tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27268981260895176232024-03-14T10:12:27.006-04:00Katy Goes BoomA blog about finding....'myself' and the things I love: Food, fashion, beauty, interior design, crafts....basically whatever moves me on the day.Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-12259644072336487612017-04-11T09:29:00.000-04:002017-04-11T09:29:45.365-04:0015 Pounds<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have always been 'that' girl.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />The girl we all hate. Who eats fries, and ice cream and pizza with reckless abandon.<br /><br />The girl who disdains working out and when she hears about other people's workouts says things like 'Eww won't you get sweaty?!'<br /><br />The girl who despite her horrendous diet, and mostly sedentary lifestyle still fits in her size 4 jeans from high school.<br /><br />I have always been 'that' girl.<br /><br />Until I wasn't.<br /><br /> 2016 sucked. The last half of the year was awful. The first 3 months of 2017 weren't so great either. I will write in a little more detail soon about everything that was going on, but it was ROUGH.<br /><br />I was going through the motions to make sure my child was cared for, my family who needed help was getting it, my job wasn't falling to shambles, and all my bills were paid. I was eating out all the time, and not great stuff either. I should probably buy stock in all the major fast food companies. I was going through bags of potato chips in 2 days. Family size boxes of Ritz crackers in 1. I was drinking ridiculous amounts on Pepsi just trying to keep my eyes open long enough to get through one more Excel spreadsheet. Then I was coming home and staring at Netflix in my bed for hours. This was beyond binge watching. This was depression.<br /><br />When I came home from work last Friday I was fed up. My cousin had posted a picture of us from our weekend concert adventure and even though I posed strategically and sucked in, my tummy was sticking out. All day at work Friday the button on my jeans had been in the fight of its life with the button hole. This was the loosest pair of jeans I own. (Let's also give a moment of silence to the pair of jeggings that I split WIDE OPEN in the middle of the Phoenix airport.) Then there was the walk up a flight of stairs for a meeting that left me hopelessly and embarrassingly winded.<br /><br />I marched straight into my mother's room and picked up her scale. I took it into the bathroom, stepped up and I already knew what was coming wasn't great.<br /><br />I had manged to put on 15 pounds.<br /><br />Fifteen.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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This photo is scary to post. I'm still sucking in for dear life here. <br /><br />This is the most I have weighed as an adult outside of pregnancy, and I mean come on, I WAS GROWING A PERSON.<br /><br />So Saturday, I took my mother's dog for a walk. We went about a mile and a half which really isn't that much, but we were up and outside and moving. He loved it.<br /><br />Sunday, I decided to try out a hot yoga class at a local studio. A former coworker of mine raves about this place, and another former co-worker taught classes there. They offer your first class free and so I finally bit the bullet and signed myself up for it.<br /><br />Hot yoga. In 105 degrees. What kind of idiot who hasn't worked out since high school sports goes in for that kind of punishment.<br /><br />THIS GIRL!<br /><br />I sat in the parking lot for a minute because I was scared. I was intimidated. Then I realized it would be far worse to keep going in the direction I am and have to buy an entirely new wardrobe because frankly, I can't afford it.<br /><br />So I went in. They had me all set up with a mat, and towel, and water. AND IT WAS HOT.<br /><br />But I liked it. (I actually LOVE hot cars which is another weirdo thing about me....) The instructor came in and opened the practice with a quote.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />It was just what I needed to hear, because I was about to go through some stuff in that yoga class.<br /></span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have never sweat so much in my life. My arms were shaking, my legs were shaking, and there were quite a few times where I found myself in child's pose on the mat. When it was all said and done though I felt fantastic. I went out and signed myself up for 10 more classes to hold myself accountable to go back. I totally get why some of my friends are workout FANATICS.<br /><br />I'm not saying 1 hot yoga class changed me. It didn't. I had fries and a crispy chicken Caesar salad from Wendy's for dinner. It did make me feel better than I have in months though. I'm willing to make some changes in my behavior to feel like this on a more regular basis. I can't take care of Boomer or anyone else if I don't take care of myself.<br /><br />So here's to not being 'that girl' anymore.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">
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<li>Love yourself. Fiercely. No one else is obligated to.</li>
<li>FOMO is stupid. If you try to be at every event with every person you will be emotionally and financially drained.</li>
<li>Have a 5 minute face. If you get to this point in your life and don't have one, go to Sephora. They will help you.</li>
<li>Have a go-to power look. Something that makes you feel pulled together and great. Have one for work, one for dates, and just one to have on tap.</li>
<li>Find your tribe. Find those people who support you and love you and are there for you in valleys as well as the peaks.</li>
<li>Know that not everyone wants you to win. Haters are real.</li>
<li>Don't be a hater. When the people around you have successes, celebrate them. Don't be that girl.</li>
<li>Make big moves in silence. See #6. Not everyone needs to know your goals and plans.</li>
<li>Know how to write a resume. Seriously.</li>
<li>Know how to conduct yourself on an interview. Be prepared, research the company, know your shiz. </li>
<li>Be a WHOLE person. Stop expecting external things to fill the holes in your life. Not relationships, not friendships, not booze. </li>
<li>Own your crap. If you mess up? Own in. Put you whole foot in your mouth? Own it.</li>
<li>Be you. Don't concern yourself with the thoughts of others.</li>
<li>Don't get carried away with #13. There are a lot of people in our generation that go a little too far with the IDGAF. At work? You should give AF. Your family? Definitely give several Fs.</li>
<li>Stop complaining about how hard it is to be an adult.</li>
<li>You will slowly become more and more like your mother. Accept it.</li>
<li>Children repeat things. So watch yourself.</li>
<li>No one is in love with their job everyday. Deal with it.</li>
<li>If your job makes you miserable everyday, and when you're not at work, its time for a new one.</li>
<li>KNOW WHAT YOUR MONEY IS DOING!</li>
<li>Set up your 401k with a company match. NEVER TURN DOWN FREE MONEY!</li>
<li>It's not cute to play dumb.</li>
<li>Ask for the things you want. The worst that happens? They say no.</li>
<li>Some friendships/relationships are not meant to last. Know when to cut the chord. It doesn't make you evil, it makes you smart.</li>
<li>SELF CARE! You cannot function and love and care for others if you do not first take care of yourself.</li>
<li>Find a hobby. No seriously. Find one. You like to read? Join a book club. Into yoga? Find a studio. Like art? Take classes at the museum.</li>
<li>Not every trend is for every body. Dress for you.</li>
<li>Don't let past mistakes haunt your entire life. Learn the lesson and keep it moving.</li>
<li>Don't be afraid to take risks and make changes in your life. Great things can happen.</li>
<li>Keep learning. All the time. Everyday.</li>
<li>Love yourself. Fiercely. </li>
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-32126439916457570732016-06-02T11:44:00.001-04:002016-06-02T11:44:18.339-04:00June Goals and Spring Goals RecapHi All<br />
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So the last time I wrote about goals I laid these out:<br />
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Sign up Boomer for Summer Camp - <b>PASS</b></span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Boomer will be attending Summer camp at her school this summer. It is a little more expensive than years past, but at least I won't be worrying about her getting bitten in the face by a dog like last year. </span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Clean up Budget - <b>PASS</b></span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">I'm giving my self a pass here. This is an ongoing work in progress, but I'm still working at it.</span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Finally actually buy the dresser - <b>FAIL</b></span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">I bought a mirror instead. I got a great deal on a sale item at Crate & Barrel and I'm been really, really needing a full length mirror in my room. I'm totally ok with this fail. </span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Read 3 books - <b>FAIL</b></span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">I got sucked into The West Wing. Sorry not sorry</span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Save $300 - <b>PASS</b></span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">I've really been on a roll with this! However June comes with summer camp payments, and the delightful federal government informed me they will be increasing my student loan payments. I'll have to tweak my savings rate for the next half of the year. </span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Raise 401k contribution 1% (trying to reach company match % by November!) - <b>PASS</b></span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Woot!!! I barely even felt it. I'll be increasing another % in August, with the final % for the match in October.</span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Work out 3x per week. -<b>FAIL</b></span></li>
