tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90164814610817166602024-03-13T04:47:24.695+00:00Symbiotic LifeBlogging about my journey through life.SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-80697109997129298972014-01-27T16:13:00.000+00:002014-01-27T16:20:46.608+00:00Janurary's Used <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">......A.K.A To Love or Not to Love L'Occitane? </span></span></span></span></span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-i_OS8Q0q0/UuZz_WjyqpI/AAAAAAAAL9w/0pfbU45dtSY/s1600/l%2527occitane+junk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-i_OS8Q0q0/UuZz_WjyqpI/AAAAAAAAL9w/0pfbU45dtSY/s1600/l%2527occitane+junk.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> {<span style="font-family: inherit;">Starting from far back upper left corner: L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Daily Use Shampoo, L'Occitane Precious Cleansing foam, L'Occitane Bonne </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mère Creamy Honey Hand Wash, </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">L'Occitane Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp, L'Occitane Divine Cream, L'Occitane Repairing Mask; </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>image source: me}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This bizarre hodge podge assortment of stuff from L'Occitane has come from my crazy obsessive compulsive behaviour. It all started with a bit of dry skin</span> </span>from this crazy winter weather we've been having. I hunted down some of the top recommended moisturisers out there and this is where I started.</div>
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<a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/divine-cream,83,1,29959,320140.htm" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/divine-cream,83,1,29959,320140.htm" target="_blank">L'Occitane Divine Cream</a></div>
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If you can get over the heart attack inducing sticker shock, the cream's quite nice. It's light, seems to be saving my winter ravished skin, and doesn't seem to be breaking me out despite it's near velvety texture. On a plus note, I predict this cream will last me many months. Is it worth the hefty price? I'm going to go with "Maybe". Helpful, right? Here's my reasoning. The price is heavy but I have more confidence that what I'm putting on my skin, isn't as toxic as some other products. Plus, it's so nourishing. I can get away with using very little and my skin feels nicely hydrated. I figure that defuses the cost a fair bit. If I'm honest though, I can see this lasting me so long that the novelty will wear off and I will want to try some other new luxury item to pamper myself with. I don't do a lot to pamper myself so I figure I can get away with having a nice moisturiser.</div>
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<a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/citrus-verbena-daily-use-shampoo,83,1,30017,270233.htm" target="_blank">L'Occitane's Citrus Verbena Daily Use Shampoo</a></div>
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I really like this shampoo. This is probably a keeper for me. Well, unless I find something else to tempt me away. My hair truly feels soft and shiny after using this. </div>
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<a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/precious-cleansing-foam,83,1,29957,270004.htm" target="_blank">L'Occitane's Precious Cleansing Foam</a> </div>
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My skin feels really clean after using this product. That's a bonus but I have to say this one is kind of a miss for me. While my skin feels really clean, it gets a bit dry and tight as well. Not really what I'm looking for in winter. Perhaps this is something I'd go back to in a really hot summer and I found myself getting on the oily side of things. As far as a year round cleanser, I'd have to say I'd pass. </div>
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<a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/bonne-m%C3%A8re-creamy-honey-hand-wash,83,1,39670,292296.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">L'Occitane Bonne </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mère Creamy Honey Hand Wash</span></span></a></div>
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This is another product that falls into the "Maybe" pile for me. I don't hate it or love it. The price is off-putting unless it's on sale. I don't notice that it does anything particularly spectacular for my hands but it doesn't seem to trash them either. I have fairly sensitive skin and a poor quality soap will make my cuticles completely dry up and fall apart. So I guess I have to give this one kudo's for that. </div>
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<a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/anti-dandruff-shampoo-for-sensitive-scalp,83,1,30017,270699.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/anti-dandruff-shampoo-for-sensitive-scalp,83,1,30017,270699.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">L'Occitane Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We're back to that embarrassing dry skin thing again. Every now and then in this wicked winter wonderland, I'm finding my scalp gets a bit dry. This shampoo is NOT the solution. If anything, I find this shampoo makes it worse. Big bummer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/repairing-mask--new-formula,83,1,30019,270708.htm" target="_blank">L'Occitane Repairing Mask</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is another "No" for me. It's just not worth the money. I have to work very hard not to put too much of this in my hair. The slightest miscalculation and I can't get it out. Then my hair won't dry. It just ends up looking like a stringy gross mess. And I have slightly curly coarse hair that needs an extra bit of moisture so that's an impressive feat for a mask to swing. If I manage to estimate just the right amount so that my hair doesn't look stringy, I don't notice any improvement in it's texture or appearance. If you have a hair repair mask you love, give me a shout! I'm going to force my way through this one and keep looking for a better answer. </span></div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-38436985095692157542013-11-13T13:42:00.000+00:002013-11-13T13:42:17.461+00:00Because It's Important<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a post with a serious subject. I won't judge anyone for bailing on this post if you don't follow me for serious subject matter. Fair enough and all that. Ready for the heavy stuff? Then let's take the jump together...</div>
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There are a handful of topics that I hold near and dear to my heart due to personal experience. It would be nice if life hadn't handed me these particular experiences but it did. I've found the best way forward for myself is to accept them, learn from them, and do what I can to help others when dealing with them. <br />
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Once upon a time, I wrote an article about <a href="http://rachelssymbioticlife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/silent-almost-year.html" target="_blank">abuse</a>. It's a serious matter that affects people indiscriminately. Abuse comes in many shapes, shades and forms. No one is given a "get out-of-jail-free" card because of their gender, race, or age. In fact, any and all of those factors are used as justifications by abusers. <br />
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Sexual abuse and rape are two pieces of the abuse puzzle I'm touching on today. <a href="http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.79.1.27" target="_blank">Studies</a> have been done showing a correlation of resistance reducing the probability of sexual contact or rape. Resistance can take many forms, from verbal through the physical. However, to my limited knowledge, no studies have been done about the correlation of resistance to sexual assault and personal injury.<br />
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I want to discuss this topic today because a new product line for women has come across my radar. <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ar-wear-confidence-protection-that-can-be-worn" target="_blank">AR Wear - Confidence & Protection That Can Be Worn. </a>They're trying to gain funding for development and I think it's important to contribute if we can. I'm aware there are a lot of controversial responses to the garment. I'd like to ask those who feel strongly one way or another to please remember to be kind if leaving a comment. As hard as it is for me to publicly admit, I'd have liked to have had this garment because I believe it would've given me more of a fighting chance. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/74514464" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/74514464">ARWEAR</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user20520218">ARWEAR</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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I suppose I've felt compelled to speak about this product for two reasons. </div>
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Firstly, as I've already mentioned, any additional opportunity to thwart my attacker would have been something I wholeheartedly would have welcomed. I strongly support anyone taking necessary measures to empower and protect themselves from unwanted physical contact. Whether it's through a rape whistle, self-defence classes, self-defence tools (i.e. pepper spray where legal), and now protective clothing. </div>
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Secondly, I've been witnessing some exceptionally negative public backlash to this product. It seems an injustice to blame this garment, or any other means of people defending themselves, for unwanted sexual contact escalating into a more violent situation. I don't believe the inventors of this product line had anything but good intentions. Let's focus on being part of a proactive movement to protect ourselves and those we care about. </div>
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Helpful contacts in the UK and Dorset areas:</div>
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National DV helpline (24hr) </div>
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0808 2000247</div>
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Men’s Advice Line </div>
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(national helpline for male victims)</div>
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0808 8010327</div>
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Childline </div>
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0800 1111</div>
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Respect National Helpline</div>
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(for perpetrators)</div>
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0845 1228609</div>
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Broken Rainbow National </div>
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LGBT DV helpline</div>
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0300 9995428</div>
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Dorset ARC </div>
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(Sexual assault referal centre) </div>
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0845 5198638</div>
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Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre</div>
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01202 308855</div>
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Victim Support</div>
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0845 3899528</div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-16971820826500103682013-08-20T12:56:00.000+01:002013-08-20T12:56:59.816+01:00Because Summer Is For Road TripsSummers go by so fast for me. Keeping kids engaged and occupied is paramount. It can be exhausting because no matter how much energy I seem to have, they have more. Way.way.WAY.more. That's why I've begun strapping them in the car and hitting the roads. If there aren't pictures, there's no proof. So here they are...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0tPwlFM4-M/UhM_3gswEwI/AAAAAAAALQg/esl-_GUgroo/s1600/Old+Sarum+foundries+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0tPwlFM4-M/UhM_3gswEwI/AAAAAAAALQg/esl-_GUgroo/s640/Old+Sarum+foundries+WM.jpg" width="640" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/old-sarum/" target="_blank">Old Sarum</a> in <span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?client=firefox-a&hs=aiP&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=old+sarum+castle&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gaFFfEm5A-P088bvAuPcGn1KfBf7LZyl0jZHQRsA7ngr0ywAAAA"> Salisbury, Wiltshire</span></span></div>
