tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23647124625969280112024-03-13T21:59:43.746-07:00Melissa's AtticMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-51916781524271602642014-01-08T20:22:00.003-08:002014-01-08T20:22:55.237-08:00My Little Pony Cosplay- Rarity "Tutorial"I can't believe how late I am {FINALLY} getting around to posting this! Ah, well, better late than never.<br />
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So this past August was the third year I've gone to the "nerd" convention called Fandemonium. It was lots of fun, as always, although a little more difficult this year than last. Remember this little cutie?<br />
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Yeah...well...she grew up into a very cute, very sweet, and very ENERGETIC little toddler. :) </div>
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Still as cute as ever though, no? ;)</div>
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Anyway, we had a great time, but we were definitely kept busy with her around. Plus it wasn't very easy for this pregnant mama to chase her either. Good thing Daddy was there to help out. :)</div>
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So, I know that I mentioned about a year ago (how time flies!!!) that I was going to cosplay Rainbow Dash. Well, I changed my mind. I like Rainbow Dash and all, and as much fun as it would have been to have awesome rainbow colored hair, I just wasn't feeling it. I felt like I had chosen to cosplay her because she was cool, everyone would think I was awesome, and she's popular. But really, as great as Rainbow Dash is, I realized that she's just not my favorite pony. Actually, I really do like all of them, but I do have a few that I like just a little more, and then one that I like just a little more than those. </div>
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My favorite pony is the lovely Rarity. I know, I know, everyone seems to think she's self-centered and boring, but I just find her absolutely hilarious! I've never really taken anything she's said too seriously (like as if this show is all seriousness anyway, right?), and if you don't, then she's just so funny! Plus she loves to sew and create, and so do I, so there's something that we have in common. :) Plus, what's not to love about that accent of hers? I'm not even sure where exactly that accent is from (it's not quite British, but close), but it sounds lovely! Also, I've seen some people say before that she isn't at all generous. Um, false. In the episode where she is making dresses for her friends for the gala, she changes every single detail of her original ideas for the dresses just to make her friends happy, although she knows they are terrible. Not to mention all of the extra, painstaking work of having to make everything exactly how they want it. What's not generous about that?! If I were her, I would have told them, "Too bad, this is what you're wearing because these look fabulous and your ideas stink!"</div>
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Okay, this post wasn't necessarily supposed to be about my favorite pony, so we'll move on to the actual project now. :)</div>
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There were quite a few parts and pieces to this costume. Getting ready took a bit of work, but I think it was well worth the effort. </div>
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First off, Rarity has long, purple, curly hair, so I had to get a good wig that matched that description. I found a great seller on eBay called cosplaydna. They have soooo many wigs to choose from, they are great quality, and they are a great price as well! Here's a picture and link to the one I got:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFjFiywjIv4CcDY0sf1eIaDbZLcROGZP1X55ucJHgvM5ZDL-KN-kPDNUgT3r3qEBLFL3k_q7Bh1xkdsBajhSjCdZKizwhjzOcaHF5dp1ycYqlfaL8RhI23fvjilL6MBFRH8m9y-QoZeA/s1600/rarity+wig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFjFiywjIv4CcDY0sf1eIaDbZLcROGZP1X55ucJHgvM5ZDL-KN-kPDNUgT3r3qEBLFL3k_q7Bh1xkdsBajhSjCdZKizwhjzOcaHF5dp1ycYqlfaL8RhI23fvjilL6MBFRH8m9y-QoZeA/s1600/rarity+wig.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/150779393766?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/150779393766?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649</a></div>
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My one disappointment with this wig is that it wasn't quite as curly as it is in the picture. It still looks great though, so not a big deal. :)</div>
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Next, I needed ears and a horn, since Rarity is a unicorn. I found a simple tutorial online for how to make ones out of felt, but the idea just wasn't working for me. I wanted something that was going to look really good. So after some searching, I found this on Etsy:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUzTsOkfKi6Ko8w1A4RLhjkdDW2sB6rRSMLBgFCE2cPmIf3848bPE0KH0Z2MJ8HlArI6PL4lqFQeqNl083PgjBVuaIZd3y4Yxn7GnOlX8xBRKZZcdXssR3mFxD12FpT7cxXveO1qnyuw/s1600/rarity+horn+and+ears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUzTsOkfKi6Ko8w1A4RLhjkdDW2sB6rRSMLBgFCE2cPmIf3848bPE0KH0Z2MJ8HlArI6PL4lqFQeqNl083PgjBVuaIZd3y4Yxn7GnOlX8xBRKZZcdXssR3mFxD12FpT7cxXveO1qnyuw/s1600/rarity+horn+and+ears.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83086853/my-little-pony-ears-unicorn-set-mlp?ref=shop_home_feat">http://www.etsy.com/listing/83086853/my-little-pony-ears-unicorn-set-mlp?ref=shop_home_feat</a></div>
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Seriously, these are GREAT quality, and they look so nice! Definitely worth spending the extra money. :) And I chose the white set, in case you were wondering. ;)</div>
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For the "body," I wanted to wear something that I thought Rarity would wear. I felt that she would most certainly wear a dress. My original idea was to sew a knee-length dress with purple tulle underneath and a purple ribbon around a fitted waist. I was so excited because I thought it was just perfect for representing Rarity and then...I found out I was pregnant. Haha! So I had to bag the whole dress idea and find something that my pregnant tummy would fit under, but still looked somewhat elegant. This is what I chose:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfyfA5QP-4jDhd6F7rMqS_qDtK7lK3RX3ZY6uaME0CpXK5IMRTUReemcgsiWxeKijIgHzvC2R2N8GrO9Tmfwf41SP2frm7uPMlXqZtlsnTNr48q0SaURcmOo5JByaZwrwozuP_8z4nxE/s1600/Riarty+Dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfyfA5QP-4jDhd6F7rMqS_qDtK7lK3RX3ZY6uaME0CpXK5IMRTUReemcgsiWxeKijIgHzvC2R2N8GrO9Tmfwf41SP2frm7uPMlXqZtlsnTNr48q0SaURcmOo5JByaZwrwozuP_8z4nxE/s1600/Riarty+Dress.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/280854358163?var=580083564078&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/280854358163?var=580083564078&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649</a></div>
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Still looks like something Rarity would wear, plus I was certain I could still wear it while pregnant, which I did. :) I bought this one in white, of course.</div>
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Next, I decided to put a bolero shrug over the dress, mostly because I enjoy being modest, but I also thought a bit of lace would dress it up some. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/280869113963?var=580165374434&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/280869113963?var=580165374434&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649</a></div>
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I got this one in the purple color. </div>
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After that, I needed a cutie mark. I had originally planned to find an image online, print it on screen print paper, and iron it to my dress, but then one of my friends, who was cosplaying Applejack, found this on Etsy:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHSDOjFm13XyMvrNk4AFGPXFRx8lifFtenyeg5Yyb5hclxKyV0QH6iBtHG-LVLyCW-HNmbgUQvIEtIkbcHyemwlKLVxil1-tWYoFP8Y_n5iOseIWeUGs7ajF4Prx0BHdXI5m6dh3oLfQ/s1600/rarity+cutie+mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHSDOjFm13XyMvrNk4AFGPXFRx8lifFtenyeg5Yyb5hclxKyV0QH6iBtHG-LVLyCW-HNmbgUQvIEtIkbcHyemwlKLVxil1-tWYoFP8Y_n5iOseIWeUGs7ajF4Prx0BHdXI5m6dh3oLfQ/s1600/rarity+cutie+mark.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110582577/my-little-pony-rarity-3-diamonds-cutie?ref=shop_home_active">http://www.etsy.com/listing/110582577/my-little-pony-rarity-3-diamonds-cutie?ref=shop_home_active</a></div>
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The color of the thread is actually not quite that bright of blue, but the quality of the embroidery is great, it irons on, and it looks waaaay better than screen printing would have looked. </div>
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I then added big, voluminous false eyelashes the I bought from Claire's. I also added some diamond pearl earrings and a necklace that I already owned. I wanted to wear some white high heels since I know that Rarity would wear only the most feminine and fashionable thing, but pregnancy and high heels do not mix well. Instead I wore some flat sandals that had diamond looking jewels on them, because if Rarity can't have high heels, I know she would never pass up diamonds. ;)</div>
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So that's everything I did for my cosplay. Funny that I didn't sew a single thing for this one, haha! But here is the finished project:</div>
