tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82207432999407636632024-02-07T17:45:58.661-08:00Fleeting Thoughts on Paper NapkinsLBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-63662873615765142062014-02-11T07:46:00.001-08:002014-02-11T07:46:35.485-08:00Emergen-C® Vitamin Supplement Drink Mix<a href="http://smiley360.com/2693540.cfm#.UvpFyOJQdAM.blogger">Emergen-C® Vitamin Supplement Drink Mix</a>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-59179001858885855152013-08-07T09:59:00.002-07:002013-08-07T10:22:39.840-07:00Fifty Years of Dirt Daubers and Dust: My Mom's Story of an Almost Forgotten Painting<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmG1Q2b-b_5Y1VXh9vNucS17gkESi21DJAQ0zZmlDuG9FgZ9qgVxPOYdX1QcjyJZu8L8ZvWdhjTUsXxhWoOd1kMHuS1ZVYf3fxlid7Ihz6ZwoG3E_bdufrLhV5pbPswNVTA14ihmwuEU/s400/l7.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7ish x 9ish Crucifixion Scene by F.R. Bogdan, 1930 (Photos courtesy of Tom Sale)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmG1Q2b-b_5Y1VXh9vNucS17gkESi21DJAQ0zZmlDuG9FgZ9qgVxPOYdX1QcjyJZu8L8ZvWdhjTUsXxhWoOd1kMHuS1ZVYf3fxlid7Ihz6ZwoG3E_bdufrLhV5pbPswNVTA14ihmwuEU/s1600/l7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few years ago, as we were helping to clean out my grandparents house following my grandfather's death and my grandmother being moved into a nursing home, my mom remembered a fantastic story. We were working on what was her room back in the day. It was converted attic space, and there was a tiny door leading to a section of the attic that remained storage. My husband was digging around in that area, pulling out dirt dauber nest covered items, all dusty and mostly broken. My mother mentioned a painting in passing, quickly disregarding it, as it was probably ruined or may not even be there any longer. I had never heard of this painting, hidden away fifty years ago. So, intrigued, my mother told me the story, as Mike rummaged around looking for a painting.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KTF2L9VmvxzdBiQYFnky9SByV3flr2f49O9gzvFHYybWqdvkIDRGAi92fPl1c6vC2dNAL4nOT55VzO-ftHbzEVXMrH8fnHPtOBLQLStjPxq-egIz3XWyOJyfUh0it8d6pw4Xo4Z71lY/s1600/Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KTF2L9VmvxzdBiQYFnky9SByV3flr2f49O9gzvFHYybWqdvkIDRGAi92fPl1c6vC2dNAL4nOT55VzO-ftHbzEVXMrH8fnHPtOBLQLStjPxq-egIz3XWyOJyfUh0it8d6pw4Xo4Z71lY/s320/Ad.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early 1900's ad in several church publications.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times;">I was expecting a small rolled canvas. Instead, he pulls out a long, canvas wrapped pvc pipe. It had to be almost twelve feet long. We, in fact, had to cut off a piece to haul it from the property. We were amazed that there was no damage from rodents or insects on the piece. It was just dusty, and suffered a few cracks from the initial rolling fifty years prior. Even in the Texas heat, stuffed in an attic with no climate control, there was just no damage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">This sent my mother and I into an information frenzy. Google and I became best buds. I found that the artist, F.R. Bogdan was a Ecclesiastical Artist. Basically, he was commissioned to do religious paintings for churches and just all around religious folk. He would paint them in New York and ship them. Sometimes, he would travel to the location to do murals and more cumbersome pieces. There are several prints for sale on current art sites. It's fun to compare the prints to our massive canvas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">It's first unfurling was at the home of my college art teacher, Tom Sale. We stood and stared at it for several minutes, snapping pictures and chatting about the merits of the painting. It was amazing and, honestly, took my breath away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">I've talked to an appraiser, but she couldn't give me much information and admittedly said that religious art was not her forte. So, I have very little information other than what is included in this article.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">Any which way, this is a fun part of my family's history. My mom is unable to display it and it is currently in storage at my home. I wish I was able to display this wonderful piece of art. I have been dragging my feet on appraisal and selling only because I love the history and the piece itself. So, I will put it out there. This piece is for sale. Reasonable offers will be run by my mother. I only hope that whomever buys it will enjoy it displayed as much as we have enjoyed it the past few years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">The following is a recollection of the events behind the acquisition of the painting. It's a great story that I am proud to kind of, sort of be a part of.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In My Mom's Words:</span></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Provenance
of “The Crucifixion” by F.R. Bogdan, 1930<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0UreGHtjzr4LQr8WR1zlw91GOeX60ktrwfBTD05VYhJwrU9EjhteH91Wpv6W3kj7yTz3mSYvHw7zw_23E9qn26GOFKLh9K5IM4ajjchacIBsyPLs08jLnZjdxGv94Jhi3um9eP5rM-0/s1600/fbr3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0UreGHtjzr4LQr8WR1zlw91GOeX60ktrwfBTD05VYhJwrU9EjhteH91Wpv6W3kj7yTz3mSYvHw7zw_23E9qn26GOFKLh9K5IM4ajjchacIBsyPLs08jLnZjdxGv94Jhi3um9eP5rM-0/s320/fbr3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I acquired this painting during my senior year
(1967–1968) at St. John Catholic High School, in Ennis, Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I lived in the country, I had to wait
for the school bus to take a first group of students home, and return for my
group, called the “second route”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
day, while our group was waiting outside, the school janitor/church handyman
called to us and said he wanted to show us something in the bus garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">What he showed us was this painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time, it was framed, approximately
8-1/2 feet by 10-1/2 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The frame was
of absolutely plain dark wood, maybe 8 inches wide, and the painting was even backed
by wood, I imagine for support of the large size of the canvas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The janitor said it was so heavy it had taken
