tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33468248217421205342024-03-19T00:48:50.589-07:00My Daily JoyAli Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-22361030562905381082012-05-21T22:10:00.001-07:002012-05-21T22:10:31.533-07:00Cloud manicure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's so easy to spend too much time doing your nails when you're on summer break, oh well! Cloud manicure (on my ring finger) this week. Search for it on Pinterest, it's all over in so many fun colors!</div>
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I painted all of my nails the pretty coral color (Sonia Kashuk), then added the white layer and the purple (it was so difficult to correctly capture the purple color, it looks blue here) layers by freehand.</div>
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Close-up, but still couldn't really get the colors right.</div>
<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-29422366451342242362012-05-20T22:56:00.000-07:002012-05-20T22:56:08.051-07:00Mini apple pies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My rommmate and I attempted mini apple pies! We used a muffin tin to bake the mini pies in.</div>
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We cheated and used the 99 cent Jiffy pie crust (just add water!), and we were actually really impressed with the results.</div>
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The filling was an in-exact mixture of chopped apples (skin removed), cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, lemon, and butter. Luckily,we had extra filling to snack on, it was like candy!</div>
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We even added little lattice crusts to the top, brushed them with raw egg, and topped them with a little pad of butter.</div>
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We baked them at 300 degrees for about 50 minutes (we kept the temperature low because we weren't sure how they would cook). </div>
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They came out pretty cute, if I do say so myself, and they were really delicious!</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-13826564493557885562012-05-17T22:56:00.002-07:002012-05-17T22:56:57.888-07:00Fancy breakfast sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Had a fancy breakfast this morning (well, it was breakfast for dinner). Open-faced sandwich inspired by <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/spring-sandwich-boiled-egg-seared-asparagus-pickled-onion-167365" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. </div>
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Toasted whole wheat bread</div>
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Asparagus sauteed in butter and salt</div>
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Sliced hard-boiled egg</div>
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Onions sauteed in butter until slightly brown</div>
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It was really great! I just wish I woke up early enough in the mornings to actually have this for breakfast!</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-32058051571641433542012-05-16T21:51:00.003-07:002012-05-16T21:51:41.165-07:00Green grilled cheese<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently I missed National Grilled Cheese month (how could I??), so I made up for it tonight with a grilled cheese recipe similar to <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/features/green-goddess-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe" target="_blank">this one</a>. It was sooooo good I can't even tell you, you just really have to try it yourself. </div>
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Whole wheat bread</div>
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Mozzarella cheese (sliced)</div>
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Baby spinach leaves</div>
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Avocado (sliced)</div>
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Goat cheese (crumbled)</div>
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Salt & pepper</div>
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Fry on a stove or use a counter-top grill til the bread is toasty and the ingredients are warm and melted :)</div>
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<br /></div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-48439760055545372132012-05-15T18:51:00.003-07:002012-05-15T18:51:34.363-07:00Double braid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I run around A LOT for my job as a nanny for two little boys and a newborn baby girl (I usually have the boys, not the girl). In any given two hours, we will play a bit of football, baseball, soccer, golf, basketball, and tennis. It's crazy! And fun :)</div>
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So I need my hair back and away from my face, hence the braids.</div>
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I started with a Dutch, French braid (braiding in reverse, but also a French braid, so it's Dutch-French braid??) behind my left ear, and another coming across my scalp from right to left. </div>
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I pinned them together below my left ear, then twisted them and fastened with a little rubber band. Long hair is so much fun to play with :)</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-24437823084070553062012-05-14T22:22:00.003-07:002012-05-14T22:22:34.791-07:00Chain-metal pedicure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some fun with nail art today :)</div>
