tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43149162358478930432024-03-13T08:53:11.153-04:00Chateau de Victoriaa blog from an inspired twenty-somethingVictoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-81828509248282620332013-02-16T14:50:00.000-05:002013-02-16T15:16:13.701-05:00{MY BIG MOVE!}<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today, I am celebrating...</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">MY BIG MOVE!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovZEq-h0Pqk/UR71kJV0WmI/AAAAAAAAES8/Fa7cbEIOMpY/s1600/9944c9301b5dac2b67a56f1d2d7a9658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovZEq-h0Pqk/UR71kJV0WmI/AAAAAAAAES8/Fa7cbEIOMpY/s400/9944c9301b5dac2b67a56f1d2d7a9658.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Can you guess the city?</span></div>
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Let me fill you in on what's been going on lately! As some of you know, it has been my dream to move to <b>California</b> for a little while now. Ever since my <a href="http://www.chateaudevictoria.com/2011/11/california-dreamboat-part-iii.html">last trip</a> to the West Coast, I have been mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially preparing for "the big move". It finally hit me one morning this past summer; I decided I would take a <i>road trip</i> across country and start a new beginning in California the following spring. (It's true, just ask my mother.) <i>Well, get this...</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Golden Gate Bridge</span></div>
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On that trip to California, I made an effort to visit my federal agency's office in <b>San Francisco </b>and meet with some of the staff. Fast forward a few months and you'd find me starting to apply to several federal positions...all located in the <i>sunny</i> state. Well, needless to say, the amount of government job postings that are cancelled, postponed or <i>for internal promotion only</i> are many...and I wasn't having much luck. Being continually promoted at my current agency has been wonderful, but my desire to move outweighed my desire to stay. So, I kept trying. And trying. <i>And trying some more. </i>And all the while believing that my dream would one day turn to reality. Right? The truth is, I wanted to exhaust all of my government opportunities before looking elsewhere...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Alcatraz</span></div>
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Well, by the time the recent holiday season hit I started thinking it was time to switch up my game plan. I began networking outside of the government, talking with family, looking into the Peace Corps...and seriously entertaining the idea of traveling full-time for a few months. You see, sometimes you just have this desire to keep moving, keep going, keep living in a new way. I promised myself I would at least meet my <b>3-year</b> mark with the government for better reinstatement purposes down the road (if need be). Then I could pursue whatever path I wanted...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Muni</span></div>
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So I submitted my last government application...and it just so happened to be for a position within my agency's San Francisco office. Since this kind of opportunity is rare, I didn't think much of it...and was more focused on making travel plans than anything else. A few days later, I sat down with a coworker and asked her what I needed to know about leaving the federal government and what the protocols were for reinstatement, if I chose to come back later on. She told me what she thought and asked for my resume. She said she didn't personally know anyone in our SF office, but figured it couldn't hurt to relay my information anyway. The next day was my 3-year <i>workaversary</i>...and I had an email request for a phone interview with two of the men I'd met when I visited the SF office!</div>
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<i>Timing is everything. </i>Who knew that I would apply for a position working directly under people I had already met...and that they would recognize my name and immediately get in touch with me?! We had a splendid phone interview that day (I technically already had an in-person interview) and I was offered the job two days later. Within one week, everything I was hoping for became a reality...and even better than I could have imagined! The <b>location</b>, the <b>job</b>, the <b>time frame</b>...all came to be. And now I'm in the process of relocating my life to the West Coast via road trip! <i>Sometimes when God opens a door, he pushes you through it!</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My new car?</span></div>
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I am ecstatic to begin this new chapter in my life. There is so much to look forward to! <i>A fabulous city, new relationships, career exploration, plenty of travel opportunities, etc.</i> I have A LOT of planning to do and, while a little overwhelmed, trust that everything will fall into place. It's amazing how when something is right...even the small details play a big part in the process! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I plan, travel & begin this new adventure. Not only do I have a lot to 'wrap up' over the next few weeks, I also have plans to travel abroad! Talk about a packed schedule!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Chinatown</span></div>
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It's not going to be easy saying goodbye to friends and family (or my pups!), but I'm lucky to have such a huge support system on the East Coast. I just hope I can keep it together until I leave! Regardless...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Life is a <i>beautiful </i>adventure. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's to following your <i>dreams</i> :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images courtesy of © 2013 Chateau de Victoria and Pinterest</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-15249283315122847102013-01-25T09:35:00.000-05:002013-01-25T09:35:12.455-05:00{Time to Detox}<div align="center">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">A Natural Detox</span></div>
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Are you trying to <em>lose</em> the few extra pounds you gained over the holidays? Perhaps your sleeping patterns are <em>abnormal</em> or you aren't feeling as rested as usual? Are you drinking <em>more</em> coffee in an effort to kick your sluggish mood? Is dry skin or dehydration an <em>issue</em> for you? Well folks, I have been dealing with all of these symptoms at one point or another recently...so I've decided it's time for a <em>detox</em>. Life simply won't slow down, but that doesn't mean I can't make time for a bodily refresh. I want to <em>feel, look </em>and <em>be</em> a <strong>healthier, sexier</strong> and <strong>more glowing</strong> version of myself. So here is a list of things I've added into my daily/weekly routine:</div>
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1. <strong>Drink more water.</strong> I like water, but I <em>never </em>drink enough of it. Part of the reason is because I find the taste of water to be downright boring. The other part is because I love drinking tea instead. So I've decided that I am going to consume at least <em>6-8</em> glasses of water per day. Adding a slice or two of lemon, lime or other fruit makes drinking water more appealing...but the fact that it's a primary way of flushing out toxins makes it worth every sip.</div>
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2. <strong>Breathe deeply.</strong> Maybe this comes a little more naturally to me...because my desire to punch someone in the throat during stressful times has taught me to <em>sit back, relax</em> and <em>take deep breaths</em>. Breathing deeper allows more oxygen into the body and helps eliminate carbon dioxide. It also helps you to be more relaxed, alert, <em>not punch someone in the throat</em>, and so on. It's definitely worth paying attention to.</div>
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3. <strong>Exercise.</strong> A lot of sources I've researched list 'exercise' and 'reduce stress' as two separate ways to detoxify the body, but <em>to me</em> they are one in the same. Exercise is one of my most efficient ways to reduce stress; by getting my blood flowing, increasing my heart rate and sweating out the bad stuff, I feel more energetic and focused. It affects my <em>mind, body</em> and <em>soul</em>...so I'm happy to start going to the gym again and cannot wait to get back on that rock wall!</div>
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4. <strong>Dry-brushing.</strong> This is a unique <em>exfoliation</em> technique that I've recently discovered. The goal is to remove dead skin, but it also increases blood circulation, enhances detoxification through the skin & helps keep it glowing. Using a natural bristle brush or loofah, move in a soft, circular motion starting with the bottom of your feet, working your way up to your chest. Once you're finished, rinse off and shower as usual.</div>
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5. <strong>Eliminate refined sugars, saturated fats, alcohol and caffeine.</strong> Uh oh! And just in the midst of <em>restaurant week</em> season! I'm currently not a big indulger of saturated fats or alcohol, but I do crave sugar and caffeine to a certain extent. That said, I'm starting to decrease my intake of sweets and main source of caffeine, <em>coffee</em>. </div>
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6. <strong>Fill up on fiber. </strong>Consuming foods such as brown rice, nuts, fruits & veggies are a good way to help <em>cleanse</em> the body; they boost the digestion process and provide you with many nutrients. I love rice, nuts & fruit, so my biggest challenge will be to incorporate more raw vegetables into my diet. Time to get creative!</div>
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7. A<strong>ntioxidants rock. </strong>I mentioned <a href="http://www.chateaudevictoria.com/2012/02/you-are-what-you-eat.html">here</a> about many foods that are rich in antioxidants. Essentially, they help <em>eliminate</em> free radicals all while providing great side effects for the body. Green tea, for example, is a wonderful source of antioxidants and just so happens to be one of my favorite things to drink! You want to consume as many vitamins and minerals as possible...so <i>the more</i> antioxidants, <i>the better</i>.</div>
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8. <strong>Be positive. </strong>Transforming stress by exhibiting positive emotions really works (and is wonderful for the body), but it isn't always easy. I consider myself a pretty positive person most of the time, but I do think I could be a little less hard on myself. <em>What do I mean?</em> Well, instead of primarily focusing on my 'need improvement' areas, I plan to build myself up with positive affirmations every day. Pampering or spoiling oneself is different than <em>uplifting</em> oneself, and by doing more of the latter we can all better embody a truly positive persona.</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.”</span></h1>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;">-Leo F. Buscaglia</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-32185053613331506862013-01-15T21:23:00.001-05:002013-02-13T07:54:24.955-05:00{New Year, New Goals}<div align="center">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">A New Year(ning)</span></div>
