tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803997563966869182024-02-01T19:49:43.946-07:00The Liz Diaries A blog about memory keeping, travel, books, my thoughts and more.Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-2554931182621229382018-03-24T14:18:00.000-06:002018-03-24T14:19:56.530-06:00Memory Keeping: Saint Petersburg, Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlcn6E28UPRxTRs8lvacJ9dPp1UIY8h3x08KJ1689ZFjk83hp09rmgdY-BjBNzRo6Wj8_XqzGgFwmJb5tW4L-KtOGt5pMtCrYZL0SCLElWBNlmgThCI8iuzP-zov8YSv1T-HcEwCnSxM/s1600/IMG_1805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlcn6E28UPRxTRs8lvacJ9dPp1UIY8h3x08KJ1689ZFjk83hp09rmgdY-BjBNzRo6Wj8_XqzGgFwmJb5tW4L-KtOGt5pMtCrYZL0SCLElWBNlmgThCI8iuzP-zov8YSv1T-HcEwCnSxM/s640/IMG_1805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">If I keep saying how much I'm loving pocket page scrapbooking please forgive me, but I LOVE pocket page scrapbooking! It's the best thing since sliced bread. The thing I love the most about it besides that it's so much easier than traditional scrapbooking is that I can mix it with traditional scrapbooking when I want to. It's the best of both worlds and t</span><span style="text-align: left;">hese two pages show precisely that. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This spread is about the birthday trip I took to Florida last year. The boarding pass page was inspired by the wonderful Kelly Purkey. Check out her process on her blog <a href="http://www.kellypurkey.com/its_me_kp/2015/07/asia-album-part-one-manila.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFxkfkuYt8wiChuUh3yQbnKhY8-SqukifnAW3hU7UV__by03hOy4VTYOaeo-914xlUwndfiCcULC6TNM_D6pqH8E1VANhqO1LIU2CjTtyZ4yM1hhmmK9iTt3b64-DmTyHPgl1WSJ4wQI/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFxkfkuYt8wiChuUh3yQbnKhY8-SqukifnAW3hU7UV__by03hOy4VTYOaeo-914xlUwndfiCcULC6TNM_D6pqH8E1VANhqO1LIU2CjTtyZ4yM1hhmmK9iTt3b64-DmTyHPgl1WSJ4wQI/s640/IMG_1808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please tell me what is your favorite type of memory keeping?</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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-Liz</div>
Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-67028853019255594112018-03-08T18:01:00.001-07:002018-04-03T15:53:38.544-06:00Fat Girl: A True Story by Judith Moore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a while since I wrote about a book, but it has also been a while since I read a book that really moved me. I finished Fat Girl: A True Story recently and I was moved to tears by it at least a handful of times. </div>
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This memoir is mainly about Judith Moore's difficult childhood as an overweight little girl who is constantly yearning for love, acceptance and affection from her single mother. At times it is difficult to read because you feel so heartbroken for Judith. It is not a happy book to say the least, but I think this book is perhaps a great reminder to us all to be a little kinder to people because we have no idea of the things that they have experienced in their lives and why they are the way they are. </div>
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Judith's story reminded me very much of my own struggles with weight and how people have been quick to judge me. Not to say that I haven't been that person who has made a quick assumption about someone I barely knew. I have been guilty of this as well. At the end of the day we have to remember that nobody's life is perfect and the way that each of us copes with our hardships is unique to each of us.</div>
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Overall I enjoyed reading Judith Moore's memoir. I was a little disappointed because the book seemed to end kind of abruptly, but I think what I enjoyed the most about it is that I could relate to many of the things Judith experienced and felt and knowing that another person in the world has had similar experiences makes me feel a little less like a freak and a little more human and we could all use more of that feeling can't we?</div>
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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-Liz </div>
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<br />Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-92099828036991014612017-09-13T15:52:00.000-06:002018-04-03T15:40:13.836-06:00Traveler's Notebook: Finca Vigia, The Hemingway House<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa1R5ZFGSvGIXjz5D2FxlIjowSkXx3DiSwg53Nat_ZnzuadgYG0k5LnBGNBK477BnIF7MUwFXf5dwvGKQ22Pn3jB0bxdrQ_-KuVgccO9cGhriavGk7sZ_cj_J4PWRjnpJb_i9BdQSIWw/s1600/Cuba+TN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa1R5ZFGSvGIXjz5D2FxlIjowSkXx3DiSwg53Nat_ZnzuadgYG0k5LnBGNBK477BnIF7MUwFXf5dwvGKQ22Pn3jB0bxdrQ_-KuVgccO9cGhriavGk7sZ_cj_J4PWRjnpJb_i9BdQSIWw/s640/Cuba+TN.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Product links: <a href="http://www.michaels.com/10202885.html?mkwid=syfr9u9CK|pcrid|201354693296|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|prd|10202885&cm_mmc=zadv_PLASearch-_-google-_-All-Products-RLSA-_-All-Products-RLSA&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=All-Products-RLSA&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=syfr9u9CK|pcrid|201354693296|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|prd|10202885&gclid=Cj0KCQjwruPNBRCKARIsAEYNXIjjlU9JcN1W0rG9VZVoZYFXVWMJ5-_l_hgqkXNdV9tXvK74xDEelLwaAsQ8EALw_wcB" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Butterfly Stamps</span></a>, <a href="https://www.scrapbook.com/store/ac-377299.html?cmp=GSHOP&gclid=Cj0KCQjwruPNBRCKARIsAEYNXIibzQOMnL-MoVLb7HKAWZnB1W05eB2cSAWIwAJRgfmQ4pUAbue1KYoaAtxaEALw_wcB&kw=ac-377299&utm_campaign=google-free-shopping-feed&utm_content=ac-377299&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google-shopping-feed" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Butterfly Stickers</span></a>, & <span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midori-Travelers-Notebook-Refill-pages/dp/B001BEBI96" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">T</span><span style="color: blue;">raveler's Notebook Insert</span></a></span>.</span></td></tr>
