN-Dx8/s640/IMG_2126.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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{haunted house at <a href="http://www.countrysunfarm.com/" target="_blank">country sun farms</a> - note the goats}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXQDbdWwEUNa9nZjE-0GZQ7MuuMMM2s6HpVM4tUOtRzgfM1X1VUJaFDRenetlMlhTkbWYPhg93Qda3yRt4q86s-NcE68ynXWv6z42y2217a_-reJCJeCy3-qQfDfZVL8MEatPYFWJBXQ/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXQDbdWwEUNa9nZjE-0GZQ7MuuMMM2s6HpVM4tUOtRzgfM1X1VUJaFDRenetlMlhTkbWYPhg93Qda3yRt4q86s-NcE68ynXWv6z42y2217a_-reJCJeCy3-qQfDfZVL8MEatPYFWJBXQ/s640/IMG_2158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{from left to right: ravenna, trailer trash, amy winehouse, cat woman, cleopatra, hello kitty & trailer trash x2}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZLx8VwsNoHPHK88IHQqjpL-cvBlqb3X5XcczlXcYHAHGqB4UP1pJ6316LmlLOyJbULWvuUd46WGMruRZrVFBLOE-u-Ykedsl0NY-Am8FeWW_jO77SmoX955xuElokr9brFSqMWhBNcs/s1600/IMG_2132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZLx8VwsNoHPHK88IHQqjpL-cvBlqb3X5XcczlXcYHAHGqB4UP1pJ6316LmlLOyJbULWvuUd46WGMruRZrVFBLOE-u-Ykedsl0NY-Am8FeWW_jO77SmoX955xuElokr9brFSqMWhBNcs/s640/IMG_2132.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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{homemade halloween decor by my creative little sister hanna}</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV7Ha57EtDUvJ983mS_Qe0a2FnANnnrAtuxqnlQ_E2pQ5iqTwOlf5jTdc_l5s-QNVeJHuRjoxG2_u4wQ72auCOVnMENSjBNZj_tsz2wxuCtgPaXXm1SKhYZ82NRP6d2UQ993-nQPOe88/s320/IMG_2200.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SlNC6IGpJqu0CH5RqF7-gXXFxJV3uEXqLWjohBEuFrgPFAvAGD4LTskEgsAdbbgcUvMlJ8FHkcqq4SNNNFVVPyBIeJJ0vBTUTa7RTwAopYus_y5CgiMPe6_NGlbsoM5nB9SsEeaMNCQ/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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{carved pumpkin & roasted seeds}</div>
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{vamp, penny lane & sexy sailor}<br />
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{lighting up dorian's eyes with my super evil ravenna powers}</div>
Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-8510673521012513622012-10-24T21:29:00.003-05:002012-10-24T21:30:26.239-05:00Halloween 2012 Costume Inspiration In true Amanda Boleman fashion, I have saved figuring out my Halloween costume for the last minute. Of course I've been thinking about it--Halloween is one of my top 2 favorite holidays after all (close tie with Christmas!)--but I've just been so overwhelmed with other things to really hash out a good costume.<br />
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Luckily, my roommate is also a huge Halloween advocate and doesn't have homework or midterm papers stunting her costume creativity. After a bit of scrounging around in her closet, Candice pulled out both a fur and feather vest and the juices starting flowing. With her costume ideas set, she helped me come up with two looks to get in the spirit all weekend long. Who wouldn't want to emulate one of these lovely ladies?<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSPHrx6iS_lCUmA0yl8-T7vwq7KHQaU_nofK_6WIFySYTEAudLcmKf_k4yKOevpFJTXWZn1OE3-hqui_OTpY3Jesj8L84GPAykC64aD5aUDQZFWDzxJ09EYFVW6D39bI6xoaKaXGJ8RM/s400/Steal-the-style-snow-white-and-the-huntsman-vert.jpeg" width="320" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1yA7YDddgwDiZHKvjB1LVi5mucDYkJewkh5H9ribjXbVDcHtTnU_WtfyWhL427Bi-IEiWJtrkA0gf-houjTrmilQYYEcjOI8cd0qWGlL6w3e80Kb0U6ydIEKsav3nD3MUuxKt8jlFrY/s1600/anjelica-huston-morti.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1yA7YDddgwDiZHKvjB1LVi5mucDYkJewkh5H9ribjXbVDcHtTnU_WtfyWhL427Bi-IEiWJtrkA0gf-houjTrmilQYYEcjOI8cd0qWGlL6w3e80Kb0U6ydIEKsav3nD3MUuxKt8jlFrY/s400/anjelica-huston-morti.jpeg" width="260" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8qyMHJQuP3hlXAWoRyjZw1ZwA7hW3_IyMQdzBrGSkcnaUbKXJTqWVwq6KVlm0cb8goWjCvT1wOGimlZLGF8Vq_7A_vki7NOxPx0FnMH5GA54CNyY3QZiRRdaAvS_wcOnRuUArsHetWk/s1600/mah,girl,almost,famous,butterflies,dancing,kate,hudson,music-bae879a4faa4acf5175cde4d6b75a684_h_large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8qyMHJQuP3hlXAWoRyjZw1ZwA7hW3_IyMQdzBrGSkcnaUbKXJTqWVwq6KVlm0cb8goWjCvT1wOGimlZLGF8Vq_7A_vki7NOxPx0FnMH5GA54CNyY3QZiRRdaAvS_wcOnRuUArsHetWk/s400/mah,girl,almost,famous,butterflies,dancing,kate,hudson,music-bae879a4faa4acf5175cde4d6b75a684_h_large.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="275" /></a></div>
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The first thing that came to mind when I saw Candice's high-collared black feather vest was cruel Queen Ravenna from <i>Snow White and the Huntsman.</i> What better way to release my darkness within than on All Hallows' Eve, channeling an evil queen who sucks the beauty and youth from those around her?<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/queen_ravenna_snow_white_huntsman/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=61730762" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Queen Ravenna - Snow White & The Huntsman" border="0" force="1" height="513" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ZZgY5YBrnEZysFALV65udw/cid/61730762/id/-rAOWDj1Q0GvaFHOvCi4Iw/size/c600x513.jpg" title="Queen Ravenna - Snow White & The Huntsman" width="600" /></a><br />
<b>get the look: </b><i>patrizia pepe long evening <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=64880672" target="_blank">dress</a> / dolce & gabbana <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=65821234" target="_blank">cape</a> / topshop feather <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=66920294" target="_blank">jacket</a> / jeffrey campbell black <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=56665706" target="_blank">booties</a> / metal <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=64563187" target="_blank">dagger</a> / river island tassel <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=67136854" target="_blank">earrings</a> / mi lajki claw <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=64323616" target="_blank">ring</a> / laveder faye black feather <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=68494862" target="_blank">shawl</a> / lostapostle bronze raven <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=68494645" target="_blank">pendant</a> // </i><br />
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Despite being a slutty hippie for several Halloweens, I figured the Penny Lane look would be enough to switch it up and take me out of my slag slump. After recently seeing <i>Almost Famous </i>for the first time in a while, I can see why people tell me I remind them of the care-free, groupie lovechild.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/penny_lane/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=61729581" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Penny Lane" border="0" force="1" height="591" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/aNMOTYjfKHPfYSwXJ8DFw/cid/61729581/id/a8x9skFAT0mvOAqhXkN4kQ/size/c600x591.jpg" title="Penny Lane" width="600" /></a></div>
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<b>get the look:</b><i> h&m fur <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=61343165" target="_blank">vest</a> / house of fraser <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=54069389" target="_blank">bustier top</a> / alloy <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=49936813" target="_blank">crochet top</a> / ray ban metal <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=56974429" target="_blank">sunglasses</a> / jeffrey campbell <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=25650213" target="_blank">wedge shoes</a> / republic peace sign <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=66709938" target="_blank">earrings</a> / monkee genes slim fit <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=48043130" target="_blank">jeans</a> // </i></div>
<br />Flashing me a long black wig, deep red nails and a hey-you-can-actually-still-wear-this-after-Halloween black leotard and chiffon skirt from American Apparel, Candice announced she was going to be Morticia from the Addams Family. All she needs is some spooky silver and black eyeshadow and cross jewelry to make the look complete.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/morticia_addams/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=61731390" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Morticia Addams" border="0" force="1" height="582" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/AdM4pgSo56ViSqaQYNd8JQ/cid/61731390/id/9qXq6ywlTaa4Q33L9KPMVA/size/c600x582.jpg" title="Morticia Addams" width="600" /></a></div>