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<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">No reason. No excuse. I'm just not doing it. </span></li>
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June Goals:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Read a Book - I need to climb out of the Netflix shaped whole I am in. </li>
<li>Plant some flowers - My patio is shamefully bare.</li>
<li>Augment my summer work wear - I have to walk outside a lot now. Its hot. I need clothes for that.</li>
<li>Create some summer school work for Boomer to keep her sharp! No brain drain here!</li>
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I'm headed to Maryland today to see the second of 3 cuzzos graduate. 6+ hours in a car with Mommy and Boomer. Pray saints!</div>
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I'll be back with something new tomorrow, and a full weekend re-cap on Monday.</div>
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-28680168835656972862016-04-27T13:04:00.000-04:002016-04-27T13:04:24.811-04:00Humpday Confessions : 4.27.16<div align="center">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Good Lord I haven't done a link up in ages...so why not today!?</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The federal government decided to increase my student loan payments and my immediate knee jerk reaction was. Eff you all I'm never going to pay it back!!!! I mean I am going to pay it back, but now my whole monthly budget has to be re-tweaked. YAY ADULTING</b></span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Boomer and I have had pizza and salad for dinner the past two nights.</span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">I haven't listened to, or watched Lemonade. I don't care who Becky is. Bey just wants ya'lls money. But at the same time, Hey #blackgirlmagic!</span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I am a petty chick. I don't know why, but its funny and I enjoy it and the Lord and I are working on it. </span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I can't wait for this weekend, because I'm going to a party and there is an open bar.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This may be the worst post I've ever written.....</b></span></li>
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-9284019418198961102016-04-21T09:29:00.000-04:002016-04-21T09:29:52.834-04:00Girl's Night : Roller SK80s <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that I have been lucky enough to make some truly amazing friendships through blogging. I have a group of girls that I know consider dear friends, and when people as us how we met, we get to say... the internet!<br />
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(That conversation is less weird than it used to be, trust me.)<br />
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Anyway, this group of girls has a yearly tradition of attending a local party called Roller Sk80s. Which is exactly what it sounds like. A roller skate party dedicated to the great decade that also brought me into the world. (1985 thank you very much.) Usually this event takes place in February around that time my family comes to visit so I haven't been able to attend with my girls. Until....this year!!!!<br />
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The theme this year was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When I told Boomer this involved an explanation that, NO, TMNT is not new. YES, I know all about them. We had to have a very similar conversation about Care Bears and My Little Pony.<br />
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A few of the girls wanted to dress up as the turtles, but I had purchased a fully sequined tunic months ago at the sample sale at work and I just HAD to wear it. (Sorry girls) I also couldn't find green leggings to save my life, so there is that.<br />
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I stopped over at my mother's for some 80s finery. An awesome belt, so fierce (read huge) earrings, and some advice on makeup. (Bold brows and lots of blush.)<br />
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Then it was time to party!<br />
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It was a truly epic night.<br />
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And even though I had more blush on than I've ever worn in my life...mom told me it still wasn't enough. Oh the 80s.<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-91339107491590801152016-04-07T10:57:00.002-04:002016-04-07T10:58:07.641-04:00Goals Check in February/March and New Goals for AprilJust realized I haven't updated this blog since the end of January.<br />
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Fail, Whit. Fail so hard!<br />
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Here is a cute picture of Boomer and I from Easter Weekend to make up for it!<br />
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Anyway these were the goals I set for myself:<br />
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<ul style="color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Read 4 books - I started The Prince Lestat last night and it seems pretty good so far. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b>PASS!!! - The Prince Lestat,The Fifth Gospel, Rosemary, The Oregon Trail, The Wise King, The Taming of the Queen, and Outlander...again. </b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<li style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">File taxes. Just do it Whitney. Also, send refund straight to savings.</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>PASS - filed, got the refund back, saved most of it!</b></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul style="margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Start looking for/buy a dresser. Stop living like a college student.</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: #3b3b3b;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Sort of PASS - I know which one I want and I've almost saved the amount I need. </span></span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Keep up with the budgeting. - so far so good, just need to stay consistent.</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>FAIL - I have not kept up with my budget as I should. Getting back on track this month.</b></span></li>
</ul>
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">No food purchases at work. Yes this is a repeat, but its a HUGE money saver. Also its a lot healthier for me since I tend to choose burgers and fries at work. (Also cake, cookies, pies, you get the idea.)</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Super FAIL - I have got to get a handle on this. I will do so well for a week...and then fall off the wagon hard. </b></span></li>
</ul>
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Save $300 - also a repeat, but I've got weddings to go to, trips to take, and concerts to attend!</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>PASS - I'm really quite proud of how on top of it I've been with the savings game. </b></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Alright, so moving on to April goals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Sign up Boomer for Summer Camp</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Clean up Budget</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Finally actually buy the dresser</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Read 3 books</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Save $300</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Raise 401k contribution 1% (trying to reach my company match percentage by November!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Work out 3x per week.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Yes the Queen of "I don't work out" Land...is finally ready too. I haven't been sleeping well, and I'm just generally unhappy with my current skinnyfat situation. I may still fit in a size 4/6 BUT, I am most definitely out of shape. I had to run maybe 300ft yesterday to not get rained on and I thought I was dying. Can't breath, chest pains dying. That isn't ok. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">What are you up to for April? </span></span></div>
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-11650627043606953512016-01-29T11:24:00.003-05:002016-01-29T11:24:29.206-05:00January Goals Check InWell that went incredibly fast!<br />
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I can't believe we are already at the end of the month. Without further ado, let's see how I did.<br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No food purchases at work - <span style="color: red;">D+</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Save $300 - <span style="color: red;">A+</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gather all my tax information to
file 2015 taxes, and school forms for Boomer - <span style="color: red;">A+</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Record all transaction in <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/01/a-girl-and-her-money-budget-that-works.html"><span style="color: magenta;">YNAB</span> </a>and