four strong men to lift and carry it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjdxNFD4dofYRmcUHlfYsewCMI4s2y_nyp-VeQ0C0fxOWdHnL6LFbSxrY2UUagHZQtBRypyNjh_maiS8A0rFEMwJ-Q7jqqjzLMTFqwiTTSJ5aETl_8DFbbzWxv91MKnM2B35A70w7CHw/s1600/frb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjdxNFD4dofYRmcUHlfYsewCMI4s2y_nyp-VeQ0C0fxOWdHnL6LFbSxrY2UUagHZQtBRypyNjh_maiS8A0rFEMwJ-Q7jqqjzLMTFqwiTTSJ5aETl_8DFbbzWxv91MKnM2B35A70w7CHw/s320/frb2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">He said that it had been in the Holy Redeemer Catholic
Church in Ennis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was at the corner
of Preston and Baylor Streets, a small white frame building which I believe was
a converted house, and which was eventually shut down some years after the
newer, more magnificent basilica style St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church was
built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the church was torn down,
this painting, and other artifacts, had been brought to the St. John bus garage
for storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he said, the space was
needed for an additional bus, and he was trying to find a home for the
painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had shown it to various
parishioners, but everyone turned it down, mainly because of its size and
weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was destined for the dump if
not taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc906nSn1S9qGVoGY_0oWxvIIKg4sS_rQDbA2CzBGwytxPpCQixMJpnikLSf6PgOWjZ0svKNX7wU3ih-8PV-KLOuCqqtzc40pzj5E-sclIQC95iHeJAX2Eb06k05yG09zipGLEF8BYxY/s1600/l10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc906nSn1S9qGVoGY_0oWxvIIKg4sS_rQDbA2CzBGwytxPpCQixMJpnikLSf6PgOWjZ0svKNX7wU3ih-8PV-KLOuCqqtzc40pzj5E-sclIQC95iHeJAX2Eb06k05yG09zipGLEF8BYxY/s320/l10.JPG" width="213" /></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of my fellow students, who was taking private art
lessons, began to find fault with the picture, in particular saying the dice
were not in proportion to the size of the Centurions’ hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I immediately fell in love with the
painting, and was determined to have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For one thing, I felt the history of it needed to be preserved, coming
from the original Catholic and mainly Czech church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For another, I do not have artistic talent,
but greatly appreciate those who do, and I imagined the hours of work that went
in to the painting of it, and I fancied the artist had a certain religious
fervor to attempt such a grand project. But as I remember it, so many years
later, what really spoke to me about the painting were the vibrant colors and
what I perceived as a certain naivete and honesty in the expressions of the
almost life-sized figures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Catholic
school, we had been exposed ad nauseam to reproductions of religious paintings
by the great Italian masters, and truth to tell, I was turned off by the
pomposity and artificiality of the expressions and poses in those
paintings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This painting seemed to me to
be a better representation of the real people who had participated in this
event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, as the rest of the group wandered off expressing
disinterest, I told the janitor that I definitely wanted the painting, but
couldn’t take it in the frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it
be removed from the frame?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he would
check with the church pastor, Monsignor Tucek, and get permission, both for me
to have it and for it to be taken from the frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oLxD-UDWreJGKc-NWFbRVJiYNYYVSwbqb3owJo_Ty9TrJGDkTndWCm8dT6MycvbHHxJmwsVN2tlT1HJpijHQ3p1yVr28PJXySbAQ3sGwitQ0V-vfdqKRdllnpDAVmsEnWk7o6Ne8LqM/s1600/frb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oLxD-UDWreJGKc-NWFbRVJiYNYYVSwbqb3owJo_Ty9TrJGDkTndWCm8dT6MycvbHHxJmwsVN2tlT1HJpijHQ3p1yVr28PJXySbAQ3sGwitQ0V-vfdqKRdllnpDAVmsEnWk7o6Ne8LqM/s320/frb1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The next day permission was given, and the janitor cut
it from the frame, saying he would cut the frame up for disposal, and he rolled
it up on a piece of plastic pipe for me to take home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked my daddy to come pick it up, which he
did not want to do, but after quite a bit of fancy talking he went home after
work one day and got the cattle trailer and came to take it home for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My thought had been to hang it up frameless in my room,
but my room was built in the attic with sloping ceilings and short walls, and
there was no place big enough to put the painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy wanted to store the painting in the
barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After much more talking, we
settled on putting it in the small, triangular storage area created under the
roof when the walls of my room were put up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Plan B was to frame and hang the painting when I someday
owned a house big enough for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even
purchased an old church pew, thinking to hang it in a hallway with the church
pew opposite it, to enjoy and contemplate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For various reasons, this never happened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">From time to time, daddy would remember the painting and
ask what I was going to do about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a number of years had passed, I assumed that the painting was
probably ruined, because the storage area was dusty and there were mice and mud
daubers in it, and you could see daylight where the roof met the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to forget about the hanging-and-
enjoying plan, and just keep it as a memory/keepsake of long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told daddy that I just wanted to keep it
where it was, since it wasn’t in anyone’s way and I was afraid it would fall
apart if it was moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He agreed that it
wasn’t hurting anything where it was, and I could continue to store it there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcpXTLgthdQ4oYSQjDECb6lghNY6qNgOhBNgKDbr50sBRVFg3s8tyRGuRWXewplKJalazqn7cO6hb8dvr0d-0BqkQSRwWH9Eec5xgb1iuYa0umPwQZvdKc5vS4TmuvuqNw01D5cYjvBk/s1600/l3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcpXTLgthdQ4oYSQjDECb6lghNY6qNgOhBNgKDbr50sBRVFg3s8tyRGuRWXewplKJalazqn7cO6hb8dvr0d-0BqkQSRwWH9Eec5xgb1iuYa0umPwQZvdKc5vS4TmuvuqNw01D5cYjvBk/s320/l3.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was a complete surprise to me when the painting was