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So far, this year has been marked by a lot of relaxing and spending time with family, working on a few DIY projects (coming soon), dealing with some health issues and easing back into my normal groove. That said, I'm really excited for what <b>2013</b> has to offer! Not one to typically write a list of resolutions at the beginning of a new year, I did make myself stick to one specific "new year intention" for 2012: accept as many <i>social invitations</i> as possible in order to meet new people, expand my horizons and get to know myself better. I think I did a pretty darn good job! And while I would like to "go with the flow" and see where life takes me throughout the upcoming months, I do have a few more clearly-defined <i>intentions</i> for 2013:<br />
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1. <b>Continue to put less importance on social networking.</b> I've been without Facebook for almost three months and it's amazing how much extra time I put into more useful things. I like taking a break now and then to remind myself that Facebook doesn't take the place of having real relationships, having a real life (not just an awesome, virtual one) and shouldn't be a necessary way of receiving affirmation from others. I've even been debating whether to take a break from other forms of social networking, such as Instagram, but only if it becomes a source of distraction for me. <i>Everything in moderation.</i></div>
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2.<b> Make investing a priority.</b> I've received a lot of great advice on investing and, while I want to share it with all of you, I want to first put my money where my mouth is (<em>ha ha</em>) and see what happens. I reached my financial savings goal for 2012 (yay!) and feel very confident in my ability to make big decisions if I choose to do so. However, I must note that the act of investing (to me) extends beyond just making a monetary commitment!</div>
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3. <b>Switch professional gears.</b> I am about to celebrate my 3-year <i>workaversary</i> with the federal government (crazy!) at the end of January and, while I have developed so much as both a person and a professional in my current position, I feel it is time to start looking into new opportunities. I'm not quite sure what that means yet or when it will happen, but I do know that my bold heart is speaking loud and clear. I do not take for granted the blessing of a stable job with good pay, benefits, flexibility, etc...but I also know that complacency can hold us back from pursuing our true desires. Life's too short for that. <em>Here's to seeing what the future brings!</em><br />
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4. <b>Volunteer more. </b>I've realized that I want volunteering to be a larger part of my life. Not just volunteering for the sake of it, but seizing opportunities that I actually <em>care about</em> and <em>believe in</em>. I think we need to build into others just as much as we need others to build into us. While serving dinner at a homeless shelter the other night, I had a moment of clarity; that no matter who we are or what walk of life we find ourselves in...we're all humans who crave love in whatever shape or form we can receive it. For me, that makes life a little more precious.<br />
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5. <b>Be content.</b> I'm going to be very honest with all of you and admit something quite personal: that despite everything I do and have done, I seem to always crave more out of life. <strong><em>Shocker.</em></strong> Now, I don't think it's a bad thing to want more or continuously strive toward goals...but contentment can be a struggle for me at times (<em>ya feel me?</em>). My current back issues brought this to light recently since I've been forced to take a break from my typical routine. What I'm realizing is that I need to spend more energy into being thankful and appreciative and less energy into being anxious, worrisome and comparative. I seem to forget that God is an unparalleled source of peace and that He knows the real desires of my heart...all while providing me with the right opportunities at the right time.<strong><em> Note to self:</em></strong> re-read this last line (er, paragraph) every day for the rest of <strike>the year</strike> my life.<br />
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I think it's wonderful to have positive and self-improving intentions when entering a new year, as well as continuing those goals already set in motion. For me, 2012 was a <em>year of transition & discovery</em>: being single & independent after many years in a relationship, distancing myself from lousy friendships and embracing new, healthier ones, seeking out awesome opportunities and adventures to enrich my life, putting my personal happiness first...it was an <em>at-times-challenging</em> yet <strong>epic </strong>year (and the one that I will always treasure). So what about 2013? Oh friends...just you wait!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-51700732293186270942012-12-28T20:10:00.000-05:002013-01-23T12:01:26.791-05:00{Cheers to 2012!}<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today, I am loving...</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">My Recap of 2012</span></div>
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Where do I begin? <b>This year has been incredible!</b> So much so that I've been spending the last couple of weeks in semi-hibernation mode, taking in all that has happened and appreciating just how <i>blessed</i> I've been. I cannot <u>thank</u> my friends enough for including me in so many fun activities and for joining me in my adventures. My family has been super supportive in all that I've sought out to do and accomplish, and I am all the better because of it! <i>Thank you guys.</i> So in honor of the best year yet, here are a few of my favorite 2012 highlights:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Mardi Gras</span></div>
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<i>Enjoyed: the Endymion ball, beignets & coffee, bead catching during parades, drinking Hurricanes and Grenades on Bourbon Street, meeting my first Brazilian love of the year, dancing along Frenchmen Street, visiting Oak Alley Plantation, taking a cocktail tour around NOLA, shopping on Magazine Street, being "adopted" by friends Mary & Tom, river-riding on the Steamboat Natchez</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">New Hobbies</span></div>
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<i>As most of you may already know, one of the things I've taken up this year is indoor rock climbing. It's awesome! I've also dabbled in pursuing new things (that's what bucket lists are for) and have tried new ventures, such as archery and shooting.</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Prague</span></div>
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<i>Liked: walking around Old Town, writing on the Lennon Wall, seeing street performers on the Charles Bridge, clubbing at Karlovy Lazne, going on a comical guided city tour, checking out Prague castle, joining in a city-wide bar crawl, visiting the "Dancing House"</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Bratislava</span></div>
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<i>Fond of: seeing the President's palace, walking to the top of Castle Hill for a view of the city, eating Slovak dumplings with our friend Matus</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Budapest</span></div>
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<i>Loved: enjoying some R&R at the Szecheny bath house, walking along the Danube, photographing Castle District and St. Stephen's Square, forming a large group of friends - made up of Americans, Dutchmen and Germans - at Szimpla, satisfying my inner "foodie" at Central Market Hall, touring the Human Body exhibit, being convinced by our roommates that staying out all night at Morrison's until our flight the next morning was an excellent choice</i></div>
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<i>Adored: staying at a B&B on the rock, touring the monastery, eating crepes and homemade strawberry ice cream, seeing everything lit up at night, being the subject of pictures for a bachelor party (they were older, but hilarious!), shopping in the alleys</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Nice, Cannes, Monaco</span></div>
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<i>Relished: (Nice) staying in a fabulous apartment in Old Town, sunbathing on the beaches, dancing on tables at Wayne's with new friends almost every night (it's a must!), buying new sundresses, eating ridiculously good food, (Monaco) walking the Grand Prix track, watching the changing of the royal guard, admiring fast cars, seeing the Monte Carlo casino, (Cannes) checking out the red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival, relaxing on one of the only sandy beaches in Southern France</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">London</span></div>
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<i>Appreciated: visiting the Tower of London, watching the changing of the guard outside of Buckingham Palace, goofing around in Diana's playground, checking out Westminster Abbey, patiently waiting next to Parliament for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee boat parade (we saw her!), going on an adventurous 'Jack the Ripper' street tour, walking around Olympic Park, meeting up with our English friends for a pub crawl, window shopping in Notting Hill</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Canada</span></div>
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<i>Savored: (Toronto) going to the top of the CN Tower, walking around the Distillery District, stumbling upon a music festival near our hotel, touring the Bata Shoe Museum, visiting Casa Loma, biking around the Toronto islands, (Niagara) wine tasting at Trius, overlooking Niagara Falls, shopping at Niagara-on-the-Lake</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Beach Trips</span></div>
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<i>Over the summer, I went on a few beach trips with family and friends to both North Carolina and the Eastern Shore. I enjoyed reading, eating crabs, going on long walks, drinking sangria, dancing the night away, people-watching on the boardwalk & relaxing in the sun.</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Outdoor Adventures</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unUYJNUPQQE/UN3hYOxgQQI/AAAAAAAAD1o/lFj7uQG4MU4/s1600/photo10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unUYJNUPQQE/UN3hYOxgQQI/AAAAAAAAD1o/lFj7uQG4MU4/s400/photo10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Among my summer to-do items were jumping out of an airplane and organizing a tubing trip to Harpers Ferry. Both turned out to be extraordinarily fun!</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Wine Tastings</span></div>
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<i>Being the wine lover that I am, I planned a few girls-day-out trips to local wine festivals for the fall season. Sun, live music, wine, cheese, bread, olive tapenade, good company...I can't think of anything more enjoyable! And it was.</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Concerts & Festivals</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Biu55irFtv8/UN4s-ewYuUI/AAAAAAAAD6I/95-VvAgM0tU/s1600/photo17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Biu55irFtv8/UN4s-ewYuUI/AAAAAAAAD6I/95-VvAgM0tU/s400/photo17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>There is something magical about live music. Starting off the year with lots of jazz in New Orleans, I enjoyed attending many concerts & festivals such as Sweetlife, Augustana, Buckethead, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Florence + The Machine, VirginFest and the Trans Siberian Orchestra.</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Football</span></div>