do my darnedest to STAY. ON. BUDGET.- <span style="color: red;">C</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let's start with #1. I started the month very strong, and didn't purchase ANYTHING for the first two weeks of January. Then the last two weeks we had buy meetings with partners from overseas and well...entertaining involves eating and snacking. Overall though I did pretty well and have gotten pretty good at planning a week's worth of lunches for Boomer and myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#2 - Saving money is a lot less painful when you automate it. If you count my retirement savings for the month I surpassed my $300 goal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#3 - Again...very easy. Everyone mails you everything so all you have to do is make sure your address is up to date AND that you don't lose anything. I've actually already entered it all into Turbo Tax...I just haven't hit the file now button. \</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#4 - I've done pretty well with the budget for the month. I've stayed on track entering purchases and paying attention to category balances. The last two weeks have been a little crazy so I've probably missed a few, but I have this weekend to reconcile all my info. I definitely blew the budget in one category. My wheel broke (Thanks Ohio potholes) and I had to pay for a new one. I need to be a lot better about saving for car repairs. They are inevitable, and I know the next expense coming is tires. Yay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So onto February goals!!!</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read 4 books - I started The Prince Lestat last night and it seems pretty good so far.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">File taxes. Just do it Whitney. Also, send refund straight to savings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Start looking for/buy a dresser. Stop living like a college student.</span> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep up with the budgeting. - so far so good, just need to stay consistent.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No food purchases at work. Yes this is a repeat, but its a HUGE money
saver. Also its a lot healthier for me since I tend to choose burgers
and fries at work. (Also cake, cookies, pies, you get the idea.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Save $300 - also a repeat, but I've got weddings to go to, trips to take, and concerts to attend! </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what are your goals for February? Also my mom's birthday is coming up...any gift suggestions? </span><div align="right">
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/oJozq2k.png" />
</div>
Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-44296802689124129362016-01-06T12:09:00.000-05:002016-01-06T12:09:17.600-05:00A Girl and Her Money : January 2016 Goals and Check InIt's my first post of 2016!<br />
<br />
Many moons ago (6/24/2014 to be exact) I was really into personal finance. I was writing 'A Girl and Her Money' posts on Wednesdays. Well, I'm really into personal finance still/again and it's Wednesday and I have money things to talk about.<br />
<br />
In my last post I talked about how 'adulting' was my word for 2016, and one of the things I mentioned was rolling over a 401k into an IRA. I mentioned that if I didn't know how to do something like that, I would ask and figure it out. Technically I opened the IRA before the end of 2015, but that is neither here nor there. Turns out it is really easy. Pick a company. Call them. Tell them you want to open a roll over IRA account. Call your old retirement company. Tell them you wan to rollover your 401k. Tell them how to make out the check. Deposit check. DONE!<br />
<br />
Last night, I received my check, and with the miracles of modern technology deposited that bad boy with my phone on my Fidelity app. (Fidelity isn't sponsoring this post, that is just the company I chose to go with.) It was super easy (once I got my hands to stop shaking....dang coffee) and this morning it was credited to my new IRA retirement account. Easy as pie!<br />
<br />
By the way where did that statement 'easy as pie' come from? Have you made a pie? I wouldn't exactly call that easy.<br />
<br />
So that is my financial check in for the beginning of the month! Now here are my goals for this month:<br />
<br />
<br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No food purchases at work</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I started a new job, and said new
job has an AMAZING café. I was going to this cafeteria for breakfast, lunch,
and afternoon snack almost every day. This translated to 66+ debit card
transaction last month and a busted budget. No bueno.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Save $300</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is automatically moved from
checking to savings every pay day so I don’t even notice it is gone.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gather all my tax information to
file 2015 taxes, and school forms for Boomer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Record all transaction in <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/01/a-girl-and-her-money-budget-that-works.html"><span style="color: magenta;">YNAB</span> </a>and
do my darnedest to STAY. ON. BUDGET.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
I'll let you know on the 27th (last Wednesday of the month) how it went!<br />
<br />
What are your goals, financial or otherwise, for this month?<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/oJozq2k.png" />
Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-32132139489060830782015-12-28T11:04:00.001-05:002015-12-31T11:26:07.302-05:00Closing out 2015 and my word for 2016My calendar at work informed my that there are only 3 days left in the year.<br />
<br />
I feel like 2015 just started. I know it's cliche to say that, but somehow since Boomer started school, its like years just fly by and I have no clue where the year went.<br />
<br />
2015 was a banner year for us though. We finally, FINALLY moved into a two bedroom place. This was something I had wanted since I separated from JJ and I finally made it happen. I love our new place, and I'm working on decorating and making it a home. I also got a new job, which came with a promotion. I know that I have worked very hard since finishing school to establish myself in my industry, but to see it all come together they way it did this fall was...a blessing for sure.<br />
<br />
Boomer continues to do well at school, and is now playing the trombone. Leave it to my daughter to pick a brass instrument that is bigger than she is. When she went in to be fitted, the gentleman doing the fittings was concerned that such a tiny person wouldn't be able to get a noise out of it. Well...she blew us all away. Literally. She's also involved in a program in school where she reads to kindergarteners. All her teachers have told me how great and patient she is with the younger kids. (Which makes me laugh because home girl has no patience for me!)<br />
<br />
I read a post on <a href="http://www.thecollegeprepster.com/2015/12/3-ways-to-get-ready-for-2016.html">The College Prepster</a> this morning where she wrote about getting ready for 2016 and choosing a word. My word for 2016 is going to be adulting.<br />
<br />
Adulting has become something my contemporaries talk about when commenting on how hard it is to be a grownup, or how incapable they are of doing it, or how they don't want to, etc.<br />
<br />
Well, I reject this.<br />
<br />
I'm 30. In 2016, I will be 31. I am an adult. Period. It is past time to own it and do what needs to be done no matter how difficult, how boring, how scary. Need to rollover a 401k into a Roth IRA? Ok I don't know how exactly, but big girl panties on, I will figure it out and do it. Need to furnish my apartment? Stop complaining that I don't know how to decorate, and get some books from the library, ask for help from people who can and get that shiz done!<br />
<br />
2016. Adulting. Let's do it.<br />
<div align="right">
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/oJozq2k.png" />
</div>
Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-53982202396905888592015-06-02T14:57:00.002-04:002015-06-02T14:57:57.405-04:00Manic Monday : June 1, 2015.....Just Kidding It is Tuesday<br />
*It was so Manic...it's published on a Tuesday*<br />
<br />
<br />
If someone says 'manic Monday' and you don't immediately start singing that Bangles song...then I don't know what I can do to help you.<br />
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It is an entirely manic Monday.<br />
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I'm moving in 9 days.<br />
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I haven't packed a thing.<br />
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I have no movers.<br />
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I will be out of town this weekend.<br />
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So basically...I'm so far behind the eight ball, I can't even see it.<br />
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I think I've been in some sort of denial regarding the move. I know it is happening, I've wanted it to happen, but at the same time I haven't. I like living across the street from my mother. I have gotten used to my place, and even though it is crazy small and I don't have my own room, I will miss it.<br />
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It was a wonderful cozy place, when Boomer and I needed it. It was MINE. Without any help from anyone. It was proof that I could do it all on my own. It was OURS. Boomer liked having a roomie. She knew that if she was scared she could just take a few steps and be in my bed for a cuddle. We could be silly and have underwear dance parties. We could finally get a kitty friend.<br />
