tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53670478744909463032024-02-21T04:32:32.378-06:00Toodlebelle's BlogToodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-32005302274156901352023-11-26T21:39:00.001-06:002023-11-26T21:39:45.642-06:00My 2023 Christmas ListAfter sending my husband countless Tik-Tok videos hints with captions like, "this would make a great Christmas Present..." he requested that I put together a list with all of the items in one place so that it would be easier to share with our family members who will inevitably be reaching out asking, "What does Syd want for Christmas this year?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5K8s5g7VN8UeT2XNVClNHX74K7j0iRn_zae2QoUwzatr4xfnv-gOmBEG6jYubVSEAA36UdUjBDPJUrvAnF0TijPTjengA9XPXliE60s7-2qtcerOiiYmlqFDI1oVTQEUVqFn8l7dcRJQtUL2V-LAFKbEAzxq_2wMioWWIUNFpqItzbk913euBLmpvwQ/s3245/Xmas%20List.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3245" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5K8s5g7VN8UeT2XNVClNHX74K7j0iRn_zae2QoUwzatr4xfnv-gOmBEG6jYubVSEAA36UdUjBDPJUrvAnF0TijPTjengA9XPXliE60s7-2qtcerOiiYmlqFDI1oVTQEUVqFn8l7dcRJQtUL2V-LAFKbEAzxq_2wMioWWIUNFpqItzbk913euBLmpvwQ/s16000/Xmas%20List.jpg" />
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="5107153"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/631e7472475ea72aa409815981dd5d854dd32cef/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3SWxjWQ" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser</a><span style="text-align: left;">. This is my favorite cleanser and perfect for removing makeup. I've repurchased so many times. </span></li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3QXPqJn" target="_blank">Cute</a><a href="https://bit.ly/3uwoHMD" target="_blank"> Pillows</a>. These would be super cute on our couch. The pillows we've had since college have seen better days. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/47AEqsv" target="_blank">Wreath</a> with <a href="https://bit.ly/47uaP45" target="_blank">Monogram Sash</a>. Definitely a splurge, but I have followed this small business for ages and they have the most beautiful home decor. So dreamy. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3MWEaMk" target="_blank">Children's Classic Book Set.</a> This is more for the baby than for me, but I think this would be a great addition to the nursery. Plus, can you really ever have too many books?</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/47OiART" target="_blank">Needlepoint Lamp</a>. I'm working on a big needlepoint project for the baby's room, and I think this lamp will help!</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3SZjsPz" target="_blank">Ballet flats</a>. In true millennial form, I still love my beloved ballet flats. My go-to are <a href="https://bit.ly/3GhVBD9" target="_blank">these Lucky Brand flats in the beige color</a> (size 9), but I've also linked a splurge option with the brown Margeaux demi flats. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3uCs44I" target="_blank">Eye Massaging Mask</a>. I saw this on TikTok and had to add it to the list. It seems so luxe. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/49VxSGE" target="_blank">Maternity Nightgown</a>. I know I'll be wanting nightgowns that are easy for breastfeeding once the baby arrives, so it would be nice to add some into the rotation now. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3QVe0L0" target="_blank">Dog Harness</a>. A gift for me and for Sammy... Will be perfect for when we add stroller walks to our routines next year. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/49RIeHn" target="_blank">Kindle Bluetooth Page Turner</a>. This will be perfect for when I'm cozy in bed reading my Kindle. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3N2gqpM" target="_blank">Teleties Flat Claw Clip</a>. Another TikTok item that was an instant "I need that!" Unfortunately out of stock right now at the time of posting, but maybe it will be back in before Christmas! </li></ol><div></div></div>Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-32045033080340541612020-07-31T09:23:00.014-05:002020-07-31T10:35:00.231-05:00Future Office Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0kcsUiAGC3lD2KyN275ChCTmUIPTbxEjWQLlpNXJQWUSkZkR8Nzdx2GB9cere6KaRU1Ms8dJQNU1Pl8ligg_istAGPqCVOFJSW3L2gomVcQaT43F7jczAywVWGSUqhpeC2LyHd8dILc/s720/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0kcsUiAGC3lD2KyN275ChCTmUIPTbxEjWQLlpNXJQWUSkZkR8Nzdx2GB9cere6KaRU1Ms8dJQNU1Pl8ligg_istAGPqCVOFJSW3L2gomVcQaT43F7jczAywVWGSUqhpeC2LyHd8dILc/d/Slide1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />In case this post didn't give it away, I'm pretty excited about starting my new job! I'll be clerking with an awesome judge in my hometown, but I have a bit of time before I can start. I had originally planned on taking a little (socially distant) trip after the bar exam, but Louisiana's test was canceled at the last minute (12 days before) and then officially changed to a "diploma privilege." So even though a lot has changed, my original start date stayed the same and I'm still shopping for my desk instead of researching court cases. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This little collage came together when I stumbled upon this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/813716242/monogrammed-tissue-box-cover-linen-heron?ref=shop_home_active_11&crt=1" target="_blank">tissue box cover on Etsy</a>. I created a Pinterest board and it spiraled into lists of things I wanted to have at the office, so I thought I'd share it here! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.framebridge.com/" target="_blank">Diploma Frame</a> -- I'm thinking of sending my diplomas and bar certificate to Framebridge so that they match perfectly.</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/39GuGja" target="_blank">Snake Plant</a> -- aka "mother-in-law's tongue" is supposed to be great for filtering the air in my little office. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3jV9meA" target="_blank">Lamp</a> -- I know there will be overhead light, but desktop lamps make things feel cozier. The lamp in my image was sold out, so I linked a similar one!</li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/813716242/monogrammed-tissue-box-cover-linen-heron?ref=shop_home_active_11&crt=1" target="_blank">Tissue Box Cover</a> -- This is the only thing on the list I've actually already purchased, but I love the little blue herons!</li><li><a href="https://shop.magnolia.com/products/magnolia-signature-candle-collection?variant=1181204250628" target="_blank">Candle</a> -- The Greenhouse scent is from Magnolia Market to remind me of <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/09/my-waco-trip.html" target="_blank">our trip last summer</a>. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/39It8VW" target="_blank">Wireless Charging Tray</a> -- This seems like a frivolous purchase, but I'm sure I'd use it often!</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3ggkXCR" target="_blank">Yeti Mug</a> -- To keep my coffee and tea warm all day.</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3jSqwtv" target="_blank">Desk Organizer Set</a> (such a pretty blue color!)</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/2P9jwdg" target="_blank">Picture Frame</a> -- I'm planning to frame my first needlepoint project (an LSU pennant from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/742514477/college-inspired-pennant-needlepoint?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">this Etsy shop</a>) to remind me of my COVID graduation. </li><li><a href="https://www.graymalin.com/photography/hole-6-pebble-beach-golf-links" target="_blank">Gray Malin Print</a> -- I love the idea of having a beautiful print of this iconic golf course to remind me of happy times when I'm stressed about work. </li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/2Xh7eUG" target="_blank">Heron Print</a> -- I love Audubon style prints, but this one looks pretty and budget-friendly!</li></ul></div>
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4119515"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/ed155185688a995590d4cdf25b8c1986c7ebb3b0/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-21593141657843725432020-04-10T21:37:00.000-05:002020-04-10T21:38:08.367-05:00Ten Things I Bought While QuarantinedDon't tell my mom that I'm making this post... I told her I've been doing a good job at reigning in my spending lately. It's been (unsurprisingly) very tough considering how much time I'm spending on my computer for school. We've officially been out of the physical classrooms for four weeks and there are only two weeks until finals! Even with graduation postponed until August (potentially), it's still very exciting to be so close to the finish line and tough to resist the "treat yo'self" attitude.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7wRlJy6Ieu5fecuyh8aoL1PqiKV_S_In5lyeXMjM9aZ3AwhHKmAS8qT0vbSdJdaoVbtoZCUTd4bC_6eSpu39cVw6SkgmPP5asqBZvD8pDQYnVd5a83aaFUbm7GvBu0YaUi4S7kGSxNg/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7wRlJy6Ieu5fecuyh8aoL1PqiKV_S_In5lyeXMjM9aZ3AwhHKmAS8qT0vbSdJdaoVbtoZCUTd4bC_6eSpu39cVw6SkgmPP5asqBZvD8pDQYnVd5a83aaFUbm7GvBu0YaUi4S7kGSxNg/s1600/Slide1.jpg" /></a></div>
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So without further ado, a list of the items I've treated myself with while being stuck at home!<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S1CN5ZJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Yoga blocks</a> (sold separately!)<br />
2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CW4ZLNG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Pilates exercise ball</a> (perfect for <a href="https://www.bayoubarre.com/takeaclass.html" target="_blank">virtual barre classes with my local studio Bayou Barre!</a>)<br />
3. <a href="https://www.target.com/p/hand-weight-2lb-violet---all-in-motion--8482-/-/A-77459847" target="_blank">Two-pound weights</a> (sold separately!)<br />
4. <a href="https://www.target.com/p/dr-teal--39-s-pure-epsom-salt-soothe---38--sleep-lavender-soaking-solution---48oz/-/A-13417444" target="_blank">Dr. Teal's Lavender Epsom Salts</a><br />
5. <a href="https://www.target.com/p/cadbury-creme-easter-egg---4-8oz-4ct/-/A-77676463" target="_blank">Easter</a> <a href="https://www.target.com/p/cadbury-easter-mini-eggs-10oz/-/A-53957567" target="_blank">Candy</a><br />
6. <a href="https://www.target.com/p/father-of-the-bride-father-of-the-bride-2---2-movie-collection/-/A-52702082" target="_blank">Father of the Bride/ Father of the Bride 2 DVD </a><br />
7. Replacement battery for my (ancient) Kindle (not pictured)<br />
8. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/742514477/college-inspired-pennant-needlepoint?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">Needlepoint pennant project</a> + thread (another item from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/731399314/gilmore-girls-inpired-lukes-diner?ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1&crt=1" target="_blank">same Etsy shop linked here</a>!)<br />
9. <a href="https://www.squarebooks.com/book/9780062820181" target="_blank">Joanna Gaines' newest book, <i>Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering</i></a> (linked to one of my favorite independent bookstores... support local if you can!)<br />
10. <a href="https://www.lillypulitzer.com/golf-towel/889069642631.html?71700000058951441;s.a=GOOGLE;p.a=71700000058951441;as.a=58700005401806451;c.n=Shopping-PLA-NB-Catch_All;p.n=Shopping-PLA-NB-Catch_All;as.n=PLA-Catch_All;qpb=1&bidkw=PRODUCT_GROUP&dvc=c&h=&gclid=CjwKCAjwssD0BRBIEiwA-JP5rEMU-eMBvjq2AvexdtmYOPMadFaiPMq7fx02cn3qqLosnA6GuSt8ghoC86IQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Lilly Pulitzer golf towel</a><br />
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Honorable mentions (I haven't purchased yet, but I'm so tempted):<br />
- VCR tape player + <a href="https://www.amazon.com/UCEC-Capture-Device-Converter-Windows/dp/B07PS2TD9L/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=31EPHVJJCTZSZ&dchild=1&keywords=vhs+to+digital+converter&qid=1586570974&sprefix=vhs+to+di%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUjFRWDFTR0UyOFU1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTk5Njg2MkhENVpSWkpWRFlDTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDcyNjE1UjdMR1lDNk1MRDNHJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==" target="_blank">converter</a> to transfer all of our old home movies to digital<br />
- An adorable <a href="https://draperjames.com/products/magnolia-short-sleeve-button-down-pj-set?gclid=CjwKCAjwssD0BRBIEiwA-JP5rKPhQ2bUU4hQx3FfS6Ce7inoJcz1Zc6aVQXjSTka8grMFfM8m2vFBxoCWM0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Draper James pajama set</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/?afid=p238%7CsoMhByjUO-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_427355927982_pgrid_87272266274_&cid=aos-us-kwgo---slid---product-" target="_blank">Airpods</a><br />
- A <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/shop/bike" target="_blank">Peloton</a> bike (I've been loving the app for yoga, HIIT, and strength classes!)<br />
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Share in the comments if you've also been online shopping while stuck at home!<br />
<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-2653369130179784342020-02-17T17:05:00.001-06:002020-02-17T17:05:49.648-06:00What I Read: Fall 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-keZPUXYRble8wxdRf3pw-TSeoxl-S_XafxkB4Lsaue3AtrheMj4WFL0wegLzB6MysCwaBubMCyZGwVXMQo6TxB-vlQTo0FA_3ZED1FISE5l6XaO2gVPGNmGkmwNLw7OdVlq2s1j4wc/s1600/AF93CF31-C200-44E7-8837-F2A86961CBEE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-keZPUXYRble8wxdRf3pw-TSeoxl-S_XafxkB4Lsaue3AtrheMj4WFL0wegLzB6MysCwaBubMCyZGwVXMQo6TxB-vlQTo0FA_3ZED1FISE5l6XaO2gVPGNmGkmwNLw7OdVlq2s1j4wc/s1600/AF93CF31-C200-44E7-8837-F2A86961CBEE.JPG" /></a></div>
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Better late than never, right?</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
I read all of these last year, but never got around to sharing them on this platform. I've started a hashtag on my Instagram account (#ToodlebelleBookReviews) where I share my initial thoughts! It's easier to share those in the moment and I can write more in those posts than I was in Instagram stories. If you aren't following me on Instagram yet, what are you waiting for?<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2O5Ll72" target="_blank"><i>Educated </i>by Tara Westover</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Educated-Memoir-Tara-Westover/dp/0399590501/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1568645084&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=b35eaff1b610528b93ffec6f8da930f4&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399590501&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>This was one of the best books I read last year. I could not believe it wasn't fiction because this poor girl's upbringing was so traumatic. I had to take breaks while reading because it was so hard at times. And yet, I finished reading and was SO inspired by her story.<br />
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Tara Westover's story sounds straight from a movie plot: parents who don't believe in doctors or education who are preparing in the middle of the wilderness for the end times. By teaching herself from her siblings' old textbooks in the basement, she made it all the way to Brigham Young University, Harvard, and Cambridge. While it was inspiring, it was definitely sad and heartbreaking that children are often forced to live with the consequences of their parents' decisions.<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/31thNUG" target="_blank"><i>The Last Romantics </i>by Tara Conklin</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Romantics-Novel-Tara-Conklin-ebook/dp/B072F14LGX/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=29UCTMK53SRFI&keywords=the+last+romantics+by+tara+conklin&qid=1568645264&s=books&sprefix=The+Last+Romantics+by+Tara+Conklin,aps,238&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=83dabfbd2f093776624c0f2f5528cb31&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B072F14LGX&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><b style="font-style: italic;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B072F14LGX" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>This was the first #<i>ReadwithJenna </i>book from Jenna Bush Hager's Today Show book club back in March 2019, but it took me a while to get to it. It was another of my absolute favorites from the year.<br />
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Despite the title, it focuses more on the family dynamics of a Connecticut family as they face loss, grief, and other tragedies. As an only child, I am always interested in how siblings interact in books and whether it seems realistic based on how I've seen other families interact. Even though I don't have siblings, I feel like this book was such an accurate depiction of the serious muck that <i>all </i>families deal with at some point or another.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1524798622" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></span><br />
<b><a href="https://amzn.to/34MiJWp" target="_blank"><i>An American Marriage </i>by Tayari Jones</a> <i>4.5</i></b><b><i> stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Marriage-Novel-Oprahs-Selection-ebook/dp/B01NCUXEFR/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=30YYEZ0ROGNZA&keywords=an+american+marriage+by+tayari+jones&qid=1568645316&s=books&sprefix=An+American+Marriage+by+Tayari+Jones,stripbooks,166&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=5e6cd027f3c4c74e8f3b2ba2ca750095&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01NCUXEFR&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>I <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/10/i-joined-book-club.html" target="_blank">joined a local book club</a> back in July of 2019, but because of conflicting schedules, I was only able to make it to my first meeting in October where we discussed this book. Unfortunately, despite its Oprah's Book Club status, it was not a crowd favorite. Some described it as boring and others as downright depressing. I was with that second camp, but I at least appreciated how well it was written and how important the topic was, particularly for our book club who's demographics are polar opposites from the characters' in the book.<br />
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Without spoilers, I'll just say that it follows newlyweds after a particularly devastating plot twist. I cried/sobbed for most of the second half of the book at the injustice and sadness that filled the pages. My 4.5-star rating is probably the highest of my book club, though, only because I really appreciated the powerful writing style. The plot was slow and character development left a little to be desired in my opinion.<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/34MG7Dg" target="_blank"><i>The Testaments </i>by Margaret Atwood</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Testaments-Novel-Margaret-Atwood/dp/0385543786/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=The+Testaments+by+Margaret+Atwood&qid=1568645446&s=books&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=8f4d3bc3683768de2f207b2b8fd7c602&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0385543786&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>I hadn't read <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2BeyKqD" target="_blank">The Handmaid's Tale</a> </i>since 2017, but I'm a big fan of the show on Hulu and could not wait to read this book. I've seen mixed reviews on it, but I think if you're a fan of the book/show, you'll like this book!<br />
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Based 15 years after the events in the first book (or the events in the TV show), it follows three relevant characters. The characters sometimes flash back to the beginning of Gilead and I thought it was especially cool from the perspective of the Aunts. I liked learning more about the training process to become an Aunt, too.<br />
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I understand some of the critiques that I've read about this story taking away some of the mystery from the first book, but I felt like it was a natural way to follow up the first book. It does tell, at least partially, how Gilead would eventually fall (Not a spoiler if you've read the epilogue of the first book!).<br />
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<b><u><a href="https://amzn.to/32mQ0py" target="_blank"><i>Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows </i>by Balli Kaur Jaswal</a></u> <i>4 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Erotic-Stories-Punjabi-Widows-Novel/dp/0062645110/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1571159216&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=9abae1677a1cead1d2799c00b6f898f7&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062645110&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; font-weight: bold;"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0062645110" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></span>This was our book club pick after we were all depressed from <i>An American Marriage. </i>We chose it because it seemed light and we all needed a laugh. This book was on the Reese Witherspoon Book Club list a few months (years?) ago so we thought it would be a good choice.<br />
