tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79848376942937788232024-03-05T18:03:58.488-08:00Peace, Love, Pins & PlatesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-28892061659237423392015-03-10T09:42:00.001-07:002015-03-10T09:43:22.910-07:00Time To Be More Present- Philly StyleI spend a lot of my social media time looking at Pittsburgh-related posts (sports, architecture, scenery) and missing the shit out of it! So I took it upon myself last week to just fall a little more in love with the Philly area. Alas bitches, here are some pictures on a little adventure into Valley Forge National Park on what was hopefully the last snowfall. Enjoy!<br />
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Has anyone moved away from home? I would love to hear some experiences (good and bad) on how you adjusted and soaked it all in!<br />
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XO- Nikki<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-74699644638346802962015-03-08T15:11:00.000-07:002015-03-08T15:12:07.917-07:00International Women's Day- The Good & The BadSo today is the day...International Women's Day!<br />
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There is also a day that recognizes donuts, peanut butter, scrapbooking, ya know! So let's cool the jets, my fellow feminist chicks.<br />
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Nonetheless, it is a day in the month that does indeed recognize women. I love this whole thing-don't get me wrong, but I do find something odd with it all. Go on social media and you will see quotes-inspiring quotes- that represent the powerful, loving, successful, go-getting "she-heros" of the world. Then you will see some that are such a skewed version of reality like this one:<br />
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No matter a woman's level of success, there is always someone behind her. Her family (good or bad), or heart (broken or fulfilled), her education (self-taught or institutional), her friends (near or far). I could go on and on, but you get the point. Never think that someone became who they are from only themselves. There is always someone behind a successful woman & don't forget that. </div>
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Happy Sunday, all! XO</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-21613484661705701212014-11-03T12:28:00.001-08:002014-11-03T12:28:50.427-08:00#HERNetwork Feature<div style="text-align: center;">
Kyshira Moffett has featured me on her blog found here --> <a href="http://www.2movesahead.net/#!#HERnetwork-Nikki-Marks-of-Belles-Whistles/c1v1o/9CCEF273-EBFC-409A-9675-3608051645DD" target="_blank">2movesahead.net</a></div>
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A big thank you to her for highlighting women on her website and all of the other amazing things she does. This young woman is certainly going places. Make sure to check her out in the link above.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-73911821187851100232014-08-14T07:13:00.001-07:002014-08-14T08:36:28.772-07:00Ted Talk Brilliance<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">I absolutely love Ted Talks! If you don't know about them, get familiar. They touch on just about every topic so you can browse for something you like and learn from it all. This Ted Talk specifically left a lasting impression on me and I HAD to find the transcript for this post. <b>The title?</b> How schools kill creativity. <b>Who is it for?</b> Everyone! Not just those in education. It is beyond worthy of your time. Check the link below.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"> <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity" target="_blank">Sir Ken Robinson's Ted Talk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This talk, like many, are longer than your average YouTube clip or Facebook video, so here are my favorite parts from it. Again, I copy and pasted my favorites from the transcript-these excerpts </span>are not my original thoughts and ideas!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">I heard a great story recently, I love telling it, of a little girl who was in a drawing lesson, she was 6 and she was at the back, drawing, and the teacher said this little girl hardly paid attention, and in this drawing lesson she did. The teacher was fascinated and she went over to her and she said, “What are you drawing?” and the girl said, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” And the teacher said, “But nobody knows what God looks like.” And the girl said, “They will in a minute.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What these things have in common is that kids will take a chance. If they don’t know, they’ll have a go. Am I right? They’re not frightened of being wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I don’t mean to say that being wrong is the same thing as being creative. What we do know is, if you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original. If you’re not prepared to be wrong. And by the time they get to be adults, most kids have lost that capacity. They have become frightened of being wrong. <span style="line-height: 1.38889;">And we run our companies like this, by the way, we stigmatize mistakes. And we’re now running national education systems where mistakes are the worst thing you can make.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the result is, we are educating people out of their creative capacities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Picasso once said this, he said that all children are born artists. The problem is to remain an artist as we grow up. I believe this passionately, that we don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it. Or rather we get educated out of it. So why is this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you all enjoyed this post. Until next time, XO.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-25616328497042396252014-07-14T08:39:00.001-07:002014-07-14T08:39:38.716-07:00Girl PowerTwo things that will make any woman/young girl smile this week...<br />