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<span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?client=firefox-a&hs=aiP&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=old+sarum+castle&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gaFFfEm5A-P088bvAuPcGn1KfBf7LZyl0jZHQRsA7ngr0ywAAAA">There was all kinds of Celtic Warrior fun at Old Sarum. They're always throwing some sort of special event. The ones in summer seem to be particularly kid friendly. There was leather making, battle tactics, and obvs no event is complete without a little face painting.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryXBp5q0LQ8/UhNDOgYF7wI/AAAAAAAALQ0/8tfdHe__990/s1600/celtic+face+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryXBp5q0LQ8/UhNDOgYF7wI/AAAAAAAALQ0/8tfdHe__990/s320/celtic+face+paint.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gi17FBUWAYo/UhNCENmOqeI/AAAAAAAALQs/BCXGLHxNErU/s1600/Celtic+face+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gi17FBUWAYo/UhNCENmOqeI/AAAAAAAALQs/BCXGLHxNErU/s320/Celtic+face+painting.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?client=firefox-a&hs=aiP&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=old+sarum+castle&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gaFFfEm5A-P088bvAuPcGn1KfBf7LZyl0jZHQRsA7ngr0ywAAAA">It's amazing how far down the road a bag of <strike>junk food</strike> snacks, can get a large family. Cue Cornwall:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-qGCq_8zJM/UhNH-U79vZI/AAAAAAAALRE/mJHyvP1TChU/s1600/hells+mouth+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-qGCq_8zJM/UhNH-U79vZI/AAAAAAAALRE/mJHyvP1TChU/s640/hells+mouth+WM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?client=firefox-a&hs=aiP&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=old+sarum+castle&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gaFFfEm5A-P088bvAuPcGn1KfBf7LZyl0jZHQRsA7ngr0ywAAAA"> <a href="http://www.visiting-cornwall.co.uk/Beaches/HellsMouth.html" target="_blank">Hell's Mouth</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw2_NRiepfI/UhNMXSIU9cI/AAAAAAAALRQ/FiqJPXeVPds/s1600/Cannon+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw2_NRiepfI/UhNMXSIU9cI/AAAAAAAALRQ/FiqJPXeVPds/s640/Cannon+WM.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/pendennis-castle/" target="_blank">Pendennis Castle</a> in Falmouth, Cornwall</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ob1bpSqSkM/UhNO11u4ahI/AAAAAAAALRc/v3zY-UswBM4/s1600/walking+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ob1bpSqSkM/UhNO11u4ahI/AAAAAAAALRc/v3zY-UswBM4/s640/walking+WM.jpg" width="640" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/" target="_blank">St. Michael's Mount</a> </div>
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My apologies to the unwitting victims that landed in my photos below. It's no easy task to photograph this place. The Minack Theatre is just too amazing not to share though. </div>
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The approach to the theatre.</div>
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The seating terraced out of the cliff face.</div>
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The beach below the theatre.</div>
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The Minack is a must see if you're in the Cornwall area. Pictures and words can't do it justice. And finally:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLcQMMhAQis/UhNYUubgEpI/AAAAAAAALSM/wdYyrvctAlc/s1600/mKidsWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLcQMMhAQis/UhNYUubgEpI/AAAAAAAALSM/wdYyrvctAlc/s640/mKidsWM.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Mission accomplished. </div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-31443264036263525522013-08-04T22:02:00.000+01:002013-08-04T22:02:12.943+01:00Not A Real Blog Post...Just A Bunch Of The Random<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok so there are a ton of things that I appreciate in the world but then there's the crazy. Just flat out crazy. And I feel compelled to share all the crazy, both the real and the stuff that's just in my head, with all of you. Aren't you thrilled?<br />
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I have been having some amazing dreams. AMAZING I tell ya'. I hate talking about dreams. What's more, I hate listening to other people's dreams. They're often just weird, nonsensical and often disturbing jibber. And yet these were awesome for me. Two nights ago, I had a dream that I was Audrey Hepburn, being asked to wear a Prada original to my latest movie premiere. Not bad right? I mean I can see how it'd be bad if I was some sort of homophobic, extreme-introverted, male jock in real life. But I'm not. I'm a woman who loves fashion, vintage, and has a love for the Arts. That was great.<br />
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And then today while I was napping, (Yeah, my life is hard. I know.) I dreamt I was in a competition to be an assistant stylist that works with <a href="http://www.garancedore.fr/en" target="_blank">Garance Doré. </a>The unfortunate part, was that I was trying to put together my entry for submission, while staying at a ski lodge as part of a security detail for a vampire couple who I was somehow related to. My current duty was to dog sit but someone at the lodge kept trying to set the place on fire. Yeah. See what I mean? Weird, nonsensical and even a bit disturbing. I was actually bummed when I woke up and discovered the stylist competition wasn't real. I blame the Vampire bit on a series I just finished called "Elemental Mysteries".<br />
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For my readers, I recommend a pass on this one. That's why I'm not going to even include a link to the series. I don't like to dash people's bubbles and I won't provide any spoilers in case any of you do decide to venture into them. I will however be honest and say, I literally felt myself get dumber from reading them. I was sucked in by 100's of 5 star reviews. The readers had to have been on crack. There's no other explanation. I only finished the series because I'm neurotic enough that I HAD to see what happened to the bad guy in the end. I can be big enough to at least say, "thank you" to the author for touching on enough subjects that I know nothing about, to light my intellectual curiosity. I have to redeem myself somehow. I have to learn something to compensate for the brain cells the series killed off. <br />
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Remember the real-life cray cray I mentioned? This isn't the actual text convo I had with my husband but it's the general gist:<br />
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Me: "I was just at the Farmers market stall, picking out items from the stall. An old couple just about attacked me over a chicken."<br />
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Him: "What? Why?"<br />
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Me: "I don't know. They weren't near it. They were standing back from the stall talking to each other when I approached. I couldn't understand a word they were saying but then there was spitting and hands flailing in my direction."<br />
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Him: "What did you do?"<br />
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Me: "I made devil horns with my fingers and stuck my tongue out at them. What do you think I did? I smiled at them, rolled my eyes at the cashier when I turned my back on them, bought my chicken and ran."<br />
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Him: "Oh. Well, at least you're away from them now right?" <br />
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Me: "True. But now, there's a flock of shoplifters being chased around me by a security guard."<br />
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Him: "Where the hell are you?!"<br />
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Me: "The grocery store. I have no idea what's going on. I just want to get my groceries and go home now."<br />
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And ladies and gentlemen, that's just the tip of the iceberg. It's a crazy world out there. Please tell me I'm not the only person this stuff happens to. SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-10682029568316992992013-07-06T15:06:00.000+01:002013-07-06T15:06:24.056+01:00Leaning In With Imaginary Conversations And Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2cx8ATScLA/Udcny7qa30I/AAAAAAAAKlU/IRjIg4eDo80/s1600/20130705_154449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2cx8ATScLA/Udcny7qa30I/AAAAAAAAKlU/IRjIg4eDo80/s400/20130705_154449.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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This is going to be the most far ranging blog post I think I've ever done.<br />
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It's time I come clean. I have imaginary conversations with you guys all the time. There. I said it. And I'm not ashamed. I love talking with you guys. I need to work on sitting down, telling the rest of my world to go take a hike, and letting myself chat with you guys. I often feel guilty for doing this instead of taking care of the 9 billion other things that I'm supposed to do on a daily basis. I hope you guys forgive my long silences and that you know how much I appreciate you. A mother's guilt. It never rests eh?<br />
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About a month ago, I was going through an incredibly painful massage therapy session when something suddenly clicked. Luckily, it was just in my head and not something in my body. If I concentrated on that screamingly painful muscle the therapist was <strike>pummeling</strike> massaging, and asked it to "lean in" to the direction she was rubbing, it didn't hurt as much. In fact, it actually felt good. It was such a bizarre concept to me. I've noticed whenever I find myself in pain, I brace myself against it somehow. I even do it when the pain I'm experiencing is mental. My shoulders move up towards my ears, my neck, upper back, and even my stomach get tense when I'm nervous, stressed, unhappy, or angry. Reminding myself to breath deeply through my abdomen, and consciously relaxing tense muscles, can be tough but it's worth the effort. I end up feeling a lot more human and a lot less manic. This is going to be my new way of leaning in; even when it's tough. <br />
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And then I realized, there were other things I should probably be trying to lean into. Life is short. I can't worry about the million and a half insecurities that flash through my mind daily. It's paralyzing. That's not the example I want to set for my kids. One of those insecurities has been body image. It's something I've struggled with my whole life to the point that I've not even worn super short/cap/sleeveless tops in at least a decade. Guess what. That's changed. I'm leaning in to it and I'm happier for it. It's all about the baby steps people. <br />
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To top it all off, every time I turn around, I'm running into the phrase "Lean In". From <a href="http://www.upworthy.com/" target="_blank">UpWorthy</a> videos, which led me to a fabulous <a href="http://leanin.org/" target="_blank">website for women</a>, to the <a href="http://thebloggess.com/2013/06/lean-in/" target="_blank">Bloggess</a>. I take that as a sign that I'm on a good track. I promise, I'm leaning in.<br />
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Food has always played a large role in my life but I've found myself really uninspired lately. That lack of inspiration has lent itself really well to ordering take-out and ready made meals. I'm not proud. As a way to shake off my food-lethargy, I started dusting off cookbooks and watching new cooking shows. My most recent favorite discovery has been <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/programmes/b011298x" target="_blank">Two Greedy Italians</a>. Their recipe for pizza crusts is da' bomb!<br />
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500g strong plain flour, plus extra for dusting<br />
10g salt<br />
10g fresh yeast<br />
325ml lukewarm water<br />
a few dried breadcrumbs for sprinkling<br />
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Makes 2 large pizzas <br />
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Preheat the oven to 250°C/Gas 9. Put the flour and salt in a large bowl.
Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water and gradually add to the
flour, mixing well until you obtain a dough. If you find the dough too
sticky, just add a little more flour. Shape the dough into a ball and
leave to rest, covered with a cloth, for 5 minutes. Knead the dough for
8–10 minutes and split it in half. Knead each of the pieces for a couple
of minutes and shape into balls. Sprinkle some flour on a clean kitchen
cloth and place the dough on it, then cover with a slightly damp
cloth. Leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.<br />
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Sprinkle some flour on a clean work surface and spread the dough into a
circle about 35–40cm in diameter, making it as thin as a pancake (being
careful not to tear it), with the border slightly thicker. Repeat with
the other dough ball. Sprinkle a few breadcrumbs on two large baking
trays and place the pizza bases on them. <br />
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I topped these wonderful crusts with Crème fraîche, salt, pepper, grated Gruyère, sliced onions, sliced bell peppers, black olives, artichoke hearts, grated mozzarella, and fresh oregano. Any of your favorite flavor combinations are bound to be a hit on these crusts. Place the pizza's in the oven for roughly 7 minutes or until the crusts reach your desired crispiness.<br />
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So we've talked about the feeding the mind and body, now it's time to work it out. I've been trying to work myself into the 10,000 steps-a-day challenge. The claimed benefits include:<br />
<ul>
<li>it's low-impact, safe, simple and free</li>
<li>improves cardiovascular fitness (lowers blood pressure, cuts cholesterol) </li>
<li>burns kilojoules, helping you lose weight </li>
<li>is great for your mental health </li>
<li>prepares you for other sports and exercise </li>
<li>strengthens your back muscles and bones </li>
<li>slims your waist and shapes your legs </li>
<li>reduces risk of diabetes and colon cancer </li>
<li>provides opportunities to be with friends and family and pets<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*</span> </li>
</ul>
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Obviously I want to live forever, like a vampire, but without all the blood sucking stuff. If walking 10,000 steps a day is a good way to get me closer to that, then I'm all in. The best reward/incentive is to ultimately find a version of and fit into this outfit:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv0C-Ia_5DQ/Udgevf5m-PI/AAAAAAAAKlk/PHqp_2YxRr0/s1600/olivia-palermo-paris-couture-week-street-style-h724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv0C-Ia_5DQ/Udgevf5m-PI/AAAAAAAAKlk/PHqp_2YxRr0/s640/olivia-palermo-paris-couture-week-street-style-h724.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Olivia Palermo {image source: Getty Images via <a href="http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2013/07/olivia-palermos-impossibly-chi.html" target="_blank">Glamour.com</a>}</div>
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I've looked long and steady for a similar version to this shirt. If anyone's got any tips I'd love to hear them. So far, <a href="http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=JOIE-WS858&c=&referrerURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolveclothing.com%2FBrands.jsp%3Fsearch%3Danimal%2Bprint%26page%3D2" target="_blank">this</a> is the closest I've come. A bit too rich for my blood and not true enough to Olivia's version. Instead, I've found and fallen in love with something that's not even close:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZovd7LGRUM/Udgg6Z5mzoI/AAAAAAAAKl0/tQVV-vRkMyI/s1600/michael+kors+striped+tie-waist+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZovd7LGRUM/Udgg6Z5mzoI/AAAAAAAAKl0/tQVV-vRkMyI/s320/michael+kors+striped+tie-waist+dress.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-Striped-Tie-Waist-Dress/prod155590068_cat43810733__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat43810733%2526pageSize%253D120%2526No%253D120%2526refinements%253D4294965940%252C4294961291%252C&eItemId=prod155590068&cmCat=product" target="_blank">Michael Kors Striped Tie-waist dress</a>, Neiman Marcus, £90.31</div>
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Yeah, I know. I need help. Or a generous soul who loves giving people they don't know, fabulous clothes. Any takers? No? Ah well. Time to hit the pavement. Gotta get those 10,000 steps in for the day! How about you? Was this post, far ranging enough for you? Because obviously, all these things go so well together. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Info from <a href="http://liveto100.everybody.co.nz/physical-activity/10,000-steps-the-benefits-of-walking" target="_blank">Everybodyliveto100</a></span></div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-77637401388501715832013-06-12T15:02:00.000+01:002013-06-12T15:02:20.047+01:00Looking for Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDHhijrwBDI/Ubh7YqbI3EI/AAAAAAAAKRM/cGcxiq3Kwl0/s1600/over+with+auto+fix_contrast+fix+and+logo_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDHhijrwBDI/Ubh7YqbI3EI/AAAAAAAAKRM/cGcxiq3Kwl0/s640/over+with+auto+fix_contrast+fix+and+logo_edited-1.jpg" width="444" /> </a></div>
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I woke up this wet, gloomy morning from a nightmare. I've been a mom, a cleaner, a chef, and an office admin. None of that's done anything for my mood. It was definitely time for me to get down to doing something that brings me joy. </div>
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What brings you joy? </div>
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Mediums: watercolor, pen, photoshop</div>
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SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-60809728707650778502013-06-08T19:38:00.000+01:002013-06-08T19:38:50.677+01:00Just Hit Pause!<b>Hey there:</b> <br />
O.K. life, can we just agree to take a minute and breathe?? Things have been moving so fast and so continuously for me I'm not even sure which way is up anymore. I couldn't go another day without at least saying "Hi" to everyone. I miss you all too much.<br />
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<b>When my life thinks it's a movie: </b><br />
The other day, my husband and I were kid free. That doesn't happen very often so when it does, we like to run buck wild. I mean, if you consider viewing crazy old Cathedral's, art work, shopping, dining, and movies "buck wild" - then we. fit. the. bill. <b>Baby</b>! My husband and I have never been big fans of the "Fast and the Furious" franchise but the surprisingly high ratings suckered us in for this latest one. On the way to this magical movie going, we stopped at a red traffic light. You know. Like you're supposed to. As the light turned green it was like a fellow driver, <i>knew</i> we were going to see "Fast and the Furious 6", and they wanted to give us a taster. Someone driving a 1970 Barracuda tore out from the intersection and disappeared from sight in about 3 seconds. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKlW6eMJXa4/UbIh-ZZAlII/AAAAAAAAKP4/BZwmZTiXAuU/s1600/1970-Plymouth-Barracuda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKlW6eMJXa4/UbIh-ZZAlII/AAAAAAAAKP4/BZwmZTiXAuU/s320/1970-Plymouth-Barracuda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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image src: Autoblog.com</div>
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Dear driver, I know it's a bitter disappointment but I feel obligated to point out, <i>you aren't really Vin Diesel.</i> And even if you were Vin Diesel, you would <i>still</i> need to obey the speed limit. I'm just sayin'.<br />
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After the movie, (which we found fairly entertaining and you should totes go see if you don't mind some tongue in cheek action flick silliness), we found ourselves first hand witnesses to a slow-mo car chase between a civilian and a police officer. Neither were going more than 30 miles per hour, but neither were giving up. Because that's how we role here in the U.K. yo.<br />
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<b>Because that's just too hostile:</b><br />
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To follow up our surreal movie going experience over the weekend and entertain the kids, we decided to do something all parent-y. We took the kids to Stonehenge. I managed to get some great photos while we were there. Our exodus took us through the gift shop of course. And lo', I found myself in a face off with a determined 7 year old who desperately wanted his, "very own bestest Stonehenge t-shirt ever! Pleeaaase!? Please, mom? Pretty pleaaaassee?" <b></b>And that's when I was struck with the inspiration to use my photos for a higher purpose. I'm going to <i>make</i> him his own personalized Stonehenge t-shirt. The first idea I had was shot down by my husband.<br />
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<a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/the_slaughter_stone_t_shirts-235204932681894797?rf=238605050882842365"> <img alt="The Slaughter Stone T-shirts" src="http://rlv.zcache.co.uk/the_slaughter_stone_t_shirts-r91194eb4da0c4368b5fe63f5eff5fb5f_8nhm5_325.jpg?bg=0xffffff" style="border: 0;" /> </a> <br />
<a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/the_slaughter_stone_t_shirts-235204932681894797?rf=238605050882842365">The Slaughter Stone T-shirts</a> by <a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/rachelssymbioticlife*">RachelsSymbioticLife</a> <br />
More <a href="http://www.zazzle.co.uk/stonehenge+tshirts?rf=238605050882842365">Stonehenge T-Shirts</a> </div>
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So now I need to work on a more kid appropriate shirt. It has to be a design the little old man, who is trapped in my 7 year old's body, will think is cool. I'll keep you posted.<br />
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<b>Don't be afraid:</b><br />
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And last but not least, I wrestled once more with my fear of baking any kind of pastry. The mythical powers of pastry have long intimidated me. My whole life it's been drummed into me just "how <i>hard</i>" working with pastry is. I've finally made the leap of faith, into the pastry breach. I've started using pre-made shortcrust or puff pastry goods in my baking. Yes. Even those have intimidated me. What?! Yes! I'm that big of a baking wimp. What of it?? <br />
