tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17691714708961272512024-03-05T20:36:36.905-06:00Coffeegirl"Do unto others as they would have done unto themselves."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06756033387373005627noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-83821958244429709422013-11-03T22:45:00.000-06:002013-11-03T22:45:27.959-06:00The City of Roses<div style="text-align: center;">
This last week, I had the incredible opportunity to go on my first business trip and cross one more US city off <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2010/12/train-ride-across-america.html" target="_blank">my travel bucket list:</a> Portland.</div>
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Although I traveled primarily to attend the annual conference for International Foodservice Editor Council (<a href="http://ifeconline.com/" target="_blank">IFEC</a>), I made every effort to snag a local cup of coffee any chance that I could. And since the conference was for food editors and publicists, much of Portland's unique food culture was incorporated into the event.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk7i492g8HCGseakHyZQVIIKm8ZvAsQ25H7Nv27Caoo83Zc4065CRN6zJV2cUuNZCt1VN2pniHMmNKFaZHnYEH7P0RI8aKwWWnnvy4loZHQO5RIp6SOHhVsmgfAeS9TPR8Dq2r4R87gPY/s1600/fall-pdx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk7i492g8HCGseakHyZQVIIKm8ZvAsQ25H7Nv27Caoo83Zc4065CRN6zJV2cUuNZCt1VN2pniHMmNKFaZHnYEH7P0RI8aKwWWnnvy4loZHQO5RIp6SOHhVsmgfAeS9TPR8Dq2r4R87gPY/s400/fall-pdx.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Being my first time attending IFEC, I did not know exactly what to
expect. It is such a unique conference because networking and food are the central focus. </div>
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Publicists filled the hallways, pacing back and forth with black binders in tow waiting for their one-on-one meetings with editors. These 10-minute sessions provide a platform for editors to
discuss upcoming stories and publicists to pitch ideas on behalf of clients. It was such a great opportunity to put faces with editor names, and I made some great contacts for work!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMWCRvembbMSDGiEw7szWj71oAjBEKe-M7TCDvI640RvAUVs1QqgbBSvlmTO_sJwp9dW5J0Fka4EL5HtBCFL6-qNX_YR1uvZji3m18ioBeHptS-mvRi6H3er8xLwcKcrj0DjP9_ASD4mA/s1600/barista-station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMWCRvembbMSDGiEw7szWj71oAjBEKe-M7TCDvI640RvAUVs1QqgbBSvlmTO_sJwp9dW5J0Fka4EL5HtBCFL6-qNX_YR1uvZji3m18ioBeHptS-mvRi6H3er8xLwcKcrj0DjP9_ASD4mA/s400/barista-station.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by @Arosendahl777</td></tr>
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In addition to great networking opportunities, all of the educational seminars revolved around food, especially showcasing the unique food culture of Oregon. In fact, one of deep's clients, <a href="http://mydrinkworks.com/" target="_blank">Kerry Beverage</a>, sponsored a couple of specialty coffee break stations. I loved having the chance to put my coffee passion and heritage to work in my PR career!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX27iyVBHPwo1g20JFSRZVjemuuHrx8pwci8PNqwUxiGYjnS-kGNUJzRxJ4iMd3PRiPkI1eRGHvZm2Avm0qXMQqCyq3sSwa47AcTu9hUY3qNn6Hpi4XnicSsHv_uQTSE1WHdssvVtqO64/s1600/honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX27iyVBHPwo1g20JFSRZVjemuuHrx8pwci8PNqwUxiGYjnS-kGNUJzRxJ4iMd3PRiPkI1eRGHvZm2Avm0qXMQqCyq3sSwa47AcTu9hUY3qNn6Hpi4XnicSsHv_uQTSE1WHdssvVtqO64/s400/honey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not counting the amazing food tours on our last day, my favorite educational session was a honey tasting sponsored by the National Honey Board. They brought in honey expert <a href="http://www.mariesimmons.com/" target="_blank">Marie Simmons</a>, author of the book Taste of Honey, to lead us through some different varietals of honey.<br />
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Each honey had a distinct flavor profile based on the region and type of plant that the bees gathered pollen from--similar to specialty coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate. I do love my artisan foods!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5ZxgFlXCZZYXt2o5Jna5Ng2eSEIv55R7-nWjEXNNAbGww7JPh6GXzwS_boklRgTYv2pahbNAotBc4qeNGcedxzw54tBhoq3bMtCDWzaB-rbxjMtpyUxKqQkDzWDNjmYqWP0Xwj2jmM-T/s1600/shoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5ZxgFlXCZZYXt2o5Jna5Ng2eSEIv55R7-nWjEXNNAbGww7JPh6GXzwS_boklRgTYv2pahbNAotBc4qeNGcedxzw54tBhoq3bMtCDWzaB-rbxjMtpyUxKqQkDzWDNjmYqWP0Xwj2jmM-T/s400/shoes.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Overall, my PDX adventure was packed full of valuable work experience, meeting new people, learning about the science behind many artisan foods and tasting fabulous things all along the way. I have many coffee shop reviews coming along with some other foodie highlights from the City of Roses.<br />
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Stay tuned!<br />
-Coffeegirl</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06756033387373005627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-10770080203453575732013-08-05T23:23:00.000-05:002013-08-05T23:25:09.652-05:00One Happy Island & Two Crazy Lovebirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwh_mZcRndKnMXzry5pSuujKiBarGBZelry0aZr04Uq4S_X4JunVyAfmqzRf-n4sThK_3jCeKj7GJO6CvdPBq3wz7sJ2Hoeop-K5ZnCf7bpODkzN0VUauD4tMZWg2pK315MuJjFpSsDlG/s1600/aruba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwh_mZcRndKnMXzry5pSuujKiBarGBZelry0aZr04Uq4S_X4JunVyAfmqzRf-n4sThK_3jCeKj7GJO6CvdPBq3wz7sJ2Hoeop-K5ZnCf7bpODkzN0VUauD4tMZWg2pK315MuJjFpSsDlG/s400/aruba.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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About three months ago, I had an adventure of a lifetime that I may have forgotten to mention:</div>
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<i>my honeymoon</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbvrxiMAAFSpUg65OAGnqcVAuCVJiqSk4uBFJbMgvytpNkWRVz7GZTlDJWWfTqI9ULoFWa5V4OUapyt76r4L_zs-elEVvRLEBd9BfqmlZgRSVgUc_feTu1h15PCWuWg15LqO5V4bSaOte/s1600/DSC03193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbvrxiMAAFSpUg65OAGnqcVAuCVJiqSk4uBFJbMgvytpNkWRVz7GZTlDJWWfTqI9ULoFWa5V4OUapyt76r4L_zs-elEVvRLEBd9BfqmlZgRSVgUc_feTu1h15PCWuWg15LqO5V4bSaOte/s400/DSC03193.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My beau (now hubby) and I traveled to the little island of Aruba,</div>
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or "The Happy Island" as residents prefer to call it.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Papiamento is the predominant language on Aruba.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The island's culture is influenced by the Dutch, Spanish and the United States.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, it is definitely an island designed for tourists from all over.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBMzw5jZS14MlYMIVhwotSDfLersZqA_HFNbUhc1CjtJJsw0xrs59oUTsY394zjQ5zlqmHXErjMmxNXTSJtB7ONoDZkQ8X3tYwW7GpApu8gd5QHaGYv5OjIG-wKbM853M1JRUtf3kDyRR/s1600/DSC03209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBMzw5jZS14MlYMIVhwotSDfLersZqA_HFNbUhc1CjtJJsw0xrs59oUTsY394zjQ5zlqmHXErjMmxNXTSJtB7ONoDZkQ8X3tYwW7GpApu8gd5QHaGYv5OjIG-wKbM853M1JRUtf3kDyRR/s400/DSC03209.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Aruba was beautiful and filled with outdoor activities like...</div>
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<i>talking on an old school pay phone,</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eFZLovfWwWFKZ_Q_e4pV0FAGCqd7SqbZGLeM2Ozer2_bj0nya8a2NbdNNtdBAN2eIVWQVnhd7TeN3ulVq7rkqx_ZP-209A5iWRQ_Irgc1D35NG2Bm9xYsCnACidtjjLMbAsLkEJrqsLf/s1600/DSC03216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eFZLovfWwWFKZ_Q_e4pV0FAGCqd7SqbZGLeM2Ozer2_bj0nya8a2NbdNNtdBAN2eIVWQVnhd7TeN3ulVq7rkqx_ZP-209A5iWRQ_Irgc1D35NG2Bm9xYsCnACidtjjLMbAsLkEJrqsLf/s400/DSC03216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>walking up a barren hill to see a...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwlPn3UzKLNxLxatceR-ukijCsqPXy8umwE5kfNA2J8GwMIhozh65EpvQbNPp_n-PHxajSxLxpiZpuSWHD3ACF4moq7YBScLDGdEtY6sDbSgszFacsmXj2YKPrT20ECpIJcHXCgjIRkLu/s1600/DSC03228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwlPn3UzKLNxLxatceR-ukijCsqPXy8umwE5kfNA2J8GwMIhozh65EpvQbNPp_n-PHxajSxLxpiZpuSWHD3ACF4moq7YBScLDGdEtY6sDbSgszFacsmXj2YKPrT20ECpIJcHXCgjIRkLu/s400/DSC03228.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>lighthouse,</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9OIYKrMzMG4Zg4RbTwQ3h555seg2Fy9Ag-toZWhIKX3vmW4KodgCBnlLM_gMKrSTyINzO2FI8wCaMLMm02C6NEgW-bHd2d1ouY6ZCr_MvI0HU061rNfLqUHNQ7Y91QQn0kAjwmymPxOO/s1600/DSC03243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9OIYKrMzMG4Zg4RbTwQ3h555seg2Fy9Ag-toZWhIKX3vmW4KodgCBnlLM_gMKrSTyINzO2FI8wCaMLMm02C6NEgW-bHd2d1ouY6ZCr_MvI0HU061rNfLqUHNQ7Y91QQn0kAjwmymPxOO/s400/DSC03243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>relaxing on the beach,</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCCy_yFmBuWGhIu_c5KOWh_hs8dmCn4eIVzTh9gz5lgdgK2QuAadTYfz8nBxfd-EGmO5Y64q5tftgYlmRIfAmEAWUl4jRl58gMFxxJmiij0FExVifLofCPvuQ1DU9H-tmgCCpKTWIU8gp/s1600/DSC03259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCCy_yFmBuWGhIu_c5KOWh_hs8dmCn4eIVzTh9gz5lgdgK2QuAadTYfz8nBxfd-EGmO5Y64q5tftgYlmRIfAmEAWUl4jRl58gMFxxJmiij0FExVifLofCPvuQ1DU9H-tmgCCpKTWIU8gp/s400/DSC03259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>and of course, snorkeling.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQxlyFsEBiGELusA_gSN563F7jmx5E_dv55goMYcWZWWtYw0cB12ByD7GW7Wc6VQzwvOdjbF6UwNppV5N12jgF9kEkevh1laCqZ-mRIPO54qox9rjfE5kBsh-h92mALG3UaskjAPF6t18/s1600/DSC03287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQxlyFsEBiGELusA_gSN563F7jmx5E_dv55goMYcWZWWtYw0cB12ByD7GW7Wc6VQzwvOdjbF6UwNppV5N12jgF9kEkevh1laCqZ-mRIPO54qox9rjfE5kBsh-h92mALG3UaskjAPF6t18/s400/DSC03287.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Days after we were wed, my new husband thought it would be fun to climb up and jump out of a tree in a foreign county.</div>
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I just about had a heart attack.</div>
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Thankfully, this mark was his only souvenir from that fall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b4ria2MiG_dZGWA-NrGHgOOvI95W73I7Ix_E0eRtS9PqvjYJsouPFQkAh08SP8sVzoicRXKS7ZLheWkJX9n4f2fsGdaJFgGbflbtRF9BQ-E5wuzlbrfmzKxR7uap-flEgTMYb0bmSdK8/s1600/DSC03201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b4ria2MiG_dZGWA-NrGHgOOvI95W73I7Ix_E0eRtS9PqvjYJsouPFQkAh08SP8sVzoicRXKS7ZLheWkJX9n4f2fsGdaJFgGbflbtRF9BQ-E5wuzlbrfmzKxR7uap-flEgTMYb0bmSdK8/s400/DSC03201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had a lovely time relaxing in Aruba.</div>
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It was great to have some time to slow down and breathe in precious moments and create unforgettable memories with an incredible scenery as the backdrop.</div>
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Refreshed and recharged, we were able to tackle the first few months of our next big adventure of our lives:</div>
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<i>marriage.</i></div>
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Stay tuned for more details about my wedding and upcoming coffee adventures!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-87640225214675691252012-10-25T22:35:00.000-05:002012-10-25T22:38:18.005-05:00Be My Maid?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5HZZqq8JCBXg8szQGdI7iZ2dM64tOhHZhgc897qR94hFDyQ2aCwTv_TpPQBVBwxNq1iCDfSo0Dd0LolRVvZnpjcrip-ZNZMumJg62MOqfIuL5MBMezW0cOCzUNbP6gMZoj5WdC33NyoW/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5HZZqq8JCBXg8szQGdI7iZ2dM64tOhHZhgc897qR94hFDyQ2aCwTv_TpPQBVBwxNq1iCDfSo0Dd0LolRVvZnpjcrip-ZNZMumJg62MOqfIuL5MBMezW0cOCzUNbP6gMZoj5WdC33NyoW/s400/IMG_2014.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a><br />
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One day I saw the most amazing '<a href="http://www.rinserepeatblog.com/2011/07/askin-my-maids.html" target="_blank">pin</a>' featuring Bridesmaid Boxes.<span id="goog_1785958303"></span></div>
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When I clicked through to the <a href="http://www.rinserepeatblog.com/2011/07/askin-my-maids.html" target="_blank">blog</a>, I fell in love with everything about her wedding.</div>
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Did I mention her name was Bethany, too?!</div>
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Although I was greatly tempted, I refrained from repining because I instantly decided that one day I would do the same for my bridesmaids and they couldn't see it coming.</div>
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And I did!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEapge-KDGYvDaQwsgL54tPBb6OFfbwhcFCXnTPVjlWndetlpyZfg6QP5tZnT1MdpEfw58K44jFPst7AaBhsMW6zJShnlWGYacBlZ2lq6ZC0eflp5eXksjnRgLXJ0ZeIKeynPJhbN_EDS/s1600/IMG_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEapge-KDGYvDaQwsgL54tPBb6OFfbwhcFCXnTPVjlWndetlpyZfg6QP5tZnT1MdpEfw58K44jFPst7AaBhsMW6zJShnlWGYacBlZ2lq6ZC0eflp5eXksjnRgLXJ0ZeIKeynPJhbN_EDS/s400/IMG_2013.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a><br />
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It was so fun!<br />
All I did was buy wooden boxes from Hobby Lobby.<br />
I painted them coral,<br />