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Brandon was Spike and Kessie was Rarity's little sister, Sweetie Belle. Huzzah for family themed cosplay!</div>
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You can see the false eyelashes really well in this picture. I also did some blue eye shadow since Rarity wears blue eye shadow too. </div>
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Here's the whole group! I think we looked pretty darn awesome, wouldn't you say? ;)</div>
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Totally loved doing this! It was so much fun! Here's to Rarity- BEST PONY!!! :)</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-84002531468916544692013-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:002013-12-18T14:24:54.441-08:00Nathan's Birth Story<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I know it’s
been an eternity since I've updated this blog. I’m not sure when or why I
stopped writing posts for it, making sure it was updated, etc., but I suppose
that’s just called life getting in the way. ;) I think it mainly had to do with
the fact that only a week or so before Kessie’s first birthday, we found out
that we were expecting a new little baby! It was a surprise for us, since we
weren’t trying to get pregnant again, but we knew that he would be a blessing
to our family. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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This
pregnancy was a bit harder this time around. I had terrorizing leg cramps and
swelling for about half of the pregnancy, along with some pretty bad back
issues, plus chasing around a busy toddler, but the pregnancy went well
overall. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, our due
date, based on my last period, was the 19<sup>th</sup> of November. However,
Brandon and I knew the date of conception (which most people don’t know, but we
did), which would have made the date November 27<sup>th</sup>. Then we had an
ultrasound and they told us December 1<sup>st</sup>. Although we told people
that the date was the 1<sup>st</sup> of December, Brandon and I secretly knew
that the 27<sup>th</sup> was probably much more accurate, so in our minds and
hearts, we settled on that date. Which was good actually, and you’ll see why. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was
November 28<sup>th</sup>, Thanksgiving day. We had decided to stay at home and
do our own Thanksgiving dinner with just the three of us since I was too close
to delivery day to travel and we didn’t want to have to cancel any plans with
friends in case Nathan decided to come before or on Thanksgiving.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had
spent the day prepping the turkey, getting it in the roaster, having a relaxing
morning and day. When Kessie went down for her nap, Brandon and I ate some
snacks and watched Aladdin (a movie we have on VHS, but have been <u>dying</u>
for Disney to bring it out of the vault so we can have it on DVD/Blue-Ray!). It
was so nice to have some time with him during the day, instead of late at night
like we usually did. Then we started to make the mashed potatoes, stuffing,
gravy, and rolls, and Kessie woke up soon after. I had been faintly aware of a
few strong pressure waves that day, but nothing had been consistent, so I
didn’t think anything of it. At one point, I did have a small, sudden pain in
my pelvis, but it went away after a moment, and again, nothing else was
happening, so I brushed it off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We then sat
down to dinner around 6:00 and had our delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Kessie
didn’t eat much of it, of course, but I loved it. I was soooo super hungry and
all of it just tasted amazing to me! I ate a pretty good amount for a pregnant
girl and totally enjoyed it too. ;) After dinner, we got the pumpkin pie in the
oven, which I was so excited about because I had been craving pumpkin pie on
and off since the night before. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, around
7:00, my stomach felt a little crampy, so I headed off to the bathroom,
thinking I had some indigestion (which is funny because I just read Kessie’s
birth story, and I said the same thing, haha!). I did end up having some
diarrhea and cramps too, so I didn’t feel so well. However, the cramps started
to get a little stronger, and they started to coincide with my pressure waves.
Not long after feeling that way, I decided to try timing them, but found it
really difficult to do so since they were stronger and I was still having some
stomach issues. Eventually, at around 7:45, I called for Brandon and told him
that he better get Kessie down for bed, just in case this turned into something
more. Only a few minutes after that, I had a couple pressure waves where I
needed to “aaahhh” through them. I also got a little shaky too, and that’s when
I knew that this was it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city> put Kessie down
for bed as quickly as he could and came back down to see how I was doing. We
both agreed that this was our birthing time, so he quickly called my friend
Jennifer to come stay with Kessie. However, it sounded like she was at a
friend’s house for Thanksgiving, so she wasn’t at home, and needed to stop by
her house before coming over. She said she would make it there in about 30
minutes. My heart did sink a little when <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city>
told me that, but I figured that 30 minutes wouldn’t matter too much. After
all, I had just gotten started with all of this, without much warning, by the
way, so what would 30 minutes hurt? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brandon then
left to get our birth things put together, after which I went to get into
hypnosis (I was using the Hypnobabies method again). It was a little difficult
to relax though since things had already started progressing, and the shaking
made it a little hard too. But I did my best, which was good enough. I then
went upstairs to get my shoes on since I was very anxious to get out the door
the moment Jennifer arrived. <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city>
called Hannah, the midwife on call at the birth center (same place we went to
with Kessie). I talked to her on the phone for a few minutes, and although I
couldn’t tell her how far apart my pressure waves were, she agreed that this
was my birthing time and would meet us at the birth center in 30 minutes. I got
my shoes on, and then went to sit down on the toilet again since I was feeling
stomach cramps again. Honestly, I would say that was the worst part of this
birth. Having diarrhea and stomach cramps are bad enough on their own, but
adding birthing waves on top of it is really no good. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I stayed
on the toilet for a while (it’s a good position to birth in anyway, especially
if your water breaks, since it will all empty into there instead of making a
mess). <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city>
was such a great support and really helped me to relax through those pressure
waves. Unfortunately though, somewhere in all of this, I ended up losing most of my delicious Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn't as delicious the second time around, but I wasn't surprised, since the same thing had happened with Kessie's birth also. After a while, I had one pressure wave where I pushed a bit, and
I suddenly felt, and thought I heard, a pop. My water had broken, although it
was only a small trickle every now and then. But Jennifer hadn’t made it to our
house yet, and we knew that we didn’t have much time anymore, since things had
really progressed with Kessie after my water had broken. So <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city> called a neighbor of ours, hoping
that she could come over until Jennifer arrived, but she didn’t answer her
phone. Luckily though, Jennifer pulled up right after that. <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city> answered the door, and then ran
upstairs to get me. We waited through one pressure wave, and then I stood up to
go. But as I stood and made my way out the bedroom door, I felt another
pressure wave, this time with a pushy sensation. And I was certain I could feel
the baby’s head. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city> what I was
feeling, and he asked, “Are we going to make it?” I didn’t know what to say or
do, so I just said, “Let’s just get going and try.” I knew I didn’t have much
time until another pressure wave, so I made my way downstairs as fast as a
laboring mother could and got in the car. As we were pulling out, Hannah called
and we let her know we were just leaving. I sat in the car reclined as <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city> sped down the freeway.
The birth center was about 20 minutes away, and I’m sure he didn’t want to be
the one to catch our little boy in the car, all alone. The nice thing though
was that sitting reclined seemed to keep my pressure waves from being as
strong, and the fast movement of the car felt really relaxing as well. So the
drive wasn’t as bad for me, although I’m not sure if I can say the same for <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city>. ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We made it
to the birth center in 15 minutes at 9:30. As I got out of the car, I could
feel everything change the moment I stood up. It’s amazing how different
positions can really get things moving along. I walked through the door to the
birth center, and halfway through the hall, I had another pushy pressure wave.