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Xo- Nikki</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-28086628016866946722014-06-05T06:59:00.000-07:002014-06-05T06:59:10.072-07:00QOTD<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Christopher McCandless</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Best. Quote. Ever. Until I read the next one...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">XO</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-75339071591170116372014-05-24T10:34:00.000-07:002014-05-24T10:34:56.628-07:00The Good Parts Are So Good<span style="font-family: inherit;">A quote from a television show has made a lasting impression on me that I thought I would share with all of you.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"The good parts are so good that you are willing to suffer an unbelievable amount of pain to get to them."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now at first, I thought it was some heavy shit. But really, it is a basic quote about a basic concept we know as love. And quite frankly, it drives me a little crazy. Why do we let ourselves suffer sometimes just to get to the amazing moments? Not just love for our significant other (as was the situation in the television show) but love for ourselves and what not. Maybe it would be a nice change to flip the script and avoid enduring the pain to arrive at the pleasure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Example of work. Work is not something that many of us like to do. We complain on Mondays and rejoice over Fridays. So do we essentially suffer Monday-Friday to experience the weekend? How about counting your blessings and not your misfortunes. Having a job is quite the accomplishment these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Example of love. Love is not supposed to hurt. Love for someone else or love for ourselves. There is someone or some version of yourself that will treat you so well that there will be no enduring the pain. I believe this stems from what we feel we deserve as individuals. I cannot stand the idea of deserving something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Deserve: verb- <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">do something or have or show qualities worthy of (reward or punishment).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To do something that results in a reward or punishment? So take out the qualities that make us human and we are treated like a house pet. We are growing beings that are 100% in control of our actions, so the idea of deserving something can now be replaced with working towards our own desired end result. Working on your relationships, on the best version of yourself, so on and so forth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So yes, the good parts are so so good, but they don't need to come with an unbelievable amount of pain...not for one second.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">XO</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-26325543087937275462014-05-12T15:59:00.000-07:002014-05-12T15:59:59.384-07:00Where Have I Been? (Belle & Whistles Intro.)Where, oh where have I been? Let me tell you all!<br />
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First...I apologize for disappearing from this blog for a while here, but Lola has been trying to shoot for the stars. From reading this blog from time to time, you all may know my struggles to land my dream job. May 5th, one week ago, marked two years since I graduated college and I still find myself in my college job. That's ok. I finally realized it is...ok. After beating myself up and stressing myself out, it really is ok.<br />
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The concept of creating my own job began when I told certain people of my goals and future aspirations. I kept hearing over and over again that we live in a world of endless opportunities.<br />
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Create...my own...job. Hm, ok so I thought about it. For months! And finally had my ah-ha moment in February. If no one will hire me and give me a chance, maybe it was time I invested more time in my own talents.<br />
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So here, Belle & Whistles was born and growing everyday. Check it out! Explore the site!<br />
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<a href="http://belleandwhistlesblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Belle & Whistles</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-6685425653225334792014-03-04T19:40:00.001-08:002014-03-04T19:40:54.007-08:00Peace, Love, (a few less) Pins & Plates<br />
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Is it now time to change my blog name? Maybe it should be called "Peace, Love, (A Few Less) Pins & Plates." Today was the day to get some of the screws out that were slowly affecting my daily life. Twelve hours post-op and I am quite happy with my decision, just not thrilled with the side effects.</div>
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This takes me on a new little journey toward May 4th--my birthday and the Pittsburgh Marathon. I'm okay to walk around in my sexy, sexy velcro shoes but running isn't on the agenda for a few weeks. I just don't think it is attainable being 8 weeks out from the race to the day exactly. What is everyone thinking? I'm trying to be smart about it and lead this idea with my mind instead of my heart. As fun and exciting it is to possibly run 26.2 miles on my 26th birthday, now is the time to be practical. I would love some opinions!<br />
