tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71918202125105927402024-03-27T01:38:23.554-05:00the magpie collectivelife eclecticBritt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-79720664930362973982013-08-23T17:15:00.001-05:002013-08-23T17:15:05.028-05:00The Magpie Collective<div style="text-align: center;">
As you may have noticed, I been extremely absent from The Secondhand Magpie for the last few months. </div>
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I
have been grappling with a nasty case of Bloggeritis, better known as
Blogger Burnout. It led to a slow deterioration of my motivation and
creativity with outfits and posting in general. As my
life/priorities/focus shifted, I found myself pigeonholed with the
notion of a blog existing based solely on my tendency for being thrift
minded. I realized I didn't have the time or funds to continue thrift
shopping, as we were saving for our first home. </div>
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In
a lame attempt to stay relevant in social media, I Instagrammed and
Pinned my daily happenings as a form of micro-blogging. I figured it
would suffice until I knew I was fully committed to the responsibility
of maintaining a blog with quality content. <b>But I knew better.</b> I started blogging to really <i>connect </i>with
others, to share and learn from other women who loved everything
creative and wanted to share their experiences like I did. </div>
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If
I am going to continue to blog, I need a platform that allows me to
fully expound on who I am, what I love, and why I love it. Stocking my
closet and home with thrifty finds is a huge part of my life, but not
all of it. I don't plan on sharing every nook and cranny of my life
here, but giving a more well rounded view of life as I know it. There
have been <i>so </i>many things that I have wanted to share, but was afraid it didn't fit my niche in blogging, so I left it behind. </div>
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In
keeping with the true Magpie spirit of things, going forward, the blog
will be named The Magpie Collective. It embodies more of my life, as I
am still that little bird flitting from thing to thing, store to store,
activity to activity. I just have a bigger nest to fill, and want you
guys along for the ride. It's about a life eclectic, a life full of an
assortment of material possessions, shared experiences and stories. </div>
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So, in closing I suppose I should say, Welcome to The Magpie Collective.</div>
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Glad to have you.</div>
<br />Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-57008514156206756682013-08-05T04:00:00.000-05:002013-08-23T16:18:15.494-05:00Update<div style="text-align: center;">
Big, big changes are underway for Secondhand Magpie. </div>
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Starting in September, I will be re-branding the blog with an evolved version of the current setup. I am currently in the process of a redesign, as well as a reformatting and re-branding of the existing Magpie theme I have going. My life is changing and expanding, and I feel like my blog should reflect that. With a blog that focuses so narrowly on secondhand living, I feel that a lot of content that I'd like to share isn't relevant in the current setup.Secondhand shopping will always (and is always) a big part of my life, but there is more I find myself wanting to share and wanting to learn, and I believe my blog should be a reflection of all of those things and more! </div>
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So, I am not gone. Just in hibernation, waiting for the big new change starting in September. </div>
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Stay tuned. </div>
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10416525/?claim=pc2v96f8xub">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-17559381823442547552013-05-08T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-08T07:00:00.523-05:00Closet Hillbilly<div style="text-align: center;">
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Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in Texas is... <i>southern</i>. I happen to be one of them. I am mercilessly teased about not eating red meat (read: anything with eyelashes). I do <i>not </i>in fact know how to do the Boot Scootin Boogie. I rode horses all throughout my childhood, but it involved a riding jacket, crop pants and equestrian boots. Not a cowboy hat in sight. There is, however, a little bit of yeehaw way down deep in my soul. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Top} Thrifted {Jeans} American Eagle {Belt} Forever 21 {Bag} Coach<br />
{Sandals} Target {Sunnies} Ray Ban {Necklace} Lala Crystal on Etsy</td></tr>
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For one, I love me some <b>bull riding</b>. Put a dirty, bowlegged cowboy on the back of a half ton animal with a rope tied around its most sensitive bits, and I suddenly become a whoopin' and hollerin' Child of Dixie.<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">I have no idea where that comes from. I believe it's one of those 'stand there and look pretty' kinds of things<span style="font-size: large;"> where y</span>ou aren't really int<span style="font-size: large;">er<span style="font-size: large;">ested in the man per se, but just the <i>idea </i>of it all<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">. The <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">behavior</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">itself</span> is ine<span style="font-size: large;">x<span style="font-size: large;">cu<span style="font-size: large;">sable.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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I also have a sick, sick obsession with a little show on the History Channel called <b>Swamp People</b>. Again, real life people in the USofA hunting alligators in canoes, eating squirrels and requiring the use of subtitles for their butchering of the English language manage to keep me riveted to the TV for an entire hour a week. A real life gator hunt has even made its way to my bucket list. </div>
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And by real life, I mean in a separate, non canoe boat many, many feet away from the actual gator killing.<b> Very hands off.</b></div>
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-66720342089279818752013-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:002013-05-01T08:00:09.761-05:00How to Catch a Chicken<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah, I don't know how either. I did however, have to learn.<br />
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Dare I say, "<i>On the fly</i>." </div>
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A few weeks ago on a Thursday morning I was backing out of my driveway for work and glanced at my mirror in time to something red run out from under my car. I did a double take and realized I was looking at the back end of a chicken running across the street. Now, my everyday life doesn't normally include close interactions with barnyard life, so chicken wrangling isn't on my list of have-dones. In fact, it <i>was </i>on my list of hope-to-nevers.</div>
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As I continued to back out, I realized that the poor guy was probably going to get run over or poached by one of my rather aggressive cats, so I felt it was fate that I ended up spotting him on the one morning I was running a little ahead of schedule. Figuring he came from the neighbor's chicken yard, I got out of my car, strolled over to the neighbor's and bent over to help my new friend over the fence. <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lesson #1: Chickens aren't fond of being handled.</b></span> I was met with severe clucking, wing flapping and talon thrashing. I also found that this particular chicken was freakishly fast. Before I could grab on, the bird took off on a death run with in my opinion, <i>excessive </i>amounts of directional changes and head bobbing. </div>
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Once I realized this wasn't going to be a walk in the park, I devised a strategy. I would use some chicken wire that was lying in the yard and lay it against the fence, creating a tunnel to herd the chicken into, and then placed a large empty trash bin at the end to act as the receptacle. My plan was to swiftly grab the trash can and dump the little red bastard over the fence. What I didn't plan on was the chicken exiting the tunnel early. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lesson #2: Chickens will peck the hell out of you.</span></b> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Tee} Gap Outlet {Skinnies} Rue 21 {Flats} Target {Bag} Coach <br />
