tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33134383484796483812024-03-12T00:50:36.746-04:00Calculating BlessingsStephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.comBlogger458125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-55045043499922216982014-09-01T21:58:00.001-04:002014-09-02T07:47:48.680-04:00Curse #54 - Unexpected Milestones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a mother, there are those milestones in our children's lives that we know are coming; their first steps, their first day of school, their first car. As tough as these milestones can be on a mother's heart, we know these milestones are coming, and we can properly prepare.<br />
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However, there are some milestones that a mother can't see coming, and can't prepare. Next thing she knows, she feels like a mack truck ran over her heart smushing it into a million tiny little pieces and she still has to keep going on like nothing has happened.<br />
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What?<br />
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Is my analogy a little strong?<br />
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Well, I had one of those unexpected milestones last week, and that's exactly how it felt.<br />
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Last week, we celebrated B's eighth birthday with his traditional birthday week. (Yes, every person in our family gets an entire birthday week. Yes, my future daughters-in-laws are going to hate me.)<br />
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For the past six years, B and I have a tradition of going to the Choo Choo Barn on B's actual birthday. (You can read about how that started <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2011/09/blessing-82-choo-choo-barn.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) <br />
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The night before the big event, I asked Brandon, "Guess where we are going tomorrow and dad gets to go with us this year too!?!" <br />
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He replied, "uhhh, where Mom?"<br />
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What? That was odd! We've been to the Choo Choo Barn every year since he was three and suddenly he, who has an excellent memory, forgets that fact! And you know what else was odd! B hadn't even reminded me we were going all week. In fact, he hadn't said a word about the Choo Choo Barn, and he always drives me crazy reminding me about it every year.<br />
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Oblivious to his subtle hints, I told him, "C'mon crazy! Where you and I go every year together. We are going to the Choo Choo Barn!!!" (You have to say the last three words in your best Oprah voice because that's how I said it.)<br />
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Not sharing in my excitement, he looked at me and said in the same tone of voice that my parents used when they told me my cat Frisky had been eaten by the neighbor's dog, "Awww Mom. I don't like trains anymore. I've grown up."<br />
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<i>Honk! Hooooooooonk! Splat.</i><br />
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B tried to let me down easy, but his words hit like a mack truck to my heart. I squeaked out, "Okay Baby...I mean Big Guy. We will think of something else to do."<br />
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With a big smile on his face, he said, "Thanks Mom," and he went back to watching tv like this monumental milestone didn't just happen. <br />
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Spontaneous tears erupted from my eyes. I just couldn't control it. Shad, who saw the whole thing, held my hand and chuckled as he said, "Poor Momma's heart."<br />
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Fortunately, B was still distracted by the tv and didn't see my whole meltdown. Even in my sadness, I was glad that he felt comfortable enough to tell me the truth, and I didn't want to make him feel bad for growing up.<br />
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Grateful for the tv distraction, I took the opportunity to slip out of the room, and started squallin' as soon as I made it to the kitchen.<br />
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If you are not familiar with southern vocabulary crying is a couple of tears, but squallin' is ugly crying.<br />
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Why did this bother me so much?<br />
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I just kept hearing his words over and over in my head, "Awww Mom. I don't like trains anymore. I've grown up."<br />
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Suddenly, I was in a spiral of sorrow that sounded a little like this...<br />
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<i>Since when is he too grown up for anything besides drinking from a bottle and needing me to change his diaper?</i><br />
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<i>As they approach manhood, boys to pull away from their moms in normal psychological development. Is this the beginning of that?</i><br />
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<i>We had the best time last year. If only I had known it was our last!!!</i><br />
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<i>Eight years old is only one year away from nine which is half way to eighteen.</i><br />
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<i>Half way to adulthood!!!!!</i><br />
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When my squallin' had calmed down to a controllable sob, I decided I only had a few options to handle the situation.<br />
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I could just force him to go. It is a tradition after all! However, the only thing more miserable than not going to the Choo Choo Barn would be going with a grumpy little...I mean grown up....boy.<br />
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I could rebrand the trip. Choo Choo does sound a little babyish. The same trip to the Choo Choo Barn followed by the Petting Zoo and Candy Store with a different, more mature sound may win him over.<br />
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"Hey Brandon, do you want to go to the Model Train Agricultural Community? Afterwards, we can go observe some billy goats and get some coffee."<br />
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That plan almost worked, but I knew he wouldn't agree to the traditional "sit in the big train and act like a conductor" picture, and then we would be back to the same he's grown up problem again.<br />
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The last option was that we just didn't go to the Choo Choo Barn this year.<br />
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As much as it stung, this was really my only option. <br />
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After processing the milestone for a few days, I realized why this hurt so much. The Choo Choo Barn was my last bit of "four year old Brandon." The Brandon obsessed with tractors, trains, dirt, and the pair of rain boots that he wore every day for six months. Four year old Brandon was sweet and fun, but I had to mourn him, let him go, and move on with Brandon today. <br />
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As B grows, I don't want to be a mom that freezes in her relationship with her child. I don't want him to grow up, and our only conversations are from years past and never in the present. I want to know him as he is today. The eight year old who's still sweet and fun, but is now obsessed with books and Star Wars. <br />
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So that's just what I did. Friday, we didn't go to the Choo Choo Barn, but we took a family day and still had lots of fun. <br />
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On Saturday, we were all supposed to go to Star Wars Day at a local children's museum for Brandon's Birthday Adventure. The night before the adventure, Shad said, "Colli hates people in costumes. Why don't you just take Brandon by yourself."<br />
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This was not a man trying to weasle his way out of an activity. This was a man that knew his wife well and knew exactly what she needed, and that's one of the many reasons I love that man so. <br />
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Shad was very right. Star Wars Day with Brandon was so good for my hurt heart.<br />
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Although there wasn't a single train in sight, Star Wars Day felt an awful lot like the Choo Choo Barn.<br />
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There was still a little...I mean grown up... birthday boy obsessed with his favorite thing.<br />
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And there was still a mom that loves that grown up boy so much she loves his favorite thing too.<br />
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And that mom occasionally embarrassed that grown up boy.<br />
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Someday I'm sure B will tell me, "Awww Mom. I don't like Star Wars anymore. I've grown up," and I will probably squall all over again as that mack truck barrels straight into my heart.<br />
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Next time though, I will know that although his interests and hobbies may change as he grows, our connection and love must stay the same. That knowledge really is what got me out of the spiral of sorrow.<br />
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Wellllllll, that knowledge and one more thing....<br />
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Guess who's going to the Choo Choo Barn on his birthday this year!!!<br />
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I figure I can get four more years of trips out of him. <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-62708039758402716962014-08-29T07:14:00.001-04:002014-08-29T07:30:17.048-04:00Blessing #226 - Brandon Turns Eight<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brandon, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You're eight!!!! Can you believe it? Sure you can! You've been talking about it for months, but as much as you reminded me I always feel surprised when your birthday rolls around. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How in the world can you be eight? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It feels like I just recovered from you having colic your first six months, and now you're eight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year has been such a big year for you. You've grown so much physically and mentally. You just seem to be becoming a young man. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favorite conversations we had this year was about tattoos. You love tattoos. Soon after you turned seven, you got an airbrush tattoo, and refused to wash your arm. I'm not kidding. For a week, you stuck your arm out of the shower curtain every time you took a shower. You were committed to this tattoo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One day, you had about five temporary tattoos on, and you started talking about getting a real tattoo when you were older. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, I know you well enough to know that if I say, "NO YOU WON'T!" that later, you absolutely will, and besides I don't really mind tattoos. I might even get my own in a few years (shh don't tell Poppy). I did say tell you that a tattoo is permanent. You want to wait until you are older and know you want something on you for forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You thought for a second, "I love Star Wars." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I replied, "Yes, but you used to love hunting and tractors and what if you had gotten a tattoo of that?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You didn't argue, but thought for a second and asked, "Does a tattoo hurt?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I answered, "Remember when you got your flu shot? Well, every dot of color in a tattoo is like getting a shot."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After hearing that, you said in a very grow up voice, "Well, I need to strike that from my life list." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I couldn't help but laugh and then asked you what else was on your life list. I think you mentioned getting married to your "girlfriend" first. That was just one of many funny conversations we had. From the time you were a toddler, talking to you has felt like talking to a very small old man. You are just so sensible and quick witted. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt-n6Alfupx85EDrLaVsZiQrCXQH7s6X24DosqzxuRxNyOi3aK4znNYR3d54WzCPQrFS6fDWNvG3IO6j6NyyavLG39gck0tCp2zkAgS0MEusaZROw-FwrbGWPsfC3eKmUJthfHnhyki4/s1600/brandon6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt-n6Alfupx85EDrLaVsZiQrCXQH7s6X24DosqzxuRxNyOi3aK4znNYR3d54WzCPQrFS6fDWNvG3IO6j6NyyavLG39gck0tCp2zkAgS0MEusaZROw-FwrbGWPsfC3eKmUJthfHnhyki4/s1600/brandon6.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've also had many fun moments together this year. Out of all the moments from your seventh year, my favorite moment happened when we were visiting Mimi and Poppy in Georgia. While we were down there, you learned to ride a bike! Soon after learning, you and I would ride around the subdivision together. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZY7qeY2qlfikJI0WPvTc1uTDJz3teioG0mvZOBDGdmeLX2hJSGoZbnGOcYgUN7NUH6LIBhwgivEa3-OQPDv5J3gPyXKdTDNWoQa7jY3I6ipb79-Bp2nK44Nhjsp2dA823HfzY7HHxCU/s1600/brandon9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZY7qeY2qlfikJI0WPvTc1uTDJz3teioG0mvZOBDGdmeLX2hJSGoZbnGOcYgUN7NUH6LIBhwgivEa3-OQPDv5J3gPyXKdTDNWoQa7jY3I6ipb79-Bp2nK44Nhjsp2dA823HfzY7HHxCU/s1600/brandon9.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Riding bicycles with you was a full circle moment for me. Many of my happiest childhood memories were on a bike riding through that subdivision. To ride those same roads and to make brand new memories there with you was a really big, meaningful moment for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One day, we were riding bikes with your cousins from Alabama. Being your mom, I could tell you were frustrated that they were faster than you, but c'mon! You had only been riding bikes for a week! Give yourself some slack! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, I could tell you were frustrated, but you decided to play it off. As you peddled to the back of the pack to me, you told your cousins, "Y'all go ahead. I'm just going to hang back here. I just want to spend some time with my Mom." Seriously!?! Bulling your way out of something is one of your gifts. You are so good at bulling, I wouldn't be surprised if you become a salesman, a politician....or a conman. . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though I knew "hanging with my Mom" was just your cover, I didn't mind, and enjoyed the time with you. As your cousins rode ahead, you and I peddled and talked. Somewhere in that conversation, you turned to me and said, "I'm really glad I have a mom like you." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You didn't say, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I'm glad I have a mom that can cook all sorts of baked goodies," </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I'm glad I have a mom that irons my clothes perfectly," </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">or "I'm glad I have a mom that keeps an immaculate house."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You just said, "I'm glad I have a mom like you." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOESWZcdgxsUP_toKm8Nuaua-eJnUsDinNviiQv2Gi_6GQyQw0eZw3kjyhNJFYENiJCzexYRmYmQYYozjK00D67O7-2Fm1bAq071ZK2R6groHAA2tbBCUdx1wnm9et6OW7nN9LwaCaAmE/s1600/brandon5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOESWZcdgxsUP_toKm8Nuaua-eJnUsDinNviiQv2Gi_6GQyQw0eZw3kjyhNJFYENiJCzexYRmYmQYYozjK00D67O7-2Fm1bAq071ZK2R6groHAA2tbBCUdx1wnm9et6OW7nN9LwaCaAmE/s1600/brandon5.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brandon you just do not know how much your words meant to me. That was simply the best compliment you could have ever given me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You see, earlier in the year, I decided to stop trying to be super mom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the start of the year, I decided to stop feeling bad about the things I wasn't and to celebrate who I was. I decided to believe that God gave me just the right strengths that you needed in a Mom, and to focus on those strengths. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your words that day were validation for me that I was on the right track. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the moment, I told you thank you and something kind back. In the moment, I didn't want to embarrass</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> you by crying my eyes out, but I felt like it (and I did later). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ2-pJQIfpvOhMudZEgbrTzh5i5Z7ORgkSrjAQ4x8kOYKI-ZzEMBPv5BshEDv_ALabJOYWzM69-Dg4I2Gcv7F8BOIHa9LKKcYaiOtjXLlsX8XKMj3rrXwA6YVLyvts2T1qObdBZTvRUU/s1600/brandon7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ2-pJQIfpvOhMudZEgbrTzh5i5Z7ORgkSrjAQ4x8kOYKI-ZzEMBPv5BshEDv_ALabJOYWzM69-Dg4I2Gcv7F8BOIHa9LKKcYaiOtjXLlsX8XKMj3rrXwA6YVLyvts2T1qObdBZTvRUU/s1600/brandon7.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">B-man, I'm really glad I have a son like you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A son who gets obsessed with tractors, hunting, and now Star Wars</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A son who loves tattoos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A son who has a stubborn streak and a strong will</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A son who has seemingly infinite energy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A son who has a huge heart that sees peoples needs</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHub91QYqvU2YwMtMts7kagcwUpgL28rvH0Wg84ojhGoRLsRgPoTAS-Ep2kVbP9za3qLp9st3pcAZqUutoTgVgefdd-3YTQ-sNYZ5g7b4p7xLtkx8pdjfyleunC63S2wNVqr4fihyphenhyphen0XE/s1600/brandon4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHub91QYqvU2YwMtMts7kagcwUpgL28rvH0Wg84ojhGoRLsRgPoTAS-Ep2kVbP9za3qLp9st3pcAZqUutoTgVgefdd-3YTQ-sNYZ5g7b4p7xLtkx8pdjfyleunC63S2wNVqr4fihyphenhyphen0XE/s1600/brandon4.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">B, thank you for your words that bike ride. I will remember them forever. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you so much. Thank you for being crazy awesome you, and thank you for letting me come along for the ride. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm really glad I have a son like you, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRZxpQBSxTFc1j-LbQzXbmW7Y6Jxv7XMukX2aqY8fuoaWP_rEOEy4ZXLANkAVrXpI4erPcZlHuUe-RUyKjISI0dU0IOvih8HlMQasMTsOLKgbrl2ZTuGSkbbc9-QsEphuN2BatGN6AiM/s1600/bradon10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRZxpQBSxTFc1j-LbQzXbmW7Y6Jxv7XMukX2aqY8fuoaWP_rEOEy4ZXLANkAVrXpI4erPcZlHuUe-RUyKjISI0dU0IOvih8HlMQasMTsOLKgbrl2ZTuGSkbbc9-QsEphuN2BatGN6AiM/s1600/bradon10.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a></span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-66116109409590753722014-08-19T14:12:00.000-04:002014-08-19T14:12:36.285-04:00Blessing #225 - A Necklace HolderHi my name is Stephanie and I am a Real Housewives of Anywhere fan.<br />