Katie, the assistant midwife, checked Nathan’s heartbeat and all was well. Then
I laid down on my side on the bed to rest. I had actually really wanted to get
in the tub and try doing a water birth, but I had a feeling that we were a
little too late for that and that I just needed to get situated in a position I
liked and get going. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things were
going really well, and the baby was descending with every pressure wave. I got
to feel his head as he was being born and felt some hair again! I was pretty
excited! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
While it was motivating to touch his head during the process, I actually did
feel his head go back in a couple times. I was like, “Oh no you don’t! You
started this, and now you’re going to come!” ;) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had about
4 pressure waves, with a few pushes each, and at 10:10 pm, Nathan was out! I heard him cry and saw the most adorable
baby boy as he was put skin to skin on my chest. Immediately, I just loved that
baby so dearly and so much. Sometimes, in pregnancy, it’s a little hard to
believe that you actually have a real little person inside of yourself. But
when you see that little person, they suddenly become so real to you. That’s
how I felt with Nathan. He was so real, so sweet, such a dear little baby boy,
and he was all mine. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not long
after, <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city>
cut the cord after it was done pulsating, I delivered the placenta, and I got
to breastfeed Nathan for the first time. He did a great job and has been a good
little eater ever since, much to my delight. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> After that, we got Nathan weighed and measured. He was 8 pounds 8 oz and 22 inches tall. Good sized baby, although he didn't surpass his sister, much to my relief. ;) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"> Then Brandon</st1:city> got Nathan all
dressed while I got a few minor stitches done. I was so happy to know that I
had only had a few little tears instead of the major ones I had last time! Then
we got me all cleaned up, got Nathan in his car seat and headed home. <st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city> got me tucked in
bed, I finally got my slice of pumpkin pie, and then, around 4:00 am, we all
settled down for the night.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2z2LkOKo9Ax29HAF1w3E43tPXy8U_OLiFREOexBF2MEhVspywjDM2YTX0INJsm0y2TU_R3frOFXslhhEgER5dR8Rifrm4j_XfoyLVQ7paWibp4yK7o4SZ-sDXROQOabMaJhNEjJraW0/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2z2LkOKo9Ax29HAF1w3E43tPXy8U_OLiFREOexBF2MEhVspywjDM2YTX0INJsm0y2TU_R3frOFXslhhEgER5dR8Rifrm4j_XfoyLVQ7paWibp4yK7o4SZ-sDXROQOabMaJhNEjJraW0/s320/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-75947679100090555332013-03-20T09:59:00.002-07:002013-03-20T09:59:29.171-07:00Jasmine&Jim || I Want Some MoreYes, yes, I know I have been MIA for a few weeks. I've just been busy and to be frank, I also wasn't feeling in the mood to blog either. :P But here is the video of the week at least. Hopefully I'll have a moment to get something written on here soon. :)
I love crossover videos.<br />
<br />
There are some that are okay, others where I'm like, "eew, I would NEVER pair those two together," and some that are just plain awesome! Like this one! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tu8M_Iieulk?list=FLRaPYEpp73D8nCHiHpiy3zA" width="360"></iframe>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-7429233907524200292013-02-25T14:13:00.000-08:002013-02-27T07:49:45.648-08:00PapermanIn honor of the Oscars, I thought it was only appropriate to have an Oscar winner as the Video of the Week. :) Seriously though, I LOVE this short, and it totally deserved the award!
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f3WVAR1McO4" width="360"></iframe>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-46286412913387267032013-02-22T08:20:00.001-08:002013-02-22T08:20:42.750-08:00Creamy Corn ChowderI got this wonderful crock pot cook book for Christmas, and I absolutely LOVE it! It's called 365 Days of Slow-Cooking by Karen Bellessa Petersen. It has lots of great recipes and most of them are the easy ones that you let cook all day and don't have to think about until it's time to serve. She even has her own blog where you can check out more recipes and such: .http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I know I don't have a good picture for this one, but this recipe is seriously sooooooooo delicious! And not only that, but it's a crock pot recipe! Woot!<br />
<br />
Creamy Corn Chowder<br />
from 365 Days of Slow-Cooking <br />
<br />
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but into 1/2-inch pieces<br />
11 oz. can whole-kernel corn with sweet peppers, drained (I wasn't able to find a can of corn with peppers, so I just used regular corn only and it still turned out awesome!)<br />
10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of potato soup<br />
4 oz. can diced green chili peppers<br />
2 Tbsp. snipped fresh cilantro plus extra for garnish<br />
1 1/4 oz. envelope of taco seasoning<br />
14 oz. can black beans, rinsed and darined<br />
2 Cups chicken broth<br />
8 oz. sour cream<br />
4 oz. cream cheese<br />
<br />
1. In slow-sooker, combine chicken, corn, soup, chili peppers, cilantro, taco seasoning, and black beans. Stir in broth.<br />
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.<br />
3. In a medium bowl, stir about 1 cup of the hot soup into the sour cream. Stir sour cream mixture and cream cheese into the soup in the slow-cooker; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk until combined.<br />
4. Granish with cilatro and serve.<br />
Makes 8 servings.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-79422597862208693732013-02-18T10:05:00.000-08:002013-02-18T10:05:32.912-08:00[PMV] ParadiseI've really gotten into My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic lately. Like, crazily so, lol! Here's a very well done video starring all your favorite ponies. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oxBOhRhgGjA" width="360"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-43838589668870128132013-02-17T15:04:00.000-08:002013-02-17T15:04:43.471-08:00The Tail on the DonkeySo here's a funny little thing that my husband and I thought up. Why not post a picture, call it "The Tail on the Donkey" and then pin it to Pinterest, and then tell everyone to pin The Tail on the Donkey????<br />
<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!<br />
<br />
So here it is. The Tail on the Donkey. Now pin it!!!!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Picture from: http://www.outbackonline.net/Advent%20Calendar/Journey_Day19_SongDance_DonkeyChristmas_2005.htm</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-72108217267267082492013-02-15T07:55:00.002-08:002013-02-15T07:55:50.896-08:00A Budding Personality<span class="userContent">So here's the story:<br /> Kessie loves to take
the DVDs off the shelves. She does this just about 20 million times
every day. I didn't mind before because realistically, she isn't going
to stop. But a couple weeks ago I decided, "nah, I should really try to <span class="text_exposed_show">keep
her from doing that." So I started to tell her "uh-uh" every time he
started it and proceed to put them all back, trying to make it a fun
game. She still wanted them out, so I diverted her attention elsewhere
and put them all back. Later, while in the kitchen, I hear her pulling
them out again. So I went in, got her to play with something else, and
put them back. A little while later, she's in them again. So I come
around the corner and say, "Uh-uh. Leave them there." And she gives the
biggest, exasperated "uuuuuhhhhh!" I've ever heard from her, clearly
stating something along the whiny lines of, "But why? I want to!" I gave
up after that, and later found the biggest mess of DVDs she's made yet.