and then stenciled "Be my Maid?" in navy on the lid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qpKJsCNNlc31SrgGdwFERPPMsyqBIrDRG5v5x0YR4-GevqIpkYO-GOgjwIiyC-tQsF_9JKw_r5blhEzU127AI8ERRe4Vv9TqI7wVFCB0443eZYJPNi75iaQxYHiGU84W3UnNQNwqVPdR/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qpKJsCNNlc31SrgGdwFERPPMsyqBIrDRG5v5x0YR4-GevqIpkYO-GOgjwIiyC-tQsF_9JKw_r5blhEzU127AI8ERRe4Vv9TqI7wVFCB0443eZYJPNi75iaQxYHiGU84W3UnNQNwqVPdR/s400/IMG_2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I filled the boxes with photos of my wedding style inspiration, paint samples and a little name tag for each maid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m54ALXipJxXaTial91zDb5gco0WZCWgZb_2N9YDhXSM18wDClaQQdKnYCtsUKSJFJ4KX-3urmRChhRYy7t4pca4VsNEfVBBg0c-KusJKpvLsK-Y_Q6LmlxmIRyonBYHqjYs9mg4wzNdG/s1600/DSC02485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m54ALXipJxXaTial91zDb5gco0WZCWgZb_2N9YDhXSM18wDClaQQdKnYCtsUKSJFJ4KX-3urmRChhRYy7t4pca4VsNEfVBBg0c-KusJKpvLsK-Y_Q6LmlxmIRyonBYHqjYs9mg4wzNdG/s400/DSC02485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted to include more girls than my three maids,</div>
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so I created a support group and gave them all names like:</div>
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Maid of Encouragement</div>
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Maid of Laughter</div>
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Maid of Hospitality</div>
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Maid of Literature</div>
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Maid of Creativity</div>
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Maid of Good Tidings</div>
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Maid of Memories</div>
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Maid of Generosity</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54UtO001Vzx-GicQhcoRObSKJBCK2JBIZmzS1HkLGZUjmh23I3B8pvTIbe9VgizDlmzgeq5ryd36dTYiMZw6APgsCczGtUev_e9d-tQYdA2yTOSL0LEbyf4Y1MRYzo_z6iSv7F_iv7brW/s1600/DSC02490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54UtO001Vzx-GicQhcoRObSKJBCK2JBIZmzS1HkLGZUjmh23I3B8pvTIbe9VgizDlmzgeq5ryd36dTYiMZw6APgsCczGtUev_e9d-tQYdA2yTOSL0LEbyf4Y1MRYzo_z6iSv7F_iv7brW/s400/DSC02490.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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In my maid boxes, I also included four little note cards that I got from <a href="http://www.target.com/p/mara-mi-flat-panel-diecut-note-card-set-multicolor/-/A-13959619#prodSlot=medium_1_46" target="_blank">Target</a>, and I designed them to each be a bit smaller. The cards included: "Your Dresses," "My Girls," "Your Role," and "Our Day." This was an idea from the original Maid boxes, but I personalized the cards for my girls and my big day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0Xl1TJvGeroQoC186dH4uWSiUdUgHmpGfqfAYEyJMm66acWlf_BiA1FQIJyYb-eSY5FHxk9F9MTYmVjIwlMfMSE4To0_mRKYhjJnBhzjlKE-l8BDKRYnMiM24T7Fod36xxQ425p9byYS/s1600/DSC02489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0Xl1TJvGeroQoC186dH4uWSiUdUgHmpGfqfAYEyJMm66acWlf_BiA1FQIJyYb-eSY5FHxk9F9MTYmVjIwlMfMSE4To0_mRKYhjJnBhzjlKE-l8BDKRYnMiM24T7Fod36xxQ425p9byYS/s400/DSC02489.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>
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It was so fun to make these boxes and share them with my friends. I also made little cards for my support girls and mailed them or hid them in other presents or goodies.<br />
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So now, I have my guy and I have my girls.<br />
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I'm ready to go!<br />
<br />
-Beth </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-8170532652381084372012-10-02T19:53:00.001-05:002012-10-02T19:53:55.480-05:00I Heart Doodling<div style="text-align: center;">
So something I realized as I entered the "Big World," is that I love to doodle.</div>
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I guess I always knew this, but it has become very evident as I work in front of a computer every day. When I had to be creative, I started taking paper and using colorful sharpies all over the place. After using too much printer paper, I decided it was time to invest in a brainstorming book: one for the home and one for the office.</div>
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I'm in <i>love </i>with my brainstorming notebook.</div>
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I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner.</div>
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There is something about </div>
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putting pen to paper </div>
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and</div>
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colored pens</div>
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that get my creative juices flowing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For my work book, I purchased a hard back black journal from Barnes and Noble. I could literally spend ALL day in the journal section there. It is perfect.</div>
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For home, I got a sketch book from the kid's section at Target and covered it with scrap paper to say,</div>
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"Creative Minds are Rarely Tidy."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbNe3zBaht5DODPTUsNKsAs0PvY4ysUxmrtCpatYneXu0LJRoP8FQ5hBbhjguhyphenhyphenHOmsLmMp4Ea5uwDKqkUKdQ84aKSLs5vNUf9DFUTBLY5-_kwz6lPVllvMHKey56zodlZZmsozXfcwY7/s1600/creative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbNe3zBaht5DODPTUsNKsAs0PvY4ysUxmrtCpatYneXu0LJRoP8FQ5hBbhjguhyphenhyphenHOmsLmMp4Ea5uwDKqkUKdQ84aKSLs5vNUf9DFUTBLY5-_kwz6lPVllvMHKey56zodlZZmsozXfcwY7/s400/creative.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Very fitting if you know me.</div>
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I thrive on organized chaos.</div>
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How do you cope with our computer-filled society?</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-2921809350660469642012-09-29T18:17:00.001-05:002012-09-29T18:17:28.651-05:005 Foodie Blogs I'm Swooning Over<div style="text-align: center;">
Working at a chocolate factory has me diving into a things food.</div>
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Recently, I've stumbled a few blogs that I'm obsessing over lately, and I wanted to share.</div>
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<b>1. Food Curated</b></div>
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<a href="http://foodcurated.com/" target="_blank">Food Curated</a> is run by Liza de Guia (or <a href="https://twitter.com/SkeeterNYC" target="_blank">@SkeeterNYC</a>), and she makes incredible videos going behind the scenes of unique food processes. Her most recent video is about a Captain Lawrence Brewery's Katchkie Harvest Ale that uses real local pumpkins making it "farm-to-brew." Love that! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/50115798" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe></div>
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<b>2. Joy the Baker</b></div>
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<a href="http://joythebaker.com/" target="_blank">Joy the Baker</a> has such a great personality in her posts with fabulous recipes. And she has the most adorable kitty, Jules. She shares a sweet story in her <a href="http://joythebaker.com/about-the-baker/" target="_blank">about video</a> of how her dad got her into baking pies at an early age with her sister.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvWNoj_h52LbAd4P4vLhh5QPgTDtrCzvtDUuuKahx3YFtm915VTUYUCq4bWlwoDDhrH8CWQiVHOuVRE-YsCWrix89u-sJzBq8SprHgyIoEvBJQnDLx0RYchfXeN7-2XXBiTaG0nlfPeGX/s1600/del-joy-the-baker-del0911-mdn-30477872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvWNoj_h52LbAd4P4vLhh5QPgTDtrCzvtDUuuKahx3YFtm915VTUYUCq4bWlwoDDhrH8CWQiVHOuVRE-YsCWrix89u-sJzBq8SprHgyIoEvBJQnDLx0RYchfXeN7-2XXBiTaG0nlfPeGX/s1600/del-joy-the-baker-del0911-mdn-30477872.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>3. The Social Eater</b></div>
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<a href="http://thesocialeater.org/" target="_blank">The Social Eater</a> is a blog dedicated to exploring eating local, Fair Trade and Direct Trade food. So right up my alley!</div>
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<b>4. Desserts for Breakfast</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.dessertsforbreakfast.com/" target="_blank">Desserts for Breakfast</a> is a food recipe blog with absolutely breath-taking photos! Stephanie is also an editor for a new foodie magazine, <a href="http://www.satedmag.com/" target="_blank">Sated</a>, that I swoon over. I really need a subscription for my upcoming birthday. </div>
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**Hint. Hint.**</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dnREAh-NsBdM_rPstE-qIAbcE6ZL9IHFjnid7Zjfnhh8g-yZuqAkB4RZ-f0iEDOH-eUH_4yVdzffKBDwjLzMFgR_oWRwo7c1Eek0MyniqPCxkPhfP9acM0TB83mSGAjQS3fBSG0qKVjQ/s1600/preview6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dnREAh-NsBdM_rPstE-qIAbcE6ZL9IHFjnid7Zjfnhh8g-yZuqAkB4RZ-f0iEDOH-eUH_4yVdzffKBDwjLzMFgR_oWRwo7c1Eek0MyniqPCxkPhfP9acM0TB83mSGAjQS3fBSG0qKVjQ/s320/preview6.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Food Woolf</b> </div>
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Last but not least is <a href="http://www.foodwoolf.com/" target="_blank">Food Woolf</a>. Brooke delves into the behind the scenes life of food and restaurant business. I learned about her through an amazing post she wrote about Askinosie Chocolate. </div>
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These blogs are making my days all the more delicious, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon them in the vast universe of the Internet. Check them out!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-18791488857547671722012-09-18T22:40:00.000-05:002012-09-18T22:40:02.931-05:00The Wedding Notebook<div style="text-align: center;">
Wedding planning came at the perfect time for me.</div>
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With an academic shaped void in my heart, I needed a project.</div>
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First thing, I did after Travis proposed was to buy a beautiful binder and meticulously organize it for the coming months of planning.</div>
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I <i>know</i> I'm a <i>nerd</i>...</div>
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but hey, I satisfied that need to buy school supplies!<br />
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I think this type of personal life organization can overflow to anyone in any stage of life, so I wanted to share some tips of how I organized my Wedding Notebook.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56krlydi3QesSjV1zjmZRDyE5DDzlZzCD7DNqZ97CKf5oFxfNnRfjmdPv3hfT5X2G6i5ZF4tPjOZdxpUNHZwuY35hV0Xs64Hh_o42JoDtYj4YyAKe3U1U5uNDaR3weiRhpEN7cS_ZPgVe/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56krlydi3QesSjV1zjmZRDyE5DDzlZzCD7DNqZ97CKf5oFxfNnRfjmdPv3hfT5X2G6i5ZF4tPjOZdxpUNHZwuY35hV0Xs64Hh_o42JoDtYj4YyAKe3U1U5uNDaR3weiRhpEN7cS_ZPgVe/s400/IMG_2219.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>1. Pick a functional binder that isn't sore on the eyes.</b><br />
This may seem a bit silly to note, but the more you enjoy your binder and organizational tools the more you are apt to use them. I bought binder from the Martha Stewart Collection at Staples.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ3xPLcE3XAiApCNBwTrleM9GroKwDqCILtI6RcteA6m9LR3Y1vfovO6U5YK9Ks8ZZOQrt3MruaXTWWQlR-GQsbSWJR8tvly0YNX3U1t1hexA9zrA70AGsqX3nQ1cWdTbVEfVHIN2r6v7/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ3xPLcE3XAiApCNBwTrleM9GroKwDqCILtI6RcteA6m9LR3Y1vfovO6U5YK9Ks8ZZOQrt3MruaXTWWQlR-GQsbSWJR8tvly0YNX3U1t1hexA9zrA70AGsqX3nQ1cWdTbVEfVHIN2r6v7/s400/IMG_2220.JPG" width="363" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Choose your accessories wisely.</b></div>
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I opted to buy one 8 tab packet with the following categories: Important, Budget, Ceremony, Reception, Guests, Flowers/Photos, Attire and Honeymoon. I mulled over how to wisely use these categories, but so far I am happy with these. Also, do NOT skimp on the fun plastic bags in the front of the binder. This is so helpful in holding small things. Martha Stewart has so many accessories so you can customize your binder to fit your needs!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz_WDQnUA4YhJRl4P5Gfr4Zd9Gy-s1Wb34sE03wcdrjuPp854lEb2hGOVEslG4BsyE79LJdKcKAlFUtBF3IuPBCdGTULC7hEviH4MY4IZuLfaPTlkMjCCRzbwA8gqfyhnNkja3ofaSeAU/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz_WDQnUA4YhJRl4P5Gfr4Zd9Gy-s1Wb34sE03wcdrjuPp854lEb2hGOVEslG4BsyE79LJdKcKAlFUtBF3IuPBCdGTULC7hEviH4MY4IZuLfaPTlkMjCCRzbwA8gqfyhnNkja3ofaSeAU/s400/IMG_2222.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Get a great calendar with plenty of room to write.</b></div>
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Like I mentioned, this Martha Stewart set had so many options. I got lots of filler paper and this great calendar with monthly to-do lists and lots of writing space. This is essential if you are planning a big event or putting together a long term project because it allows you to fill in all of the crazy details and deadlines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJf1qhGNkTfH5pAfz6FEGgDVaIE8dZd3fJioSq3ctF76yyOtWJBymhT_Gs1R1qGxnIpkipQ2Rp50RBE7DI_Q8009b4qJhS0h16lYZEvUFPHthJ1LRo3N2UdQVyhItW7-nDsZlO9LBUo11/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJf1qhGNkTfH5pAfz6FEGgDVaIE8dZd3fJioSq3ctF76yyOtWJBymhT_Gs1R1qGxnIpkipQ2Rp50RBE7DI_Q8009b4qJhS0h16lYZEvUFPHthJ1LRo3N2UdQVyhItW7-nDsZlO9LBUo11/s400/picstitch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<b>4. Fill your notebook with pretty inspiration to encompass your vision.</b><br />