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I don't know if anyone was prepared for the depth of this story. We are a group of white twenty-somethings, but hearing a story in a voice so different than our own led to an awesome discussion about love, marriage, relationships in general, and so much more. That night, we also tried out a menu of Indian food and loved the samosas, chicken tika masala, and chai tea cocktails!<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2oVaes9" target="_blank"><i>The Dutch House </i>by Ann Patchet</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dutch-House-Novel-Ann-Patchett-ebook/dp/B07PRXT94R/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1ZHRYHE7599Q7&keywords=the+dutch+house&qid=1571846102&sprefix=the+dutch+house,aps,190&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=2b2a8f494d025117f4010ecc6f9f9951&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07PRXT94R&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><i><b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07PRXT94R" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></i>This was another <i>#ReadwithJenna </i>book club option that I was SO excited to read. Ann Patchett is easily one of my favorite contemporary authors; her writing style is the best and the way she manages to weave a story together through different characters is second to none! <b><i><br /></i></b>
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I was a bit worried this one would be overhyped since it was picked up before its release for this book club, but I was so relieved after I started reading. The style is a little bit different than her others (it's told exclusively from the point of view of the son/brother) and it's devastatingly sad at the beginning (in true fairytale form), but it was absolutely <i>beautiful. </i>I felt myself wishing for a sibling the way I used to as a kid; as an only child, I can't confirm that the brother-sister dynamic was truly accurate, but I have a feeling that it was.<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2NZtleG" target="_blank"><i>Girl Stop Apologizing </i>by Rachel Hollis </a><i>1</i> <i>star</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Stop-Apologizing/dp/B07FSTP9WQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=Girl+Stop+Apologizing+by+Rachel+Hollis&qid=1568645367&s=books&sr=1-2&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=fe780f39457b0baefac332b258d69997&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07FSTP9WQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>Like I mentioned in my <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/08/summer-reading-update-part-2.html" target="_blank">second summer reading post, </a>I am not exactly a huge self-help book kind of girl. I pushed myself through her first book (audiobook style) and you can see my review <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/08/summer-reading-update-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Unfortunately, I just couldn't push myself through this second book. I tried listening to the audiobook again, but I just dreaded listening to it.<br />
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Of course, there are some nuggets of wisdom in there, but overall, I felt like this was a lot of information that I already knew and there was nothing to really hold on to. I liked her first book better because it gave me an idea of who she was through her short and personal stories. This one felt like a lot of fluff. I know Rachel Hollis would probably shame me for it, but I just gave up on listening to this book because life is too short to read books that you don't enjoy.<br />
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I know this opinion is a lot different than many girls I know in real life; these two books were part of a local book club put together by Jessica from <a href="https://hellogorjessblog.com/" target="_blank">Hello Gorjess</a>. I know the girls who recommended them absolutely loved them, so don't let my review get you down if you usually love this type of book! It's just not my cup of tea.<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/34cPpaW" target="_blank"><i>Nothing to See Here</i> by Kevin Wilson</a> <i>4.5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-See-Here-Kevin-Wilson/dp/0062913468/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1574441063&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=09d459750b3f20a9d3f735cddf27cf9b&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062913468&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>Nothing to See Here was another <i>#ReadwithJenna </i>book club pick that I really enjoyed. I actually listened to this one as an audiobook while on a drive up to the LSU/Ole Miss football game with my parents. The five-hour drive flew by as I followed Lillian in her quest to care for these twins who randomly burst into flames.<br />
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I'm not usually one to reach for magical realism, but this one was surprisingly enjoyable. It was actually believable that these kids were extremely flammable; Jenna Bush Hager said this book opened her eyes to what it means to be a parent and after reading this book, I'd believe her. The narrator of the audiobook also did a great job with her distinct voices for each character.<br />
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<i><br /></i><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2D6Iwfx" target="_blank"><i>The Nickel Boys</i> by Colson Whitehead</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nickel-Boys-Novel-Colson-Whitehead/dp/0385537077/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1574441192&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=757a3ccaa4382e055462f7d3268411b3&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0385537077&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>Wow, this book was really sad. I was rooting for the protagonist the whole time, but there were times when I was almost ready to give up hope, which I think was the author's goal. The criminal justice system is so messed up and young black men often get the short end of the stick. This story, based on a true story, follows a young black man who is falsely accused and imprisoned in a hell of a boy's reform school in Florida.<br />
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This book was one of the toughest to read. Back in November, I wrote the following:<br />
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"The Nickel Boys was a quick read, but not necessarily easy to stomach its contents. It made me really sad to think of the injustices that aren't that far removed from our generation along with the injustice facing people of color today, but I think it's so important to read books written by authors who don't look like you. It's the second book I've read this year about black men who are wrongfully accused/imprisoned and both affected me and tweaked my original thoughts on our country's prison system. I'm still not sure how I can help just yet, but I have a feeling compassion and kindness toward our neighbors (of all colors and all walks of life) are good first steps."<br />
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<b><i>Make sure you follow along on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5948236-sydney" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> if you want to keep up with my current "To-Read" list! </i></b>Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-34059493417478890882019-10-23T10:52:00.004-05:002019-10-23T10:53:12.427-05:00I Joined a Book Club!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZIohu5ENmqGy6J9LHpGN6O35kZzaA6IogUXrNFFd_Y6oBCZatifw0EcIj2i-gwF5rWfBZ0FSmjc12roA0edGYb_fT4v2M9aHYNW7OMEtSZ0wfz07jEGOV8Ywom5QcQL0PTTqVsmUuFw/s1600/0E403949-7D64-4CD8-BBCB-E7244EF89542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZIohu5ENmqGy6J9LHpGN6O35kZzaA6IogUXrNFFd_Y6oBCZatifw0EcIj2i-gwF5rWfBZ0FSmjc12roA0edGYb_fT4v2M9aHYNW7OMEtSZ0wfz07jEGOV8Ywom5QcQL0PTTqVsmUuFw/s1600/0E403949-7D64-4CD8-BBCB-E7244EF89542.JPG" /></a></div>
<i>We call ourselves The Winebrarians: a wine club with a reading problem. </i><br />
<a name='more'></a><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_winebrarians/" target="_blank">Follow our Instagram here: @the_winebrarians</a></i><br />
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Joining a book club was always something I hoped to do, especially given how much I love to read for fun. I always thought it would be something I did when I got a little older, but when I saw some friends had started one here in Baton Rouge, I <i>oh so politely</i> asked to join, got into their group chat, and all but invited myself to their next meeting. Of course, most of these girls were friends from college or acquaintences from high school, so they had no problem with my enthusiasm and welcomed me with open arms. I couldn't make it to their first few meetups, but after finally making it to the October meeting, I knew I had found my people.<br />
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<i>The first book we read was the wildly popular </i>Where the Crawdads Sing<i> by Delia Owens. <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/06/summer-reading-update-part-i.html" target="_blank">Read my review here!</a></i><br />
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So far we've read <b><i>Where the Crawdads Sing </i>by Delia Owens</b>, <b><i>The Alice Network </i>by Kate Quinn,</b> and <b><i>An American Marriage </i>by Tayari Jones</b>. Everyone seemed to like <i>Where the Crawdads Sing </i>and loved <i>The Alice Network</i>, but didn't exactly fall in love with <i>An American Marriage. </i><br />
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For the sake of full disclosure, I didn't read <i>The Alice Network</i>... I was too busy with school and reading Michelle Obama's book (<a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/08/summer-reading-update-part-2.html" target="_blank">review here!</a>)... plus I, unfortunately, couldn't make it to the meeting.<br />
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<i>Our book for this month is </i>Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows<i> by Balli Kaur Jaswal. </i><br />
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We didn't exactly love <i>An American Marriage, </i>so we were hoping for something a little lighter. One of our friends said another book club read it and claimed it was light and funny so we chose it based on that and the fact that it was a Reese Witherspoon Bookclub Pick. Reese hardly ever leads us astray.<br />
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I definitely enjoyed it and will be sure to post a full review in my next "What I Read" post for fall, but I will say it was surprisingly heartfelt in addition to being funny. I'd give it 4 stars only because I liked it but didn't love; there wasn't quite enough depth for a full 5 stars. Sidenote, it's not an Indian version of <i>50 Shades of Gray, </i>though my boyfriend and his friends probably still don't believe me on that one.<br />
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In the meantime, you can see some of my other book reviews on my BOOKS<i> </i>tab at the top of the page<i> </i>or <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/search/label/books" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-12874764937793544562019-09-19T16:57:00.000-05:002019-10-01T14:43:30.440-05:00My Waco Trip<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDGUYmR20Aw0Cq3XBZ4xtCYsnlnGwoW2QQ7aljzT7mt763zZClAC43h_n4n7AbyR4QvhCcU7TnoJw8x0Ep5tD0l9VbSxgNMnPGx71IZxL5VMtg-h3yCpn2ryrDj2l6O8SmMOgHjKBfK0/s1600/Image-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDGUYmR20Aw0Cq3XBZ4xtCYsnlnGwoW2QQ7aljzT7mt763zZClAC43h_n4n7AbyR4QvhCcU7TnoJw8x0Ep5tD0l9VbSxgNMnPGx71IZxL5VMtg-h3yCpn2ryrDj2l6O8SmMOgHjKBfK0/s1600/Image-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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This post has been in the making for a long time (we visited Waco back at the end of <i>July</i>), but with moving back to Louisiana, taking the MPRE (the ethics section of the bar exam), and starting my third and final year of law school, I haven't exactly made time for playing around on the blog or reminiscing over summer photos. </div>
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<i>We only spent one night in Waco, but we sure packed in lots of fun into our time there! I honestly think a weekend trip is all that's really necessary to see all that Waco has to offer (but be mindful a lot of the town is closed on Sundays). We finished with the Silos in a couple of hours and we really took our time, so I don't know how people spend full days there. </i></div>
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<b><u>Our Trip Itinerary</u></b></div>
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<li>7:30am - Left the Woodlands, TX (The drive once we got off the interstate was so pretty! I didn't know there were rolling hills in Texas. You know, all rolling hills are pretty when you grew up in a place that sits well below sea level). </li>
<li>10:30am - Arrived at Magnolia Table, put our names in for a table</li>
<li>12:00pm - Lunch at Magnolia Table, see below for a description of our meal + photos!</li>
<li>1:00pm - Drove to the Silos, explored the Magnolia store/grounds</li>
<li>4:00pm - Little Shop on Bosque (they close at 5!)</li>
<li>5:30pm - Back to the Silos for sweets at Silos Baking Co. + a golden hour photo shoot once the place had mostly cleared out</li>
<li>6:00pm - A trip to HEB to pick up picnic supplies</li>
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<li>11:00am - Checkout of Airbnb</li>
<li>11:30am - Lunch at In-N-Out before driving back home</li>
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<b><u>What We Ate</u></b></div>
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<b>Magnolia Table</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaMOymOvSzSpRGb8lKNc9lZTBBwOj5sS5ir1Rz2l8KTGNRaGzZnEdTuXLMXPLQ_uLfPbmKRb8Wr1tgT-8a6zg92dCB2yB1tkwU5bqLi_RtqoGXXPJJhwhzPi2BUTdUCN7t46GKXRoDKw/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaMOymOvSzSpRGb8lKNc9lZTBBwOj5sS5ir1Rz2l8KTGNRaGzZnEdTuXLMXPLQ_uLfPbmKRb8Wr1tgT-8a6zg92dCB2yB1tkwU5bqLi_RtqoGXXPJJhwhzPi2BUTdUCN7t46GKXRoDKw/s1600/photo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>The homemade tater tots were delicious! </i></div>
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Luckily, one of my best friends had visited Magnolia a few weeks prior to our trip, so she gave us tips that I'm now sharing with y'all! Her best advice was to go to Magnolia Table first to put your name in. We got there at 10:30am (obviously pretty early for lunch) but ended up with a fairly short wait time of 90 minutes so we decided to stay put instead of driving over to the Silos. We got lemonades from the outdoor juice bar and waited outside at the tables under umbrellas. The staff was so friendly, walking around with extra umbrellas, menus, and games to play while waiting. We also explored the Takeaway Market where they serve coffee and grab-and-go snacks and sell a handful of souvenirs. By noon when we were walking back toward the restaurant, I heard them turning people away saying there were no more tables left for the day (open for breakfast & lunch, 6am-3pm).</div>
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Our order:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Peach Tea Lemonade and Lemonade (if you get the lemonade, you'll receive a souvenir milk bottle-style glass that you can keep to make the cutest flower arrangements when you get home)</li>
<li>Appetizer to share: Homemade tater tots -- SO GOOD! </li>
<li>Appetizer to share: Biscuits with strawberry butter -- again, very tasty! I wanted to buy the cookbook just for this dish.</li>
<li>Syd: BLT + housemade kettle-cooked potato chips </li>
<li>Jake: Burger + housemade kettle-cooked potato chips</li>
<li>Total cost (for the sake of transparency): $53.59</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnyQFVkhHtiJ2AXwK2e7tNa86c4vmLpRIdZtPZsQA-ujMd0JipOKPKE2GVoy5KPLCIv7s7ihe0u1bpgH52NgFF6mf3_wcXjUREVh4hOuiQou25uYKlJeIjnofiFjiXXtBli1q43KdK0w/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnyQFVkhHtiJ2AXwK2e7tNa86c4vmLpRIdZtPZsQA-ujMd0JipOKPKE2GVoy5KPLCIv7s7ihe0u1bpgH52NgFF6mf3_wcXjUREVh4hOuiQou25uYKlJeIjnofiFjiXXtBli1q43KdK0w/s1600/photo+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>While waiting for our texts that the table was ready, we sat outside under the fans drinking lemonade (with free refills!) and explored the Takeaway Market where they had coffee, juice, snacks, and a few souvenirs including the cookbook! </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz19KoO7vqoGWlazLVZ5FEKWjT8fJ8zU28RnUoq4nsjWajQxNMAj0CRC9QHZwz3o7irdlg-CXw49G680oHLS8ozZaxPedi_9QX5XEEChM7Y9qK0nJu7B9uIRkS7kkQasOZT0q4bISQAq8/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz19KoO7vqoGWlazLVZ5FEKWjT8fJ8zU28RnUoq4nsjWajQxNMAj0CRC9QHZwz3o7irdlg-CXw49G680oHLS8ozZaxPedi_9QX5XEEChM7Y9qK0nJu7B9uIRkS7kkQasOZT0q4bISQAq8/s1600/photo-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Inside the Takeaway Market, the coffee bar </i><br />
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<b>Silos Baking Co.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMrcsQE7bMz0_pkP0-d5DWn_3JqsuLwK5YIP15ainVHG3JYby3-833BR6TK93dbZxzXNdvuCFR_IS5Ctpldn3sE4S0i-dyPKR69QXc-hdPhb4pMWaMSYJBeJChDwRJOw_W9I1kRY3JYA/s1600/Image-6+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMrcsQE7bMz0_pkP0-d5DWn_3JqsuLwK5YIP15ainVHG3JYby3-833BR6TK93dbZxzXNdvuCFR_IS5Ctpldn3sE4S0i-dyPKR69QXc-hdPhb4pMWaMSYJBeJChDwRJOw_W9I1kRY3JYA/s1600/Image-6+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo of Silos Baking Co. taken on our way out of the Magnolia compound after closing</i></div>
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There was more waiting in line at this location, too, but there were cute little Disney-World-style signs at the start of the line saying "20 minutes from this point." Jake and I both agreed they were quaint and kind of funny because waiting in line for twenty minutes for desserts is fairly silly. We discussed the amazing marketing department at Magnolia throughout the day and both agreed that Chip and Joanna's team is pretty incredible for hooking an audience the way they have. The whole place would make for a <i>very </i>interesting field trip for a business class. While in line, we looked at the menu and marked up exactly which sweets we wanted. Of course, my sweet tooth is my favorite tooth, so we ordered practically one of everything (a mild exaggeration). </div>
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<ul>
<li>4 Cupcakes: If you know me at all, you know I had to try all the special cupcake flavors. We got lemon lavender, peach pie, strawberry lemonade, and shiplap (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream). </li>
<li>2 Cookies: (1 sugar, 1 chocolate chip) The cookies are way underrated in our opinion. Cupcakes were just okay, but the cookies were the best! LOVED the chocolate chip cookie! </li>
<li>2 Bottled Waters (to be refilled at the water stations around the park since it was <i>hot</i>)</li>
<li>Total cost: $24.36</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyf37vOg3rKtijUV9aGx8VHxgNCs1kmVnlCcT_0joCjhGSQTI94Q_CVTpOACbSKVIzajFC2Zl82LVMFlYyfUU6giSsy1GDZ6CS3sp7Uw78GNeEFQ4ngZIep7bNUQ5LCwCrrsEbkxc4so/s1600/Image-1+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1059" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyf37vOg3rKtijUV9aGx8VHxgNCs1kmVnlCcT_0joCjhGSQTI94Q_CVTpOACbSKVIzajFC2Zl82LVMFlYyfUU6giSsy1GDZ6CS3sp7Uw78GNeEFQ4ngZIep7bNUQ5LCwCrrsEbkxc4so/s1600/Image-1+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Fair warning: these cupcakes had a serious amount of frosting, though it was not an issue for my massive sweet tooth. Jake did scrape some of his frosting off. The cupcakes weren't exactly my favorite, though; the cookies were much better!</i></div>
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<b><u>Where We Stayed </u></b></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5hR5FBquWry6N5tElCBpZQ7XUuTa5aC1GbGQeNXJPLmub78FB_npvK6bgZlirMunguMNQtYTDL74RgGEOc5zuVo7ANLP2cSOAKYG9lbd4steiKooMs-NrqFVyr-iqKYjKJLd2YXJXSk/s1600/Tiny+house.jpg" /><i><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31444396?source_impression_id=p3_1568923007_Iri%2B15HEgjHyxh%2BP" target="_blank">photo via Airbnb </a></i></div>
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We stayed at <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31444396?source_impression_id=p3_1567178618_p0GxK5iOyrKX0nca" target="_blank">this tiny house Airbnb</a>, to round out the HGTV-style weekend. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Waco! It was a little ways away (only 15 minutes) from the Magnolia compound, but since we were only there for the night, it was perfect. After our day at the Silos, we were exhausted so we stopped at HEB to pick up all the fixings for a picnic and ate on the rooftop deck. </div>
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It was my first time in a tiny house, and it was such a cool experience. Even though Jake felt a little cramped, I thought it was cozy. Props to any couples who can live together in tiny spaces like that; in a 20' shipping container, it was around 160 square feet. The hosts really had thought of everything and utilized all the space perfectly. I was most worried about the size of the shower and the bed, but the shower didn't feel cramped at all, and the queen-sized Murphy bed was very comfortable. If you're going with a friend instead of a boyfriend, though, I might recommend one of the host's two-bedroom tiny homes to give yourselves some more space to move around. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/users/37970956/listings" target="_blank">You can see all his listings in the tiny home "trailer park" here.</a> Our one-night stay ended up costing $168.84 after the Airbnb fees and taxes (this is the busy season price). </div>