<b>get the look</b>:<i> bliss lau leather <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=61516765" target="_blank">bracelet</a> / torrid gemstone <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=68291725" target="_blank">ring</a> / illamasqua <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=68288983" target="_blank">lip makeup</a> / nars cosmetics silver <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=57852298" target="_blank">eyeshadow</a> / nars cosmetics black <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=57568820" target="_blank">eyeshadow</a> / nars cosmetics <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=57221603" target="_blank">nail polish</a> / john lewis <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=56521594" target="_blank">paper roses</a> / vampire girl long black <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=23435246" target="_blank">wig</a> //</i></div>
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<br />Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-55079145687265019482012-10-22T17:15:00.000-05:002012-10-22T17:16:49.523-05:00OhNo!Doom - Belligerent & Numerous <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYTXeM6IxakcIIDnHC2AdSiVG0jWSdgHbYLwmk7mtHF1si0miU-GPjArufZpPSPs84ppD-VuJqGaxfEH4ZaWsmvN_TvM8_FkuP2-qpnrN3Js2tbfwwf0kHTMi5NfPeMqb3eNQ2yPW148/s1600/100_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYTXeM6IxakcIIDnHC2AdSiVG0jWSdgHbYLwmk7mtHF1si0miU-GPjArufZpPSPs84ppD-VuJqGaxfEH4ZaWsmvN_TvM8_FkuP2-qpnrN3Js2tbfwwf0kHTMi5NfPeMqb3eNQ2yPW148/s640/100_1049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Prints by Brian Walline}</div>
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I've walked by the <a href="http://ohnodoom.com/" target="_blank">OhNo!Doom</a> (ON!D) art gallery and collective a bajillion times since I moved into my new apartment and always wondered what on earth goes on inside the large space that boasts shelves of monstrous-looking toys and walls of vibrantly-colored, out-there art.<br />
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Last week, I finally took the opportunity to figure it out and went to meet with the ON!D crew to see what they are all about and discuss their latest gallery, "Belligerent & Numerous."<br />
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Founded in 2005 in the Logan Square neighborhood, six young creative-types set out to establish a space for art to thrive. Growing quickly, they moved to their Bucktown location three years ago with a team comprised of <a href="http://www.joeypotts.com/" target="_blank">Joey Potts</a>, <a href="http://lanacrooks.com/" target="_blank">Lana Crooks</a>, <a href="http://adesignerstew.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Thompson</a>, <a href="http://mysteryafoot.com/" target="_blank">Max Bare</a>, <a href="http://ohnodoom.com/about/Portfolios/Joe%20Call%20Portfolio-OND.pdf" target="_blank">Joe Call</a> and <a href="http://midwestworkethic.com/" target="_blank">Matthew RyanSharp</a>.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0GjmkqoXQnkbAaRHFzHLl_3wDgJrL8hWkAF4ddS340dGM7tI7KRzLFnt969ABhHV0_CMpLIQh86gQVAZ1w_ZDSoU53YA_M8nmCjHhDuIg_4R_sBDPKlS8uLVPrPv0bZqQyx9VOUFQKw/s1600/ond_group-pic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0GjmkqoXQnkbAaRHFzHLl_3wDgJrL8hWkAF4ddS340dGM7tI7KRzLFnt969ABhHV0_CMpLIQh86gQVAZ1w_ZDSoU53YA_M8nmCjHhDuIg_4R_sBDPKlS8uLVPrPv0bZqQyx9VOUFQKw/s640/ond_group-pic.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{<b>From Left to Right:</b> Max Bare, Joey Potts, Lana Crooks, Andrew Thompson, Matthew Ryan Sharp & Joe Call - <i>Courtesy of OhNo!Doom website</i>}</div>
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“I personally think a collective is a great idea as we are all working together and we are all on equal ground--there is no hierarchy,” explained Potts. “The gallery is our own place where we are able to work together, bounce ideas off each other, and most importantly display artwork from local, national, and international artists.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Trying to balance day jobs, individual projects and their gallery and group work, the group sometimes feels as though they work two full-time jobs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“If not three!” chimed in a couple of the artists, busily typing away at their computers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“<span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Over the years the effort transformed from a hobby to a business, so with that came new obstacles,” said Call. “It truly is a balancing act, and demands good personal time management and organizational skills, also integrity! We all rely on one another to do what we say we will do to keep things operational and successful.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Through their busy schedules, the ON!D group curates 10-12 shows a year, featuring the work of established to emerging artists from around the world. This month’s gallery, “Belligerent & Numerous,” is a collection of diverse pieces by <a href="http://www.roughbeasts.com/" target="_blank">Bill Halliar</a>, <a href="http://www.nerfect.com/" target="_blank">Britton Walters</a> (Mr. Walters), <a href="http://www.brianwalline.com/" target="_blank">BrianWalline</a>, <a href="http://www.jamesgilleard.com/" target="_blank">James Gilleard</a> and <a href="http://www.veggiesomething.com/" target="_blank">James Liu</a> (Veggiesomething). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Focusing on digital, paper and prints, ON!D collective member and curator Max Bare, organically brought together the five featured artists after establishing relationships with them through various shows and galleries, showcasing a “Belligerent & Numerous” mix of styles, attitudes, ideas and mediums. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“The ‘Numerous’ came from the many pieces by Brit,” said Bare, describing the plethora of daily drawings by Mr. Walters as part of his <span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "lucida grande"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">"4x6x366/12" installation. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ91ZjXctoss6znL3dqNuBXCqrJ7FG38Nx943xltrm51bOfJHRLHgk-giofW-2l8lEWtmjmAFC_ORtKm6pJS6pRAY1xRIZHoimu5F928eu0_Eio0aiUF8FqzmCSPwLvT-QH7bHM2qyJA/s1600/100_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ91ZjXctoss6znL3dqNuBXCqrJ7FG38Nx943xltrm51bOfJHRLHgk-giofW-2l8lEWtmjmAFC_ORtKm6pJS6pRAY1xRIZHoimu5F928eu0_Eio0aiUF8FqzmCSPwLvT-QH7bHM2qyJA/s640/100_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p> {Mr. Walter's "4x6x366/12" installation}</o:p><br />
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“And the rest are just belligerent,” joked Crooks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite the joke, some of the works do have a sort of aggressive, in-your-face quality, jumping off the walls with their vibrant colors and sometimes-fierce messages. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Colossal beasts and a struggling hero exemplify this antagonism in Gilleard’s <i>Shadow of the Colossus </i>series, based on the action-adventure game of the same name.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5c2kxrj9ypsm6yLhEWjOs_XfRti7BSiPglaghs3Az0LhP99pezs3wLvjZhB7F4QBaCa_JRcmepM9tjEHVxFwW26NeF0_yFN3Pq7RxhvVx-5pOTbzYaDToYPbfjPbVtrq9r4HaD9eCfM/s1600/100_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5c2kxrj9ypsm6yLhEWjOs_XfRti7BSiPglaghs3Az0LhP99pezs3wLvjZhB7F4QBaCa_JRcmepM9tjEHVxFwW26NeF0_yFN3Pq7RxhvVx-5pOTbzYaDToYPbfjPbVtrq9r4HaD9eCfM/s640/100_1048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Gilleard's <i>Shadow of the Colossus </i>series}</div>
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“The whole idea for my part of the show was to have 20 or so images that work as one piece,” said Gilleard. “I was excited to show the series as a whole and hopefully convey the narrative or experience of the game through these prints.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Halliar, on the other hand, veers more towards grimness than belligerence in works that he describes as, “colorful, horror-fueled comic pessimism.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7bZmzDovuRv8DLehi2kb0SSE8v2Qz3Yt3fSA1Tifhz-S96B0KIW1i9RGGjAmskMQNZ5MDy01U1rOF-vIh7JQ9EdYJ81hlrvFTTI0VaQmDGtnnjbjpBcHRNIkyMuu0kYZxeZ3ahqnC7s/s1600/100_1045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7bZmzDovuRv8DLehi2kb0SSE8v2Qz3Yt3fSA1Tifhz-S96B0KIW1i9RGGjAmskMQNZ5MDy01U1rOF-vIh7JQ9EdYJ81hlrvFTTI0VaQmDGtnnjbjpBcHRNIkyMuu0kYZxeZ3ahqnC7s/s640/100_1045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{<b>Top: </b><i>Cutlet</i><b> Left: </b><i>Church</i><b> Right: </b><i>Yeller</i> - Bill Halliar}</div>
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“It’s October and I’ve got a lot of spookiness inside me even at the best of times,” he said. “This close to Halloween I cant keep it in at all. It spills out into everything.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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For Veggiesomething, forcefulness comes from his use of “bold, clean, clear and concise” characters—some who may need to be treated for sugar addiction with taglines like “Sugar high” and “Did you say cupcakes?” <br />