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<i>Maryland, Virginia Tech, Ravens...I was brought along to many fun tailgates & football games this year! We had pretty amazing weather this past fall, not to mention an abundance of awesome seats ;)</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Wooded Escapes</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-euOcXMBuZKE/UN3jMqkdQGI/AAAAAAAAD28/54IRC0TGgAc/s1600/photo6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-euOcXMBuZKE/UN3jMqkdQGI/AAAAAAAAD28/54IRC0TGgAc/s400/photo6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Planning a camping trip for 12 people was interesting at first, but certainly worth it! Green Ridge is a great location and our group was a blast; we ate like kings, had a marine on hand for any potential crisis, went on nature walks and laughed for hours. Additionally, my family decided to get together for a long weekend at Massanutten Resort; hiking, playing basketball, competing in air hockey, spending evenings in the hot tub and going zip-lining were all part of our agenda!</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Turning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"> 25</span></div>
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<i>For my birthday, I was joined by 15 of my closest friends for dinner at one of my favorite Baltimore restaurants, Pazo, and then ventured out to Fells Point to drink & dance with a few more friends and coworkers. The entire day and evening was extremely special, and I cannot thank my parents enough for being so thoughtful!</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Holiday Celebrations</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sm4tpRfUR4/UOblBiDCwOI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/fAAc7617-Ro/s1600/photo21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sm4tpRfUR4/UOblBiDCwOI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/fAAc7617-Ro/s400/photo21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I enjoy holiday-related activities, like going on a pub crawl for St. Patrick's Day and watching Fourth of July fireworks with a myriad of friends dressed in red, white & blue. To celebrate the holidays & beginning of a new year, I always get a group of friends together for dinner at a local Japanese steakhouse. This past Easter, I hosted an "adult" egg hunt; it was a hit! For my sister's 21st birthday, we threw an Olympic-themed party and really got into it (outfits and all). I decided to glam it up as Cleopatra for Halloween and rally friends for a couple of fun events. Of course, I also had to find my inner 80-year old and get into the Christmas spirit via an ugly sweater party!</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Cheers to Another Year!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSs9ZJbLQr0/UN46yRa-KzI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/9pvqmlRHUKs/s1600/photo18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSs9ZJbLQr0/UN46yRa-KzI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/9pvqmlRHUKs/s400/photo18.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And last but not least, THANK YOU for supporting my blog. It really means a lot! I wish you all a wonderful 2013 :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images courtesy of © 2012 Chateau de Victoria</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-26307816470542314122012-12-23T20:15:00.001-05:002013-01-23T11:50:38.339-05:00{Glitter Garland}<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do It Yourself...</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Glitter Garland</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhlQFaPUA60/UNR-ib4tYII/AAAAAAAADk4/TRBceZPdA0U/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhlQFaPUA60/UNR-ib4tYII/AAAAAAAADk4/TRBceZPdA0U/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm inspired by many <strong>DIY</strong> projects and like to add my own <em>personal touches</em> to make a craft more "me" and cater to my tastes. However, though I found many adorable phrases and ideas for a <strong>homemade garland</strong>, <a href="http://laurenconrad.com/blog/post/deck-the-halls-diy-be-merry-garland">this one</a> by Lauren Conrad really struck my fancy. So much so that I had to recreate it! This year has been so wonderful and there is so much to be thankful for...that no matter how many other <em>wordy decor</em> ideas I could think of, "<strong>be merry</strong>" fully captures how I feel right now. And the <em>glitter</em> was just the icing on the cake! <strong>For this project, you will need:</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>Cardboard or poster board</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>Scissors</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>X-ACTO knife</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>Spray paint (optional)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>Spray adhesive</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>Glitter</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>Tape</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span>Twine or string</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7GQBn2pQg0/UNR5IPNwF-I/AAAAAAAADj4/MApm6r1rVD4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7GQBn2pQg0/UNR5IPNwF-I/AAAAAAAADj4/MApm6r1rVD4/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Trying to freehand letters on your own can be quite tricky, so in an effort to save time and keep your letters as even in size as possible, use a ruler to divide a piece of cardboard into seven evenly-spaced boxes. Then cut out your letters using scissors. <strong>Note:</strong> an X-ACTO knife really comes in handy for tough spots!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWP6tH_ytIM/UNTgah6hY5I/AAAAAAAADmY/vdW5NoSXCss/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWP6tH_ytIM/UNTgah6hY5I/AAAAAAAADmY/vdW5NoSXCss/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went ahead and spray painted my letters a metallic gold to make them as shiny and bold as possible. Once they were completely dry, I applied a layer of spray adhesive and coated each letter with gold glitter.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SS2lasyEgx0/UNTgfU2JtaI/AAAAAAAADmg/UIfnx-5EzHU/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SS2lasyEgx0/UNTgfU2JtaI/AAAAAAAADmg/UIfnx-5EzHU/s400/photo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once all the letters were dry and any excess glitter had been shaken off, I laid them out according to how I wanted the garland to look. Once I felt it was perfect, I taped string to the back of each letter and <i>voila</i>! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rWHeNuRqIs/UNeso24_YdI/AAAAAAAADo8/Pm4znxbe0GE/s1600/photo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rWHeNuRqIs/UNeso24_YdI/AAAAAAAADo8/Pm4znxbe0GE/s400/photo5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>My garland on two different mantels :)</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGWP5m2890w/UN47tkz-aFI/AAAAAAAAD8c/bA5jQ45lLec/s1600/photo7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGWP5m2890w/UN47tkz-aFI/AAAAAAAAD8c/bA5jQ45lLec/s400/photo7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>(from my sister, Desiree, and I)</i></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images courtesy of © 2012 Chateau de Victoria and Pinterest</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-10473001938297404972012-12-19T13:58:00.000-05:002012-12-19T14:00:48.914-05:00{Wordless Wanderings}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkqKmaFtKH8/UNIIX63BrKI/AAAAAAAADgA/xQElTcCrljg/s1600/tumblr_mdsqtnlbA61qhahoyo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkqKmaFtKH8/UNIIX63BrKI/AAAAAAAADgA/xQElTcCrljg/s400/tumblr_mdsqtnlbA61qhahoyo1_500.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-19161615585629045862012-12-17T13:17:00.000-05:002012-12-17T15:00:00.332-05:00{Favorite Things of 2012}<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today, I am loving...</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Favorite Things of 2012</span></div>
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Last year at this time, I began a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4314916235847893043#editor/target=post;postID=4158256339995095756">tradition</a> of writing down my <em>favorite things</em> and <strong>happiest memories</strong> from the previous 11 months. I consider it a great way to reflect and appreciate all that has happened, and serves as a reminder that <strong><em>life is what you make it</em></strong>. This year was especially adventurous, and I cannot wait to share my 2012 recap with all of you! But until then, I'd like to channel my <strong>inner Oprah </strong>and reveal a <em>few of my favorite things</em>:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Hair & Skin</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOue788kyvo/UM8_LuswGeI/AAAAAAAADck/Fz5Gu0C_TuA/s1600/photo9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOue788kyvo/UM8_LuswGeI/AAAAAAAADck/Fz5Gu0C_TuA/s400/photo9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.ojon.com/products/supercat/ritual.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT8949">Ojon rare blend oil</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.osmotics.com/products/blue-copper-5-elasticity-repair.html">Blue Copper 5 firming elasticity repair</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Nails & Makeup</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1FadgvzlB0/UM869xiG-lI/AAAAAAAADb0/5m4GZQ6axqw/s1600/photo6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1FadgvzlB0/UM869xiG-lI/AAAAAAAADb0/5m4GZQ6axqw/s400/photo6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.essie.com/?cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-Bing-_-Essie+Brand-_-essie's%20nail%20polish">Essie nail polish</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/476/Powerpoint-Eye-Pencil/index.tmpl">MAC colored eyeliner</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Adventure</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCki1TO-hTo/UM87r11s_MI/AAAAAAAADb8/JRGDMSo7hV0/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCki1TO-hTo/UM87r11s_MI/AAAAAAAADb8/JRGDMSo7hV0/s400/photo1.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