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Please don't be jealous of my pure post-op beauty. Why not share the good and the bad with all of my readers? Gotta keep it fair!<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f6de698bd8&view=fimg&th=1449018d484892d1&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_fdCyRDPGHDttZVlheYNC3lrGwbbKkcQ2nY5wZmkaYdNGcStOzN-MXB5ZCjoNkkJaxiCmLmQuhhW_3-EIzoXtY-l3vt5l6TKJNU_ljYINwaIvjIXJhJr-IbEw&ats=1393990031971&rm=1449018d484892d1&zw&sz=w1168-h538" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying photo 1.JPG" border="0" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f6de698bd8&view=fimg&th=1449018d484892d1&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_fdCyRDPGHDttZVlheYNC3lrGwbbKkcQ2nY5wZmkaYdNGcStOzN-MXB5ZCjoNkkJaxiCmLmQuhhW_3-EIzoXtY-l3vt5l6TKJNU_ljYINwaIvjIXJhJr-IbEw&ats=1393990031971&rm=1449018d484892d1&zw&sz=w1168-h538" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /><a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f6de698bd8&view=fimg&th=1449018d484892d1&attid=0.3&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ-rSOyjVFhX-L_D83tWQnW7a9ymfHbuPjDBYGySjnWc3fC6zjmNP4OOjBKjq0N6Qa6eEcU-f4BJ-2_l7y6D7kpgE1uhcCFmnE8AYcv3H74aGSBueLWr18vnB3E&ats=1393990031971&rm=1449018d484892d1&zw&sz=w1168-h538" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying photo 2.JPG" border="0" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f6de698bd8&view=fimg&th=1449018d484892d1&attid=0.3&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ-rSOyjVFhX-L_D83tWQnW7a9ymfHbuPjDBYGySjnWc3fC6zjmNP4OOjBKjq0N6Qa6eEcU-f4BJ-2_l7y6D7kpgE1uhcCFmnE8AYcv3H74aGSBueLWr18vnB3E&ats=1393990031971&rm=1449018d484892d1&zw&sz=w1168-h538" width="240" /></a></div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-12839821126097669172014-03-03T19:50:00.001-08:002014-03-08T13:39:37.549-08:00Leading Lady In Your Own Life<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love reading a good magazine of any sort and coming across a great article. In this month's Shape Magazine, Sharon Stone made the cover and gave some lovely insight to the world of aging. Aging can be a scary thing for women in their younger years because it is such unknown terrain. Sharon answered one question that I quickly became obsessed with from the honesty and all it entails.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Q: What's your main concern with young women going under the knife?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">A. Everyone's starting to look alike. We've got 400,000 girls with beachy blonde hair, the same nose, gigantic lips, implants in their cheeks, and little Chicklets for teeth. Are they really prettier? You don't fall in love with someone because they're perfect. You fall in love with the little things that are idiosyncratic. There's something really attractive about that tooth that's a little messed up or sideways."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With summer coming soon (even though it is hard to believe with this frigid winter) so does the race to the perfect body for girls and guys alike. Forget gyms in the New Year with resolutions and cue in March. Sharon Stone made such an inspiring and motivational statement about aging and body image in general. Who says we all need to look alike and fit the mold that society places on all ages and gender? Hats off to her for welcoming each new chapter of her life and aging better than some of us in our prime and youth. Aging truly is a gift of time that isn't rewarded to all. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">XO- Nikki</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/67/65/02/676502d43c721c118e95b20bfd21c0b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="love yourself quote" border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/67/65/02/676502d43c721c118e95b20bfd21c0b1.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love this quote so so much. I had to throw it in here while I decided to talk about women and the sorts."You're supposed to be the leading lady in your own life for God's sake."</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-2630247443843230972014-02-08T09:45:00.000-08:002014-02-08T09:46:26.535-08:00Good VibesI couldn't ask for a better 2014 so far. Do you ever feel like this happens to you-- that the cards, per se, are all falling in place and positive vibes are all around you? I feel like I am currently experiencing this.<br />
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Even through my personal moans and groans, light keeps shining my way. A reading in yoga class had a profound little statement that confirmed this all. "Pay attention to the rocks in your path, for they could be stepping stones." I really enjoyed hearing that, so thought I would share with you all. </div>
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<img alt="Henry David Thoreau" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/cf/8c/f2/cf8cf24b0a5a2154f2a05bc6c7924d73.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></div>
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Have a good weekend, all! </div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-84124805532070032002014-01-31T00:05:00.000-08:002014-02-01T09:46:31.737-08:00My Current Favorite ProductsThese are a few of my favorite (beauty/health/fitness) things...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">♡ </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/What-Do-Run-33795236" target="_blank">This article</a> on what rookie runners shouldn't do. I like it because it is simple and to the point. Everyone has been there before and at times takes a nice little visit back to it. Guilty as charged.</span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2b-fz1n4c7gaSJSGHIg90LYi-3QDmxRpW_1eKC0h75fl3PTw2ioi_GFb5-utKz1Lz-CaUJOyD&usqp=CAY" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2b-fz1n4c7gaSJSGHIg90LYi-3QDmxRpW_1eKC0h75fl3PTw2ioi_GFb5-utKz1Lz-CaUJOyD&usqp=CAY" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">♡</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.gaiam.com/" target="_blank">Gaiam</a> Everything. Two of my recent & amazing purchases.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> They are always having some kind of sale, so why not? <a href="http://www.gaiam.com/everything-fits-gym-bag/95-1389.html?start=1&q=gym%20bag" target="_blank">"Everything Fits Gym Bag" </a>and <a href="http://www.gaiam.com/thirsty-yoga-towel/95-1393.html?start=3&q=thirsty%20yoga%20mat%20towel" target="_blank">"Thirsty Yoga Mat Towel."