tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88772368701712788692024-03-14T03:44:35.607-07:00the lovely doveCarissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-20582028619077159342014-07-22T21:24:00.003-07:002014-07-22T21:24:46.559-07:00Hello again.Hello blogger world! It's been a long, long time... So long in fact, that I've decided to re-enter the blogosphere by starting from scratch with a new blog home. Come visit, if you like. You'll find me sharing bits + pieces over at <a href="http://wispandwhim.blogspot.com/">wisp + whim</a>. See you there!<br />
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xo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-43069050945043662482011-11-24T12:23:00.000-08:002011-11-24T12:23:22.720-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUXtg0YkhzUrok0EJ7HtSZbZtoGcRLXmNy_t1f72qHBG-rZFYGr_eJhPd5RRMXMMTbGqFTVmojd5qSU8uEmTdeyZhs9eJvRWWONhVFT-N2OT-exEoM1OzXKdUZmJxPT4rpLh5HdHOWEY/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A18240340.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUXtg0YkhzUrok0EJ7HtSZbZtoGcRLXmNy_t1f72qHBG-rZFYGr_eJhPd5RRMXMMTbGqFTVmojd5qSU8uEmTdeyZhs9eJvRWWONhVFT-N2OT-exEoM1OzXKdUZmJxPT4rpLh5HdHOWEY/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A18240340.jpeg" width="377" /></a></div><br />
I am thankful for having a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, a steady job and, most importantly, wonderful, loving, hilarious friends! Oh, and a new man that makes me smile :)<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Even though it is so easy to whine about the things that we want or need, or just all around take things and people for granted, let's take today to remember what we have and count our many, many blessings.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/18240340">we heart it</a></span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-65693542070085114452011-11-16T09:41:00.000-08:002011-11-16T09:41:36.132-08:00Just 'cause...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU2Itouf7_akQ9k0vQR79sFQT9RK4sUoIavYMRxNEn_kx_-Jw9nZho1lYte5gkxgG1p54ijTd2gMm9l0vtLyk77fiPnoBXjsS6COl35EYFFM_UH7VB5Ai99WaGXBC7fvg8Ie_n_xrSEI/s1600/pinterest.com%253Apin%253A430681547%253A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU2Itouf7_akQ9k0vQR79sFQT9RK4sUoIavYMRxNEn_kx_-Jw9nZho1lYte5gkxgG1p54ijTd2gMm9l0vtLyk77fiPnoBXjsS6COl35EYFFM_UH7VB5Ai99WaGXBC7fvg8Ie_n_xrSEI/s640/pinterest.com%253Apin%253A430681547%253A.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br />
I'm about to go get myself another cup in fact... to help me get over this "hump" day. Hope you're having a good one!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/430681547/">pinterest</a></span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-79706959833458061342011-11-10T09:05:00.000-08:002011-11-10T09:05:19.900-08:00Meaningful words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEy31kRoscjBnooLhPkXcfeKYIw2OjOX5MzOv2dmhF87bvOYPcbps1krkYsAo9gEs_D_6zrAC_ilKIRw4fdE_AdcSDuTZCTlGCmn4ZMwVc9Cvc_TGbsN5wn-8_WH5bvMeI22sCLgEwM4/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13787954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEy31kRoscjBnooLhPkXcfeKYIw2OjOX5MzOv2dmhF87bvOYPcbps1krkYsAo9gEs_D_6zrAC_ilKIRw4fdE_AdcSDuTZCTlGCmn4ZMwVc9Cvc_TGbsN5wn-8_WH5bvMeI22sCLgEwM4/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13787954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I really care about you."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Funny how five little words can mean so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hearing them felt like someone hugged my heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These were pretty nice to hear, too:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"You make me so happy."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I want to make you feel special."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I can't wait to see your beautiful smile."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, I think he's a keeper. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/13787954">we heart it</a></span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-74443017648144156782011-11-08T17:51:00.000-08:002011-11-08T17:54:55.590-08:00A new set of wheels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOR-fLqOjWACR63EejtAY1G0aXLswpJbUOhynaVhaPkLODMEmmeTIdEXxG1_dunLG9Y-7iOULjJEZqSnivk0nEMJb2FvIp353S0YLhPMmswxoNPIVMJnLmvCj-x06s63pMkvSvtAyioA/s1600/IMG_8323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOR-fLqOjWACR63EejtAY1G0aXLswpJbUOhynaVhaPkLODMEmmeTIdEXxG1_dunLG9Y-7iOULjJEZqSnivk0nEMJb2FvIp353S0YLhPMmswxoNPIVMJnLmvCj-x06s63pMkvSvtAyioA/s400/IMG_8323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You read that right! On Sunday, baby got herself a new set of wheels! Woo hoo! :)<br />
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Ok, here's the back story. On Friday, I was rushing out the door, running late as usual to a work meeting, and hopped in my car, a beloved black 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier that was my <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2011/04/missing-you.html">older brother</a>'s first (and only) car.<br />
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Beloved it may be, but when I went to start the engine, all I got was an odd <i>vhmmm</i> sound. Not even a hopeful <i>click click click</i>. Thus, I promptly went back inside and had my dad drive me to my meeting. (Only slightly embarrassing.)<br />
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I later had my dad and younger brother check out the car to see what was wrong and it turned out my battery was fine. But my starter was dead. A call to the dealer said a new starter would run me about $435 in parts and labor. This, coupled with the fact that I already needed new tires and have long been in dire need of a new car, made the decision for me: Time to go car shopping!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgSBo4klYZA7NciIlRclsI_uOs22726rKBRV19kfF-DoOCjEuOBKOsWcNRkUw40w_vvtPY5iIN_A6OptIQX-mXpAMpapxl2GfF6Lq3fDYk5DlNNX3g7145V3NryjoQIapujejKZYT98o/s1600/IMG_8328_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgSBo4klYZA7NciIlRclsI_uOs22726rKBRV19kfF-DoOCjEuOBKOsWcNRkUw40w_vvtPY5iIN_A6OptIQX-mXpAMpapxl2GfF6Lq3fDYk5DlNNX3g7145V3NryjoQIapujejKZYT98o/s320/IMG_8328_2.JPG" width="301" /></a></div><br />
Fortunately, I'd been looking on and off for months, comparing different options in the "affordable small car" category. Many got vetoed on looks alone, I'll admit. Hey, if I'm spending thousands of dollars it better be pretty! Though highly rated, the Ford Fiesta felt like a tuna can. (Or sardine can? Either way, not good.) And I didn't like the handling of the Chevy Cruze. The Ford Focus was a bit out of my price range, as was the Mazda3...<br />
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Last year, when Hyundai redesigned the Sonata, I was totally smitten (as were automotive critics). But again, a bit out of budget. So when I learned that Hyundai similarly revamped their more affordable Accent, I was intrigued. On Saturday, I test drove the car at my <a href="http://www.ladinhyundai.com/">local dealer</a> and felt instantly comfortable behind the wheel. I liked the stylish exterior, the surprisingly roomy interior, the amazing mpg: 30 city, 40 highway! But I didn't like that the only Accent sedan on the lot was a Mocha Bronze color. Fast-forward to Sunday, the 'rents and I return to the dealer, ask if they can get the car in blue from another dealer (who we didn't want to deal with because of shady reviews), and a few hours later I am the proud owner of a <b>new 2012 Hyundai Accent in Clearwater Blue</b>!<br />
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I felt super nervous at the dealership-- I never bought a car before! But I have to say, the sales staff there made it a pleasant experience. They've already called me twice to see how me and my Accent are doing. And we're doing great! I love my new wheels and I think I made a good choice. Now, when it comes to donating my Chevy, I have no doubt I will shed a few tears-- I well up just thinking about it-- but that's another story for another day...<br />
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Till then, a few more photos!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG82aBUsCZdAjJ6fThl6RMdiId10FhbFVmHiJW10H-oLEWzAe0XPi1c1p1KBt1i3P0S9PF3v396sIFFbMcXExMdfI2sDSSYqotbLzr7SARgOvyxe1cyEU6snJdLrevBz2pmSh3LBEtf9E/s1600/IMG_8326_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG82aBUsCZdAjJ6fThl6RMdiId10FhbFVmHiJW10H-oLEWzAe0XPi1c1p1KBt1i3P0S9PF3v396sIFFbMcXExMdfI2sDSSYqotbLzr7SARgOvyxe1cyEU6snJdLrevBz2pmSh3LBEtf9E/s400/IMG_8326_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzMvidKHKfmzLbHkuno9h2rWsj399pDsWy5xnhH72yE6HeumzVlaw5Ey76YB1_hbOljnCe4UtrzDeco_gpOZnbR06zz6oDCvorz2vJrpfYdsyDhVO7EeWsl2spMF41YlmVDFiqwTpm-A/s1600/IMG_8327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzMvidKHKfmzLbHkuno9h2rWsj399pDsWy5xnhH72yE6HeumzVlaw5Ey76YB1_hbOljnCe4UtrzDeco_gpOZnbR06zz6oDCvorz2vJrpfYdsyDhVO7EeWsl2spMF41YlmVDFiqwTpm-A/s400/IMG_8327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
What do you think? :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-79236432192166259782011-10-31T14:14:00.000-07:002011-11-16T09:37:01.301-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AlTW0krWpmGlnzeZV7Ts2x4bIVaP_jf_A4hAMkFHHtjU9lzDBbbix42rLr_GEsoCM38ibLylvTLR0Enfo7CJWDN03w6WI-lpP4Ku8K86nXQ5K1bsA738Bb0qewAWrx2Op2MV0ILSxnk/s1600/hazelhalloween%252711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AlTW0krWpmGlnzeZV7Ts2x4bIVaP_jf_A4hAMkFHHtjU9lzDBbbix42rLr_GEsoCM38ibLylvTLR0Enfo7CJWDN03w6WI-lpP4Ku8K86nXQ5K1bsA738Bb0qewAWrx2Op2MV0ILSxnk/s640/hazelhalloween%252711.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hazel feeling festive!</span></div><br />
This past Saturday I celebrated Halloween with friends at a house party. I dressed as a sexy Coastie (aka, member of the Coast Guard!). Pictures to follow... But today, on actual Halloween, I dressed up for the office lunch party in what I'm calling a bad-ass cheetah costume (It was a last-minute get-up-- just grabbed an animal printed dress out of my closet. And then another reporter came in with the same idea. Twinsies!). I didn't feel like going home and changing before doing the blotter, which means right now I'm sitting in the police station lobby... in kitty cat makeup! Full on whiskers, baby. LOL. What can you do what duty calls?<br />
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What are you doing to celebrate Halloween? Or did you go to a spooktacular party this past weekend? And did you dress up for work today? :)<br />
