tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82745216332145504622024-03-12T16:38:30.472-07:00Madame of the ManorMadame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-81516513995483389382012-01-03T09:07:00.000-08:002012-01-03T09:07:12.049-08:00Christmas Mantel 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, well I'm a bit behind this year! Now that the holiday madness is over, I'm finally ready to share the rest of the holiday stuff!<br />
I really loved <a href="http://madameofthemanor.blogspot.com/2010/12/sparkly-white-and-metallic-holiday.html" target="_blank">last year's mantel</a>, and I wanted to keep it similar this year, but bring in a bit more color, so at first I went with this tinsel tree from Target as the centerpiece:<br />
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Which photographed really well, but was just a bit TOO much in person! Failing at finding a replacement in-store that really spoke to what I wanted, I decided to get my craft on...</div>
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A styrofoam cone from Michael's with a couple yards of fur, feather and sparkly trim from the fabric store, silver headed straight pins, and voila!</div>
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Just what I had in mind! (Well, more or less.. I ended up redoing it so less of the black edging showed!)</div>
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I backed that up with some wood letters, also from Michael's, that I painted with some leftover wall paint and topped with some Martha Stewart glitter all strung on twine: </div>
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And ta-daa!</div>
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The Christmas mantel of 2011!</div>
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Today I plan to go out and shoot some photos of the Christmas table (yes, I've left it set up all week!) so come on back to check that out soon! : )</div>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-53457991598487513782011-12-22T22:30:00.000-08:002011-12-22T22:30:44.052-08:00Christmas Tree 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">As I sat here listening to the first drops of rain of the evening, which are forecast to turn into the first snow of the season (I'm not counting the freak Halloween storm because I wasn't here for it!), it occurs to me that I'd better share my tree soon or I'll miss my chance entirely! </span>
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It took me awhile to figure this tree out, and I don't feel I've quite made it all the way yet. No proper topper, you see...<br />
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But that sweet little owl holds the place quite nicely!<br />
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I'd just like something to glow a bit behind him... I was going for a sort of enchanted forest, rustic glam sort of thing this year. Which was a new one for me even though I've been lovin' that look for awhile!<br />
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I started out with a shot at flocking the tree. (Lightly, since I couldn't find real flocking and only had canned snow!)</div>
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Outside, in the full sun, I thought it looked horrible! So paste-y! Not shimmery and enchanting at all, despite a liberal application of glitter. </div>
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But then I got it inside and with the lights on it was a whole different thing! I loved it! Of course I wasn't about to pull everything back off, haul the tree back outside and finish the flocking, so I have a half -flocked tree this year! (I think I might go whole-hog next year, we'll see how hard the clean-up is after removal!)</div>
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At first I also thought I wanted a pink and green tree:<br />
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But that was looking a little too Arsenic and Old Lace, and not in a good way... or at least not in a way I was feeling. So I pulled off the pink ribbon, added some shimmery burlap trim and DIY pine-cone and twine garland instead.<br />
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A healthy dose of cute little critters to finish:<br />
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Adorable stag from JCPenney.<br />
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Glimmering mushroom from Crate and Barrel.<br />
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Absolutely adorable reindeer from Crate and Barrel. (really hoping to get back and get more of these!)<br />
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And voila! A Christmas tree! So far.... : )<br />
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Check back to see the mantel in continuous progress as well!<br />Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-43706631921530826952011-12-08T08:22:00.001-08:002011-12-08T08:34:50.408-08:00Christmas Crafts: Non-taxidermy DeerAnd NO! I didn't just hang an un-preserved dead deer from my wall! EW!<br />
Growing up my Mom had an antique taxidermy deer head in our family room. And while on one level it grossed me out (that would be the level where the day she came home with that piece of decor she was inspired to make a deer stew out of a deer's neck. I'll tell you when you open that pot to see what smells SO delicious and see recognizable bits of anatomy and you're 12....) it also had a certain charm. We named him Bambi and put a bird's nest on his head, and bauble earrings at the holidays. <br />
Lacking my own taxidermy version to put up for the season, I made a cute cardboard deer head!<br />
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It looks pretty cute! As long as you don't look straight on...<br />
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And it actually doesn't really go anywhere in my house, so he'll be going down to my brother's place for early Christmas dinner with Mom (I'm in charge of decorating! Wahoo!)<br />
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We'll just find a nice side-wall to put him on where no one will see him face-on.<br />
Want to make your own cardboard deer head? Instruction are <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/scandinavian-christmas-decorations#slide-3">here </a>on <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/">Good Housekeeping</a>.<br />
Just be careful with that exacto knife!Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-62969747868574271072011-12-03T08:51:00.001-08:002011-12-03T09:03:49.623-08:00Holiday Crafts: Lamp SilhouetteHey Everyone!<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv1aSECXf0pGDjIupMadif2_ph9DM7B6umj1u4wWZ0tzpQqzAF8wlwaNSykjBOPiYHjFDPE1BmB1uqsAQimot5fj-mcp2EYNEoNmf7clpyyKPxbtaWsbBBOcRQ1Flpo3odsnUSjpiiqw/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>The other day I decided the lamp in the corner of my living room needed some holiday flair. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little plain, right?<br /><br />Reindeer have been speaking to me this year. Not literally... I have seen a few in the neighborhood, but none have struck up a conversation yet... <br />Anyhoo, I went online and found some clip art I liked, blew it up and printed it out. I planned to simply tape the whole piece of paper in the shade and be done with it, but you know these things are never that simple! First the printer skipped parts, which I filled in with marker, which it turns out is denser than printer ink, so I had to go back and fill the whole thing in. Then the edges of the paper showed, so I ended up having to cut it out...</td></tr>
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Well anyway, in the end I quite liked the result!<br />
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Seasonal, but not too kitschy. Not that I'm against kitsch- HA!<br />
I thought it could use a bit more of a colorful festive touch, so I wrapped some pink dupioni ribbon around the base.<br />
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And then promptly moved the TV in front of it to make way for the Christmas tree! Oops! Oh well, you can still see it from parts of the room...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDP8abf3fOf2PdH8ESJSIOUnaH9VFOvQU6QkNzkwdf0v5IxYoHqfLrnhW8qf_936mtA8fbUT5kSSU1H4dDxBjdlwdiXvuSwNJyTWbxd4eRfS_LzX0-p5he9ml2EiM8foxL-pVE-E5RAo/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDP8abf3fOf2PdH8ESJSIOUnaH9VFOvQU6QkNzkwdf0v5IxYoHqfLrnhW8qf_936mtA8fbUT5kSSU1H4dDxBjdlwdiXvuSwNJyTWbxd4eRfS_LzX0-p5he9ml2EiM8foxL-pVE-E5RAo/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, while I was meticulously cutting out all those little antlers I decided to do it well enough that I would have the negative left for another project. Stay tuned to find out what I did with that! </div>
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I'll give you a hint, it has to do with <a href="http://madameofthemanor.blogspot.com/2011/11/seasonal-pillow-covers.html">this</a>. Can you possibly guess? </div>
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: )</div>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-82804497746760046032011-11-29T17:07:00.001-08:002011-11-29T17:36:01.493-08:00Seasonal Pillow CoversHey All!<br />
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Tis the season for crafting, no? I got started on my own seasonal decor with some new covers for three of my throw pillows. Previously they were a mish-mosh of pink and burgandy and asparagus green, now they're all light blue velvet and cream and gold brocade!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ozjuGKB-TSVh-kaVTSGr77RIoXctpx9wWYei1Tc-w4yTfwJ41nhGNuv-vDyHvJL8Z6qQUkbz-ifECPt3asGn4tHXi4HMIDexF_71reMoWt3vJ1sZa3uxqyjUU8CgnKm4ah51j6zxdmU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ozjuGKB-TSVh-kaVTSGr77RIoXctpx9wWYei1Tc-w4yTfwJ41nhGNuv-vDyHvJL8Z6qQUkbz-ifECPt3asGn4tHXi4HMIDexF_71reMoWt3vJ1sZa3uxqyjUU8CgnKm4ah51j6zxdmU/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aren't they purty? I made this one first:</div>
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With the brocade on one side and the blue velvet on the other.</div>
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I thought that looked a little bland, so on the next one I did brocade on both sides with an edge all around and stitched on the word "joy" in the blue velvet. </div>
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Love! </div>
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For the large square pillow I wanted to do a bold image, but not something that would look silly after Christmas was over, so I decided to do a bird. Let me say now I suck at art. So I took inspiration from a partridge-like bird I saw appliqued onto a pillow at HomeGoods last summer. Can I find that photo now? Of course not. So you'll just have to take my word for it that this is a good adaptation!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4mhiA6GgqU5y4ibqetf78xCoeYwnIvwNl5mSD4MO2x8dmo2e43CTcat135ZgDtgwwAZz6ox19Evk1meZKQQtCIqGwamGk90JrSKNeOQoyJEolC7bJHkxWf6L_qCo0Suo3NXqvuAdG7U/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4mhiA6GgqU5y4ibqetf78xCoeYwnIvwNl5mSD4MO2x8dmo2e43CTcat135ZgDtgwwAZz6ox19Evk1meZKQQtCIqGwamGk90JrSKNeOQoyJEolC7bJHkxWf6L_qCo0Suo3NXqvuAdG7U/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a little odd... but if I think of it as a penguin, or an homage to Despicable Me, it works! </div>
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I'll probably go back and stencil something on that plain pillow with fabric paint, but I need to get some paint first, so that's on hold!</div>
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For now they all look quite nice lined up on my fancy couch. (That's as opposed to the big comfy couch!) Tembo seemed to think I needed to pay more attention to him and less attention to those pillows! Funny boy... </div>
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I've been working on my Christmas mantel, so check back soon to check that out!</div>
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: ) </div>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-51204410631325743192011-11-23T15:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T15:00:03.313-08:00Spain, BarcelonaReady for more photos from Spain? Well, like I said in my <a href="http://madameofthemanor.blogspot.com/2011/11/spain-valencia.html">Valencia post</a>, the biggest reason I chose Barcelona for the vacation portion of our Spain trip was because I wanted to see some Gaudi design, so there's a lot of that in here! Prepare yourself! ( I suggest a beverage and a snack... and mascara. I need mascara for just about anything.)<br />
Ready?<br />
Good! Here we go to Barcelona!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_kmXFAdemES77nCM3AzGnxmXjdsP1tSIKCxhMeHID9ha9RQhP8Z8r0wEonEnWx6RuIo2MVfioim79LXELXoXcHT6Buq0KwaZu8qCJCrKdXfnm3YtNgh_xgBZf268zixwuwuc6zETckI/s1600/358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_kmXFAdemES77nCM3AzGnxmXjdsP1tSIKCxhMeHID9ha9RQhP8Z8r0wEonEnWx6RuIo2MVfioim79LXELXoXcHT6Buq0KwaZu8qCJCrKdXfnm3YtNgh_xgBZf268zixwuwuc6zETckI/s640/358.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stop: Segrada Familia!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8O2082GFPP4yhS3mCYdKG7E6UZcHC1ekTTgAgNbIKq3Pvq9QGLz3zQUEApeCdmmALHY8TCu8d9HsJXuK4O0Snt_2idOyMODbIYIYVCCKPXwSgY3_A8GmrUAtpKBzb-JMGhCjwlRvQNY/s1600/360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8O2082GFPP4yhS3mCYdKG7E6UZcHC1ekTTgAgNbIKq3Pvq9QGLz3zQUEApeCdmmALHY8TCu8d9HsJXuK4O0Snt_2idOyMODbIYIYVCCKPXwSgY3_A8GmrUAtpKBzb-JMGhCjwlRvQNY/s640/360.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof we were there. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ9ryiG-c413whkUD5MLAVpN6_8pHClOyZCpLPWpoyuaaT5oNlnSM1GJVOUdCIMJdTUgxqKowJ5NdexkEFo-2c8_UjVQSGFYeYkVB-agl7yU9PFChDhG9icuaZwHmYzOUJs3EIGorbLA/s1600/362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ9ryiG-c413whkUD5MLAVpN6_8pHClOyZCpLPWpoyuaaT5oNlnSM1GJVOUdCIMJdTUgxqKowJ5NdexkEFo-2c8_UjVQSGFYeYkVB-agl7yU9PFChDhG9icuaZwHmYzOUJs3EIGorbLA/s640/362.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passion Facade, Segrada Familia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrtfW97PNKwL1QrGfY2f8wQjI20WxqZmZWk3kkXOsGCehy8_fY5k-mpE5OKycUriwpljJkYN4TVdkpn2FTlBuus6O0Duher2kC8-CMe-WxGo3wh_0vFEP2ZgNeoVdqxUMge9Gi8SueKc/s1600/363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrtfW97PNKwL1QrGfY2f8wQjI20WxqZmZWk3kkXOsGCehy8_fY5k-mpE5OKycUriwpljJkYN4TVdkpn2FTlBuus6O0Duher2kC8-CMe-WxGo3wh_0vFEP2ZgNeoVdqxUMge9Gi8SueKc/s640/363.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passion Facade, Segrada Familia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nc1hvKzx8Q159Ot9NTbXrHp3KEWNxhRwAQl7Y8LNTv-BXZibtPaTKhcdAs1O_WZGYBaLMywOui7nhCyCAs0WRRujEQaw0ua0BY_vvjaYli8zZUKZ19MVgzKP9xdEJ_2OP1MdJvv8vvc/s1600/366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nc1hvKzx8Q159Ot9NTbXrHp3KEWNxhRwAQl7Y8LNTv-BXZibtPaTKhcdAs1O_WZGYBaLMywOui7nhCyCAs0WRRujEQaw0ua0BY_vvjaYli8zZUKZ19MVgzKP9xdEJ_2OP1MdJvv8vvc/s640/366.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity Facade, Segrada Familia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz8Q5EMemq63jf82WwA8w2PZvkgDoqlewrNtj4Pghc3O3KqCXuY7jiaJWGP1s577pGfO4DFB_l1o3mrKU4CWFt0WJrv73SMbz1dMmSw5QVLWSUHWGXnAb98_sqC97H9tHf4iebgFreOk/s1600/369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz8Q5EMemq63jf82WwA8w2PZvkgDoqlewrNtj4Pghc3O3KqCXuY7jiaJWGP1s577pGfO4DFB_l1o3mrKU4CWFt0WJrv73SMbz1dMmSw5QVLWSUHWGXnAb98_sqC97H9tHf4iebgFreOk/s640/369.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity Facade, Segrada Familia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxg6JAKXsqc84Uy9nr3Vhmr7P7fGkWqqI_sVeFKFz_A20-eETtiqr1GturqITQdzPdc5M14OoObiIv4K0fxihWqGg0sDtE31f0KvwesJS0ewp5cV265HSS7FiF52uJ_6z0zqELwrapeE/s1600/372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxg6JAKXsqc84Uy9nr3Vhmr7P7fGkWqqI_sVeFKFz_A20-eETtiqr1GturqITQdzPdc5M14OoObiIv4K0fxihWqGg0sDtE31f0KvwesJS0ewp5cV265HSS7FiF52uJ_6z0zqELwrapeE/s640/372.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random church we passed on the way to Segrada Familia. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX-g2VIFFYdvNhbOVue9xRm2MZMoXE969Vplm2rY2c9d9Bqhe3rTs5jDgG6nHn4z3FtYqSzfYP4F86X5uxRv25gBQkPviy890xfHx8xVgKw1JP7Xk4to6TTfoC_3WDSTs87gCqxz_q7M/s1600/627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX-g2VIFFYdvNhbOVue9xRm2MZMoXE969Vplm2rY2c9d9Bqhe3rTs5jDgG6nHn4z3FtYqSzfYP4F86X5uxRv25gBQkPviy890xfHx8xVgKw1JP7Xk4to6TTfoC_3WDSTs87gCqxz_q7M/s640/627.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Padrera- this was on the corner of the street we were staying on, so it was our landmark for where to turn. So Cool!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-KS5uf90vBZ5TFiMduaisGSdWAYAeXlBwfS8a5HbVUehwgwPoYuhZhZJU1Shj-01x_778kBC2Ev33rqGrxTjhPNg82ZSCDXYNIxz4zwTp7fPoVK4eA9N-snF9FcdN4XaLmfTaVlSb0Y/s1600/346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-KS5uf90vBZ5TFiMduaisGSdWAYAeXlBwfS8a5HbVUehwgwPoYuhZhZJU1Shj-01x_778kBC2Ev33rqGrxTjhPNg82ZSCDXYNIxz4zwTp7fPoVK4eA9N-snF9FcdN4XaLmfTaVlSb0Y/s640/346.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo at night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjfFXk-GBdA8XtaITle1BBmC2pvri-RE1cCUoziqThoVlmTAWSRVQ_01nDynJn1R1giKblbHuxTgIyTS-fqE1eDdWGAyRM1iFaA0urs_qpu-4R4H0h-wLhWDqwLzRgEORj6AX3Rr766o/s1600/374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjfFXk-GBdA8XtaITle1BBmC2pvri-RE1cCUoziqThoVlmTAWSRVQ_01nDynJn1R1giKblbHuxTgIyTS-fqE1eDdWGAyRM1iFaA0urs_qpu-4R4H0h-wLhWDqwLzRgEORj6AX3Rr766o/s640/374.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo and neighboring building, check out that line! (It wasn't too bad, actually.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRHpOfevhDyF6Ktr5mMFoQqgStswI1FwMM7pGqZuBkVxTc5o9vXlM9SNhB7UTQRSo0gZl1o5vzuBkB_Ub7P0JEVh3JcSdi6av2q_TQUtPXZEL7DU9jbaNEaLiAvXKN2ZAM7wItTSwqDI/s1600/383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRHpOfevhDyF6Ktr5mMFoQqgStswI1FwMM7pGqZuBkVxTc5o9vXlM9SNhB7UTQRSo0gZl1o5vzuBkB_Ub7P0JEVh3JcSdi6av2q_TQUtPXZEL7DU9jbaNEaLiAvXKN2ZAM7wItTSwqDI/s640/383.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo interior.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNga6q_ilGJfeskkStaoR7lCR8sAHzaaqbBDbWF-o_NkuDW7V675WZMnV3avJA4pn610DsfAyZ2SWIx82lB6BembFL4LjCh4T0m5BouGZFin96xxXOTOyA95KMNPjJquThmJB-P-EzJCI/s1600/385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNga6q_ilGJfeskkStaoR7lCR8sAHzaaqbBDbWF-o_NkuDW7V675WZMnV3avJA4pn610DsfAyZ2SWIx82lB6BembFL4LjCh4T0m5BouGZFin96xxXOTOyA95KMNPjJquThmJB-P-EzJCI/s640/385.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo interior.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRLSDTQQPLxEZVU9LHifqVcwY8Lqmq2H16h3MBxknOoYJl87gf3pkbgaG97lGWn8jAHn1tr-c-h1cFK1KSIBNF8O5t014Vww5gd5JwMqFvK1x_VlVbeWAkhThTI9pAxF1OkyNv5WF7iA/s1600/391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRLSDTQQPLxEZVU9LHifqVcwY8Lqmq2H16h3MBxknOoYJl87gf3pkbgaG97lGWn8jAHn1tr-c-h1cFK1KSIBNF8O5t014Vww5gd5JwMqFvK1x_VlVbeWAkhThTI9pAxF1OkyNv5WF7iA/s640/391.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo interior.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ACLxtHWaCXMuc8PgvjaPJ3H7eHibAzq_NDVZsC9OxQfBcsd66U4kzvs5pN5GwXeYrQJ4FDrniFpdny-sUEL-HTDD1maaCIikPjzY1D-8hhffsFBRA7W6wt-PK-pn777670yCOCdbtKk/s1600/395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ACLxtHWaCXMuc8PgvjaPJ3H7eHibAzq_NDVZsC9OxQfBcsd66U4kzvs5pN5GwXeYrQJ4FDrniFpdny-sUEL-HTDD1maaCIikPjzY1D-8hhffsFBRA7W6wt-PK-pn777670yCOCdbtKk/s640/395.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo cool ceiling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgGRcgVsVwDADW3OstsWCFYJah00fKo4v2fh0lZcWM4hsFnBcKuscXJxgSU3B0Dk-SeicHbdF_mjvl77gSdSk8NVov98qbXy9kn-vMKrKX3-JZcgBD72MaYPdwnkaJFvnVTV1tsSvhdg/s1600/422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgGRcgVsVwDADW3OstsWCFYJah00fKo4v2fh0lZcWM4hsFnBcKuscXJxgSU3B0Dk-SeicHbdF_mjvl77gSdSk8NVov98qbXy9kn-vMKrKX3-JZcgBD72MaYPdwnkaJFvnVTV1tsSvhdg/s640/422.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo stairway door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBriIgGhQLPwigEOfiXXxvqc5Si-CV5k-OLb_ICGX4eACTQzw7kRdeLxPnz0ojA0aO6AgzKuhVbxnc4xxLmwve2w5FrzOKo2PmqrT6QgvkwGoiksyCAyf2lyVtrAzlrVZjZwx9giulWE/s1600/436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBriIgGhQLPwigEOfiXXxvqc5Si-CV5k-OLb_ICGX4eACTQzw7kRdeLxPnz0ojA0aO6AgzKuhVbxnc4xxLmwve2w5FrzOKo2PmqrT6QgvkwGoiksyCAyf2lyVtrAzlrVZjZwx9giulWE/s640/436.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo roof-line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9P-ZZ1oUHe8R1qJ4a5FzZSrp8ubV9Y1IbLf8SnMecPnR3q6bgfzUX5mSdIhhOfGb5jPdpuF7gqW98bMxmFvPO0V5bCEFbg2h6UaytOMq3YFKV4V6xYCOrEU2Ct-nhH1f6LI4qkeNox6w/s1600/440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9P-ZZ1oUHe8R1qJ4a5FzZSrp8ubV9Y1IbLf8SnMecPnR3q6bgfzUX5mSdIhhOfGb5jPdpuF7gqW98bMxmFvPO0V5bCEFbg2h6UaytOMq3YFKV4V6xYCOrEU2Ct-nhH1f6LI4qkeNox6w/s640/440.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo, the "dragon's" back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QoUnPOCwWfogP8waaFbb3OoA2noGTlED_JASTpBpcN6mjnNzUz9ivOuSrcjOL6uwO5CG_SXUeJj6tZc_PDiNfXcTdNB3zM8XHsDBVpWblgEBsmckMkK_2U0bK_it6-Le6PFhBxydEBA/s1600/461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QoUnPOCwWfogP8waaFbb3OoA2noGTlED_JASTpBpcN6mjnNzUz9ivOuSrcjOL6uwO5CG_SXUeJj6tZc_PDiNfXcTdNB3zM8XHsDBVpWblgEBsmckMkK_2U0bK_it6-Le6PFhBxydEBA/s640/461.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may have loved the building to the left of Casa Batllo even more! (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Puig i Cadafalch’s Casa Amatller</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 20px;">)</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XC2cIYkxBiQGuhuHS3ykaO5ec0fTMZHghL6iN44F2bY7MynN4pC53LVM4gZ8sJLljM9cHgA1XvsHd6XpYqtOAZq_qOf0Wd2Dp4tmswETnsIq_BfskdM6YF9rpXS1mlHJ06le1JkjR8k/s1600/463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XC2cIYkxBiQGuhuHS3ykaO5ec0fTMZHghL6iN44F2bY7MynN4pC53LVM4gZ8sJLljM9cHgA1XvsHd6XpYqtOAZq_qOf0Wd2Dp4tmswETnsIq_BfskdM6YF9rpXS1mlHJ06le1JkjR8k/s640/463.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it pretty?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SG5RkuySeLM7ZwcFuTAZha-55YMJz_sXH-8OKkgO9w4TjNweyQhRsZMcCqn8uaKVMEpssPUvP07UARMv5HNZHBbV7fRNZZHqnOXwZjP9NDgWIpH0yEHpHxeh0TQYEduy0ZCF2NFuG_c/s1600/495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SG5RkuySeLM7ZwcFuTAZha-55YMJz_sXH-8OKkgO9w4TjNweyQhRsZMcCqn8uaKVMEpssPUvP07UARMv5HNZHBbV7fRNZZHqnOXwZjP9NDgWIpH0yEHpHxeh0TQYEduy0ZCF2NFuG_c/s640/495.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Vell by night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbPx5qKgSLjDrnfN3iFLj1T8t_SpYzEH5dcLTQL7zPDv9L4ReRDlFCQs6_9Hu1DvH3xxXcHAqxXONwQuTH8a9oKIj1WFD6XsBEUJ36JaT7rSgei-yoC1Hv_-rcui73w657kXrV7sUUJQ/s1600/507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbPx5qKgSLjDrnfN3iFLj1T8t_SpYzEH5dcLTQL7zPDv9L4ReRDlFCQs6_9Hu1DvH3xxXcHAqxXONwQuTH8a9oKIj1WFD6XsBEUJ36JaT7rSgei-yoC1Hv_-rcui73w657kXrV7sUUJQ/s640/507.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient church and statue we found while lost. It is in the guide book, but I forget...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTBleGhoWpZPI6RKOzq0OAaEVHbVUCJDzZ6DYPRhh_w3hGL3ywAGVyO2YHGyJ4aC0YgflbyaEHdcFtyJ4K0zYIqQSzKqexgIT9YzhJ72ICuHXpTxgDIi49QlAn7sQgar8p0Mk1o6QJbA/s1600/511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTBleGhoWpZPI6RKOzq0OAaEVHbVUCJDzZ6DYPRhh_w3hGL3ywAGVyO2YHGyJ4aC0YgflbyaEHdcFtyJ4K0zYIqQSzKqexgIT9YzhJ72ICuHXpTxgDIi49QlAn7sQgar8p0Mk1o6QJbA/s640/511.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Push-up leggings? Sign me up! (Unfortunately I could never find this store while it was open.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDvIoyvh97yFDa8lPx3OX2CXfZvRgpPHuBAHhbzlevA2ZggCC_ry1FSrcZso06WYjC8MUOp4krpfxlixwlGJridPXFYY93KBMIXgZWhp9ajyokGu8OZ708yLJpjqvd641IVjsvZK1uA4/s1600/513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDvIoyvh97yFDa8lPx3OX2CXfZvRgpPHuBAHhbzlevA2ZggCC_ry1FSrcZso06WYjC8MUOp4krpfxlixwlGJridPXFYY93KBMIXgZWhp9ajyokGu8OZ708yLJpjqvd641IVjsvZK1uA4/s640/513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M... in a castle......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdKl7ZeZgVIBQtWFahc9ThsBQ-kW3OUAlt_kcI2ScMGmB9DkWqHKh_xaEIvaqpw4URxvwSkXHkM9WlSv-rYIg_fnEU9oa2bOdpe_i6UowTeWK-V-s2hg08Me4o0IRd76EQJ9_tTYI0W8/s1600/343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdKl7ZeZgVIBQtWFahc9ThsBQ-kW3OUAlt_kcI2ScMGmB9DkWqHKh_xaEIvaqpw4URxvwSkXHkM9WlSv-rYIg_fnEU9oa2bOdpe_i6UowTeWK-V-s2hg08Me4o0IRd76EQJ9_tTYI0W8/s640/343.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imprints on sidewalk on Passeig de Gracia. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GLScoWrAiFncrLf_nL0aG7Sl4W3ftjDJ-eM4c1ue-8JFHRP4a219oSdvia88vVdiXy4k5fdTXJZeog6KT0uJ1iotOqxrqr5inlE6KJoPXNvKRFC39Ymelu-gj4WFs_B-RN3u1nTiY_A/s1600/334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GLScoWrAiFncrLf_nL0aG7Sl4W3ftjDJ-eM4c1ue-8JFHRP4a219oSdvia88vVdiXy4k5fdTXJZeog6KT0uJ1iotOqxrqr5inlE6KJoPXNvKRFC39Ymelu-gj4WFs_B-RN3u1nTiY_A/s640/334.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone who says Spaniards have no sense of humor clearly never saw this sculpture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujppcGpPeuV_czjVEGxK-hggfnH1J8CgY-K5d_XHePbULMSZL8jJOfpvytTOewrZixCev67m2-FLThRO2DVy4yjQfWXtMA_Q9NX6UHjedaIOrBmIAJ6tOXs1gKDG0lB0_MBKsYGT6v_Y/s1600/514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujppcGpPeuV_czjVEGxK-hggfnH1J8CgY-K5d_XHePbULMSZL8jJOfpvytTOewrZixCev67m2-FLThRO2DVy4yjQfWXtMA_Q9NX6UHjedaIOrBmIAJ6tOXs1gKDG0lB0_MBKsYGT6v_Y/s640/514.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaudi's Parc Guell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqW9MqduR-tIFqu75dgQwTnCqg4T1sqZ4k8g6ljo2mabvzR-MK-NBnCyotQUtGYFzYCd3h-FPZggC3ILQ0-SO8TRQDIUqS2j1Z0G2GWRrVEIaQai7sS_WGIeRMrC9zI1yN2TQRZleQXs/s1600/525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqW9MqduR-tIFqu75dgQwTnCqg4T1sqZ4k8g6ljo2mabvzR-MK-NBnCyotQUtGYFzYCd3h-FPZggC3ILQ0-SO8TRQDIUqS2j1Z0G2GWRrVEIaQai7sS_WGIeRMrC9zI1yN2TQRZleQXs/s640/525.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of ceiling in first structure of Parc Guell. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79-qcVbMc0HBL42kvqlPq_fvrkH53Rx8BQU8eoJ8LbiSVT9Yb902XtTyWaHY1tc86LjRHNceFFYdFHw0pdrpW2TDHdNlpE5sxUL8tzhIlaMLlgRT2EX03fKNxd12voR24D0jGljESims/s1600/518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79-qcVbMc0HBL42kvqlPq_fvrkH53Rx8BQU8eoJ8LbiSVT9Yb902XtTyWaHY1tc86LjRHNceFFYdFHw0pdrpW2TDHdNlpE5sxUL8tzhIlaMLlgRT2EX03fKNxd12voR24D0jGljESims/s640/518.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with the famous mosaic lizard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_Cz-oy9DbEpCyjGFYtHCRbfQzAqOpwIh9Lb0IN5q-HBGPonc0JdxOzEAQ9GfcRtF9erpRiQ5u3n5m46gGwD-VjnhavV8KgwhD33d96gDf0VBqvwFebWBIJg2i5vXMLWyg-ZYLu2Grf8/s1600/527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_Cz-oy9DbEpCyjGFYtHCRbfQzAqOpwIh9Lb0IN5q-HBGPonc0JdxOzEAQ9GfcRtF9erpRiQ5u3n5m46gGwD-VjnhavV8KgwhD33d96gDf0VBqvwFebWBIJg2i5vXMLWyg-ZYLu2Grf8/s640/527.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long line of vendors taking advantage of the masses of tourists. There was a police raid while we were there- those guys can pick up and move FAST!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGrvf4rN_VlbtXffaVEVgau8BER8xhOeSqETyXjvnmH5HzNm9y1Dji3HdtHM5ztzKMaJC_L51EF_Tjk7ztMOLWs6XO9yP2z7LRRXFEZD_lX9Jbwha7gVA8XhmPl3lYFCuEOUmRMPNxA4/s1600/543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGrvf4rN_VlbtXffaVEVgau8BER8xhOeSqETyXjvnmH5HzNm9y1Dji3HdtHM5ztzKMaJC_L51EF_Tjk7ztMOLWs6XO9yP2z7LRRXFEZD_lX9Jbwha7gVA8XhmPl3lYFCuEOUmRMPNxA4/s640/543.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool cave-like passage. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZ5CQIEe6Ec8XBqhsgqzdqX-ulZQNtlnj-DBbe8FCCGIjhoF3jawrLVRLGnIVzkAvqSDfg6dITJKlFooef6fQahL6b4oAGIi6t0-nl3TR8lSSmC3bcliBetLurw0NOvewqJna0XsiwZI/s1600/544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZ5CQIEe6Ec8XBqhsgqzdqX-ulZQNtlnj-DBbe8FCCGIjhoF3jawrLVRLGnIVzkAvqSDfg6dITJKlFooef6fQahL6b4oAGIi6t0-nl3TR8lSSmC3bcliBetLurw0NOvewqJna0XsiwZI/s640/544.