</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqhOms2DNZCPwLo07Ws4VGyOes_Sa4qz1yEVJH00ETQsA2HzQR&usqp=CAE" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">♡ </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/camera-ready-bb-cream-eyes-broad-spectrum-spf-15-P384673?skuId=1526995" target="_blank">Smashbox</a> </span></span><span style="line-height: 23px;">BB Cream Eyes</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"> because of the SPF 15 and </span><a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/160/17377/Products/Face/Primer/Prep-Prime-BB-Beauty-Balm-SPF-35/index.tmpl" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">MAC</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"> BB Beauty Balm with SPF 35. Perfect to run errands, head to the gym, or when you just aren't feeling the makeup route. Two of the best I ever tried, so let me know if you have found a better one!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1526995-main-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smashbox - Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes Broad Spectrum SPF 15" border="0" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1526995-main-hero.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><img alt=" Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35" src="http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/spp/MLWX05.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">♡ </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170401770/lolas-homemade-organic-body-butter?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">My homemade body butter</a> because...it's mine. And wonderful. Having sensitive skin, it is hard to use a lot of lotions and butters out there! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/020/0/8706154/il_570xN.530096455_bkxt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lola's Homemade Organic Body Butter" border="0" height="200" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/020/0/8706154/il_570xN.530096455_bkxt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;">♡ </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11669953&cp=12587010.4431583.11226303" target="_blank">Aromatherapy Pillow Mist</a>. I have used this for a long time now and find it so calming. Mmm...ZzZz. Puts me right to sleep (or so I'd like to think!)</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-10388235enh-z8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sleep - Lavender Chamomile Pillow Mist - Aromatherapy - Bath & Body Works" border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-10388235enh-z8.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">♡ </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because who doesn't love tea, pink, and less bloating? Thought so. Love this brand of different teas. <a href="http://www.yourtea.com/collections/teatox-shop" target="_blank">Your Tea</a> is all sorts of wonderful. The only downside is the price, but worth it. I drink the <a href="http://www.yourtea.com/collections/teatox-shop/products/28dayteatox" target="_blank">Tiny Tea</a>, but take a browse of the other kinds!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0206/2698/products/28_tt_wrapper..jpg?v=1387437993" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0206/2698/products/28_tt_wrapper..jpg?v=1387437993" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">♡ </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">Drum rolling for the last one. I wonder if you all make the sound in your heads. Ok, onwards. <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/Ravenna-5/1201491B672.050,default,pd.html#q=ravenna+5&start=2" target="_blank">Brooks Ravenna 5</a> are my new</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">running shoe babies that I am so in love with. It really is a great shoe. More importantly, I am really enjoying my new shoe tying method. I have been in a lot of pain at the incision place of my surgery a while back and this system seems to alleviate a decent amount of the discomfort while running. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f6de698bd8&view=fimg&th=143e182f4b4dabe3&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_aRpfZf1bJ9xBeJnQUvSDq8nbfnVH8z1VPQm25QHZyhxvggQsBfuBsfDLDuPYK61PidCLaRkggs5QViWjGRvOcGANRb9xw5PXVlbWb9Gv4ShRO1vAWL-5rfVM&ats=1391155200461&rm=143e182f4b4dabe3&zw&sz=w1168-h538" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying photo.JPG" border="0" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f6de698bd8&view=fimg&th=143e182f4b4dabe3&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_aRpfZf1bJ9xBeJnQUvSDq8nbfnVH8z1VPQm25QHZyhxvggQsBfuBsfDLDuPYK61PidCLaRkggs5QViWjGRvOcGANRb9xw5PXVlbWb9Gv4ShRO1vAWL-5rfVM&ats=1391155200461&rm=143e182f4b4dabe3&zw&sz=w1168-h538" width="200" /></a></div>
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What are some of your favorite products as of late? I'm always interested in trying new things so let me know! This list could go on forever, but short and sweet seems to be my M.O. Until next time!</div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
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<span style="background-color: #e9e9e9; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-34250117780405302662014-01-19T11:30:00.003-08:002014-01-19T11:32:52.404-08:00Marathon Training: Week OneToday concludes week one of marathon training and the only way to describe how I feel is found entirely in one image...<br />
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3 months, 2 weeks, 1 day until 26.2 miles on my 26th birthday. Insert the "ooh's" and "ahh's" here.<br />
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"Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest."</div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-567896064500635132014-01-15T19:18:00.000-08:002014-01-15T19:19:17.985-08:00Cheers To Terrible News FeedsWhat do we all see when scrolling through a social media news feed?<br />