recently brought out and unfurled, to find it in the good shape that it
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the subject matter, a
religious person might think that it had been under some special protection,
and even that it might have afforded protection to daddy’s house, which is a
very old farmhouse, and not in good repair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has been a delight to see the painting again after 43
years, and to research the artist who painted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-77151296636203135862013-07-16T19:36:00.001-07:002013-07-16T19:36:36.211-07:00ARM & HAMMER (TM) Sensitive Toothpaste Friends' Mission<a href="http://smiley360.com/2081257.cfm#.UeYDIuXoxzU.blogger">ARM & HAMMER (TM) Sensitive Toothpaste Friends' Mission</a>: Enter 4 a chance to win a $200 gift card from Smiley360 by taking a short survey http://smiley360.com/2081257.cfm *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-76475956391800011932013-07-01T19:32:00.001-07:002013-07-01T19:32:20.515-07:00Ahhhh, Aveeno!<a href="http://smiley360.com/mission-details.cfm?missionID=398">http://smiley360.com/mission-details.cfm?missionID=398</a>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-86596996623433180752013-07-01T18:19:00.001-07:002013-07-01T18:19:22.111-07:00AVEENO® NOURISH DANDRUFF CONTROL<a href="http://smiley360.com/1774231.cfm#.UdIqPptjlZA.blogger">AVEENO® NOURISH DANDRUFF CONTROL</a>: Get flake-free, beautiful hair with AVEENO®! SAVE $3 here http://smiley360.com/1774231.cfm #AVEENO #freesamp *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-33550876582690129142013-05-23T10:31:00.001-07:002013-05-23T10:31:00.853-07:00Children's Mucinex® Multi-Symptom Cold Friends' Mission<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Complete the survey to be automatically entered for a chance to win a $200 gift card. </span><a href="http://smiley360.com/1840867.cfm#.UZ5SFxtK4Js.blogger">Children's Mucinex® Multi-Symptom Cold Friends' Mission</a>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-73418623493381915452013-05-06T16:54:00.002-07:002013-05-06T16:56:40.066-07:00Playtex Secrets® Balconette Underwire Review<img alt="" src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/playtex.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=1232374264&Campaign=3824317693&Uid=1393898&token=12b6cf74b8bcd06a1854ef5fba25e819" /><br />
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I was recently given the opportunity by <a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/" target="_blank">BzzAgent </a>to try a <a href="http://www.playtexfits.com/bras/collections/playtex-secrets/" target="_blank">Playtex </a>Secrets <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1132180/playtex-secrets-full-figure-balconette-underwire-bra-4823.jsp?searchTerm=playtex%20secrets%20bra" target="_blank">Balconette </a>Bra and I was excited from the moment of acceptance into the campaign.<br />
<br />
I've struggled for years trying to find the perfect fit. Being on a budget, I couldn't afford the stores that have fittings and I am way too easily embarrassed to prance around in my underwear in front of a stranger. I usually grabbed a bra off the rack that looked right and hoped for the best. This rarely worked.<br />
<br />
When I first received my Playtex Secrets Bra at work, I ran to the bathroom and changed into it... with the tags still attached. In my excitement, I am surprised I didn't leave in the hanger. I immediately felt so much more confident in my bust line. I always joke about how my boobs should be 'here' and not 'down there.' Sweaters and large shirts were a staple in my wardrobe to hide what I felt was a less than flattering rack.<br />
<br />
Several days in and even more compliments later, I am in love! This is the most comfortable bra that I have EVER OWNED. The straps stay in place. My boobs are nice and shapely. The design is gorgeous should anyone see me in just my underwear... it may happen. There is not so much padding that I may be accused of false advertising. This is the perfect bra!<br />
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That all being said, if you are a curvy chick that just can't seem to find a pretty and supportive bra, let me help you out. The Playtex Secrets Bra collection is your answer. You can find them at <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1132180/playtex-secrets-full-figure-balconette-underwire-bra-4823.jsp?searchTerm=playtex%20secrets%20bra" target="_blank">Kohl</a>'s for a very reasonable price. Here's to a having a nice rack... with a little help from Playtex!LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-12839450609306144942013-05-01T19:35:00.001-07:002013-05-01T19:35:39.565-07:00Advil® Allergy & Congestion Relief<a href="http://smiley360.com/1602648.cfm#.UYHQ9CC9ytc.blogger">Advil® Allergy & Congestion Relief</a>: Thx Pfizer and #AdvilAllergyRelief for my free sample. Receive a $2 off coupon http://on.fb.me/YI91JV *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-55713108938956886122013-05-01T19:19:00.001-07:002013-05-01T19:19:38.384-07:00Campbells Go (TM) Soup<a href="http://smiley360.com/1380582.cfm#.UYHNNPKY8q0.blogger">Campbells Go (TM) Soup</a>: Thx Campbell's Go(TM) 4 my free #GoSoup! Complete your random story 4 a $1 off coupon http://bit.ly/WhT5Sd *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-77304432771273448642013-05-01T19:10:00.001-07:002013-05-01T19:10:04.966-07:00ARM & HAMMER (TM) Sensitive Toothpaste<a href="http://smiley360.com/1432160.cfm#.UYHK9oqlm5A.blogger">ARM & HAMMER (TM) Sensitive Toothpaste</a>: Get your free sample of ARM & HAMMER(TM) #SensitiveToothpaste http://bit.ly/XtgmkJ #freesample *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-36757791045325776582013-05-01T19:01:00.001-07:002013-05-01T19:01:17.959-07:00NEW Toms of Maine® Wicked Cool! Toothpaste for Kids 8 Friends' Mission<a href="http://smiley360.com/1774287.cfm#.UYHI4S1TCv4.blogger">NEW Toms of Maine® Wicked Cool! Toothpaste for Kids 8 Friends' Mission</a>: Enter 4 chance to win a $200 gift card from Smiley360 by taking a short survey LINK *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-26502206137268627142013-03-25T13:23:00.001-07:002013-03-25T13:23:54.551-07:00Campbells Go (TM) Soup<a href="http://smiley360.com/1380582.cfm#.UVCyT1OxTcM.blogger">Campbells Go (TM) Soup</a>: Thx Campbell's Go(TM) 4 my free #GoSoup! Complete your random story 4 a $1 off coupon http://bit.ly/WhT5Sd *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-79123668935399823192013-03-25T13:19:00.001-07:002013-03-25T13:19:40.743-07:00NEW