I have ripped out magazine pages, taped photos of fun ideas and even printed out my Pinterest boards. This is the fun part, and you will definitely impress potential venders if you show them your vision in a concrete, visual way.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for any wedding print outs, I got my ideas from this original <a href="http://justlovelykatherine.blogspot.com/2012/06/www-how-to-put-together-wedding.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> that I found on Pinterest. Just remember that organization and personalization is key when planning any event--especially a wedding.<br />
<br />
-Coffeegirl</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-43883442987854202992012-07-29T18:22:00.000-05:002012-07-29T18:22:12.218-05:00He Put a Ring on It<div style="text-align: center;">
Nine short days ago, my lovely beau of six years asked me the four most wonderful words in the universe:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
"Will you marry me?"</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I of course said, "Yes!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I want to rewind and tell you all my incredibly romantic proposal story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U4T-u9YE4pjgMBa3IwU6ZnRmcsHxRN5IUgXuqhPej0aN5bCc8eJQVy5Nywiixa2bhMjz9feHZs3MUlb1tV5cDzz9cgKgiupKIstH2LWKKz-7nAvlKFWhxk371U1KwFl03SKIKHPfDrtQ/s1600/10150262336035456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U4T-u9YE4pjgMBa3IwU6ZnRmcsHxRN5IUgXuqhPej0aN5bCc8eJQVy5Nywiixa2bhMjz9feHZs3MUlb1tV5cDzz9cgKgiupKIstH2LWKKz-7nAvlKFWhxk371U1KwFl03SKIKHPfDrtQ/s400/10150262336035456.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
About a month ago, I went to a ring sale over my lunch break.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I put a ring on that gave me chills.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The lady wrote it down for me, and Travis went back that day, but it was sold.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was heartbroken, but vowed to not be a part of this process any longer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend, Travis insisted we go visit family since he had work off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was a bit suspicious, but I did not want to get my hopes up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way home, Travis told me to go ring shopping with a friend that weekend to send him a report because I needed help.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought, "I guess he really doesn't have a ring."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Friday evening, he took me out on a date and told me to dress pretty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went to a nice Italian restaurant, and I hinted at my suspicions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He joked, "Just wait til you get to the center of that bread!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, I thought, "Okay, not tonight."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nsGkybnEkQtVsGgN73WX0KmaMwR2afDgQrmZwUnkKg1bGCQH9VQHxUxTzK33z1hqWLtiiS-DOLn5-KPhhnbeajBS2-b2E1QmVxXUI_SfGOlbCd2QjTWZaf99dKF6zEJrhexJuGkzv-_z/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nsGkybnEkQtVsGgN73WX0KmaMwR2afDgQrmZwUnkKg1bGCQH9VQHxUxTzK33z1hqWLtiiS-DOLn5-KPhhnbeajBS2-b2E1QmVxXUI_SfGOlbCd2QjTWZaf99dKF6zEJrhexJuGkzv-_z/s400/IMG_0521.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Afterwards, we were driving to my house to watch a movie, when he stopped at my favorite little white chapel behind my house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There, waiting for us, was a perfectly laid out picnic with a dozen roses and his quilt made from his grandmother's clothes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was beautiful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but no proposal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We sat and reminisced over the past six years and enjoyed the scenery.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was on cloud nine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We laid down to look at the sky, and out of no where, he said,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Will you marry me?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No box.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No knee.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just his sweet smile and the beautiful ring that he had told me was gone!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I called him a liar, said, "Of course!," and immediately put my favorite ring on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6ORmaLa22eWQINTXFWSiSONPmqmP9F2fSDZaCj9QmKL4y1sDa0sILs4OgH-ELh6DwHcJIXpHk2MOhTQYsi0Nb2NyurY7t404JSdEqo-Wdm1fB2UfKUWhKUfiErseKu6N2Sfn626iYVWr/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6ORmaLa22eWQINTXFWSiSONPmqmP9F2fSDZaCj9QmKL4y1sDa0sILs4OgH-ELh6DwHcJIXpHk2MOhTQYsi0Nb2NyurY7t404JSdEqo-Wdm1fB2UfKUWhKUfiErseKu6N2Sfn626iYVWr/s400/IMG_1879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then he began to mess with his phone,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and shortly afterward, fireworks began shooting off in the distance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5M7Csmuqrw&feature=share" target="_blank">It was magical</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He had given my best friend, Suzie, "the signal,"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and she lit them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(She is great at keeping secrets.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next night, he had a whole party planned with our family to celebrate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was fun and perfect and a little quirky.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just like us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDIMSdXKk4dPQZeQ4DiQ85yq7IDN-0-qPpx8pWhO9bkb8UzOi_k0uMds3AZ9nosK65gFpGC5X_46t4BotuAACzYKmHUH9VgdS7D8Cb0GWWR1ujeif0MeTrzgm0KWPfO3PojFkmhYvgT1l/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDIMSdXKk4dPQZeQ4DiQ85yq7IDN-0-qPpx8pWhO9bkb8UzOi_k0uMds3AZ9nosK65gFpGC5X_46t4BotuAACzYKmHUH9VgdS7D8Cb0GWWR1ujeif0MeTrzgm0KWPfO3PojFkmhYvgT1l/s400/IMG_1833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still cannot believe I am a bride-to-be,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I could not be happier!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Travis is the most wonderful man I have ever known, and I cannot wait to have countless adventures with him as his wife. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Beth</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-73581970638235324702012-07-08T22:03:00.002-05:002012-07-08T22:03:22.948-05:00The One That Got Away<div style="text-align: center;">
My friends from high school and I have sort of started an odd tradition when I go home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We make music videos.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our latest project a couple of weeks ago was "The One that Got Away" by Katy Perry, right in time for her summer blockbuster.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The video involves five girls and five break-up stories.<br />
Let's see if you can guess them all.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5qtk4oHf4CI" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you are having a lovely summer!<br />
<br />
-Coffeegirl</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-42452611539025676602012-06-11T07:59:00.002-05:002012-06-11T07:59:24.323-05:00HUNGERTHON 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend, I had the privilege of volunteering at HUNGERTHON again after two years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HUNGERTHON is <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2010/02/crazy-combo-career.html" target="_blank">Ozarks Food Harvest</a>'s largest annual fundraiser for their backpack program. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a radio-thon with Alice 95.5, a local radio station, where they spend four days outside telling heartwarming stories on air to encourage people to donate to such a great cause.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the money raised goes to help fund the backpack program for the Ozarks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ozarksfoodharvest.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3S68R__4jUNU3VbVaMk3ieZuYfh0wm-pIY9G0TFzjpqV5z9PFTcGgTGxFATTq_UniKdGMfBYwo0Clq0tT1_71Ttb7dwY2tjvbkxNmm5OdPYFboCudo8C9cTvdoAlZt9C2YKx8ys5waNnn/s400/1029_1337887532.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The backpack program is a program for kids who are relying on school to receive food each day, and do not always get a meal over the weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ozarks Food Harvest, our local food bank, creates the backpacks filled with good food that is easy for a child to prepare, and the backpacks are sent home every Friday with the at-risk students.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two summers ago, I had my first internship with the PR department at Ozarks Food Harvest, and I learned so much about hunger in the Ozarks as well as valuable career skills I still use everyday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFMqx15e065V6caYPCgQYsrInOoOdy00wpYl-tPW5uZsmHUk2uITm1IiQTcz13EufRsEss5YeXrgOqLpnjEGBJnLPvuoomjtPyQ2uJyrCWSAxDIeu_ht54hmoVDqMwEiIzafxzCSnAdU4/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFMqx15e065V6caYPCgQYsrInOoOdy00wpYl-tPW5uZsmHUk2uITm1IiQTcz13EufRsEss5YeXrgOqLpnjEGBJnLPvuoomjtPyQ2uJyrCWSAxDIeu_ht54hmoVDqMwEiIzafxzCSnAdU4/s400/IMG_1401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was so great to be able to come back and see all the people I worked with that summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In fact, we had an intern reunion between my former internship supervisor, Lindsey, her previous intern after me, Sara, and her current intern, Riana.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We snagged a photo to commemorate the occasion!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJK6AK0vWd1Ig115TqHRVtTj2S51a4KvbCduKDVGabUZJunmwWZY87Adc16LSqeaVi22VhU6Y-Gjem7R9Xm8SBHYotLS-lzUb_PVB6GkNHNHTNQ-awIPN9tSqnpZABXkGoavuvZ0sFjUr/s1600/5047929404_997b9a4eda_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJK6AK0vWd1Ig115TqHRVtTj2S51a4KvbCduKDVGabUZJunmwWZY87Adc16LSqeaVi22VhU6Y-Gjem7R9Xm8SBHYotLS-lzUb_PVB6GkNHNHTNQ-awIPN9tSqnpZABXkGoavuvZ0sFjUr/s400/5047929404_997b9a4eda_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara, Lindsey, Riana and I smile for the camera!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ozarks Food Harvest is such a great nonprofit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were and are huge players in the Joplin tornado relief.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are interested in being a part of Ozarks Food Harvest,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
check out their website: <a href="http://ozarksfoodharvest.org/">ozarksfoodharvest.org</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do not forget to give back to your community,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Coffeegirl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-58639815857101461662012-06-07T21:38:00.001-05:002012-06-07T21:38:20.552-05:00Person in Charge of Getting the Word Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm starting to settle into my new job at Askinosie Chocolate,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I'm <i>just </i>smitten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is the perfect job for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, I am constantly asked:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So what do you actually <i>DO</i>?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you get to eat chocolate <i>all day</i>?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Are there oompa loompas involved?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am a public relations professional for an artisan bean-to-bar chocolate factory, where I <i>do </i>get to eat chocolate frequently and there are <i>not </i>oompa loompas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I adore my <i>actual </i>title:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Person in Charge of Getting the Word Out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think that pretty much sums it up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm a storyteller,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
an event coordinator,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a social media peep,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a listening ear for customers,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a idea factory for journalists</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and simply an advocate for the company.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A wise professor once described PR as three things:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
reading,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
writing &</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