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1800 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago IL 60647<o:p></o:p></div>
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(773) 698.8348 <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hours: Thursday & Friday: 5-10 pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-27288302708066723712012-10-16T15:37:00.001-05:002012-10-16T15:46:18.957-05:00Color Me... Navy<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/color_me_navy/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=61197047" target="_blank"><img alt="Color Me... Navy" border="0" force="1" height="456" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/nGp2rUYJ3VCERUSHkGWHg/cid/61197047/id/eh6mXQb7RHKlDINFA2-bWw/size/c600x456.jpg" title="Color Me... Navy" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/color_me_navy/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=61197047" target="_blank">Color Me... Navy</a> by <a href="http://amanda-boleman.polyvore.com/?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">amanda-boleman</a></small><br />
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Because sometimes you're stuck singing the blues...</div>
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<b>shop:</b> <i>anthony vaccarello zipper <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=66020346" target="_blank">dress</a> / motel printed <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=62403016" target="_blank">crop top </a>/ navy wool <a href="http://www.sheinside.com/Navy-Long-Sleeve-Shawl-Collar-Self-Tie-Duffle-Coat-p-97075-cat-1735.html" target="_blank">coat</a> / otte high low <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=56196968">skirt</a> / ash tall suede <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=63789618" target="_blank">boots</a> / oliver bonas navy <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=64955589" target="_blank">satchel</a> / oliver bonas bow <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=64950381" target="_blank">bracelet</a> //</i></div>
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-14359283864142994072012-10-11T17:05:00.002-05:002012-10-11T18:15:00.221-05:002012 Chicago Marathon - Owned Chicago. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTJNezK3mnjQ2sDBKs_lpJG7k-CzsSeMoLaQFssBEyp6VhFml82kg8S5toQVcJniK735FYXpM2A05iCHwuo2Yrn5iO74VCGYipId7I1leqycMbBeJecN3xf2075kvr-HldNdBiRN9Ee0/s1600/IMG_2036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTJNezK3mnjQ2sDBKs_lpJG7k-CzsSeMoLaQFssBEyp6VhFml82kg8S5toQVcJniK735FYXpM2A05iCHwuo2Yrn5iO74VCGYipId7I1leqycMbBeJecN3xf2075kvr-HldNdBiRN9Ee0/s640/IMG_2036.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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{<i>"Did you ever think you would run 26 miles?"</i> - Brad}</div>
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<b>26.2 to be exact</b>. Marathon: Check that one off the Bucket List! </div>
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After a night of tossing and turning with dreams of my bones breaking through my legs and every other thought of what could possibly go wrong, I awoke for the marathon at 5:30 am feeling anxious and underprepared. </div>
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For months I promised I would finally buckle down and <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/10/marathon-training-discipline.html" target="_blank">discipline</a> myself, strictly sticking to my training schedule and turning down nights out with friends in exchange for sleep and early morning runs. When that didn't quite happen as often as it should have, I had major feelings of self-doubt and almost felt like I didn't <i>deserve</i> to finish the race. </div>
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Funny how doubt and fear can play games with your head.<br />
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When <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/09/marathon-training-running-buddy.html" target="_blank">Brad</a> and I finally reached the starting line after freezing the morning away waiting for Wave 2 to begin, we were more than ready to JUST DO IT.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImkVlZaklqKix_kIa3LENc-UzmJEwNyz7jcH6g-hphg-paxrEYc2_Uos6R41DZhy3JSSVl_I378yc5GZX63GrM-_zpxjyANzMbsYulCFCvoZZpYJsgBXHtLw5aZMXANspQwrSPyKTTeE/s1600/IMG_2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImkVlZaklqKix_kIa3LENc-UzmJEwNyz7jcH6g-hphg-paxrEYc2_Uos6R41DZhy3JSSVl_I378yc5GZX63GrM-_zpxjyANzMbsYulCFCvoZZpYJsgBXHtLw5aZMXANspQwrSPyKTTeE/s640/IMG_2048.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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Dodging the piles of clothes that people had stripped off just before the race started, we found our stride and weaved our way in and out of the massive crowd of bobbing heads and determined racers.<br />
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Through the first few miles my stomach was feeling uneasy, most likely the result of pending nerves and hunger from my inability to eat anything more than a cup of peach yogurt with granola and a few bites of a bagel topped with peanut butter and bananas earlier that morning.<br />
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With the help of some Gu, multiple Gatorade/H20 breaks and our awesome 2-man cheering squad (shout out to Mom and Will!) following us around the course, we held a steady pace and didn't stop to walk until we hit Mile 17.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuBqO9EaI7UXonh_0vP4dYR5jsvsmrr0wROihOUbcn8qcATTPpHib4pYPmo9JWSsJuYqrqNvDnM4JHVqcusduNhwv8wiYqIYiKSZxSEdQOx0Fkx0OqXbBy-H_gjMywTBKjejnv9olEJE/s1600/IMG_2051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuBqO9EaI7UXonh_0vP4dYR5jsvsmrr0wROihOUbcn8qcATTPpHib4pYPmo9JWSsJuYqrqNvDnM4JHVqcusduNhwv8wiYqIYiKSZxSEdQOx0Fkx0OqXbBy-H_gjMywTBKjejnv9olEJE/s640/IMG_2051.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Brad starting to feel the pain at Mile 17}</div>
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Thanks to the slanted road and throngs of runners that never really thinned out throughout the entire race, Brad started to experience a lot of pain in his knee. We ran miles 17-22 much slower than our original pace, but with the thousands of people cheering us on, stopping never seemed like an option.<br />
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By the time we hit 22.5, Brad looked at me and told me to go on. The pain was getting to be too much and he knew he couldn't keep up with the half-shuffle run we had going. Strangely, it hurt way more for me to walk than it did to run, so we split up for the first time with the promise to meet back at Mile 25 where Will and my mom were waiting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LSY8NNGnbExMRS66Hd8oxHidHE5rLyzO72xHuOPnszIqaLqKATWt0sg6pTklarpae9bwvBr8W2gVXTF5FoVEYomafYrK7xzeUg4prhsN7F6dX6eMKafXi8AAN9SyIa7kNTJTf_gzPYM/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LSY8NNGnbExMRS66Hd8oxHidHE5rLyzO72xHuOPnszIqaLqKATWt0sg6pTklarpae9bwvBr8W2gVXTF5FoVEYomafYrK7xzeUg4prhsN7F6dX6eMKafXi8AAN9SyIa7kNTJTf_gzPYM/s640/IMG_2038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hitting the 20 mark, there was no question as to whether or not I was going to finish. The worst was still to come, but after making it that far, there was no way I wouldn't push through the final 6 miles.<br />
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23-24 was probably my fastest mile of the whole race. The course had finally opened up a bit so I wasn't constantly zig-zagging throughout the crowd and I was so determined to reach the familiar faces waiting for me for that extra push of motivation that is all so necessary in those times of mental and physical trial.<br />
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A wave of emotion sent tears to my eyes when I passed a sign saying, "You just owned Chicago." The physical pain combined with the mental weight of what I had just accomplished set in and I couldn't believe how strong I felt after feeling like I had prepared too little. </div>