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<i>Super late update (as in two weeks after Halloween!) but here's a few photos!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjmSUPdiQHE9O82zHj6QenXRKQls3YIU_yuQ8A2Ub9G6DGZIef7Y504KkBOGFt5hCd6dOcpdKqI0Vv4nEkXp0qyWy5_dvnsZ_m8w52iPsZuusei9ih2KF1k2pbSJZu6ywYLTRHvQrWsQ/s1600/IMG_8308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjmSUPdiQHE9O82zHj6QenXRKQls3YIU_yuQ8A2Ub9G6DGZIef7Y504KkBOGFt5hCd6dOcpdKqI0Vv4nEkXp0qyWy5_dvnsZ_m8w52iPsZuusei9ih2KF1k2pbSJZu6ywYLTRHvQrWsQ/s400/IMG_8308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Me and my bestie. Marielle was an adorable penguin (she was obsessed with all things penguin as a kid). Her "costume" is actually a dress from Hot Topic! She let me do her makeup for the night. :)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pNNcBJGhtJWfI73TTwJWFog-XfWpsU_u_ED7m1WadK3Ev8Z4xQ1GYM2-6pLa2iR8c3X8ZuWohLwBpB8_h1EzqsFqZYRZe-8nsWT27n7LVh1g58Py8btlX4ZhPxwcQCIqWoX9_BBVYA0/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pNNcBJGhtJWfI73TTwJWFog-XfWpsU_u_ED7m1WadK3Ev8Z4xQ1GYM2-6pLa2iR8c3X8ZuWohLwBpB8_h1EzqsFqZYRZe-8nsWT27n7LVh1g58Py8btlX4ZhPxwcQCIqWoX9_BBVYA0/s400/IMG_8309.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Me and "Lt. Dangle"-- you know, from Reno 911! He sure knew how to work those booty shorts and 'stache! </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvH9Ny1JUNeauv9stgFp_9H12aYGfBuAZA2q15LruE6zVRfJrNrVxX0CSombxXsQygYQ4nz93xEZdE-DAi7fw99w-Fd9hcWsxIuR3e3KsIdmEyR2YNo3qmMDtHASgXD7bT9eYl3T2wGo/s1600/IMG_8315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvH9Ny1JUNeauv9stgFp_9H12aYGfBuAZA2q15LruE6zVRfJrNrVxX0CSombxXsQygYQ4nz93xEZdE-DAi7fw99w-Fd9hcWsxIuR3e3KsIdmEyR2YNo3qmMDtHASgXD7bT9eYl3T2wGo/s400/IMG_8315.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is me at my office party, with my former editor, Kyle-- who came to work dressed up as my new editor, Scott! LOL.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_Kamt3eNDyMY7m8IMTB04APBlpjgwLHbhFd6bn54sl1CvI4eaJ3HSuEDpFvIBgG4j3-fL7Kx7JFebu4iwd9yqQ55Yw3OaUwqgyqujqjGEHIjAMcf6vekzT58b4saRCk0gf1NjZhmb6Q/s1600/IMG_8322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_Kamt3eNDyMY7m8IMTB04APBlpjgwLHbhFd6bn54sl1CvI4eaJ3HSuEDpFvIBgG4j3-fL7Kx7JFebu4iwd9yqQ55Yw3OaUwqgyqujqjGEHIjAMcf6vekzT58b4saRCk0gf1NjZhmb6Q/s400/IMG_8322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Work friends. Karma, on the right, always has the most kick-ass costumes!</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-25722736263352949442011-10-24T13:06:00.000-07:002011-10-24T13:06:50.135-07:00Views of New York<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpy0BcwtdgDFZfe6288MywujGc8hCykBsH1CUm9IKRc1lixF34OVNzaW25TnfIOlRShAuACq90ehfYUAAUjReglJRB-OZdTW5LZkRumuogWIH30iNLspTcBTIrHoqGGbzm6IPuFnxM9s/s1600/3705_largeview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpy0BcwtdgDFZfe6288MywujGc8hCykBsH1CUm9IKRc1lixF34OVNzaW25TnfIOlRShAuACq90ehfYUAAUjReglJRB-OZdTW5LZkRumuogWIH30iNLspTcBTIrHoqGGbzm6IPuFnxM9s/s640/3705_largeview.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.20x200.com/art/2011/10/lexington-and-53rd-street.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lexington and 53rd Street</span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzW3cYHnMO2n42sIM6kloRLMwQEW9VEJ-I9baAMYxNg1N8MvIatSTCx5DPG5mVlCsC2Kw-WHCj3G2jN9heoMttFSwaV5UbWT-NdOY8awmz46ydSodusKv9bnl8qkOlLQI3pJBbj7PaE4/s1600/3706_largeview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzW3cYHnMO2n42sIM6kloRLMwQEW9VEJ-I9baAMYxNg1N8MvIatSTCx5DPG5mVlCsC2Kw-WHCj3G2jN9heoMttFSwaV5UbWT-NdOY8awmz46ydSodusKv9bnl8qkOlLQI3pJBbj7PaE4/s640/3706_largeview.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.20x200.com/art/2011/10/prince-and-lafayette.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Prince and Lafayette</span></a></div><br />
Obsessed with these "finger-painted" views of New York by <a href="http://www.20x200.com/artists/jorge-colombo.html">Jorge Colombo</a>. Don't you love how the lights just glow? I almost feel like I am taking an evening cab ride through the city.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.20x200.com/">Images via 20x200</a></span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-26647198147291903862011-10-16T20:43:00.000-07:002011-10-17T12:28:03.088-07:00Waves Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU1uWo9tSG8GMnxhyphenhyphenbb7R3LeTQvrxToprb4PYPfyA_9IYBid3p03slOjN4pxBy1y5Og7vked4j4v9SUsVqPVlcpKoxwCK3714CnQlmF1xo-LVwpXEjT0rV0rCbA-fufW302q6uKgYyVs/s1600/IMG_8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU1uWo9tSG8GMnxhyphenhyphenbb7R3LeTQvrxToprb4PYPfyA_9IYBid3p03slOjN4pxBy1y5Og7vked4j4v9SUsVqPVlcpKoxwCK3714CnQlmF1xo-LVwpXEjT0rV0rCbA-fufW302q6uKgYyVs/s400/IMG_8238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Saturday felt like going home.<br />
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Home to college, that is!<br />
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This weekend, my alma mater, Pepperdine, held its second annual Waves Weekend. Though current students are more than welcome to take part, the event is a way to get alumni to come back to campus for a little reunion and a lot of fun. Since I only live about 45 minutes away from Malibu, it was a great excuse to visit and reunite with some old friends.<br />
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I was especially glad to see one of my best friends, and sorority sisters, Kapua! She actually works on campus and she doesn't live too far away from me, but our busy schedules make it hard to connect. (But she just moved much closer to me last week, yippee! So I'll definitely be seeing more of her more often!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisnmlRy31zIl_CisxlqkmktYhDyqQ42ERxMFLROV2nqVUFGxPCqO9bWMVLCo88WSzgj_Yb5GZpC1CcqX_CmI1AoiJU-5-MARUuKL1x_9BXn97wIF7_-0KbHdpQ5DRDUtoQ_79UvFVxvA/s1600/IMG_8236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisnmlRy31zIl_CisxlqkmktYhDyqQ42ERxMFLROV2nqVUFGxPCqO9bWMVLCo88WSzgj_Yb5GZpC1CcqX_CmI1AoiJU-5-MARUuKL1x_9BXn97wIF7_-0KbHdpQ5DRDUtoQ_79UvFVxvA/s400/IMG_8236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We've got spirit, yes we do! Orange and blue are Pepperdine's colors. Kapua bought that hat, which is obviously too big for her, for her boyfriend. He's not an alum, but he has Wave pride whether he likes it or not!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I graduated in the spring of 2007. In some ways it feels like forever ago, and in other ways it seems like just yesterday. But walking around campus, I become acutely aware of how much has changed. New additions to the plaza, a renovated HAWC (basically Pepperdine's student union) that now serves hot food... I guess I'm glad to know my tuition, which I'm still paying in the form of loans, is going to good use! I just wish the campus would have been <i>this</i> nice (it's always been beautiful) when I still went there! Isn't that the way life goes...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxp-WhI5cLzZIS3zp4HWQhxW38oF9BqBbPJx_wnZAj29xt4R2tN5oETINMiCfc6o3qIohDQUWCKbnRbMYMZypakmFmLDDLNXpuExVAByzWkXc4Q7SitWDioavUthD98ovuLkUGf1iYqo/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxp-WhI5cLzZIS3zp4HWQhxW38oF9BqBbPJx_wnZAj29xt4R2tN5oETINMiCfc6o3qIohDQUWCKbnRbMYMZypakmFmLDDLNXpuExVAByzWkXc4Q7SitWDioavUthD98ovuLkUGf1iYqo/s400/IMG_8237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Joslyn Plaza</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mEXSik69vxTMmplKoDnowEcps6wVBNsEadsw00Gyi-LF0-ShQJxl1ZRbgp-xee-xYk2mHaPiODsrkHTfbS_vn-izhd04QTodfKXYMCdlwpHgprB685SsyIzhbikBo6tJGkIFuPDxza4/s1600/IMG_8240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mEXSik69vxTMmplKoDnowEcps6wVBNsEadsw00Gyi-LF0-ShQJxl1ZRbgp-xee-xYk2mHaPiODsrkHTfbS_vn-izhd04QTodfKXYMCdlwpHgprB685SsyIzhbikBo6tJGkIFuPDxza4/s400/IMG_8240.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Theme Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't attend the first Waves Weekend. But I can say without a doubt that this year's was better by far! This year, Malibu-born songstress <a href="http://www.colbiecaillat.com/">Colbie Callait</a> headlined the concert in Alumni Park. (Last year the park played host to Dwight Yoakam. Now, I like country music, but... no. I have no desire to see Dwight Yoakam!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I absolutely adore Colbie. Her music just puts me in a happy mood. And she is wonderful in concert-- even better than the CD, I'd say! I have her first album, "Coco," but now I'm wanting to go pick up her latest, "All of You," and maybe even her second, "Breakthrough." Here's a few shots from the show, the ones that didn't turn out super blurry :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mloE4n_uZE5PcVaKtki5kTudWMY1YX-uWqrheLjeBLjw1hosryQfIgyvQWpfS8e7HkdBSwfrMUSpYS1UOssoRyMNBfcqi62qlP7QpJFZBvNx44JRJaG0k8GHrrALfvVypIlRLkIOGhI/s1600/2011-10-15+20.52.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mloE4n_uZE5PcVaKtki5kTudWMY1YX-uWqrheLjeBLjw1hosryQfIgyvQWpfS8e7HkdBSwfrMUSpYS1UOssoRyMNBfcqi62qlP7QpJFZBvNx44JRJaG0k8GHrrALfvVypIlRLkIOGhI/s400/2011-10-15+20.52.55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTu4ZU7ThiaAgj5k-q59PVDrw1SRhzMOrFxQtt67BUxh9_aZfMLt-NO3xIOQ8ocog83okQgZjh8ehIRuFvw1cjEtXOugh2Bt0Sa6gyP-RpswSSdpOSrWR7Ahd0VDiTcSivITjEqIATPQ/s1600/colbiecalliat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTu4ZU7ThiaAgj5k-q59PVDrw1SRhzMOrFxQtt67BUxh9_aZfMLt-NO3xIOQ8ocog83okQgZjh8ehIRuFvw1cjEtXOugh2Bt0Sa6gyP-RpswSSdpOSrWR7Ahd0VDiTcSivITjEqIATPQ/s400/colbiecalliat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The first song Colbie sang when she stepped on stage is my favorite: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlZxZ2n2zpw">Realize</a>"</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRkY-y-0Ekr8ZP1KPDVTEsi3yFFX-bG-umhmOWOeiPSNivHT-2ZuLZhB-nXJvaG2bvxjp4d0hmzZwFNM6cAlw62FVdKKnO-dmUe8U9HF4nbZ-5IWHr3vXh1yb-i8u6uiPHBYwG2zdbJA/s1600/IMG_8243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRkY-y-0Ekr8ZP1KPDVTEsi3yFFX-bG-umhmOWOeiPSNivHT-2ZuLZhB-nXJvaG2bvxjp4d0hmzZwFNM6cAlw62FVdKKnO-dmUe8U9HF4nbZ-5IWHr3vXh1yb-i8u6uiPHBYwG2zdbJA/s400/IMG_8243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Me and Kapua taking a break from singing and dancing for a photo opp</span></div><br />
Not pictured in these photos are some of my other lovely Alpha Phi sisters. I was so happy to bump into several of them-- Kelly, Sandra, Shenaya, Brittany-- and catch up before watching the concert.<br />
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Afterward, Kapua, her boyfriend and I decided to get some grub at Kabuki in Woodland Hills. I had never been but it was delicious. I got a light appetizer-- mixed tempura! Not so "light"-- and a lychee martini.<br />
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Oh, and I learned two things. One, that I actually really enjoy edamame. And two, this is the expression you get when you ask me to "do" Samantha from "Sex and the City." :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-i8w8qAEECIYMya8gI9OTcP528sZ8PPFB9gEKjfjm8MoOU7qLn144CtEPMmQ2d-Xi5BorNMGKGZ77rtS811nRYJsSbwUHVQB95rrHCbS79r5hXzGzq8p_ZRMjH1NRrVQfHV_5Qnkllc/s1600/IMG_8260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-i8w8qAEECIYMya8gI9OTcP528sZ8PPFB9gEKjfjm8MoOU7qLn144CtEPMmQ2d-Xi5BorNMGKGZ77rtS811nRYJsSbwUHVQB95rrHCbS79r5hXzGzq8p_ZRMjH1NRrVQfHV_5Qnkllc/s400/IMG_8260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Hope you had a fabulous weekend, too! Tell me, if you went to college, where did you go? And do you often revisit your alma mater?<br />
