tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85304299441830167602024-02-19T18:07:37.651-08:00brunch and bijouxcelebrating les belles petites chosesToryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-18123603380902933112015-09-21T13:02:00.000-07:002015-09-21T13:02:09.627-07:00Annecy et la Genève<div class="MsoNormal">
This weekend we went to Annecy, France, and Geneva,
Switzerland! Annecy was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.
It’s a small, Germanic town on the border of Switzerland and France. It was
very chilly; I needed to wear layers and it was too cold for my Tevas. The town
reminded me of Colorado; it was very sporty, people were running, biking, and
rollerblading all over town. The town surrounds a huge lake- Lac d’Annecy- and
it was so beautiful with the crystal clear water and the French Alps in the
backdrop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DAY 1:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first day we got there, Friday, we went paragliding! I
can’t believe we did that. We did tandem paragliding, so I drove up this huge
mountain in a tiny bus and jumped off a mountain with a man named Eddy strapped
to my back. We sailed around the mountain, dipped in and out of the trees, and
sailed over the lake. It was so incredible and surreal. I couldn’t believe it.
At the end, we even did some tricks when I thought my head was going to
explode. After paragliding, we were so exhausted even though we didn’t do
anything. We went back, relaxed, and went to a cheese shop, bakery, and
Monoprix for a picnic in the park. We had delicious rosé and laughed until our
stomachs hurt. After, we walked around the lake for awhile as the sun set, then
went to a bar called “Beer O’Clock”, where you can pour your own craft beers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DAY 2:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The second day, Saturday, we got up early to take the bus to
Geneva. For some reason, we got the bus ride for free, and we loved the scenic
2-hour ride. When we got there, however, it was very underwhelming. It’s around
a giant lake, Lake Geneva, with the famous Jet d’Eau and a few statues here and
there, and it’s all very pretty. But the city is made for billionaires. We
passed Céline, Prada, Gucci, Rolex, Louis Vuitton. There were barely any stores
even somewhat in our price range. So, we meandered about until lunchtime, when
we went to a recommended fondue place. Besides the fact that I had thick,
creamy dressing literally <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dumped </i>on
my salad, we asked for fondue for 6 people and were charged 150 SWISS FRANCS!
Which is 150 dollars for melted cheese. We laughed out loud and said no. We
ended up ordering two people’s worth and it was more than enough. It was also
incredible. After our cheese, and seeing some naked old women swimming in the
lake, we walked to the United Nations, which was cool to see but closed. We
also saw UNHCR, Unicef, the Red Cross, and basically every single other
organization. We wanted a water or a coffee after, but small coffees at
Starbucks were 8 dollars. Water, 5 dollars. We ended up getting some
(admittedly great) Swiss chocolate and returning back to our love, Annecy. We
got a FABULOUS dinner of create-your-own stir fry, and then we went back to the
beer bar, where a woman held a kitten next to us and fed it sausage. Ah, the
French.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DAY 3:<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Sunday, I woke up early to go to the markets to get some
fruit. I ended up getting some delicious spice bread, pain d’épices, along with
figs, the best apples I’ve ever had, and some fresh yoghurts. After the
markets, we rollerbladed along the lake, which was so beautiful and fun. After
that, we walked around and got some souvenirs before cleaning up and going
home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We loved Annecy, and I think it’s going to be hard for other
places to measure up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-45444245949234647032015-09-12T12:34:00.000-07:002015-09-12T12:34:11.813-07:00Snapshot: Cassis<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />
Last Sunday, we went to Cassis. Cassis is a beautiful seaside
port city that is famous for its jagged white mountains called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Les Calanques</i>. We took a boat ride out
to see these famous mountains, and I was awestruck in front of them. They are
so big and so blindingly white. The water was also the clearest water I have
ever seen. We were in 100 feet of water and I could see straight to the bottom
of the ocean. There were entire schools of blue Dory-from-Finding-Nemo fish. It
was incredible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The town was also very cute. We had an amazing lunch on the
water and I had a Provencal specialty, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">l’aioli,
</i>basically garlic mayonnaise that you dip cod, potatoes, and vegetables
into. Besides the fact that I smelled like garlic the whole day, it was
incredible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
We changed into our bathing suits and sunned ourselves on
the rocks for awhile, which was very relaxing and beautiful. It’s a hard life,
relaxing on the French Riviera. <o:p></o:p></div>
Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-63965030083655511052015-09-12T12:32:00.000-07:002015-09-12T12:32:54.600-07:00Snapshot: Markets<div class="MsoNormal">
The markets are incredible. Aix is known for its markets,
which are every day of the week! There are also special vintage markets and
clothes markets on certain days. Every single product is from Provence, or at
least France, and they are incredible. Let me repeat. I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E.
Every single thing that I put in my mouth is the best thing I’ve ever had. The
freshest and juiciest peaches. The ripest figs (not counting the ones I picked
off a tree along the street). The tangiest, freshest <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chevre. </i>The best wine. Everything! And everything is extremely
cheap! People who live here actually come to the market every day in order to
buy their food for the day. The bread that comes from the bakeries doesn’t have
any kind of preservatives, so you have to buy a new loaf every day (and at 50
cents a loaf, it’s not a problem).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been living off of goat cheese, bread, and fruit. I
sincerely have not had anything else to eat. Is that wrong? Because it feels
right.<o:p></o:p></div>
Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-85566718184547043682015-09-10T23:36:00.003-07:002015-09-10T23:36:25.905-07:00aix marks the spot<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow. So I am officially in France. It feels unbelievable to
think that I have been looking forward to this my whole life, and now I am
finally here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had a whirlwind of a year. Sophomore spring to Dublin
to Aix… I don’t even feel like the same person anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the plane over here, I had so many expectations,
anxieties, hopes. What would it be like? Would I love France and want to stay?
Would I feel at home here? I had no idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve only been here a week, so I can’t say for sure, but it
is both much better, and also different, than I expected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx8yXgG3q62sHPKXKz5QMDqW-Jh0ufH9_uum4LLdUR-c8BOWosOu7sP4ToU8WXSaxHGXFXSlBuN2oTVbO1dJrxon8CJWvc1M7X-75egUY9kwmM6kF6DhCw7_DY2D__hOV8d4sKSL-MA/s1600/11118263_10207555647476153_468571101257690434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx8yXgG3q62sHPKXKz5QMDqW-Jh0ufH9_uum4LLdUR-c8BOWosOu7sP4ToU8WXSaxHGXFXSlBuN2oTVbO1dJrxon8CJWvc1M7X-75egUY9kwmM6kF6DhCw7_DY2D__hOV8d4sKSL-MA/s640/11118263_10207555647476153_468571101257690434_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My program is through Vanderbilt, and the classes are taught
in French with Vanderbilt-hired teachers. However, they are all actually
French, so we really are taking college classes in quick, dizzying French. I am
taking the History of Provence, Art and Literature in the 19<sup>th</sup> and
20<sup>th</sup> centuries, Advanced Conversational French, and French Cinema.
They all seem awesome and I love the teachers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is very exhausting speaking French all day! I’ve
definitely improved a TON but it is hard to keep up and concentrate all day.