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Far under my <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/08/marathon-training-expected-time.html" target="_blank">expected time of 5:30</a>, I reached Mile 25 at 4:16. Waiting with my mom and Will, my heart sank when Brad hobbled up with tears in his eyes about 15 minutes later. I knew the pain had to be deep to break my strong step dad.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavhoU98TP0LD27iAegHEv4XW6RhBf6f8kYTgAcrgsSUjMX01zjrBMtEGkk2V5Q-6rRmvD3VE8bMWHtPQ0LwvKmn7n3GFLpUQQN2SGqpZMyFPdJhDuYp01ESkivWXbOMN24-dIdCBZt28/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavhoU98TP0LD27iAegHEv4XW6RhBf6f8kYTgAcrgsSUjMX01zjrBMtEGkk2V5Q-6rRmvD3VE8bMWHtPQ0LwvKmn7n3GFLpUQQN2SGqpZMyFPdJhDuYp01ESkivWXbOMN24-dIdCBZt28/s640/IMG_2050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Let's do this together," I said, taking his arm and deflecting any comments that he was sorry for slowing me down. I didn't sign up for this race to beat a record or get the fastest time. There was no way I could have gotten through this experience without him and crossing the finish line together made all the pain and doubt worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgGMam7J_7oPKuIzRhXXoC4IVlHX6Ohxxfli1kScZuVEAwKztMhzWuNT6Ukc9x6iIps0ijNcGnuy97k_OYhweC4M_lobfhnggoI0SyEJEAneB2Wpo6uRmOo9CoGQt8M8EhkdXU7PcyLw/s1600/chicagomarathon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgGMam7J_7oPKuIzRhXXoC4IVlHX6Ohxxfli1kScZuVEAwKztMhzWuNT6Ukc9x6iIps0ijNcGnuy97k_OYhweC4M_lobfhnggoI0SyEJEAneB2Wpo6uRmOo9CoGQt8M8EhkdXU7PcyLw/s640/chicagomarathon.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Showered & clean--but definitely still sore! <i>Photo by <a href="http://tuningtheheart.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Candice</a></i>}</div>
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<i>Photos by Mom and Brad</i></div>
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-45662038034572729772012-10-09T18:33:00.000-05:002012-10-09T18:44:39.066-05:00MayaWorks - Fair Trade Month <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_V2x3539oHdKJN6-uMcHmwpBcw_Qa5-ykJOwuh2kFXovpgEQ29S1UrlIq267oEtmNHNR08_y5UL_j4j1WzRyBFbQ0tZwZ2OR224gQFkPLlKFfw2YZm3y_et-YXWsSEKKDlzzQLQHWiM/s1600/AmandaB-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_V2x3539oHdKJN6-uMcHmwpBcw_Qa5-ykJOwuh2kFXovpgEQ29S1UrlIq267oEtmNHNR08_y5UL_j4j1WzRyBFbQ0tZwZ2OR224gQFkPLlKFfw2YZm3y_et-YXWsSEKKDlzzQLQHWiM/s640/AmandaB-8.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In honor of <a href="http://fairtradeusa.org/fair-trade-month" target="_blank">Fair Trade Month</a>, I teamed up with <a href="http://pollyc848.wix.com/pollycannella" target="_blank">Polly</a> to support <a href="http://www.mayaworks.org/" target="_blank">MayaWorks</a> in modeling their beautifully unique handcrafted products and jewelry for their first-ever Lookbook.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlj3WlgPn31_mifup36D_fwovHCcRzFGbLWg-rN2fxM1IxXBoOxN5jxGRSsy7IbNmDOL2xmjgBp62E_vQVWbd6IJ5A_2nbXWvda2Wub2KdYhNCh467hMQTzYoB6Amzh4Fo448mdyzlsE/s1600/AmandaB-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlj3WlgPn31_mifup36D_fwovHCcRzFGbLWg-rN2fxM1IxXBoOxN5jxGRSsy7IbNmDOL2xmjgBp62E_vQVWbd6IJ5A_2nbXWvda2Wub2KdYhNCh467hMQTzYoB6Amzh4Fo448mdyzlsE/s640/AmandaB-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVXkPmdjVeQ1mT89lelB6U7OkhkkcRfyGp0NVwVw4hcn5TmBPiwdnmxQ4u2BL9bbhCZq45-dMGKkOMmRGmgTg-dDTbtUeg1sXUDVNEqk4mrGZg4eU7ZL3dHzya3vo4k0YBz24dcK3ZPo/s1600/AmandaB+No+WM-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVXkPmdjVeQ1mT89lelB6U7OkhkkcRfyGp0NVwVw4hcn5TmBPiwdnmxQ4u2BL9bbhCZq45-dMGKkOMmRGmgTg-dDTbtUeg1sXUDVNEqk4mrGZg4eU7ZL3dHzya3vo4k0YBz24dcK3ZPo/s640/AmandaB+No+WM-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Besides being instantly drawn to doing anything that involves playing dress-up and hanging out at the beach with a good friend, I immediately agreed to do this project when I learned more about MayaWorks and their mission to empower Maya women through their own art and crafts, providing them with the resources and training that they need to function as confident, contributing members of their society.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzwHkAN7FWPQOiMmC0Zs0Sj3rP7JxOngI8yIL1fsSC0CtkROkgedpBrtnZFiVTlivgpb9jBgo0OnsIGGXKqO9uhq7Yx22PdZCnIQkliSxuCOhhD7FZgvYIi4ydteaqws_YgXiBGL0pKs/s1600/AmandaB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzwHkAN7FWPQOiMmC0Zs0Sj3rP7JxOngI8yIL1fsSC0CtkROkgedpBrtnZFiVTlivgpb9jBgo0OnsIGGXKqO9uhq7Yx22PdZCnIQkliSxuCOhhD7FZgvYIi4ydteaqws_YgXiBGL0pKs/s640/AmandaB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The hippie in me fell in love with MayaWorks' intricately-beaded <a href="http://www.mayaworks.org/handcrafted-beaded-fair-trade-jewelry" target="_blank">bracelets</a> and silky <a href="http://www.mayaworks.org/handcrafted-fair-trade-gifts-accessories/fair-trade-woven-guatemalan-cotton-scarf" target="_blank">hand-woven scarves</a> that could be worn as a boho bandeau while splashing around in the water or wrapped around for warmth as we head into colder months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc2QobePy92YDgvr7GNxxT_Y1gepGldwiIEWPcvnl-1ez50pHi_RkCRkTqDVrc39ov8x1l4owbYf2U8EJmpOfMGdGItcI3-R1QNXxHvDylrq9hBMAQS4u2ZVRO7AtzWFXDsmeedExMew/s1600/AmandaB-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc2QobePy92YDgvr7GNxxT_Y1gepGldwiIEWPcvnl-1ez50pHi_RkCRkTqDVrc39ov8x1l4owbYf2U8EJmpOfMGdGItcI3-R1QNXxHvDylrq9hBMAQS4u2ZVRO7AtzWFXDsmeedExMew/s640/AmandaB-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJtSgt-D2NDSR0DC1BIFFxruwPKFRRT3dAv3eB0FPZ7ADrRnqJOZtsR6hTWN9USWXL6k9z9KkwCZTXQhR6pqlS3ukNYWNROgQ8YCe_24bWhIYHVSDacuN-hXUw0wbk7uSrgIp7YPPvqc/s1600/AmandaB-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJtSgt-D2NDSR0DC1BIFFxruwPKFRRT3dAv3eB0FPZ7ADrRnqJOZtsR6hTWN9USWXL6k9z9KkwCZTXQhR6pqlS3ukNYWNROgQ8YCe_24bWhIYHVSDacuN-hXUw0wbk7uSrgIp7YPPvqc/s640/AmandaB-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To ensure the sustainability of our Earth, we need to focus more on protecting our environment and investing in the well-being of people of all nations--we are all part of the same world after all. Fair trade promotes higher environmental and social standards in terms of business and trade, fostering relations with other countries and offering opportunities to the developing world. It's not about greed or how much money you can make--it's simply about <b>FAIR TRADE</b>. You get a great product in exchange for bettering the life of a fellow human being.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o1mO-hY7PLYNIgukIWcbY5qnnohS_vp07HbjcvxPQyhbjwtVUCrO_f8iQR8EMfglenJyNG1r4X9mu7JDbgeoLwvVP1aEztYJqZfzIYgHwPGte0qlVfcK63eJuWw0K-2KVL7_rJ7NPVY/s1600/AmandaB+No+WM-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o1mO-hY7PLYNIgukIWcbY5qnnohS_vp07HbjcvxPQyhbjwtVUCrO_f8iQR8EMfglenJyNG1r4X9mu7JDbgeoLwvVP1aEztYJqZfzIYgHwPGte0qlVfcK63eJuWw0K-2KVL7_rJ7NPVY/s640/AmandaB+No+WM-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayaworks?fref=ts" target="_blank">MayaWorks Facebook page</a> and <a href="http://www.mayaworks.org/blog" target="_blank">blog</a> all month for updates on products and new shots from the lookbook, featuring yours truly all this week! See something you like? All proceeds benefit the Mayaworks' mission and the Cakchiquel and Tz'utujil Maya.<br />
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<i>Photos by <a href="http://pollyc848.wix.com/pollycannella" target="_blank">Polly Cannella</a></i>Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-69856425499113906512012-10-08T23:14:00.003-05:002012-10-08T23:14:56.187-05:00Marathon Training: The Day After This is what the day after a marathon should look like: <div>
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Absolutely nothing.</div>
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...and lots and lots of carbs! </div>
Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-6432722310346898332012-10-04T15:04:00.000-05:002012-10-04T15:07:56.567-05:00Marathon Training: Discipline <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSh2GLhXCNVUMnytExvjhG6MaHZX1XKHfm8_Ar__GxTBabyHsAmCr_HO7tVfO6h1UniIBwebuPtDY7Jrk2FQyxx6kZJg2ORO1bggCR9u5w-Xk-N4Br0grOn6skUT0Lb1bKt6JJZXDFzY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-04+at+2.24.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSh2GLhXCNVUMnytExvjhG6MaHZX1XKHfm8_Ar__GxTBabyHsAmCr_HO7tVfO6h1UniIBwebuPtDY7Jrk2FQyxx6kZJg2ORO1bggCR9u5w-Xk-N4Br0grOn6skUT0Lb1bKt6JJZXDFzY/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-10-04+at+2.24.27+PM.png" width="500" /></a></div>
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I will run this track in 3 days. <i>Holy shit.</i></div>
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As I was showing my friends the "everything you need to know" guide to the marathon yesterday, I started getting extremely nervous. <b>26 fucking miles</b>. </div>
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Admittedly, my longest run has only been 15 miles. Tried to make 20 happen and it just didn't get there. I've told that to a few runners and they look at me with that, "Ooooh, well I'm sure you'll be okay..." judgmental face and all my confidence goes out the window. </div>