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If you follow me on Instagram it's no secret that I have been obsessed with Traveler's Notebooks in the last year or so. It seems like I am moving away from the traditional 12" x 12" scrapbook pages more and more and instead documenting my travels in these little notebooks that measure about 4.33" x 8.25."<br />
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This particular little spread is making my heart very happy because look at all those butterflies and look at Ernest Hemingway's house in Cuba which is full of books! What's not to love? Especially when butterflies and books are two of my most favorite things. Stay tuned for my Cuba trip blog post coming soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj_trVad5NvAzOANFKBo6Lg2l3u2OxjMGJf3eMD6LCiYQfTmbQJMWfzIzZOKTitujX-n2af9N86Be6QnPjPzkWJ2y_sjhL_nkyKw1F7O4xkR2-SeV2loeOtn0242mFfmmD8dfX0r0iw8/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj_trVad5NvAzOANFKBo6Lg2l3u2OxjMGJf3eMD6LCiYQfTmbQJMWfzIzZOKTitujX-n2af9N86Be6QnPjPzkWJ2y_sjhL_nkyKw1F7O4xkR2-SeV2loeOtn0242mFfmmD8dfX0r0iw8/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIhVq8Su69of0qa7JsgOKF0hhGdpqo0Jn8Qdm5836jgjTZvnsGQkodCIX7N7YVj_CICBuqmQl5rWeN4Z95HOIGk-ue9f4huCkUs0_E4eiWf4FCij1QfWyS-CHmvJrHFfEwad8r1GoK_U/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIhVq8Su69of0qa7JsgOKF0hhGdpqo0Jn8Qdm5836jgjTZvnsGQkodCIX7N7YVj_CICBuqmQl5rWeN4Z95HOIGk-ue9f4huCkUs0_E4eiWf4FCij1QfWyS-CHmvJrHFfEwad8r1GoK_U/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thank you so much for stopping by.<br />
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Until next time!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-52504989202020394862017-05-25T10:27:00.001-06:002017-08-03T15:28:32.656-06:00What I Learned From My First Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcPyeZb-TIKLxbFpTxAfRY1xIQ-Ueeyb-GWDmMhIqNXpjUYI0gTwFs2jn6ijjFtqx5-qFav3s98nDwRhF0GDt6nx9f5mcBHOIcWvNq0O_7Itv1gw2P0nk6SpWA9ZrftPTmyhdC3XaN4I/s1600/Half+Marathon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcPyeZb-TIKLxbFpTxAfRY1xIQ-Ueeyb-GWDmMhIqNXpjUYI0gTwFs2jn6ijjFtqx5-qFav3s98nDwRhF0GDt6nx9f5mcBHOIcWvNq0O_7Itv1gw2P0nk6SpWA9ZrftPTmyhdC3XaN4I/s640/Half+Marathon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did it. I completed my very first half marathon about a month ago and for someone like me who has never been a runner (as a kid I didn't really run either) I think this is pretty fucking awesome. It took me 3 hours and 27 minutes to finish the whole 13.1 miles which equates to approximately 15 minutes a mile, but it was almost three and half hours of badassery if you ask me and let me tell you why, because running is hard people! Especially when you're out of shape and don't have an ounce of athletic ability in you which I don't. <i>None</i>. Even as a kid I always got picked last for sports teams during P.E. and I have this suspicion that I only got picked because the team captains had no other choice. Yes, I was <i>that </i>kid, the chubby kid who couldn't (and still can't) throw a ball to save her life. A few summers ago I took tennis lessons and I still can't play, that's how bad I am at sports. So to think that I could ever <i>run</i>, let alone run a half marathon is completely out of character for me, but I did it. I actually participated in a half marathon and completed it and while I know I am no poster child for health and fitness and definitely not an expert in running, I think this experience has taught me a few things that I'd like to share with people who maybe want to start running and participate in a race, so here's what I've learned so far:</div>
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1.) <b>Get Some Good Running Shoes. </b>They are expensive, but so worth it. Just make sure you go to a running store to get fitted for the right pair. I've attended Zumba classes for the last 6 or 7 years and ever since I started running I use my running shoes for Zumba class too and I can tell a huge difference on my feet when I use regular tennis shoes instead of my running ones. My feet don't feel as supported and they hurt. When you are putting that much stress on your feet they need support and good running shoes are the only option. The good news is that this is the most expensive thing you will buy. You don't <i>need </i>fancy workout clothes or gadgets to run especially at first when you don't know how much money you want to invest into this thing. I did just fine with my Walmart and Target yoga pants and t-shirts that I already owned;<br />
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2.) <b>Find a mentor. </b>I was lucky enough to have my boss mentor me through this thing. He is a seasoned runner and he answered my questions, gave me tips and even cheered me on (thanks Jason!). If you don't know anyone personally who is a runner use social media to find someone. I have found that I really enjoy following accounts of people who document their running, fitness, weight loss, and nutritional journeys on social media and I also find them very helpful and inspirational. Most of the time they are happy to answer your questions;<br />
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3.) <b>But do what works for you.</b> Everybody is different, so what works for one runner may not work for another. Listening to your body and practicing different nutritional intake methods for long runs, etc., is all part of the learning process. I'm still learning about this stuff myself. Don't feel like you have to do what other runners do. Take the advice or suggestions with a grain of salt is all I'm trying to say;<br />