Toms of Maine® Wicked Cool! Toothpaste for Kids 8<a href="http://smiley360.com/1359021.cfm#.UVCxTAJGOFk.blogger">NEW Toms of Maine® Wicked Cool! Toothpaste for Kids 8</a>: Looking for @TomsofMaine natural ingredient products? #TomsWickedCool #freesamp http://bit.ly/WRjdjY *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-89902300118287297372013-03-25T09:08:00.001-07:002013-03-25T09:08:08.355-07:00NEW Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment Friend's Mission<a href="http://smiley360.com/1380684.cfm#.UVB2YNqRCJU.blogger">NEW Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment Friend's Mission</a>: Enter 4 a chance to win a $200 gift card from Smiley360 by taking a short survey http://smiley360.com/1380684.cfm *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-13779720722068338832013-02-27T13:17:00.001-08:002013-02-27T13:17:30.384-08:00I Just Joined Smiley360<a href="http://smiley360.com/359402.cfm#.US53qU8sHj8.blogger">I Just Joined Smiley360</a>: I just became a Smiley360 member! Discover and review exciting brands for free, too! Sign-up at http://bit.ly/lTDqVw #smileymember<br />
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*received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360<br />
<br />LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-1045756061234197252013-02-26T11:04:00.001-08:002013-02-26T12:27:51.113-08:00New Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment<a href="http://smiley360.com/884504.cfm#.US0GzJQ56Nw.blogger">New Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment</a>: Thx Orajel 4 my free #SingleDose - Get a $1 off coupon Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment here! http://bit.ly/PJD6UM<br />
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*free sample courtesy of Smiley360LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-91475814112148798902012-07-16T09:26:00.001-07:002012-07-16T09:26:18.562-07:00My Review of Lavender Lemon<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/products/lavender-lemon">Originally submitted at Diamond Candles</a></p><div><img src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_products/09/76/13909450_100.jpg" class="photo" align="left" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0 0"><p style="margin-top:0">About this scent There is nothing like a fresh lemony-lavendery room is there? That's why we have Lavender Lemon, lavender+lemons=yellow fresh scent bliss. Try it and let us know what you think, we would love to get your opinion!</p></div><a href="http://diamondcandles.myshopify.com/products/lavender-lemon" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">Lavender Lemon</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">Will definitely be a repeat buyer!</strong></p><div>By <strong>lbabroski</strong> from <strong>Palmer, TX</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2012716T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">7/16/2012</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -180px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">5</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Long Lasting, Pleasant Scent, Attractive Design, Easy To Clean Up</p><p><strong>Cons: </strong>Messy</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Scent, Decoration, Ambiance, Lighting, Gifts</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Midrange Shopper</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">The candle was absolutely wonderful, from scent to quality. The ring part was a bit messy, however, it was totally worth it! I will be buying these as presents for friends, family and, well, myself!</p><div class="prCustomerPics"><p style="margin-top:1em" class="prCaption">Love my ring!</p><a href="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_customers/09/76/34052221_257290_raw.jpg"><img height="75" width="75" alt="thumbnail" src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_customers/09/76/34052221_257290_thumbnail.jpg"></a></div><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-9065100640274073542012-05-11T12:58:00.004-07:002012-05-11T13:47:04.540-07:00Review - Palmolive Fresh Sponge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7u94FJQYYfqPs7XNWKNgCHrMNeoMri0dQoaiHvJ0izS6jJXchksolTjKGF-Kzd_G-CNoIcGn9O1ocY0NB2kv2fRZr5TgUXgqrSs2oYjCCvQnj_WoNNv2MK40PvX3NvsMklqM2GOanBI/s1600/Palmolive-Fresh-Sponge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7u94FJQYYfqPs7XNWKNgCHrMNeoMri0dQoaiHvJ0izS6jJXchksolTjKGF-Kzd_G-CNoIcGn9O1ocY0NB2kv2fRZr5TgUXgqrSs2oYjCCvQnj_WoNNv2MK40PvX3NvsMklqM2GOanBI/s320/Palmolive-Fresh-Sponge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Welcome to my video review of <a href="http://www.colgate.com/app/Palmolive/US/EN/HomePage.cwsp" target="_blank">Palmolive Fresh Sponge</a> for <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>. This is my very first video review and I am so glad that I was able to cut my teeth on such a great product. Check it out and let me know what you think!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lXZkADb4QmA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZDs1U7fDvJtVH9Hg-q8iIKEflIylyvGLxGOxe9QcGE4T_bj3rv_7tR-Nh28dB8m2mDx1Q5wlcdsWyV0JuqFZCiv1tKPEvEW29zaNk_VcbfLDY_mTI1H_U5AbZq84rlnYNeShvySbdZY/s1600/palmolive.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZDs1U7fDvJtVH9Hg-q8iIKEflIylyvGLxGOxe9QcGE4T_bj3rv_7tR-Nh28dB8m2mDx1Q5wlcdsWyV0JuqFZCiv1tKPEvEW29zaNk_VcbfLDY_mTI1H_U5AbZq84rlnYNeShvySbdZY/s320/palmolive.bmp" width="231" /></a></div>
The low-down:<br />
<a href="http://www.colgate.com/app/Palmolive/US/EN/HomePage.cwsp#FreshSponge" target="_blank">Palmolive Fresh Sponge</a><br />
Cleans dishes. Freshens sponges. Tough on grease. Soft on Hands.®<br />
You can find Palmolive Fresh Sponge at any mass retailer.<br />
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This product was sent complimentary for review on behalf of <a href="http://www.colgate.com/" target="_blank">Colgate</a> through <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-48632258106269035672012-04-11T11:58:00.003-07:002012-04-11T12:10:14.091-07:00My Life as a Wench; Trial and Error<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT9ET-wBeYWgoQAQiHtujtTfCJdOu1DF5YlEEDPg-OyNHG1P-r0u52sv2WHW-UzTI6sqbwxhFmac2jk_YKdYllPdxKGdjptZjyflYX_qMT5LEkMPgdmaXl-Ipr4rXkIKc_GHk5w78V7w/s1600/Scarborough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT9ET-wBeYWgoQAQiHtujtTfCJdOu1DF5YlEEDPg-OyNHG1P-r0u52sv2WHW-UzTI6sqbwxhFmac2jk_YKdYllPdxKGdjptZjyflYX_qMT5LEkMPgdmaXl-Ipr4rXkIKc_GHk5w78V7w/s1600/Scarborough.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This past weekend was my first stint as a serving wench at <a href="http://www.srfestival.com/" target="_blank">Scarborough Renaissance Festival</a>. I had so much fun. I worked a <a href="http://www.srfestival.com/weddings/information-booth/weddings.html" target="_blank">wedding</a> reception, serving bread to muh lords and ladies. It was definitely a learning experience.<br />