{Scarf} Forever 21 {Sunnies} Ray Ban {Watch} Target</td></tr>
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After multiple laps around the yard and a few attempts to scare it back over the fence, I had really had enough. Here I am trying to spare this tasty idiot back into a yard that I had no business being in in the first place. I decided to try the tunnel experiment one more time before giving up and saving myself some money on cat food for the next few days. I shooed him back into the tunnel, and as he popped out the other side, I grabbed him around the middle and in true shot-put style chucked that mother clucker over the fence in one fell swoop. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Brittany: Wife, therapist, blogger, chicken wrangler. </b></span></div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-51176476214214194652013-04-24T08:00:00.000-05:002013-08-04T16:39:59.148-05:00Quirky Quickie<div style="text-align: center;">
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Sorry for the blog silence. We are currently in the throes of the Austin housing market. We jump up and run to a new listing within an hour of it hitting the market. We don't sleep after putting in offers. We have been competing against at least 10 other offers per house. I'm fried. I don't have a lot in my brain today, so I thought I'd post some unnecessary facts about me. Because this is a most pressing issue.</div>
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<li>When stressed, I revert to childhood and lock myself in a room and watch shows from my childhood. On my Top 5? The Little Mermaid, The Jetsons, Golden Girls, Cosby Show and I Love Lucy.</li>
<li>I have enormous tonsils, making swallowing pills hard. Solution? I eat gummy vitamins instead. When I drink water, Micah likes to say I swallow like a baby cow. </li>
<li>I hate ice in drinks. Yet I refuse to drink hot drinks. I will happily guzzle room temp or even warm has-been-sitting-in-the-car water. No ice, no steam.</li>
<li>Velvet and corduroy give me the creeps, and make my hands itch. </li>
<li>I may or may not still sleep with my newborn blanket wrapped up in my pillowcase. </li>
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-6288321922783368362013-04-17T08:00:00.000-05:002013-04-17T08:00:07.077-05:00Powerful<div style="text-align: center;">
Perception is powerful. Words are powerful. Our perception of ourselves can be a strong influence on the way we treat ourselves, and the way we speak of ourselves.</div>
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I ran across this video the other day and found myself greatly impacted by the words of these women, and how powerfully their words altered their image to a stranger. My heart wrenched for women, these women, as they were described so beautifully by those who were strangers merely moments before.</div>
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We as women and bloggers find ourselves in constant comparison with one another. So many colors, shapes, sizes, styles, ages, etc. We compare our looks, our pants size, our hair, skin and clothing. We nitpick photos, zapping them with photo retouching, Photoshopping our perceived imperfections at 75% zoom. What would we say about each other? How would we describe each other in the eyes of another woman, another blogger?<br />
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I think this video sends a powerful message, one that bloggers resonate with. We follow along with each other, cheering each other on, supporting the ventures and aspirations of our virtual friends. We feel so much a part of each other's lives, spreading a net of support wide across the interwebs. The support and camaraderie that we share is enviable, something of dreams to find so many women willing to support each other without ever meeting.<br />
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I hope this serves as an encouragement to us all, to continue to love and support each other, as <i>well </i>as ourselves. </div>
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-15397440746666728502013-03-29T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-29T08:00:06.011-05:00Temporary Nest<div style="text-align: center;">
Plenty of life things have been happening in the absence of my blogging. Big ones. </div>
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We recently met with a mortgage broker to get an idea of what we need to save/spend in order to end up in our first home. It looks like we have to do it fast. The time to buy in Austin is yesterday, and every few months home prices rise 10%. The market here is saturated in the summer, which is great considering that on average, homes get snapped up within 48 hours of hitting the market and buyers will put an offer on anywhere from 3-6 homes before they actually end up with a place to live. This gives us a better chance of finding something within our budget that we can get in before someone else. Also, our realtor has told us to write a 'love letter' to the home owners with information on us and why we want this home. </div>
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<i>Seriously</i>? This is what home buying has come to? It's an inappropriate joke, but it feels like trying to adopt an American blonde haired, blue eyed baby. </div>
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All of the home buying process aside, the idea of moving out of our little bungalow is hard for me. Yes, home ownership allows me to do bigger projects that make our home more personal. Yes, we build equity and have a return on our investment. But a starter home in Austin will not be our little urban rental, chock full of character in our ideal neighborhood. It will be a fixer upper miles away from everything we love. </div>
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I have poured a lot of love into a rental. I know that may be a mistake, but I have to nest where I land. And so far, this is has been my most favorite nest. My first real big girl house that I've been able to spruce up with my big girl paychecks. It isn't exactly ours, but it sure feels like it. And it sure doesn't feel great to leave it. </div>
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Maybe once we see other houses and I combine my own ideas with my Pinterest boards, I can get more behind this idea. Time will tell. </div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-10739565207685238362013-03-27T07:00:00.000-05:002013-03-27T07:00:08.172-05:00Sweating Dollar Signs<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, I know you're probably tired of the 'look at my expensive purchases' posts. They don't come around, like ever, so bear with me. I had to spread out my hedonistic joy over the course of a week-ish and had to save the best for last! I am not a handbag girl. Never have been, never thought I would be. Until I saw this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYydRBZFO2_eeGnz66I2eub8HWTReH2_LuwGQqjButDRTdNcTQo6TXL1Uqj5y4IsKRUrc5QpKUYjLafPK4pkepUYJazOtQoCi1yyiIKT-DNCgmUhWS0CCpxxlyk4B0cpwEaU4TTjM71uw/s1600/IMG_9895.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYydRBZFO2_eeGnz66I2eub8HWTReH2_LuwGQqjButDRTdNcTQo6TXL1Uqj5y4IsKRUrc5QpKUYjLafPK4pkepUYJazOtQoCi1yyiIKT-DNCgmUhWS0CCpxxlyk4B0cpwEaU4TTjM71uw/s640/IMG_9895.png" width="426" /></a></div>
Once that beauty had seared its way into my mind with glove tanned leather, a roomy interior and cognac coloring, I knew there was no going back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTMElM0jxchifl18AE2mU3CAl-EjU2MGPYCBTyZe__KE_ERsjwIXbqrZWi5W1TSlfD6sl3UeTSS9wFbp84aK5UJ5llXDeBk51Rn3zeViEqPxOVwweyqFPpaISVEU60tn46MCr78p_piY/s1600/IMG_9915.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTMElM0jxchifl18AE2mU3CAl-EjU2MGPYCBTyZe__KE_ERsjwIXbqrZWi5W1TSlfD6sl3UeTSS9wFbp84aK5UJ5llXDeBk51Rn3zeViEqPxOVwweyqFPpaISVEU60tn46MCr78p_piY/s640/IMG_9915.png" width="425" /></a></div>
I had saved up birthday and Christmas money to buy my dream bag, and had my trip to the store all planned out. I even made sure to 'dress' for the occasion. I was going to stroll in, pretend that it was no wind up my skirt to buy a $400+ bag, make some small talk and then leave to geek out over my first big girl bag in the car. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEe6LaAXLQn5XadLImVCWH4QVXJnGIJe5gneQG1JqkUhIjdF6xaX90glauuGXW-bRARoTQ5TorwNvtIQ0r1fv49fBSxwXx6dJn57-tKrVrPNxNUz7J2bYpv9SIqaDuxzQYJ_d_StvrJQ/s1600/IMG_9928.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEe6LaAXLQn5XadLImVCWH4QVXJnGIJe5gneQG1JqkUhIjdF6xaX90glauuGXW-bRARoTQ5TorwNvtIQ0r1fv49fBSxwXx6dJn57-tKrVrPNxNUz7J2bYpv9SIqaDuxzQYJ_d_StvrJQ/s640/IMG_9928.png" width="426" /></a></div>