Sometimes I just want to lie down with a pillow over my head and not talk to
anyone. But now I can understand basically everything that anyone says, and I
can actually speak back, even if I stumble through words.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7eEo_hkudA4Zx24tpY3e4_x4UlupooSgQVRu1kWTh0jq9Vtg9A7xuCoRbeUt-hKxBsH1d0E0jp8iKl7XqbbynqSAqH5jIn3Mx8FPsV_aK-6-H4yCRV8fsGjGOBj8Ih5LqQOCHts4ww/s1600/11046279_10207555648116169_3022285009078318645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7eEo_hkudA4Zx24tpY3e4_x4UlupooSgQVRu1kWTh0jq9Vtg9A7xuCoRbeUt-hKxBsH1d0E0jp8iKl7XqbbynqSAqH5jIn3Mx8FPsV_aK-6-H4yCRV8fsGjGOBj8Ih5LqQOCHts4ww/s640/11046279_10207555648116169_3022285009078318645_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really like the girls in the program! It’s interesting
seeing what Vanderbilt students are like. Some are super Southern and confirm
all the adorable stereotypes. They have monograms, wear Jack Rogers, carry
Longchamp bags, and have similar styles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also have a roommate from Monaco who is 17 and is preparing to apply
to the French version of the Ivy Leagues. She is awesome!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wj2-fyI4y2BllFM8OQ_STnnJnJKN2Zhu3WBre8a9WL8NGIPCJY2ozDCgeOxB2TyHQgaFMn9Zp9H0ft9ZUj4xKTffpEOZW-OxSJGgmKdTl1vXL4fg1x9UaHJ17kTznWQpMgiKJwx0oA/s1600/11924747_10207555655636357_2547538292419285711_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wj2-fyI4y2BllFM8OQ_STnnJnJKN2Zhu3WBre8a9WL8NGIPCJY2ozDCgeOxB2TyHQgaFMn9Zp9H0ft9ZUj4xKTffpEOZW-OxSJGgmKdTl1vXL4fg1x9UaHJ17kTznWQpMgiKJwx0oA/s640/11924747_10207555655636357_2547538292419285711_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best part of this program so far (besides the amazing
markets and the food) is our host-dinner mom, Manuela. Each night, Monday through
Thursday, we eat dinner at this little 60 year old woman’s house. She cooks a 4
course dinner for us every night! And it is so fantastic. Tonight, we had a
tomato salad with sea salt from her garden, then <i>les moules frites, </i>mussels with French fries (which were
incredible! I had no idea I loved mussels!) then the cheese course, which is
always <i>le pain et le brie et le gruyere
et le brebis</i>, and then fruit. Figs and nectarines. Yum.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This city is so beautiful and so charming. There is so much
history and everyone is so happy all the time. It is always sunny and warm.
Always. I love it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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à bientot! <o:p></o:p></div>
Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-72189456457281708072015-08-04T07:46:00.000-07:002015-08-04T07:46:09.669-07:00Giant's Causeway<br />
For our last weekend trip, we went to Giant's Causeway!<br />
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Giant's Causeway is in Northern Ireland, which is another country, in case you didn't know.<br />
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I didn't at first! Short explanation of the two countries:<br />
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Ireland has been historically oppressed by the British since the 1600s, arguably, even longer. It was ruled over by the British king, and the vast majority of Irish people were poor, Catholic, and farmers. The loyalist British population was wealthy, merchants, and loyal to the crown.<br />
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The Irish potato famine in 1845-1852 convinced many Irish people that British oppression was not working. Many Irish left for America, and there are still theories that the potato famine was actually an attempted genocide by the British government.<br />
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Irish Republican organizations were powerful in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and following a period of war, Ireland got its independence- all except 3 counties in the North of the country. That, today, is still known as Northern Ireland, and still belongs to the Crown.<br />
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The question of a united Ireland is still extremely debated, and even violent at times.<br />
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Despite this tricky background, Giant's Causeway was one of the most fun trips that we have taken. The weather was absolutely amazing, which complemented the scenery perfectly. We had two amazing meals at classic inns, and we spent Saturday sightseeing.<br />
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Saturday night, we went into a nearby town to experience the nightlife. It was so interesting to see a rural Northern Irish town- everyone we met was fascinated by the Americans, and their accents were so funny!<br />
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Sunday, we visited some scenic monuments, and even got to go horseback riding!<br />
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One of the Shanahan daughters was pretty experienced, so she and I got to canter and gallop up the hills, through streams, and through forests. It was definitely one of the most memorable experiences I've had.<br />
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It was a beautiful, relaxing, and calm weekend that I won't forget!<br />
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-81682024739733971102015-07-16T07:18:00.000-07:002015-07-16T07:19:57.527-07:00Galway!<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Last weekend, we took a trip to Galway on the west coast of Ireland. It was our first overnight trip, and we were all so excited!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Friday, after work, we went to Heuston station with all of our bags. The trains in Ireland are really efficient, clean, and quick. Two hours later, we arrived in the quaint town of Galway. Classically, it was raining. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">First things first, we went and bought alcohol from a little window that opened into the street. I bought two bottles of wine. Very authentic.</span></div>
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After dancing to Beyoncé and Kanye West in our room, we headed out to a bar called the Quays (pronounced "key" and it means an area next to the river). There was an excellent band that played "Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon and a bunch of American music. We met some guys from Galway who told us all about the farms they lived on. </div>
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<span class="s1">Afterwards, we ate pizza in the street!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">After getting a solid 4 hours of sleep, we woke up and ate the hotel's free breakfast, which was one of the best I've ever had. All-you-can-eat yogurt, homemade granola, and fruit, as well as anything you wanted off the menu. Yum. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">To get to the Aran Islands, we took a bus (1 hr) to a ferry (1 hr) which was so rough that people were throwing up everywhere. I was lucky that I don't get motion sickness, so I was able to go outside and look out over the freezing Atlantic sea. I was being blown around like a doll. After an hour, we finally got to the Aran Islands. It was pouring and freezing. We were very underdressed and miserable, and some people didn't have rain jackets, so we went to get soup. </span></div>
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We ended up getting really good bread and soup, and we got to dry our hair under the dryers. We were happy and we dried off a bit. Then, we got in a big white van driven by an old man. Haha. It was a bus tour all over the island and we trekked up this huge mountain in the rain to a fort that was so beautiful. I was so delirious from my physical discomfort that I didn't care about how wet and cold I was so I started running around and having a great time. <span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1">That night, we went to the Quays again, followed by a bar called Busker Brownes. There, we danced and crashed a 30 year olds birthday party, ate his chocolate cake, and danced for like an hour downstairs. After, we went and got a slice of the same pizza, then walked back to our hotel. We were going to go back, but there was a huge party there! We danced for another hour, and it was so fun! We danced to ABBA, Taylor Swift, and old bands, and there were older people dancing who were so fun!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The next morning, we walked around Galway and shopped at the markets and listened to street performers. It was such a beautiful little city, and I wish we had more time there. Instead, we went to the Cliffs of Moher, which was beautiful but a tourist trap.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">So far, Galway has been my favorite part of Ireland!</span></div>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-9737145406369225682015-07-07T06:15:00.001-07:002015-07-07T07:34:45.466-07:00GlendaloughOn Sunday, we traveled to Glendalough for a little bit of hiking.<br />
