tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56405426612185680352024-03-13T08:40:34.176-04:00in re: joyceJoycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896261157759964421noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-78369936911394351082014-01-17T09:51:00.000-05:002014-01-17T13:59:39.095-05:002014 New Year's Resolutions!Happy belated new year everyone!!<br />
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Last year was a blur. With a newborn in the house, my goal last year was purely to survive to see 2014! But this year...yes...this year will be the year to make some new goals...just as soon as I get over the flu.<br />
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<b>1. Do a Project 52</b><br />
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Last year, I started getting serious about photography. I bought myself a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G5ZTLS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001G5ZTLS&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canon 5d Mark ii</a>, 2 new lenses - the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009XVCZ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00009XVCZ&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">50mm f/1.4</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076BNK30/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0076BNK30&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">24-70mm f/2.8</a>, and a camera bag. I also took a beginner photography class and a beginner photoshop class. This year, my goal is to practice what I've learned by shooting, editing, and posting one photo a week for the entire year. I'm already behind!<br />
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<b>2. Purge, Organize, and Beautify</b><br />
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I live in a typical NYC apartment with limited storage. Unless I use it or love it, out it all goes! I'm fascinated by the idea of a 10-piece wardrobe. Sounds so simple. I'd love to try it out.<br />
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<b>3. Have Fun</b><br />
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As a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom with a preschooler and an almost toddler, my time is spread out in 5 minute chunks, revolves around nap schedules and bedtimes, and is overall very limited. I need to plan better to take advantage of those free moments. I want to have fun. I want to make the most of living in NYC.<br />
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That's all!<br />
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<br />Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896261157759964421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-59697611694752277182012-09-25T14:59:00.000-04:002012-09-25T14:59:00.607-04:00Photography 101 - Basic Equipment (part 1)I've been interested in photography for some time, especially after Peanut's birth. Every holiday card we've sent out since 2010 has featured a photo that I've taken using a terrific hand-me down <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007QKMQY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007QKMQY&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">cropped frame DSLR</a>, courtesy of my brother-in-law, shot in full automatic mode.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mC8VmdI6EfpUTjfWQg_nQT5IF20Lv_n3XaSRQcAA_YHDUAbCYIDgYC_r3WosrZ5EciQ_oUzVm9omrUQdjshVdegU0UIsbBjMiSn7XnvCuAbXsUttbcI97_WFgFIRqOAErY3kOSg37OOD/s1600/2011+xmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mC8VmdI6EfpUTjfWQg_nQT5IF20Lv_n3XaSRQcAA_YHDUAbCYIDgYC_r3WosrZ5EciQ_oUzVm9omrUQdjshVdegU0UIsbBjMiSn7XnvCuAbXsUttbcI97_WFgFIRqOAErY3kOSg37OOD/s320/2011+xmas+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Camera</u><br />