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1. Personal pictures, videos, rants, raves.</div>
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2. Lists of the "23 things that remind us of the 90's" or "10 things I wish I knew before..."</div>
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3. Videos of a cat doing something silly or a baby laughing.</div>
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Really, people...you are all such a damn drag. And I say that with sincerity. </div>
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Isn't it all nonsense that we look at to kill time? Or that we are just prone to clicking on time and time again? We all fall for clever catchphrases or pictures that draw us into the link. With that said, there is that once in a blue moon type of link that sticks in our minds and we press that "share" button or tell a friend to look at. </div>
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This time I saw a video from a few people on Facebook that I can't stop watching. It is a story of endless lessons to be learned and loved. The story of the these two brothers is so beautiful and goes so beyond the matching genetics. It is full of love, triumph, dedication, and determination. What more could you truly ask for in a heartfelt video?</div>
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Hopefully I am not too late to this party. If you shared this on Facebook, thanks! Take a look.</div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-50855789676147697132014-01-12T18:55:00.000-08:002014-01-16T12:46:02.601-08:00Hundred Weeds or Hundred Wishes?There are so many great things happening to the amazing people in my life. Today was a perfect example of that witnessing one of my best friends find her wedding dress. With a mere twelve days into the new year, I can't help but to be so excited for the months to progress. It really is something special to see the people around you truly happy. And luckily, that whole vibe is quite contagious!<br />
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Even though happiness came from finding a dress or recently receiving presents this past holiday season, it always comes back to this concept: Things don't make people happy. Moments make people happy. PEOPLE make people happy. Sure, it could be the opposite with negativity, but like the old saying goes--when you look at a field of dandelions, you can either see a hundred weeds or a hundred wishes.<br />
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XO- Nikki<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-53538217383476804412013-12-30T01:22:00.000-08:002013-12-30T13:12:28.208-08:002013 In Review (Video)2013 is almost at a close & how fast did it all go!? So many of us are quick to shoo away 2013 for all the wrong it may have presented, but why not embrace it? That gave me the idea to make a little video reviewing the year of 2013. I had my ups and downs just like any other year and to that...I thank good ol' 2013.<br />
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I wish everyone good health and luck in the new year!<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/82976843" target="_blank">My 2013 Video</a></div>
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(I don't have any rights to the music in the video)</div>
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XO-Nikki</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-11055845290161341842013-12-22T13:46:00.000-08:002013-12-22T13:48:34.201-08:00What Do Others Have That I Do Not?It's almost Christmas! That is the epitome of happiness and joy no matter what religion you practice in my opinion. "Christmas" can mean anything you want it to, so out with the Happy Holidays slogan and Merry Christmas to all!<br />
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Now on to my thought at hand...<br />
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I know I have been talking about the job search for what seems to be FOREVER. Guess what? It hasn't been forever, people--just 13 months. No big deal. I truly feel like 2014 is my year. I have finally become uncomfortable in my seemingly comfortable routine of life. That in itself is beautiful to me. I think it lets me know that settling isn't an option and I can only get more brave and bold from here on out.<br />
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When I think of my job search failures, something always keeps coming back to me time and time again--<b>what do others have that I do not? </b>That right there is the exact reason why I am where I am. I read Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" before and as usual, took notes of everything that stood out (which could be every single word in his books!) Here are two separate excerpts from the book that I need to read a million times over and I hope it may hit home with some of you.<br />
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"What is the question we always ask about the successful? We want to know what they're <i>like</i>--what kind of personalities they have, or how intelligent they are, or what kind of lifestyles they have, or what special talents they might have been born with. And we assume that it is those personal qualities that explain how that individual reached the top."<br />
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"Do you see the consequences of the way we have chosen to think about success? Because we so profoundly personalize success, we miss opportunities to lift others onto the top rung. We make rules that frustrate achievement. We prematurely write off people as failures. We are too much in awe of those who succeed and far too dismissive of those who fail. And, most of all, we become much too passive. We overlook just how large a role we all play--and by 'we' I mean society--in determining who makes it and who doesn't."<br />
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Can't get enough of Gladwell. I needed to read stuff like that! Be safe in the holiday season everyone.<br />