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Started with this dark purple...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rW-ZU6sfuikVXB4wV61_Km_OW8bNSdrM7lRJbEltMFMC27ShKbecKxrAGu-oCq9gutP2QWAlW1CKPyi2s9DbAoIClrNK1lBdLqFO8_9MxxoTpB7Mc-HYn2ZnUiFm7-KbL1LERCTd66E/s1600/DSC06080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rW-ZU6sfuikVXB4wV61_Km_OW8bNSdrM7lRJbEltMFMC27ShKbecKxrAGu-oCq9gutP2QWAlW1CKPyi2s9DbAoIClrNK1lBdLqFO8_9MxxoTpB7Mc-HYn2ZnUiFm7-KbL1LERCTd66E/s400/DSC06080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and dipped the tip of a pen (with the ink bit taken out, so the tip was just a small circle) in metallic silver polish to make little circles all over. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TpvGO1nQ1qygnXxkWVueKcdUg2S8Vp0ovtYYmo61p_SI5RMSiDXNP-5tEkHYlHhecOQA800qkgSZo0jBVGr8MXPs3rnqNCrWstLtJinclNBkTRq7oJhIJThv7k-LZzGcqjS4Qvss6fo/s1600/DSC06084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TpvGO1nQ1qygnXxkWVueKcdUg2S8Vp0ovtYYmo61p_SI5RMSiDXNP-5tEkHYlHhecOQA800qkgSZo0jBVGr8MXPs3rnqNCrWstLtJinclNBkTRq7oJhIJThv7k-LZzGcqjS4Qvss6fo/s400/DSC06084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To finish I added little dots of metallic blue in the middle of random silver circles.</div>
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Kind of unique look, I've never done anything like this before, but I do like using props in my nail art :)</div>
<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-40899473368104544852012-05-13T22:46:00.000-07:002012-05-13T22:47:24.554-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Happy Mother's Day to my Mama! I was home with my family this weekend and we enjoyed a nice, relaxing few days. </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELuEWz5nJGIwsmZZZ2xghQt3pYssV4ldNncuURd32_3ZXlM9G_Wpu_xuwY59deyGvDav_3-WG7xuBTulI53QldZ2769F5FVmBsyFx1-mUuK3PNJ7jNxye0-h-SgjzDrwFRhfFcKYY7Yo/s1600/Photo0512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELuEWz5nJGIwsmZZZ2xghQt3pYssV4ldNncuURd32_3ZXlM9G_Wpu_xuwY59deyGvDav_3-WG7xuBTulI53QldZ2769F5FVmBsyFx1-mUuK3PNJ7jNxye0-h-SgjzDrwFRhfFcKYY7Yo/s400/Photo0512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My gift to her was a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/102527328986518860/" target="_blank">craft</a> from Pinterest :) I hot-glued river stones to a piece of black felt (both from a nearby craft store) to make a hot pad for her tea kettle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBFA0-BxSmC6SO5ZxM5v6eONGOycIeWVCmd3OA_zqPQlPZJBu3u8ittldL0Vhb7Tsu7Q-Bo6YfrDwGpu53AfIYeUjFQVdnkVlTW_uOE2xftmvfKJwIW5Ko5W0g0rzDrDnCno-4obc9M/s1600/Photo0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBFA0-BxSmC6SO5ZxM5v6eONGOycIeWVCmd3OA_zqPQlPZJBu3u8ittldL0Vhb7Tsu7Q-Bo6YfrDwGpu53AfIYeUjFQVdnkVlTW_uOE2xftmvfKJwIW5Ko5W0g0rzDrDnCno-4obc9M/s400/Photo0514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">To celebrate her day today, we went to a restaurant called the Chart House for a delicious meal.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELuEWz5nJGIwsmZZZ2xghQt3pYssV4ldNncuURd32_3ZXlM9G_Wpu_xuwY59deyGvDav_3-WG7xuBTulI53QldZ2769F5FVmBsyFx1-mUuK3PNJ7jNxye0-h-SgjzDrwFRhfFcKYY7Yo/s1600/Photo0512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELuEWz5nJGIwsmZZZ2xghQt3pYssV4ldNncuURd32_3ZXlM9G_Wpu_xuwY59deyGvDav_3-WG7xuBTulI53QldZ2769F5FVmBsyFx1-mUuK3PNJ7jNxye0-h-SgjzDrwFRhfFcKYY7Yo/s1600/Photo0512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlK6Kal53EUUPMLpUt3SsCb6sCZlm_m6uNjTQCBrBOh_Ta54ZwANp0GDQEH3BcY82I-FDnzcP7DWW2jVmqlu1RqhKFTKYNSWmixs4g2sf7quwT8m-Pn_oahlQyT1vq44uUweiP5O2huxs/s1600/Photo0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlK6Kal53EUUPMLpUt3SsCb6sCZlm_m6uNjTQCBrBOh_Ta54ZwANp0GDQEH3BcY82I-FDnzcP7DWW2jVmqlu1RqhKFTKYNSWmixs4g2sf7quwT8m-Pn_oahlQyT1vq44uUweiP5O2huxs/s400/Photo0509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had oysters on the half shell for an appetizer,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqDc0qDHKfSXZb8Ne0u4ukgVBA1V78wJpWPaWxg-YRkTIxha7mkz1z3tdmqWzn4VRp06mhvskX8yJq_sf78xC_jyHVUrWNnfiFgDkBRJbd9Gjv6Ga1t2KneOdQ7WGWmPsHkS6Qg_1LGA/s1600/Photo0511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqDc0qDHKfSXZb8Ne0u4ukgVBA1V78wJpWPaWxg-YRkTIxha7mkz1z3tdmqWzn4VRp06mhvskX8yJq_sf78xC_jyHVUrWNnfiFgDkBRJbd9Gjv6Ga1t2KneOdQ7WGWmPsHkS6Qg_1LGA/s400/Photo0511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and my entree was salmon wrapped in prosciutto with a balsamic reduction and a miso sauce. Spectacular! There was also a chocolate lava cake and a creme brulee for dessert but we devoured those before I remembered to take a picture, oops! Plus, we had a nice drive through the mountains to and from the restaurant. We ended the evening with a nice long walk along the creek nearby. </div>