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And so we have grown up in this place. Our little 3 person family. (Yes, Jack is a person.) This place served its purpose and while I am sad to see it go, and really, really, really sad to leave my fireplace, I am excited for new adventures. I'm excited to decorate. I am excited to sleep in an adult size bed. (QUEEN SIZE) I am excited for Boomer and I to each have our own space. She only needs to walk a few more steps for cuddles.<br />
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If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I don't do well with change. This is another big one. Boomer and I are nothing if not strong, resilient girls so I know we will be fine.<br />
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This post isn't going anywhere. Just my thoughts. Bear with me guys....the move will be over soon.<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-51355366614306304142015-05-27T14:24:00.001-04:002015-05-27T14:24:49.963-04:00Moving: 14 Days and CountingSuddenly I went from moving in a month...to moving in two weeks.<br />
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I still don't have movers.<br />
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I haven't packed a thing.<br />
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In an effort to purge things, my house now looks like a war-zone.<br />
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Oh...and my car is acting up.<br />
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When it rains it pours.<br />
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So...in the midst of all the raining, blogging got lost last week. I know, I know I was planning on getting back to posting 2-3 times a week (and that is still my goal, someone keep me honest), but life just royally got in the way last week.<br />
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Does anyone have great suggestions about moving, movers, how to get your soon to be 9 year old to not be a hoarder?<br />
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I'm all ears!<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-66137824486228539142015-05-14T12:11:00.000-04:002015-05-14T12:11:22.508-04:00Moving : 27 Days and CountingYes, we are moving again.<br />
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In the almost 4 years I've been blogging...I will have moved...3 times.<br />
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Once just Boomer and I, then JJ moved in with us, then Boomer and I moved out on our own again. (Yes...my marriage clearly had some ups and downs.)<br />
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Now we are moving again. I should be a pro, but the last move was actually almost 2 years ago. 2 years of accumulating stuff. 2 years of routine.<br />
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Moving is stressful. First there is the actual decision to move. Which I agonized over for 2 years. Not EVEN kidding.I planned on our 1 bedroom townhouse being a temporary stop in the midst of the divorce. Then Boomer switched schools and my commute went to Hades. My current commute takes me up to the northern suburb where Boomer attends school, then past my house again to the eastern suburb where I work.<br />
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That 42 minutes quoted by Google? Lies. It takes an hour. Twice a day. So more than an entire workday each week. In my car. They increased my rent again this year, to a price that made it cheaper to just move. Also....we've been living in a 1 bedroom townhouse for 2 years. We each have separate beds....but share a room. While it was good at first while Boomer was dealing with the split. Momma now absolutely needs her own room. With a door. That shuts. That also locks.<br />
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Now, once you decide to move...then you have to chose a new home. OMG. The amount of places I looked at. Then dragged my mother to look at. Then looked at again with Momm and Boomer. It was insane. The places I loved were inevitably expensive. Then the places I though were priced alright I didn't like. I finally picked a place though, that will cut down our commute and that I think we will be happy in.<br />
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I know...15 minutes doesn't seem like much, but it adds up, and I won't be fighting as much traffic anymore, so truly this is going to cut my commute almost in half.<br />
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Now comes the logistical nightmare part.<br />
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Packing. Choosing movers.<br />
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I hate to pack everything. Part of me wants to get started and pack ALL THE THINGS. This is not practical because I need things day to day. So I'm trying to weed out all the things that DON'T need to make this move with us...in lieu of packing.<br />
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Movers. I now have enough real furniture in my possession that I don't trust the u-haul and friends method of moving. My pretty brand new couch will be moved by licenced, insured movers dang it! Said movers are not cheap.<br />
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So that is where we are. A month from D-Day. Oh and moving day?<br />
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The day before Boomer's 9th birthday.<br />
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Pray Saints.<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-4510732398223466082015-05-13T11:11:00.001-04:002015-05-13T11:11:14.555-04:00KGB turns 4!!!!!!!!!Wow...<br />
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I can't believe that 4 years ago today I wrote <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2011/05/hellooooo.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">my first post</span></a>!<br />
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<img alt="Image result for birthday" height="307" 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" 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My blog back then....oh boy I wish I had screen caps. I know nothing about blog design so I had the most basic of basic templates and I just had no clue what I was doing.<br />
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That being said I still don't.<br />
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My current design was created by someone else, even though I read <a href="http://www.venustrappedinmars.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Sarah's tutorials</span></a> I still can't make all my pictures the same size, and for a while there my bloggy was silent.<br />
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Blogging has been an amazing outlet over the past 4 years. I met some of the coolest ladies here in my own city that I am blessed to call my IRL friends. I've 'met' other equally cool ladies from across the country and globe. I've used this space to write about <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2013/04/mommy-confessions-im-asshole.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">parenting</span></a>, and the off the wall <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2012/11/confessions-of-mommy-sht-boomer-says.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Sh*t Boomer Says</span></a>. I've talked about my relationships with <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/03/love-and-memories.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">men</span></a>, <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/02/i-still-love-love-and-i-like-my-ex.html" target="_blank">my family</a>, and <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/06/on-self-improvementor-oh-shtim-almost-30.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">myself</span></a>. I've even shared my favorite beauty tips and tricks...and there was a brief foray into <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2011/11/thirsty-thursday-outfit-and-yummies.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">fashion blogging</span></a>. :shudder:<br />
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So happy 4 YEARS KGB!!!!!<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-23865392835625579892015-05-05T11:27:00.000-04:002015-05-05T11:27:50.187-04:00An Obvious Metaphor For LifeI work in a very modern, mostly glass building. It is beautiful and where the building is located I can see some of the most amazing wildlife outside my window. Deer, bunnies, baby ducklings, baby geese, their noisy parents, herring, frogs...it is basically like a little park right outside my window.<br />
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All spring we have collected at the windows oooh-ing an ahhing over the adorable fuzzy chicks, the cute little cotton tails, and the beautiful does.<br />
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There is one pitfall to the beautiful glass windows, and all the nature.<br />
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Every so often a bird just flies into the windows.<br />
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You hear this awful thud...and you know what has taken place.<br />
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It happened yesterday. There was a thunk. We all knew what it was.<br />
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We walked to the window and there was the bird laying on the ground. A tiny, perfect, beautiful emerald green hummingbird.<br />