She has quite the blossoming personality (aka dramatic attitude). No
idea where she gets it from... ;)</span></span><br />
<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-33515361593609183312013-02-14T13:56:00.000-08:002013-02-14T14:02:51.386-08:00Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, All of my base, Are belong to you!My brother-in-law once said that catchy little title to his wife on Facebook a couple years ago. Since then, my darling husband and I have had this great idea.<br />
Why not make Zero Wing valentines?<br />
YES!!!<br />
This year, we FINALLY got around to making them. And I must say we did a great job with them.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(In case you are not familiar with the hilariously bad translation of the opening for the video game Zero Wing, watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icVy7Ve6y6A" target="_blank">this</a>.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQJEPrf5v0u0oPBT8eNwahHptQ3yaViDmnppE31rgeD1U23VVtpHeTmo2G8mfDcf8RA1CBeT65pmcJD0KCMhWKXr_Gvd_JZDurFXFi8JtwRfDIImKbz41gAwHrQyUPeZx6tSr4W1n-1g/s1600/valentine+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQJEPrf5v0u0oPBT8eNwahHptQ3yaViDmnppE31rgeD1U23VVtpHeTmo2G8mfDcf8RA1CBeT65pmcJD0KCMhWKXr_Gvd_JZDurFXFi8JtwRfDIImKbz41gAwHrQyUPeZx6tSr4W1n-1g/s400/valentine+3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuvMsYHGl3pEyapwVlecB2X0c4vyzR-45_wmt_bstI1HJuc7qxoAhI8soORnUVSuX9HUjpYcwEsfr2gKfXZ-SPakmZMA9Q2BPq0DRfuxHFBIFZo7aC-WG_OKnALYq79s_0TTNze6PLYk/s1600/valentine+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuvMsYHGl3pEyapwVlecB2X0c4vyzR-45_wmt_bstI1HJuc7qxoAhI8soORnUVSuX9HUjpYcwEsfr2gKfXZ-SPakmZMA9Q2BPq0DRfuxHFBIFZo7aC-WG_OKnALYq79s_0TTNze6PLYk/s400/valentine+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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We ordered the prints online through FedEx Kinkos on card stock paper. Once we cut them out, we made sure to decorate them with lots of hearts and such. :)</div>
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Happy Valentine's Day! <!--3--></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-58203884642176041112013-02-11T10:10:00.005-08:002013-02-11T10:10:51.682-08:00TitaniumI am in love with this song. Seriously. Such great lyrics and music combined. :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WpJjGtMkiVs" width="360"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-37466947581501415922013-02-11T10:07:00.003-08:002013-02-11T10:07:57.606-08:00Friends for Dinner and The ProposalThis week, we have not one, but TWO videos to share! Why two? Well, simply because these are each five seconds long. Yup. But they are definitely well worth the five seconds. ;) Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/97RVnpbi5YQ" width="360"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1YE1w45yjeo" width="360"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-41272669112171940072013-02-08T15:43:00.005-08:002013-02-08T15:43:53.918-08:00Wreck-It-RalphA couple months ago, my husband and I had the chance to get out for a date night (it only took us 8 months...). Some wonderful friends of ours gave us a pair of movie tickets, so we thought we'd go to the new movie Wreck-It-Ralph.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8MY_cyrq5du4s5-2HgZyBAQ4FrP1ZZkh0W1cBWBLFs133LhdQx_Y8r4lXgxi_vwUTzTUdBduBNBD0l8mzfp0xhDwa4QSfQhBbuuu99aWBnFtodbQ9m6ZrHbd61jvbisF1TNGUvrjUCc/s1600/wreck+it+ralph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8MY_cyrq5du4s5-2HgZyBAQ4FrP1ZZkh0W1cBWBLFs133LhdQx_Y8r4lXgxi_vwUTzTUdBduBNBD0l8mzfp0xhDwa4QSfQhBbuuu99aWBnFtodbQ9m6ZrHbd61jvbisF1TNGUvrjUCc/s320/wreck+it+ralph.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q6DDm-3urE" target="_blank">here</a> to watch <span style="font-size: xx-small;">the trailer)</span></span></div>
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I had seen this trailer right before I saw Brave. I'm not usually the type of person to say, "I want to see that" after just watching the trailer (most of the time, I wait to hear how a movie does and see the reviews), but I had a good feeling about this one. And I was right. </div>
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Wreck-It-Ralph totally lives up to being an original film. You don't see many movies where the setting is the inside of the world of digital (in this instance, games) after all. :) The movie is about Ralph, who is the bad guy who wrecks a big building in the game Fix-it-Felix Jr. But Ralph is tired of being the bad guy and tired of being treated like he's nobody. So he leaves his game to win himself a medal in another game, thus thinking that this will prove that he can be a good guy too.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Age Appropriateness: All ages! Wreck-it-Ralph is a movie that is enjoyable for both kids and adults. Especially for those who are into gaming, and especially into the old-school games. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Content Rating: I would say this is G. I can't recall anything objectionable. Of course, one of the games is about alien bug invaders and everyone in that game carries a gun, but there's no blood and it's really not too bad. Maybe some sensitive kids would get a little scared from the bugs, but it' not too likely. </li>
<li>Overall Rating: 5/5. I would totally buy this movie. It has some great characters, great music, lots of funny parts, and great animation. I would recommend it to anyone! </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Movie Poster picture: </span>http://www.kulfoto.com/movie-posters/wallpaper/1/33515/wreck-it-ralph-poster-5</span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-12246647329628714702013-02-04T08:00:00.001-08:002013-02-04T08:01:11.371-08:00Avatar- Remember the NameAvatar: The Last Airbender is a GREAT show. Really great storyline, humorous, fun, and creative. So here's an amv (anime/animated music video) of Avatar by MamoruMe. I like this one a lot! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tr3_NriGTx4" width="360"></iframe><br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-39116168495175855692013-01-31T09:43:00.003-08:002013-02-01T06:31:44.304-08:00Princess Tutu<div class="description">
Ah, Princess Tutu. My favorite anime. Seriously, my most favorite. Anime. Ever. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwspLXOixKdsBipjNhIY5GPaCSQilHP-lnidC9baYszg563lLlP6P36cvdTHN1heLJxJiU6PEOxZJe-rruYoDa1ZDsHp88GfPedhs8GYPnC0w_1v2U8W7m0MrXq9AJu0H0owyPeDiuBeo/s1600/princess_tutu_260_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwspLXOixKdsBipjNhIY5GPaCSQilHP-lnidC9baYszg563lLlP6P36cvdTHN1heLJxJiU6PEOxZJe-rruYoDa1ZDsHp88GfPedhs8GYPnC0w_1v2U8W7m0MrXq9AJu0H0owyPeDiuBeo/s320/princess_tutu_260_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4_OOcdWQSo" target="_blank">here</a> to watch the Japanese promo trailer)</span></div>
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This anime is about a duck named Duck (Ahiru in Japanese) who sees a
handsome prince dancing by her lake, and falls in love with him. The
prince's eyes are always sad, however, so Duck wishes to help him.
Suddenly, an old man appears and gives her a magical pendant to
transform herself into a girl, and then into a magical ballerina named Princess Tutu. She
discovers that the prince is actually from a story that the old man
wrote called "The Prince and the Raven." In this story, the prince
shattered his own heart to seal away the Raven. Since then, stories and
reality have intertwined and it's up to Princess Tutu to restore the
pieces of the prince's heart.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Age Appropriateness: Preteens +</li>
<li>Content Rating: Although the name and look may
suggest otherwise, I would recommend this one for about age 11 and up,
due to the complicated plot. I just think smaller children would get
confused in it. Swearing is very mild and very minimal. There are also a couple times too where a character is naked, but nothing is explicit and it is not sexual. It is either being used to convey feelings and ideas (such as despair or being one with nature), or because it is realistic (such as when the bird form of Duck transforms into a girl. Of course she wouldn't be wearing anything. Ducks don't.) Princess Kraehe, the main antagonist, is dressed quite immodestly as well. </li>
<li>Dub vs. Sub: I would suggest watching this with the English dub
(because Lucy Christian is awesome!) but the Japanese with subtitles is a
wonderful way to watch it as well. You really can't go wrong either
way. </li>
<li>Overall Rating: I would give Princess Tutu a 5/5. I watched this anime for the first time a few years ago, and it is still my absolute favorite. I will warn, however, that the show may be difficult to get into at
first, mostly because it may <i>seem </i>repetitive and goofy, but please keep watching . Give it until at least after episode 6 or 7 when Princess Kraehe
appears. That's when it gets really good! This anime
has so many twists and turns and actually has more to it than it
appears. The classical music is beautiful and the numerous ballet
