tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55452249986102906692024-02-06T21:36:30.848-06:00mr. and mrs. smith"I've discovered that my own little postage stamp of native soil was worth writing about and that I would never live long enough to exhaust it"
- William Faulknermary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.comBlogger622125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-1583087340375880052012-06-18T09:32:00.000-05:002012-06-18T09:32:33.432-05:00i've moved!Looking for me? You can now find me here: <br />
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<a href="http://oliveyoudarling.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FfbcFfuJVw425JtDFpNxHozwarJGx4ZYSxBdK42nWxo-KI6BJ3V9jmzPaKcW3Owf3qfNvjScG93pbbBPKXgyFLBn3dRhZM8AxYvHfJNHP8fmJ40gtCSLGpqTdCQG9h1Iphakr5T5XAYj/s320/olive3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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See you there!mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-41415930849269378882012-06-13T08:00:00.000-05:002012-06-13T08:00:12.258-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicimxXiAssyfmjeJWqKE7XuU16Kr32zGbkF4SkuaKRuROAunJb-KyFJYYq4yZWP3ftP32G7QU_unwVed8adea2EnU_UAzkBOrX840vvsxHllFZaxpH7OKlQBtXBMbtvydOe6bZh4aC7xpk/s1600/sprinkle+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicimxXiAssyfmjeJWqKE7XuU16Kr32zGbkF4SkuaKRuROAunJb-KyFJYYq4yZWP3ftP32G7QU_unwVed8adea2EnU_UAzkBOrX840vvsxHllFZaxpH7OKlQBtXBMbtvydOe6bZh4aC7xpk/s320/sprinkle+cake.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
* That I lived closer to an <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">Ikea</a>. Shipping from that place is insane!<br />
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* Some sunshine. This rain is for the birds!<br />
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* A cake just like <a href="http://www.raspberricupcakes.com/2011/11/purple-ombre-sprinkle-cake.html">this one</a> for my birthday (it's Saturday!).<br />
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* I think the twins would love <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91911543/jacques-the-french-baguette-squeaky-dog?image_id=307964731">Jacques the French Baguette</a>!<br />
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* If I could tell time, I would wear this <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/24746281.jsp">watch</a> every day.<br />
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What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-1576760336610796392012-05-25T08:00:00.000-05:002012-05-25T08:00:02.088-05:00I can't wait<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yqxmhJU4nk4" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I never minded reading classic lit in high school, and <em><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/great-gatsby-f-scott-fitzgerald/1100093285?ean=9780743273565">The Great Gatsby</a></em> is one reason why. They're not classics for nothin'!<br />
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I cannot WAIT for the new movie version.mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-48056831588285311362012-05-23T16:27:00.003-05:002012-05-23T16:27:38.256-05:00(double) wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.317106665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sir Hopsalot - hopping bunny, decorative little soft figurine, handmade from wool" border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.317106665.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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* Have you ever seen anything cuter than <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94397684/sir-hopsalot-hopping-bunny-decorative">Sir Hopsalot</a>?</div>
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* The color of this <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/rockers-and-gliders/kids-furniture/swivel-glider-ottoman/f9930">chair + ottoman</a> is so soothing.</div>
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* <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62005590/youre-my-favorite-work-of-art-8-x-10">Awww</a>.</div>
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* I've heard such lovely things about this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393061825/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=acoj-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0393061825">book</a>.</div>
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* We all know how much I love <a href="http://www.albeebaby.com/kids-preferred-65-the-very-hungry-caterpillar-ring.html?utm_source=Shopping_Com&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=ShoppingCom">Eric Carle</a>.</div>
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What's <em>your</em> wish? <br />
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(And did you figure out my little secret?)</div>
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<br /></div>mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-39202684919611765662012-05-23T09:24:00.002-05:002012-05-23T09:24:32.103-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<a href="http://withstyle.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_5347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8120" height="320" src="http://withstyle.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_5347.jpg" title="Riesling Strawberry Slushies" width="213" /></a></div>