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I was trying to give you a little time so you could gasp and judge me, but I will give you a bit more.<br />
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I know it's deplorable.<br />
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I know it's terrible television, but I have already established that my<a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/02/curse-51-falling-off-wagon.html" target="_blank"> television tastes </a>aren't that high.<br />
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In my own life, I cannot stand gossip and drama, but for some reason watching these two faced women flip tables and argue over if someone is lying about having asthma just fascinates me.<br />
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Often in a typical Real Housewives episode, a housewife will be in her closet getting ready, picking out clothes, and recapping the day's drama with her husband.<br />
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As I watch these scenes, I really struggle with envy.<br />
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Am I envious over the designer clothes, purses, and shoes.<br />
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No! C'mon I'm a <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/search/label/goodwill" target="_blank">Goodwill queen</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpLfsJKPahWCjfogQqPX7wUbroy5tZUefvZaGYtb0IRxUOlUXjBSxO5CmNW-JoWaVfb_WpRra7-N0H6qNYUz7oFobBhcz49ne5drSgLzp635G4rly7EWgBADLqLb5sbqljToOVjsPxwM/s1600/Lisa-Vanderpump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpLfsJKPahWCjfogQqPX7wUbroy5tZUefvZaGYtb0IRxUOlUXjBSxO5CmNW-JoWaVfb_WpRra7-N0H6qNYUz7oFobBhcz49ne5drSgLzp635G4rly7EWgBADLqLb5sbqljToOVjsPxwM/s1600/Lisa-Vanderpump.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I watch these scenes, I drool over the closet organization. It's so pretty, neat, and organized!!!!<br />
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Will I ever have a Real Housewives giant organized closet? No, probably not, but I can make my closet pretty, neat, and organized. <br />
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I wish I had a before picture to put right here, but I don't have one. When I started the closet makeoever, I just planned on purging my closet, but then one thing led to another, my <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/01/curse-50-addd.html" target="_blank">ADDD</a> kicked in, and the next thing I knew I was painting everything pink!<br />
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Because I purge regularly, I didn't expect to purge my closet much, but this time I decided to only keep clothes that I wear often. When I purge, I normally ask, "Have I worn this in the past year," but this time I asked, "Have I worn this more than five times in the past year?"<br />
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As all the bags piled up, I couldn't believe the difference, but I loved my stream lined closet. <br />
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In addition to my closet, I have a dresser of clothes, but with this purge, I cleaned out the dresser and put every item of clothing in the closet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvH-b8WZQ1v48r5AOBJkVQ9UYNHGysFVum1ieYDmLLm-10JX2v-7W1unGnMWEvgpzRiJbT1pKTshOAr6VyI62crplnJ0iVaxWpEfw3Ta5flO4GTF2xEYFX5mCo7z_WZ-ExLQRGaY6lls/s1600/closet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvH-b8WZQ1v48r5AOBJkVQ9UYNHGysFVum1ieYDmLLm-10JX2v-7W1unGnMWEvgpzRiJbT1pKTshOAr6VyI62crplnJ0iVaxWpEfw3Ta5flO4GTF2xEYFX5mCo7z_WZ-ExLQRGaY6lls/s1600/closet1.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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My closet looked so much better with fewer clothes in it, but the closet was a boring space and that's when I knew I needed to make it over.<br />
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In my normal state, I am a messy person just ask my mom. I have learned though if I make something pretty, I will keep it clean. It seems crazy to make a space pretty where the door stays closed all the time, but I knew if my closet was pretty, I would keep it clean. No one will ever see it but me, but isn't that enough? I am worth a pretty closet!!!<br />
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I decided to start with the top of the closet and all that wasted space. The walls in the closet are plaster so I knew a shelf would be too much weight on the crumbly walls. If the space couldn't be functional, it might as well be pretty. <br />
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A sign with my favorite word would be perfect for the space, and a few hooks made it an awesome necklace holder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd8_xUhiVkUK1zmz5uJjUEITRK6TCQydubVx_paFXJn0Ziu4WAqSrVhID4TdXlleY9wDp7TjU5zqO6MAQgVL5xR8Tr41N5VcQJ25Ipa2-2qt72lzFDEXMVSPHbGv8_Oe1SRGQO-z_2EI/s1600/closet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd8_xUhiVkUK1zmz5uJjUEITRK6TCQydubVx_paFXJn0Ziu4WAqSrVhID4TdXlleY9wDp7TjU5zqO6MAQgVL5xR8Tr41N5VcQJ25Ipa2-2qt72lzFDEXMVSPHbGv8_Oe1SRGQO-z_2EI/s1600/closet3.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before, my necklaces just laid around the room or shoved inside a box. Now, I love that I can see all my necklace options now as I pick out my outfit.<br />
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I hung all my belts on the hooks that were already in the closet. Just ignore the magnetic circle things. I am taking them down. <br />
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Originally, I put my earrings in those containers, but I need to see the earrings more. I think I am just taking the containers down and trying something different. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FvteI_JxdgDybdn4BdeFv4xTjm5ABTLCEUX3ThDHPCguFuLnYZ6ipFemJownjg34MdJ8eZm1dFKBYDEcNt43YQWujbQaMNHBuE6fjKz8H9PU6iEyNCQDPXRMoXU7iohESzKRtpYfaU0/s1600/closet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FvteI_JxdgDybdn4BdeFv4xTjm5ABTLCEUX3ThDHPCguFuLnYZ6ipFemJownjg34MdJ8eZm1dFKBYDEcNt43YQWujbQaMNHBuE6fjKz8H9PU6iEyNCQDPXRMoXU7iohESzKRtpYfaU0/s1600/closet2.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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I tried the circles on the side, but I don't like that either because I need symmetry. If you have any ideas or see any pins to help please send them my way.(<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smlankford/" target="_blank">Here is my pinterest. </a>)<br />
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I'm already working on the bottom of the closet, and I will show that later. For now though, here is my progress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGDhmYTuOgRdyTX_yY62k-F6nwJkEnl9Qtoxl9oqlfaDxE3JS-qCo5tsBpJEwOmkLBCcgBd387FJ7IYdeJafYz7vTixBuU93ekOapBlwmhyEHyDal0PMD9J34KJS6p7kixSwvYZupPHE/s1600/closet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGDhmYTuOgRdyTX_yY62k-F6nwJkEnl9Qtoxl9oqlfaDxE3JS-qCo5tsBpJEwOmkLBCcgBd387FJ7IYdeJafYz7vTixBuU93ekOapBlwmhyEHyDal0PMD9J34KJS6p7kixSwvYZupPHE/s1600/closet4.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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No, my closet is not Real Housewives worthy yet, but it is much better than before.<br />
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This sign organizes my necklaces, but also serves as a good reminder every morning of my favorite word and my life's goal.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-70735183612054447992014-08-04T16:27:00.000-04:002014-08-04T16:27:52.903-04:00Blessing #224 - The ComebackWhat?<br />
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Could it be?<br />
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Yes! A new post!<br />
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I know. I know. It's been a while. <br />
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The reason for the big interruption is simple. There was no big drama, no juicy gossip, but just a major case of writer's block. Major.<br />
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So many times, I sat down to write a post and just stared at the screen. Finally, I decided rather than beating myself up for the block, I just needed to take a break.<br />
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But, I'm back now!<br />
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Just in case you were wondering what I've been up to here are a few things I did on my blogging break.....<br />
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1. After months and months of not knowing what I wanted to do in my living room, I had a major break through and almost "finished" the whole room!<br />
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2. After sitting on a love seat for over a year, we finally found a couch that we both liked!<br />
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<span id="goog_1552682595"></span><span id="goog_1552682596"></span>That's the love seat, and not the new couch. We were able to negotiate and get the price down dramatically. We used the money from selling our chesterfield couch and some money I had saved up to make it a great buy. <br />
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The salesman tried to get us to buy the matching love seat and tables. He said, "A lot of times people come back to get the matching set, and it's gone." Shad and I both laughed and explained that nothing in our house matched and that's the way we like it. <br />
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Six months later, we still love the couch. It's a miracle we found a couch Shad and I both like, and it only took us two years! (<a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-8-missing-piece.html" target="_blank">This post</a> was inspired by our couch hunting adventures)<br />
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3. At Easter, I went in to get a hair trim, and got a bad hair cut instead. Then I decided the only way to fix my hair was to cut it short. The meltdown was major.<br />
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It made<a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2011/04/blessing-46-meltdown.html" target="_blank"> this meltdown</a> look like a little tantrum.<br />
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How bad was it?<br />
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Well, the next week I sent my friend a "thank you for answering all my crazy hair texts" card.<br />
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I'm not joking.<br />
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I told you with <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/05/blessing-204-treat-cards.html" target="_blank">Treat </a>you can make a card for anything.<br />
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4. In April, Shad and I started getting really focused (yes, gazelle intense if you are a Dave Ramsey nerd) and paying down on the debt from Collin's accident and all the testing I had done when I was sick. <br />
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Paying down medical debt stinks. <br />
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With car debt, you may have a car to show for all your efforts.<br />
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With credit card debt, you may have a few accessories or something for your house to keep you company as you pay down your debt. <br />
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With some medical debt, you may have a nip or tuck or maybe a face that looks constantly surprised.<br />
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With my medical debt, all I got was a crummy allergy and an inhaler!!!<br />
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<i>Note to self: That would make an awesome tshirt.</i><br />
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Maybe some day I will write about the whole experience, but for now Shad and I are really growing through it all, working as a team, and learning a lot about each other.<br />
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5. Remember how I was trying to lose <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/search/label/50%20for%2030" target="_blank">50 pounds before my 30th</a> birthday? Well I didn't.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8XTpCwicwE" target="_blank">Wah Wah Wah Wahhhh. </a><br />
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However, I did lose the 50 pounds before my 32nd birthday. Yay! It's amazing what not being able to <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/04/blessing-118-milk-and-all-its-wonderful.html" target="_blank">eat an entire food</a> group can do. <br />
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I realize the customary thing to do right here would be to post a before and after picture, but I'm not.<br />
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When I turned 30, I realized I had spent an entire decade feeling bad about myself and my struggle with my weight. I just didn't want to do that any more. Maybe one day I will have the right words to say about it all, but right now I just don't have them. What I can say is that I was awesome before and I am still awesome 50 pounds lighter...........and humble too.<br />
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6. This year, I knew my birthday would be scaled back so we could continue to pay on the medical debt. After having a small pity party, I decided to give for my birthday. <br />
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I passed out "shine" signs to different people in my life, and it was hands down the best birthday ever. I will definitely have to write more about it later.<br />
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7. In June, our good friends moved to another state.<br />
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I am so happy for them and this brand new, amazing opportunity that the Lord has provided for them and their family.<br />
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Did that sound believable?<br />
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Good. That was my "I'm a mature adult" answer.<br />
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Sometimes though, I'm not so mature and a lot selfish and just want to say, "This stinks!" <br />
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8. In July, we took our annual big trip south. We all spent a week at my Mamaw's, and then the boys and I went to GA for a couple weeks. <br />
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The whole trip was so refreshing and fun, but my week at Mamaw's was really special. One morning, my Mamaw and I went to Bojangle's and ate breakfast. I really need to write about it. <br />
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<i>Note to self: Bojangle's post title ideas...."Country Ham with a Side of Love", "Tuesdays with Mamaw", "And I Said What About Breakfast At Bojangles."</i><br />
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Well, I think that's about everything from my break.<br />
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Hey look! I wrote a whole post! Woohoo! Take that writer's block. <br />
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I'm glad to be back.<br />
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Oh! And in case I have never said it, thanks for reading my ramblings and being patient with me. I hope you had a great summer too. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-32945381838809073732014-01-19T22:09:00.000-05:002014-01-20T07:41:07.617-05:00Blessing #223 - The Reading Nook BenchFriday, I shared how we are making over the boys rooms for the Christmas present. <br />
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What?<br />
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It's January and we are still working on their Christmas present?<br />
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I know. I know.<br />
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Anyway, we live in a house that is about 150 years old. It's beautiful. It's quaint, and sometimes it's a little crazy. <br />
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The boys rooms are side by side. You have to walk through Collin's room to get to Brandon's room. There's no actual door between their rooms, but a little landing. <br />
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This picture isn't really a before pic. This picture was after I had cleaned out the area and painted it.<br />
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Originally, we had a cheap book shelf on that tall wall, but that didn't work at all so I boxed up the important books and gave the shelf to Goodwill.<br />
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Parenting Lesson Learned: Never put a bookshelf with precious keepsake memory books in a room alone with two little wild men.<br />
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The landing is kind of awkward. Let me show you the other wall you can't see in the previous picture.<br />
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Yep, two doors on the same wall. Nope, they don't match. Yes, the one door is so high off the ground my entire dust pan can fit under it. Like I said, 150 year old houses can be crazy, but isn't that one latchy door nob on the right just gorgeous!?!<br />
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Because the space was so awkward, I really didn't know if I was even going to do anything with it, but one day, B was talking to Shad about his hopes for the new room and said, "Dad, I would really like a place to read."<br />
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When Shad told me that, I said, "Wait! That's all I need to know!"<br />
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See, I am not only a math nerd, but I am also a book nerd. I love, looooove, LoOoOoOoVe books, and I always have. <br />
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When I was in the sixth grade, I had a notebook where I kept record of all the books I read and I wrote little reviews of each book. I still remember that I read 65 books that year.<br />
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What?<br />
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No, I was not very popular in middle school. Why do you ask?<br />