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Hope you had a great Mother's Day, love you so much Mama! </div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-27190016245475900542012-05-10T22:17:00.002-07:002012-05-10T22:17:46.724-07:00Curling iron to wand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I really love the look of wand curls (like <a href="http://alexandramrodriguez.blogspot.com/2011/12/wand-curls.html" target="_blank">these</a>), but I didn't really want to spend the money to buy a wand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U6bU1VSuh2bPDlN_yHO07-vGlF5TLmLyuD9_ArThmbA1Pg7cWQNmKQ9wZvPHfmbD4aW-Weet6Tz7Zw1LgBpym5YcKdd6PuE6GhCtBYgtr4lQ0fOkQKzaq5qeyPKBwTE33Pk5D0EHKLw/s1600/DSC06085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U6bU1VSuh2bPDlN_yHO07-vGlF5TLmLyuD9_ArThmbA1Pg7cWQNmKQ9wZvPHfmbD4aW-Weet6Tz7Zw1LgBpym5YcKdd6PuE6GhCtBYgtr4lQ0fOkQKzaq5qeyPKBwTE33Pk5D0EHKLw/s400/DSC06085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I decided to make my own!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt5auS7zffrYi4XdNeP2s48tbgbN05hU5aO-xdett4x0OdljOTXRKDawWGvLAu7Ychh3DFk1hhL6-RDHGaGq7NIH4cvZ4CaODWFsRpATCrKf1Sl1cOnn43F_RFJTzD-74Z3SsDrHr4m4/s1600/DSC06099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt5auS7zffrYi4XdNeP2s48tbgbN05hU5aO-xdett4x0OdljOTXRKDawWGvLAu7Ychh3DFk1hhL6-RDHGaGq7NIH4cvZ4CaODWFsRpATCrKf1Sl1cOnn43F_RFJTzD-74Z3SsDrHr4m4/s400/DSC06099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I removed all of these parts from my curling iron, and I was left with a wand!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDay0abvUIg8xiHQ86f1ITSm79p2VFAPqzTnB75CwmJVPPHg9Y0Aivz0ytKrBkCUs_C4PIO12l8uz5m4YpNueryrx9WJhJIvDoiqkFjb44c9hBjqPbYn8HWzvawwC1w7KlYhCd27E2Rhg/s1600/DSC06090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDay0abvUIg8xiHQ86f1ITSm79p2VFAPqzTnB75CwmJVPPHg9Y0Aivz0ytKrBkCUs_C4PIO12l8uz5m4YpNueryrx9WJhJIvDoiqkFjb44c9hBjqPbYn8HWzvawwC1w7KlYhCd27E2Rhg/s400/DSC06090.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's a little bit larger than the wand I had used before, so I ended up with more relaxed curls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNY1IDXgIbnAa-yfxlSPBntxRNzdBLoC5DKJzjfRI9SchSCsMsDpylYUP2jZ5lKq2ynu6Wy5NjzIMQR20ejO_YTZY72A6Y4TZPd3X8JKpmQX-8h_lQ18mNuLYnpqW9arWPq8LucofBG0/s1600/DSC06093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNY1IDXgIbnAa-yfxlSPBntxRNzdBLoC5DKJzjfRI9SchSCsMsDpylYUP2jZ5lKq2ynu6Wy5NjzIMQR20ejO_YTZY72A6Y4TZPd3X8JKpmQX-8h_lQ18mNuLYnpqW9arWPq8LucofBG0/s400/DSC06093.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I never really used that curling iron anymore, and now I will use it all the time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gtzwQQ01CkXODWgw__Qp7PoM9sb9dkPcE05j1wNfvjOo-u8h2M5bhKjp8Vc4XCMxQhWO7RZXACVX9xMkP8kFhWF0YLBAuDlTTqllxIZEplkNXEAbtgQeGlInPl2nT3v1jcCIVCBVMAw/s1600/DSC06096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gtzwQQ01CkXODWgw__Qp7PoM9sb9dkPcE05j1wNfvjOo-u8h2M5bhKjp8Vc4XCMxQhWO7RZXACVX9xMkP8kFhWF0YLBAuDlTTqllxIZEplkNXEAbtgQeGlInPl2nT3v1jcCIVCBVMAw/s400/DSC06096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yay! </div>
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<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-12688097774568570642012-05-09T22:40:00.003-07:002012-05-09T22:41:11.995-07:00Chevron with nail stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing with the chevron nail look today, incorporating The Beauty Department's easy <a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/04/sticky-situation/" target="_blank">nail sticker method</a> (paint nail polish on tape and cut tape into desired shape).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCe_LXIZ53NJcho2yf3VzAzR_k4airnp_Ditn8JjPCe40OyFFX03JS-xV9bsOLNjD-Z7hPptmRy1b62KVb8FfP42rH9TtQqOsePrIZHlinrGGAyzdySoB76BuDt7JJj5jFf5-cdEuBLUA/s1600/DSC06064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCe_LXIZ53NJcho2yf3VzAzR_k4airnp_Ditn8JjPCe40OyFFX03JS-xV9bsOLNjD-Z7hPptmRy1b62KVb8FfP42rH9TtQqOsePrIZHlinrGGAyzdySoB76BuDt7JJj5jFf5-cdEuBLUA/s400/DSC06064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are my 'nail stickers' on the edge of my desk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqX4xrQ0Gwx_zFDrN36czoPk2IIPiFPn7c-lV8UjIERFBhnnda6x3vSVVtifXDBoVOuRG0ZW_DrU9ieurvJ6s2vjTfunZpRmhI7kOYBGPo_JqbBWF2WWtyxY71FOGcm0Q95XYHh7Vrjw/s1600/DSC06065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqX4xrQ0Gwx_zFDrN36czoPk2IIPiFPn7c-lV8UjIERFBhnnda6x3vSVVtifXDBoVOuRG0ZW_DrU9ieurvJ6s2vjTfunZpRmhI7kOYBGPo_JqbBWF2WWtyxY71FOGcm0Q95XYHh7Vrjw/s400/DSC06065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used tape for the metallic triangles, and free-hand painted smaller black triangles on top using the metallic triangles as guidelines.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeACkA9-i3yhhDVMPTcJe9o61weKLGs_opHjzuXwbPy7B8CaUtOahcXnnbs2y1apwraSIJTq48bN5vOTOOFSxrDl2EdgtBKDNIKt9tjl06XXZPz4cic-x3WI8UVhnDAHYa9chHidfeRFw/s1600/DSC06070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeACkA9-i3yhhDVMPTcJe9o61weKLGs_opHjzuXwbPy7B8CaUtOahcXnnbs2y1apwraSIJTq48bN5vOTOOFSxrDl2EdgtBKDNIKt9tjl06XXZPz4cic-x3WI8UVhnDAHYa9chHidfeRFw/s400/DSC06070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClK3NKoI3vBKdGjRrRDB59RlHEkt5EiBeM7uPaktHipf5KQC7HXnPsu3-6MNdQeTew_Aw_R-Jw9Htog5-FwNqUVl6XIQLVoUii6HAdhkM8kTfz7w_G3bme-09dT7PFL2JJw10iOA8g2I/s1600/DSC06071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClK3NKoI3vBKdGjRrRDB59RlHEkt5EiBeM7uPaktHipf5KQC7HXnPsu3-6MNdQeTew_Aw_R-Jw9Htog5-FwNqUVl6XIQLVoUii6HAdhkM8kTfz7w_G3bme-09dT7PFL2JJw10iOA8g2I/s400/DSC06071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beginning of summer means I have time for these things now :)</div>
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<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-86156204632721391222012-05-08T17:51:00.000-07:002012-05-08T17:51:15.807-07:00Date night hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finals are over! I am free! It's officially summer!</div>
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Time for date night, complete with date night hair!</div>
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Double braided headband with a side bun.</div>