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My passport. I was able to visit 6 countries this year!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Fashion</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeIq7wsJ41g/UM88PdW--BI/AAAAAAAADcE/OiyzeuI94tQ/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeIq7wsJ41g/UM88PdW--BI/AAAAAAAADcE/OiyzeuI94tQ/s400/photo3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/ourbrands/lclaurenconrad.jsp#">LC Lauren Conrad Collection</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.7forallmankind.com/?utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Brand%2BNon%2BJeans">7 For All Mankind</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Media</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XptSjC8sbYc/UM89CDGREAI/AAAAAAAADcM/FYCs7fLYpec/s1600/photo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XptSjC8sbYc/UM89CDGREAI/AAAAAAAADcM/FYCs7fLYpec/s400/photo5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/">BBC World News</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/">Bravo TV</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Jewelry & Accessories</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSpltjiDPvw/UM9DUUL94AI/AAAAAAAADds/MfKQ8qAQVEs/s1600/photo10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSpltjiDPvw/UM9DUUL94AI/AAAAAAAADds/MfKQ8qAQVEs/s400/photo10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.katespade.com/">Kate Spade</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.francescas.com/">Francesca's Collections</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Spirituality</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ROk2T8WkMs/UM899U9Us-I/AAAAAAAADcc/R3Hocs3iUhc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ROk2T8WkMs/UM899U9Us-I/AAAAAAAADcc/R3Hocs3iUhc/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bridgewayonline.org/">Bridgeway Community Church</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Lifestyle</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6Cl-DepcWk/UM89c5Zq3tI/AAAAAAAADcU/hGVXBpdrwGU/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6Cl-DepcWk/UM89c5Zq3tI/AAAAAAAADcU/hGVXBpdrwGU/s400/photo4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.earthtreksclimbing.com/">Earth Treks Climbing</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.merriweathermusic.com/">Merriweather Post Pavilion</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Drinks & Eats</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqSFofO_mnY/UM9L_X5b1zI/AAAAAAAADes/r1QmOeNN5UM/s1600/photo11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqSFofO_mnY/UM9L_X5b1zI/AAAAAAAADes/r1QmOeNN5UM/s400/photo11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cappuccino & gourmet pizza!</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-26398415596453081712012-12-13T14:51:00.001-05:002012-12-14T07:46:57.059-05:00{Christmas in the Kitchen}<div align="center">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Indulge in...</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Holiday Goodies</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLk9WqmxqPY/UMomJOrn-9I/AAAAAAAADYE/zh4C-1X0bV4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLk9WqmxqPY/UMomJOrn-9I/AAAAAAAADYE/zh4C-1X0bV4/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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'Tis the season to <em>satisfy your</em> <em>sweet tooth</em> and <em>fill your stomach</em> with the most delicious of foods! Whether at work, home or a friend's, I am <strong>constantly</strong> surrounded by endless goodies (homemade banana bread, oatmeal cookies, chocolates, <em>you name it I've eaten it</em>). I don't feel guilty either. I enjoy eating, and I really like to try new recipes when I can. I had fun making <span style="color: #660000;"><strong>apple pie</strong></span> and <strong><span style="color: #783f04;">sweet</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: #783f04;">potato casserole</span></strong> for Thanksgiving, but sometimes it's nice to add new things to the <strong>holiday grocery list</strong>. So in addition to the traditional foods I indulge in at Christmas (king crab legs on Christmas Eve, monkey bread on Christmas morning, etc.), I'm planning on incorporating these <em><strong>simple yet tasty</strong></em> treats as well:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Rolo Sugar Cookies</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmD6ZWck80s/UMop65LYaPI/AAAAAAAADZA/zzj6pP2ATCk/s1600/photo6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmD6ZWck80s/UMop65LYaPI/AAAAAAAADZA/zzj6pP2ATCk/s400/photo6.JPG" width="278" /></a></div>
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I did a test run on these and they turned out great! To make a traditional sugar cookie even <i>sweeter</i>, just put a<strong> rolo</strong> in the middle of the <strong>cookie dough </strong>ball, bake 7-10 minutes in the oven and voila! Deliciousness.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Pomegranate Sparkling Wine</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac_56yLFiZo/UMoq5friXCI/AAAAAAAADZI/Ugy2NOH22e4/s1600/photo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac_56yLFiZo/UMoq5friXCI/AAAAAAAADZI/Ugy2NOH22e4/s400/photo5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've already stocked up on <strong>champagne</strong>, so this little number looks fabulous. Just take your flute, <em>add pom seeds and a splash of pom juice</em>, fill the rest of the glass with your [champs of choice] and there you have it...a tasteful toast!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cheese Tree</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RSvoCS6zcU/UMor1IxqXMI/AAAAAAAADZQ/-vhUQeBYTqY/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RSvoCS6zcU/UMor1IxqXMI/AAAAAAAADZQ/-vhUQeBYTqY/s400/photo3.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Who doesn't like cheese? I prefer havarti, swiss, brie, mozzarella, cheddar...okay, I prefer <strong>most </strong>cheeses! So why not add baby tomatoes, olives, a little garnish and put it all into an adorable<em> Christmas tree formation</em>? Done and done.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Chocolate-covered Fortune Cookies</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBiAll72tzU/UMoshqDrnJI/AAAAAAAADZY/TIHUTZoYglY/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBiAll72tzU/UMoshqDrnJI/AAAAAAAADZY/TIHUTZoYglY/s400/photo1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yummy! I always love finding out what my <strong>fortune</strong> is, so why not make the experience even more <em>scrumptious</em>? I'm planning on adding this to our family "cookie decorating" night coming up! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Cocktail Sausage Wreath</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4I1IjGPJWIM/UMos_Td0riI/AAAAAAAADZg/3zXGiwbRCww/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4I1IjGPJWIM/UMos_Td0riI/AAAAAAAADZg/3zXGiwbRCww/s400/photo2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just looking at this makes me hungry! Wrap <strong>cocktail sausages</strong> in Pillsbury <strong>crescent roll dough</strong>, bake accordingly, place them in a circle, add some slices of red pepper for a bow and serve with your own toppings/dipping sauces. <em>Mmm!</em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Eggnog Cheesecake Bars</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppJXC4swAhg/UMotvTShfbI/AAAAAAAADZo/fnekJlVKI3A/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppJXC4swAhg/UMotvTShfbI/AAAAAAAADZo/fnekJlVKI3A/s400/photo4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm a huge <strong>cheesecake</strong> buff (<em>did I mention I like cheese?</em>) and this is an enticing spin on your traditional recipe! Why not <em>combine</em> two delicious treats into one? Check out how to make these bars <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/349144/elizabeths-eggnog-cheesecake-bars#close">here</a>. <em>Bon appetit!</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <em>Happy Baking!</em></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-79924090298806953112012-12-11T16:29:00.000-05:002013-01-23T12:02:43.445-05:00{Sassy Schoolboy}<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I'm wearing today...</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/channeling_my_inner_schoolboy/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=65551298" target="_blank"><img alt="Channeling My Inner Schoolboy" border="0" height="405" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Ozdq5it2VEeiJaUHmP5ww/cid/65551298/id/f2roFltERK_pb9c1qHyAzw/size/c400x405.jpg" title="Channeling My Inner Schoolboy" width="400" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/channeling_my_inner_schoolboy/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=65551298" target="_blank">Channeling My Inner Schoolboy</a> by <a href="http://chateaudevictoria.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">Chateau de Victoria</a></small></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I'm channeling my<strong> inner schoolboy</strong>. Over the weekend, I stopped by J. Crew and picked up a ridiculously perfect <em>plaid</em> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/blazers_outerwear/blazers/PRDOVR~28639/28639.jsp">blazer</a></span></span> to go with my dark-colored <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/toothpick/PRDOVR~12453/12453.jsp">toothpick jeans</a></span></span>. Paired with gold jewelry, a fabulous orange<em>y</em>-red <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.ciate.co.uk/mistress.html">nail polish</a></span></span>, my go-to fall/winter <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22574693">bag</a></span></span>, a few spritzes of sexy <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/prada-amber-eau-de-parfum-spray/2851399"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">perfume</span></a></span> and some <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/toms_taupe_suede_womens_desert/thing?id=61883973">suede booties</a></span></span>...I'm <em>downright obsessed </em>with the finished look! I've also been keeping it a little <u>simpler</u> these days with my makeup (I like a <em>winged</em> eyelid with a <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.noircosmetics.com/details.php?pid=12492&title=Black%20Mania%20Kohl%20Eyeliner">kohl liner</a></span></span>, black <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Search.aspx?q=great+lash&cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-GoogleBrand-_-MNY+Eyes-_-great%20lash&gclid=CMWLofyQk7QCFQVnOgodlzwARw">lashes</a></span></span> and a <em>touch</em> of <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/blush/blush--bronzer-duo/orgasm-laguna?utm_source=gan&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=j26781826k147466">blush/bronzer</a>). I also decided my straight hair needed a little revamping this week; I've <strong>braided</strong> my hair into a bun and played around with <strong>curls</strong>! Big things are happening folks!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iirJMfMx_1U/UMelEw8oB3I/AAAAAAAADXI/vqqWg2XGbqg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iirJMfMx_1U/UMelEw8oB3I/AAAAAAAADXI/vqqWg2XGbqg/s400/photo.JPG" width="282" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Actually, they are. For one, I received a <em>significant</em> raise at work. Wahoo! I also just discovered that the back pain I've been enduring over the past several weeks is actually due to a <strong>herniated disk</strong> in my spine, which is also causing a nerve to be pinched. While this news sounds quite distressing, I'm very relieved to know <b><i>exactly</i></b> what the next steps are in the <em>healing process</em>! I've been given a neck brace to wear in the evening, a tens unit to wear whenever necessary and will be the recipient of several epidural cortisone injections. <i>But I'm trying to stay positive! </i>Though bummed I can't <strong>rock climb</strong> for awhile, I'm still able to <b style="font-style: italic;">work out </b>(somewhat) and stay fit. At the end of the day, I'm a <em>lucky</em> lady...all things considered!</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-20730553485978244262012-12-06T16:10:00.000-05:002012-12-10T11:22:36.245-05:00{Holiday Office Decor}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">A Cubicle Makeover: Home for the Holidays</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPMd8goemrk/UMD6A3L6d0I/AAAAAAAADT0/cf1-U6fL-Eo/s1600/photo8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPMd8goemrk/UMD6A3L6d0I/AAAAAAAADT0/cf1-U6fL-Eo/s400/photo8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>My office space is slowly transforming...</em></div>
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<strong>It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!</strong> Over the weekend, I had a <em>lovely</em> time celebrating my <strong>25th</strong> birthday. Between family, friends & coworkers...I couldn't have asked for a more <u>special</u> day. It was full of surprises and was a strong reminder that God has truly <strong><em>blessed</em></strong> me. Now I am ready to indulge in everything <em>Christmas-related</em>! I have been holding on to my <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Christmas</span></strong> cards since my trip to Canada, so I can't wait to fill them out and send them on their way! Then it's time to <strong>scope out</strong> a couple of <em>holiday party dresses</em>, <strong>turn</strong> some <em>cookie recipes into reality</em> and <strong>start</strong> <em>wrapping gifts</em>. But not before adding some <em><strong>holiday cheer</strong></em> to the office as well! Check out these fun, office-friendly ideas:</div>