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* These <a href="http://withstyle.me/2011/09/15/riesling-strawberry-slushies-recipe/">riesling strawberry slushies</a> look so delish!</div>
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* One of these <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/23901879.jsp?color=072http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/23901879.jsp?color=070http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/23901879.jsp?color=072http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/23901879.jsp?color=065">floppy hats</a> for upcoming beach trips. I very much like the yellow one.</div>
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* These <a href="http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESSANDALS/sandals/PRDOVR~45590/45590.jsp">wedges</a> look like a perfect height!</div>
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* How excited are we that one-pieces are back? <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/catalogjcrewcomexclusives/onlineshops/swim/PRDOVR~67098/99102607856/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17~90~~~~~~~/67098.jsp">This one</a> would be especially flattering!</div>
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* That I were near a pool right now.</div>
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What's <em>your</em> wish?</div>
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<br /></div>mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-19391126134415977462012-05-16T09:34:00.002-05:002012-05-16T09:34:29.107-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1242395-main-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bliss - Lemon+Sage Body Butter Maximum Moisture Cream" border="0" height="250" rel="#product-view-larger" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1242395-main-hero.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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* How 'bout just a good day?</div>
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* Pretty much every <a href="http://www.butterlondon.com/">Butter London</a> nail color. I have "<a href="http://www.butterlondon.com/collections/spring/-summer-2012-collection/trout-pout">Trout Pout</a>," and I love it!</div>
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* Some cute, neutral wedges that I can wear to work. I still love <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jeffrey-campbell-regina-wedge/3247742?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=jeffrey_campbell_'regina'_wedge:512179&cm_pla=shoes:women:pumps&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=9ABDBE78-7A44-E111-9E12-001517B1882A">these</a>.</div>
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* A Brazilian Blowout for my hair. I think I'm a great candidate.</div>
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* A lifetime supply of this <a href="http://www.sephora.com/lemon-sage-body-butter-maximum-moisture-cream-P258625?skuId=1242395">lotion</a>. It smells so clean and wonderful.</div>
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What's <em>your</em> wish?<br />
<br />mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-65942574892430385642012-05-09T08:00:00.000-05:002012-05-09T08:00:09.760-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQS-r9zSdUJ1WUBui_GKPv7DoppMz0Prw6GrdZiO9CK0xRFgI9hYp6mFJn2ZmrB_8vf3rH6YI009v_-L44Yk18WPpZzlfCL7csP9RxhNg1R8bQcdPYbY0WC-bqFaunan3DJO8dz6PLwOI/s1600/mermaid-braid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQS-r9zSdUJ1WUBui_GKPv7DoppMz0Prw6GrdZiO9CK0xRFgI9hYp6mFJn2ZmrB_8vf3rH6YI009v_-L44Yk18WPpZzlfCL7csP9RxhNg1R8bQcdPYbY0WC-bqFaunan3DJO8dz6PLwOI/s320/mermaid-braid.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/05/mermaid-tail-braid.html">here</a></td></tr>
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* That I hadn't just eaten a Snickers. (embarrassed face)<br />
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* I still want a white blazer. Am I too young for <a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi28677&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80008&sortKey=Default&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008">this one</a> from Talbots?<br />
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* That my hair were tame enough to do this cool <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/05/mermaid-tail-braid.html">braid</a> featured on <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">A Cup of Jo</a>.<br />
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* To be able to survive this summer. How is it already 90 degrees outside?<br />
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* How adorable is this custom <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96978123/custom-portrait-11x17-print">portrait</a>? Wouldn't it be a great anniversary gift?<br />