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Braided headband, like this one <a href="http://alexandramrodriguez.blogspot.com/2012/02/braided-headband-hairstyle.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I started the braids on the side with the bun (the bun covers the spot where the braids come from) and fastened them with a tiny rubber band and bobby pins, pulling the hair in front over to cover them.</div>
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View from behind.</div>
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I made a twist with my hair and twisted this around to make the bun, securing it with my <a href="http://alexandramrodriguez.blogspot.com/2012/02/spin-pins.html" target="_blank">Spin Pins</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabRTwl8fJxtMGlg-tDvHGuhnf03kWcNHEcGv3SQ9XXWbi134aTNn2xCUldvjN7x2gX9ubjQ1oRDm3t3picq1sG0I0hvKu6kvGkBLHPqe4oW4_hRLzEcizitMX4fbAJZ5iujqi0VCF4bo/s1600/DSC06016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabRTwl8fJxtMGlg-tDvHGuhnf03kWcNHEcGv3SQ9XXWbi134aTNn2xCUldvjN7x2gX9ubjQ1oRDm3t3picq1sG0I0hvKu6kvGkBLHPqe4oW4_hRLzEcizitMX4fbAJZ5iujqi0VCF4bo/s400/DSC06016.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Side view.</span></div>
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Off for dessert!</div>
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<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-18147477847049741042012-05-03T23:11:00.000-07:002012-05-03T23:11:04.067-07:00Neon French mani<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Studying like crazy so not much time for personal aesthetics (well, aesthetic 'extras.' I'm still showering regularly and everything), but I couldn't resist a quick manicure!</div>
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So here it is, the Neon French!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmxZoLAyyi0wfnams1PIVPJzKeerl_16zwteg9l0PTUdbCENgYQRNGLGxwnDhdhu6av-MXh2sqkugpSV2g3vggnH39PzxWz2t8JovBmTCvcuPiZzCZHqcoyXKuqDWN0kybTAy99muVLI/s1600/DSC05978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmxZoLAyyi0wfnams1PIVPJzKeerl_16zwteg9l0PTUdbCENgYQRNGLGxwnDhdhu6av-MXh2sqkugpSV2g3vggnH39PzxWz2t8JovBmTCvcuPiZzCZHqcoyXKuqDWN0kybTAy99muVLI/s400/DSC05978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's got me in the mood for the summer that is quickly approaching! :)</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-11313460501414100062012-05-02T21:30:00.003-07:002012-05-02T21:30:37.978-07:00Chocolate rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mmmm... study food!</div>
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Pillsbury Crescent rolls with a warm gooey chocolate center!</div>
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I unrolled a few rolls, added a strip of chocolate chips, rolled them up, baked them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, then I devoured!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4bvUdiY-4CWLym0vGv9oU-SbXBokWCSRc2D6IIlyR1V4Gr1WzQi5vRQlqrztWjJKL88zpDtgWQrQCfFWkvKQtZTKVOOVLan9BxpCU3CqybzdOI93yK-JyIbdH_wlOnyCYXVZm8k63Ws/s1600/DSC06051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4bvUdiY-4CWLym0vGv9oU-SbXBokWCSRc2D6IIlyR1V4Gr1WzQi5vRQlqrztWjJKL88zpDtgWQrQCfFWkvKQtZTKVOOVLan9BxpCU3CqybzdOI93yK-JyIbdH_wlOnyCYXVZm8k63Ws/s400/DSC06051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Made studying calculus a bit more bearable :)</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-2141724184460147712012-05-01T22:34:00.004-07:002012-05-01T22:35:06.023-07:00A slightly different braid...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stress-playing with my hair again (finals are looming over me). I guess you could call this a variation of a braid since I was wrapping three sections of hair around each other.</div>
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I started by dividing my hair into three sections and securing these with thin rubber bands.</div>
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I wrapped the left and right sections over the middle one, and wrapped these sections under the middle one.</div>
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I continued this process (left and right over, left and right under, never moving the middle section) until I reached the end of my hair and I secured this with another little rubber band.</div>
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A little bit later I snipped the three rubber bands at the top (not the one holding everything together at the bottom), but I didn't get a chance to take a picture of that. Made it look a little more polished though :)</div>
<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-29530031646552520872012-04-30T20:26:00.001-07:002012-04-30T20:26:45.783-07:00Green apple and brie sandwiches<div style="text-align: center;">
Yummy snack tonight! Brown sugar, green apple, and brie open-faced sandwiches. </div>
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I sliced a loaf of French bread, sprinkled some brown sugar on it, placed a few green apple slices on each piece, and topped it off with a bit of brie cheese. I broiled them for about five minutes until the bread and the cheese turned golden brown. </div>
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These sandwiches were one of my favorite meals when my mama still cooked for me on a regular basis (those were the days), but if I had really had my act together I would have added caramelized onions too :)</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-30222728938954530982012-04-29T23:05:00.000-07:002012-04-29T23:05:21.601-07:00Weekend recap<div style="text-align: center;">