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We've had absolutely amazing weather, with temperatures in the 70s and clear sunshine. So I wasn't too upset when it started to rain.<br />
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Glendalough is known for it's lush, green landscape, hiking, and it's ancient monastic village. In the 6th century, St. Kevin, a monk, lived here. He was renowned for his sanctity and his solemness, living in complete isolation here. Today, a few structures from that time still remain. To us Americans, something from the 6th century was absolutely mind-boggling.<br />
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We had a nice lunch and then started hiking. Everything was green, green, green, and I couldn't walk more than 5 steps without taking a picture. At one point, we even saw a family of deer, including two little baby deer who jumped and ran around in circles. I may have squealed a little.<br />
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When we got to the Upper Lake, it started to pour, which was appropriate for the mood. We all zipped up our rain jackets, stood on the lip of the lake, and looked out into the mountains. We skipped rocks over the calm, gray water, and listened to the pounding of the raindrops on our backs.<br />
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It was beautiful.<br />
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Nature is just so much <i>more </i>here. There is something ancient, something wise, in it.<br />
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-48823705111778206702015-07-07T06:05:00.000-07:002015-07-07T06:05:19.125-07:00Fourth of July in Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a great fourth of July weekend.</div>
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It started off with a fantastic, fantastic brunch at the Shelbourne hotel on Saturday. The Shelbourne is one of the most historic (and fanciest) hotels in Ireland. During the Easter Rising in 1916, when the Irish were fighting for a Republic, British soldiers stood on top of the hotel and shot at the Irish revolutionaries in St. Stephen's Green. Then, the Irish Constitution was signed in the hotel, of which a copy still resides. It's also been host to John F. Kennedy and Jackie O when JFK gave his famous speech in Ireland, as well as Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco. It is a beautiful place.</div>
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We wanted to go to the Jazz Brunch, which started at 12 and was in the fanciest dining room. We were absolutely starving, and after walking around the hotel and stealing fancy cookies and water, we finally sat down in giant, comfy chairs underneath a chandelier. </div>
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We got fresh juices from their homemade juice bar (!!!!) and I ordered vegetarian Eggs Benedict for the first time. It was me, JP, Reed, and Ethan. </div>
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The jazz band was amazing, complete with a Harry Connick Jr. mimic in a purple suit, along with a bassist and a piano player. We listened in awe as they played "Valerie", "Sway With Me" and "Fly Me to the Moon". </div>
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Our food arrived and it was the best meal I've had to date. In my life.</div>
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The boys were making fun of me because I actually started crying once or twice during our meal. It may be because I was exhausted and... recovering, but I was just so happy and I felt so lucky to be in that moment. The boys are so fun and sweet, and I love the group that we are with. I feel like I can be my absolute best self around all of them. </div>
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This program is changing me. I don't care how cliché or silly or naive that sounds, because it is true. I have already gained so much confidence that I didn't have before, either from forced social situations, being in a foreign country and having to figure things out by myself, or even from operating within an 8 person group (not an easy thing!) I find myself so much calmer, happier, kinder, wiser. I am excited to see how my personality and mind changes in these next few months.</div>
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After brunch, we went to Phoenix Park for a picnic. We brought food, a blanket, and music. I did cartwheels and walked around and smiled at every single person and object that came near me. It was an amazing day.</div>
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-62384648078209851642015-06-29T07:57:00.003-07:002015-06-29T07:59:23.313-07:00Kilkenny, Birthdays, and Dublin Pride!This weekend was the most fun we have had since getting to Dublin.<br />
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On Friday, it was JP's birthday, and we all celebrated, maybe a little too much!<br />
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We've been going to a famous club in Dublin called Dicey's, and after treating JP to BBQ (why did he want to go to BBQ in Ireland?) and getting some fun cocktails, we ended up dancing at Dicey's all night. We came back, soaked with sweat around 4 am. It was probably the most fun I've ever had out!<br />
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The next morning, we reluctantly rolled out of bed late and made brunch for everyone. I made scrambled eggs while the girls made pancakes, and I had at least 3 pieces of brown bread with Kerrygold butter and drippy, delicious jam. We plowed through half a stick of butter that morning.<br />
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Saturday was also Dublin pride! Around 60,000 people came to Dublin to walk in the parade, and we all went to the parade to support all of the people who finally got the right to marry, not only in Ireland but also in the US! It was an amazing, amazing moment that I'll always be proud to have witnessed.<br />
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On Sunday we went to Kilkenny, which was one of the most fun trips I've ever taken. We had no plans for the day, so we were completely spontaneous. Kilkenny is in the southwest of Ireland, and it was around 1.5 hours away by Irish rail. The city is quaint; it was a medieval city that was inhabited by Vikings, and later even hid King Charles II, the British king, from Oliver Cromwell during the Restoration.<br />
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Some highlights from our trip:<br />
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<li>relaxing in the rose garden at Kilkenny Castle and stealing a rose, which was glued to my nose the entirety of the trip because of how beautiful and fragrant it was</li>
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<li>witnessing the first ordination of a priest in the huge and historic St. Mary's Cathedral in more than 25 years!</li>
<li>climbing the Round Tower of St. Canice's Cathedral... this watchtower was a lookout post and bell tower in the 9th century! Before we climbed the tower, we asked if it was scary. "No way!" answered the women working there. Boy, were they wrong. The tower was 10 feet in diameter, and you climbed 108 ladder steps straight up into the tower. There was no windows inside, and the walls were crumbling. However, the view was worth it, and now I have a significantly stronger stomach.</li>
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<li>taking a break by playing clue and drinking craft beer in a pub</li>
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<li>winding down the night in my favorite bar to date- Left Bank. It is an old bank that has been converted into a lavish, dark wood, swanky pub. We were lucky enough to witness an amazing jazz singer and her band while drinking our wine and Irish coffees</li>
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<li>came back on the train and promptly passed out!</li>
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FYI: We have been walking SO MUCH in the city. We calculated it, and I usually walk 5+ miles on a normal work day. A day that we do sightseeing or shopping, we probably walk 7-10 miles. Because of this, my feet have never hurt so much in my life. I come back every day, sore and exhausted, and my feet literally pound when I'm trying to sleep. The plus side is that I feel no need to go to the gym and I can eat all the Kerrygold butter I want. Ha.</div>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-2569060677770229182015-06-26T06:20:00.000-07:002015-06-26T06:20:34.810-07:00HowthWe had a great day Wednesday!<div>
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We met with the group of separated children that we will be doing activities with all summer. JP works with the social workers that are in charge of these children- they all have come to Ireland with no parents or family. </div>
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JP told me a story of two eight year old Congolese boys, one that was very ill with sickle cell anemia, that were crying in front of him as they told their story to social workers. They hadn't seen their family in 5 years, they were sick, and they were very scared. </div>