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Lying at a weird angle. Moving a little here and there.<br />
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Every time it happens you hope they are just stunned. You hope they hop up and carry on....so we stand there, encouraging from behind the glass.<br />
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It was more heartbreaking this time, because it was so tiny, and so beautiful. Majestic.<br />
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I watched for a few minutes, and then returned to my desk. I didn't want to watch a tiny, beautiful creature's last moments.<br />
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Then I heard my co-workers cheer. The bird got up...and flew away.<br />
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So there you go, an obvious metaphor for life.<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-76010047170263407392015-05-04T13:36:00.003-04:002015-05-04T13:36:26.842-04:00What I Did This Weekend: May 4, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May the Fourth be With You!<br />
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Yes, I know, two weekend recaps back to back Whitney?<br />
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Look, I'm blogging more than once in a 6 month period so let's all be really happy about the little things.<br />
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<b>Friday</b> -<br />
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We were instructed to leave work early by the boss, and when the boss says leave early and the day is as beautiful as it was Friday, you listen.<br />
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I drove up to get Boomer from school, and she was super excited about her recent library acquisitions. She's very much my daughter and loves to read graphic novels. Don't ever call them comics; She will get offended. I also managed to snap this pic!<br />
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<img alt="Displaying IMG_0824.JPG" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d1ff3a1bc05e57&attid=0.3&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ--k0ilQrZqTfgvhvncxXe9sHHylSuc6yiQ0_Pf7iX1D_OjhupAKY8g9Wx7vMcaqyRyxTaISauyxgBBmX15L4iqSEg0N4V8T_IHYO8HaEnPJO1W3lEc5FUANZE&ats=1430760171669&rm=14d1ff3a1bc05e57&zw&sz=w1387-h651" /></div>
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I love this because she even sits like me when she reads. I got a little caught up when we stopped to get gas.....I really wanted to read her new X-Men. So I did. Windows down for about 30 minutes. It was great.<br />
<br />We then headed to mom's because I needed a derby hat! Also....I'm in love with my mom's dog.<br />
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<b>Saturday</b>-<br />
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I woke up with the beginning of a migraine, but Boomer reeeeeeally wanted to go to a Derby themed birthday party some friends were throwing so I decided to power through. I also went with a completely different hat and outfit.<br />
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The party was so cute and fun, no detail was missed down to roses frozen in the ice cubes. There were ponies for the children to ride, Mint Juleps for the adults to drink, and fabulous hats and fashion. This family is known for their themed parties and this one certainly hit the mark!<br />
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Unfortunately by the time we were leaving to have Saturday dinner with my mom, my migraine was back in full force. I also made the stupid mistake of eating carrots. (I am allergic). So on the freeway on the way home my body just revolted. Mostly my stomach. It wasn't pretty. I made it my mom's house, and basically died in my old room. There was benadryl and migraine medicine involved....I remember some powerade, but mostly I rolled around moaning, asking Boomer to 'please Jesus turn off the lights'.<br />
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<b>Sunday</b>-<br />
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Ah, Sunday...the dawning of a new day. I was feeling better and it was Investiture Day for Boomer's church group so I had to pull it together! I ran home with Booms to get changed and presentable and headed to the church. I was SO proud of my girl who earned seven honors/awards along with the pin for her level. She was so proud of herself and I loved what her teacher had to say about her:<br />
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When you look at Boomer you think 'Oh, what a little lady!', but this girl is a leader! She will get the rest of her class to do what they need to do. She says, 'hey, let's get this done, let's do this and that!', and they all listen. She is so driven and full of passion!</blockquote>
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That is exactly the kind of woman I'm trying to raise. Yes, we are ladies, because MY mother wouldn't have it any other way; but we are so much more that that!<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d1fed2dbca0ea3&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8wIBPLn5xnf3DEswPf6YrWQc8ZaJifyNFj8TzJGwCCUgza51XP1VFOQ1N8nZIVkwOp5sS3yaqSRghWSE6xJuJYTifQa7ITvIOza8EupCkKYZBgx2BzdQbwPu8&ats=1430759884763&rm=14d1fed2dbca0ea3&zw&sz=w1387-h651" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_0871.JPG" border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d1fed2dbca0ea3&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8wIBPLn5xnf3DEswPf6YrWQc8ZaJifyNFj8TzJGwCCUgza51XP1VFOQ1N8nZIVkwOp5sS3yaqSRghWSE6xJuJYTifQa7ITvIOza8EupCkKYZBgx2BzdQbwPu8&ats=1430759884763&rm=14d1fed2dbca0ea3&zw&sz=w1387-h651" /></a></div>
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After that we went back to mom's house for a little nap. Then I somehow convinced my family to head to the Spring Columbus Flea with me. I've been wanting to go for awhile and I was glad Mom and Boomer were down with being adventurous with me. <br />
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<img alt="Displaying IMG_0876.JPG" height="480" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d1ff1358b712f7&attid=0.3&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ-tl0Dh3iajCsS3HJ0fCacGfQPA0gSDk-pTaj3fJ5iANkxf4KbIZF_jVJaH3tbgaUoExtFKsAo84LmSueLNGu0MxhSYH9lV_baS7uHRhdbFfBJvy7BSbDY1xhI&ats=1430760041024&rm=14d1ff1358b712f7&zw&sz=w1387-h651" width="640" /></div>
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I had so much fun looking through all the cool antiques, and crafts/artisanal goods! I almost took a dresser home with me....but we are moving soon and I'm already storing a mattress in my mother's garage....I don't think I can convince her to store a dresser in there too. No matter how stunning, and perfectly mid century modern it was. Sigh. Anyway, this is what I picked up, a print for the new house and this super cute hair bow for Boomer! Boomer is her mother's daughter though...she fell in love with an antique camera...I'm going to talk to the vendor about finding one for her birthday!<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d1ff1358b712f7&attid=0.7&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ-at6q-h81YDyG7banFQAKz0sct8D8dGSJ_11VQgyXBHUrtgiVU7_EPAqXIib8-kN9KpViwXpj6zyXpbY7gO1wtrTQP3RTIhctsHf7D8JUKNs5v79sLc_aWHV8&ats=1430760041024&rm=14d1ff1358b712f7&zw&sz=w1387-h651" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_0882.JPG" border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d1ff1358b712f7&attid=0.7&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ-at6q-h81YDyG7banFQAKz0sct8D8dGSJ_11VQgyXBHUrtgiVU7_EPAqXIib8-kN9KpViwXpj6zyXpbY7gO1wtrTQP3RTIhctsHf7D8JUKNs5v79sLc_aWHV8&ats=1430760041024&rm=14d1ff1358b712f7&zw&sz=w1387-h651" /></a></div>
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After that we strolled around the campus area, went to Target to price bike's for Boomer's birthday, and headed to Johnny Rockets for chilli cheese fries and milk shakes! Then this song came on and I totally embarassed not only Boomer, but my mother as well. Backstreet for the WIN!!!<br />
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That was our weekend, how was yours? Did you guys do anything exciting?<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-34540535209093392062015-04-29T16:33:00.000-04:002015-04-29T16:33:39.873-04:00What I Did This Weekend : April 29, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey All...</blockquote>
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I feel like it has been so long since I blogged, I get a pass for doing a weekend recap on Wednesday afternoon.<br />
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Glad we are all in agreement.<br />
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Let's start with last Friday. It was my bosses last day. She has been a mentor to me for over three years, so to say it was a little emotional is an understatement. Apparently it was a little more draining than I thought, because I went to my mother's house, laid down in my old bed, and when I came too it was 9:30 am the next morning.<br />
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Party Animal.<br />