Had a nice, relaxing weekend (such a change from <a href="http://alexandramrodriguez.blogspot.com/2012/04/weekend-recap_22.html" target="_blank">last weekend</a>!). Volunteering gave me the chance to flip through some magazines in my spare time, then it was home for a dinner party at our house with some fun friends. Slept in the next day, and lounged around the house all day getting chores done. That evening, I had a fun date night with dinner and a movie, The Five Year Engagement.</div>
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I thought it sounded funny from the trailer, and it was no disappointment. There were some really comical parts (the Elmo and Cookie Monster scene is absolutely hilarious), and it had a great ending.<br />
Today (Sunday) also had a nice, sleeping-in morning and a relaxing afternoon of shopping and potting my plants.<br />
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A tomato plant and two basil plants, my first venture into vegetable and herb territory! So excited, I have high hopes for them (though I do have a terrible track record with my previous plants...). </div>
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<br /></div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-69299901200556914782012-04-26T21:38:00.002-07:002012-04-26T21:39:30.079-07:00Another shot at no-heat curls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here we go again. I tried the <a href="http://alexandramrodriguez.blogspot.com/2012/01/sock-bun.html" target="_blank">sock bun</a> method which was good but didn't last through the day. When <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/102527328987008310/" target="_blank">this</a> popped up on Pinterest, I decided it was worth a shot. I like having options when I don't want to use heat to style my hair.</div>
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I started with slightly damp hair...</div>
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...and took two strands from right above my ears, twisted them, and tied them back with a tiny hair tie.</div>
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Then, I took a one-inch section and wrapped it around the strand I had already pulled back. I secured it with a bobby pin, and did the same with the next section.</div>
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When I had completed the whole head, I was done for the evening.</div>
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The next morning I woke up, unraveled my work from the night before...</div>
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...and this is what I had!</div>
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Cute curls, I was impressed!</div>
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And they lasted all day!</div>
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<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-53791396786245875412012-04-25T20:04:00.004-07:002012-04-25T20:06:15.846-07:00Blueberry cream cheese rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tried out a new recipe tonight, from <a href="http://www.navywifecook.com/2010/09/blueberry-cheese-rolls.html" target="_blank">here</a>. All I needed was Pillsbury Crescent rolls, cream cheese, and blueberries. </div>
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I unrolled the Crescent rolls and spread them out on a baking sheet, adding a small spoonful of cream cheese to the center.</div>
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I placed a few blueberries on each mound of cream cheese (in an unnecessary, obsessive-compulsive pattern).</div>
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I rolled up the Crescent rolls and pinched shut the seams.</div>
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I baked them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 9 minutes (until they were golden brown).</div>
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They weren't as sweet as I was expecting (the rolls were somewhat salty and the blueberries didn't do much to counteract that), but they would be perfect for a breakfast when I wouldn't be able to handle anything very sweet.</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-60152391250166423092012-04-24T23:11:00.000-07:002012-04-24T23:11:19.263-07:00What a Tuesday!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was indescribably surreal! After my usual day of classes, I met up with my parents who had come up to Boulder for the evening. My Mama and I researched grad schools for me (I'm looking at pediatric NP/DNP options right now). I could barely concentrate though, because I knew I had such an exciting night ahead of me!</div>
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I hopped in a super long line to attend President Obama's speech here on campus, such a huge event! Thousands and thousands of students, faculty, staff, and community members were present and the police and the Secret Service were everywhere so campus was absolute madness. We waited in line for a few hours to enter the building (we had to go through airport-like security, but they didn't even check our tickets!), and then waited for a few hours inside. </div>
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We were in the first part of the line to get into the building, and they had the nerve to seat us right behind the stage and the podium, where we only would have had a view of the back of the President's head or no view at all. We couldn't call ourselves college students however unless we stood up for what we believe in, so we revolted and ran through the stadium to better seats :)</div>