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Now that baby #2 is on the way, I'd really like to improve my photography skills. The best way to do that is to shoot only in manual mode. Although any DSLR camera would do at this beginning stage, I bought myself a new camera (I bought myself <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G5ZTLS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001G5ZTLS&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">this one</a>) to motivate myself and for the past month, have shot only in manual. To further educate myself on my equipment, I'm reading the owner's manual and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1435454332/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1435454332&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">this DSLR guide book</a>. It's slow going.<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/AVvXsEjeykXxmIvtME-0TvdbTKTZh6xZwBeP5C4KLQ_J6UJrgB7qDWM8OvWA8bp4_RQx88ImSTxNttVs9YivIJuDPqyQoy8KeK1z6JTZSy-Uho_ImwyykrtaKAfsVeqGdFRSCYgtLudXTHBUcP0X/s1600/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeykXxmIvtME-0TvdbTKTZh6xZwBeP5C4KLQ_J6UJrgB7qDWM8OvWA8bp4_RQx88ImSTxNttVs9YivIJuDPqyQoy8KeK1z6JTZSy-Uho_ImwyykrtaKAfsVeqGdFRSCYgtLudXTHBUcP0X/s320/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-body.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G5ZTLS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001G5ZTLS&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">Canon EOS 5D Mark II</a></td></tr>
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<u>Lenses</u></div>
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After I finish my initial reading, I'm rewarding myself with a new lens! I currently own a single lens, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007E7JU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00007E7JU&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens</a> (aka the "nifty-fifty"). I was really impressed with this lens when I first bought it 2 years ago, but now I'm craving more. I'd either like to upgrade to another prime lens or try a zoom lens. These are the lenses that I'm considering and/or would eventually like in my lens kit (with suggested prices from the <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup" target="_blank">Canon website</a>):</div>
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<ul>
<li>Canon EF <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6WY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00009R6WY&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">35mm f/1.4L USM</a> ($1479)</li>
<li>Canon EF <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I1YIDQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000I1YIDQ&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">50mm f/1.2L USM</a> ($1619)</li>
<li>Canon EF <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EW9Y4M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EW9Y4M&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">85mm f/1.2L II USM</a> ($2199)</li>
<li>Canon EF <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6WT/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00009R6WT&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">24-70mm f/2.8L II USM</a> ($2299)</li>
<li>Canon EF <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033PRWSW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0033PRWSW&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM</a> ($1999)</li>
<li>Canon EF <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NEGTSI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002NEGTSI&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM</a> ($1049)</li>
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Photography is an expensive hobby.<br />
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<u>Card Reader</u><br />
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A second recent purchase that I highly recommend and which is seldom mentioned is an inexpensive card reader (I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00109Y2DQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00109Y2DQ&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">this one</a> by Kingston). It's been working great and helps to save my camera battery as well as prevent me from leaving my expensive camera on my desk, where Peanut can easily reach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0dlb_uQWvs2jZ5C-WkRApnfFVArGRZHbbkZCrmhF0qZiL_HfoF6AO8bctzOqaxcidl4jjScCNZePeGRTRMAVcBYsg0ccQeVy3EQlbUgHfaeYaOQ8H82acE9BEtipm4ZF6QE1-CuiMt2M/s1600/kingston+card+reader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0dlb_uQWvs2jZ5C-WkRApnfFVArGRZHbbkZCrmhF0qZiL_HfoF6AO8bctzOqaxcidl4jjScCNZePeGRTRMAVcBYsg0ccQeVy3EQlbUgHfaeYaOQ8H82acE9BEtipm4ZF6QE1-CuiMt2M/s320/kingston+card+reader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Camera Bag</u><br />