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<h2><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Costume</span></b> </h2><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2EMzvh1Lg06DjbfxjkaEyUbDgMCJN_OZKuJIbmwGQCW8Mo7eNKI4-7T9rIsy63hj0RQTXmdpvzK_OXUFLBOdIMrgbUr1CmI6WnIDEjmxsVCH3oE-hQb8zWjCGzNI3eC2yWdQ0BFGah0/s1600/costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2EMzvh1Lg06DjbfxjkaEyUbDgMCJN_OZKuJIbmwGQCW8Mo7eNKI4-7T9rIsy63hj0RQTXmdpvzK_OXUFLBOdIMrgbUr1CmI6WnIDEjmxsVCH3oE-hQb8zWjCGzNI3eC2yWdQ0BFGah0/s200/costume.jpg" width="87" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'll start with the costume. I regrettably kept my mother up until 2am on Friday night/Saturday morning. I can sew... okay, I can kind of sew. My mother, on the other hand, has the life's ambition to be a theatre seamstress, so it worked out. Borrowed a pattern from a friend, bought fabric and hauled butt to my mom's house. After many sighs and 'wish I had more time' statements, my mom busts out her sewing machine. The costume was beautiful and fit every aspect and criteria given me by the Scarborough handbook. She performed a miracle... that flopped. Completely my fault.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwpPOvXPqvas1vlnlAsWVSbfKtvC_uvHVADOhDNYuHqO-GuUvimt3mKpq1kg4ZlZ8pQOdDFWDYyDFv4mYWJihCQ7MQmhFmB63INW9J0ruBFh5A6II67ITsRS2sadYdvbFhw_AHm23VxE/s1600/03_V026a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwpPOvXPqvas1vlnlAsWVSbfKtvC_uvHVADOhDNYuHqO-GuUvimt3mKpq1kg4ZlZ8pQOdDFWDYyDFv4mYWJihCQ7MQmhFmB63INW9J0ruBFh5A6II67ITsRS2sadYdvbFhw_AHm23VxE/s200/03_V026a.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone Else</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I show up in my working peasant garb, to find that everyone else on the crew is wearing more of a bohemian gypsy motif. I felt completely out of place in my period costume that didn't fit everyone else's idea of period. I also made the muffin cap a bit larger to hide the tattoos on my neck, and it looked more like a baker's hat... this worked, however because I served bread. I had to be creative in hiding my visible tattoos, which prevented any cleavage or too much viewable skin. I received many compliments and a couple of laughs. All in all, it turned out well, but I am back at the drawing board.<br />
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<h2><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Experience</span></b></h2><br />
I showed up right at 11am, as requested. I'd left home early to walk around the faire, but traffic was horrible and wasn't able to. When the work started, it didn't stop until everything was done. There was very little lull.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPL1TJubZlb95sKFcR8Q0oYgQJaUHN8TFsSmL05kck5YRnC5EpyPdwrAVBdF4dpaw9C04ZkrIGwadr_yUWZBgHl_1Xh-fJHLvEjN_C8Rffb0WuhpFiuIyKwdQvHxISS8T3wmji_REcFY/s1600/crownmap07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPL1TJubZlb95sKFcR8Q0oYgQJaUHN8TFsSmL05kck5YRnC5EpyPdwrAVBdF4dpaw9C04ZkrIGwadr_yUWZBgHl_1Xh-fJHLvEjN_C8Rffb0WuhpFiuIyKwdQvHxISS8T3wmji_REcFY/s200/crownmap07.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>We started setting up for the reception, walking back and forth from the Castle Pavilion to the 'shed' at the Crown Pavilion to get provisions and necessities. Then spent the interim kicking people out of the pavilion that weren't associated with the wedding party. (That was fun.) Finally, we trekked to the kitchens to get the food and then prepared for the onslaught of patrons. This was followed by breakdown and cleanup.<br />
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The bride and groom were very casual, wearing nice everyday clothes. The King and Queen swung by to give their blessings. Everyone seemed very happy with the wedding and reception. If you are interested in getting hitched at Scarborough, click <a href="http://www.srfestival.com/weddings/information-booth/weddings.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy2u0_NEuQk_t5fsEQ8XkKj2JCFe47pW0S7RI55_oB6ENMzslJf7X9ab8WJ_3WnCb-GV_ZUWyi9sYz8YYbR3KSX0TW7dLqJsaKERxMXzjojlJ7g_Te7zsekY6sh2Fn2iZApbg5GV57hQ/s1600/1-scarborough-fair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy2u0_NEuQk_t5fsEQ8XkKj2JCFe47pW0S7RI55_oB6ENMzslJf7X9ab8WJ_3WnCb-GV_ZUWyi9sYz8YYbR3KSX0TW7dLqJsaKERxMXzjojlJ7g_Te7zsekY6sh2Fn2iZApbg5GV57hQ/s200/1-scarborough-fair.jpg" width="200" /></a>Smiling hurts... it really does. Several times, I found myself morphing from happy face to wincing. Honestly, there isn't much of a difference. I don't know why I kept getting the 'smile' signal. I am sure that peasants didn't smile much back then, especially in the corsets, cinchers and bodices that were required wear. When the reception was over and the people left, all the restrictive wear came flying off and in many directions. Want a strip show at Scarborough? Stand around a pavilion after a reception and watch the peasants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfVahMkR56lDxa-H3UdO6g0bBN69lgI4SpdJCeg1HibWX0Fg0h5wFWEDNIIttJPPkmNX6Bf6qFRyYiqvSXrij2KFph-c_A6zhSECoABH4Zup02fBqzLzcU0Q6LWcfkb1D09QgMwSgmTw/s1600/2324_image2_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfVahMkR56lDxa-H3UdO6g0bBN69lgI4SpdJCeg1HibWX0Fg0h5wFWEDNIIttJPPkmNX6Bf6qFRyYiqvSXrij2KFph-c_A6zhSECoABH4Zup02fBqzLzcU0Q6LWcfkb1D09QgMwSgmTw/s200/2324_image2_large.jpg" width="200" /></a>I can't leave out the food. A perk of being a special events serving wench is that we get to partake in the leftovers... including the cake. I had a BBQ sandwich, but had the option of a turkey leg, as well.<br />
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<h2><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Wrap-Up</span></b></h2><br />
Close to 5, my day was done... as far as wenchery. It went very well for being something new. Hell, that is why I am doing it. Throwing myself into social situations headfirst, and seeing what happens. I also dig seeing behind-the-scenes. I give the whole experience a massive thumbs up.<br />
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I am working on a new costume... trying not to wait until last minute. We shall see how that goes. It should be easier. Bohemian gypsy is very popular.<br />