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It might not be pretty but it's all mine and it's super tasty. I was so surprised at how easy this<a href="http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/2154/mum-s-rhubarb-tart.aspx" target="_blank"> recipe for a rhubarb tart</a> was. I made a few modifications of my own, like a teaspoon of cinnamon and vanilla bean paste drizzled over the rhubarb mixture. It was so easy. I thoroughly recommend it for any newbie trying to tackle pastry. You're welcome!SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-73662010508576841512013-05-03T21:37:00.003+01:002013-05-03T21:37:52.325+01:00If Only I Were That CleverI have wracked my brain trying to come up with a clever title for this post. Something that rolls off the tongue and inspires people to grab the day with both hands, with joy in their heart, and a smile on their face. However, I'm just not that clever. I can't for the life of me figure out a word that rhymes with "Mallorca" or "Tourist destination specifically designed to make me wet myself in awe, wonder, and terror." Anyone got any catchy titles for either of those? If you do, hit me up. I'll totes give you credit. <br />
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Remember when we talked about how badly my family <a href="http://rachelssymbioticlife.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/they-love-to-share.html" target="_blank">needed a vacation</a>? Well, it totally happened. <br />
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Hello Mallorca, Spain. You're so pretty. Pretty, warm and sunny. You have nice wonderful roads that remind me of being back in the States. Their smooth pothole free surfaces were such a joy to travel on. (Yeah, I'm looking at you England. You know what I'm talking about. I'm half tempted to go outside and take a picture of my street's surface just so my readers can understand, but I'll save both of us the embarrassment.) Yes, Mallorca. Your sexy, smooth, wide, right-hand driving roads lulled me into a blissful state of complacency. Your tourist sites tantalized us with fabulously crafted advertisements about once in a life-time views. And when we got our exploring hats on, you went and did this to us.<br />
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Stunning view, isn't it? Yeah, I thought so too.<br />
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I mean, I wasn't so thrilled about the crazy sheer drop on the other side of that AMAZINGLY thin metal guard rail, that sat beyond the non-existent shoulder, but that view was absolutely breath taking. Positive mental attitude, right? Exploring adventure powers activate! Enjoy! Hoo-yah! (Is it normal to have to give yourself a pep-talk on vacation? Oooh, I'm sure everything'll be fine.)<br />
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And sure, there were an INSANE number of cyclists on this road and the person who designed this road seemed flat out <i>obsessed </i>with blind corners and switch backs. But, those cyclists were tons of fun to try and navigate around. Nooo, that is <b>not</b> sarcasm in my voice. I live for the times I'm a passenger in a car ride that makes me feel like I'm in a live version of Mario-Kart. And is it my imagination or did the road just shrink? I mean, can our car even fit in our lane anymore? No? Huh. Hahahahahaha. Oh no. I can't stop the nervous laughter. Hehehehehehehe...<br />
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How are these tiny little rock wall things on the side of the road supposed to stop us from falling to our deaths? How?! I mean, I'm glad they're there because sometimes they're not and that's just so scary but - Ooooo pretty water. Did the road somehow just get even narrower?? Why are we doing this again? Oh right! We're trying to get here:<br />
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Cap De Formenta</div>
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You'll have to excuse the composition of the photos. To be perfectly, embarrassingly honest, I was having a hard time looking out the window let alone through the viewfinder of the camera. But then, I made myself take a deep breath, pull on my big girl pants, and take a proper photo. </div>
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me:<i> "For my readers!"</i></div>
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My 16 year old daughter: <i>"Seriously Mom, I don't think my ass can pucker any tighter than it is right now."</i></div>
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My 7 year old son: <i>"I think we're going to die here. Well, if we gotta go, at least we're doing something cool."</i></div>
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Me: <i>"Is it just me or is the road managing to get narrower every time I blink?"</i></div>
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My husband: <i>"I 'm seriously starting to think I want to turn around now." </i></div>
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Me: <i>"Yeah? That's cool. Sure. I think our car is longer than the road is wide. I'm not sure we CAN turn around."</i></div>
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My 5 year old son: <i>"Hahahaaha! Goats! Look everybody! There are goats out there!"</i></div>
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And now we know who designed the roads. </div>
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Eventually, we made it to the top.</div>
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I promise, even the 16 year old made it. She's the one holding the camera. It has occurred to me though, that if you're in a place that it's natural for goats to hang out, you probably aren't meant to be there. Thankfully, there was a cafe at the top that allowed us to recoup, make some last minute additions to our wills, and reflect on our loved ones whom we might never see again. I think we had some stuff to eat and drink, but that part's a blur. I assume I was in shock at this point. You see, I knew we had to get back down that same road. That same, terrifying road, with it's crazy sheer drops with sections of missing guardrails. Like this one:</div>
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I didn't even know what I was taking a picture of really. By this time, I was just holding up the camera, aiming it at the window, and clicking while I stared at my wonderful husbands face. I just couldn't handle looking out when there was no guardrail.</div>
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This is the perfect example of one of the switchbacks. Those cars on the side of the road? They're not coming up. They're parked. What's left of the room on the road is supposed to be two lanes of opposing traffic. Fun times.</div>
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There are no two ways about it, the people who live here are tough. "Balls of steel" if you will. I loved our visit though even if it left me with some PTSD and enough new white hair that I'm considering dying it from now on. We got to see some brilliant stuff, learn a lot, and bask in the sun in some gorgeous scenery. What more can you ask for on a vacation?</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos are property of me<span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span>I'm <span style="font-size: x-small;">a pretty good sharer so if you need them, just ask<span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span style="font-size: x-small;">or at least</span> give credit. </span></span></span></i></div>
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SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-90024089510670757212013-04-02T23:19:00.000+01:002013-04-02T23:19:31.680+01:00They Love to ShareThe year so far has been full of all kinds of surprises. But, not the "Lions, and Tigers, and Bears! Oh my!" kind of surprises, where I get fun trips to magical lands with loveable, talking creatures and I get to wear pretty ruby slippers and squash wicked witches by landing my house on them. No. These surprises are much grosser. I think somewhere, some supernatural force decided that my husband and I, haven't seen enough bodily fluids in our lives. My kids can't seem to go more than two weeks without catching a new bug that makes them produce the vilest forms of ick, from any and every orifice they have in their body. And you know my kids. Being the generous loving souls that they are, they would never dream of keeping it to themselves. Because, that would just be selfish. Right?<br />
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My holidays so far have included having the flu on Valentines, chased by a fecal impaction for a child, a husband in South Africa for Mothering Sunday, with a side of snow, a bad chest cold and two bouts of stomach flu for Easter break. <br />
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Needless to say, it's been a blast. And now, I feel like running away. So do the kids. So we are! We hunted down a budget flight to somewhere sunnier and warmer than here and were gettin' the heck out of dodge people. Personally, I blame Pinterest. Maybe Pinterest is evil. It is so.totes.addictive and I clearly will never earn enough money to visit all the places it tempts me with on a daily basis. See?<br />
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And this is just a small taste! Gaaaaaaah! And what's worse? It's made me want to get "vacation clothes".....Cuz that's a thing isn't it? No? Anyway's, that means I end up finding cute comfy outfits I want to add to my wardrobe to take with me on my trip. </div>
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This isn't a sponsored post in any shape or form. I think it's all the blues. It makes me think of beautiful tropical waters. </div>
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What would your perfect island vacation outfit be?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Clothing images sourced from Next.co.uk</span></div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-69419075255480534052013-03-06T15:53:00.000+00:002013-03-06T15:53:09.715+00:00A Woman's Worth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.30814571466201146" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maybe
it’s just me but sometimes life leaves me feeling like I’m on a super
long, scary, mostly out-of-control, roller coaster ride. It’s not the
ups and downs that get to me but the whack-a-doo gravity defying twists
that leave me feeling like I’m not 100% sure which way is up. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t
get me wrong. I’m not saying I walk around sporting the “ZOMG
EEEeeeeEEEEEeEeeee” roller coaster hair that can only be created with
cyclonic wind and extreme g-forces at play or vomit on my shoes.