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Finally, the last piece of equipment on my basics list is a good camera bag. Cameras and lenses aren't cheap so protecting the equipment is high priority. Plus, who can resist buying a new bag? I haven't purchased a stand-alone bag yet as my mother-in-law gave me a camera insert (I have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GGDNNA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004GGDNNA&linkCode=as2&tag=inrejoyc-20" target="_blank">this one</a> from ONA) last year for Christmas and I'm still doing my research on the perfect bag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5kN4QxietbH9_L16iub-9P4v_RbLLh7LbTNF21k5IBTQ22Pe1JMVEPgTIO5Ngv4hOm_VGf04sgKR7xl76b0kQ0m6_CJwf8-VueqUKxliKteAiQTiLpVAov5Bqdz5c2vtDZ3BzABxPDnc/s1600/ona+roma+insert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5kN4QxietbH9_L16iub-9P4v_RbLLh7LbTNF21k5IBTQ22Pe1JMVEPgTIO5Ngv4hOm_VGf04sgKR7xl76b0kQ0m6_CJwf8-VueqUKxliKteAiQTiLpVAov5Bqdz5c2vtDZ3BzABxPDnc/s1600/ona+roma+insert.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>Miscellaneous</u><br />
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I have yet to invest in or use any other equipment, such as a flash, hoods, filters, or even a tripod. So far, these 4 basic items have been enough to get started.</div>
Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650240545211022681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-54676220244117959912012-09-24T10:28:00.000-04:002012-09-24T10:28:00.227-04:00Review: Oliver's Labels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.oliverslabels.com/includes/preview.aspx?DID=5&PID=16&Text1=[]%20Oliver's%0ALabels&bgcolor=%23ffffff&tcolor=%23000000&scolor=transparent&tfont=Harrington&FI=false&debug=false&hasQr=false&IMG=true&ief=1347308925836.9175" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.oliverslabels.com/includes/preview.aspx?DID=5&PID=16&Text1=[]%20Oliver's%0ALabels&bgcolor=%23ffffff&tcolor=%23000000&scolor=transparent&tfont=Harrington&FI=false&debug=false&hasQr=false&IMG=true&ief=1347308925836.9175" width="114" /></a></div>
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Peanut is 2 and started preschool this month. I'm so excited for her to start learning and hope that she loves school as much as I did. I'm also excited because I love back-to-school shopping. It's the same rush and sense of renewal I get when I make resolutions for the new year. Except these are tangible and achievable and provided to me on a list by the school.<br />
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One of items on the preschool to-do list is to label every thing. So based on the recommendations of my neighborhood mamas, I decided to try <a href="http://www.oliverslabels.com/?gclid=CM-5tJ7rq7ICFYWo4AodLwsAjg" target="_blank">Oliver's Labels</a>. I ordered the Stick-eez clothing labels (size 7/8" x 7/16"). I've stuck them onto the back of Peanut's clothing tags (so as not to cause skin irritation) and they've been through a couple washes with no problems yet. It's only been a week or so, but so far so good! </div>
Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650240545211022681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-37463984666213736852012-09-23T10:02:00.003-04:002014-01-17T05:47:46.569-05:00A Care Package for Uncle StephenWe recently sent Peanut's Uncle Stephen a care package of goodies for <a href="http://inrejoyce.blogspot.com/2012/09/happy-birthday-uncle-stephen.html" target="_blank">his birthday</a>. He moved to Okinawa this past summer, so we didn't know what he'd like or needed in Japan. So we asked him. This is what he asked for:<br />