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We took about 20 of these kids, some of them not really kids, ranging from 15-20 years old, to a performance of Mamma Mia in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. They were from African countries, Albania, and other Eastern European countries, all here without family. The girl that Priya and I were sitting next to was named Beatrice. She was from the Democratic Republic of Congo, 19, and had never seen a musical before.</div>
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After the play, we took a trip to Howth to go out to dinner and walk around. It was absolutely, hands-down, one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.</div>
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We had an incredible, incredible meal at The House, where I had a cheese plate, an asparagus and artichoke tart, and shared a banoffee dessert and a warm brownie with ice cream. I couldn't breathe after.</div>
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Afterwards, we took a walk along the pier, each of us speechless, in awe. Ireland seems familiar, almost like New England, with its fishing boats, rocky sea, and sea-salt air. However, it's much more majestic, with giant green mountains jutting into the sky, their lines soft and smooth and fluid. It is unlike any other place that I have ever been. </div>
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We stood on the edge of the pier and shared how lucky we all felt to be on this program. Later, we walked back, hushed, introspective, content.</div>
Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-76430650878828257772015-06-23T04:47:00.002-07:002015-06-23T04:47:23.165-07:00First Day of WorkI started work at New Communities Partnership!<br />
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I have a great team in this small office, composed of people from Ghana, Ireland, Italy, and Poland. We are a completely free service that helps people understand the citizenship process, and get their documents together in order to apply for citizenship.<br />
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For instance, I just met with a man from Georgia (the country, not the state!) who needed to get Irish citizenship because it is much cheaper to travel back to his home country as an Irish citizen rather than a Georgian. He was very confused by the process, partially because of his halting English, but also because this process is so complicated!<br />
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Before someone can apply for citizenship, they must have been living in Ireland for 5 years, or 3 years if they are married to an Irish citizen. They have to show multiple proofs of residences, bank statements, and displays of "good character". The team in the office seems to be frustrated by this process; although they believe they are helping people and doing the right thing, they frequently tell stories of people who "don't really want citizenship" or "treat it like it's nothing".<br />
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The Georgian man had a little girl with him. She was absolutely beautiful and very exotic, with giant blue Russian eyes and long dark hair. I couldn't stop staring at her, but was shocked and saddened when she opened her mouth and I saw that her four front teeth were rotting. The baby the man came in with had oxygen tubes around its tiny nose.<br />
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I'm slowly learning the process, but right now, all I can think about is how hard the lives of these people must be.Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-50036496620156917962015-06-17T10:03:00.000-07:002015-06-17T10:03:08.967-07:00My Irish Bread and ButterOn Monday, we went on a scavenger hunt through Dublin.<br />
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Bill and Suzanne, our program directors, designed a photo-scavenger hunt that took us all over Dublin. We saw St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church, Four Courts, the Custom House, and a variety of landmarks. Catherine and I saw this fancy tailor, Louis Copeland, who got a kick out of our rushed American enthusiasm.<br />
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The next night, we traveled to Dalkey Castle, south of Dublin, on the coast, to celebrate Bloomsday. Everyone in Dublin and Ireland is obsessed with James Joyce, who wrote Ulysses and Dubliners. They will bluntly say that those two novels are the greatest novels in modern history. Bloomsday is a celebration of the day that Joyce wrote about in Ulysses, in which he traveled all over Dublin in one day, which took 7 years to write and is very, very thick. Dalkey was beautiful and the play was interesting! Dalkey Castle is from the 11th century and was beautiful too. </div>
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Here's some pictures of everyone, when I force them to get together and smile!</div>
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The food is consistently ridiculously amazing. We went to a fabulous Mediterranean restaurant where I got a fruit and ginger scone with orange blossom butter and fresh jam. It was amazing. I'm already planning how to take home a few loaves of brown bread in my suitcase. Dublin butter is also everything you have heard and more.</div>
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I also met the people working at my organization! They seem really nice, and it's a fun mix of Lithuanian, Romanian, Armenian and Ghanan people. I'm excited to start working on Monday!</div>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-28310635707598048932015-06-14T10:46:00.001-07:002015-06-14T10:56:43.327-07:00JailbirdsI'm feeling remarkably better after getting 12 hours of sleep last night! I went to bed at 7:30 and slept until 7. Bliss.<br />
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I got up and went for a run around Dublin, traveling from the South Inner City (where we are) to the North side of the River Liffey. The River Liffey separates the city from top to bottom; the South side is very posh and upper-crust, while the North side is known to be more working-class. However, I found a lot of fun shops and beautiful streets on both sides of the river. We live on Leeson Street, which is on the bottom of St. Stephens Green, underneath Trinity College. The Green is so pretty, although the park (like EVERYWHERE in Dublin, especially on a Sunday) does not open until 9 am (grocery stores and shops are 10 or 11 am!)</div>
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We got some really good breakfast, where I got the best porridge (oatmeal) of my life, and Ethan got the first Full Irish breakfast of the trip, including blood pudding, which he liked!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan and Reed at breakfast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun box of condiments for my porridge!</td></tr>
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Then, we traveled to the Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) in the West for a tour. Puzzling through the bus system was comical, but we eventually got it right. The jail held some of Ireland's most celebrated and famed revolutionaries, who were imprisoned and executed by the British before the Independence of Ireland in 1922, and afterwards the Northern Ireland supporters by the new Republic.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original jail doors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original graffiti from prisoners in 1910s, "Beware the Risen People".</td></tr>
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Finally, we went to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, which was absolutely beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Museum of Modern Art</td></tr>
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Tonight we might go to a pub or out to dinner!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JP and Ethan enjoying their first Guinness beers in a pub!</td></tr>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-13862496334402809102015-06-13T02:59:00.000-07:002015-06-13T02:59:47.669-07:00Men in Kilts and No SleepEverywhere I look, there are kilts. Old men in kilts. Yikes. Dublin, Day One!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre</td></tr>
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I got into Dublin at 5:00 am this morning with JP, one of the students in DukeEngage with me. I flew a red-eye, so I got absolutely no sleep. Dublin is 5 hours ahead of Eastern time, so it was really midnight when we were touching down in Ireland.</div>
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It was hard to feel sleepy when we were gazing out the window at the green pastures and farms, though. We had a fun cab ride to our apartments with a vivacious man who told us that we absolutely must watch the Scotland-Ireland soccer match tonight. That's why there are men in kilts everywhere.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hotel is right next to the Embassy of Malta. As JP said, "I love the Maltans."</td></tr>