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What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-25128960231857919612012-05-08T13:52:00.003-05:002012-05-08T13:52:39.204-05:00guess who's back?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhfiwjO486RiapSBd1hju-V-iTeQ9AlNj4O9zxtKQC07u20KQozn5vMRG-qJHNypRw4Tl4lRNZ_6v4_hBmKDTyNFpNx5b2-H3xHKMBsV4xT9Rcp6vfgZe0S80pOAidXnDolb7l1bRjC7Y/s1600/RUNWAY2copy-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhfiwjO486RiapSBd1hju-V-iTeQ9AlNj4O9zxtKQC07u20KQozn5vMRG-qJHNypRw4Tl4lRNZ_6v4_hBmKDTyNFpNx5b2-H3xHKMBsV4xT9Rcp6vfgZe0S80pOAidXnDolb7l1bRjC7Y/s320/RUNWAY2copy-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Surely I'm not the only one excited about my <a href="http://harrishelen.blogspot.com/">sister</a>'s return to the blogging world.</div>mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-8155133101384389852012-05-02T08:00:00.000-05:002012-05-02T08:00:15.267-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/083307_072_b?$redesign-zoom-5x$" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" id="lbImage" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/083307_072_b?$redesign-zoom-5x$" style="khtmlopacity: 1; mozopacity: 1; opacity: 1;" width="213" /></a>* That I'd planned some posts for you while I was out last week. No doubt you were devastated.</div>
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* How cute is this <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom//women/fair-square-prices/best-prices/allen-b%25c2%25ae-asymmetrical-stripe-dress/prod.jump?ppId=1e28769&catId=cat100210008&deptId=dept20000013&cmJCP_C=labeled&cmJCP_T=XGNS&containerId=JCP|dept20000013|cat100210008&catId=SearchResults">dress</a>? And it's from JCPenney!<br />
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* That I hadn't left my favorite self-tanner in my hotel room. Bummer.<br />
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* Skinnier legs. It's practically summer, people.<br />
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* This <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/083307.jsp">pillow</a> reminds me of The Lion King. And who doesn't love crewel?<br />
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What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-13264010615879152332012-04-20T10:59:00.000-05:002012-04-20T10:59:02.523-05:00kate the great<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDCD4ttnE5El1oHwCNY-XHeK01wuHaUjq444oFA-PgI8YLxU7V_0JeErmtkUvRv7XeJqT0CYhNwNPbAepRHHuhKKZLa0J3FuDAhAGgXqpanVkuHKmk17nXu9djdiLKOQceMyMS4DgErVD/s1600/KAte-&-will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDCD4ttnE5El1oHwCNY-XHeK01wuHaUjq444oFA-PgI8YLxU7V_0JeErmtkUvRv7XeJqT0CYhNwNPbAepRHHuhKKZLa0J3FuDAhAGgXqpanVkuHKmk17nXu9djdiLKOQceMyMS4DgErVD/s320/KAte-&-will.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image of the lovely couple from <a href="http://www.stylist.co.uk/katemiddleton/why-we-all-want-to-believe-in-kate#null">here</a></td></tr>
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It seems like Americans have always been more enamored of the British Monarchy than the Brits themselves. Most of my friends overseas were irritated by last year's royal wedding, while I (happily!) woke up at 4:00 a.m. that day to watch every second on my phone, even recording the rest of the day (on BBC, naturally) so I wouldn't miss a single moment.<br />
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But in a world of Snookis and Lindsays, it's nice to have Kate, don't you think? And it seems from this <a href="http://www.stylist.co.uk/katemiddleton/why-we-all-want-to-believe-in-kate#null">article</a> from Stylist, even those skeptical Brits are embracing her. <br />
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What are your plans this weekend? I jet off to Los Angeles tomorrow for work! Wonder who I'll run into...mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-96004774453717172012-04-18T16:11:00.003-05:002012-04-18T16:12:36.280-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJmwFltNYwO_NxG0LxVFdd_1mbzZx_QlU7LQs23VeiLqi7dPMQbwZZLLiBvxsjhyphenhyphenFUU7C5120CZm05fcQwBImWve1iWCbbt1nQh6D9Pifaw_PtfBGa1_a_bJsuu7HI9iDXWRbMTKH2M_c/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJmwFltNYwO_NxG0LxVFdd_1mbzZx_QlU7LQs23VeiLqi7dPMQbwZZLLiBvxsjhyphenhyphenFUU7C5120CZm05fcQwBImWve1iWCbbt1nQh6D9Pifaw_PtfBGa1_a_bJsuu7HI9iDXWRbMTKH2M_c/s320/dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSES/waistdefined/PRDOVR~79764/79764.jsp">you can buy it for me, if you want.</a></td></tr>
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* To meet up with <a href="http://joythebaker.com/">Joy the Baker</a> when I'm in L.A. next week!<br />
<br />
* A total yard makeover. Any volunteers?<br />
<br />
* Pretty much <a href="http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSES/waistdefined.jsp">any dress</a> from <a href="http://www.madewell.com/index.jsp">Madewell</a> these days.<br />
<br />
* A super-cute one-piece swimsuit. Is there such a thing?<br />
<br />
* Who wouldn't love a couple of these adorable <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Dolce-Upholstered-Accent-Arm-Chair-Luca-Teal-Geometric/-/A-13626090">chairs</a>?<br />
<br />
What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-91675249262091009842012-04-13T11:17:00.003-05:002012-04-13T11:17:41.981-05:00i love cheese<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Skinny Queso" class="post-image-img" height="216" nodeindex="1" src="http://www.slenderkitchen.com/wp-content/themes/glide/image/timthumb.php?src=http://www.slenderkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/weight-watchers-queso_1.jpg&h=400&w=590&q=100" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Skinny Queso" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image from </span><a href="http://www.slenderkitchen.com/skinny-queso/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, maybe I'll make <a href="http://www.slenderkitchen.com/skinny-queso/">this</a> soon.<br />