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This got me thinking about discipline. Have I not tried hard enough? Would I be nervous if I had stuck exactly to the plan? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd4qN3xwewfN3kwS1kg87nQuM-WjcYRJE18BBwBsoXWFzTVnw8-y8zUOjnd9V3zP01k1tM5Edcf1iQFpefUO_jCpgl1Y8fYHLesXr3IuWTZY2ovfLUVBtGBBqd_wSBQCZWAaOoLBEX9Q/s1600/get-fit-6-37.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd4qN3xwewfN3kwS1kg87nQuM-WjcYRJE18BBwBsoXWFzTVnw8-y8zUOjnd9V3zP01k1tM5Edcf1iQFpefUO_jCpgl1Y8fYHLesXr3IuWTZY2ovfLUVBtGBBqd_wSBQCZWAaOoLBEX9Q/s640/get-fit-6-37.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've never been the most disciplined person. I knew that would be my biggest struggle in completing this marathon, but I was determined to work hard and maybe, finally be an organized, put together and all-around "better" person.</div>
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Turns out I'm still kind of a hot mess. Well, a little better than that, but definitely still a work in progress. Not just in running, but kind of in life in general. I always feel like I could be doing better, that I should be disciplining myself more and constantly working towards being that perfectly-balanced person I, oh so badly, want to become.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrHu3LRx1elvWROrf03Cdyl6rClVFVkeFK17NtTyEmjrpY_kV2SwlzLEwLrj9y4mHfR08lM4msA1KVt_DAS0iEzSdfXgKb4DC3f4HTHmSvCyacKlD9NnGADgYYAec0YWdKo6G-Tvy-HU/s1600/finding+a+balance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrHu3LRx1elvWROrf03Cdyl6rClVFVkeFK17NtTyEmjrpY_kV2SwlzLEwLrj9y4mHfR08lM4msA1KVt_DAS0iEzSdfXgKb4DC3f4HTHmSvCyacKlD9NnGADgYYAec0YWdKo6G-Tvy-HU/s640/finding+a+balance.jpeg" width="444" /></a></div>
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Said person, do you even exist? </div>
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But I always seem to give into those little indulgences. As hard as I've tried to condition my life to fit in all of these things that I think I'm supposed to do, I always seem to give into the impulses and temptations that surround me every day. There's always some justification--"I have a lot of work to do today; I'll just run extra long tomorrow," or "I mean [random friend] only turns 23 once, I suppose I can go out for a drink and finish this assignment after"--that leads me away from the written out plan I like to call my to-do list. </div>
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Some people question how I manage to do everything I do. How do I fit in so much? </div>
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So why do I never feel like I'm doing enough? <b><i>Always my own toughest critic.</i></b> </div>
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To keep myself positive these next few days, I need to stay focused on the reason why I decided to do this in the first place. </div>
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Working at the finish line for the 2011 marathon, I saw people in every shape, color and size cross that line. Blind people; disabled people; even people with no legs at all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMOY3kznSXurwUk9pcamQkk9duiS1GiRcohghvPJQoMn22vP6DkUAdEo9u_GaSqVqXxtm-ZSoVUIMGjJq9Vu28L_otv4E_cPTZrA_PPiT884H4QiEeVWw8zAL1arKTHzE8XABsN9eBOM/s1600/main_chicagomarathon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMOY3kznSXurwUk9pcamQkk9duiS1GiRcohghvPJQoMn22vP6DkUAdEo9u_GaSqVqXxtm-ZSoVUIMGjJq9Vu28L_otv4E_cPTZrA_PPiT884H4QiEeVWw8zAL1arKTHzE8XABsN9eBOM/s640/main_chicagomarathon.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was one of the single most inspirational things I have ever seen and apparently it turned me into a crazy person because it was that day that I decided <b>I'm going to cross that finish line too. </b></div>
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<i>Images via <a href="http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Runner_Information/Bank%20of%20America%20Chicago%20Marathon%20Course%20Map.pdf" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/83246293082228685/" target="_blank">2</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273664114826688404/" target="_blank">3</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1215&bih=641&tbm=isch&tbnid=LjrWaCSGW-iGPM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mnn.com/family/babies-pregnancy/stories/woman-runs-marathon-and-gives-birth-same-day&docid=ymg_rjEY1hITzM&imgurl=http://www.mnn.com/sites/default/files/main_chicagomarathon.jpg&w=530&h=300&ei=VOdtUN-iAsLWyQGxu4C4BA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=102&vpy=168&dur=130&hovh=170&hovw=300&tx=139&ty=100&sig=112546320801988001195&page=1&tbnh=104&tbnw=183&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:74" target="_blank">4</a></i></div>
Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-16778797424506582492012-10-02T19:30:00.001-05:002012-10-02T19:55:24.703-05:00Color Me... Emerald<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/color_me_emerald/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=60175759"><img alt="Color Me... Emerald" border="0" force="1" height="487" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Rr1Q3pMDc9Mi703Rc8I3zQ/cid/60175759/id/h6TTGL3VSqiB5u846l-0Fw/size/c600x487.jpg" title="Color Me... Emerald" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/color_me_emerald/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=60175759">Color Me... Emerald</a> by <a href="http://amanda-boleman.polyvore.com/?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger">amanda-boleman</a></small><br />
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As we get deeper into Autumn, it's time to bring out the deep jewel tones--especially in a rich green that we'll miss when the barren winter covers it in a blanket of snow. </div>
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<b>shop:</b> <i>mary katrantzou <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=65082955" target="_blank">cocktail dress</a> / burberry <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=65805367" target="_blank">lace coat</a> / mink pink sequin <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=65388932" target="_blank">mini skirt</a> / h&m <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=63671899" target="_blank">knee length skirt</a> / bakers platform <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=66381302" target="_blank">wedge heels</a> / modcloth <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=59897620" target="_blank">shoulder bag</a> / elvira sazesh emerald green <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=64727361" target="_blank">jewelry</a> / american apparel <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=59034390" target="_blank">sunglasses</a> //</i></div>
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-3897095863852451342012-10-01T19:34:00.002-05:002012-10-01T19:36:17.052-05:00Date Night in Stripes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfXUUd0RAyrmgJ2bfzKV5Zbd1rKK5mWaEcGBFVJJefSHt31dZt61pAUCHy8Ep4-ef7vTEUx1sctIlG8OuqnwtK4HYxDDcJ8BWiusp9Yg-HajZdT2aWAN3v2tRiRoPKkPrqUyq_-EZo1E/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfXUUd0RAyrmgJ2bfzKV5Zbd1rKK5mWaEcGBFVJJefSHt31dZt61pAUCHy8Ep4-ef7vTEUx1sctIlG8OuqnwtK4HYxDDcJ8BWiusp9Yg-HajZdT2aWAN3v2tRiRoPKkPrqUyq_-EZo1E/s640/IMG_1983.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.shopakira.com/" target="_blank">Akira</a> Leather Jacket, Akira Dress, Alex and Ani bracelet, <a href="http://www.adidas.com/us/adidas-by-stella-mccartney/_/N-1z13svo" target="_blank">Stella McCartney for Adidas</a> purse, Steve Madden <a href="http://www.zappos.com/madden-girl-geirard-black-paris" target="_blank">combat boots</a>}</div>
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Living in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area has not only opened up countless possibilities for exploring, but it has also pushed me to try out different styles with no reservations. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM12l7wpeHgBnKZYVoF1HDWHrwLlcSvLHaP6-zTUgg-alQico_pXdPLo-JQ22d4axJu_JgFvucGgRhTrfg6H3KJlDnHKbrP17KmkNeyXm6bhbjEqkF4EKlm80NoD74PFWj5rSMN2eWng/s1600/100_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM12l7wpeHgBnKZYVoF1HDWHrwLlcSvLHaP6-zTUgg-alQico_pXdPLo-JQ22d4axJu_JgFvucGgRhTrfg6H3KJlDnHKbrP17KmkNeyXm6bhbjEqkF4EKlm80NoD74PFWj5rSMN2eWng/s640/100_1036.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hence mixing and matching a club-worthy backless dress with tough leather elements and throwing in a sporty Stella McCartney for Adidas bag to infuse a bit of the athletic-inspired trend. </div>
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On a particularly warm September night, this look made me feel sexy, scrappy and sporty all at once while taking in a tantalizing Thai dinner at <a href="http://www.silom12chicago.com/" target="_blank">Silom 12</a>.<br />
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Or maybe I was just feeling hot from the red pepper curry? </div>
Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-12455766604438467232012-09-28T15:08:00.000-05:002012-09-28T15:08:11.600-05:00Travel Top 5: New York Food <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{The best tasting birthday present I've ever received...<a href="http://www.crumbs.com/" target="_blank">Crumbs Cupcakes</a>}</div>