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This coming weekend is the<a href="http://www.srfestival.com/special-events/fun/special-events.html" target="_blank"> Royale Ale Festival</a>, which I shall be working. I am TABC certified to feed the alcoholics their vice. You should come out. It's going to be a blast.LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-48389740935777386832012-03-28T10:27:00.004-07:002012-03-28T10:52:22.275-07:00Beauty Box 5 March Box Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8ypNcMCCiEhZvmykZk8YmiiYKSh0Ipb8-CJiK39NTgk6fWepj0mTIf1KZTMSJauC9T6bvsUAu9UHN8BmcAm0meDMsj-aOt0BPDLT8gTUXcROpqv5WOzC_AYHbwm5RFqvvVwgmVbNxNo/s1600/Box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8ypNcMCCiEhZvmykZk8YmiiYKSh0Ipb8-CJiK39NTgk6fWepj0mTIf1KZTMSJauC9T6bvsUAu9UHN8BmcAm0meDMsj-aOt0BPDLT8gTUXcROpqv5WOzC_AYHbwm5RFqvvVwgmVbNxNo/s320/Box.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I really dig getting myself <a href="https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f2bfde908c8e" target="_blank">Beauty Box 5</a> boxes. It's a monthly gift for just being me. $10 gets this little present in my mailbox each month. There are four to five specially selected beauty items to try in each box.<br />
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This month's was very exciting! I have not had a chance to try all the products, but I am very excited about each of them:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkXW9cFxKrTSknIGYUFNW-rrOqQ12TlIrwBcqeBUfdKOkpRKpIh4BEUNIqElQ0cZJQ-i45bMDnCqEbrVQj9NbJHx_JzXbYXBfkrn_6fGQSyJKv7jDfa9NE4BKk5LfGJpXFfQoXZOlYxo/s1600/lavera.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkXW9cFxKrTSknIGYUFNW-rrOqQ12TlIrwBcqeBUfdKOkpRKpIh4BEUNIqElQ0cZJQ-i45bMDnCqEbrVQj9NbJHx_JzXbYXBfkrn_6fGQSyJKv7jDfa9NE4BKk5LfGJpXFfQoXZOlYxo/s200/lavera.JPG" width="160" /></a><a href="https://www.beautybox5.com/lavera/mango-milk-hair-repair-treatment.html" target="_blank">Lavera Mango Milk Hair Repair Treatment</a> - A natural deep conditioning hair treatment. I admit, I need it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI6Txp1rjqMOtPE7a8_PCi7M7TXKQMKj5tKw4epjY6FbL32I3khdPoKsrDazPOF6WQZlL_Me5tz-Ah2fOjMwdHNvHFjuZDfzk8ILifTWIeFw43TKdPp3YgyAqs1vCTWJuxcmfZ0o-UKo/s1600/truespa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI6Txp1rjqMOtPE7a8_PCi7M7TXKQMKj5tKw4epjY6FbL32I3khdPoKsrDazPOF6WQZlL_Me5tz-Ah2fOjMwdHNvHFjuZDfzk8ILifTWIeFw43TKdPp3YgyAqs1vCTWJuxcmfZ0o-UKo/s200/truespa.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.beautybox5.com/lavera/true-natural-advanced-lift-and-firm-serum.html" target="_blank">Lavera True Natural Advanced Lift & Firm Serum</a> - An anti-aging serum that restores suppleness and moisturizes. I have been trying to find that 'fountain of youth' in a bottle, so I am always glad to try these products.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6twvWnDMeeKS8ZlgMqWE0XqPzPnGc0_qPBLD8Zv9ygGkryIyCRhivLSYI2aiLFShwZeoXFLBFTfCIHvZAnWk7npIAnM0FVpLlKfbfH9JF8pmwQirG3DtHFhzYc6P7pnlNP1F_puQWNI/s1600/purlisse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6twvWnDMeeKS8ZlgMqWE0XqPzPnGc0_qPBLD8Zv9ygGkryIyCRhivLSYI2aiLFShwZeoXFLBFTfCIHvZAnWk7npIAnM0FVpLlKfbfH9JF8pmwQirG3DtHFhzYc6P7pnlNP1F_puQWNI/s200/purlisse.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://www.beautybox5.com/purlisse/pur~delicate.html" target="_blank">pur-lisse pur-delicate</a> - Delicate makeup remover & facial cleanser. I have a bad habit of sleeping in my makeup... I should stop that. This might help.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPdvgE_kbdc4cHFXOjdnziDBNS4tYNdMhom_H0dUPl-iS9NDbFHoRDtjQ2i3Uf0UNxmvGuRWdCDj14TQ8jsJMGu62bNmUnEQ3to34kiVNfgPW2TFGbnb2s5lGuRPMo2iMDSyPmpCfhaA/s1600/becca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPdvgE_kbdc4cHFXOjdnziDBNS4tYNdMhom_H0dUPl-iS9NDbFHoRDtjQ2i3Uf0UNxmvGuRWdCDj14TQ8jsJMGu62bNmUnEQ3to34kiVNfgPW2TFGbnb2s5lGuRPMo2iMDSyPmpCfhaA/s200/becca.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.beautybox5.com/becca/eye-tint.html" target="_blank">BECCA Eye Tint</a> - Long-lasting eye tint. A base for powder eye colors. I've been experimenting with makeup techniques lately. I will add this one to the list.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GSqjfuNyyPQ6d5-PISWj9knvM4QJkxvx8DVhGl9jktd2hIthUAJC2GoQhhW8CTukzWU-mImNE97h2VlWS54Pll-BKhCSd78345pB-kYNeHlbXJa-qj4jR_bDrQukDzwV__hupgo204E/s1600/freeman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GSqjfuNyyPQ6d5-PISWj9knvM4QJkxvx8DVhGl9jktd2hIthUAJC2GoQhhW8CTukzWU-mImNE97h2VlWS54Pll-BKhCSd78345pB-kYNeHlbXJa-qj4jR_bDrQukDzwV__hupgo204E/s200/freeman.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://www.beautybox5.com/freemanbeauty/dead-sea-minerals-facial-anti-stress-mask.html" target="_blank">FREEMAN Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask</a> - Natural minerals that instantly absorb excess oil as they clean pores. I am a sucker for masks.<br />
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These boxes are so much fun. You should try it. This is also a great gift for the girl(s) in your life. They have month to month subscriptions or a full year subscription. <a href="https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f2bfde908c8e" target="_blank">Beauty Box 5</a>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-47770416418500293302012-03-27T12:32:00.001-07:002012-03-27T13:16:44.378-07:00Review - Kiss Nail Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruAMaZEK951Q7TA-nE1sy5KobSulZ44j4i3odIxb7hP2Z0YPLwRiU9L3l_O2m30ig8cs5GygtP6VTp_pbdWQREDMDG1bROfcBZVJiUcB4AvD9jy75EfH8dfBVMlWIXFBh3ZGmvy2QZSQ/s1600/11-1456-KSS-NailDressBanner-PID8816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruAMaZEK951Q7TA-nE1sy5KobSulZ44j4i3odIxb7hP2Z0YPLwRiU9L3l_O2m30ig8cs5GygtP6VTp_pbdWQREDMDG1bROfcBZVJiUcB4AvD9jy75EfH8dfBVMlWIXFBh3ZGmvy2QZSQ/s320/11-1456-KSS-NailDressBanner-PID8816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A fun item in my <a href="http://www.influentster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a> complimentary Love Vox Box try was <a href="http://www.KissNailDress.com/" target="_blank">Kiss Nail Dress</a>. I will admit that I was a bit apprehensive about trying it out. On the sheet, it looked a bit too blingy for my tastes. I was also mistakenly under the impression that it would take longer than it did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OJeIptnRAGZQgSA480kiP7vlWSP34tUSmDrIKMtB8vHFiskJbzA9IEI3GOruXX5uz_VyBWJ1SN_kJUGiwpfE8Vbl0oOneKZZuu79fbGLYJBEmgOQUMD9gyWVlX0AfMDUyFoYdJUTy8M/s1600/coctail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OJeIptnRAGZQgSA480kiP7vlWSP34tUSmDrIKMtB8vHFiskJbzA9IEI3GOruXX5uz_VyBWJ1SN_kJUGiwpfE8Vbl0oOneKZZuu79fbGLYJBEmgOQUMD9gyWVlX0AfMDUyFoYdJUTy8M/s200/coctail.jpg" width="71" /></a>I had a few minutes last night set aside to try this product out, but had to do my toes because a prior commitment of becoming period-correct peasant wench. Turns out, peasants didn't wear a lot of bling or nail polish in the 16th century. <a href="http://fleetingthoughtsonpapernapkins.blogspot.com/p/introductions.html" target="_blank">Harley Quinn</a> was quick to offer up her fingernails to test. So, we both removed the polish off our digits and read the instructions.<br />