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and a view from the park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h_5IINmUWSsqTqaFCrtbMOsy-KGM5EsU60KXQMut9LzAgTBn2eI9XptIwdl2I_b1jpKoSh8d-tLw1qXLS5hNoiMESvKasyoCuEi3BCIFepbbDGcvKpjdcXjRVDDS4LsozbHkFLhBzW8/s1600/552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h_5IINmUWSsqTqaFCrtbMOsy-KGM5EsU60KXQMut9LzAgTBn2eI9XptIwdl2I_b1jpKoSh8d-tLw1qXLS5hNoiMESvKasyoCuEi3BCIFepbbDGcvKpjdcXjRVDDS4LsozbHkFLhBzW8/s640/552.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guitarists were fantastic (I bought their CD!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEAeRCMvFMR29t5WRcYxh2H5Hbwd0v7BSWjw5uo9ipGRRAfuN2M1yR17ZVDYkpGyRU3FGkIKdtxBpKaeZTYs_xqPwpb2KbpHzTzKVirZn6YnigTi96ZEPBOoiSGYNalpQQAzw4wjl6l4/s1600/562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEAeRCMvFMR29t5WRcYxh2H5Hbwd0v7BSWjw5uo9ipGRRAfuN2M1yR17ZVDYkpGyRU3FGkIKdtxBpKaeZTYs_xqPwpb2KbpHzTzKVirZn6YnigTi96ZEPBOoiSGYNalpQQAzw4wjl6l4/s640/562.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' out, listening to the music. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUDIYnAn0eOdc1PCCmOOHBFnaVDUD7k53u0RnUdYfl9ncx5NIrxfQPeEzs2LSOnJ_oTGse1DM3Q6JmivSUDvb-erx4GYglHNGYgPk0i5X7XVIOhQB-g37FEZleWSwA9AJFJ7fKrgL-Ws/s1600/563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUDIYnAn0eOdc1PCCmOOHBFnaVDUD7k53u0RnUdYfl9ncx5NIrxfQPeEzs2LSOnJ_oTGse1DM3Q6JmivSUDvb-erx4GYglHNGYgPk0i5X7XVIOhQB-g37FEZleWSwA9AJFJ7fKrgL-Ws/s640/563.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The backside of that bench we're sitting on. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYH1QtoxlzbyVQPISMdEeK_5ZR6XSONBTKar2VC6KH5yqo-pMGB9vjgCAtii_u8hd74u97c3CJnICBRYvgut49nMdoFcHbFpZWMgYc6vSpMQaRExBK00DC8wvHe2aRaKd8IIUjXGFnnQ/s1600/608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYH1QtoxlzbyVQPISMdEeK_5ZR6XSONBTKar2VC6KH5yqo-pMGB9vjgCAtii_u8hd74u97c3CJnICBRYvgut49nMdoFcHbFpZWMgYc6vSpMQaRExBK00DC8wvHe2aRaKd8IIUjXGFnnQ/s640/608.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the beach. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9SmeepJtzAznPUXw60yvq0RsulmBolNJmO1XDx3-zGshPNd3TvuoV5WLXw6VrALQr7A9BS8hOiYKVPOIPX6GO4dUM2x6ekfXFtxoJXL2Y99SyOJ9YKs98J7osTQxTkNO2EITfCkeMOM/s1600/606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9SmeepJtzAznPUXw60yvq0RsulmBolNJmO1XDx3-zGshPNd3TvuoV5WLXw6VrALQr7A9BS8hOiYKVPOIPX6GO4dUM2x6ekfXFtxoJXL2Y99SyOJ9YKs98J7osTQxTkNO2EITfCkeMOM/s640/606.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very pretty beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV9zl_KeUms7g33yQcBXW64dAXZBWZ1vs6GMQc87zgo3FsHtVpmlee5Zm-HuCz1zr_TVir1Dxw9wrxpDXwfeDK0ev37Bm_6BakTtowVWK_WlGooygHOVmjzoeM232lb_jSGQblO5jys8/s1600/625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV9zl_KeUms7g33yQcBXW64dAXZBWZ1vs6GMQc87zgo3FsHtVpmlee5Zm-HuCz1zr_TVir1Dxw9wrxpDXwfeDK0ev37Bm_6BakTtowVWK_WlGooygHOVmjzoeM232lb_jSGQblO5jys8/s640/625.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such stylish people everywhere!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tK4gHlJlkdQXIMBwIXDnn5SFenOUwzH3Y3j6Ma2-KrGU_EWVBKE-aIupjJQsvsK6hXGBrFqECp8_lV5lQsVmR1V2JXCwC7Y12wpdV7sFRq5Z_bRoZ0YjRhkYTSiRwGX1VvvyEQz5spg/s1600/615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tK4gHlJlkdQXIMBwIXDnn5SFenOUwzH3Y3j6Ma2-KrGU_EWVBKE-aIupjJQsvsK6hXGBrFqECp8_lV5lQsVmR1V2JXCwC7Y12wpdV7sFRq5Z_bRoZ0YjRhkYTSiRwGX1VvvyEQz5spg/s640/615.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc de Triomf- everyone needs one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKjkzWbX-jcC7FI34hkMg8VbK7dOWsCl_ohB2Ha39H8PAk1f4LKeD6w56cQZqFuuA6ylzZnO7RKigPVDWEsICaWs_71A73M1QegPlRhnVFI7ZzdgEe03KfcfWwJDntCkPY-nkjhhZm28/s1600/620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKjkzWbX-jcC7FI34hkMg8VbK7dOWsCl_ohB2Ha39H8PAk1f4LKeD6w56cQZqFuuA6ylzZnO7RKigPVDWEsICaWs_71A73M1QegPlRhnVFI7ZzdgEe03KfcfWwJDntCkPY-nkjhhZm28/s640/620.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palau de la Musica Catalana.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dOWXcc-xH8sdpQLnUNS4EpA8_LsyGQHJjeK19i2RXnNmmx_YAcWCsuwrQGyke7sHmxUseTJYemGLem24zL6Z-4IaxOk9bADbMMWE1_ZNU-KUsDoaNVBuugAsKKYgNQvIwLH9sMPPTFI/s1600/622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dOWXcc-xH8sdpQLnUNS4EpA8_LsyGQHJjeK19i2RXnNmmx_YAcWCsuwrQGyke7sHmxUseTJYemGLem24zL6Z-4IaxOk9bADbMMWE1_ZNU-KUsDoaNVBuugAsKKYgNQvIwLH9sMPPTFI/s640/622.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sneaky interior shot (through the window) of the Palau de la Musica.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LRz8n4lw81IxwOagATLAwkH7011tBDz8YeGzvlJMQBHAb83O8vsaTaou5rUqhCtJYYliytQYy0dNElTS60HLCt30usVSB4XW_9xyoyS8c315CUdscJTPLBd16ijXILIFytsyZd_N5sU/s1600/509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LRz8n4lw81IxwOagATLAwkH7011tBDz8YeGzvlJMQBHAb83O8vsaTaou5rUqhCtJYYliytQYy0dNElTS60HLCt30usVSB4XW_9xyoyS8c315CUdscJTPLBd16ijXILIFytsyZd_N5sU/s640/509.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Exterior of Cathedral... Barcelona? I forget which this is!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWv1L_O5kU8g-NQ5f4YD4akURIOOCV2VZ15bd3NSeSy6kCUhszL0O7c4_ppitBRb2fQ_KTH5-ugAsvMX-dCijgtyPdoQhYd84oFzAnRHKc5FCKIid5L1qWxrl7WOx-UKv7ddfaF2shBk/s1600/591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWv1L_O5kU8g-NQ5f4YD4akURIOOCV2VZ15bd3NSeSy6kCUhszL0O7c4_ppitBRb2fQ_KTH5-ugAsvMX-dCijgtyPdoQhYd84oFzAnRHKc5FCKIid5L1qWxrl7WOx-UKv7ddfaF2shBk/s640/591.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful light in Santa Maria del Mar.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxHmRYeE9r9xn2t2f5BhIX5xUvGaw9sUy5UIVrw1JDqMUTh5yN56i8ne0xwuFnpDBlYIuSGJljl3dpzSci09WUWX3bwKEYDAEYkQrWZlL0tAFqsqgaXnTQEB5M8sY-TZZ7pIMG2w95v0/s1600/594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxHmRYeE9r9xn2t2f5BhIX5xUvGaw9sUy5UIVrw1JDqMUTh5yN56i8ne0xwuFnpDBlYIuSGJljl3dpzSci09WUWX3bwKEYDAEYkQrWZlL0tAFqsqgaXnTQEB5M8sY-TZZ7pIMG2w95v0/s640/594.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained glass in Santa Maria del Mar. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAlNy3Iw7T_ld3LxmolPeW0udTh4yA7pxDXCpR40MGqXdEYUDAjX1jkib2kBQJRLO5cMjAj7gjknODSnr-EGqtjLdiAtET4mu6zTfkbTU36y8IImkYKll75ODav4H1Mna9v5cho7mCLc/s1600/595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAlNy3Iw7T_ld3LxmolPeW0udTh4yA7pxDXCpR40MGqXdEYUDAjX1jkib2kBQJRLO5cMjAj7gjknODSnr-EGqtjLdiAtET4mu6zTfkbTU36y8IImkYKll75ODav4H1Mna9v5cho7mCLc/s640/595.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria del Mar.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmhIZIqmvIJPKX6NUM3TvU7edYdN295x02KiM0MJteMk8WnqdZA9_IE3zw2NZvE_tCg-BPbkqE8RDCagVvz6iVbE6if_iR7JuQhmLjBuCT4QEzlHT4HVqKB2ZzKJezVLnK_Yi6oyc9PA/s1600/597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmhIZIqmvIJPKX6NUM3TvU7edYdN295x02KiM0MJteMk8WnqdZA9_IE3zw2NZvE_tCg-BPbkqE8RDCagVvz6iVbE6if_iR7JuQhmLjBuCT4QEzlHT4HVqKB2ZzKJezVLnK_Yi6oyc9PA/s640/597.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria del Mar. ( I went a little nuts with pictures in here!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrsiRJ3PrTUYGcJMGk0zwY7SPJfF-0ly68NKv5PJ6JGIXc5d2vMMd0cpZ15iF_3LCxSpmHIaLsRqGaNL5U9LwDKEU4KVCScUzGpwoXBfAdOzL6YQ3u98_IFGrhZnZYEgeV-2sbrW37io/s1600/601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrsiRJ3PrTUYGcJMGk0zwY7SPJfF-0ly68NKv5PJ6JGIXc5d2vMMd0cpZ15iF_3LCxSpmHIaLsRqGaNL5U9LwDKEU4KVCScUzGpwoXBfAdOzL6YQ3u98_IFGrhZnZYEgeV-2sbrW37io/s640/601.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very unusual stained glass windows in Santa Maria del Mar. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6AOs0LPnaRrYRfVVTS-o-wvboIPBL8RFbglrylVpjSDUNcdlBRKYBXa540v9NAtjZp_aKVubi6IcwbiQhBcVL23GVV_wPtOGB_MJxdZ8ArWVPq_Re_SKDSY-2_ap9YqBWxdnaGZcZJU/s1600/603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6AOs0LPnaRrYRfVVTS-o-wvboIPBL8RFbglrylVpjSDUNcdlBRKYBXa540v9NAtjZp_aKVubi6IcwbiQhBcVL23GVV_wPtOGB_MJxdZ8ArWVPq_Re_SKDSY-2_ap9YqBWxdnaGZcZJU/s640/603.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting light and shadows. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtvNY235NxnmYaxSHiL7RBGLTHWRwS346sIQXpXREZy3aV6rw01X5qI0EgIpRRPwArkP0VYb26BRCmDmOSTpOp9rPI3plPmKDc1x4Fn7W1M1YCAN9zoz7tfJ3pVnViAYnCeyYUpl-ii4/s1600/583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtvNY235NxnmYaxSHiL7RBGLTHWRwS346sIQXpXREZy3aV6rw01X5qI0EgIpRRPwArkP0VYb26BRCmDmOSTpOp9rPI3plPmKDc1x4Fn7W1M1YCAN9zoz7tfJ3pVnViAYnCeyYUpl-ii4/s640/583.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Boqueria. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqdKFZc3xcTfk5R87UnC63WmASPg60FOUTRWv1f8Qhxnq9UeXgnwVJ1FP03CoJriuIYlJCQoeldn89FPbYHbny5SF5kmmW5gynyWLulbtGBVJYpt8gP14TeDjj7bDUsfnol75Fsf0VmQ/s1600/584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqdKFZc3xcTfk5R87UnC63WmASPg60FOUTRWv1f8Qhxnq9UeXgnwVJ1FP03CoJriuIYlJCQoeldn89FPbYHbny5SF5kmmW5gynyWLulbtGBVJYpt8gP14TeDjj7bDUsfnol75Fsf0VmQ/s640/584.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible displays!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WlfOpT5h3fz5c300dMpmwpr3DmT30Cunt920TwzWN-D1mCZtoWGxp5nS0YTsfhzmQIvV7Z6-Huroeew5WX3K13LMyuLOnkqIJHCF7iiAIt4H7TwHsT3f9ec1W8UP_GUv6RUITUrLO78/s1600/585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WlfOpT5h3fz5c300dMpmwpr3DmT30Cunt920TwzWN-D1mCZtoWGxp5nS0YTsfhzmQIvV7Z6-Huroeew5WX3K13LMyuLOnkqIJHCF7iiAIt4H7TwHsT3f9ec1W8UP_GUv6RUITUrLO78/s640/585.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh squeezed juice, anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXW5zArXfIE7e6mUL49BzI3DlHWYVFSuVaI8IeOKx8sS0-TA76NG5iIqtqVjYYHP7vZaLFSYHxakON3g3a1rKm0Xozex6eu1ILn20Y8I_WLVo7oq6LRaaucXgkWi4xlTHNAEI-AACBdY/s1600/586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXW5zArXfIE7e6mUL49BzI3DlHWYVFSuVaI8IeOKx8sS0-TA76NG5iIqtqVjYYHP7vZaLFSYHxakON3g3a1rKm0Xozex6eu1ILn20Y8I_WLVo7oq6LRaaucXgkWi4xlTHNAEI-AACBdY/s640/586.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about some mushrooms?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc-ZmI-N8DiyOM1s6NsU5PdyeywBEEtLTDG-fv7RKBt5pcO8u3-jyRyu0vEKp3jugp53TLeglE8VKpiS4YZXPnzri0kAaZW6Q7UoMnFGXgPp_007AiY7aJuPJHUfwy7tiLLliLrIICx4/s1600/588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc-ZmI-N8DiyOM1s6NsU5PdyeywBEEtLTDG-fv7RKBt5pcO8u3-jyRyu0vEKp3jugp53TLeglE8VKpiS4YZXPnzri0kAaZW6Q7UoMnFGXgPp_007AiY7aJuPJHUfwy7tiLLliLrIICx4/s640/588.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No? How about a couple of goats heads? AH!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7d0ieadhjO9zPUbMkipHVoVq02k9-m8L8k_PROMX9dklFo-pIEngr9BiiirrL06Tv0cPUTSu-T1KsEv-f0S-3JnauQmn6DStXrTXT5dvG9W4wWiZUVihz_tcvk7C6ZZErTVAMtdw7iI/s1600/571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7d0ieadhjO9zPUbMkipHVoVq02k9-m8L8k_PROMX9dklFo-pIEngr9BiiirrL06Tv0cPUTSu-T1KsEv-f0S-3JnauQmn6DStXrTXT5dvG9W4wWiZUVihz_tcvk7C6ZZErTVAMtdw7iI/s640/571.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue at Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya- she made me feel so svelte!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAjXWJPJLxf2_VO1ONBCfHPGnrUVnJBPk0qSWw-l44acrCt7IEjgxgI0RUa3NwbVH488YUV85umtt2liYroOfmPz-MHMeSk7P-CXdK05EusUwt6abYdHYXQ-4WM0yBnAi8ACwyqnVryU/s1600/572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAjXWJPJLxf2_VO1ONBCfHPGnrUVnJBPk0qSWw-l44acrCt7IEjgxgI0RUa3NwbVH488YUV85umtt2liYroOfmPz-MHMeSk7P-CXdK05EusUwt6abYdHYXQ-4WM0yBnAi8ACwyqnVryU/s640/572.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haris ponders the male statue. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ir553o7RwejKA8dnS9ey-G6JClQnE2i8hHMWFkuKzEWb0D3CsswY00d0tNFvkaPr9p3tMslyDfUQnDf3t3mzk2YrhiJK_301QfYhCEHk15Px2JSEoLcAwgDdJ4_jBSUg0cB_SyXZs9s/s1600/579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ir553o7RwejKA8dnS9ey-G6JClQnE2i8hHMWFkuKzEWb0D3CsswY00d0tNFvkaPr9p3tMslyDfUQnDf3t3mzk2YrhiJK_301QfYhCEHk15Px2JSEoLcAwgDdJ4_jBSUg0cB_SyXZs9s/s640/579.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, the view of the sun setting over Barcelona from Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya . If you blow the picture up you can see the Segrada Familia in the backround!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
PHEW! I don't know about you guys, but that was a little exhausting for me! </div>
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Well, now we're back home getting into the Christmas spirit (some of us more than others!) I've already started on a few projects I'll be sharing, so check back for the start of sparkly season!</div>
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</tbody></table>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-87021550967729461542011-11-22T08:29:00.001-08:002011-11-22T09:55:04.381-08:00Spain! ValenciaHey Everyone!<br />
Hubby and I were lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks in Spain, and we loved it! The first week we spent in Valencia, where Hubby had a work conference. The second week, for vacation, we chose to go to Barcelona, mostly because I wanted to see some Gaudi! That and we wouldn't lose too much time traveling (which turned out to be a good thing because, of course, work ran long and we ended up only having 4 days of vacation!)<br />
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Of course I took way too many pictures, but I've tried to break it down to few enough that you won't get bored! Here are a few photographic highlights of Valencia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF79PrT4paBy25g7dbhFHlh65BGmJqO_AtACeYH6fo9eNwzXKxasIk4OoETW0Qpd4qMZ487cPppl3cKkz5ZYGiF3znvGLtYZcTT1vRUyMFtxrJhM-D9VTnHXLCMXsaNpb9lhxurXv1BQ0/s1600/277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF79PrT4paBy25g7dbhFHlh65BGmJqO_AtACeYH6fo9eNwzXKxasIk4OoETW0Qpd4qMZ487cPppl3cKkz5ZYGiF3znvGLtYZcTT1vRUyMFtxrJhM-D9VTnHXLCMXsaNpb9lhxurXv1BQ0/s640/277.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the Center for Arts and Sciences</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIZcIJ9LCoAQY3p5A6yOb8-bswr2siKKlc35QTKeNLP-PeQJXgwJxWSJMa1NgiM4ec3vICETzJbloByLquslo3LSJ_qjQMkFR_3R_6UdLra5b4uai3Swya5qeb8gcHqvhtFoH53-m-JQ/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIZcIJ9LCoAQY3p5A6yOb8-bswr2siKKlc35QTKeNLP-PeQJXgwJxWSJMa1NgiM4ec3vICETzJbloByLquslo3LSJ_qjQMkFR_3R_6UdLra5b4uai3Swya5qeb8gcHqvhtFoH53-m-JQ/s640/071.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch with a very cool view! Snack Bar at Bioparc</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ9IWUGK9XjM4fyVMOe7lba3BwrzWssgdX-bO_o9IrKnlXNdph8PB-MxTtzL_Rd9Vdv971y1vicwcaw_oKc8wfnUFtxTOhPS9lhHuhIU-va4Zma1rZa1ycd4-zQKcx5Ilv10zXYx_kqo/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ9IWUGK9XjM4fyVMOe7lba3BwrzWssgdX-bO_o9IrKnlXNdph8PB-MxTtzL_Rd9Vdv971y1vicwcaw_oKc8wfnUFtxTOhPS9lhHuhIU-va4Zma1rZa1ycd4-zQKcx5Ilv10zXYx_kqo/s640/160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Hippo with Momma Hippo in background, Bioparc</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsExyQb3Q3gGAZDj0Fm9sxLKsNkUkEuqL468V4L2Q-_5eddEgkAzhGMPfN20ytqwCuBxGMGeenQAvZf_HTitOgPaGsLHiSn_xx_gzmu13chYU5zuDscqXrtOsUlb8Bf5_ATVEOYOQRjMY/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsExyQb3Q3gGAZDj0Fm9sxLKsNkUkEuqL468V4L2Q-_5eddEgkAzhGMPfN20ytqwCuBxGMGeenQAvZf_HTitOgPaGsLHiSn_xx_gzmu13chYU5zuDscqXrtOsUlb8Bf5_ATVEOYOQRjMY/s640/089.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the awkwardness! Bioparc giraffe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHI4I_KVbXuPMZMLTqdxQ6P0ueWEF3ITri8iXwjMfeDRVb0UYVM7uoh_NgTB3RiAn7fSKhthagC2IOnsnBXBU2GqwgD4T6UFTTPYcr1Xve1ocYsyqgameekdQaP6COicf75dtFzenNa58/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHI4I_KVbXuPMZMLTqdxQ6P0ueWEF3ITri8iXwjMfeDRVb0UYVM7uoh_NgTB3RiAn7fSKhthagC2IOnsnBXBU2GqwgD4T6UFTTPYcr1Xve1ocYsyqgameekdQaP6COicf75dtFzenNa58/s640/115.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey, get down from there!" Bioparc</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posturing, Bioparc</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mRYFAYEWVRhvUvjWwbp8dS-E258947aZM2vpdyCky0scXqPCRxFqXtc6O6_VINGsvc8IPmDLSsqTlUC7gqPIgPRGMZ8pSgyOMRestbXgXEheZ4ANwAPcA580zc6Xo4KEWNPnKsZ-kD8/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mRYFAYEWVRhvUvjWwbp8dS-E258947aZM2vpdyCky0scXqPCRxFqXtc6O6_VINGsvc8IPmDLSsqTlUC7gqPIgPRGMZ8pSgyOMRestbXgXEheZ4ANwAPcA580zc6Xo4KEWNPnKsZ-kD8/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby wants that boat! America's Cup Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_YRI761-eL1ua6gP_HGpkNZOFLzatX-c0hCYFwRNdZ5eOPUSBE5wdpwVmD54HkzPby1BtA0cnFdbM4ENuIi44TLCcwnyNCH22LCSZ9S8nXhm8Fjh8vFM9ddYKl01v-ST7OBXsPLOOH4/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_YRI761-eL1ua6gP_HGpkNZOFLzatX-c0hCYFwRNdZ5eOPUSBE5wdpwVmD54HkzPby1BtA0cnFdbM4ENuIi44TLCcwnyNCH22LCSZ9S8nXhm8Fjh8vFM9ddYKl01v-ST7OBXsPLOOH4/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool sandcastle, beach at old port<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardines del Real</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardines del Real</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Garden at Jardines del Real</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cactii at Jardin Botanico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEwSESFLASl89Tf_fOV_2PJUd-1OCLaxbdaQBEqPp_hJQsV_M8AdryIhfByTfnnJy7IGGW7XTEz08SI4FqfpSi2dT8mjq7-1jxImo-CscHhZzzZmXt0MkNjjp1mYxm6B_M1LLyuo1dsM/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEwSESFLASl89Tf_fOV_2PJUd-1OCLaxbdaQBEqPp_hJQsV_M8AdryIhfByTfnnJy7IGGW7XTEz08SI4FqfpSi2dT8mjq7-1jxImo-CscHhZzzZmXt0MkNjjp1mYxm6B_M1LLyuo1dsM/s640/259.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud of this picture! Cactus detail, Jardin Botanico</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very cool bench and tree, Carrer Del Palau de Justicia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3Qc9ELY33W3jhYqBf6-4OX4Lcqns_ZUhee3LdXd5TzpnnRAlmD2ArByObTOYBfaDrPnj3KRpO9QdbC_JzGxYMo3p2fff1iXbmD7g4_58m8aeh_98aeazY8cJgpK1JKy2hPNZ-82795k/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3Qc9ELY33W3jhYqBf6-4OX4Lcqns_ZUhee3LdXd5TzpnnRAlmD2ArByObTOYBfaDrPnj3KRpO9QdbC_JzGxYMo3p2fff1iXbmD7g4_58m8aeh_98aeazY8cJgpK1JKy2hPNZ-82795k/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting my bearings on first night, Plaza de la Virgen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Rain on Plaza de la Virgen<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4qcSuR8zNJ2rc1TxL4Buqk_yfLnGsFE9otyM3zTXCvqRrei4bpCfxCA5ktJRvtoSVtX7pBGGHWF0IUkEpdJzkh3Ypma7dVRmQMWRZEi0G_dog8R6RfePJOj8-hMx_RC5CCvlV4oF4uo/s1600/330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4qcSuR8zNJ2rc1TxL4Buqk_yfLnGsFE9otyM3zTXCvqRrei4bpCfxCA5ktJRvtoSVtX7pBGGHWF0IUkEpdJzkh3Ypma7dVRmQMWRZEi0G_dog8R6RfePJOj8-hMx_RC5CCvlV4oF4uo/s640/330.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue, Plaza de la Virgen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmyCaiEFiKKYp5zHP4Hto8nymX3q1KlGmn4xW1AQHfhbXw6BCxM5disOeSMJJ-1H9iIrfR1t0ZunHvHYY-21DaQowvCh11YqgdNKT9i-uGSbFYT84QYy00ESUDBP2mT0vhi6_WmTiHFw/s1600/326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmyCaiEFiKKYp5zHP4Hto8nymX3q1KlGmn4xW1AQHfhbXw6BCxM5disOeSMJJ-1H9iIrfR1t0ZunHvHYY-21DaQowvCh11YqgdNKT9i-uGSbFYT84QYy00ESUDBP2mT0vhi6_WmTiHFw/s640/326.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza de la Virgen at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwN9ZByZdyZlUafgYbqQhY7B-WxnC2Si3Bl4uTrIJq5BNqDGc5tSDJHYOdRK637iobanGJcEAun7BT1ht7VlAHffl3GvmdQMaG6MvPMm-_jpVjlA1mTpP4QwAYpZycbu1OriDotaS394/s1600/262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwN9ZByZdyZlUafgYbqQhY7B-WxnC2Si3Bl4uTrIJq5BNqDGc5tSDJHYOdRK637iobanGJcEAun7BT1ht7VlAHffl3GvmdQMaG6MvPMm-_jpVjlA1mTpP4QwAYpZycbu1OriDotaS394/s640/262.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Historic Quarter through arch on Torres del Quart</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXwa22lMNZCjFeHnDf2kVcL3IxzZucuLM6NMvs2wTXq1foQISwpb6zBuihfmoObGDcyFmSfwGcBqZDelQlAxq5Ykeo3nvbAJ38SVwp-bsLpGpQQ0cV8td3qmyRuPegnosmn07CLOwdPY/s1600/260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXwa22lMNZCjFeHnDf2kVcL3IxzZucuLM6NMvs2wTXq1foQISwpb6zBuihfmoObGDcyFmSfwGcBqZDelQlAxq5Ykeo3nvbAJ38SVwp-bsLpGpQQ0cV8td3qmyRuPegnosmn07CLOwdPY/s640/260.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty buildings in Historic Quarter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgs-t_-ORF9B6I4H7a1nAeZTbEyCb4nM6P9O-9qgGrSowfjjFDtIchno2fsY4raNRlPpY7yNoP2nDRlLHyBlLaqP2NM6lJsJxjhC2ztnP8xaddUdbheMx96EernZkZPUWKVhdfoqaDaw/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgs-t_-ORF9B6I4H7a1nAeZTbEyCb4nM6P9O-9qgGrSowfjjFDtIchno2fsY4raNRlPpY7yNoP2nDRlLHyBlLaqP2NM6lJsJxjhC2ztnP8xaddUdbheMx96EernZkZPUWKVhdfoqaDaw/s640/024.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise wedding with confetti and firecrackers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkd_EMcRR2Od9sFPnumFAQJfypUtuhX5lv6ctDmeqlW9izv_eszOvKOsjw_z3zKNHAxtM2TJew1-H_dH5b-4N2InRL8m4Gicqh_NXKOL8YDyA6xWvRF29r8OFzHQlsWNMD48rZ9mGJcA/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkd_EMcRR2Od9sFPnumFAQJfypUtuhX5lv6ctDmeqlW9izv_eszOvKOsjw_z3zKNHAxtM2TJew1-H_dH5b-4N2InRL8m4Gicqh_NXKOL8YDyA6xWvRF29r8OFzHQlsWNMD48rZ9mGJcA/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was just trying to get by and got this great shot instead. How glamorous is the old woman in the green dress?! To DIE for!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH-DWaGripMkmqRamo_DrjygFvTmc_N4vkKqAIpSoFRSXy7D3zyAZIKNxnLW9hnpWSCmed4cjTeIucb2hivqcGJ8AgM5Zy2835a22K1lERJa1sGX9BH6emPsV_Timq92Ths6WWqrmo2E/s1600/272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH-DWaGripMkmqRamo_DrjygFvTmc_N4vkKqAIpSoFRSXy7D3zyAZIKNxnLW9hnpWSCmed4cjTeIucb2hivqcGJ8AgM5Zy2835a22K1lERJa1sGX9BH6emPsV_Timq92Ths6WWqrmo2E/s640/272.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buildings across from Central Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepiXmkPXA7taaT1R2LlLn5z5l-NGH7_UVhquHCnOzgmqKh7w1f9H5XCippKIj6pbfZ23hc7L1YB5OI0iD6AXwwahGSoAt1bUSDeaOVVriGmD6brOi5iZd0ib8BGQ4hE_99OXpFzHviBM/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepiXmkPXA7taaT1R2LlLn5z5l-NGH7_UVhquHCnOzgmqKh7w1f9H5XCippKIj6pbfZ23hc7L1YB5OI0iD6AXwwahGSoAt1bUSDeaOVVriGmD6brOi5iZd0ib8BGQ4hE_99OXpFzHviBM/s640/030.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the color on this building- totally inspiring my bathroom reno!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of Central Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Quiet alley in Historic Center<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Peggy Sue's Diner, too cute to pass up! (And packed every time I walked past! Food wasn't bad!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DRPWEzvMi8xHbgjSLbb4bY5A6roguEDBmUQURAFcretLyJuP098-2af7ibJewRo8obwCn9u-RkgR0NwcV211kiN_JCciyxeECSlVAogxZDXx_L9_ZGa43b6Grfb70rGoKE56FHZb31k/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DRPWEzvMi8xHbgjSLbb4bY5A6roguEDBmUQURAFcretLyJuP098-2af7ibJewRo8obwCn9u-RkgR0NwcV211kiN_JCciyxeECSlVAogxZDXx_L9_ZGa43b6Grfb70rGoKE56FHZb31k/s640/058.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy night scene near Plaza de Ayuntamiento</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, the Plaza de Ayuntamiento</td></tr>
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Still with me? Well, if you want more, check back later in the week and I'll have some shots of Barcelona up for your viewing pleasure!</div>
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: ) </div>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-29899599711941220712011-10-18T10:29:00.000-07:002011-10-18T10:29:06.370-07:00A Purse Makeover and a BAD DogHey Everyone!<br />
I've got some exciting stuff going on around here that I'll share with you all in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime I had to share a little purse project I've been experimenting with.<br />
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I picked up an old prom purse from GoodWill over the summer for a buck, thinking I might try my hand at re-making purses. It looked something like this:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc-623ZAtFV5sFKQBr_MEdydghBwFzkFwI0ioltCem79GFbH3h8QsdfEloWuZT8O0gXt4tLz7CgfTqf5-aKSDgyx0VMeWjlyIH9hOftfM9FXgFGlK6sqzdupDAYOEOXk798g-iYxr_d4/s1600/silver+purse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc-623ZAtFV5sFKQBr_MEdydghBwFzkFwI0ioltCem79GFbH3h8QsdfEloWuZT8O0gXt4tLz7CgfTqf5-aKSDgyx0VMeWjlyIH9hOftfM9FXgFGlK6sqzdupDAYOEOXk798g-iYxr_d4/s320/silver+purse.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
But that isn't it because I forgot to take the before picture! On mine the bow was smaller and centered, and there was a l-o-o-o-ong shoelace strap. First thing I did when I got it home was to cut those off. Then it sat in my pile of "stuff" for about a month while I looked for a funky fabric to recover it. I found one I liked at Joanne's and had a 50% off coupon, so the 1/2 yard I got (because I'm paranoid) cost around $5.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gXnNmVPlWddAkrzOHB-3Xo5McMN9kpeGts7pLSPmQd2Lv_g6xUkeJP1ZAm8p1ttwB5nRHqk1KN1jMry_GN8d6O88AWtXsOpAP5Xmbf7weigX7aYuPZ20ibLqiqtaais7yf1HxKeV-6w/s1600/Photo1082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gXnNmVPlWddAkrzOHB-3Xo5McMN9kpeGts7pLSPmQd2Lv_g6xUkeJP1ZAm8p1ttwB5nRHqk1KN1jMry_GN8d6O88AWtXsOpAP5Xmbf7weigX7aYuPZ20ibLqiqtaais7yf1HxKeV-6w/s400/Photo1082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here it is after I added the new fabric on the ends. I used Elmer's spray adhesive to attach the new fabric, which was a HUGE mess! Fortunately I pretty quickly figured out that nail polish remover takes off any over-spray because the inside of the purse was positively sticky when I was done!<br />
But when I finished recovering it, it looked pretty cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtQbtqskcM9GmPXKrz4ligEXkVRJVZBZ6UfEaGbUXxUXmI9-aLrDRoRD5unwrJ8wuqIZXzKwMfRdXRbCVLtenthTt5XRacXLIn5O4v6BrkzGUw95K8Y32Rgrtctr6WVG8b3DdC0Jig5k/s1600/2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtQbtqskcM9GmPXKrz4ligEXkVRJVZBZ6UfEaGbUXxUXmI9-aLrDRoRD5unwrJ8wuqIZXzKwMfRdXRbCVLtenthTt5XRacXLIn5O4v6BrkzGUw95K8Y32Rgrtctr6WVG8b3DdC0Jig5k/s400/2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Front:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWRMNhooJ8C6W6MJmG0RsVULLw_oYB-TkjF5aalSYl5tuG9oAvMyqQLT2TS2xujdxkWfbQ1Y-cDcn7Fhy7z4r8Rqu-ZhKekI2PSEccnwRR1gfbuGLPl0KyWsT7UuqitmkU42PObLRQW0/s1600/2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWRMNhooJ8C6W6MJmG0RsVULLw_oYB-TkjF5aalSYl5tuG9oAvMyqQLT2TS2xujdxkWfbQ1Y-cDcn7Fhy7z4r8Rqu-ZhKekI2PSEccnwRR1gfbuGLPl0KyWsT7UuqitmkU42PObLRQW0/s400/2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nJGNsieltVqQADTFHq3eaSzsoWap6S56Ea1oLInEg0JVCmspOYFPMMc89Y8XWko7bLK6XY-lJnUI1hdNDlyyNKhQVKVAqYYlY3XBhCxabZKySaWrVX0jDWRB3x5ccn0S3jAUBCCPCPM/s1600/2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nJGNsieltVqQADTFHq3eaSzsoWap6S56Ea1oLInEg0JVCmspOYFPMMc89Y8XWko7bLK6XY-lJnUI1hdNDlyyNKhQVKVAqYYlY3XBhCxabZKySaWrVX0jDWRB3x5ccn0S3jAUBCCPCPM/s400/2014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I even managed a finished surround around the snap! (Thanks for those instructions, Ma!) Though you may also notice that sewing in straight lines is not my forte...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ44K3vkhDfqb-q0lJ4Miod8MPfcGDSzqsxbeoZLlvBJ1GBBvGf6DOzdJxFvulSkhRLh1c35uGfeddXpGhysWhxfbRBrn-gBcN-QpZXgK-WKCr7SJoZ0p0Hdwhxz-jUN_Qv8HgFg5g_c/s1600/2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ44K3vkhDfqb-q0lJ4Miod8MPfcGDSzqsxbeoZLlvBJ1GBBvGf6DOzdJxFvulSkhRLh1c35uGfeddXpGhysWhxfbRBrn-gBcN-QpZXgK-WKCr7SJoZ0p0Hdwhxz-jUN_Qv8HgFg5g_c/s400/2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was pretty pleased, as you might be able to tell from the number of photos I took! I imagined a cute blue beaded tassel, and maybe a larger blue beaded strap just large enough to loop it over the shoulder, and what a cute piece that would be!<br />
So it sat up on my mantle for awhile while I hunted around for beads and hardware for the strap, which I finally found yesterday. I relocated it all to the coffee table so that after breakfast this morning (while watching the Nate Berkus show!) I could finish my clutch and maybe even take it on an upcoming trip!<br />
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BUT THEN!.... OOoooohhhhhh, but THEN!!!!<br />