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Organic beef jerky from <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/" target="_blank">Whole Foods</a> - delicious, healthy, and tons of protein for those muscles (but be warned - at $7.99 for 3oz, it adds up fast). He likes the peppered flavor. My personal favorite is the peppered turkey jerky (the original flavor is a close second).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx1fcHHoPm-tAeWjaGVqU20dWPDp1zmn5tIRAP610inI4gl-fPrAJKMSMZblfh3I7lvz7CtHJfLxpaNrX90afwP_QR4CVmaE-7QpaLHklZ86XnJqd6jSmuHvpnD_4JWuvc_SP_22CGBDe/s1600/365+organic+beef+jerky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx1fcHHoPm-tAeWjaGVqU20dWPDp1zmn5tIRAP610inI4gl-fPrAJKMSMZblfh3I7lvz7CtHJfLxpaNrX90afwP_QR4CVmaE-7QpaLHklZ86XnJqd6jSmuHvpnD_4JWuvc_SP_22CGBDe/s1600/365+organic+beef+jerky.jpg" /></a></div>
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a good shower curtain (we like and sent <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=132932" target="_blank">this one</a> (same as the one we use) from <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/default.asp?" target="_blank">Bed Bath & Beyond</a>),<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr35MBEvyR5ZuFpqXYlHQ4K7NWHlD1LRxXt9Jxidyoz9hdIU_QM9XSuqS-MC2QPHO-DvuSATqJGIaeWY5y8Ulkx-_BXXFs5u2k1laqx485xAVQrzEetxqrCwKT75U0bJKBe6dWbZKRzVB/s1600/hookless+shower+curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr35MBEvyR5ZuFpqXYlHQ4K7NWHlD1LRxXt9Jxidyoz9hdIU_QM9XSuqS-MC2QPHO-DvuSATqJGIaeWY5y8Ulkx-_BXXFs5u2k1laqx485xAVQrzEetxqrCwKT75U0bJKBe6dWbZKRzVB/s320/hookless+shower+curtain.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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lots of old movies. It turns out that <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a> can't be streamed online overseas! So we went to <a href="http://www.biglots.com/" target="_blank">Big Lots</a> and picked a dozen movies from their $3 and $5 bin. <a href="http://www.walmart.com/browse/movies-tv/5-dvds/4096_1068346?catNavId=4096&ic=48_0&refineresult=true&path=0%3A4096&povid=cat4096-env202871-moduleA091311-lLinkLHNSpecialOffers2FiveDollarDVDs" target="_blank">Walmart</a> also has a $5 movie bin,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2w-917LyjN-LdL8wksBj62XRxfOd_NsrgPGXZZ77kgeyfwl7Q_YKxc4hIV5HU_dIWOMIOzQwYdvQ_1BLOtF01XKTafWLBK7030iiNiP9uhNDikGcwKJGCBq89tTJoz_cZy0HGv3dsLEs/s1600/movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2w-917LyjN-LdL8wksBj62XRxfOd_NsrgPGXZZ77kgeyfwl7Q_YKxc4hIV5HU_dIWOMIOzQwYdvQ_1BLOtF01XKTafWLBK7030iiNiP9uhNDikGcwKJGCBq89tTJoz_cZy0HGv3dsLEs/s320/movies.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
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and last but not least, some colorful short-sleeve polo shirts. Mike's favorite polos are from <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/" target="_blank">Uniqlo</a>. They fit well and are inexpensive, especially when they're on sale!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7QgeAEoDVv4FFdo2iiEMOuFIu1wUTOAxbas_D_Z9a3nfYol4uJ8DmNc0LdJpFrK5UGyOtIK1XNXIQDAP7rNGAjFmQtuu93ytloK_Pt0JXvtfW04cnwuT-qxQclpZVfXJXYO3vBhBuadd/s1600/uniqlo+polo+shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7QgeAEoDVv4FFdo2iiEMOuFIu1wUTOAxbas_D_Z9a3nfYol4uJ8DmNc0LdJpFrK5UGyOtIK1XNXIQDAP7rNGAjFmQtuu93ytloK_Pt0JXvtfW04cnwuT-qxQclpZVfXJXYO3vBhBuadd/s320/uniqlo+polo+shirts.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Images from {<a href="http://www.bestbeefjerky.org/2009/01/365-organic-beef-jerky-teriyaki.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/default.asp?" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://toptensbest.com/top-10-films-of-all-time.html/" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/" target="_blank">here</a>}.</div>
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<br />Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650240545211022681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-78942620323658594632012-09-21T22:57:00.003-04:002012-09-21T22:57:45.093-04:00Happy Birthday Uncle Stephen!It's Peanut's Uncle Stephen's birthday tomorrow! (Or today in Okinawa, where he's currently stationed.) Happy birthday Uncle Stephen! We hope you enjoy this video that Peanut made for you. And keep an eye out for your care package. It's coming soon! We love you and miss you!<br />