relationships.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love all of those things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07hU1xVgqStxfP7pg1ey53qzubTXJ2mF0WkD9jpdafT2YAM_yLcDQbtu7JqfdYwronBjbn40ym0rCfEe0WO6SIpaIxQcpwN3RzfjeoofvK1JUq3cKcxjOuIOi_VCMi4Edr8lI_HhjSsSp/s1600/pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07hU1xVgqStxfP7pg1ey53qzubTXJ2mF0WkD9jpdafT2YAM_yLcDQbtu7JqfdYwronBjbn40ym0rCfEe0WO6SIpaIxQcpwN3RzfjeoofvK1JUq3cKcxjOuIOi_VCMi4Edr8lI_HhjSsSp/s400/pink.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My outfit for my first day of work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Being the Person in Charge of Getting the Word Out,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you all will be hearing much more of Askinosie's story in posts to come,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but for now that is all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hopefully, you understand what I do a little better than before.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Indulge in yummy chocolate always,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coffeegirl</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-87022876613505801002012-06-06T22:08:00.002-05:002012-06-06T22:10:29.940-05:00La Capilla del Hombre<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, I have called Quito, Ecuador, twice for work, and we got our shipment of cocoa beans from Ecuador this morning.<br />
<br />
All this has me reminiscing over being in that lovely Latin city this time last year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOUmlSjW9QqCciabPpSeTcMgmaaCa7KjodqXzTxp1zAByS8MMX0N53k9AkNBavpYYbI2UKP2jjHUWBDIX6x-iJPwbp4bxWFPqj8Htuzaf_4QUtpPJCDcJVR95xXYWhHyQABeR1Imy18IZ/s1600/389623_10150951642052258_33446572257_9914460_1549623043_n-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOUmlSjW9QqCciabPpSeTcMgmaaCa7KjodqXzTxp1zAByS8MMX0N53k9AkNBavpYYbI2UKP2jjHUWBDIX6x-iJPwbp4bxWFPqj8Htuzaf_4QUtpPJCDcJVR95xXYWhHyQABeR1Imy18IZ/s400/389623_10150951642052258_33446572257_9914460_1549623043_n-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Askinosie <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150951642052258&set=a.10150895788912258.460033.33446572257&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite experiences of the entire trip, I have yet to share with my fellow traveling chums: </div>
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Visiting la Capilla del Hombre.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBllLI6xrRFl8TF_dVURa93cnL2PBoNRJtCvTWR3AoDFNFySs7kOLN1-kZAvVZhzyhMA270mwPZztf9c0H9kuUBS_iFXPlKkhf6IEpzS2g50Msa6OyTvapeM36jCsLLLvezE-G1Tq5MEak/s1600/guayasamin-capilla-del-hombre-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBllLI6xrRFl8TF_dVURa93cnL2PBoNRJtCvTWR3AoDFNFySs7kOLN1-kZAvVZhzyhMA270mwPZztf9c0H9kuUBS_iFXPlKkhf6IEpzS2g50Msa6OyTvapeM36jCsLLLvezE-G1Tq5MEak/s400/guayasamin-capilla-del-hombre-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robnunn/5047337029/in/set-72157624961722239" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
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La Capilla del Hombre, or the Cathedral of Man, is an art gallery dedicate to one of Ecuador's most famous artists: <a href="http://www.guayasamin.org/pages/index.html" target="_blank">Oswaldo Guayasamin</a>. The gallery was actually designed by Guayasamin, but he did not live to see out his final masterpiece's completion.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMMZLpdMf8TvlWMA7flGp9Dn4QZUV9VEAol3K1blfPBiLcTFELuuS4dVfvATycDGpybO1-3oQJS5_BzesvSuV4CU_y3FZ7z85VvLYFK81qiPVcdVocjIVYSnLwkV3b7gzfQbyIx75tzlK/s1600/246964_10150276606040219_7827827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMMZLpdMf8TvlWMA7flGp9Dn4QZUV9VEAol3K1blfPBiLcTFELuuS4dVfvATycDGpybO1-3oQJS5_BzesvSuV4CU_y3FZ7z85VvLYFK81qiPVcdVocjIVYSnLwkV3b7gzfQbyIx75tzlK/s400/246964_10150276606040219_7827827_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a child with no feet."</td></tr>
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</div>
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Guayasamin had a very unique style born out of his friend's death in a political demonstration and his travels to indigenous people along the Amazon. </div>
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He became obsessed with human suffering and injustice in the world. </div>
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His work reflects that greatly.</div>
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The cathedral of man is showcases man's suffering and greatness in that suffering.</div>
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Like in religious depictions, there are three levels:</div>
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heaven,</div>
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purgatory &</div>
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hell.</div>
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However, it is more about man than a higher being because Guayasamin was not a religious man.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xea8MMsWyLUQ-Smjpr2ghZCBBVjQohorPuyonMN7XX7yPgW3fJZDVIOaLphlQeSixadIZA-SMERIoIuUn02Cf5rKqzmM969Q2TXh4dcUjc0e1IILoiDLtM48Z_Cg9SPk793cNNI0_9_v/s1600/5047929404_997b9a4eda_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xea8MMsWyLUQ-Smjpr2ghZCBBVjQohorPuyonMN7XX7yPgW3fJZDVIOaLphlQeSixadIZA-SMERIoIuUn02Cf5rKqzmM969Q2TXh4dcUjc0e1IILoiDLtM48Z_Cg9SPk793cNNI0_9_v/s400/5047929404_997b9a4eda_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robnunn/5047929404/in/set-72157624961722239" target="_blank">Flickr</a>.</td></tr>
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My favorite of his paintings is called "El mestizaje," or mixing of cultures and races. The blue and yellow hues represent the clashing of the Spanish people with the indigenous people of South America.</div>
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I love how he represents this concept.</div>
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I hung a copy of this painting up in my Askinosie office this week because I love it so much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSRyHsqRo-hRkDEKnf1ACBi7ceaATx_mq7s1sgHHHTp9_iaSV8uvRsN5_SXiW2QAK-3lQxasK5evlZg-jvX1N_uKXsgtS3SUW4ggrrkIbljib6Unbve3IcD2qbH8bvb6IyKmaYCQJWeGK/s1600/260286_10150276607500219_4016289_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSRyHsqRo-hRkDEKnf1ACBi7ceaATx_mq7s1sgHHHTp9_iaSV8uvRsN5_SXiW2QAK-3lQxasK5evlZg-jvX1N_uKXsgtS3SUW4ggrrkIbljib6Unbve3IcD2qbH8bvb6IyKmaYCQJWeGK/s400/260286_10150276607500219_4016289_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I enjoyed our group tour of La Capilla Del Hombre so much,</div>
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I made an independent trip back to the gallery and bought three paintings.</div>
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One is in my office.</div>
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One is hanging in my new apartment.</div>
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One still needs a home.</div>
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Does art about social injustice excite anyone else? </div>
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Or just me? :)</div>
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Safe travels,</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-23245917184985255482012-06-01T12:34:00.002-05:002012-06-01T12:34:33.461-05:00What is a Cortado?<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite espresso drinks is one that you cannot find everywhere.</div>
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It is perfect for fall and spring</div>
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<i>(those in between weather seasons)</i></div>
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because it is a warm drink served cooler than most.</div>
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It is a cortado.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l-G8sMwALOkWQiGGjXLQZ0VkUNZfRgyYUajohFr19kPaahKtGMGpEIbDM4CS_ixE9wHNUSGfv75nI7RHb212N8tb42bDUqzDqAQjwKr9XbDVc9vVSJPOAEDDPyMbD2IGAJiF3QR1RB_W/s1600/what+is+a+cortado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l-G8sMwALOkWQiGGjXLQZ0VkUNZfRgyYUajohFr19kPaahKtGMGpEIbDM4CS_ixE9wHNUSGfv75nI7RHb212N8tb42bDUqzDqAQjwKr9XbDVc9vVSJPOAEDDPyMbD2IGAJiF3QR1RB_W/s400/what+is+a+cortado.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Cortado </i>means "cut" in Spanish.</div>
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So in essence, the drink is espresso "cut" with milk.</div>
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The drink is hard to come by,</div>
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but my favorite local shop, <a href="http://www.thecoffeeethic.com/" target="_blank">The Coffee Ethic</a>, let me invade their space so I could write about one of my favorite drinks right now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkEbS1ziDoaSVe_s7ER1XiBPunyVu5buLGGRcQ2jDi4QTPL8mTDB3KNZ5FfbP8KsQWNLsUJTjnwz1yiRmBXvM4z-XN3FwOu2oWznBLOeuZN2AWt3E-kpcJ-kDrvnmgX27amx1cK5DyF_W/s1600/wetspro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkEbS1ziDoaSVe_s7ER1XiBPunyVu5buLGGRcQ2jDi4QTPL8mTDB3KNZ5FfbP8KsQWNLsUJTjnwz1yiRmBXvM4z-XN3FwOu2oWznBLOeuZN2AWt3E-kpcJ-kDrvnmgX27amx1cK5DyF_W/s400/wetspro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The drink is comes in a 4 oz. shot glass with two shots of espresso and steamed milk.</div>
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This makes it in between the size and strength of a <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-is-macchiato.html" target="_blank">macchiato</a> and a <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-is-cappuccino.html" target="_blank">cappuccino</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyvpFwD38oPxtNSCOHvLovJ7UUa6isGhBByC2f-TPsZqjBJ1CGI2gPMI9wMk4g2O7bC1i0_GSWovpqzu9MZKdbiC55eXS1Zh1VRwkg92CMB_T_3oEZOBrWIzfTk8TiYfgJq-tNIxnoXG8/s1600/cortado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyvpFwD38oPxtNSCOHvLovJ7UUa6isGhBByC2f-TPsZqjBJ1CGI2gPMI9wMk4g2O7bC1i0_GSWovpqzu9MZKdbiC55eXS1Zh1VRwkg92CMB_T_3oEZOBrWIzfTk8TiYfgJq-tNIxnoXG8/s400/cortado.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The milk is steamed a little cooler than a <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-is-macchiato.html" target="_blank">macchiato</a></div>
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but with the consistency of milk in a <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-is-latte.html" target="_blank">latte</a>.</div>
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This basically means that it is thinner or has less foam</div>
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but served at a low temp.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBmcyY23nYkgeEh9NuTLeoNDQpLWILpO03XR_L9u2Ld2irwPmILnWJTHqL_Ty-3bnFCdEov0jeoEwQXGX4Jx4fHQ5SEfwJ0V7kAAjZMTrb_05_e4EUKPm2MqszmLAooM3DRpA9V5O-UD3/s1600/perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBmcyY23nYkgeEh9NuTLeoNDQpLWILpO03XR_L9u2Ld2irwPmILnWJTHqL_Ty-3bnFCdEov0jeoEwQXGX4Jx4fHQ5SEfwJ0V7kAAjZMTrb_05_e4EUKPm2MqszmLAooM3DRpA9V5O-UD3/s400/perfection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I LOVE cortados!</div>
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They are beautiful, Spanish and yummy,</div>
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and they are perfect for those days when you cannot decide between hot and iced coffee.</div>
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I highly recommend them.</div>
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(<i>especially from <a href="http://www.thecoffeeethic.com/" target="_blank">The Coffee Ethic</a>)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
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<i>All photos were taken by me, and the drink was made by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/UhHuhMallory" target="_blank">Mallory McWilliams</a>, Barista at The Coffee Ethic.</i></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-62573959921122098602012-05-20T19:29:00.000-05:002012-05-20T19:29:18.297-05:00Closing a Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today, I am officially closing a chapter in my life:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>SCHOOL.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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I graduated from Missouri State on Friday morning </div>
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with a B.S. in Public Relations and Spanish.</div>
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All the work has <i>finally</i> paid off.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Although I never plan to stop learning,</div>
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after tomorrow,</div>
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my life will not be the same.</div>
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I will be a professional</div>
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<i>not</i> a student.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuLjGLrh4FKtAfOBwMveU50K2dbURLGlvBrJ1-YtCfeIO0A8xGNYCEbjQYIcbssigtFwWiMqxCLZK59u-roYtuHyq8qFeaZzRyn9-WwsJ7qEdc03eaURWOXdppNVJyWRa45vLXQkS9xuW/s1600/travmegrad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuLjGLrh4FKtAfOBwMveU50K2dbURLGlvBrJ1-YtCfeIO0A8xGNYCEbjQYIcbssigtFwWiMqxCLZK59u-roYtuHyq8qFeaZzRyn9-WwsJ7qEdc03eaURWOXdppNVJyWRa45vLXQkS9xuW/s400/travmegrad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Friday, I had a lovely time with my and the beau's families. </div>
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It was great to have their love and support on a special day.</div>