references to other ballets is genius. </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Princes<span style="font-size: xx-small;">s Tutu picture from: http://www.freewebs.com/siteoftheswan/apps/photos/photo?photoid=111529937</span></span> <br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-42171439532729035262013-01-28T15:49:00.001-08:002013-01-28T15:50:13.279-08:00Jump RopeNot only is this a good song, but it is a great video as well. Fun thing about this video too is that it was made by lots of different people, all who took a section, made their own part, and then put it all together. These are called MEPs, by the way. Don't ask me what a MEP stands for. I actually have no idea. :/<br />
Anyway, here's the video, as well as the description from YouTube. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C088YXKGrRo" width="360"></iframe><br />
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Song: "Jump Rope" by Blue October<br />
Theme: Animash - working through life's ups and downs<br />
Host: Hinokara<br />
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Part 1 - Sawnahhh<br />
Part 2 - XReiKaoriX <br />
Part 3 - Annnarchist <br />
Part 4 - CorpseBridesmaid <br />
Part 5 - DiamonddollJeanette <br />
Part 6 - CherryFoxifyMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-65979948242567067962013-01-26T21:12:00.000-08:002013-01-31T22:28:27.328-08:00CosplayI love to dress up. And I love to make my own costumes too! So, naturally, being somewhat of a geeky nature, I love cosplaying.<br />
Now, for those of you who don't know what cosplay is, according Wikipedia, it is " short for "costume play." [Cosplay is] type of <span style="color: black;">performance art in which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea." Some popular sources of cosplay come from anime, manga, sci-fi, fantasty, video games, and films. Some people will take it to a level of awesome where they act out their part as well, but for me, I just like the dressing up part. :) </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Here are some pics of a few of my favorites, just to give you a good idea:</span><br />
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Princess Peach</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAuErI-xJxPBoomCS-loa3VlON8gFJIbKdbqtrTO84GR_G6KtSP86VeeIgpvcMD-Jy0YqrDwv7BS-ng7aZ9N4nv6_f7r29J_AZivMcZuRNlV2-tVhWp3KEE9gpLsImRUZddoDtRPhlAg/s1600/152066924888674829_96Wkfld2_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAuErI-xJxPBoomCS-loa3VlON8gFJIbKdbqtrTO84GR_G6KtSP86VeeIgpvcMD-Jy0YqrDwv7BS-ng7aZ9N4nv6_f7r29J_AZivMcZuRNlV2-tVhWp3KEE9gpLsImRUZddoDtRPhlAg/s320/152066924888674829_96Wkfld2_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Anastasia</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxt9NL5SG3ftrGS972ar8Qd1PQkckH9S3OhyphenhyphengWtvSc-ARBKJWdSpbdvuEdRITNWgLaVbw8YJo_-VC0Xt7ajtwuMzECXiKhbGGc8c6tiyy2jJXm5XT8FlBJqqICBb6X0T87RqEH9z1bV0/s1600/160933386654651875_lAZQZfoj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxt9NL5SG3ftrGS972ar8Qd1PQkckH9S3OhyphenhyphengWtvSc-ARBKJWdSpbdvuEdRITNWgLaVbw8YJo_-VC0Xt7ajtwuMzECXiKhbGGc8c6tiyy2jJXm5XT8FlBJqqICBb6X0T87RqEH9z1bV0/s320/160933386654651875_lAZQZfoj_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Odette from The Swan Princess</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uuewGOAppvAiaGf6xWh5qzcy-eUzaC0FblwCds4etdb0h3fy9eFyUgFvAlI0KxAkj5_D-ZIf2S9xLdUWfGIMNFTdHGXph11Y_eRSqHNXSNby9zJ3vkW5SIUzsPeqEhThwn9keC8FTBQ/s1600/225180050088042124_xRt4f4jb_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uuewGOAppvAiaGf6xWh5qzcy-eUzaC0FblwCds4etdb0h3fy9eFyUgFvAlI0KxAkj5_D-ZIf2S9xLdUWfGIMNFTdHGXph11Y_eRSqHNXSNby9zJ3vkW5SIUzsPeqEhThwn9keC8FTBQ/s320/225180050088042124_xRt4f4jb_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Emily from The Corpse Bride</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3lud63HOLMRBbEqM3YbqyDXe5RQwSc_UPxho-JVXh5MSIgGBTm2A4H4gjrtz1phuTGiX65MFr5itwU_3rMjXWTGSkTI_sdQaX6aAD1Zsui6LNWjacwWAVVwbopJpj-6VbL1yGVY_nPU/s1600/226798531205511429_m9XLFEDp_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3lud63HOLMRBbEqM3YbqyDXe5RQwSc_UPxho-JVXh5MSIgGBTm2A4H4gjrtz1phuTGiX65MFr5itwU_3rMjXWTGSkTI_sdQaX6aAD1Zsui6LNWjacwWAVVwbopJpj-6VbL1yGVY_nPU/s320/226798531205511429_m9XLFEDp_c.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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Ganondorf from Legend of Zelda</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55G25UB05D8xS-Aoph7tK2-T9ZbSjiQYykocl22Yv8nhLNsee0-1KgfX2vLz_Cl_mhECkoBkZRajfavKI60oSGryVagrlK4vgP3Zn6oheXWgd08CNEerYV4Ia90zUpTdqJ-esSaaTZCE/s1600/1829656069592346_cdtvwaW5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55G25UB05D8xS-Aoph7tK2-T9ZbSjiQYykocl22Yv8nhLNsee0-1KgfX2vLz_Cl_mhECkoBkZRajfavKI60oSGryVagrlK4vgP3Zn6oheXWgd08CNEerYV4Ia90zUpTdqJ-esSaaTZCE/s320/1829656069592346_cdtvwaW5_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Korra from The Legend of Korra</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DiZrN_DRuqGhsbypJir0-sCx3SWSGZ_Ze9fsmsf2Zv8VIRjboRh3NtUr5iNnoLNl1lu_aIJ5Xtd3SD3gyruNQ5Xwk4vfN2yr5Odc28VwAsWOfb348T57YrLXjUQFB_AH6rcIjLIrVck/s1600/27021666484371922_LODdcoh1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DiZrN_DRuqGhsbypJir0-sCx3SWSGZ_Ze9fsmsf2Zv8VIRjboRh3NtUr5iNnoLNl1lu_aIJ5Xtd3SD3gyruNQ5Xwk4vfN2yr5Odc28VwAsWOfb348T57YrLXjUQFB_AH6rcIjLIrVck/s320/27021666484371922_LODdcoh1_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Mulan</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGqKw3oW3mrANYusAgvuuBxhYGOfzb5RYD5Ov83E_OQrvXMSAcesRDUhLGGcl-nVE6rhSHB-Zuolp7L4aBgdNoafCILXjNyIbGy-jOV34AxPngiluELzaHbZH-cF0jbbO6lsWfeC291I/s1600/276971445802886348_nkkpsneL_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGqKw3oW3mrANYusAgvuuBxhYGOfzb5RYD5Ov83E_OQrvXMSAcesRDUhLGGcl-nVE6rhSHB-Zuolp7L4aBgdNoafCILXjNyIbGy-jOV34AxPngiluELzaHbZH-cF0jbbO6lsWfeC291I/s320/276971445802886348_nkkpsneL_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Thumbelina</div>
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Link</div>
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Giselle from Enchanted</div>
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Peter Pan and the lost boys</div>
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Dot from Reboot</div>
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Mai from Avatar the Last Airbender</div>
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Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon</div>
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<span style="color: black;"> Tangled</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Now, I know it is really early on in the year to be thinking about what I want to cosplay as (the usual convention I attend isn't until August, although there is another in May), but I've decided what I want to do.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">And here it is:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">My most exciting project for the year:</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">R</span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: white;">A</span><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">I</span><span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: white;">N</span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">B</span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">O</span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">W </span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">D</span><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">A</span><span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: white;">S</span><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">H<span style="color: purple;">!!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">F<span style="font-size: small;">rom My Little Pon<span style="font-size: small;">y: Friendship is Magic!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLV0oSyL85B3XmfNFS_tP3oQ6VUMAnk74RSDR5dzAeejVSsrsc-VqMcSa3ZDg2PE1xCOHg6__c0la-ttr7HXO9R4TkF7gh3Bd82VWyD2BJibfUv8Gqmxt0eJkzvHlTP6Z0np9HMqpMWw/s1600/RainbowDash2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLV0oSyL85B3XmfNFS_tP3oQ6VUMAnk74RSDR5dzAeejVSsrsc-VqMcSa3ZDg2PE1xCOHg6__c0la-ttr7HXO9R4TkF7gh3Bd82VWyD2BJibfUv8Gqmxt0eJkzvHlTP6Z0np9HMqpMWw/s320/RainbowDash2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am sooooooo excited!!! I <span style="font-size: small;">didn't really understand what the hype <span style="font-size: small;">was about this show, and why there was<span style="font-size: small;"> such a <span style="font-size: small;">huge <span style="font-size: small;">fan<span style="font-size: small;">-base for it, until I started watching it a couple weeks ago. I'm hooked, and I love the show. It's cute, but also very, very funny! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><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 style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="font-size: small;">t's kind of <span style="font-size: small;">funny though. <span style="font-size: small;">My favorite <span style="font-size: small;">pony tends to be <span style="font-size: small;">Rarity, but for some reason<span style="font-size: small;">, I really wanted to cosplay Rainbow Dash instead. M<span style="font-size: small;">ust be that awesome hair of hers... ;)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><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 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 style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, I have some <span style="font-size: small;">great ideas for my costume, so I'll be posting my progress here on the blog every now and then. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><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 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 style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Al<span style="font-size: small;">so, Kessie and Brandon are in on this as wel<span style="font-size: small;">l! (Ser<span style="font-size: small;">iously, I have <span style="font-size: small;">THE SWEETEST husband EVER! He knew I really wanted to do this one, so he said he would join in<span style="font-size: small;">, and I p<span style="font-size: small;">ro<span style="font-size: small;">mised I would<span style="font-size: small;"> 1.) Make his costume looks a<span style="font-size: small;">wesome 2.) Not make him <span style="font-size: small;">wear a wig, ears, or wings. Whi<span style="font-size: small;">ch I'm totally fine with).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">I wanted us all to m<span style="font-size: small;">atch, so Kessie will be Scootaloo<span style="font-size: small;"> and Brandon is going to be Soarin', one of the Wonderbolts. This. I<span style="font-size: small;">s. Going. To. ROCK!!!! :D</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><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 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 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 style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So <span style="font-size: small;">here's <span style="font-size: small;">my wig I just ordered. (Click on the picture <span style="font-size: small;">to see where I got each item from. That way, if you're looking to make your <span style="font-size: small;">own, <span style="font-size: small;">thi<span style="font-size: small;">s can help you find <span style="font-size: small;">what I found!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/160946714604?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4ZVAdUa_V8r2k8AbJ6-GIX7iXFyM3s0UIzH3aVHpUom3JwjZ8y5EJpBvyi-NqzhOABchyD_2JfGsUSHbs7VO3ADGNY8y4mlC4Jg0LlAJ7JHvHdn7PaqqWHhKsnnCb47DmnLuqHk1Yes/s320/6040G.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><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 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 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 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;">It should be here in<span style="font-size: small;"> about a month, so I'll have a picture of me trying it on and see what it looks like. :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><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 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 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 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;">Plus I just <span style="font-size: small;">ordered th<span style="font-size: small;">ese as well, for both me and Brandon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><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 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 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 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 style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">I got the <span style="font-size: small;">j<span style="font-size: small;">acket in the mail today, but it's a<span style="font-size: small;"> little big, so we'll see if I can exchange it for a smaller size.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/160918031926?var=460132818297&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhblr6nKmzGebSQzlvRLigztlLD-Yjcvdbc19L5KhmTN-nbFDeuxgE9OWDywD3sq_UFsxEeqXXRwI9GvJPgLe6sKcs2i3BKY0DGGYgsRBuYc__VcYl5V3vsFy94OCc8vf3sNLhcXASNE/s320/%2524T2eC16VHJHgE9n0yFjVDBQmgQ4Zb4%2521%257E%257E60_57.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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And here's a baseball tee to go underneath. I'm planning on putting Rainbow Dash's cutie mark on the front. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/280625656294?var=580016605825&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewAAv6qvDTa5OrlGFaTNMin9wudt4hitGCDg7gdTP32MZ3Q75SSZH8y28goZlcdIZpH3t0ijNarGzkQ2KyoVpn_IBRSIrnrUqrUtOcSuVYu6i73fyU3lEr94c-eBvqKygwQ2efUWOCoM/s320/!CE07n)w!Wk~$(KGrHqMOKpIE0U64y,NrBNTH9,bSJQ~~2_3.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><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 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 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 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 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;">Woot! :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-79344595004158522962013-01-08T15:50:00.003-08:002013-01-08T15:51:10.084-08:00Mending Severed BondsWow, it sure has been a while! Christmas craziness and fun has kept me from updating things here, but I'm back now and *hopefully* ready to keep the blog updated regularly. :)<br />
This week's video is Mending Severed Bonds by LovingHeartbreak, starring Jim from Treasure Planet and Thumbelina from Thumbelina, as well as other animated characters. I just love these crossover videos, and LovingHeartbreak does such a gorgeous job! Seriously, it all looks like one movie!<br />
Since there is an actual storyline with this one, I'll post the editor's description at the bottom. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O-z_2EwYzuo?rel=0" width="400"></iframe> <br />
<br />
SCENARIO/STORY INFO: <br />
(You will have to imagine Jim and Thumbelina
being in their late teens to early 20s in order to get through this
video. Also, Thumbelina is human size in this ^_^)<br />
Jim works as a
space cadet and so he travels alot. One night, however, he returns home
early as a surprise, but he finds his wife in the arms of another man
(Tulio). They argue and their marriage goes sour for a while with Jim
hardly ever talking, or looking, at Thumbelina. Thumbelina feels the
shame, but she tries her best to make it up to him. This goes on for
months, until a sudden move to France causes the couple to swallow their
pride and rekindle their marriage. Only this time, fate has something
else in mind for the young couple...<br />
<br />
DISCUSSION:<br />
This plot was
inspired by "The Painted Veil", the only major difference here is that
Thumbelina doesn't resent her marriage, she actually loves Jim. Her
affair was a cry for the physical love and attention that Jim wasn't
able to deliver while he was away. As for the child, Jim is the father,
not Tulio :)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-87771557380884993282012-12-17T14:30:00.002-08:002012-12-17T14:31:12.638-08:00My Only Wish...Here's the video of the week! Sorry it's up late. It's been a busy day already. :P<br />
So I wanted to post a video that is Christmas themed, and I wasted a lot of time trying to find something to no avail. Blah. But then I remembered that there was a Christmas video <i>I</i> made a few years ago. Although it is a fun video, I'm glad to say that I have improved in my editing skills, lol! :) Enjoy and Merry Christmas!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7R12TCqrnds?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-78917245428812511402012-12-12T15:52:00.001-08:002012-12-12T15:52:46.512-08:00Breastfeeding An OctopusBreastfeeding is hard. That doesn't, of course, mean it is a bad thing. It's a wonderful thing and I love being able to do that for my baby. There are lots of benefits too, like:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Proven to be the best way for babies to get all their necessary nutrition. (Not that bottles are "bad." I commend any loving mom for doing what she feels is best for her and her baby).</li>
<li>A way to keep baby healthier (i.e. if mommy gets a cold, guess who gets antibodies against that cold passed on to them? Baby!) </li>
<li>Bonding and togetherness for mommy and baby.</li>
<li>Not having to wash any supplies (okay, so yes, I do have to wash my body every day, but I do that anyhow, so it's more like multitasking).</li>
<li>Not having to pack anything but the nursing cover or a blanket.</li>
<li>Don't have to warm anything up. Always the perfect temperature.</li>
</ol>
These are some of the things I find the most wonderful about breastfeeding my baby. However, I was never told about the worst parts. Oh no. I had always read things like, "Breastfeeding will be a wonderful way to bond with your baby and you will be so happy you did this!" Or some author tries to give you a warning, but fails miserably. "It may be challenging from time to time, but stick with it." These people don't even bother though to tell you the challenges you may encounter or how frustrating they may be or how often they may occur, or even how they may last the entire time you breastfeed. <br />