Smooth, I was <i>not</i>. I made it two steps in the store before I began to sweat like a linebacker in July. The reality of buying something that costs as much as some people's car payment sent me into a panic, but I was committed. I opened my mouth in an attempt to ask about the bag, and promptly word vomited in a thrift induced panic on the two poor sales girls. I was the only person in the store (thank the Lord) because I was falling apart faster than Britney Spears' career. Too soon? Back to the bag. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTRaUx5M2sxcSGBLJPI29huO0tPbsswf0p_ZBh3uuJunIw-jph2tE1MsySiPtQbLFZWnvRj6YPg7iwq6fJiuwOzN1Z6iyIQl1Ohggg2U41cL4dxeB3T2JZLiMMoMvO51Q7CnAvclyQbU/s1600/IMG_9892.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTRaUx5M2sxcSGBLJPI29huO0tPbsswf0p_ZBh3uuJunIw-jph2tE1MsySiPtQbLFZWnvRj6YPg7iwq6fJiuwOzN1Z6iyIQl1Ohggg2U41cL4dxeB3T2JZLiMMoMvO51Q7CnAvclyQbU/s640/IMG_9892.png" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Blouse} Forever 21 {Pants} Gap Outlet {Wedges} Forever 21 <br />{Watch} Target {Sunnies} Ray Ban {Bag} Coach <br />{Necklace} Lala Crystal on Etsy</td></tr>
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I made it out of the store alive, but not without having the girls assure me 10+ times that this would be a purchase that could carry me through the years and was totally worth spending what felt my left arm on. I buckled up the purse in its bag on the way home and couldn't even take it out of the bag until the next day. Since then I have settled into it nicely, only stifling small screams when children come near it and making sure to condition the leather once a week.</div>
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It's official. I'm a freak.</div>
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-78101899807557338562013-03-25T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-25T08:00:00.903-05:00Shady Lady<div style="text-align: center;">
So, you're probably teetering on edge with the excitement of my big new purchases. Right? Yeah, me too. But no, really. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCBuEtF6LSxtygztf3ppO_RuE69aobsbwHyKi0chU8NRHZ4gDfBts9r96CmtYO_3b7Rk3W__GOQwduMJsZgvQkkT-w9Y6isIKYNzvSxSuvdcmLuat1HfCroKktRj22RZ_OLsOw82_rw4/s1600/IMG_9774.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCBuEtF6LSxtygztf3ppO_RuE69aobsbwHyKi0chU8NRHZ4gDfBts9r96CmtYO_3b7Rk3W__GOQwduMJsZgvQkkT-w9Y6isIKYNzvSxSuvdcmLuat1HfCroKktRj22RZ_OLsOw82_rw4/s640/IMG_9774.png" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Top} Thrifted {Pants} Forever 21 {Sandals} Target <br />
{Necklace/Bangles} Forever 21<br />
{Sunnies} Ray Ban</td></tr>
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In thinking that my wardrobe will be in constant flux due to this little thrifting problem of mine, I figured that my accessories would be a good starting point to being incorporating investment pieces. I am the queen of plastic sunglasses and slouchy faux leather totes. So to imagine buying a metal pair of sunglasses or a leather purse that equals the total of 30 pairs of sunglasses or 15 purses gave me palpitations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgB_LjYBVMJ5D3Lprzz7vh21shu9RZ5TQ_OQ77P2dVhH2mctw3HSUF0lh8Jd3mFfgSyyIumRnZJsRefsRWU36_Q9THoPdWQSDlzlVpifr8AUfNwY42m-SVs9VFmDU5i5APeTS-2ngsIM/s1600/IMG_9791.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgB_LjYBVMJ5D3Lprzz7vh21shu9RZ5TQ_OQ77P2dVhH2mctw3HSUF0lh8Jd3mFfgSyyIumRnZJsRefsRWU36_Q9THoPdWQSDlzlVpifr8AUfNwY42m-SVs9VFmDU5i5APeTS-2ngsIM/s640/IMG_9791.png" width="384" /></a></div>
After much research and Instagram polling, I took the plunge and combined 18 months worth of Macy's gift cards to help buffer the blow of a pair of investment shades. My choice? Ray Ban Aviators. They're classic, hardy and come with a great warranty/care plan. Plus, they're versatile. They can be casual and 'boho' or dressed up with a striped top, skinnies and blazer.<br />
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Perfect for my bipolar closet.<br />
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-42161645810380213172013-03-22T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-22T08:00:12.298-05:00Lucky 13<div style="text-align: center;">
That's right. 13 months since I started this little blog of mine. The last 6 or so I've totally slacked on it, so much so that I forgot to wish it a Happy Birthday. So SM, here is my one month belated birthday post. In your second year, I promise to be more proactive about posting, less intimated by the work of others, and hereby solemnly swear to be more confident, more creative and more progressive with you.<br />
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So, without further ado...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.irocksowhat.com/2012/01/todays-freebie-lets-blog-some-shit.html">via</a></td></tr>
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-79084712864607552442013-03-20T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-20T08:00:01.472-05:00Quality vs Quantity<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been seeing this subject from multiple bloggers across the blogosphere lately. As an avid thrifter, I get a certain high from clasping my hands around a new thrift treasure, and I'm positively drunk with power by remixing it into my current (mostly thrifted) wardrobe. It's easy to accumulate multiple 'great' pieces when they're only $5, and even easier to find reasoning to spend $15 on a previously $70 piece. Because I do most of my shopping in thrift stores, I find myself picking from pieces that attract my eye, my <b>magpie </b>eye. Think color, pattern, texture: the more the better. This does not a classic wardrobe make.</div>
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This year, I made myself promise that I would only buy pieces that I love, and that fill a hole in my wardrobe. For instance, a yellow boyfriend cardi is #1 on my list, followed by a green maxi skirt and a leopard scarf. I also promised to <b><i>invest </i></b>in more classic "pieces" rather than buying of the moment items because they're less expensive. Granted, my clothes will probably always flux a bit in style, fit and color, but some pieces have withstood the test of time. I have items that have been with me since high school, and some that were worn once and then donated or resold. My accessories however, will not change due to a fluctuating waistline or the shape of a collar. </div>
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I took the plunge and within a month have made my two most expensive purchases. Ever. Stay tuned next week for the reveal.<br />
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My tendency towards the dramatic is stunning, no?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Glasses} Ray Ban {Peplum Top} Target {Pants} Loft<br />{Heels} Target {Watch} Target</td></tr>
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-53600056045087079812013-03-18T08:00:00.001-05:002013-03-18T08:00:09.035-05:00Let's Stay Friends<div style="text-align: center;">
In case you haven't heard, Google Reader (the blog roll that shows up with all of the blogs you follow via Blogger/Blogspot) will be shutting down July 1st. This will mean that you can no longer see mine or anyone's posts when you log in. As bloggers and readers, we spend a lot of time perusing the Internet for beautiful, funny, interesting and engaging sites to immerse ourselves in. When we lose Google Reader, we will lose the record of our curated collection and relationships we've built over time. </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="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3497295/secondhand-magpie" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirixP-ouGDU-WXOhfHwtFPr33rWYNOqVlgHTBShFFuCssZOIRuGrlkWBbZwKiMIxrwdIXFE2f9h6CvuUK8Tl6p2AwEFS0kFzTi2g3jLdRGZdYC6UGSYA-F62jPmlu7YGZ22zhV0CZR5OI/s320/keep-calm-and-follow-me-on-bloglovin-3_large.png" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3497295/secondhand-magpie">{follow}</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
In order to keep up with happenings at Secondhand Magpie and your other beloved reads, I suggest making the great migration over to <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">Bloglovin</a>. It has been my personal favorite blog reader for just over a year and a half now, and I suspect it will be experiencing enormous growth with the loss of Google Reader and most likely Google Friend Connect. The layout is clean, simple, and is great for introducing and connecting readers to new and up and coming blogs. If you're interested in making the transition, it's free to sign up, iPhone and Android carry the app, and there is a nifty little button that allows you to <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/import">transfer </a>all of your subscriptions {aka Follows} to their reader.<br />