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xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-8885611837442199582011-10-03T12:46:00.000-07:002011-10-03T12:50:44.765-07:00Me & my Guitar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcr9f75kjKeQ_tMWpGDYKM5ZBC4YfsI3BVyPL0nTTa0XWDReashQO8H6n0Wzo458Xr_MPJyygBeD7aftxyV43toRFHqNxWZIAYidE-PyQhJveGyOSFLpPc2ylIFOeP4NR2jooGsBmhkg/s1600/IMG_8138_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcr9f75kjKeQ_tMWpGDYKM5ZBC4YfsI3BVyPL0nTTa0XWDReashQO8H6n0Wzo458Xr_MPJyygBeD7aftxyV43toRFHqNxWZIAYidE-PyQhJveGyOSFLpPc2ylIFOeP4NR2jooGsBmhkg/s400/IMG_8138_4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Hi there, folks. I have some exciting news to share: Last Thursday night, I bought myself a guitar!<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Though it may seem like an impulse purchase, I have dreamed of learning how to play the guitar for ages. Many years my Christmas or birthday wish lists have included “blue acoustic guitar.” And every time I watched someone playing a guitar, blue or not, I pined away.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I saw my friend (and former sorority “big sis”) Abby’s Facebook status a few weeks ago that said she was going to begin taking guitar lessons, it just reignited that flame. I hopped on the <a href="http://www.guitarcenter.com/">Guitar Center</a> website and began searching through all the brands and models—some I had lusted after before and others that were new to me. I had decided that it was time to stop wishing, to stop saying, <i>‘oh, I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar’</i> and just do it. There’s no time like the present, right? It was time to make my own dream come true.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So on Thursday night, that’s just what I did. I convinced my brother <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2010/12/family-bonding.html">Patrick</a> to come with me to my local Guitar Center for moral support but even still I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. When the employee helping me placed a contender in my hand, I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I didn’t know any chords to play or even which strings were which notes! But my <a href="http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-AEL20E-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-with-Onboard-Tuner-103370797-i1150896.gc">Ibanez acoustic-electric guitar</a> (with transparent blue sunburst) looked good and felt good, and I had read glowing reviews online. Ultimately, it won out over the also beautiful <a href="http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-Hummingbird-Acoustic-Guitar-518028-i1171404.gc">Epiphone Hummingbird</a> (with the heritage cherry sunburst design) and, tucked inside a new cushioned case, the Ibanez came home with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This past weekend I started fiddling around with my new instrument. After looking up which string is which note, I successfully tuned my guitar! Then I watched a few tutorials on YouTube and learned to play a very basic version of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”—albeit, very slowly. One step at a time…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is bittersweet that my older brother <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2011/04/missing-you.html">Jeremy</a> isn't around to help me through this learning process. He was a natural talent when it came to making music. He would create funny songs about me and my stuffed animal while strumming on his acoustic guitar and I remember there were many nights he would stay up late playing on his electric—until my mother came up to his room and told him to stop because the younger kids were trying to sleep! If he were here, I know he would have me jamming in no time. But his memory serves as a source of motivation to keep at it even when it gets tough, as I know it will! Sure, I sing and read music and used to play the oboe, but the guitar is a whole other animal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I am still very new to this whole guitar thing, any and all tips are welcome from those veteran guitarists out there! I'd love to hear your thoughts-- what most helped you when you were starting out? Am I crazy to think I can learn without taking formal lessons?</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo taken by Patrick. He wanted to make sure I gave him proper credit. :) Thanks bro!</span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-69431600027281093862011-09-23T18:44:00.000-07:002011-09-23T18:44:45.690-07:00Hello, autumn.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2H5aKQ5nMB8dxzbPFtDxl9v6phPqDFkDg6FKk3sd-fb_UVvxnE2-4uTuSnWd91t2vunmkv8vIbYrta2yBWnCMZQVsxiyK-Lb2zQcSx2-GiVqJUVDJpt3xnZZec5_S6gSdnfobC7y1g/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A10003160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2H5aKQ5nMB8dxzbPFtDxl9v6phPqDFkDg6FKk3sd-fb_UVvxnE2-4uTuSnWd91t2vunmkv8vIbYrta2yBWnCMZQVsxiyK-Lb2zQcSx2-GiVqJUVDJpt3xnZZec5_S6gSdnfobC7y1g/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A10003160.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/10003160">***</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy first day of autumn, lovelies! It still feels like summer here in Southern California, but there's been a couple days recently where, if the wind blew just right, I got the distinct sensation that fall is coming. I know that once we say goodbye to September, October will usher in the new season quickly. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather and the chance to pull my cozy sweaters, boots and scarves out of my closet. What else is on my fall loves list? Mugs of hot cocoa and Pumpkin Spice lattes, jack-o-lantern picking and carving, costumes and trick-or-treating... just to name a few. So here's to a fabulous fall filled with cold-weather adventures-- and finding someone to snuggle up against to keep us warm. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnkCPs9gZAT7TSZHQ-s_0UM01IVTIn3b95gQ5H_fGdQOYgfthjqntA9XebuH3Ib0p0_WjWBrYF8uGkjo7eiNswb7qVbp3mJPaKD-QOFXyYnBN0t_3HUL1qh1bwlFz4je9sp5S1NyJzg/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A15107362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnkCPs9gZAT7TSZHQ-s_0UM01IVTIn3b95gQ5H_fGdQOYgfthjqntA9XebuH3Ib0p0_WjWBrYF8uGkjo7eiNswb7qVbp3mJPaKD-QOFXyYnBN0t_3HUL1qh1bwlFz4je9sp5S1NyJzg/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A15107362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/15107362">***</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JXaV7AievAoL6UY-1PcaRr8cIoFcMJ20sjbhRu3V_xNTVogltq8USYn0Ay9DZBh3HeDETXtaJB2Cu37zVU1YlJZ8QBHVgY0pVcuqzGkUTZU9c3R66Scqz6dWt_ZG_cEtckzyeb-gxQ/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A15123897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JXaV7AievAoL6UY-1PcaRr8cIoFcMJ20sjbhRu3V_xNTVogltq8USYn0Ay9DZBh3HeDETXtaJB2Cu37zVU1YlJZ8QBHVgY0pVcuqzGkUTZU9c3R66Scqz6dWt_ZG_cEtckzyeb-gxQ/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A15123897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/15123897">***</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW4JJ7wCFzq-h-hJy7SNyrESQTMXguFuMu3UYY9On3Bmq02JgpKZh0oKa3P3RbqlJylJ5RSHqvPi-_zQcWlade5Ec0qs2_qeZ2QSerjh3TQVOSllGTA9DRfSow262lwdSNR6q4DXBkQ/s1600/tumblr_lopnrckqt61r05pfyo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW4JJ7wCFzq-h-hJy7SNyrESQTMXguFuMu3UYY9On3Bmq02JgpKZh0oKa3P3RbqlJylJ5RSHqvPi-_zQcWlade5Ec0qs2_qeZ2QSerjh3TQVOSllGTA9DRfSow262lwdSNR6q4DXBkQ/s400/tumblr_lopnrckqt61r05pfyo1_500_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/13032409">*** </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDM6lcQ0KMaFnruWS8OREbonBqu1l0qgnZ-Cj7W8rfwvHWvSl6u2nw0Fv3U5veBV2XkHB_q1Kb2AapUZWmA_pmhJJ1UTUH2b-HlimFUwQt-cNt8wlSlXfhO1V-tWf-QEt0wvXGizGBA/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A14729687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDM6lcQ0KMaFnruWS8OREbonBqu1l0qgnZ-Cj7W8rfwvHWvSl6u2nw0Fv3U5veBV2XkHB_q1Kb2AapUZWmA_pmhJJ1UTUH2b-HlimFUwQt-cNt8wlSlXfhO1V-tWf-QEt0wvXGizGBA/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A14729687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/14729687">***</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnTxN1tOUZsVvCweVl464HYpurBHmJZYkIHYzfzdV2ne0eYxFJ0-fEIqwtPR2ivU9FCC0ane2f9t94NivXw1I_Ihktr0lqSr0rv_Ge-4KwTFBFfWia6hO6UurDpysnynldTWcPUWLdA/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A15129865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnTxN1tOUZsVvCweVl464HYpurBHmJZYkIHYzfzdV2ne0eYxFJ0-fEIqwtPR2ivU9FCC0ane2f9t94NivXw1I_Ihktr0lqSr0rv_Ge-4KwTFBFfWia6hO6UurDpysnynldTWcPUWLdA/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A15129865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/15129865">***</a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-43780754880160832182011-09-15T03:05:00.000-07:002011-09-15T03:05:46.845-07:00Fall sidekick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH-ZTEXipLG91J2bcuYypG9KIgX6wNO1u-T7ccTAq7lazTHVlMhC2OFynQJngFX-bKrUEwyGD43x8SFMzLr77Jy2UcRy-xzp6vX2wkHzXK5CD3ujR6IJ7iBqV6_obMjxhBDs64x4PVg/s1600/pl883828-01vliv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH-ZTEXipLG91J2bcuYypG9KIgX6wNO1u-T7ccTAq7lazTHVlMhC2OFynQJngFX-bKrUEwyGD43x8SFMzLr77Jy2UcRy-xzp6vX2wkHzXK5CD3ujR6IJ7iBqV6_obMjxhBDs64x4PVg/s320/pl883828-01vliv01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The gorgeous russet color. The adorable gold sparrows. The plentiful pockets, inside and out. I just love <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=40500&vid=1&pid=883828&scid=883828012">this bag</a>! Designed by Marc Jacobs, wouldn't it be the perfect carryall for fall?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5i3aIvdMeq2fQFU1A0G4ifVblsRN89PzG038WopG0tJY2jqQOhM-r5d79ch_5qJrIHQYrmePbVcxa20tXTBn_X1ABTLJrAyJIgWjvQ-gLs00lIR7ujmK5SvQAlMh1tXrKXm9U92R4Q/s1600/pl883828-01lfvliv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5i3aIvdMeq2fQFU1A0G4ifVblsRN89PzG038WopG0tJY2jqQOhM-r5d79ch_5qJrIHQYrmePbVcxa20tXTBn_X1ABTLJrAyJIgWjvQ-gLs00lIR7ujmK5SvQAlMh1tXrKXm9U92R4Q/s320/pl883828-01lfvliv01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-29378267660758730682011-09-11T14:09:00.000-07:002011-09-11T14:09:35.588-07:00Twin tragedies forge new perspectivesTen years ago, tragedy struck our nation in a sudden, profound and devastating way.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our world was forever changed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ten years ago, tragedy struck my family, in a similarly heartwrenching way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My life was forever changed. On April 26, 2001, my older brother, <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2011/04/missing-you.html">Jeremy Weed</a>, was killed in a drunk driving accident.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Driving home in the early morning hours, my brother’s friend fell asleep at the wheel. When his Ford Bronco veered right across the 101 Freeway and careened into an illegally parked tractor-trailer, the driver survived unscathed. Jeremy was killed instantly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We all know what happened Sept. 11 of that year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Planes hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and— due to brave passengers who retook control of United Airlines Flight 93, whose intended target was presumably the Capitol or the White House—a field in Shanksville, Pa.