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Yes, I love books. If Brandon showed the slightest interest in reading, I was going to run with that.<br />
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I asked my friend if she saw any ideas of book nooks on Pinterest to send them my way. She then suggested me, "What about a crib mattress?"<br />
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I really didn't think it would fit, but the crib mattress was in the attic so I had to try.<br />
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Do you see it? No, not the dirt on the mattress. It fits. The mattress fits perfectly!!! I couldn't believe it! My friend that suggested it was my new hero!!!<br />
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I knew I would like to get the mattress off the ground, but I really didn't want to spend much money for a base. Also, I needed a base that was movable if I needed to get into that door. When I told Shad about it, he suggested I use some plastic crates he had saved for me at his work. <br />
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I laid the crates out and realized it would take two rows of three crates, but fortunately, we had enough!<br />
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The crates were nice, but I really wanted them to be the same color so my good friend spray paint saved the day!<br />
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A while ago, my mother-in-law gave me a few cans of orange spray paint when it didn't work for a project. Orange was a perfect splash of color for the book nook...especially free orange!<br />
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YaY! I found an awesome gray chevron crib sheet from Target for $15, and the pillow is from our living room that graduated to this space.<br />
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The blanket is a teal blanket from TJ Maxx for $15. <br />
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The crates are attached to each other with zip ties. The crate base probably isn't strong enough to support two adults, but for two little boys, the crates work.<br />
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B was so thrilled with the bench! When we loaded the books into the crates, B said, "I am putting my fiction books in this crate, and my non-fiction books in the other crate."<br />
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I don't think I've even been prouder. I almost said, "Yeah! Great idea! Do you want to use the dewey decimal system or the library of congress system?" I reigned in my nerdiness though and just gave him a big kiss.<br />
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As thrilled as I was with the crates, I knew it needed one more step.<br />
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A pop of polka dot fabric! I wanted a pin dot, but Hobby Lobby didn't have it. This big dot works though.<br />
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The fabric was about $4. The orange pillow is a pillow cover from Hobby Lobby that I used a 40% off coupon to make it about $4 or $5. Again, I used another pillow from our living room that was getting a little old to fill the pillow cover.<br />
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Suddenly, what was an awkward, wasted space, is now my new favorite space in the whole house!<br />
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The view out the window is gorgeous! I really wanted to space to feel magical like a special little hang out just for the boys. <br />
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I am just loving this bench and reading nook!<br />
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And so are the boys!<br />
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All the pictures of the bench perfectly styled are pretty, but I love this picture most of all.<br />
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This is how, I've been finding the bench every morning piled with B's sleeping bag, stuffed animals, dinosaur book, and a flash light. B has been falling asleep there every night, and I couldn't be happier.<br />
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If you are keeping track, the total spent on this bench was...<br />
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crib sheet $15<br />
blanket $15<br />
fabric $4<br />
foam core board (to put fabric on) $3<br />
pillow cover $5<br />
<b>TOTAL $42</b><br />
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The Reading Nook is not done yet. I still have to dress the walls, and I might do something fun with the ceiling. <br />
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I just love that a wasted, awkward space is being filled with many supplies I already had to make something magical!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-76750269718477106702014-01-16T21:35:00.000-05:002014-01-16T21:35:40.305-05:00Blessing #222 - B's DresserThis year for Christmas, we decided to give the boys a room makeover. Their rooms were struggling majorly, and they were both really excited for it.<br />
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For the past three weeks since we got back from Georgia, Shad and I have been working in their rooms. I can't wait to share several projects, but first I will start with Brandon's dresser. <br />
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Here's what we started with....<br />
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<span id="goog_864819138"></span>It's a mid-century modern $5 yard sale find! I'm terrible about taking before pictures so Shad snapped this picture for me right before he sanded the drawers.<br />
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When we asked Brandon's opinion for his room, he wanted camouflage and hunters. At first, I was really not excited about that style. I wanted a bold orange and navy combination, however it wasn't my room so camouflage it was.<br />
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Shad and I brainstormed for the room, and decided to do rustic camouflage. When I showed Shad <a href="http://eastcoastcreativeblog.com/2011/10/anthro-ordinal-dresser-knock-off-style.html" target="_blank">East Coast Creative's Anthropology Knock Off Ordinal Dresser</a>, he loved it, and we decided to try that on B's dresser. <br />
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First I painted the shell with black chalk board paint. I really wasn't sure how this dresser was going to turn out, and the chalkboard paint would give me a solid black look or a different look when it was primed with chalk.<br />
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Shad sanded the drawers and I stained them with weathered oak stain. Weathered oak was gray but not too gray. <br />
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I painted the numbers, and finished the drawers with polyurethane. The hardware was problematic and we debated over what kind of hardware to use for a couple days. Finally, we found a knob that we both really liked. <br />
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Here's the finished product!<br />
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This picture is more true to the actual color of the drawers, and I had to put the decoy we got B for Christmas on there!<br />
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Until I painted the numbers, I was really unsure about how this dresser was going to look. I'm so pleased with how my knock off of <a href="http://eastcoastcreativeblog.com/2011/10/anthro-ordinal-dresser-knock-off-style.html" target="_blank">East Coast Creative's </a>knockoff looks! It's just perfect for the rustic look we are going for in B's room.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-71501392627931564402013-12-10T08:51:00.001-05:002013-12-12T12:03:33.649-05:00Blessing #221 - Christmas Home Tour 2013It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here! I just love Christmas! I am the designate <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/12/blessing-160-recognizing-christmas.html" target="_blank">Christmas Nut </a>in our family! Every family needs a Christmas Nut. <br />
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This Christmas, we are going to be in Georgia, and although I've been so excited for Christmas, I just didn't have decorating motivation. Last Thursday though, I decorated up some mantles. I decided to just use what I had and go with it. <br />
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Here are a few Christmas scenes from our house. <br />
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Originally, my Christmas pyrex display was pink flamingo, green, and white, but it became this hodge podgy mix of pieces....AND I LOVE IT!<br />
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Normally, I have some chalkboard art in my pantry, but this year with my apron collection, I decided to close the door and add a little tree. <br />
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This shelf isn't perfect, but my motto for decorating this Christmas was, "Close enough!" I had to have one of my favorite Buddy the Elf quotes somewhere in my house!<br />
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This fall, I found a lot of wooden ornaments, Shad and I both loved them and I love how they are showing up in our Christmas displays. <br />
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The nativity is one of my favorites.<br />
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In the dining room, I didn't plan on decorating this mantle, but I had some gold sticks, a gold sign, and my nativity. They looked surprising good together. The green on the bucket kind of messes with your eyes, but I just didn't feel like painting it....Close Enough!<br />
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My most favorite addition to our decorations is in the dining room. Shad and I have been looking for ceramic Christmas trees at yard sales for as long as we've been yard saling. Then one magical day in an over 50 community yard sale...we found three!<br />
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Both Shad and I remember our Grandmothers having one of these. I just love that we have them in our house!<br />
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OH! When I bought the white one in the middle, the guy told me, "I used to sell those trees door to door at Christmas time. They were made my prisoners at a local prison, and I worked there."<br />
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I just looked at him, "Are you telling me the tree was made by prisoners? That just makes me love it more!!!"<br />
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We still have our eyes out for more trees to add to our collection. <br />
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On our dining room table, we put a pink poinsettia that our landlord gave us.<br />
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In our hallway, I also put another one in an old mop bucket.<br />
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On our tree, I changed out the mesh and ribbon. When we put it up the middle lights were out. I didn't have time to fix it, and really wanted to get the tree up so....Close Enough! This is our tree before we put all our special ornaments on it.<br />
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For our mantle, I planned on doing the same mantle from last year, but then I really wanted to show off my wooden ornaments. <br />
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I went nuts when I saw how they looked in the Dr. Pepper crate. I love it!<br />
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Here is a full view of our fire place. We put a little heater in there just to knock off the chill sometimes. (We can't light a fire in the fire place)<br />
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<br />
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of my house. You can find last years<a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/12/blessing-163-christmas-tour-2012.html" target="_blank"> tour here. </a><br />
<br />
<i>I'm sharing this post with <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/" target="_blank">A Thoughtful Place. </a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-15277890056650417222013-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:002013-11-04T07:26:55.906-05:00Blessing #220 - Collin Turns ThreeDear Collin,<br />
<br />
Today you turn three! Just like when you <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2010/11/give-me-five-friday-new-guy.html" target="_blank">were born</a>, turned <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2011/11/blessing-91-collins-1st-birthday.html" target="_blank">one</a>, and turned <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/11/blessing-145-collin-turns-two.html" target="_blank">two</a>, today I am writing you a birthday letter. A birthday letter just lets you know a little bit about who you are today and just how much I love you!<br />
<br />
This year was HuGe! Honestly, I seriously believe you skipped the toddler phase and went straight from baby to big boy. Of course, my <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/02/curse-35-his-first-haircut.html" target="_blank">mommy goggles</a> could have just messed with my perspective.<br />
<br />
This year you have also come out of your shell. You are friendlier, fun, and loud, really loud....like so loud we are thinking about having your hearing checked.<br />
<br />
This is the first year, you've really understood what a birthday is. You've been telling us for a month, "My birfday's tomin' up!" For a week, you have been breaking out into "Happy Birthday to Collin." You told a stranger tonight, "Tomorrow's my birfday. I turn three. I so 'cited!"<br />
<br />
For this birthday letter, I wanted to share an important moment from this year. This moment is not my favorite moment, but it is definitely an important moment you should hear.<br />
<br />
After your <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/03/blessing-195-lessons-from-accident.html" target="_blank">accident</a>, you spent almost three days on a ventilator under anesthesia. The moment came for you to be woken up and taken off the ventilator, and it did not go so good. In fact, it went terrible. <br />
<br />
You tried to scream but you had no voice.<br />
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You would just open your mouth with tears running down your face. <br />
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Even though you had been in a hospital bed for a few days, you were FrEaKiShLy strong! It took five nurses, the doctor, Shad, and I to hold you down. <br />
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After about thirty minutes of struggling, the doctor told us that we might have to put you back under anesthesia and on the ventilator. Knowing how serious that was, Shad asked the doctor to give you just a few more minutes.<br />
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All through this episode, I had been holding your feet, but by this point I just couldn't take it anymore. You were my baby, and you were hurting. I didn't have a medical degree, but...<br />
<br />
I knew I was pregnant with your before the pregnancy test could even tell me. <br />
<br />
I felt you kick and hiccup as I carried you for nine months.<br />
<br />
I watched you take your first breath.<br />
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I heard your first cry.<br />
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I cut your first curls (against your dad's wishes).<br />
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I kissed your boo boos.<br />
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I cheered for every milestone.<br />
<br />
I prayed as we rushed you to the emergency room.<br />
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I held you as you struggled for breath right before they put you on the ventilator. <br />
<br />
No, I was not a doctor, but I was your mother. <br />
<br />
Without asking anyone, I moved up to your head, rubbed your hair, and sang your <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM" target="_blank">favorite song</a> in your ear. Within a minute, you stopped fighting, stopped screaming, and started breathing.<br />
<br />
It was one of the most magical moments of my life.<br />
<br />
With tears streaming down my face with an exhausted and weak voice, I continued to sing your song. When some specialist came in to give you a test, the doctor said, "Do what you need to do, but his mother stays where she is."<br />
<br />
After an hour, we breathed a sigh of relief when the doctor told us that you were going to stay off the ventilator. As she left the room, she looked at me and said, "All he needed was his mother."<br />
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After your accident, I lost all confidence as a mom as I struggled with guilt, but in that moment, God used that doctor to remind me of who I am and what he has called me to do.<br />
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After we came home from the hospital and I struggled with guilt and jumpy nerves, I kept going back to her words, "All he needed was his mother."<br />
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Collin, I'm not perfect, but I know God has made me just for you and you just for me. There is no one better suited to be your mother than me.<br />
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There have been days since the accident that I have had to remind myself of that.<br />
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Collin, I realize that 3 isn't one of the "big birthdays," but this is such a big birthday to your dad and I. We were there during your accident. We know how close you came. We know if a few details were changed how different the outcome could be.<br />
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That's why this day, this birthday is so special to us. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T6AWhq35J8BWtWKbn4uUkcvQy-N5yEBOgScHqd00-NNchESL7SIOVqECsf7MnXMkyEy7SM2fMDPyEFg2PBuaktaQ2-3bSmCgEwI_QgVXAnba7lHcqVRLdzOeURGvijZoS_MPkLdxVco/s1600/IMG_8235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T6AWhq35J8BWtWKbn4uUkcvQy-N5yEBOgScHqd00-NNchESL7SIOVqECsf7MnXMkyEy7SM2fMDPyEFg2PBuaktaQ2-3bSmCgEwI_QgVXAnba7lHcqVRLdzOeURGvijZoS_MPkLdxVco/s400/IMG_8235.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love you little man. I'm so happy to wish you the happiest of birthdays, and I will gladly sing loud and proud every time you break out into "Happy Birthday" today.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ek3omLIKKnfwW9TmhUIquRvbVpWNvLpAGETzui7natYtxBOBDEkKq-xf6WTDxBjFZxL_du4Z-mrJ5CDzk8Rb7G5zts8cryflrBnjbQboh2q1nQSyO4AAP5Hf9cDDd2dWMDLjfhuhSwk/s1600/IMG_8231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ek3omLIKKnfwW9TmhUIquRvbVpWNvLpAGETzui7natYtxBOBDEkKq-xf6WTDxBjFZxL_du4Z-mrJ5CDzk8Rb7G5zts8cryflrBnjbQboh2q1nQSyO4AAP5Hf9cDDd2dWMDLjfhuhSwk/s400/IMG_8231.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Love,<br />