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<em>Decorate a few pine cones with glitter, grab some extra ornaments & put them all into an old vase! Add a cute ribbon or bow for extra flair.</em></div>
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<em>Spruce up an old picture frame or make one out of candy canes!</em></div>
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<em>Wrap empty boxes and stack them on your desk! I also love the decorated letters to spell out a festive word or phrase.</em></div>
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<em>Since real (and fake) trees are often frowned upon in the office, get creative and make your own! Opt for smaller wrapped boxes for a minimal yet colorful display.</em></div>
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<em>Isn't this a cute idea for a coworker or Secret Santa gift?</em></div>
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Despite the government's <em>endless</em> rules as to what you can and cannot do in the office (seriously, what <em>isn't</em> flammable?), I like to <strong>decorate</strong> for the holidays. So far, I've added <em>tinsel</em> and <em>snowflakes</em> around my desk, along with an adorable little <em>snowman</em> that makes everything smell like <strong><span style="color: #783f04;">cinnamon</span></strong>. A few coworkers already refer to my office space as my "home" and sometimes come visit my "room", so it's only appropriate that it looks <strong>festive</strong>! Since most of us spend more time at our <u>desk</u> than anywhere else, my philosophy has always been to make it as <em>comfortable</em> and <em>tasteful</em> as possible. <strong>Happy decorating!</strong></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-44362546345800826392012-12-05T10:45:00.002-05:002012-12-19T13:57:40.017-05:00{Wordless Wanderings}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-83489921535505418112012-11-27T14:13:00.000-05:002012-12-27T12:18:58.127-05:00{Wishful Thinking}<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/holiday_wish_list_2012/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=64376313" target="_blank"><img alt="Holiday Wish List 2012" border="0" height="424" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/tx2t9iD5W6iuL3iOwCYHjw/cid/64376313/id/ciD4J6evTrSeqU-yOqm6DA/size/c400x424.jpg" title="Holiday Wish List 2012" width="400" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/holiday_wish_list_2012/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=64376313" target="_blank">Holiday Wish List 2012</a> by <a href="http://chateaudevictoria.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">Chateau de Victoria</a></small></div>
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<small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/95130?article=95130-D#article=95130-D">1.</a> // <a href="http://www.katespade.com/lip-crayon-box-set/PSRU0971,default,pd.html?dwvar_PSRU0971_color=974&start=1&cgid=beauty">2.</a> // <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?productId=P256308">3.</a> // <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl">4.</a> // <a href="http://www.ciate.co.uk/mini-mani-month.html">5.</a> // <a href="http://chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default">6.</a> // <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kate-The-Moss-Book/dp/0847837904/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354035728&sr=8-1&keywords=kate+moss+book">7.</a> // <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-australia-cydnee-boot/3270497">8.</a> // <a href="http://www.sephora.com/debbie-harry-eye-and-cheek-palette-P374608?skuId=1444363">9.</a> // <a href="http://www.amazon.com/000-Places-See-Before-second/dp/0761156860/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354035800&sr=1-2&keywords=1%2C000+places+to+see+before+you+die">10.</a></span></small></div>
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<strong>Celebration mode is in full swing!</strong> After sharing a <em>wonderful</em> Thanksgiving with family and indulging in a delicious display of food, the holidays are officially underway. According to my calendar, <em>Thanksgiving Eve</em> marks the beginning of an <strong>amazingly</strong> long period of festive shenanigans, social gatherings and a <span style="font-size: large;">LOT</span> of cooking/baking/eating. I love this time of year, especially since I am about to turn <strong>25</strong> at the end of the week! The past several months have been marked by many exciting <em>travels</em>, personal <em>accomplishments</em> and an abundance of <em>grace</em>. I'm looking forward to celebrating all that has been and is to come with the people I love most. <br />
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BUT! I also love celebrating the most <strong>important</strong> people in my life. While I enjoy doing activities with my family, I have such a <em>blast</em> giving them gifts as well. I got a <em>little</em> excited about all the recent <strong>deals</strong> going on that I'm pretty much done my Christmas shopping! I <em>may or may not</em> have <strike>harassed</strike> urged each of my family members into creating their wish lists ridiculously early, but I think they'll thank me for it later. And though there isn't anything I could possibly need, I also had a little fun picking up some items I've had my eye on for awhile...and created <em>my own</em> birthday/Christmas wish list. I have some really <strong>big</strong> wishes for 2013, but right now I'm <strong>incredibly thankful</strong> for all that I've already been given! Life is good :)<br />
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<small><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Polyvore and Pinterest</span></small></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-31284833508805268112012-11-19T10:44:00.000-05:002013-01-23T12:07:12.127-05:00{Being Polite, Not Weak}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Words of the wise...</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">Politeness </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">(not weakness)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzIlAQvSj1g/UKVXG1cx7BI/AAAAAAAADGU/4WKGuW8pKf4/s1600/naomi2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzIlAQvSj1g/UKVXG1cx7BI/AAAAAAAADGU/4WKGuW8pKf4/s400/naomi2.png" width="305" /></a></div>
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There are a lot of influential, exciting and encouraging things to read and learn about in the <em>blogosphere</em>. Some things we <strong>instantly</strong> absorb and take to heart, though it is often the case that these same things fade away just as quickly as they came. However, there is something I've recently read and keep reflecting on that I want to share with you. While there are a lot blogs that leave me feeling <em>warm & fuzzy</em>, I also gravitate toward blogs that <em>challenge</em> me. As women, we can easily get caught up in a lot...and sometimes we need others to remind us of who we are and what is important. Sometimes the words of strangers can speak volumes. Which is why I think it appropriate to share that which I find to be <em>words of the wise</em>...</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Your Being Polite Not Weak </span></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><span style="font-size: large;">(knowing the difference)</span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I am being polite,<br />do not confuse it with weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I say, “That’s fine, we can do it your way,”</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /><b>do not confuse it with weakness.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I proactively choose <i>not</i> to defend myself,<br />do not confuse it with weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Because we choose not to over-invest in nonsense or someone else’s</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /><b>narcissism – this does not mean we’re rolling over + playing dead.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It does not mean they win + you lose.<br />You are not, in fact, abandoning your values.<br />Rather, you’re simply <b>preserving your energy for things that matter.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When you choose to respond with, “Ok,”</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /><b>rather than creating a situation with someone you don’t hold in high regard anyway,</b><br /><b>you are not being weak.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You are holding your center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Consider yourself:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />Firm<br />Focused<br />Discerning<br />Composed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Your vantage point is one of observing impersonally rather than taking it personally.<br />You understand that not everyone + everything<br />requires <b>a high voltage reaction.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You are being civil.<br />Not weak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Justifying it becomes relatively uninteresting.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /><b>Unnecessary, even</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">There will be moments when self-preservation is called for.<br />But you will know the difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You understand that one does need to be mean to be tough.<br />And that <b>toughness through civility is far from weakness.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You will encounter people + situations who will try to rattle you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">They will try to make you feel that you are not smart, capable or worthy enough.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /><b>They’ll try to imply you don’t know what you’re talking about,</b><br /><b>that you’re not really up for the task.</b><br /><b>Maybe you should step to the side.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Go ahead.<br />Politely step to the side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">People who insist on continuously marginalizing others</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /><b>will leave enough rope to hang themselves.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Let them.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You don’t need anger, cruelty, or snark to prove your point or get the job done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Be on fire.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /><b>Know your rights</b><br /><b>+ of course don’t take any shit.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">But do it with style + resolve.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The world needs your brilliance + composure.<br />We will look to you for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">And you’ll be ready for us.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-<a href="http://danielle-dowling.com/life-coaching-articles">Danielle Dowling</a></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Image via Pinterest </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-50563448554946297612012-11-15T11:53:00.000-05:002013-01-23T11:54:41.816-05:00{Finding Your Inner Handygal}<div align="center">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do It Yourself...</span></em><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Jewelry Projects</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HMhTNuuGOE/UKULp0B-O0I/AAAAAAAADD4/5gKPUqs7kiw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HMhTNuuGOE/UKULp0B-O0I/AAAAAAAADD4/5gKPUqs7kiw/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No matter how busy life gets, I always like to have a few <strong>DIY</strong> projects handy. Over the past few months, I've indulged in a few experiments and have a couple of pictures to prove it! Today, I'd like to share some of my <em>jewelry</em> creations from this summer. The picture above showcases a few <strong>washer bracelets</strong> that I made; these are simple yet great because they easily dress up your wrist (<em>the more arm candy, the better</em>) and are great conversation starters (<em>are those washers on your wrist?</em>). <strong>For this project, you will need:</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Ribbon or tulle</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Scissors</div>