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4.) <b>Don't give up and be consistent.</b> I know this is a given, but it has to be mentioned since there will be times, many times, when you will want to give up because you think it is too hard or you're too out of shape or you think you're too slow or you feel self conscious and uncomfortable. (I was really hung up on how slow of a runner I am for a long time, but I got over it.) The list of why you want to quit is endless and reminds of when people go to my Zumba and Yoga classes for the first time and about 20 minutes into the class they walk out because they can't keep up or can't do some of the moves. I always feel like yelling out, "Wait! Don't leave, it gets easier! You're not even giving it a chance!" Doesn't everything we do get easier the more we do it? Just look back at every job you've ever had and how you might not have known how to do everything at the beginning, but you learned and the more you did it the more it became like second nature to you. It's the same thing with running, it gets easier the more you do it and like anything there will be good days and bad days so be prepared for that as well, but consistency is key; and<br />
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5.) <b>Sign up for a race.</b> Nothing will motivate you more than the pressure of having a race with a date set in stone creeping up on you. Believe me it works and 5k races are a good way to get your feet wet and then you can work your way up from there.<br />
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This whole experience has made me very happy and hopeful for the future. If I'm overweight with bad knees, mild sleep apnea, sinus headaches, and plantar fasciitis at times and I was able to do <i>this</i>, I'm starting to believe that maybe I can do ANYTHING and that is perhaps the most important thing I have learned from this experience.<br />
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I hope to continue my running journey this year and see where it takes me. I would love to lose some more weight, see how my body changes and improve my speed and my confidence. So here's to those of us who dream and chase after those dreams, literally. Onward and upward!<br />
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Thank you for reading my story.<br />
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-Liz<br />
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<br />Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-48312064351158267842017-05-08T20:14:00.000-06:002017-05-08T20:14:01.816-06:00Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This book is so many things. Too many things. Perverse. Mystifying. Poignant. Sinister. Tragic. And yes, at times even comical.<br />
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I thought for sure the sociopath in me would feel absolutely no sympathy for Humbert Humbert. I was wrong (damn you Nabokov!) because for a mere few pages I did. I was sure I would give this book 3 stars out of 5 at the most, but as I kept reading I discovered this type of writing deserves 5 because it is the kind of writing that makes you want to be a writer. I think everyone should read this book at least once in their life.<br />
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"Great novels are shocking; and then, after the shock dies, you get aftershocks." -Martin AmisLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-25753918675960222412017-02-12T06:00:00.000-07:002017-02-12T06:00:00.846-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: I am a World Traveler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Scrapbook Sunday!</div>
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xo</div>
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-Liz</div>
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<br />Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-34068282646995291632017-01-17T17:57:00.000-07:002017-08-03T15:50:20.576-06:00Conquer: My Word for 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have always loved the start of the new year because it feels like a fresh start, a new beginning.<br />
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Normally I would write down my goals and resolutions for the year and share them here, but this year I'm trying something a little bit different. While I will write down a to-do list for the year, I do not intend on sharing it on this blog. Instead, I will just share the word I have chosen for 2017 which is <i>Conquer</i>. This word will be my point of focus for the year and I will incorporate it into my life as much as possible. I have already put it down in my notebook as shown above, but I want to make it visible to me in other areas too like my office and bedroom so that I see it every single day, multiple times a day even. I have shit to conquer dammit!<br />
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If you're unfamiliar with this idea I invite you to check out this video by <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://aliedwards.com/one-little-word" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Ali Edwards</span></a> </span>where she explains her <i>One Little Word®</i> concept.<br />
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Do you have any resolutions, a to-do list, or a word for 2017? Whatever it is that you have in mind for this year, I hope your 2017 is filled with productivity and fulfillment. I now that's what I want in mine.</div>
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Until next time!</div>