your Mom<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-48850280481739984102013-10-28T10:31:00.001-04:002013-10-28T10:31:45.392-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 28 - Goodwill Style in Action - {week 4}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_bmxqBlX6Coba1jwb_RU8_U5Lo6cMoc9t4nciRcXLvWgkpTyH8nXCb70AbFGIsBuuqpqVPhB7zTdfQSRMBV6trv4JGhUwUH4CNCVnwF-AloMDQOk_6ZQU5mvg_vTLXi81GTWqDtX8UQ/s1600/IMG_8136%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_bmxqBlX6Coba1jwb_RU8_U5Lo6cMoc9t4nciRcXLvWgkpTyH8nXCb70AbFGIsBuuqpqVPhB7zTdfQSRMBV6trv4JGhUwUH4CNCVnwF-AloMDQOk_6ZQU5mvg_vTLXi81GTWqDtX8UQ/s400/IMG_8136%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hello! No I have not fallen off the planet, but last week I had my Hoarder's Sale. It got very busy, but never fear. I am hoping to catch up this week. <br />
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Last week, my dad asked, "Where's your 31 Days?" I had to laugh that my dad was concerned about 31 Days of Goodwill Style. I think I could write about Barbie dolls and the color pink and my dad would still read it and offer input. He's just a great dad like that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj3XJeEK16ianLRcpQyERXHjdRfBjRotD3olgf3-qPdVwNGRiWidQr-GhzHR4RSKILP-j16slOq0fmtBinjZkINAhDpk3GqxMX_6zCiSFyD0S41oFTtLv3lREfrmqs-ep5FSQp8Ub6-k/s1600/IMG_8126%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj3XJeEK16ianLRcpQyERXHjdRfBjRotD3olgf3-qPdVwNGRiWidQr-GhzHR4RSKILP-j16slOq0fmtBinjZkINAhDpk3GqxMX_6zCiSFyD0S41oFTtLv3lREfrmqs-ep5FSQp8Ub6-k/s400/IMG_8126%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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dress - Goodwill - $5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
belt - Goodwill - $1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jacket - Goodwill (Old Navy) - $5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jeggings - hand me down from friend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
boots - Plato's Closet - $14</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total: $25</b></div>
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I spent most of Monday painting so I wore my paint pants that are covered in paint splatter. However, when I finally faced the outside world, I wore this outfit. Now, does the dress and jeggings make me look pregnant? Probably. But I am a 31 year old woman with two kids, everything makes me look pregnant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV2sfWwrTPyLyHR_wfVb0jUjYplsV2xbkKwKNbeegU3Bt18b1wIv2pgMSq-egwyQDyUjLNf0KH5pKvo-cYgMVfOj5VvbcfpH9N8oqTDAAh4FYxp7q52Wlix9vcm7JVC3f-7mRscT53lE/s1600/IMG_8127%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV2sfWwrTPyLyHR_wfVb0jUjYplsV2xbkKwKNbeegU3Bt18b1wIv2pgMSq-egwyQDyUjLNf0KH5pKvo-cYgMVfOj5VvbcfpH9N8oqTDAAh4FYxp7q52Wlix9vcm7JVC3f-7mRscT53lE/s400/IMG_8127%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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dress - Goodwill - $5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shirt - Kohls - $3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leggings - Plato's closet - $4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
scarf - Plato's closet - $6</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
boots - Plato's closet - $14</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $32</b></div>
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Tuesday was the release of the third book Allegiant in the Divergent series. I was just a little excited. Okay. Maybe I was so excited I dressed in the grey on grey look of the Abnegation faction that is in the book. I guess most people would call that a lot excited.<br />
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I'm not reading the book until next week so no spoilers!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2QpAXDnFU0Nuob_MSAQdHI1KK2kVX-MR4iycnXTYzhnJ9IVCPYp_zNUs0o_YUkVdnGyz_AJMJtYLJiskBwD0qA9YuW3onZHF151_bx5B3cmyaRQCvymHRzXkFLvj5jCCbDgxih_enGQ/s1600/IMG_8128%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2QpAXDnFU0Nuob_MSAQdHI1KK2kVX-MR4iycnXTYzhnJ9IVCPYp_zNUs0o_YUkVdnGyz_AJMJtYLJiskBwD0qA9YuW3onZHF151_bx5B3cmyaRQCvymHRzXkFLvj5jCCbDgxih_enGQ/s400/IMG_8128%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tank - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sweater - Goodwill (Target) $3.75</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
belt - Goodwill - $1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jeggings - hand me down from friend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
boots - Plato's Closet - $14</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $26.25</b></div>
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Can you tell I love my boots? I live in boots from about October to March. They are just so much warmer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6ax59iU7PYWE645NEAYS6qqtWWPFzhmCU92M4nS409Yfgnm5UUZz2icvcSy4Yg9W8NO8XYKQ-TFNz-TxyAbr60CcqlO8iyhNbVd69wWcUZ9iOkNHR4uLioVJsli8lQyMul_Yb4w8sLs/s1600/IMG_8130%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6ax59iU7PYWE645NEAYS6qqtWWPFzhmCU92M4nS409Yfgnm5UUZz2icvcSy4Yg9W8NO8XYKQ-TFNz-TxyAbr60CcqlO8iyhNbVd69wWcUZ9iOkNHR4uLioVJsli8lQyMul_Yb4w8sLs/s400/IMG_8130%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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shirt - hand me down from my mother-in-law about five years ago</div>
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scarf - Plato's Closet - $6</div>
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pants - Goodwill - $5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shoes - Goodwill - $4 (I put them on later)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $15</b></div>
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This is the outfit I wore when I went out in public to drop off B, but I spent most of the day cleaning stuff out of the barns so I added a few layers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj1etrPb3l1D5eQ9ziIDRrRx-76Z12WXyr-XfEVeOmlLd2wZ8Ay8naqWnf4I1LLYV_n5DY9Md1_d5PMxz6BvCmUc-SjY4BKdFnpGwZ83HGOOCFxFc-W8Euo0UWajb8QvA1LhjjXoq7D0/s1600/IMG_8035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj1etrPb3l1D5eQ9ziIDRrRx-76Z12WXyr-XfEVeOmlLd2wZ8Ay8naqWnf4I1LLYV_n5DY9Md1_d5PMxz6BvCmUc-SjY4BKdFnpGwZ83HGOOCFxFc-W8Euo0UWajb8QvA1LhjjXoq7D0/s400/IMG_8035.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I know. I look absolutely awesome, but once I got outside I added an even more attractive accessory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWDAeA4MtMMiKV_g06bor_qxuMAYtURiAPgSjLdm1ibnr92LtcmVUgltuIAJzn1eFOllcEuYdcOfmoGCqqIw1-OWphs-s99Ux7fHwpejbJp-dUtx_8oToCNvTS7jVkiEeBahyphenhyphenZBdecyI/s1600/IMG_8037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWDAeA4MtMMiKV_g06bor_qxuMAYtURiAPgSjLdm1ibnr92LtcmVUgltuIAJzn1eFOllcEuYdcOfmoGCqqIw1-OWphs-s99Ux7fHwpejbJp-dUtx_8oToCNvTS7jVkiEeBahyphenhyphenZBdecyI/s400/IMG_8037.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Fortunately, no one pulled up in the driveway. I was a little frightening looking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvwAjE5WR2HiAtX0_5oWXq9fU6NA4QsBPv_nyS-BvqygURiGxNqjJAWU3ymSukJIXpniiah_cBVQexiYBG5fIYqw50Zn7KktrNHBxsJPKaE-Xe4vg2rCZRPADSzxQ5L7zRrkSwzDbGrs/s1600/IMG_8132%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvwAjE5WR2HiAtX0_5oWXq9fU6NA4QsBPv_nyS-BvqygURiGxNqjJAWU3ymSukJIXpniiah_cBVQexiYBG5fIYqw50Zn7KktrNHBxsJPKaE-Xe4vg2rCZRPADSzxQ5L7zRrkSwzDbGrs/s400/IMG_8132%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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sweater - hand me down from a friend</div>
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scarf - Goodwill - $1</div>
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pants - Target - $12.54</div>
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boots - gift from my momma</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $13. 54</b></div>
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I spent most of the day getting ready for the Hoarder's Sale, but I really liked this cute easy outfit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4u9f89Xbu2a3vN5iFlZYrRAdnKnWVTg2iia-m007xMCWGP4tZ2jLcf23AzU68XAiFHO5DiZnzeyd8UGri14QQvneRpdfM8Nd0D7pg84_wzh-pwndk0_EG3SmC404BAzbR34PmGetWkQ/s1600/IMG_8147%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4u9f89Xbu2a3vN5iFlZYrRAdnKnWVTg2iia-m007xMCWGP4tZ2jLcf23AzU68XAiFHO5DiZnzeyd8UGri14QQvneRpdfM8Nd0D7pg84_wzh-pwndk0_EG3SmC404BAzbR34PmGetWkQ/s400/IMG_8147%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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shirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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pink jacket - Goodwill - $5</div>
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jeans - Target - $12.54</div>
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boots - gift from my mom</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $21.29</b></div>
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Saturday was the day of the Hoarder's Sale, and although I was outside in the cold most of the day, I wanted to look cute. This pink jacket that I found at Goodwill was perfect! I think I will be wearing it a lot this winter. It needs a trip to the dry cleaners, but I wanted to wait until after the Hoarder's Sale.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUX-tNxcyvMRY0i273rzFLoegdY-VOfcKm1x9wR0oxBIZ50PL0FPSNgS9GVufJCdSQivxGeLok26NLACcjdMcUc9rDUBiDzLErUurK9rxpO1WOKZyxAkGrYdH7OZ3N8no4c9Ind6offQ/s1600/IMG_8133%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUX-tNxcyvMRY0i273rzFLoegdY-VOfcKm1x9wR0oxBIZ50PL0FPSNgS9GVufJCdSQivxGeLok26NLACcjdMcUc9rDUBiDzLErUurK9rxpO1WOKZyxAkGrYdH7OZ3N8no4c9Ind6offQ/s400/IMG_8133%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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shirt - Kohl's - $3</div>
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striped shirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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jeggings - hand me down from friend</div>
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boots - $14 - Plato's Closet</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $20.75</b></div>
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I don't have my Sunday morning outfit because I wasn't feeling great, but this is what I wore to church Sunday night. <br />
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Okay, when you take out the repeats, this weeks total was<b> $86.54.</b> That averages out to about $12 an outfit!<br />
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4 weeks no repeats! Woohoo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmmGy4y5WNxVdgwVshBSR_ZqZJ8dhxb4aq3j44CWdUbfNLOlgOHRQQdHt-kcTRaeXpa3Bah5gij_xAW7UbwvuoET5AQy5N8jERQL8eQxMKwsr4Cfhvmn9Y2ilgaoutNzJNPRly-SMK_g/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmmGy4y5WNxVdgwVshBSR_ZqZJ8dhxb4aq3j44CWdUbfNLOlgOHRQQdHt-kcTRaeXpa3Bah5gij_xAW7UbwvuoET5AQy5N8jERQL8eQxMKwsr4Cfhvmn9Y2ilgaoutNzJNPRly-SMK_g/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-68749285688168492962013-10-22T07:47:00.003-04:002013-10-22T07:47:54.141-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 22 - Accessories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6_4Tne9De5hG39RlZEN7oe2yVjKBPpS7ttG91Er-KelwEBq2yz1OSWtaWHDj5O8buF1JnrYd0eR3UrcFXjkZTNLF5eWoy9sQNnrXfiXkuzdQPT2uYius2xF7K8kLFY0EulqrK64nW7U/s1600/IMG_7952%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6_4Tne9De5hG39RlZEN7oe2yVjKBPpS7ttG91Er-KelwEBq2yz1OSWtaWHDj5O8buF1JnrYd0eR3UrcFXjkZTNLF5eWoy9sQNnrXfiXkuzdQPT2uYius2xF7K8kLFY0EulqrK64nW7U/s320/IMG_7952%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm about to tell you my super not so secret to making Goodwill outfits look awesome. Are you ready?<br />
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Accessories.<br />
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Current accessories make an outfit from Goodwill look on trend. Here are a few examples.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQU0_JFvRSbIBf05jTtRMrxVY0n_XlYAh8hhiChGXp1W_sMC58JfLv8VR6psdbf8DjyZ5G4kVwWaTv5i3hZWFxicgQD4ItDHjQiHp4036uY0C8H1PBSioQw2CrqCNwXT85hsu1vp7_iU/s1600/accessories.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQU0_JFvRSbIBf05jTtRMrxVY0n_XlYAh8hhiChGXp1W_sMC58JfLv8VR6psdbf8DjyZ5G4kVwWaTv5i3hZWFxicgQD4ItDHjQiHp4036uY0C8H1PBSioQw2CrqCNwXT85hsu1vp7_iU/s400/accessories.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The necklace and belt gave this outfit a fun pop of green. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTuuIDNFGVKknPGoHv__M7KesYzCDEM3ugVZFxAyHqsaC7GcLoIkgwNunw1f8dgcLpPb8bb5YzTFF70Vdx2ZWtX0T93wcz6iBvDcf7Vi23Zc_9HYJTmnhyphenhyphen1VYCgI1RnVDzEq5RN6J4ZU/s1600/accessories2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTuuIDNFGVKknPGoHv__M7KesYzCDEM3ugVZFxAyHqsaC7GcLoIkgwNunw1f8dgcLpPb8bb5YzTFF70Vdx2ZWtX0T93wcz6iBvDcf7Vi23Zc_9HYJTmnhyphenhyphen1VYCgI1RnVDzEq5RN6J4ZU/s400/accessories2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The mustard scarf give the same sweater a much different, but stylish look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCj_nA7IfGNP19XNIDavcUDTS-mwpauLIBh-i_HJcMJhz1DuHe6Nv5XY1oIyJCwGS3ThLKJAi2g_NdKh2wVUUmPutOHoyQKETLKTqnOnhUUZOX4lIP1JiYhN4GP0bscMB-xn8MsZs1mA/s1600/accessories3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCj_nA7IfGNP19XNIDavcUDTS-mwpauLIBh-i_HJcMJhz1DuHe6Nv5XY1oIyJCwGS3ThLKJAi2g_NdKh2wVUUmPutOHoyQKETLKTqnOnhUUZOX4lIP1JiYhN4GP0bscMB-xn8MsZs1mA/s400/accessories3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The black bubble necklace pulls this whole outfit together. <br />
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If you take away any of those accessories, those outfits would look completely different.<br />
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When you are shopping second hand, you have to know where to spend your money. <br />
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In the first outfit the belt and necklace cost as much as all the other pieces together, but they make such a big impact it is definitely worth it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CFQzL6TvuFXdd92FZk3W8e977ExVhXKwhj8db9BL_PDVtiSnYlrCENx0Ic8jTFzDcUnL3-o-fTI7RTugngkRD8I-p7y5gRlXd3Iosn4k0viUwFPQUWNW9DG4jLScfV__WUHqMPCtIZ8/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CFQzL6TvuFXdd92FZk3W8e977ExVhXKwhj8db9BL_PDVtiSnYlrCENx0Ic8jTFzDcUnL3-o-fTI7RTugngkRD8I-p7y5gRlXd3Iosn4k0viUwFPQUWNW9DG4jLScfV__WUHqMPCtIZ8/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-90847261057183455292013-10-21T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-21T06:00:07.341-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 21 - Goodwill Style in Action {week three}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs413O0417N-BlnyLxiTk9_Q3L8PzV8iGk8TxgbAATLFVHmUNVgMTTXbRaRy_Z9ivy-gy7kYY7UHTP9xr2Sg2NR_XpDsaUvjXe7cCZCn2UcrsxaYuBPqAaVrQcwlExeEo2OZJrtTGyZg/s1600/IMG_7921%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs413O0417N-BlnyLxiTk9_Q3L8PzV8iGk8TxgbAATLFVHmUNVgMTTXbRaRy_Z9ivy-gy7kYY7UHTP9xr2Sg2NR_XpDsaUvjXe7cCZCn2UcrsxaYuBPqAaVrQcwlExeEo2OZJrtTGyZg/s400/IMG_7921%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Three weeks and still no repeats! Woohoo! I am really surprised and really happy that I've been able to do it! </div>
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Do you know what really bothers me about these posts? I can recall brands and prices of all these pieces....but I can't remember to pick up some butter when I'm at the grocery store. I just wish my brain could remember the important stuff. </div>
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Here's what I wore this week....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eaJgNVDRsQKuptLB8JYdez6y18JUtajAnjOa-t-gZfEhpje9ahZfeKwVRHvqlpL7JOzO5G29iafGtjMrNLofh2zOCJFnBumP5JdFJ3LbA00ilTmj2B9jk2psWrVPld3qrZgs_oATCtM/s1600/IMG_7913%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eaJgNVDRsQKuptLB8JYdez6y18JUtajAnjOa-t-gZfEhpje9ahZfeKwVRHvqlpL7JOzO5G29iafGtjMrNLofh2zOCJFnBumP5JdFJ3LbA00ilTmj2B9jk2psWrVPld3qrZgs_oATCtM/s400/IMG_7913%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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scarf - Platos Closet - $6</div>
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sweater - Goodwill (Target) - $3.75</div>
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shirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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jeggings - hand me down from a friend</div>
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boots - Platos Closet - $14</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $27.50</b></div>
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This outfit is basically a reworking of the <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-14.html" target="_blank">outfit I wore the Sunday before </a>this day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJexAKvbVTso-gYrym2zSct8CwWo2EIVNsZDWe-4m8JBlw7kDqQ4u0UTjzH5fffNPU2MBmBZ6tNzazsSnA5QnMwSP3HQY6ON_w1BgHda2ZNGTsPxPBYCgfnXCnZZfk17AfbXzCynIVRc/s1600/IMG_7917%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJexAKvbVTso-gYrym2zSct8CwWo2EIVNsZDWe-4m8JBlw7kDqQ4u0UTjzH5fffNPU2MBmBZ6tNzazsSnA5QnMwSP3HQY6ON_w1BgHda2ZNGTsPxPBYCgfnXCnZZfk17AfbXzCynIVRc/s400/IMG_7917%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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white shirt - Kohls - $3</div>
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green sweater - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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jacket - Goodwill (Old Navy) - $3.75</div>
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jeggings - hand me down from a friend </div>
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boots - Plato's Closet - $14</div>
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necklace - $10</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $34.50</b></div>
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This outfit looks nice in theory, but in reality I was not a fan. As I wore the outfit the sweater would ride up but the undershirt would stay in place. I had this weird middrift looking thing going on. I was not a fan. The outfit was cute but not comfortable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv4TwIok2CVXPMFwBVeUnsUdM1H8zJdsI_UbnV1XcmI6cco2GG7PjwdxEenubJiUvMvs8GICouPsH0ygnqNaKY4WHJ39bflsLeps7vsDvrB2Fh_tmC9Htj6nW9c3u23j0_KurB11QTrU/s1600/IMG_7922%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv4TwIok2CVXPMFwBVeUnsUdM1H8zJdsI_UbnV1XcmI6cco2GG7PjwdxEenubJiUvMvs8GICouPsH0ygnqNaKY4WHJ39bflsLeps7vsDvrB2Fh_tmC9Htj6nW9c3u23j0_KurB11QTrU/s400/IMG_7922%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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jacket - hand me down from a friend</div>
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thrifting shirt - Goodwill - $12</div>
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jeans - Goodwill (Anne Taylor) - $5</div>
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shoes - $4</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $21</b></div>