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Check out his books and see what they are all about. --> <a href="http://gladwell.com/" target="_blank">Malcolm Gladwell</a><br />
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XO- NikkiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-40011262469869436912013-12-09T08:50:00.000-08:002013-12-09T17:01:06.343-08:00VS Fashion Show Eve'Twas the night before the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and all through the house, girls are doing juice cleanses, yoga poses, & preparing comebacks for their men drooling and wishing "why can't you look like her!?"<br />
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When this night comes, try to be happy with yourself. It might be tough as you see them strut their long, toned, Dermablend legs down the catwalk, but try. This is the classic case of "what you see is NOT what you get." Tell the men they can have you just like the women if they want foundation, glitter, and product residue all over the bedroom. Absolutely! </div>
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To make us women feel a little better about ourselves, take a look at these images. Don't get me wrong, these women are gorgeous before photoshop but we need to be realistic.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">So above are the women that men all over the world want us to be. Let that sink in. Here is also a good note to end on. I don't know if I am living under a rock, but TED Talks have recently been introduced to me. There is a "TED Talk" on essentially every category or interest known to mankind...or just me. I listened to one the other day that is pertinent to this post. It is a tad lengthy, but worth the listen! From the mouth of a model herself. Click on the link below.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_russell_looks_aren_t_everything_believe_me_i_m_a_model.html?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share" target="_blank">Looks Aren't Everything</a></div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-1831658979859328122013-12-04T20:53:00.000-08:002013-12-05T14:08:02.527-08:00Shameless Obsession<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently became hooked to the show "Shameless" and can't get enough of it! In a show like this, I am not quite sure if lessons are supposed to be learned or words of wisdom heard, but so be it. In the very first episode of season 1 a little segment caught my attention as one of the characters said something quite profound:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>About 90% of this world's problems are caused by little words that come in pairs. We're healthy and we're happy... Yet when anybody asks us, we say "not bad."</b></span></div>
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<img alt="Shameless...Crazy Show!!! I love Frank. He's a genius.lol." height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/94/26/a3/9426a30ef127cca5079be8e6806b0ff1.jpg" width="218" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Is this not the damn truth? This happens every.single.day and I am the first one raising my hand in guilt. When someone asks me how I am, the normal response is just that--"not bad," "I'm ok," "eh, things could always be worse." And now how foolish I feel. What do I mean by those sluggish responses? I wake up everyday alive and well. I have a roof over my head, a job to go to, health, stamina, energy, vitality. I'm alive. And you know what...if a day came where I didn't have any of the previously listed, I would still be ok because that is what we do as humans--we adapt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever since I heard that little line that some of you might think is downright silly, I have tried to change my answers. You know what is the most interesting thing about it all? The responses of others. They seem to not handle it all too well. Some stutter, not knowing how to carry on a decent conversation, yet some are left with a smile and pep in their step. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is almost as if we ask others how they are doing in a rhetorical sense to prevent a conversation. Everyone is different; maybe their dog chewed on the furniture or their boss sucks. Maybe they met their soul mate or had a delicious meal, but their response will still be the same across the board-- "yeah, I'm doing alright." I will end this challenging everyone to find the good in their lives on a daily basis. Through this, you might hear a good story about someone or be there for them when the world seems to be closing in. Anyone reading this had the privilege to wake up this morning and make their own decisions. I'm no saint, but I'm challenging myself to do the same thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After all, 'tis the season for some cheer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">XO- Nikki</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-22147396795672724662013-11-21T17:40:00.000-08:002013-11-21T17:40:47.606-08:00Busy Being a Kid<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This post has nothing to do with the overall theme of my blog, yet I feel it is an important topic to touch upon. So many awful things are happening in this world that we either to learn to cope with, choose to ignore, or rise above. Not only are these misfortunes happening all over, but locally too that saddens me. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It leaves me with one main question: Was I naive growing up? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The answer is, I wasn't naive. <b>I was busy being a kid</b> and growing up into who I am today. I didn't notice/care for any drug problem at school nor did I notice kids gaining local fame for being on certain websites (i.e, Norwin High School students as of late.) The drug and pornography problem to name two in our community stems from the desire to be accepted; that we are defined by the likes on our pictures and posts as well as followers on social media. We are no longer defined by our character, rather by 140 of them.