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Saturday was a little more exciting. I got to get all dolled up, and go with my best friend to the Season Opener Party for <a href="http://www.columbuscarsandcoffee.com/ccc-blog/recap-season-opener-party-2015" target="_blank">Columbus Cars and Coffee</a>. My close friend from high school created Columbus Cars and Coffee and throws this party every year. It was at the Franklin Park Conservatory and it was a blast. Beautiful exotic cars, body painted models, cigars, high end luxury watches....it was wild.<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10290706_10205517632532179_2953448781762566396_n.jpg?oh=23475f006fcc88565890d45c8f5389cc&oe=55CE3F6B" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10290706_10205517632532179_2953448781762566396_n.jpg?oh=23475f006fcc88565890d45c8f5389cc&oe=55CE3F6B" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11196285_10205517637132294_7337197750055037008_n.jpg?oh=56b48d795651dc41ab0fbcb7a5968ecc&oe=55D96CB1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11196285_10205517637132294_7337197750055037008_n.jpg?oh=56b48d795651dc41ab0fbcb7a5968ecc&oe=55D96CB1" width="640" /></a></div>
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Excuse the grainy photography....the really nice pictures I stole from my friend Joe. </div>
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If you follow me on instagram you probably saw a few more shots.<br />
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If you follow me on snapchat....I'm sorry.<br />
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The next day I was required to pull myself all the way together for the baby shower of a friend. All I can say is thank GAWD that shower didn't start until 3pm, because I was a little dead.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d06d0674bae476&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9xAOfbayIGl_ZNrO0G9c_m6pZn-jJnXyhOuZzYJCDW-8hlV67gNy3bx-pEdhIvU_DSvitF7l9bprM6UmnD2XbbZcxr84e27yBA1doVcMm-MVtjixkDzSUBq90&ats=1430338432417&rm=14d06d0674bae476&zw&sz=w1576-h679" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_0802.JPG" border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=69a1504040&view=fimg&th=14d06d0674bae476&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9xAOfbayIGl_ZNrO0G9c_m6pZn-jJnXyhOuZzYJCDW-8hlV67gNy3bx-pEdhIvU_DSvitF7l9bprM6UmnD2XbbZcxr84e27yBA1doVcMm-MVtjixkDzSUBq90&ats=1430338432417&rm=14d06d0674bae476&zw&sz=w1576-h679" /></a></div>
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How precious is this cake? Her theme was woodlands!</div>
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Confession. I had a weird moment of baby fever while at the shower. A colleague at work recently had a baby, and brought him in. I got to hold the baby and watch him while dad went to a meeting....and I got achy ovaries for a second then too.</div>
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This was weird for a few reasons. </div>
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A) I have been single now foreeeeeever. So there are no potential fathers in my life.</div>
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B) I have told anyone who will listen how much I don't think I'll ever be having another baby.</div>
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Anywho...that's what went on this weekend. I've really missed blogging...and I've wanted to get back to this space. I've dipped a toe in the water the past several weeks, reading and commenting on some of my favs around blog land. I just feel like blogging has changed so much these days. Gone are the days where we were reading about each other's lives and really getting to 'know' bloggers. Now it seems like everything is 'pin this' and how tos. For awhile I didn't have anything to say, and now that I do feel like writing again...I wonder are there still people out there interested in the ramblings of a 29 year old single mom of one?</div>
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Hopefully there are, and I'll be doing my best to post at least 2-3 times a week.</div>
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-72621084835464561972015-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:002015-01-01T19:31:05.473-05:00A Curly Girls Guide to Stop Washing Your HairHey Everyone!<br />
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Yes, it has been ages since I've blogged.<br />
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Five months. 5. Who's counting though?<br />
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For those of you that have been reading awhile, you'll remember that Boomer awhile ago went through a phase of <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2013/11/sht-boomer-says-mommyi-hate-my-hair.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">hating her hair</span></a>. I went on a <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/01/sht-boomer-says-mommyi-love-my-hair.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">natural hair bender</span></a>, and wore my hair in it's natural curly state for over 6 months. During that time, I experimented with all kinds of products and methods and I found out something.<br />
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My hair did a LOT better when I ditched shampoos.<br />
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Now, I did not jump on the baking soda and vinegar band wagon. I like product too much. I'll tell you what I did pick up though!<br />
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Cleansing Conditioners:<br />
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You will often hear naturalistas talk about co-wash. I had no clue what that was, but essentially it is using conditioner to rinse and wash your hair. Bigger hair brands caught on to this and starting marketing cleansing conditioners. Here are two of my favorites.<br />
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These are both easy on the wallet and can be picked up at any drug store, or grocery store.<br />
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Sulfate Free Shampoo:<br />
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For those of us that just can't give up the bubbles and washing, or for those who have product build up (because what curly haired girl doesn't) this is for you. The L'Oreal Evercreme is my hands down favorite. My hair feels great, not stripped and frizzy and wild. Now if you have MASSIVE product build up. I'm talking to the point that your curls have lost life, and your hair wouldn't shine if you drenched it in baby oil? Then use this shampoo and add a DIME sized amount of clarifying shampoo. Your curls will thank you.<br />
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This brand is a little pricier, and will run you about $6 for a bottle. However since you are now washing your hair A LOT less, it will last you months!<br />
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Let's just talk really quickly about what DOES NOT WORK for the curls.<br />
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Dry Shampoo.<br />
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Why? You can't brush it out without breaking your curl pattern and causing even more frizz and craziness. Curly hair does it's best work, when you just leave it alone. I mean literally get out of the shower, throw some gel on it, and don't touch it for a few days. You want a mess? You want tangles, and at the end to still have dry shampoo residue all over your head? Then spray some dry shampoo in your curly roots. Don't say I didn't warn you.<br />
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Now for my friends with straight or wavy hair, fear not. My friend Colleen who blogs over at <a href="http://coocooforcoco.blogspot.com/2015/01/how-to-stop-washing-your-hair-so-much.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Coocoo for Coco </span></a>has a guide just for you!<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-68464812975921547692014-07-14T12:59:00.001-04:002014-07-14T12:59:46.294-04:00Oh...is it Monday Again?Hi.<br />
<br />
I'm Whitney.<br />
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I blog here occasionally...<br />
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It is Monday...again.<br />
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For some reason I'm attempting this no complaining for 24 hours thing. I'm pretty sure I've already messed up...I'm not sure though...so I'm going to bravely carry on.<br />
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So let's catch up shall we? Its been...awhile.<br />
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This weekend was the annual carnival that my company does. It was pretty awesome,as it was last year. I ate my funnel cake, shaved ice, cotton candy, ice cream, veggie burger...oh and fries! I'm pretty sure JJ had 3 of the Italian sausage things. YUM!<br />
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We had a blast! Boomer was so excited she didn't sleep until about midnight, which was fine because we had all day Sunday to sleep in.<br />
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We woke up and I was craving Starbucks, and it turns out that was a good thing because after that short drive I realized...hey, there is stuff leaking from my car.<br />
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Coolant. Yay.<br />
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Poured in some leak fixing....stuff. Hopefully that cuts it.<br />
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I'll be back with some more meaningful posts this week. Hope everyone had a great weekend!<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-80177030703687194072014-07-01T10:01:00.002-04:002014-07-01T10:01:31.444-04:00My Live Music Addiction : Bruno Mars EditionOver the past two years, I've been learning about myself. As detailed in the post <a href="http://www.therachaelway.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Rachel</span></a> shared on her blog today. Go check her out by the way. Sweet girl!<br />