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At first the threading was a tad tricky, but once you thread a few washers you are good to go! I think these will make an excellent project over the holidays with some of my favorite ladies (<em>think silver and gold, paired with champagne and a Christmas movie by the fire...you get the idea</em>). Though slightly different in design, <a href="http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2012/08/how-to-make-a-gear-bracelet-junk-warrior-jewelry.html">this tutorial</a> is one of the best I've read yet!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFn01lYrFDY/UKUR6-CYB5I/AAAAAAAADEs/4eZ4hg4sMo0/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFn01lYrFDY/UKUR6-CYB5I/AAAAAAAADEs/4eZ4hg4sMo0/s400/photo2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After mentioning <a href="http://www.chateaudevictoria.com/2012/03/jazz-up-your-jewelry.html">here</a> about how I wanted to re-organize my jewelry, I made a trip to a nearby historic town and picked up several items to house my treasures. Since many of the vintage items I found were similar in theme and style (nature and pastels), I purchased an adorable earring stand that was designed to look like branches with leaves and little birds, a ceramic birds nest for my watches, a brightly colored flower-shaped bowl for my rings and a laddered bracelet stand that accented the rest of the collection. After all was said and done, I still couldn't find the right piece for my necklaces. So to Home Depot I went in search of a particular kind of wood (notice the leaf pattern) in order to make my own...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkzcJamedwY/UKUXM8awYEI/AAAAAAAADFg/nFwaFg-lF_8/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkzcJamedwY/UKUXM8awYEI/AAAAAAAADFg/nFwaFg-lF_8/s400/photo3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've always loved the variety of knobs I find in vintage stores, so I decided to incorporate them into the re-design of my jewelry collection. <strong>For this project, you will need:</strong></div>
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After purchasing the knobs I liked most, I made sure to measure the space on my wall where I wanted to hang my necklaces before picking up a piece of wood. I had them cut it in the store to save me some extra work, and then I spray painted the wood a soft creme color. When it was completely dry, I measured out where I wanted the knobs to be placed and then carefully drilled the holes. <br />
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<strong><em>Note: some knobs vary in size and length, which can make it harder not only when it comes to the size of the holes to drill (which could effect the layout) but also if you have to cut them down so that they are all the same size. </em></strong><br />
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Since my knobs varied in length, my grandfather helped me cut a few of the screws so that they would line up properly in the back of the wood. Then I screwed the knobs on, brushed off any excess shavings and hung it my wall!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images courtesy of © 2012 Chateau de Victoria</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-1823800947482213632012-11-08T12:20:00.000-05:002012-11-27T14:11:35.775-05:00{Cobalt & Teal}<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I'm wearing today...</span></em><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cobalt_teal/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=62874634" target="_blank"><img alt="Cobalt & Teal" border="0" height="418" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/E1N858lwjIMwNhPGUgZw/cid/62874634/id/vfweRiqGQ4aZGT5M3teA-g/size/c400x418.jpg" title="Cobalt & Teal" width="400" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cobalt_teal/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=62874634" target="_blank">Cobalt & Teal</a> by <a href="http://chateaudevictoria.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">Chateau de Victoria</a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~29350/99102878400/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~cardigan/29350.jsp">J.Crew Jackie Cardigan</a> // <a href="http://www.express.com/stella-colored-jean-legging-cobalt-blue-47939-988/control/page/17/show/3/index.pro">Express Colored Jeans</a> // <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/toms_taupe_suede_womens_desert/thing?id=61883973">TOMS Wedge Boots</a> // <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/michael_kors_chronograph_watch/thing?id=47372752">Michael Kors Watch</a> // <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-blockstripe-loop-scarf?ID=652513&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results">Aqua Blockstripe Loop Scarf</a> // <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nars_orgasm_laguna_blush_bronzer/thing?id=60379193">Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo</a> // <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/technakohl_liner/thing?id=1319149">MAC Eyeliner </a>// <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fresh_sugar_rose_lip_treatment/thing?id=69030075">Sugar Rose Lip Balm</a> // <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1206270/lc-lauren-conrad-silver-tone-simulated-crystal-bow-stud-earrings.jsp">LC Lauren Conrad Bow Earrings </a></small></div>
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You know those days when you just <em>feel</em> good? And to make it even better, you're outfit is a <strong>direct reflection</strong> of your attitude? Well, today is that kind of day. I feel awesome, funky, colorful, lively and comfortable. My body is the <em>definition</em> of <strong>c o l o r b l o c k i n g</strong>. Because today is simply a <em>rockin'</em> kind of day... </div>
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><small><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"></span></small></div>
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<small><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Polyvore and Pinterest</span></small></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-75563404470112223542012-10-26T09:56:00.000-04:002012-10-26T11:57:51.023-04:00{Color Me Pretty}<div align="center">
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<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Pops of Color</span></span></em></div>
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I know I probably sound like a broken record. <em>Color, color and more color</em>. Sure, I love neutrals. Yes, I have plenty of brown, grey and black clothing to go around a time or two. But this season, I've decided to stop my routine of wearing mostly brights during the spring and summer seasons and start adding them to my <strong>fall and winter</strong> wardrobe as well. For instance...</div>
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I decided to invest in a few new items for my closet, including <em>colored</em> jeans. <span style="color: blue;"><strong>Cobalt</strong></span>, <span style="color: #134f5c;"><strong>teal</strong></span>, <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>maroon</strong></span>, <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><strong>rose</strong></span>,<strong> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">mint</span></strong>...I wanted to have more of a variety when it comes to pants. It's already proving to be worth the investment. I love a good, <strong>dark</strong> pair of jeans...but for those days when I want to wear a neutral-colored, over-sized knit sweater or spice up an otherwise traditional 'winter' outfit, these definitely do the trick!</div>
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Sometimes, just <em>one</em> piece of brightly colored clothing is enough to make a <strong>bold</strong> statement. Another item of clothing I love in a great color is a <strong><em>coat</em></strong>. Over the years, my coat collection has grown...and I'm slowly working my way through my favorite colors.</div>
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My <strong>top-pick</strong> color is <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">red</span></strong>. It adds such a pop to your look and compliments every skin tone. I also have grown fond of <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">mustard yellow</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">burnt orange</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #351c75;">bright purple</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color: #274e13;">kelly green</span></strong>. I've got my eye on a certain color this winter, but may need to practice a little self-restraint and add it to my wish list for now. </div>
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For me, a <em>perfect</em> fall outfit is a chunky sweater, paired with colored jeans, a lot of gold accessories and a fabulous pair of boots! Or perhaps a little black dress with colored tights and an eye-catching overcoat. Or maybe even...well, the possibilities are endless! </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-39540439092945306972012-10-18T11:00:00.000-04:002012-11-27T17:01:15.280-05:00{Instagram Moi}<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Follow me on Instagram </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><em>@vmaruca</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(and join in on my adventures!)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><em>www.instagram.com/vmaruca</em></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images courtesy of © 2012 Chateau de Victoria</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-50814626880177848792012-10-15T18:43:00.000-04:002012-10-15T21:06:09.695-04:00{Closet Refresh}<div align="center">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">A Closet Refresh</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsnGfyh6o5w/UHx4GNkC7jI/AAAAAAAAC10/FKVnQPbC3Gw/s1600/76490893641315431_yy9zMD7N_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsnGfyh6o5w/UHx4GNkC7jI/AAAAAAAAC10/FKVnQPbC3Gw/s400/76490893641315431_yy9zMD7N_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"If you can't see it, then you probably won't use it."</span> </div>