(Alright, so maybe I walk around with the hairdo but I draw the line at
vomit shoes. Most of the time.) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What
I am saying, is that life often feels like I’m balancing spinning
plates on sticks while holding my breath, hoping and praying I don’t
drop one. While I’m pulling off this gravity defying act, someone
inevitably drops verbal bombs on me. Vicious barbed bands of steel made
from judgemental, backhanded, sometimes intentionally vindictive,
statements whip on my hidden vulnerabilities about my self-worth.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Do
men get a free pass on this? Some people would say they aren’t judged
as critically as women; that they’re given more freedom to speak their
minds, be assertive, and worry less about their appearance. I would have
to disagree with that. Men are often judged on their physical prowess
in sports or in bed, earning potential, and an increasing amount of
pressure in regards to their appearance as is shown in the rise of men
getting voluntary cosmetic procedures. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Being
judgemental might be something we can’t totally get away from. It might
be something hardwired in us like a survival skill. But perhaps it’s
time for us to make a conscious choice to grow beyond our hardwiring and
evolve; grow up. Maybe it’s time we all let go of judging each other as
much; open our hearts and minds to accept and appreciate people as they
are. Valuing each other is one of the most important lessons we can
learn for ourselves and our children. Let’s create a world where our
children don’t question their worth. Just think, with that kind of
freedom and happiness, I might be able to permanently avoid vomit shoes
and tame the crazy hair. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-2653249921978522822013-02-21T16:50:00.001+00:002013-02-21T16:50:04.680+00:00Coming Out The Other Side So Let's Get Mushy<div style="text-align: center;">
As some of you guys may remember, my son has been struggling with a very serious health problem. While he's not out of the woods, he's definitely headed that way so I wanted to share that with all of you. I also wanted to tell you that your supportive comments meant so much to me. It might sound silly to some, but I was honestly in a very anxious, pull out my hair, flail my curled fist at inept or powerless medical professionals, place. </div>
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Hearing/Seeing words of reassurance, support, and kindness were much needed shots of comfort for me. I can just about guarantee that it gave me the grace not to yell as loudly at Doctors who didn't want to investigate my sons issue. </div>
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I'm not sure how to get Doctors to follow up and identify the cause so we can prevent future episodes. I'm nothing if not persistent and I will continue to push the subject with them. Being in a new country and unfamiliar with the NHS is definitely making all of this more challenging. If anyone has any tips, I'd love to hear them.</div>
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Thank you everyone!</div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-51926629416045247142013-02-17T10:49:00.001+00:002013-02-17T10:49:42.808+00:00One of Us is Bound to Have a Heart Attack at this Rate<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my son's is having a serious medical issue. There have been visits to A&E (the Emergency Room for my American readers), the family doctor from an appointment we arranged through an Urgent Care number, and a brief stint to the hospital. The quality of care has been ineffective to say the least and at points, seems to make things much worse. His pain levels have been through the roof and while I'm hugging him, trying to comfort him through one of these episodes, I can feel his little heart pounding and racing through it's staccatto beat at a speed I imagine could match a humming bird's wings. My head feels like it's about to split open at points and I know its from my blood pressure. Each time I explain my sons situation and they dismiss it, insisting that we stay their prescribed course, my head pounds harder and the nausea washes over me making me think that I might vomit all over someone at any minute. But I can't show any of that. My son needs me to be calm, soothing and comforting. </div>
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I couldn't be prouder of my son as he faces this so bravely and masters breathing techniques to manage the pain. I'm going to take a cue from him. I'm going work on my own mastery of those breathing techniques, be brave for him and battle through whatever medical professionals I need to in order to get him the help he needs. </div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-14508401162674691452013-02-13T11:38:00.001+00:002013-02-13T11:38:38.917+00:00Beet It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uouBRsJINTs/URt0n5JOEvI/AAAAAAAAJvU/2SzC5QrJ8-I/s1600/beet+root+juju.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uouBRsJINTs/URt0n5JOEvI/AAAAAAAAJvU/2SzC5QrJ8-I/s400/beet+root+juju.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Looks super appetizing doesn't it? No? It would surprise you how yummy it is. Current events in my household have caused me to get all mad scientisty. One of my kids is ridiculously constipated and I'm just about desperate to help them out. I cracked out my blender and started grabbing all kinds of goodness to help get things cranking for them.</div>
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Colon health is key for our overall health. If you or any of your kiddies are suffering from this unpleasant condition, hopefully this tasty recipe will provide some relief.</div>
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1 Cooked beet root</div>
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1/2 small avocado</div>
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2 cloves of garlic</div>
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1/4 - 1/2 inch thick slice of ginger </div>
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1 tbsp organic raw coconut oil</div>
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1 tbsp ground flax seed*</div>
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1 tbsp acacia fiber*</div>
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1/4 c prune juice</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1 tsp turmeric</div>
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1 tbsp marshmallow root</div>
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1 tbsp manuka honey</div>
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3 c lemonade*</div>
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Throw all the ingredients in the blender and blend till smooth. It should be fairly liquid, easy to drink, and tasty! This beverage is packed full of great nutrients, anti-aging goodies, and liver detoxifying bonuses. </div>
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Happy drinking everyone! </div>
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*I used<a href="http://www.linwoodshealthfoods.com/productdetails/24/milled_flaxseed_sunflower_pumpkin_and_sesame_seeds_and_goji_berries_425g.aspx" target="_blank"> Lindwoods Ground flaxseed</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acacia-Senegal-Tummy-Fibre-Organic/dp/B0002ON8DU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360755046&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Heather's Tummy Care Acacia Fiber</a>, <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=272592607" target="_blank">Cracker Still and Cloudy Lemonade</a></div>
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**This is not a paid advert. I wanted to mention certain products by name because I think they perform in very specific ways that I can rely on.</div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-55495666713047662672013-01-30T18:04:00.000+00:002013-01-30T18:04:27.159+00:00Fashion With A Fever<div style="text-align: center;">
I have the Flu. This is not a bad cold or severe allergies, but the truest of the true Flu. With that in mind, as I sit here burning up with a fever, I'm going share my latest fashion obsession with you. The denim shirt dress.<br />
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This obsession started because I tried one on and was surprised at how great it looked on my overly curvy figure. It was super disappointing to find the dress had a defect and they had no more in my size. While I've been bedridden and trying not to drown in the used tissues that surround me, I've been obsessively scouring the net to try and find another one just as awesome. Here's what I've found so far: </div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/free_people_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=70936990" target="_blank"><img alt="Free People dress" border="0" height="300" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/l/tid/70936990.jpg" title="Free People dress" width="300" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/free_people_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=70936990" target="_blank">Free People dress</a></small><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/star_raw_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=74208526" target="_blank"><img alt="G Star Raw dress" border="0" height="300" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/l/tid/74208526.jpg" title="G Star Raw dress" width="300" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/star_raw_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=74208526" target="_blank">G Star Raw dress</a></small><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/diesel_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=62428479" target="_blank"><img alt="Diesel dress" border="0" height="300" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/l/tid/62428479.jpg" title="Diesel dress" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/diesel_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=62428479" target="_blank">Diesel dress</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/for_all_mankind_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=71233299" target="_blank"><img alt="7 For All Mankind dress" border="0" height="300" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/l/tid/71233299.jpg" title="7 For All Mankind dress" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/for_all_mankind_dress/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=71233299" target="_blank">7 For All Mankind dress</a> </div>
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Let's talk about why I was so hesitant to try something like this in the first place. Once upon a time, there was some inane comment made, by a snarky individual in my life, about large women wearing a lot of denim. It wasn't a pleasant experience and it left it's mark on me. I want to say something profound here about societal pressures to conform, body image, self acceptance, and fashion but the flu fog has pretty much limited my abilities. So I'm going to sum it all up for myself with, if you like a denim shirt dress, find one in a style that fits your body, makes you feel good, and forget the rest. </div>