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I came down the stairs this morning to this horror!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMX9Gjqa1zPKPOF1unYHWqWzdTp_M7-wL22-SEi1wnYGQGCnh1t9DMCMkKTlU0xOBvuwSGUTSJRM0izIvXFK12eK_6SknAWLGom6xBhE2_cLrEN274sLAH91A4_hFmM8RLen5l56sFxQ/s1600/2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMX9Gjqa1zPKPOF1unYHWqWzdTp_M7-wL22-SEi1wnYGQGCnh1t9DMCMkKTlU0xOBvuwSGUTSJRM0izIvXFK12eK_6SknAWLGom6xBhE2_cLrEN274sLAH91A4_hFmM8RLen5l56sFxQ/s400/2027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ok, I didn't find the dog looking contrite like this, but he got that way pretty quickly once the screaming started!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QAGeZAONbYLr5f0P0ldr4bUiqttOEi6z5FtCldVpXRlPVomVc4PtJ9sjlG2jakkY4Z2jJ-iTScj7ZUL1lS46kJXBdyQGUBUfKlVSzF9gF3gCf8aBvXjrkY9JkR6CaikOVyhRA2J96rI/s1600/2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QAGeZAONbYLr5f0P0ldr4bUiqttOEi6z5FtCldVpXRlPVomVc4PtJ9sjlG2jakkY4Z2jJ-iTScj7ZUL1lS46kJXBdyQGUBUfKlVSzF9gF3gCf8aBvXjrkY9JkR6CaikOVyhRA2J96rI/s400/2029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And it's not even like he just pulled the fabric off and I could use the excess to redo it- he ATE a third of the damned purse!!! Of course, it's hard to work myself up into a real lather about it since I'd sunk less than $10 and three hours into the project, but how OBNOXIOUS!!!<br />
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I'm thinking about punishing him by making him wear a dunce cap.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ2Hj8l24Y3hSMXwfnFgYnrcYVp57g7IqXxDGUbw5ttguz7PaKcOU367c3hPaKlYjF_lf_KkmTqDt60oOgHYASHNbQx-4ZctJjindCLZfoQL0Z4lGW0iVgfZPMQam0nxO_hNAlJcy2Uo/s1600/Photo0712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ2Hj8l24Y3hSMXwfnFgYnrcYVp57g7IqXxDGUbw5ttguz7PaKcOU367c3hPaKlYjF_lf_KkmTqDt60oOgHYASHNbQx-4ZctJjindCLZfoQL0Z4lGW0iVgfZPMQam0nxO_hNAlJcy2Uo/s400/Photo0712.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Ha ha! It would certainly put me in a better mood- he HATES hats!! : )Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-79056625420033341962011-10-06T09:16:00.000-07:002011-10-06T09:16:55.654-07:00The Real ManorsWell, I like to pretend.... but if you want to see some gorgeous actual manors (that you can rent!), go check out <a href="http://belgianpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/heavenly-escapes-in-uk.html">this post</a> that Greet over at <a href="http://belgianpearls.blogspot.com/">Belgian Pearls</a> put together. Absolutely dreamy! And a good source of decor inspiration, too!Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-21095417982661803642011-10-05T19:53:00.000-07:002011-10-05T19:53:14.792-07:00The BangHey All!<br />
The other day I got a good <a href="http://www.groupon.com/worcester/">Groupon </a>for a salon near me that I hadn't tried yet. It was for a cut and single process color for just under the price I normally pay for a haircut. I figured, why not? I haven't had my hair professionally colored since the "Great Pumpkin" incident of '97 (don't ask!), but I figured with fall coming up it was a good time for a change from <a href="http://madameofthemanor.blogspot.com/2011/06/doing-your-own-highlights-revlon-frost.html">the highlights</a> (they weren't looking very good with my winter-white skin!)<br />
I also have been riding that retro feeling for awhile now, and I knew I wanted something a little more polished in a cut, but something still sexy. Which led me to the question: to bang, or not to bang? I knew I didn't want that long in-your-eyes fringe that's all the rage right now. I've had that before and it drives me crazy and frankly doesn't look very good. So... maybe something a little more Bettie Page,<br />
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<br />
or Audrey Hepburn?<br />
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<br />
Well, I still hadn't made up my mind by the time I got to the salon, but the stylist was really wonderful about helping me choose the right color, and then helping me decide on the fringe issue.<br />
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So here I was before: (Though it was never this styled!)<br />
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<br />
And here's the after:<br />
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<br />
And pulled half back:<br />
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<br />
I kind of love it! It's SO different from what it has been in a long time that I keep startling myself in the mirror! Of course now I'm back trying to re-figure my makeup and clothing so it makes sense with the new dramatic do... oh the things women have to deal with!<br />
Happy Fall!<br />
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Oh, and if you're in my area and want to check out where the magic happened: <a href="http://www.allurehairspa.com/">Allure Hair Spa</a> in Northborough , MA.Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-53426766726885118852011-10-01T18:02:00.000-07:002011-10-01T18:02:41.193-07:00Cool Style QuizHey Guys!<br />
I know some people hate these quizzes, if you're one of those people you might want to excuse yourself now! (But come back later, I'll have more on things like mascara and DIY projects soon!)<br />
Well Meg over at<a href="http://pigtown-design.blogspot.com/2011/10/style-maker-visual-quiz.html"> Pigtown Design</a> pointed us, her gentle readers, toward a fun style quiz. Check out what your style might be <a href="http://www.stylishhome.com/Design/Style-Maker-Quiz#">here</a>!<br />
My results:<br />
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<div class="ashTitle">
<div class="results">
Results: You most resemble a "<span class="bold">Bespoke Classic</span>".</div>
</div>
<div class="title16 bold">
Details...</div>
<div class="resultsBox">
Center hall, formal dining,
stately living. Your kitchen is your prize. Decorative, finished…
elegant. Resort, retreat, getaway - all inside your bedroom. Players
have their exits and entrances… your home the stage. Your relaxed
table atmosphere is enjoyed by everyone. Your 3rd coffee and just
beginning to be productive. Pre-war, upper east side attitude. Always
intriguing, never clumsy. .</div>
<div class="title15 bold">
Suspected "Bespoke Classic"</div>
- Princess Diana<br />- Fred Astaire<br />- Ralph Lauren<br />
Love it!! <br />
: )<br />
<br />Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-85807520100328977392011-09-23T10:32:00.000-07:002011-09-23T10:32:33.470-07:00Vintage and Thrift FindsHey Everyone!<br />
One thing my mom and I have in common is a love of thrifting. I think we're not alone! : ) And one of the best places I know to partake in that pass-time is Maine, where we just happen to go every summer for family vacation!<br />
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I already told you all about the amazing score I got on my <a href="http://madameofthemanor.blogspot.com/2011/08/enamel-kitchen-table.html">enamel kitchen table</a>, but there's lots more! Let's start with my random negligee obsession. I don't know where it came from, but I decided I NEEDED some sexy vintage nighties! Happily, both Goodwill and The Schoolhouse Antique Mall in Brewer were able to provide!<br />
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First I found this cute 60's babydoll at Goodwill:<br />
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Super cute and not too terribly see-through, which means it can actually be sleepwear!<br />
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These next two, both from Schoolhouse Antiques, not so much... but hello sexy!<br />
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How can you not fall for an aqua blue, off-the-shoulder, ruffled floor length piece? For $6! You have to take it, right? Well, I did. Can't photograph it for the life of me, but you get the idea here, right?<br />
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And finally, on the second floor of the Schoolhouse (the place is a bit terrifying when you get up to the second and third floors and you can see how much that building is falling apart, but it's worth it!) I found this total Scarlett (or maybe Dallas!) number:<br />
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How about that? The nightie and the matching over-piece still together after how long?! Nine bucks, baby!<br />
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That one's worth a second picture- look at those sleeves! Such a fantasy piece, it's great!<br />
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Ok, now onto the slightly less scandalous category of decor items.<br />
Well, I guess this first one still counts as apparel, but I'm using it as a tablecloth, so I'm leaving it here!<br />
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This is a Ralph Lauren silk scarf that someone got some ink marks on (that aren't very visible), Goodwill $1.50. Perhaps I should have pressed it before I photographed it... oh well!<br />
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At two different Goodwills (I think one was actually in Framingham, MA), I found a couple of cute mirrored trays:<br />
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This oval one graces the back of my toilet tank, holding (for now!) a potted African violet and some hand lotion.<br />
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And this larger rectangular one is wrangling perfumes on the bookshelf in my bedroom! Less than $3 each, and I loved seeing an almost identical rectangular one at an antique store later that same day selling for $28! Gotta love Goodwill!<br />
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Over at the Salvation Army in Brewer we found a couple nice things:<br />
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First, these adorable milk glass vases. They had about a million, most fairly boring shapes and only two or three different ones, but I dug around until I found these cuties!<br />
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And the story of this marble-top table makes me laugh.<br />
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Mom and I had arrived a moment or two before the store opened, and we weren't the only ones to be waiting in the vestibule, pressing our noses against the window for a sneak-peek. I spotted this table not to far in and pointed it out to Mom, who declared it a perfect fit for the empty bed-side spot in the guest room she uses at my place. So as the employee unlocked the door, Mom distracted the other two shoppers for a moment while I dashed in and grabbed that table! Know how much it was? $8! The marble top is actually cracked,<br />
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But it's right on the grain of the marbling, so you can't see unless you look re-e-e-ally hard!<br />
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And finally, artwork:<br />
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Both of these pieces came from <a href="http://www.bigchickenbarn.com/">Big Chicken Barn Antiques</a>, which is where I also found my kitchen table. I love the colors in this little one (about 9x11), and I was looking for water scenes, so for $10 it came home!<br />
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And another nice water scene, more quintessentially Maine, for $15.<br />
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All right, I think that's about all of this season's score! Unfortunately I missed both the July and September sessions at Brimfield (I was hoping to score an umbrella stand!), but there's always next year!<br />
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How about you all, any favorite thrifting/antiquing spots? I'd love to hear!Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-1000841023574530492011-09-21T20:37:00.000-07:002011-09-23T08:16:51.696-07:00The Great Mascara Hunt: A Few Reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know about you guys, but I seem to be constantly looking for "the perfect" mascara. My lashes used to be naturally quite long, like I had trouble wearing sunglasses long, so it used to not matter too much what I put on them. Just about anything with the word "volumizing" on the label did the job! However, the length of my lashes is just one of the many things that seems to becoming more challenging as I move into my 4th decade. I imagine I can't be the only one struggling with this problem, so I've decided to document my hunt and share it with you all!<br />
So, first off I'll start with a longtime favorite: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loreal-Voluminous-Mascara-Custom-0-28-Fluid/dp/B000R1RKVY">L'Oreal Voluminous mascara</a>, the original.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVVxwITJ1KkiK8vZ-6AgSY46GqKbfbTewMKB3ZWpAizh8ABate5lVQyVP3EvR1_UEUWs40u1n6GJ7n92qD-2HF4spHM6iAENmwy5PIOKpbfW0szabRdUgRgYPL-Fige8cRTkaJPq5UFI/s1600/voluminous+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVVxwITJ1KkiK8vZ-6AgSY46GqKbfbTewMKB3ZWpAizh8ABate5lVQyVP3EvR1_UEUWs40u1n6GJ7n92qD-2HF4spHM6iAENmwy5PIOKpbfW0szabRdUgRgYPL-Fige8cRTkaJPq5UFI/s640/voluminous+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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It does wonderful things for my lashes! (My sister's too, she's a longtime fan as well.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOKo2jpWijq3vl4UoNfsYZGKIcFxllJara_Q8gtad8NS9EjpQS5vf1AS3FdkdztrEPa3DsfyAYy0xFfD4xEimAfhbWTBZnUM45YXLH4mps4K0RMo2icihgopqRpWS9Leemmewp3BDFuU/s1600/voluminous+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOKo2jpWijq3vl4UoNfsYZGKIcFxllJara_Q8gtad8NS9EjpQS5vf1AS3FdkdztrEPa3DsfyAYy0xFfD4xEimAfhbWTBZnUM45YXLH4mps4K0RMo2icihgopqRpWS9Leemmewp3BDFuU/s640/voluminous+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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But it does flake, and my hair brushing against them results in raccoon eyes. Which isn't so attractive!<br />
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So from there I went for a very conservative everyday mascara: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CoverGirl-Blast-Blasting-Mascara-Black/dp/B001BMLJU6/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1316660142&sr=1-1">CoverGirl Lash Blast</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQGq9xyIe6J-Vev-Boy1vXnVH4aeW1czG_P25k5BPxkbfIsihdPVKo9RxRNJA6iOSr86fnAph447YMeAAYrnE4a7bsrv_lW9dhZla7BiEYlYPBiqJqWX4JxR0FtEFiz9Alj4A1fOMsi0/s1600/Covergirl+lashblast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQGq9xyIe6J-Vev-Boy1vXnVH4aeW1czG_P25k5BPxkbfIsihdPVKo9RxRNJA6iOSr86fnAph447YMeAAYrnE4a7bsrv_lW9dhZla7BiEYlYPBiqJqWX4JxR0FtEFiz9Alj4A1fOMsi0/s640/Covergirl+lashblast.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Which is great stuff! Doesn't flake at all unless you rub it, which is entirely acceptable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bH1QRFZf_CgzWMArWev8lz12iHJbJtxm3ObBHBmqUWf6gJw4GWvgyejUNofObzmAAw_VpARgmUPx_kXUpanMtzuQD7TNolKPwdRHFF-RWGzt9p64BDfNVeL7Hl7aC_Y8dcqGPIv050c/s1600/Covergirl+lashblast+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bH1QRFZf_CgzWMArWev8lz12iHJbJtxm3ObBHBmqUWf6gJw4GWvgyejUNofObzmAAw_VpARgmUPx_kXUpanMtzuQD7TNolKPwdRHFF-RWGzt9p64BDfNVeL7Hl7aC_Y8dcqGPIv050c/s640/Covergirl+lashblast+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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But, well, it's not exactly Va-va-voom, is it?<br />
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Then one day at Sephora I got a little sample of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LORAC-Multiplex-Volumizing-Thickening-Mascara/dp/B004ITB5KS/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1316660420&sr=1-1">Lorac Multiplex 3-D lash</a> mascara.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyjXeh8nfuIjitPlXdEmUDg0AxMBI_1XZ-8t7HTS-PSg7JoAVXcnxKASZpkiRFyZPtOPCyai5XPzHrSqHEoIti0xqzX1UO31vAa15uxE1cTDs2SqBtBg67iKXSzRnO38B6gE9QFWdcFU/s1600/Lorac+3D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyjXeh8nfuIjitPlXdEmUDg0AxMBI_1XZ-8t7HTS-PSg7JoAVXcnxKASZpkiRFyZPtOPCyai5XPzHrSqHEoIti0xqzX1UO31vAa15uxE1cTDs2SqBtBg67iKXSzRnO38B6gE9QFWdcFU/s640/Lorac+3D.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Hello Va-va-voom! I'll tell you I practically RAN out to buy myself a full sized tube of that! Or no, I didn't actually. I cheaped out and tried another brand first, which I cover next.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQHNSdhCf47wKUytITAeyhRzc3iVTYjDyWr-Rif5CkXzREdl5WcEZ7fkXVoiPs3S0uh_-1vRwBZYwmFgeKObPeFaqrD-pwCFhoaERNXU-fv_S11e-EX9HhMGwvfuZBJqGgJ6n7mTe2sc/s1600/Lorac+3-D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQHNSdhCf47wKUytITAeyhRzc3iVTYjDyWr-Rif5CkXzREdl5WcEZ7fkXVoiPs3S0uh_-1vRwBZYwmFgeKObPeFaqrD-pwCFhoaERNXU-fv_S11e-EX9HhMGwvfuZBJqGgJ6n7mTe2sc/s640/Lorac+3-D.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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But then, well, I wore it for a few all-day sessions and discovered that it doesn't just flake, it de-filaments. Which is to say that while it won't give you raccoon eyes, it will leave little black chunks floating around your eyeballs which then give you totally bloodshot eyes... oops! That's headed back to the store! (yay for Sephora's return policy!)<br />
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So,ok, I got the Lorac sample and loved it, but was too darn cheap to spend the $22 to buy it. (Which I just now noticed is $18 on Amazon! But there's shipping...) SO... I went out and bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Paris-Voluminous-Million-Blackest/dp/B004GHG8EK/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1316661058&sr=1-1">L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes</a>, which I don't remember why but I thought was very similar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIUCdk_dGNxyIAzSRQqvYR0jDyTBEZlIFv-xuhNBk7S8G2Oo56DYV_CQkxJqyf36p_kSnjTlH33MBqUCkMHN4szEH06m01IoVTSI-yxUx79OVulu4SW9GiEY2BZ70qEzGcJLpk9lY9tM/s1600/million+lashes+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIUCdk_dGNxyIAzSRQqvYR0jDyTBEZlIFv-xuhNBk7S8G2Oo56DYV_CQkxJqyf36p_kSnjTlH33MBqUCkMHN4szEH06m01IoVTSI-yxUx79OVulu4SW9GiEY2BZ70qEzGcJLpk9lY9tM/s640/million+lashes+%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Which it actually is! I mean, ba-BAM lashes! (pay no attention to the bra-straps, I have no idea what I was dressing for just then...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgchR9JyjZ0AE4JeLDGVeZLHrlEdGbdH08_pWQVMLvgpLzLYWFR6zF9mew7UwjbMIFTTb89P8o62-Q_7ElGZs10AQe1-Jg9osFUe1tBimKjO4Ke5aq64NK8dxDplz2vkajoKJMNgmCSc/s1600/million+lashes+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgchR9JyjZ0AE4JeLDGVeZLHrlEdGbdH08_pWQVMLvgpLzLYWFR6zF9mew7UwjbMIFTTb89P8o62-Q_7ElGZs10AQe1-Jg9osFUe1tBimKjO4Ke5aq64NK8dxDplz2vkajoKJMNgmCSc/s640/million+lashes+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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But it has the same down-fall, which is that the crazy length comes from tiny filaments that adhere to your lashes and then to each other, and just as promptly un-adhere and end up in your eyes. Oh well. $10 down the tube! (After which I went out and got the more expensive one thinking it might be better, but you already know how that ended!)<br />
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Which brings me to the mascara that I'm currently defaulting to: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Paris-Nourishing-Lenghtening-0-17-Fluid/dp/B001IAINFU">L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes</a> mascara. Which is a pretty creepy name, frankly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5tUYXeIeYDjaKB1n_1flWL1oGXsx3gwXpyfNi6iPA0IW7HwwqWchtTU5CT6Zz1scHigS3-XGIDXgloxePv5Ekq4w06RY_jlqUtgRaMkpkC2C6FDxf3c4lGS6cx5aBjq4VnzmCwxqAzg/s1600/Loreal+double+extend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5tUYXeIeYDjaKB1n_1flWL1oGXsx3gwXpyfNi6iPA0IW7HwwqWchtTU5CT6Zz1scHigS3-XGIDXgloxePv5Ekq4w06RY_jlqUtgRaMkpkC2C6FDxf3c4lGS6cx5aBjq4VnzmCwxqAzg/s640/Loreal+double+extend.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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But also a pretty good mascara! Great length and very black, though I would like a bit more thickening as this can get a little spidery looking some days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVEshaFKJCCo3op7gSQdRnvI6p06KOnu5ff1pI4IjMbxePgL8mNtHHdWM6_TzESoy8fnK3-e0Y6CJrKq212-tqvMhhI9ItWPMmSzxUTgk7E271xmNf1qamyfzk6dC5lT15fGejTUryAI/s1600/loreal+double+extend+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVEshaFKJCCo3op7gSQdRnvI6p06KOnu5ff1pI4IjMbxePgL8mNtHHdWM6_TzESoy8fnK3-e0Y6CJrKq212-tqvMhhI9ItWPMmSzxUTgk7E271xmNf1qamyfzk6dC5lT15fGejTUryAI/s640/loreal+double+extend+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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And no flakes! Which I suppose is thanks to that creepy tubule technology. Which I thought was total jargon, until I went to wash it off and it can off all in one piece- the whole darn lash! I don't mean MY lashes came off, just that all of the mascara really stuck together and came off like a tiny little toupee. Or, as I first though, EW A BUG!!! It is a little gross. But for no flakes and reasonably high impact? I'll put up with a little creepy.<br />
For now, anyway! The hunt will continue!<br />
My sister is currently using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maybelline-Collosal-Express-Mascara-Diamond/dp/B004E8SPTM/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1316662172&sr=1-1">Maybelline Collosal Volume Mascara</a> and likes it, but I haven't tried that one... yet!<br />
Anyone out there have a favorite they recommend?<br />
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<br />Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-46535584103666958762011-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:002011-09-02T08:40:21.137-07:00Meet Olive!Hey Everyone!<br />
I'd like to introduce you to the newest addition to our family, little Olive!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi525gTXo-6VrupgdZklU7Gck7VdQ7hZL-DiA6ibYFTF18m4vPWEadhZmtsfwsdwXUNMp8TquAccQNEf5rk5RpL37vBRcVDU8FcMnPgnLrcb93Sl3O_Lbrh_w8d1jkNQjCmG0WmzpP0QbI/s1600/2016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi525gTXo-6VrupgdZklU7Gck7VdQ7hZL-DiA6ibYFTF18m4vPWEadhZmtsfwsdwXUNMp8TquAccQNEf5rk5RpL37vBRcVDU8FcMnPgnLrcb93Sl3O_Lbrh_w8d1jkNQjCmG0WmzpP0QbI/s400/2016.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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Actually, her proper name is Olive Tapenade (because all the animals in the house have names that begin with 'T',) but that's a bit of a mouth-full, so we call her Olive for short!<br />
She was rescued in upstate NY by a very nice woman who found her starving in a field and brought her to her house a nursed her back to health and then passed her on to us. Talk about a good heart and generous spirit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C6R4XbKwsVsFkxDRXnm5Z6ny7-ojtHt28gGJaQBLYn1oVmiHABdxh5blNhY8sLJj31geZwFDFk9p4wUalt6GpsyQZGZvuyKulQZfhFuhOIwSGmTEdABs3xkvABrzpIvEOTiOz5iALuY/s1600/2017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C6R4XbKwsVsFkxDRXnm5Z6ny7-ojtHt28gGJaQBLYn1oVmiHABdxh5blNhY8sLJj31geZwFDFk9p4wUalt6GpsyQZGZvuyKulQZfhFuhOIwSGmTEdABs3xkvABrzpIvEOTiOz5iALuY/s400/2017.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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It took about 36 hours for Olive to decide that we were ok people and that she didn't have to live under the bed. After letting her get a quick look at Toby and Tembo, I think she's going to be the bossy little queen of the house once we let her join the crew full time! For now, however, she's busy eating as much food as fast as she possibly can (which I'm doing my best to regulate!), and hopefully build up a little muscle on that tiny frame!<br />
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<br />Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-22194712516424592302011-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:002011-08-31T16:00:21.946-07:00Surviving Irene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although I have to say, compared what other people have gone through at the mercy of Irene, we didn't have all that much to challenge us. Power was down for 36 hours, and we had a moment of panic when the giant oak tree out front lost three of it's big top branches:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y78hx6v7m8I4Hy3wjMhHZl-zTia7hvsOxrQHfJm0LztmIq5Sx-r9HmPXLPZZfp9vYpplZhUw4wui5HvpOlGt-NZR-n74Fbi34bhdW2uqEn-lgbFqCgqzICM3e94bVbrOh45moQIXeyQ/s1600/071.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y78hx6v7m8I4Hy3wjMhHZl-zTia7hvsOxrQHfJm0LztmIq5Sx-r9HmPXLPZZfp9vYpplZhUw4wui5HvpOlGt-NZR-n74Fbi34bhdW2uqEn-lgbFqCgqzICM3e94bVbrOh45moQIXeyQ/s640/071.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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And one of them missed our roof by two feet, while another got hooked on the power line running from the street to our house! Thankfully the line held, otherwise I'd certainly be one of the unlucky ones waiting for power through the weekend.<br />
Other than a few dramatic hours, mostly the day was just very dark and blustery, but I refused to let Hubby do anything outside for an extended period of time, and he was getting antsy. I figured since it was too dark and gloomy in the whole house anyway, why not bring some candles into the basement and clean down there?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AVytl-IEFJVhRS0fSZUJcdW4yovP8NXXt_bHXyXGlhV1bt3ScWiHCbkJH8sKoNzsCujR7LQC26vw3a0MbkteJI41wYbMnBKQbYdUeHYlo-Yinjm0ZFoDtoWEWZYcGWyZh6zt9ZnLI9I/s1600/072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AVytl-IEFJVhRS0fSZUJcdW4yovP8NXXt_bHXyXGlhV1bt3ScWiHCbkJH8sKoNzsCujR7LQC26vw3a0MbkteJI41wYbMnBKQbYdUeHYlo-Yinjm0ZFoDtoWEWZYcGWyZh6zt9ZnLI9I/s640/072.JPG" width="480" /></a> <br />
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Hubby toils away...<br />
Thanks to my sister for that fantastic candle-lier- it came in really handy during the black-out! Hubby used to ridicule me for the number of candles and holders I always have on stand-by (any good sale!), but not anymore!<br />
Another home decor item that was very useful during foul weather was an old, tiny brass fondue pot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjhdqqOfwPe9hg-c426ZtKCwbWCiiWK6CFHS9MCt7ZRaJc_GUUmdAm6EMCYdgDKizsgfnJaYnaLdi1f-srXQoc5A610GvGeVcTgoFHUkdklVtpaR8ZPkHqc6wHiZofsgAsy3h_RkzeY8/s1600/069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjhdqqOfwPe9hg-c426ZtKCwbWCiiWK6CFHS9MCt7ZRaJc_GUUmdAm6EMCYdgDKizsgfnJaYnaLdi1f-srXQoc5A610GvGeVcTgoFHUkdklVtpaR8ZPkHqc6wHiZofsgAsy3h_RkzeY8/s640/069.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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When Hubby was desperate for a cup of tea I thought of that stand and some leftover Sterno, and the top half of our Turkish teapot! Worked like a charm! A very slow, 30 minutes to boil 2 cups of water charm...<br />
Hope everyone else is recovering well!<br />
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<br />Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-58178874627147996792011-08-13T19:43:00.000-07:002011-08-13T20:04:02.689-07:00Enamel Kitchen TableHey All!
<br />I just got back from a great week up in Maine at the family camp. Actually, it was a very chilly, damp week, but that just gave us more time for thrifting and antiquing! Today I want to share with you the most exciting find of the week:
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNAAy4_Iu_VmXJwUzF9-DpMgFyGkC-1Trjj8vX32yquQxIuuJHhyphenhyphen0mz6EjdEPmSE6_ciu8595pOCT0eO0bEzrXB_Hfpozie3AtRzHyLuUtxmefyq_2vTxJFnMOZ5-t7ZBeDOZJGUCOCI/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNAAy4_Iu_VmXJwUzF9-DpMgFyGkC-1Trjj8vX32yquQxIuuJHhyphenhyphen0mz6EjdEPmSE6_ciu8595pOCT0eO0bEzrXB_Hfpozie3AtRzHyLuUtxmefyq_2vTxJFnMOZ5-t7ZBeDOZJGUCOCI/s400/030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640538001427828450" border="0" /></a>
<br />My beautiful, new (to me) enamel top kitchen table!