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I was given Cocktail: pink zebra-stripe with silver bling along the stripes. On the sheet, it was very blingy. However, however on our nails, it was toned down a bit. Some of the stripes were clear, so I would be able to choose a nail color to use as a background. I used <a href="http://www.kissnaildress.com/" target="_blank">Kiss Nail Dress</a> on clean, unpolished nails.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2Gv0MDGh3IH0t4rUAZ4og1ApomCcrE3nRpAvLcObxz5bNnXnCJaTScWixmdIxuoGykoZFXJv6HHxPIMY8U0ERViW4LCAW-kIYonIHMUm0TM6nk0CDAYNCqOcvoI3J76wCsLXIdDMgbg/s1600/Kiss+Nail+Dress+HQ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2Gv0MDGh3IH0t4rUAZ4og1ApomCcrE3nRpAvLcObxz5bNnXnCJaTScWixmdIxuoGykoZFXJv6HHxPIMY8U0ERViW4LCAW-kIYonIHMUm0TM6nk0CDAYNCqOcvoI3J76wCsLXIdDMgbg/s200/Kiss+Nail+Dress+HQ.JPG" width="200" /></a>It took almost exactly 5 minutes to do <a href="http://fleetingthoughtsonpapernapkins.blogspot.com/p/introductions.html" target="_blank">Harley Quinn</a>'s nails. She spent more time removing the nail polish than we did on applying <a href="http://www.kissnaildress.com/" target="_blank">Kiss Nail Dress</a>. She was excited about the 3D bling effect on the appliques. I trimmed them to fit her nails, trimmed off excess and filed the edges. Quick and easy! We were able to get multiple fingers done from each strip. There are plenty left over. Even better, we can reuse the ones we applied... if we are careful... for the next manicure. The strips do not dry out or harden upon application.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR3SCIJ5LAiY017-8vOs_SRNgK_I7OooQODS9Wl5dwg8lj9mzeDuugSHZIk1KI2UrK8D6chJGrxUe-3FYtx_2Qkufhjnd6oyXjXHJ3X4kq_UokKeAgn9wkP4uSwG360aVej010yQN80g/s1600/Kiss+Nail+Dress+Me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR3SCIJ5LAiY017-8vOs_SRNgK_I7OooQODS9Wl5dwg8lj9mzeDuugSHZIk1KI2UrK8D6chJGrxUe-3FYtx_2Qkufhjnd6oyXjXHJ3X4kq_UokKeAgn9wkP4uSwG360aVej010yQN80g/s200/Kiss+Nail+Dress+Me.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Next up were my toes. Again, quick and easy! I did run into a bit of an issue with one of the bling being right on the edge of my nail and a bit difficult to trim off without ruining the rest of the nail. After a bit of creative positioning, it worked fine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kissnaildress.com/" target="_blank">Kiss Nail Dress</a> is a fun product. It is great to have around for those times when there just isn't time.<br />
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Where to Buy</span></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nail Dress’ suggested retail is $6.99 and is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens.</span></div>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-25555701974476150452012-03-21T11:28:00.003-07:002012-03-21T12:54:25.849-07:00Review: Truvía® natural sweetener<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw-nD49XjfFfvyzv9Vz11fMhC9VubfUaqppvO9E4r70aklUgZCDCshYVmn8eA7kVhzw5zd9LLqYCsLv4sWhrmWbg3mu-cSE-XsnAkcMWgFSGzMU70l85J_I7iM1xmJedmU9pNf7MDeag/s1600/truvia-534x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw-nD49XjfFfvyzv9Vz11fMhC9VubfUaqppvO9E4r70aklUgZCDCshYVmn8eA7kVhzw5zd9LLqYCsLv4sWhrmWbg3mu-cSE-XsnAkcMWgFSGzMU70l85J_I7iM1xmJedmU9pNf7MDeag/s320/truvia-534x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Every morning... so often in fact, I don't remember doing it half the time... I start a pot of coffee. Pour a cup. Open four of those little pink sweetener packets. Add a splash of milk. Then I can face the day. I've always been iffy on the sweetener, however. Maybe scarring from when I read 'tested on lab mice' on the packets when I was a child. Who knows.<br />
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So, when <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a> offered a complimentary sample of <a href="http://www.truvia.com/" target="_blank">Truvia Natural Sweetener</a> in their Love Vox Box, I thought this might be the opportunity to drink my coffee without worrying about an ear sprouting up on the my back. (Who doesn't get that mental picture when you hear about lab testing on mice? Is it just me?)<br />
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Yesterday morning, I remember waking up, getting the kids up and walking the dogs, and amazingly somewhere in there I started the pot of coffee. I grabbed my box of <a href="http://www.truvia.com/" target="_blank">Truvia</a> and drug butt over to the table. Poured the cup. Opened four packets of <a href="http://www.truvia.com/" target="_blank">Truvia</a>. Added a splash of milk. Sipped. Wow, it was sweet! It was so much like sugar, I didn't need anywhere as much as I used. Then I read up on it. "One packet provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar." (Note to self: Read the information first.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLC899E18dzRTxpDd2IXC63lhLe_cr4mUzjoktQeb5gmNFomeUpD7p5yaYN_D-qiboHZCX9c1glCQsp420tRlcx9xThbDjnZ2D0E17j2h9TyudX1NzfaoT43bNVykIsJSI7LdMQsKUhE/s1600/334007_dirty_coffee_cup_13_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLC899E18dzRTxpDd2IXC63lhLe_cr4mUzjoktQeb5gmNFomeUpD7p5yaYN_D-qiboHZCX9c1glCQsp420tRlcx9xThbDjnZ2D0E17j2h9TyudX1NzfaoT43bNVykIsJSI7LdMQsKUhE/s200/334007_dirty_coffee_cup_13_detail.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Pondering my very, very sweet cup of coffee, there was not the funny aftertaste that I usually get with my sweetener. It really tasted like sugar, and at 75% less calories than sugar, I didn't fret how many packets I used. Even better, a day later and there is no ear sprouting up on my back.<br />
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Needless to say, this morning I corrected my ratio of <a href="http://www.truvia.com/" target="_blank">Truvia</a> to coffee and enjoyed every last drop without any guilt. This product will replace artificial sweetener in my home and a cannot wait to try it in baking.<br />