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SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-31477618000457732582013-01-19T16:52:00.001+00:002013-01-19T16:52:28.384+00:00Android Finding Miracle Worker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etN14eLiYo8/UPrK7LaIefI/AAAAAAAAJtM/Lt7FEPQmPss/s1600/plan+b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etN14eLiYo8/UPrK7LaIefI/AAAAAAAAJtM/Lt7FEPQmPss/s200/plan+b.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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My teenage daughter lost her ridiculously expensive new mobile phone in the snow. Yep. That just happened. The panic, the daughter in near tears, the resigned digging through insurance paper work in case we can't find it, what fun ways to spend a Saturday. Of course, in these times of desperate need, there's only one place I could think that might offer some help or guidance; the internet. </div>
<a name='more'></a>I found all kinds of lovely tools, apps and gizmos to install on our Android phones before they get lost, but only one that could help if your phone was already missing. Enter<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5sb29rb3V0LmxhYnMucGxhbmIiXQ.." target="_blank"> </a><i><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5sb29rb3V0LmxhYnMucGxhbmIiXQ.." target="_blank">plan b</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5sb29rb3V0LmxhYnMucGxhbmIiXQ.." target="_blank">Plan b</a> let me remotely install to her mobile phone through the Google account the phone was registered to. Once it was installed, it began sending me locating emails, giving us the coordinates of the phone with an accuracy within 10 ft/3m. Once we relied on the exact coordinates, we found the phone within moments. It was amazing. And now I'm my daughters favorite person on the planet. Makes digging through the snow totally worth it. </div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-22816822075451539842013-01-08T19:14:00.000+00:002013-01-08T19:14:10.789+00:00All Hail the Nails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IER9w_RpgBI/UOw_gczd-3I/AAAAAAAAJqc/DpXljGEC1PU/s1600/joan-blondell1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IER9w_RpgBI/UOw_gczd-3I/AAAAAAAAJqc/DpXljGEC1PU/s400/joan-blondell1.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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Meet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Blondell" target="_blank">Joan Blondell</a>, a 1930's actress on big and little screens, who sported the manicure all women wanted. The classic fire engine red is a look many of us wear even today. I've been on my own personal manicure kick lately and it made me wonder, where this whole nail polish idea came from.<br />
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So I did a little digging and it seems some people believe, once nail polish was developed it was used in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_polish" target="_blank">place of gloves</a> to hide the grime under peoples finger nails. I'll admit, for a minute that sucked some of the sexiness out of manicures for me. In the end, I just can't keep myself away though. Playing with nail polish is just so fun.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR6dT_lqXhg/UOxRq-Wg94I/AAAAAAAAJr0/EV8ske0KWVQ/s1600/IMAG0691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR6dT_lqXhg/UOxRq-Wg94I/AAAAAAAAJr0/EV8ske0KWVQ/s400/IMAG0691.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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After seeing so many amazing nail art pics on Pinterest, I couldn't help but be inspired to play with some of the polishes I currently have. Starry nights and flowery Degas inspired nail-scapes were my goal. I used two polishes I previously reviewed and still have in my arsenal, <a href="http://rachelssymbioticlife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/finger-painting-with-alice-in-wonderland.html" target="_blank">Nail Inc.'s Motcomb Steet Polish</a> and <a href="http://rachelssymbioticlife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/nail-tale.html" target="_blank">Rimmel London's Lycra Pro Professional Finish in Peppermint</a>. A Peppermint base coat with the Motcomb sponged on top was a quick and simple way to try something new.<br />
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What are all of you trying on your nails lately? Do you ever scope out Pinterest for nail inspiration?SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-16006829579035519432013-01-03T01:07:00.000+00:002013-01-03T09:39:56.688+00:00The Used<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEDc1IdLGZ8/UOR_1JUGCxI/AAAAAAAAJqE/AuZ7BeKawMs/s1600/beauty+used+in+progress_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEDc1IdLGZ8/UOR_1JUGCxI/AAAAAAAAJqE/AuZ7BeKawMs/s640/beauty+used+in+progress_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1.) Diorskin Nude,<a href="http://www.dior.com/beauty/gbr/en/make_up_and_cosmetics_by_christian_dior_lipstick_m/face/foundations/fluid-foundation/y0778900/py0778900-cfoundation.html" target="_blank"> Natural Glow Radiant Foundation</a>; 2.) Lush, <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/136/Dream-Cream-Hand-and-Body-Lotion" target="_blank">Dream Cream</a>; 3.) Lush,<a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/140/Eau-Roma-Toner-Water-250g" target="_blank"> Eau Roma Water</a>; 4.) Neal's Yard, Wildrose Hand Cream (sample); 5.) Neal's Yard, Rose Facial Polish (sample); 6.) Lush, <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/183/Grease-Lightning-Spot-Treatment" target="_blank">Grease Lightening</a>; 7.) Batiste, Dry Shampoo; 8.) Oilatum Junior Cream; 9.) Better You, <a href="http://www.betteryou.uk.com/Magnesium-Oil-Joint-Spray" target="_blank">Magnesium Oil Joint Spray</a>; 10.) Lush, <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/5914/LARGE-Fresh-Farmacy-Cleanser-500g" target="_blank">Fresh Farmacy Facial Cleanser</a>; 11.) Lush, <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/168/Full-of-Grace-Serum-Bar" target="_blank">Full of Grace</a>; 12.) Lush, <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/130/Dirty-Toothy-Tab" target="_blank">Dirty Toothy Tabs</a>; 13.) Lush, <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/306/Ocean-Salt-Facial-Scrub-100g" target="_blank">Ocean Salt</a>; 14.) Rimmel, <a href="http://uk.rimmellondon.com/products/nails/precious-stones" target="_blank">Precious Stones</a>; 15.) Rimmel, <a href="http://uk.rimmellondon.com/products/nails/60-seconds-nail-polish" target="_blank">60 Seconds</a></div>
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Everyone, please take this opportunity to turn to the nearest reader and hold hands. This might get a little bit confusing and we don't want to lose anyone along the way.<br />
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I often read the fabulous beauty blog over at <a href="http://cassykinsvstheworld.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cassykins Vs. The World</a>. She puts together wonderful product reviews each month called "The Used". Cassy told me she jacked the idea from Larie at <a href="http://eyeheartit.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eye Heart It</a>. Hopefully, that gives everyone their due credit for coming up with such a great idea because honestly, I got really excited coming across all these lovely new products and have been dying to share them with you.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #ffd966;">1.) </b><span style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: #ffd966;">Diorskin Nude</b><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">,</span></span><b style="background-color: #ffd966;"><a href="http://www.dior.com/beauty/gbr/en/make_up_and_cosmetics_by_christian_dior_lipstick_m/face/foundations/fluid-foundation/y0778900/py0778900-cfoundation.html" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"> Natural Glow Radiant Foundation</a>:</b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Emblematic of the range, this light, melting foundation has become a cult product. It provides a subtle velvet finish with just the right amount of correction, revealing the skin's texture and adding natural, shine-free radiance for a perfect natural glow.</span></span><br />
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The reality -<br />
Sounds about right to me! I fell in love with this stuff. I actually got to test it for the first time while in <a href="http://rachelssymbioticlife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-dash-to-dublin.html" target="_blank">Dublin International Airport</a>. I was in the duty free section (A.K.A. "heaven" for a beauty addict.), when I got to test it against Chanel's <a href="http://www.chanel.com/en_GB/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Foundations-PERFECTION-LUMI%C3%88RE-126509?sku=126521" target="_blank">PERFECTION LUMIÈRE</a>. Both were fabulous and created an incredible velvet finish. If money was no object, I would have happily walked away with both but since we're dealing in reality here and I'm not independently wealthy, I chose Diorskin Nude for my everyday look. It's light, weightless, and your skin truly does look like it's glowing. I liked that it looked just the tiniest bit more natural than the Chanel. If I wore more retro looks on a daily basis, I would've chosen the Chanel. It gave a slightly more matte finish.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #ffd966;">2.) <span style="text-align: center;"> Lush, </span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/136/Dream-Cream-Hand-and-Body-Lotion" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Dream Cream</a>:</b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">A soothing and cooling cream that is designed to go on even the most sensitive and easily upset skins.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
This is an amazing cream. It's light, soothing, non-greasy, and it leaves my skin feeling fantastic. For me, this is a great day time cream.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;">3.) <span style="text-align: center;"> Lush,</span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/140/Eau-Roma-Toner-Water-250g" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"> Eau Roma Water</a>:</b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">Can be used for removing traces of cleansers and face products – but can also be used at any time of the day as a quick facial refresher or to cool the face.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The reality - </span>
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I don't even know if I have the words. I'm addicted to this stuff. I love the smell. It really does leave my skin feeling cleaner, fresher, and softer than it does with just cleansers alone. My skin loves it.</div>
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;">4.) Neal's Yard, Wildrose Hand Cream:</b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">I can't locate the claims. This was a sample given to me when I asked for rose based products.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