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However, once we got to our hotel, we discovered that the reception desk didn't open until 8 am. So, we stashed our bags behind the counter and took a sunrise walk through the city. We walked in circles, greeting groggy Dubliners who were likely still out from last night. Finally, it was late enough (7:30) for a little café to be open. We sat down and had a nice breakfast (my body thinks it is 2:30 am???).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Stephens Green</td></tr>
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After exploring the city some more, we learned that our rooms would not be ready until 3. So, we set off to kill some time. The shops began to open, the streets became busier, and the sun even peeked out a little.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFDg7T7fE_1QzMLvCzaco_g1xbmZbVmHS1WbStz_mXh6b9rGl3Yj5EC0a3Jcp2PtcoyoLGrCVaHrO-4mV8NhXknFO__CYuOwUOWXcDJLucWvI0Q6rwoMDL5UXV9dTYJHxEvfCl24r4g/s1600/11248806_10206896530638644_6238643945196064730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFDg7T7fE_1QzMLvCzaco_g1xbmZbVmHS1WbStz_mXh6b9rGl3Yj5EC0a3Jcp2PtcoyoLGrCVaHrO-4mV8NhXknFO__CYuOwUOWXcDJLucWvI0Q6rwoMDL5UXV9dTYJHxEvfCl24r4g/s640/11248806_10206896530638644_6238643945196064730_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everything is green, green, green. And the weather wasn't even too bad. It was about 50 degrees in the morning, and felt like late fall, but once the sun came out it was nice!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eWDeCLNO2upiKhuwSol69TWYjth-dC4ihFiS03368obEf04qEJCb8Vsa3zDzSN4PlhJzZU6SaLC4gMO82meALInHvbCUnMcWNmAF-YWjAkhw5M-cGVFTth3p4OjcsXxaFj2EhW31UQ/s1600/11427178_10206896531558667_2650280775597829163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eWDeCLNO2upiKhuwSol69TWYjth-dC4ihFiS03368obEf04qEJCb8Vsa3zDzSN4PlhJzZU6SaLC4gMO82meALInHvbCUnMcWNmAF-YWjAkhw5M-cGVFTth3p4OjcsXxaFj2EhW31UQ/s640/11427178_10206896531558667_2650280775597829163_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maybe I can comment more on the city once I lay down for a few minutes. For now, I'm just blindsided by the kilts.</div>
Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-51835521065354502312015-06-08T16:58:00.001-07:002015-06-08T16:58:34.481-07:00Finding Myself (Ireland to Provence)<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Well. I finished my sophomore year of college!</span><br />
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Instead of feeling accomplished, calm, and sure of myself, I feel as though I am more confused than ever now. At least when I was a freshman, I had a false sense of self-esteem and security, but the two years I spent on a roller coaster at Duke was enough to unbuckle the safety harness and throw me, wildly, chaotically, terrifying, off the tracks.</div>
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When I first entered college, I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life and what values I held. But now I'm not so sure. Every day, I question things I have been taught, morals I have held, and lessons I have learned. I wonder what is important in each moment, and how I should try and live my life.</div>
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These are questions that I've been asking myself, and which I hope to start to answer in the next 8 months. </div>
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On Friday, I leave Massachusetts for Dublin, Ireland. </div>
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I'll be working for a non-profit company called New Communities Partnership, which aims to help refugees and migrants gain their citizenship. I am participating in DukeEngage, a Duke program that funds 500 students each year to do service work in different countries and domestically. I am in the Dublin program, with 8 awesome students and two incredible directors. I have absolutely no idea what to expect, but I am looking forward to a really unique experience. I'll be there for two months!</div>
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After Ireland, I'll be coming home for three weeks before heading to Aix-en-Provence, France, where I'll be studying abroad until late December.</div>
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I don't know what is in store for me these next few months, but I know it is going to change my life forever!</div>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-63078395512184396862015-03-16T11:30:00.002-07:002015-03-16T11:30:50.563-07:00Saint-Tropez Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I just got back from a week long spring break vacation in southern Florida.</div>
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Why did I come back?</div>
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It was filled with sun, sea, sand, and tons of relaxation. Some may be surprised that I didn't opt for a crazy, booze-filled spring break like a normal college student, but I am not a normal college student.</div>
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Nope.</div>
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I like books, art, movies, ideas, flowers, beautiful things, nature, stories, history, and people.</div>
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At times, I feel like I don't fit into the crazy, college culture. It's hard to harmonize these two parts of my life, but I do a pretty good job, most of the time.</div>
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However, as I come back to campus and prepare myself for a whirlwind spring, I find myself clutching onto any remnants of the relaxation and sun that I soaked up over break.</div>
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One way to keep sunny skies in your everyday life is through your wardrobe. This week, I'm taking inspiration from Saint-Tropez, France. Saint-Tropez is a small Provencal town on the southern coast of France, nestled along the French Riviera. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykQDouQQVQQJquabNHH9z5izb-01pI00Q8J9_h1EwJf5AU-siaYR2unoBveWVMFLtXSN7tESNP_vAUHiasuryCDMWYiD9VKUUBTT7V1TMNpDpJrYbp9pCJrxkcYrMUazwsjvGwVq-4w/s1600/st-tropez_1894137b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykQDouQQVQQJquabNHH9z5izb-01pI00Q8J9_h1EwJf5AU-siaYR2unoBveWVMFLtXSN7tESNP_vAUHiasuryCDMWYiD9VKUUBTT7V1TMNpDpJrYbp9pCJrxkcYrMUazwsjvGwVq-4w/s1600/st-tropez_1894137b.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do I even need to explain why I want to bring Saint-Tropez into my daily life?</div>
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This spring, channel sunny, beautiful Saint-Tropez.</div>
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The formula is simple. Start with one striped top, add skinny pants, simple flats, and some chic sunnies.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvub6iRovQXRXO2FyGfDcjW5XijDK2c47wne15L-kD2XH7-vWTZiBd4iqZgjqbjl3rOqh0sbmSD5QjHN-XlymaxWaMZrdsWt4avjEF3Y2HMfJClm-OMsX14SNBlMDtF0c4LBnF4MkRg/s1600/IMG_8464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvub6iRovQXRXO2FyGfDcjW5XijDK2c47wne15L-kD2XH7-vWTZiBd4iqZgjqbjl3rOqh0sbmSD5QjHN-XlymaxWaMZrdsWt4avjEF3Y2HMfJClm-OMsX14SNBlMDtF0c4LBnF4MkRg/s1600/IMG_8464.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. <a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/TEESANDMORE/shortsleeve/PRDOVR~C0889/C0889.jsp" target="_blank">striped crop top</a> 2. <a href="http://www.samedelman.com/en-US/Product/EC0208619-3013963/Sam+Edelman/Cool+Sand/Augusta.aspx" target="_blank">nude flats</a> 3. <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-denim/4122011339877.jsp#/" target="_blank">skinny jeans </a>4. <a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/ACCESSORIES/eyewear/PRDOVR~A6772/A6772.jsp?color_name=vintage-stout" target="_blank">sunglasses</a></td></tr>
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Then, close your eyes and pretend you are sipping <i>Pinot Grigio </i>on the shores of <i>La Mer Méditerranée. </i></div>
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-19553860682160067412015-02-28T11:18:00.000-08:002015-02-28T11:18:21.876-08:00Spring Break Essentials<div>
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I will be spending over 24 hours in a car next weekend.<div>
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As horrifying as it sounds, it will be worth it. Four friends and I are road tripping to Sanibel Island, Florida for our spring break next weekend. Five girls in a hotel, zero plans or obligations, and lots of sunshine are what I'm craving right now!</div>
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I never really understood when people would say that they need a vacation from work or life. In high school, I was always relatively relaxed and took time off when I wanted it or needed it. However, lately I have really felt the stress of being a college student creeping up on me. </div>
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Social events (which are much more stressful than they sound), study abroad applications (TBA), tough Economics classes, and extracurricular obligations have really piled up this semester, and there's been more than once that I've found myself under the covers, a giant bowl of breakfast cereal in my hands, binge-watching House of Cards to ignore everything that was going on.</div>