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I had to do a lot of housework this day, but it wasn't so bad in my favorite tshirt. If you are local and like it, the Goodwill of Delawares are selling them for a limited time. All proceeds go to a scholarship fund. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSZd25TKJ3yHloAjvGqNFgY2AxlMn-smjqE3fVyWujNEc6Ggh7HNpL6qhyh2Z8nH5wzwq7-srNCRJ3A4Ju8_iQ8dHJkwLOyId7ilm1iwvzJIcUPSJC_uBOSMafejNfdt8TCCQ6r-gURI/s1600/IMG_7923%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSZd25TKJ3yHloAjvGqNFgY2AxlMn-smjqE3fVyWujNEc6Ggh7HNpL6qhyh2Z8nH5wzwq7-srNCRJ3A4Ju8_iQ8dHJkwLOyId7ilm1iwvzJIcUPSJC_uBOSMafejNfdt8TCCQ6r-gURI/s400/IMG_7923%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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scarf - Plato's Closet - $6</div>
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shirt - Kohl's - $3</div>
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sweater - Goodwill (Kohls) - $3.75</div>
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jeggings - hand me down from a friend</div>
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boots - Plato's Closet - $14</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $26.75</b></div>
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I have been wanting a mustard scarf for a while so now that I have found one, I am wearing it a lot. I like a big scarf. This was a normal scarf, but I just tied the ends together to make an infinity scarf. I found my scarf at Plato's Closet with the tag still on it. Then I found out where it was sold originally. </div>
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Rite Aid Drugstore!!! They sell for 2 for $12. I think I am going to have to get the leopard one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX_9XLCvxyasjzMw6so7SzEOH6cAHKKta13fgqL7AWrL_P_IRkauVTSNJoSbvxO_GfBMKS2zRfBFTf4MRGsqpFKpIjw01w9cPHgy3tG18Z8AgkfhNgzbPRDDe-7yxgg5zzGe0IYLdo4o/s1600/IMG_7915%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX_9XLCvxyasjzMw6so7SzEOH6cAHKKta13fgqL7AWrL_P_IRkauVTSNJoSbvxO_GfBMKS2zRfBFTf4MRGsqpFKpIjw01w9cPHgy3tG18Z8AgkfhNgzbPRDDe-7yxgg5zzGe0IYLdo4o/s400/IMG_7915%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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earrings - bartered</div>
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shirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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sweater - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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jeans - Goodwill (Jones New York) - $5</div>
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shoes - Goodwill - $4</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $16.50</b></div>
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B was out of school on this day and had to jump in the picture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNkjx5gLjRrvuzWx157K1glrxGOcvOro5sGgCgRQjqE-sFJocmPWHT8s1VanZQL8XnAhBfp8txePZurYiE7ZOMMbxvk3FzrDxZndqJcDTAF_pw6Ey3wRrJs68dy0R6_h8rx-4x_pFXPk/s1600/IMG_7924%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNkjx5gLjRrvuzWx157K1glrxGOcvOro5sGgCgRQjqE-sFJocmPWHT8s1VanZQL8XnAhBfp8txePZurYiE7ZOMMbxvk3FzrDxZndqJcDTAF_pw6Ey3wRrJs68dy0R6_h8rx-4x_pFXPk/s400/IMG_7924%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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tank top - $3. 75</div>
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jacket - $5</div>
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jeans - Goodwill (Jones New York) - $5</div>
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shoes - Goodwill -$4</div>
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necklace - bartered</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $17.75</b></div>
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Okay, so I know I have a problem with the polka dots, but I can't stop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS44Ac-wJP8Xt-sgB_-3VDKsZ9z6CITMe38-xlVT6Bil8fiKLxtU8yqkyUTNQtnbyPwafAhDLxnAu98s-ZFy0cVKugwjyMF8MJfAMagcmMWzY6zqLm6iU7y4Bp9VJwqBV5usndwKclvfo/s1600/IMG_7912%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS44Ac-wJP8Xt-sgB_-3VDKsZ9z6CITMe38-xlVT6Bil8fiKLxtU8yqkyUTNQtnbyPwafAhDLxnAu98s-ZFy0cVKugwjyMF8MJfAMagcmMWzY6zqLm6iU7y4Bp9VJwqBV5usndwKclvfo/s400/IMG_7912%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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scarf - Plato's Closet - $6</div>
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shirt - over five years old</div>
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jacket - Goodwill - $5</div>
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skirt - Goodwill (Target) - $5</div>
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tights - $4</div>
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shoes - Goodwill - $4</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $24</b></div>
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This was such a crazy morning. The outfit I planned on wearing just didn't work. A pile of tried on clothes later, and this is what I had. Some days are just like that. B tried to help out by picking out his own outfit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvTgsH8hOkamPg0qZqqni3UOSCa_wWVZht4U7X7x3LkVfKzODCXrXRjyA5RHA-InEOo1Yq04-TwBk-fW4uspOq3vik9CPUaP63DaRiiSZtuVe3no_95Z-6TV3rmCa9JBUrOA1lFr3Y7A/s1600/IMG_7908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvTgsH8hOkamPg0qZqqni3UOSCa_wWVZht4U7X7x3LkVfKzODCXrXRjyA5RHA-InEOo1Yq04-TwBk-fW4uspOq3vik9CPUaP63DaRiiSZtuVe3no_95Z-6TV3rmCa9JBUrOA1lFr3Y7A/s400/IMG_7908.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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He was so proud of himself, I wasn't about to change his style. He said green was his favorite color, in case you couldn't tell. <br />
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If you take out all the repeat pieces the total for the week was...<b>$107</b>!!!! That averages out to be about <b>$15 per outfit</b>. <br />
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I'm only one week away from being done! This week, I'm sure I'll have to be really creative to keep from repeating!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-69225641932422805412013-10-18T07:59:00.002-04:002013-10-18T07:59:35.495-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 18 - The Goodwill of Delaware Recycling Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44KDZ6KNYftys6VqGE2OlXtZ72SJvosjbF-pDPutFXB2SQez2JuptwuWYr4fQDYWVQ7BdYDUzqtlt8ED6Xsqq6xa2GIfpSF7noLwbXqqhnjebGoNP26zoLNxr-kXnYEg4oHD25jdwq64/s1600/IMG_7798%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44KDZ6KNYftys6VqGE2OlXtZ72SJvosjbF-pDPutFXB2SQez2JuptwuWYr4fQDYWVQ7BdYDUzqtlt8ED6Xsqq6xa2GIfpSF7noLwbXqqhnjebGoNP26zoLNxr-kXnYEg4oHD25jdwq64/s400/IMG_7798%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Last week's "more than the store" post was all about the <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-11.html" target="_blank">Goodwill of Delaware Outlet</a>. Today, I am sharing the recycling center. <br />
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The recycling center blew my mind...bLeW mY mInD! Remember when all the blue bins went out the door of the outlet?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4syxnMYAJR1rx8h9COPshtm0Xsjo7uwXbwlXG2sAlJYkmq9Gi86AWY4ZRDkWKnGoeI6vE_2-2i6-gdujpWmOL-PzT21iRbHz5X5oD7DO8wMeb93XE94F4PnPOCxZB0aIfJeMYi2ftOc4/s1600/IMG_7026%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4syxnMYAJR1rx8h9COPshtm0Xsjo7uwXbwlXG2sAlJYkmq9Gi86AWY4ZRDkWKnGoeI6vE_2-2i6-gdujpWmOL-PzT21iRbHz5X5oD7DO8wMeb93XE94F4PnPOCxZB0aIfJeMYi2ftOc4/s640/IMG_7026%5B2%5D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is where they went, the Goodwill of Delaware Recycling center.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H-yPahqB2cmlbiXoJxg_C4RzgLzzBDam8bPjRYIUQGen98Xr0bCJmuCPP4HEIGfMd_01PZDv-k0Qp-0OTeMxr8EyLYsFKxwoWSS-Mpv0y7zyMV5vv2TEfmT8Gx9IQG1GOXu-7h1A2YI/s1600/IMG_7007%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H-yPahqB2cmlbiXoJxg_C4RzgLzzBDam8bPjRYIUQGen98Xr0bCJmuCPP4HEIGfMd_01PZDv-k0Qp-0OTeMxr8EyLYsFKxwoWSS-Mpv0y7zyMV5vv2TEfmT8Gx9IQG1GOXu-7h1A2YI/s640/IMG_7007%5B1%5D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the first stops the blue bins make after entering the recycling center, is the sorting area. <br />
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Isn't the sorting area pretty with all the arrows, colors, and labels? Sorry, I just dork out about things like that.<br />
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All these labels are things that Goodwill can recycle. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY1Zd7vpkECpjyl5hWTgrIaM3KJKw9_p73eI0sWaGV80DhBeBwXnKmZ47cpjfUHOShAFUx2PiSu4avZ7HES21bse6GSdKeNnrc4Z52NVDNDJpE61HSswONhrdHbQFlgWs40rp8dCyjUQ/s1600/IMG_7017%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY1Zd7vpkECpjyl5hWTgrIaM3KJKw9_p73eI0sWaGV80DhBeBwXnKmZ47cpjfUHOShAFUx2PiSu4avZ7HES21bse6GSdKeNnrc4Z52NVDNDJpE61HSswONhrdHbQFlgWs40rp8dCyjUQ/s640/IMG_7017%5B1%5D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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During my behind the scenes tour, I got to sort through a bin. It sounds easy right? It wasn't so much. For example, a hanger may have a metal hook but a plastic hangy part...where does it go? A board game box might be cardboard, but the actually game inside might be plastic. I'm not joking, sorting a bin stretched my brain.<br />
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When the sorting was over, here is what was left in that big bin.<br />
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That's it! Out of all that stuff in that bin, that little pile is the only part that can't be recycled. Goodwill's goal is to eventually be able to recycle everything. <br />
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Once the items are sorted, they go to this machine on the right. I think it's a baler.<br />
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I may have totally nerded out about the baler, but c'mon!?! It's giant bales of clothes!!! There are companies that buy these giant clothes bales from Goodwill and makes them into rags and such.<br />
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After the items are baled, they are loaded onto trucks and sent off to be recycled more.<br />
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In this truck, the top bale is plastic, the middle bale is metal, and the bottom bale cardboard. As I was in the truck it was like playing where's Waldo with the bales.<br />
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There's a laundry basket.<br />
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There's a rubbermaid box.<br />
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You know you are looking for the laundry basket now, aren't you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdxh4BUzBn_w0PAqs2dR6GTInjZQa-wqGK7Tl3WL-PfgZ4TbDLr-0Xz_HN7TvxLERAkNe4Oklfpiq2n3OfB6RZbuDpKapuUbr-c4cIunzlBYHKBTynfVg3a32kww_LVVtAYYNNshgfgM/s1600/IMG_7012%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdxh4BUzBn_w0PAqs2dR6GTInjZQa-wqGK7Tl3WL-PfgZ4TbDLr-0Xz_HN7TvxLERAkNe4Oklfpiq2n3OfB6RZbuDpKapuUbr-c4cIunzlBYHKBTynfVg3a32kww_LVVtAYYNNshgfgM/s640/IMG_7012%5B1%5D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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About a month ago, I went through B's clothes and I had a bag of jeans with blown out knees. When I donated them, I asked the attendant, do you take jeans with blown out knees. She told me they did, and I wondered what they even did with them. <br />
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If they didn't sell, those jeans were recycled and saved from the landfill all thanks to Goodwill. <br />
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The more I learn about Goodwill of Delaware, the more I love what they do. They take my old items and do good with them not only for people, but also for the earth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_yz1vDYCt_UcJqM9qKPdTtocYZ_udBwHGqJVMbCeil4Ik8VHAGUtQzQiBIYGXxeA0aU1n7mxOt9_5GvZNNPcLDxn9C38pTMe1YOL9uCtSjeqerHaqlmkNILLv5g8L1JYSLm0uJxgDxw/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_yz1vDYCt_UcJqM9qKPdTtocYZ_udBwHGqJVMbCeil4Ik8VHAGUtQzQiBIYGXxeA0aU1n7mxOt9_5GvZNNPcLDxn9C38pTMe1YOL9uCtSjeqerHaqlmkNILLv5g8L1JYSLm0uJxgDxw/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-34848318791574790242013-10-17T13:52:00.001-04:002013-10-17T13:52:47.062-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 17 - Ignore the Sizes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYyFMDQn_TVoJB8x5bi2QH28_vD9A1cg_YbbqelTxUBLrpl0Q7c4ygVLUEXtTNoYcNEDKJs57Tojt-vsPShI98QlPGCZD5Pjv4N-K_4MIhNY8catTG0Qz5enbpSOWpk63esTRj13gsqU/s1600/IMG_7778%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYyFMDQn_TVoJB8x5bi2QH28_vD9A1cg_YbbqelTxUBLrpl0Q7c4ygVLUEXtTNoYcNEDKJs57Tojt-vsPShI98QlPGCZD5Pjv4N-K_4MIhNY8catTG0Qz5enbpSOWpk63esTRj13gsqU/s400/IMG_7778%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I was in the Goodwill Fashion Show, I was styled by Kim of Style Savvy with Kim. One Saturday, we met at a Goodwill, and she tried all kinds of outfits on me. <br />
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At one point, she asked me to try on a shirt that was a much smaller size than I wore. I told her I couldn't wear a size (none of your business), and she said, "Never pay attention to the sizes."<br />
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It sounds crazy, but it was such good advice. She wanted me to wear the shirt as an undershirt, and it was perfect as an undershirt even though it was a little tight.<br />
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Have you ever noticed that a size 8 at one store may be a size 10 or 12 at another store. That's how it is with Goodwill. With so many different brands, just ignore the sizes and hold the piece up to you and see if it's close to your size. <br />
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If you get stuck thinking you are only one size, that prevents you from trying on a lot of clothes. When you ignore the sizes, you just might be surprised that something works that is a smaller or larger size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmMlOMsqqdD-8aDCN-hXMCGAfANMTyUNQJpatnMUTVFBxhT1LrSs9vIkMyPMZWDNTWvre6RGmW54jo0HmeUuGuheckuwZ56_HXsZeiJIS9UgBZQJygtBxMawZabIPrNxfgS-iXkOzA78/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmMlOMsqqdD-8aDCN-hXMCGAfANMTyUNQJpatnMUTVFBxhT1LrSs9vIkMyPMZWDNTWvre6RGmW54jo0HmeUuGuheckuwZ56_HXsZeiJIS9UgBZQJygtBxMawZabIPrNxfgS-iXkOzA78/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3313438348479648381" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-63878916155827748632013-10-17T13:36:00.000-04:002013-10-17T13:36:02.096-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 16 - The "New to the Floor" Racks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwEwAllDXhTWmpT76pZKNn16WOXhMoZkIsYh8ja-URusCbp_cq77F-234WW5v4YwsTNhHhST_1g8jOZLBup8r26oeFpwMJtbRpBc7Okh72S6VolFEHDD9t5HOOdyJSmDvLMYD-rfQkBc/s1600/IMG_7777%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwEwAllDXhTWmpT76pZKNn16WOXhMoZkIsYh8ja-URusCbp_cq77F-234WW5v4YwsTNhHhST_1g8jOZLBup8r26oeFpwMJtbRpBc7Okh72S6VolFEHDD9t5HOOdyJSmDvLMYD-rfQkBc/s400/IMG_7777%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My favorite section in Goodwill is not the shirts, skirts, or homegoods. My favorite section in Goodwill are these racks. These are the racks that they use when they are bringing new items out onto the floor. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydE3UABiAy3mSxl20DXaW4iluZDKaajfEXQHn7W_2vFA855K_DZKYdbxLNKPxiURFEr_p4r3jcJsxgXTn9p1WGTnNqs3YHfHxhlzdCjI7HH9TZoSWqKXyLj__EO8sglMxUG8ntmnaBqE/s1600/IMG_7031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydE3UABiAy3mSxl20DXaW4iluZDKaajfEXQHn7W_2vFA855K_DZKYdbxLNKPxiURFEr_p4r3jcJsxgXTn9p1WGTnNqs3YHfHxhlzdCjI7HH9TZoSWqKXyLj__EO8sglMxUG8ntmnaBqE/s640/IMG_7031.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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When I see one of these racks, I make a bee line for it. Maybe it's just a mental thing that new is better, but it just feels like I am snagging something before anyone else even see it. <br />
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I have no scientific proof, but it seems like when you find one item that you like on one of these racks, you find several. That just my theory though. <br />
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One time, the <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/03/blessing-108-goodwill-fairy-strikes.html" target="_blank">Goodwill fairy struck</a>, and I found several items on one of these racks. Maybe I'm crazy, but I just love these racks. <br />
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Next time you are in Goodwill, keep your eyes open for one of these racks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQt-EJBw4wRen2MGDGYpdRpb_Yocmhey0nGPLXYZ2DfJTawy-_cvv7VKx8Cuy6fBeM0u7-gaCk13koBbJrS-J7MFBAlCzxb-a4yY26g21V4Nb1JVOyWaMQ2tCbhlcLUkeJhsBml8EZoo/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQt-EJBw4wRen2MGDGYpdRpb_Yocmhey0nGPLXYZ2DfJTawy-_cvv7VKx8Cuy6fBeM0u7-gaCk13koBbJrS-J7MFBAlCzxb-a4yY26g21V4Nb1JVOyWaMQ2tCbhlcLUkeJhsBml8EZoo/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-12588399744729012512013-10-16T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-16T06:56:26.716-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 15 - Go Often<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b0p7JXCXwuOJvZr4ZLp4CA8CW1rEX8Hd03dd6sTjqI_8XOlJ46rKMoBH2DNuFCluiXrJa0poWFGMKe5JpwMmqhB1xNJSw1CBS-ejcSmoyZdpk8mrE8FqFjcF0SaJwpPfYgkai5ZonoI/s1600/IMG_7694%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b0p7JXCXwuOJvZr4ZLp4CA8CW1rEX8Hd03dd6sTjqI_8XOlJ46rKMoBH2DNuFCluiXrJa0poWFGMKe5JpwMmqhB1xNJSw1CBS-ejcSmoyZdpk8mrE8FqFjcF0SaJwpPfYgkai5ZonoI/s400/IMG_7694%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week in 31 Days of Goodwill Style is focusing on Goodwillin' tips. Yes, I made Goodwill a verb.<br />
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The number one, numero uno, tip when Goodwillin' is to GO OFTEN!<br />
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People say all the time, "I never find anything at Goodwill," and if you go once every six months, you probably don't. <br />
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Because Goodwill is constantly changing with new donations, the store is always different. Even if you went last week, the store will be different this week.<br />
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For me, I usually go about once a week. When we are out and about, we just stop in and check out what Goodwill has. <br />
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Usually, I am only in Goodwill 30 minutes or less. That's about all Collin or Brandon can handle. When I am Goodwillin' with the boys, I will grab them a toy or book from the store, and that keeps them occupied. <br />