This is a heavy cream and the smell is completely wondrous It truly smells like wildrose's and for that alone, you'll find me with my nose sticking in the container. This is a great cream for when you're going out into colder weather and need a little extra oomph to protect dry hands.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; text-align: center;"><b>5.) Neal's Yard, Rose Facial Polish:</b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">The claims - </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">Again, this was a sample from when I asked for rose based products. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The reality - </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">This is a great facial polish. My skin feels soft, smooth and yes, it smells fantastic. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="text-align: center;">6.) Lush, </span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/183/Grease-Lightning-Spot-Treatment" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Grease Lightening</a>:</b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">
Grease Lightning is a clever combination of natural ingredients that attack spots without taking it out on the rest of your skin.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
This gel is clear, light and non-sticky. I applied this to a spot and it definitely made a difference. Unfortunately, it's no miracle product but it's the best I've found so far. Definitely worth a try if you're in the market for a spot treatment.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;">7.)<a href="http://www.batistehair.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Batiste, Dry Shampoo</a></b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">
Batiste Dry Shampoo instantly refreshes your hair between washes, leaving it feeling gorgeously clean and fresh with added body and texture.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
Let's get serious for a minute. This stuff smells nice, it lets me skip a wash, it gives added body and texture, but my hair definitely does not feel gorgeously clean. It also makes my brunette hair look grey if I'm not careful in how I apply it. I think this is a great product because, well - I'm lazy, busy, and often pressed for time. It's still a winner for me despite it's claims not feeling like they're 100% on point.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: #f1c232;"> 8.) Oilatum Junior Cream</b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">The claims-</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">Specially developed for childrens and babies itchy dry skin conditions. It is effective, gentle on sensitive skin.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
I was skeptical about this stuff at first. My 7 year old caught a virus which triggered a severe eczema outbreak. I chose this cream to help treat it because eczema needs a weighty cream. This is a cream that you want to apply at night before sleeping, when you don't need to go out of the house or be seen. It leaves your skin feeling baby soft.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="text-align: center;">9.) Better You, </span><a href="http://www.betteryou.uk.com/Magnesium-Oil-Joint-Spray" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Magnesium Oil Joint Spray</a></b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666; text-align: center;">Ideal for application onto joint and muscle areas and as an aid to stiffness and discomfort. The formula is exceptionally well absorbed. The smell is extremely pleasant however little or no aroma remains on the skin (unlike linaments or creams) after a few minutes of application.</span><br />
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The reality -<br />
This stuff is great for stiff and painful muscles. It's helped me with charlie horses, cramps, and stiff muscle aches. It leaves a sort of odd residue on the skin and sometimes tingles when applied so I would save this for evening applications when you're not leaving the house.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="text-align: center;">10.) Lush, </span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/5914/LARGE-Fresh-Farmacy-Cleanser-500g" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Fresh Farmacy Facial Cleanser</a></b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">
To make this soap gentle enough for use on the face, we cut down the amount of soap in it and replace it with other ingredients to help the skin. This makes a mild soap that is great for both face and body.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
This stuff is amazing. My combination skin is left clean, clear, and oil free without feeling overly dry.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="text-align: center;">11.) Lush, </span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/168/Full-of-Grace-Serum-Bar" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Full of Grace</a></b><br />
The claims -<br />
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You can use Full of Grace to moisturise your skin daily, to give yourself a facial massage and is perfect as a night cream. Also great for use before face masks.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
Seriously, I'm starting to think I'm addicted to Lush products. The smell of this bar is probably one of my favorites. If I'm totally honest this bar is best for night time application for my combination skin. When I apply it twice a day, I tend to break out a little. Make no mistake though, I love this bar and will continue to use it at night. Meanwhile, I'll keep looking for a day time moisturizer.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="text-align: center;">12.) Lush, </span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/130/Dirty-Toothy-Tab" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Dirty Toothy Tabs</a></b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">
By making solid toothpaste, we’ve been able to get away from the plastic and aluminum tubes normally associated with toothpaste. This means nothing need go in landfill from these – just pop the cardboard box in your recycling when you’re finished.</span><br />
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The reality -<br />
No doubt about it, these things are weird. They really took some getting used to but after using them a few times I really liked them. My teeth feel clean and look great. After using them for 6 months, my dentist praised how well I take care of my teeth. The convenience factor of carrying them in my purse when I'm going out is a true bonus.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="text-align: center;">13.) Lush, </span><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/306/Ocean-Salt-Facial-Scrub-100g" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Ocean Salt</a></b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">
We have taken lashings of fine sea salt to scrub and clean and mixed it with lots of great things that will moisturise and treat the skin.</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
I'M ADDICTED TO THIS STUFF. I'm sorry but I just can't help it. This stuff is exciting. This stuff is gorgeous. I adore the way it smells, the way it looks, the way my skin feels after I'm done using it. As far as scrubs go, I'm not 100% confident that my dermatologist would approve of the salt flakes over the round granules in the Neal's Yard Rose Facial Polish I mentioned above, but I just don't care. I can't help myself around this product. **<span style="color: #cc0000;">UPDATE</span>: I finally realized the smell of this stuff makes me think of frozen margaritas! I don't know about you, but I'm normally having a pretty good time if there are frozen margaritas involved. So go on - grab a frozen margarita for your face everybody!<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="text-align: center;">14.) Rimmel, </span><a href="http://uk.rimmellondon.com/products/nails/precious-stones" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Precious Stones</a> in Diamond Dust and<span style="text-align: center;"> 15.) Rimmel, </span><a href="http://uk.rimmellondon.com/products/nails/60-seconds-nail-polish" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">60 Seconds</a> in Silver Bullet</b><br />
The claims -<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">
Precious stones: This is high coverage glitter nail polish! Supercharged with sparkles, turn your nails in to dazzling gems.
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666;">60 seconds: XpressTM brush for 1 second application. Dries in less than 60 seconds.</span></div>
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</span></div>
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The reality -<br />
Bam - These polishes do exactly what they claim. The durability is fair considering how rough I am on my hands. I didn't use a top coat but despite that the Precious Stones took several days before they chipped. Once they started to chip though, it took the Silver Bullet polish with it. I can also attest to the Silver Bullet drying thoroughly really quickly.<br />
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Well, that's my product wrap up! I hope you enjoyed it. Is anyone else as exhausted as me now?<br />
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SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-44190863402915461302012-12-31T22:22:00.000+00:002013-01-02T13:22:11.649+00:00Thank You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwZ7Dx0OOsU/UOHwdNV-hPI/AAAAAAAAJmw/oR7Uj4_UIcI/s1600/thank+you_but+no+thank+you-3_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwZ7Dx0OOsU/UOHwdNV-hPI/AAAAAAAAJmw/oR7Uj4_UIcI/s640/thank+you_but+no+thank+you-3_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These past holidays provided so many reasons for my family and I to say "Thank you" to so many people. Being a part-time minimalist, I often take advantage of sending e-cards, but then there are a few friends and family where e-cards just aren't applicable. Sometimes, it's for those that belong to an older generation who don't use e-mail or computers; other times it can be that special someone who loves collecting sentimental notes. I broke out the sketch book and set to work using mixed media. Keep reading to see the final product.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw8fvU4hDQNhdkpjSkJrNkc1NEk" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niOK7SMA7q4/UOH_mynPT2I/AAAAAAAAJoY/fmhbFojTyrA/s640/Finished-thank+you-2_edited-4.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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{Click on the image above to open and print if you'd like to use it.}</div>
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I don't have a fancy printer so I adjusted the color and sharpness values. I used one of the wonderfully helpful printing tutorials provided at <a href="http://www.redrivercatalog.com/cardshop/tuts1/index.htm" target="_blank">Red River Paper</a> to make sure I got it to print like an actual card. Once I had my print out, I pretended like nothing existed outside of folding the print out horizontally. I recommend a good straight edged ruler to place horizontally inside the middle once you've gotten the edges of the card together. It helps create a sharper fold more easily. Please feel free to use my card if you'd like. I recommend using a card stock with a weight greater than 250 gsm. As always, I love feedback, constructive criticism, comments, or just friendly "hello's".<br />
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Happy New Years everyone!SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-9585204360802369802012-12-24T23:28:00.000+00:002012-12-24T23:28:32.259+00:00{Merry Christmas}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_ghJFNlY78/UNjj-XLI7YI/AAAAAAAAJeA/wALo48AuTCg/s1600/christmas+greetings_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_ghJFNlY78/UNjj-XLI7YI/AAAAAAAAJeA/wALo48AuTCg/s640/christmas+greetings_edited-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Best wishes to everyone, everywhere! I hope your days are filled with joy, love and laughter. </div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-1115065550644280042012-12-01T00:27:00.000+00:002012-12-01T00:27:58.785+00:00Philip In Under Four Minutes<div style="text-align: center;">