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-Liz</div>
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<br />Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-47577548778491811272016-12-04T04:00:00.000-07:002016-12-07T10:27:19.341-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: Chichen Itza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A look back at my Chichen Itza trip from 2003.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-15807582729123803472016-11-16T16:07:00.001-07:002016-11-18T11:39:45.030-07:00My (Post Election) Feelings One Week LaterIt has been one week.<br />
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One week since we learned who the president elect would be and even though the lump in my throat and the knots in my stomach have dissipated, there is still some poignancy lingering over me like a dark cloud.<br />
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For me this election has been personal especially as a woman. A Latina. A daughter of immigrants. It wasn't about Democrats vs. Republicans or Liberals vs. Conservatives. It was about doing the right thing. It was about not letting hate win. There is so much at stake for us that my heart is aching and I'm feeling scared.<br />
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No, not scared, <i>petrified</i>.<br />
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And no, I'm not just petrified that climate change will be put on the back burner or taken off the agenda altogether.<br />
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And I'm not just I'm petrified that members of the LGBTQ community may lose equality rights.<br />
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And I'm not just petrified that women may lose reproductive rights.<br />
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And I'm not just petrified of the uncertainty of the state of our economy.<br />
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It's just that I'm <i>also</i> petrified that the most vulnerable members of our society have been made even more susceptible to hate and mistreatment. It's also that the floodgates of hate have been opened and it seems that the racist, misogynistic, bigoted people of this country who perhaps were once closeted have been given permission to come out and openly spew hate towards Latinos and Hispanics, people of the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Black Americans, and people with disabilities, among other minority groups. Then there are the children. I cannot even fathom being a parent and having to explain this to your children or prepare them for what may come. I am petrified for the children <i>and</i> the parents. And while I remain hopeful that I'm wrong about a lot of these things and that the checks and balances in our government will work the way they're supposed to so we can keep some of the freedoms that are in effect today, I can't help but feel like we are taking a huge step backwards, but above all I am sickened at the thought of the most powerless people in our communities being attacked.<br />
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I am trying to see the other side of this and how people who feel let down by the system and are tired of career politicians feel, but frankly I'm having a very hard time justifying the outcome of this election solely on those things. I cannot wrap my head around why people feel that electing a person who was born into great wealth and privilege could possibly understand them, and worst of all, a person who not only condones, but also promotes hateful behavior. All I can say is that I'm glad my dad isn't alive today to see this, I know he would be heartbroken to see this happening in the country he loved so much.<br />
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My only consolation is that I know not everybody has this hate in their hearts. I know that the closest people in my life do not have this mindset, not even a little. I also try to remember that nothing in this life is permanent, nothing lasts forever. Worse things have happened before. Our ancestors have endured much worse and yet here we all are. We are the product of the most resilient of our predecessors. So I hope as we process and grieve this loss, which by the way we are allowed to do, that we also hold our heads up high and stand with each other and for each other.<br />
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These are just my thoughts.<br />
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-Liz <br />
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P.S. I found Episode '602: The Sun Comes Up' of the <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/602/the-sun-comes-up" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">This American Life</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Podcast </span></span>helpful in processing the outcome of this election a little more. It has stories from different perspectives of this election and it may help you too.Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-56913825204503712472016-04-24T07:00:00.000-06:002017-02-10T11:51:34.189-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: Live Love Create<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been quite a while hasn't it? I thought this scrapbook page went hand and hand with my <a href="http://www.thelizdiaries.com/2016/04/big-magic-by-elizabeth-gilbert.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">last blog post</span></a>. Interestingly enough, Big Magic is about creating, see what I did there, huh? huh?<br />
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I'm very proud of this page by the way. It's really nice to see how my scrapbooking style has evolved.<br />