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I would not be where I am at now without them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qiHhjjcnRa7VRBjqJtIkrgYBfTRVa-Y715OPXCnp_6SalbvUgZ43Huc7N8KSPseq4lH2slWJNYqNhdBLZ2AdKuEJyefxj751Oh3CaBzUfjY5mrDKxupx-DNxHpgMly_baVBgLsDZlI-F/s1600/family+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qiHhjjcnRa7VRBjqJtIkrgYBfTRVa-Y715OPXCnp_6SalbvUgZ43Huc7N8KSPseq4lH2slWJNYqNhdBLZ2AdKuEJyefxj751Oh3CaBzUfjY5mrDKxupx-DNxHpgMly_baVBgLsDZlI-F/s400/family+grad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had the privilege of sitting next to two of my awesome PRSSA buddies, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/douggaehle" target="_blank">Doug</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mharrison636" target="_blank">Chelly</a>, who were of course live-tweeting the whole time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNGnG9nck0BhppK5SIcEwIzOqQilKjJnfW1YM0ogQzK5On6Zx8y-8quB6cFV9Lps2D5K8ZyEQ41ZbjDfJiHBxZzedxDw_Qti6JpuM5PK51sf9_pJh4EFpKrkCWBNKYMimBiuJuvlbb0jO/s1600/prssa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNGnG9nck0BhppK5SIcEwIzOqQilKjJnfW1YM0ogQzK5On6Zx8y-8quB6cFV9Lps2D5K8ZyEQ41ZbjDfJiHBxZzedxDw_Qti6JpuM5PK51sf9_pJh4EFpKrkCWBNKYMimBiuJuvlbb0jO/s400/prssa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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I also had the privilege of having my new boss, Shawn Askinosie, give my commencement address after receiving his honorary doctorate in Public Affairs.</div>
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His words were both honest and inspiring.</div>
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He shared his post-grad struggles and how that shaped him as well as the lessons he has learned from farmers in poverty-stricken areas of the world.</div>
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I could not help being moved to tears thinking about the people I have encountered myself in Latin America over the years.</div>
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My thoughts wandered to their</div>
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love,</div>
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sacrifice,</div>
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and <i>joy</i>.</div>
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I feel so honored to begin making a difference in some of those people's lives starting tomorrow at <a href="http://www.askinosie.com/" target="_blank">Askinosie Chocolate</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFTMVpSpXvWS5tRCXXzg4lIywGM2JJERqVd221ydfF2F9FOcYzU9eobnXUW-AyJf_19fjdlxECdH3pPnokBDIQ4WO8yR4dp6eTD0_I0kjyq_ux2K5A7iryABRnE0_rqUl0gFHrQxKt8xt/s1600/meandpam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFTMVpSpXvWS5tRCXXzg4lIywGM2JJERqVd221ydfF2F9FOcYzU9eobnXUW-AyJf_19fjdlxECdH3pPnokBDIQ4WO8yR4dp6eTD0_I0kjyq_ux2K5A7iryABRnE0_rqUl0gFHrQxKt8xt/s400/meandpam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of my special guests was my Aunt Pam Parry, who drove nearly EIGHT hours to see me graduate. </div>
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She is a public relations professor at Belmont University, </div>
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and one of the reasons I decided to pursue PR and join PRSSA. </div>
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She has been such a great support and resource throughout these four years.</div>
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After graduation, I got to watch the <i>beau</i> graduate as well.</div>
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It was just too perfect to share that day with him.</div>
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I am so proud of all he has accomplished in his college career.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIWpxgnixQIPj3u3dbAhmvRRQtLllHtsXQPGcuGOKP932gTXKljPe2QR6XQmUqwPG5dMiiuH5fedDgK08eG2lUpYkYND0naopydJcAXu84qRZH9KnGi4ZnJNhGhcgqz_PfIamH5XnrtFf/s1600/askinosie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIWpxgnixQIPj3u3dbAhmvRRQtLllHtsXQPGcuGOKP932gTXKljPe2QR6XQmUqwPG5dMiiuH5fedDgK08eG2lUpYkYND0naopydJcAXu84qRZH9KnGi4ZnJNhGhcgqz_PfIamH5XnrtFf/s400/askinosie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After two graduation ceremonies, I took my family to the chocolate factory and gave my first tour. </div>
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It was great to share this next part of my life with them, </div>
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and I think everyone had a blast trying all the chocolate. :)</div>
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Tomorrow is my first day at Askinosie, and a million emotions are running through my mind, but I am mostly excited. </div>
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Because I have no other point of reference, I am treating tomorrow as if it were the first day of school.</div>
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I went to Staples and bought supplies.</div>
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I picked out my outfit.</div>
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I have packed my little briefcase,</div>
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and now, I am just waiting for tomorrow to come.</div>
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The sermon at church this morning was about Elijah passing his job on to Elisha, which was so fitting.</div>
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It is time for me to close this chapter and fill some big professional shoes tomorrow.</div>
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Here's to NEW beginnings!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-81273025611037613792012-05-03T13:22:00.001-05:002012-05-03T13:35:23.652-05:00Chocolate Girl<div style="text-align: center;">
This Coffeegirl is about to become a Chocolate Girl, too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDZlB_ura_c8P9-ZI-L3mhJgQOoVNhJAzNlQPiOs_inbAFO6gTTRyz9ZKykaDcgsFe9zMWymZNESGtcpC2MVupi9NxUOZh3z8VdvQvLbwvKwtTMCU-y7HmTro7d8yh11X_M7Dyr0vHeks/s1600/askinosie.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDZlB_ura_c8P9-ZI-L3mhJgQOoVNhJAzNlQPiOs_inbAFO6gTTRyz9ZKykaDcgsFe9zMWymZNESGtcpC2MVupi9NxUOZh3z8VdvQvLbwvKwtTMCU-y7HmTro7d8yh11X_M7Dyr0vHeks/s400/askinosie.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you keep up with my blog, you may have heard of this wonderful local chocolate factory in Springfield that I adore,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.askinosie.com/" target="_blank">Askinosie Chocolate</a>.</div>
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In fact, I counted earlier this week, and I have mentioned them in 7 blog posts.</div>
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I may be a <i>bit</i> obsessed.</div>
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<a href="http://www.askinosie.com/" target="_blank">Askinosie Chocolate</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">is a small batch chocolate manufacturer located in Springfield,
Mo., that sources all of their beans directly from the farmers. Shawn Askinosie, the founder, works directly with the farmers and source cocoa beans for his <i>yummy</i> chocolate. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">They also go above and beyond Direct Trade by investing the farming communities and the Springfield community. They have dug wells, set up <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/11/tableya-hot-chocolate-with-cause.html" target="_blank">food programs</a> and taken high school students to Africa.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqAWQqcZpG3l03LjEH5vJ8UMMt-RduBmIS0UlvGG3yALOYv5rJjtUtGtvn0F8htPLUcgwh1PCSkI5OVpN6xdcfUkRtQTs1jq4BPItorTmxGApIwzag_-f2zET3ry2IkorezRfIsynhafJ/s1600/Bean+to+Bar+AFTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqAWQqcZpG3l03LjEH5vJ8UMMt-RduBmIS0UlvGG3yALOYv5rJjtUtGtvn0F8htPLUcgwh1PCSkI5OVpN6xdcfUkRtQTs1jq4BPItorTmxGApIwzag_-f2zET3ry2IkorezRfIsynhafJ/s400/Bean+to+Bar+AFTER.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Well, this week, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime.</div>
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Starting the Monday after graduation,<b> </b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I will be the new PR girl for Askinosie Chocolate.</span></b></div>
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Words cannot express my joy over this new adventure.<br />
I cannot wait to learn more about the chocolate industry<br />
and to make the world a little better by telling Askinosie's story.<br />
<br />
This job combines everything that I love:<br />
PR, Spanish, Speciality Food and making a GLOBAL impact.<br />
It could not be more perfect for me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvTsRGticb8R_xuislmdCSOLuSWX8-xDooHAzl12-6dXi9zUWfqxfvpdWXpjGyY_cXB-UvD7UUmmuejhBgfxOQPo0_cCRjp0PE1YgNZBS0kTakn8XiOyzLhUkoveHHuEJdAuWzLWyHSBs/s1600/mal&me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvTsRGticb8R_xuislmdCSOLuSWX8-xDooHAzl12-6dXi9zUWfqxfvpdWXpjGyY_cXB-UvD7UUmmuejhBgfxOQPo0_cCRjp0PE1YgNZBS0kTakn8XiOyzLhUkoveHHuEJdAuWzLWyHSBs/s400/mal&me.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallory and me celebrating with lunch on C-Street!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On a personal note, Shawn will be receiving an honorary doctorate from MSU as I graduate in TWO short weeks as well as giving my graduation commencement speech, which is really exciting for me.</div>
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I will also have the lovely opportunity to work with one of my lovely friends, Mallory Roth.</div>
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I'm about to enter the professional world, and I could not be more thrilled. </div>
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I promise to share lots of fun chocolate tidbits as I learn them!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-6686085161677463672012-04-25T18:57:00.001-05:002012-04-25T19:33:04.428-05:00Tomorrow Will Be Kinder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU5Of2WCEWkZlYOq7msBOU0TQYmZxlUDrDWLE3kuDaGyOagbkLrEUzj1y8p1C0ZsGZCQxT4Fb6DEjT1jIsVmb-XBbQXOFSeTXdnXqK20sYAepkdeLCmgvHRwbDv3LwipNc3hKIkLA2byO/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU5Of2WCEWkZlYOq7msBOU0TQYmZxlUDrDWLE3kuDaGyOagbkLrEUzj1y8p1C0ZsGZCQxT4Fb6DEjT1jIsVmb-XBbQXOFSeTXdnXqK20sYAepkdeLCmgvHRwbDv3LwipNc3hKIkLA2byO/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Right now at this moment,</div>
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I just <i>need</i> to blog.</div>
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I apologize because it is nothing grand or innovative,</div>
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but I must write down my thoughts.</div>
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Graduation is only <i>three</i> weeks away.</div>
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The largest event I have ever helped plan is in <i>two </i>days.</div>
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I am moving in <i>one </i>month.</div>
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All of these changes and pressures have nearly brought me to a breaking point this week,</div>
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and Murphy's Law is not helping.</div>
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Yesterday, </div>
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a fly fell in my coffee;</div>
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my laptop was lost for a full hour;</div>
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and it was an <i>eleven </i>hour day.</div>
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I am not sharing all of this because I want to complain & have a negative post,</div>
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but because I just need it.</div>
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I need to see all of my tiny bumps in the road for what they really are:</div>
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tiny bumps not impossible-to-climb mountains.</div>
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Today,</div>
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I made sure to do something <i>different.</i></div>
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I took off work,</div>
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pampered myself,</div>
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did dishes,</div>
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watched Glee,</div>
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and sat in my favorite coffee shop</div>
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<i>just because</i>.</div>
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Every day is a learning experience.</div>
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This week I am learning to deal with stress and the unknown.</div>
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I'm learning when to say no.</div>
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Tomorrow <i>will</i> be kinder.</div>
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I fully believe that.<br />
I <i>have</i> to believe that.</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qMvpwGsd-Ok" width="480"></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-17513380358601819202012-04-15T23:39:00.000-05:002012-04-15T23:40:06.699-05:00Still Waggin' My Tail About Fido Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Any adventure for me is not complete with visiting only <i>one</i> coffee shop.</div>
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(as you may have noticed)</div>