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Surprisingly I wasn't as camera happy with my food as I usually am while I was in New York, but I definitely still ate well! From New York style pizza to Mexican joints and cupcakes galore, I found myself mentally adding places to try on every block.<br />
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{Awesome artwork and delicious eats at <a href="http://www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com/" target="_blank">John's of Bleecker Street</a>}</div>
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One of the main things I love about New York food that's missing in Chicago is the abundance of street vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to Korean BBQ right there along the avenue. Sure, we have food trucks, but it's not the same as the food stands that stay in the same place all day long, luring you in for a quick pick-me-up treat on your walk home. </div>
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{Chowing down on fresh fruit on the way to get coffee}</div>
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For my birthday dinner, we wanted to eat somewhere near the hotel so we wouldn't be clunking around the city in our swanky dresses and heels. <a href="http://www.seathainyc.com/sea/" target="_blank">Sea Thai</a> won the bid for being my favorite type of food and its proximity to where we wanted to be. Best Pad Thai I've ever had! Although I was admittedly a little tipsy from birthday shots, so maybe I was just reallyyyy hungry...<br />
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{Lovely ladies at Sea Thai}</div>
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And of course, my time in NYC wouldn't have been complete without a trip to <a href="http://www.magnoliabakery.com/home.php" target="_blank">Magnolia Bakery</a>.<br />
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-90989119723064456902012-09-26T18:06:00.000-05:002012-09-27T18:45:03.597-05:00Travel Top 5: New York Art <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGpJDzX30XsLusoG9nEYSNbZm0HhwmEjvRRstx5mJZ76JAP73RWPmW0H_lu598xgzuBZvpkZc9p2bdPHHnWdUQsjArwoyAaWvs2x6yfIK4j8aLhRJ2m5xX32q3o6iKiJRavO41cHZGFs/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGpJDzX30XsLusoG9nEYSNbZm0HhwmEjvRRstx5mJZ76JAP73RWPmW0H_lu598xgzuBZvpkZc9p2bdPHHnWdUQsjArwoyAaWvs2x6yfIK4j8aLhRJ2m5xX32q3o6iKiJRavO41cHZGFs/s640/IMG_1828.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's true what they say--there really is a vibe to New York unlike any other. From the <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/09/travel-top-5-new-york-new-york-fashion.html" target="_blank">fashion</a> to the <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/09/travel-top-5-new-york-architecturehotels.html" target="_blank">architecture</a>, there is art to be seen around every corner if the busy New Yorker would just take a moment to stop and enjoy it.<br />
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{<a href="http://www.meatpacking-district.com/" target="_blank">Meatpacking District </a>street art & Statue of David styled in <a href="http://www.missoni.com/" target="_blank">Missoni</a>}</div>
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{Out and about in Chelsea & <a href="http://unionsquarenyc.org/" target="_blank">Union Square</a>}<br />
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Street art and sculptures adorn the city, providing a pop of color against a gray sidewalk or inspiring the viewer to feel something they may not have before coming across the surprise piece of art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAuPQZUpJ8S32JQQtB_W6YumdtbM3mR9dKUAEcdXKjAQGvIURZmE8VernM5yVjrQD-fxXvmpfFH27APEVHkh-qbBcRErvMGIPhYn38eV0RGtJyVWurW-BFJGGY05-z1bHxeNXG4uAYKM/s1600/IMG_1903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAuPQZUpJ8S32JQQtB_W6YumdtbM3mR9dKUAEcdXKjAQGvIURZmE8VernM5yVjrQD-fxXvmpfFH27APEVHkh-qbBcRErvMGIPhYn38eV0RGtJyVWurW-BFJGGY05-z1bHxeNXG4uAYKM/s640/IMG_1903.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
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{<i>If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction</i>}</div>
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My love for art started at a young age with my extremely creative aunt sharing her appreciation of all things beautiful and pushing me to see the world with an artist's eye. While my own artistic skills never developed as fully as I would have liked, I still love wandering through galleries in all of the cities I visit to find new sources of inspiration and revel in the work of acclaimed artists I've been learning about since I was a little girl. </div>
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And what better place to go to take it all in (besides maybe the Louvre or the Vatican Museums!) than the massive and marvelous <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>. </div>
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{Channeling Gossip Girl on the Met steps}</div>
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Heading in on the South side of the museum, I made my way through the Greek and Roman art and got lost in Ancient Egypt for a while. With only so much time, I made my way up to the must-see 19th- and early 20th- century European paintings that my little map told me housed the artists I used to learn about and admire back in elementary school.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Seeing original works from the likes of Monet, van Gogh, Mucha, Rodin and Seurat gave me goosebumps and sent chills down my spine--in the best possible way. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KWfbIETX2Y1Ieeygap3sY3g5TJUfTB-3uMDqLjXo-Q4ZuKGqSrmdX4Y3ilxGVq-XYZ2DozLIVtMaMjSKokpt47ciGOnkPPrkUEdfIl-EC4le6265vRQejfKBPbtvoJh2KZd5wBZI5QA/s640/IMG_1830.jpg" width="546" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XC1768kJ9iXlAG6cXDRtuhSWIAWPxy2aCSOwh-SXjRkf1AkASTYDV4-JDXE-UzulKtnVLwzGhZlYlW1bNyslyxIxSkW2lanmu62iX0wuMBEaG0G6J5raExTCuKU58tN_prIDyDQj8rQ/s1600/100_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XC1768kJ9iXlAG6cXDRtuhSWIAWPxy2aCSOwh-SXjRkf1AkASTYDV4-JDXE-UzulKtnVLwzGhZlYlW1bNyslyxIxSkW2lanmu62iX0wuMBEaG0G6J5raExTCuKU58tN_prIDyDQj8rQ/s640/100_0881.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{<b>Claude Monet;</b> Top: <i>Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies, </i>1899; Bottom: <i>The Houses of Parliament (Effect of Fog),</i> 1903-1904}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw_s3qF3N0c_qE8WDO_tLYnopmKQJ-7VX4aEX1U5nFZCBCukroLUt-XeaFyHA9KIEKY_epNiL4oGFh7eytuEkmhOhcJ2Rey57jz-fie59-OpXXz1Wxnl1r2DKVjADhiPPKES6WtL5WBU/s1600/100_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw_s3qF3N0c_qE8WDO_tLYnopmKQJ-7VX4aEX1U5nFZCBCukroLUt-XeaFyHA9KIEKY_epNiL4oGFh7eytuEkmhOhcJ2Rey57jz-fie59-OpXXz1Wxnl1r2DKVjADhiPPKES6WtL5WBU/s640/100_0883.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{<b>Georges Seurat; </b><i>Gray Weather, Grande Jatte</i>, 1886-1988}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf1vdQqL14-aOv4noRKIlH5fkvThjEjq5g4QJlZEN9Y_WXyK2M-8k5tTT5Iewzr9R5HjFPpmHS6V5YpnS3G1VIay4Df_l7tWLnlRCBX3n7ULTSv9A0P3Alc3XXu_-GMJqtdkBv97-P6E/s1600/IMG_1835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf1vdQqL14-aOv4noRKIlH5fkvThjEjq5g4QJlZEN9Y_WXyK2M-8k5tTT5Iewzr9R5HjFPpmHS6V5YpnS3G1VIay4Df_l7tWLnlRCBX3n7ULTSv9A0P3Alc3XXu_-GMJqtdkBv97-P6E/s320/IMG_1835.jpg" width="281" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDnUP7jKKJT7UQ0eddJLFQyjtFn5TmpRsBbMIqCrzA3Rbu1yECbpX6D2RB-kPYErC3NP6S9__gp0DL6uqYMqvWoO0y6BKKmJBmEIeUl7758eumy6R_H8WBvMQYzYi2clYP3qMgUJeCuU/s1600/IMG_1834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDnUP7jKKJT7UQ0eddJLFQyjtFn5TmpRsBbMIqCrzA3Rbu1yECbpX6D2RB-kPYErC3NP6S9__gp0DL6uqYMqvWoO0y6BKKmJBmEIeUl7758eumy6R_H8WBvMQYzYi2clYP3qMgUJeCuU/s320/IMG_1834.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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{<b>Vincent van Gogh;</b> Top Left: <i>Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat</i>, 1887; Top Right: <i>Roses</i>, 1890; Bottom: <i>Wheat Field with Cypresses,</i> 1890}<br />
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{<b>Alphonse Mucha</b>; <i>Maude Adams as Joan of Arc</i>, 1909}</div>
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After perusing most of the 19-20th century European paintings, I wandered into more modern times to see the contemporary works and pop art I've <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/06/roy-lichtenstein-exhibit.html" target="_blank">already expressed my love for.</a> And there was some Lichtenstein there for me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-tFsuuKXaEZcdSjZbHFgFw_oPby8kJimaORiefMhFGUDVORrrrIWsAWEQcmM02aY5AjO0ugNGoI0MnBO-0ouwKKcbWPT_syFobBpZTgca0relK14agTc4ALfgesALLnhRuuvPg7fLx4/s1600/100_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-tFsuuKXaEZcdSjZbHFgFw_oPby8kJimaORiefMhFGUDVORrrrIWsAWEQcmM02aY5AjO0ugNGoI0MnBO-0ouwKKcbWPT_syFobBpZTgca0relK14agTc4ALfgesALLnhRuuvPg7fLx4/s640/100_0891.JPG" width="564" /></a></div>