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Happy Scrapbook Sunday!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-73101387097634246052016-04-06T16:02:00.004-06:002016-04-24T21:16:37.822-06:00Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Magic Instagram Photo from @thelizdiaries taken at Union Square Barnes & Noble in NYC</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I just take a moment to say how much I love Elizabeth Gilbert? I freaking </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">love</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> this woman!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok now that we got that out of the way can we talk about her last book called Big Magic? I freaking <i>love</i> this book!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm all about following your dreams and living your best life possible and the main reason I love and admire this writer so much (can we say girl crush?) is because she is such a huge advocate of those things. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.6px;">In Big Magic Elizabeth Gilbert talks about how living creatively is not only important, but necessary. As she says, "a creative life is an amplified life, it's a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life and a hell of a more interesting life. Living in this manner continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you is a fine art in and of itself because creative living is where the big magic will always abide."</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.6px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.6px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The best part about this book is how realistic Elizabeth Gilbert is about living a creative life. Doing so does not mean quitting your job, your family and your friends to go live in seclusion to write or paint or do whatever art it is you want to pursue. You also don't have to get yourself into debt by getting a degree from some fancy Liberal Arts college. Nor does creativity have to be painful or torturous. All of these romanticized ideas of what a creative person is suppossed to be are not always true and one key </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15.6px;">thing to also keep in mind is that there is an endless list of things that fall under the creativity spectrum. In the book Elizabeth Gilbert gives an example of a friend of hers whose creative outlet is ice skating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second best part about this book is that Elizabeth Gilbert explains that although fear is an inevitable part of our lives, it is not a bad thing necessarily. She brings this up fairly early in the book because p<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">eople come up with all kinds of excuses of why they are not creative and more often than not what really lurks under those excuses is fear. Just plain old fear. It is ok to acknowledge fear and even welcome it, however, it is not ok for fear to control any part of your creative process as she puts it. </span></span></span><br />
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I was lucky enough to see Elizabeth Gilbert on the first day of this book's tour last September in New York City and it was a dream come true. Unfortunately, she did not do any book signings, but I was able to purchase a pre-signed copy of Big Magic and listen to Elizabeth Gilbert speak about creativity and then do a Q & A and let me tell you that she is just as amazing and authentic in person as she is on TV and in her books. Fortunately, Barnes and Noble recorded a part of that evening as you can see in the video below. (I freaking love the internet!)<br />
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"Your own reasons to make art are reason enough. Create whatever causes revolution in your heart." </div>
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So what will you create?</div>
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Thanks for stopping by. Until next time!</div>
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-Liz</div>
<br />Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-26122141796414262372016-03-04T16:00:00.000-07:002016-03-14T21:28:50.052-06:00My Handbag Obsession Goes Way Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This isn't the best photo of me, but I have so few childhood photos of myself that I treasure what I do have, at any rate, this is all the proof I need to show my obsession with handbags goes waaaay back to the 80's.<br />
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Happy Friday!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-42027921832701844512016-01-10T13:13:00.001-07:002017-02-08T17:57:13.523-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: Hello Brooklyn Bridge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This page though, I love it!<br />
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Happy Scrapbook Sunday!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-51264567805528122902016-01-08T22:33:00.001-07:002016-04-10T22:44:22.742-06:00My 2016 To-Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hate to sound redundant, but I <i>finally</i> finalized my 2016 to-do list, woohoo!<br />
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Last year was not my greatest in terms of completing my year to-do list, in fact it outright sucked. It was a rough year health wise. I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and that drained me emotionally and financially a bit too, but at any rate, it's time to make myself accountable. Let's take a look at 2015's to-do list and see what I did (and didn't do):<br />
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<b><u>2015 To-do List</u></b></div>