After making a <a href="http://rachelssymbioticlife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/the-tale-of-liam-lion.html" target="_blank">video for my son Liam </a><br />
on his birthday and seeing how much he enjoyed it, I knew I had to do one for Lil' Phil. Phil loves his video games. One of his favorite games is <a href="http://minecraft.net/" target="_blank">MineCraft</a>. When he saw <a href="http://youtu.be/u9emjalsOsE" target="_blank">CaptainSparklez's</a> parody of Gangham style set to Minecraft, we had true love ladies and gentlemen.<br />
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Happy Birthday Lil' Phil!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6NLuwfFmn8s" width="560"></iframe></div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-34145860583352923862012-11-20T17:43:00.000+00:002012-11-20T17:43:59.629+00:00The Dash to Dublin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_q_XW3uO6sg/UKusaPjiyoI/AAAAAAAAJO4/gqx1ybWjAfA/s1600/RSL+Dublin+Collage_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="960" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_q_XW3uO6sg/UKusaPjiyoI/AAAAAAAAJO4/gqx1ybWjAfA/s960/RSL+Dublin+Collage_edited-1.jpg" width="771" /></a></div>
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My husband recently had to go on a business trip to Dublin and on a whim, I decided to join him. It was just a quick dash and back but it was really fun. </div>
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There's tons of history, culture, and entertainment in the city but the highlights for me were definitely the food and shopping. </div>
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Unfortunately, (cough-cough) there may have been <i>some</i> wine involved so I don't have a lot of details for the few photo's I grabbed with my cell phone. If you'd like to see the full sized photo's click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachels_symbiotic_life/sets/72157632060153424/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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The places I remember with particular fondness for food were <a href="http://www.greenhen.ie/site/index.php" target="_blank">The Green Hen</a>, the <a href="http://www.radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin/dining/verres-en-vers" target="_blank">V'n V</a> inside the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, and the <a href="http://www.edenrestaurant.ie/" target="_blank">Eden</a> restaurant. Buyers beware though, you may have to take out a small loan to eat out regularly in Dublin. Each meal averaged 85<span class="st"> € for two people.</span></div>
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<span class="st">As far as shopping, I'm not sure how to convey the sheer joy I experienced on Grafton Street. For someone completely unfamiliar with it, it was truly a shopping paradise. The buskers on the street added so much fun to my spending spree. I walked from area to area, listening to really diverse, talented musicians. </span></div>
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<span class="st">What adventures have you been on lately?</span></div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-18835878614311442422012-11-13T14:57:00.000+00:002012-11-13T14:57:12.475+00:00Finger Painting With Alice In Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8TmS_Lpe4o/UKGARg0lo-I/AAAAAAAAJHI/QqwPL2TgKAE/s1600/the+beginning_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8TmS_Lpe4o/UKGARg0lo-I/AAAAAAAAJHI/QqwPL2TgKAE/s640/the+beginning_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been perusing a lot of the beauty magazines and runway shows lately and have developed a fascination with some of the nail looks. You'll notice more than a passing interest in statement nail treatments on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/symbioticlife/all-hail-the-nails/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, with multiple ones involving the color black. </div>
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The other day I found myself digging through the magazine racks at the grocery store when I stumbled upon a Glamour edition with a sample of Nail Inc.'s <a href="http://www.nailsinc.com/nailpolish/motcomb-street-polish/1096/" target="_blank"><i>Motcomb Street Polish</i></a>.</div>
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Thinking it was black in the packaging, I couldn't have been more excited. Nail Inc. polish usually costs £11.00 per bottle.</div>
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<br />The cost of the Glamour magazine with this product was £2.00. </div>
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<i> Score! </i> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cue me doing my little happy dance.)</span><i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I hadn't looked closely enough to realize it wasn't a true black. Instead, it was a really dark <span style="font-size: small;">navy blue. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdCbGQ-pEjE/UKJOcdCbAYI/AAAAAAAAJIk/UAU6aAIcQQY/s1600/color+swatch+reduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdCbGQ-pEjE/UKJOcdCbAYI/AAAAAAAAJIk/UAU6aAIcQQY/s320/color+swatch+reduction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">At first, I <span style="font-size: small;">was slightly disap<span style="font-size: small;">pointed. I wasn't sure <span style="font-size: small;">how it would look with my <span style="font-size: small;">olive </span>skin tone. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDtU9B6kaCs/UKJSxRN8ONI/AAAAAAAAJKE/iaFxjL1wgEg/s1600/a+bird+in+the+hand+-1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDtU9B6kaCs/UKJSxRN8ONI/AAAAAAAAJKE/iaFxjL1wgEg/s400/a+bird+in+the+hand+-1_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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I was really pleasantly surprised. Black can be such a glamorous and dramatic color but I think Motcomb Street is a pretty alternative. And while I tend to keep my nails shorter because of how much art, typing, and cooking there is in my life, I love being able to have a little nail love in my life.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I was <span style="font-size: small;">really </span>pleased with <span style="font-size: small;">the formula's quality. It<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">went on smoo</span></span></span></span>thly<span style="font-size: small;">, dried quickly, and gave a nice opacity in just two coats.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Definitely a color I think Alice in W<span style="font-size: small;">onderland would've approved of. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFsLZDnIqvY/UKJd2BjgHMI/AAAAAAAAJLk/QJq2k7w6NS8/s1600/with+alice_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFsLZDnIqvY/UKJd2BjgHMI/AAAAAAAAJLk/QJq2k7w6NS8/s400/with+alice_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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What color nail polishes are you wearing this winter? </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">By<span style="font-size: x-small;">-the-by, this isn't a paid advert. I just stumbled upon this lucky find and loved it. <span style="font-size: x-small;">And I like spreading the love. ;) </span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-84258326273806041702012-11-09T13:55:00.000+00:002012-11-09T13:55:27.856+00:00There I Was...<div style="text-align: center;">
There I was, minding my own business, when someone dropped this jewel into my lap.</div>
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<br />How awesome is that? I totally didn't expect her tone. You can check them out <a href="http://www.lakestreetdive.com/" target="_blank">here.</a> Can't wait to see what else this group comes up with!<br />
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Have you guys come across any fun/new/indie music?</div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-17816658634999143552012-10-31T17:25:00.001+00:002012-10-31T18:32:50.454+00:00The Tale Of Liam the Lion<div style="text-align: center;">
OMGit'slikeI'mblinkingandmybabyisn'tsuchababyanymore!</div>
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Another birthday has come and gone. Join us in a celebration of the Tale of Liam the Lion set to his "alltimemostfavoritestsongEVER!" (Yeah, I know it's a creepy song. But let's remember, this is the 6 yr old that asked for Paris as his birthday present. It's kind of to be expected at this point.)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzcUlHYf3G2NWnaux1L3-8vskoEodfiieNo84LqXafwo9361WGLsNNGvWdILk5Q5Y9gPArlwYKQQa8xNwvBAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Happy Birthday little man!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music<span style="font-size: x-small;">:</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Muse, <i>Knights of Cydonia, </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">WM UK, 2006</span> </span></span> </div>
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SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016481461081716660.post-70277225992212488652012-10-29T18:27:00.000+00:002012-10-29T18:27:32.324+00:00It's Like Cotton Candy<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been out and about and up to all kinds of things. To catch everyone up just a touch, I'll take a quote from one of my ex-neighbors, "I done did get my hair done y'all."</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5uMT1PwYpg/UI7A64Lo1ZI/AAAAAAAAI9o/PiiXgrMMaYQ/s1600/after+corrective+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5uMT1PwYpg/UI7A64Lo1ZI/AAAAAAAAI9o/PiiXgrMMaYQ/s400/after+corrective+cut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There's blonde underneath. It's that blissfully white light blonde that's always reminded me of spun sugar (the kind that's not pink.) </div>
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I've always been a fan of trying new stuff with my hair. The other day, <a href="http://www.theblogofworldlydelights.com/">Laura</a> took the plunge to green and she looks fabulous! As a shout out to her, I have to share a photo of a gem I discovered on one of my adventures.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diZG0pwJOWw/UI7KJ2453TI/AAAAAAAAI_A/dDtultdqx-c/s1600/IMAG0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diZG0pwJOWw/UI7KJ2453TI/AAAAAAAAI_A/dDtultdqx-c/s400/IMAG0633.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
(They're all waiting for you Laura!)<br />
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It was so tempting to join her with her green hair but my sallow skin can't carry that. Maybe I'll try something close and go a bit more blue when I get tired of this.<br />
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So, I have to ask if you guys like what you can see of my hair? I also want to know what your wildest hair experiments have been. If you send me pictures, I'll happily do a post on my readers and their best/craziest/coolest hair styles! </div>
SymbioticLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031252021001637647noreply@blogger.com14