<br />I'm afraid I wasn't a terribly good blogger and didn't even think to take a picture of the table all buried in the antique store (if you're wondering, it came from <a href="http://www.bigchickenbarn.com/">Big Chicken Barn Antiques</a> in Ellsworth.) Suffice to say she was buried enough that we needed help to dig her out, and more than a little dirty and rusty!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgddR1OKrKapt3wh7aX0GjOHeZYtYJAVwHnFPtw0R2EiyLJlRHd3vCtDx0r1g4fPT-lpsZfmJLfYz3w0w0WvU2TQUEFvhJoYDgyvXBxJofJXjRP8iSvaZffC4EWvyMBp8D1NuaDKQd9c/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgddR1OKrKapt3wh7aX0GjOHeZYtYJAVwHnFPtw0R2EiyLJlRHd3vCtDx0r1g4fPT-lpsZfmJLfYz3w0w0WvU2TQUEFvhJoYDgyvXBxJofJXjRP8iSvaZffC4EWvyMBp8D1NuaDKQd9c/s400/024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640538014320902754" border="0" /></a>
<br />There I am, all decked out in my fancy cleaning gloves, scrubbing the rust off her chrome legs with Bar Keepers Friend.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiKaVIiwg65jXSTgyZjPnxZN4xpKaFWMcLLpXzLenaM-k-YxicMcU13OVgw-didiU1zAR4R6HdZ-4K7NsyO2EYp7-JR-LOdDl3v_h67-8j_yV3wZ2XSGuU9mJGpJM3w7GXGqQNpRIVs0/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiKaVIiwg65jXSTgyZjPnxZN4xpKaFWMcLLpXzLenaM-k-YxicMcU13OVgw-didiU1zAR4R6HdZ-4K7NsyO2EYp7-JR-LOdDl3v_h67-8j_yV3wZ2XSGuU9mJGpJM3w7GXGqQNpRIVs0/s400/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640538017091919298" border="0" /></a>
<br />See how much better they look after a liberal application of elbow grease? (That would be the top one in that picture...)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn6D8WmTePGtuLaZz4zU1SO9Ta1BRhf2BsmEEeGyG3OYrfQtkoXJ49Os4FAfJpUM4zSITBABMk2ymMEDOGdbNXA66tXlpmg74bj6aLJyJ278WE4j5lf80c9o1UMjZQ0sbh_HzPT8j9Kg/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn6D8WmTePGtuLaZz4zU1SO9Ta1BRhf2BsmEEeGyG3OYrfQtkoXJ49Os4FAfJpUM4zSITBABMk2ymMEDOGdbNXA66tXlpmg74bj6aLJyJ278WE4j5lf80c9o1UMjZQ0sbh_HzPT8j9Kg/s400/031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640538025716627650" border="0" /></a>The biggest chip is proudly displayed on the front of the table- no look-alikes here! After I scrubbed the top with a sponge, followed by magic eraser, my Mom's husband went at it with some car polish and BOY did that make her shine! See the chair reflection on there?!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvJC2J3wiXVdZIK8wpgu00L8k8dxTD9dsTHrB_ipaq0bNp-ulCiPyqS6EBL0UuQX44BGQnVtD8NfR0hBhnZ0zzN_WQqcmvyDrxX6NMhAQ2Wd2VJacQHtcySVNKCExJgDgUd0Uf4tBf0Q/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvJC2J3wiXVdZIK8wpgu00L8k8dxTD9dsTHrB_ipaq0bNp-ulCiPyqS6EBL0UuQX44BGQnVtD8NfR0hBhnZ0zzN_WQqcmvyDrxX6NMhAQ2Wd2VJacQHtcySVNKCExJgDgUd0Uf4tBf0Q/s400/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640538022681152274" border="0" /></a>She looks right at home with my iron trivet on the wall and apron collection hanging on my DIY display board. The only question left is whether to paint the apron a nice high-gloss to match the cabinets in the room, or to let it be. The household is divided. Okay, I'm the only holdout for letting it be! (Hubby, though, has yet to get past the head scratching point at all!)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfhyphenhyphen2gulZIVMtAu-g5l9M_ea6msLjonGSlAUuKAutXr8gmOhAKMaYvRKwN18Etsa2VS_TYztKUJoUpU-F97E0_RlKhyphenhyphen-ISZbRvCiU3Aa-kMMbFeILGypSDCUqrNuSinjMvhNJkbOkNNQ/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfhyphenhyphen2gulZIVMtAu-g5l9M_ea6msLjonGSlAUuKAutXr8gmOhAKMaYvRKwN18Etsa2VS_TYztKUJoUpU-F97E0_RlKhyphenhyphen-ISZbRvCiU3Aa-kMMbFeILGypSDCUqrNuSinjMvhNJkbOkNNQ/s400/028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640540716202397202" border="0" /></a>So what say you all? Should I paint the apron a high gloss greenish-blue to match the curtain on the right (which matches the cabinet interiors?) Or leave it be?
<br />Incidentally, the cute painting over the table is also a new find, I'll share more about the rest later!
<br />Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-55713236568848964662011-06-30T07:56:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:52:55.688-07:00Texas: Part TwoAfter much delay, here are the shots from the second half of my week in San Antonio! The Botanical Garden was one of my favorite trips out. Don't get me wrong, it was HOT spending an afternoon outside, but I brought an umbrella to fill in shade where the trees didn't provide some, and in the end it was worth it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0ByP2dK4kY3UBntuF7jfdZrufthvmPwnQLXZm41lZf1csPuDcCbYvZ0op5Ax8wxxCn_9ZMhaCuT_P3zqHAuClD6uod3ROV7xZDibJ4b29fgVAd37V-25QuBdErgunHKNxWjcrBTEmqc/s1600/060.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0ByP2dK4kY3UBntuF7jfdZrufthvmPwnQLXZm41lZf1csPuDcCbYvZ0op5Ax8wxxCn_9ZMhaCuT_P3zqHAuClD6uod3ROV7xZDibJ4b29fgVAd37V-25QuBdErgunHKNxWjcrBTEmqc/s400/060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624027809552601634" border="0" /></a><br />I loved their visual solution to the drought- instead of leaving the fountains looking bare and sad, they filled them in with beautiful blue glass!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MY5A8zm2CAp4eCqyfPiWTZWFTv3ucq3QcjPgPbKxQvH25aOct9z4-bpHrIih7AU-eLkyst5HJChVFpgkXPUDCMUQxQU3d39Kae-B32SbrcQMDg5ubuvA-9WXMltLaxwepQPhu-2KsNY/s1600/061.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MY5A8zm2CAp4eCqyfPiWTZWFTv3ucq3QcjPgPbKxQvH25aOct9z4-bpHrIih7AU-eLkyst5HJChVFpgkXPUDCMUQxQU3d39Kae-B32SbrcQMDg5ubuvA-9WXMltLaxwepQPhu-2KsNY/s400/061.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624027816362318466" border="0" /></a><br />Lots of inspiration to be found in the giant planters scattered around.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-aTNEM3NjNUyK-Nz311Ba9LRnbBglnnVT_FvXXH2FB7ZJkMsvOHzWj6WP7-3nQydWBG7Z0FgIogBGZv_zu2TDaLQAtgOzalbb3g85OGN2inscY761MQmOUOxZ5B8TBtnSpSaz8cZtNQ/s1600/067.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-aTNEM3NjNUyK-Nz311Ba9LRnbBglnnVT_FvXXH2FB7ZJkMsvOHzWj6WP7-3nQydWBG7Z0FgIogBGZv_zu2TDaLQAtgOzalbb3g85OGN2inscY761MQmOUOxZ5B8TBtnSpSaz8cZtNQ/s400/067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624027825795925538" border="0" /></a><br />The Garden for the Blind was an interesting addition, where the plants were all either highly fragrant or tactile (lots of herbs!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHwvttcqW3iq7f6hfBgG7HBWp_QNyJVexy2co1EWLrr13Tnjm_W819KM-UVhMSfrQmEPCIaoyzDwQMPq68PO6-BNdE7ZrN4tkuYzuplRbfE_IHMOczFn1WrdJ-budXtbHTQ-3WYJYv9Q/s1600/069.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHwvttcqW3iq7f6hfBgG7HBWp_QNyJVexy2co1EWLrr13Tnjm_W819KM-UVhMSfrQmEPCIaoyzDwQMPq68PO6-BNdE7ZrN4tkuYzuplRbfE_IHMOczFn1WrdJ-budXtbHTQ-3WYJYv9Q/s400/069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624027837841724450" border="0" /></a><br />This stunning sculpture was in the Garden for the Blind, as well as:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVg7tvSvz7GXKbBMMol0hE8rdJyNrtoue_UV_mhVyfQWp6a67NTQEZ2zy05BE7hAi9BtasZPUI84ftk287Ex_J3l6zSwXTy2N8sJYnMNl8gst1c-oRZEEgFK3D8dEsjZXx7x59lEW9Or8/s1600/070.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVg7tvSvz7GXKbBMMol0hE8rdJyNrtoue_UV_mhVyfQWp6a67NTQEZ2zy05BE7hAi9BtasZPUI84ftk287Ex_J3l6zSwXTy2N8sJYnMNl8gst1c-oRZEEgFK3D8dEsjZXx7x59lEW9Or8/s400/070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624027849865782402" border="0" /></a><br />This huge snail!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKodmfRWxgI1ehfg5Kn3PFKtaF9-VGdnCNJfNsFmTf1AR4ZURUgJLOe9954r8wxPOL8T2Z3gmEOT-SyQsgcWs5ND1Rzbbuin6xYDAKL35lJJqcFovemLa_xlJmsKGRecfbS61fpnloCS0/s1600/080.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKodmfRWxgI1ehfg5Kn3PFKtaF9-VGdnCNJfNsFmTf1AR4ZURUgJLOe9954r8wxPOL8T2Z3gmEOT-SyQsgcWs5ND1Rzbbuin6xYDAKL35lJJqcFovemLa_xlJmsKGRecfbS61fpnloCS0/s400/080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624029429966623570" border="0" /></a><br />I loved the water lilies in this little pond.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Z8SaXfqZ6TqJD7U3v8lgoIDCwJrj27QOqMZ1mtm8pFGk9qpAbvlcYap59tVZpRnI15_LqaMEgoxB5nyEW1hODNRzUu43W7WKlSNg5fmo1We3Kzz4SvEeG_Zp-SjUO8f6jl9PYwxTHHw/s1600/079.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Z8SaXfqZ6TqJD7U3v8lgoIDCwJrj27QOqMZ1mtm8pFGk9qpAbvlcYap59tVZpRnI15_LqaMEgoxB5nyEW1hODNRzUu43W7WKlSNg5fmo1We3Kzz4SvEeG_Zp-SjUO8f6jl9PYwxTHHw/s400/079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624029380707665250" border="0" /></a>It was in the courtyard of a series of greenhouses that housed:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimobYzepIxOHLn2mdFFprzRL-rntNBDvFiEiKs3OH5zB2h1FP_48MEI2GlpYeN2HZ5JHA8CN-HiL63zE8NeoZ1qNbQGujb2VFDE4SuNWYcVkh0cg3oL71ql8Xqu93QKXhkf9ItC-usnVk/s1600/078.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimobYzepIxOHLn2mdFFprzRL-rntNBDvFiEiKs3OH5zB2h1FP_48MEI2GlpYeN2HZ5JHA8CN-HiL63zE8NeoZ1qNbQGujb2VFDE4SuNWYcVkh0cg3oL71ql8Xqu93QKXhkf9ItC-usnVk/s400/078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624029397337918306" border="0" /></a><br />Bromiliads from the rain forest in one.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthaR14SjIeBc0LNJHqUl8F0VgCA23oJ_yXoM3LWDriK1CmnrzX9SlUCRiM3lRpoz8e_F4JoiGcyfFV-cFyIVd8Vl9xA9gie2rhbwharyNORTzUMFGX-9Y1tnAyY11xu_CmLZEqjN9I74/s1600/083-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthaR14SjIeBc0LNJHqUl8F0VgCA23oJ_yXoM3LWDriK1CmnrzX9SlUCRiM3lRpoz8e_F4JoiGcyfFV-cFyIVd8Vl9xA9gie2rhbwharyNORTzUMFGX-9Y1tnAyY11xu_CmLZEqjN9I74/s400/083-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624029400380699138" border="0" /></a><br />Cacti from the desert in another.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSrBAMu2TYKSRJKNtAO2u0tz3bozmB8wPGtBrK1kj41ItLHYrGPuokJmEiKoDSBSKUOTy8GPLknRxFZzlopIAcGwdz6pPwy2Q6RElTDHkCiT6JMNa5mBUwukhNOBBsVXYCeVdopZzdCI/s1600/086-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSrBAMu2TYKSRJKNtAO2u0tz3bozmB8wPGtBrK1kj41ItLHYrGPuokJmEiKoDSBSKUOTy8GPLknRxFZzlopIAcGwdz6pPwy2Q6RElTDHkCiT6JMNa5mBUwukhNOBBsVXYCeVdopZzdCI/s400/086-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624029420718475026" border="0" /></a><br />Ferns in a fog-machine induced sauna! And there was another VERY hot and humid house filled with Palms that was setup as a ramp that spiraled upward through the foliage, which was a cool idea, but I practically had to run through to make it out the exit at the top without passing out!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD4oViHlaeRvVEFGYJA_n6GBjZUgA8wSlzeqhljyQ4lFfNfovQCOHe8ObS1mn-Q2mAg2P_syKQV4I9xMFkGqA9HQxu-rs4L5RVqeKmj1QgNNu4WTid1ji4bZYILafv918GnUyY2NBvTo/s1600/103.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD4oViHlaeRvVEFGYJA_n6GBjZUgA8wSlzeqhljyQ4lFfNfovQCOHe8ObS1mn-Q2mAg2P_syKQV4I9xMFkGqA9HQxu-rs4L5RVqeKmj1QgNNu4WTid1ji4bZYILafv918GnUyY2NBvTo/s400/103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624034614176762306" border="0" /></a><br />Pomegranates!<br />Another unique display they had was the "gardens" showing the 4 natural habitats they have in Texas. I went to check out the Pine forest area, since I have lots of Pines around my house and was interested to see what would grow around them. Turns out not much!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp5GMJu6zDLykD00Of5qMAfxhVjUto2p8z_JWUgmi6cFX8XME5u-3dJJyQBdTZFox88bcPAFbE2hPG2Gz4i8yXPt1ijhNGbSTSRCaZkpcqavwqOBS-iZrUH-OkyWp_ynIJXm4y5_bMSo/s1600/090-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp5GMJu6zDLykD00Of5qMAfxhVjUto2p8z_JWUgmi6cFX8XME5u-3dJJyQBdTZFox88bcPAFbE2hPG2Gz4i8yXPt1ijhNGbSTSRCaZkpcqavwqOBS-iZrUH-OkyWp_ynIJXm4y5_bMSo/s400/090-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624034573194368018" border="0" /></a><br />But it was lovely anyway. And really nice to walk in the deep shade!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3AdtHEjhdKoYaBTGuw7y6yde3CFiZMzYyH9Yjdp9eNdD5G-FPZsGFcPyEQkPDn1fs57oomokLXwkZYMcedit01yp1WZFWJfl2-SiG9DDD822zkQem84pbQsUxHd9oKEovB0qfB8Cbfw/s1600/095-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3AdtHEjhdKoYaBTGuw7y6yde3CFiZMzYyH9Yjdp9eNdD5G-FPZsGFcPyEQkPDn1fs57oomokLXwkZYMcedit01yp1WZFWJfl2-SiG9DDD822zkQem84pbQsUxHd9oKEovB0qfB8Cbfw/s400/095-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624034575349347602" border="0" /></a><br />These roots are so cool! Can't remember the name of the tree, though...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfHrVEtEY0dBsvN8mx8c5668vrwmC801Nj1WraNll_OGh9Q6M2E7xqqq3rqDfVNutFswxcwPZRaQw5do7CImr550RGMTj14K_nr27byPfEVWgQmhZKSA_wSyqAumJC1ubCi2cFO4vo0I/s1600/097-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfHrVEtEY0dBsvN8mx8c5668vrwmC801Nj1WraNll_OGh9Q6M2E7xqqq3rqDfVNutFswxcwPZRaQw5do7CImr550RGMTj14K_nr27byPfEVWgQmhZKSA_wSyqAumJC1ubCi2cFO4vo0I/s400/097-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624034586030311202" border="0" /></a><br />That's my art-y self-portrait in the window of the classic wood cabin.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W99gCNXnXTHd2I7hxtkyRN2SkECCijnYJeNXrQMKBwnDGozRhN357-vL-IRSkvhWzBwqGf6Lw6Zgpeekr3XICm6isf_j_3c3cnF4KUCeWu4qc-TnsSFQ_xFGXcIQ0YcyQifzCOwsBLc/s1600/102-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W99gCNXnXTHd2I7hxtkyRN2SkECCijnYJeNXrQMKBwnDGozRhN357-vL-IRSkvhWzBwqGf6Lw6Zgpeekr3XICm6isf_j_3c3cnF4KUCeWu4qc-TnsSFQ_xFGXcIQ0YcyQifzCOwsBLc/s400/102-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624034594104796946" border="0" /></a><br />But I really loved the cottage garden! This is my favorite kind of garden. It was really neat to see how many of the same plants grew in Texas that we have up here in New England, and how some grew very differently! The hydrangeas, for example, were so tiny down there as to be barely recognizable, whereas up here they grow to be 5 foot tall bushes in just a few years! They must like the cold winters!<br /><br />After the Botanical Garden I headed over to the San Antonio Art Museum, mostly to see their European and American paintings, which are a favorite.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfezMZ19-6iwHGBzcA4l-skTMS_Q9YKMHbUmVqTtFqo7ZQFeXr0Sz1vq0UbzKeBB396ElauuYjTCfT5uIQ00aXkb_eUgUDm7vjTrddbSZi7P_U3C7Zu1AtEBuEpp8SL50ZivKGZKcOSk/s1600/105.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfezMZ19-6iwHGBzcA4l-skTMS_Q9YKMHbUmVqTtFqo7ZQFeXr0Sz1vq0UbzKeBB396ElauuYjTCfT5uIQ00aXkb_eUgUDm7vjTrddbSZi7P_U3C7Zu1AtEBuEpp8SL50ZivKGZKcOSk/s400/105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624037753899697138" border="0" /></a><br />But, well, their collection of paintings was TINY! They more than made up for it, however, with an absurdly large collection of Irish silver (fun to read the inscriptions!), and ceramics and pottery from the Middle East. I didn't take any pictures of those, however, because my camera battery had already died, and after photographing the garden my phone battery was dying, too!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkQMWCKJCoJvLhs27Z-ROsxCHOv4xwnJpbLbpszdjp1XmLMT0ctntFbMO7CzSbmsVblGx7L4_KQ0VBghoDqvJxqps75iweLm-30TS73OSIQ4ssIKt1Q4PfZRJxDSx7YfYFCS1xofm2q0/s1600/109.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkQMWCKJCoJvLhs27Z-ROsxCHOv4xwnJpbLbpszdjp1XmLMT0ctntFbMO7CzSbmsVblGx7L4_KQ0VBghoDqvJxqps75iweLm-30TS73OSIQ4ssIKt1Q4PfZRJxDSx7YfYFCS1xofm2q0/s400/109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624037763070749794" border="0" /></a><br />I HAD to get a picture of this, though, because it's so unique! It's a sand mandala- that's right, that whole thing is made of sand! Enlarge the next picture to get the full explanation of how this came to be in the museum.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi7Ge49ZwzyuVPlM-u7TJUzZvEAHNLkj6IptbTz5ngkxYdopSNfPYs1hrhgQnzFy4oS2lH0rESfz3CIPf566Amy8taFx_80e1_MOtkjmuEi1CqKpCpzMp1lzIKvJ0ZRG0NapkH_vUpR8/s1600/111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi7Ge49ZwzyuVPlM-u7TJUzZvEAHNLkj6IptbTz5ngkxYdopSNfPYs1hrhgQnzFy4oS2lH0rESfz3CIPf566Amy8taFx_80e1_MOtkjmuEi1CqKpCpzMp1lzIKvJ0ZRG0NapkH_vUpR8/s400/111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624037772290732930" border="0" /></a>Sorry for the blur, I think I was a little dehydrated at that point!<br /><br />The next morning, Hubby had a business meeting over in Austin, so we swapped to a hotel over there, but first we had to do the obligatory trip to the Alamo!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6us03comAb3dgddnvMnJJYDNYOsKG0O0KtY4U32aLpOsimz6D1exy-5yqlhSTBzse8tp6k2-PU9VKo6EF5mEAtvsLTiV3DFa2aiqBbvfjdYazt2ssiHAcbNOJAimEGBe7X5GhQBVfqtI/s1600/115.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6us03comAb3dgddnvMnJJYDNYOsKG0O0KtY4U32aLpOsimz6D1exy-5yqlhSTBzse8tp6k2-PU9VKo6EF5mEAtvsLTiV3DFa2aiqBbvfjdYazt2ssiHAcbNOJAimEGBe7X5GhQBVfqtI/s400/115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624043338849538690" border="0" /></a><br />The pictures came out terrible- I must have had the phone on some odd setting!<br /><br />Our first night in Austin we met up with another friend who lives nearby, and he took us to an UH-MA-ZING BBQ joint called <a href="http://www.countyline.com/">The County Line</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhGO1mGFnAOG6ER866HhRc0PceIF1wi50ClCzYESKkFNu63TxaVJHlWm_FUuaQyIEQioR65uBeI_5LkC-WM7gKLvGAUZg7YRu4PPyAVoskOYtCQz4K7OAw_B-zRO7xzY-QfPPV_3ynvQ/s1600/127.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhGO1mGFnAOG6ER866HhRc0PceIF1wi50ClCzYESKkFNu63TxaVJHlWm_FUuaQyIEQioR65uBeI_5LkC-WM7gKLvGAUZg7YRu4PPyAVoskOYtCQz4K7OAw_B-zRO7xzY-QfPPV_3ynvQ/s400/127.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624043185812947170" border="0" /></a><br />If you're ever down in Texas, see if there's one of these nearby, because it was DELICIOUS! And I really don't even normally <span style="font-style: italic;">like </span>meat!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ctQVkapncgEMGLCCEqPzXcxauQUBGv7eXbrf5Xgm4v3roitd0XUVt3NuThMy3EVez8yuBwkbN04wbJGkwxtnqP_8iANohIIM84EY_1m6gUwtO546Lt9V9S1lL1-kRIp_-p5B7XPTQfA/s1600/120.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ctQVkapncgEMGLCCEqPzXcxauQUBGv7eXbrf5Xgm4v3roitd0XUVt3NuThMy3EVez8yuBwkbN04wbJGkwxtnqP_8iANohIIM84EY_1m6gUwtO546Lt9V9S1lL1-kRIp_-p5B7XPTQfA/s400/120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624043193039184034" border="0" /></a><br />This location (Austin Hills) was particularly special because it sat on the side of a hill and the patio overlooked the sunset and the valley below. Not that you can see the sunset in this shot, but you can see the color it turned me in this shot:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz_ycI4Rq1ld__LY55NxyJ3_9DlRzRaYOakk0yptEJACDazGWSbM96DrRb_PQfFPaiL-bHvi5w1zHvylZduo048cfC7FWJNEySRRBnIgd1yZFV_Uadc0489C2w2_nKtQZFKCffl7h0cg/s1600/123.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz_ycI4Rq1ld__LY55NxyJ3_9DlRzRaYOakk0yptEJACDazGWSbM96DrRb_PQfFPaiL-bHvi5w1zHvylZduo048cfC7FWJNEySRRBnIgd1yZFV_Uadc0489C2w2_nKtQZFKCffl7h0cg/s400/123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624043198530284514" border="0" /></a><br />Bring your sunglasses and sunblock! But more importantly, do you see that food?! Those ribs have converted me- I am a big, fatty beef rib lover! Never liked them before, but these were so good I'm going to be trying to make some myself soon!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoV9QQx-D7rVQz1U40VXwnzdk8fjlrgNGoi62sSMnss_bc76EUdzvJFCCgzj5UwXXWyv8QjTvF3edovCXLQFuk7ZR4f1uYKXnW3XWuxtr-SU7dIy1cNpNizDnza6hx5pfwTNz7gmPeVQ/s1600/119.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoV9QQx-D7rVQz1U40VXwnzdk8fjlrgNGoi62sSMnss_bc76EUdzvJFCCgzj5UwXXWyv8QjTvF3edovCXLQFuk7ZR4f1uYKXnW3XWuxtr-SU7dIy1cNpNizDnza6hx5pfwTNz7gmPeVQ/s400/119.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624043214346347922" border="0" /></a><br />The whole place was adorably kitschy, and instead of music the bathroom speakers played a language CD called "How to Speak Cowboy", which is for sale for $10. (Yes, Hubby bought one!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr_zqQwTrzhByy_q9HJPlJJs2_mCWh1k8O-Et7ieeZhqIDLNDFfLJBm2K8U16HvHa6rx_MP5EcTh9dU38iQqCwh3YXWpfeWpWh474Izn1zrrbT5WMOMk3gUlO_Zri_6YXBrN9-nWvJz0/s1600/124.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr_zqQwTrzhByy_q9HJPlJJs2_mCWh1k8O-Et7ieeZhqIDLNDFfLJBm2K8U16HvHa6rx_MP5EcTh9dU38iQqCwh3YXWpfeWpWh474Izn1zrrbT5WMOMk3gUlO_Zri_6YXBrN9-nWvJz0/s400/124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624043207228015426" border="0" /></a><br />There we are, all fat and happy, rolling back to the car.<br /><br />The next day we spent some time wandering around downtown Austin, but it was SOO hot, Hubby couldn't take being outside and actually suggested we go shoe shopping! Well, cowboy boot shopping, but still! So we asked around a bit and were originally directed to either a place in town called <a href="http://www.allensboots.com/">Allen's</a> that had mostly highly decorated, more expensive boots, or if we wanted something more functional and less decorative, a place out by the airport called Callahan's General Store. Well, where would you go?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMS62b65nmnaSPXBzdj_dOL52ikUyFYV9O4k03cZZg6ln7yHFYCzL6-8XRCZ9z10gnLeaRxPCqwOSNawVfAcneXGUjbNg0_vVBo4ADVb3bfkA71Qn9-fL6soEbvIDj07yVoJqx0EBthU/s1600/128.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMS62b65nmnaSPXBzdj_dOL52ikUyFYV9O4k03cZZg6ln7yHFYCzL6-8XRCZ9z10gnLeaRxPCqwOSNawVfAcneXGUjbNg0_vVBo4ADVb3bfkA71Qn9-fL6soEbvIDj07yVoJqx0EBthU/s400/128.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624048193361885858" border="0" /></a><br />A place that sells cow feed and turquoise refrigerators along side cowgirl boots? Sign me up! Well ok, I admit we checked out the one in town first, but I didn't fall in love with anything that cost less than $400, and cowboy boots are a little too much of a novelty up here in the Northeast to justify that much money!<br /><a href="http://callahansgeneralstore.com/">Callahan</a>'s was GREAT! Totally down to earth, with a great sense of humor in the home decor section (yup, they had one of those, too!) Another place you definitely need to check out if you're in the area! I didn't take any pictures inside because some stores frown on that (though this didn't seem like one of those places!), but there's a video on their <a href="http://callahansgeneralstore.com/">website </a>if you want to take a peek.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6Puj_m6O_tWOgRKAnLV8xZakEpV5Ufyr6h5FsRyG0_Tb0RpUEzX5VvTQsx4ubJBTrne6tli_A7XWTNhJNz889fVxkmIjXYuarjjiDO68G0SD814opErF4-xu1bI7mbpUwyyTQYWwljM/s1600/20777134.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6Puj_m6O_tWOgRKAnLV8xZakEpV5Ufyr6h5FsRyG0_Tb0RpUEzX5VvTQsx4ubJBTrne6tli_A7XWTNhJNz889fVxkmIjXYuarjjiDO68G0SD814opErF4-xu1bI7mbpUwyyTQYWwljM/s400/20777134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624048201435032546" border="0" /></a><br />But all of that was a bonus to the fact that I walked away with these beauties for under $150, which is just about what I'd been hoping to pay! And they're SOOOO comfortable. I wore them pretty much non-stop for the next 72 hours with nary a blister or rub-spot to show!<br /><br />And that included an immediate trip out country dancing in them! The same taxi driver who, on our first day, told us about Arjon's salsa club, also told us about <a href="http://www.cowboysdancehall.com/San-Antonio/">Cowboy's Dance Hall </a>for some authentic country dancing, and I was DETERMINED to go before we flew out the next morning at 7:30 AM!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahPEwXOMr7IR8mOLo770bfGBXc9DE7-te4iX3wJn4_fWMf8KQ9EEgphhXRn72SPm7NVzAfbUouBh3fuD9B0JmdDKG-LMThXQvX0F_Wvef_o-W82Zf5OJQq_n8ihF876wnJIzgLcSNu5A/s1600/131.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahPEwXOMr7IR8mOLo770bfGBXc9DE7-te4iX3wJn4_fWMf8KQ9EEgphhXRn72SPm7NVzAfbUouBh3fuD9B0JmdDKG-LMThXQvX0F_Wvef_o-W82Zf5OJQq_n8ihF876wnJIzgLcSNu5A/s400/131.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624053104206688178" border="0" /></a><br />So I roused hubby at 9:30 that night, put on my new boots and dragged us off to do a little cowboy dancin'! And we were both so glad we went!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdSrNEF5YgdPat1-9pq6We4YU9SK7KyX7UxEVvknI5PJ2y80r1TndtIIivpjmtCV4rFxbyADDlnVvF2byXghCzYo-zOORA7ciTCC7P0-8v6-BehpSOMNjdq83opGsXhLPi6ak_Hq40tQ/s1600/132.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdSrNEF5YgdPat1-9pq6We4YU9SK7KyX7UxEVvknI5PJ2y80r1TndtIIivpjmtCV4rFxbyADDlnVvF2byXghCzYo-zOORA7ciTCC7P0-8v6-BehpSOMNjdq83opGsXhLPi6ak_Hq40tQ/s400/132.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624053108837923762" border="0" /></a><br />The dance floor was huge, and had just the right amount of dancers on it so we felt fine going out and bungling through our version of the two-step (which was kind of a mish-mosh of a waltz, east coast swing, and polka!), but empty enough that we didn't worry about slamming into anyone. They even had a live band! A really, really good band! They're the red blur in the background there...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgEaJOm0qjdzdZ04R-A1Ea4WJ8B4ZE3AkjCTmoP1Jdq5T-qNNFpFJcidY2NW-8v1P7q9mTW4xYI594BG9ukxwa3GjAbzyWSl7hia-iJNIT9IcFlYnj6WhDJu5Jyu87fbPg80S-ibneVA/s1600/133.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgEaJOm0qjdzdZ04R-A1Ea4WJ8B4ZE3AkjCTmoP1Jdq5T-qNNFpFJcidY2NW-8v1P7q9mTW4xYI594BG9ukxwa3GjAbzyWSl7hia-iJNIT9IcFlYnj6WhDJu5Jyu87fbPg80S-ibneVA/s400/133.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624053117611037314" border="0" /></a><br />And look, actual cowboys! It was the perfect way to wrap up a surprisingly delightful first-trip to Texas!<br /><br />Thanks to all the wonderful Texans who helped show me just how wrong I was about that state!Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-54527181181246194862011-06-19T19:09:00.000-07:002011-06-19T20:48:26.156-07:00Texas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAvlyKF-DH-AeNl2IPihB52Emf8CxlUKdBoSamxUliGSduHmBZCpB5vYH_Y7R9SonlLjEkgfPZHc6xsptqkZoCvSF0id5P1JKM9iS7uQzBp1TYQYp1Q1R9BADF0g-alVvjNmpVlRIPyM/s1600/048-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAvlyKF-DH-AeNl2IPihB52Emf8CxlUKdBoSamxUliGSduHmBZCpB5vYH_Y7R9SonlLjEkgfPZHc6xsptqkZoCvSF0id5P1JKM9iS7uQzBp1TYQYp1Q1R9BADF0g-alVvjNmpVlRIPyM/s400/048-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620122165497802498" border="0" /></a><br />Hubby had a conference down in San Antonio a couple of weeks ago, and since I'd never been I decided to tag along and see what it's like down in the deep south!<br />Well, of course I didn't actually get to experience the real south since I was in a major tourist center, but I sure had fun!<br />A local friend took us over to this very cool cool bar in the <a href="http://www.havanasanantonio.com/">Hotel Havana</a> called Ocho. It's mostly a night time spot, but it was really nice during the day with the sunlight streaming in through the old conservatory windows.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpubm4icwtQl8prXtSo3tbKNNop_ylbTetmnSjLEQCBMnYtEevK2yFR1uE-xo_BGcQXd0Silc09EjaA1L1EgvR80dSw3NLWfBY3a8smuZYYGqyZTj0W-ltiZxxySgXxv2lEhpVlpGREk/s1600/044.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpubm4icwtQl8prXtSo3tbKNNop_ylbTetmnSjLEQCBMnYtEevK2yFR1uE-xo_BGcQXd0Silc09EjaA1L1EgvR80dSw3NLWfBY3a8smuZYYGqyZTj0W-ltiZxxySgXxv2lEhpVlpGREk/s400/044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620122159657478258" border="0" /></a>I LOVED the design! The color scheme, the velvet upholstery and mirrored and mosaic tables on the threadbare rugs and brick flooring was SO much what I love! And check out that chandelier- HUGE! And there were two of them!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9TIdlsPH1PhchoCsLc_zvR2zeJ9mDcsVrVTPIbEcBgWTDcuHpHowZ5rcb-lcEUEGuCJCa2VA5lyU_0F50JSM9SMi3H01YnkVv7y2tZxFS-LgCLn0urak_tECpZQRHFYkbPy5KiGcE8/s1600/042.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9TIdlsPH1PhchoCsLc_zvR2zeJ9mDcsVrVTPIbEcBgWTDcuHpHowZ5rcb-lcEUEGuCJCa2VA5lyU_0F50JSM9SMi3H01YnkVv7y2tZxFS-LgCLn0urak_tECpZQRHFYkbPy5KiGcE8/s400/042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620122149071190642" border="0" /></a>And in case you forgot you were in Texas for a second there, just grab a gander at the horns on those chairs- so very cool!<br /><br />For dinner that night our friends took us to a fun BBQ chain called<a href="http://www.rudys.com/"> Rudy's</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp5rxt-0a3MovozJoyxWNRDJiCb_uKNUNlqGiHEiF_G_ewi-bhymJGWGxpYGjIa44YFB70oOpfgDmEVgb22YtEW2GlI4XLi47iWBDdBkdtMssb_RCfo1Ajt_rD7ZjESZQN7cDCaQYAKw/s1600/055.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp5rxt-0a3MovozJoyxWNRDJiCb_uKNUNlqGiHEiF_G_ewi-bhymJGWGxpYGjIa44YFB70oOpfgDmEVgb22YtEW2GlI4XLi47iWBDdBkdtMssb_RCfo1Ajt_rD7ZjESZQN7cDCaQYAKw/s400/055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620122173928232866" border="0" /></a>With us all dolled up for dancing later, they were a bit hesitant to take us to a place that had an order counter and family style picnic tables, but we were game!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOVeoeuA2BdXz9HvVlvdJni9rsHki7O9c2sWr1RzkLOdDlg4-GhW4JyaJ5BZY9bEBWYJ9I9_hNEnKJZ2tTvB0BHWljbODRzOq5li1xsMM_mXpfj3-5b8PhzQlooQCAO_1rIqJ0nAe9ig/s1600/053.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOVeoeuA2BdXz9HvVlvdJni9rsHki7O9c2sWr1RzkLOdDlg4-GhW4JyaJ5BZY9bEBWYJ9I9_hNEnKJZ2tTvB0BHWljbODRzOq5li1xsMM_mXpfj3-5b8PhzQlooQCAO_1rIqJ0nAe9ig/s400/053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620125434641827906" border="0" /></a><br />Rudy's also sells gas,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49SBLsLbUUVZxN0KuAuxVNPpDIkLJcxGG_-ptLJhtoL5okm2ncbnn-pJqOM5znxICKhyvukpmblsNwxxypbNEyPLLdtRcs6MI0YMQuihtGug2q44H4wLcfjONX6Y_xIZ9oCPZDsEkLAM/s1600/054.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49SBLsLbUUVZxN0KuAuxVNPpDIkLJcxGG_-ptLJhtoL5okm2ncbnn-pJqOM5znxICKhyvukpmblsNwxxypbNEyPLLdtRcs6MI0YMQuihtGug2q44H4wLcfjONX6Y_xIZ9oCPZDsEkLAM/s400/054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620125443338948402" border="0" /></a><br />But mostly they sell meat:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA-ujtoQ48Lg0CIopdtSWlHBBMJksRx_Xn-0hoyaapBCAlrhbWGVAld-KdW08FzsvLDfUPM0rG19sVSaK-xy_yAZv60L95JhTJwnFZ7c5BuHkMAe01YzyxvCfgO3km77kic2NLdcsvX4/s1600/052-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA-ujtoQ48Lg0CIopdtSWlHBBMJksRx_Xn-0hoyaapBCAlrhbWGVAld-KdW08FzsvLDfUPM0rG19sVSaK-xy_yAZv60L95JhTJwnFZ7c5BuHkMAe01YzyxvCfgO3km77kic2NLdcsvX4/s400/052-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620125448602055106" border="0" /></a><br />Lots and lots of meat!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP3tmmi8QrK80R6Y68s-YhQ_N236aTfKkxeV-YIU5oQwDfc_SB3dZKtIAJzzr8XP7pkjR3FYY5skCOS77WaR0-d07wAzpjsif4spFr4ccLG_EZ_rvv2vYK-a_qv81T5iOSuutyuW_TC4/s1600/051-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP3tmmi8QrK80R6Y68s-YhQ_N236aTfKkxeV-YIU5oQwDfc_SB3dZKtIAJzzr8XP7pkjR3FYY5skCOS77WaR0-d07wAzpjsif4spFr4ccLG_EZ_rvv2vYK-a_qv81T5iOSuutyuW_TC4/s400/051-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620125457940419362" border="0" /></a>After dinner Hubby and I headed over to a salsa club that our cab driver had recommended called Arjon's.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7v_hU22ZKpAiW7Vf8anWTwTQK3cQjRPw08JWGYZeCL6kSTRmEQekHg6Y6OsoQUpJkeqMxnCF0hyMCZCMhqYrftnCRILQpJX24hfjQbh4hK41R-5r5OqGAo96no6NGC0b8x8jGpCmYV4/s1600/058.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7v_hU22ZKpAiW7Vf8anWTwTQK3cQjRPw08JWGYZeCL6kSTRmEQekHg6Y6OsoQUpJkeqMxnCF0hyMCZCMhqYrftnCRILQpJX24hfjQbh4hK41R-5r5OqGAo96no6NGC0b8x8jGpCmYV4/s400/058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620127954284391010" border="0" /></a><br />The place was great! Since our hosts that night had to get home and release their babysitter, we ended up getting to the club just after 9:00, so we were one of the first one's there. But by 9:30 a bunch of people had arrived and the band began to play and the dancing was on!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweACLohIEqSr4lzyl-t9envAtnmkQAi3tBytYKDO6xePbuPW4I8oPT9YJ8_-mrCfh7rJuDGkn6D7j-vog_1RfocVgEWvMGv6zeXj7BF0fW7CaWRTozZxuLcNXQUPYOchh2mrnSdCMKZo/s1600/057-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweACLohIEqSr4lzyl-t9envAtnmkQAi3tBytYKDO6xePbuPW4I8oPT9YJ8_-mrCfh7rJuDGkn6D7j-vog_1RfocVgEWvMGv6zeXj7BF0fW7CaWRTozZxuLcNXQUPYOchh2mrnSdCMKZo/s400/057-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620128397603275010" border="0" /></a><br />It's always fun going to a place where they dance in a really authentic style since just about everyone up around us learned ballroom style (as did we!) There were some <span style="font-style: italic;">very </span>good dancers at that place, so we watched them for a bit to remember some moves before we got up and busted ours out! We left shortly after midnight when the music switched over to club style and the younger crowd took over the dance floor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOsETiBhuo_tzcEgkp2wwD8gc8xgcokyVGPmH2ijhAnmi_DxZy75PMYWLva8Ed66BttVLvqA6Dz00zVOenX0LY9TfEaibD8XfAtK8uaPjyAA_Xs9L1rNli490OGmaim77AiglRJIXadU/s1600/059.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOsETiBhuo_tzcEgkp2wwD8gc8xgcokyVGPmH2ijhAnmi_DxZy75PMYWLva8Ed66BttVLvqA6Dz00zVOenX0LY9TfEaibD8XfAtK8uaPjyAA_Xs9L1rNli490OGmaim77AiglRJIXadU/s400/059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620128408270498194" border="0" /></a><br />Haris was really tempted by the Taco truck that had opened right in the parking lot outside, but after all that barbecue there was no place left to put it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-DyqCO0p2XTUX4smUZVPQuyyi7s4mQiN_KlcwA6U8xVwK3buk8rQPFBnaSrZ4Bn-MaU-v3mf8uUn8t5ezTZqTXedR6zDhNFw6NwZLGDRlcx4F5BLx4sS4wV1Sraf7X9q-pFnKvpG-lc/s1600/135.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-DyqCO0p2XTUX4smUZVPQuyyi7s4mQiN_KlcwA6U8xVwK3buk8rQPFBnaSrZ4Bn-MaU-v3mf8uUn8t5ezTZqTXedR6zDhNFw6NwZLGDRlcx4F5BLx4sS4wV1Sraf7X9q-pFnKvpG-lc/s400/135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132109673436450" border="0" /></a>After spending a day exploring the Riverwalk (very cute, but pretty crowded!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvF2yiJTD1X9FhkZKNIyGLMPzrteVCkqcK1nhgc0rciTo2y_rAXC0_0ogW6q4RjnLDPGZ3za8Lx-akhPTHlcBd4Vjfc64HA7Hupga5bsFKrJtdFTNW0V_6a-qxhO9Zhml1Bbq44u3o5M/s1600/136.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvF2yiJTD1X9FhkZKNIyGLMPzrteVCkqcK1nhgc0rciTo2y_rAXC0_0ogW6q4RjnLDPGZ3za8Lx-akhPTHlcBd4Vjfc64HA7Hupga5bsFKrJtdFTNW0V_6a-qxhO9Zhml1Bbq44u3o5M/s400/136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132113888772050" border="0" /></a>and Market Square (great place for souvenirs!), I ventured onto the public transportation via the #7 bus, Sightseer's Special.<br />First I went to the San Antonio Zoo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WFEQ-xJ48Equ34KyzwMls-Ra4-iBwAPgKACYK2VwV6H2nX9uqedN_od4w5_G3UhOKxQaZ3ZzQCH_AFnQPK4O3wyHVl-OGoREtW3oVZwAZb2_u-QAFQobOVlckPwveJDwh2wQ3eUcOI4/s1600/140.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WFEQ-xJ48Equ34KyzwMls-Ra4-iBwAPgKACYK2VwV6H2nX9uqedN_od4w5_G3UhOKxQaZ3ZzQCH_AFnQPK4O3wyHVl-OGoREtW3oVZwAZb2_u-QAFQobOVlckPwveJDwh2wQ3eUcOI4/s400/140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132122269306034" border="0" /></a><br />Where it was mostly me and a whole bunch of school kids!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuOrgDlEdSOxpoSRZPS8YJJOL9E9vvimLxUYWGxLG02LzbpAKUrxoi8KdgEju9Zv0ZER5G8cYrqfFuNCF1A-X0ndu4VbQaDt_2a_LDw0LPLTadBOY-U5_cnyJZiX01YKwhF2UjQVUNqU/s1600/181.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuOrgDlEdSOxpoSRZPS8YJJOL9E9vvimLxUYWGxLG02LzbpAKUrxoi8KdgEju9Zv0ZER5G8cYrqfFuNCF1A-X0ndu4VbQaDt_2a_LDw0LPLTadBOY-U5_cnyJZiX01YKwhF2UjQVUNqU/s400/181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132131073224274" border="0" /></a><br />And the animals of course!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQJRMcwA5SY66xvH5_h0JSfmayvLTc96BdNAwXsjsCAbId71elx3jt2fjWuAUUo8yyopvSPVns1N-UcY6oCkB4B6Pt9qxngBMGQ9aejjlJ3hCxLBtTwPgQTzrdyuhWQrZo4Udi-J1qbA/s1600/206.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQJRMcwA5SY66xvH5_h0JSfmayvLTc96BdNAwXsjsCAbId71elx3jt2fjWuAUUo8yyopvSPVns1N-UcY6oCkB4B6Pt9qxngBMGQ9aejjlJ3hCxLBtTwPgQTzrdyuhWQrZo4Udi-J1qbA/s400/206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132143798622738" border="0" /></a><br />I finished up there around lunchtime, and a nice woman at the gift shop (everyone down there was nice!) tipped me off about a good lunch place called Joseph's about a 10 minute walk away. Well, it was about 100 degrees out, but if there was something to eat better than zoo burgers, I was willing to do the walk!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianp0oWpY77L4_6sgfKtPLrqJplh399b-V_6JboiVfUFlbVoWH2qpd6ZEyFGrYwNm-Bb0AAtjJyvQxi5OfuKXL9ImByObAFGDywKQjhccDD_DDJZ0nPUFSFMuRjGD2GJddIq5yKlWSXv8/s1600/227.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianp0oWpY77L4_6sgfKtPLrqJplh399b-V_6JboiVfUFlbVoWH2qpd6ZEyFGrYwNm-Bb0AAtjJyvQxi5OfuKXL9ImByObAFGDywKQjhccDD_DDJZ0nPUFSFMuRjGD2GJddIq5yKlWSXv8/s400/227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620135524421729506" border="0" /></a><br />I'll be frank- I didn't have high hopes for a sandwich shop on the outskirts of San Antonio where the bus had driven past mostly porn shops and taco restaurants, but I was pleasantly surprised!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEmnFisSXVe_whe3okoF4Xu4Fv3lTohhf48jhxn2cfGGqqYNSrL5Gu2ki7GZkfpHh5t0Ufoxx7FH7_OLdFRo86jiSLySroWJjsJVIO8koQDodpkNRPOEwPvdh44f2GljDxDmo82dmMfA/s1600/230.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEmnFisSXVe_whe3okoF4Xu4Fv3lTohhf48jhxn2cfGGqqYNSrL5Gu2ki7GZkfpHh5t0Ufoxx7FH7_OLdFRo86jiSLySroWJjsJVIO8koQDodpkNRPOEwPvdh44f2GljDxDmo82dmMfA/s400/230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620135543885239602" border="0" /></a><br />I made myself an iced coffee, which they were fine with (some places discourage that!), and ordered the club sandwich and fruit cup, all for about $7. The fruit cup... well, I'd pass on that next time! I could see it had some kind of dressing on it, (Italian, I think) but when I dug under that to find some clean looking pieces I realized that the whole thing had also been salted! But the sandwich... oh that bacon! I've never had such good bacon- ever! Thick, crunchy, smokey... YUM!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSQhCTBz3pP_cMU_l_0m5FdhC9aTybJYTi5KLwxXg7VxSimoY09y8y8QvClvv3QFGTEJlYbyDqws6D_9iukDg_EF-IRyxYwAla-0gEN44wcm26yg8yPblSBfsUa64kWG2PuI3TR4_pxA/s1600/229.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSQhCTBz3pP_cMU_l_0m5FdhC9aTybJYTi5KLwxXg7VxSimoY09y8y8QvClvv3QFGTEJlYbyDqws6D_9iukDg_EF-IRyxYwAla-0gEN44wcm26yg8yPblSBfsUa64kWG2PuI3TR4_pxA/s400/229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620135537394643714" border="0" /></a>I also loved that the seating was a big ol' mish-mash of old dining tables and chairs!<br /><br />After lunch I walked back up the road to see the Japanese Tea Garden.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpVFS7zBEdP2afNkJqBR__C3Mw_3653juG9Ox893mkrx8LCborsvnjPmkkbqhE1yeLlWfoPmWaPYbTBZbnpnVJtNyDsupfkF7SbVmnetc69TY4h2MzWWQ7IQTJCZs03zT9Hnx6huatkQ/s1600/232.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpVFS7zBEdP2afNkJqBR__C3Mw_3653juG9Ox893mkrx8LCborsvnjPmkkbqhE1yeLlWfoPmWaPYbTBZbnpnVJtNyDsupfkF7SbVmnetc69TY4h2MzWWQ7IQTJCZs03zT9Hnx6huatkQ/s400/232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620138668094183218" border="0" /></a>I had allotted myself a couple of hours to explore the garden, hang out and be zen...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ43GzYmk-Dfh3coTM9o3tbgfJS59QAvJfl0h7HvRkQfNEYOgVG8mncH4q8O4NkpSxT916OJZkr2R0A4IJWYuI1vFCE953En3k4LshvU-PBFTDsLzKZ69AcE7IFwqNNIvsyjChyoyx9Ko/s1600/238.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ43GzYmk-Dfh3coTM9o3tbgfJS59QAvJfl0h7HvRkQfNEYOgVG8mncH4q8O4NkpSxT916OJZkr2R0A4IJWYuI1vFCE953En3k4LshvU-PBFTDsLzKZ69AcE7IFwqNNIvsyjChyoyx9Ko/s400/238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620138675823568210" border="0" /></a><br />But it only took about 15 minutes for the heat radiating off all those rocks to make me dizzy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiRCRymeEQbV3hyphenhyphen9Xmn9ovis2-8QtSzs0FyuddzN3kYTSzxn8lAanpljMrWlrAC1SqzzOsOtTFxApScABbuTG9MqBeHikyxIpoy1zwg-efwLuU-an5Smup4zeQnz0iwUnb8AQ5RqGigY/s1600/236.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiRCRymeEQbV3hyphenhyphen9Xmn9ovis2-8QtSzs0FyuddzN3kYTSzxn8lAanpljMrWlrAC1SqzzOsOtTFxApScABbuTG9MqBeHikyxIpoy1zwg-efwLuU-an5Smup4zeQnz0iwUnb8AQ5RqGigY/s400/236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620138687087144290" border="0" /></a><br />It was really pretty, though...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZVTc9l76B3Ef9IGj0jpY-BoIZPhu5Ij2iZap7qRQvexVWN-Kor99FyfKqMQk47QcTPDuBoKFFoArW0qV03bF4SGl0FWbx58uwShKrvD2RpKUmzchS2DjOxGLfQZuKUM_GHmcyqECZoM/s1600/234.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZVTc9l76B3Ef9IGj0jpY-BoIZPhu5Ij2iZap7qRQvexVWN-Kor99FyfKqMQk47QcTPDuBoKFFoArW0qV03bF4SGl0FWbx58uwShKrvD2RpKUmzchS2DjOxGLfQZuKUM_GHmcyqECZoM/s400/234.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620138694330054210" border="0" /></a>And I got a kick out of seeing this girl tromping around in a HUGE ballgown and cowboy boots posing in different places for a photo-shoot of some sort. I'm thinking quincinera, maybe?<br /><br />There's days 1-3, I'll try to share 4-6 with you later this week!Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-60777601570122185012011-06-02T07:57:00.001-07:002011-06-02T09:03:08.057-07:00Doing Your Own Highlights: Revlon Frost and Glow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE40sDXl1mZC2GsttK2Gvj2SeFzAjTSBGQY3BV_eM6qYLfGdoA6S0ttb-cUcC-BbmRLv_GDzD8xzZVYk_k1SU8S56jA2Hunlr6HWXqHFrH85allRSgToYKqghdO_mXBvWoczqSu64mwY/s1600/006.JPG"></a>Ever been tempted to try highlighting your own hair? Well, we're all about the DIY over here, so I decided to go ahead and do it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nuyvx_k-wTnpeIoapBacmky4h8G_iwNgP9k2rchKIvaH594uctFbgvYY-IW7x6-lp63tPlcYeG5hUhLASm12M3jIJqyyf7p5Ayh6R2arJbknPYS23ymNPmWPBODcgkIHWPMnSUru9lw/s1600/Photo0681.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nuyvx_k-wTnpeIoapBacmky4h8G_iwNgP9k2rchKIvaH594uctFbgvYY-IW7x6-lp63tPlcYeG5hUhLASm12M3jIJqyyf7p5Ayh6R2arJbknPYS23ymNPmWPBODcgkIHWPMnSUru9lw/s400/Photo0681.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613638473350379730" border="0" /></a>We're going to pretend this is my before picture, even though it's from last fall, I forgot to take an actual "before" and this is pretty close to the right color. Minus a little red...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE40sDXl1mZC2GsttK2Gvj2SeFzAjTSBGQY3BV_eM6qYLfGdoA6S0ttb-cUcC-BbmRLv_GDzD8xzZVYk_k1SU8S56jA2Hunlr6HWXqHFrH85allRSgToYKqghdO_mXBvWoczqSu64mwY/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE40sDXl1mZC2GsttK2Gvj2SeFzAjTSBGQY3BV_eM6qYLfGdoA6S0ttb-cUcC-BbmRLv_GDzD8xzZVYk_k1SU8S56jA2Hunlr6HWXqHFrH85allRSgToYKqghdO_mXBvWoczqSu64mwY/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613638479407267538" border="0" /></a><br />I chose Revlon's Frost and Glow for this experiment since they actually had a formula that said it was for "Medium to Dark Brown Hair", which I have.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9KsaPNxZUMgbi-vBCDy5XR_C1R9Ugva1__gJSIehLazsgbfrhU4HVHzLSGD3XzrWPOIH97e0qBcbG4mW4k_jXyX53zNEFpJszZGnm1ta0kPIn_jcrfumkxib5xyAQj01uFfif2-exzg/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9KsaPNxZUMgbi-vBCDy5XR_C1R9Ugva1__gJSIehLazsgbfrhU4HVHzLSGD3XzrWPOIH97e0qBcbG4mW4k_jXyX53zNEFpJszZGnm1ta0kPIn_jcrfumkxib5xyAQj01uFfif2-exzg/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613638483842363938" border="0" /></a>Step one is to do a strand time test. Actually, I think step one is to do an allergy test, but I like to live dangerously, so I skipped that... for the time test you snip off a bit of your hair and apply the mixed bleach to it and check it every 10 minutes to see how long it takes to get the color you want. I tested up to 40 minutes but decided 30 minutes was best.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiC6fxfxN0j_YMKLAGmCs6wjj2fhWSt8aBnQHlxdyl-rSGahDDiTQWTkAHMT_qqZJlfB7BYNf9kxnkXAqAiKfsaOGm60RrsD713gwfYtSEevoLRKdCk64K5QLrGm-TDVvd7EOCfbnBMU/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiC6fxfxN0j_YMKLAGmCs6wjj2fhWSt8aBnQHlxdyl-rSGahDDiTQWTkAHMT_qqZJlfB7BYNf9kxnkXAqAiKfsaOGm60RrsD713gwfYtSEevoLRKdCk64K5QLrGm-TDVvd7EOCfbnBMU/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613638489888978354" border="0" /></a>Then you take this minuscule hook and use it to pull tiny amounts of hair through the absurd plastic cap you've just put on your head.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYgVVSr6vMWGYAAzp45Y5R2SfxbTLniPbed9TVZJqOyGEmPZpzJqeDcQYLw6MpA3nAL4_GiKA5v1TgkRMgZOORF2pSpUxqWdSx9fE-Y57t4qOyI81N00D2uMMn15gHD3vIQpFW0mlypg/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYgVVSr6vMWGYAAzp45Y5R2SfxbTLniPbed9TVZJqOyGEmPZpzJqeDcQYLw6MpA3nAL4_GiKA5v1TgkRMgZOORF2pSpUxqWdSx9fE-Y57t4qOyI81N00D2uMMn15gHD3vIQpFW0mlypg/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613638476358817106" border="0" /></a>Like so. It would probably be much easier to do this with a friend since it's a bit hard to do the back of your own head.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87_2O2JCHlyig5COokS-KNpEqMw8MJE222eAdZbB_BeLLdvWDfSQpRmqoJF0JB0y5Kk32_cvHLaxi2_dVfv7IKXIvXc21B9xEeyWLFu6LBJwJlJirltKTEhClRwbYeFQlp7LMhg6Xb_8/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87_2O2JCHlyig5COokS-KNpEqMw8MJE222eAdZbB_BeLLdvWDfSQpRmqoJF0JB0y5Kk32_cvHLaxi2_dVfv7IKXIvXc21B9xEeyWLFu6LBJwJlJirltKTEhClRwbYeFQlp7LMhg6Xb_8/s400/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644420359387314" border="0" /></a>But as you see, it can be done by yourself. It just takes a bit longer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACD_XnQGqsBWq957FtPgES3iOLb5r25M2skMh8wOcuUf4etpjJZ5tN9InxSXG5_CIwDo8r4sIvdNSkIjdoQsYBX7jHM65beUthfzIFBb4AgW54BxXak4bZtnPRE2SSoGuRpAGbaPT7pw/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACD_XnQGqsBWq957FtPgES3iOLb5r25M2skMh8wOcuUf4etpjJZ5tN9InxSXG5_CIwDo8r4sIvdNSkIjdoQsYBX7jHM65beUthfzIFBb4AgW54BxXak4bZtnPRE2SSoGuRpAGbaPT7pw/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644417347594994" border="0" /></a>Depending on how fast you are, 30-60 minutes later you look a bit like an alien with a hair growth problem. Which is exactly how you want it. As you are pulling three or four strands through at a time you may feel compelled to try to pull a more sizable chunk through each hole. RESIST! Lots of tiny little highlights do actually look better than a bunch of chunky ones. You will naturally get a few larger ones as you go, so don't worry too much about each little piece.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx40QOGe8ogNgfu-Ukgp64_TL1om9J6dGVqitmr5xEQYIA2fXPrid9xAA7HL1p9OuYC7BfFayzMO2LvMlJZIdayY7A1Py_jkC1r1F72yXxUanXfNKFX06eLDhQeSvfuklT4mdNw27eLWw/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx40QOGe8ogNgfu-Ukgp64_TL1om9J6dGVqitmr5xEQYIA2fXPrid9xAA7HL1p9OuYC7BfFayzMO2LvMlJZIdayY7A1Py_jkC1r1F72yXxUanXfNKFX06eLDhQeSvfuklT4mdNw27eLWw/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644425710462690" border="0" /></a>So then apply the bleach- I prefer to scoop some up in my fingers and squeeze it down the hair piece rather than use the spatula thing which just makes me feel like I'm smushing it through the holes onto the hair underneath. They advise you cover the hair hanging below the cap with something to protect it from the bleach, but I just tied mine back in a bun. I thought spots might look fun. Once you've got the bleach on, you cover your whole head the lovely plastic over-cap they provide, and wait 30 (or however many) minutes.<br /><br />Now two pieces of advice I have for you at this point:<br />1) Don't to this on a very hot, humid day. Plastic caps and humidity aren't a nice combination. (Though bleach and open windows are, so also preferable not on a very cold day...)<br />2) When you first take the over-cap off to see if your hair has reached the desired color, DON'T PANIC!! It will look Goldilocks yellow, but that's just the dried bleach, not your actual hair color! I don't have a picture of this for you because: a. I was too busy not panicking to remember to take a picture, and b. You've got to take your clothes off before you take the over-cap off, and I'm just not into sharing that much!!<br /><br />Anyhoo, jump in the shower and rinse like crazy, wash, condition, and...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9meB_hcV2s8T5yDvtZbr5KGRZrWei2Vhl-F2BewDOslt5DCLTa0DKPUXSDIqrv9nSfGojGrv0yfYD-ST32qjWHCiaseV7MTLRUycJq6Sk9OoLLXhFzdhEMV2Px7Uis26IG2YUI5cJiTQ/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9meB_hcV2s8T5yDvtZbr5KGRZrWei2Vhl-F2BewDOslt5DCLTa0DKPUXSDIqrv9nSfGojGrv0yfYD-ST32qjWHCiaseV7MTLRUycJq6Sk9OoLLXhFzdhEMV2Px7Uis26IG2YUI5cJiTQ/s400/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644422595060242" border="0" /></a><br />Voila! You're done! Well, ok, I dried my hair and brushed it all nice so you can see where the highlights actually went, but you know what I mean!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnHHw1Q-1rmv-dbamw_QCZc6KSZw5cIXYfi5Spr_17H0ubmuvVYwy15J6Fv2StVjawZgbUh7OgPOIr0GuK5K7quV6n4AXmKdBinfdpxfToWYRkEfpGTLLDbpx8dYGogRISmorNbmALjg/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnHHw1Q-1rmv-dbamw_QCZc6KSZw5cIXYfi5Spr_17H0ubmuvVYwy15J6Fv2StVjawZgbUh7OgPOIr0GuK5K7quV6n4AXmKdBinfdpxfToWYRkEfpGTLLDbpx8dYGogRISmorNbmALjg/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644642355578578" border="0" /></a>See what I was saying about there being larger bits and smaller bits? Wasn't intentional, it just kind of happens that way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhp5wSjwphMOlOTr_xVwSjaHsS1lK6y_eokDGYKG8jmzywzsN7gXjvPsUTx2RofDIgK9QwTuuT32mIZd1qg0wYQLiZqc_2SNthHienNji8c6d1Y8NQiOrx-rmpXfduuz7UQikFSTL5R0/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhp5wSjwphMOlOTr_xVwSjaHsS1lK6y_eokDGYKG8jmzywzsN7gXjvPsUTx2RofDIgK9QwTuuT32mIZd1qg0wYQLiZqc_2SNthHienNji8c6d1Y8NQiOrx-rmpXfduuz7UQikFSTL5R0/s400/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644644667546482" border="0" /></a>And there's the I-did-it-myself back shot.<br /><br />So, the kind of sort of before:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinFPOY-KXihNsZAVvhEXOQZ0NCasuSYsx9siKNL86vQK7uV79_mlejmVGRCQbB7Ywb841ZZbX-b9UBxUdN1ZU82olAlaxe3tj70t9_WxOgjvOXhev7q6U38mjwKfwaIkXMXaUTO498jY/s1600/Photo0681.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinFPOY-KXihNsZAVvhEXOQZ0NCasuSYsx9siKNL86vQK7uV79_mlejmVGRCQbB7Ywb841ZZbX-b9UBxUdN1ZU82olAlaxe3tj70t9_WxOgjvOXhev7q6U38mjwKfwaIkXMXaUTO498jY/s400/Photo0681.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644651564711490" border="0" /></a>And the what-it-looks-like-all-fluffed-up after:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIs5_4su-xo8fGauFlVW8Ayh9M45_SIg9wtyx-xo0KswTi1TeVJsbQPwQm0jjakj5FznX_w3HUfQnxwF49asP2TDuiwo9zgAUUqzBTjbHvoZq_yN2BRDx_m-k3ZPQ0oJXK4BfcukKdOU/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIs5_4su-xo8fGauFlVW8Ayh9M45_SIg9wtyx-xo0KswTi1TeVJsbQPwQm0jjakj5FznX_w3HUfQnxwF49asP2TDuiwo9zgAUUqzBTjbHvoZq_yN2BRDx_m-k3ZPQ0oJXK4BfcukKdOU/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613644650890813234" border="0" /></a>All kinds of summery, right? (actually, it looks more summery in natural light, but you get the idea!)<br />One other thing I might mention is that the bleach does change the texture of your hair, makes those pieces a bit drier, which does add volume. Depending on whether you want that or not, could be a good thing!<br /><br />So, my friends, go forth and highlight!