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember going to school that morning, a junior at Simi Valley High School. My peers and I were glued to the TV screens, watching the newscasts in shock and horror.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Later that night, I sobbed as we viewed the replay. Watching the Twin Towers fall—my own personal loss still fresh in my heart and mind—I cried for all that had been taken from me and all the pain and suffering now inflicted on those across the nation, particularly those in New York City. I knew that pain all too well, the kind that leaves you eternally asking “Why?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Crisis can make us better or worse as people. In the wake of Jeremy’s death I gained new perspective, and I like to believe I’ve become a stronger, more compassionate and more empathetic person.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The same can be said of our country in the days following 9/11.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">United by tragedy—and yes, anger—we bonded together and held each other up. Confronted by fear and hate from abroad, patriotism had perhaps never been so high. The stars and stripes waved from porches and Porsches.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a tragedy people sometimes say that “time will heal all wounds.” But those who have lost someone, especially in a sudden and senseless way, know the truth: Time just makes it easier to bear the pain. The sharpness, the sting, fades. But the memory doesn’t, nor does a longing to be able to change the past, to bring back what we’ve lost.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, sometimes the lessons of disaster also fade. It’s nearly 10 years later and our nation is, in many ways, more divided than ever. But anniversaries bring an opportunity for reflection—to consider the past and remind us of the way to move forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy’s life was cut far too short at just 26 years old—he was the age that I am now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is my aim to live a life that he would be proud of.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Likewise, while Sept. 11, 2001, was a dark day, I hope this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks will spur us on to live in a way that will honor the spirit of those who lost their lives, those who risked their well-being to save another, those who have gone overseas to fight for our freedom and those who helped pick up the pieces and rise from the ashes to rebuild.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Courage, selflessness, love for country and thy neighbor, and resilience in the face of adversity— that is 9/11’s legacy, today and every day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2011-09-09/Columns/Guest_opinion.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This story</i></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> ran in the Sept. 9, 2011 edition of the <a href="http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/current/front_page">Simi Valley Acorn</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-66970482937761034432011-09-08T14:55:00.000-07:002011-09-08T14:56:07.804-07:00Scentsational<span id="goog_1744732116"></span><span id="goog_1744732117"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDFTxoT3wHkMjhyphenhyphenXBQ5wNLGFWxVVrXe2b1q1CsNt2L83UegC7jCzpv0400rnfhmxxv5XlZuTVXgINlzwGbw1dKr-8JtoyKBV8ccALG-Xz8iqYvpyjqy6SUQJ660WuuErVKvqdJf91AA/s1600/stellaprintcollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDFTxoT3wHkMjhyphenhyphenXBQ5wNLGFWxVVrXe2b1q1CsNt2L83UegC7jCzpv0400rnfhmxxv5XlZuTVXgINlzwGbw1dKr-8JtoyKBV8ccALG-Xz8iqYvpyjqy6SUQJ660WuuErVKvqdJf91AA/s400/stellaprintcollection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P293906#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stella The Print Collection by Stella McCartney</span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pgCwB7dn3YHQ3_GoheBDYGg174M3vSIQgJuEMx1gm3RK_PlEY8KWob3UgekI15ofA2gQhwQkn18hgdrza8EPx5KVhpExel1Md-IH15gWV6BfES7R9hkD6bKoUYXr7R_mTHUs0lFZbA/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pgCwB7dn3YHQ3_GoheBDYGg174M3vSIQgJuEMx1gm3RK_PlEY8KWob3UgekI15ofA2gQhwQkn18hgdrza8EPx5KVhpExel1Md-IH15gWV6BfES7R9hkD6bKoUYXr7R_mTHUs0lFZbA/s320/Picture+6.png" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P256308&categoryId=C22090#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chloé by Chloé</span></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yLIU68MtwYamrLVa_xIFFcqjhIeZI1V-DxefVLHLoBfF5btb54dnLgHUiQ4QcjvEpVDzGRCRgdH2Rk95ObYnnTFX__AgTHkxDl8gzYq52-vhyphenhyphenOOThUU6lVfp86cskb-WBqoDPsq_Zw/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yLIU68MtwYamrLVa_xIFFcqjhIeZI1V-DxefVLHLoBfF5btb54dnLgHUiQ4QcjvEpVDzGRCRgdH2Rk95ObYnnTFX__AgTHkxDl8gzYq52-vhyphenhyphenOOThUU6lVfp86cskb-WBqoDPsq_Zw/s320/Picture+4.png" width="302" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P293502&categoryId=B23#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lovestruck by Vera Wang</span></span></a></div><br />
I don't own these, never even sniffed them in person, but I want them-- just because they're beautiful!<br />
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Wouldn't they look gorgeous sitting on your vanity?<br />
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Confession time: Have you ever bought a perfume just for the way it looks?<br />
<br />
I have!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJIA9-IpYaSmCVXEL6B5xjOx0SBBtRWUb97AezaQARA9XJB_9FluIGfsNV52QhyJBtUk4hgaZSZWSjfHVfPhn8gRGk01de7h4mmqPxWo4wcOSnGazimuPTgmkqfsCLta1KESqsOKceg/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJIA9-IpYaSmCVXEL6B5xjOx0SBBtRWUb97AezaQARA9XJB_9FluIGfsNV52QhyJBtUk4hgaZSZWSjfHVfPhn8gRGk01de7h4mmqPxWo4wcOSnGazimuPTgmkqfsCLta1KESqsOKceg/s320/Picture+7.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P282800&categoryId=B23"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jennifer Aniston's eponymous fragrance</span></span></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I was sucked in by, yes, the celebrity label. (Who doesn’t love Jen?) But I was also captivated by the jasmine-spiked <a href="http://I was sucked in by, yes, the celebrity label.xn-- (who doesnt love jen-3j9l?) But I was also captivated by the jasmine-spiked scentââ¬â¢s description and the lines of the perfumeââ¬â¢s bottleââ¬âsaid to be inspired by the flow of a Frank Gehry building and the fluidity of a cresting wave. Luckily, it worked out. Jennifer Aniston is not my favorite scent but it is a nice departure from my other florals with its woodsy, beachy base. And a little goes a long wayââ¬âone spritz and I feel like a field of night-blooming jasmine is following me around all day.">scent’s description</a> and the lines of the perfume’s bottle—said to be inspired by the flow of a Frank Gehry building and the fluidity of a cresting wave.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Luckily, it worked out. The bottle is lovely. And while <i>Jennifer Aniston</i> is not my favorite scent, it is a nice departure from the other florals in my collection with its earthy, beachy base. And a little goes a long way—one spritz and I feel like a field of night-blooming jasmine is following me around all day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Time to share! I'd love to hear if you've ever bought a fragrance simply for its aesthetics-- and which one caught your eye!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">xoxo,</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-23621748930008513412011-09-02T13:27:00.000-07:002011-09-02T13:27:33.653-07:00A quick getaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlv_FrR-egKUpKqR2VB81VaAUYqi9PFHWaKmsq1w8xjST7oAh29-f5Im7aI0-STFyZEjwNQ6fKTFXHej0uXQxEKSYgXTsGf3i5G6CC9svupJ5h3PVudypwZwxQBMyheoq4FxgFAfSRg/s1600/SD+weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A11683106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlv_FrR-egKUpKqR2VB81VaAUYqi9PFHWaKmsq1w8xjST7oAh29-f5Im7aI0-STFyZEjwNQ6fKTFXHej0uXQxEKSYgXTsGf3i5G6CC9svupJ5h3PVudypwZwxQBMyheoq4FxgFAfSRg/s400/SD+weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A11683106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Happy Friday, loves! Right now I am getting ready to make an early escape into the weekend... I'm taking a mini vaycay to San Diego!<br />
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My bestie, Marielle, and I are driving down south this afternoon to visit Greg, an old friend from high school. He's a fun-loving guy so I know this weekend is going to be an absolute blast! After living in SD for two years, he knows all the best hangouts. His favorite is Pacific Beach, which I don't think I've ever been to... but we will be acquainted soon enough!<br />
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So what do you have planned for this long Labor Day weekend? Are you getting out of town for a quick getaway too? Or are you sticking close to home for relaxing staycation? I'd love to hear.<br />
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Now, I better finishing packing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLog0TdpTV8b_lM8-PhoDwA0HU9Z9p6rVzpSDYKnqH1Y-9C09AXtePVfDEuyfGjUlYFy8Se32kdYyg3qqoesA3PCLQGbsPFVka82uIVlfr6z19WYyn0n9T5PRdYJeFdA1wInLd8SxdtA/s1600/crystal+pier+pacific+beach+weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13440866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLog0TdpTV8b_lM8-PhoDwA0HU9Z9p6rVzpSDYKnqH1Y-9C09AXtePVfDEuyfGjUlYFy8Se32kdYyg3qqoesA3PCLQGbsPFVka82uIVlfr6z19WYyn0n9T5PRdYJeFdA1wInLd8SxdtA/s400/crystal+pier+pacific+beach+weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13440866.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Images via we heart it, </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/11683106"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> and </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/13440866"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-39985804271737713502011-08-29T23:35:00.000-07:002011-08-29T23:41:12.508-07:00SJP to the rescue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsfLIl7NXijKEPMaTwk602sbuH0WmUZLDRN-F1g3LRbPkypCarZXF0HNB9wusBL8OdeLSPUsz4yqfbE1WI7AKFrplkr6T4ZL3qZzL9td5_cxRFItEkHlyCqGUxR54H1D4RxixugCcPQ/s1600/0829-sarah-jessica-parker-giambattista-valli-cape_fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsfLIl7NXijKEPMaTwk602sbuH0WmUZLDRN-F1g3LRbPkypCarZXF0HNB9wusBL8OdeLSPUsz4yqfbE1WI7AKFrplkr6T4ZL3qZzL9td5_cxRFItEkHlyCqGUxR54H1D4RxixugCcPQ/s640/0829-sarah-jessica-parker-giambattista-valli-cape_fa.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br />
Oh my, I'm in love with this look.<br />
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<a href="http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2011/08/do-or-dont-sarah-jessica-parke.html">Glamour</a> was asking its readers today if the ensemble Sarah Jessica Parker wore to the premiere of her new flick "I Don't Know How She Does It" is a DO or a Don't. And I say wholeheartedly, "DO!"<br />