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Where to Buy</span></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Truvía<sup style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 9px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">®</sup> natural sweetener is available nationally at most major retailers and in package sizes of 40-count, 80-count, 140-count and a spoonable jar. </div>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-52224039194608472392012-03-21T09:47:00.001-07:002012-03-21T09:50:33.105-07:00Ever Growing List of Projects in Need of an Ever Growing List of Odd Supplies<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqlqInhnH8h9ea-m5zyuv54zqY_EFbdiMSo-J-w1gdd0pdsnHBwkpYOyVqiUbewncMaxElcZKEB8jUTQGOl2YFMjXi8uaxvHUxyCiNYpvXq81ojpceaErzGBHhkLWoe1jGHfzDI5nXQA/s1600/hoarders_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqlqInhnH8h9ea-m5zyuv54zqY_EFbdiMSo-J-w1gdd0pdsnHBwkpYOyVqiUbewncMaxElcZKEB8jUTQGOl2YFMjXi8uaxvHUxyCiNYpvXq81ojpceaErzGBHhkLWoe1jGHfzDI5nXQA/s1600/hoarders_0423.jpg" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Yep, it's that bad. So, many ideas, so little time, but an insane drive to do them and a need for supplies. Of course, being that I don't ever seem to do anything conventionally (ask anyone), here is the oddball, continually growing list of odds and ends that I am looking for:</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> • broken and unwanted dolls (not cloth)</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>roadkill, preferably hit or tossed not squished </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> (carry plastic bags & gloves)</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>bowling balls</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>beads</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>colored glass (broken is fine as long as in large chunks)</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>broken jewelry (I'm not fancy, anything will do)</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>old birdhouses</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>broken windchimes</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>broken globes</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>any odd charms, bobbles or trinkets (see pic)</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>large jars</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> •<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span>barbie dolls</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Keep checking back, as this list will grow! If you run across anything odd and wonder if it is something that I might be interested in, don't hesitate to shoot me a message. I appreciate your time!</span></div>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220743299940763663.post-831355181146830392012-03-20T09:41:00.000-07:002012-03-20T09:41:40.571-07:00Review: Gillette Venus & Olay Razor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXByd0Wi_KlTYdJ9wN9tZgh95eUgREpZg-SV2d5fxl-5UJJGVbMWsRjAkWmd_dy7zG_PZq0vNk3bVPt6w6w7QS_nZaxzOD0m366IEyJiXdwB5-44yOGuV6P8H3qQYSyS61rjWVQVqHgM/s1600/venus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXByd0Wi_KlTYdJ9wN9tZgh95eUgREpZg-SV2d5fxl-5UJJGVbMWsRjAkWmd_dy7zG_PZq0vNk3bVPt6w6w7QS_nZaxzOD0m366IEyJiXdwB5-44yOGuV6P8H3qQYSyS61rjWVQVqHgM/s320/venus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am always apprehensive about using new razors. My skin is very sensitive on every point of my body. However, when I had the opportunity to try out the new <a href="http://www.gillettevenus.com/" target="_blank">Gillette Venus & Olay Razor</a> through <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>'s Love VoxBox program for free, I jumped on it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKUTMD_E_GieoA1yTIg7adAza_A-qBVY9GKnbx7iPU5cwVGSDkTHc05nO_W5c8odgPMK1gJCCk3WLRepU3zIXb-XWuito1pZaQb3GL6FdE6HxVNL2W_ZBEG1PBfjAPJBQj8ZnXJTHa9M/s1600/Smalfut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKUTMD_E_GieoA1yTIg7adAza_A-qBVY9GKnbx7iPU5cwVGSDkTHc05nO_W5c8odgPMK1gJCCk3WLRepU3zIXb-XWuito1pZaQb3GL6FdE6HxVNL2W_ZBEG1PBfjAPJBQj8ZnXJTHa9M/s200/Smalfut.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>I had to wait a couple of days to get nice and hairy... I do it for you... as I had just shaved. The weather was nice, give me a break. So, when I was good and sasquatchy, I lit a candle, dimmed the lights, ran a nice hot bath and ripped open my new <a href="http://www.gillettevenus.com/" target="_blank">Gillette Venus & Olay Razor</a>.<br />
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This thing rocks! After skin prep with only body wash and no shaving cream, it glided across my legs with very little effort. The only thing better would to have someone else do it for me... they might look into it, but packaging might be a bit difficult. The whole shaving process was quick and I had very little worry about nicks (a huge fear of mine.) Just between you and me, I even went higher on my legs than I usually do. I'm so naughty. The moisture bar that surrounds the head of the razor, kept my legs soft and my skin moist even after the razor had done it's job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxS10NM_zqagdraPegg7_gJzwofLs8LW3Hvbz0P9KaH75jLavMywWaFqtvnVg-wq7Lty-Rm3oRZO1bTa_xLHDqKztrp4cHPI5u4UyEbDUEWOTNAOEuxYqQuqMvfWFVvrWd_sV7el4oIs/s1600/relaxing-bath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxS10NM_zqagdraPegg7_gJzwofLs8LW3Hvbz0P9KaH75jLavMywWaFqtvnVg-wq7Lty-Rm3oRZO1bTa_xLHDqKztrp4cHPI5u4UyEbDUEWOTNAOEuxYqQuqMvfWFVvrWd_sV7el4oIs/s200/relaxing-bath1.jpg" width="133" /></a>Yet, there was still one final test... my armpits. Not that my underarm area is gross or anything, but I do have a nasty biopsy scar that larger headed razors have a hard time navigating with out me grinding the razor deep into my skin. My 'normal' underarm was a breeze. None of the immediate afterburn that other razors tend to give. Now, for the Frankenpit. Amazingly, it had no trouble at all and it didn't irritate the scar!<br />
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I adore this razor! It passed not only the sasquatch test, but the Frankenpit test, as well. Hours after shaving, I was still stroking my legs. They were so soft and hairless! I have always been pleased with both Gillette and Olay products, so this was destined to be a win... and very much is in my book!<br />
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Where to Buy</span></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A refillable Venus & Olay with one replacement cartridge sells for approximately $8.99-$10.99. Packages of three replacement cartridges are available for about $14.99 - $19.49.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Venus & Olay is available now at your local grocery store.</span></div>LBabroskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13300679371769167036noreply@blogger.com0