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">When I was younger, I didn't grow up with a blinding light in my face. There weren't tablets or smart phones. I didn't get the texting and driving lecture from my parents at the age of 16 because it was of no issue yet.<b> I was busy being a kid.</b> Technology didn't interrupt the fresh air or conversation/gossip with my friends. The coolest thing on the computers were AIM, The Sims, or Duke Nukem--but surely enough my parents needed the phone so that game time was limited.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><b style="color: #222222;">I was busy being a kid.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> My knees were scraped, my clothes were dirty, and I loved life. I would stay out all night if I could have, but the lightning bugs let me know it was time to come in, or my name was called...not my cell phone.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #222222;">I was busy being a kid.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> That was my job. Technology is literally killing our human interaction at its very core. There were times when we went to the gym without posting it online. There were times when we shared a meal with our families and cell phones weren't on the table (used or not). There were times when we hung out with our friends without having to tag them or broadcast to the world of our time together. It is as if we are living from vibration to vibration in hopes of some grasp from the technological world.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I don't want to say kids are dumb these days or parents are at fault. Generally speaking, life values have gone out the window. Do we get to know someone through conversation and genuine time together or do we get to know their internet persona and judge off of that?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is scary to think what the future holds with the power of technology, and more importantly social media. Cell phones are ruining the interaction we could have with the people around us. Maybe if we could go back to the days where our priorities were each other instead of that little device, we could all feel accepted and happy with ourselves. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is an interesting article to leave with on how technology is killing the relationships around us. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/cell-phone-ruining-relationship-room-study-article-1.1153350">Cell Phone Ruining Relationships</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">XX- Nikki</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-12813779088359731502013-11-13T19:36:00.000-08:002013-11-13T19:36:25.721-08:00Keep (S)miling<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">"As I get older I see that running has changed for me. What used to be about burning calories is now more about burning up what is false. Lies I used to tell myself about who I was and what I could do, friendships that cannot withstand hills</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"> or miles, the approval I no longer need to seek, and solidarity that cannot bear silence. I run to burn up what I don't need and ignite what I do."<br /><br />- Kristin Armstrong</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks, Autumn for this find! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Although the "burning calories" part is still, and will always be relevant. Vain is vain, ya'll. </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-2352198507414095672013-11-11T14:16:00.000-08:002013-11-13T19:26:30.528-08:00Enough SaidThere are so many great "meme's" or "e-cards" on the web, whatever you decide to call them. I see some hilarious ones all the time and they never get old, mainly because they are 110% accurate. In the midst of looking for inspiration before a run or other fitness activity, it is awesome to come across a laugh. Here are some of my most recent favorites:<br />
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<img alt="I'd anything to lose 10 lbs... Don't be lazy, make it happen! You deserve to feel good about yourself! #Workout" height="225" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/ce/23/e7ce23067ae2d1e26221e350547aafff.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Enough Said<br />
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<img alt="Oh so you have no time to workout? quotes quote fitness workout motivation exercise motivate fitness quote fitness quotes workout quote workout quotes exercise quotes condescending wonka candy crush" height="316" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7a/d6/d8/7ad6d8ec96ba848e4243de0c4269672c.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Enough Said<br />
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<img alt="This is what happens when you dont do squats funny quotes quote miley cyrus fitness workout motivation funny quotes exercise motivate workout motivation exercise motivation fitness quote fitness quotes workout quote workout quotes exercise quotes squats" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9e/21/62/9e21623848e39d0e910a616b29012bc7.jpg" width="318" /><br />
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Enough Said<br />
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<img alt="If you still look cute at the end of your workout, you DIDN'T TRAIN HARD ENOUGH! This couldn't be more true." src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1c/f6/20/1cf620e74740ad08ec8c74d582c1821e.jpg" /><br />
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Enough Said<br />
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<img alt="ha! ... Click this image to browse lots more #Funny #pics & awesome #quotes" height="224" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/c8/b3/3f/c8b33f8fe7ea0fc1a1bab1237b66ff26.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Enough Said<br />