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She looks like a sexy superhero! A couture fashion goddess! Now, I'll admit, no mere mortal could pull off this daring Giambattista Valli gown and matching cape-- in fire engine red, no less. But I applaud a little risk on the red carpet. Movie openings, galas-- that's the time for celebrities (and wanna-be's with an invite) to have fun with fashion, not to play it safe. And yet, I'm often let down by lackluster looks that are in desperate need of a shot of attitude.<br />
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Luckily, we can count on a certain crimson-clad, cape-draped superwoman to spice things up.<br />
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How does she do it? :)<br />
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So tell me, what do you think of SJP's look? Fierce and fabulous, or fashion overkill? As a die-hard "Sex and the City" fan-- I'm watching first season TV reruns as I type-- I am firmly in the SJP-can-do-no-wrong camp, but I'd love to hear what you think!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via </span><a href="http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2011/08/do-or-dont-sarah-jessica-parke.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Glamour</span></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-33975448825469640422011-08-22T00:33:00.000-07:002011-08-22T00:34:40.287-07:00Manifesto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW6kbcBZLdvqbAsEGUSDHmyzMF_o1ChZZqUAaLYEVB5sCm1VqiRDZEgOsVv08J7bzLp0Hl3GsY9RNGRDYI8saVHyXr2CiSMvuxAxATstf65QWDAQiZI7HdaGoXz6N8rkpkgQqs_hnNQ/s1600/HolsteeManifestoSm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW6kbcBZLdvqbAsEGUSDHmyzMF_o1ChZZqUAaLYEVB5sCm1VqiRDZEgOsVv08J7bzLp0Hl3GsY9RNGRDYI8saVHyXr2CiSMvuxAxATstf65QWDAQiZI7HdaGoXz6N8rkpkgQqs_hnNQ/s640/HolsteeManifestoSm.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
A little inspiration for your Monday. Actually, a little inspiration for every day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://shop.holstee.com/products/holstee-manifesto-poster"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Manifesto Poster</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> by </span><a href="http://shop.holstee.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Holstee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><a href="http://moveupword.com/2011/08/share-poster/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">via</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://moveupword.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">UPWoRD</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Thanks, Lori, for sharing!)</span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-62767438757608673022011-08-16T23:32:00.000-07:002011-08-16T23:32:17.914-07:00Stones, beads and bangles, oh my!Last post was about cute clothes, this one's about fabulous accessories.<br />
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Welcome to my world. I'm a perpetual Internet window shopper!<br />
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Even though summer is almost over, I couldn't help but show you these colorful, natural beauties from <a href="http://www.shopruche.com/">Ruche</a>. And I have no doubt one could work these into a fall wardrobe, if one so desired. Let's keep that summer lovin' feeling all year long!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwrI5RDV5wCGTsL1ZV9X0ZeHz2Y0M7zdTviuNPLsJfXFlIhdcVcCPj2KIhrL5GloToU3Kz1T-VXH8CnwUyRRE_zkX8g7pZyitxT28YYKjhLgT3W82HUWTSCsUMsCWRkUHO-EavTolkw/s1600/adelacoralbeadednecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwrI5RDV5wCGTsL1ZV9X0ZeHz2Y0M7zdTviuNPLsJfXFlIhdcVcCPj2KIhrL5GloToU3Kz1T-VXH8CnwUyRRE_zkX8g7pZyitxT28YYKjhLgT3W82HUWTSCsUMsCWRkUHO-EavTolkw/s400/adelacoralbeadednecklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopruche.com/adela-coral-beaded-necklace-p-8252.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adela Coral Beaded Necklace</span></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX_UxWq9Lo4ajhvWpnd9MNKQ2QpJZZmC2k3iBvDnZ010ax_fBlfpnehxiSumZPWHTJD_bvCUdvvEFIfPJp4oeXaL0GQo5vE3ObePx5VdkQ408UgYQ8UfIWdMblLh3VUUHQk13Rkngig/s1600/ruchebracelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX_UxWq9Lo4ajhvWpnd9MNKQ2QpJZZmC2k3iBvDnZ010ax_fBlfpnehxiSumZPWHTJD_bvCUdvvEFIfPJp4oeXaL0GQo5vE3ObePx5VdkQ408UgYQ8UfIWdMblLh3VUUHQk13Rkngig/s400/ruchebracelets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopruche.com/pure-sentiments-bangle-set-p-8248.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pure Sentiments Bangle Set</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.shopruche.com/akila-wrapped-bracelet-p-8228.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Akila Wrapped Bracelet</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.shopruche.com/manukau-harbour-beaded-bracelet-in-ivory-p-8207.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manukau Harbour Beaded Bracelet in Ivory</span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6roYCBvLeFvN2xZjo7_oAnxd2eiOgvTEHE7tSonTyQnB63ksu_fhrQcuAzGsxMTMaSIu59f_R03bfT4UYvdbQH-Jxdkpmd2hlHmmXXPVVe3ifFRSkGuUegnWSol55_fsH_PiBt1gHPg/s1600/thunderbaybeadednecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6roYCBvLeFvN2xZjo7_oAnxd2eiOgvTEHE7tSonTyQnB63ksu_fhrQcuAzGsxMTMaSIu59f_R03bfT4UYvdbQH-Jxdkpmd2hlHmmXXPVVe3ifFRSkGuUegnWSol55_fsH_PiBt1gHPg/s400/thunderbaybeadednecklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopruche.com/thunder-bay-beaded-necklace-in-brown-p-8229.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thunder Bay Beaded Necklace in Brown</span></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5SikIvMUtWVaPYkzBkO6myVsVL2JndaU-VL3ryn3k-4kwb7dQ6376hFC3iP9WKJEXRKWcqZRUkOT7Pj-kvNM3Oa6O3WrfC5gK8KpOqotW40HvqJHJpmTfhOGX-OXx-ZnKcJ-dwU0mw/s1600/stonecanyonnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5SikIvMUtWVaPYkzBkO6myVsVL2JndaU-VL3ryn3k-4kwb7dQ6376hFC3iP9WKJEXRKWcqZRUkOT7Pj-kvNM3Oa6O3WrfC5gK8KpOqotW40HvqJHJpmTfhOGX-OXx-ZnKcJ-dwU0mw/s400/stonecanyonnecklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopruche.com/stone-canyon-necklace-p-8239.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stone Canyon Necklace</span></span></a></div><br />
While I'd love to add any and all of these to my overflowing jewelry box-- especially the Stone Canyon Necklace-- I already purchased <a href="http://www.francescascollections.com/product/harmony+necklace+in+green.do?sortby=ourPicks">this necklace</a> and <a href="http://www.francescascollections.com/product/down+to+the+wire+ring.do?sortby=ourPicks">this ring</a> from <a href="http://www.francescascollections.com/">Francesca's</a>, my new favorite boutique. So I guess my accessories quota is filled. At least for the month. :)<br />
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xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-25062950208427439702011-08-12T11:56:00.000-07:002011-08-12T11:59:45.732-07:00Lookie Lulu's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUobHpjWkiyo6wjhz8NsYcYDm3a8ihjLqxFG-93npqHCQaLwxM5wFpwosLqZfXTgsAFe3rQpvRXpWVEdU2QXO06ah1mAW2Ei6XsFfy_OCdit0dc257VZEVC4iRPmG7upc2O6XxGJA2A/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUobHpjWkiyo6wjhz8NsYcYDm3a8ihjLqxFG-93npqHCQaLwxM5wFpwosLqZfXTgsAFe3rQpvRXpWVEdU2QXO06ah1mAW2Ei6XsFfy_OCdit0dc257VZEVC4iRPmG7upc2O6XxGJA2A/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When I saw <a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/fumblin-foe-gift-horse-one-shoulder-top/40127.html">this top</a> while browsing <a href="http://www.lulus.com/">Lulu's</a> <a href="http://www.lulus.com/categories/view-all/745/look-book-fall-fashion-2011.html">new fall look book</a> the other day, I instantly fell in love. It's light and flowy with ruffles and a unique print-- it just screams me!<br />
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Until I saw the price that is. $113!! Talk about sticker shock. I may spend too much money on clothes, but if I'm going to drop a C-note, I better be getting a couple items, not just one blouse! I don't even spend that much on jeans.<br />
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Despite this disappointment, the rest of the <a href="http://www.lulus.com/">Crossing Sunset</a> look book is definitely worth a flip. Here's a few of my fave ensembles (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">note: It looks like not everything is available online yet, but we can still look and drool, right?</span>):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMF-elGHztiy_yKbYw_dmR0rjH_io5O7QmN0AAz6bAQzEQOeQOyWO-0nEKdrfMJmHIL11nBfJdD4sCdcxSifzFP2PZvmP2N9LnE9eCbtDPVR7g8jKJSxFjqyuzCeHY-E0gL3HSzHfjg/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMF-elGHztiy_yKbYw_dmR0rjH_io5O7QmN0AAz6bAQzEQOeQOyWO-0nEKdrfMJmHIL11nBfJdD4sCdcxSifzFP2PZvmP2N9LnE9eCbtDPVR7g8jKJSxFjqyuzCeHY-E0gL3HSzHfjg/s400/34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love this boxy <a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/billabong-shadow-cream-and-red-striped-jacket/38215.html">jacket</a> with a <a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/bb-dakota-by-jack-emerson-plaid-mini-skirt/39261.html">flouncy skirt</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lbW9IDSZ9_p7RTvWJiLRsps5gFmAmX9qcdwZBCVtd_pqV3zlZoqpYtRLEIx0iDCEuJpXBEBdmHTHCaryiqPUpgAg1NwhszhduvGvUI8roNZnfRs3AK83qTyFAPNiQvycNzS2-K-f9w/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lbW9IDSZ9_p7RTvWJiLRsps5gFmAmX9qcdwZBCVtd_pqV3zlZoqpYtRLEIx0iDCEuJpXBEBdmHTHCaryiqPUpgAg1NwhszhduvGvUI8roNZnfRs3AK83qTyFAPNiQvycNzS2-K-f9w/s400/30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't those oxfords adorable? (<a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/gomax-mad-men-09-beige-lace-oxford-flats/40875.html">These</a> are pretty cute too, and maybe more wearable.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI23YfCEjwPr2Pr0yzF_d_4tKCEQ_mI-G1tp5vFsLhueypYlo7sA18HWllq-6zCwIV2XKyeXYTmZjSWPT5-5Oex8yUgXy1lPzBnVA38BlXFNw_6V34gDYl-rcwTgxA-86JMp03n5bleQ/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI23YfCEjwPr2Pr0yzF_d_4tKCEQ_mI-G1tp5vFsLhueypYlo7sA18HWllq-6zCwIV2XKyeXYTmZjSWPT5-5Oex8yUgXy1lPzBnVA38BlXFNw_6V34gDYl-rcwTgxA-86JMp03n5bleQ/s400/22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm kind of obsessed with WkShp's tees (<a href="http://www.threadsence.com/apache-mandala-tribal-top-by-wkshp-p-2775.html">I have this one</a> and <a href="http://www.threadsence.com/tenawa-feather-top-by-wkshp-p-3245.html">want this one</a>) and this <a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/wkshp-rising-sun-grey-crop-top/40285.html">Rising Sun Grey Crop Top</a> is pretty fabulous, especially with the <a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/mink-pink-mozambique-print-maxi-skirt/37963.html">Mink Pink Mozambique Print Maxi Skirt</a>. So easy and breezy to throw on for a casual weekend running about town.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO24z6AW3Ssr12oliM2p76oCqpNNSWp7VcHLNnAir41jZ8XbY9WDFnoqgtqRVJPIjh55eOd7V8QuMxse3U_876Riu7KaT8vljBIAFhnqxYUxmCegRWXFiYYdyUujcfW3Hf2ov8abLJQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO24z6AW3Ssr12oliM2p76oCqpNNSWp7VcHLNnAir41jZ8XbY9WDFnoqgtqRVJPIjh55eOd7V8QuMxse3U_876Riu7KaT8vljBIAFhnqxYUxmCegRWXFiYYdyUujcfW3Hf2ov8abLJQ/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These fringe shorts are amazing! Not sure I could pull them off in real life, but I love them on the model all the same. I'm totally on board with the fringe trend and have eyed many a <a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/boho-mojo-fringe-brown-purse/40895.html">fringe purse</a>. And <a href="http://www.threadsence.com/as-light-as-a-feather-scarf-p-2598.html">I have a scarf</a> that looks just like that feather-printed sheer vest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though this is a fall look book, the photos still seem warm and sunshiney to me. And really, in Southern California, our summer seems to last until October so that's alright by me. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-57987208381101208702011-08-10T23:46:00.000-07:002011-08-10T23:47:43.255-07:00Status update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpAC_AjCvt3QNnSfXVBcwE7GsYT1MDSx92SguXuoDxFk4pQhZ3T4Imm36ZctnfjZqp-xR4VcsAlYMNaM07LH-oixzTvpoARkfV_XEASbUl5Px7J4nFYK6zVhJX3SczwtY690tNQxMBA/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A5258454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpAC_AjCvt3QNnSfXVBcwE7GsYT1MDSx92SguXuoDxFk4pQhZ3T4Imm36ZctnfjZqp-xR4VcsAlYMNaM07LH-oixzTvpoARkfV_XEASbUl5Px7J4nFYK6zVhJX3SczwtY690tNQxMBA/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A5258454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok. So I'm hoping this post doesn't make me come off sounding like a lonely and bitter witch. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But, as I was about to post about more <i>stuff</i>—which, don’t get me wrong, I love me some pretty stuff—I thought that maybe I should write about what’s really on my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And then after writing it all out, I debated actually posting it because, well, it's not easy for me to be so open and vulnerable on here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Still, I’m guessing there are some of you out there who will get how I feel. So here goes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It seems I am at the age where everyone I know—friends, acquaintances, coworkers, former high school classmates, you name it—is getting engaged, married or knocked up. Well, the better way to put that would be to say they are starting a family.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJV7Mg1397m1bJTI0wf6DVYQmBDKsU4bT77RFxDkQx-OTXNKWQa-mXG-j5b99tAPl2v9p4ji4PhUSyNCbownM638Y4839voSyz1TCx7KJFn8r7BphkaNybxLISqaWPNehTPqkxL4NJA/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13165162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJV7Mg1397m1bJTI0wf6DVYQmBDKsU4bT77RFxDkQx-OTXNKWQa-mXG-j5b99tAPl2v9p4ji4PhUSyNCbownM638Y4839voSyz1TCx7KJFn8r7BphkaNybxLISqaWPNehTPqkxL4NJA/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13165162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I know that this is the normal course of life. I’m a 20-something, approaching 30, these things happen. But I think certain platforms like, <i>ahem</i>, Facebook, make me hyper-aware of the situation. Every day it seems people are updating their statuses with life-changing news. <i>Look at my sparkling new ring! Check out my wedding pics! Isn’t my darling baby darling?!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But don’t misunderstand. I am thrilled for my friends when I hear this type of news and when I write “Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!” I am completely sincere. Really and truly. But there is this little nagging part of me that wonders, “When will that happen for me?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Even proclamations of, “I got my dream job!” or “Just closed on my new home!” can elicit that kind of inner, heart-sinking response from me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I wouldn’t describe it as jealousy. Just a feeling of not being where I wish I was—the sort of ache that keeps me up at night when those self-defeating, woe-is-me thoughts creep in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLNyFrrItou5JcTbqQi7WDP11IVWH5a2LHzBrbmlWJBTBtHBIhHNPF5jgvA3kRzsQCSE-9yKWN-AYbd8usD-OpwlqwvqmaE1xxBacEAi1PubnFO22x20-oWEQ8ssNRFM691dUos_mbA/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13163798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLNyFrrItou5JcTbqQi7WDP11IVWH5a2LHzBrbmlWJBTBtHBIhHNPF5jgvA3kRzsQCSE-9yKWN-AYbd8usD-OpwlqwvqmaE1xxBacEAi1PubnFO22x20-oWEQ8ssNRFM691dUos_mbA/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A13163798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">And yes, a tinge of loneliness. I am lonely. (But I am actively warding off a turn into bitter-ville.) My ex and I broke up six months ago and although we are still friends and talk often and hang out—a kind of odd relationship that is hard for people to understand—sometimes you just want someone to hold your hand, you know?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There it is. I guess I’ve been feeling a bit sad, a bit restless and a bit stuck. I’ve probably driven my best friend crazy with these feelings of insecurity! But really, I’m sure there are others out there who feel or have felt like this. How do you shift your negative thoughts and get out of a funk?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know everyone has their own path to follow and that many of the things I’m looking and hoping for will happen when the time is right. But I'm also a believer that sometimes you have to take the reigns of your life and make a change when you’re not happy or to get where you want to be. Change is something I tend to avoid like the plague, but I’m thinking it’s high time I become more of a risk taker.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So here's to being patient but enjoying the ride, and being proud of my own life (thou shall not covet, right?) while taking baby steps forward to make tomorrow more like my dreams.</div><br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Love-ly photos via we heart it: </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/5258454"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/13165162"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> and </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/13163798"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-41078904169260364412011-08-04T22:45:00.000-07:002011-08-04T23:06:46.373-07:00In the genes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7K7UIPmddFM-s93LlV0cq7bCb2BfOEx1WyIBnK_frPF96SQmZzVrcHTpO5MJENxY76H1nkY_Lc3Ej8EXtJXAFRc5b7eg4Qiv58Rn3_J-oAHZTTgQjsfRIf8ZFHsrJU_GFNamnt6jOw/s1600/veromodacollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7K7UIPmddFM-s93LlV0cq7bCb2BfOEx1WyIBnK_frPF96SQmZzVrcHTpO5MJENxY76H1nkY_Lc3Ej8EXtJXAFRc5b7eg4Qiv58Rn3_J-oAHZTTgQjsfRIf8ZFHsrJU_GFNamnt6jOw/s400/veromodacollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubr5uN-xbKeeDYyDPp59PNzdgMTehFXOJaEjeDFMF1rAwJTs6h7EqWo7YL_-fMxpzsQuVGF2j8ek52zdY82cP-fjC8L1to3pb1g9f9GVXdGnpdVX2TNrxPwd-krUFUdoKcOU9AqmFWQ/s1600/image1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubr5uN-xbKeeDYyDPp59PNzdgMTehFXOJaEjeDFMF1rAwJTs6h7EqWo7YL_-fMxpzsQuVGF2j8ek52zdY82cP-fjC8L1to3pb1g9f9GVXdGnpdVX2TNrxPwd-krUFUdoKcOU9AqmFWQ/s320/image1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Awhile back, while browsing a selection of dresses on sale at <a href="http://us.asos.com/">ASOS</a>, I noticed an interesting pattern emerge. Many of the frocks I was flocking to were by the same designer: <a href="http://us.asos.com/Vero-Moda-Shop-Vero-Moda-for-dresses-jeans-and-skirts/s0ng0/?cid=4715">Vero Moda</a>. Not long after making this realization, I came upon another: Vero Moda is a Danish fashion house! Being that I am half Danish, I was quite tickled by this discovery. (My mother's parents emigrated from Denmark-- she was actually born in New York, not long after they got off the boat! At least, that's how I tell the story.)<br />
<br />
Not that I need any excuse to shop, but this fact motivated me to purchase the two Vero Moda dresses pictured above: the <a href="http://us.asos.com/Vero-Moda-Vero-Moda-Printed-Dress-with-Elasticated-Waist/vj9oo/?iid=1453976&cid=5235&sh=0&pge=24&pgesize=20&sort=3&clr=Grey&mporgp=L1Zlcm8tTW9kYS9WZXJvLU1vZGEtUHJpbnRlZC1EcmVzcy1XaXRoLUVsYXN0aWNhdGVkLVdhaXN0L1Byb2Qv">Printed Dress with Elasticated Waist</a> (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">not a very sexy name, and out of stock online, sorry</span>) and the <a href="http://us.asos.com/Vero-Moda-Vero-Moda-Floral-Frill-Waist-Dress/vvpb5/?iid=1523473&SearchRedirect=true&SearchQuery=vero%20moda%20floral%20frill%20waist%20dress&mporgp=L1Zlcm8tTW9kYS9WZXJvLU1vZGEtRmxvcmFsLUZyaWxsLVdhaXN0LURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv">Floral Frill Waist Dress</a>.<br />
<br />
Though Vero Moda is new to me, it's not exactly new to the fashion scene. It made its mark by using beautiful babes Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen in their marketing campaigns. According to the house's "about me," Vero Moda focuses on quality, affordable and inspiring clothing with a range of dresses and tailored garments that embrace the essence of current trends while still maintaining a practical edge.<br />
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Sounds like the kinds of designs I'd like to fill my closet with!<br />
<br />
So today, I revisited ASOS to take a peek at what's new in the world of Vero Moda. And I was absolutely smitten with their floaty chiffon dresses, sheer billowy sleeves and adorable-sometimes-funky prints-- all with the perfect touch of the 70s, which is so on trend this season. Below are my faves:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOsMxAQhUdMpstXvBKci3lWcVepk6r_0tP5OmGmZBm3iqKQQIg_gc0YsLb1HkAQlNnGq-p9TEbwHE22s_4w_27TM8dUOnLbL-y9ZYvhXPyK6jx_zgR_CZBXrxVAQO1TECyJTIbCcFGA/s1600/folkchiffoncollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOsMxAQhUdMpstXvBKci3lWcVepk6r_0tP5OmGmZBm3iqKQQIg_gc0YsLb1HkAQlNnGq-p9TEbwHE22s_4w_27TM8dUOnLbL-y9ZYvhXPyK6jx_zgR_CZBXrxVAQO1TECyJTIbCcFGA/s400/folkchiffoncollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/Vero-Moda-Vero-Moda-Folk-Print-Chiffon-Dress/wi3ov/?iid=1641959&SearchQuery=vero%20moda&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multiprint&mporgp=L1Zlcm8tTW9kYS9WZXJvLU1vZGEtRm9say1QcmludC1DaGlmZm9uLURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Folk Print Chiffon Dress</span></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEGMQzDMKk7B0MUQptwM3lkHLgGNcevCPvpkLOzDE4EpNB8ue9WyQySjrTdTp6fEj3Y2FK4kxOfHG2YsXIdvvNWnjwBNLfoo21hKO8xmBv0PwAx9KUn8i5L4PX7qJMMfRkjCaM8v_pQ/s1600/contrastlacecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEGMQzDMKk7B0MUQptwM3lkHLgGNcevCPvpkLOzDE4EpNB8ue9WyQySjrTdTp6fEj3Y2FK4kxOfHG2YsXIdvvNWnjwBNLfoo21hKO8xmBv0PwAx9KUn8i5L4PX7qJMMfRkjCaM8v_pQ/s400/contrastlacecollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/Vero-Moda/Vero-Moda-Contrast-Lace-Tiered-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1761522&SearchQuery=vero%20moda&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Creamblack"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contrast Lace Tiered Dress</span></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN4OdoGlAjkvAsicXAz9jaCje51DASGcuUZOz6dnYHXuO6Wy2fylsTyn-UNnIESQcwSy6HV6cj7uw-lT79zW16EevK4TIfuRxtvwU7jjw42z9Xs92c8Wk4ydH7GJ70TgPkFU6D1vOug/s1600/decobirdcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN4OdoGlAjkvAsicXAz9jaCje51DASGcuUZOz6dnYHXuO6Wy2fylsTyn-UNnIESQcwSy6HV6cj7uw-lT79zW16EevK4TIfuRxtvwU7jjw42z9Xs92c8Wk4ydH7GJ70TgPkFU6D1vOug/s400/decobirdcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/Vero-Moda-Vero-Moda-Deco-Bird-Print-Kimono-Sleeve-Chiffon-Swing-Mini-Dress/wgnkj/?iid=1672906&SearchQuery=vero%20moda&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Estatebluecombo&mporgp=L1Zlcm8tTW9kYS9WZXJvLU1vZGEtRGVjby1CaXJkLVByaW50LUtpbW9uby1TbGVldmUtQ2hpZmZvbi1Td2luZy1NaW5pLURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deco Bird Print Kimono Sleeve Chiffon Swing Mini Dress</span></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIryFAAJooCrMf4hAI86K7PYLirbpUpAjzmLFJxLuaCvn_rbomMUrJLYSgYtausRG9UL8mgvUE6uNBwHm6_q2wcvQACtxTYBtR3tRDcR51etPLDzM_XzPPyVuZWzPoGDoEWbU7OkUO5Q/s1600/polkaminicollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIryFAAJooCrMf4hAI86K7PYLirbpUpAjzmLFJxLuaCvn_rbomMUrJLYSgYtausRG9UL8mgvUE6uNBwHm6_q2wcvQACtxTYBtR3tRDcR51etPLDzM_XzPPyVuZWzPoGDoEWbU7OkUO5Q/s400/polkaminicollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/Vero-Moda-Vero-Moda-long-Sleeve-Polka-mini-Dress/wit69/?iid=1754776&SearchQuery=vero%20moda&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Blackchipmunk&mporgp=L1Zlcm8tTW9kYS9WZXJvLU1vZGEtbG9uZy1TbGVldmUtUG9sa2EtbWluaS1EcmVzcy9Qcm9kLw.."