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<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/c/sydneyl1885?currency=USD" target="_blank">If you've never used Airbnb before (this was my first time!), use my link to get $40 off your first booking and I'll get a little cash back, too!</a> </div>
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<b><u>What We Bought</u></b></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BOzq5Hik28xQRF4dCE2FbKn0MTVOpGBUojEhvy0UGxlgkDVJXiMjEU61b1XIZYREAfQaH-W4omuReIIrJT25dziW50tVUY_wk7XQTpBSYD_MQf-jIAvQT208TpSbDEejU4m55jpcpXs/s1600/Image-7.jpg" /></div>
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<i>Inside the warehouse/souvenir section of Magnolia Market</i></div>
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Ah, souvenirs... One of the best parts of any trip. I have to say I was a tiny bit disappointed with the Magnolia Market itself. I expected it to be a little bigger with a wider selection of home/kitchen/garden decor. After seeing the show and knowing that Joanna designs the front section every season, I was surprised by how small it felt. I felt like I was in a really crowded pottery barn in the front section, and the back section was cute but full of only "souvenir" products like hats, shirts, bags, etc. However, that didn't stop me from making a few purchases. The photo above is in the back part of the warehouse. </div>
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Items that made their way home with me:</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://shop.magnolia.com/products/magnolia-seal-shirt?variant=41392390980&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwkqPrBRA3EiwAKdtwk7JYW52uz59HpMjV5-Ri3nLq0inafDhSux-1--DouzOMWTtenS0HExoCoSkQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Magnolia Seal T-shirt</a></li>
<li><a href="https://shop.magnolia.com/collections/candles-diffusers/products/magnolia-signature-candle-collection?variant=1181204250628" target="_blank">Greenhouse scented candle</a> for Jake's mom (these candles smell <i>so good;</i> however, the "summer" scent was not my favorite)</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.magnolia.com/products/magnolia-tumbler" target="_blank">Magnolia Yeti Mug</a> (Jake bought this because I was trying to pick between the shirt and the mug, but he didn't want me to settle. He tricked me and bought it on the other side of the store while I was waiting in line to buy the t-shirt!)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.chucksgourmetpopcorn.com/" target="_blank">Chuck's Gourmet Popcorn</a> A bag of kettle corn to bring back to my mom (I wish I would have tried the Cinnamon Toast flavor!)</li>
</ul>
I was surprised by the size of Magnolia Market and a tiny bit underwhelmed. I was expecting some sort of farmhouse-Mecca and though it is a large warehouse converted into a store, it didn't exactly feel grand. It's possible that the sheer number of people there affected my impartiality, but I felt like I was in a crowded Pottery Barn with overpriced Target items. A little harsh, but I have to be honest. I think the Magnolia stuff is quaint, yet overpriced. We did go to the Little Shop on Bosque in the afternoon and it was even smaller than I expected (very little room to move around), but the prices were much more reasonable! Make sure you go to Magnolia & the Silos first because they gave me a $10 discount for showing my Magnolia receipt!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQRrXpvsIvl9VNnBSa7ltprNvAOALOJJpRAr-IekdM7IeVlalrcL13KzXg_96R_6sVefFkLPF24j3W_MtyXR3UgFD6P0oTBDUDhZHgt1KBTYSOrlsZyVOV0_80pYy8BR54mXA8rCWEJE/s1600/Image-6.jpg" /><i>While everything in the Magnolia Market was pretty, I did think I expected more from the Gaines family. It was lovely, but not exactly as grand as I expected. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQw3nARqdo1uRGinqB_osOGzKhQ7jDhOdM4Vsf9ggytrwsa-TLOJLAVcx72qG0TSq1fawafapc45riP_LOCymj06PZnXA9v1C8K7YXIc9GiaDax4JzJdX8dD4npU5JihnHy198JxLuMY/s1600/Image-4+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQw3nARqdo1uRGinqB_osOGzKhQ7jDhOdM4Vsf9ggytrwsa-TLOJLAVcx72qG0TSq1fawafapc45riP_LOCymj06PZnXA9v1C8K7YXIc9GiaDax4JzJdX8dD4npU5JihnHy198JxLuMY/s1600/Image-4+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>The attention to detail on the Silos grounds was pretty impressive. There were these umbrellas when you walk in to protect yourself from the sun, strategically placed water stations to keep you hydrated, and fans with misters throughout the park to combat the heat. </i><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIHiQKSgzGPXpumdCsOXNh7Y5xxIpkzozUgvBCNimXH8_Po6fvtd8Bb5OR9Hauxoybe8xzM2WQX1L6mIrQf5RoB_s2BT6p4-dGtWq1Cjvf8Kr6zM0LxzlccAItmMIbJAucNfoU5sGCsk/s1600/Image-1.jpg" /></div>
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<i>I loved the little garden on the grounds. I can't wait to have a yard of my own and a sweet little garden, too!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErZQt3bf0fhgIAdBlp59tJjHNWj_tAgMV4Y2RngFAPUhzC0EnqrMwamP4qPMwCEEdVVpSZR6KzkMAe0qiW0-9XUYGyfZr0KnS8B2emjd7twv_3bpfY70oZqDRWa_D5qdyprZfM5Smj3I/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErZQt3bf0fhgIAdBlp59tJjHNWj_tAgMV4Y2RngFAPUhzC0EnqrMwamP4qPMwCEEdVVpSZR6KzkMAe0qiW0-9XUYGyfZr0KnS8B2emjd7twv_3bpfY70oZqDRWa_D5qdyprZfM5Smj3I/s1600/Image-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>A peek inside the greenhouse in the garden on the grounds</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp2sM54LQtvJlLhxNGkdeMfMD5AIaWakkvmCDTPhR8faS4FacUa878yboVUs4BOcwL5HGIcblVF4frJgvOvIsEJTKBeCt5OvMOfMUxajTVWXPGy0pvTa1RZHZtnyr4Eqbvyz7o7tt1Ok/s1600/Image-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp2sM54LQtvJlLhxNGkdeMfMD5AIaWakkvmCDTPhR8faS4FacUa878yboVUs4BOcwL5HGIcblVF4frJgvOvIsEJTKBeCt5OvMOfMUxajTVWXPGy0pvTa1RZHZtnyr4Eqbvyz7o7tt1Ok/s1600/Image-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>The cutest little garden shed outside the Seed and Supply store on the property</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5z_AQ_HlBspXlcH9ESUo1es-YPsZRXuoz2I52nRYxMjfcJn7fDd9J54NCj9GVZmAIGJ9BxN81jpytwG4WKpKZZDyswbZOO4zDkLSszIGQN-kJeHIcNq_RHxyy3DvRWfEJbsZdGbkLkE/s1600/Image-5+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5z_AQ_HlBspXlcH9ESUo1es-YPsZRXuoz2I52nRYxMjfcJn7fDd9J54NCj9GVZmAIGJ9BxN81jpytwG4WKpKZZDyswbZOO4zDkLSszIGQN-kJeHIcNq_RHxyy3DvRWfEJbsZdGbkLkE/s1600/Image-5+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Outfit details:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Dress - <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/madewell-rainbow-clipdot-tiered-sleep-dress/5278901?country=US&currency=USD&mrkgcl=760&mrkgadid=3313966888&utm_content=32036587605&utm_term=aud-820537539557:pla-259159086851&utm_channel=shopping_ret_p&sp_source=google&sp_campaign=662927179&rkg_id=0&adpos=1o5&creative=145503089237&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_OzrBRDmARIsAAIdQ_L-GCzDy0mntek4qvLkBPHkE5ruORAfRVFweAtw3Zk15R8wyGPaRlAaApFfEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Madewell </a>(actually a cover-up/pajama dress but works fine with a nude half slip)</li>
<li>Shoes - <a href="https://amzn.to/31wHV10" target="_blank">Lucky brand</a> (SO comfortable!)</li>
<li>Bag - <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longchamp-large-le-pliage-tote/3241956?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=new%20navy" target="_blank">Longchamp</a></li>
<li>S-Necklace - From a local boutique, <a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2369950?color=YELLOW&utm_source=adlucent&utm_medium=feeds&utm_content=google&utm_channel=shopping_acq_p&sid=545650&utm_term=545650&aid=%5BADL%5D%20%5BPLA%5D%20%5BShopping%5D%20-%20Categories%20-%20Non-Brand%5BDesktop%5D&utm_campaign=5BADL%5D%20%5BPLA%5D%20%5BShopping%5D%20-%20Categories%20-%20Non-Brand%5BDesktop%5D&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiILsBRCGARIsAHKQWLPRE-0bVhcNsId8MgmTCfjS3PLfWK26lgqMfetU-nYUX6u5e1H8hhcaAuOXEALw_wcB" target="_blank">but similar linked</a></li>
<li>Sunglasses - <a href="https://amzn.to/2O1j3ea" target="_blank">My favorite Amazon purchase of the summer!</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyubnJ4hP3aitBQ2gRZSXEq3VYEA7i5TwfkX7lqRU2tswWsUYXbflF3mf1pnXJKuD5Bl5zkWK1b_S1r8fhRoRlpr3UyIuvjUWr-M6OdgivMX_sgC1w83EQGK3ilHxny7qGciM2oK_EJ9w/s1600/Image-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyubnJ4hP3aitBQ2gRZSXEq3VYEA7i5TwfkX7lqRU2tswWsUYXbflF3mf1pnXJKuD5Bl5zkWK1b_S1r8fhRoRlpr3UyIuvjUWr-M6OdgivMX_sgC1w83EQGK3ilHxny7qGciM2oK_EJ9w/s1600/Image-9.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jake was definitely the shining star of the trip! He did his best to make sure I had a blast the entire weekend, including encouraging me to buy as many souvenirs and sweets as I wanted, taking approximately 10,000 pictures of me, watching HGTV reruns of Fixer Upper in the tiny house after a full day at the Silos, and overall keeping a great attitude despite the heat and crowds.<br />
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<b>Other Waco guides that I used when planning the trip:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Jessica's (Hello Gorjess) <a href="https://hellogorjessblog.com/2019/04/21/my-guide-to-all-things-magnolia-and-the-ultimate-waco-experience/" target="_blank">Guide to All Things Magnolia and the Ultimate Waco Experience</a></li>
<li>Erin's (Cotton Stem) <a href="https://cottonstem.com/waco-tx-besides-mothership-magnolia/" target="_blank">What to do in Waco, TX (besides the mothership Magnolia)</a></li>
</ul>
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<b>My best advice based on our experience:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Go to Magnolia Table first thing to put your name in! (90 minutes was a long wait, any longer and we would have left to go do something off-site instead of waiting there). </li>
<li>Try the tater tots! </li>
<li>Go during the week if you can to avoid the worst crowds (we didn't!).</li>
<li>Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen.</li>
<li>Go to the Little Shop on Bosque after you do your shopping at Magnolia Market and you may get a discount (ours was $10 off!).</li>
<li>Be mindful of your surroundings when you're not at the Silos (Waco isn't exactly the nicest town).</li>
<li>Bring your own water bottles into the Silos with you and refill them at the water stations.</li>
<li>Don't go to Silos Baking Co. at the end of the day (they were sold out of some items).</li>
</ul>
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<b>Have you been to Waco? <i>Let me know in the comments!</i></b></div>
Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-13107553366867966902019-08-28T14:00:00.002-05:002019-08-28T14:00:43.361-05:00Summer Reading Update (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even if pumpkin spice lattes might be back on the market, it's still summer for a little while longer! If you've been following along, you may have seen my <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/06/summer-reading-update-part-i.html" target="_blank">summer reading post from last month.</a> I'm excited to share the second half of my summer books with y'all. I had the best time getting books from the library this summer, but I added an audiobook to my mix this time around.<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2JgkyCn" target="_blank"><i>Searching for Sylvie Lee </i>by Jean Kwok</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sylvie-Lee-Jean-Kwok/dp/0062834304/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=35LYTKG3M3MI9&keywords=searching+for+sylvie+lee&qid=1562347479&s=books&sprefix=searc,stripbooks,166&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=bcff282b9146405ab565f3619f13d197&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062834304&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>I really enjoyed <i>Searching for Sylvie Lee. </i>My favorite books are the kind told from multiple points of view, and this one was no exception. It was a page-turning mystery, and I didn't want to stop until I found out where Sylvie had gone.<br />
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Told from three different perspectives, this book tells you the story in the eyes of Sylvie, her sister Amy, and their mom. I especially loved that this book glimpses into different cultures. The mother speaks broken English and her section showed that in her unique way of describing the U.S. as "The Beautiful Country." I also learned it's a little irreverent to keep Buddha statues in the bathroom and that Dutch people often keep their drapes or blinds open.<br />
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Essentially, Sylvie lived with family in the Netherlands for the first few years of her life while her parents adjusted to living in America, and then she moved back to the states at age 9. Later in life, she traveled back to the Netherlands to be with her sick grandmother and then mysteriously vanished without a word. Shy, quiet Amy has to fly across the Atlantic to try to put together the puzzle of Sylvie's life and disappearance. Of course, there are some twists and I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't able to figure it out too quickly. Definitely not overly-predictable and I would certainly recommend it!<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2RXCqVi" target="_blank"><i>Daisy Jones and the Six</i> by Taylor Jenkins Reid</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Jones-Taylor-Jenkins-Reid/dp/1524798622/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1H0WU8IZIRODN&keywords=daisy+jones+and+the+six&qid=1562346868&s=books&sprefix=Daisy+Jon,aps,165&sr=1-2&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=8a1d7bb0c9715ceecbacc9f65e5f5bb3&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1524798622&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><b><i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1524798622" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />CAUTION: A few minor SPOILERS!</i></b> Another awesome book! I did not want it to end; I was so invested in the characters, that I wish they were a real band so I could listen to their album. I was caught a little off guard at the complexity of the story; I was expecting sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but I got so much more than that, too.<br />
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<i>Daisy Jones and the Six</i>: a beautiful story of love and trust, but an absolutely heartbreaking look at life with addiction. I found myself rooting for Billy, Daisy, and the rest of the band; however, I was completely inspired by Camilla's character. I wasn't expecting such an amazing love story, but what made it so great was how <i>real </i>it felt. The way she coped with her fears by trusting with her whole heart is the kind of love I aspire to. There was a line in the book about trusting someone enough to let them have their secrets that felt so<i> </i>honest and heartwarming.<br />
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This was such a creative book. Told from the point of view of all the characters talking directly to the author, it felt like I was listening to a really well-made "Where are They Now" documentary. I was blown away at how the author managed to capture so many styles of speech in one book. I liked "watching" the writing process for the band's hit songs, and was so impressed at how one person could make it feel like a real collaboration of two people.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/30sLiFo" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><i>The Farm </i>by Joanne Ramos</a> <b><i>4.3 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Novel-Joanne-Ramos/dp/1984853759/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1562860829&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=3b1f58b99394770c7f4566e6a9c1ce2f&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1984853759&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>This book started out feeling pretty normal. I really liked how the author incorporated bits of Filipino culture like how "Ate" (pronounced A-teh) translates to older sister in Tagalog.<br />
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Though I was slightly disappointed overall by this book, it was still good. I always appreciate a story told well from multiple perspectives (if you're new here, I'm always going to point that one out). But even though it was an interesting story and well-written, I was expecting a bit more "thrill factor." I was expecting more of a dystopian <i>Handmaid's Tale</i> vibe and it just wasn't that kind of book.<br />
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One of the biggest themes in this book was the distribution of wealth and how privilege can affect the course of a person's life. Mostly a story of the contrast between those who grow up privileged and those who immigrate to this country, I thought it was a good and easy read while still managing to cover a large and difficult topic.<br />
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<b><a href="https://amzn.to/31I2pDU" target="_blank"><i>Girl Wash Your Face </i>by Rachel Hollis</a> <i>3.5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Wash-Your-Face-Believing/dp/B077GZBL1Y/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1VEIXIMASMBCV&keywords=girl+wash+your+face+rachel+hollis&qid=1565884745&s=books&sprefix=girl+wash+your+face,aps,186&sr=1-3&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=69d298f81db4b8eefd7617e442b53df6&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B077GZBL1Y&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>I decided to listen to this as an audiobook for two reasons: 1) The waitlist at my local library was very long and I wanted to read it in time for a new Instagram friend's book club (her blog is <a href="http://hellogorjessblog.com/">hellogorjessblog.com</a>), and 2) It's not the kind of book I usually go for. I don't usually like audiobooks because I don't feel like I'm really "reading," but it worked for this book.<br />
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I'll be honest, I wasn't looking forward to reading this book. I had labeled it as #basic and I wanted to be able to spend the last valuable hours I had left before school started for leisurely reading and another book. I decided to listen to it in the car, and surprisingly, kept it going once I got to my destination.<b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B077GZBL1Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b><br />
I enjoyed how it was split into small chapters with Rachel's personal stories. I think it's important to mention that her privilege probably plays a much larger role in her success than her "you are ultimately responsible for ... how happy you are" mindset might make it seem. Did I have a few empowering moments while listening? Absolutely. The book is so inspiring and I'm glad I read it before my last year of law school. It helped me pinpoint some goals I had lost sight of over the years and reminded me about the path I want to be on as I run toward my future. But, I'm not sure if I'm a full convert and probably won't be one of her blog subscribers just yet.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZbhL28" target="_blank"><b style="font-style: italic;">Becoming </b><b>by Michelle Obama</b></a> <b><i>5 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michelle-Obama/dp/1524763136/ref=as_li_ss_il?ascsub&crid=2HO24J1JAF56D&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.87c43357-6434-4c74-89c8-e6e4b653d684&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=becoming+michelle+obama&pd_rd_i=1524763136&pd_rd_r=2e25f5ba-28a4-4a61-a6c7-c8f9468f1e7c&pd_rd_w=FAqSL&pd_rd_wg=scm9c&pf_rd_p=43ba9e17-96f5-4491-b054-e546013f7dc4&pf_rd_r=EKFG09SD9VBBV385PHJ1&qid=1565885133&s=gateway&sprefix=becoming+,aps,207&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=764d1ed7f99986821590cad2bc496410&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1524763136&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>Another book that I'm so glad I read before starting my final year of law school. I wanted to read this book over winter break, but the waitlist at the library was, again, unusually long (I think more people are finally catching on to how great the public library system is!).<br />
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I was so inspired while reading this book. Of course, it's another story where privilege, though mentioned by the author a bit more than it was in <i>Girl Wash Your Face, </i>should still be in the back of the reader's mind. Even though I loved every detail about her Ivy League education, I couldn't help thinking, "That would have never been an option for me." Parts of it were inspiring, while other parts left me feeling a little dejected. Of course, my own privileges from growing up in a white middle-class family with one child and parents who had fairly high levels of education give me my own type of privilege.<br />
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As for the behind-the-scenes look at a presidential campaign or what it's like to live in the White House, I could not get enough. I loved hearing about her challenges as a young lawyer and mother and how she managed to juggle it all. Learning in her own words why she chose healthy eating and fighting childhood obesity was eye-opening, too! I definitely recommend this book to everyone, regardless of your political affiliation. One over-arching theme that stood out for me is that you can't make changes if you don't get to know everyone first, even people who don't look like you.<br />