<br />
What are you doing this weekend? I'm going to see the Avett Brothers with <a href="http://mkmillner.blogspot.com/">Mary-Kathryn</a>! I'm stoked!mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-21431135904405424132012-04-11T09:26:00.002-05:002012-04-11T09:26:45.247-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUxdXQOoOQV7qTWlGzw42CaNqq4GJ9_LpnnM-hopUzw-fK62XbRqb0jEovP3m4iPOcUBvZfkH43O2ZILqrXMrogXdWgHz7uO2hodCetMXDT5dFo41551jhC9ALOBOoEcIhaCueG1ZAsOr/s1600/candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUxdXQOoOQV7qTWlGzw42CaNqq4GJ9_LpnnM-hopUzw-fK62XbRqb0jEovP3m4iPOcUBvZfkH43O2ZILqrXMrogXdWgHz7uO2hodCetMXDT5dFo41551jhC9ALOBOoEcIhaCueG1ZAsOr/s320/candle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MillnerAmy?ref=seller_info">Wagon Wheel Candles</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
* Jen Lancaster's new <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jeneration-x-jen-lancaster/1104662954?ean=9780451233172&itm=1&usri=jen+lancaster">book</a>. Hurry, May!<br />
<br />
* I'd feel like Katniss in this bad-to-the-bone <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=A23811409&cm_mmc=PJN-_-Affiliates-_-Placement=73861-_-ShopAnthropologie">bangle</a>.<br />
<br />
* An Abita Strawberry for lunch. How come work always gets in the way of my fun?<br />
<br />
* I'd love to have these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96154443/soy-candle-12-oz-rustic-hanging-can">candles</a> all over my kitchen. They smell as good as they look!<br />
<br />
* The perfect <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Matrushka-Manicure-Set/3303_012/440346.html">marriage</a> of my love of a nesting doll and a manicured nail.<br />
<br />
What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-33501478435913914652012-04-06T09:05:00.000-05:002012-04-06T09:05:14.104-05:00sneak peekMuch has been made on this blog about my <a href="http://marystratonandkell.blogspot.com/2012/02/re-do.html">bedroom</a> <a href="http://marystratonandkell.blogspot.com/2012/03/re-do-to-do.html">makeover</a>. I've got a sneak peek for you, if you'd like to see...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-n7QD1CWpKir4oqAiWVsbsv51GQ1GqyzEg8xGv_j0nxmJ8JERnSvtogg1HLJUJ5Zyax_VDtDnzQrTwz58gVJFgQUWuqqBWJGvyvjmh6sEAOU5dPX_Xy7dv5oNtiSKGeukT-PlDqCoJxX/s1600/bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-n7QD1CWpKir4oqAiWVsbsv51GQ1GqyzEg8xGv_j0nxmJ8JERnSvtogg1HLJUJ5Zyax_VDtDnzQrTwz58gVJFgQUWuqqBWJGvyvjmh6sEAOU5dPX_Xy7dv5oNtiSKGeukT-PlDqCoJxX/s320/bedroom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What do you think? The orange and green fabrics are velvet, and I could die I love them so much. And you'll likely recognize the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73995735/chiang-mai-dragon-pillows-f-schumacher?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=chiang+mai+dragon&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">pillow</a> in the back as well.<br />
<br />
What are your Easter plans? This will be our first one just the two of us, and I'm going to make my first attempt at dressing. I'm nervous!<br />
<br />
Have a blessed weekend.mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-18828419168807743422012-04-04T12:02:00.001-05:002012-04-04T12:02:32.690-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEJeKdrDIfPI4i1vl1MFv4BP7GDB0qD0b86x53PRU0NXZmpvaUQZXYtWgQVXrGM-PAh7x8sd6Z7DIINOtHQRanPDYV-8dMCqAorjuO0Q35aGHwQhBIke9N5ym84TOv4VriF9U6-ul3Y2E/s1600/tokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEJeKdrDIfPI4i1vl1MFv4BP7GDB0qD0b86x53PRU0NXZmpvaUQZXYtWgQVXrGM-PAh7x8sd6Z7DIINOtHQRanPDYV-8dMCqAorjuO0Q35aGHwQhBIke9N5ym84TOv4VriF9U6-ul3Y2E/s320/tokyo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
* That I could keep this blowout. My hair is so straight!<br />
<br />
* Some <a href="http://www.jonhartdesign.com/main/index.php">Jon Hart luggage</a>. Which color would you choose?<br />
<br />
* I love <a href="http://www.muji.us/store/gift-and-memory/tokyo-in-a-box.html">Tokyo</a>.<br />
<br />
* The colors in this <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/hummingbird-pillow-cover-t174/?pkey=cpillows-throws">hummingbird throw pillow</a> are so lovely.<br />
<br />
* A "hoppy" Easter for you all!<br />
<br />
What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-83531223761895857222012-04-02T10:19:00.003-05:002012-04-02T15:53:48.506-05:00recipe round-up...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lS63Iav2uy3aM6ff4c-KHnk7Wu1QhQWbma9ezVtt6y2eFo1K2ZD7aSfhKB4FIfcNF_R433wHjsDrBDiZttw3RWbDJdu1Kiz7b6seOPUMxapozd4afAb_ew6P9UYuwJ4HPLQ6ZVmeV9V/s1600/strawberry+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lS63Iav2uy3aM6ff4c-KHnk7Wu1QhQWbma9ezVtt6y2eFo1K2ZD7aSfhKB4FIfcNF_R433wHjsDrBDiZttw3RWbDJdu1Kiz7b6seOPUMxapozd4afAb_ew6P9UYuwJ4HPLQ6ZVmeV9V/s320/strawberry+cake.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/summer-recipe-nobake-strawberr-117900"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">via</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">…and how I adapted (one of) them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I typically don’t love a baked bean, but </span><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/sidedishes/simple-and-delicious-e2809cbakede2809d-beans/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">this version</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> was pretty delicious. I liked the back of the stirring spoon (and put it promptly in the sink, of course).