><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long Sleeve Polka Mini Dress</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It is so hot outside with temperatures climbing into the 90s and fall seems so far away right now, but I think each of these dresses would look fantastic with some opaque black tights or a great pair of camel-colored boots. I may have to scoop up one or two... Hey, what can I say? It's in the genes. :)<br />
<br />
<b>Have you made any fashion discoveries lately?</b><br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-51289431057430441732011-08-02T19:28:00.000-07:002011-08-02T19:39:06.990-07:00Hello, again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUmLWMosIFet3Czu34pQVz8K2RER5E_5rYpKnfIwsU5RwupLGGHaWr98YvvKhj9TflGuuhp3Tb8LAzc0CtJgV17VlxiNHlERvYFd1_2WHGcHskiqYTwjcCyGARDADe_HiMeavvdRdYg/s1600/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A837296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUmLWMosIFet3Czu34pQVz8K2RER5E_5rYpKnfIwsU5RwupLGGHaWr98YvvKhj9TflGuuhp3Tb8LAzc0CtJgV17VlxiNHlERvYFd1_2WHGcHskiqYTwjcCyGARDADe_HiMeavvdRdYg/s400/weheartit.com%253Aentry%253A837296.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><br />
Hey there, blogland! No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. Even though, I will admit, it almost appeared that I had. If I didn't live at home, my mother may have sent out a search party.<br />
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Instead, she asked a few weeks ago, "Have you quit blogging?"<br />
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Nevermind the fact that I'm still always a bit creeped out when she asks about my blog (sorry, Mom!), I answered incredulously, "Noooo! I'm just <i>busy</i>!"<br />
<br />
Which is partly true. I could blame my absence on work. That's my tried-and-true excuse. But if I am totally honest, I have just been feeling uninspired and completely unmotivated when it comes to blogging.<br />
<br />
But I have missed it. I've missed you! My bloggy friends and your supportive, kind, and even funny words.<br />
<br />
So here I am, back to blogging. Let's start slow, shall we?<br />
<br />
I thought I'd share with you this package I received in the mail today. Have you heard of <a href="http://www.jewelmint.com/">JewelMint</a>, the jewelry line created by actress Kate Bosworth and her celebrity stylist friend Cher Coulter?<br />
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I've been a JewelMint "member" since February-- which means my inbox has been inundated with emails about my personalized monthly showroom selections as well as limited-time deals-- but I didn't make my first official purchase until last week. I had been eyeing the Piet Mondrian-inspired necklace below since seeing it in Lucky magazine months ago and when it was featured in a 2-for-1 deal with matching earrings, I couldn't resist any longer.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Hlk8R3EYwFemJly9GlUYB2pm6wP6XB26AGF6QJFYpIRci_yoPEELONkX3Vvgx1DNQZuHLlf5Bwp5eKUnd2FRZFkKZqQyc8ORAnViydZa7jP7Dhq89iiSFXtq0qNIcI4_DT8mL-aAWg/s1600/modern_love_set_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Hlk8R3EYwFemJly9GlUYB2pm6wP6XB26AGF6QJFYpIRci_yoPEELONkX3Vvgx1DNQZuHLlf5Bwp5eKUnd2FRZFkKZqQyc8ORAnViydZa7jP7Dhq89iiSFXtq0qNIcI4_DT8mL-aAWg/s320/modern_love_set_01.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jewelmint.com/catalog/product/view/id/349?utm_source=HOaid1168&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=HOaid1168oid6&transaction_id=1007620156526110802&aid=1%24eir%24p1%24c433%241772&pr_id=349">Modern Love Set</a></span></span></div><br />
I ordered last Wednesday and a chic black package showed up at my door this afternoon. I have to say, JewelMint puts a lot of effort into their packaging-- and I appreciate that extra touch. Check it out:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfnqJVUNhno5AE7s8sW3cSkg9ROVqYyuho5IJbc8FxGUQGad0x8YHSkcs_KDyaRkLOh65QqFesDpSlohUlOHUdVelTalUid4wVy3KJaaPxhrgpkIENjKxp-yMJPf5v8Nk8XTptC51sw/s1600/IMG_8052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfnqJVUNhno5AE7s8sW3cSkg9ROVqYyuho5IJbc8FxGUQGad0x8YHSkcs_KDyaRkLOh65QqFesDpSlohUlOHUdVelTalUid4wVy3KJaaPxhrgpkIENjKxp-yMJPf5v8Nk8XTptC51sw/s320/IMG_8052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATZWjrdKAbh6cgqGCMS9ecZrwsDwdtWzOSE6xM_6KPq9ziTdQbQJ9eStM6Z6BgBn4EWi0piLbHYBRoMC66STzDFeikW2Q1xrsPBjJHs-_18e72gJNT-OiEUEYujh487JPw4Pw6XxXWA/s1600/IMG_8057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATZWjrdKAbh6cgqGCMS9ecZrwsDwdtWzOSE6xM_6KPq9ziTdQbQJ9eStM6Z6BgBn4EWi0piLbHYBRoMC66STzDFeikW2Q1xrsPBjJHs-_18e72gJNT-OiEUEYujh487JPw4Pw6XxXWA/s320/IMG_8057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The inner cards describe the pieces: <i>"Modernize your look with this 30" gold plated geometric necklace. Light olive, camel, and grey fabric insets are delicately framed to create a truly sleek piece."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The matching earrings are 2 1/4" long and made of the same materials.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GBexjqrNNwYGYJh635dnN6l_yt5qLKKGzAOGmKqPqkighIKlZZVdFmjigFn8TlaokniG2ZskyPHog0d5FfWgUtShthfHVFCOENim0mtTIgLneJjTBPuOJXWD3-ZKVLBl6umOxmzkSg/s1600/IMG_8061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GBexjqrNNwYGYJh635dnN6l_yt5qLKKGzAOGmKqPqkighIKlZZVdFmjigFn8TlaokniG2ZskyPHog0d5FfWgUtShthfHVFCOENim0mtTIgLneJjTBPuOJXWD3-ZKVLBl6umOxmzkSg/s320/IMG_8061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The colors are darker in person than they appeared online, but I still love it. The tones will work great with my summer wardrobe but easily transition to fall, too. I have to say, I don't think the jewelry is particularly high quality-- though I don't see it falling apart either. Definitely a step up from Forever 21! But I don't think I'd consistently spend $29.99 a month to get a new piece. The only reason I bought this was because of the 2-for-1 deal and an extra discount code I found online.<br />
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<b>So tell me, what do you think of monthly subscription services like JewelMint? Worth it? Are you a member of any?</b><br />
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I'm also a member of <a href="http://www.shoedazzle.com/">ShoeDazzle</a>, but I haven't purchased anything yet. There's lots of cute and sexy shoes but the heel heights are all too tall! Since I'm nearly 5'9" I try to stay at or below 3 inches. But what should I expect from a company launched by Kim Kardashian? :) I always say I need to start a line of sassy kicks for tall girls.<br />
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As always, thanks for reading! I pledge to do better with blogging... (Girl) Scout's honor!<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">top image via </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/837296"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">we heart it</span></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-56788530278886326632011-06-17T18:39:00.000-07:002011-06-17T18:44:36.562-07:00Feelin' sassy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember when I told you that <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2011/06/happy-birthday-marilyn.html">I bought myself a bright red lipstick</a>? (And I used <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2011/06/happy-birthday-marilyn.html">Marilyn Monroe's birthday</a> as an excuse?)</div><br />
Well, late last night I was feeling a bit bored and decided to put on aforementioned lipstick, which I had received a week or so prior but had not yet tested.<br />
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I slicked that baby on my lips, added a little black eyeliner to really get into the Marilyn Monroe-mood and then <i>this</i> happened:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D5OZDmh2ZVrxMdogqqbR34L-IE2P9qk1-ks3lJeA89J3IiXtLvvARQ5lB-nVnBbAOE7GhqH0Uf2tlwiNU75HpOtz_xTKv43Hb6fxvZs41rpbpslNFA7ioeC0BrAikQ69B7eOPRPsYg/s1600/redlips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D5OZDmh2ZVrxMdogqqbR34L-IE2P9qk1-ks3lJeA89J3IiXtLvvARQ5lB-nVnBbAOE7GhqH0Uf2tlwiNU75HpOtz_xTKv43Hb6fxvZs41rpbpslNFA7ioeC0BrAikQ69B7eOPRPsYg/s400/redlips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yep. You can't leave a bored Carissa unattended with makeup and Photo Booth. Silliness will inevitably ensue. All while crooning to <a href="http://www.natashabedingfield.com/global/home">Natasha Bedingfield</a>'s latest CD, "<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strip-me/id402873232">Strip Me</a>," and a little <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2011/04/adore-adele.html">Adele</a> thrown in for good measure.<br />
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Now, about the lipstick. It's <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=Kat%20Von%20D">Kat Von D</a>'s <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211912&categoryId=S10601&shouldPaginate=true#">Painted Love Lipstick</a> in Underage, which as you can see is a bright crimson. It's a bit pricey at $18 (I usually satisfy my urge for new lips products at the drugstore, though I did fall prey once to a gorgeous gold tube of YSL lipstick that put me back 35 bucks) but it had such glowing reviews on <a href="http://www.sephora.com/">Sephora</a> that I couldn't resist. And while I have plenty of pink lipsticks and glosses, I didn't have any true reds in my collection. Plus, who can say no to that awesome tattoo-inspired packaging?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPsCkdRKtqSo4SqmcOfmHUeLBllmsg41s87IhQxHd0BfIr-1Q4VeB8O4kViTR6HrSdBGD3w6l_T1K98klj-JR5H7abmW1SMCp3fugq4ahEK4xCH0EZIDu9HaMMhD0ssw3FXSI5GUnpQ/s1600/31MjaWKq7kL._SS360_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPsCkdRKtqSo4SqmcOfmHUeLBllmsg41s87IhQxHd0BfIr-1Q4VeB8O4kViTR6HrSdBGD3w6l_T1K98klj-JR5H7abmW1SMCp3fugq4ahEK4xCH0EZIDu9HaMMhD0ssw3FXSI5GUnpQ/s320/31MjaWKq7kL._SS360_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Thankfully, the lipstick is worth every penny. The color is a bit shocking in the tube but I think it looks very flattering on and could easily be dialed down with some balm or gloss. But what I love most is that it delivers rich, saturated color that didn't dry out my lips and didn't budge during my singing-modeling sesh :) I'd say I had it on for at least two hours and it looked like I had just applied it when I finally went to wash my face and hit the sheets.<br />