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Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650240545211022681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-50318210014581104472012-09-21T22:21:00.001-04:002014-01-17T05:46:49.978-05:00Friday Dinners - Plein SudWhen Mike and I first got married, we ordered in almost every night and went out for dinner every weekend. Now, three years later, I cook most days and eating out is a special event. Since our move in June, we've started a new family tradition of dining out on Friday nights. It's such a lovely way to catch up with each other, explore our new neighborhood, and to take a break from my highly experimental kitchen creations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd6Fa2aEBtyLajnQn0XsaRcTAYVN7mSb-cIUz6bSUtnRvSSOpg378sJzaLXcJ0KDDG8YQw3XOXgXM2TfnvHKCv7o2SG3zavZKvVH-Gv8S72e4ckPNhuCPxijpItDDqtpHmJCxhLJ75kPH/s1600/plein+sud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd6Fa2aEBtyLajnQn0XsaRcTAYVN7mSb-cIUz6bSUtnRvSSOpg378sJzaLXcJ0KDDG8YQw3XOXgXM2TfnvHKCv7o2SG3zavZKvVH-Gv8S72e4ckPNhuCPxijpItDDqtpHmJCxhLJ75kPH/s320/plein+sud.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tonight, we dined at <a href="http://www.pleinsudnyc.com/" target="_blank">Plein Sud</a>. Mike ate a healthy quinoa salad and herbed french fries. I ordered the traditional onion soup and crispy salmon. While Peanut had her usual spaghetti with meatballs and sauce on the side. I liked the atmosphere and service (crayons and a high chair are always a bonus).Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650240545211022681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-39231362053207563922012-09-11T08:32:00.000-04:002012-09-21T22:04:44.768-04:00Non-Diaper Diaper BagsLately, I've been thinking a lot about diaper bags, especially after I bought a <a href="http://inrejoyce.blogspot.com/2012/08/diaper-bags.html" target="_blank">new one</a> in preparation for baby #2. (Actually, truth be told, I've already started using the new bag for Peanut's gear. Sorry new baby!)<br />
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But before the new acquisition, I used large purses to carry all my baby gear and personal items. This worked really well for me from the time Peanut was between 1 (no longer needing so many diapers) and 2 (before potty training). I loved being able to throw her things into my regular bag rather than carrying 2 bags everywhere.<br />
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The bags that worked best for me and that I used the most were this one:<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/AVvXsEjv2AOoSVpefVZd-1KNYNxPBo9cHGwp0qoqfBjy-oKEqi6po1zksSjy0bvc7ByBxp1zL5dEIWdEwjvGe97O788l2GcH1dlMa7gPf3FnmMbJw9oGnV9XJ05UBQZb1HVEktQZxHFIJFSxlfzd/s1600/LV+Neverfull+MM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2AOoSVpefVZd-1KNYNxPBo9cHGwp0qoqfBjy-oKEqi6po1zksSjy0bvc7ByBxp1zL5dEIWdEwjvGe97O788l2GcH1dlMa7gPf3FnmMbJw9oGnV9XJ05UBQZb1HVEktQZxHFIJFSxlfzd/s320/LV+Neverfull+MM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.louisvuitton.com/front/#/eng_US/Collections/Women/Handbags/products/Neverfull-MM-MONOGRAM-M40156" target="_blank">Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in Damier Ebene Canvas</a></td></tr>
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and this one:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwemsmG5vzs1VxEza_eZNTiaYYrP__gjvj1hzhHnvfsmPx-o4v5dp-ndXplfU-h2r9-R5TM7BMQ8BEEcYDTWmX53Qa6lB8uZFJUs5kBPVwgj30dNwfZVVFw5sVr1fWA_pPqxWlfjuraSc/s1600/Longchamp+Le+Pliage+Large+Tote+in+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwemsmG5vzs1VxEza_eZNTiaYYrP__gjvj1hzhHnvfsmPx-o4v5dp-ndXplfU-h2r9-R5TM7BMQ8BEEcYDTWmX53Qa6lB8uZFJUs5kBPVwgj30dNwfZVVFw5sVr1fWA_pPqxWlfjuraSc/s320/Longchamp+Le+Pliage+Large+Tote+in+Blue.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?pid=%20uid7841-7549721-61&id=357748490" target="_blank">Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote in Blue</a></td></tr>