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1.) <i>Lose (an additional) 20 pounds (plus the 4 I gained over the holidays);</i><br />
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Didn't happen, in fact I gained 15 pounds. :(<br />
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<i>2.) <i><s>Scrapbook at least through 2009. That means scrapbooking about 14 different trips and events that happened between 2007 and 2009</s>. Yes, I'm that behind, but this is the year for getting closer to being caught up</i>;</i><br />
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Ok, so I don't think I quite made it through 2009 on catching up on scrapbooking, but I have been on such a scrapbooking kick lately that I got pretty damn close so I'm crossing half of it off.</div>
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<i>3.) <i>Build up my emergency fund</i>;</i></div>
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This was a bit rough to do considering my unexpected medical bills this year.</div>
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<i>4.) <i>Get a new and professional design for my blog</i>;</i></div>
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<i>Didn't happen, again, due to some drainage of the wallet.</i><br />
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<i>5.) <i>Be kinder to everyone. In general I think I'm pretty nice, but if someone is mean or rude to me I tend to react the same way and that's not a good way to be</i>; <i>and</i></i><br />
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<i>I think it's time I give up on this one. Maybe I was born this way and people just need to deal with it. HA!</i><br />
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</i>6.) <i><s>Drink less soda. I am not giving up soda all together, but since I have a can of Diet Dr. Pepper almost every day, I think I need to cut back quite a b</s></i><s>it.</s><br />
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I stopped buying soda for home in 2015 and was able to cut back on it quite a bit that way. As of lately I have cut it off almost completely, yay!<br />
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<b><u>2016 To-do List</u></b></div>
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1.) <u><b>Declutter and Organize</b></u> - 2016 will be the year of declutter and organization for sure! I am talking about organizing my digital photos and my scrapbooks and purging out stuff I don't need or use like DVDs and books, and just getting rid of all the things that don't bring me any joy and just take up space;<br />
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2.) <u><b>Spend Less and Save More</b></u> - Since 2016 will be the year of declutter and organization it does not make sense for me to buy more stuff to replace the things I am getting rid of right? A nice byproduct of this will not only be that I will be able to put more money in savings, but also have money to do more of the things I'd like to do like buy a new computer or do a volunteer project abroad or get a new design for my blog, etc.; and<br />
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3.) <u><b>Get Healthier</b></u> - This year, instead of focusing on a weight goal, I am focusing on making better choices all around when it comes to food. I also want to try different workouts like running more. Basically I want to feel better and get closer to eradicating my sleep apnea.<br />
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Ta da! That's it, that's my list for the year.<br />
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What are your new year's resolutions? Happy 2016!<br />
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-Liz<br />
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<br />Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-38515559659861695292015-12-20T07:00:00.000-07:002015-12-20T07:00:12.063-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: Smile in Naxos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWUs4x-P16y64NuGtsCaX86oAThcw8TkpShdkMmpo1lHUzApIZAe-NA9IHI9JmFOaVvrlWN9sZAaGWc34s3MifJjbFxNZM5mYr7-_FoWcBDj9XvMLNJvEvK1MOB99RErZhoU9LulnBWI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWUs4x-P16y64NuGtsCaX86oAThcw8TkpShdkMmpo1lHUzApIZAe-NA9IHI9JmFOaVvrlWN9sZAaGWc34s3MifJjbFxNZM5mYr7-_FoWcBDj9XvMLNJvEvK1MOB99RErZhoU9LulnBWI/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One more of Greece. I'm getting pretty close to being done with this trip from 2008, holy moly!<br />
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Happy Scrapbook Sunday!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-29338461260394313552015-12-13T07:00:00.000-07:002015-12-18T12:10:04.215-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: La Virgen del Panecillo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6sCvWNSZ7bO6PXHvSYMFtdyRTp_B-lTjTzMawAApkYxdvFG0xbveUiy_-0V-S-W9CjfGjC4GlA_JKMKn2Swla5BgnxxYUgqvuqgwpU15aiBPZ9p9PDNioYSePYNtJVpe7LiDMWAqdK0/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6sCvWNSZ7bO6PXHvSYMFtdyRTp_B-lTjTzMawAApkYxdvFG0xbveUiy_-0V-S-W9CjfGjC4GlA_JKMKn2Swla5BgnxxYUgqvuqgwpU15aiBPZ9p9PDNioYSePYNtJVpe7LiDMWAqdK0/s640/003.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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I made this scrapbook page recently from a trip I took to Ecuador in 2009. That's La Virgen del Panecillo in Quito, Ecuador.<br />
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Happy Scrapbook Sunday!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-37626425149995572772015-12-04T14:12:00.000-07:002015-12-04T14:12:04.029-07:00Hmmmm, Where to Next?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Morocco? Yes!<br />
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China? Yes!<br />