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And perhaps most importantly, putting on that spicy red lipstick made me feel <i>sassy</i>! I'm planning on going out dancing with the girls tonight to celebrate a friend's birthday and you can count on my new, red, look-at-me lips making an appearance. I'm <i>really</i> going to paint the town red!<br />
<br />
What's made you feel sassy (and perhaps a bit silly) lately?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Lipstick photo via </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kat-Von-Painted-Lipstick-Underage/dp/B00197RQ5U"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Amazon</span></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-49093728200868903762011-06-14T21:24:00.000-07:002011-06-14T21:24:06.337-07:00Uh oh...I better hit the gym quick because I just bought this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93-ASgwfDblA3_nZ8WrMYtQmrxPB2Pc5xr5FxexBUWbj5xcDu8ZSNHpdWxGAwzg3qCd2ufOwITNiMxBkuA7qX4Ml9mj_xsoTSNQVib8ant6SIaplDxycoIuUcJ0O79d3hYMVEWozINg/s1600/V312468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93-ASgwfDblA3_nZ8WrMYtQmrxPB2Pc5xr5FxexBUWbj5xcDu8ZSNHpdWxGAwzg3qCd2ufOwITNiMxBkuA7qX4Ml9mj_xsoTSNQVib8ant6SIaplDxycoIuUcJ0O79d3hYMVEWozINg/s400/V312468.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265482271872&c=Page&cid=1265489031211&pagename=vsdWrapper"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Retro Push-up Halter Top and Foldover Scoop Bottom</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, in carabi dot</span></span></div><br />
Man, I must have been feeling bold to buy a bikini! Too bad I couldn't purchase the model's body and her perfect golden tan to match.<br />
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Oh, well.<br />
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But I did pick up some yoga pants to help encourage my jiggly self to get on the treadmill.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE7wxuqZpYi3NIhi_plMZ3HK_M6z4qZhDJeev9LtNg15Hdr_YTxo6p543O1jy3hiq0TWh-P1WTIGc2PZSobbVvQwmpkZc1df2Abxz2c5lJMwrpGr1FMcRPgb-ESKdOEUWBZWwKQD5bg/s1600/yogapants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE7wxuqZpYi3NIhi_plMZ3HK_M6z4qZhDJeev9LtNg15Hdr_YTxo6p543O1jy3hiq0TWh-P1WTIGc2PZSobbVvQwmpkZc1df2Abxz2c5lJMwrpGr1FMcRPgb-ESKdOEUWBZWwKQD5bg/s400/yogapants.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1304334142982&c=Page&cid=1304338670539&pagename=vsdWrapper"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yoga Foldover Crop Legging</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265492147555&c=Page&cid=1304338670539&pagename=vsdWrapper"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yoga Foldover Legging</span></span></a></div><br />
But... I also bought this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bd0oj7xp5-vUbMM587mWOid8MsP0a5Z46qLszj3Iwa6EvuEMnJY8fQIRFjRw62qOWZfUZa_4J4_s1ZGmcuGDXan8yHtX9bvCx2xpj0xpy8GStewqrBo2qwJ99vrIN0gJcx7S4KxQbg/s1600/V319126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bd0oj7xp5-vUbMM587mWOid8MsP0a5Z46qLszj3Iwa6EvuEMnJY8fQIRFjRw62qOWZfUZa_4J4_s1ZGmcuGDXan8yHtX9bvCx2xpj0xpy8GStewqrBo2qwJ99vrIN0gJcx7S4KxQbg/s400/V319126.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265482897936&c=Page&cid=1304338691866&pagename=vsdWrapper"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Paisley Cover-up</span></span></a></div><br />
Just in case. :) Plus, it's pretty!<br />
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I can't believe summer is here! Schools are out, temperatures are creeping up ... and I'm having a shopping spree with my Victoria's Secret card! Haha.<br />
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Hope you're having a wonderful week~<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-32553150591735430132011-06-08T23:08:00.000-07:002011-06-08T23:14:43.744-07:00Shoulder envy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkjcu88rXK0r5VTUeFomXwRaIDYVVUQcJPzp7gR2c2uyORAfp2G_4-pf73UaeOSmlteNgqLwP2AdI3y4lqZCoGm4zvEHY_fzvU3JAQUbcZVWBHkB96PipnaqAduLjQkdaei4E2v-zUg/s1600/20110608_kristinS_main_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkjcu88rXK0r5VTUeFomXwRaIDYVVUQcJPzp7gR2c2uyORAfp2G_4-pf73UaeOSmlteNgqLwP2AdI3y4lqZCoGm4zvEHY_fzvU3JAQUbcZVWBHkB96PipnaqAduLjQkdaei4E2v-zUg/s400/20110608_kristinS_main_e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Shoulder envy, as in, I envy whoever has this on their shoulder!<br />
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The above image-- featuring the <a href="http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-handbags_feature_kristin-10551-10051-38806-en?t1Id=62&t2Id=38806&tier=2&LOC=CC">new Kristin Op Art Ikat Print Satchel and Kristin Ikat Large Wristlet</a>-- popped up in my inbox today and I was instantly smitten. I just love ikat! It's fun to look at and fun to say. And we all know I love <a href="http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/Home-10551-10051-en">Coach</a>, so it's a match made in purse heaven.<br />
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Not to mention, the soft colors are perfect for summer and will go with just about everything in my wardrobe. Now all I need to do is save up a couple hundred dollars.<br />
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But first, one more decision: hippie, satchel or hobo? I think I like the hobo shape best...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mF_JKlYTy2CxLbooLt7GzsK6STC9VLbgtqRXwwxcEVXVpojC0OT3tJ4Mp7rOmblYlhANRcbKRi0yoP3QRKIgY2AeOLxjLXm7lgJpz3xUvW7PzwCORa-fwDQGf-KhV1Vi1cXL0g5oMA/s1600/hobo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mF_JKlYTy2CxLbooLt7GzsK6STC9VLbgtqRXwwxcEVXVpojC0OT3tJ4Mp7rOmblYlhANRcbKRi0yoP3QRKIgY2AeOLxjLXm7lgJpz3xUvW7PzwCORa-fwDQGf-KhV1Vi1cXL0g5oMA/s320/hobo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Just dreamy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877236870171278869.post-167068949349719352011-06-06T23:32:00.000-07:002011-06-07T08:08:11.203-07:00A new 'do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrPo2YVTSWI7PR0uQJQvjG6t4dv53E0DyDvRGVgVHQ_AdGKd4pLdeRIEAX85pg3IIo0h6saZCnBJyB4aVEXb9S_rCR5FU6ZZbkp6yprP0YT3cVW8VHuyGmzqBf52xdRi3e3KBB46Kag/s1600/haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrPo2YVTSWI7PR0uQJQvjG6t4dv53E0DyDvRGVgVHQ_AdGKd4pLdeRIEAX85pg3IIo0h6saZCnBJyB4aVEXb9S_rCR5FU6ZZbkp6yprP0YT3cVW8VHuyGmzqBf52xdRi3e3KBB46Kag/s640/haircut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This past weekend, I FINALLY got a haircut!<br />
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Nothing major, mostly a trim-- about two inches all around plus a few long, face-framing layers. Even still, my hair feels so light and small. I think I was more attached than I thought! Honestly, I don't even remember the last time I got a haircut. It has to be at least two years ago, but maybe even longer (I shudder to think!). In photos from four years ago, my hair is very blonde and above my shoulders. Now it cascades over my chest, even with a few inches missing. I had been diligently growing it out since seeing photos of myself pre-Locks of Love, when my hair was the length it is now. Those shots-- taking during a cruise on spring break, where I look infinitely happy and relaxed-- instantly made me miss my long hair and I had refused to get near a pair of shears ever since.<br />
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I was in desperate need of a fresh look, though, to get rid of the dead ends that were literally beyond repair, no matter how much deep conditioning I did. And I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Before, my hair just hung there, all one length. "High school hair," my stylist called it. I never thought of it that way before, but yes! That's exactly what it was. Just a few snips gives me some movement and I think the entire 'do looks more polished and well kept.<br />
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You'll notice I didn't change my color. I'm <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2010/12/conundrum.html">still pondering</a>. My hairdresser suggested doing a color weave, like I've done in the past, but this time adding a warm buttery tone along with a shade of red to create a sort of strawberry blonde effect. Like I said: Still pondering :) <a href="http://thelovelydove.blogspot.com/2010/12/conundrum.html">I'm having trouble committing to going red!</a> (Even though, some people already consider me a "red head," as I have been called such several times lately. I think it's deceiving angles and sunlight that must create that magical effect.)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbIQ1pbZHOgG6PKwP6uERAr30ULHWQsCEXIRvWh1ZAuDYdRgAn8kz8f-LoXpd9HuTR7TdxL3LLhyphenhyphendSeLJsIe9_ZryVqq6q6BJOHY3jdV-sM02sNMXjxnTTd5Ty4_CDilcU4iMdAvd3w/s1600/IMG_7882_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbIQ1pbZHOgG6PKwP6uERAr30ULHWQsCEXIRvWh1ZAuDYdRgAn8kz8f-LoXpd9HuTR7TdxL3LLhyphenhyphendSeLJsIe9_ZryVqq6q6BJOHY3jdV-sM02sNMXjxnTTd5Ty4_CDilcU4iMdAvd3w/s400/IMG_7882_2.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><br />
One more thing. I decided to try a new stylist this time. There's nothing wrong with my former one. I had been going to her nearly all my life-- well, at least since junior high, and that's when what my hair looked like began to matter! But I thought a new set of eyes-- a younger pair, with a bit more modern sensibility-- would do my tresses some good.<br />
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And my referral came from my former editor! His wife did my hair. If you live in the area, I definitely recommend checking out Jenny at Claudio Marino Hair Design, 20929 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. If you are interested in making an appointment, just send me an email and I'll give you her number. (Oh, and she does Brazilian Blowouts-- one of her specialties, she said.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez7LhGXstyDk8JqrEUz-DxHM4UPlDA0cM9hksNds35vG6SEVldF5MtPKHFaVYcSfDdFE2xtytYHTldGRI6LYSMlljVL3AcJEXfC9yKCc1NxHLEGLFyTdyje3bTrSNkR-McDcn1ewWng/s1600/IMG_7883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez7LhGXstyDk8JqrEUz-DxHM4UPlDA0cM9hksNds35vG6SEVldF5MtPKHFaVYcSfDdFE2xtytYHTldGRI6LYSMlljVL3AcJEXfC9yKCc1NxHLEGLFyTdyje3bTrSNkR-McDcn1ewWng/s400/IMG_7883.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Now, I just need to take Hazel in for a haircut. She's looking awfully fluffy! But awfully cute. (I hate to cut her hair even more than my own!)<br />
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When's the last time you got your hair cut?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/288/A2076515EA0D88B800FFB15C0ABD8BB3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Carissa Thilgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17461334542105430269noreply@blogger.com3