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<b><i>Make sure you follow along on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5948236-sydney" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> if you want to keep up with my current "To-Read" list! </i></b>Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-88786238462988856132019-07-10T16:01:00.002-05:002019-07-10T16:09:20.118-05:00Astros Game RecapSo last weekend, Jake and I finally made it to the Astros game, a day we had been talking about all summer but hadn't quite pulled the trigger on making the plans.<br />
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I'm so glad we finally made it a priority because we had the <i>best </i>day! It was a Sunday afternoon game, so we arrived around 1pm (the game started at 1:10 but since we aren't exactly big baseball fans, we took our time parking, buying a baseball cap to complete my outfit, and getting to our seats). We were seated just in time to see the end of the first inning.<br />
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Walking into Minute Maid Park was such a cool experience. I hadn't realized that the whole thing is can be closed in; Since it was so hot, they had the stadium covered and the air conditioners blasting -- thank goodness!<br />
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I was surprised at how even though we were at the highest level, we had basically a birds-eye view of the game from section 418. I would certainly sit there again, but the seats are pretty close together Make sure you like the person you're going with 😉.<br />
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Luckily, we picked a great day to watch baseball; the Astros and the Angels put on a great show! They were going back and forth tying up the game and by the end the 7th inning, the score was tied 10-10! I'm told this doesn't happen super often in baseball. There was also a crazy <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yadier-molina-furiously-calls-out-astros-jake-marisnick-following-collision-with-jonathan-lucroy/" target="_blank">collision</a> at home plate during the eighth inning where the Astros runner rammed right into the Angel's catcher. The catcher looked like he was knocked out and had to be taken off the field for a CT scan/concussion precaution.<br />
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When no one made any more runs by the end of the 9th inning, it was time for an extra inning! Luckily, the Astros were able to win before we abandoned the game to find dinner. The game and the extra-inning lasted well over four hours, maybe even five; we were starving by the time it was over and we raced out of the stadium to find supper. We decided to walk a few blocks to Main Street for Shake Shack and it was worth the wait.<br />
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Out of all the chain burger places, I think Shake Shack might be my favorite. Jake said he still prefers Five Guys, but the margin is pretty slim. We were SO hungry, so we had a mini feast. As much as I usually prefer to go to local restaurants, I love Shake Shack. I used to eat there all the time with friends during my <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2016/09/life-lately.html" target="_blank">DC internship</a> a few years ago.<br />
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Overall, it was such a great day. We got in over 10,000 steps from walking around the entire stadium, up and down the stairs, and then walking to Main and back. We even had a mini photo shoot once we got back to the stadium after the crowds had cleared out.<br />
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Outfit details:<br />
Cap: Linked <a href="https://amzn.to/2LJVmWt" target="_blank">here</a><br />
Sneakers: <a href="https://amzn.to/2LMZtkK" target="_blank">Superga</a><br />
Dress: Old but similar <a href="https://amzn.to/2XHVXuh" target="_blank">linked here</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2LOiOBO" target="_blank">here</a><br />
Purse: From this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BaliPleasure" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>, similar <a href="https://amzn.to/2JssnF1" target="_blank">here</a> (see <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2019/07/june-top-ten.html" target="_blank">this post</a> for more details!)<br />
Sunnies: <a href="https://amzn.to/2xJ1JBe" target="_blank">Under $15</a><br />
Earrings: <a href="https://www.sorrelli.com/store/products/ECM14ASWO/Round-Crystal-Stud-Earring---Sorrelli-Essentials-in-White-Opal" target="_blank">Sorrelli studs</a><br />
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A quick breakdown of the prices from the day:<br />
<i>Tickets: $57 or ~$28 a piece (these were the best value we could find and we used a discount code for $20 off)</i><br />
<i>Parking: $20</i><br />
<i>Snacks at the stadium: $30 (3 waters, 1 snowball, and 1 pretzel)</i><br />
<i>Astros cap: $30 </i><br />
<i>Shake Shack dinner: $27</i><br />
<i>Grand Total: $164 </i><br />
<i>Not too expensive for such a fun experience. I think it was worth every penny!</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIuJcMeIlDm4bu8wTLysHRNGkdOe6m57GenlZUdaRCpSf5-Cm0EmbWFtCkcL5h8j4TXjkZhMAAB7HhK1BkirxQrLh0URJlwFnHXHIflyV2LkQWDTdhYv8o5zgHNfBkvygOGzKiBMQbH8/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-28896182729894311312019-07-05T11:50:00.000-05:002019-07-10T16:02:15.781-05:00Summer Favorites<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been working in Texas for the last eight weeks at a small law firm specializing mostly in personal injury cases and commercial litigation. It's been a little adjustment, but I've had a lot of fun and I'm learning so much! I thought it would be a fun post to share some of the items I've been loving this summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCB4n0rmDaS5hHNKFG-et-ShcfC7DyIkif-vVm-f5PG0t1hxWOE8DKAtiqfpISwqruY_QNReeXytIGpynPfiFzlcQsgDn4dT5MW30n5AgcHNv6_TLOYGv4K_tw5anqweNQAuIDzXlxWs/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCB4n0rmDaS5hHNKFG-et-ShcfC7DyIkif-vVm-f5PG0t1hxWOE8DKAtiqfpISwqruY_QNReeXytIGpynPfiFzlcQsgDn4dT5MW30n5AgcHNv6_TLOYGv4K_tw5anqweNQAuIDzXlxWs/s1600/Image-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Just a few of the items mentioned below</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rattan-Purse-Handwoven-floral-flower/dp/B07PVBS2YY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=rattan+bag&qid=1560277985&s=gateway&sr=8-16&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=7ebb1af36e5ebee60dc37ffb71df4c84" target="_blank">Wicker Bag</a></div>
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This is the only crossbody bag I packed when I moved this summer. I bought mine through <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BaliPleasure" target="_blank">this Etsy shop</a>, but since they are based in Bali, it took over a month to arrive and shipping was the same price as the bag itself (still cheaper than some of the others I've seen online, though!). I linked a similar one above through Amazon.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QV7BMQK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=4b2141f4cf4de4f2baf3cb9763ba0d72" target="_blank">Hair Scarves</a></div>
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This is one trend I am loving! I'm rarely adventurous with outfits and I hate to play with patterns, so I usually tie one on a ponytail or bun when I'm wearing solid black or white shirts and dresses. It's such a fun way to add a pop of color; the set I linked above on Amazon includes six different patterns for only $10.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Exfoliating-Polish-Scrub-Macadamia/dp/B07BFK3Z7Z/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=8HW4FD8ZOEN&keywords=dove+exfoliating+body+polish&qid=1560278169&s=pantry&sprefix=Dove+exf,aps,169&sr=8-6&linkCode=ll1&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=425d6d39b715b97c433a9dd2b8ecb374" target="_blank">Dove Exfoliating Body Polish</a></div>
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Even though we should be exfoliating all year, I find myself thinking about it more during the summer. I always use this body polish before giving myself a "tan" (aka Rodan + Fields Foaming Self Tanner). The best part is, it smells SO good, almost like a wedding cake flavored snowball. </div>
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<a href="https://refer.nativecos.com/x/neTmIB" target="_blank">Native Deodorant</a></div>
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I decided to switch to natural deodorant after one of my classmates in Toxic Torts gave a presentation on all of the harmful ingredients we get micro-exposures to daily in our beauty products. Even if aluminum deodorants are actually safe, I feel a little better knowing that the products I'm using mostly likely won't ever make me sick. I've been using <a href="https://www.nativecos.com/products/coconut-vanilla-deo-sensitive" target="_blank">this Native deodorant</a> (the sensitive kind <i>without</i> baking soda) and was so surprised that there was no "detox period." I did notice that I was sweating more (duh), but I don't stink! I use it in the mornings then reapply before workouts and after I shower, and haven't noticed myself smelling bad yet! The coconut scent is perfect, even for this hot and humid Texas summer. If you'd like to try it out, <a href="https://refer.nativecos.com/x/X7Qeyj" target="_blank">use this link to get a free mini deodorant with your purchase + free shipping. </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kendrascott.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-KendraScott-Site/en_US/Product-Variation?pid=double-link-toggle-bracelet&dwvar_double-link-toggle-bracelet_metal=RHD" target="_blank">Kendra Scott Charm Bracelet</a></div>
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I got the silver bracelet, the <a href="https://www.kendrascott.com/jewelry/categories/charms/literacy.html?cgid=charms&dwvar_literacy_metal=RSG#prefn1=classCode&prefn2=subclassCode&prefv1=Charms&prefv2=Philanthropy&start=3" target="_blank">book charm</a>, and the <a href="https://www.kendrascott.com/jewelry/categories/charms/842177004036.html?gdffi=c052cfc649cb46308115942a42c1aecb&gdfms=D79B83A549CB4AC086E81A48A7DED8A0&gclid=CjwKCAjw6vvoBRBtEiwAZq-T1eZPeCyfXVjcFka5WtzJLrEMplzkSeaIr-HnOAhNSLDQohSbqRIpYBoCHp8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Texas charm</a> to commemorate my summer working here in Houston. Both of the charms I picked are "give-back" charms so 50% of the proceeds for the book go to First Book, a nonprofit that supports childhood literacy and 50% from the Texas charm goes to MD Anderson. You can get 20% off if you shop using <a href="https://share.kendrascott.com/x/8d1Ijf" target="_blank">this link and their awesome refer a friend program</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://re.glossier.com/232f9023" target="_blank">Glossier Invisible Shield </a></div>
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I've been using this sunscreen every single day. Its formula is the best; it goes on like a liquid and absorbs quickly into your skin so that you can hurry along with the rest of your makeup. Although I've been trying to slowly switch to "cleaner" products, but I keep coming back to this face sunscreen. It's best for every-day, so not necessarily my go-to for days when I'm swimming or sweating. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/OPI-Nail-Lacquer-Cajun-Shrimp/dp/B000NG80GM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2K49S8QM76IWW&keywords=opi+cajun+shrimp+nail+polish&qid=1560279055&s=beauty&sprefix=opi+ca,beauty,172&sr=1-2&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=a2608f4f8abd5bcb152c16a5c7d0adee" target="_blank">OPI's "Cajun Shrimp"</a></div>
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My favorite summer toenail polish! I try to mix it up with other colors but I always go back to this one. It is the best orangey-red out there!</div>
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<a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-premium-running-high-waisted-shorts-c9-champion-174/-/A-54083036?preselect=53974634#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">High-Waisted Running Shorts</a></div>
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I have been living in these running shorts when I'm not at work. They are the most comfortable athletic shorts I've ever worn (dramatic, yet true). I think they may be a dupe for these <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Running-Times-Short/_/prod8610615?color=LW7AK0S_0001&skuId=3757714&locale=en_US&sl=US&CAWELAID=120278590000150675&CID=Google_Women_Shopping%2BBrand_US&gclid=Cj0KCQjwov3nBRDFARIsANgsdoHlJhAGzR781VIjrpUWB1CHAXi6DM6a85w5Xd1ZFxOyy3_yhXr0zXAaAsV2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Lululemon shorts</a>, but I've tried both and actually prefer the Target version. I love them so much that I bought them in two colors and will probably buy more before the end of the summer!</div>
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*Disclosure: Some of the items above use affiliate links. This means I will earn a tiny percent of any purchase you make from clicking through the links. Opinions are always honest and my own.*</div>
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Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-48943216792453207582019-06-24T16:31:00.001-05:002019-06-24T16:31:12.226-05:00Summer Reading Update (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSssy75iYTAA92dfyfaUuzbsWKT48w6jGfVo16KqmpveREJ2NlvE7j0qaEf0NwZHLL4_MfohxneKsmJ0yXQVhhanmirIXDrxe0USr_kbYIMSEnJ_H6IrgTUUHBVvDG46Oacx08nH_q81g/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSssy75iYTAA92dfyfaUuzbsWKT48w6jGfVo16KqmpveREJ2NlvE7j0qaEf0NwZHLL4_MfohxneKsmJ0yXQVhhanmirIXDrxe0USr_kbYIMSEnJ_H6IrgTUUHBVvDG46Oacx08nH_q81g/s1600/Image-1.jpg" /></a></div>
It's pretty obvious that I love reading (you really have to if you're in law school), so getting to read for fun is always a highlight of summer. Since I'm working in the Woodlands this summer, I had to get a new library card, which delayed some of my progress a bit.<br />
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So here's what I've read so far this summer:</h2>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062667602/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062667602&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=c5503c0b8dff5c155b88302f2416cd30" target="_blank"><i>That Kind of Mother</i> by Rumaan Alam</a> <i>3 stars</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062667602/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=1849299204e0311f3cd6b12f066dc12c&language=en_US%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062667602&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US%22%20%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=0062667602%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=0062667602" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062667602/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=956abf2d931d6f9a892954b75f0a1136&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062667602&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0062667602" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
I wanted to like this book, but it was probably my least favorite on this list. The rhetoric was so beautiful, but the plot moved intentionally slow and I just could not get into it. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, surely it will get better. Eventually, toward the end, I was invested in the characters a little more and the ending wrapped up nicely, but I was happy to move on to a new book.<br />
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I was actually shocked when I found out it was written by a man... It's told from the point of view of a mother and felt so personal and real, so that was quite impressive.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061565318/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061565318&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=45c7cef4b4a81d7d61b8a2ee083ccb39" target="_blank"><i>Bel Canto </i>by Ann Patchett</a> <i>3 stars</i></b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0061565318" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Canto-Harper-Perennial-Modern-Classics/dp/0061565318/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=2ZYSLORANK4U5&keywords=bel+canto+ann+patchett&qid=1561410620&s=gateway&sprefix=bel+canto,aps,236&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=7ef300be31b030aa1a7e746bd0fadc2c&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0061565318&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=0061565318" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I was surprised that I didn't love this book as much as I expected. I was so blown away by Ann Patchett's <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Commonwealth-Novel-Ann-Patchett/dp/0062491830/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=commonwealth&qid=1560286569&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=12f165600d1ecf2ee64b539dea876a03" target="_blank">Commonwealth</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/State-Wonder-Novel-Ann-Patchett/dp/006204981X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=006204981X&pd_rd_r=597233ca-8c8b-11e9-bb1a-4375a7f5de2e&pd_rd_w=niKo9&pd_rd_wg=i9uWb&pf_rd_p=90485860-83e9-4fd9-b838-b28a9b7fda30&pf_rd_r=5VP3KWQWQMHN2A7NXEPH&psc=1&refRID=5VP3KWQWQMHN2A7NXEPH&linkCode=ll1&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=33451bc11932d0aa02a9a6535b56e485" target="_blank">State of Wonder</a>, </i>so even though this one was okay, I had overhyped it in my head and was ultimately underwhelmed. It took me almost the entire book to feel invested in the plot, and then just barely. I have since watched the movie and, though marginally better, it wasn't fantastic.<br />
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It's the story of a Japanese businessman, a mesmerizing opera singer, a houseful of party guests, and the group of guerillas that bursts in and takes them hostage. It's based very closely on the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/26/world/how-peruvian-hostage-crisis-became-trip-into-the-surreal.html" target="_blank">Peruvian Hostage Crisis of the mid-1990s</a>. I couldn't help but wonder if I would have liked it more if I had an appreciation for opera music, but I doubt it. It moved slowly and for a while, I felt like I was being held hostage. It really just wasn't my cup of tea, so I'd recommend one of her other books instead.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735219095/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0735219095&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=d598d89a91657cd1f0e4952fb24c0d48" target="_blank"><i>Where The Crawdads Sing</i> by Delia Owens</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Crawdads-Sing-Delia-Owens-ebook/dp/B078GD3DRG/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=3JV3P9TH5G90U&keywords=where+the+crawdads+sing&qid=1561410438&s=gateway&sprefix=where+the+c,aps,164&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=625c546bf9439b2ae75bd6ec1b9a54ae&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B078GD3DRG&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B078GD3DRG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />This book has been all over the internet, but for good reason. I was worried it had been overhyped, but I LOVED it!<br />
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Told from the point of view of a little girl who grew up alone in the swamp, it's a beautiful story of loss and love, both of people and of nature. As a sort of "marsh girl" myself (I grew up near the swamp on the bayous of south Louisiana, so that maybe counts), I felt like my quiet love of the beautiful trees and birds was amplified by 10,000 in Kya's character. I certainly felt <i>all</i> the emotions when reading this book; from loneliness and sadness to fear, betrayal, and even happiness, this book has it all.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1984802437/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1984802437&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=28cfbee05c001c1e418ab22f6945757f" target="_blank"><i>The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls </i>by Anissa Gray</a> <i>4 stars</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Care-Feeding-Ravenously-Hungry-Girls/dp/1984802437/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1T0BNC2B2ZAQG&keywords=the+care+and+feeding+of+ravenously+hungry+girls&qid=1561410750&s=gateway&sprefix=the+care+and+feed,aps,191&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=3103c8fe6a29360bc2d422189a081a97&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1984802437&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a>This is another book that I wanted to like more than I did. For some reason, it reminded me a lot of the Netflix show <i>Orange is the New Black</i>; the scenes where you learn about the characters' backgrounds are told the way this book was written.<br />
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I felt like the story would have been better had there been more of a mystery element or maybe if the plot progressed more quickly. Overall, it just felt like it was lacking <i>something, </i>and it fell a bit flat for me. It was still a heartwarming story, but it took too long to get there.<b><i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1984802437" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </i></b><br />