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India? Yes!<br />
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Until next time!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-37479232206767540942015-11-30T21:46:00.001-07:002015-12-01T15:52:32.950-07:00Crazy About Stamps<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I cannot believe what I have been missing out on, these acrylic stamps are the best thing since sliced bread! I'm so in love with the few I have and I can't wait to get more.</div>
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Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-62175540898121341102015-11-29T06:00:00.000-07:002015-11-29T06:00:05.212-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: Greece in my Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEk3iwApOz8J6OBDqcF9msQObR0ODcloQ0gJojyTIwpADBQIXDy9aIBwFLh-MovLS3JizJa2ShUqYO94MbeAnkbj0rP7zOlJsF-qFlxyUC1221why7bsMOBIC0olnYaoF2Vxc5ELB_Lp0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEk3iwApOz8J6OBDqcF9msQObR0ODcloQ0gJojyTIwpADBQIXDy9aIBwFLh-MovLS3JizJa2ShUqYO94MbeAnkbj0rP7zOlJsF-qFlxyUC1221why7bsMOBIC0olnYaoF2Vxc5ELB_Lp0/s640/007.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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Greece is always in my hearts and I love how this page turned out.<br />
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Happy Scrapbook Sunday!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-65204369015726627442015-11-27T23:51:00.001-07:002015-12-01T15:52:47.989-07:00Scrapbooking Addiction<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U68c03IChKh3xms5SYjv2LISmrqUggERsO993Cs7Mgh4qtxRYzhT7W-1_f8cmi5ZR8tQcl3CVtjFFpOJ86bXcIf-9SRLduwz2lLYlOSw5aEGdC1qdFjM2o7zx9NRowYHdlZjZ8k73PU/s640/blogger-image-1522519148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U68c03IChKh3xms5SYjv2LISmrqUggERsO993Cs7Mgh4qtxRYzhT7W-1_f8cmi5ZR8tQcl3CVtjFFpOJ86bXcIf-9SRLduwz2lLYlOSw5aEGdC1qdFjM2o7zx9NRowYHdlZjZ8k73PU/s640/blogger-image-1522519148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from my Instagram: @thelizdiaries </td></tr>
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Lately I can't get enough of scrapbooking and I'm so glad because hopefully that means I'm catching up. And yes that's me having a burger with a friend in 2009 (before the wrinkles started coming).</div>
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Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-50207686624016226862015-11-24T13:05:00.001-07:002015-11-24T13:05:11.108-07:00My New Midori<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYLnzCCtoE5bmA-eYcglBUD81Qxrdh1rcvuNVBllVFUm6HkNNJ3-6alNICPRnUxTlvJboQju0uf_fzFSIXtYdjWsW5zIOJ2tjX78DyLuAyz1WyfmoaQGS68TsGtA-0AirftMJ2ZMe6zE/s1600/midori.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYLnzCCtoE5bmA-eYcglBUD81Qxrdh1rcvuNVBllVFUm6HkNNJ3-6alNICPRnUxTlvJboQju0uf_fzFSIXtYdjWsW5zIOJ2tjX78DyLuAyz1WyfmoaQGS68TsGtA-0AirftMJ2ZMe6zE/s640/midori.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from my Instagram (@thelizdiaries)</td></tr>
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I'm so in love with my new Midori Traveler's Notebook. I decided to go for the regular sized Midori after purchasing the passport sized one and realizing it's a bit too small for every day use.</div>
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This weekend I decorated the notebook insert that it came with using my new Tim Holtz paints that I got at the Pinner's Conference and Heidi Swapp stencil that I found at Tuesday Morning. I love how it turned out. Can't wait to do more of this!<br />
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Until next time!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-1412527846133678072015-11-15T12:59:00.001-07:002015-11-19T17:28:55.451-07:00Scrapbook Sunday: A Beautiful Mess<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubwIqCC9fos-byMShW6D18qX_LSl9f3eOG5CLqWTeScOU8saznmSQDzwYU48-tMBzjYhfAcFIwhs4g-86bO-1q8Q8phE3xyJPuuUvXBQ1jQRauqAwzcMAshQ_yIT9zJYLIRKk5PV1gLY/s640/blogger-image--1684453226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubwIqCC9fos-byMShW6D18qX_LSl9f3eOG5CLqWTeScOU8saznmSQDzwYU48-tMBzjYhfAcFIwhs4g-86bO-1q8Q8phE3xyJPuuUvXBQ1jQRauqAwzcMAshQ_yIT9zJYLIRKk5PV1gLY/s640/blogger-image--1684453226.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is my scrapbook haul from the Pinner's Conference, Michaels and Tuesday Morning over the last week. </div>
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I'm beginning to realize that buying the stuff might actually be more fun than scrapbooking...</div>
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Happy Scrapbook Sunday! </div>
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-Liz</div>
Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-46198398440163818572015-11-09T21:41:00.001-07:002016-06-20T14:18:48.034-06:00Pinner's Conference 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG01cq7kJvECWXMf-hnpRn9XKPD1qOKubHnQj4mzJs8MBcJOiPF0s1AcnbBUMk-hldfc3P40EOG2a8EgJvnzwOgIJRxg7uxx0_yChDO1aJ4LFc0Tkyw-m3Ar_cQ9EtbVDhEFhRWMe2cg/s640/blogger-image--679655795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG01cq7kJvECWXMf-hnpRn9XKPD1qOKubHnQj4mzJs8MBcJOiPF0s1AcnbBUMk-hldfc3P40EOG2a8EgJvnzwOgIJRxg7uxx0_yChDO1aJ4LFc0Tkyw-m3Ar_cQ9EtbVDhEFhRWMe2cg/s640/blogger-image--679655795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Zo_L-z0brs0Zy9RDuXEXC48p9Km83wLtrAE1omncql6BOLs5pJdCVoHf1ZMUy25BUg0rN9bxzeGpt3D2-3zCKXPSALM2aKSXV1SP35XMxnzYBaEoma7PGHNEoc9CkofQb1_PoivHvw/s640/blogger-image-1390146416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky Higgins talking about Project Life</td></tr>