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I guess no one can tell the President exactly what to do, since he was an hour and a half late for his 30-minute speech. That was really frustrating (the event center was boiling hot with thousands of people inside and the doors shut tight for security), but it was well worth it to see him speak. He is such a talented orator! The entire crowd was engaged and cheering the whole time. What a once-in-a-lifetime experience!</div>
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Immediately after I had an opposing but equally inspiring experience at the Michael Franti concert on campus. I cannot stress enough how incredible of a performer he was (so much better in person than on his recordings!), and I urge you to take any chance you get to see him live. He came alone (without his usual Spearhead band), and the event was an intimate evening of discussion and acoustic guitar performances. It was such a relaxing, uplifting experience that I won't ever forget. Unfortunately, the staff was very strict about preventing photography (I wasn't even allowed to bring my camera inside) so all I could get was this terrible phone picture, sorry!</div>
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Phew! Time to sleep!</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-39207650850883941222012-04-23T21:14:00.001-07:002012-04-23T21:16:14.502-07:00Polka dot mani<div style="text-align: center;">
I love all of the polka dot manis that I have been seeing lately! Thought I'd try one of my own. Inspiration came from cute creations like these:</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://thedailyvarnish.com/" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://pshiiit.com/page/9/" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
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As much as I love these looks, I needed a more toned-down version so I just polka dot-ed my ring finger. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">With a pure white base, a few pinks, and my homemade dotting tool (see instructions </span><a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/03/mani-monday-7/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: center;">!) I dotted away!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4Otgy3XAKWqj1wOiIY3R8eRcDJBYBwZP16TrscMLtztciMqMRQCnsAyDFyThnhHRccX0EySliI5gCqH8MrGC_yIogusUMgbfUlermo1XjUOWtzXY9r7w_p3CPiGxhyphenhyphen1WBKQ36CGQcP4/s1600/DSC05933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4Otgy3XAKWqj1wOiIY3R8eRcDJBYBwZP16TrscMLtztciMqMRQCnsAyDFyThnhHRccX0EySliI5gCqH8MrGC_yIogusUMgbfUlermo1XjUOWtzXY9r7w_p3CPiGxhyphenhyphen1WBKQ36CGQcP4/s400/DSC05933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-92156723363079971052012-04-22T22:48:00.005-07:002012-04-22T22:48:55.488-07:00Weekend recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Had such a long, sleep-deprived weekend but it was oh so worth it!</div>
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Friday afternoon started with a few calm hours of babysitting (biked down to the park with the kids) and volunteering at the hospital (slow day, so much chai drinking and reading!).</div>
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That night though, things got busy. I spent a few hours at the YMCA preparing for the next day's <a href="http://www.9healthfair.org/about/about.aspx" target="_blank">9News Health Fair</a> (many nonprofit health fairs are held across Colorado annually to provide healthcare to anyone, especially the impoverished). Boulder Valley's Health Fair is run by CU students and this year I was a coordinator-in-training (next year I'll be a coordinator!). </div>
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I slept for about 4 hours that night, and then was back at the YMCA by 5 am to get ready for the fair. It was a fantastic event (with a few minor hiccups) that served over 400 people! By the time the fair was over at noon though, I was exhausted and ready to sleep. Didn't get the chance yet, because a few other committee members and I had to return 300 chairs and 50 tables to the church and rec center we borrowed them from. </div>
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Made it home in time for a quick shower and 30-minute nap before date night. We went to Larkburger (YUM!) where I had a portobello burger and truffle-parmesan fries (an excessive amount of them) and he had a burger.</div>
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We saw a performance of Heaven on campus (he is in a theater class and had to attend and write a paper about it) which I enjoyed, but was too tired to really appreciate.</div>
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No rest for the weary however, went to bed early and woke up early to wait in line for tickets to see President Obama speak on campus on Tuesday!!! My roommate and I sat in line for three hours and were some of the first few to get tickets. Unfortunately, students hours later were just walking up and getting tickets so I guess I didn't have to wait in line, but oh well it was an experience.</div>
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Happy ticket-holders!</div>
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The golden ticket!</div>
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Had a yummy lunch and shopping extravaganza afterward, then spent the afternoon laying in the sun alternating between napping and chatting with friends. Finally an outdoor yoga class to re-align me for the week, and the weekend was over! As fun as it all was, I'm hoping the week is a little calmer :)</div>