It's a story of mothers and daughters, the chain reaction set off by a family losing their matriarch too soon, and a series of bad decisions the characters have to overcome to find what they are all looking for.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802128408/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0802128408&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=98162cfd54ae159535be5328cdcb922d" target="_blank"><i>The Far Field</i> by Madhuri Vijay</a> <i>5 stars</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Far-Field-Madhuri-Vijay/dp/0802128408/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=QYQ8ET1T0I8S&keywords=the+far+field&qid=1561410966&s=books&sprefix=the+far+fie,stripbooks,157&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=db34225d3a3ba63ed0100b0e812ab2a1&language=en_US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0802128408&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=toodlebelle-20&language=en_US" /></a><br />
The Far Field was my second favorite on this list after Crawdads, but still absolutely fantastic! Even though there are parts that I probably lacked a complete understanding of the background knowledge, I was still able to keep up since the themes are universal. For example, I had no idea where Kashmir was on the map, but I understood the concept of different countries or religious groups fighting for control of certain territories.<br />
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Set in faraway India, at times this book felt both exotic and extremely familiar. The story centers around Shalini, a young adult who is trying to find her way after her mother's death. She takes off on an adventure to tie up loose ends and learns a lot about herself and her own family by observing others on her journey.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5948236-sydney" target="_blank">Remember you can always keep up with what I'm reading and what's next on my list on Goodreads! Just add me as a friend!</a>Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-29434277801424345892019-06-10T16:50:00.002-05:002019-06-11T13:28:24.442-05:00What I Read: Spring 2019Reading for fun during the school semester has always been a challenge for me. When I'm trying to balance studying, reading for daily classes, working out, and small attempts at a social life, books tend to hit the backburner.<br />
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Sometimes, it's just easier to sit down on the couch after a long day of school or work and mindlessly watch reruns of Gilmore Girls on Netflix instead of picking up a book. That's why I set a goal at the start of the spring semester to read for fun, even during the school year.<br />
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I'm proud of myself for following through with this, too! I picked some books I thought would be fairly light and fun reads so that I was more inclined to pick them up when I was trying to mindlessly procrastinate or relax in the evenings.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525566651/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525566651&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=4a84c7c3c91d6c725ad1250e9e62df31" target="_blank">1, 2, & 3. The <i>Crazy Rich Asians</i> trilogy by Kevin Kwan</a></b><br />
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I really enjoyed this fun series! The books are so light and easy reads, which was perfect for relaxing after a long day of reading the dry, boring cases in my law textbooks. They were all sweet and a welcome change from my daily routine.<br />
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My only complaint about the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345803787/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345803787&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=8570602cb71b5124de34c39bf92e4fed" target="_blank">first book</a> was the names were a semi-struggle to keep up with. There are a lot of characters, mostly with short last names and I found myself getting a little mixed up here or there and having to go back to clarify which family we were discussing. </div>
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(NOTE: the ending in the book and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JWGJ49W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07JWGJ49W&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=e8abb079864b8e9e9a317a0a4f31cc5f" target="_blank">movie</a> were very different! Don't let one dissuade you from the other; both were great in their own ways, though I'm partial to the books.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-or6pb_NpmIUK-LsI2GmH4GQ2coZSgU9G2rklQ2YfU0nr8VeRp_2UjChsvTrYmUhfOIp5VYb37AzPUMZsHMpVpK1mDG57Apd0pR4T_aSRRDsocFaJH_sBukejHZP94qKHPXU9G7hleI/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-or6pb_NpmIUK-LsI2GmH4GQ2coZSgU9G2rklQ2YfU0nr8VeRp_2UjChsvTrYmUhfOIp5VYb37AzPUMZsHMpVpK1mDG57Apd0pR4T_aSRRDsocFaJH_sBukejHZP94qKHPXU9G7hleI/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804172064/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0804172064&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=148c63455c8d466b0e3bdbe20347e72c" target="_blank">second</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/052543237X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=052543237X&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=2fdb1036e01ac45e9ba7a5ab2279eba1" target="_blank">third</a> books were much easier to keep up with since the characters didn't change from the first one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA4qWAJIE8bbXX-MixnfaQtvb1Nd-n8KTlr31WNY-pvYqekTcR5KX374_1u_1BEfYlz8PpW-94ByeTRJxYfImTc2LlH5q_B4G45XSSMGyNHKJ919HX6LixXu0HpKxt8RKnEovdQW9tBc/s1600/IMG_2857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA4qWAJIE8bbXX-MixnfaQtvb1Nd-n8KTlr31WNY-pvYqekTcR5KX374_1u_1BEfYlz8PpW-94ByeTRJxYfImTc2LlH5q_B4G45XSSMGyNHKJ919HX6LixXu0HpKxt8RKnEovdQW9tBc/s1600/IMG_2857.jpg" /></a></div>
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By the third book, I was so happy to see how the story would wrap up and I wasn't disappointed with the ending. I did feel like some characters had just disappeared or had storylines that wrapped a little too neatly. Some didn't really seem to wrap up at all, but overall, it was great! </div>
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I'd give the entire trilogy 5/5 stars because I loved being able to read them in bed after a long day of school work. The commentary (footnote-style) from the author was very smart and funny, and I caught myself laughing out loud several times.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525520317/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525520317&linkCode=as2&tag=toodlebelle-20&linkId=772cb637303106945d00e0b44d7a3c41" target="_blank">4. <i>The Book of Essie </i>by Meghan Maclean Weir</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8736wXV5KCutAh16spM6KUyozxwUKPSmW9T_ZCAEulCsHpw8RGJBo3lrNlEk2O23tfOErmdbfPKD7NXqQ7UQPsxi0I5iQdvQBlhrxpQMEZ3EfU82pdhr1Brqh7btsUdPmj1XOerG1Iw/s1600/The_Book_of_Essie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8736wXV5KCutAh16spM6KUyozxwUKPSmW9T_ZCAEulCsHpw8RGJBo3lrNlEk2O23tfOErmdbfPKD7NXqQ7UQPsxi0I5iQdvQBlhrxpQMEZ3EfU82pdhr1Brqh7btsUdPmj1XOerG1Iw/s1600/The_Book_of_Essie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Essie" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sarah Toure (photograph) Abby Weintraub (design)</span></a></div>
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As a girl who watched hours upon hours of 19 Kids and Counting (back when it was only 17) one summer during high school and who could name all the kids in birth order from memory), I really enjoyed this book. I don't particularly love the Duggars, especially after some of their dirty laundry was aired out for the public to see, but I watched them the same way I watch the Kardashians... Not because I want to emulate them, but because it's a reality so different than my own.<br />
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Anyway, the story centered around a fictional family with their own reality show "Six for Hicks," whose daughter Esther mysteriously becomes pregnant at 17. The story is told from three different perspectives: Essie's, Roarke (they boy her parents want her to marry), and Liberty Bell (a former ultra-conservative news anchor who survived growing up in a cult). I liked how the story wove different narratives seamlessly, and I hope that this author writes more books soon! 5 stars!<br />
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<b>Up next for Summer 2019...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0DkIyLMa4_g_daT0o-k1Punrph5cxILX8h8D_QLs6-lsdy8eJXPog2DPyd_uWxa2klBMM2Ec63SqxC103BMfIWpKuMVC6NkGo2TSZx8KJ86wNk89hx0_Ait-9MTtlmv1eVCxq6cQqTA/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0DkIyLMa4_g_daT0o-k1Punrph5cxILX8h8D_QLs6-lsdy8eJXPog2DPyd_uWxa2klBMM2Ec63SqxC103BMfIWpKuMVC6NkGo2TSZx8KJ86wNk89hx0_Ait-9MTtlmv1eVCxq6cQqTA/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG" title="stack of books: care & feeding of ravenously hungry girls, that kind of mother, becoming, where the crawdads sing, daisy jones and the six, bel canto" /></a></div>
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I've read four of the six pictured above, and I can't wait to share more book reviews with y'all soon! I added even more to my list when I realized I was flying through all of these.</div>
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I was most excited for Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and it did not disappoint. </div>
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Don't forget you can send me a friend request to follow along on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5948236-sydney" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> and see what I'll be reading next! </div>
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<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-5003901327146906402019-01-05T23:24:00.001-06:002019-06-24T16:31:53.951-05:00What I Read: Winter 2018If you know me or follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneylandry/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you probably know how much I enjoy reading on my breaks from school. I usually document my progress via the "<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17929061221120771/" target="_blank">Books</a>" highlight on my Instagram page along with little blurbs of "reviews".<br />
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I've already mentioned before in my "<a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/p/all-about-me.html" target="_blank">About Me</a>" page that I used to dream about living at the public library, so it makes sense that I spend a lot of time there when I'm out of school. In another life, I think I would have grown up to be a cool journalist who does book reviews for a living, but instead, I'm sharing my thoughts here on my own little corner of the internet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauzNaT8FzsOHBeZB2FzDJB-NIa8FDSDsJHAsE0q_d-DslEZJJbMKItVBTk8ny0dxvpX6ZpFm5YDboANHspDfmF441EWIYIOf1GxzJQuM8JsNrvlR7v46HAOjkrpST1yAV-v10uQPc3gU/s1600/2018+Books+Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauzNaT8FzsOHBeZB2FzDJB-NIa8FDSDsJHAsE0q_d-DslEZJJbMKItVBTk8ny0dxvpX6ZpFm5YDboANHspDfmF441EWIYIOf1GxzJQuM8JsNrvlR7v46HAOjkrpST1yAV-v10uQPc3gU/s1600/2018+Books+Graphic.jpg" /></a></div>
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Without giving any spoilers, I'll share a little about each book I read.<br />
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<b><i>The Great Alone</i> by Kristin Hannah</b><br />
Wow! This book was beautifully written and the best one I've read in a long time. It's easily the best book on this list. I read the last quarter or so of this book with a constant flow of tears running down my face.<br />
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I thought it was especially cool that the book was set in the 1970s and centered around a family who moved to Alaska to start a new life. My grandpa, who bore a somewhat striking similarity to the main character's father, packed up his family around that same time to work on the oil pipeline mentioned in the story. My grandma said that they were just as unprepared for the winter as the family in the story, too.<br />
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<b><i>A Spark of Light</i> by Jodi Picoult</b><br />
I used to really love this author's books when I was younger, but this one fell a little flat for me. Instead of changing the point of view each chapter as she usually does, she told this story in reverse order and I didn't particularly enjoy it. Although I still charged through the book, and it did have some interesting character development, I was expecting to like it more.<br />
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Also, since I usually love her books, I didn't bother looking up any summaries/reviews about it. This one was set in a hostage situation inside an abortion clinic, which naturally led to some slightly uncomfortable themes and descriptions. I truly believe <i>both</i> pro-life and pro-choice readers would benefit from reading this one, especially if you consider yourself a strong believer that your opinion is the best.<br />
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<b><i>Something in the Water </i>by Catherine Steadman </b><br />
This was a typical suspenseful mystery novel, and I would recommend it to anyone who loved Nancy Drew books in elementary school like I did. The story centers around a couple who finds... you guessed it, something mysterious in the water while they're on their honeymoon. The plot unfolds from there, and the twists are the good kind that I didn't exactly see coming.<br />
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<b><i>From the Corner of the Oval </i>by Beck Dorey-Stein</b><br />
As a girl with an interest in politics and a former DC intern, I devoured this book! Somehow, the author managed to capture exactly how I felt throughout my summer internship when I felt like I was struggling to make friends and getting used to being a twenty-something. One of the friends I met during that DC internship read this after seeing my Instagram review and said she loved it, too!<br />
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I especially like that it wasn't overly political and more so centered around her life. For a work of nonfiction, it flowed comfortably like a novel. She explained her job and some of the awesome opportunities she had while working in the White House, but she intertwined her love life and personal drama into the story nicely.<br />
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<b><i>One Day in December</i> by Josie Silver</b><br />
This was the cheesiest, yet perfectly sweet romance novel. It wasn't a knock-your-socks-off, best-book-I've-ever-read kind of novel, but I liked reading it during the lazy days between Christmas and New Years and when I was stuck at the airport with a delayed flight. I'm sure it would make for an excellent romantic comedy. A friend described it as having <a href="https://www.emilygiffin.com/something-borrowed/" target="_blank">"<i>Something Borrowed</i>" vibes (a la Emily Giffin)</a> and if you read both, I'm sure you'll understand.<br />
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<b><i>Nine Perfect Strangers</i> by Liane Moriarty</b><br />
I don't know why I was worried about not finishing this one before I had to go back to school since this author is the best when it comes to suspenseful page-turners. I seriously couldn't put it down and stayed up until almost four in the morning to finish it last night. Although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as some of her other books, (<i>Truly Madly Guilty</i> and <i>Big Little Lies</i> are two of my favorites) there was still a bit of a hidden secret like she had in her others. This one felt a little more suspenseful than some of her others I've read, which I enjoyed. I felt myself getting nervous for the characters toward the end and it took all I had not to chew my nails right off!<br />
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I'll continue to keep a running list of other books I want to read come summer break, but in the spirit of new year's resolutions, I'm also going to try to read for fun a little throughout the semester. I know I'm happier when I can relax and read for fun, but making time for it in law school is a little daunting. I'll be sure to keep my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5948236-sydney" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> account up to date so you can follow along if you'd like.Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-10658973511681979242018-11-05T18:08:00.000-06:002019-01-05T21:12:07.422-06:00What I Learned in my First Year of Law School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been quite a while since my last post (over a year!), but I decided to pop back to this little blog to give it a facelift (new logo, overall design, and sidebar options) and share a few pieces of wisdom since I'm nearing the halfway mark of my law school career! </div>
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I didn't think it was possible for a person to grow this much in such a short amount of time, but here we are. I'm sharing a list of lessons that I learned in my first year of law school for both selfish and unselfish reasons: 1) to remind myself how far I've come, and hopefully 2) to inspire others that are thinking of going to law school, but might be worried it will be too hard. In addition to torts, civil procedure, and so many other types of law, here is what I learned during my 1L year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhove4E6OKibaFtLI5eQPLSZscEzn_XoS8G9k4H5t9CW5vivxIOm040q8te23e7asec6khL0NFM6vVA1sWnuaB6QY0pSoGFjKYas38b3Vx5iNG1bpYcMJXI2jtei6QAaPuub0-4lmKEAsM/s1600/Law+School+Champs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhove4E6OKibaFtLI5eQPLSZscEzn_XoS8G9k4H5t9CW5vivxIOm040q8te23e7asec6khL0NFM6vVA1sWnuaB6QY0pSoGFjKYas38b3Vx5iNG1bpYcMJXI2jtei6QAaPuub0-4lmKEAsM/s1600/Law+School+Champs.jpg" /></a></div>
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A photo of me and my sweet friends at the 1L champagne toast on the steps after our fall finals last year!</div>
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<b>Some things are more important than grades.</b><br />
When you catch yourself sobbing uncontrollably in the dentist chair because he told you that you've got a cavity, you might need to evaluate your real stressors (yes, this happened). Finding time to do anything other than studying or reading for class might seem like an impossibility, but your body and brain will thank you for squeezing in that workout or the extra hour of sleep. I especially enjoyed spin classes and weekly bible studies during my first year of law school.<br />
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<b>It's okay to keep your head down sometimes.</b><br />
You're in law school to learn, so that should be your first priority. It can be hard to tell people no, especially when you really want to say yes, but if they're really your friends, they'll understand you aren't blowing them off. I only went home a few times during my first semester and had to spend a lot of time studying on the weekends when friends went to football games, beach vacations, and concerts without me. My best advice is to let yourself have one day or night on the weekend where you do absolutely nothing related to school so that you don't go crazy.<br />
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<b>It can be rewarding to put yourself out there. </b><br />
Building new friendships from scratch can be tough and intimidating. Don't underestimate the power of a smile and a "Good morning" to the person who happens to be sitting next to you in class. As terrifying as it can be for introverts like me, walking up to someone's table in the library with a simple greeting like, "Hey, I'm in your *insert class name here*. Mind if I sit here?" is all it takes to plant those little friendship seeds. Before you know it, you'll be making lunch plans and hanging out all the time.<br />
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<b>Asking questions in class does not mean you're dumb and your professors are there to help.</b><br />
When I first started law school, I hated asking questions because I felt like I was the only person feeling completely lost. I felt like I would be wasting everyone's time if I asked questions and caused the professors to slow down or repeat themselves. My dad changed my mindset on that a bit; he made it clear that students pay to learn at universities. Students are what keep the professors' checks coming, and that means students are somewhat entitled to ask questions, either in class or in office hours. In some ways, we're the boss and if we don't understand something, we should not feel bad taking up a professor's time in order to fully understand a concept.<br />
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<b>You are your own biggest competition. </b><br />