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If you go to Goodwill and don't find much, don't be discouraged. You are not going to find your entire fall wardrobe in one Goodwill trip. It's a good trip if you find one or two pieces because a piece here and a piece there makes a wardrobe. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTlQbKOOxqliQCihoK-XyjWLxD7kE1tw54fD75kFmjW-eXO9gZVaoKhTOHYTVuV6t4Cs67NJQyK2EYN1nXhSKJOJLwlNMqRGeF91LyFZojWQKTtIZu0tCqd3vwEU8akynrhqI4KMZtnA/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTlQbKOOxqliQCihoK-XyjWLxD7kE1tw54fD75kFmjW-eXO9gZVaoKhTOHYTVuV6t4Cs67NJQyK2EYN1nXhSKJOJLwlNMqRGeF91LyFZojWQKTtIZu0tCqd3vwEU8akynrhqI4KMZtnA/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-37748349469920539402013-10-14T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-14T06:00:08.995-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 14 - Goodwill Style in Action - Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQzoi6AnNQ1NKrSr4L2yptRuL_nLSf-4rmGKKiPTHelJn5AIzhqbMM2RpyS8fElOApEFhX7HbDA4h94lI1mhahZE372CccO6hA6Flc8H4l9j_2_Oh-qTbIFZBU_p497PypOtTDlCYLZM/s1600/IMG_7548%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQzoi6AnNQ1NKrSr4L2yptRuL_nLSf-4rmGKKiPTHelJn5AIzhqbMM2RpyS8fElOApEFhX7HbDA4h94lI1mhahZE372CccO6hA6Flc8H4l9j_2_Oh-qTbIFZBU_p497PypOtTDlCYLZM/s400/IMG_7548%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thank you, ThAnK YoU, THANK YOU for all your encouraging comments last week, and thank you to all my friends in real life that have been encouraging me in these posts. </div>
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I always wonder when I pick a 31 days series if anyone will even care to read it, and your comments have been such a confirmation and encouragement to me. I was so excited to hear about people trying out Goodwill for the first time!</div>
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Here's what I wore this week!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VBTJEq1s76cxDOJUlTZdJL4iHbEsuFQdtCQ-nysVmf8syHt4TI_hDqbvvnmFEh13YaCLBME2vFcb3B9yE-zZYcdq-Zd3p8Cua4Mwe3QrXdM8Mg7HOgrvcDfMees3o2xdmvENkOLnzs8/s1600/IMG_7230%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VBTJEq1s76cxDOJUlTZdJL4iHbEsuFQdtCQ-nysVmf8syHt4TI_hDqbvvnmFEh13YaCLBME2vFcb3B9yE-zZYcdq-Zd3p8Cua4Mwe3QrXdM8Mg7HOgrvcDfMees3o2xdmvENkOLnzs8/s400/IMG_7230%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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shirt - Goodwill (Old Navy) - $3.75</div>
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belt - it came with a sweater I got on clearance a few years ago that was $5 so let's say the belt was $2</div>
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sweater - Goodwill (the Limited) - $3.75</div>
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jeans - Goodwill (Jones New York) - $5</div>
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shoes - Target - $20</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $34.50</b></div>
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I was not sure about this outfit. There was just something I didn't like about it, but I couldn't place it. I have been wearing bright colors all summer, and the fall colors threw me for a loop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uG1vSiVdytRUUkFHwwAw3HWkMSCfarg88vGAxF6OWgP2WemvVgiYibGpuBhdi06lxNAP0gdFnUtH_opQpd5owTHyfopuWyIkNG50XZW0IIuSGILFaNLzVyDhmkTSZeD7JtxYQSK18MA/s1600/IMG_7231%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uG1vSiVdytRUUkFHwwAw3HWkMSCfarg88vGAxF6OWgP2WemvVgiYibGpuBhdi06lxNAP0gdFnUtH_opQpd5owTHyfopuWyIkNG50XZW0IIuSGILFaNLzVyDhmkTSZeD7JtxYQSK18MA/s400/IMG_7231%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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cream colored shirt - Kohls - $3</div>
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purple sweater - over five years old found in the big closet clean out</div>
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polka dot jeans - Target - $12.54</div>
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necklace - Kohls - $5</div>
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shoes - Goodwill - $4</div>
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<b>Outfit Total: - $24.54</b></div>
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The cream shirt underneath the sweater was such a good find! Kohl's had all their clearance 25% off. The shirt was $4 and the 25% off made it only $3! I just threw this outfit together, and was really surprised how much I loved it. I think it needs a <a href="http://shop.thepleatedpoppy.com/product/petal-pusher-cream" target="_blank">pin like this one</a>. I may have to make one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV3H7y0KN77S94kVPz6jgPhS7W4IX1oQe-NgO3panCR-2dye9ZmgZ3UrOtS1XheSFQa9csKy4inbtSR8KFeLjnf6h_qAwqA8Z6ArX5afgArY0Xp4arWkzB3SjHPAXmNzcvmIQpt377zQ/s1600/IMG_7384%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV3H7y0KN77S94kVPz6jgPhS7W4IX1oQe-NgO3panCR-2dye9ZmgZ3UrOtS1XheSFQa9csKy4inbtSR8KFeLjnf6h_qAwqA8Z6ArX5afgArY0Xp4arWkzB3SjHPAXmNzcvmIQpt377zQ/s400/IMG_7384%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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mint shirt - Goodies - $17</div>
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striped jacket - Goodwill - $5</div>
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jeans - Goodwill (Ann Taylor Loft) - $5</div>
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shoes - $4</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $31</b></div>
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I did not like this outfit. I tried this jacket on with everything, and just couldn't settle on something I liked. Sometimes you hit and sometimes you miss. For me, this was a miss. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMX9mMaIJ5iTDCO2bkwLbeyoKAwhQR-6rmW5-pToVSFTzcsJg4EZSmypjJL5Qx9bvF4YLHpyu4c_9S0O3RuWCO0JzKr0562r3qIAB0E62nNsLsVBLCFfiU03Q4W3HF_dg0_BNmrop9DFU/s1600/IMG_7417%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMX9mMaIJ5iTDCO2bkwLbeyoKAwhQR-6rmW5-pToVSFTzcsJg4EZSmypjJL5Qx9bvF4YLHpyu4c_9S0O3RuWCO0JzKr0562r3qIAB0E62nNsLsVBLCFfiU03Q4W3HF_dg0_BNmrop9DFU/s400/IMG_7417%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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tshirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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jacket - Goodwill (Target) - free</div>
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jeggings - hand me down from a friend</div>
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boots - present from my mom</div>
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belt - Goodwill - $1</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $4.75</b></div>
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It rained on Thursday and I was so excited! Why? I got to wear my rain jacket from the <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/03/blessing-106-model-for-day.html" target="_blank">Goodwill fashion show</a>! Rainy days are so much happier now that I have a cute outfit for them. Originally, I had an orange belt to go with it, but I couldn't find it so the yellow belt worked. </div>
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What did I have on under the jacket?.....Well, it waAaAas Shad's birthday week. </div>
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Just kidding! Just kidding!</div>
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I had a casual tshirt on. C'mon! My dad and brother read this blog, and that comment probably just sent them into convulsions on the floor. </div>
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Sorry Dad! I should not have done that to you, but my sweet brother....I am not sorry at all for doing that to you! That was for all my Happy Meal toys that you shot with rocks and your slingshot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-0eO8NozR3MfDKDja_2hBB21RYbO6AOmwJbJu5UMm5ZFGly0r4Ce98qcsw5UtZ8lKTuOVjCfDP0qDwwMkYHE2dKfhH4Wl4Yy8jqHiRB7fMHFRGaZr-fwtPPxDVo0zFc44HjnLP2T3yo/s1600/IMG_7475%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-0eO8NozR3MfDKDja_2hBB21RYbO6AOmwJbJu5UMm5ZFGly0r4Ce98qcsw5UtZ8lKTuOVjCfDP0qDwwMkYHE2dKfhH4Wl4Yy8jqHiRB7fMHFRGaZr-fwtPPxDVo0zFc44HjnLP2T3yo/s400/IMG_7475%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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dress - Goodwill - $5</div>
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tights - $4 (that's a guess)</div>
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shoes - old as dirt</div>
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<b>Outfit Total: $9</b></div>
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Okay, before you go calling me a hoochie, let me explain. Yes, this dress is shorter than I normally wear, and I don't normally do sleeveless, but this outfit was for Shad's birthday date. </div>
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Without saying a word, this dress asks the question, "Aren't you glad you married me?"</div>
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Actually, it really asks, "Even after ten years, two boys, several moves, asthmatic lungs, and a dairy allergy, and even though we are just going out for lunch at a Mexican restaurant with our two year old that is currently potty training........Aren't you glad you married me?"</div>
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Even though we have been married for ten years, sometimes, I still like to knock his socks off! Sometimes it's good to remind him and me that...I still got it! I still want to be pretty for him. (I almost said sexy, but I just don't think my dad could take another slip) No, it's not my typically dress, but it was perfect for that moment.</div>
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Maybe your outfit doesn't look like mine, but everyone needs an "Aren't you glad you married me" outfit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KABmq5xSMMbq0BIe38fooigZC9fJw0TclWAhSVW5-7qkzVK-4urm6Y_dLZJtX4WCeqbELTcnPoQo23CL5y1fXwgqedULdsIAgUYeNIACf9OzRps1HGOChyphenhyphen_3W-oHVkEH-01P7F7-eYk/s1600/IMG_7541%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KABmq5xSMMbq0BIe38fooigZC9fJw0TclWAhSVW5-7qkzVK-4urm6Y_dLZJtX4WCeqbELTcnPoQo23CL5y1fXwgqedULdsIAgUYeNIACf9OzRps1HGOChyphenhyphen_3W-oHVkEH-01P7F7-eYk/s400/IMG_7541%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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cream shirt - Kohls - $3</div>
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striped shirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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jeggings - hand me down from a friend</div>
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boots - gift from my momma</div>
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<b>Outfit Total: $6.75</b></div>
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Again, I liked this outfit, but it just needed one more thing, a scarf, a pin....something. It's a good start, and I'll figure it out next time I wear it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg0ZlmraS-rtvxDYmGZJbpR6auJvEZovz3WSJDHBGkqLShAbunXSIfaKxxEeTL4_pcE_Nj40_M6dHEM1sQQsju6DE2_xB1lToXqaLXkCYUMQenTkLYXdfhCSLT54Ybfo9Q9gvRpoY-Wc/s1600/IMG_7575%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg0ZlmraS-rtvxDYmGZJbpR6auJvEZovz3WSJDHBGkqLShAbunXSIfaKxxEeTL4_pcE_Nj40_M6dHEM1sQQsju6DE2_xB1lToXqaLXkCYUMQenTkLYXdfhCSLT54Ybfo9Q9gvRpoY-Wc/s400/IMG_7575%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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cream shirt - Kohls - $3</div>
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cardigan - Goodwill (Target) - $3.75</div>
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chambray skirt - Goodwill (Target) - $2 ( I got it on $2 Tuesday)</div>
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tights - $4 ish</div>
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boots - Plato's Closet - $14</div>
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belt - H&M - $5</div>
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necklace - bought from a friend $10</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $41.75</b></div>
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This was my favorite outfit of the week! I would not have thought of pairing the green accessories with the brown sweater, but when I put it on, it just worked. I've never done the whole "wear the belt over the cardigan" thing, but with this outfit, I liked it. I did have to look up how to tie a belt. I used <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/167477679866680909/" target="_blank">this link to tie it.</a><br />
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When you take out the repeat pieces the total for the week is <b>$142.29</b> for seven outfits, and because I'm a math nerd, that averages out to about $20 an outfit (clothes, accessories, and shoes!)<br />
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I haven't said this yet, but maybe you have noticed. I'm TrYiNg not to have any outfit repeats. I'm definitely repeating pieces, but not entire outfits. We will see if I actually do it. That's why I haven't said anything about it yet because I was a big chicken and didn't know if I could, but I'm going to try!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDtq4N47ayj1hwRvrvn-bYXJue4LidjNiRV2Kdw_-m1n_i56A5_cioj9G_9K7KQcfK4c-oJ9DWC-aITjmKghSXr55wM28iT3Oz2ImWh9bOhGApt5zuUkZiPDjhV0I6XJwB0-HRQqsfZo/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDtq4N47ayj1hwRvrvn-bYXJue4LidjNiRV2Kdw_-m1n_i56A5_cioj9G_9K7KQcfK4c-oJ9DWC-aITjmKghSXr55wM28iT3Oz2ImWh9bOhGApt5zuUkZiPDjhV0I6XJwB0-HRQqsfZo/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-54199290412714318062013-10-13T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-13T06:00:08.264-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 13 - Styles I Love - Yellow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G5YOHQKbbmXYtVUpw2V35dLXdONT9ZwSM-Pehxi-ZNLVf3C5klkxNOD0lL9huqrA-QDiDYiXcGLK-DdVf9fKQXplcBhllHZPOWG-aTxYGUQrgyV45U-LJlwWlx1raYnkWgS-ra1I5Nk/s1600/IMG_7546%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G5YOHQKbbmXYtVUpw2V35dLXdONT9ZwSM-Pehxi-ZNLVf3C5klkxNOD0lL9huqrA-QDiDYiXcGLK-DdVf9fKQXplcBhllHZPOWG-aTxYGUQrgyV45U-LJlwWlx1raYnkWgS-ra1I5Nk/s400/IMG_7546%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a></div>
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Today's style I love is just a color, but oh what a color it is. Over the past few years, I have fallen in love with yellow. It's just so bright and cheery, and one of my favorite colors to wear.
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I have a yellow skirt, and I love the black and yellow color combo. Now, when I wear that combination inevitably, someone makes a comment about a bumblebee, but I don't care. I love black and yellow together.
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I love a yellow scarf! I just found one this weekend, and I can't wait to make a few outfits with it!
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Wait! Isn't this outfit basically the first outfit, but mixed up....I don't care! I love it!
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I love this outfit! I have a piece similar to all the pieces. Maybe I can make this outfit work for me!
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Yellow is just the cheeriest color. It's hard to have a bad day when you are sporting yellow!
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<i>Disclaimer: I wrote this post while watching the Georgia game. It's the 3rd quarter and Georgia's is down by 8. I am distracted and depressed. I realize I used the words "I love it" way to much in this post. I apologize, but it's hard to type and yell at the tv at the same time. </i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc_St2wLwntkuc_OqRzIbzEfxbHk3ldR_8b0v_GspHZHllE0vUYjsgcv1lLJiKfRrLBlJZmpAt_e_Ia-oILAzlq481gjQmoapL2BhlTLNAS02GkTTBNNDwW00Jw37pkMoqFBOLW4QfIk/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc_St2wLwntkuc_OqRzIbzEfxbHk3ldR_8b0v_GspHZHllE0vUYjsgcv1lLJiKfRrLBlJZmpAt_e_Ia-oILAzlq481gjQmoapL2BhlTLNAS02GkTTBNNDwW00Jw37pkMoqFBOLW4QfIk/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" /></a></div>
<script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-3051403100969245382013-10-11T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-11T06:00:05.435-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 11 - The Goodwill Outlet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0304O5fF7zx_LIsGKj_QnCHkZsPzNPYVvT7-npmWmy8LzIygTD2abjugKMzXgufuOx4XaS3cm258lwt8Wy1C_cdGdggV_g8rKod3F5ZIRW2CH2KrM70vC-lM-UWIH08yp72ggPEhZlM/s1600/IMG_7235%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0304O5fF7zx_LIsGKj_QnCHkZsPzNPYVvT7-npmWmy8LzIygTD2abjugKMzXgufuOx4XaS3cm258lwt8Wy1C_cdGdggV_g8rKod3F5ZIRW2CH2KrM70vC-lM-UWIH08yp72ggPEhZlM/s400/IMG_7235%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Fridays, I am sharing how Goodwill is "more than the store." Sure, I love Goodwill because it's a great way to get good, cheap clothes, but Goodwill is so much more. Last Friday, I shared the <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-4-power.html" target="_blank">Power of a Polka Dot Shirt</a> which you can find <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-4-power.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you missed it.<br />
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Today, I am sharing an awesome day I had last week when I went got to tour several parts of Goodwill of Delaware. I got to go behind the scenes and see how things work, and it blew my mind, like how I felt the first time I watched the Matrix, blew my mind.<br />
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Have you ever wondered what happens to the items that Goodwill doesn't sell? If an item doesn't sell at one of the Goodwill of Delawares, it just might end up here at the <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=400+Centerpoint+Boulevard,+New+Castle,+DE&hl=en&sll=39.757814,-75.517015&sspn=0.022038,0.03871&oq=400+Centerpoint+&hnear=400+Centerpoint+Blvd,+New+Castle,+Delaware+19720&t=m&z=16" target="_blank">Goodwill Outlet.</a> <br />
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Here's how the outlet works. At the outlet, the items are sold by the pound (except for furniture and such). Prices start at a $1.59 per pound and the price goes down with the more pounds you buy. <br />
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All the items are put into these big blue rolling bins, and they stay on the outlet floor for an hour and a half.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmb_H-1fCVd3BeTYDNEWgvuocxoFrnJJ0eKvdsb4IVtvgi09QBGbQEbh_7ZdmxJ057bl5xtT0FhlS8QhTR5yFWTmXud53dylj1BRJ4z8TDK01NvbOXCNqj36omOGZg1poUQq5YAipmZ30/s1600/IMG_7005%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmb_H-1fCVd3BeTYDNEWgvuocxoFrnJJ0eKvdsb4IVtvgi09QBGbQEbh_7ZdmxJ057bl5xtT0FhlS8QhTR5yFWTmXud53dylj1BRJ4z8TDK01NvbOXCNqj36omOGZg1poUQq5YAipmZ30/s640/IMG_7005%5B1%5D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What happens after an hour and a half? I'm glad you asked! Everyone in the store is asked to stand behind the red line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojnqoc9ao4-B3LuctWVxc1zN2-MFKkylkxKb7koZhBmerpGAD8SjFgj9rMylkszyewUu5QYdPc5P22NbwAxyT67Lbk6je56qL13X9Ka-VriE2eztzvHD7DmaEbVc74h_7huceeakXdB0/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojnqoc9ao4-B3LuctWVxc1zN2-MFKkylkxKb7koZhBmerpGAD8SjFgj9rMylkszyewUu5QYdPc5P22NbwAxyT67Lbk6je56qL13X9Ka-VriE2eztzvHD7DmaEbVc74h_7huceeakXdB0/s640/IMG_7025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And all the blue bins are rolled out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESl_z90Smodr4sVkGxxVRL-DjdR0khQ61IdQzHzHF9AX-BdFpYfL0ttK258NG9APQwjXdS52aqXg9pvsb3qolQcPHmB37TBikMROYxae1t_z3jLLKKCckOWSq6yPrjg03Zaw_zcFfBUM/s1600/IMG_7026%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESl_z90Smodr4sVkGxxVRL-DjdR0khQ61IdQzHzHF9AX-BdFpYfL0ttK258NG9APQwjXdS52aqXg9pvsb3qolQcPHmB37TBikMROYxae1t_z3jLLKKCckOWSq6yPrjg03Zaw_zcFfBUM/s640/IMG_7026%5B1%5D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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New bins are rolled in, they make an announcement, and the shoppers are off to shop!<br />