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We've all seen the cover of any breastfeeding book. The mother is sitting quietly with her baby who is eating contently. The mother might be looking lovingly down at her child, or kissing their hand gently, while the little one looks up into the mommy's eyes. Exact example of breastfeeding, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl3KPkYxmYu92-yhmuMgj9Pt_MnN3F9VlsP2wmTKpmZdDhTMNPFi4U-9TbNyNgml9aXnAcScYOU82cGudUZFZYy9VfKP79eovONEfq5DHrNq7y-2_algrOK-jk1EQZnmzqNHpsD8x6vY/s1600/breastfeeding+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl3KPkYxmYu92-yhmuMgj9Pt_MnN3F9VlsP2wmTKpmZdDhTMNPFi4U-9TbNyNgml9aXnAcScYOU82cGudUZFZYy9VfKP79eovONEfq5DHrNq7y-2_algrOK-jk1EQZnmzqNHpsD8x6vY/s320/breastfeeding+book.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nR4JoL35FwZX48RrYqXuPKysmkWMCH5dbrO08MhNgXbx6nmYvmc0J3Ayuwp89lu_ABW366peJCJtBcUUl8OSOeBWbxosuVgvydrR9VAjHFT2BffYbb6eCh3BMjQ8Hs1UPzjhjixKQdg/s1600/breastfeeding+book+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nR4JoL35FwZX48RrYqXuPKysmkWMCH5dbrO08MhNgXbx6nmYvmc0J3Ayuwp89lu_ABW366peJCJtBcUUl8OSOeBWbxosuVgvydrR9VAjHFT2BffYbb6eCh3BMjQ8Hs1UPzjhjixKQdg/s320/breastfeeding+book+2.jpg" width="259" /></a> </div>
WRONG.<br />
This never happens with me and my baby. Ever.<br />
Okay, so maybe not never ever ever, but it is on great occasion that we do have a sweet, simple, bonding breastfeeding session.<br />
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Although I knew that the perfect situation on all the book covers couldn't possibly happen every single time, I kept seeing it, so I figured it must be the norm, and the hard times were few and far between. <br />
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Like I said. I. Was. Wrong.<br />
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After Kessie was born, I was told that it may be difficult to keep a newborn awake, and that sometimes you may even need to wake them to eat, since newborns are so sleepy. I was further told that if I did need to wake Kessie up for her feedings, I was to do whatever I could to wake her up; strip her down to her diaper, change her, rub her hands, tickle her toes, do baby exercises, etc. <br />
This turned out to be another thing that was entirely different from what I expected. To me, it sounded like if I was ruthless in keeping her awake, she would stay awake and eat and be done.<br />
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Again. I. Was. Wrong.<br />
<br />
This child would have starved herself to death if I wouldn't have done everything I could to keep her awake during feedings. She was the queen of sleep. She hardly ever was awake, and I'm pretty sure she even slept through most of her feedings too.<br />
<br />
So the first few weeks, there we were, every single feeding, she was down to her diaper, I trying desperately to keep her awake, while she was trying desperately to stay asleep. Our little game went as follows:<br />
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Undress baby. Baby squirms and falls asleep. Change diaper. Baby squirms and protests a bit and tries to stay asleep. Sit baby up and down a few times until baby is really irritated and really protesting. Obviously awake...until she dozes again. Repeat for 10 minutes. Finally, start feeding baby. Within 5 minutes or less, baby is asleep. Tickle baby's feet. Baby starts eating again. Asleep and pacifying in less than 5 minutes. Tickle feet again. And again. And again. Eventually, baby will become immune to this. Move on to rubbing her back. Again. And Again. And again, until baby is immune to this as well. Rub her hands. Again. And again. And again, until immune to that as well. Sit up to burp. Baby spits up. Probably everything she ate too. Start all over and repeat all these things until either A. Baby won't stay awake or B. Baby falls asleep while being burped. or C. You've done all you can and are just done.<br />
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Needless to say, the game of "keep the baby awake" was very tiring. Eventually, we realized that part of it was that her latch wasn't very good and she was somewhat tongue-tied, so she wasn't getting enough milk and was working so hard she was just too tired, and the other part was that she associated breastfeeding with a way to go to sleep. After we got help from a lactation consultant (which I would say is worth EVERY penny if you are having any problems), and after I was ruthless with not letting her fall asleep while nursing, things got better in this area. And for a while, things were actually quite perfect for the most part. Until she started to notice the world around her.<br />
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It was like a strange metamorphosis. Here I had, a beautiful, sweet little baby girl who slept so well and was eating much better after our months of troubles. But slowly, she began to transform into something else. Her hands and fingers became suctioned to everything within her reach- my hair was a popular one, as well as skin, clothes, and my face.<br />
<br />
I swear her arms and legs grew 10 feet long and could wrap around my entire body 3 times.<br />
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Her mouth became a little beak that, despite having no teeth, could make me sore for days. And not just from biting. She rarely bit. It was instead from a strange obsession with, not latching on and off, but <i>pulling</i> on and off. Continuously. On. Off. On. Off. On. Off. On. Off. And it always happened for the same reasons. 1. If Daddy stepped in the room. 2. No reason. At all.<br />
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In my mind, she began to take on an entirely different form. She became...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdF3kdDcZdkJjBPgiQuNiEAkjSp3qE0eKqscnQfJWRWvy0re6eHhXdrXuhPRPp6ZyrPuovcWljEcG7Uqwdn25BtWfhvH6761jaz9_A3-09F8tuqbIXLcuBJeyO6EjF8U1xypdxuvDINw/s1600/baby-octopus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdF3kdDcZdkJjBPgiQuNiEAkjSp3qE0eKqscnQfJWRWvy0re6eHhXdrXuhPRPp6ZyrPuovcWljEcG7Uqwdn25BtWfhvH6761jaz9_A3-09F8tuqbIXLcuBJeyO6EjF8U1xypdxuvDINw/s320/baby-octopus.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
An octopus. <br />
<br />
How had this happened? What had I done to my poor little girl to make her into <i>this</i>? It was extremely difficult to believe that this little thing had once been my calm, sleepy, inactive little girl. This was a full fledged sea creature who was always alert and always awake and always...<br />
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<br />
crazy.<br />
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So what did I do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. What could I do? There's no way to reason with a baby. It would only turn out something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJvQREefZjoT_Lp1PTaF0hG_0yfwCsZr-Ez1h3R2wU2o39egYrIe4FkGZc4NsVQLbFvaLjBWTRe6z8XiZxqkBnOxCzBSMXTLFyRlRIP4LlB5k8XPDfjwGqoA2RC4cK7FQyKl7mbluDw0/s1600/Baby-octopus+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJvQREefZjoT_Lp1PTaF0hG_0yfwCsZr-Ez1h3R2wU2o39egYrIe4FkGZc4NsVQLbFvaLjBWTRe6z8XiZxqkBnOxCzBSMXTLFyRlRIP4LlB5k8XPDfjwGqoA2RC4cK7FQyKl7mbluDw0/s320/Baby-octopus+4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Very effective, right? -_-<br />
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I also couldn't <i>make</i> her be still and sit there. That would just unleash her wrath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCjbpM7HAcxQQiSQI2x1fBZReJJOgBCp0beC59-I7hjdweY2KXk48qJ8e9pbqzsYG4JMkdnYwW8HTz44GewEXGZYQF6SL6RczajKYs1DM81P4qNAovjL1nHoMiotoy8l5IvzqlGR4OSs/s1600/baby-octopus+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCjbpM7HAcxQQiSQI2x1fBZReJJOgBCp0beC59-I7hjdweY2KXk48qJ8e9pbqzsYG4JMkdnYwW8HTz44GewEXGZYQF6SL6RczajKYs1DM81P4qNAovjL1nHoMiotoy8l5IvzqlGR4OSs/s320/baby-octopus+6.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the wrath of the octopus should not be provoked.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so I've found myself stuck with this interesting little octopus for about the past 5 months. So what, you may ask, keeps me from ending breastfeeding sooner than later and enduring through this? Why would I put myself through this insanity? To be honest, I'm not entirely sure myself. Maybe it's because we invested so much time and money into getting help so we could breastfeed successfully so it would be a waste to stop early. Or maybe it's because I know it's the best thing for her, so I would feel selfish if I denied her the best. Maybe I feel empowered that <i>I'm </i>the only one who can do this for my baby and that makes me awesome and feel better about myself? These are possible reasons. But deep down, I don't think it's any of those. I think, perhaps, it's because any time I do think about ending early, this terrible sadness overcomes me.<br />
<br />