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The second cafe we checked out was called <a href="http://bongojava.com/fido.php" target="_blank">Fido</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVu53zBgp2VaZ7U1L34fjVVSrZqGmQz0bBVMQQryAHBaKnAyi_GuPsuWCYWf7Hlx5fGhy83GoXPasMlQApSEQPwkmxVHDKMW4JG-vGsu1WED7OCjrvKvfz51Go2aXiVH-3tWXqvtTnfeDd/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVu53zBgp2VaZ7U1L34fjVVSrZqGmQz0bBVMQQryAHBaKnAyi_GuPsuWCYWf7Hlx5fGhy83GoXPasMlQApSEQPwkmxVHDKMW4JG-vGsu1WED7OCjrvKvfz51Go2aXiVH-3tWXqvtTnfeDd/s400/IMG_0989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even though it uses the same roaster as Hot & Cold, Bongo Java, and is right next store, the atmosphere of the cafe was completely different.</div>
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I <i>loved</i> this shop.</div>
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It was super cute but rough around the edges giving it such an unique character.</div>
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The mascot of the the shop was this cute little blue dog,</div>
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<i>Fido</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-8LiB9OApNDB5DXBeH6LojdTawT07mwiRFobA27EwoxgHjFK457SXuKBoxMhVs2jNpDY2EuiT2fSCw_-6SVsCSinTK_6ixxk7XQyuN3IEgBl_xg_7Sl14a4b9A98y1_Uk_YYUUzr3vkJ/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-8LiB9OApNDB5DXBeH6LojdTawT07mwiRFobA27EwoxgHjFK457SXuKBoxMhVs2jNpDY2EuiT2fSCw_-6SVsCSinTK_6ixxk7XQyuN3IEgBl_xg_7Sl14a4b9A98y1_Uk_YYUUzr3vkJ/s400/IMG_0988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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While waiting in line at this popular Nashville location, the adorable signs explaining the coffee drinks caught my eye. </div>
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The graphics breaking down the traditional Italian drinks made my heart smile and made me feel</div>
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<i>safe</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdCVbfKh2aMP9IMqu53aP_6au6VhchGar2M2KeKCJ8RajW4T74eUnXWkOg9-5qXni9PW704nvN-LvaSX-icy5EUi_Tb4fJh02DRIJoRvLvqf0tR2i5rNOEh7lG6RrFy7e9iywBJru0N-p/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdCVbfKh2aMP9IMqu53aP_6au6VhchGar2M2KeKCJ8RajW4T74eUnXWkOg9-5qXni9PW704nvN-LvaSX-icy5EUi_Tb4fJh02DRIJoRvLvqf0tR2i5rNOEh7lG6RrFy7e9iywBJru0N-p/s400/IMG_0960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Saturday morning, we started the day off with breakfast and coffee at Fido. </div>
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I had a yummy bagel sandwich paired with a delicious cappuccino.</div>
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It was a perfect way to start the day.</div>
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To hold true to my traveling tradition, I purchased a mug from Fido as my city souvenir!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUf-rpkhpyAHEhoL8WMmb8cITRfPZDzUYvHXOfoAHWu8NR1hFu6NEux9nCRgT_gMQEDozzBxjpKKsdEyeym7Al9YPYafr_P5Fyqsc1xQgUzjdKyxM_goqWjaO13Rws9sCwCyyRUW-TIRZ/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUf-rpkhpyAHEhoL8WMmb8cITRfPZDzUYvHXOfoAHWu8NR1hFu6NEux9nCRgT_gMQEDozzBxjpKKsdEyeym7Al9YPYafr_P5Fyqsc1xQgUzjdKyxM_goqWjaO13Rws9sCwCyyRUW-TIRZ/s400/IMG_0987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And because I always need coffee to fuel my <i>eight-hour </i>road trips,</div>
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Katie and I got yummy lattes to-go!</div>
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I highly recommend checking out Fido if you ever find yourself in Nashville!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-10776644145957990812012-04-12T22:49:00.000-05:002012-04-12T23:13:24.608-05:00Coffee + Ice Cream = The Perfect Match<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The first coffee shop we tried in Nashville was <a href="http://www.bongojava.com/" target="_blank">Hot & Cold</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlM-MgzvopSGNR5bpII8OlwbPtgGqOgZFYmApJLJAyRbMPDYuJnAemstAfE3a70z994H1E8pYsn5FuuoBBNaMhNjxRS3bt5-PW8V9jlsKov47RSeJ3G68diapkJxGDH5l-psdjgwM33Eg/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlM-MgzvopSGNR5bpII8OlwbPtgGqOgZFYmApJLJAyRbMPDYuJnAemstAfE3a70z994H1E8pYsn5FuuoBBNaMhNjxRS3bt5-PW8V9jlsKov47RSeJ3G68diapkJxGDH5l-psdjgwM33Eg/s320/IMG_0998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a lovely lunch at Jackson's, we strolled over to a little shop called Hot & Cold to get an afternoon pick-me-up before going to the conference.</div>
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The space was so cute, and I was <i>obsessed </i>with the signage...</div>
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<i>so </i>creative.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDy-wjQ_cocNF5l9a26noxgR4vnMWZV8XwKSNZn7eR94gNfMce8xrKEjkteXVDI8C5BudpO8l8P5GptQhulmJ_l7l3RdxjSPrlVm08L74xzpft6w0k614Pb-TGnEGyDDufywLdLmM03yN/s1600/IMG_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDy-wjQ_cocNF5l9a26noxgR4vnMWZV8XwKSNZn7eR94gNfMce8xrKEjkteXVDI8C5BudpO8l8P5GptQhulmJ_l7l3RdxjSPrlVm08L74xzpft6w0k614Pb-TGnEGyDDufywLdLmM03yN/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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While my cafe latte hit the spot, what got me even more excited about this place was realized they served <a href="http://www.jenisicecreams.com/" target="_blank">Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream</a>!</div>
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Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is this wonderful ice cream company in Columbus, Ohio, that uses all <i>real </i>and <i>natural </i>ingredients--starting with milk from grass-fed cows. In Springfield, when I want to grant myself a luxury, I will buy her Askinosie chocolate flavor from Homegrown Foods.</div>
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It. Is. Heaven.</div>
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So I was extremely excited to see her product!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvNa5L3BqzUh7VQLRc7bzn5l3XFY7wczejUJG6KHnvGfJePurJ-2MZCRhfYTZpNkNMVCFZIYg1C0VN6iL_efcU2pPgddliCQgVbfXhgMtjZlIGXsWbNDaR2KCKI-jOZk_8GJLpUD_Jz0d/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvNa5L3BqzUh7VQLRc7bzn5l3XFY7wczejUJG6KHnvGfJePurJ-2MZCRhfYTZpNkNMVCFZIYg1C0VN6iL_efcU2pPgddliCQgVbfXhgMtjZlIGXsWbNDaR2KCKI-jOZk_8GJLpUD_Jz0d/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I just love the concept of combining two delicious things in life:</div>
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coffee + ice cream.</div>
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(Hence, the name "Hot & Cold")</div>
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It goes without saying that we returned the next evening to enjoy some of Jeni's Ice Cream, and even though they did not have my Askinosie flavor I had one scoop of chocolate and one scoop of something else delicious.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgHTbgw25lXMtXSeUYqwHQOgfKhvDDLJFWe5E3dZU8K6rcnzN87Lhr-BglUbY92jlRwE6A2hM4M3OT7tfo66rhNeT1cFbzmmGM3v81WQaHkRyUvx04aP1GPjIPWKMoGW7jhl2NdjQNqJo/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgHTbgw25lXMtXSeUYqwHQOgfKhvDDLJFWe5E3dZU8K6rcnzN87Lhr-BglUbY92jlRwE6A2hM4M3OT7tfo66rhNeT1cFbzmmGM3v81WQaHkRyUvx04aP1GPjIPWKMoGW7jhl2NdjQNqJo/s320/IMG_0986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the workers, oddly enough, had family in Springfield! I love how coffee (and ice cream) bring people together in fun, unique ways!</div>
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So if you ever find yourself in Nashville with a sweet tooth, I highly recommend Hot & Cold!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-45919395400806471772012-04-07T18:00:00.002-05:002012-04-07T18:00:59.077-05:00A Weekend of Southern Hospitality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend, I had a miniature adventure to Nashville, Tn. crossing another item off my "<a href="http://417coffeegirl.blogspot.com/2010/12/train-ride-across-america.html">Train Ride Across America</a>" bucket list. I attended the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) Regional Conference hosted by Belmont University. The theme of the weekend was "Southern Hospitality," and it was a weekend filled with "Southern Hospitality."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4034y-zhc3UEcQIFMyVZnq55aRG2A5ziWoxA4ApWqAvOLOlAcdJFtAZbUFaNxYP6flBlSo5Eea8sCOQGKQYpXYQ6WPh3Ok2eMP-Nn7M6tNubGREQrBDkUBP2ivuvjFbM18CHFMXkL-0JM/s1600/menashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4034y-zhc3UEcQIFMyVZnq55aRG2A5ziWoxA4ApWqAvOLOlAcdJFtAZbUFaNxYP6flBlSo5Eea8sCOQGKQYpXYQ6WPh3Ok2eMP-Nn7M6tNubGREQrBDkUBP2ivuvjFbM18CHFMXkL-0JM/s640/menashville.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
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It was such a great trip because I got to see a new city, learn from professionals and visit it with my Aunt Pam, who is a PR professor at Belmont University. I met some of her students and colleagues while networking with fabulous PR people from all over the Midwest.</div>
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I drove to Nashville with one other girl in my Chapter, Katie Brady. We had a great road trip filled with ghetto rest stops, winding county roads and rickety old bridges. Eight-hour drives are the best way to get to know someone new.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n2y05D_Emq2hrA9tUR2xKaNfDJG1JW1VmjqDhHGomPEgKhicJTKUKB94APqU9wgGSqNjWPb93tpFJpFDR0uY-cJVft19dtLWCh6Rs8dSWf8o5AoFb6iXOkxiTDM6x1TK42FANbn8HYTC/s1600/DSC02103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n2y05D_Emq2hrA9tUR2xKaNfDJG1JW1VmjqDhHGomPEgKhicJTKUKB94APqU9wgGSqNjWPb93tpFJpFDR0uY-cJVft19dtLWCh6Rs8dSWf8o5AoFb6iXOkxiTDM6x1TK42FANbn8HYTC/s400/DSC02103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There were over 100 students, who got to hear from top-notch professionals like Julie Davis of Cracker Barrell, Tressa Robbins of Burrelles-<i>Luce</i>, Gary McCormick of HGTV, Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment and Bonnaroo, Brandi Boatner of IBM, and more. I learned valuable information about public relations strategies and finding that first job.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9KEZhTKALLeuI4jxkob6WxkzgV6ZdVwwpnfWHkHD5yheK4xMAH_AO-BtRWSffmXWTp4efUIoU2tsd0t7Q_toNK41VLXCVwjaih9nJvfynzJgv5s9a1u_yxCLykzF2X4BKzSV2KxmqOnJ/s1600/DSC02106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9KEZhTKALLeuI4jxkob6WxkzgV6ZdVwwpnfWHkHD5yheK4xMAH_AO-BtRWSffmXWTp4efUIoU2tsd0t7Q_toNK41VLXCVwjaih9nJvfynzJgv5s9a1u_yxCLykzF2X4BKzSV2KxmqOnJ/s400/DSC02106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Belmont did a great job hosting the event too. Everything had a Southern flare, even down to mason jars to hold our drinks at dinnertime.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYflk0c4yvd5mp6njPeKp6cczHXsXZYsSZW2vs9ijhvdeFTsFsjJZVZ9lsALV7jes0MJm0b1HQn5f3OBSBhe7ytv3iECm1kbvM96xVeP9TCTu3WLhasVGl46xB8UnlgXsCc5qAXntEF9GF/s1600/DSC02121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYflk0c4yvd5mp6njPeKp6cczHXsXZYsSZW2vs9ijhvdeFTsFsjJZVZ9lsALV7jes0MJm0b1HQn5f3OBSBhe7ytv3iECm1kbvM96xVeP9TCTu3WLhasVGl46xB8UnlgXsCc5qAXntEF9GF/s400/DSC02121.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Nashville was such a fun city to visit as well. Everyone was so nice, and I got to check out some fun little shops at the village. (more coffee reviews to come!) I always love experiences like this where I get to meet new people, reunite with old friends and learn more about my profession.</div>
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<i>I am such a nerd.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXQRiNJyK6U7JLFQx9gieImtiG0_8HmKkyngXl2pqZIX_ob3SVxmN7fhyBPrz9WHcM7uheX3UnrSm3NE8Ds0JUo8iKzWSAE9hUSjK8eS-z02zufGkvhFxaIJyh5NHxKwlRiKGYLNvhv6c/s1600/DSC02125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXQRiNJyK6U7JLFQx9gieImtiG0_8HmKkyngXl2pqZIX_ob3SVxmN7fhyBPrz9WHcM7uheX3UnrSm3NE8Ds0JUo8iKzWSAE9hUSjK8eS-z02zufGkvhFxaIJyh5NHxKwlRiKGYLNvhv6c/s400/DSC02125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned for more reviews of all the little shops I visited!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-87778498416880442242012-02-19T22:05:00.001-06:002012-02-19T22:05:16.335-06:00There is No "X" in eSpresso<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even though I am no longer a professional barista, I will always share tips from behind the bar.</div>
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Do you want to know one of a barista's biggest pet peeves?</div>
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Saying:</div>
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"Can I have some eXpresso?"</div>
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It is a very common mistake,</div>
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so do not feel bad if you have done it before.</div>
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Somewhere in the English language, </div>
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we started pronouncing "s" like an "x"</div>
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in the word espresso.</div>
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Who knows where this tradition originated?</div>
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But I am here to tell you that:</div>
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<a href="http://www.dearcoffeeiloveyou.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNCOutHPiPj_7jGQr6gm6YPXNg90jET6bNbVje2G5vLP90ZsjLJfYwxA6s2GtNH-S85jiqqaLlxG0MkGd7mtVwuPtLPT0KokcmU1w5I9-eGzG7V8w49WIKiCNzZU-em1UOGuEpEhQn0O_/s640/341505_11015670_b.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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I adore this print by "<a href="http://www.dearcoffeeiloveyou.com/">Dear Coffee, I Love You</a>."</div>