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Because the store is changing every hour and a half, some customers stay at the outlet all day. The outlet is not for the faint of heart, but you can get some really good deals here. Check out what <a href="http://themagicthatisthrift.blogspot.com/2012/03/goodwill-outlet-youve-got-friend-in-me.html" target="_blank">Janis, a fellow Goodwill lover, got when she went</a>.<br />
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Goodwill's mission is to keep as much out of the landfill as possible. The outlet gives items one last chance to make it to a new owner.<br />
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What happens if an item doesn't sell in the outlet? Does it just get thrown away?<br />
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If you noticed in the pictures, all the blue bins were being rolled out of a door to the right. Behind that door is the Goodwill of Delaware Recycling Center. Next Friday, I will be sharing my tour of the recycling center which just made me love Goodwill more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Rf1P-ZYShElXk-dQ7_0V1t5_iCyZseyyWd0Z7wRCK2lnL5qtx_3sgSovlCBdWUoWdlyexAVoi1bEiuz7ktua3gXNGd25yqiNtUbPbSwEWpV-OrsjzT98csXLJEOEYNH9I9AfiJvlMJo/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Rf1P-ZYShElXk-dQ7_0V1t5_iCyZseyyWd0Z7wRCK2lnL5qtx_3sgSovlCBdWUoWdlyexAVoi1bEiuz7ktua3gXNGd25yqiNtUbPbSwEWpV-OrsjzT98csXLJEOEYNH9I9AfiJvlMJo/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-38165417108076493322013-10-10T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-10T07:36:02.755-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 10 - Style and Weight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All week, 31 Days of Goodwill Style has been all about finding your style. One of the barriers I had to finding my style was my weight.<br />
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Wait. That's not really true. The barrier was not so much my weight as it was how I felt about my weight. <br />
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For the past ten years, I have struggled with my weight. Six years ago, I lost a lot of weight with Weight Watchers. It seemed like everywhere I went, someone said how great I looked and how much weight I had lost. It was awesome, and a huge boost to my confidence! That weight loss happened about a year after B was born when I was <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-3-turning.html" target="_blank">finding my style</a> and starting to wear really cute clothes.<br />
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Shortly after I lost the weight, we moved to Maryland, and I gained all the weight back. (Thanks a lot emotional eating.) When I saw someone that I hadn't seen in a while I just wanted to scream, "Yes, I gained it all back." The weight gain felt like the giant elephant in the room that followed me where ever I went. <br />
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All those cute clothes that I bought when I lost the weight got packed up in a box, in the hopes that when I lost the weight I would wear them again. As I gained more and more weight, I wouldn't buy any new clothes because, "I was starting a diet on Monday."<br />
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Before I knew it, I was back to my <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-2-tales.html" target="_blank">fashionably challenged</a> ways. My self esteem was low and my clothes showed it.<br />
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Then around two years ago, I decided to stop the craziness. Good style was not something I deserved just when I was skinny.<br />
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With the prices at Goodwill, there was no reason I couldn't look good even if "I started a diet on Monday."<br />
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This year, I have lost some weight thanks to my dairy allergy, but all my body issues were not magically solved as the weight came off.<br />
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Am I the only crazy person that has ever done this? I don't know, but maybe you are in that boat with me. Maybe you are not even overweight, but you struggle with body issues.<br />
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Let me just say to you what I have to say to myself...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You are worth it!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You are worth it right now right where you are not just when you lose the weight.</i><br />
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<i>You are worth a little time. You are worth a little money.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You are more than a glowing red number on a scale.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> No matter what your size you deserve to feel confident with what you are wearing.</i><br />
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I'm sorry to sound like a hokey Special K commercial, but if you've ever struggled in this area you know how personal and how difficult it can be.<br />
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Since I turned 30, I have really been trying to change my inner dialogue. I don't want to spend the next decade of my life feeling less than and tying my worth to a number on a scale.<br />
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Style is all about confidence and taking care of yourself and that can happen no matter what weight I am at.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-71642884143469983872013-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-09T06:00:00.392-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 9 - Pinterest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYW0w4XdQB9heZ_j1umXJj5VxfAh6G_oMrBFkfXgljr5COy1E8pmI80nnnRZ7RFl12ZJsXarJeauFCw1NA_Sr0BD-6wAPVdbTzTXla_bzneIcisnkVL2D4RK8PuhLJ24Od4X06IESLnc/s1600/IMG_7244%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYW0w4XdQB9heZ_j1umXJj5VxfAh6G_oMrBFkfXgljr5COy1E8pmI80nnnRZ7RFl12ZJsXarJeauFCw1NA_Sr0BD-6wAPVdbTzTXla_bzneIcisnkVL2D4RK8PuhLJ24Od4X06IESLnc/s400/IMG_7244%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh Pinterest! How I love you and hate you all at the same time! Today though, I will just focus on one of my favorite uses of Pinterest.<br />
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When you are finding your style, Pinterest is such a good place for inspiration. Here is how I use Pinterest for style. <br />
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1. <i>I only pin outfits I could really wear</i>. Sometimes people use Pinterest to make a virtual closet that looks very different from their real life closet. For some people, this may be a great way to find their style, but for me it just made me discontent with what I had. That's when I decided just to use Pinterest to pin outfits I could recreate or outfits that included a piece I already had. <br />
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2. <i>Pinterest gives great ideas when you don't know what to do with a piece. </i>Last week, I found a blue gingham shirt at Goodwill. While I loved the shirt, I was having a hard time thinking of creative ways to wear the shirt. When I got home, I searched "blue gingham shirt" and found some great outfit ideas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVs5D3SCFWYyMShLJ1GVR3qfv1UGcmuESWctZPUXEyAabSnUj_l6Ohq9nYtN_M5GTiUFNnyDFko3t_JPXhtG9n2SZXsy__rI_i5j_R73vH8d0lCRks78j1Bl3bRcCrPTpl7EDimkHw3x4/s1600/IMG_7234%5B1%5D.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVs5D3SCFWYyMShLJ1GVR3qfv1UGcmuESWctZPUXEyAabSnUj_l6Ohq9nYtN_M5GTiUFNnyDFko3t_JPXhtG9n2SZXsy__rI_i5j_R73vH8d0lCRks78j1Bl3bRcCrPTpl7EDimkHw3x4/s400/IMG_7234%5B1%5D.PNG" width="266" /></a></div>
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3. <i>Pinterest helps you get the most out of the clothes you have. </i>I have seen an outfit on Pinterest and then thought, "Hey, I have a shirt close to that! And I have a pair of pants that color!" Suddenly an old piece is given new life when I see it in a new way. If you don't believe me, check out this post from <a href="http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-pinterest-can-help-you-get-more-out.html" target="_blank">Organizing Made Fun.</a><br />
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In the past, I thought that style was just something you had, and I always felt like I was born without the style gene. Now I really believe that style can be learned just like anything else. Pinterest is a great place where you can learn about style and what looks good on you. <br />
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<i>You can check out my {clothes} <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smlankford/clothes/" target="_blank">pinterest board here.</a> </i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-44089177909124657222013-10-08T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-08T06:00:05.482-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 8 - Finding Your Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6Sg9xD2GdfuuL8ENXKoa0ykG6v5iOsdKi1WkkblP8iAc8Jq38Nvy52QNPJ79VID0NEH9SEO7VECCHBS6jjgs9zFbd9Lc_w6UVyXd2x_ew2_ZEYO1Q0GHZyujXJFpelCbyK2rPob-gKA/s1600/IMG_7186%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6Sg9xD2GdfuuL8ENXKoa0ykG6v5iOsdKi1WkkblP8iAc8Jq38Nvy52QNPJ79VID0NEH9SEO7VECCHBS6jjgs9zFbd9Lc_w6UVyXd2x_ew2_ZEYO1Q0GHZyujXJFpelCbyK2rPob-gKA/s400/IMG_7186%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last week, the posts focused on introducing myself, and this week, I can't wait to get down into the nitty gritty of Goodwill style. <br />
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Well actually, let me correct that. You may think I am going to give you tips about how to Goodwill, and eventually, I will. However, there are some things that we need to cover first.<br />
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Maybe you are like me and are <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-2-tales.html" target="_blank">fashionably challenged</a> or maybe you have had a <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-goodwill-style-day-3-turning.html" target="_blank">turning point</a> and you are deciding to take care of yourself and dress better. If that is you, it is hard to know where to start. <br />
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Maybe you are excited and you just want to head to Goodwill right now. Be careful! One of the big complaints people tell me about Goodwill is that they walk in and they are so overwhelmed.<br />
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Goodwill has every color of the rainbow of shirts, pants, and skirts, and every piece in the store is different. Seriously, if you don't know what you style is, you might freak out.<br />
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It's a good idea to know your style before you ever walk into a Goodwill.<br />
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Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you are trying to find your style....<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What is my favorite piece that I wear? </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What is it that makes me like that piece? the cut? the color? the pattern? the brand?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What colors do I like best on myself the colors that I am always drawn to?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Do I like staying on trend or prefer the timeless classics?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Do I prefer to wear lots of black and grey tones or more brown tones?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Who do I know that dresses like I want to dress? </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What is it about their style that I like? specific pieces or overall look?</span></i></div>
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The questions may sound simple, but they help us focus what we want and what is stylish to us. </div>
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One of the major things that I learned about my own personal style is my love of solids. When I started looking at outfits I loved most, I noticed that most of the pieces were solid colored. If I used patterns I like to keep the patterns simple (stripes, chevron, dots). <br />
<br />
Generally, florals and multi-colored patterns are not my favorite. For some reason, simple colors are prettier to my eye (right now.) However, I have a friend that loves patterns and she looks fantastic in them. One is not better than the other, you just have to know what works for you and makes you feel the most confident. <br />
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As you are finding your personal style the most important thing to do is to throw out your, "I can'ts."<br />
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I like colored pants, but <b>I can't </b>wear them because my thighs are big."</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"I like animal prints, but <b>I can't </b>be that daring."</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I like that striped shirt, but <b>I can't </b>wear it. Everyone says horizontal stripes make you look bigger."</i></div>
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No!!!! This is your chance to start over with a clean slate. If you like a trend or style, be brave! Try it! You just might surprise yourself.<br />
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When I first saw colored pants, I thought I might be a little to old for them, but now colored pants are my favorite!<br />
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If you genuinely don't like a trend or style, then don't wear it, but don't tell yourself that you can't wear something based on fear or other people's opinions.<br />
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Knowing your personal style gives you a guide allows you to handle all the choices when you walk into a Goodwill.<br />
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<i>I'd love to hear from you. How would you define your style? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAhgTYPqDf-zx6vkzjG_rwvsaIz26L0G6K58AiuHkGlgTZ3yXcbmo-Q1-NWd331JZOiUdV2Nmpfu_POfLS0kRSnmxJyb13p60JeF98sKNuJigEp7440SjlyH0-BxVK7ibz33KHs-c8BY/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAhgTYPqDf-zx6vkzjG_rwvsaIz26L0G6K58AiuHkGlgTZ3yXcbmo-Q1-NWd331JZOiUdV2Nmpfu_POfLS0kRSnmxJyb13p60JeF98sKNuJigEp7440SjlyH0-BxVK7ibz33KHs-c8BY/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Note: If you want some Goodwill how to posts, check out<a href="http://www.dearmushka.com/2013/09/31-days-shop-goodwill-better-intro-1.html" target="_blank"> 31 Days to Shopping Goodwill Better </a>over at <a href="http://www.dearmushka.com/2013/09/31-days-shop-goodwill-better-intro-1.html" target="_blank">Dear Mushka</a>. She is writing on a similar topic from a different perspective, and has some good things to say. </i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-27377251610582393462013-10-07T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-09T12:23:19.961-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 7 - Goodwill Style In Action - {week one}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nLlY_GE9mciATv5HwrPYJfUadlVgVgkfOu5L8ZUhV84xNRyKIszd6sl-WXkquOrqscqMQrzT_cnKHB6A4Pp0uPwEoEsx0LzrOOHawkR-s35Pyn8-EsigrqQ3FqC-BPQklq6o59Nji-A/s1600/IMG_7141%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nLlY_GE9mciATv5HwrPYJfUadlVgVgkfOu5L8ZUhV84xNRyKIszd6sl-WXkquOrqscqMQrzT_cnKHB6A4Pp0uPwEoEsx0LzrOOHawkR-s35Pyn8-EsigrqQ3FqC-BPQklq6o59Nji-A/s400/IMG_7141%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the part of 31 Days of Goodwill Style that I almost didn't do. I just felt nervous to take a picture of my outfit EvErY day of the week, but I knew that I had to do more than talk about Goodwill style. I had to show that it could actually be done.<br />
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Sidenote: I apologize for all the selfies.<br />
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Without further ado, here is what I wore every day last week. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyokNYQOvUpRyzsav6cHbG2T1zuPLk7FTh4zyp7gMDQQBHizEBZciBwgNP5fRy4Qa4iltj9pWatn_D9Ypcqgg7asLKgMEyKVaAiZB6rQOHsX8sUCqMzxEGV5snMECyxBVE1U4RHhRtsU/s1600/IMG_6934%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyokNYQOvUpRyzsav6cHbG2T1zuPLk7FTh4zyp7gMDQQBHizEBZciBwgNP5fRy4Qa4iltj9pWatn_D9Ypcqgg7asLKgMEyKVaAiZB6rQOHsX8sUCqMzxEGV5snMECyxBVE1U4RHhRtsU/s400/IMG_6934%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
polka dot shirt - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sweater - over 5 years old - I found it this week when I did a major clothing purge</div>
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pants - Goodwill (NY & Company) - $5</div>
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shoes - Goodwill - $4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $12.75</b></div>
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I don't think that pink pants are a "fall" style, but I think with this black top, I can make it work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvnHJLGIjJOH7vt6prDap6nAzCHRUxmapHC07Q_UpEwSOsaB1U1-8uGVkZ7NsSY5GrMvblZoB4C6PLSW0SrL0ScSc1JBgi3j1prz-F5G11dCblLcGqQaoJk3Zk-BE-5eG0vg2a66J_Os/s1600/IMG_6933%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvnHJLGIjJOH7vt6prDap6nAzCHRUxmapHC07Q_UpEwSOsaB1U1-8uGVkZ7NsSY5GrMvblZoB4C6PLSW0SrL0ScSc1JBgi3j1prz-F5G11dCblLcGqQaoJk3Zk-BE-5eG0vg2a66J_Os/s400/IMG_6933%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
white tank - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
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yellow sweater Goodwill (Old Navy) - $3.75</div>
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polka dot jeans - Target clearance - $12.54 </div>
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leopard shoes - $20</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $40.04</b></div>