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'Tis all! -Nikki<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-66343190285819251452013-11-11T14:15:00.003-08:002013-11-13T19:26:54.178-08:00Happy Veterans Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="357" src="http://bloggingblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/veterans-day.jpg?6b854b" width="400" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-90495303649586018012013-11-05T13:55:00.000-08:002013-11-13T19:27:25.965-08:00365 Page Book<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=""Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." - Brad Paisley" height="265" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cc/29/9d/cc299d842ee10b381a38e853e8b13d69.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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We always hear how certain things happen at certain times. When we are ready for something, when it is meant to be, when a lesson needs learned- so on and so forth. Whatever gets you through it, good or bad, go for it. That is how I feel about this Brad Paisley quote. </div>
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This pertains to every single walk of life. Literally, so prove me wrong if you can. Only you have the power and control to write your own book.</div>
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Think of everything in your life that you choose: How you feel upon waking up, who or what you let dictate your mood, how you decided to take on the day, who you want to be and what kind of name you want to make for yourself. There is a strand of five things on a grand scheme of things. I can go on and on, but use your imagination. All of these choices among the thousands of others piece together your blank pages and make it a story. </div>
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This quote is so personal because instead of words, I see my life before me. The people in it, the place I am in now and where I want to go to- all are my choices. It's a moment like this in life when you read something, such as this quote, and realize that everything will be okay and more importantly, everyone can relate to one another no matter the race, gender, sexual orientation, or the likes.</div>
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I guess at the end of it all, make each day count and appreciate getting to start fresh with every rise of the sun.</div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984837694293778823.post-4521094322569691562013-10-30T17:47:00.000-07:002013-11-13T19:28:07.112-08:00Health & Fitness (On The Outside)Long time no blog, huh? I'm back...for now!<br />
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So this post might be more for the girls than guys, but alas...anyone can read it. I obviously understand the importance of working out and eating clean (whether I follow 100% of the time or not) but one thing I never really talk about here is skincare. This is something I think about and practice daily as part of my health and fitness routine and am curious as to who also makes this a huge part of their day?<br />
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There are two major additions to my skincare routine as of late that I think are really helping in general and I want to share with you all.<br />
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1. Dry brushing. I kept hearing about it online and never understood it. You want me to take a dry, coarse brush against my dry skin? Thanks, but no thanks. Until I tried it! Life changing, let me tell you. Just take a look at some of the benefits below and tell me at least one or two aren't enticing enough. I use a brush that looks just like the far left in the picture below. $5 at drug stores.<br />
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<img alt="Dry Brushing" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/40/4c/25/404c253eed26e0a83ef1628de88379ac.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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2. So after I dry brush and shower, moisturizing is the next important step. Lotions are so expensive anymore whether we use coupons or not. And I'm talking good lotions, not the ones that barely absorb or come off once we put clothes on or shower again. I'm more into the 24 hour moisturizing so I had to come up with something of my own. After researching and reading for what seemed to be months, I came up with the perfect little concoction and started making my own body butter! It is organic, smells wonderful and so cost-effective. The benefits far exceed moisturizing the skin, helping diminish the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, and smoothing any dry spots or bumps. Not to mention my skin lately has been amazing. I definitely give credit to the dry brushing and my body butter. Of course I put them in baby mason jars because somewhere deep down I think I'm a Southern girl, ya'll.</div>
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Aside from these 2 important parts of my daily life, two products I never go without are Dove dry shampoo (I have never found a better brand that smells so good and doesn't leave white residue) and Herbalife face quencher spray which is perfect for dry skin with the seasons changing, setting makeup (which other sprays at Sephora and Ulta are way too expensive for my liking) or achieving a dewy look.</div>
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<img height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9YAcez_Ry4Fe9s4a0QygBfiijCK0Bf9OGT3jcUhUvcWO9c86g" width="122" /><img height="200" src="http://www.realbeauty.com/cm/realbeauty/images/72/rby-dove-refresh-care-invigorating-dry-shampoo-lgn.jpg" width="150" /></div>
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What kind of skincare regimen are you all using? Any secrets to share? Let me know!</div>
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XO- Nikki</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17818626927860674125noreply@blogger.com0