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I still carry these bags a lot but have since moved most of Peanut's gear into her own diaper bag. She recently potty trained successfully so now I carry a portable potty with me when I go out. And that definitely needs its own bag!Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650240545211022681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-46243394971025472882012-08-09T19:40:00.000-04:002012-09-23T15:24:28.824-04:00Engagement Rings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQTujMYPmppVyp0RG_Rd8hf5baIBJakZFH5cgOO4kJkhZvE0Tf3ER-zWAb8KxFDoszLcuzkefMzr3Scth6WN8dxddkECOQ8oRiRg1cCOWOfkmdpQODAE49ecvPmwxOmGu7xoF9GV456c/s1600/green+amethyst+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQTujMYPmppVyp0RG_Rd8hf5baIBJakZFH5cgOO4kJkhZvE0Tf3ER-zWAb8KxFDoszLcuzkefMzr3Scth6WN8dxddkECOQ8oRiRg1cCOWOfkmdpQODAE49ecvPmwxOmGu7xoF9GV456c/s320/green+amethyst+ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I adore engagement rings. (Thanks Mike! After four years, I still love my classic 4-prong ring!) And I especially adore my cousin-in-law's ring - oval, rose-cut, bezel-set diamond in a yellow gold band. Timeless and gorgeous! So when I saw this similar and affordable pear-shaped ring on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/delezhen" target="_blank">etsy</a> from Delezhen, I fell in love. I've been wearing it on my right hand the whole summer (I bought <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93579185/10-off-green-amethyst-rings-gemstone?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=sr_a1265aea0665de0c79d3ccbf4183413ee7cfd6f877f2bdf4bd9a6ff991c3708b_1344439257_14098223_green_amethyst&ga_search_query=pear+green+amethyst+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">this one</a>, but it's also available in different shapes and/or with different stones). It's perfect for fall too.<br />
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10% OFF coupon code available <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Delezhen?sk=app_14167664298" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896261157759964421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-89564756066451126802012-08-09T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-21T21:58:02.569-04:00Diaper Bags<div>
We are starting to prepare for baby #2! Today, I bought a new <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?pid=%20uid7841-7549721-61&id=231408077" target="_blank">diaper bag</a>. I love how this print is neutral yet playful with a touch of personality.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUpgFz5D4bfuwoLPTF6WfR8arkziu0RyhruS__xFtS3PBk4ELUGrPAUxAFW1cqj83ErlMB4D1cH-jW2zVni-IuwnOXegBxxVrXemhNaKtkG_AETJatr9QP__I8wxx_bRGiGU7y3nS8sA/s1600/skip+hop+duo+deluxe+diaper+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUpgFz5D4bfuwoLPTF6WfR8arkziu0RyhruS__xFtS3PBk4ELUGrPAUxAFW1cqj83ErlMB4D1cH-jW2zVni-IuwnOXegBxxVrXemhNaKtkG_AETJatr9QP__I8wxx_bRGiGU7y3nS8sA/s320/skip+hop+duo+deluxe+diaper+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?pid=%20uid7841-7549721-61&id=231408077" target="_blank">Willow Dot</a></td></tr>
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The Skip Hop Duo diaper bag also comes in other colorful prints. Here are two of my other favorites.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8VjkVqGWREsm_itO8lfJuBmOFnjtw3lVceeRmsVVIqTG0tBIPnKXGfbuY19m2GklW2r46t_if1OOotqU_qKl4nSOc5K5zaqA7pVMJKrrmWWfCvkUhlGQJJ0sX10o1VUhmYkcYqY6FfU/s1600/skip+hop+duo+diaper+bag+(chevron+blue).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8VjkVqGWREsm_itO8lfJuBmOFnjtw3lVceeRmsVVIqTG0tBIPnKXGfbuY19m2GklW2r46t_if1OOotqU_qKl4nSOc5K5zaqA7pVMJKrrmWWfCvkUhlGQJJ0sX10o1VUhmYkcYqY6FfU/s1600/skip+hop+duo+diaper+bag+(chevron+blue).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?pid=%20uid7841-7549721-61&id=350369762" target="_blank">Chevron Blue</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEXJOGESIy8-RUvt8uJsI3-KKY8_RM620mRjm1HWqyivg2e4Blk_E4bC65BfH47yJq8aYIVTFD-3vN5goB60rQvXG9S3bbY8cuJst9o-5bB7wOh_z1HHBUJ6fEbLTPLVPj7pAFUuvJMQ/s1600/skip+hop+duo+diaper+bag+(flame+yellow).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEXJOGESIy8-RUvt8uJsI3-KKY8_RM620mRjm1HWqyivg2e4Blk_E4bC65BfH47yJq8aYIVTFD-3vN5goB60rQvXG9S3bbY8cuJst9o-5bB7wOh_z1HHBUJ6fEbLTPLVPj7pAFUuvJMQ/s1600/skip+hop+duo+diaper+bag+(flame+yellow).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?pid=%20uid7841-7549721-61&id=350331982" target="_blank">Flame Yellow</a></td></tr>