<br />
Click the image above or my 'Bloglovin' tag to the right to find my page!<br />
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Thank you again to everyone who has stuck it out with this slowly developing labor of love. I hope I see you around the Bloglovin 'hood!</div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-43482353019677558812013-01-16T11:57:00.003-06:002013-01-16T11:57:25.209-06:00Heavy<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes we don't need a tragedy, breakup or loss to feel overwhelmed. No big work obstacles, no big disappointment. Just life. My life seems to have gained significant weight in the last few weeks. I can't be sure if it's loading up its pockets with extra complications, more responsibility or general loose change. </div>
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<b>Maybe it's just growing up. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ1Mq9_mnGjzsXem07Z0Z8zuZNZUTU5lyQ1FE6uTwxoC_lBb9fyZzxw2qhnEr22Z825-p8QzosQVf5O6HpI1tyPWF_yGKmftgAKvluNckxADIII7JCcqxhI-WuoCVzHVLGGM60Fr06x4/s1600/heavy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ1Mq9_mnGjzsXem07Z0Z8zuZNZUTU5lyQ1FE6uTwxoC_lBb9fyZzxw2qhnEr22Z825-p8QzosQVf5O6HpI1tyPWF_yGKmftgAKvluNckxADIII7JCcqxhI-WuoCVzHVLGGM60Fr06x4/s640/heavy.jpg" width="441" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm finding myself at a crossroads in my just-past-quarter-life-crisis and am on the verge of retreating into a Disney movie and footie pajama induced hermit life. I feel as thought lately I've been scrambling to get things together, but end up just rearranging things in the same space. </div>
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I also find myself in a completely different positon in life. Gone are the days of weddings every weekend and engagement pictures by the dozen. I now peruse baby shower registries and catch myself giving doe eyes to miniature cashmere sweaters and tiny human suspenders. I find myself delirious when I discover the perfect ottoman or side table in my ever increasing need to expand my nest. I spend my weekends cleaning and catching up on work instead of nights out with my girls. Oh, and don't even get me started on my nights. Ever the night owl, I now find myself impressed to see 1am. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe I have hit a bit of a rut, or maybe the reality of an adult life is slowly sinking in. Either way, I am determined to find a way to regain part of that old joy, that old <i>me</i>. That may mean letting go of some things that I let define me and exploring different sides of myself that have since gone into a recession.</div>
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And I think I have just the blog to do it.</div>
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Stay tuned. </div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-68714013045114336442013-01-08T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-08T08:00:12.195-06:00Shh... It Happens<div style="text-align: center;">
So there is this little thing called life. It's been eating my lunch for the last few weeks, and I feel like I'm finally on the down slope from holiday/work madness. Hence the blogging hiatus. </div>
<br />
Here is some of what has gone down in the last couple of months, essentially stunting my blogging abilities:<br />
<ol>
<li>Broke my foot. How you ask? <b>Walking</b>. <i>Slowly</i>. <u>Indoors</u>. </li>
<li>Caught RSV.</li>
<li>10 days after being done with RSV, got a stomach bug. </li>
<li>Got my first iPhone... and am <i>still </i>figuring out how to use it. </li>
<li>Christmas.</li>
<li>New Years. </li>
<li>Baby shower for a close friend in Vegas. She <i>lives </i>there, nowhere near the strip. None of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmiVlyAfTnw"><b>this </b></a>happening.</li>
<li>Am currently typing this after having pulled a muscle in my neck/back. I currently can't look down, up, or to either side. Laying down requires assistance and don't get me started on wearing anything but button ups and shoes that don't need tying. How, you ask? Flipping my hair over in the shower.</li>
</ol>
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What am I, 80? </div>
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Anyway, as you can tell, the above circumstances and the lack of daylight have put me in a bind when attempting to photograph anything, including my outfits. Which up to this point have consisted of sweatpants, tights and sweaters. What I've worn on my feet can't even be counted as shoes. I doubt they're even street legal.<br />
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Also, I found my thrift jam:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Warning: Not a good idea to play over work speakers, around children, or anywhere if theeffword offends. </b></span><br />
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Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-25548500073744484112012-12-31T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-31T08:00:14.219-06:00Resolved<div style="text-align: center;">
This year has been quite the whirlwind with celebrating our first year
of marriage, starting a new career, starting the blog, diagnosing and treating my hormonal
nightmare, adding a new dog to the family, and moving once again. It has brought many successes and joys with a fair share of failures and struggles that I count as learning opportunities.<br />
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As always, we hope for more in the new year. </div>
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<br /></div>
More
success, more peace, more happiness, more joy. Some write lists, some
pray, some plan. I have never been much of a resolution type person, but
this year, I think I have come up with a few tangible things to start,
improve upon, and end.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<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/AVvXsEilukjF4oJDkNTGEKGe16hEzbkCwOac3WGp6BQ8OAUjZMP6fC37llr4tPvP_RLmWkEZiMPSI-svTNFWfLVjfGmZYPAMiAyE_TH-LRm9HUajY4usWXB9fmnGt1DtTTMmtGfmHkQprSso_bo/s1600/IMG_7956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilukjF4oJDkNTGEKGe16hEzbkCwOac3WGp6BQ8OAUjZMP6fC37llr4tPvP_RLmWkEZiMPSI-svTNFWfLVjfGmZYPAMiAyE_TH-LRm9HUajY4usWXB9fmnGt1DtTTMmtGfmHkQprSso_bo/s640/IMG_7956.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully #2 will keep body parts above from blocking out any more light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<ol style="text-align: center;">
<li>Learn to sew</li>
<li>See the inside of a gym at least twice a week</li>
<li>Quit comparing myself to others</li>
<li>Continue and improve the blog</li>
<li>Begin saving for our first home</li>
<li>Take more style risks</li>
<li>Explore new photography skills</li>
<li>Only buy things I <i>love</i></li>
<li>Stay on top of work documentation</li>
<li>Pay off last bit of school debt</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you a resolution maker? Are you looking to this new year for improvement? If so, what are some of your resolutions/promises/hopes? </div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-58825599578661416532012-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-25T08:00:02.788-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMySARYDXsNXvagNzYGpDDw-mnr1-BANe-I50K_K2He393cgCMUYIHsPkwJ4HyWgYktb5d15a4OO1il1Hs0D4WwiI9rIrjUSBtxsS8K9coRfDoSfDdelj4dKraHLixZMWpMe6qDwJE1E/s1600/53128470575728169_d7uu4IwX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMySARYDXsNXvagNzYGpDDw-mnr1-BANe-I50K_K2He393cgCMUYIHsPkwJ4HyWgYktb5d15a4OO1il1Hs0D4WwiI9rIrjUSBtxsS8K9coRfDoSfDdelj4dKraHLixZMWpMe6qDwJE1E/s640/53128470575728169_d7uu4IwX.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMySARYDXsNXvagNzYGpDDw-mnr1-BANe-I50K_K2He393cgCMUYIHsPkwJ4HyWgYktb5d15a4OO1il1Hs0D4WwiI9rIrjUSBtxsS8K9coRfDoSfDdelj4dKraHLixZMWpMe6qDwJE1E/s1600/53128470575728169_d7uu4IwX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-7212846838065686242012-11-30T08:00:00.000-06:002012-11-30T08:46:17.940-06:00{Britt Bakes} Shiner Bock Beer Cake<div style="text-align: center;">