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In fact, I love everything this group is doing.</div>
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There <a href="http://www.dearcoffeeiloveyou.com/">blog </a>is filled with awesome coffee info,</div>
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and their <a href="http://twitter.com/DCILY">Twitter feed</a> is entertaining.</div>
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So, go check those guys out!</div>
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And remember to say eSpresso the next time you are at the counter!</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-86047297982036443202012-02-06T20:56:00.003-06:002012-02-09T09:41:04.879-06:00The Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First of all, I want to explain my silence.</div>
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I was in a car accident two weeks ago.</div>
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I am fine, but my car went to great junkyard in the sky,</div>
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and finally, three weeks later, I have wheels again.</div>
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And life is starting to return to normal.</div>
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You may recall my list of "<a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-dreams.html">2012 Dreams</a>."</div>
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One was to <i>read more</i>,</div>
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and I am happy to report I have finished my first book of 2012:</div>
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<i>The Help</i> by Katherine Stockett.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB6P9b3QT4B2ncKNlmC6l8U05ocUxnLGAjpGGnqdOHY9O9BT0_b3Hx6oG0aAjJLaJVoH8L0uC-Oy1PtHixXuGZUoBOtC7qV300ohG59Wb8NwPktxE2YEKkmNTrHu5IrbgxLQ3Ez8uT8vH/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB6P9b3QT4B2ncKNlmC6l8U05ocUxnLGAjpGGnqdOHY9O9BT0_b3Hx6oG0aAjJLaJVoH8L0uC-Oy1PtHixXuGZUoBOtC7qV300ohG59Wb8NwPktxE2YEKkmNTrHu5IrbgxLQ3Ez8uT8vH/s400/photo-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I personally <i>adored</i> the book,</div>
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but I love anything about the Civil Rights Movement,</div>
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even fiction inspired by the movement.</div>
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The general plot is that a young, aspiring writer, Miss Skeeter, moves back to Jackson, Mississippi, after graduating from Ole Miss. She applies for a job at Harper & Row that she is not qualified for in any way. One editor admires her blind self-confidence and gives her an opportunity to write one book. After pitching many droll ideas, she suggests interviewing some maids around town to tell their story of what it is like working for white people. </div>
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And the adventure begins...</div>
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The books is filled with</div>
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<i>racism</i></div>
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<i>hate</i></div>
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<i>bitterness</i></div>
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<i>injustice</i></div>
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<i>friendship</i></div>
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<i>class systems</i></div>
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<i>love</i></div>
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<i>family</i></div>
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<i>courage</i></div>
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and</div>
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<i>hope</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBvhdjMF-kqMykO8tMBevYh0P1QcY3D-3u1zGiWDjxzOvlBZFXXeFk612Akz2SuWszK7It13oFvF31ixqzrBZD-ZvMtOH_tl3WpxQeiBjcLeRGP00gity8ESN-pyZaNwYn2ld_n2st3cS/s1600/375the-help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBvhdjMF-kqMykO8tMBevYh0P1QcY3D-3u1zGiWDjxzOvlBZFXXeFk612Akz2SuWszK7It13oFvF31ixqzrBZD-ZvMtOH_tl3WpxQeiBjcLeRGP00gity8ESN-pyZaNwYn2ld_n2st3cS/s400/375the-help.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture found <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/posters-for-oscar-nominated-films-reinterpreted_b51481">here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i></i></div>
<i></i><br />
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I have seen many criticisms of this book/movie because it was written by a white woman about a white woman "saving" black women from her racist neighbors. While I understand this critique of the book and I giggle slightly at the satirical poster above, I do not believe that was the heart of the author in any shape or form.</div>
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I choose to believe this book is more than</div>
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<i>white vs. black</i>.</div>
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It is about unlikely women coming together to do something good and creating a beautiful friendship in the process.</div>
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My favorite line from the book is this:</div>
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"We are just two people. Not that much separates us. </div>
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Not nearly as much as I thought."</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQxraaoAsaVxSyVT5Dpm2LCFmwO5EsR-HICQuRcyla5An825a-nCpdzCr50cxCikFTVVeBqQNG1TemUMCY-gYdUvND4dENBJmEd0LZ2N2CH0DQDcaEFdkbWukjL4ujkImi9z3ZTEvdUA8/s1600/The+Help+Movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQxraaoAsaVxSyVT5Dpm2LCFmwO5EsR-HICQuRcyla5An825a-nCpdzCr50cxCikFTVVeBqQNG1TemUMCY-gYdUvND4dENBJmEd0LZ2N2CH0DQDcaEFdkbWukjL4ujkImi9z3ZTEvdUA8/s400/The+Help+Movie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From official <a href="http://thehelpmovie.com/us/#s=gallery&p=2">website</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I believe everyone needs to learn that lesson, even today.</div>
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Friendship can come in the most unlikely packages.</div>
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Keep your heart open <i>always</i></div>
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and have <i>courage</i> to do the right thing every day.</div>
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We are all <i>just </i>people after all.</div>
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What did you think about the book/movie?</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-60517191623627786442012-01-13T16:33:00.001-06:002012-02-06T21:18:57.027-06:00Barista Wardrobe ProblemsToday is my last official day getting paid to make coffee for other people.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>a.k.a. being a barista</i></div>
In honor of that fact, I thought I would share with you some issues that are common among baristas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuhlVk1O7z-WMJC45CMuO2fL2uQoFNAEd9iLoiIl598NFKSoHtk_cGzL-x6WF3I46e_NBl1OjfdtFRX4KXjHMoZ3DTxdtGUK0tDVQtCDxxfGPaUn-x4ipR_u-Qbd40kxZ7xvJ2yLDC8YL/s1600/494516_manchas_de_caf_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuhlVk1O7z-WMJC45CMuO2fL2uQoFNAEd9iLoiIl598NFKSoHtk_cGzL-x6WF3I46e_NBl1OjfdtFRX4KXjHMoZ3DTxdtGUK0tDVQtCDxxfGPaUn-x4ipR_u-Qbd40kxZ7xvJ2yLDC8YL/s400/494516_manchas_de_caf_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First, the barista wardrobe is a challenge. My two former roommates used to poke fun at me and my other former roommate because we both could wear up to three outfits a day.<br />
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<i>We were both baristas.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3COMO4G7D_MDBX089VJ2OTZPrjLemk029yTvnnaDF6B9AA5Gx4jh9AHvrcgyRoP-PmBYyR5qkx4pcmkag0Pcopr5uBCeMATHs5gwSEPqJgImGswyqF5R9VUmb5rX91dTnP1dW2YlCjnH/s1600/qm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3COMO4G7D_MDBX089VJ2OTZPrjLemk029yTvnnaDF6B9AA5Gx4jh9AHvrcgyRoP-PmBYyR5qkx4pcmkag0Pcopr5uBCeMATHs5gwSEPqJgImGswyqF5R9VUmb5rX91dTnP1dW2YlCjnH/s1600/qm.gif" /></a></div>
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Here is the thing. You want to look nice to get tips and so people take you seriously as a coffee professional, but there are so many little stain monsters lurking around every corner of a coffee shop waiting to pounce on your precious clothes.<br />
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I am especially known for my stain magnetism whether it be bleach, espresso or black ink for stamping sleeves. If there is a mess to be had, odds are it will find me and my favorite cardigan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitig5NnLndou15XO-wb6XZ37B5o1cfVxpiOA4SBC3fslpbDuLpsi0tW_rGmbf73za1V7aNdOhCoQ1VIgO5kOGOkA4TLrEY0CQQnSOcxIUBQLBjNNuAkqry1QQIiAqSpycQiIE99rPA1CVG/s1600/henrydavidthoreau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitig5NnLndou15XO-wb6XZ37B5o1cfVxpiOA4SBC3fslpbDuLpsi0tW_rGmbf73za1V7aNdOhCoQ1VIgO5kOGOkA4TLrEY0CQQnSOcxIUBQLBjNNuAkqry1QQIiAqSpycQiIE99rPA1CVG/s400/henrydavidthoreau.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So what ends up happening to us serious baristas that have lives outside of the coffee shop is that we begin to accumulate a mini wardrobe for each section of our lives. I have shirts, jeans and cardigans that I only where to make coffee in. Clothes that are cute, but I am not emotionally attached to at all because in one moment, they could be stained forever! Also, there is a certain "look" a barista is supposed to have including flannel shirts, vintage screen tees, poet hats and cardigans.<br />
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After my shift is over, I smell like espresso and dish water, and I want to change usually into clothes that make me feel pretty. Hence the beginning of the ever ending "Barista Wardrobe Problem" cycle.<br />
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Even though I am sad to be leaving the coffee industry for now, I am looking forward to giving away my flannel shirts. :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
-Coffeegirl</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-54985383505847027802012-01-08T13:31:00.001-06:002012-02-06T21:19:11.091-06:002012 Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a new year!</div>
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And I have a new look.</div>
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I hope you like it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions, mostly because no one keeps them. However, there are some dreams I want to commit to this year, and this blog post is my way to keep myself accountable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkyKd8b3XBYM5n24ixes43I9IozVQZwnmseyyhSYtKPFBwCykoYlITv9Lg5J0kZjzB16emwjJzhpO78iXDhrCUmwdGrhAfG1iQ-FeVjZOwWUsR43d0ZNCC-BoT-ovURk6TgK_4WDb7o_7/s1600/DSC02017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkyKd8b3XBYM5n24ixes43I9IozVQZwnmseyyhSYtKPFBwCykoYlITv9Lg5J0kZjzB16emwjJzhpO78iXDhrCUmwdGrhAfG1iQ-FeVjZOwWUsR43d0ZNCC-BoT-ovURk6TgK_4WDb7o_7/s320/DSC02017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I need to read more books.</div>
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I have started <i>The Help</i>, and I am excited to make myself read for fun again.</div>
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I am open to any book suggestions!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZdkQ4uTjk27TVUTx4JO1pc8Rz5gGYwQFwLkOr8J9OoHpz51QQ3hgGwraKr9E15ksRfTBIKaFukoPObRh-DMuCc2qC49jePL37_eXsqz82G9XiYLzm7ppfML_pb-txMkjqm03cHj28OkF/s1600/DSC02009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZdkQ4uTjk27TVUTx4JO1pc8Rz5gGYwQFwLkOr8J9OoHpz51QQ3hgGwraKr9E15ksRfTBIKaFukoPObRh-DMuCc2qC49jePL37_eXsqz82G9XiYLzm7ppfML_pb-txMkjqm03cHj28OkF/s320/DSC02009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is so easy to have a caffeine iv, grabbing coffee to go any chance possible.</div>
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I want to start enjoying my daily joe more in a ceramic mug.</div>
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It is good for the soul.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1aADv21pUDUhnbhWpULAnJ0flIDqxidCHMQ4r_RKV-mtLbTUOd8-4FM9K_SUED4N11HekhAxE8NRNHhWShhwsbnFvpAFafIk-C59z74V-qMQArwg00U3wVhQ6xhcleewwD4OrmDtXBf9/s1600/DSC02010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1aADv21pUDUhnbhWpULAnJ0flIDqxidCHMQ4r_RKV-mtLbTUOd8-4FM9K_SUED4N11HekhAxE8NRNHhWShhwsbnFvpAFafIk-C59z74V-qMQArwg00U3wVhQ6xhcleewwD4OrmDtXBf9/s320/DSC02010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I work in child care at Balance Fitness Studio, which gives me a free membership that I do not take advantage of enough. This semester, my classes allow me to take three a week, but I am going to promise myself two a week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIVRC2c9xb9I61WTIoBZFSENPS1vrTm6Q2oD5I2yKA99V0Rk22E7UNOXGOZEJLGJdQdYhuy9KfxXsfvmX5_OeEO3K8uWfc3flBeRmBjPFR4vTI7d0iiFhC5UF2DRTPZ2EFEgFPGDNxAyA/s1600/DSC02011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIVRC2c9xb9I61WTIoBZFSENPS1vrTm6Q2oD5I2yKA99V0Rk22E7UNOXGOZEJLGJdQdYhuy9KfxXsfvmX5_OeEO3K8uWfc3flBeRmBjPFR4vTI7d0iiFhC5UF2DRTPZ2EFEgFPGDNxAyA/s320/DSC02011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Life without roommates means less spontaneous socializing.</div>