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In other words, I really need a week of sun, friends, and relaxation!</div>
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If you're heading out for spring break with your friends, here are a few essentials to bring with you (besides car snacks, audio books, and some good music!)</div>
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A cute and trendy carry-all:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCaOZO8OhpMdjMO6POEkzMfJbRnWOQbtS3XLXZEOX7EfvBPsgJSA4Cr9mp5_viDGXVgbUacXdJDrS-zCYKddbS2r3X2A-2vTyKBBvZhxdio7Akp7Q1AVx5STRgyuJoQxKzLVJK1G_0g/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+bags1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCaOZO8OhpMdjMO6POEkzMfJbRnWOQbtS3XLXZEOX7EfvBPsgJSA4Cr9mp5_viDGXVgbUacXdJDrS-zCYKddbS2r3X2A-2vTyKBBvZhxdio7Akp7Q1AVx5STRgyuJoQxKzLVJK1G_0g/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+bags1.jpg" height="160" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. <a href="http://www.katespade.com/cobble-hill-straw-small-ella/PXRU5522,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU5522_color=159&cgid=ks-new-arrivals-view-all#cm_sp=home030115-_-home-_-newarrivals&start=29&cgid=ks-new-arrivals-view-all" target="_blank">straw tote </a>2. <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/handbags/totes/PRDOVR~C1150/C1150.jsp?color_name=stone-black" target="_blank">sport mesh bag</a> 3. <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/product/bando-getaway-duffle-bag" target="_blank">striped duffle </a>4. <a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/BAGS/backpacks/PRDOVR~C0930/C0930.jsp" target="_blank">leather backpack</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Also, for some fun accessories, make sure to pack:<br />
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<li>cute sunglasses</li>
<li>a fun towel (New Yorker towels at Overstock.com are on sale and super cute!)</li>
<li>quirky luggage tags </li>
<li>a bright makeup bag</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAmc4w7XcAGbHPqviZXppoB3-J0Q05AGuBt9B4V5UMwtunBBNXbJyr0-FjhUAIasFyFYrtPfIrnLEdIGupy2tS4sRZSOTJo8Nt1Jljdr24Wy3EFkY9UK3-dL07qVRNmUBShw_P5DSoA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAmc4w7XcAGbHPqviZXppoB3-J0Q05AGuBt9B4V5UMwtunBBNXbJyr0-FjhUAIasFyFYrtPfIrnLEdIGupy2tS4sRZSOTJo8Nt1Jljdr24Wy3EFkY9UK3-dL07qVRNmUBShw_P5DSoA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+beach.jpg" height="160" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1.<a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/eyewear/sunglasses/PRDOVR~C0302/C0302.jsp" target="_blank"> ray-ban sunglasses </a>2. <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Bedding-Bath/The-New-Yorker-Beach-Scene-Towel/9007115/product.html?refccid=263K4RY5ZYQK2GSETDMOGXVBLI&searchidx=0" target="_blank">new yorker beach towel </a>3. l<a href="http://www.katespade.com/Who-Me%3F-ID-Holder/155432,en_US,pd.html" target="_blank">uggage tag</a> 4. <a href="http://www.katespade.com/classic-nylon-ezra/PWRU4090,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PWRU4090_color=322&cgid=ks-accessories-small-accessories#start=28&cgid=ks-accessories-small-accessories" target="_blank">floral makeup bag</a></td></tr>
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Are you going on a spring break trip? What are your spring break essentials? </div>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-31204947539334180872015-02-25T12:43:00.000-08:002015-02-25T12:43:18.231-08:00Spotlight: Spring Sneakers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As a Massachusetts native, I always laugh when it snows here.</div>
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At the first sign of a few snowflakes, Durham, NC completely shuts down. Streets are abandoned, schools are cancelled, and people sit inside, staring out their windows, afraid to go outside.</div>
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Not me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmUPj_tTbxtNRuai6W0sPNq-WAJqT50OM5LGgx4A0RHtWMXyxNi7OZ_YunNpFS7h6dzuFb3MFk9-05QUc8krO7eQFFckfdPRXp_yHuwQ4N-_NgGg9-fI_lGtYUex-TVnfCiz4Ma3C6w/s1600/sunny3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmUPj_tTbxtNRuai6W0sPNq-WAJqT50OM5LGgx4A0RHtWMXyxNi7OZ_YunNpFS7h6dzuFb3MFk9-05QUc8krO7eQFFckfdPRXp_yHuwQ4N-_NgGg9-fI_lGtYUex-TVnfCiz4Ma3C6w/s1600/sunny3.png" height="640" width="418" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polienne.com/2014/03/oh-sunny-day.html#disqus_thread" target="_blank">Polienne</a></td></tr>
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Last snow day we had, there was 1 inch of snow. I wanted to buy some oranges from the Whole Foods down the street, so I got in my car, wiped the snow off my windshield, and drove down the road. Ignoring stares from people in snow boots and scarfs, hats and gloves, I coasted over ice patches and bought my oranges. </div>
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That's how we New Englanders handle snow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgbQuYF4wofEYnawaMO4HlP4EDfyunnGinselUfO2tGjI82nJYV3IlqynpSn6GmONu3J_OwCQfO1ZpkfKJX5GRcCy0S-4cIpFPXnXBICD3qsoTUNH9WWEcES8oKSMKRymPKCpZym3Uw/s1600/x7034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgbQuYF4wofEYnawaMO4HlP4EDfyunnGinselUfO2tGjI82nJYV3IlqynpSn6GmONu3J_OwCQfO1ZpkfKJX5GRcCy0S-4cIpFPXnXBICD3qsoTUNH9WWEcES8oKSMKRymPKCpZym3Uw/s1600/x7034.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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That being said, I'm done with winter. I can't wait for fresh asparagus and strawberries at the farmer's markets, cool, sunny mornings and warm afternoons, and dresses, flats, and short sleeves.</div>
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However, when winter blossoms into spring and the ground is still soaked, I have a hard time figuring out what to put on my feet. Boots are too warm, flats too delicate, and sandals are a long way away.</div>
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Enter one of spring's biggest trends: sneakers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykfmcZTXSoLILHhhq07W0h_Iz4KPVSyrPxVtV1Zv6WYFNKwycbRNA9DYhDyYNPBNYccEUudKJOFRZxuKetPhYLjBLJX7ozbgNo-8JSWRs6I839FIJ58RzMx2pfqP6E2Ovr_tKGtdFIg/s1600/x6952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykfmcZTXSoLILHhhq07W0h_Iz4KPVSyrPxVtV1Zv6WYFNKwycbRNA9DYhDyYNPBNYccEUudKJOFRZxuKetPhYLjBLJX7ozbgNo-8JSWRs6I839FIJ58RzMx2pfqP6E2Ovr_tKGtdFIg/s1600/x6952.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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They are practical, comfortable, athletic chic, and super trendy. Take advantage of a trend that is as practical as it is fashionable.</div>
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Even though I tend to gravitate towards more sophisticated, feminine clothes, I love this look. You can dress them up or down, and they look great with skinny jeans, a graphic tee, and a big scarf. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfG2Ggt816Yl4pKAiModYDZC5e0PhhWxkTt4cFko9VFnmFGwXWhmz8cZpy2USY_ZW8-uGZwzMjhZpn65bMDK5ZE32fN4VtCChEbZpzEgNLWoJTV00t5jkptsJV4dSvGn9nQWMmWwB6A/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfG2Ggt816Yl4pKAiModYDZC5e0PhhWxkTt4cFko9VFnmFGwXWhmz8cZpy2USY_ZW8-uGZwzMjhZpn65bMDK5ZE32fN4VtCChEbZpzEgNLWoJTV00t5jkptsJV4dSvGn9nQWMmWwB6A/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="213" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/sneakers/PRDOVR~06690/06690.jsp" target="_blank">new balance for j.crew</a> 2. <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/ingoodcompany/Vans/PRDOVR~B3304/B3304.jsp?isSaleItem=true&color_name=Navy-Blue&srcCode=GGBS00006_99103594231&isSaleItem=true&sisearchengine=197&siproduct=B3304&noPopUp=true&source=googlePLA&gclid=CjwKEAiAgranBRDitfSQk_P7vnMSJAAhx5G5KGdU9dxRF8kKP2aSwx5ZgS6n6ov3sAQVl8yfxzr25BoCUyrw_wcB" target="_blank">vans for j.crew</a> (on sale!) 3. <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/sneakers/PRDOVR~B3529/B3529.jsp?color_name=orewood" target="_blank">nike for j.crew</a></td></tr>