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These </span><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/holidays/favorite-green-beans/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">green beans</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> were a pretty, dressed up way to serve the side staple. Be sure to use fresh, not canned, beans, and salt them VERY well when you blanch them.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I gave up dessert for Lent, but this </span><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/summer-recipe-nobake-strawberr-117900"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No Bake Strawberry “Cake”</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> was simple and delicious, according to the Mr. The homemade whipped cream is the only way to do this. I left off the ganache.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://notwithoutsalt.com/2010/03/18/chocolate-chip-banana-bread/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chocolate Chip Banana Bread</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> is a great way to use up spotty bananas that no one will eat but me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I’m a mac and cheese connoisseur, and this </span><a href="http://picky-palate.com/2012/02/20/5-minute-homemade-mac-and-cheese/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PickyPalate+%28Picky+Palate%29"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Five-Minute Microwave Mac</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> was GOOD. If you shred your own cheese like I did, be sure you toss it with a teaspoon of flour to keep the cheese from getting lumpy. I added a teaspoon each of onion powder, ground mustard and white pepper. After the time in the microwave, I transferred to a fancier dish and topped it with some extra cheese and some panko bread crumbs and baked it at 400 degrees or so until the top browned.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can find more recipes like these on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mary_straton/delicious-dish/">Delicious Dish</a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/mary_straton/">Pinterest</a> board!</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Happy Monday. If there is such a thing.</span></span></div>mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-83295839874031378972012-03-30T08:00:00.000-05:002012-03-30T08:00:05.431-05:00car coversIn my mind, this is what I sound like when I sing in the car.<br />
<br />
I'm certain it's slightly different in real life. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WJiCUdLBxuI" width="420"></iframe>mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-41509263243041261232012-03-28T09:50:00.000-05:002012-03-28T09:50:09.574-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpDcn5lGYM-FE7-sUgIAijOF6mJcmogfQRwFZd6At6ta-YbXzyUJ6MPoJH6sqczPtDClsYLatW4b26w9ehQma9vlJw2KhE5WAHPWxz8u1DGikW1FUJks3w9eo7MLg4ZkkRgYMp7i6gAaA/s1600/jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpDcn5lGYM-FE7-sUgIAijOF6mJcmogfQRwFZd6At6ta-YbXzyUJ6MPoJH6sqczPtDClsYLatW4b26w9ehQma9vlJw2KhE5WAHPWxz8u1DGikW1FUJks3w9eo7MLg4ZkkRgYMp7i6gAaA/s320/jeans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>* A bring-your-dog-to-work day!<br />
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* To be BFFs with Jennifer Lawrence. Check out her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5Pr29nu-54&feature=related">interview</a> with Chelsea Handler on YouTube. You'll see what I mean.<br />
<br />
* Some of these sherbert-colored <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/toothpick/PRDOVR~62443/62443.jsp">jeans</a>. I love the peachy-pink!<br />
<br />
* An Easter dress. I can't seem to find one that I adore in my price range. Any suggestions?<br />
<br />
* Someone to whome I could give this little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90868075/tooth-fairy-pillow-for-kids-original?ref=fp_featured_item">tooth fairy pillow</a>.<br />
<br />
What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-61065744912375989232012-03-26T10:50:00.003-05:002012-03-26T11:26:03.871-05:00the hunger games<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiK8aM61ws1MM6t9VbKrOOiBvvU7E7WfdJ8hSeDvUndSLHZ0nhnnDtCNcKaqs8iAPBk0gN_0tbC1ocnOHoM4avq4BHhcvDXDdUChXh7_WNTkCziyCZsmywYXglhajowC5PpfxdapfU9Wp/s1600/hg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiK8aM61ws1MM6t9VbKrOOiBvvU7E7WfdJ8hSeDvUndSLHZ0nhnnDtCNcKaqs8iAPBk0gN_0tbC1ocnOHoM4avq4BHhcvDXDdUChXh7_WNTkCziyCZsmywYXglhajowC5PpfxdapfU9Wp/s320/hg.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image and other HG wallpapers from <a href="http://www.hungergamestrilogy.net/2010/02/hunger-games-wallpapers/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I saw it this weekend...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I gave it a B for the following reasons:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
1. Other than Jennifer Lawrence, I didn't think the acting was all that good. But she killed it.<br />
<br />