<br /><br />: )Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-40632011132898121592011-05-20T18:54:00.000-07:002011-05-20T20:25:59.186-07:00Third Annual Kentucky Derby Party!Hey Y'all! This year we hosted our third annual Kentucky Derby party<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLL7i6ZVuRnSeSN6b50SXvZJ-9iqWzLP7b-TWnjlNwuv-aO-oAVd95EjwmjxTGVTcOV6uECm9zbGqj7Sz0E2A8gCzA7hyphenhyphenQPd0OchtOFa08bSEP9onN7ga9vm6yzb3e410OhFIb3BFaks/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLL7i6ZVuRnSeSN6b50SXvZJ-9iqWzLP7b-TWnjlNwuv-aO-oAVd95EjwmjxTGVTcOV6uECm9zbGqj7Sz0E2A8gCzA7hyphenhyphenQPd0OchtOFa08bSEP9onN7ga9vm6yzb3e410OhFIb3BFaks/s400/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983728873772130" border="0" /></a>There's me in my 50's add for potato chips! Err... I mean, setting up the appetizers... The weather was great all morning, and as the time for the party approached the clouds gathered and the temperatures dropped. Poo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQr6cjq6ck6A31RfACYyhOL5wtRBU8VyMJ8A8COyy9a6qVRRBJ8f20AnYo5f4jb35qGYAmO_74QTGbx1eoMTZGv8IshFZrGXjxJnhjyExKmjnTPxl9GIcrwZ6PZZguMiWcETKURAYGU10/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQr6cjq6ck6A31RfACYyhOL5wtRBU8VyMJ8A8COyy9a6qVRRBJ8f20AnYo5f4jb35qGYAmO_74QTGbx1eoMTZGv8IshFZrGXjxJnhjyExKmjnTPxl9GIcrwZ6PZZguMiWcETKURAYGU10/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608985694802462962" border="0" /></a>Not a big problem, though, we just shoved all the furniture we could onto the sun porch, which thankfully stayed warm enough for people to hang out on!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHYTqqFIjn8xCgUZlYnaWTnJxyZfp5Ch8262A_MAUSs-CHWQ6aAzD4O1KkCscG03A55ai-UV3P8f67I6hc2c3rmzrooJdIo71zZ5zL1wKvkh2me5dT_1pTQQiTI7j7lOWgYXJSiOvFHg/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHYTqqFIjn8xCgUZlYnaWTnJxyZfp5Ch8262A_MAUSs-CHWQ6aAzD4O1KkCscG03A55ai-UV3P8f67I6hc2c3rmzrooJdIo71zZ5zL1wKvkh2me5dT_1pTQQiTI7j7lOWgYXJSiOvFHg/s400/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983761146530162" border="0" /></a><br />You like that ginormous magnetic blackboard I made? I pulled a 6 foot tall piece of plywood down from the rafters in the garage, sanded the heck out of it and piled on 4 coats of magnetic primer followed by three coats of chalkboard paint, and VOILA! An enormous, rather rough chalkboard! (Guess I should have sanded down the primer layer a little better.... oh well, it works!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOZB6ZIIIDmpP52A0rBd3Yb3tABhQs2_L3vLIM4_73F8atrcfNTYN8lWfDNdLg7wuCKTlo-LK0VnJYi6P15oOYAoPyrVNydZFHs2Wzxp_d0Xgg_Ak9LNCIMq5kIT_p03VhEILwOJpfR8/s1600/067.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOZB6ZIIIDmpP52A0rBd3Yb3tABhQs2_L3vLIM4_73F8atrcfNTYN8lWfDNdLg7wuCKTlo-LK0VnJYi6P15oOYAoPyrVNydZFHs2Wzxp_d0Xgg_Ak9LNCIMq5kIT_p03VhEILwOJpfR8/s400/067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608987563247757234" border="0" /></a><br />It kept track of who was betting on which horse! (Now it's living in the kitchen keeping track of my weekly menu.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8foIJa8BBjtJn2nMS8-XoNBn41wum0pOnYd0WX0pTnGgEOQ19jou92gr-kp8GHmGICpGBxnL_T2gTE7lkQ5LH8zW6RaTTRWVF1SOBsN0KwrHkLbIiV2zwSi-Kdbg_ToYro1QxE0uam_Q/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8foIJa8BBjtJn2nMS8-XoNBn41wum0pOnYd0WX0pTnGgEOQ19jou92gr-kp8GHmGICpGBxnL_T2gTE7lkQ5LH8zW6RaTTRWVF1SOBsN0KwrHkLbIiV2zwSi-Kdbg_ToYro1QxE0uam_Q/s400/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983746258468322" border="0" /></a>Having learned from years past, I mixed up a big batch of Mint Juleps...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizclQO3nOV_J2tJRKP25AqpeFVqhexzypzTV5DvwR-_VS4NiSctD-cDSuujTgaewFXbRPO3IYzeI9wLfuLLV1Sml0NEAozqis9Ia_UcRPv_scc286WG1jahwxFuTDkOvKyEgKmVOgb_7w/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizclQO3nOV_J2tJRKP25AqpeFVqhexzypzTV5DvwR-_VS4NiSctD-cDSuujTgaewFXbRPO3IYzeI9wLfuLLV1Sml0NEAozqis9Ia_UcRPv_scc286WG1jahwxFuTDkOvKyEgKmVOgb_7w/s400/065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608995945950189858" border="0" /></a><br />and used the leftover blackboard paint to LABEL IT!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemclQb2tJh8TabzDzS1Yj9Gs3NVBXk2W0-suuxSZ9-FlI6xPoNNETa6NQc-3Q186hK7H_Zzy5bS5SQauW8dcNTzOn8hD4dAhg3kEpzi-OxoT8HJ2tUgOfSrjO76UHTJg0gm2d6v_gY6o/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemclQb2tJh8TabzDzS1Yj9Gs3NVBXk2W0-suuxSZ9-FlI6xPoNNETa6NQc-3Q186hK7H_Zzy5bS5SQauW8dcNTzOn8hD4dAhg3kEpzi-OxoT8HJ2tUgOfSrjO76UHTJg0gm2d6v_gY6o/s400/030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983754405681458" border="0" /></a><br />Beer went in a big ol' bucket right next to the bar, as easy to find as possible!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE9ZQcJcffD3KH2a0iwsGYbApMES2vlEn5cUxyNCOebXpdgtbDmSLOCqS41WUvA86fSp9WlijTMRt3HkYJ0fjdp47hvzGrkrvrPlcTWOnKLMxhJ8QAZi4N50eF3mMgHQNPnkVx1wtwBk/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE9ZQcJcffD3KH2a0iwsGYbApMES2vlEn5cUxyNCOebXpdgtbDmSLOCqS41WUvA86fSp9WlijTMRt3HkYJ0fjdp47hvzGrkrvrPlcTWOnKLMxhJ8QAZi4N50eF3mMgHQNPnkVx1wtwBk/s400/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983734124062978" border="0" /></a><br />Mom and I even had time for a quick drink and a breather before the guests arrived (the fact that they were all about an hour late helped!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAC7XKI3mhlZ3Wpzorl6ryelbl88alwx51m6lTHR_y6MFMbstFEHgbVxzja9CUlDzehAadTm-mABs3G8J_T3BTKL-QGZ047BbtdZaV1ZTdvLGP7nvbxPqJLDegirtdBODKTtyYZdxGJ0/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAC7XKI3mhlZ3Wpzorl6ryelbl88alwx51m6lTHR_y6MFMbstFEHgbVxzja9CUlDzehAadTm-mABs3G8J_T3BTKL-QGZ047BbtdZaV1ZTdvLGP7nvbxPqJLDegirtdBODKTtyYZdxGJ0/s400/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608985704119341602" border="0" /></a><br />There's my step-mom making out with Tembo- check out her hat, she made that from the top of an oatmeal box! Layered all those things right on top... impressive, huh?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjxQqQSvRCA_VB3TD2Qv4Wf3N-OGh5fXIiYhrRMkEFUJr09K2IedevJSiA-NbA2pbP8rxyu8v0wTk1Xo-k7MWj5v8a-JDf9NPHrGOOU5eJqkYWYcShEvjykNg554qrPldIVd_odlw51A/s1600/041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjxQqQSvRCA_VB3TD2Qv4Wf3N-OGh5fXIiYhrRMkEFUJr09K2IedevJSiA-NbA2pbP8rxyu8v0wTk1Xo-k7MWj5v8a-JDf9NPHrGOOU5eJqkYWYcShEvjykNg554qrPldIVd_odlw51A/s400/041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608994613422505490" border="0" /></a><br />Then the rest of the guests began arriving and the party got started!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fi6kEglgqO9OiTV1bT6kvbySprC7Mz29_AA2Nlzd6rHpniTg7iGpIA95eafD5DKDWoTzRFyz_8hpIPoYLpNBip-fWj0tMwPy_J5Fyyha51I1xmamgUTI1rYH5V0GEdAqQzF4uCQ0Dls/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fi6kEglgqO9OiTV1bT6kvbySprC7Mz29_AA2Nlzd6rHpniTg7iGpIA95eafD5DKDWoTzRFyz_8hpIPoYLpNBip-fWj0tMwPy_J5Fyyha51I1xmamgUTI1rYH5V0GEdAqQzF4uCQ0Dls/s400/042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608994625071359698" border="0" /></a><br />Not sure why Hubby felt the need to ask people to pose outside in the rain...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-kEeKvfweJpHo2iHI4CHHTirvxO6jzDHkm7DDMfnxOSPLWBVm2QFqUxwzidyJdCuxkxU65AepgGE3zo4QKC-Kkslgpi26HyOZ2f1x2FHck1Cp6dUifpQVV2u0EH9uNneLpUEukaH7go/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-kEeKvfweJpHo2iHI4CHHTirvxO6jzDHkm7DDMfnxOSPLWBVm2QFqUxwzidyJdCuxkxU65AepgGE3zo4QKC-Kkslgpi26HyOZ2f1x2FHck1Cp6dUifpQVV2u0EH9uNneLpUEukaH7go/s400/044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608994625924408082" border="0" /></a><br />How to greet when wearing huge brimmed hats: the air kiss!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VfZHy3urWDsNZ53Dm52TTTn5VtVojQt8ySBmURzx8sVw_bf2e20G4KE384hlmIM7Zj8W9XnKxTc_n73XVNQSBN-_ZHJMmYskugzNa6GsO5kmt4eBj6UuzoN6n9FPrD_NTx7r8xOUpDI/s1600/049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VfZHy3urWDsNZ53Dm52TTTn5VtVojQt8ySBmURzx8sVw_bf2e20G4KE384hlmIM7Zj8W9XnKxTc_n73XVNQSBN-_ZHJMmYskugzNa6GsO5kmt4eBj6UuzoN6n9FPrD_NTx7r8xOUpDI/s400/049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608994646951274578" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaECnPK7htvUP76Tq7jCvVtKDRHhYf1WEpTBFFp5X_m2YYJIBKgC65fxwPD1Nzc7E_EuLh6VI04vSJuSEXyEErPlEcVRVR_V9qGgZ2_TwPTYnCxffpHxNUh-j2hkPF5hSbwOfRkzQ2HQ/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaECnPK7htvUP76Tq7jCvVtKDRHhYf1WEpTBFFp5X_m2YYJIBKgC65fxwPD1Nzc7E_EuLh6VI04vSJuSEXyEErPlEcVRVR_V9qGgZ2_TwPTYnCxffpHxNUh-j2hkPF5hSbwOfRkzQ2HQ/s400/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608995919512719794" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrdTZfYtQ_TrvzXZX5KgUpkZ7tQ_IAsQ7gR3-EI7v805KWgD-ynTmoBSJSSEvC8xG7-r2KLT19fbh10uH-e6lbSSsnKUAv8b0x5jSNnNtyn8-5eJL9Dv2RACkvMcXINDnnRFiwGM-zl4/s1600/062.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrdTZfYtQ_TrvzXZX5KgUpkZ7tQ_IAsQ7gR3-EI7v805KWgD-ynTmoBSJSSEvC8xG7-r2KLT19fbh10uH-e6lbSSsnKUAv8b0x5jSNnNtyn8-5eJL9Dv2RACkvMcXINDnnRFiwGM-zl4/s400/062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608995937453767250" border="0" /></a><br />Cat hunting.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTVckQYdYhjVPW4RuSUnjHJWUhkh3sFV2SSYw55JNFqHhnBfMklTXBN2wGkKWUbI4RFEd7E-G3TAtoRP8M5MtZjjfiFpa95UzmzDRaof_H_pSHaA8BfFXEis7dga4VltEOSFRRrVBvHs/s1600/059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTVckQYdYhjVPW4RuSUnjHJWUhkh3sFV2SSYw55JNFqHhnBfMklTXBN2wGkKWUbI4RFEd7E-G3TAtoRP8M5MtZjjfiFpa95UzmzDRaof_H_pSHaA8BfFXEis7dga4VltEOSFRRrVBvHs/s400/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608995934926732002" border="0" /></a><br />Hang on a sec... just who is that beer for??<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicdQBS-ZmKckHOu1nZAGMM5sCudIgvmyu7YOPmd4ktLdKn9H9tUPiYBstp2MhJy8C29PuJf-whKdJEJ7WxAw3eaZJUmFt9CNpKoYpnzAeJuJYf8FNKTwcF_cxXWOko6kffCJzp5i4f_Y/s1600/DSCF1603.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicdQBS-ZmKckHOu1nZAGMM5sCudIgvmyu7YOPmd4ktLdKn9H9tUPiYBstp2MhJy8C29PuJf-whKdJEJ7WxAw3eaZJUmFt9CNpKoYpnzAeJuJYf8FNKTwcF_cxXWOko6kffCJzp5i4f_Y/s400/DSCF1603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608997292041002930" border="0" /></a><br />Lots of cute kids!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrAOszhIhA6iiM8uBxOvB63BeNgfo7uti5c6lVKLYkEnu6YlTpfKqbbLLfeYj4TB0xbLNdJIy4G3P99Bie-NPunLRlIqnqfY6VvEK3cAw6LwEwuPUblxIcfgUznK8C2b-2EEN5kFtDk0/s1600/DSCF1597.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrAOszhIhA6iiM8uBxOvB63BeNgfo7uti5c6lVKLYkEnu6YlTpfKqbbLLfeYj4TB0xbLNdJIy4G3P99Bie-NPunLRlIqnqfY6VvEK3cAw6LwEwuPUblxIcfgUznK8C2b-2EEN5kFtDk0/s400/DSCF1597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608997883105229698" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGCWERBkG8CtrPZHbyKcM0hR1vprmtY4Pu-K1rVJ66zoz4C0MacpVWA1dOUcPbEYZjQxY2vjNn8nmKuMXh1DJVxPYy5WwcCJONZNge1vaoJvYp0vcBEloLpdTfwgQJxjrsIMG9AZH1aM/s1600/DSCF1579.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGCWERBkG8CtrPZHbyKcM0hR1vprmtY4Pu-K1rVJ66zoz4C0MacpVWA1dOUcPbEYZjQxY2vjNn8nmKuMXh1DJVxPYy5WwcCJONZNge1vaoJvYp0vcBEloLpdTfwgQJxjrsIMG9AZH1aM/s400/DSCF1579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608997270976575010" border="0" /></a> Fun out on the porch.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnTvfNDU_TcfZiMOgYVycDtZKF1rBTapvbFuDE7Jc5lGpvV221fQQpmmmrTaARDKy1iI_s4jTPIS-VWX6C9VN7-ct2bo95uWqX_8zt1o4IB310wZ2GbQDMwnlr0nHHFymuMH52YHgJGw/s1600/DSCF1581.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnTvfNDU_TcfZiMOgYVycDtZKF1rBTapvbFuDE7Jc5lGpvV221fQQpmmmrTaARDKy1iI_s4jTPIS-VWX6C9VN7-ct2bo95uWqX_8zt1o4IB310wZ2GbQDMwnlr0nHHFymuMH52YHgJGw/s400/DSCF1581.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608997274739755842" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ6qMwWICzoMY8lmNDR1UsAlZlNRzH-TpJKGL3klJL_VmuggCUbaobVq5kn7C3MKvUJkJGDWYY0vWPuql9MMeDPmA7OW3IGIw1u_E32wg0FgFJBggsbABfOp0K2lmYEUOC3L-LZU1Gd8/s1600/DSCF1599.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ6qMwWICzoMY8lmNDR1UsAlZlNRzH-TpJKGL3klJL_VmuggCUbaobVq5kn7C3MKvUJkJGDWYY0vWPuql9MMeDPmA7OW3IGIw1u_E32wg0FgFJBggsbABfOp0K2lmYEUOC3L-LZU1Gd8/s400/DSCF1599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609001459108858962" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZDlFra08Twnahc6B0bqr7QSgZogP8NapwWzQc6Stu3xoxzVypmxiV-22V1mfR10bQxx4IYoP4kqzMY60hBYurJSqljz_3TkaPa3Y4NU7vFzqlI-aHhFVNPsMURUz_87IdCP0orP9WEU/s1600/DSCF1599.JPG"><br /></a>This poor little guy (my nephew) had cracked his head open that morning and spent most of the day at the Emergency room! Apparently he convinced his mom to come to the party, though, by waking up from his post-surgery nap calling my name!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMig5lydj_hNRtcNs39eiyoi5ItfmHmR5GG_oivY2qqFVHVGQBXvXVoGoebYShTRcAhxNgIwJWebvXJB_2tXunYrFhJ1PODvq_sxEtWoeh2EWmSe4Ca8FMYKAvI-7SAzympRTRmqw4w4/s1600/DSCF1602.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMig5lydj_hNRtcNs39eiyoi5ItfmHmR5GG_oivY2qqFVHVGQBXvXVoGoebYShTRcAhxNgIwJWebvXJB_2tXunYrFhJ1PODvq_sxEtWoeh2EWmSe4Ca8FMYKAvI-7SAzympRTRmqw4w4/s400/DSCF1602.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608997893548850354" border="0" /></a><br />The ordeal didn't slow him down much as he still managed to strip all the pussies off my willow branches, and took one bite out of each and every item in my fruit bowl! (Doesn't his mom look seriously sick of eating apples?!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69nQo4dmi6o3MwP6SHP6Vhj0IttggXar9ZZi0otAZmgcxsyHup5K34nCswB6t9jRlrlZxmBHRMceCu-lnQ4Ma_YwSgYf_ucQJF2zr9kqtyYXeypjKm3DiBjwPclJYQn1HTwQLxzc8N7s/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69nQo4dmi6o3MwP6SHP6Vhj0IttggXar9ZZi0otAZmgcxsyHup5K34nCswB6t9jRlrlZxmBHRMceCu-lnQ4Ma_YwSgYf_ucQJF2zr9kqtyYXeypjKm3DiBjwPclJYQn1HTwQLxzc8N7s/s400/058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608995924746725218" border="0" /></a><br />As hat judging time drew near, Hubby got into the swing of things himself!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zyZskjDkeD4yAhIiFSDJnFKzg3h3pHPt9jjd6PGQtCCZ1QefYyxbC5n1p_B2ZUMhQzeH4afY3tRUqB7q9tF7djII5Zc2nRLeDShaX4ehTnTn0YfQTXMUHQlKOtfbX2AJxs3JmgtUBRk/s1600/DSCF1596.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zyZskjDkeD4yAhIiFSDJnFKzg3h3pHPt9jjd6PGQtCCZ1QefYyxbC5n1p_B2ZUMhQzeH4afY3tRUqB7q9tF7djII5Zc2nRLeDShaX4ehTnTn0YfQTXMUHQlKOtfbX2AJxs3JmgtUBRk/s400/DSCF1596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608997879881342674" border="0" /></a><br />We had a tie this year! Thank goodness I had ordered extra mint julep cups! Not everyone knew eachother at the party, so some people described the hats on the voting slips instead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRtlGBVEXTiLGczYEEB6rAmHjs-5_sSgH5HYBw2xSLnLLzfFiEnfD6dyvBxWIwlqFFW0mLYmN9sB7nekCtr3kweDkfyhxtiOKjv0Gd3gPFLP_Gd8dlHb4qsYFQFymm85D1xTVFt7UC5M/s1600/DSCF1592.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRtlGBVEXTiLGczYEEB6rAmHjs-5_sSgH5HYBw2xSLnLLzfFiEnfD6dyvBxWIwlqFFW0mLYmN9sB7nekCtr3kweDkfyhxtiOKjv0Gd3gPFLP_Gd8dlHb4qsYFQFymm85D1xTVFt7UC5M/s400/DSCF1592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608999937360198946" border="0" /></a>This one was called "Big Bird", designed by my aunt, who also won <a href="http://madameofthemanor.blogspot.com/2010/05/second-annual-derby-party.html">last year's</a> hat contest!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMMAJ-izr5Arp_eJFML8f22pYT_5kp38BDzN-MpXE6F2fj66SZOiOcf1NkDZWqf3YjHqROKYcVLe13xiQubxHGtG3tH-E9j5ls2XpQaMFd1c9V3lVS6DvIuxvJVEBw1xOiyYZrQ2V2t4/s1600/DSCF1593.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMMAJ-izr5Arp_eJFML8f22pYT_5kp38BDzN-MpXE6F2fj66SZOiOcf1NkDZWqf3YjHqROKYcVLe13xiQubxHGtG3tH-E9j5ls2XpQaMFd1c9V3lVS6DvIuxvJVEBw1xOiyYZrQ2V2t4/s400/DSCF1593.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608999939643750706" border="0" /></a>And this one was "Horse Poop"! Designed by my Mom- did you notice the flies hovering over that manure? Reminds me of that crazy guy in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119668/">Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil</a>.<br /><br />Despite the unfortunate weather, everyone seemed like they had a good time again! Now to start thinking about next year's hat!!Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-23917014924824158442011-04-15T19:33:00.001-07:002011-04-15T20:35:30.907-07:00Elle Decor: India<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK9pdYbla85OvTBTiupufLSw9oUmVeshgcJrlpIKGxry7YlyOSVyatizZ6LrA0_sias-F0A3D-nGjaVIRq-Okyxg-_V064__80gVTUkMSOqSeMfLLAeVlsvuOavLOSf_iuRbS2TdHon0/s1600/Scan-12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK9pdYbla85OvTBTiupufLSw9oUmVeshgcJrlpIKGxry7YlyOSVyatizZ6LrA0_sias-F0A3D-nGjaVIRq-Okyxg-_V064__80gVTUkMSOqSeMfLLAeVlsvuOavLOSf_iuRbS2TdHon0/s400/Scan-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596010274929599618" border="0" /></a>Finally, as promised (awhile ago!) I scanned in some of the images from the decor mags I picked up while I was in India. I really enjoyed seeing how the designs featured were similar, and how they were different. Without further ado, I'll let you see it for yourself:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVCKp32Q9pgrurdJdFOELpUx423jbA3PNQIft9fad2gn5uH6mMR_IX4ILSbmDTiugeVIjdYEiOK9YWbouuoSfu_xCrvGYDxV8dIfM9VbIoXznwWuAh6CdDGos-HzGtOA4Qo7Sy6XmeL0/s1600/Scan-8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVCKp32Q9pgrurdJdFOELpUx423jbA3PNQIft9fad2gn5uH6mMR_IX4ILSbmDTiugeVIjdYEiOK9YWbouuoSfu_xCrvGYDxV8dIfM9VbIoXznwWuAh6CdDGos-HzGtOA4Qo7Sy6XmeL0/s400/Scan-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596010284216504626" border="0" /></a>This first group is from the home of a couple of artists in Germany, and I LOVE how creative it is!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4w-UliAqYcYCXDHsuHnvl6R4ATDAbYNlJHebWIZBB8HqUuJfHLVtftYzPIjRl0LVC0QFQ2Sn10F4bgrN3RGDCj29gz8ZquFXz5-kI2ryyMlRZoUyej7oqUfPODBd92q7g0ni_WthblM/s1600/Scan-9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4w-UliAqYcYCXDHsuHnvl6R4ATDAbYNlJHebWIZBB8HqUuJfHLVtftYzPIjRl0LVC0QFQ2Sn10F4bgrN3RGDCj29gz8ZquFXz5-kI2ryyMlRZoUyej7oqUfPODBd92q7g0ni_WthblM/s400/Scan-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596010294592666338" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Incredible wall treatment, makes you almost miss the boat full of tiffins below :).<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOWt6GAkyVh3j7JnTLCFe44Em6g5-g5oc9YmEnmEGcrCAuvMhFETFc8v18Kn9yhj3TpAozv-nccuLQ6K1TLAH3MsMhcWmD7Zq_Z11FbPRJM1__7hn4Ianx0qrmgYKoPC_WHi0uRldJ4A/s1600/Scan-11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOWt6GAkyVh3j7JnTLCFe44Em6g5-g5oc9YmEnmEGcrCAuvMhFETFc8v18Kn9yhj3TpAozv-nccuLQ6K1TLAH3MsMhcWmD7Zq_Z11FbPRJM1__7hn4Ianx0qrmgYKoPC_WHi0uRldJ4A/s400/Scan-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596010312375767682" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I also love how many ideas in this story you can totally copy for yourself!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTsfbC5lh1-T1CyXNHN6bc65Wm1fh2V3SElpVxJfxwvxpH2JXLpKe1_cgVv7F8Sv45KGuhcuNf4ds0D_T94GRWCzTD0cY1CXZxQthxxpDSWKc1zB9IXmRTbvmgjBHmL1vgkp7efWIw78/s1600/Scan-13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTsfbC5lh1-T1CyXNHN6bc65Wm1fh2V3SElpVxJfxwvxpH2JXLpKe1_cgVv7F8Sv45KGuhcuNf4ds0D_T94GRWCzTD0cY1CXZxQthxxpDSWKc1zB9IXmRTbvmgjBHmL1vgkp7efWIw78/s400/Scan-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596012016565860850" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Now that's a ceiling- in their kitchen, of all places!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8XQ2cRJlB_AjRI-HGHkM6IqMxiiTY5fB7HP2ifMrUSctF6iJC_vo3-oYLkXG5uk9_Q9_DWhQMSxvRdvMBVnxZsQMPmTtS-SoeU5wzHUfWTxWZGAAF-kZh3xexmB5r-sMPLUFggCSlYQ/s1600/Scan-14.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8XQ2cRJlB_AjRI-HGHkM6IqMxiiTY5fB7HP2ifMrUSctF6iJC_vo3-oYLkXG5uk9_Q9_DWhQMSxvRdvMBVnxZsQMPmTtS-SoeU5wzHUfWTxWZGAAF-kZh3xexmB5r-sMPLUFggCSlYQ/s400/Scan-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596012023106723970" border="0" /></a>A twist on the antique portrait...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRosl8ZUWTDrsaGqo5bQmbPfrBlHQp5gUbau-wFSLxqBwJseLzIWvOPyT6ltxPQYcJawx2VWl0rZYVylS2g5ERPyx40GANY3LJjIQte0GSzXkmesO4ZgG-7ReGZhkDGvZHzZ6Ki2dJ7Q/s1600/Scan-15.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRosl8ZUWTDrsaGqo5bQmbPfrBlHQp5gUbau-wFSLxqBwJseLzIWvOPyT6ltxPQYcJawx2VWl0rZYVylS2g5ERPyx40GANY3LJjIQte0GSzXkmesO4ZgG-7ReGZhkDGvZHzZ6Ki2dJ7Q/s400/Scan-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596012032966446018" border="0" /></a>Her painting studio.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0vcnCOWGGQ_pL31_OWlavW7WGdVvnmiJ_e8Ojab5QUSo9ZYK2PRytvtg2TM_ZBbbALwwkJDrKDZ5noxkNpIe_d4LsKqXwXjshVn00xz7CRNEk4_44mLki-RsKBAFjnQJyu4c4cuoNUw/s1600/Scan-16.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0vcnCOWGGQ_pL31_OWlavW7WGdVvnmiJ_e8Ojab5QUSo9ZYK2PRytvtg2TM_ZBbbALwwkJDrKDZ5noxkNpIe_d4LsKqXwXjshVn00xz7CRNEk4_44mLki-RsKBAFjnQJyu4c4cuoNUw/s400/Scan-16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596012037493713826" border="0" /></a><br />The magazine gives ideas of how to get the look for yourself- notice the boat there, and you just see the edge of a tiffin to the right of it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the rest are just shots here and there of things I thought were cool:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9vAuIRZ6bNoYL8uRAz_Du21kaNBuZqgOTOPPFSnjKzDrGaBaDbgBRbXMHkYC38pk7Pqdd1pGSXVMdkK0gW0wvcReQGyjaTNOO7-I9xzn9tOlgXiT8enyY8x53Cn9KhqV_GRUzV6fhaw/s1600/Scan.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9vAuIRZ6bNoYL8uRAz_Du21kaNBuZqgOTOPPFSnjKzDrGaBaDbgBRbXMHkYC38pk7Pqdd1pGSXVMdkK0gW0wvcReQGyjaTNOO7-I9xzn9tOlgXiT8enyY8x53Cn9KhqV_GRUzV6fhaw/s400/Scan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596012047012229730" border="0" /></a><br />I love the patina on the items in this little shopping section.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhbXiz4qVoOVofHgAjlP7hmfJplAhxXLvTi9ch4q-9dd97xzUqkfhkOcRAmoAtMAXFAiSUMHok2-87wWU5QXaN5xsIgiSEw89w5mhCK_HO70G75R6lDY5Ls1dtpiNtbEtasZ3XcCZe8E/s1600/Scan-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhbXiz4qVoOVofHgAjlP7hmfJplAhxXLvTi9ch4q-9dd97xzUqkfhkOcRAmoAtMAXFAiSUMHok2-87wWU5QXaN5xsIgiSEw89w5mhCK_HO70G75R6lDY5Ls1dtpiNtbEtasZ3XcCZe8E/s400/Scan-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596013405600470866" border="0" /></a><br />Now this page was one of my favorite. BECAUSE... I totally bought that clock in the upper right hand corner in a tiny little non-shop down in Bangalore for about $20, and here in the magazine it shows it selling for $75!! (It's a double sided railway-style hanging clock, which I'll most likely take a picture of and share... like... a year from now...) SCORE!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo0OQ2j1izLbgJGgKTjIKBuGzTU0REkECkIpQXs3yjcDd9Lj_Wr9CsEtBaiQv3I8eYom_RZlchqnuiJKkm5uv59aO1vG70X-HCs9KkUfPzmnPSpu9_K07HLM6Zro0c6KXTIgVYy1-jpk/s1600/Scan-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo0OQ2j1izLbgJGgKTjIKBuGzTU0REkECkIpQXs3yjcDd9Lj_Wr9CsEtBaiQv3I8eYom_RZlchqnuiJKkm5uv59aO1vG70X-HCs9KkUfPzmnPSpu9_K07HLM6Zro0c6KXTIgVYy1-jpk/s400/Scan-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596013412970120546" border="0" /></a><br />Love the pops of hot pink and the painting of the truck that give it a sense of place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXJvzqXUgxXnh4DWFpyviEgCfE9OInGwT1WDHGZF25I7UVf95ET85oX5oU9BnDmqCu8zBcbS-77h7Bj-s1k4MGRDAfDlXwXAlOJYZR5quhIoVDhcPQwriRlt6YuTMyuoU4_kMbN8KaiM/s1600/Scan-3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXJvzqXUgxXnh4DWFpyviEgCfE9OInGwT1WDHGZF25I7UVf95ET85oX5oU9BnDmqCu8zBcbS-77h7Bj-s1k4MGRDAfDlXwXAlOJYZR5quhIoVDhcPQwriRlt6YuTMyuoU4_kMbN8KaiM/s400/Scan-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596013419820734418" border="0" /></a><br />Same here with a fairly minimal interior and then that incredible photo!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSckMOpkDKz_JbETAixnFihRa2FchbtChKO4xIE0kkYpXyCpKVdWTYInKCgn0Gebz9abR019G5cTpmXCpvFk_1iZrmvtKiOads4PzX77F25oQ01IXkcqiRwiQg_jlvpvNkdIIsxVCG-o/s1600/Scan-4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSckMOpkDKz_JbETAixnFihRa2FchbtChKO4xIE0kkYpXyCpKVdWTYInKCgn0Gebz9abR019G5cTpmXCpvFk_1iZrmvtKiOads4PzX77F25oQ01IXkcqiRwiQg_jlvpvNkdIIsxVCG-o/s400/Scan-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596013426969423554" border="0" /></a><br />Stunning entryway!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG0iheGkfwXC4u-csy1qIMGHnwlGH00JuBQnpc6ZlpJ_DnYliTS1L4hujr8Upd9gnuEpTsmozWcJq3IKfP-DOG3vKo5yxefKqh62PBpneBwBbCWap2kz2sq2PEx2-9FGUuVWTN7OaS9g/s1600/Scan-5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG0iheGkfwXC4u-csy1qIMGHnwlGH00JuBQnpc6ZlpJ_DnYliTS1L4hujr8Upd9gnuEpTsmozWcJq3IKfP-DOG3vKo5yxefKqh62PBpneBwBbCWap2kz2sq2PEx2-9FGUuVWTN7OaS9g/s400/Scan-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596013432811308962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jc-hgDeqs0mTV3KonS5Sayv2GEId4F0R5MT_8cEXMzEf9oEtDX6Zj1QR8Uhg6nf2G4pffT8pQzllHuIDhdmBoxZnfx01RPiBEzmYeYNheBDaRwtvnluWMdNe5HIlYh_R0Em9jxGR8uA/s1600/Scan-6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jc-hgDeqs0mTV3KonS5Sayv2GEId4F0R5MT_8cEXMzEf9oEtDX6Zj1QR8Uhg6nf2G4pffT8pQzllHuIDhdmBoxZnfx01RPiBEzmYeYNheBDaRwtvnluWMdNe5HIlYh_R0Em9jxGR8uA/s400/Scan-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596016290068387586" border="0" /></a>Holy bathroom!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtAkSM5GqO9EkE_FNTloZOrFUgW3-4YBv-7nZQCEclxG2yz13FPke-5XNMLrP6XBZHdIwui6SkeLRaVVW33z5kSpk_AopjjYYqMTy751nsxnzTzW1j4Afry4tsHDJ_OHmiLClSDXuqYE/s1600/Scan-7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtAkSM5GqO9EkE_FNTloZOrFUgW3-4YBv-7nZQCEclxG2yz13FPke-5XNMLrP6XBZHdIwui6SkeLRaVVW33z5kSpk_AopjjYYqMTy751nsxnzTzW1j4Afry4tsHDJ_OHmiLClSDXuqYE/s400/Scan-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596016292949567026" border="0" /></a>And just for contrast... actually I stayed in an Eco-hotel in South India that had an open bathroom with a tree growing in it like this. (This picture is of one in Thailand.) It was kind of cool, and kind of creepy- I couldn't help but think about massive spiders crawling into the toilet!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuysv3e5woyf-f3jSSzVC8nX6Og17F5-UvfHyyFogg6wYQzygesMr7U7-wvUn_QG1C96eXMHKYDXfPl9rc5-fcP9Et_nEPvyKYKtEJ1p8ywHlknEkXANtsikFNPrXTnvW8jHxGLjYMpf0/s1600/Scan-17.