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Anyway, one thing I've learned about me, is that I LOVE live music. I love music anyway. I'm always singing. I studied voice in college. I teach voice lessons now. Always have music on. Music music music. A dear friend of mine was always traveling to concerts and festivals and I found myself reading his blog and looking at his instagram feed and feeling INSANELY jealous.<br />
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But why be jealous Whit? Just start going to concerts yourself! It started out small. I went to a Maroon 5 concert a few summers back. It was amazing. Then I started adding more and more.<br />
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This past 12 months has been The Year of Concerts....<br />
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Bruno Mars<br />
Under the Sun Tour<br />
Ariana Grande (This was for Boomer...)<br />
Arctic Monkeys<br />
Demi Lovato<br />
Bruno Mars<br />
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Oh yeah....he was so amazing...I paid to see him twice.<br />
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This past weekend I drove up to Cleveland with a girl friend of mine from high school and her husband to see Mr. Mars and his band rock the house. He did not disappoint.<br />
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* Side note- No one was in Columbus this past weekend. As I scrolled through my feed I realized that all my friends were either in Cincinnati for Beyonce and Jay Z or Cleveland for Bruno! *<br />
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Anyway I was literally on my feet all night. His opening act was Aloe Blacc (from I'm The Man fame) and he was great too. I'm going to have to check out more of his music for sure! Then out came Bruno and I did not stop shaking it, and singing all night long!<br />
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I confess. I would search for tickets to his Pennsylvania show...but I need to move in a few months so its time to chill out.<br />
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However, the Under the Sun tour is coming back in a few weeks. Then Lorde...Ed Sheeran....<br />
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Music, Music, Music!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-30919274065894093652014-06-27T08:48:00.000-04:002014-06-27T08:48:06.356-04:00On Self Improvement...Or 'Oh Sh*t...I'm almost 30!'I currently sit on the board of the alumni association for my high school, the school that Boomer currently attends. We are in the midst of planning our all class reunion that will take place in August. Yes, all class. We are a very small school so it makes no sense to do reunions for individual classes.<br />
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Anyway, thinking on this, I asked a friend 'On a scale from 'meh' to 'Oh wow!' how great of shape do you think I can get in in 60 days?' Then we went on to discuss outfits, hair, and makeup.<br />
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This morning however, I took a long naked gaze at myself in the mirror. I'm really not unhappy with what I see. Could I have a little more muscle here and there? Sure! Do my clothes from high school still fit? Yes.<br />
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I do find myself thinking about things differently though lately. With this most recent health scare I realize I HAVE to take better care of myself. Not just to look hot in bathing suits and at reunions, but also to make sure that I'm healthy and available to Boomer for the next 20 years. I need to eat healthier. I need to exercise. I need to drink less coffee and more water. I need to take care of my skin, not so I can look perfect in instagram selfies, but so I can look as awesome and ageless as my mother and grandmother in real life.<br />
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In a few weeks I'll be 29. This is the last year of my 20s. Most people dread the big 3-0, but the past couple of years have made me excited for my 30s. Yes, you read that right. Excited. I've learned so much about me. Who I am. What drives me. What I will accept in my life from friendships, relationships. What I have to offer. As I have learned all this, it makes me so excited for the next 10 years!<br />
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I guess the point of all this is, here's to self improvement for self improvements sake.<br />
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Although it won't hurt to be a hot mom at the reunion so I need to find a dress.<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-64511506929680283962014-06-25T11:48:00.001-04:002014-06-25T11:48:58.793-04:00A Girl And Her Money : 5 Ways to Save Money Grocery Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, i.e. Sunday, I blew my grocery budget almost for the entire month in one trip. Whoops. However it's provided good material to share with all of my readers coming along with me on my journey to be financially savvy! Here are 5 tips to help you save!<br />
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1. Have A Plan<br />
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I ended up at the store, spur of the moment with Mom and Boomer. I had no plan and ended up just throwing things into my cart. Recipe for disaster. I'm not saying you need to have a complete meal plan (although it helps), but having a general idea of what meals you'd like to prepare and what you need to replenish is important.<br />
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2. Have Time<br />
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I didn't drive myself, and we had an overtired Boomer. Which means I was rushed. So once again this led to me throwing random things in my cart. I'm not saying you need to set aside 2 hours to grocery shop, just make sure you have the necessary time to prepare.<br />
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3. Eat first<br />
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I was so hungry when I was in the store Sunday, which means in addition to not having a plan, or time, my stomach was driving my choices. So I ended up with nacho fixings, and three boxes of instant oatmeal, but no idea what to make for dinner that night once I got home with all that crazy stuff! Also...the combination of feeling rushed and being hungry led to Hangry Whit. All bad.<br />
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4. Go for the off brand<br />
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Trust me. Kroger oaty-o's taste exactly like Cheerios. As does the instant oatmeal. I'll confess though. I will put nothing but Aunt Jemimah's Butter Lite syrup on my pancakes...so...cut back where you can.<br />
<br />
5. Take advantage of coupons and store savings!<br />
<br />
I am a loyal Kroger customer. So sometimes I get special coupons based on my shopping habits. Also I use digital coupons that I can load directly to my loyalty card, which in turn adds up to savings on gas too! Lots of different stores offer different programs, and there are a TON of blogs out there that tell you the best deals based on coupons and store sales.<br />
<br />
So basically. Do the complete opposite of what I did Sunday, and you should be GOLDEN.<br />
<br />
Any tips from you ladies on how to save the green when shopping for food?<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-7986846071088245852014-06-24T11:26:00.000-04:002014-06-24T11:26:27.042-04:00While the Blog Was SleepingI have missed this blog.<br />
<br />
I've missed writing and interacting with all the amazing people I've gotten to know across blog land.<br />
<br />
Depression and anxiety make even the most basic things hard. So once Boomer was fed and taken care of, and I'd done my work that was it. That was all I had. When you see those ridiculous 'Depression hurts, but you don't have to' commercials...and there is like a shadow following the animated girl around? That was me.<br />
<br />
Except less of a shadow and more like...invisible weights. Weights on your body and your spirit.<br />
<br />
What's worse is the awareness that you are not yourself, but feeling incapable of affecting change.<br />
<br />
I feel like now, I'm getting back to myself. I'm ready to make an effort to go out and be social, to do things that I enjoy, and be present in my own life.<br />
<br />
This means actively making choices to not sit on my couch for an entire weekend. To not blow of social engagements and....well like I said just be present.<br />
<br />
The post I wrote last week about the <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/06/ohbloggers-digfest-and-fathers-dayoh.html" target="_blank">#OHBlogger's</a> meetup? What I didn't write, was that I had to make myself get up, get dressed, put on makeup and go. The effort was worth it though, as you can tell from my post.<br />
<br />
It's all about the journey right?<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-65707328272928824212014-06-23T12:49:00.000-04:002014-06-23T12:51:53.490-04:00Dear Monday?Remember when we all used to write Dear Friday letters?<br />
<br />
It crossed my mind at about 4am this morning, when insomnia declared 'Whitney! I just can't quit you!, that it made a lot more sense to write letters on MONDAY. Kind of like an intentional start to the week. So here we go.<br />
<br />
Dear Subconscious-<br />
<br />
That nightmare in the wee hours of this morning. The one where Boomer and I were suddenly a part of Game of Thrones and there was a really scary group of people referred to as 'The Dancers'. If you could not do weird things like that to me it would be appreciated. I mean, what was that even about?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEMqW71TgbCy3iZkUlKpUCBpnEoiBfW3TGksAU32CR-kLWY8DrcJCaF-wH_ZUwchLNGKpLXWh4ISx9YqRc5Lqc17Jj_oIwYsfCh17bNnVEKUK3kxinPBPv0lI8ejDqqHAh0OHVRy_Zu6G/s1600/078244493f799a2f4e44a54d239839ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEMqW71TgbCy3iZkUlKpUCBpnEoiBfW3TGksAU32CR-kLWY8DrcJCaF-wH_ZUwchLNGKpLXWh4ISx9YqRc5Lqc17Jj_oIwYsfCh17bNnVEKUK3kxinPBPv0lI8ejDqqHAh0OHVRy_Zu6G/s1600/078244493f799a2f4e44a54d239839ec.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Dear FB GOT quiz-<br />