2. I didn't feel like Peeta was all that in love with Katniss like in the book. And he seemed a little pathetic. He was supposed to be this big, strong guy, and Josh Hutcherson is puny.<br />
<br />
3. They left out Madge completely.<br />
<br />
4. Gale is HOT.<br />
<br />
5. Lenny Kravitz was perfect. And hot. <br />
<br />
6. Woody Harrelson was much better than I thought. Still not drunk or mean enough for my taste, though.<br />
<br />
7. Prim and Rue were GREAT.<br />
<br />
8. Conceptually, they did a good job. Most things were just as I'd pictured.<br />
<br />
9. They totally blew the Mockingjay pin introduction.<br />
<br />
10. Stanley Tucci could not have been ANY better. Perfection.<br />
<br />
11. Why did they leave out the bread from District 11?<br />
<br />
12. Finnick better knock my socks off.<br />
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What did you think?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-54615381294968411202012-03-23T08:00:00.001-05:002012-03-23T08:00:08.917-05:00yipes! stripes!I have a sewing machine. It’s sitting in a cabinet in my dining room, collecting dust, as we virtually speak right now. I’ve even used it once, under the supervision of someone who knew WAY more about what she was doing than I do. I’d like to learn, I want to learn, but I’m scared of messing up or breaking a needle or having to thread the bobbin and not know what to do. <br />
<br />
<br />
So I’d like to add horizontal-striped curtains to the list of things that I can’t do because I can’t/won’t learn to sew. I cannot quit thinking about how badly I want these…<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcASP28j3ObZwMSIZOKPsZuea7z-Hmnrn6JOh1KGwLAGYXH2gCEzs9gOhj0StORQXRvFmUM1mQPR7Xncmz4cVC55fIOpJNjucGEM6R6rlY7GtU5HcUMlOXFDn6eumSro1jihEzBmkDddm/s1600/1+bhg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcASP28j3ObZwMSIZOKPsZuea7z-Hmnrn6JOh1KGwLAGYXH2gCEzs9gOhj0StORQXRvFmUM1mQPR7Xncmz4cVC55fIOpJNjucGEM6R6rlY7GtU5HcUMlOXFDn6eumSro1jihEzBmkDddm/s320/1+bhg.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How great is this watermelon-y color?<br />
From <em><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/decorating-style/cottage/citrus-color-scheme-family-cottage/?sssdmh=dm17.562905&esrc=nwdc112311&email=3274273861#page=7">Better Homes & Gardens</a></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZco-nEsDiYriIhLrCEGp3LPnTosQJRH4xZY5psLIjiFqkOcGf6fp8He5Xq3qdORzjikk8LFkx244RdDhyrqq7ENQheKzgVgoqk13Pa8eH3ZK4c3JhLVhLSS63fH48BLir3031WCCnIy-Q/s1600/2+amanda+carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZco-nEsDiYriIhLrCEGp3LPnTosQJRH4xZY5psLIjiFqkOcGf6fp8He5Xq3qdORzjikk8LFkx244RdDhyrqq7ENQheKzgVgoqk13Pa8eH3ZK4c3JhLVhLSS63fH48BLir3031WCCnIy-Q/s320/2+amanda+carol.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amandacarolathome.com/2012/01/horizontal-stripe-drapery.html">Amanda Carol</a> sewed together West Elm <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/stripe-shower-curtain-b566/?pkey=cshower-curtains">shower curtains</a> for her home office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk9t_TuWVlAAdrf30aS5GEy83VAkCEA8g-rywZhQRxQbAxiWjsQalwAXTCgpBypw3OFYBUZr1vo7tWYVnMldLqif4Som5Dc-CI969dD7-xgbEfpf30AHMqUoGMdMCCVrT0ogMeT_oUA8m/s1600/5+the+alluvian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk9t_TuWVlAAdrf30aS5GEy83VAkCEA8g-rywZhQRxQbAxiWjsQalwAXTCgpBypw3OFYBUZr1vo7tWYVnMldLqif4Som5Dc-CI969dD7-xgbEfpf30AHMqUoGMdMCCVrT0ogMeT_oUA8m/s320/5+the+alluvian.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thealluvian.com/">The Alluvian</a> was doing horizontal before horizontal was cool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKQbT-MbAMO_zG043bP1QQs9fEtomayGAmwbw4NcotblsE3XduA6ibMUbeoebO9i25BVxY0o65VflUzUpp1N0Lg9-xC1OFoy_GG5s5OkPWoFP5VnYrZxf0mIcZEWwRQ_CjW55VxzgGWae/s1600/6+nursery.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKQbT-MbAMO_zG043bP1QQs9fEtomayGAmwbw4NcotblsE3XduA6ibMUbeoebO9i25BVxY0o65VflUzUpp1N0Lg9-xC1OFoy_GG5s5OkPWoFP5VnYrZxf0mIcZEWwRQ_CjW55VxzgGWae/s320/6+nursery.png" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfection in a nursery. (source unknown)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hntcCtm_RvKDOBPREYalc-Ox7KMvdD6cbP5b8CXpiPZ4GAOeshsdLvbVLFOVpuKerSKcaX3tOGF1LKhxP9v1NMnQCp9ii3MdGZiOiDmNPmftrlVSYJTvZuRzvByKRKEDAZ7-gnnxb4TC/s1600/3+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hntcCtm_RvKDOBPREYalc-Ox7KMvdD6cbP5b8CXpiPZ4GAOeshsdLvbVLFOVpuKerSKcaX3tOGF1LKhxP9v1NMnQCp9ii3MdGZiOiDmNPmftrlVSYJTvZuRzvByKRKEDAZ7-gnnxb4TC/s320/3+orange.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>My absolute favorite! (source unknown)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don’t you love this look?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Of course to have these custom-made would probably cost a fortune (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67911483/96-pick-your-colors-striped-drapery">these</a> on etsy aren’t too bad, but the fabric isn’t what I want). How hard would it be for fabric-maker-people to make horizontal striped fabric? Seriously? If there are any fabric designers out there, be aware that you are missing a huge chunk of business, especially with the all the striped curtains I’ve seen out there. I found a <a href="http://high-heelfootinthedoor.blogspot.com/2009/09/seeing-stripes-diy-curtains.html">tutorial</a> for painting them, and I’m considering trying it out.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>What do you think? Do you love this look enough to DIY?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-2538224349913642702012-03-21T08:53:00.000-05:002012-03-21T08:53:16.791-05:00wish list wednesday - birthday edition!What do I wish for Harris this Wednesday?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7HhBzygA2krqcj4t2VbtwOL85u8vpPWIjU3qQ2VyOpdVt5FUU-0yBlEyV5rBY4hV4xes6eG5liBcO-MsikfCDuOXa0CRL5W166cteVmnlLPuLadkcmqq3gmuiBXtvo5R05AYlEpMhAte/s1600/hhk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7HhBzygA2krqcj4t2VbtwOL85u8vpPWIjU3qQ2VyOpdVt5FUU-0yBlEyV5rBY4hV4xes6eG5liBcO-MsikfCDuOXa0CRL5W166cteVmnlLPuLadkcmqq3gmuiBXtvo5R05AYlEpMhAte/s320/hhk.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>* That all the water fountains would be Diet Pepsi fountains.<br />