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-20067295890418985512015-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:002015-02-24T10:00:03.905-08:00The Weekender<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhouQwGvmTglk-Ow-1NKkQOVXAfygEl1LcAS7MKe-13loQwg9JD8anWAaZ27Mi5P1I9HAGfNGImGBpwEjPStmqmcgMJQtjm3H_QPHjjDF2YYEWheD_FFKwhgZjdviDnlSMR5GTthlo7g/s1600/IMG_7873.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhouQwGvmTglk-Ow-1NKkQOVXAfygEl1LcAS7MKe-13loQwg9JD8anWAaZ27Mi5P1I9HAGfNGImGBpwEjPStmqmcgMJQtjm3H_QPHjjDF2YYEWheD_FFKwhgZjdviDnlSMR5GTthlo7g/s1600/IMG_7873.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>~farm fresh eggs from the Durham farmer's market~</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBwubSPRdi3fPVWsdYQEx_-QBkvclQC0cPA1N8VjvaKGi0nD2-M4q-5cbYKA5FhZGdWIHFUqII6a__kMcntlQV8tL1rD76y6OAQuHWp8fmmPEAiEA2IS3NARWLFSROjfqkFt9s_eKHA/s1600/IMG_8079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBwubSPRdi3fPVWsdYQEx_-QBkvclQC0cPA1N8VjvaKGi0nD2-M4q-5cbYKA5FhZGdWIHFUqII6a__kMcntlQV8tL1rD76y6OAQuHWp8fmmPEAiEA2IS3NARWLFSROjfqkFt9s_eKHA/s1600/IMG_8079.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">~a snow day in the south~</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68l5hkbQOQJAEc2X-b3EP1AiBPwh_uJxZnk71XVT24kdnZnbj9ndkwzAdAFBVLWxkEQzoXw_U2B9dCjp_cth_35H9X4JYp8Ik0QWyN5kOTs0J2WS1UMbcJ4DkGp0wNk_9GzPoYS8vrQ/s1600/IMG_8102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68l5hkbQOQJAEc2X-b3EP1AiBPwh_uJxZnk71XVT24kdnZnbj9ndkwzAdAFBVLWxkEQzoXw_U2B9dCjp_cth_35H9X4JYp8Ik0QWyN5kOTs0J2WS1UMbcJ4DkGp0wNk_9GzPoYS8vrQ/s1600/IMG_8102.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>~duke beating university of north carolina in over time!~</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Z51a70uEms1rkDnFI-g2zOTXHV9IgL4iTEthWG3SJsCjxA45MjxXbOiu8zD1P3d4Bbw0fAIxrsQ2bY3LsTgNgzLXQMIt72HYA7RBjG6S8ANtoQ5J8nS7BvTQEbne3QDLb114JM8_Jg/s1600/IMG_8115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Z51a70uEms1rkDnFI-g2zOTXHV9IgL4iTEthWG3SJsCjxA45MjxXbOiu8zD1P3d4Bbw0fAIxrsQ2bY3LsTgNgzLXQMIt72HYA7RBjG6S8ANtoQ5J8nS7BvTQEbne3QDLb114JM8_Jg/s1600/IMG_8115.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>~last day of the Miro exhibit at the Nasher art museum~</i></div>
Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-25371653405227325172015-02-23T11:39:00.000-08:002015-02-23T11:39:01.215-08:00Chai Snickerdoodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DSNKBL8CoH1X3N5ugCqfw69jylZNdJKqXQmy4xZTGoJnuAin8BMwc6EzhVbbOQ7bBwULk5ApV6-_nB4CwZEPddsTAVWlaREWvJ1KKuZwqVl_XGkGTviynzbQdV-WO_A5zVHGzKRSag/s1600/IMG_8165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DSNKBL8CoH1X3N5ugCqfw69jylZNdJKqXQmy4xZTGoJnuAin8BMwc6EzhVbbOQ7bBwULk5ApV6-_nB4CwZEPddsTAVWlaREWvJ1KKuZwqVl_XGkGTviynzbQdV-WO_A5zVHGzKRSag/s1600/IMG_8165.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I went through a period of a few days (okay, maybe two weeks) where I would drink NyQuil every night before going to bed.</div>
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It wasn't good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzBR7HNwKp3eOaIUBUpdpzmrZPtSxNZL1ekgqSOBEzuiSdkPkDf90zsIFc0EJXdN6LMKE6yaXy-LmMyMed_EIwYuvzdVHGOf-URULAsdxHt5Gzc8U45v7nFIlXwsGf7PBoVp8qMspUA/s1600/IMG_8163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzBR7HNwKp3eOaIUBUpdpzmrZPtSxNZL1ekgqSOBEzuiSdkPkDf90zsIFc0EJXdN6LMKE6yaXy-LmMyMed_EIwYuvzdVHGOf-URULAsdxHt5Gzc8U45v7nFIlXwsGf7PBoVp8qMspUA/s1600/IMG_8163.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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However, I was having a hard time falling asleep, because each time I would put my head on the pillow, my mind would race with obligations and plans and to-do lists, and I would feel like jumping out of bed and doing jumping jacks to get rid of the excess anxiety. The only way that I was able to go to sleep was with cold medicine.<br />
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Not okay.</div>
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Eventually I stopped taking NyQuil (crisis averted) and started creating other relaxing, natural bedtime solutions.</div>
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One of my absolute favorite ways to relax after a long, stressful day is a warm mug of chai tea, a few yoga poses, and some soothing lavender essential oil. My yoga instructor always uses lavender essential oil to adjust us in our final poses, and it is an extremely relaxing scent to fall asleep to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ8bHeTL70r1AxVNicd7eGx7PY6mDVA0fLxkfRJA1YoszpA16a5Lpn5VOwV9vFs7UmQ7T9yXAu58jihX5VaaJXLNqJIfDeTG1aH1IXied6XeqsHo5nY4CI6RSE3iwtAvPbWLnCKZ8ng/s1600/IMG_8166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ8bHeTL70r1AxVNicd7eGx7PY6mDVA0fLxkfRJA1YoszpA16a5Lpn5VOwV9vFs7UmQ7T9yXAu58jihX5VaaJXLNqJIfDeTG1aH1IXied6XeqsHo5nY4CI6RSE3iwtAvPbWLnCKZ8ng/s1600/IMG_8166.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The ritual of a mug of chai tea has become incredibly comforting. The warm, spicy drink warms up my body and signals my mind that it is time to go to sleep. It works really well! (although arguably not as good as the NyQuil....)</div>
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With this relaxing, soothing bedtime ritual in mind, I made <b>Chai Snickerdoodles </b>over the weekend.</div>
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These soft, pillowy cookies have the buttery, sweet taste of snickerdoodles, with the added spice of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger. They crinkle in your mouth and melt on your tongue, and are best minutes out of the oven!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-5mhxek4kKWAc6ri6eCCclbVbT5isWMSwIdyR3t1qehcbtd9irCbt0Uw3TJk1mmWmbSbbw-UYantoeW0ECh1wHX2GnaYqsS4N6renwgH2nZ35SlVyqzq0i2tcmtJZk_64zTZGHQf2w/s1600/IMG_8164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-5mhxek4kKWAc6ri6eCCclbVbT5isWMSwIdyR3t1qehcbtd9irCbt0Uw3TJk1mmWmbSbbw-UYantoeW0ECh1wHX2GnaYqsS4N6renwgH2nZ35SlVyqzq0i2tcmtJZk_64zTZGHQf2w/s1600/IMG_8164.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Head to <a href="http://jellytoastblog.com/2013/09/chai-spice-snickerdoodles.html/" target="_blank">Jelly Toast </a>for the recipe, and bake up some spicy, comforting cookies that make the perfect bedtime snack.</div>
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-11086689395335085602015-02-17T15:01:00.001-08:002015-02-17T15:01:52.358-08:00Girls Who Brunch: The Outfit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>brunch at <a href="http://www.washingtondukeinn.com/" target="_blank">The Washington Duke Inn</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMktAPdXSi-CgC6shBkbTmqLbtMB1WwFLAN6xxnr47ToHUfLlw7NMKlQ2UvJyTc4XwOtyDbgmkeKzuBOHg99JH6xEf0g2NjFj4FKMqpFn_NynJRvrdi1zBxC3z-n-TTpHz4KpB-XZJg/s1600/IMG_8058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMktAPdXSi-CgC6shBkbTmqLbtMB1WwFLAN6xxnr47ToHUfLlw7NMKlQ2UvJyTc4XwOtyDbgmkeKzuBOHg99JH6xEf0g2NjFj4FKMqpFn_NynJRvrdi1zBxC3z-n-TTpHz4KpB-XZJg/s1600/IMG_8058.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">t-shirt</b><i>: snagged at a sample sale (similar </i><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1026813&pid=989116102" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">here</a><i>), </i><b style="font-style: italic;">skirt: </b><i><a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=bottom&productid=2052288282" target="_blank">forever 21</a>, </i></div>
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<i><b>boots: </b><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=32296279&parentid=W_SHOES_BOOTS#/" target="_blank">urban outfitters</a>, <b>bag: </b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-plaque-crossbody-bag/3726999" target="_blank">tory burch</a> (similar <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-robinson-crossbody-bag/3776324?origin=related-3776324-0-3-PP_OOS-Rich_Relevance_Recs_API-113&recs_type=related&recs_productId=3776324&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=3&recs_placementId=PP_OOS&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_API&recs_strategy=113&recs_referringPageType=item_page" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=977375152&vid=1&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></div>
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-36299678070027580102015-02-16T13:10:00.001-08:002015-02-16T13:10:57.236-08:00Loving Yourself While in College<br />
Sometimes it's hard to feel like a real person while in college.<br />
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You study, eat at strange times, try to sleep a minimum of 6 hours, drag yourself to the gym, and see your friends in drunken, hallucinogenic states at frat parties at night. Sometimes, when I sit down and make myself a cup of tea and read the newspaper, or a magazine, I feel little tendrils of guilt creeping in, like:<br />
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"You don't have time to relax! What is relaxing? You can read the news when you're dead!"<br />
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(which is obviously NOT true, btw)<br />
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In general, I think I have a better handle on this crazy lifestyle than my friends do. I'm always the one who goes to bed by midnight before exams, goes to the gym when I want to, takes yoga classes and goes to the farmer's market.<br />
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Yet, I still fall prey to believing that I'm stuck in a sort of limbo- one in which we don't need to take time for ourselves or our relationships, one in which our well-being and sense of self don't matter.<br />
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That's why, when there are opportunities to slow down, savor a morning, and spread self-love, I jump at them.<br />
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How I show self-love:<br />
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1. Read the New York Times everyday<br />
2. Eat a really, really good breakfast! (like the one below- yum!)<br />
3. Keep a lot of yummy fruit and tea on hand<br />
4. Exercise at least 4 times a week<br />
5. Listen to and make Spotify playlists<br />