A day or two after Kessie was born, I had a moment where I just started crying for many reasons and none at the same time (oh hormones...). When my husband asked me what was wrong, I said that I was sad that I was laid up so much that I couldn't do anything for Kessie but feed her. I wanted to take care of her immediately and I didn't feel it was fair that after carrying this child for 9 months and then giving birth to her that I should be unable to do anything for her. I wondered though why I felt this way since I should just relax and enjoy not having to do anything, since for the rest of forever I would <i>have</i> to do everything. Then I realized it was because, while she was inside of me, I <i>was</i> able to do everything for her. I fed her, I carried her, I kept her warm. Then it got me thinking about how attached we were. We were <i>always </i>together. And now, suddenly, we weren't anymore. She was in her own bed, someone else could hold her, someone else could change her diapers, essentially, someone else could do everything for her...except for feed her. <br />
And maybe this is why we keep breastfeeding. Because it's the only thing left that keeps us attached and as close to each other as when she was inside me. <br />
<br />
Although the going gets rough, there are times when the little creature subsides and transforms back into a little baby girl. I cherish these times like no other and am very thankful for them, because I know that in just a few days or less, the octopus will emerge again...like it always does. Call me crazy to keep breastfeeding an octopus, but deep down inside, I love it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding <span style="font-size: xx-small;">book picture: http://www.amazon.com/Womanly-Art-Breastfeeding-Diane-Wiessinger/dp/0345518446/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354924127&sr=1-1&keywords=the+womanly+art+of+breastfeeding</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Breastfeeding Book picture: http://www.betterworldbooks.com/the-breastfeeding-book-id-0316779245.aspx</span></span><br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-527054338342001832012-12-10T16:18:00.001-08:002012-12-10T16:18:53.623-08:00The Piano Guys-O Come, EmmanuelI know, I know, I posted The Piano Guys last week. But this song is beautiful as well as the video. Really makes you remember the real reason for Christmas. :) Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ugV6QGcafEE?rel=0" width="360"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-63671321844223992942012-12-10T07:18:00.001-08:002012-12-10T07:19:08.533-08:00Kid History: "Healthy Food" Episode 6 (Kids Tell, Adults Act) True StoriesKid History is seriously one of the best things that has ever happened. These videos are hilarious, and this one, about healthy food, is my absolute favorite. Watch for a really, really, really good laugh!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fh0NLQJfAYU?rel=0" width="360"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-830948336192623642012-12-04T14:36:00.004-08:002012-12-04T14:36:46.829-08:00Candy Cane CookiesLooking for a new and fun recipe this holiday season? Look no further! This candy cane cookie recipe I got from my wonderful mother-in-law is not only super cute, but super delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtcdzsQ_eBBRKNWD_3i-C94jivSLdl21jwouqoWiwmMTJ3rBfCw5cMJ2p-bGTtLpETRuuN7g1rVboFKulp50rp45sLtzLs-On1E1PMWRyQDIrn4jGdsLRXNc4aUr87mj2_c6yLLnhnYc/s1600/candy+canes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtcdzsQ_eBBRKNWD_3i-C94jivSLdl21jwouqoWiwmMTJ3rBfCw5cMJ2p-bGTtLpETRuuN7g1rVboFKulp50rp45sLtzLs-On1E1PMWRyQDIrn4jGdsLRXNc4aUr87mj2_c6yLLnhnYc/s320/candy+canes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ingredients:<br />
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3/4 cup margarine (or butter), softened<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract (I always seem to be out of this ingredient, so I never use it, but the cookies always turn out yummy anyhow)<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/3 cup coconut (optional)<br />
1 tsp. red food coloring<br />
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<ol>
<li>Cream first five ingredients. Stir in dry ingredients into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Stir coconut into one part and red food coloring into the other. Chill 30 mins. </li>
<li>Divide each dough into 30 balls. Form ropes and twist together and make candy cane shape. (lightly flour hands to keep from sticking). Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 mins. </li>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-85959034291443205062012-12-03T08:46:00.002-08:002012-12-03T08:47:10.946-08:00Diseny ParadiseI love Disney, and I love the Disney princesses, and so I love this week's video made by tonightsreality. Although I do wish that my favorite Disney princess, Giselle from Enchanted, was included, this video is for sure one of my favorites.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MC-U9euKSVc?rel=0" width="360"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-73513847250858726992012-12-03T08:33:00.002-08:002012-12-03T08:34:01.631-08:00The PIano Guys- Carol of the Bells (for 12 Cellos)I just love Christmas, and I just love The Piano Guys, so why not combine the two? ;) Seriously, these guys are amazing artists and their videos are always the best too. Check them out if you don't know about them, and if you do, check them out some more! :D<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/e9GtPX6c_kg?rel=0" width="360"></iframe><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364712462596928011.post-43698224525439738862012-11-30T08:47:00.000-08:002012-11-30T08:52:29.548-08:00Mr. Krueger's ChristmasLast night, we had some down time and decided to watch a Christmas movie together as a family. We don't own very many (which is why I got on Amazon.com and bought six different Christmas themed movies the other day), but there is one that I always make sure to watch.<br />
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Mr. Krueger's Christmas. </div>
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It's an older movie, made back in 1980, so we popped it into the VHS player (amazing we still have one of those) and started watching.
I love this movie. Not only because Jimmy Stewart is the leading role and because he is the cutest old man and reminds me of my sweet grandfather, but because of the message it teaches and the tears of the true Christmas spirit it brings to your eyes.
Mr. Krueger's Christmas is about Willy Krueger, a kind and lonely widower living alone in a basement apartment he is custodian to. The story follows what happens to him one Christmas Eve as he goes to purchase a tree and nearly spends the holiday alone. Although he makes a few attempts to be with someone, his desires are sadly overlooked and no one seems to notice the company this old man needs. No one except a sweet little girl, Clarissa, who is out caroling with her family. Through the events of the night, Mr. Krueger finds the true reason to celebrate the season and prayerfully thanks the infant Jesus for being his closest friend through his struggles.<br />
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This movie is fun and has some very enjoyable and touching scenes. There are a few instances where the audience gets a look into Mr. Krueger's imagination, which are happy and lovely and of course, my favorite parts. From images of directing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to being a well-known man purchasing a new suit in a department store, there is one scene from Mr. Krueger's mind that stands out the greatest. While he is rearranging his nativity Mr. Krueger imagines himself there in the stable at the baby Jesus' side. It is at this part that one of the greatest, most touching, and most meaningful monologues ever is given. It is clear that Jimmy Stewart doesn't just simply act out this part, but the message of gratitude, faith, and love were truly from his heart and soul. "I love you," says Mr. Krueger to the Savior. "You are my closest and finest friend. And that means I can hold my head high, wherever I go." <br />
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The message that is given in this film is beautiful and one to remember even throughout the year. It is summed up in one, conclusive line. "I love you. That's what Christmas is all about. Clarissa said it to Mr. Krueger. Mr. Krueger said it to Jesus. And Jesus, in so many ways, has said it to all of us."<br />
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<ul>
<li>Age Appropriateness: All ages. Of course, it probably wouldn't hold a small infant or toddler's attention for long, but even young children would enjoy this movie. Plus it's only about 15 or 20 mins, so it isn't long either.</li>
<li>Content Rating: G. Super G. There is absolutely nothing objectionable about this movie. :)</li>
<li>Overall Rating: 5/5 stars. I've already stated my reasons above, but I simply just adore this movie. Unfortunately, I don't believe it is a very well-known film, so I'm not sure how accessible it would be to get a copy. However, if you can't find it to rent anywhere (which I highly doubt it is), it may very likely be available to watch on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG2xdsKNXy8 (In fact I think it is very likely and very available. But you didn't get this from me. ;) )</li>
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Now go watch this wonderful movie! Merry Christmas! :) <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Movie Poster from http://www.listal.com/viewimage/1584223</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00081357853182214163noreply@blogger.com0