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That's my motto when it comes to the refrigerator, pantry, bookshelf...and <i><b>closet</b></i>. I like to visually account for what I own in order to maximize its purpose. I'm <strike>borderline</strike> OCD when it comes to organization, but I enjoy switching up my wardrobe and playing dress-up! So in preparing for the fall & winter seasons, here are some tips on getting your closet (and dresser) in check:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc604pIv32U/UHx6e37KU2I/AAAAAAAAC2A/yngX6KYMY2M/s1600/237213105342393849_XfQpdjYL_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc604pIv32U/UHx6e37KU2I/AAAAAAAAC2A/yngX6KYMY2M/s400/237213105342393849_XfQpdjYL_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Once a Year</u>:</span> </b>Start off by doing an <i>inventory</i> of everything you own. Make piles of the things you <b>(1)</b> love & wear often, <b>(2)</b> sometimes wear, and<b> (3) </b>haven't worn in a year (or more). For the <i>latter</i> two piles, try on every piece of clothing. If it doesn't jump out at you as exciting, comfortable and/or stylish, put it in the (4) <b>"giveaway"</b> pile. Yes, breaking up with material goods can sometimes be difficult, especially if they hold sentimental value, but there is no reason to hold onto, say, your old prom dresses or other various items that you will never wear again. This goes for shoes and accessories as well. Do the right thing and donate these "once-upon-a-time treasures" to someone who will actually use them! Not only will you make someone else's day a little bit brighter, you now have room for new additions! Win-win situation.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Once a Season</u>: </span></b>Some things stay in style and some things never should have been in style in the first place. I'm a firm believer that you should re-evaluate your closet at the <b>start of every season</b> (specifically spring and fall), tossing items that keep appearing on hangers (and in drawers) but are never actually worn. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Helpful tip: Turn all of your hangers backwards and as you wear things, turn them back around, facing the right way.</i> This will show you what you do wear and what needs to be re-considered! </span>If something is stained or ripped, trash it. Your closet should be filled with things you <i><b>want</b></i> to wear, not things you have to avoid.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Once a Month</u>:</b> </span>Clean up and get organized! </span>Take time to put things back in their proper place. Group<span class="Apple-style-span"> clothes together based upon color, cut and/or length. This will make your closet easier to navigate and also allow you to come up with better outfits in a shorter amount of time. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOULKj2jUVs/UHyF7eGhSHI/AAAAAAAAC3c/ns45b2jhR3A/s1600/256564509992119597_3Bq04duS_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOULKj2jUVs/UHyF7eGhSHI/AAAAAAAAC3c/ns45b2jhR3A/s400/256564509992119597_3Bq04duS_c.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I mentioned <a href="http://www.chateaudevictoria.com/2011/02/second-hand-love.html">here</a> about a few charities that welcome clothing donations, but there are so many local and national organizations that will not only take your goods, they'll pick them up from you too! Use resources at your church, office or school to give away your no-longer-needed clothing, shoes & accessories, and check out these sites as well:</div>
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<a href="https://www.soles4souls.org/cgi-bin/donation.cgi">Soles4Souls</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.donatemydress.org/">Donate My Dress</a></div>
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<a href="http://princessproject.org/">The Princess Project</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.planetaid.org/find-a-bin">Planet Aid</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r68KH_Ec2xI/UHyPYKlHxEI/AAAAAAAAC4g/sXy4ODiz_kw/s1600/249386898085138026_QOIINxjG_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r68KH_Ec2xI/UHyPYKlHxEI/AAAAAAAAC4g/sXy4ODiz_kw/s400/249386898085138026_QOIINxjG_c.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-39730261520794407962012-10-11T18:24:00.002-04:002012-10-11T19:08:36.929-04:00{Factory Girl}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today, I am loving...</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Andy Warhol</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>by Nars</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gs1EV4cfr0U/UHc6vhb6x2I/AAAAAAAACzY/0P2D2DEC8pU/s1600/p374608-av-01-Lhero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gs1EV4cfr0U/UHc6vhb6x2I/AAAAAAAACzY/0P2D2DEC8pU/s400/p374608-av-01-Lhero.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pop Factor. Colorful. Fashion Statement. Vibrant.</span></b></div>
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As soon as I <i>spotted</i> this collection I knew I had to <b>share</b> it with all of you fab readers (unless you already know about it, in which case let's just pretend you are as giddy with joy as I am!!). Nars has a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">pop-art </span>inspired collection currently selling in Sephora and a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">factory-inspired</span> collection that will hit stores November 1st!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6hQiXFV0aI/UHc-Xbed-OI/AAAAAAAACzo/eu-WrR6gTK4/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6hQiXFV0aI/UHc-Xbed-OI/AAAAAAAACzo/eu-WrR6gTK4/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEgqwL50Owc/UHc-dyr2jEI/AAAAAAAACzw/xiAv0VA9Q2E/s1600/NARS-Andy-Warhol-Eye-Shadow-Pencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEgqwL50Owc/UHc-dyr2jEI/AAAAAAAACzw/xiAv0VA9Q2E/s400/NARS-Andy-Warhol-Eye-Shadow-Pencils.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YN5Foi7iz28/UHc-hzLwVRI/AAAAAAAACz8/15Q4rYmlmTU/s1600/p375948-av-04-Lhero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YN5Foi7iz28/UHc-hzLwVRI/AAAAAAAACz8/15Q4rYmlmTU/s400/p375948-av-04-Lhero.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What kind of Warhol girl are you?</span></div>
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Pop Art or Factory?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oF32c8zRlTM/UHdEdc5x2uI/AAAAAAAAC04/yxkTQ5uKoBY/s1600/Andy-warhol-1967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oF32c8zRlTM/UHdEdc5x2uI/AAAAAAAAC04/yxkTQ5uKoBY/s400/Andy-warhol-1967.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am and always will be a huge Andy Warhol fan. His work first inspired me back in the early days of college and even in the <a href="http://www.chateaudevictoria.com/2010/11/15-minutes-of-fame-to-last-lifetime.html">early days </a>of this blog. If you ever find yourself in Pittsburgh, do yourself a favor and go visit his museum! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4SO0LgFSiU/UHdD2MmTSwI/AAAAAAAAC0w/JTk_2tPXmXI/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4SO0LgFSiU/UHdD2MmTSwI/AAAAAAAAC0w/JTk_2tPXmXI/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>[snapshots from my visit back in 2008]</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"People need to be made more aware of the need to work at learning how to live because life is so quick and sometimes it goes away too quickly."</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">-Andy Warhol</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Sephora and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"> Chateau de Victoria</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-49320948211978794602012-09-05T11:13:00.001-04:002012-09-05T11:16:35.352-04:00{Brightening Up The Office}<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I'm wearing today...</span></em><br />
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</div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/brightening_up_office/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=58171768"><img alt="Brightening Up The Office" border="0" height="403" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/om7zqZxHSZ7URi1FM20dlg/cid/58171768/id/bpuKXvqPRraPaWCm7DdlJQ/size/c400x403.jpg" title="Brightening Up The Office" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/brightening_up_office/set?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste&id=58171768">Brightening Up The Office</a> by <a href="http://chateaudevictoria.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2210961&.svc=copypaste">Chateau de Victoria</a></small><br />
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<small><strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Live a colorful life.</span></strong></small><br />
<small><strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Be a colorful person.</span></strong></small><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n739AG74UPY/UEdst3Ao35I/AAAAAAAACx4/oW52kAgyBjA/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n739AG74UPY/UEdst3Ao35I/AAAAAAAACx4/oW52kAgyBjA/s320/photo1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />
<small><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Polyvore</span></small></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-18405995051226090352012-09-03T19:54:00.001-04:002012-11-13T11:02:56.854-05:00{Wordless Wanderings}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-57391750019900851882012-09-01T16:11:00.003-04:002012-10-11T18:31:41.131-04:00{Nail MOJO}<div align="center">
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<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">l</span> Nails</span></em></div>
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To say that I have an obsession with nail polish is <i>probably</i> an understatement. <b>I love painting my nails</b>. Blame it on the fact that actually having nails is a recent phenomenon (I was a biter up until two years ago), but it's something I really <i><b>enjoy</b></i> doing!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5omkqXLJdU/UEJlxb0hLUI/AAAAAAAACsU/nnap0CmWNJs/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5omkqXLJdU/UEJlxb0hLUI/AAAAAAAACsU/nnap0CmWNJs/s400/photo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Of course, rock climbing has put a damper on my ability to maintain <i>long </i>nails...but it hasn't stopped me from keeping my hands <b>colorful</b> and creating quite a collection!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5TMtHDL_Uc/UEJo6l5AS5I/AAAAAAAACss/dt_JC1GNzZs/s1600/photo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5TMtHDL_Uc/UEJo6l5AS5I/AAAAAAAACss/dt_JC1GNzZs/s400/photo5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you're like me and also share a passion for collecting nail polish, reach out to friends or family that have a<i> cosmetology license</i> and see if they can help you purchase lacquers at a cheaper price! Also, ask a store clerk if they happen to have any extra <i>stands</i> that you could use to store your polish. They sure do come in handy! </div>
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Of course, one thing that can be a pain when it comes to painting your nails is how long they can take to dry and how easily they chip! In addition to using a top coat, I<i> absolutely</i> recommend <a href="http://www.opi.com/">OPI Drip Dry</a>. I promise you will become an avid user! </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Do you have favorite nail polish brand? Nail color? If so, I'd love to know your recommendation(s)!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images courtesy of © 2012 Chateau de Victoria</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-65061487273234566262012-08-31T17:15:00.003-04:002012-10-26T12:19:41.939-04:00[Eat Your Heart Out}<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Food Stations</span></div>