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My brother has it in <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?pid=%20uid7841-7549721-61&id=343589030" target="_blank">Black</a> and he likes his too. Masculine, sleek, and versatile. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtPhbTPI9Fv_IRvIcm7b0IKoQopS0-iQvVb-sc9o5ywp9rc-mNjBQ28Gjfc9CL7xQX1Vybk5jrqp5SynP1ZpwTqLjcXvGzo-9tQgMtvzx_559wrFHrdWrIjyQSgfqxqiig3eOkUo_JI0/s1600/skip+hop+duo+deluxe+diaper+bag+(black).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtPhbTPI9Fv_IRvIcm7b0IKoQopS0-iQvVb-sc9o5ywp9rc-mNjBQ28Gjfc9CL7xQX1Vybk5jrqp5SynP1ZpwTqLjcXvGzo-9tQgMtvzx_559wrFHrdWrIjyQSgfqxqiig3eOkUo_JI0/s320/skip+hop+duo+deluxe+diaper+bag+(black).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used to use the <a href="http://www.skiphop.com/product/20000.html" target="_blank">Skip Hop Dash</a> in black. It's smaller than the Duo, which is perfect for someone petite like me, but at times, it's been too small (12.25"wide x 11.5" high x 4.25" deep). Since I walk everywhere, my diaper bag lives on my stroller so I went slightly bigger (13"wide x 13.75"high x 4.25" deep) this time.</div>
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<i>P.S. For those of you living in Manhattan, the Duo diaper bag in Willow Dot is available at <a href="http://www.c21stores.com/" target="_blank">Century21</a> for $19.99. I saw one left in the store yesterday.</i></div>
Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896261157759964421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640542661218568035.post-14465170445039643022012-08-08T10:55:00.001-04:002012-08-08T17:48:58.232-04:00Take 5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I'm one of those people who need lots of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/weekinreview/02parkerpope.html" target="_blank">"me" time</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">. But after getting married and having a baby, I find myself without even a few minutes to spare. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">So today, I will indulge. I'm going to read this...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5nEkYVyci9ZA1Y-lrI66bQQHEG2NkP7EWdL1d5_gzyQidEQ2F7g6W9B-WRT-6LJmBLifz9NLrwoN0vKjqqp25W6F-XKFOxWx_txwWQX5oLACMcHigla2WmGc1DeQrfS-CXl2VjVos58/s1600/InStyle+Magazine+August+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5nEkYVyci9ZA1Y-lrI66bQQHEG2NkP7EWdL1d5_gzyQidEQ2F7g6W9B-WRT-6LJmBLifz9NLrwoN0vKjqqp25W6F-XKFOxWx_txwWQX5oLACMcHigla2WmGc1DeQrfS-CXl2VjVos58/s320/InStyle+Magazine+August+2012.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">and eat this...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpopLLCx-reSAzosNWi_PR0JrjlDlRmrp7n8fBJUIiX5tyCjOUwBWYwC7eyptyMZUJ8gEfVS_ZDYPLKV3grD9LpiRKzlZgBycCQtxuvNggfguaH3qtptDgZY4QsC52a7L_oDtKnaOSF5k/s1600/bowl+of+vanilla+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpopLLCx-reSAzosNWi_PR0JrjlDlRmrp7n8fBJUIiX5tyCjOUwBWYwC7eyptyMZUJ8gEfVS_ZDYPLKV3grD9LpiRKzlZgBycCQtxuvNggfguaH3qtptDgZY4QsC52a7L_oDtKnaOSF5k/s320/bowl+of+vanilla+ice+cream.jpg" width="296" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">but I'm really still doing this...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdwShG1gDs7NNmXaReleigPzv8WK-3judud5pGi4gS9vqdlTBBabQakJWKV_hkMOJwI7zXJzw2-0lohM6a_RwxmDkoHIzc3_CUZLxmJYEUI2_fvQ98gv8gkUV-t57NCJtk1gvdOnZJzM/s1600/laundry+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdwShG1gDs7NNmXaReleigPzv8WK-3judud5pGi4gS9vqdlTBBabQakJWKV_hkMOJwI7zXJzw2-0lohM6a_RwxmDkoHIzc3_CUZLxmJYEUI2_fvQ98gv8gkUV-t57NCJtk1gvdOnZJzM/s320/laundry+basket.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">{Images from <a href="http://www.instyle.com/instyle" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/04/17/ice-cream-flavors-to-savor-from-gourmet/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://holistichomeschooler.blogspot.com/2011/08/life-skill-or-obsession.html" target="_blank">here</a>}</span></div>
<br />Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896261157759964421noreply@blogger.com0