As you know, Micah does the cooking around these parts. I happily oblige, but every now and then have to get my hands a little dirty and whip something up to fulfill that tiny domestic voice that occasionally whispers 'cake' in my ear. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Usually, I'm a big fan of baking from scratch. Most of my recipes are all organic and from another generation. This cake, however, is an easy throw together that can taste homemade with the change of a couple of ingredients. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Shiner Bock, for you non Texans, is a great dark amber colored beer brewed just north of Austin. To get a similar taste, use a Bock beer. If you're lost on picking a comparable one, ask someone at a local grocery store with a solid beer/wine section or look around for a local brewery. They might be able to point you in the right direction. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s15.beta.photobucket.com/user/luckymeblp/media/IMG_7525-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="426" src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a396/luckymeblp/IMG_7525-1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Shiner Cake</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ready for this?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Replace the water or milk ingredient with beer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1</b>. Follow directions on box </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Shiner Old Fashioned 'Boiled' Icing</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/7-minute-frosting-recipe/index.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">via</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>1 1/2 cups sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt<br />
1/3 cup Shiner<br />
2 egg whites<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1</b>. Place sugar, cream of tartar or corn syrup, salt, water, and egg whites
in the top of a double boiler. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2</b>. Beat with a handheld electric mixer for 1
minute. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3</b>. Place pan over boiling water, being sure that boiling water
does not touch the bottom of the top pan. (If this happens, it could
cause your frosting to become grainy). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4</b>. Beat constantly on high speed
with electric mixer for 7 minutes. Beat in vanilla.<br />
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<b>5</b>. Frost immediately after whipping using rubber spatula and serve.<br />
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<b>6</b>. Enjoy! </div>
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<a href="http://s15.beta.photobucket.com/user/luckymeblp/media/IMG_7529.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="640" src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a396/luckymeblp/IMG_7529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-81332360232656011292012-11-28T10:06:00.003-06:002012-11-29T23:11:02.237-06:00Help For Minda<div style="text-align: center;">
This isn't something I normally post on, but I firmly believe people are put in your path for a reason. <b>Now it's time for me to return the favor. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
About 3 years ago, I did a project that involved doing something unexpected for someone of my generation. I wanted to do something that was maybe considered 'taboo' or 'hush hush' but still stay within the lines of appropriateness. So I signed up for E-Harmony and Match.com. People in my generation are so connected to social media, and it seemed that people's views were imbalanced to the idea of dating online. You order presents online, you can adopt a dog online, get your groceries, find a house, network with business partners, find potential job prospects, etc. So why not see who you aren't meeting while you're busy with all of the other things above?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, long story short, I signed up in a city where I used to live, and monitored and recorded who was stopping by and what level of communication they used. I never actually met any of the fellows, just wanted to see if it was truly a viable option for someone my age, or if it was just old man predator town. (Results: lots of sugar daddies, but some good guys thrown in the mix). After the project, I took a road trip to Chicago to see family and forgot to shut down the account. The last email I received was from a relatively good looking guy in law school, and once I explained what I had been doing on there, he was intrigued. We emailed back and forth about the project for a couple of weeks, and he eventually furthered communication by finding me on Facebook, which led to 6 hour phone conversations and eventually, a trip to visit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSpjlPaFZm6r5QIeJV9qVot2mwLFc8qWBR5bCJsyJ1INkE0geEhstvTHFzZeImYSAbTvMB4TNlNj2q3Agseb7GhsbSy-_23UiY9S2kDHTVk1EM2BhGxKjPcmfoM5u64QjzS6UefpRWzQ/s1600/minda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSpjlPaFZm6r5QIeJV9qVot2mwLFc8qWBR5bCJsyJ1INkE0geEhstvTHFzZeImYSAbTvMB4TNlNj2q3Agseb7GhsbSy-_23UiY9S2kDHTVk1EM2BhGxKjPcmfoM5u64QjzS6UefpRWzQ/s640/minda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was incredibly anxious during my plane ride up, and on the second leg of my trip, I was seated next to a beautiful girl around my age who I immediately felt connected to. As soon as the plane took off, we got to talking and I spilled the reason for my flight. She was instantly curious and I explained the entire story to her, complete with pictures and emails. She doled out advice and encouragement, and offered to be my wingman in case he was actually an ogre. We chatted about her trip, a family reunion of sorts, and I was immediately drawn in to her sweet spirit and warm disposition. Her family seemed like such a strong, bonded group, and part of me wanted to be a fly on the wall at their place! We laughed about the irony of the in flight movie (He's Just Not That Into You) and eagerly anticipated our landing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY875kEfm2zp5aAbjjWQzNyB0PX8ZCN0UU5S4Be65JyG09LV2C0X3IBIrPjCvJtBz0XXrsH84TU3zjbigXgOW9ET-S737fAdl09Oog-8EavugK8Vg9d9HzljY-aiPyRc7zvdcrcDSktJ8/s1600/minda2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY875kEfm2zp5aAbjjWQzNyB0PX8ZCN0UU5S4Be65JyG09LV2C0X3IBIrPjCvJtBz0XXrsH84TU3zjbigXgOW9ET-S737fAdl09Oog-8EavugK8Vg9d9HzljY-aiPyRc7zvdcrcDSktJ8/s640/minda2.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Minda and I ended up staying in touch, and after the law guy and I broke up, she emailed me and we exchanged 'oh wells'. 3 days later, I had a box of custom brownies from a bakery sitting on my doorstep, her friend from afar way of making me feel better. You don't meet people like this every day. She is such a rare find in today's world: a beautiful, confident and radiant woman who loves her family and God. She never allows circumstance to bring her down, this is event is no exception. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfo1ljNeP-dcmkuVa7ilR21hb9o-T_1DKCz4n7XOLaCXQDesHJYjZV9S1CcFXROU3uHS0qVbMKSXKBXtQBVxFkMefVvJO3IuLzuPHykYcI49s-5fByox6sduk6mL2m014kZH6jFYeKOY/s1600/minda4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfo1ljNeP-dcmkuVa7ilR21hb9o-T_1DKCz4n7XOLaCXQDesHJYjZV9S1CcFXROU3uHS0qVbMKSXKBXtQBVxFkMefVvJO3IuLzuPHykYcI49s-5fByox6sduk6mL2m014kZH6jFYeKOY/s640/minda4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Minda Corso, a sweet friend and <a href="http://marypoppinswasntperfect.blogspot.com/">fellow blogger</a>, has lost everything she owns in <a href="http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20121127/NEWS01/121127002/Update-Careless-smoking-cause-fire-displaced-23?odyssey=tab">an apartment fire</a> while she was out of town for work. She didn't have renter's insurance, and is left with just what she had packed for her trip. She is going to have to replace <b>her entire life.</b> Her furniture, her beloved kitchen supplies, <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>her</i> <i>closet</i>.</span> Now, I hear the blogging community is strong, and this is because we all stay in touch and stick together. I feel like as a friend and blogger, I have a double duty to help Minda, and wanted to call in backup. <b>Blogger backup</b>. If my readers could spread the word, Twitter, Facebook, anything, I would be eternally grateful<span style="font-size: large;">.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp2V6ps2wxE5Xcyt__6B7lI-o_CdeQeNI8iNVDChHk51iUj6LoHY287pjgUQtseJ2C82728Hk99LPN7CNNw8SBlmKGst9bOtHFk_ch_3SAwp-5UjNfaJK6jT6XsWocOB8y2BoPZxyQqU/s1600/minda3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp2V6ps2wxE5Xcyt__6B7lI-o_CdeQeNI8iNVDChHk51iUj6LoHY287pjgUQtseJ2C82728Hk99LPN7CNNw8SBlmKGst9bOtHFk_ch_3SAwp-5UjNfaJK6jT6XsWocOB8y2BoPZxyQqU/s640/minda3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Minda lives in Tallahassee, Florida but is originally from Paris, Texas.