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<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-78728222089967933902012-04-19T22:33:00.002-07:002012-04-20T10:09:34.842-07:00In the back of the tea shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Found a new favorite place to study, or just pass the afternoon.</div>
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There is an open-air mall just a quick bus ride, bike, or walk away from campus with great shopping and restaurants. One of the latest editions is a little tea shop, the first two-thirds of which is full of every flavor tea and tea-related accessory imaginable, and the back third of it is a quiet little sanctuary.</div>
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Here is the row of low tables, the far right in the corner is the one I chose to study at.</div>
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This is the lovely fountain that, along with quiet classic Oriental music, perfectly accompanied my reading.</div>
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I sipped a yummy milk tea with bobas, and read <i>The Frogs</i> by Aristophanes (a comedy for a change in my Greek and Roman Tragedy class). I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially anyone with prior knowledge of ancient Greek literature. It is very funny, it is especially interesting to see just how much of the humor we still appreciate today.</div>
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What a fantastic afternoon :)</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-18147238838894124692012-04-18T22:42:00.001-07:002012-04-18T22:43:59.556-07:00White bean artichoke salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was inspired by this</div>
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delicious looking sandwich from Martha Stewart (recipe <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/136433/super-sandwich-combinations?lpgStart=1&currentslide=6&currentChapter=1" target="_blank">here</a>) to try the combo of white beans and marinated artichokes. However, I wasn't quite feeling the sandwich thing, I decided to turn it into a salad. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDpHX4Dizkf2KJHHejVvFfNWYEbdCCa4q8AejXleCJwCDIRRv-PBclPcfkvIODWKYyHmqGWJwbFz_Yx6UZrR67-bVJ_Yuo7s5u7bV47vCpTjZDma6FayhBBIVEma3os0xB-Q8chlM_T4/s1600/DSC05927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDpHX4Dizkf2KJHHejVvFfNWYEbdCCa4q8AejXleCJwCDIRRv-PBclPcfkvIODWKYyHmqGWJwbFz_Yx6UZrR67-bVJ_Yuo7s5u7bV47vCpTjZDma6FayhBBIVEma3os0xB-Q8chlM_T4/s400/DSC05927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So here's my salad! </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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Great Northern beans</div>
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Marinated artichokes</div>
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Spinach</div>
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Garlic</div>
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Salt</div>
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Pepper</div>
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I rinsed the beans, chopped the artichokes a little smaller, washed and tore up the spinach, and topped it all with garlic, salt, and pepper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOhU5TxZq3PuwAYu8QIe4eISTAzc830BdvlRKyiDrXnMfUb5fzi0SGGptm3hcR21Gywm2OxPopTlUdtFbMGWfR6792sjwpy6AZkVihuz2xE6RHmVdWQCB4NT86o5Ol9Es69746A33m3k/s1600/DSC05931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOhU5TxZq3PuwAYu8QIe4eISTAzc830BdvlRKyiDrXnMfUb5fzi0SGGptm3hcR21Gywm2OxPopTlUdtFbMGWfR6792sjwpy6AZkVihuz2xE6RHmVdWQCB4NT86o5Ol9Es69746A33m3k/s400/DSC05931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Between the white beans and marinated artichokes, the flavor combination is perfect. It's a great light salad for this warmer weather, and it didn't even need a dressing (the marinade from the artichokes seems to be enough). So good, and it's for lunch tomorrow again! That's why it's in Tupperware :)</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-25811391919978618322012-04-17T21:52:00.002-07:002012-04-17T21:52:52.651-07:00Bright tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4YbcDPByH7vQq64Sh3vYkH4TIJi74n3jWygfq0hmVtiMaiIbj_tdQxUPp3GaYx_kXLi40WCBybqXkJuMDHiSf4fwrwY5lRMDdUbLBchi_5qtsyP9pbtBV3vzWogKyER7HzNj3y9bA5c/s1600/DSC05923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4YbcDPByH7vQq64Sh3vYkH4TIJi74n3jWygfq0hmVtiMaiIbj_tdQxUPp3GaYx_kXLi40WCBybqXkJuMDHiSf4fwrwY5lRMDdUbLBchi_5qtsyP9pbtBV3vzWogKyER7HzNj3y9bA5c/s400/DSC05923.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A bright mani for spring! I've seen brights and neutrals paired in everything from shoes to decor, especially nails!</div>
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The look was time-consuming to achieve, but I was in need of a bit of me time :)</div>
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I used a basecoat, then added two coats of my beige/tan color (which ended up much darker than I had expected/hoped), using my thumb nails to wipe off the tips (I tried taping off my tips, but it just got too complicated). When that was done, I simply added two coats of the colors to the tips and finished with a topcoat.</div>