<br />
* This <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23690936&color=010&color=010&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS">kitty soap dispenser</a> in every bathroom.<br />
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* A <a href="http://hoh1960.com/">House of Harlow</a> shopping spree!<br />
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* That everyone would call her Katniss today.<br />
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* Coconut cake for every meal!<br />
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What's <em>your</em> birthday wish for the diva?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-37482911797414128792012-03-16T10:55:00.001-05:002012-03-16T12:10:13.276-05:00top knots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawXhHjqeh6hUUuIPDf8C-6ZsHVh-sKQhHJy_4uy6KBN6hwdtlUPtkmtqEM6G0ruhwv2kdGeudSzZYxFEz-sEOxuK0IX2fKX2Z5e7Rotux6bUL284MmGobYnsvFgc4l8Zi2Aw9T1FoGYf7/s1600/knot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawXhHjqeh6hUUuIPDf8C-6ZsHVh-sKQhHJy_4uy6KBN6hwdtlUPtkmtqEM6G0ruhwv2kdGeudSzZYxFEz-sEOxuK0IX2fKX2Z5e7Rotux6bUL284MmGobYnsvFgc4l8Zi2Aw9T1FoGYf7/s320/knot+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKxvwEjap3SIzAIho0ge2m8ek6Uq70dRzymmX-CfpSfXXHzKKtX5-7vBRvsDix3DqS1utgNB0asB8-b0dm05CAlrGpWHiNSM8VLYO0gNKMKc6oDAz6sOqkf5gx5YQlUuLjJFC0qR9gY8W/s1600/knot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKxvwEjap3SIzAIho0ge2m8ek6Uq70dRzymmX-CfpSfXXHzKKtX5-7vBRvsDix3DqS1utgNB0asB8-b0dm05CAlrGpWHiNSM8VLYO0gNKMKc6oDAz6sOqkf5gx5YQlUuLjJFC0qR9gY8W/s320/knot+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Uhc8atkpgZBH3GmPWmIe_vTg1POZ_B4DTP6oLnxiperADk6dpieLKkGpnqNtToMgH_GU5Pmbp3_CGf-BanyV1uAnWfPjKnZKOmPxPKBRP5G2Tg9wFXapYF4D9ETKaiF2UDAIDEcaUite/s1600/knot+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Uhc8atkpgZBH3GmPWmIe_vTg1POZ_B4DTP6oLnxiperADk6dpieLKkGpnqNtToMgH_GU5Pmbp3_CGf-BanyV1uAnWfPjKnZKOmPxPKBRP5G2Tg9wFXapYF4D9ETKaiF2UDAIDEcaUite/s320/knot+3.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">images from Pinterest</span></div><br />
Do you like the top knot?<br />
<br />
I, like most women I know, have a love/hate relationship with my hair. It's actually more like a love/jeez-why-is-there-so-much-of-it-and-why-does-it-feel-like-a-horse relationship, so it's no surprise that I put off washing it as long as I can. Which of course means I need to do some careful maneuvering a few days every week.<br />
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I have yet to figure out how to make the top knot work for me (I have a giant forehead that typically needs some "softening"), but I love it! Here's a good <a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/2011/07/in-a-rush-forget-the-brush/">tutorial</a>, or you could use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goody-Simple-Styles-Assorted-Colors/dp/B003FVDNO6">these</a>.<br />
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Would you try it? Maybe this weekend?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-63814774445392348122012-03-14T08:10:00.000-05:002012-03-14T08:10:04.724-05:00wish list wednesdayWhat am I wishing for this Wednesday?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_KOD6Et8AJi4cwXeuftgC9FrUD4icHbTMIDCqQAmHafgG3U21kbJHR4lWqfXbVlN8dJYAWPNF6sfRTXnVp94aXLJHVKuBDuV-pCJ4PwvLuFw9scaQb1AOdz9jc6vmW-iYeus867SjPoK/s1600/gbpizza-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_KOD6Et8AJi4cwXeuftgC9FrUD4icHbTMIDCqQAmHafgG3U21kbJHR4lWqfXbVlN8dJYAWPNF6sfRTXnVp94aXLJHVKuBDuV-pCJ4PwvLuFw9scaQb1AOdz9jc6vmW-iYeus867SjPoK/s320/gbpizza-1-2.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/">HowSweetItIs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
* Dry shampoo for curly hair. Is there such a thing?<br />
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* The <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~59369/59369.jsp">J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt</a>. How great is the citron color?<br />
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* That this humid weather would hit the road! It's too early for frizz like this.<br />
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* That these <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17851247&color=011&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=A_DEC_BEDDING_PILLOWS">shams</a> came in king-size. This king bedding stuff is hard!<br />
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* <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/03/garlic-bread-pizza-crust/">Garlic Bread Pizza Crust</a> counts as breakfast, right?<br />