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<i>a fruit plate at brunch this weekend</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SFKYJm4QfF7r5aufN7DmOiXibaafDwuJpaf-7BuAZAEZJdX8wrwcWcCV0KhLPYcQVL2Cuodrh6HJ9duq_JwFQ9CSqykecU5hSoc-YSCFZND_F0rP_E4lwAhDzZb5ofuZmrr1qTGDZQ/s1600/IMG_8060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SFKYJm4QfF7r5aufN7DmOiXibaafDwuJpaf-7BuAZAEZJdX8wrwcWcCV0KhLPYcQVL2Cuodrh6HJ9duq_JwFQ9CSqykecU5hSoc-YSCFZND_F0rP_E4lwAhDzZb5ofuZmrr1qTGDZQ/s1600/IMG_8060.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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What do you do to nurture yourself?</div>
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Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-50566560147434231632015-02-11T17:00:00.000-08:002015-02-11T17:00:00.943-08:00Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For Her<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fyPIKVwz_KiVImhX8oiWWl_8UEGqp9MCFX8hGAZX2rwD8XWq8UcNYvr7Fsz-DECDDL7WN2wUWAkPSL4c6zZ3-tNEdo79hjoXjC5tD3klyz1K9ZCNFNbfTMEzpQqrzhX1lorzsLkNVg/s1600/Valentines+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fyPIKVwz_KiVImhX8oiWWl_8UEGqp9MCFX8hGAZX2rwD8XWq8UcNYvr7Fsz-DECDDL7WN2wUWAkPSL4c6zZ3-tNEdo79hjoXjC5tD3klyz1K9ZCNFNbfTMEzpQqrzhX1lorzsLkNVg/s1600/Valentines+Day.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a Valentine's Day gift guide to celebrate all of your girlfriends, mothers, sisters, and cousins. Treat them to something amazing this Valentine's Day!<br />
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<i>clockwise from top left</i><br />
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1. A pair of cheeky <a href="http://surprise.katespade.com/WBRU7779.html" target="_blank">studs</a> (75% until 2/12!)<br />
2. Soft, sweet <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/salvage-sweet-hearts-boxer-shorts/vp/v=1/1524738194.htm?folderID=2534374302066118&fm=other-shopbysize&colorId=10192" target="_blank">pajama bottoms</a><br />
3. A fun <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/product/bando-sip-sip-tumbler-straw?display=2550" target="_blank">tumbler</a> for cold drinks<br />
4. Chic, inexpensive d'Orsay <a href="http://www.soleandluster.com/products/delilah-flats-2" target="_blank">flats</a><br />
5. Adorable Valentine's Day <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/holiday-collection/valentines-day/" target="_blank">cards</a> from Rifle Paper Co.<br />
6. Double chocolate covered<a href="https://www.franschocolates.com/fruit-nuts/fruit-gift-boxes" target="_blank"> figs </a>from my <i>favorite </i>chocolatier<br />
7. A sweet pink <a href="https://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/teestanks/PRDOVR~A9039/A9039.jsp?color_name=true-black" target="_blank">crop top</a> for spring<br />
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-2170543347378910972015-02-09T17:00:00.000-08:002015-02-09T17:00:00.726-08:00Vogue's Vegan Salted Dark Chocolate CookiesThere's something about salty-sweet flavors that is completely addicting to me.<br />
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I realized how far I had taken this when I was eating oatmeal for breakfast in the dining hall and I started shaking salt onto it.<br />
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My friend immediately exclaimed, "What are you doing?" as I put salt on my strawberry/walnut/brown sugar oatmeal.<br />
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Although I don't know the scientific reasons behind this, I know for a fact that sweet things taste much sweeter when a little salt is added.<br />
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Ever heard of<a href="http://bakingbites.com/2011/08/does-salt-make-watermelon-sweeter/" target="_blank"> salt on watermelon</a>?<br />
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Or salted caramel? (<a href="http://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-salted-caramel-peanut-butter-truffles/" target="_blank">salted peanut butter caramels</a> courtesy of Minimalist Baker)<br />
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It's definitely a thing.<br />
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So this weekend, in preparation for Valentine's Day, I made salted dark chocolate cookies.<br />
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And they are vegan. And from Vogue.<br />
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Yes.<br />
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I found <a href="http://www.vogue.com/2042461/ovenly-vegan-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe/" target="_blank">this</a> recipe for Ovenly's Famous Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies on Vogue. They were SO delicious! They were a cinch to throw together, too.<br />
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Add some extra flavor to these cookies by sprinkling some coarse sea salt over them. I used Celtic Grey Sea Salt. Let me know how they turn out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5Ww_GOwvAwtbEvFQgPgffnwj9x_DpTcURjBV69x3Xsh_6g-GdSSi7-CjbfQmNRsR2gwFWPdNCIHrAWMWWHnj8udV7ZfpPf4PY-K2relP3kuvatXcioz-XER-9ERrrWsC2iTgGM7gAQ/s1600/IMG_7999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5Ww_GOwvAwtbEvFQgPgffnwj9x_DpTcURjBV69x3Xsh_6g-GdSSi7-CjbfQmNRsR2gwFWPdNCIHrAWMWWHnj8udV7ZfpPf4PY-K2relP3kuvatXcioz-XER-9ERrrWsC2iTgGM7gAQ/s1600/IMG_7999.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530429944183016760.post-24750166352197170352015-02-08T07:51:00.000-08:002015-02-16T12:53:22.077-08:00A New Look: The Lob<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still have nightmares about a haircut that I received in 3rd grade.</div>
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I remember it clearly; I was living in Fort Myers, Florida and I badly needed a haircut. I was rocking a shaggy, sun-bleached and split-end 'do, and my mom told me that I needed to go to SuperCuts.</div>
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I think you all know where this is going.</div>
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When the stylist turned me around in my chair after I kindly asked her for a shoulder length trim, I gaped into the mirror. <i>All of my hair was gone! </i>I had a page-boy pixie cut that barely grazed my chin, with soft wisps of bangs that curled on my forehead. I was horrified.</div>
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I remember staring into the mirror and gasping for words, but nothing came out of my mouth. </div>
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Numbly, I walked out the door and got into my mom's car.</div>
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"Your hair looks so cute!" she exclaimed.</div>
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Immediately, I burst into tears. "I hate it! That woman needs to go back to hair cutting college! She'll never work again!" I screamed, hysterical.</div>
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Looking back on it now, my hair was actually really cute, and I don't think the hairstylist at SuperCuts needed more hair education. Oh well.</div>
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However, this experience led me to fearing the dreaded "6 month trim" for the next 10 years. All through high school and into college, I would keep my scraggly, long, dark hair. </div>
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That is, until this year.</div>
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Coming into my sophomore year, I knew I needed a change. I looked into the mirror and felt <i>blah. </i>I never wanted to change my makeup or my clothes, and I was bored with my appearance in general.</div>
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As I began to get more interested in fashion and art, I began to be interested in how one's appearance can change their whole personality and attitude. I began to slowly change my style of dress, change up my makeup, and finally, change my hair.</div>
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I ended up going for the famous lob that so many celebs have been sporting lately. And let me tell you, the effect was amazing.</div>
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By going a lot shorter and lighter, I felt free, lighthearted, and fun. I could shake my head around and put too much hairspray into it and it would look amazing. And I have received SO MANY compliments on it. If you're nervous about cutting your hair, don't be!</div>
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It was life changing.</div>
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Tips for styling: <a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/2015/01/how-to-style-a-lob-or-a-bob/" target="_blank">The Beauty Department</a></div>
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What I asked for at the salon:</div>
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Color: Bright, honey blond with lighter ombre pieces</div>
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Cut: Collarbone length lob with a lot of texture and movement</div>
<br />Toryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17265098701499303957noreply@blogger.com2