<br />Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-64514846354271147892012-04-16T22:20:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:16:18.146-07:00Baked grapefruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUflj7KHthtqs9Zzoa-p6EOJgP_QGPJcCoSpHzfobehGeLl6Cb9fMYt0Ig-nqrj2w0OCDcTAUbGy-sCXK6uuNWiM4ts4NqXjV-BZ6gU2FqMfJfmgcffL3hL4ekla3iz1Yy1EPYJLdJVLc/s1600/DSC05915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUflj7KHthtqs9Zzoa-p6EOJgP_QGPJcCoSpHzfobehGeLl6Cb9fMYt0Ig-nqrj2w0OCDcTAUbGy-sCXK6uuNWiM4ts4NqXjV-BZ6gU2FqMfJfmgcffL3hL4ekla3iz1Yy1EPYJLdJVLc/s400/DSC05915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have you ever heard of baking a grapefruit? I hadn't until just recently and it seemed a weird thing to do with a fruit with such a fresh, light flavor like a grapefruit. However, I figured it was worth a try since people were raving about it on Pinterest.</div>
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Step by step:</div>
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Slice a grapefruit in half </div>
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Slice off the bottom of each half so it can sit on a baking tray without wobbling</div>
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Sprinkle toppings (in my case: brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)</div>
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Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes</div>
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Remove, let cool, and dig in!</div>
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While browsing recipes, I noted a variety of toppings for the grapefruit. Coconut, cinnamon, honey, maple syrup, granola, brown sugar, so many options! I decided that I would just mix and match, and add a few of my own, so I ended up using brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. I used a pinch of each, but the cloves were definitely the most overwhelming flavor (and scent, oh I wish I could purvey the smell of my baked grapefruit to you! So amazing! Like a fresh autumn!). I just love the scent of <a href="http://alexandramrodriguez.blogspot.com/2011/11/oranges-and-cloves.html" target="_blank">citrus and cloves</a>.</div>
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With the toppings I used this snack seemed like part of a perfect fall breakfast, and I will definitely be making this on a fall morning, but I think I'll experiment with other options too for a less seasonal flavor. Maybe something that doesn't mask the grapefruit flavor as much.</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346824821742120534.post-62883150438431734112012-04-15T23:26:00.001-07:002012-04-15T23:29:13.244-07:00Weekend recap<div style="text-align: center;">
Had such a busy, fun-filled weekend! Started with a concert on Friday night: <a href="http://cultscultscults.com/us/splash/" target="_blank">Cults</a>, who I had never heard of before that day. I wasn't so sure about going because the roommate who invited me has very hipster taste and we generally vary in music. The concert as free though (she works for a radio station and had a free +1) and I didn't have anything else going on so I went!</div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/track=3828501113/size=grande/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" style="display: block; height: 100px; position: relative; width: 300px;" width="300">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://cults.bandcamp.com/track/most-wanted"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Most Wanted by Cults&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe><br />
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I'm really glad I did go, it was really fun! They were an entertaining band whose music I did end up enjoying (in a fun, hipster way) and the light show that accompanied them was fun too. Plus, they played at a cool theater in Boulder that I hadn't been to, so I'm glad I had this chance!<br />
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The next day, another roommate was performing at a dance recital with and for the Boulder <a href="http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?Itemid=848&id=1472&option=com_content&task=view" target="_blank">Expand</a> Program that benefits adults with physical and mental disabilities. We went to support her and Expand, and the performance was super adorable, and free too!<br />
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After a yummy Panera lunch, Lollicup dessert, and shopping trip, we stopped by CU's International Festival. We were dubious about staying when we saw how ridiculously long the line was, but that was an accurate indicator of how fantastic the event would be. There were 29 countries represented (including Colombia!) and each one had a booth with a sample of a food from the country (prepared by catering staff). I cannot explain how literally <i>incredible</i> all of the food was. Although there was a significant amount of food with meat and/or nuts, there was plenty that I could enjoy, and enjoy I did! We left stuffed and overjoyed, trying to place all of the different flavors in our mouths. In case you are looking for some fun, foreign recipes they can be found <a href="http://www.colorado.edu/studentgroups/festival/2012/files/2012CookBook.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Finished off the night with the boyfriend watching Tintin (finally!), which I loved. I was super impressed by the animation too, it was so realistic! We munched on gummy candies and chocolate chip cookies, and enjoyed a relaxing night in.<br />
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Although today has been uneventful (homework, meeting on campus, more homework), I've got plenty of fun memories from this weekend to look back on :)</div>Ali Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14278416506202160291noreply@blogger.com1