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What's <em>your</em> wish?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-9481093620338249852012-03-12T11:46:00.001-05:002012-03-12T11:47:06.008-05:00re-do to do<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What’s the deal with Daylight Savings Time? (Doesn’t that sound like the opening line of a bad Jerry Seinfeld act?) I totally get why we did it in the beginning, but is it really necessary in 2012? This pretty much sums up my thoughts on it:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SStWq42d2mcndCJ7U8UBq9HdFvMvWRDGn5imdOlwQlKERL5aoaa0FRGOi9Mo6uhYiWft-_vMdTKl985ESjSkx_1fjgOW3aRoLXWRL4E5J93e4EXFLalLY0G7_oCdywjIWt1XFZ9GiYLF/s1600/pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SStWq42d2mcndCJ7U8UBq9HdFvMvWRDGn5imdOlwQlKERL5aoaa0FRGOi9Mo6uhYiWft-_vMdTKl985ESjSkx_1fjgOW3aRoLXWRL4E5J93e4EXFLalLY0G7_oCdywjIWt1XFZ9GiYLF/s1600/pictures.jpg" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>PC? No. True? Yes.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While I was lying awake last night at 11:30 p.m., I put together a to-do list for my <a href="http://marystratonandkell.blogspot.com/2012/02/re-do.html">bedroom makeover</a> and even set a deadline for myself: Memorial Day = installation day. Why then you might ask? Supposedly that’s when the mattresses at Miskelly go on sale. Who knew? Kell did. And since I have not heeded his opinion on anything décor-related yet, I decided to give him that one little nugget.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">3 Euro shams</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ivory king shams</div><div style="text-align: center;">Throw pillows (one of which is my beloved <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73995735/chiang-mai-dragon-pillows-f-schumacher?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=chiang+mai+dragon&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Chiang Mai pillow</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mattelasse bedspread - ivory</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paint walls</div><div style="text-align: center;">curtain panels</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunburst mirror (I got one at Big Lots!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">headboard </div><div style="text-align: center;">Lamps for bedside tables</div><div style="text-align: center;">Painting above bed</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bedside tables</div><div style="text-align: center;">Art above bedside tables</div><br />
And I will say that for me, the best way to get started was to choose a color pallette. Fortunately, Chiang Mai Dragon has so many great colors, <a href="http://www.fschumacher.com/index.html">Shumacher</a> did that for me.<br />
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So, now there’s no excuse but to get to work, right? Oh, and there’s that little hurdle called a “budget” to get over, but shoot first, apologize later, right?mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545224998610290669.post-12773037485325425772012-03-09T08:00:00.000-06:002012-03-09T08:00:08.377-06:00a challenge...or maybe notWell, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> sure has taken off like wildfire, yes?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/mary_straton/">I</a> myself got sucked in months ago (all the blame rests on <a href="http://lauramerrill.blogspot.com/">Laura Merrill</a>), and I. Love. It. It's like shopping, but you don't have to actually pay for the stuff. And it's like hoarding. but cuter and you don't end up on TLC clutching old Target sacks and dented canned goods.<br />
<br />
Always having been one of those people who had to be "in the mood" to get creative, Pinterest seems to do the trick most of the time. But how many times, myself included, have we pinned with the best intentions, only to do nothing with it? Is the road to shoulda/woulda/couldas paved with good <em>pin</em>-tentions?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmeB1zeyEcvZsuJCcm_N7aO1ESXDoSI1jWA8WgfDyOLtxKrT_t03vWIL40EAUyIP16Zm8ExWZyv5-xzeiDxfpVMDK1DbEeT6xI5DmfhR2UEWhT6-mwXpCQDdgkfsLcCMIl53l8tebEs8n/s1600/Pinterest_Challenge_banner_1_winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmeB1zeyEcvZsuJCcm_N7aO1ESXDoSI1jWA8WgfDyOLtxKrT_t03vWIL40EAUyIP16Zm8ExWZyv5-xzeiDxfpVMDK1DbEeT6xI5DmfhR2UEWhT6-mwXpCQDdgkfsLcCMIl53l8tebEs8n/s320/Pinterest_Challenge_banner_1_winter.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
So here you go, readers (all five of you). I'm taking part in the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/somebody-pinch-me.html">Pinterest Challenge</a> that I spotted on <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/">Hi, Sugarplum!</a> blog (that's where I got the banner, too). The rules are simple: find something you pinned, actually do it/make it, and blog about it! It can be a DIY, an outfit or a recipe; just do something! Oh, and don't forget to tell me about it, and I'll mention it here. Let's share some blogger luv!<br />
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Today I'm off to Gulfport to help host a baby shower for my dear friend, Morgan. What are your plans for the weekend? I hope it's pin-credible. <br />
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You like those pin puns. Don't lie.mary stratonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113036896907865544noreply@blogger.com0