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I had been stalking these polka dot jeans for a few months. About a week ago, my friend text me and let me know they were on clearance, and I went a few days later and snagged some. Now that's a good friend!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJwMuGzAVjQAZu6nkhskguLrhJnfbphYx2829zc5rtNlaArGvX6DvxLUbgBRQHoQAaguN_xpFs8g7kk9AHQcwMbb50exyVmr-EVA9eU5DwbudtZiBtOcrt-uR36ziB-vxvLCcfOQpTe0/s1600/IMG_6963%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJwMuGzAVjQAZu6nkhskguLrhJnfbphYx2829zc5rtNlaArGvX6DvxLUbgBRQHoQAaguN_xpFs8g7kk9AHQcwMbb50exyVmr-EVA9eU5DwbudtZiBtOcrt-uR36ziB-vxvLCcfOQpTe0/s400/IMG_6963%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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tank top - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mint shirt - Goody's - $17</div>
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jeans - Goodwill (Jones New York) - $5</div>
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leopard shoes - Target - $20</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
necklace - My friend was selling these, and I bartered some signs for some necklaces.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $45.75</b></div>
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This outfit is summery, but the high for the day was in the 80s. I figured I could get another wear out of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXM7tBO6zHSYk2Fq2DYSWEsFvPbKxF0n71qrh67haC12ECNrfZm91Fmoz47BRPdxAy6albOavVHARaLFefEz1dpfuv2Wf3DZz9XmTzdbaKlXz7ylrsXcJ5wz1p0ZMOAYBhIW3SM2GoNhk/s1600/IMG_7045%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXM7tBO6zHSYk2Fq2DYSWEsFvPbKxF0n71qrh67haC12ECNrfZm91Fmoz47BRPdxAy6albOavVHARaLFefEz1dpfuv2Wf3DZz9XmTzdbaKlXz7ylrsXcJ5wz1p0ZMOAYBhIW3SM2GoNhk/s400/IMG_7045%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tank top - Goodwill - $3.75</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mint shirt - Goody's - $17</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
polka dot pants - Polished Chic Consignment Shop in Jefferson GA (Chaps) - $4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shoes - a Christmas gift from my mom<br />
<b>Outfit Total - $24.75</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Do you see why I was nervous about showing what I wear every day? Yes, the mint shirt is the shirt I wore on Thursday. I had a different shirt planned to wear, but it didn't work with what I was doing that day. However, I did wash the mint shirt the night before just in case I needed to wear it. So never fear, it was clean. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP_sSD_bC3cmiKc9uDyxP12U0tskDDs9Vd4L4dtZ85UoryExJ2hg6r36_ZD653yUoj32_IRyARWaRBakAb-TOlQbu1pM6TYgk2x-gSneFEmnoAoFLO13kgZvWv19ijKUjlYtOqXMEisU/s1600/IMG_7071%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP_sSD_bC3cmiKc9uDyxP12U0tskDDs9Vd4L4dtZ85UoryExJ2hg6r36_ZD653yUoj32_IRyARWaRBakAb-TOlQbu1pM6TYgk2x-gSneFEmnoAoFLO13kgZvWv19ijKUjlYtOqXMEisU/s400/IMG_7071%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Georgia Bulldog shirt - gift from my parents</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
black workout jacket - hand me down from a friend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
polka dot jeans - Target - $12.54</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leopard shoes - Goodwill - $4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Outfit Total - $16.54</b></div>
<br />
Saturday was game day so I had to show my Georgia spirit even up here in MD. In fact, I called my dad the week before and told him. "Pop, I sure would like a GA shirt to wear when I'm watching the game. I'll just go out and get one from Walmart. Oh wait! I live in Maryland." There was a shirt for me in my mailbox on Wednesday. I've got a good Dad and Mom.<br />
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Also, I don't think it's possible for me to take these pictures without turning my head to the side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRB8EN7c7ET8YKfGKMOFqweyc-Dq0NBE76HvGjgfxg3PFFGWSExSpd5w8F_l_nWJGzksn49VnjxSXDuORcA_8JrBUcfWFsOmtuxSmtXHdbsSMw1Z8Kw_G4ucdba-_DAzfKbE_-zOIg24/s1600/IMG_7136%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRB8EN7c7ET8YKfGKMOFqweyc-Dq0NBE76HvGjgfxg3PFFGWSExSpd5w8F_l_nWJGzksn49VnjxSXDuORcA_8JrBUcfWFsOmtuxSmtXHdbsSMw1Z8Kw_G4ucdba-_DAzfKbE_-zOIg24/s400/IMG_7136%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yellow sweater - Goodwill (Old Navy) - $3.75</div>
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dressy tank - Goodwill - $2 (I got it on $2 Tuesday)</div>
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polka dot pants - consignment store (Chaps) - $4</div>
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shoes - Goodwill (Nine West) - $4</div>
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necklace - this is another one of those necklaces that I bartered</div>
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<b>Outfit Total - $13.75</b></div>
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Church day! If you are paying attention that yellow sweater is the one I wore on Tuesday and those polka dot pants are the ones from Friday. They make a cute outfit together!<br />
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So there you have it, a week's worth of Goodwill style, and because I am a math nerd, I must share this. If you take out all the repeats, the six day total for those outfits is<b> $88.54</b>.<br />
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I hope all those pictures get my point across. Style isn't about money. If you are smart and know yourself, you can look nice for cheap thanks to Goodwill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBMnIRI37hmkGBf1OS-e-VgIJtit3FuY6mG34SsnOE8FJiEYU7wka7fHnQDkqbStTmsz_SPSd9q6bni3ZeQ6K9fZuom8bTeAdMyZrq88TQ84blAc5Q0rFalIfIesKEc4fl3rYLvpxteg/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBMnIRI37hmkGBf1OS-e-VgIJtit3FuY6mG34SsnOE8FJiEYU7wka7fHnQDkqbStTmsz_SPSd9q6bni3ZeQ6K9fZuom8bTeAdMyZrq88TQ84blAc5Q0rFalIfIesKEc4fl3rYLvpxteg/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I'm sharing this post with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2013/10/what-i-wore-16/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://tuckerup.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">WIWW at Tucker Up</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-51284616758959310222013-10-06T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-07T21:26:54.507-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 6 - Styles I Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCIdIRH9TTVtI746ilic8P1tRT6g3JcJ8j8_sleDWc1r1hAw42z5n6A3kbbCR1tM-I4kEpCcO3xjFvaG277vKihq5X5KABHw6_JoZtm8fNpKkvvIx171PzvxOcuCMPfA99SF4u7_VV8E/s1600/IMG_7080%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCIdIRH9TTVtI746ilic8P1tRT6g3JcJ8j8_sleDWc1r1hAw42z5n6A3kbbCR1tM-I4kEpCcO3xjFvaG277vKihq5X5KABHw6_JoZtm8fNpKkvvIx171PzvxOcuCMPfA99SF4u7_VV8E/s400/IMG_7080%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the weekends, I like to keep it light and breezy. On Sundays, I will be sharing some of my favorite trends and styles I love.<br />
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First up is animal prints.<br />
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In the past, I was not a fan of animal prints at all. For some reason, I thought animal print was only for old ladies. You know something <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanche_Devereaux" target="_blank">Blanch Devereaux</a> would wear. <br />
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However, in the past year or two, I have had a change of heart and I love animal prints.<br />
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In the spring, I went to Target planning to buy a sensible pair of brown flats. The next thing I know, I'm walking out of the store with these leopard flats instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyKBGbppeIdvANNDK5dtTGrkCIX7fIDjXyvPYR3fTmrRZoOq8CJCppJNlvvq4rop5gvmZd_Z7IUDx9HpjC_tj6sqeKiCTVyam3CjG6oQ9WMWsSh0ywb-91_AEG2G3IIxxsg7bNjwQiTg/s1600/leopard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyKBGbppeIdvANNDK5dtTGrkCIX7fIDjXyvPYR3fTmrRZoOq8CJCppJNlvvq4rop5gvmZd_Z7IUDx9HpjC_tj6sqeKiCTVyam3CjG6oQ9WMWsSh0ywb-91_AEG2G3IIxxsg7bNjwQiTg/s400/leopard2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love them! And I have almost worn them out. Surprisingly, the leopard goes with so many different outfits!<br />
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Now, this is not my outfit, but see how awesome this leopard print scarf looks with this outfit!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfuiG9TLqYJGevTKzSxuvsnXPrhZTo6vz8Jggcc_sCXTHaTFe6V_Jcy19z3Po0UyYSspj-z9GdSgsmbsOgtkC7SjG1uXPgACSoO9HmNyo9sCeaoJW9DVscJ4YErwym0LT43KsqORqMJw/s1600/leopard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfuiG9TLqYJGevTKzSxuvsnXPrhZTo6vz8Jggcc_sCXTHaTFe6V_Jcy19z3Po0UyYSspj-z9GdSgsmbsOgtkC7SjG1uXPgACSoO9HmNyo9sCeaoJW9DVscJ4YErwym0LT43KsqORqMJw/s400/leopard1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://allthingskatiemarie.blogspot.com/2013/07/katies-closet.html" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
If animal print scares you. Start by trying something small. See the little pop of leopard in the belt of Lisa Leonard's outfit? I love that!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCDV8PV9ugNDHbSMuEfk8aSbE5E8uBKZLtNB7Nk3KavcTXtCGNSHdYz7yL4HMcEBuNOeM6yC84pnSU_iVaPxN-kfergXVxdiuQYzggtLif9KEPmZkrEJbaNzS23qq2wbr9hWXs0hv20Y/s1600/leopard5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCDV8PV9ugNDHbSMuEfk8aSbE5E8uBKZLtNB7Nk3KavcTXtCGNSHdYz7yL4HMcEBuNOeM6yC84pnSU_iVaPxN-kfergXVxdiuQYzggtLif9KEPmZkrEJbaNzS23qq2wbr9hWXs0hv20Y/s400/leopard5.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/what-i-wore-wednesdays/unexpected-basics-love" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
If you are more comfortable with animal print, try an animal print skirt! I have a zebra print skirt and I love it. A leopard print skirt is on my Goodwill wish list. I have found a few, but I haven't found the right one yet. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3MSBWuD_J9H0HD-KjAW5_-JP7WMFwwUnN302nlpEFt62xNTwbvY2gnbwFcDrss_eKmBk3ZfAEt2-_V0ZoxaRDeC585WSWDHnhAAWEB4Jcu6Cb9ZSWSuArZHGgX8AV0_dATeVd0uXNY8/s1600/leopard4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3MSBWuD_J9H0HD-KjAW5_-JP7WMFwwUnN302nlpEFt62xNTwbvY2gnbwFcDrss_eKmBk3ZfAEt2-_V0ZoxaRDeC585WSWDHnhAAWEB4Jcu6Cb9ZSWSuArZHGgX8AV0_dATeVd0uXNY8/s400/leopard4.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fashionpainteddreams.com/2012/07/polarized.html" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, I wear some sort of animal print probably two or three times a week. I no longer think animal print is for old ladies....or does that mean I'm an old lady myself.....Who cares!?! I look awesome in my leopard flats!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjf55zQOiCi6FEzTRwc0lfMFr9Z1KHGEn_flg5lo6JA6HC_1R-zeIKXzKUFQD2NMQfGcjySaH2pAhbCqqQTmqCMPiuduLP38hjDP9fHp2dJB2SzbmoADuRzqxmqUkzlbmk2muWbDHFRQ/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjf55zQOiCi6FEzTRwc0lfMFr9Z1KHGEn_flg5lo6JA6HC_1R-zeIKXzKUFQD2NMQfGcjySaH2pAhbCqqQTmqCMPiuduLP38hjDP9fHp2dJB2SzbmoADuRzqxmqUkzlbmk2muWbDHFRQ/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-49431212931282941312013-10-05T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-07T21:27:17.589-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 5 - Saturday Fashion Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgr4i8l8tEZ6z2eOGCrIDP0UGheaFYXz4AIy2dCrQEwq75_OozsSWMLTfcXXCu1ooXhJz7OPvpe-68mnoHMxvpCHYFLh4kEPPx5JYsFTGVOK1XUOclil10cv22pCAWQjf4MFI9aXJR-Qo/s1600/IMG_7047%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgr4i8l8tEZ6z2eOGCrIDP0UGheaFYXz4AIy2dCrQEwq75_OozsSWMLTfcXXCu1ooXhJz7OPvpe-68mnoHMxvpCHYFLh4kEPPx5JYsFTGVOK1XUOclil10cv22pCAWQjf4MFI9aXJR-Qo/s400/IMG_7047%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Saturday! On Saturdays, I will be sharing some of my favorite fashion blogs.<br />
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Next week, 31 Days of Goodwill Style will be focusing on finding your own personal style, and one of my favorite personal styles is Lisa Leonard's. <br />
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I love seeing her What I Wore Wednesdays, and how she has her own style.<br />
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She loves vintage dresses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Bq7nW1on59mxKCLqtUnQI2o63rVZT7u8DEuROxrSk9t7QbrCMj0OFUs3u9F85XlsrrFAoMFvTQzNoWcGTHHD0DVm3Q2n799sTO51pj2aOXt74hYET7qKk1U5ssLQ9sEKckh956mwOE/s1600/ll1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Bq7nW1on59mxKCLqtUnQI2o63rVZT7u8DEuROxrSk9t7QbrCMj0OFUs3u9F85XlsrrFAoMFvTQzNoWcGTHHD0DVm3Q2n799sTO51pj2aOXt74hYET7qKk1U5ssLQ9sEKckh956mwOE/s400/ll1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/jewelry/same-dress-summer-to-fall" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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She was the first person I saw wearing polka dot jeans, and if you know me, you know I love polka dot pants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskK3-ocoH6GWJofkKxQzg0ZodRCnpAjMeK27XxoQwgFycPIZ_53qydXZR6NJKcvpd5rZMxzyTAYXNVoGew8-7xaZ8QP5vcfmaCmMzAlA23fosNkdPSNMTmppvS09Eund0jH_2rTCZI5o/s1600/ll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskK3-ocoH6GWJofkKxQzg0ZodRCnpAjMeK27XxoQwgFycPIZ_53qydXZR6NJKcvpd5rZMxzyTAYXNVoGew8-7xaZ8QP5vcfmaCmMzAlA23fosNkdPSNMTmppvS09Eund0jH_2rTCZI5o/s400/ll2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/what-i-wore-wednesdays/how-to-wear-polka-dot-jeans" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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I would have never thought of wearing jeans with a dress, but Lisa made me try it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWWZvc_UDkCLeAhJpdmrk9mw6SFk69efGttd2zSzShOhshYhhSz2s3Tg0qihFDhc6d8pNqNgsIRm_dOgdnF_ygmJyF8zYAtgYR4MIPS9d8UbFQuHhVGq5LYdwuHQ_IJ5ED7ReB-Fgsvs/s1600/ll3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWWZvc_UDkCLeAhJpdmrk9mw6SFk69efGttd2zSzShOhshYhhSz2s3Tg0qihFDhc6d8pNqNgsIRm_dOgdnF_ygmJyF8zYAtgYR4MIPS9d8UbFQuHhVGq5LYdwuHQ_IJ5ED7ReB-Fgsvs/s400/ll3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/what-i-wore-wednesdays/what-i-wore-wednesday-66" target="_blank">source</a></div>
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Lisa takes chances, and knows her own style.<br />
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You can check out all of Lisa's <a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/category/what-i-wore-wednesdays" target="_blank">what I wore post here</a>, and while you're there check out her jewelry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcZs0oquoLt-Yrg_zNSjiMLRKAZtDB1C8dMFO_7ChyzftZ7vrjWHMf0JWYE3BH93VSitoGMI3E6nVK5NMwP7ZcY_c1ck-xBRTVnc-gy9y2UwmKyTamMEb6gihAFSIYbyNC5oIigL6Zjg/s1600/31daysgoodwill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcZs0oquoLt-Yrg_zNSjiMLRKAZtDB1C8dMFO_7ChyzftZ7vrjWHMf0JWYE3BH93VSitoGMI3E6nVK5NMwP7ZcY_c1ck-xBRTVnc-gy9y2UwmKyTamMEb6gihAFSIYbyNC5oIigL6Zjg/s200/31daysgoodwill.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313438348479648381.post-25998942121246204122013-10-04T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-07T21:28:03.305-04:0031 Days of Goodwill Style - Day 4 - The Power of a Purple Polka Dot Sweater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h1i2-OCcUlQlcvWnpPAiMipDkoGmjNX5Pv-aP5buWgs1Dc9JxrQ48P9me-ZUtqvuwmyiVX87AQdY1jMqq0gOimQFOroKC1WoyJyWPhwpsQlrwbbVNch0oaqQJVMK9RUgJ1bcWzm2vNE/s1600/IMG_6949%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h1i2-OCcUlQlcvWnpPAiMipDkoGmjNX5Pv-aP5buWgs1Dc9JxrQ48P9me-ZUtqvuwmyiVX87AQdY1jMqq0gOimQFOroKC1WoyJyWPhwpsQlrwbbVNch0oaqQJVMK9RUgJ1bcWzm2vNE/s400/IMG_6949%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I first started shopping at Goodwill, I was only interested in looking cute for cheap, but since I've gotten to know some of Goodwill's employees (through the <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessing-23-wife-of-year.html" target="_blank">you tube clip</a> and <a href="http://calculatingblessings.blogspot.com/2012/03/blessing-106-model-for-day.html" target="_blank">fashion show</a>) they've taught me that Goodwill really is "more than the store."<br />
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A few months ago, I found this cute purple polka dot cardigan at Goodwill. It's one of my new favorite pieces in my wardrobe. Every time I wear it, I can't help but smile because I look cute and because I know the power of a purple polka dot sweater.<br />
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When I purchased my purple polka dot sweater, I paid $3.75 to Goodwill. Although it's not much, that money helps Goodwill accomplish all the good that Goodwill does.<br />
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One of the major missions of Goodwill is to <a href="http://www.goodwillde.org/About_Us_Mission.asp" target="_blank">"improve the quality of life for people with barriers to self-sufficiency through the power of work."</a><br />
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Every time I walk into a Goodwill, I can see all the good around me through the workers in the store. Many times, Goodwill hires people that other companies won't hire. Goodwill uses the power of work to give many people a second chance.<br />
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Look at Jason's story to see how Goodwill gave him a second chance.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Xa6gqn_wkyY?list=PLvUppEqRKPlMCLQ9YoO-Oi7sEe5GRshz4" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Goodwill also offers <a href="http://www.goodwillde.org/Jobs_Training_Placement.asp" target="_blank">job training, computer skills classes, a scholarship fund, and affordable medical equipment</a>.<br />
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But the purple polka dot sweater is not done doing good! When I'm out of my polka dot phase, I will be donating the polka sweater back to Goodwill. Just like all these bags I donated after a major closet purge this week. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHHCEw_QuVc-6gXrKKgQ3SlSE5ZtA592Gavphol7nvd1V1AfLvynFq20TgyBkPbgd2vS67CrRx-lwv05K-GoTLOY5y2KuVVswq9toll2KS6T_6uWscLImyV9_4wBlccxdQauxiTgp_kM/s1600/IMG_6964%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHHCEw_QuVc-6gXrKKgQ3SlSE5ZtA592Gavphol7nvd1V1AfLvynFq20TgyBkPbgd2vS67CrRx-lwv05K-GoTLOY5y2KuVVswq9toll2KS6T_6uWscLImyV9_4wBlccxdQauxiTgp_kM/s400/IMG_6964%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Goodwill can take all those clothes, and use them to do more good right here in my local community. <br />
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One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Jude 22, "And of some have compassion, making a difference." This verse has been a life motto for me since I was a teenager.<br />
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When I shop at Goodwill, I am thrilled to know that even the clothes on my back can make a difference.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/318/B19DE356E1718070139C93BF46EDE553.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894832142489272952noreply@blogger.com1