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{<b>Roy Lichtenstein;</b> <i>Stepping Out</i>, 1978} </div>
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{<b>Andy Warhol;</b> <i>Ethel Scull 36 Times</i>, 1963}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3pL410-mDzGfsiKSVqIJ2HTfHJIFkuQbsk3oKrNbJ3byBK9NtTiGG6P3eBoS0_4uSuVRhy-yyLhmlyuk5ouydA9l635yzmNVKyf4gilhyphenhyphenTX5t5h3aQkaxrgf4UrU6KT3vYD7NhFi45k/s1600/IMG_1837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3pL410-mDzGfsiKSVqIJ2HTfHJIFkuQbsk3oKrNbJ3byBK9NtTiGG6P3eBoS0_4uSuVRhy-yyLhmlyuk5ouydA9l635yzmNVKyf4gilhyphenhyphenTX5t5h3aQkaxrgf4UrU6KT3vYD7NhFi45k/s400/IMG_1837.jpg" width="300" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATGCwj_v7qk3gwyygfHlvmRj8853DjP-mFm7bxnmM87z7RyqZ9P42ZDpXgyWZf04ZIt5w4uz6VJ8SzJdaARk15dkxdFnCwTffvjzvpnPQRNTJVjzQ-4M-_u4tsl2bBX3vg75e4G87E2k/s400/IMG_1838.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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{Trippy sculptures}</div>
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To finish off my trip to the Met, I had to go take in the view from the roof and see the 'Cloud City' by Tomas Saraceno.<br />
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Not so unfortunately (besides making us late for <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/09/travel-top-5-new-york-new-york-fashion.html" target="_blank">FNO</a>!), I got lost on the way back to Jordan's and wound up in Queens. At least there's art everywhere to keep you entertained even when you end up going the wrong way!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKiZ4ZecWe8hJafX4mVdcGPMQr2Scnv4P7ilHLU2MngSrd4BckRbk4Q4vF3Rc0bn7KeQCSG8h4J3eHX8As7WR5YCL6aZq5f4h2NNcRuToHgYmsYd1lzRCikkIvV0zes1smwNFpPBHxkc/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKiZ4ZecWe8hJafX4mVdcGPMQr2Scnv4P7ilHLU2MngSrd4BckRbk4Q4vF3Rc0bn7KeQCSG8h4J3eHX8As7WR5YCL6aZq5f4h2NNcRuToHgYmsYd1lzRCikkIvV0zes1smwNFpPBHxkc/s640/IMG_1849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-54885844033053415162012-09-25T22:16:00.001-05:002012-11-05T14:45:54.127-06:00Travel Top 5: Brooklyn, New York <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY7XvlVod-gQOXWXG2gIFHgj6RJbrZU9NbezHp-jAPgQpl9zuGFdWifAzOFeXUkiWtLUbQfLW2YeqCQKXF1f3huGuydE7z2RuL0Blenv9BbsavON9CNjqbRZVVdhUKMjlUteGVIFT1TA/s1600/100_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY7XvlVod-gQOXWXG2gIFHgj6RJbrZU9NbezHp-jAPgQpl9zuGFdWifAzOFeXUkiWtLUbQfLW2YeqCQKXF1f3huGuydE7z2RuL0Blenv9BbsavON9CNjqbRZVVdhUKMjlUteGVIFT1TA/s640/100_0948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With only one full day left in New York, I faced a very tough decision: go stalk people outside of Fashion Week or explore a city I have heard rave reviews about and haven't made it to yet?<br />
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The traveler in me won over the fashionista. If it came down to it, I would much rather find the beauty in new places than in new clothes. While still looking stylish, of course. ;)<br /></div>
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I don't regret my decision for a second. At first I was a little sketched out when I got off at Hewes Street on the M subway, having mapped out no real plan as to what I was going to do when I got there, but after looking up the top places to eat, I quickly made my route towards <a href="http://www.annhaunyc.com/" target="_blank">An Nhau</a> in West Williamsburg.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnlJlaJIh-my2CPd8zbpB4-g-91EXbAFLNXLYorayeUMg8EIHDwRRgq4sQtudFdUBHbqcYb1mWk_byPitiEiVOq_0QA0w7JVAAMnq3TWFHgpy0-fipxpgPnxTBpARyJ2S14yQpoehtYw/s1600/100_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnlJlaJIh-my2CPd8zbpB4-g-91EXbAFLNXLYorayeUMg8EIHDwRRgq4sQtudFdUBHbqcYb1mWk_byPitiEiVOq_0QA0w7JVAAMnq3TWFHgpy0-fipxpgPnxTBpARyJ2S14yQpoehtYw/s640/100_0935.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was a gorgeous September day so I didn't mind the sound of a 20 minute walk at all. An outdoor garden patio + Vietnamese food? I'm there. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Walking through the bar and restaurant to the quiet back patio, I felt like I was escaping into a different world. Tucked away on one of the cozy little sofa-bed type love-seats, I was surprised but happy to be the only person among the island decor, sipping a glass of Happy Hour-priced Pinot and basking in the sun. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirX_wuj1wZtq9QNnFE0oyt_8wY9VGYreP5mYHJBSMuVm9-mjshju44MulsAjeuSwvWKrDxTzqsZXM_rSRCLvv6WrBka0VLHtkPqhMgrB65MdFpDo-ADTDhUjJ-Y4xhOPL3jphlDDhfA0o/s1600/100_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirX_wuj1wZtq9QNnFE0oyt_8wY9VGYreP5mYHJBSMuVm9-mjshju44MulsAjeuSwvWKrDxTzqsZXM_rSRCLvv6WrBka0VLHtkPqhMgrB65MdFpDo-ADTDhUjJ-Y4xhOPL3jphlDDhfA0o/s640/100_0926.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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{Chicken Pho}<br />
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On my walk over, I saw a ton of vibrantly colored street art with Spanish influences and animals both real and mystical. </div>
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Somehow my obsession to find pho lead me to the heart of exactly where I wanted to be in Brooklyn.<br />
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A lovely waitress at An Nhau pointed me in the direction of the<a href="http://brooklynbrewery.com/verify" target="_blank"> Brooklyn Brewery</a> and the well-known vintage shop <a href="http://www.beaconscloset.com/" target="_blank">Beacon's Closet</a> so I made my way towards the river to see what it had in store.</div>
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There was a bit of time to spare before I had to catch my train to Long Island to vist <a href="http://stylishinsuburbia.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Mackenzie </a>so I decided to take the scenic route home via the <a href="http://www.nywaterway.com/erf-home.aspx" target="_blank">East River Ferry.</a><br />
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Not before taking in the views of Manhattan from the other side and laying in the grass at East River Park though.<br />
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Waving goodbye to Brooklyn, until we meet again.<br />
<br />Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-55762812603903049272012-09-24T23:37:00.001-05:002012-09-24T23:42:32.074-05:00Travel Top 5: New York Fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For my Travel Top 5 on New York, I am doing something a little different. Rather than narrowing it down to my top 5 picks on the endless list of things the Big Apple has to offer, I am going to showcase the captivating city in a series of 5 posts--one for each day of this week!<br />
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{Fashion Night Out - <a href="http://www.target.com/c/the-shops-at-target/-/N-56f52" target="_blank">The Shops at Target</a>}</div>
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To start, I am focusing on <b>FASHION</b>. It just so happened that I was in New York for <a href="http://www.mbfashionweek.com/" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz</a> Fashion Week and the festivities were unlike anything I've ever seen in Chicago. </div>
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You know, like randomly having <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Wintour" target="_blank">Anna Wintour </a>walk into the boutique you're in.<br />
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Or getting photos and autographs from hot celebs. <a href="http://jessica-chastain.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Chastain</a> was so sweet and stunning in her blue leather minidress and <a href="http://www.dan-stevens.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dan Stevens</a> of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey</a> was the epitome of an English gentleman.<br />
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Naturally, even the street style transcends that of other cities, making the concrete jungle into the ultimate catwalk for fashionistas from across the globe.<br />
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{Feeling so New York-chic in my oversized hat and <a href="http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=13052&catalogId=33060" target="_blank">Topshop</a> maxi}</div>
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Apparently, I spent a lot of time looking down. But with fancy feet like these, how could I not?! </div>