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuysv3e5woyf-f3jSSzVC8nX6Og17F5-UvfHyyFogg6wYQzygesMr7U7-wvUn_QG1C96eXMHKYDXfPl9rc5-fcP9Et_nEPvyKYKtEJ1p8ywHlknEkXANtsikFNPrXTnvW8jHxGLjYMpf0/s400/Scan-17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596016303553601746" border="0" /></a><br />Some over-the-top Mughal style opulence.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuoKUJwPsN0DadXdE0vFm47EcepqAoF9M2NHwckPwYM1b1U89m0oJJMgHbKbBZlgBY7zJR8D0iz0CWy4OUKZFuLEAzXgbj3f9ORV4yJLnSrcuRThd_JDzFOFHKLIO91X5nRpW22UM5sE/s1600/Scan-20.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuoKUJwPsN0DadXdE0vFm47EcepqAoF9M2NHwckPwYM1b1U89m0oJJMgHbKbBZlgBY7zJR8D0iz0CWy4OUKZFuLEAzXgbj3f9ORV4yJLnSrcuRThd_JDzFOFHKLIO91X5nRpW22UM5sE/s400/Scan-20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596016313670511634" border="0" /></a>And then on the other end of the spectrum, some rustic for those of us that prefer that!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc14cPZXsS2ahrRN0KF-dPifZfQOeaD_7wiwYUtt0xeD7zTbcJrPMGXgmCIxTlSP5N814Wq5n7tCNViBhc_k20HOTZJleeE6Ah8Fz4wq7IFAfo58pJZLQtden-W3iErPf2LbJNBwXHsI/s1600/Scan-21.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc14cPZXsS2ahrRN0KF-dPifZfQOeaD_7wiwYUtt0xeD7zTbcJrPMGXgmCIxTlSP5N814Wq5n7tCNViBhc_k20HOTZJleeE6Ah8Fz4wq7IFAfo58pJZLQtden-W3iErPf2LbJNBwXHsI/s400/Scan-21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596016321471800866" border="0" /></a>Some very cool stuff at unbelievable prices- wish I'd read this before I left India! Well, new outings for next trip :).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX45LmNulFjy5DtqSDylKQEZeDgyBTxqV4R1ORvYpY18d1zN13HL3soR6HhDyvcbtBVZ8fpB_xfEyEX5CyVO_zlumxERM0jjuPyZvxHM-mjw4zy0M7M1LBD899DwY5ObfSSBkQpOFcwho/s1600/Scan-22.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX45LmNulFjy5DtqSDylKQEZeDgyBTxqV4R1ORvYpY18d1zN13HL3soR6HhDyvcbtBVZ8fpB_xfEyEX5CyVO_zlumxERM0jjuPyZvxHM-mjw4zy0M7M1LBD899DwY5ObfSSBkQpOFcwho/s400/Scan-22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596017972301626850" border="0" /></a><br />And of course because it's Elle they featured some local decor events.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2KkLzoLOBjSijRvPSZEiM-B3gPc5gRINAp6576NfP_Y0zPnSsC4cgc4b5kNpemYGpjpRf-igqwCZtzxqquCAdYdHD03ZrpsJ3b2ETOJ6r34pZW5MubLzLjI5Oz92fmBKMRWDzfk9K44/s1600/Scan-18.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2KkLzoLOBjSijRvPSZEiM-B3gPc5gRINAp6576NfP_Y0zPnSsC4cgc4b5kNpemYGpjpRf-igqwCZtzxqquCAdYdHD03ZrpsJ3b2ETOJ6r34pZW5MubLzLjI5Oz92fmBKMRWDzfk9K44/s400/Scan-18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596017986065384066" border="0" /></a>And finally, some crafting! Some fun ideas what to do with fabric scraps. (I kind of love that pillow.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsV0g5B8DobK8cVorvp4ZyXs27QAixqzSxKqJtxlITiC63Clw0qoneBBs1nP2PrGoMHSL7cLjkHTFKkpwfXlkpRGEurpV0tvUwgTMYu0MeVhP-v4uWA87Ss5ol48SBTcYeNtmly2al1iY/s1600/Scan-19.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsV0g5B8DobK8cVorvp4ZyXs27QAixqzSxKqJtxlITiC63Clw0qoneBBs1nP2PrGoMHSL7cLjkHTFKkpwfXlkpRGEurpV0tvUwgTMYu0MeVhP-v4uWA87Ss5ol48SBTcYeNtmly2al1iY/s400/Scan-19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596017999356217778" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, I scanned in images from two other magazines, but I'll save those for another day!<br /><br /></div>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-61773896910057361012011-03-15T09:40:00.000-07:002011-03-15T11:17:17.934-07:00Bombay Part 2Here are the last of the pictures from our trip to India! These are all from Bombay (Mumbai).<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoySGBlLtdQItfSyClw2fxeJqRXfmwYGgX81ASrNkJN_T-bFR032BI4DXnyqVIo9XHITB_yg51gurmCRlmTd-dLFmzSXV1C3JnA6-DNMC9XBXQAbW9V1PB007j8uUA7J0T2Umj9yBc7i4/s1600/India++%2528141%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoySGBlLtdQItfSyClw2fxeJqRXfmwYGgX81ASrNkJN_T-bFR032BI4DXnyqVIo9XHITB_yg51gurmCRlmTd-dLFmzSXV1C3JnA6-DNMC9XBXQAbW9V1PB007j8uUA7J0T2Umj9yBc7i4/s400/India++%2528141%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584052745425783794" border="0" /></a> We stumbled upon <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sugexp=gsisc&pq=mehendi&xhr=t&cp=17&qe=eWF6ZGFuaSBiYWtlcnkgbXU&qesig=Sx-biHJ1U_5RG40Ao-vxyg&pkc=AFgZ2tl0dHLjaUaaVNFk6BV5moo6XOCtVAUt4WzqgxfgJ9efJzAJf0uue0FHtDX9Mx66dAcQNH1NtIy8jpRsImH4Dq-ba23fSQ&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=yazdani+bakery+mumbai&fb=1&gl=us&hq=yazdani+bakery&hnear=Mumbai,+Maharashtra,+India&cid=0,0,16540024229783946752&ei=wpR_TfP7CoSucKb56ekG&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBgQnwIwAA">Yazdani Bakery</a> when we decided to be a bit adventurous and take some unknown backroads over to our cousin's office and risk getting lost. (Consequently, I can't begin to tell you where it is, except that it's within walking distance of Churchgate, but <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sugexp=gsisc&pq=mehendi&xhr=t&cp=17&qe=eWF6ZGFuaSBiYWtlcnkgbXU&qesig=Sx-biHJ1U_5RG40Ao-vxyg&pkc=AFgZ2tl0dHLjaUaaVNFk6BV5moo6XOCtVAUt4WzqgxfgJ9efJzAJf0uue0FHtDX9Mx66dAcQNH1NtIy8jpRsImH4Dq-ba23fSQ&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=yazdani+bakery+mumbai&fb=1&gl=us&hq=yazdani+bakery&hnear=Mumbai,+Maharashtra,+India&cid=0,0,16540024229783946752&ei=wpR_TfP7CoSucKb56ekG&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBgQnwIwAA">Google can</a>!) But boy am I glad we did, this place was fantastic! We started with a couple of mini-muffins and a bag of shortbread cookies, but immediately went back in for some cake and bread to take back home with us!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTAcZvhYIi-YV6luLsAANbXJALaDqr_vct_Tf9kb1FrCTllQQ2RbfqT7qWOTkSisB6WsJ6h7deXU7AidjD0gQhfVHMkzjJKcgoyo1f0LW_kyJGklDK_2dnXNZqR7CqlXcu3rBUohx-Qg/s1600/India++%2528142%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTAcZvhYIi-YV6luLsAANbXJALaDqr_vct_Tf9kb1FrCTllQQ2RbfqT7qWOTkSisB6WsJ6h7deXU7AidjD0gQhfVHMkzjJKcgoyo1f0LW_kyJGklDK_2dnXNZqR7CqlXcu3rBUohx-Qg/s400/India++%2528142%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584052747754528258" border="0" /></a>I love how these signs look like they could be absolutely anywhere in the US or Europe, but here they were in a back alley of Bombay! Fresh apple pie and cinnamon buns? Who would have guessed?!<br /><br />Here are a bunch of street scenes from around our neighborhood (Mahim.):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhMWskNrcbfu3pGrO-CdHl-ic9s5eLShAJ3xUYlctFLPqgcA9SGoJwNDarEE3xBP4ZeRb4vHvTtgEnl3IF4PKKGGi7DZje9zJ2GM6nClcPaBOQHYsmbKvnIEecYPkbanPTYfir0LazaM/s1600/India++%2528180%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhMWskNrcbfu3pGrO-CdHl-ic9s5eLShAJ3xUYlctFLPqgcA9SGoJwNDarEE3xBP4ZeRb4vHvTtgEnl3IF4PKKGGi7DZje9zJ2GM6nClcPaBOQHYsmbKvnIEecYPkbanPTYfir0LazaM/s400/India++%2528180%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584086888583872978" border="0" /></a>Loved the color of these doors.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx9H7cPVf1KR_tHuBcuSdh1PIi3KjFYbqobev0QCBvzc4BcziA40TyGgcniEDD-7gz46WsHVoLZOrF6qSv75ChRJ4dIJ3pKrEwmronLrSE0B88FQLh9HtjnlAaHnR2g59RJ4if9V1WYU/s1600/India++%2528181%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx9H7cPVf1KR_tHuBcuSdh1PIi3KjFYbqobev0QCBvzc4BcziA40TyGgcniEDD-7gz46WsHVoLZOrF6qSv75ChRJ4dIJ3pKrEwmronLrSE0B88FQLh9HtjnlAaHnR2g59RJ4if9V1WYU/s400/India++%2528181%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584086898896499490" border="0" /></a><br />Chaat-walla. Best. Stuff. Ever.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVv44YxdO0dVcM1HDnfB7-wVhBm7rPhysxJMDagBZx2Sd1dQcjplyNvZO6pi3xQxPxhTWi6E_7xbTUQlNWXD7eAyEZgKBpMPkZgWr1yXhpk4XYPZFx7P0LPl5-oBPWmp_jGQN7j-Q2qA/s1600/India++%2528151%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVv44YxdO0dVcM1HDnfB7-wVhBm7rPhysxJMDagBZx2Sd1dQcjplyNvZO6pi3xQxPxhTWi6E_7xbTUQlNWXD7eAyEZgKBpMPkZgWr1yXhpk4XYPZFx7P0LPl5-oBPWmp_jGQN7j-Q2qA/s400/India++%2528151%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584052763265025874" border="0" /></a><br />View from overpass near Chowpatty.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb-yJ85f8RiqvHYIb8JD4JZNIJ46rYhanw2s5-_BBDbmfi9ZxQJoUyL3Dun73KB3ZRu6ZgdXP0UoigXq4dnDaV8svBUyiKxClZFIjKxsJOVqQjVfTZqJTYU1xnHwbsMEjA7-67xc-6ms/s1600/India++%2528158%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb-yJ85f8RiqvHYIb8JD4JZNIJ46rYhanw2s5-_BBDbmfi9ZxQJoUyL3Dun73KB3ZRu6ZgdXP0UoigXq4dnDaV8svBUyiKxClZFIjKxsJOVqQjVfTZqJTYU1xnHwbsMEjA7-67xc-6ms/s400/India++%2528158%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584081256097654050" border="0" /></a><br />Furniture delivery Indian style!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmSDmbk5jgoOO2gsiszIcwa1WO-F42twvMOypygTtnj-Fv-DuiSEzL_muFhd2dqWC6wq33xpK8EuMvlQfWWgfR-MA7pJFWM4FKLR6YKKpxTSe9EhHcJBRKGDRezyzyPw8iA5glwla-Nw/s1600/India++%2528171%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmSDmbk5jgoOO2gsiszIcwa1WO-F42twvMOypygTtnj-Fv-DuiSEzL_muFhd2dqWC6wq33xpK8EuMvlQfWWgfR-MA7pJFWM4FKLR6YKKpxTSe9EhHcJBRKGDRezyzyPw8iA5glwla-Nw/s400/India++%2528171%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584084442865325922" border="0" /></a><br />Cool guy on a motorcycle and a street dog, hanging out together.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9T8RAxXGCVvgsUpwjPD2HsNdghn2urzpL_ImiE1kDFBg0TmposaMXK6vVyzrwE-b0tTEbPKFrMiJ8eMfJSVaoM-ShOjw5ai5sH3RbGcbtXyMaCU9K6m74Z6Gz7In4g-Np2UZ3yNiRBE/s1600/India++%2528170%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9T8RAxXGCVvgsUpwjPD2HsNdghn2urzpL_ImiE1kDFBg0TmposaMXK6vVyzrwE-b0tTEbPKFrMiJ8eMfJSVaoM-ShOjw5ai5sH3RbGcbtXyMaCU9K6m74Z6Gz7In4g-Np2UZ3yNiRBE/s400/India++%2528170%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584084446643432466" border="0" /></a><br />Ubiquitous cow.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxeQUHeM8FCl9lAqv1_nyXhMceXUBUxKxKQ12RVh60_RzYPOqJp_h1xM12s0TReyYaBL1MSBA1ekA6ND2hzzKe3UwO6tN4txzMJovtk3z6DGPMsWIMCfuUk_j9TW0ckQNUdSWXU1djnc/s1600/India++%2528166%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxeQUHeM8FCl9lAqv1_nyXhMceXUBUxKxKQ12RVh60_RzYPOqJp_h1xM12s0TReyYaBL1MSBA1ekA6ND2hzzKe3UwO6tN4txzMJovtk3z6DGPMsWIMCfuUk_j9TW0ckQNUdSWXU1djnc/s400/India++%2528166%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584084426688900242" border="0" /></a><br />A cat and a laundry line, how could I resist?<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOiBJTqAGNTqAY2jH2YYM4J2y6zzpgtb1IeQwCL9wSV8e0f08D52d7woXNAklQ5EY6oGiiMnT5IMMBjHDGrjZ-CSqtwxdy0r2MeSRubIRQY2yUlutC7uvDp3p3iGisJ0RWAV5mSwQgu4/s1600/India++%2528168%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOiBJTqAGNTqAY2jH2YYM4J2y6zzpgtb1IeQwCL9wSV8e0f08D52d7woXNAklQ5EY6oGiiMnT5IMMBjHDGrjZ-CSqtwxdy0r2MeSRubIRQY2yUlutC7uvDp3p3iGisJ0RWAV5mSwQgu4/s400/India++%2528168%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584084434176508194" border="0" /></a><br />There's a whole series of these!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_OmZoJdVcJWjoz2JXGcmx_LRfzK_sufTX9gdxe_1Jum6Shu06o4OdaNt-JkazEiQGnsiyxnZw6wusyDbmcLb2zBGxHW3W8BiAtL-lxNJhCyh9wFDEWUbyU2WcHQOyhle0wAfRiutWoU/s1600/India++%2528178%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_OmZoJdVcJWjoz2JXGcmx_LRfzK_sufTX9gdxe_1Jum6Shu06o4OdaNt-JkazEiQGnsiyxnZw6wusyDbmcLb2zBGxHW3W8BiAtL-lxNJhCyh9wFDEWUbyU2WcHQOyhle0wAfRiutWoU/s400/India++%2528178%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584086884408432034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />New entrance being made for Shivaji Park.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFkys-e-b110bnkrxlSLMGWNadd2hS5wp8bBZYOomS3hWencx97BK0XwpTQ8ifKUnT3_9GXrRU3ra6T-SnAKeoXgj9bflf53-Vempnc3rYtRaByjdCmZopphKFpD1P20NzWvcGIj3tXs/s1600/India++%2528175%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFkys-e-b110bnkrxlSLMGWNadd2hS5wp8bBZYOomS3hWencx97BK0XwpTQ8ifKUnT3_9GXrRU3ra6T-SnAKeoXgj9bflf53-Vempnc3rYtRaByjdCmZopphKFpD1P20NzWvcGIj3tXs/s400/India++%2528175%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584086881107639522" border="0" /></a><br />Shivaji Park workout.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY2_Z87RoirhkqBEEJk6oqtfqS7vkz0OBPbqz8-Ja6HLNka_7iFIuo5KeEI0NFFfcZ4wLw57PYr_TX86vNKBejATKWs3f3vTCaypPH2vdFmhyphenhyphenrFt0Zegjy1P8xyATkqBL4A7ugBoBDQg/s1600/India++%2528174%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY2_Z87RoirhkqBEEJk6oqtfqS7vkz0OBPbqz8-Ja6HLNka_7iFIuo5KeEI0NFFfcZ4wLw57PYr_TX86vNKBejATKWs3f3vTCaypPH2vdFmhyphenhyphenrFt0Zegjy1P8xyATkqBL4A7ugBoBDQg/s400/India++%2528174%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584086874743779106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">More pick-up games of cricket! Notice all that construction? (Shivaji Park)<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CCTvqRC-VFzj-dKRIzD8Tr4ze434ZzRMg2pkgvPPKCHzLBHCr6Na3icMITkg7_nMlYnCMzJ-mVl7T7TyOkIXqce1UnBVIjZgQG6p2tmtl-r02BGBwA7BI8V5PqruPr_G5p67ZxTiSKs/s1600/India++%2528172%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CCTvqRC-VFzj-dKRIzD8Tr4ze434ZzRMg2pkgvPPKCHzLBHCr6Na3icMITkg7_nMlYnCMzJ-mVl7T7TyOkIXqce1UnBVIjZgQG6p2tmtl-r02BGBwA7BI8V5PqruPr_G5p67ZxTiSKs/s400/India++%2528172%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584084452690893074" border="0" /></a><br />Great colors! Dog on a wall and lady in sari.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaglNGSOOrv1P8QyNx2XxtVNpHuk95C8mMy1WaYQFO9BS7sjtCSmyuzX7IJN3zTtgCmYXSkBM-8UfbCOt7Cl4hawgM-GVLPQsOcy18CMG48D4WS6j38cQQGFMrgyaTLVK494yv6pT0TC4/s1600/India++%2528146%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaglNGSOOrv1P8QyNx2XxtVNpHuk95C8mMy1WaYQFO9BS7sjtCSmyuzX7IJN3zTtgCmYXSkBM-8UfbCOt7Cl4hawgM-GVLPQsOcy18CMG48D4WS6j38cQQGFMrgyaTLVK494yv6pT0TC4/s400/India++%2528146%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584052757470095170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hubby and his Mom with fun wall mural at the new BCA (Bombay Cricket Association.)<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeKKoCGLKZqAfATjTG4blqBIkkJD_hFbcRYS38G6AMxrzp95JPmWAKOwei5LksvwZMyHcfKBFHIK4FjzaTfAvpSNHjw_tFA3Wdslk-u15efMhBq49wi_HUwOKiFo93afvuAhYzueYDbg/s1600/India++%2528148%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeKKoCGLKZqAfATjTG4blqBIkkJD_hFbcRYS38G6AMxrzp95JPmWAKOwei5LksvwZMyHcfKBFHIK4FjzaTfAvpSNHjw_tFA3Wdslk-u15efMhBq49wi_HUwOKiFo93afvuAhYzueYDbg/s400/India++%2528148%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584052759714529954" border="0" /></a><br />Me and Mummy at the other end of the mural. (I'm in love with that outfit!)<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uO9b4omxR5r_AjP5qwkmU0SMu9tbe0qN1dsyYlq2y_eTcDcWsHuwmcVmysyt6FknkxlVuKquyoOz30dXidvX3vKHoS9xDGpC3VIs3N2gPwyP03IzIwiwWG-KX8bK7DNxE5Um3AVPjMo/s1600/India++%2528153%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uO9b4omxR5r_AjP5qwkmU0SMu9tbe0qN1dsyYlq2y_eTcDcWsHuwmcVmysyt6FknkxlVuKquyoOz30dXidvX3vKHoS9xDGpC3VIs3N2gPwyP03IzIwiwWG-KX8bK7DNxE5Um3AVPjMo/s400/India++%2528153%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584081255393791458" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And of course I had to have mehendi done before I left!<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJex1HcFPDCal6L2r5JYkT0oZGAUKS2V92JlFOZLDxsXLL2YlgAOy4iZsm81e5KRPqXf4hoeW0DuQ1cslpeV1LCmGLrNctwswWWgMRMz8K9mPKAk6SrLcX8MW0QkV_z_P4Mc4qUEi_WI/s1600/India++%2528152%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJex1HcFPDCal6L2r5JYkT0oZGAUKS2V92JlFOZLDxsXLL2YlgAOy4iZsm81e5KRPqXf4hoeW0DuQ1cslpeV1LCmGLrNctwswWWgMRMz8K9mPKAk6SrLcX8MW0QkV_z_P4Mc4qUEi_WI/s400/India++%2528152%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584081250312900450" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had a cone to take home as well, so I did another design myself that I'll show you later.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1pn8RD46zWODN1y0N865AG89PFKYiZiavjFFlN4bbW10XNwVXrlNH-1bbxhacxciH875Bv2xgdpPyen6yOuT7CpGYQOzj9xBBEgOrz7HEfdVi9al1SF7T-hBPIe1AH_3w9eJ7jyfrHk/s1600/India++%2528159%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1pn8RD46zWODN1y0N865AG89PFKYiZiavjFFlN4bbW10XNwVXrlNH-1bbxhacxciH875Bv2xgdpPyen6yOuT7CpGYQOzj9xBBEgOrz7HEfdVi9al1SF7T-hBPIe1AH_3w9eJ7jyfrHk/s400/India++%2528159%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584083617834983218" border="0" /></a><br />This was one of my favorite shots of the whole trip, it's at a little beach behind Hinduja Hospital.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIm6si7uKaYupmIB0lU_CScmQ0-oYE9eJwuiYwhvkumzitxAxCvXHK67zJE8fc-xn_Nmt7-vB6KDkA0Rma9ZT4dsL_zqDDdZB6VpFNiC4OUvb1iEzMrtQ78HRyPWjqUTJkCJRcY4Yj8Q/s1600/India++%2528160%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIm6si7uKaYupmIB0lU_CScmQ0-oYE9eJwuiYwhvkumzitxAxCvXHK67zJE8fc-xn_Nmt7-vB6KDkA0Rma9ZT4dsL_zqDDdZB6VpFNiC4OUvb1iEzMrtQ78HRyPWjqUTJkCJRcY4Yj8Q/s400/India++%2528160%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584083629210046322" border="0" /></a><br />We went there to see the new bridge from a distance (it was still under construction when we were there last), can you see it there? Neither could we, darn fog!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7-BGGr0kacUN4Kpz8-Vm0BYiH9vOiAdzWaV2H7ndr7Ir6exwYV286t8THfxc0DxgKi94MYm7471UMNN2E-GBQ2N95JX01RKqzMvcMJygyD-MWv4tJtWVryC9qXMGXN5PZpebqMBEM_Q/s1600/India++%2528162%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7-BGGr0kacUN4Kpz8-Vm0BYiH9vOiAdzWaV2H7ndr7Ir6exwYV286t8THfxc0DxgKi94MYm7471UMNN2E-GBQ2N95JX01RKqzMvcMJygyD-MWv4tJtWVryC9qXMGXN5PZpebqMBEM_Q/s400/India++%2528162%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584083597868742738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And finally, there's me, looking a bit like I was green screened in!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, so that's the end of the pictures from the trip, but I'm not done with the India theme yet! I'll show ya'll the textile kick I went on while I was there (I brought back two suitcases full!) I also want to share some of the images from the Indian versions of home decor magazines, it's really cool how they mix the traditional Indian designs with what's happening in International design trends!<br /></div></div>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-59002216906396142992011-03-10T08:51:00.000-08:002011-09-23T10:34:46.028-07:00India, Bangalore Quick tripOk, so (finally!), here are my pictures from our quick trip down to Bangalore. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.crossroadsinn.in/home.php">Cross Roads Inn</a>, which I can't say enough about. I've stayed in some horror-story places on previous trips there, and it looks like largely hotels are either super-cheap "local" style hotels, or very expensive international chains catering (and charging for) business travelers, with very little in the mid-range. This hotel PERFECTLY filled that niche! Under $100 (US) a night we had a very nice AC room, clean bath with western toilet and 24 hour hot water (that's not always the case in India, so ask!), and even the extras like tv, closet space, mini fridge, cheap room service, and buffet breakfast included! The bed was Indian style (read hard-as-a-rock), but that's what I sleep on at my in-law's place, so it wasn't a problem for me. Anyway, if you're going to be in Bangalore, I recommend the <a href="http://www.crossroadsinn.in/home.php">Cross Roads Inn</a> for accommodations.<br />
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I forgot to take pictures of the hotel itself, but here are some street scenes from nearby:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_guJZh3KVcZOaSbMrAs1PLj591hSgyapznY0so-VYBmh4tQOqRg97zGjgbTtEuJy2voNmZb_kqAgUqd1Um1T4DQ8UTZQt8tfkNqAtFuchnclGvl15bFOs_DSiaLeQcKZ8H8K-v5WzYNA/s1600/India++%252883%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496066631782722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_guJZh3KVcZOaSbMrAs1PLj591hSgyapznY0so-VYBmh4tQOqRg97zGjgbTtEuJy2voNmZb_kqAgUqd1Um1T4DQ8UTZQt8tfkNqAtFuchnclGvl15bFOs_DSiaLeQcKZ8H8K-v5WzYNA/s400/India++%252883%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A wall of advertisements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguVwdmha7p1sd_45FvzyiQXx2UPbG8WHXtAI0p8yPy4kI7WL72WmJmidoXKEju3bmmfyUZgl0p8KirJGKwKXz5tQPpFgR_R7RtFqEgie9q3vld4E7LY2-3TKV-xru8_lzHMCWla-iR0g/s1600/India++%252878%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496048610085890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguVwdmha7p1sd_45FvzyiQXx2UPbG8WHXtAI0p8yPy4kI7WL72WmJmidoXKEju3bmmfyUZgl0p8KirJGKwKXz5tQPpFgR_R7RtFqEgie9q3vld4E7LY2-3TKV-xru8_lzHMCWla-iR0g/s400/India++%252878%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 352px;" /></a>A pickup game of cricket (always a good picture!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-2Tf6XNXVl0hT9lQsOxAxr7zv7CkYKryTSkwF-n4XXMIUtGp7gDSh_5UDDRN3m7_t8wqJygtBFk96fdBLf6rZ9Xkw09vmEusEvRSvj58qXK3IhzDO3qeleMzMe8Hrvy4IubEDeKrLqg/s1600/India++%252882%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496059107285906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-2Tf6XNXVl0hT9lQsOxAxr7zv7CkYKryTSkwF-n4XXMIUtGp7gDSh_5UDDRN3m7_t8wqJygtBFk96fdBLf6rZ9Xkw09vmEusEvRSvj58qXK3IhzDO3qeleMzMe8Hrvy4IubEDeKrLqg/s400/India++%252882%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 279px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Love the colors!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lS0916J4-HSceTSsBdu49jFIkE9zuRW3hpQiFYcwTc1cJWO-dCFatNeXjOkmYC6oStQqkQmADzA5b9lz-TYaEbetGreA4vQDlaLHacfItggFI1tdUC22Ly0WKY7uwweDpUS9whDBaV0/s1600/India++%252888%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496823781326946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lS0916J4-HSceTSsBdu49jFIkE9zuRW3hpQiFYcwTc1cJWO-dCFatNeXjOkmYC6oStQqkQmADzA5b9lz-TYaEbetGreA4vQDlaLHacfItggFI1tdUC22Ly0WKY7uwweDpUS9whDBaV0/s400/India++%252888%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 302px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Construction site, very low-tech.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3BitlxFJT_Uh1V4bL5zty3A4grUOT_o60uRw8qPZ9P6VxpNceRTO2dhgfEM6v835rSHT-a08vG86KxgF5PjgpYExHan9VVHxoiRgtK5Tz0760dmLENGqHKzQScXC7AltclF_imUJbkM/s1600/India++%252885%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496070542284258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3BitlxFJT_Uh1V4bL5zty3A4grUOT_o60uRw8qPZ9P6VxpNceRTO2dhgfEM6v835rSHT-a08vG86KxgF5PjgpYExHan9VVHxoiRgtK5Tz0760dmLENGqHKzQScXC7AltclF_imUJbkM/s400/India++%252885%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 279px;" /></a>A good spot for a nap, school kids in background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnQgdd5qzbjHEw_hE-rISg49oereBziyg0dxCZX5pXzfCPmUCuYFjxqVjolnLIv_ysEahFHUa-SF7zrbtOGSVhcKqz7-sihvfDmmkZvqjbzwfSCMCTOkmdwwhXefKKYfHEZeWexUHhNY/s1600/India++%252887%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496816057635874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnQgdd5qzbjHEw_hE-rISg49oereBziyg0dxCZX5pXzfCPmUCuYFjxqVjolnLIv_ysEahFHUa-SF7zrbtOGSVhcKqz7-sihvfDmmkZvqjbzwfSCMCTOkmdwwhXefKKYfHEZeWexUHhNY/s400/India++%252887%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>South India has their own movies, separate from Bollywood, and they're known for being even more melodramatic!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmcaE3rlQtBJ6DCJUDMOEkf3Nrv8ui-V0e5AQRCBFMApUySgim_yy_lQPMu-rX-tGHiaosOGz088KJU0WbfBqIyWoQX1TIcMnKJ_8ebPbEZZhfDqKnrExFaAKhbM8aBy_1ejNSapPZ24/s1600/India++%252876%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496042255485346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmcaE3rlQtBJ6DCJUDMOEkf3Nrv8ui-V0e5AQRCBFMApUySgim_yy_lQPMu-rX-tGHiaosOGz088KJU0WbfBqIyWoQX1TIcMnKJ_8ebPbEZZhfDqKnrExFaAKhbM8aBy_1ejNSapPZ24/s400/India++%252876%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I couldn't manage to hold my camera steady, but it tickled me to see Au Bon Pain translated into the local script!<br />