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I want to be more intentional about being with friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT-iQiv4eTHl4edt19zSGeyfBl2l15vgyn7SfmxW3nHxjq5fEZOdhfHFFla6B2R1eAljRO__xeKmepQLRRHU-cTienRfxh7YALOEcLPwXSXFlw5iQqZNwrpuFBBj81XcffvgvBL_vn38I/s1600/DSC02012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT-iQiv4eTHl4edt19zSGeyfBl2l15vgyn7SfmxW3nHxjq5fEZOdhfHFFla6B2R1eAljRO__xeKmepQLRRHU-cTienRfxh7YALOEcLPwXSXFlw5iQqZNwrpuFBBj81XcffvgvBL_vn38I/s320/DSC02012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started today by making chocolate muffins!</div>
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There is just something about baking that makes you feel warm inside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQwvgaiis0KWroqoTzlWzEhOb1Zw6B7UMJkcUsnyCzvBpU6Kknwx-l6en2mFWXf_zmWOYJ6OtSNhlx3Epronb9RdZzYnWzrKSdRkNm_y1VnFOob5gdthpUdkH0thRqkIUwOFqG-Jm_SVl/s1600/DSC02013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQwvgaiis0KWroqoTzlWzEhOb1Zw6B7UMJkcUsnyCzvBpU6Kknwx-l6en2mFWXf_zmWOYJ6OtSNhlx3Epronb9RdZzYnWzrKSdRkNm_y1VnFOob5gdthpUdkH0thRqkIUwOFqG-Jm_SVl/s320/DSC02013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I am about to embark on my career as a PR professional, I need to practice, practice, practice. I need to look for every excuse to write and hone in my writing skills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88N_Y9XejBn81BZaDeOM1nCi6z7uL7aZt5PRCtp2YdqkGGzh16FKnQVmlAav2S4Ud_Up2biYqEogS6WrEX3A8MnkZpf9G-3CPEIiPMOPd3QBFjZqWRmS2wvZX4p3T-zRjeF1o-pH8_fz5/s1600/DSC02015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88N_Y9XejBn81BZaDeOM1nCi6z7uL7aZt5PRCtp2YdqkGGzh16FKnQVmlAav2S4Ud_Up2biYqEogS6WrEX3A8MnkZpf9G-3CPEIiPMOPd3QBFjZqWRmS2wvZX4p3T-zRjeF1o-pH8_fz5/s320/DSC02015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Listening is important,</div>
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whether it be listening to your loved ones or your heart.</div>
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Taking time to stop and truly listen is something I want to get better at.</div>
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Do you have any resolutions or book suggestions? :)</div>
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-Coffeegirl</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-39371588358343653932011-12-31T11:30:00.000-06:002011-12-31T12:15:50.608-06:00Reflecting the Adventure Bug: Part UnoI spent a good portion of this morning reading some of my blog posts from 2010. I love that about blogging! I can see where I was this time last year: my dreams, my passions and my accomplishments. I had almost forgotten about my <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2010/10/adventure-bug-defined.html">Adventure Bug bucket lists</a> I had made, and I thought I should revisit <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2010/12/train-ride-across-america.html">them</a> to review everything I did in 2011.<br />
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2011 was an adventurous year for me. It is amazing all I was able to do, and I am so thankful for the opportunities I was given. I did not complete everything off my bucket list of course, but I crossed off a few.<br />
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<a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Seattle"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvpNtLEcegm9ky2sXbhzUR1L3h2J-6nV3TrUxzvLikvQASl20fsQd0dDddvDetPVsASdGx6Fo4Wt4BB0EMie91ES3LMC3-d85J2ku_tFm8ePXGw_TZI886CI2rtzJ6WTU7L5bMGYUgXXd/s400/PMC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Seattle: The Coffee Capitol of the World</b><br />
My first adventure of the year was going to <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Seattle">Seattle</a> to represent my student organization at the National Assembly. It was a life-changing venture. It was my first solo flight, my first National event to attend and my first time on the West coast.<br />
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I met so many wonderful people in PRSSA, Public Relations Student Society of America. Because of that trip, I made lasting connections with people across the States and jumpstarted my passion for PRSSA. Now, I am vp of our university's Chapter, and I am loving every minute of it.<br />
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My favorite moments from <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Seattle">Seattle</a> were:<br />
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<li>Realizing we took pictures in the <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/04/original-starbucks-aprilfools.html">WRONG</a> Starbucks thinking it was the original.</li>
<li>Seeing the fun <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/04/coffee-capital-of-world.html">coffee</a> sights with Robbie and Katie.</li>
<li>Watching the new PRSSA <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/04/sleepless-in-seattle-literally.html">committee</a> get elected!</li>
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<a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Pittsburgh"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6vbVhFf53VtmcbuUTunMNZJWIH3uPVI20syPkf9V5OEFlUKog9xXZLKlKVwByBe-TqiR0dNLoc27GtDj21QNnlat8FCN87h2pNu5DxdTmo1QVsU8q2u522aI0l_OoNk4ycGfOB0fc1F6/s400/Pittsburgprbelle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Pittsburgh: The City with a Front Door</b><br />
My next adventure was driving across the country to<a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Pittsburgh"> Pittsburgh, Pa</a>. with the beau to visit our lovely friends Jay and Amber. This was an awesome way to spend my Spring Break. It was my first true road trip, my first time in the New England area and my first real adventure with the beau.<br />
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We drove all 14 hours through the night and arrived early in the morning. It was great to see our friends and how they were living in a community. Everyone was so sweet and welcoming. The city itself was so fun and historic. I loved everything about it!<br />
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My favorite moments of <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Pittsburgh">Pittsburgh</a> were:<br />
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<li>Driving through the "front door" of Pittsburgh. It took my breath away.</li>
<li>Exploring an awesome used book store.</li>
<li>Watching Jay and Travis build a giant snow man in March.</li>
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<a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Ecuador"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYieyBXMoWG1REnKgmyzL_lF4SI7PNcNEi6LSDpLMeebWmszd0ZMvloTxuMv6m8AFIq0s-56kJysf-w9ZboTYLrKcducaAdg8j6R7xnJq1RQ3JUfeNJ4R8s4njQvftEgLTbPFQfAnvTt3X/s400/quitoprbelle.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b>Quito: Te extraño mucho</b><br />
My biggest adventure of the year was spending four weeks in <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Ecuador">Quito, Ecuador</a>, studying Spanish. It truly was an adventure of a lifetime, and I miss it so much. It was my first time in South America, first time traveling abroad without my parents or longer than one week, and my first time traveling with my university.<br />
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Traveling to Ecuador was a different experience for me because every other trip abroad had been with my church, so it was definitely different traveling with college students. Occasionally, I got annoyed with being a "tourist" because I just wanted to emerge myself. However, I made friends that I would have never expected and made memories that will last a lifetime.<br />
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My favorite moments in<a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/search/label/Ecuador"> Quito</a> were:<br />
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<li>The weekend spent on the beach in <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/06/puerto-lopez.html">Puerto Lopez</a>. It was so unexpectedly wonderful.</li>
<li>Sliding down the side of <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/10/sledding-is-more-fun-on-volcano.html">Cotopaxi</a>, the largest active volcano in the world.</li>
<li>Watching movies and eating pizza with my three roomies and host mom instead of going to the party because one of them twisted her ankle.</li>
<li>Discovering a tiny coffee shop called <a href="http://coffeeculturecommunity.blogspot.com/2011/07/el-ristretto-espresso-bar.html">El Ristretto</a>.</li>
<li>Visiting the art museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin called "La Capilla del Hombre."</li>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hillson-Photography/205028152877589"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1iTNnWDM34x_WYL4kLEPELpQup475WTYfEHmrb2xU-FBBEK_a8tk-Yukf2J6bWEfqWasG9XdYNSuoSDC1Bt-ImYMPlBQFnmf_vGdWz4Dr9y4_d9HGTPQfXx-IDnGOFaNToncy6YUl4Kb/s400/_DSC3999.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There were so many other wonderful moments on all of these adventures, and I took other small ventures on the way to Kansas City and St. Louis. Even though I got to experience many new adventures, they only deepened my adventure bug, so I am excited to see where 2012 takes me!</div>
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Happy New Year,</div>
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Beth</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-59032369178692279882011-12-24T15:24:00.000-06:002011-12-24T15:25:06.314-06:00All I Want for Christmas is You<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>All I want for Christmas is you...
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I have a Christmas gift for all of you lovely people reading my blog. My friends and I made a fun music video to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" song. We started at about 10 pm at night and edited it until about 4 in the morning. This is what we do for fun.</div>
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So enjoy our Christmas gift to everyone special in our lives, including <i>you</i>, because all we want for Christmas is to be surrounded by <i>you</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHUNGOZMzXiNNCy7lCYCPb8xEgbskHXnaSsjj1JgwkjVNuj38Cv-GBsrKzu91zO9xMYNj9-L19OLTMikOoHTWA4cCKtUgyrSQ3GSqwTfjTf0tBdWtHaslsjFY1omjoTCQsej8vVH9oTbH/s1600/thumb640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHUNGOZMzXiNNCy7lCYCPb8xEgbskHXnaSsjj1JgwkjVNuj38Cv-GBsrKzu91zO9xMYNj9-L19OLTMikOoHTWA4cCKtUgyrSQ3GSqwTfjTf0tBdWtHaslsjFY1omjoTCQsej8vVH9oTbH/s400/thumb640.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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-Beth</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769171470896127251.post-39795137668177514652011-12-23T09:08:00.002-06:002011-12-23T09:09:51.524-06:00Hillson Photoshoot<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently had the privelege of being photographed by one of my lovely friends from Cape Town, Stacey Hill. She has a very unique style of photography, and I have always loved her photos of my friend, Suzie. I told her I was looking to redesign my blog with some new fun pictures, and she got really excited. </div>
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So here is a sneak peek, and some of the photos Stacey took of me:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAtRjybCFPJeLJANzFB41f0SWPaE9Le6C7LNHZkAOkvV3xhSURF5bHF2gN6naCUfZvPmzIZYraqEHdaeNeIGR_xSulRtntMbh7ifExNdd2Dtmd2LDthNnMoG8i30NauL-BteKXKKuT-Jk/s1600/revised_DSC4043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAtRjybCFPJeLJANzFB41f0SWPaE9Le6C7LNHZkAOkvV3xhSURF5bHF2gN6naCUfZvPmzIZYraqEHdaeNeIGR_xSulRtntMbh7ifExNdd2Dtmd2LDthNnMoG8i30NauL-BteKXKKuT-Jk/s640/revised_DSC4043.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN2elbR8iIEeTtQvfCxw1hyphenhyphennHg4X1lF5jlcAq09PVzfPQEaGy0v2sBXxMAelbQ-uQNzvsYcGPh7O46CV4X6ul9gR-z7Ufce7dV3fVZW6ecyTPhVOpfnn8w09MHeHB_7qs8F9RECDDIRoX/s1600/revised_DSC3921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN2elbR8iIEeTtQvfCxw1hyphenhyphennHg4X1lF5jlcAq09PVzfPQEaGy0v2sBXxMAelbQ-uQNzvsYcGPh7O46CV4X6ul9gR-z7Ufce7dV3fVZW6ecyTPhVOpfnn8w09MHeHB_7qs8F9RECDDIRoX/s640/revised_DSC3921.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlc4nFFoblu_5o7cBB72Z8dfWnD_0PSNCQq5bDsJMrF9QTLeo2Qsnwyu3C_iisgzWDYwArxFit4fNkVRL0fPa7RwtnAWgNzHlmyd-XG9feOyKtN4wzmgdxSM5qiP82cmTv8uMA16HGnkP/s1600/revised_DSC4124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlc4nFFoblu_5o7cBB72Z8dfWnD_0PSNCQq5bDsJMrF9QTLeo2Qsnwyu3C_iisgzWDYwArxFit4fNkVRL0fPa7RwtnAWgNzHlmyd-XG9feOyKtN4wzmgdxSM5qiP82cmTv8uMA16HGnkP/s400/revised_DSC4124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLp3W8BLU6iAJfm8rSmHPBK6SUb5soKI_0iylG8xubGse2oh9gwoL8aiT7ft4dZRMWJZfP19t-SGPMdHAFnzXHzhvWphqc7QetngLkneQLbZK5D3Ot3bcLAtnPmnDjl3dhqv_dnjhfNXc/s1600/stacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLp3W8BLU6iAJfm8rSmHPBK6SUb5soKI_0iylG8xubGse2oh9gwoL8aiT7ft4dZRMWJZfP19t-SGPMdHAFnzXHzhvWphqc7QetngLkneQLbZK5D3Ot3bcLAtnPmnDjl3dhqv_dnjhfNXc/s640/stacy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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She and her husband, Landon, just recently started a photography business. Be sure to go check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hillson-Photography/205028152877589">Facebook page</a> and <a href="http://hillsonphoto.com/">website</a> and see some of their artistic photos!</div>
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Thanks again, Stacey!</div>
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And be looking forward to some fun changes. :)</div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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-Beth</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07727645675950751306noreply@blogger.com1