If any of you live in the area, or feel compelled to donate, I have
included the link below to her donation site. </span> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.giveforward.com/mindacorso?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_wall&utm_campaign=vanity_page&fb_ref=496789">MINDA CORSO FIRE DONATIONS</a></span></div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-38382974499675852312012-11-27T08:00:00.000-06:002012-11-27T08:00:13.598-06:00RSV... no P<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsWf5u4ft0jiLozostDuiN9GCCo0yhcYqVjrDl2En8e__oOgpj28o8wYtRUUw4sbBFaDleJ7_hxZ-IUdPfdAcTQc9u6ViUUNLuWx2WC4G0DU0E9ENY9T785W52BFm_Kl_h4wH1vKwSDM/s1600/IMG_7338.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsWf5u4ft0jiLozostDuiN9GCCo0yhcYqVjrDl2En8e__oOgpj28o8wYtRUUw4sbBFaDleJ7_hxZ-IUdPfdAcTQc9u6ViUUNLuWx2WC4G0DU0E9ENY9T785W52BFm_Kl_h4wH1vKwSDM/s1600/IMG_7338.png" /></a></div>
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Sorry folks. </div>
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Tis the season for catching everything under the sun. One of the perks of working in pediatrics is catching everything they have, including the nasty <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002531/">RSV</a>. Think of the lovechild of the flu and a cold, but with the genes from their grandfather Bronchitis. Yeah, that. So give me a couple of days to compile some outfits other than flannel jammies and mismatched wool socks, and I'll be back in the swing of things. A week of snot and coughing and fevers has left me under prepared for blog posts, but over prepared for any Cosby Show trivia games. </div>
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See ya soon.</div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-24400902536393975202012-11-22T08:00:00.000-06:002012-11-22T08:00:00.368-06:00Turkey Lurkey Day<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/AVvXsEgrZYRA6WE9-hquaDUVV3p1rewY-ETpvwwBX-wGcgLyvOeRVGqQnui8EuFy2kpCSZnSASWoSGsq_XWWFIqQA9cZk-DWl_VUNz3MdwUIFrEH4fMQAmlVsR1uK2vWibh1tNL5RQLOcHt-6PQ/s1600/166351779955493626_ckacGByq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="631" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZYRA6WE9-hquaDUVV3p1rewY-ETpvwwBX-wGcgLyvOeRVGqQnui8EuFy2kpCSZnSASWoSGsq_XWWFIqQA9cZk-DWl_VUNz3MdwUIFrEH4fMQAmlVsR1uK2vWibh1tNL5RQLOcHt-6PQ/s640/166351779955493626_ckacGByq_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/166351779955493626/">via</a></td></tr>
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I'll be on a break for the next week or so, celebrating with family and recovering from a nasty tango with <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002531/">RSV</a>. See you on the other side of turkey.</div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-13325910976533122162012-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:002012-11-19T11:10:22.718-06:00{How To} Home Made Cake Stand<div style="text-align: center;">
The holiday season is upon us, and I'm not quite ready to dole out a ton of money for decor that's going to be out for 6 weeks. I LOVE Christmas, like cannot get enough, simply adore, <i>amcompletelyobsessed</i>. But I don't love spending money. I made a ton of these for my wedding last year, and then promptly sold
them in the name of space and sanity. Now that we've settled and it's
time for cakes and tasty goodies to be displayed, I thought I'd whip up
another in the name of holiday spirit. </div>
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So, while at my local Goodwill last week, I spotted this large china platter for $1.50, and found this mercury glass candle holder for $9 at Marshalls and put two and two together. Literally. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr02rh9rzICBfTYldKLvlyLwheTAOKZ5DWQEBW1tZD4zmvP8l4IsRLhEwwJ3xyfC9MiiG8vi-FkR9297w__AUL8QALrVjEAHRpg4CxyL9svfkyRxGw2ic7-WOf2EJvalP-MIcx88r_tU/s1600/IMG_7291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr02rh9rzICBfTYldKLvlyLwheTAOKZ5DWQEBW1tZD4zmvP8l4IsRLhEwwJ3xyfC9MiiG8vi-FkR9297w__AUL8QALrVjEAHRpg4CxyL9svfkyRxGw2ic7-WOf2EJvalP-MIcx88r_tU/s640/IMG_7291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What You'll Need:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Large Plate or Platter</div>
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Wide Base Candle Stick</div>
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Gorilla Glue</div>
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1. Lightly wet bottom surface of plate where candle holder will sit</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlB6_wqENe9T1A_cx_WXP-SJ19OCxxNyfptUngDsr0FJDgUuAPZ9P3eCWjGrR1aOoZMDcyzN6TRpVJuRiftj4pR5sJ03PGI6X0_i4IohqE5MgpRx8OvTBiGW089A7b9GPvzbjAoNgvaEA/s1600/IMG_7286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlB6_wqENe9T1A_cx_WXP-SJ19OCxxNyfptUngDsr0FJDgUuAPZ9P3eCWjGrR1aOoZMDcyzN6TRpVJuRiftj4pR5sJ03PGI6X0_i4IohqE5MgpRx8OvTBiGW089A7b9GPvzbjAoNgvaEA/s640/IMG_7286.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Trace very thin line of Gorilla Glue around edge of top of candle holder</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJd5erbeSxYA7oVowQMTQxuJDqXrnWnKqrZk_IPNSXh6-poMianRbKG4I81G7Qy2DyaSeL-g1KJtz3ma7SLecRpg8uM4uyQ1xjzD9_77SlmAlYn15-OcPrHFd1eksCwNFLpXczFs9HOo/s1600/IMG_7290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJd5erbeSxYA7oVowQMTQxuJDqXrnWnKqrZk_IPNSXh6-poMianRbKG4I81G7Qy2DyaSeL-g1KJtz3ma7SLecRpg8uM4uyQ1xjzD9_77SlmAlYn15-OcPrHFd1eksCwNFLpXczFs9HOo/s640/IMG_7290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Place plate on top of candle holder and top with very heavy book </div>
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4. Leave heavy book on top of plate overnight to ensure strong bond</div>
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<br />Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-20285951491456652782012-11-16T08:00:00.000-06:002012-11-16T08:00:06.708-06:00For the Love of Dog<div style="text-align: center;">
There is something to the love of a dog. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWxSFArJvpNbnbqML7xQ5Tw-2Cz5quiuV3TYXuhgvB0SuroqS6B-D9oFy1nuAYsuUM345RZiKXQiExy85DVvHbvGCist9wqpkKZKx_p29WLv_jFpL3ymaQbHkrUGfcJLDTkiZi_U3ZeU/s1600/IMG_7369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWxSFArJvpNbnbqML7xQ5Tw-2Cz5quiuV3TYXuhgvB0SuroqS6B-D9oFy1nuAYsuUM345RZiKXQiExy85DVvHbvGCist9wqpkKZKx_p29WLv_jFpL3ymaQbHkrUGfcJLDTkiZi_U3ZeU/s640/IMG_7369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was watching a homeless man sitting under a highway overpass with his dog the other day at a red light, and got a little choked up. The dog was lying on his side with his head draped over the man's lap, and the man's hand was resting on the dog's shoulder. At one point, the dog raised up his head and licked the man's elbow and he scrubbed the dog's head affectionately. Here is this man who hasn't showered in who knows how long, he's living under a bridge, and the dog thinks he hung the moon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN4Ld7tHsGM9zN8cvyABCXBnE7HL52qJrX_dOCjL_Unsf9d6H2cgE1iV0o4yPO_t3MTYFI6ZOZzG0V9CXXhbflKsz2LIXcb1R41xhyphenhyphenCH__Hevkjy7PUBF7WJr2oYH0tSzEcT07Y_AXtI/s1600/IMG_7367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN4Ld7tHsGM9zN8cvyABCXBnE7HL52qJrX_dOCjL_Unsf9d6H2cgE1iV0o4yPO_t3MTYFI6ZOZzG0V9CXXhbflKsz2LIXcb1R41xhyphenhyphenCH__Hevkjy7PUBF7WJr2oYH0tSzEcT07Y_AXtI/s640/IMG_7367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A dog doesn't know how much you make, what tag is sewn into the collar of your shirt, how many friends you have, or if you haven't been on a date in 6 months. They don't care that maybe you aren't the most popular or very funny. They could give two shakes whether or not you have a great singing voice, sweet dance moves or have the perfectly accessorized home. In fact, they usually revel in the moments when we smell a little ripe or need to burn off some stress and vent. To them, you smell extra tasty and you're talking to them. No questions asked. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvXbenqYTUyZGWawfOEK-_UYM6cG6AKXgFv3JbUSNr4Lugzna8aJz4Nfl9Hg-j-IiWRdglW6BM1-7kEJU5wMSrWYmA6vnebJqbsBLhRmgrVlvrTm62ePD63dDzoGFcVkv0V-zntDcIrI/s1600/IMG_7370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvXbenqYTUyZGWawfOEK-_UYM6cG6AKXgFv3JbUSNr4Lugzna8aJz4Nfl9Hg-j-IiWRdglW6BM1-7kEJU5wMSrWYmA6vnebJqbsBLhRmgrVlvrTm62ePD63dDzoGFcVkv0V-zntDcIrI/s640/IMG_7370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There is something to having this living, breathing thing in your home that looks to you for all the answers, without ever trying to correct you, change you or fix you. They know you keep them fed, keep them warm and keep them company. In return, they protect and love you unconditionally. They wait patiently until you arrive home from work, they keep guard while you shower and they eagerly anticipate the moment when you return from slumber with a yawn chock full of morning breath. My dogs are the one thing in my life that I know will never judge, reject or mistreat me. I can tell them my deepest secrets and they'll never tell, they're the only ones who appreciate when I spill food and don't mind sitting in traffic with the windows down. </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/AVvXsEhFPwM2TbhRTDL3x0hw8sMwoor-RWIZpcg-pwWX2Mu6ezt5OJgYFQABQJOBbv9LQ50jQQgxptE0zXcJB3oeW59cE_0ol00oqeZtxpFlb315K-6PS0mbqfrYO-kKdePmLa_LOYqA-i3aM40/s1600/IMG_7383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPwM2TbhRTDL3x0hw8sMwoor-RWIZpcg-pwWX2Mu6ezt5OJgYFQABQJOBbv9LQ50jQQgxptE0zXcJB3oeW59cE_0ol00oqeZtxpFlb315K-6PS0mbqfrYO-kKdePmLa_LOYqA-i3aM40/s640/IMG_7383.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my "What did you hear?" face. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I wonder what the world would be if people treated each other more like our dogs treat us. We would accept our differences, live in the moment, love hard and forget quickly. Granted, we'd also sniff each other's butts in greeting, eat shoes for breakfast and drive with our heads out the windows. Even then, I think the tradeoff would be a positive one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27-5esho61cblMrZQIoxUf44xHPpNI8Qkx34NxqE2SxyMe0s1yj7LwTSravD1Q4-DPn4NgP5giYp0AMN0SN_yfkbH5cMxjS0YTVpNBEy1dW5NY_r-xGWZf6ynXhpaZRlm1V-595lLLRU/s1600/IMG_7410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27-5esho61cblMrZQIoxUf44xHPpNI8Qkx34NxqE2SxyMe0s1yj7LwTSravD1Q4-DPn4NgP5giYp0AMN0SN_yfkbH5cMxjS0YTVpNBEy1dW5NY_r-xGWZf6ynXhpaZRlm1V-595lLLRU/s640/IMG_7410.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Dogs are more than just pets or animals. They're companions. They're protectors. They're souls. They may leave scratch marks on the hardwoods, nose prints on the windows or the occasional present on the carpet, but they also leave a lasting mark on our hearts.</div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-48349212045815513122012-11-14T08:00:00.001-06:002012-11-14T20:34:52.570-06:00{How To} Make Antler Art<div style="text-align: center;">
Micah owns our kitchen. He cooks, sometimes cleans, and generally knows where everything is. When it comes to decor, I make that 110% my domain. </div>
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Micah desperately wanted one of his hunting trophies in our home. I protested for quite a while, until finally giving in with some conditions. I told him that if we hung antlers in the house, they'd be "Britt-ified." This means "Color, texture and not hunting lodge style". I brainstormed for a while until I came up with something that would fit nicely on our gallery wall and still suit his desire for horns in the house.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I call this: How To Girlify Dead Animal Heads</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYMezOLHU8Z9PpOl6e-vDrNA-3U7sQZxT-pDVI9nGNtEMSktqo3PDyayJzaZFXOhtnrfH4vRENjRAzIjZg5P4yBGBJ2SDRMOrzXNfhRV6PS7e9L4IM0TrVCPYpgC1FxK8V-kSe0LGkxo/s1600/IMG_7277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYMezOLHU8Z9PpOl6e-vDrNA-3U7sQZxT-pDVI9nGNtEMSktqo3PDyayJzaZFXOhtnrfH4vRENjRAzIjZg5P4yBGBJ2SDRMOrzXNfhRV6PS7e9L4IM0TrVCPYpgC1FxK8V-kSe0LGkxo/s640/IMG_7277.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Materials</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Antlers </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 large silk flower</div>
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Hot glue gun</div>
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</div>
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1. Strip leather from skull and paint wooden base with preferred color. I picked raspberry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKwhDynDRrEDF5h0Y4pRRuG-yjHpV5r0a8BTtb3_3H0uVoPrZATpIA6iZrgqXUgB9UC7zRy4gCUX5bVf-YjWT1WglOMdxx2biac7eDO0XPrPuNzOB25OqXAqTTxoVPoU2L3zIZLloHQc/s1600/IMG_7240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKwhDynDRrEDF5h0Y4pRRuG-yjHpV5r0a8BTtb3_3H0uVoPrZATpIA6iZrgqXUgB9UC7zRy4gCUX5bVf-YjWT1WglOMdxx2biac7eDO0XPrPuNzOB25OqXAqTTxoVPoU2L3zIZLloHQc/s640/IMG_7240.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. <span style="font-size: large;">S<span style="font-size: large;">eparate all e<span style="font-size: large;">lements of flower, inclu<span style="font-size: large;">ding ste<span style="font-size: large;">m and accompanying buds</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Arrange <span style="font-size: large;">de<span style="font-size: large;">sign <span style="font-size: large;">to find <span style="font-size: large;">wha<span style="font-size: large;">t setup works best for you<span style="font-size: large;"> and covers the skull</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvIYiW8ZNkBL4YLZ12QskxON2JkwqgSt-Jwd9CQFIEINzVU3QyAtu__9HHixnhCpVlmJsvlo6gDFHgN06hWT-Y_QRNIpo6hSyYFIPu0Jm2x95XkpdIscMUSHH6XJvcLpex3JvwEJqAwc/s1600/IMG_7248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvIYiW8ZNkBL4YLZ12QskxON2JkwqgSt-Jwd9CQFIEINzVU3QyAtu__9HHixnhCpVlmJsvlo6gDFHgN06hWT-Y_QRNIpo6hSyYFIPu0Jm2x95XkpdIscMUSHH6XJvcLpex3JvwEJqAwc/s640/IMG_7248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">4</span>. </span></span></span></span></span>Wrap greenery around side of skull, using pea sized dots of glue to secure</div>
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5. Place flower on skull, then secure with more pea sized glue drops, fully covering the skull.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPTWKbprDnYpBr8tviLRq03sr4_MwkMViVSWz23MnigrKPoMQR7Mu1BMMuVU51PQ_h_Rfltq2OEPt6yu8XaS5G7IpEFLZbbcKA0rPJZr-ypZY_DsjEpv20VqaLdwoaoqNr03MEP0OjtM/s1600/IMG_7268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPTWKbprDnYpBr8tviLRq03sr4_MwkMViVSWz23MnigrKPoMQR7Mu1BMMuVU51PQ_h_Rfltq2OEPt6yu8XaS5G7IpEFLZbbcKA0rPJZr-ypZY_DsjEpv20VqaLdwoaoqNr03MEP0OjtM/s640/IMG_7268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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6. Hang and enjoy!<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Linking Up: <a href="http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/">Rebecca</a>, <a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/p/about-me.html">Jen</a>, <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Cindy</a>,<a href="http://cherishedbliss.com/2012/11/craft-and-tell-16.html">Ashley</a>,<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/">TCB</a>,<a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">Kristin</a>, <a href="http://lilluna.com/">Kristyn</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Kim</a>,<a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Trish/Bonnie,<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></a></span></div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-28816991803157107492012-11-12T08:00:00.000-06:002012-11-12T10:33:42.757-06:00Berry Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWFIcOqj_QrrkNwZor3mPE96M7ll230cguO67lqtdqvCGZ6g1S-vd3e1pm47OHfLaVCwWuzXLRgHDuTIn7wFg-7j-DXEMzoneFLSe2J3AiOGsX4Sm-O12kvWMt6lXSPwpt4iCAOq_hkM/s1600/IMG_7191.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWFIcOqj_QrrkNwZor3mPE96M7ll230cguO67lqtdqvCGZ6g1S-vd3e1pm47OHfLaVCwWuzXLRgHDuTIn7wFg-7j-DXEMzoneFLSe2J3AiOGsX4Sm-O12kvWMt6lXSPwpt4iCAOq_hkM/s640/IMG_7191.png" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Blazer} <a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-tailored-blazer-w-binding-heather-gray/-/A-14150144#prodSlot=large_2_29">Target </a>{Sweater} Gap Outlet {Pants} Gap Outlet<br />