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Stay tuned all week for more New York posts!Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-48033035363372979372012-09-23T12:05:00.001-05:002012-09-23T12:08:19.874-05:00BloglovinJust joined Bloglovin! Not sure why I never had before, but you should scope it out: <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4060930/?claim=3p7qhj9t9ke">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>.<br />
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<i>Image via <a href="http://theyuppiefiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/bloglovin.png" target="_blank">1</a></i>Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-37455587266150368132012-09-19T23:10:00.000-05:002012-09-19T23:22:01.163-05:00The Picture of Dorian Gray Yesterday I became a mommy...<br />
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...to this handsome little man! All fresh and new to the world at just 9 weeks old. </div>
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As a birthday present, Will took me to <a href="http://www.pawschicago.org/" target="_blank">PAWS Chicago</a> to adopt a kitten to call my very own. I've never had a pet in the city and I knew he would be the perfect addition to really make this place feel like home.</div>
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Upon walking into the kitten room, I knew this guy (originally named Meow) was the one for me and I already can't get enough of cuddling and playing with my new favorite boy. He was a little shy on first arrival, but after one day, he's already darting around the house and exploring every nook and cranny like he owns the place. He's such a good boy and already knows to go in the litter box, leaving no trace of what he left behind. </div>
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Meow definitely wasn't sticking with me--especially since I've only heard him let out one tiny meow since we brought him home--and I wanted to come up with a strong name that would fit his personality. I scrolled a list on the web of gray cat names and knew I'd hit the gold mine when Dorian Gray popped up. Not only is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Dorian-Modern-Library-Classics/dp/0375751513" target="_blank"><i>The Picture of Dorian Gray</i> </a>one of my favorite books by one of my favorite writers (<a href="http://www.cmgww.com/historic/wilde/" target="_blank">Oscar Wilde</a>), but Will and I have been reading it together off and on for the last few months so I knew he would be on board too. </div>
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And thus, Dorian Gray he became. Also known as Dorian, D or Mister Gray for short, he is my ultimate bundle of joy and I'm looking forward to being a great mom to my little baby kitty!Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-70250826148170920072012-09-18T14:06:00.004-05:002012-09-18T22:13:42.474-05:00Marathon Training: Running Buddy Over the weekend, I finally had the chance to run with my motivation for doing this marathon in the first place -- my step dad Brad.<br />
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Brad has run a few marathons in his day and has been talking about doing the Chicago Marathon since I started going to school here back in 2008. With one bonus year left, I decided to do something I never thought I would do...told him I would do it with him. </div>
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Of course, when I made this statement, there was still snow on the ground and October seemed like a long, long ways away. I also thought I would be living in Minnesota this summer so I would have a constant companion to push me through those excruciatingly long runs and all the aches and moans in between. </div>
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Turns out, I landed the <i>RedEye </i>job and was forced to self-discipline myself all summer. Not exactly my strong suit. </div>
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But all the while, Brad was still there to talk me through an injury or make me feel less guilty for only running 4 miles when I was meant to do 8. Even from 2 states away, I still feel like I've had a good coach walking (or running?) me through the process and encouraging me to keep my eye on the end goal.<br /><br />
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We completed my longest run to date on Sunday -- 15 miles. Again, another thing I never thought I would say, but it was actually fun. Running 15 miles in the smoldering September sun was actually fun. So much better than the 12 miler I did by myself a few weeks back! It allowed us to catch up on everything and we helped each other maintain a good pace control so we were able to finish out strong with a sprint at the end. </div>
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And having this cutie bike along with us the entire way certainly helped to!<br />
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With only 3 weeks left until the race, I've got one long run left (20 miles...wah, wah, wah) and all I can say is I wish Brad would be here to make the time pass just a little bit faster.<br />
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At least we're in this together and I know I've got the best running buddy I could ask for in doing Marathon #1!</div>
Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-38481465961355628142012-09-17T19:57:00.001-05:002012-09-17T20:21:51.914-05:00Color Me... Copper<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/color_me_copper/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=59110369"><img alt="Color Me... Copper" border="0" force="1" height="480" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/AKvB0HS5ftgkMOZpGEe8HA/cid/59110369/id/6gxQalGGQumOhVRyxLbL0w/size/c600x480.jpg" title="Color Me... Copper" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/color_me_copper/set?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=59110369">Color Me... Copper</a> by <a href="http://amanda-boleman.polyvore.com/?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger">amanda-boleman</a></small></div>
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A lot of my Color Me... posts have been based off of <a href="http://www.essie.com/" target="_blank">Essie</a> nail polish colors--this one being no different. I still have leftover Penny Talk on my nails from New York and I love how the metallic shade goes with just about everything. Mixing metals is one of my favorite things to do (explains why I love <a href="http://www.buildabalance.net/2012/09/ifbcon-2012-day-two.html" target="_blank">my Urban Outfitters cuff </a>so much!) and the rose gold tint of copper offers a fresh take on the standard bronze, silver and gold metals. <span style="text-align: left;"></span><br />
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<b>shop:</b> <i>joe's jeans waxed copper <a href="http://www.cusp.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod280092&parentId=cat000001&ecid=CUALRHy3bqNL2jtQ" target="_blank">jeans</a> / lola cruz <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=4223857&.svc=blogger&id=50429331" target="_blank">sandals</a> / maison martin margiela copper <a href="http://www.ssense.com/women/product/maison_martin_margiela/large_copper_rock_ring/61646?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=generic&utm_source=2687457&utm_term=10569670" target="_blank">ring</a> / essie penny talk <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/penny-talk-p-440.html" target="_blank">nail polish</a> / planet copper taffeta <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Planet+Copper+taffeta+bolero/173137615,default,pd.html?cm_mmc=AWIN-_-Deeplink-_-NULL-_-NULL&istCompanyId=17910aed-1bae-4362-9580-b523eb87a91e&istItemId=imrqpqmx&istBid=t" target="_blank">bolero</a> / motel bernice sequin <a href="http://www.motelrocks.com/shop/products/Motel-Bernice-Sequin-Bralette-in-Black-and-Copper.html?&aff=pjn" target="_blank">bralette</a> / celestial starry boho night sky <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61918229/celestial-starry-boho-night-sky-print" target="_blank">print</a> / mirror sisters copper <a href="http://boticca.com/beckydockree/mirror-sisters-copper-cuff/" target="_blank">cuff</a></i>Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5769116977299029849.post-30159406661479697042012-09-13T15:55:00.000-05:002012-09-13T16:02:22.115-05:00Awakening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lightening Wrap </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Awakening | Change | Fate</span></i></div>
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<i>"A symbol of power and sudden breakthrough, lightening represents a swift awakening. Adorn yourself with the Lightening Wrap to initiate change, mark destiny, and address chance happenings." </i></div>
Amanda.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06974237264266737862noreply@blogger.com0