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I am a <i>food junkie</i> at heart. I could easily spend my days traveling around the world just to try new <b>eats</b>! And while I have been overwhelmed with life lately...I am looking forward to the days where I can slow down a little bit and entertain a little more. One thing I enjoy is presenting food in a fun way. Last spring, I created my first <a href="http://www.chateaudevictoria.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-03T06:01:00-07:00&max-results=3">candy station</a> in honor of my brother's high school graduation...and from there the inspiration has grown. To me, the presentation of food is exciting and can add that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>pop factor</b> </span>to an event. Which is why these theme-inspired food stations are definitely happening in the future:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">Make Your Own Popcorn</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGkGqqNuiQ/UEEcuflQjWI/AAAAAAAACnQ/tzs8BRghkqI/s1600/105482816241987466_5n0h79Nc_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGkGqqNuiQ/UEEcuflQjWI/AAAAAAAACnQ/tzs8BRghkqI/s400/105482816241987466_5n0h79Nc_f.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<i>Perfect for a movie night!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">Candy Apples</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEFGIektKoI/UEEdx2jEfvI/AAAAAAAACng/km3s8lXq12E/s1600/260505159665721202_ZL3RZG2L_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEFGIektKoI/UEEdx2jEfvI/AAAAAAAACng/km3s8lXq12E/s400/260505159665721202_ZL3RZG2L_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I love the use of actual sticks...</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptaolbiDJEY/UEEeZcAmZSI/AAAAAAAACno/ZoxLo26I2ck/s1600/158189005631471179_hH5lMYt7_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptaolbiDJEY/UEEeZcAmZSI/AAAAAAAACno/ZoxLo26I2ck/s400/158189005631471179_hH5lMYt7_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>...along with a variety of toppings...</i></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjJQW-vw1qg/UEEeiUVhGtI/AAAAAAAACnw/vahTxUW_o2Y/s1600/147844800238216770_6xFZ3X9E_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjJQW-vw1qg/UEEeiUVhGtI/AAAAAAAACnw/vahTxUW_o2Y/s400/147844800238216770_6xFZ3X9E_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>...or just use apple slices!</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">Salad Fixins'</span></div>
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<i>For larger events, this salad bar is a great idea! Otherwise, downsize the variety of toppings for a smaller engagement. Who said eating healthy can't look fabulous?</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">Chili Dogs</span></div>
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<i>This is the perfect example of a basic yet fun food station. With football season underway, this table will certainly come in handy.</i></div>
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<i>Now this is right up my ally! I love spaghetti dinners...and this picture might have to come to fruition this weekend.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hx_gSwCxqqA/UEEgy7Ib4HI/AAAAAAAACog/vWMyaUsJuSM/s1600/170151692141079265_UNJotGbT_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hx_gSwCxqqA/UEEgy7Ib4HI/AAAAAAAACog/vWMyaUsJuSM/s400/170151692141079265_UNJotGbT_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Cupcakes are just one of those things that I love...and evidently millions of others agree with me! So instead of spending a pretty penny on store-bought treats, perhaps a cupcake bar would be a sweeter alternative!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">Hot Chocolate Bar</span></div>
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<i>Oh, I'm swooning...</i></div>
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I'm still a lover of the <i>ever-so-popular</i> candy station that I first mentioned <a href="http://www.chateaudevictoria.com/2011/03/good-ship-lollipop.html">a long time ago</a> in what seems like a land far away. Whether you're working with candy or other foods, it has been my experience that buying supplies or display materials at stores like <b>TJ Maxx </b>or <b>Hobby Lobby</b> are great for your budget and come in handy more often than you think! Disregard Mom's old rule of not playing with your food and get creative :)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Is there a food station you've tried that you thought was a great success? Any inspiration you can offer?</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-33874843741136416322012-08-20T16:22:00.007-04:002012-10-11T18:31:59.851-04:00{Wedge Boots}<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">TOMS Wedge Boots</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlS4L3aDwfY/UDKTakDUxLI/AAAAAAAACkA/bz9ZhgTD9Ks/s1600/toms-desert-boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlS4L3aDwfY/UDKTakDUxLI/AAAAAAAACkA/bz9ZhgTD9Ks/s400/toms-desert-boots.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Cannot wait to try on a pair!</em></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely love fall.</span></strong></em> Yes, the summer is (and has been) an awesome time. There is so much to do and enjoy outdoors, not to mention an abundance of sunshine! But as much as I've done and experienced this summer...I have an <em>overwhelming excitement</em> for the fall season. It's not just the <strong><span style="color: #660000;">skinny jeans</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">pumpkin spiced lattes</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #20124d;">long sweaters</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #274e13;">colorful leaves</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">knit socks</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #444444;">cool nights</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">apple or</span></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">chard</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">visits</span></strong> or desire to <strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">snuggle up by a bonfire</span></strong> that have me in a tizzy...it's also the knowledge that big things are in the works! And of course, it doesn't hurt that it's also <strong><span style="font-size: large;">boot</span> <span style="font-size: large;">season:</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBQ71JerjfY/UDKKalXetLI/AAAAAAAACiw/0e5RHhDYt8g/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBQ71JerjfY/UDKKalXetLI/AAAAAAAACiw/0e5RHhDYt8g/s400/Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Oh, how nice of you to exist...</em></div>
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When I spotted these boots in the latest TOMS catalog, my [inner] socially responsible fashionista did a backflip. How stinkin' cute! You've seen <strong>TOMS </strong>mentioned on this blog <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4314916235847893043&postID=1234209461698595008">many</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4314916235847893043&postID=3698466409304693507">many</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4314916235847893043&postID=8432202563129584121">many</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4314916235847893043&postID=119067362391260285">many</a> times...and maybe one day you'll even see them mentioned on my resume. Regardless, do yourself a favor and check out their products. I think the fact that I'm one of their <u>biggest blog cheerleaders</u> should automatically qualify me for a meet-and-greet with their <strong><a href="http://www.toms.com/blakes-bio">Chief Shoe Giver</a></strong>...<em>just</em> <em>sayin'.</em> I don't ask for much, but when I do it's usually worth asking for ;) </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz25M5jowy0/UDKQmCjKIcI/AAAAAAAACj0/aEmkF8yVwaQ/s1600/Desert-Wedge-Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz25M5jowy0/UDKQmCjKIcI/AAAAAAAACj0/aEmkF8yVwaQ/s400/Desert-Wedge-Boots.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/new-styles?view=all">Check 'em out for yourself</a></div>
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The way I see it, this is always a win-win situation. You're desire to look fashionable and be comfortable also allows for a child to have better health and access to education...<em>all because of a shoe</em>. And not just any shoe, but a variety of footwear, sunglasses and other apparel as well. Trust me, I'll have you on the TOMS bandwagon in no time...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”</em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">-Gandhi</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>
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<small><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Google</span></small></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314916235847893043.post-6262872174350947732012-08-02T12:45:00.008-04:002013-01-23T12:10:51.182-05:00{iPhone Syndrome}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Accessorize yourself with...</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">A <span style="color: #073763;">Case</span>lift</span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvNz3440tLk/UBqxcM8uv8I/AAAAAAAAChU/Fsrs-BN-Lh0/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvNz3440tLk/UBqxcM8uv8I/AAAAAAAAChU/Fsrs-BN-Lh0/s400/photo3.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>
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Hi folks! Between an <i>active</i> summer calendar, keeping it <b>fun</b> on the fitness front, <u>busting my butt</u> at work (while <i>also</i> giving my cubicle a makeover) and adding to my list of DIY projects...I've been breezing through these last couple of weeks with a little gusto. Let's just say my iPhone has been working <em>overtime</em>. It keeps me prioritized, on my <b>A-game</b> and in-the-know at every turn. It can take quite a beating, which is why (every now and then) it can certainly use a <em>case</em>lift:<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Out with the old...</span></em></strong></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">In with the new...</span></strong></em></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-firP0fzOQh8/UBqjb-a8xhI/AAAAAAAACfI/eL3ChukHFIM/s1600/kate-spade-blue-white-airmail-iphone-4-4s-case-product-3-2673326-904633434_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-firP0fzOQh8/UBqjb-a8xhI/AAAAAAAACfI/eL3ChukHFIM/s320/kate-spade-blue-white-airmail-iphone-4-4s-case-product-3-2673326-904633434_full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We <i>use and abuse</i> our phones more than anything else. It constantly needs to be cleaned (platform for germs galore), can be dropped often (you know who you are), is shoved into a number of things (let's keep it G-rated) and yet still <u>yields</u> to our every request and desire. Essentially, our phones have become an<i> extension</i> of ourselves. So naturally, they need a <b>pick-me-up</b> once in awhile...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHujLzqLqMM/UBqnjv-aPcI/AAAAAAAACgA/idUepK2IAt4/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHujLzqLqMM/UBqnjv-aPcI/AAAAAAAACgA/idUepK2IAt4/s400/Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maybe my love for dressing up has gotten a <i>little</i> out of hand, but there are so many creative styles out there when it comes to phone cases! Why not make it a <b>reflection</b> of your personality and taste? That said, maybe I should opt for either of these cases instead:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCfKb1xyY_Y/UBqtP9M1fHI/AAAAAAAACgk/snClcOKzLIE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCfKb1xyY_Y/UBqtP9M1fHI/AAAAAAAACgk/snClcOKzLIE/s320/photo.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dsA8r2ZUP0/UBqtUlUIPSI/AAAAAAAACgs/jdWLBbvTnlU/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dsA8r2ZUP0/UBqtUlUIPSI/AAAAAAAACgs/jdWLBbvTnlU/s400/photo2.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sometimes you've got to spice it up!</b></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85865/vmaruca/8c6679444d416797fa9877d8fb98b233.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>
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<small><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Images via Pinterest</span></small></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright © 2011 Chateau de Victoria. All Rights Reserved.</div>Victoria Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03410936855471596315noreply@blogger.com0