{Boots} Target {Necklace} <a href="http://store.embellishnails.com/">Embellish</a> {Bangle} Thrifted</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWnXTh414lal1dq7ZLZtYBGIRyewPAG9neYVOnEnkrmngrGcyab53fGB1xVi55DIi-XoIH4xP_xuiqSlHrGadii_UEooAO0l28-rOaumr1atCvpshkT_4nyYm17ET84ZfrxQIzdsEnqQ/s1600/IMG_7172.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWnXTh414lal1dq7ZLZtYBGIRyewPAG9neYVOnEnkrmngrGcyab53fGB1xVi55DIi-XoIH4xP_xuiqSlHrGadii_UEooAO0l28-rOaumr1atCvpshkT_4nyYm17ET84ZfrxQIzdsEnqQ/s640/IMG_7172.png" width="422" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwyn9qWlixjmcT_ROkq_u1inLtR35fBx1GwASsKiYy9PgXHEmjuealMFNdvQLfnkXhzAo-gPuP2_hjpip2z-tj-wRo5pMIzEb77vj_RGdREC3XNpDxuto86JCoKtjhsAwxVZ6V4OA010/s1600/IMG_7190.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwyn9qWlixjmcT_ROkq_u1inLtR35fBx1GwASsKiYy9PgXHEmjuealMFNdvQLfnkXhzAo-gPuP2_hjpip2z-tj-wRo5pMIzEb77vj_RGdREC3XNpDxuto86JCoKtjhsAwxVZ6V4OA010/s640/IMG_7190.png" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_4X4XCtk8uzRcT04yQ9JnfzduJmzdn8UxphELgNRPZ86xSRh3CMkOv9nHzAbzQCbA5XTUKz9P56AkaIc8IhYxEENkcKm10QMHSvmPFZUfILj_bq7oYo9nLr6XnP5yTL6PaPmTnfHPwk/s1600/IMG_7195.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_4X4XCtk8uzRcT04yQ9JnfzduJmzdn8UxphELgNRPZ86xSRh3CMkOv9nHzAbzQCbA5XTUKz9P56AkaIc8IhYxEENkcKm10QMHSvmPFZUfILj_bq7oYo9nLr6XnP5yTL6PaPmTnfHPwk/s640/IMG_7195.png" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is one of those</span> outfits that seem to have a little of everything that I love about fall.</div>
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Blazer- Check</div>
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Skinnies- Check</div>
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Boots- Check</div>
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Lots of color- Check</div>
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Something marigold- Check</div>
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I'd say the only thing missing is a scarf, but I couldn't bear to cover my first official 'blogger necklace'. </div>
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In other news, Micah and I got a wild hair and bought tennis racquets at Goodwill the other day. Sidenote: neither of us know how/have ever played before. I attempted racquetball once and <span style="font-size: small;">was <span style="font-size: large;">rendered deaf and nearly dead</span></span>, so I retired early in my career. We both played sports (me: volleyball and softball, him: football, basketball and baseball) and both rock climb, but nothing in our pasts says 'tennis.' But we figured it'd be good exercise, worth a laugh and an inexpensive way to spend time after work. We keep catching ourselves sitting on the couch, building up an ever growing list of shows to DVR. </div>
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Stay tuned for black eye/sprained ankle/something broken.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.momtrends.com/2012/11/fall-fashion-trends-2/">Monday Mingle</a>,<a href="http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com/">YOLO Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.clairejustineoxox.com/2012/11/black-and-blue-creative-mondays-blog-hop.html">Creative Monday</a>, <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/">Visible Monday</a>, <a href="http://twobirdsboutique.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Monday</a></span></div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191820212510592740.post-10917037179069497092012-11-09T08:00:00.000-06:002012-11-09T08:00:14.656-06:00{Stud Muffin} Greek Turkey Wraps<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Since I don't eat red meat and Micah is trying to stay away from it, we are having to get pretty creative with turkey, chicken and fish. Micah is a huge fan of Greek food, and I approach it cautiously because of the heavy lamb use. To get me to try it, he made this one day and told me it was just a Greek version of a turkey burger. I jumped in happily, and after I had polished off a wrap, he informed me that all the flavors were Greek. I was pretty impressed, and because the recipe is fairly easy, he wanted to share with you guys. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4IewomC8jIvrHVhWpywf9dNXxhZzZKSQwox6URBDbYDcJOg3ulwKZlGIrwqc1eN59bsY6aoCDrDw37dmHpvG6EdkE8glazQb2Z_iVYb7g0B3Znjhh1GAHgWyncV1b-s8B6iRgTO_Mjw/s1600/turkey+patty2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4IewomC8jIvrHVhWpywf9dNXxhZzZKSQwox6URBDbYDcJOg3ulwKZlGIrwqc1eN59bsY6aoCDrDw37dmHpvG6EdkE8glazQb2Z_iVYb7g0B3Znjhh1GAHgWyncV1b-s8B6iRgTO_Mjw/s640/turkey+patty2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Turkey Patty</b></span></div>
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1 package ground turkey</div>
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1/2 bell pepper</div>
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1 slice of bread</div>
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1/4 cup of milk</div>
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1/4 red onion</div>
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1/4 cup green onion tops</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 tsp pepper</div>
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1/2 tsp paprika</div>
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1 egg</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGNnNzhD-VljOs879YnGc2ZLeebZwTLvyuwxq-PQXuHKg9FefcXahY8nGKabm2PGt7eLlkumhHW2SNbz_AvCLFF4D2vSw-ooL0AwGW7hF_RMCR2HUYgZVIB3S1Q4jDpKgrsHlWCsu-rc/s1600/yogurt+sauce2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGNnNzhD-VljOs879YnGc2ZLeebZwTLvyuwxq-PQXuHKg9FefcXahY8nGKabm2PGt7eLlkumhHW2SNbz_AvCLFF4D2vSw-ooL0AwGW7hF_RMCR2HUYgZVIB3S1Q4jDpKgrsHlWCsu-rc/s640/yogurt+sauce2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yogurt Sauce</b></span></div>
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1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (I use Fage) </div>
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Juice from 1 large lemon</div>
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6 mint leaves</div>
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1 large basil leaf </div>
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1/4 cup diced cucumbers</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 tsp pepper</div>
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4 Naan breads, sliced in half</div>
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Spinach leaves </div>
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Sliced tomato</div>
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EVOO<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwIkKTORnk7MjMGJ6sxFToqDfbV9fWZMqwPcw6GlcbTN7iXDmPZhwmzzfZaq3nPRJpNWrP76_KtF-NOHUh9eGSZ6VPmk34vZHZJI0R68SOhVBtn-5XBkDowX1KxS8iOIAjAUm-Fp3wmw/s1600/greek+turkey+wrap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwIkKTORnk7MjMGJ6sxFToqDfbV9fWZMqwPcw6GlcbTN7iXDmPZhwmzzfZaq3nPRJpNWrP76_KtF-NOHUh9eGSZ6VPmk34vZHZJI0R68SOhVBtn-5XBkDowX1KxS8iOIAjAUm-Fp3wmw/s640/greek+turkey+wrap.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>1.</b> Fine chop mint and basil leaves for yogurt sauce</div>
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<b>2.</b> Combine all yogurt sauce ingredients in medium bowl and whisk together</div>
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<b>3.</b> Refrigerate sauce while preparing meal </div>
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<b>4.</b> Heat oven on lowest setting and place Naan bread on pan to warm </div>
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<b>5.</b> Soak slice of bread in milk in large mixing bowl until ready to mix turkey ingredients </div>
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<b>6.</b> Chop onions, bell peppers and green onions into very fine mixture</div>
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<b>7. </b>Combine all turkey patty ingredients in bowl with bread using hands until evenly distributed</div>
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<b>8.</b> Heat large skillet on high with light coating of EVOO in pan</div>
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<b>9.</b> Form small coaster sized turkey patty around 1/2" thick and brown evenly until firm on both sides</div>
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<b>10.</b> Place in container on top of paper towel as finished to maintain heat</div>
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<b>11.</b> Assemble Naan wrap by spreading sauce on bread, add spinach leaves, sliced tomatoes and turkey patty and enjoy!</div>
Britt { Magpie Collective }http://www.blogger.com/profile/08805490603805535286noreply@blogger.com11