Law school can be a somewhat competitive environment, even at schools like LSU that aren't known for being competitive. It's just the nature of the beast. There are horror stories of students stealing books or sending fake outlines, but that rarely happens. What's more likely to happen? Grades coming back after finals (because remember, only one essay test per class) and realizing that you've gone from getting straight A's your whole life to being average. There's nothing wrong with that, and once you wrap your head around the idea that your grades are not your worth, you'll be fine.<br />
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<b>"Fake It 'til You Make It" actually works. </b><br />
I grew up as a really shy kid. I was quiet and had a soft voice, especially compared to the rowdier neighborhood kids. Unfortunately, law school isn't the easiest place for quiet shy kids to thrive. There are presentations to be done, interviews for summer jobs, and competitions to prepare you for real life; it's not the place to be quiet. Good preparation is the best way to fight nerves, but I've also found that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc" target="_blank">power posing</a> really helps me get into a strong, confident mindset. If you haven't seen the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc" target="_blank">Ted Talk</a>, you need to watch it asap!<br />
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I'm trying to stay motivated and upbeat, but the truth is law school is tough. It can chew you up and spit you out, but it's also a ton of fun. I'm getting close to the end of my Fall 2L semester, which means almost halfway to the JD! A mixture of procrastination and restlessness led me back to writing in this blog. While I can't guarantee more frequent posts (finals are three weeks away), I'm hoping to get back into a more regular posting schedule in the future.<br />
<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-58453066962699440802017-07-05T14:40:00.000-05:002018-10-23T09:27:12.480-05:00A Much Needed Coffee Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How on earth has the time flown so quickly?! One of my New Year's Resolutions was to write more, and though I've kept a journal mostly up to date, I thought it would be fun to revive this poor neglected blog. I like the idea of using the blog as a live journal with pictures and stories, so here's another update. I've just poured myself my second cup of coffee of the day and will attempt to fill you in on what's been happening since my last "Life Lately" post (last year!).</div>
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I have been debating on how to get back into the swing of blogging again, and the only way to do that is by writing a new post every once in a while. So without further ado... <br />
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I've graduated!</h3>
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It seemed that the day would never arrive, and after weeks of stressful exams, final projects, and packing all of my apartment memories into boxes, I finally graduated! I was surprised when I arrived in my cap and gown and was handed another cord to wear with the ones from my honor societies: a red one to mark my status as magna cum laud! It was so exciting because I worked so hard to keep my GPA up, and having my hard work rewarded was like the icing on the cake. Oh, and we had the BEST cake at my graduation party afterwards. The party was way more fun than the ceremony itself (although our commencement speaker was great and told us that everyone should grow up and be an octopus!), but we had great food and it was so nice spending time with my family. Photo credits to the wonderful Nicholls State University. <br />
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I'm working at a law office!</h3>
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When my academic advisor said he had a friend who needed some help at her law office, I was so excited! It's funny because that conversation happened in November, and after waiting a few weeks, following up, and waiting a few more months, I was starting to think she found someone else... And then I got a call for an "interview" in February. That day I met everyone in the office, brushed up on my legal definitions (plaintiff, defendant, etc.), and I started the following week. See how excited I was in my interview outfit? It's four months later and I still love everyone in my office, so I guess it goes to show you good things come to those who wait. <br />
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I've been back to D.C. (twice)!</h3>
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I just can't seem to stay away from that cool city. Last summer I interned on Capitol Hill (<a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2016/09/life-lately.html" target="_blank">see previous post</a>), and earlier this spring my mom and I went back with another friend for a fun weekend trip. They attempted the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, but it was so cold and icy, that they ended up "modifying" the course a bit. The metro was involved, but it was all good fun. <br />
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Last week, I actually went back with my aunt and sat in on a few of her meetings since she works with NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) and ATD (American Truck Dealers) to lobby on the hill. I know the picture is a selfie and therefore backwards, but check out the I Heart Trucks button! Too cute! It was so cool to meet with different staffers and congressmen who have the power to really help the small business community by supporting certain legislation (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2946/text" target="_blank">H.B. 2946 if you're interested</a>). Two congressmen even said they'd be co-sponsors, which is a pretty big deal! We also stayed at the Trump hotel, which is about as grand and beautiful as you'd expect (and they <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BV2_ReZHJnC/?taken-by=trumpwashingtondc" target="_blank">re-grammed</a> my insta!)<br />
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I've have an exercise "routine" for the first time ever!</h3>
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No picture for this one because I'm don't think I'll ever be a "gym selfie" kind of gal.<br />
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But that's right, I actually look forward to going to the gym (most of the time). It all started when I <strike>became addicted to</strike> tried out Pure Barre classes during my DC internship. During the school year, since we don't have a studio in town, I had been getting the occasional fix through their at-home DVD, but eventually switched to spin classes! I can't recommend it enough! Even more recently (three-ish weeks ago), I joined the new wellness center that popped up near my house and I couldn't be more happy. They have tons of classes and a pool with some other amenities that I'm still too nervous to try out (sauna, steam room, etc.). I've been loving the Sprint and RPM spin classes, but have also started going to yoga a few times a week. Believe it or not, I'm starting to see some real results in my body, so I can't wait to see how I look and feel by the time August rolls around. For me, the real results come when I start focusing more on getting stronger and less on losing weight.<br />
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I'm going to law school at LSU!</h3>
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I'm so excited for August because I'll be moving to Baton Rouge for law school. The photo above was taken at a recent event the law school hosted! While I was apprehensive and originally leaning toward an out of state school, I know I'm making the best financial, emotional, and all-around decision for me. I can't wait to move into my own condo (of course I've started a Pinterest page for inspiration), but can't lie and say that I'm not a little nervous for the actual school part. Everyone I know says that law school quite a challenge, especially in the first year, but I'm going into it with an open mind and a whole lot of determination. With the right mindset, anything is possible, right? <br />
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<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-81689210176781183342016-09-07T21:11:00.001-05:002018-10-23T09:28:22.460-05:00Life Lately Wow! I'm surprised I even remembered how to log in and write a new blog post! It's been quite a while, hasn't it?<br />
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So many things have been going on since the last time I decided to update my little piece of Internet. I'll try my best to get you up all to speed!<br />
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I interned in Washington, DC!</h3>
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I spent almost seven weeks this summer working in our nation's capital for my home district's congressman, Garret Graves. The experience was absolutely amazing! I learned so much in my short time there (and more than just how to turn on the coffee maker!). One of my projects was to write a bill and it gave me a glimpse of how difficult it is to actually change the law. I also loved answering phones and helping constituents solve problems they had with other federal agencies like the VA or IRS. Though following policy is cool, it's nice to be able to hear the almost-instant relief in people's voices have when you cut through red tape they've been stuck in for so long. </div>
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Senior year is here!</h3>
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My my how the years have just flown by. It seems like just last week, I was a freshman moving into my dorm room and away from home for the first time. Living in DC for the summer gave me a much greater appreciation for small town life, and I'm so happy to be back in my favorite little corner of the bayou. I actually surprised my little sis, Megan, and left my internship a few days early to be back in time for recruitment. I had originally intended to miss recruitment, thinking the sorority could go on without me... Little did I realize I was the one who ended up missing them even more. </div>
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I also started writing for <a href="https://muse.theodysseyonline.com/author/sydneylandry" target="_blank">The Odyssey</a>! </h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yep, I'm writing the articles all your friends are sharing on Facebook. I'm also technically the "Editor in Chief" of the group of writers here at Nicholls. Go ahead and </span><a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/@sydneylandry" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">follow me</a><span style="font-size: small;"> so that you can post the viral articles first! You'll be the trendiest of all your friends, and everyone will wonder how you're always one step ahead of the game sharing all these spot-on articles. I'm also pretty pumped that <a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/defense-the-pumpkin-spice-latte" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spice Season</a> is back since I get some of my best writing done at Starbucks! </span></div>
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That just about covers everything. Classes aren't too difficult this semester, but I'm still busy with law school applications, the pre-law society, the Odyssey, and Phi Mu. This Saturday is opening weekend for Colonel Football, and I'm so excited to head off to Georgia to cheer on our team! They're playing against UGA and our track record isn't great with the big schools, but I'm going to be optimistic and at least hope it's a fun game to watch. Who knows when I'll update the blog again, so... See y'all later!</div>
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Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-21786813440383093742015-12-07T17:47:00.000-06:002018-10-22T15:45:39.836-05:00My Fall 2015 via VSCOAlternative titles for this post: "Where did the time go?" or "I have one more final left and no motivation to study anymore, let's blog!"<br />
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One of my favorite things about having a blog is the ability to choose how much or how little you can post. I love that even after my busy fall semester, my little blog is here waiting for me. Such a small comfort. It really is the little things.<br />
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Anyhow, this semester's been a whirlwind of excitement, late nights, long car-rides, and lots of pictures on my iPhone. I was scrolling through my VSCO app (@toodlebelle, I know you were curious), and was reflecting on the semester and thought it would be fun to show the fall semester's highlights with some of my favorite pictures.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Colonel Pride!</span></h4>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I'm still a <a href="http://lisilerch.com/" target="_blank">Lisi Lerch</a> Campus Rep! And the Colonels finally broke their awful losing streak!</span></div>
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(Use the code <b><i>NichollsState15</i> </b>for 15% off your own Lisi Lerch purchase)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I turned 21! </span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmJ-B0W6WuxOTsSxAEsAweyHP7UYqoYhui7HImCzNTuhOi036kC0JF4qjOOBQfzNtEpmTpO7LBvcIogzP-orkp1NjNBqpMGjMsdCN0q1HdCYgM9h4KZQ5rDb_tRxwT0vp3kyIy8G_5fY/s1600/IMG_0550.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmJ-B0W6WuxOTsSxAEsAweyHP7UYqoYhui7HImCzNTuhOi036kC0JF4qjOOBQfzNtEpmTpO7LBvcIogzP-orkp1NjNBqpMGjMsdCN0q1HdCYgM9h4KZQ5rDb_tRxwT0vp3kyIy8G_5fY/s640/IMG_0550.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Just in case y'all are wondering, my birthday wish has already come true ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfRY4JQoRsQwlErbWzzH6RuCgm7VDoY6Gy8wpXmrXabcQWLwildobKBjYReulNPbPv30-g7m7m6_mb_Olq0B3Cvwdp_1VkpGoDQeEcFaW3EVKGqUda718O1RKCnH7s9zmZ4l1phqJVXA/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfRY4JQoRsQwlErbWzzH6RuCgm7VDoY6Gy8wpXmrXabcQWLwildobKBjYReulNPbPv30-g7m7m6_mb_Olq0B3Cvwdp_1VkpGoDQeEcFaW3EVKGqUda718O1RKCnH7s9zmZ4l1phqJVXA/s640/IMG_0549.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I decided to opt for a small brunch with some of my best friends to celebrate my first legal alcoholic purchase (Mimosas are my favorite!). </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lots of Writing! Lots of Coffee! </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96VCvelH7PU1sBPxdkWSf-rW6hJyOAOV-lQOPzx9yCg59Mxrng-3-vK8xdlFlqTG9kJaxWHU0RidQWcPAvpxcXvpulH46-E4KbLuNw-2lLILZd12_1EdT1GlGS0rSLO81v1pFOcmXXx8/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96VCvelH7PU1sBPxdkWSf-rW6hJyOAOV-lQOPzx9yCg59Mxrng-3-vK8xdlFlqTG9kJaxWHU0RidQWcPAvpxcXvpulH46-E4KbLuNw-2lLILZd12_1EdT1GlGS0rSLO81v1pFOcmXXx8/s640/IMG_1348.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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I knew being the news editor would be a big commitment, but I didn't realize how much it would affect my coffee addiction. I'm up to two cups a day now!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Phi Mu</span></h3>
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Phi Mu always seems to play a big role each semester, and this semester is no exception. But what was different about this fall was that I've learned to love my sorority a little differently. I actually enjoyed participating in recruitment this year and seeing the new members join our sisterhood really brought the experience full circle. Maybe it's from being older, but there was definitely something different about this year that I couldn't quite put my finger on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD1OjW2v7FZIRqHgtoCfq4u-lEYMFNBDhyphenhyphenTn9rVIQXbFnwWqXuEZm9sA5XcdIvD7JX6E_xM9RVJXqp8cLVOd1R6n8Kncs37z4XaTqCAnIzObGkrsN1P_DWdX3_6Xzio7XXfNj-XYWm7s/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD1OjW2v7FZIRqHgtoCfq4u-lEYMFNBDhyphenhyphenTn9rVIQXbFnwWqXuEZm9sA5XcdIvD7JX6E_xM9RVJXqp8cLVOd1R6n8Kncs37z4XaTqCAnIzObGkrsN1P_DWdX3_6Xzio7XXfNj-XYWm7s/s640/IMG_1349.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have a new appreciation for sisterhood events, probably because I realized this year how few I have left. Next fall will start my last year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD1OjW2v7FZIRqHgtoCfq4u-lEYMFNBDhyphenhyphenTn9rVIQXbFnwWqXuEZm9sA5XcdIvD7JX6E_xM9RVJXqp8cLVOd1R6n8Kncs37z4XaTqCAnIzObGkrsN1P_DWdX3_6Xzio7XXfNj-XYWm7s/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ5zbgYEZky-ggqPFh1tyR3DD0WZSsyFRTLicJPmsi9COXcdktjrLR4629af3VbYbdzPcyIdb_jqii2DFGyrhiST5LmzlqfRroU1V80h1-olxAos4fKdG3vYY1c_6PQGc1700r2upJ5o/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ5zbgYEZky-ggqPFh1tyR3DD0WZSsyFRTLicJPmsi9COXcdktjrLR4629af3VbYbdzPcyIdb_jqii2DFGyrhiST5LmzlqfRroU1V80h1-olxAos4fKdG3vYY1c_6PQGc1700r2upJ5o/s640/IMG_0243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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(I promise I'm wearing shorts, I'm told this particular "sratty" look is called "lamp-shading")</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-sjR8WhIfjGgNLLT9-twGZz063h9hRW8arskNHMLu3rCiwssHH3wB_63m7wx_cwUjMxJ0c0RtYGQoQKXpMx48rlh96XJZ7KMjjqioi41fGZcIQrcyCS8vNJ8yFV1JPTA_d_l-zMVxQY/s1600/IMG_0552.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-sjR8WhIfjGgNLLT9-twGZz063h9hRW8arskNHMLu3rCiwssHH3wB_63m7wx_cwUjMxJ0c0RtYGQoQKXpMx48rlh96XJZ7KMjjqioi41fGZcIQrcyCS8vNJ8yFV1JPTA_d_l-zMVxQY/s640/IMG_0552.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My little also started her own blog (proud big sis moment!). Check her out over at <a href="http://behindthedrink.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.behindthedrink.blogspot.com</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The End of #TheTinderChronicles</span></h3>
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'Nuff said. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-Li7GOL1jk_lFHCq-Gjy_pN1K6kB2QrMxCepQfVXFngoKWPuU2XPcayRgcdxwchOlkd_8_xJA_wP8_G38jY-gtngKFRf2qG7heB_yE_eyLFXMqs9NpVv1Wgb5-nTBV_FJn789Xui4m8/s1600/IMG_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-Li7GOL1jk_lFHCq-Gjy_pN1K6kB2QrMxCepQfVXFngoKWPuU2XPcayRgcdxwchOlkd_8_xJA_wP8_G38jY-gtngKFRf2qG7heB_yE_eyLFXMqs9NpVv1Wgb5-nTBV_FJn789Xui4m8/s640/IMG_0137.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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The long-distance thing kind of stinks, but our weekend visits and road trip to meet his family have been one of the brightest highlights of my semester. (Oh, and he was also the real inspiration behind my <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2015/07/georgia-on-my-mind-ginger-peach.html" target="_blank">Georgia on My Mind post</a>)</div>
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The Pre-Law Society</h3>
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A new friend and I got together and started a new club for students at Nicholls interested in going to law school. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpil3wWk56770cHMKmyCodGEAabnfcy7MWkWud9C0P1oTG-qWIG7PJAFXiTM6T4Y6nRCKm6Gf9l2VzWnhwUzmJxwN3Ki49lK9DYPjJ6eVq0sW9BK7eViGBfdRYwKeXIMD-vBxBm9Xtu4M/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpil3wWk56770cHMKmyCodGEAabnfcy7MWkWud9C0P1oTG-qWIG7PJAFXiTM6T4Y6nRCKm6Gf9l2VzWnhwUzmJxwN3Ki49lK9DYPjJ6eVq0sW9BK7eViGBfdRYwKeXIMD-vBxBm9Xtu4M/s640/IMG_1311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">One of my favorite parts has been volunteering with a group called <a href="http://www.jotsbirthdays.org/home.html" target="_blank">JOTS Birthdays</a>. They're a charitable organization that throws birthday parties and other celebrations for children living in foster care and group homes. The ladies have been so sweet, and even though some of the children's stories will break your heart, it's been great seeing the joy such simple acts can bring. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.jotsbirthdays.org/home.html" target="_blank">Please visit their website to read their full story or if you're interested in donating.</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvhV27C8_craKdsVUSd42IYBh_oqEjvoJPyZPIXoze5JQ2tXqitK87T3h2yBXk7udMosWjF26q9Mp_6hJJ_ioMj8aiLoChaZGn4-4hAfWIWZjYxCF8LRBen8yQR2YHeSCKHV-msj3sj0/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvhV27C8_craKdsVUSd42IYBh_oqEjvoJPyZPIXoze5JQ2tXqitK87T3h2yBXk7udMosWjF26q9Mp_6hJJ_ioMj8aiLoChaZGn4-4hAfWIWZjYxCF8LRBen8yQR2YHeSCKHV-msj3sj0/s640/IMG_1379.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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I also took more mirror pics this semester than I'd care to admit (#toovain). </div>
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So there you have it: fall semester in a nutshell. I might blog a little more once winter break officially starts (throwing shade at you, finance final). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUfq_iaTRx8h3cmtVQvNPc3sotazcIeeX6CL_rfqm9oW6xhwd-q8HtxkvHRhZdDasjzD3RAt43LWWHITKg17AnwPHpvFTlgnFuQzUbOalhdMpwocYBpfzwB49MV9nR8z4sRouwQx6eIE/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUfq_iaTRx8h3cmtVQvNPc3sotazcIeeX6CL_rfqm9oW6xhwd-q8HtxkvHRhZdDasjzD3RAt43LWWHITKg17AnwPHpvFTlgnFuQzUbOalhdMpwocYBpfzwB49MV9nR8z4sRouwQx6eIE/s640/IMG_1583.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I'm definitely looking forward to so much this winter (reading for fun, another trip to Georgia, Christmas, and starting my new internship just to name a few). Regardless of whether or not more blog posts happen, though, I know I'm in for a lot more excitement in the next few months! </span></div>
Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-52897249430611665662015-08-30T20:06:00.000-05:002018-10-22T15:44:29.018-05:00Back To School Technically I've been back at school for about two weeks, but with recruitment week and the first week of classes falling at the same time, I haven't even had time to think about updating the blog.<br />
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I'm so disappointed because I've been taking super cute pictures all week, and then I had to replace my iPhone (I thought I saved my pictures but clearly it didn't work). Luckily, I have darling sisters that I can count on to take pictures for me!<br />
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So since my last post, a lot has happened!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Recruitment! </span></b><br />
Sorority recruitment week has by far been the most stressful, yet most rewarding experiences of my college career. All the summer practices, retreats, late nights, crafting, and stress were worth it when we welcomed sixty-nine new members on bid day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrIR5WRN8v7FFGw0UkikpWqLtG0KSwVtaoMPclTuTYSH2Bjxn9FtqBIGuy3lFl9FLO-HROwE3OAGdWvVk9EIiuJYEcJxV5SuwZkdZHufKz_mHz3p3fBW2mHeups8muvERSrmdmo1hwac/s1600/Recruitment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrIR5WRN8v7FFGw0UkikpWqLtG0KSwVtaoMPclTuTYSH2Bjxn9FtqBIGuy3lFl9FLO-HROwE3OAGdWvVk9EIiuJYEcJxV5SuwZkdZHufKz_mHz3p3fBW2mHeups8muvERSrmdmo1hwac/s1600/Recruitment.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDp0XGyjvbU" target="_blank">This is a cute video our advisor put together. I love how you can see the excitement on everyone's faces. Bid day really is the best day of the year. </a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm back in my apartment! </span></b><br />
It's no secret that I love my apartment. Living at home for the summer really made me miss my own space. I also really missed my roommate AC! We hardly saw each other this summer (she did some mission work in Africa and I did a lot of traveling and took a summer class), and it's so great to finally get back to our semester-long sleepover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DVHavkocvS7-xxLyEzo0MtuK0tZVArJqw8ZyVrJtHRFBMUm2nHbf_13jIin77xRMfwIuhx3NImaXiqxNgTWihv6PY9lnIMFpoqYWdguia1tigY5Y2fuG_0vCMkqOp_73rQ5-WNDYsqU/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DVHavkocvS7-xxLyEzo0MtuK0tZVArJqw8ZyVrJtHRFBMUm2nHbf_13jIin77xRMfwIuhx3NImaXiqxNgTWihv6PY9lnIMFpoqYWdguia1tigY5Y2fuG_0vCMkqOp_73rQ5-WNDYsqU/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" /></a></div>
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I decided to switch it up this year and put a bulletin board where my "gallery wall" used to be. Eventually I'll hang my paintings up on the wall by the bed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aELDOidrIKzMvaHAaNwWV4ZF9sD_KcDVXpozhfnwseSQQY8_GbduppfvIakPtM7tpEME5iIz0LtUrCIzyzK_gnRyui33xh1hHmcNDusf2LM4Mca4QTN-L-npGw4_KgMA2cnqFQZGeaM/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aELDOidrIKzMvaHAaNwWV4ZF9sD_KcDVXpozhfnwseSQQY8_GbduppfvIakPtM7tpEME5iIz0LtUrCIzyzK_gnRyui33xh1hHmcNDusf2LM4Mca4QTN-L-npGw4_KgMA2cnqFQZGeaM/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" /></a></div>
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Is it weird that I sleep better at the apartment than I do at home? </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">News Editor!</span></b><br />
I've been promoted to an editor position at our school newspaper. This means that I'm busier than usual this semester, but I'm loving it! My only "issue" is trying to find actual news on my little campus. I'm also struggling to learn AP style editing, but making progress! I've also increased my coffee intake to two cups per day, if that is any indication of how busy I am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbTD2UufV8-kzeXX9reTEEiC-_Hvb0RQ4iICuiiYesOGov3s9D1u9UZnqHoC1xiIv2T2zT2pN4EbvZfN_HpHsbG5zY75OJ6BzWppDZixW521sOwCio9khF51h6hQZ7lMV92mk86pxouE/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbTD2UufV8-kzeXX9reTEEiC-_Hvb0RQ4iICuiiYesOGov3s9D1u9UZnqHoC1xiIv2T2zT2pN4EbvZfN_HpHsbG5zY75OJ6BzWppDZixW521sOwCio9khF51h6hQZ7lMV92mk86pxouE/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lisi Lerch Campus Rep! </span></b><br />
I'm officially a campus rep for <a href="http://www.lisilerch.com/" target="_blank">Lisi Lerch</a>, a super fun jewelry company that I discovered through following other bloggers. I'm planning an Outfit Of the Day post with these adorable tassel earrings. They're going to be perfect for football tailgates in a few weeks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Evi7r0oQeiQrBCWF4XJ_bKp_O3pIf_gj1AX6kFrT-PrAD1ijqSSlS91qujqc92y7gF3w8byxzHgXwAk2TXZvSzsMZqXpDDL1_QCe2XaQ5IMErDUjPiqAxb_CwUKcQAYHTNAoqB_xnv0/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Evi7r0oQeiQrBCWF4XJ_bKp_O3pIf_gj1AX6kFrT-PrAD1ijqSSlS91qujqc92y7gF3w8byxzHgXwAk2TXZvSzsMZqXpDDL1_QCe2XaQ5IMErDUjPiqAxb_CwUKcQAYHTNAoqB_xnv0/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">If you'd like to comment with your email address, I can sign you up to receive news and coupon codes from Lisi Lerch and you'll help me reach my "collect 100-emails goal"!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=481917563&pid=uid2576-24860976-2" target="_blank">Don't y'all think that these red tassels are adorable??</a></div>
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Check back soon and I'll have a special code for you to use on their website! </div>
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Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-60397283926996641722015-07-23T00:00:00.000-05:002015-07-23T00:00:03.617-05:00Currently Crushing On: Draper JamesHave you guys seen <a href="http://www.draperjames.com/" target="_blank">Draper James</a> yet? I've been obsessing over it since Reese Witherspoon first announced her new brand a few months back. <a href="http://instagram.com/reesewitherspoon" target="_blank">Her instagram</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/draperjamesgirl/" target="_blank">@draperjamesgirl</a> are a little of my daily inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnLiNvbOo7paGwEs_zneHkQfJpsN0bp7NUZoAGsRUNYsVLwEkz_LnqwQjPZvQljFuoewa9_tZG6e21bHUzeGC_SbUZ4MFjJtXyCK_DKsTMV3IsLOu57oT2vdxcOE0gruyQUouVk0t-y8/s1600/reese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnLiNvbOo7paGwEs_zneHkQfJpsN0bp7NUZoAGsRUNYsVLwEkz_LnqwQjPZvQljFuoewa9_tZG6e21bHUzeGC_SbUZ4MFjJtXyCK_DKsTMV3IsLOu57oT2vdxcOE0gruyQUouVk0t-y8/s640/reese.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm filing this outfit under <i>to buy when I'm skinny & rich</i>.</div>
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Seriously, everything about this brand has me in business-student-fan-girl mode. No detail too small, and the whole brand <i>feels</i> so sincere and genuine, even if it is <strike>crazy expensive</strike> a bit over my budget. Her genuine nature and southern grace & charm are why she's my absolute favorite celebrity/actress and also why Reese (<a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2015/07/weekend-recap-this-weeks-goals.html" target="_blank">along with Nell</a>) is at the top of my baby-name list. </div>
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These are just a few snapshots from their website, but I want everything!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0q1jqX9Qzql8_J9NYgIwAi_Dkx6KDgnvbt3qqDOI2PtK6H3nSYeySOz_K2auQ1P8l8ivKsXbP22oYfwVTwrXPQoXtl7FRgHyrxUd7MyUHhZ8-QPQv01qD3fqr86v11kK4VAuxtTu6kY/s1600/510-08b-DJames_jewelry-294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0q1jqX9Qzql8_J9NYgIwAi_Dkx6KDgnvbt3qqDOI2PtK6H3nSYeySOz_K2auQ1P8l8ivKsXbP22oYfwVTwrXPQoXtl7FRgHyrxUd7MyUHhZ8-QPQv01qD3fqr86v11kK4VAuxtTu6kY/s640/510-08b-DJames_jewelry-294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-ud5_zIeKcdnxWCcibzpbUr84OYkB7DsBkz157sbdGxVLe_kGkE9uDwjl5c0WauT8Bcy5AQhc1fy4IN9Y0n5PHlrKHK1LO-LzT19vv0dtYI9zFh6mEdLSopDGm_ddQbo-cB3_AhfWo8/s1600/Cocktail-Napkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-ud5_zIeKcdnxWCcibzpbUr84OYkB7DsBkz157sbdGxVLe_kGkE9uDwjl5c0WauT8Bcy5AQhc1fy4IN9Y0n5PHlrKHK1LO-LzT19vv0dtYI9zFh6mEdLSopDGm_ddQbo-cB3_AhfWo8/s640/Cocktail-Napkins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpM_h2agrdmuenOmCOW_EPwLHKKsCH7TlC-4IGJ0NEzNSZ7t1SRiRH6Q7nqZSrjlj0c_yM6_efGyu3qDz6hH7XIFd-Kv6lvFfskmtj9PVXiRNsoflP-Mn5eFNz083n5TCINzyl1n6y9I/s1600/Letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpM_h2agrdmuenOmCOW_EPwLHKKsCH7TlC-4IGJ0NEzNSZ7t1SRiRH6Q7nqZSrjlj0c_yM6_efGyu3qDz6hH7XIFd-Kv6lvFfskmtj9PVXiRNsoflP-Mn5eFNz083n5TCINzyl1n6y9I/s640/Letters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.draperjames.com/" target="_blank">via draperjames.com</a></span></div>
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Along with the stationary, these are some of my favorites from the line:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9jXjwAIbPf0LopWTcM_X_unScGktiGiX61HnqSusP4GkiCLFUyIPr8VpYsEvJYyn_qnt9YlTO6EUiP_d9bB7UgLr_m_eLwVssu7vv1HuYIHenAVmQ4SnKW3uIkB8JTtghiw_R3W54uM/s1600/Draper+James+Collage%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9jXjwAIbPf0LopWTcM_X_unScGktiGiX61HnqSusP4GkiCLFUyIPr8VpYsEvJYyn_qnt9YlTO6EUiP_d9bB7UgLr_m_eLwVssu7vv1HuYIHenAVmQ4SnKW3uIkB8JTtghiw_R3W54uM/s640/Draper+James+Collage%2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can tell, I'm a little obsessed with the magnolias (having flashbacks to climbing the magnolia trees in my grandpa's front yard)</div>
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<a href="http://www.draperjames.com/printed-magnolia-phone-wallet" target="_blank">magnolia clutch</a> / <a href="http://www.draperjames.com/statement-stud-pearl-earrings" target="_blank">pearl studs</a> / <a href="http://www.draperjames.com/pendant-pearl-necklace" target="_blank">pearl pendant</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.draperjames.com/belle-meade-dress?s=3260" target="_blank">coral magnolia dress</a> / <a href="http://www.draperjames.com/printed-hawkins-dress?s=3246" target="_blank">printed dress</a> / <a href="http://www.draperjames.com/nashville-shirt?s=3018" target="_blank">navy magnolia playsuit</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.draperjames.com/southern-pencil-set" target="_blank">southern pencils</a> / <a href="http://www.draperjames.com/magnolia-cocktail-ring" target="_blank">magnolia ring</a> </div>
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And if I couldn't love Reese any more, the Draper James blog has a little blurb about her favorite spots in <a href="http://www.draperjames.com/editorial/index/view/id/14" target="_blank">New Orleans!</a> And guess what! Her favorite spots are my favorites, too! Soul sisters...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLp85XZscDVP17syk1m2VI4QnU-dn2Q2ePHPKZ1_XkesgRVGbcus5kP4ZTPQoKz9TAMqF7zTZzJnZnexmpUq7uNiGmApShnqcK0o5y82cdLVI63Pwv-dewa8XOc3HKNkXu4MwZmrlfbk/s1600/nola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLp85XZscDVP17syk1m2VI4QnU-dn2Q2ePHPKZ1_XkesgRVGbcus5kP4ZTPQoKz9TAMqF7zTZzJnZnexmpUq7uNiGmApShnqcK0o5y82cdLVI63Pwv-dewa8XOc3HKNkXu4MwZmrlfbk/s640/nola.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd be so happy if I could be Reese Witherspoon when I grow up. </div>
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<b>Here's to hoping that Draper James creates a sale section ASAP. </b></div>
Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-47149558862717240982015-07-21T00:00:00.000-05:002018-10-22T15:46:30.616-05:00Sucker for SeersuckerFor those of you who aren't lucky enough to live in the South, let me let you in on a little piece of news: It's insanely hot these days. I'm talking 100+ degree heat indexes, the special kind of heat & humidity that probably rivals hell itself.<br />
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It's so hot, that I kind of hate going outside. I'm pretty content to stay in my pj's and hang out with a <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2015/07/weekend-recap-this-weeks-goals.html" target="_blank">book or something</a> in the air conditioning all day. I'm really loving <a href="http://shopcrystalfaye.com/products/scalloped-womens-shorts" target="_blank">these scalloped seersucker shorts!</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltaUVCk3TFKtGNOJJtHYMYYlrC4S7YOajqGLGwVIqr6qNfBN09-dlq73j3NaVkaVj49vMOokNDG6D5zgJaMQMwQBvwyLWu9D8-jMVLw0NQvP2tPmvM36E0ObBv6e_p3fL3Hh76uKXB6c/s1600/seersucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltaUVCk3TFKtGNOJJtHYMYYlrC4S7YOajqGLGwVIqr6qNfBN09-dlq73j3NaVkaVj49vMOokNDG6D5zgJaMQMwQBvwyLWu9D8-jMVLw0NQvP2tPmvM36E0ObBv6e_p3fL3Hh76uKXB6c/s640/seersucker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The website might say sold out, but keep an eye on her instagram (<a href="https://instagram.com/crystalfaye_/" target="_blank">@crystalfaye_</a>) because I bought mine on flash sale! </div>
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In the mean time, here are some more seersucker pieces (and adorable Lauren James <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=482461872&pid=uid2576-24860976-2" target="_blank">t-shirts</a>) to wear and keep cool while waiting for summer to burn out. (Beware of <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=482202864&pid=uid2576-24860976-2" target="_blank">Lauren James dresses</a>, though, they're lined with a not-so-cool polyester material). </div>
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<b>Is anyone else beyond ready for fall yet? Bring on the cooler temperatures! </b></div>
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Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-48077383269547573272015-07-16T00:00:00.000-05:002015-07-16T00:00:07.730-05:00Book Review: The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we get to this point of the summer, life starts to simmer down. The trips are all over, the Fourth of July has come and gone and all the sparklers have burned out. </div>
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So that means one thing for me: more time to read! I've spent every summer for as long as I can remember at my local library reading as many books as I could (the check-out limit for children's books was 5, a fact that will probably be ingrained in my brain forever). </div>
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I had been looking forward to recreational reading for months... Remember <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2014/10/books-i-cant-wait-to-read.html" target="_blank">this post</a>? I'm trying to squeeze in a few more classics this summer to get my brain sharp for the LSAT (ick, I'll be taking practice tests before you know it). </div>
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Currently reading <i>To Kill A Mockingbird</i> and can't wait to read <i>Go Set a Watchman</i> (and let y'all know how it is!), but until then, here are a few reasons why you need to read <i>The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls</i>, the first book I read at the beginning of this summer:</div>
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It was a page-turner. There was that air of mystery that didn't let me put it down. </div>
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So much mystery! </div>
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Why did her parents send her to camp? What happened back home? Who's not being honest? Will we ever know the truth? </div>
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So many questions are answered slowly throughout the whole book. I loved how it went back and forth between the past and the present. </div>
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It's also set in the Great Depression era so there's that hint of historical content<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, too. I'm a major history nerd, so this really made it a fun read for me (as in I read it over the course of one day). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv44NeZv-3aRN9DCjPqFnjlhMGXBuilrRKWcUjh5f6b6pXXMXb0C9z0T6UvAVRycNJ1lxZlLGhSgoSlkhgb1VHB83oow4PfpdTvucvkwvkaACM6Gb_2FtmkjiogYuRZ_zssXpZzGB8XU/s1600/Image-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv44NeZv-3aRN9DCjPqFnjlhMGXBuilrRKWcUjh5f6b6pXXMXb0C9z0T6UvAVRycNJ1lxZlLGhSgoSlkhgb1VHB83oow4PfpdTvucvkwvkaACM6Gb_2FtmkjiogYuRZ_zssXpZzGB8XU/s640/Image-1-2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Bottom line, I recommend this one, 10/10: You really should read it! Run, don't walk to your local library and check it out! I'm sure you won't regret it. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Any other recommendations?</b> </span></div>
<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-15634154564348513142015-07-14T00:00:00.000-05:002015-07-14T00:00:06.703-05:00Georgia on My Mind: Ginger-Peach Shortbread Cobbler Recipe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I was on vacation in Melbourne, I came across one of my aunt's Southern Living magazines. I was instantly in love. Even though my love of the <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2014/05/massachusetts-photo-recap.html" target="_blank">Northeast</a> is no secret, being from Louisiana means I'm basically a southern belle, right? Despite the heat and humidity, there's so much to love about the South! Magnolia trees, sugar cane, sweet tea, Cajun food, and oak trees covered with Spanish moss are my Louisiana favorites, but after trying this recipe, I might have a bit of a crush on the Peach State. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnFrvl5c7EZAUt-lXDetz2toS9xKrdEGWbX6Phfmt2mwMbpQkjMGABGjGHACH5ijEkht-Y4_6lzRONUhAylO6CUsWfMNX6ISh5AizU8tiAX-YWd72vUjW_X_VcxQDPdtdD_NJ7VhV5Q4/s1600/vscocam-photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnFrvl5c7EZAUt-lXDetz2toS9xKrdEGWbX6Phfmt2mwMbpQkjMGABGjGHACH5ijEkht-Y4_6lzRONUhAylO6CUsWfMNX6ISh5AizU8tiAX-YWd72vUjW_X_VcxQDPdtdD_NJ7VhV5Q4/s640/vscocam-photo-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anything that starts out with two sticks of butter is bound to be a tasty recipe, right? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRKVL33185FCKDt3sn1e4idTLmsiXrKcwkQkusSXG_PdHtJvZCRI1iZvI88ojNZHH5GZleMnJ5l4BQK-STAPvTT9TWdUlsWtHZJuqCgrwJIbQxot-mvJa-jB6-hMJRZpFFW6mzv7_A2I/s1600/Peach+Cobbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRKVL33185FCKDt3sn1e4idTLmsiXrKcwkQkusSXG_PdHtJvZCRI1iZvI88ojNZHH5GZleMnJ5l4BQK-STAPvTT9TWdUlsWtHZJuqCgrwJIbQxot-mvJa-jB6-hMJRZpFFW6mzv7_A2I/s640/Peach+Cobbler.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is what the picture looked like. I may have attempted this <i>semi-challenging </i>dish solely because the picture in the magazine was gorgeous. You can see the full recipe at the bottom of this post with my notes, or you can <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/ginger-peach-shortbread-cobbler" target="_blank">follow this link to the website.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhToNyLgTfHiLr4XN0IxFiT0zG33ZEdKhfbDIBCn9vwszAQNerX4VWKi3WJWT6GMYoKxKpizvTYf0mjpoGy7GDGacZY8rW12K3Su2pAmw8WzRJsK2_4mslCRdIPPRq_uYq1wh0_Jd1Vtg/s1600/vscocam-photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhToNyLgTfHiLr4XN0IxFiT0zG33ZEdKhfbDIBCn9vwszAQNerX4VWKi3WJWT6GMYoKxKpizvTYf0mjpoGy7GDGacZY8rW12K3Su2pAmw8WzRJsK2_4mslCRdIPPRq_uYq1wh0_Jd1Vtg/s640/vscocam-photo-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Mine actually turned out a lot like the picture (food photography is really hard to do well with an iPhone). I was so proud because it tasted amazing, too! </div>
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Here are some super cute kitchen accessories (I love my pink KitchenAid mixer and I'm a sucker for a cute apron). That peach gadget from Williams-Sonoma would have made this endeavor much easier! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Ginger-Peach Shortbread Cobbler</u></span><br />
<i><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/ginger-peach-shortbread-cobbler" target="_blank">via Southern Living Magazine</a></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients: </span><br />
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 cup</span> <span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">butter, softened </span><span itemprop="preparation" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/2 cup</span> <span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">loosely packed light brown sugar </span><span itemprop="preparation" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/8 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">kosher salt </span><span itemprop="preparation" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 1/4 cups</span> <span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">plus 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, divided </span><span itemprop="preparation" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px;">1 </span><span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">(1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled </span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">(The fresh ginger makes it AH-MAZING, trust me, don't skimp)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3/4 cup</span> <span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">turbinado sugar, divided <span style="color: #b45f06;">(aka Sugar in the Raw. I used more light brown sugar)</span></span><span itemprop="preparation" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
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<div class="field-ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 0px 2px; vertical-align: top;">
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px;">7 </span><span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px;">to 9 medium-size peaches, halved <span style="color: #b45f06;">(and peeled, it makes serving </span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span itemprop="preparation" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span>much easier)</span></span></span></div>