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The next day we went to do a little Indian style shopping around Commercial Street:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL_OFGyw16-1h_RZ2aEj6rahf19sO9isycw4ZSVzJRRdHSnOyqC8d0cnKzDHtQHrOrm3ED8JyPNE1b3NjHin4uW9Ks3yOH4SnN4l_TCO23T41mAz_ZkGbSd_Kkf6ulRZ7TBse1UF5Y0s/s1600/India++%252891%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496840797528850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL_OFGyw16-1h_RZ2aEj6rahf19sO9isycw4ZSVzJRRdHSnOyqC8d0cnKzDHtQHrOrm3ED8JyPNE1b3NjHin4uW9Ks3yOH4SnN4l_TCO23T41mAz_ZkGbSd_Kkf6ulRZ7TBse1UF5Y0s/s400/India++%252891%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Always crowded!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg549xGluDLednhe2BUJE7ira6MNiQuZ92a9saYoAWpJpmfo0nX-nInC2gV-u4mFYBdgPIxta1bLg1R84r0GPjgwe82b7Pd_EF70h-m8lqCGmE2sCX8SFzW2X-40yGaZTJNioVABdNo1zY/s1600/India++%252899%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582497512836415762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg549xGluDLednhe2BUJE7ira6MNiQuZ92a9saYoAWpJpmfo0nX-nInC2gV-u4mFYBdgPIxta1bLg1R84r0GPjgwe82b7Pd_EF70h-m8lqCGmE2sCX8SFzW2X-40yGaZTJNioVABdNo1zY/s400/India++%252899%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 292px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The view from the coffee shop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlNfQPxNUATdgyoPczoTHeI7T2n02-zKS_cQNhHsqI3M0tIhf090GPAnZSC5hbVvo6RwpeM-zEQQ1UQeNcg6spH2mIrYg7bDsK__aISJtqYSHKygZ5R1C439zi2DORCL9ThQlYpSdQCs/s1600/India++%252890%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496829230992754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlNfQPxNUATdgyoPczoTHeI7T2n02-zKS_cQNhHsqI3M0tIhf090GPAnZSC5hbVvo6RwpeM-zEQQ1UQeNcg6spH2mIrYg7bDsK__aISJtqYSHKygZ5R1C439zi2DORCL9ThQlYpSdQCs/s400/India++%252890%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 290px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The cricket world cup was going on while we were there, so anytime you saw an enthralled group of men, you just had to look for the TV!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipb47LhBtHq-QnVQ3O47gRmT5VTUs9DQVFPRHsiWR-OI0klU2vpCR8iTqngQMLp-eMPkqGdjSmqDt9B6afnuprcMcQQkS7Yf97OR2WycDR9Pdab40OXwcCfB1vAly9CvQcH-yo3XEaemY/s1600/India++%252897%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582497506783856066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipb47LhBtHq-QnVQ3O47gRmT5VTUs9DQVFPRHsiWR-OI0klU2vpCR8iTqngQMLp-eMPkqGdjSmqDt9B6afnuprcMcQQkS7Yf97OR2WycDR9Pdab40OXwcCfB1vAly9CvQcH-yo3XEaemY/s400/India++%252897%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Oh, this is what I wanted Hubby to wear for our wedding! We compromised with western pants, a shorter jacket with a little embroidery around the collar and a red vest. (Someday I'll get him in one of these, I'm determined!!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBMgAAP0SZLPZSSpIrKbt6Vvf0BsmZHdvTjVLWmhHief5PMFQXu1U4SHnDWBy7Q0xojC4Ebyau9NfcS2d9_wqfL1DwA9zBP1yOjTwvGjzWeaVccL3HFIbb731Y0fao9gmcOfnwJuC9qo/s1600/India++%2528102%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582497522912290786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBMgAAP0SZLPZSSpIrKbt6Vvf0BsmZHdvTjVLWmhHief5PMFQXu1U4SHnDWBy7Q0xojC4Ebyau9NfcS2d9_wqfL1DwA9zBP1yOjTwvGjzWeaVccL3HFIbb731Y0fao9gmcOfnwJuC9qo/s400/India++%2528102%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 294px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I loved how they sell things on bikes. My favorite is eggs, but I've never managed to get a decent picture of that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNh12MgNL0e6K0C0AtoE6TTwZi2AKLez7U4_3f-AVOW6jF7TLwAUYA6GcZNuKz3clrmEBip8g6p391IRRGvdPekJG9ltHQ_LOHT0Sk7hIzswJX_kIDsv1824B_XmJINsxFFXzg_Bo6hs/s1600/India++%252895%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496843617660210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNh12MgNL0e6K0C0AtoE6TTwZi2AKLez7U4_3f-AVOW6jF7TLwAUYA6GcZNuKz3clrmEBip8g6p391IRRGvdPekJG9ltHQ_LOHT0Sk7hIzswJX_kIDsv1824B_XmJINsxFFXzg_Bo6hs/s400/India++%252895%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Stopping for a little fruit along the way...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q6KuBa_NSCtMmgf6aLnCWy7kgoADN31QoWSk_tKtaxS6VIpECxoSCusHIIdXQx2QR6q8z-2AFk3q6p1gPB_URDo4sTUXce-BSg5GKP4LWNwlfLMQWaNoX2vxgvNdKgMjtEJ09zTvktw/s1600/India++%2528103%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582497527259142930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q6KuBa_NSCtMmgf6aLnCWy7kgoADN31QoWSk_tKtaxS6VIpECxoSCusHIIdXQx2QR6q8z-2AFk3q6p1gPB_URDo4sTUXce-BSg5GKP4LWNwlfLMQWaNoX2vxgvNdKgMjtEJ09zTvktw/s400/India++%2528103%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Lastly, and most randomly, a cool design on the wall of the mall!<br />
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I've got a few more shots of our last three days in Bombay, which I'll post soon, and then I'll show you some of the cool stuff I got on all those shopping trips!<br />
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Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-65891803951732817472011-03-01T14:26:00.000-08:002011-03-01T18:08:54.203-08:00India 2011: Part 1Hello Everyone!<br />I know, it's been a terribly long time since I've posted... I'll return your money, how's that? Happier now? Good. Moving onto cheerier things, I've just returned from my first trip to India since we bought the house! We had gone for 4 years in a row, and the last trip was in winter of 2008, and I was missing it, so it was really nice to get back there! I didn't take nearly as many pics as I usually do since our trip was pretty short (about a week and a half actually there,) and we were mostly just visiting family, but I did get a few fun shots anyway.<br />Actually, quite a few (200!), so here are the photographic highlights from the first half of our time in Bombay:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgNl07l9X1IvWEjOV2I4CLikBa0jgarAGOmSqV80-8onCOkZi7Z1lgsDN7aYpDyTZeErDnxPohz9hhyphenhyphenG2pQAbpAJphWHBUc3BVBQdiroXORJ6mV38CWbH11C3danQZWPlyuMvmtsMA-4/s1600/India+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgNl07l9X1IvWEjOV2I4CLikBa0jgarAGOmSqV80-8onCOkZi7Z1lgsDN7aYpDyTZeErDnxPohz9hhyphenhyphenG2pQAbpAJphWHBUc3BVBQdiroXORJ6mV38CWbH11C3danQZWPlyuMvmtsMA-4/s400/India+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579245693570509058" border="0" /></a>Mobile veg stand, Mumbai<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz30rAa3z0Cgw7ebabPSEw9zDZCxZH49YUrr3t75NE28RnYoLLGJMshWjc8Pw-c2ajCy5jF8xB7uOHypLG7hsJ65tyM8FTOWq2BkD6ryxKhMCQ3fz9SIuXIajNs8LVOnR6z9ejMXC7yE/s1600/India++%25287%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz30rAa3z0Cgw7ebabPSEw9zDZCxZH49YUrr3t75NE28RnYoLLGJMshWjc8Pw-c2ajCy5jF8xB7uOHypLG7hsJ65tyM8FTOWq2BkD6ryxKhMCQ3fz9SIuXIajNs8LVOnR6z9ejMXC7yE/s400/India++%25287%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579245695697613266" border="0" /></a>Famous tiffin (lunchbox) delivery, Churchgate Station Mumbai<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkj13Fb2FJ04sm_GRchqNBod_UMNn6mUkKh0ubuHHl9DXlzEoYlx__OR1kruBmz11vc-NhXVfv8wAdw9bhmnx56oGE2PaWpbITtFQauCO8_bNxqEp5xyMJELUiE2IJ_i_cUlWEI41m1o/s1600/India++%25289%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkj13Fb2FJ04sm_GRchqNBod_UMNn6mUkKh0ubuHHl9DXlzEoYlx__OR1kruBmz11vc-NhXVfv8wAdw9bhmnx56oGE2PaWpbITtFQauCO8_bNxqEp5xyMJELUiE2IJ_i_cUlWEI41m1o/s400/India++%25289%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579245702185136738" border="0" /></a>Napping inside Churchgate Station<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRMcIdwHhlnd9lujJjRGkkwPlFGaZGA3dwRpoprc5wSkdb9kEsRSf5NV3FptB2-iwzpktmSw3UhKHMSu_NI11cpS_14eXskZFOPTme8hOdRGvhsxqdhZ4_quBI2dcklKL_kEo1ufvrOI/s1600/India++%252811%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRMcIdwHhlnd9lujJjRGkkwPlFGaZGA3dwRpoprc5wSkdb9kEsRSf5NV3FptB2-iwzpktmSw3UhKHMSu_NI11cpS_14eXskZFOPTme8hOdRGvhsxqdhZ4_quBI2dcklKL_kEo1ufvrOI/s400/India++%252811%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579245705050773410" border="0" /></a>Need a toilet? This one's convenient... Mumbai near Fountainhead<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlfeHBxDNPerWmGaU7_T9QDfm0pUoUbCeZpMMPX_UYM-zpZllSSAH0wlIML5w_u4SIb0Ve7U2mMjnpkheHCLdisdOzAbJHdgvzbhh5ivJmpwcHJ-SBo9SN26RV-lP5P_2AemQDTgoF5I/s1600/India++%252814%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlfeHBxDNPerWmGaU7_T9QDfm0pUoUbCeZpMMPX_UYM-zpZllSSAH0wlIML5w_u4SIb0Ve7U2mMjnpkheHCLdisdOzAbJHdgvzbhh5ivJmpwcHJ-SBo9SN26RV-lP5P_2AemQDTgoF5I/s400/India++%252814%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579245718711200994" border="0" /></a><br />Umm... courthouse? I don't remember- British Colonial architecture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCPzcMwetzKAmMEOtudOxYfHVBn7jFI2qqJ2xmXzBJcscjbTyaXRHRLhiUBKjWwEdYGa6mzevJwGSm2GAsY3abMLvxUob8F0TfH6pMBCF8sg5WF0enw-8WeHdpH0QAYEW1Xu45dbv13s/s1600/India++%252819%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCPzcMwetzKAmMEOtudOxYfHVBn7jFI2qqJ2xmXzBJcscjbTyaXRHRLhiUBKjWwEdYGa6mzevJwGSm2GAsY3abMLvxUob8F0TfH6pMBCF8sg5WF0enw-8WeHdpH0QAYEW1Xu45dbv13s/s400/India++%252819%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579248243314324034" border="0" /></a><br />Hubby on a Valentine's Day sail in Mumbai Harbor<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_deUSC3p93e7yNrHYvH54wjHrDOrSsPGNTkJLrO13ePWHoroZ7g9paM1ZQugkXekGdzCPnGAWO6GQ1PCgc2y_MRU_DH_QBIvIugs-PFFLllL2skVm5uF-2csCbRelBFHjJPLglOrjuk/s1600/India++%252831%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_deUSC3p93e7yNrHYvH54wjHrDOrSsPGNTkJLrO13ePWHoroZ7g9paM1ZQugkXekGdzCPnGAWO6GQ1PCgc2y_MRU_DH_QBIvIugs-PFFLllL2skVm5uF-2csCbRelBFHjJPLglOrjuk/s400/India++%252831%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579248247910353746" border="0" /></a><br />Me and a Mumbai fishing boat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvgXSeGfkPCckw02W0zRO1fvJLKkIQmgPN7OSHlMV6-V77GIQwiQvq6NEctR-npCTT9KwV-mK3ueXuj7gPyj4d1S-z2lx6crmk0QHHaW8IsJoPbJrGnojs3qLqOcTh7H033BC5zJAVqk/s1600/India++%252827%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvgXSeGfkPCckw02W0zRO1fvJLKkIQmgPN7OSHlMV6-V77GIQwiQvq6NEctR-npCTT9KwV-mK3ueXuj7gPyj4d1S-z2lx6crmk0QHHaW8IsJoPbJrGnojs3qLqOcTh7H033BC5zJAVqk/s400/India++%252827%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579248248918521554" border="0" /></a><br />The fishing boats returning as the sun sets over Mumbai.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW-NBPIRdd-JK_DOychIr2qhS81rWuCwGsYET_Rea5t0CDYMHm43YTa2d_kVTEvivU2uXcvVEGUw5rqShoAQcGuvcjD57KTQOa1wQHNp9ASRFcw7nlk7jy458w_qbbHPqK11pNg5A4dE/s1600/India++%252839%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW-NBPIRdd-JK_DOychIr2qhS81rWuCwGsYET_Rea5t0CDYMHm43YTa2d_kVTEvivU2uXcvVEGUw5rqShoAQcGuvcjD57KTQOa1wQHNp9ASRFcw7nlk7jy458w_qbbHPqK11pNg5A4dE/s400/India++%252839%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579248260608701954" border="0" /></a><br />Me, stopping for coffee and a quick-change at the Taj Hotel (which is looking as grand as ever!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMJt4zCp7HyeHXivaiXj7Psv8cFWJSlmdRCFrA745rFu1qUkrTpIYDYt0_9XylHX_vAAIPMpv1TJa017bxu3hHZsfwZHx725P_qUTryC7CrGpWJlevKWB5EBPin_7dCUlU14Z6ZOc4BQ/s1600/India++%252840%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMJt4zCp7HyeHXivaiXj7Psv8cFWJSlmdRCFrA745rFu1qUkrTpIYDYt0_9XylHX_vAAIPMpv1TJa017bxu3hHZsfwZHx725P_qUTryC7CrGpWJlevKWB5EBPin_7dCUlU14Z6ZOc4BQ/s400/India++%252840%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579249854009724466" border="0" /></a><br />Now that's what I call a flower arrangement! Taj, Mumbai.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxxrJsrqSCvixwtXN8iM4svoQIk-ECj8n7VLxeypkUaTg0EQf8gDvk6V2Ebhp7mIjM7yxPoJ-l89biKJYjotPkxzbhkOPd4CXhUjWRIyE29eloDKYYGL6wCwcJQZ4M8_W-aHRDhZj5bM/s1600/India++%252843%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxxrJsrqSCvixwtXN8iM4svoQIk-ECj8n7VLxeypkUaTg0EQf8gDvk6V2Ebhp7mIjM7yxPoJ-l89biKJYjotPkxzbhkOPd4CXhUjWRIyE29eloDKYYGL6wCwcJQZ4M8_W-aHRDhZj5bM/s400/India++%252843%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579249859266165154" border="0" /></a><br />Locally famous street restaurant, I'm not allowed to eat there... Mumbai, behind Taj.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctI-r8XSKXElHqqbmrNdPQbV4Jwe0iFVego9bDUs2-FPBMKu4z6Y-ARHROKWWJbvcB0ccDeOEDO8FrboaxwiNtWsHHWuVaJritYjf82DAGMMIms4iTalwEWbQvPbUn1IoqdH5c6vLay8/s1600/India++%252844%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctI-r8XSKXElHqqbmrNdPQbV4Jwe0iFVego9bDUs2-FPBMKu4z6Y-ARHROKWWJbvcB0ccDeOEDO8FrboaxwiNtWsHHWuVaJritYjf82DAGMMIms4iTalwEWbQvPbUn1IoqdH5c6vLay8/s400/India++%252844%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579249862683251762" border="0" /></a><br />McDonald's delivers! Mumbai.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK3eh-ZHp9xPH4OxbOr-l-kF9eUoJziWFfU7lRw6kRa0AtuSOOuO8F_L5wByuUTcqXQVfLgj0eQKpaYeFMKezPHcScYsHmeV8560fSEXVgiAA9TAS3NYmUfBtVToFBxd2DesfGAmjBFY/s1600/India++%252847%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK3eh-ZHp9xPH4OxbOr-l-kF9eUoJziWFfU7lRw6kRa0AtuSOOuO8F_L5wByuUTcqXQVfLgj0eQKpaYeFMKezPHcScYsHmeV8560fSEXVgiAA9TAS3NYmUfBtVToFBxd2DesfGAmjBFY/s400/India++%252847%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579249864900759074" border="0" /></a><br />Tata Nagar, near Dharavi, where the tailor lives.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoq_sGRncq3fLTC1js7S_-x0UG5e-oFUHGHvilvi4VwEJE291A9lLjKjrgcy8mRAUvlRK3HIsU8f1OVBFaFPNtzkySHptiFHhbItpp7dk-ZzQBz53uy3AIZcxuvMj3yco5nq5apQoe-4/s1600/India++%252850%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoq_sGRncq3fLTC1js7S_-x0UG5e-oFUHGHvilvi4VwEJE291A9lLjKjrgcy8mRAUvlRK3HIsU8f1OVBFaFPNtzkySHptiFHhbItpp7dk-ZzQBz53uy3AIZcxuvMj3yco5nq5apQoe-4/s400/India++%252850%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579249869109606306" border="0" /></a><br />Great old lady and graffiti, Tata Nagar.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvcu6m5T_kw10YpnbKg-xNOZwGMiDKDsSzbx-Qd-99CFQlIxuO3sCN3uH3-tlYTVhkm1SnxUyV46phY0OntHLjYdToq4aQ0fOtgTvLKXMVGeuYQ8uYSVASyws75DsBZ8eDVxG831hJYk/s1600/India++%252851%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvcu6m5T_kw10YpnbKg-xNOZwGMiDKDsSzbx-Qd-99CFQlIxuO3sCN3uH3-tlYTVhkm1SnxUyV46phY0OntHLjYdToq4aQ0fOtgTvLKXMVGeuYQ8uYSVASyws75DsBZ8eDVxG831hJYk/s400/India++%252851%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579252086066752898" border="0" /></a><br />Super shiny office complex directly across the street from Tata Nagar.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCZ37AAkwB8sL6yD9XrrbeWVSu6ifQgyVG9UE-aYHvMF1QtG-lpWbsm2H2RL1Xuqg4vkBnrRpgVL7rYS-Oxh1zmksXO_z2oM3BTPKSqd8LvMSPM-i0X0MhguX2J4DYYONllbmVyjxzsc/s1600/India++%252858%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCZ37AAkwB8sL6yD9XrrbeWVSu6ifQgyVG9UE-aYHvMF1QtG-lpWbsm2H2RL1Xuqg4vkBnrRpgVL7rYS-Oxh1zmksXO_z2oM3BTPKSqd8LvMSPM-i0X0MhguX2J4DYYONllbmVyjxzsc/s400/India++%252858%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579252096544889058" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0NTcgqQWRxjM0vhKQN-TcQzI8SoCq2lDTYtUjI3qZXK9ZOyilPAuqYeTz30eTPm6tOgZcmPKRzGG2xXltXuC5Z3YENPyh3u2_pjvfJm4_E_6lZwBINf7LzWXaUrQ9JDf4_scV3lIQhE/s1600/India++%252861%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0NTcgqQWRxjM0vhKQN-TcQzI8SoCq2lDTYtUjI3qZXK9ZOyilPAuqYeTz30eTPm6tOgZcmPKRzGG2xXltXuC5Z3YENPyh3u2_pjvfJm4_E_6lZwBINf7LzWXaUrQ9JDf4_scV3lIQhE/s400/India++%252861%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579252104449745026" border="0" /></a><br />Napping in trucks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61mkIpBEM8vK5c-Rr71biYLIU1SzKcvTMKTAQCtuGYuqMOzOl2dXMe9hNAaXcPoAYvWbLSH2mz-4i4RZMhyZFKdf4U8q-S9ICqtB868WEq4uf1vgkRHmW3HduKYVuvPcrVDhXikfS1Qo/s1600/India++%252855%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61mkIpBEM8vK5c-Rr71biYLIU1SzKcvTMKTAQCtuGYuqMOzOl2dXMe9hNAaXcPoAYvWbLSH2mz-4i4RZMhyZFKdf4U8q-S9ICqtB868WEq4uf1vgkRHmW3HduKYVuvPcrVDhXikfS1Qo/s400/India++%252855%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579252090005215202" border="0" /></a><br />I liked these two because they looked like something out of a Bollywood movie, they've got the tree and all!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVv5M_osO8Xe-19w70iH3NoIaiwZhTlxsRR60qsNnw8Kp6W5m47GOECm1x_zE31QziGNCCMTlm9LvCkF-qjGf9qD38buHCr23RmktKx0KjFpnw7HYTcaVS28_9YIf_u0aOnrnt03aTvA/s1600/India++%252865%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVv5M_osO8Xe-19w70iH3NoIaiwZhTlxsRR60qsNnw8Kp6W5m47GOECm1x_zE31QziGNCCMTlm9LvCkF-qjGf9qD38buHCr23RmktKx0KjFpnw7HYTcaVS28_9YIf_u0aOnrnt03aTvA/s400/India++%252865%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579255339450571474" border="0" /></a><br />Living where you work, scrap recyclers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGMkoM3bnWCY6PEAmtl1fxouRwel_iOgPzIoxyjy5FyXK_R14SnWXi5YKN9gfiLqxGEgmteBjVOpknzHVS_bIRmW4vHLy3mdP4amvx5mtESTOVAo-u6vaAiHp4rBVyIhr8LoMfDxAiJM/s1600/India++%252866%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGMkoM3bnWCY6PEAmtl1fxouRwel_iOgPzIoxyjy5FyXK_R14SnWXi5YKN9gfiLqxGEgmteBjVOpknzHVS_bIRmW4vHLy3mdP4amvx5mtESTOVAo-u6vaAiHp4rBVyIhr8LoMfDxAiJM/s400/India++%252866%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579255340546217218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3okwa1TB6D3vMwkBYkjNv9VKvn0q4jhXTvMJTUJZQMSbvQzJ7ot65BIKcBGoWm7e9mZ0VMG9u9Gf5tl4xB0azk2pBTV826rxF1wuN2Fe2fFRBGPRdT_Avp4VYiAial7U46Gpz_X8EzA/s1600/India++%252868%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3okwa1TB6D3vMwkBYkjNv9VKvn0q4jhXTvMJTUJZQMSbvQzJ7ot65BIKcBGoWm7e9mZ0VMG9u9Gf5tl4xB0azk2pBTV826rxF1wuN2Fe2fFRBGPRdT_Avp4VYiAial7U46Gpz_X8EzA/s400/India++%252868%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579255346895463330" border="0" /></a>Street scenes, Dharavi.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVXalbLUmRzZzcGuXsuf1k-r_E7aABf8ZOEaeTtqOBBco6SzcmKmPxlgB0gWZAlcMdlzdOpiBkyuABiixpq1AXNLpfJ0TUyf2c99ZXg707ZHcV0HLe_AzwwqfrKOjdbmsFa5OFpNktQM/s1600/India++%252870%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVXalbLUmRzZzcGuXsuf1k-r_E7aABf8ZOEaeTtqOBBco6SzcmKmPxlgB0gWZAlcMdlzdOpiBkyuABiixpq1AXNLpfJ0TUyf2c99ZXg707ZHcV0HLe_AzwwqfrKOjdbmsFa5OFpNktQM/s400/India++%252870%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579255354232462210" border="0" /></a><br />Street scene, Mahim (where my in-laws' place is.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtEju5FlZUn6LeW7OGBlfOaWOUqRKAGzO_3v8gXDItnzTZ_VaCXd9VnU4NvM8Dc81SE1CfNHcf4XSL2W2_bpGHVnsv4XR9-WSAWJnqofbwVEZ0NpT-FWezp72YRkmjYkvQhreL6BfYTA/s1600/India++%252867%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtEju5FlZUn6LeW7OGBlfOaWOUqRKAGzO_3v8gXDItnzTZ_VaCXd9VnU4NvM8Dc81SE1CfNHcf4XSL2W2_bpGHVnsv4XR9-WSAWJnqofbwVEZ0NpT-FWezp72YRkmjYkvQhreL6BfYTA/s400/India++%252867%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579255345066005474" border="0" /></a><br />Classic truck shot, "Horn OK Please!"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Love it... tune in later this week for the shots from the jaunt down to Bangalore, and then for the last few days in Bombay!<br />Meanwhile, if you're curious about what Bombay is like, check out <a href="http://adayinlife.timesofindia.com/videos/the-circus-that-is-india/72899">this ad</a> put out by the Times of India for a photography contest (incidentally, I love the whole ad campaign for this competition, but I could never get pictures of the billboards because the taxi was always moving too fast!) But that video kind of encapsulates what Bombay is, in my head anyway.<br /> :)<br /></div></div>Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274521633214550462.post-42340169739300244032011-01-05T15:17:00.000-08:002011-01-05T19:48:41.679-08:00A Floating CenterpieceI know I'm far from the first person to be inspired by shop window displays!<br />This window I saw in the Free People store at the Prudential. I wasn't too surprised to find out that Free People is associated with Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie- both stores I've trolled for decor ideas!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0wNdmFNPcI70-hJYSmNmuDxsZVZ7cX9RzXWci2DF2YRIuGqEOpDBVN2uwNzvZp7ksAPKxSmBYVaezQJX6OzIR1O_8pGDeRbol75MHZrRIIQOVzYTol78h9tCJlY3R256BNroKtKix-s/s1600/Photo0711.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0wNdmFNPcI70-hJYSmNmuDxsZVZ7cX9RzXWci2DF2YRIuGqEOpDBVN2uwNzvZp7ksAPKxSmBYVaezQJX6OzIR1O_8pGDeRbol75MHZrRIIQOVzYTol78h9tCJlY3R256BNroKtKix-s/s400/Photo0711.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558846207874594258" border="0" /></a><br />It's a bit hard to see, but they've suspended a branch from the ceiling and decorated it with everything from pom-poms to Christmas baubles and jewelry from the store! I loved it!<br />They actually had an even better one in the store, but I felt awkward taking pics in the store itself- I know some stores frown on that!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pRL7AECc5ojH__XRM4GQfBdZR87tiMHjrImkg9DxW0y1WuycNcLQqKOveDpyZXtzQRs3JVnfBigEQ-wqYuUAUoXJuIiDUnRKTcZK9z5poXTrY6rwONmdNJpm2YDQt5oFpsXFGWci8GI/s1600/Photo0710.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pRL7AECc5ojH__XRM4GQfBdZR87tiMHjrImkg9DxW0y1WuycNcLQqKOveDpyZXtzQRs3JVnfBigEQ-wqYuUAUoXJuIiDUnRKTcZK9z5poXTrY6rwONmdNJpm2YDQt5oFpsXFGWci8GI/s400/Photo0710.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558846204125954434" border="0" /></a>Of course my first thought (well, second after "Wow, cool!") was, "I can totally do that!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO6YbobXkjbBLqD7lr1N-WpkrX_bW_vHSGGo0A9Pw34p6HRiWAFsiZG6nf8qOQXcb5t8u0eGn-yh5sV4WHcFYuZVVM7B7hXQMmUglKsoIjTO9SlSYbhvF1ei2AjTvMjJdtCRfzb0kWhI/s1600/Christmas+031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO6YbobXkjbBLqD7lr1N-WpkrX_bW_vHSGGo0A9Pw34p6HRiWAFsiZG6nf8qOQXcb5t8u0eGn-yh5sV4WHcFYuZVVM7B7hXQMmUglKsoIjTO9SlSYbhvF1ei2AjTvMjJdtCRfzb0kWhI/s400/Christmas+031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558846239575774594" border="0" /></a>I started out by hauling a few branches in to find the right size and shape. Actually, I started out by hauling in a whole darn tree limb that had come down in a storm- it barely made it through the door! After pulling in a few smaller options I actually ended up going at the tree limb with a pair of lops and cutting it down to just what I wanted. DIY all the way, baby!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1ccnESHpDxG20gRHXwUTQxMJsGWhZqeJalZCwA1fpuuokyr08y9P4Yto7S-kmSebuoHndcivT-ssg-rhN8pAL7517Jg5i0dX2OzFeaIfYO4i3gBVBoRzftRDfdQh4_m8CMnbxTk_v88/s1600/Christmas+041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1ccnESHpDxG20gRHXwUTQxMJsGWhZqeJalZCwA1fpuuokyr08y9P4Yto7S-kmSebuoHndcivT-ssg-rhN8pAL7517Jg5i0dX2OzFeaIfYO4i3gBVBoRzftRDfdQh4_m8CMnbxTk_v88/s400/Christmas+041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558847292159919106" border="0" /></a>Then I screwed three hooks into the ceiling, tied my stick up with fishing line, and started draping it with sparkly things!<br /><br />I started with a couple of pearl necklaces, one fresh pearl and one black pearl, looped around and secured with fishing line in a few places. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ToXJNo1mBhiwpdbsruyCDiosf1AD7hCZasuO_pwlOovS5VJPlrPyLgY-x6OJuL4ytJ_kJE9b1GoWli1A6tqr61v6y5EtC2GDClt29ZG6nvx27lU8PZY33Gjtwnh_tzLRgGKJfz4w1ks/s1600/Christmas+052.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ToXJNo1mBhiwpdbsruyCDiosf1AD7hCZasuO_pwlOovS5VJPlrPyLgY-x6OJuL4ytJ_kJE9b1GoWli1A6tqr61v6y5EtC2GDClt29ZG6nvx27lU8PZY33Gjtwnh_tzLRgGKJfz4w1ks/s1600/Christmas+052.JPG"> </a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQe-BNMZDl-GYjA8clSAPE37OMlT6MzFImuQoVB9R82wlqYpSX24hAzqC9wS-4gpDnn3hskTyDo7Q7y36kkDW6bdemiIzZkf86qeQp3OJlm1-mfb6oW5SgdAo52_Bvn_wJtDxRGYMghA/s1600/Christmas+2010+016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQe-BNMZDl-GYjA8clSAPE37OMlT6MzFImuQoVB9R82wlqYpSX24hAzqC9wS-4gpDnn3hskTyDo7Q7y36kkDW6bdemiIzZkf86qeQp3OJlm1-mfb6oW5SgdAo52_Bvn_wJtDxRGYMghA/s400/Christmas+2010+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558846215844530514" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ToXJNo1mBhiwpdbsruyCDiosf1AD7hCZasuO_pwlOovS5VJPlrPyLgY-x6OJuL4ytJ_kJE9b1GoWli1A6tqr61v6y5EtC2GDClt29ZG6nvx27lU8PZY33Gjtwnh_tzLRgGKJfz4w1ks/s1600/Christmas+052.JPG"><br /></a>Then I added on the mercury glass baubles, which are from Crate and Barrel (this year, $1.95 ea.) Then went on the glass teardrops, also from Crate and Barrel (box of 20 for... $6?), which you can see best in the next picture. (They're the shimmery things hanging about an inch below the stick.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjnufsuR25hiBb7JO50T2XY_inpFFe41BQ7IJMCsO65_aiDv_ZbJmsgn7eVSZp7tRPMkk0vU6mTetR0j75zPf7QrkkzM2sT0twhBsbYMg8mj8IKfUM4MU3Ic_D4P3Kivdjb5uJ1R6Z9U/s1600/Christmas+042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjnufsuR25hiBb7JO50T2XY_inpFFe41BQ7IJMCsO65_aiDv_ZbJmsgn7eVSZp7tRPMkk0vU6mTetR0j75zPf7QrkkzM2sT0twhBsbYMg8mj8IKfUM4MU3Ic_D4P3Kivdjb5uJ1R6Z9U/s400/Christmas+042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558847286440875842" border="0" /></a>At that point I though the whole thing needed some white. I briefly considered taking the whole thing down and dusting it with white spray paint, but I thought there was too much chance of that going horribly wrong! So instead I used some of this mini pom pom trim I found at Walmart and wound it around. (I left a bit whirling down to look like snow falling!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ToXJNo1mBhiwpdbsruyCDiosf1AD7hCZasuO_pwlOovS5VJPlrPyLgY-x6OJuL4ytJ_kJE9b1GoWli1A6tqr61v6y5EtC2GDClt29ZG6nvx27lU8PZY33Gjtwnh_tzLRgGKJfz4w1ks/s1600/Christmas+052.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ToXJNo1mBhiwpdbsruyCDiosf1AD7hCZasuO_pwlOovS5VJPlrPyLgY-x6OJuL4ytJ_kJE9b1GoWli1A6tqr61v6y5EtC2GDClt29ZG6nvx27lU8PZY33Gjtwnh_tzLRgGKJfz4w1ks/s400/Christmas+052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558847280536509954" border="0" /></a>A single pink satin ribbon tied on the end brought in my other seasonal accent color, and made sure the pearls didn't run away in the middle of dinner!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pRL7AECc5ojH__XRM4GQfBdZR87tiMHjrImkg9DxW0y1WuycNcLQqKOveDpyZXtzQRs3JVnfBigEQ-wqYuUAUoXJuIiDUnRKTcZK9z5poXTrY6rwONmdNJpm2YDQt5oFpsXFGWci8GI/s1600/Photo0710.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIdbhSc-NWjR5PNaU8kjjKOM92iYUqLs7uThqzwL2EmuqFyHw3HOUXpnY_ltv8REhcmkeHCIooglcYzDFFdbYWQFukkY9tBtSwGVuI2SyuppjzfrwxjHpPqxUtdMBzcTEDyUYW_8ThxE/s1600/Christmas+025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIdbhSc-NWjR5PNaU8kjjKOM92iYUqLs7uThqzwL2EmuqFyHw3HOUXpnY_ltv8REhcmkeHCIooglcYzDFFdbYWQFukkY9tBtSwGVuI2SyuppjzfrwxjHpPqxUtdMBzcTEDyUYW_8ThxE/s400/Christmas+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558848427634450018" border="0" /></a>And that's how it looks in context! I love it, though I wish it was easier to take a chandelier down temporarily, because my light fixture really gets in the way!<br /><br />Although, as a little aside, I will confess to you my friends that I really want a new light fixture in there. I really want <span style="font-style: italic;">this </span>light fixture:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsX3caTqbxlnto0t0FglzeDmDTOyHFbKZ3xuozaSpKIsNfnMLn2jwwfmfsS0bwdWsGnsvkDNkAszRfIy2_uEIMKnjMdBnskqpKNr373Wv_wyC9g8flOQ5ha7naedwQIg2FoZ24Z2AFqc/s1600/coastal+living.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsX3caTqbxlnto0t0FglzeDmDTOyHFbKZ3xuozaSpKIsNfnMLn2jwwfmfsS0bwdWsGnsvkDNkAszRfIy2_uEIMKnjMdBnskqpKNr373Wv_wyC9g8flOQ5ha7naedwQIg2FoZ24Z2AFqc/s400/coastal+living.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558913478226097090" border="0" /></a> Coastal Living<br /></div>But as the only versions I've found round $1000.00 (ZGallerie had one for around $500, but I missed that boat- oh, HA! I love accidental puns!) I don't think that will be happening anytime soon.... but wouldn't it be fun?Madame Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622562244965962203noreply@blogger.com1