<br />
You made me a Lannister?!?!? Really?!?!? And then my cousin tells me....'yeah...I can see that.' WHAT?!?!<br />
<br />
Dear Boomer-<br />
<br />
Ok, 1 summer reading book down... 10 more to go! (I'm assuming these are 'recommendation and not requirements seeing as you are a third grader.) Come on kiddo. You've only got 6 more weeks!<br />
<br />
Dear Grocery Budget-<br />
<br />
Sorry I blew you almost for the whole month, in one trip.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3movtOXIKZ4z962yr-R2VnQZlQotM8xf4yFPZu_10uF7w_uVBs38_8cUVkf5yyntpVXVW5eKFIoBe915tSaN88deP-uL-i4Dk0CeqkmHw9wZQFSwODLzo__ORYqN3Fa6bkC23rT3Dmn5k/s1600/667ae076d0d1fc0a9f59099c8b1bceaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3movtOXIKZ4z962yr-R2VnQZlQotM8xf4yFPZu_10uF7w_uVBs38_8cUVkf5yyntpVXVW5eKFIoBe915tSaN88deP-uL-i4Dk0CeqkmHw9wZQFSwODLzo__ORYqN3Fa6bkC23rT3Dmn5k/s1600/667ae076d0d1fc0a9f59099c8b1bceaa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Dear Blog-<br />
<br />
That blown grocery budget = Wednesday's post so....winning?<br />
<br />
Dear Bathroom-<br />
<br />
You are so lovely and clean that I almost didn't want to use you this morning. I realize that's weird, but I imagine that's how all the people that pin their perfect rooms feel.<br />
<br />
Dear Week-<br />
<br />
I see nothing but great things in our future, because there was Indian food for lunch today, I'm seeing my man Bruno on Saturday and well...there will be happy, warm, fluffy things between now and then!<br />
<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-49338128414604262222014-06-16T09:38:00.002-04:002014-06-16T11:24:39.315-04:00#OHBloggers, Digfest, and Father's Day...Oh What a WeekendI'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK.<br />
<br />
Guys. This weekend. It was truly one for the record books. I had so so so so so much fun!<br />
<br />
First, my weekend started early, because we have half day Friday's during the summer at my company. So I took little miss to go see Maleficent! The movie was great! The visuals, the costumes, set design....loved it. Nice to be reminded that Angelina is in fact, an actor. Although....the part where she loses her wings was a little...date rapey...and heavy even for me, let alone for my 8 year old.<br />
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<br />
BOOMER'S EIGHT YOU GUYS!!!! When did that happen!<br />
<br />
Saturday I attended the Ohio Blogger meet up organized by <a href="http://www.whisperingsweetly.com/" target="_blank">Shane</a> and <a href="http://heyhollywoodblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Holly</a> that took place at Zauber Brewing Co, which I will definitely be stopping by again. Seriously this C-Boss drink was amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-C5GlYnDayQqMmEjugr6MO7MVmqPdDUVc7O-y_pLWxroOW5JiEb4lHfBmDaV-ySy_gmSjguyPmymurxDTxGDCT8yxb1AWL40nwfaAoP4nO27jxSFFqlsNZdzsxlAXuSuEsMaAKrhS01uz/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-C5GlYnDayQqMmEjugr6MO7MVmqPdDUVc7O-y_pLWxroOW5JiEb4lHfBmDaV-ySy_gmSjguyPmymurxDTxGDCT8yxb1AWL40nwfaAoP4nO27jxSFFqlsNZdzsxlAXuSuEsMaAKrhS01uz/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
This #OHBloggers meet up was fantastic. I got to meet so many new people and finally meet some folks in real life. Like this girl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibN4o2gUvsB2LOoAmkln6cy9Px0DNDp5iojB3f9lZ5xeIVmMZOyVv1yvVe7INcb0aZPtQMDLT31FxqdK1OwR9P3V8Xy1jvYhVXvndseu8q5SCTGMAs6wGbp2NN808CeO1iNzlqxa7wNy4d/s1600/IMG_4909.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibN4o2gUvsB2LOoAmkln6cy9Px0DNDp5iojB3f9lZ5xeIVmMZOyVv1yvVe7INcb0aZPtQMDLT31FxqdK1OwR9P3V8Xy1jvYhVXvndseu8q5SCTGMAs6wGbp2NN808CeO1iNzlqxa7wNy4d/s1600/IMG_4909.png" /></a></div>
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<br />
I love love love <a href="http://www.lovefunandfootball.com/" target="_blank">Erin's blog</a>. I also love love love her and her husbands Sallie and Perkins student loan payoff series. I have a stupid amount of loans as we have talked about <a href="http://www.katygoesboom.com/2014/02/a-girl-and-her-money-what-do-i-tackle.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, so anyone who talks about that in a real way appeals to me. Turns out she is super fun and such a sweetie in person! (Not a huge surprise there.)<br />
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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/AVvXsEiSCWI5Ty8y10MF2eVZDxp5NTYYEjy9lmG-fhYiGx060vUX41DP_HqpNlO5E23qzdC7pNy-RuYlK5GughdiSfsUHmyNow0YYNJu22XwZR_YAIBeRf8-C1vPpfPZyspOnz6ikivjVD1fBycM/s1600/IMG_6910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCWI5Ty8y10MF2eVZDxp5NTYYEjy9lmG-fhYiGx060vUX41DP_HqpNlO5E23qzdC7pNy-RuYlK5GughdiSfsUHmyNow0YYNJu22XwZR_YAIBeRf8-C1vPpfPZyspOnz6ikivjVD1fBycM/s1600/IMG_6910.jpg" height="640" width="477" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgan, Amanda, <a href="http://www.kasuallife.com/" target="_blank">Kathy</a> and Moi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I met Amanda, the lovely lady behind <a href="http://girlaboutcolumbus.com/" target="_blank">Girl About Columbus</a>, whose instagram it turns out, I stalk. A lot. She's awesome. Rachel, the lady behind <a href="http://www.therachaelway.com/" target="_blank">The Rachel Way</a> informed me via twitter that I was her new girl crush, which I'm not gonna lie pretty much made my whole Saturday. I met so so many amazing ladies, I'll try to put together a comprehensive list of the Ohio ladies so you can check out their blogs too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSev5hKx1DH9LKunIqBLJtEkWM9XShGiHj6EwsOian3BY87VXblaRxHs_avd_rrbssk2IbLX2gLSoyBGDrk3BvYUOis-cDCNyCua-qxJyHEspBM5tb2lRuQIi66irhhBqom1EjA4-y7sCc/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSev5hKx1DH9LKunIqBLJtEkWM9XShGiHj6EwsOian3BY87VXblaRxHs_avd_rrbssk2IbLX2gLSoyBGDrk3BvYUOis-cDCNyCua-qxJyHEspBM5tb2lRuQIi66irhhBqom1EjA4-y7sCc/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
We transitioned to Digfest after. Digfest is a local festival that takes place in Grandview (another adorable Columbus neighborhood) where they have local beers, wines, and spirits along with food and live music. I'm really making an effort to get out there and experience more of all the wonderful things this city has to offer. Now that I've connected with all these amazing, tapped in bloggers I don't think I'll have a problem in that area!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKcdoDFZpGJldePX21pu6_9_w9kZpToXm_O3ybYNVC7mVK5kF5qhpSdGnBsgJPPVr5lAta2kwhqcRCtRRiG8EtfgnPf0R8ynZl2N2zYLIMJonuNIcc0SsydjVCTUwkl1EJ_weVaXP1Jve/s1600/10448904_1432249697040000_215730341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKcdoDFZpGJldePX21pu6_9_w9kZpToXm_O3ybYNVC7mVK5kF5qhpSdGnBsgJPPVr5lAta2kwhqcRCtRRiG8EtfgnPf0R8ynZl2N2zYLIMJonuNIcc0SsydjVCTUwkl1EJ_weVaXP1Jve/s1600/10448904_1432249697040000_215730341_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heyhollywoodblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Holly</a>, <a href="http://www.katyagrishanova.com/" target="_blank">Katya</a>, <a href="http://simpleechic.com/" target="_blank">Jacqueline,</a> <a href="http://www.whisperingsweetly.com/" target="_blank">Shane</a> and <a href="http://girlaboutcolumbus.com/" target="_blank">Amanda</a> </td></tr>
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Sunday...I nursed my hangover, which after 25 are NO joke.</div>
<br />
Once I recovered I hopped over to my mother's roof for her semi annual gutter clean out. I have been doing it for years, because I actually like climbing up there and I'm cheap labor.<br />
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Then we took JJ to his 4th annual Bj's Brewhouse Father's Day/Birthday dinner.<br />
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<br />
He and Boomer seriously crack me up!<br />
<br />
To sum it up, my weekend was fantastic. I feel re-energized and ready to jump back into this here blog...and just life in general. Guys the funk may FINALLY be over! Just in time to enjoy an awesome summer!<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726898126089517623.post-4938368134906156612014-06-06T07:27:00.001-04:002014-06-06T07:27:34.932-04:00Ebb and Flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This year several of my friends have or will get married.<br />
Several friends and acquaintances have had babies.<br />
Two of my family members have died.<br />
<br />
As I write this morning, I'm sitting in a hotel room getting ready with Momm and Boomer to go to a funeral.<br />
<br />
And that is just life.<br />
<br />
It's sad. It makes me take stock of my life and whether or not I'm where I want to be. If I've accomplished what I want/need to yet. Am I doing a good job with Boomer? Am I being a good daughter? A good friend? Am I being good to myself?<br />
<br />
Its a long drive from Ohio to Tennessee, and while there are few quiet moments in a car with Boomer AND my mom, the ones that I grabbed found me deep in those thoughts.<br />
<br />
I don't necessarily know all the answers yet. I think I'm doing decently well as a mother, daughter, friend, ect, but there is always room for improvement. <br />
<br />
Just some early morning thoughts, on ebb and flow.<br />
<br />
Where is the tide taking you?<br />
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Whitney Alison http://www.blogger.com/profile/02153898249785757592noreply@blogger.com6