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<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 tablespoons</span> <span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">fresh lemon juice </span><span itemprop="preparation" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 </span><span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">large egg white, lightly beaten </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 teaspoons</span> <span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">granulated sugar</span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preparation<span style="font-size: 12px;">: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">1. Preheat oven to 400°. Beat first 3 ingredients and 2 1/4 cups flour at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer just until combined.</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 12px;">(My dough was very crumbly. I rolled with it and squished it together as I went. It worked out fine). </span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> Place dough on a lightly floured surface; roll to 1/4-inch thickness </span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">(full water bottles work well if you can't find your rolling pin)</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;">. Cut about 14 rounds with a 2 1/2-inch fluted round cutter <span style="color: #b45f06;">(I used a plastic cup because we don't have cookie cutters)</span>. Place rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet; cover and chill </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 12px;">(Emphasis on chill, so they keep their shape)</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> until ready to use.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Pulse ginger and 1/4 cup turbinado <span style="color: #b45f06;">(brown)</span> sugar in a food processor 5 to 6 times or until well combined. Stir together ginger mixture and remaining 1/2 cup turbinado sugar in a large bowl. Add lemon juice, peaches, and remaining 3 Tbsp. flour; toss to coat. Place peach halves, slightly overlapping, in a greased (with butter) 10-inch cast-iron skillet <span style="color: #b45f06;">(or casserole dish)</span>, and pour any remaining juice over peaches.</span></div>
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<span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and nestle shortbread dough rounds among peaches. Brush rounds with egg white, and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake 17 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. </span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you try this recipe out, be sure to tag me @sydneylandry on <a href="http://instagram.com/sydneylandry" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/sydneylandry" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and let me know how it goes! </span></b></span></div>
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Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-74675139668213764882015-07-07T20:01:00.000-05:002018-10-22T15:47:58.491-05:00Fourth of July + Florida Picture Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've been on the go for what seems like all of summer, so I've decided to wait to post recaps of my different trips. I'm planning on going in reverse order starting with this most recent trip: Florida. </div>
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My aunt and uncle live in Melbourne Beach, aka one of the cutest Florida beach towns ever. We go every few years because it's a solid thirteen hour drive from home. (For reference, their house is about an hour or so southeast from Disney World). </div>
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Because this was a family trip, it was pretty chill. We mostly just visited with our family and didn't go on many "adventures" besides to the beach or on the boat. </div>
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We went to the beach almost every day. It's a little different from the beaches here (I don't know if Grand Isle, LA is really the grandest of beaches). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnr_l1RPlTaGXtF5BCXr0A24ObqUdQkJwHSV7FLOmcYyeroTAXCXvpzs84JUh1ZzQFUVo9UR3XDQiLhjRp1eJqRoW1yD3MleF8SmwlWvbMkcn6kur2qgmWjhWh8thMec1P4mvKE3Jays/s640/blogger-image--952409881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnr_l1RPlTaGXtF5BCXr0A24ObqUdQkJwHSV7FLOmcYyeroTAXCXvpzs84JUh1ZzQFUVo9UR3XDQiLhjRp1eJqRoW1yD3MleF8SmwlWvbMkcn6kur2qgmWjhWh8thMec1P4mvKE3Jays/s640/blogger-image--952409881.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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Currently reading The Cuckoo's Calling. It's a little slow-moving for my taste, but it's okay. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina9eH6Fdok7Lu5XH__rDG-LjYdDiCI-1jB0k9fndnmeMdv-1TsbquGiY3Mgow-limTS9EjolJpV06AjAd9X1ZErNcKdI0pRe-KrSdCczxe4f1yResMpDzZpy42XZpI2NomixmndBvlE8/s640/blogger-image-1698885991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina9eH6Fdok7Lu5XH__rDG-LjYdDiCI-1jB0k9fndnmeMdv-1TsbquGiY3Mgow-limTS9EjolJpV06AjAd9X1ZErNcKdI0pRe-KrSdCczxe4f1yResMpDzZpy42XZpI2NomixmndBvlE8/s640/blogger-image-1698885991.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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Under normal circumstances, I would have just stopped reading and switched to another book by now, but anything by J.K. Rowling deserves to be finished. </div>
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(Side note, is anyone else really excited for Harper Lee's new book?)</div>
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On the Fourth of July we went out on the boat and set up next to a little island in the river. </div>
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My festive headband is from @OhHeyItsSarahJean on Instagram! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OhHeyItsSarahJean" target="_blank">She has an Etsy shop! </a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Paddle boarding isn't really as hard as I thought it would be, but boy did I feel it in my legs after! They were like jello! I guess it's time to get back to the gym. </span></div>
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Even mom did a great job on the paddle boards! </div>
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We only stayed out on the boat for a few hours before the rain came. Once we were back on land, mom and I ventured to an adorable little shop called Mica and Molly's. </div>
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It was full of Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Jack Rogers, KJP, Lauren James, and pretty much every other preppy brand you could imagine! Basically my favorite store ever. </div>
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My souvenirs from this trip included one of these pearl bracelets along with some Lilly wine glasses (because birthday number twenty-one will be here oh so soon). </div>
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I wanted to buy all the Lilly shorts, but settled on trying them on to get my size for the After Party Sale that's coming up! </div>
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Still wishing I could wrap my own Jeep in Lilly prints! (<a href="https://instagram.com/p/oY-dxYEHn3/?taken-by=sydneylandry" target="_blank">Flashback to the Nantucket Lilly Jeep!</a>) </div>
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Maybe not the most flattering picture, but this was such a great day so I don't really care ;)</div>
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This was probably the most relaxing trip I've taken all summer. Lots of sand, sun, and salty sea air! And, perhaps the best part: I finally have a tan! (And I didn't even get a little bit burnt! Winning!)</div>
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Here are some of my favorite pieces that my credit card wouldn't let me get at Mica and Molly's </div>
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Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-10040825995783903462015-06-22T22:01:00.000-05:002018-10-22T15:48:29.234-05:00Coffee Catch-Up SessionSure, it's almost 10pm, but in my house any time is a good time for a cup of coffee.<br />
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So, maybe you're asking yourself, "Where has Sydney been over the last month?" or "Didn't she say she was going to start blogging again?" or "I wonder if she's still writing." </div>
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{I mean, you probably aren't really asking any of those questions. Why would you really care that I've been holed up in my bed catching up on recorded episodes of Dance Moms and the new season of Orange is the New Black for the last three days?}</div>
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But just in case you are, pull up a chair, pour yourself your own cup of coffee, and read on, friends. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">June marked the first trip of the summer! </span><br />
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Please ignore my ghostly legs. I promise it was the filter. I'm mostly Italian with olive skin, I swear. </div>
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Niagara Falls is officially off the bucket list! This trip desperately deserves its own post because it was full of exploring, wine tastings, and lots and lots of walking ("Finishing a half marathon" coincidentally also jumped off the bucket list on this trip). </div>
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#ThrowWhatYouKnow!</div>
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My toes matched the flowers! </div>
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I totally plan on writing about the whole trip, but just incase life gets in the way, make sure you visit the little town of <i>Niagara-on-the-Lake</i> when you visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Too quaint. So many flowers, bakeries, and ice cream shops. My favorite kind of town. </div>
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The next adventure was <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2014/06/blessings-on-bayou.html" target="_blank">Blessings on the Bayou</a>, which has been one of my summer highlights for the last five years. It's so funny how even though we only see each other a few times a year, everyone picks up right where we left off. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeU7OtOjs-39qXdlpYCZ-fLjTI07NL1PiT7j8cqGVilWkZFrwDxzGiZU29d4hx6Tu47Sd5seupMvujXO3Rb2n5El04dj9HwxXFA2Ii7lI6h6_EpT7HDnz5VJZatzcIvEiLMtnefYwzkCI/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeU7OtOjs-39qXdlpYCZ-fLjTI07NL1PiT7j8cqGVilWkZFrwDxzGiZU29d4hx6Tu47Sd5seupMvujXO3Rb2n5El04dj9HwxXFA2Ii7lI6h6_EpT7HDnz5VJZatzcIvEiLMtnefYwzkCI/s640/IMG_0180.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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These are the amazing mentors of 2015. They are all such beautiful people. </div>
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And that leads me to the latest trip: Washington, DC!<br />
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DC is seriously one of my favorite places. This was my fourth trip there, but my first time in the summer. It was quite a change seeing the city with sweat dripping down my neck instead of through frozen eyelashes.<br />
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My aunt spent the trip meeting with legislators at the capitol, so I got to "babysit" my little cousin and explore the great museums. </div>
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My favorite day was spent in Georgetown (shopping, eating, etc.). More on that adventure along with my tour of Georgetown Law, aka the new dream school, when I do a more thorough DC post. </div>
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Gotta love that #navyornothing action happening in Vineyard Vines. </div>
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Because every day should feel this good. </div>
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Now I know I always say I'm going to write and update y'all, but this time I really mean it (mostly because the next few posts describing the trips in greater detail are already written). Since I've been back, I've caught up with friends, read a new book, and actually caught up a little for my summer class #winning! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1sI3lUf-KHIZc0OwL4DNVdBcQ5qm-4ZWyJmY9Dc_hfyhgzCkf3W3TIipt-aNBlVL-feEs3uFe1nLlLqZDWV3RFmtT2U8aIspVSq33ZOH8v-GFecbdw7QD2GzlYJ-VumHvut3phKcsXw/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1sI3lUf-KHIZc0OwL4DNVdBcQ5qm-4ZWyJmY9Dc_hfyhgzCkf3W3TIipt-aNBlVL-feEs3uFe1nLlLqZDWV3RFmtT2U8aIspVSq33ZOH8v-GFecbdw7QD2GzlYJ-VumHvut3phKcsXw/s640/IMG_0377.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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If you haven't read Paper Towns yet, run to your local library!<br />
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I hope you all enjoyed our coffee date as much as I did! Keep checking up on the blog, new posts are coming soon, pinky swear! </div>
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Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-61474166066346411242015-05-29T23:12:00.000-05:002018-10-22T15:49:00.938-05:00A Very Nola DayHey, howdy, hello! Welcome back to my abandoned blog. I've missed you, too!<br />
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I haven't been up to a whole lot besides reading books and watching movies. Gotta love summer.</div>
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However, last Saturday my mom and I drove into the city to spend a little quality time together. What we forgot was that Memorial Day weekend brings A LOT of people to the cool places. </div>
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After driving around the French Quarter for almost 45 minutes, we were able to find a parking spot and we were hangry (you know, so hungry that you get angry and not much fun). We ran to the first restaurant we saw and split a shrimp po-boy -- I know, how very cajun of us? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsuhYZeyOQil23Pbatt40mgdUXyc18hnOi_hZjS7UYrQSuSkhQu-NduAH9VROODG6la0YYDnBtson7ADexv-rZuvRf1kSCDQp1E1cO1qRDu8oY1pI5Mij1Vh6IiZw-SHyslnKmk-38yU/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsuhYZeyOQil23Pbatt40mgdUXyc18hnOi_hZjS7UYrQSuSkhQu-NduAH9VROODG6la0YYDnBtson7ADexv-rZuvRf1kSCDQp1E1cO1qRDu8oY1pI5Mij1Vh6IiZw-SHyslnKmk-38yU/s640/Image-1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I'd give Mulate's a 7/10 for food and a 9.5/10 for atmosphere. I loved their sweet tea and all the Blue Dog paintings they had on the walls! The french bread was a little too crunchy for my taste. </div>
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After eating and drinking enough sweet tea to revive our spirits, we walked into the French Quarter, where we spent most of our time strolling around Jackson Square picking out our favorite pieces of art. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX4eIBGmKku5dixCMT3aExCUG3VneM479ijUUv8Vpf0E8FNBJxyL0wL4YcH1yJNTj-QG-JRucMc22vhWr4aJ7TBzVAVdsxen9J65MVUfSc6muQKy9R4rdPPiLQEQMEI3WI_1U3pLsUh8/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX4eIBGmKku5dixCMT3aExCUG3VneM479ijUUv8Vpf0E8FNBJxyL0wL4YcH1yJNTj-QG-JRucMc22vhWr4aJ7TBzVAVdsxen9J65MVUfSc6muQKy9R4rdPPiLQEQMEI3WI_1U3pLsUh8/s640/IMG_9584.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Mom and I are suckers for art, so when we saw a man doing portraits, we were like "ooh, that's pretty cool!" Naturally, we decided it was worth the time to sit and have my picture drawn. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoQiiGV8H8hof83ovtwcjR0P7hz3JvslowC143kTtdAlTxUHxTZvL1ys4onTX8CwujDmVxCBf9iJdDcPR3UKyHJKsn-2GE26a2TyEgLlnN0W8WUkIbS_DDYriQ4mtP1-XJFQtQLRHkBU/s1600/IMG_9583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoQiiGV8H8hof83ovtwcjR0P7hz3JvslowC143kTtdAlTxUHxTZvL1ys4onTX8CwujDmVxCBf9iJdDcPR3UKyHJKsn-2GE26a2TyEgLlnN0W8WUkIbS_DDYriQ4mtP1-XJFQtQLRHkBU/s640/IMG_9583.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Please excuse the odd soft-smile happening here. </div>
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One thing that we couldn't miss was Cafe Du Monde! Beignets and iced cafe au lait were worth waiting in the line (for over 45 minutes *monkey-covering-his-eyes-emoji*). But my mom, never a fan of lines, was hangry again by the time we made it to the front. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAFCOThEIgqQNg5Lcf-EBaTb-F20coj3u6colwRcMKS0EBdBdIdGBXqogVKfwz22SL-xyE_W3UqUqFJ2z_LHxNxQ4RIvxcDqz5KitwaqvlJmzVNtZmyUkkxYnA3IcVs7gZe8oRUUz298/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAFCOThEIgqQNg5Lcf-EBaTb-F20coj3u6colwRcMKS0EBdBdIdGBXqogVKfwz22SL-xyE_W3UqUqFJ2z_LHxNxQ4RIvxcDqz5KitwaqvlJmzVNtZmyUkkxYnA3IcVs7gZe8oRUUz298/s640/IMG_9582.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Take note if you're going to play tourist: Waiting in the to-go line is not a smarter move than the actual line. I'm pretty sure we would have gotten a table sooner than we made it to the counter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios3smiAAaAsIct_ZsHHcMzaShSZ7e0_lMwvAw731kb3hTRRQA24duvv3jdhkW5RMZpesrNjHL-Yoy8Dtx31WzdounI3Sz7vBtPH4RTJ7uZ8lfhjB7WTi-IrMwOkoGQIP_rk8aKR4zGw0/s1600/IMG_9586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios3smiAAaAsIct_ZsHHcMzaShSZ7e0_lMwvAw731kb3hTRRQA24duvv3jdhkW5RMZpesrNjHL-Yoy8Dtx31WzdounI3Sz7vBtPH4RTJ7uZ8lfhjB7WTi-IrMwOkoGQIP_rk8aKR4zGw0/s640/IMG_9586.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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But the sweet coffee milk and sugary french doughnuts were worth it. (Isn't the sugar always worth it?)</div>
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{Outfit details}</div>
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Seersucker Dress: <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=369940002&tid=onpl000000&kwid=1&ap=7&sem=true&mkwid=TZbumEHG_dc&adid=Cebqhpg+Nqf&pcrid=29466129575&gclid=CjwKEAjwnKCrBRCm1YuPrtWW0QMSJAC-5UYkwoyzJGoQhVTxTbMo3rlcgW3hy1v_w77GYnFbg_XR8xoCGHrw_wcB" target="_blank">Old Navy</a></div>
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Shoes: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jack-rogers-lauren-sandal-women/3418096?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Espresso&resultback=876" target="_blank">Jack Rogers</a></div>
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Monogram Necklace: <a href="http://www.lmfj.com/productpage.php?item=KPAXK0065" target="_blank">Lee Michaels</a> </div>
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Sunglasses: <a href="http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB4126%20unisex%202-cats%201000-violet/8053672318807" target="_blank">Ray Ban (mine are old, these are similar)</a></div>
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Purse: Antonio Melani, old (<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-foldover-crossbody-bag/4058858?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BARK&resultback=1481" target="_blank">this</a> & <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fossil-vickery-leather-crossbody-bag/3960984?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=CAMEL&resultback=9567" target="_blank">this</a> are similar)</div>
Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367047874490946303.post-17428457192910586072015-05-20T22:05:00.000-05:002015-05-20T22:05:02.054-05:00Summer Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't it funny how even though the blog stays quiet for so long, life keeps going? Spring semester has been an absolute whirlwind: writing for the paper, school, and Phi Mu have kept me super busy. Since this is my own little slice of internet, I'm choosing to start blogging again, at least for the summer because I've got some fun adventures planned and want to be able to keep the memories in one place. </div>
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But a couple of life updates since my Valentine's Day freak out of my <a href="http://www.toodlebelle.com/2015/02/annual-valentines-freak-out.html" target="_blank">last post</a>: </div>
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<li>I'm officially a freelance writer! I got a job writing for a local magazine and couldn't have been more excited about it. <a href="http://povhouma.com/saving-little-lives/" target="_blank">You can read my article here!</a> </li>
<li>I'm more sure about going to law school than I've ever been before. I've also watched Legally Blonde wayyy too many times since it's been available to stream on Netflix. </li>
<li>I racked up on <a href="http://toodlebelle.tumblr.com/post/116819484262/no-regrets" target="_blank">Lilly for Target!</a> </li>
<li>I'm still on tinder, but like I said on the Valentine's post, I probably should've stayed off. Guys are jerks, 'nuff said. #stillsingle</li>
<li>I'm running/walking my first half marathon in a little over two weeks! I'm so excited! </li>
<li>I went to Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores, AL! I'll definitely write in more detail soon because it definitely deserves its own post, but it was such a fun experience. Until I can post again, please enjoy this sunny picture of me twirling at the beach. </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some dresses were just made for twirling. </td></tr>
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<br />Toodlebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518907685903446938noreply@blogger.com1