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I found out about the Pinner's Conference (yes, it's a thing) a week before it started thanks to a coupon I was given at Michaels. Apparently this is the second year this conference has been around and it might just be a Pinterest aficionado's dream come true!</div>
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I bought the two-day all-class pass, normally $40.00 ($36.00 with my Michael's 10% off coupon) plus tax which lets you register for all classes on Friday or Saturday. Unless of course you get the VIP pass for $90.00 then you can start the fun on Thursday evening and not have to register for any classes in advance. </div>
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Friday was a bust, mainly because I didn't know how things worked. The first class I went to was called "The Magic of Building your Brand" and it honestly wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It was a panel of women discussing their brands, that's all. I'm sure it didn't help that I didn't know who any of them were. Then I went to the Calligraphy class, which I was not able to register for in advance because it was booked up by the time I got my pass and the day off at work. I "stood by" for it and got in, however, they did not have enough calligraphy kits for all the standbys so I was essentially just watching a tutorial, but even those standbys that did get a kit were not seated at a table so they had to practice on their laps. Lame. I figured out pretty quickly that being registered for a class was not enough, you have to get to the classroom early so that you get a good seat or table. By the time Saturday rolled around, I was a an expert. I attended both Becky Higgins classes on <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/project-life/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Project Life</span></a> and the Project Life App. I already knew about Project Life and how it works, but listening to Becky Higgins was such a treat. She is just lovely and I did learn a thing or two about the Project Life App and I may even use it some time. My second class was a water coloring class and I'd say that was the highlight for me. Getting that watercolor pallet gave me lots of joy and then getting to water color made me feel like a kid again. It was so fun.</div>
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Lastly, I took a wood painting class. I essentially just painted a wooden "hello" sign, but still pretty fun.One other thing to keep in mind is that some of the classes have "optional" kits that you can purchase. For example the water coloring class cost me $15.00 (for the water color pallet and brush) and the wood painting class was $10.00 (for the sign and paint) both were plus tax. So the materials for the classes are not included in the pass you buy to get into the conference. Overall I really enjoyed myself, particularly on Saturday. There weren't a ton of vendors, but I still managed to get some steals on some scrapbooking supplies (like, $3.00 12 x 12 paper pads!) so I think it's safe to say that I will be attending this conference again next year. Just a few things to remember these tips for next time:</div>
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1.) Register, register, REGISTER for classes well in advance if you can;</div>
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2.) Even when registered for a class arrive at least 15 minutes early and get in line so you get a good seat/table; and</div>
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3.) If you get the 2-day pass, hold on to that band that gets you into the conference. I was scolded for taking Friday's off and asking for a new one on Saturday (even though they could have checked my ID to make sure I was the person on the ticket!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My watercolor creations </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Hello sign</td></tr>
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For more information go to the <a href="http://www.pinnersconference.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pinner's Conference</span> <span style="color: blue;">website</span></a>,<br />
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I hope to see you there next year!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-90357392925969390562015-11-04T12:57:00.000-07:002016-04-07T10:26:40.804-06:00Wild: From Lost to Found in the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I craved Snapple through out this book because Cheryl Strayed mentions fantasizing of having one a few times in the book. </td></tr>
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At the age of 22, Cheryl Strayed looses her mother (who was only 45 years old) to cancer. It is at that point that Cheryl's life spirals out of control. She starts using sex and drugs to numb the pain of her loss, destroying her marriage and ultimately loosing herself in the process.<br />
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In 1995, a few years after her mother's death, Cheryl embarks on the journey of hiking over 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (which goes from the Mexican border to the Canadian Border through California, Oregon and Washington) as a way of healing herself and it is through this journey that she begins to do just that as well as forgive herself.</div>
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I knew I would like this book when I cried on page <i>one </i>of the prologue after reading this: "I was alone. I was barefoot. I was twenty-six years old and an orphan too. An actual stray, a stranger had observed a couple of weeks before....." Ugh, so powerful and relatable (to me anyway) and what can I say, I love a memoir. It is perhaps one of my favorite book genres, I especially like memoirs of women who have overcome painful obstacles in life. <i>Those</i> are my favorite kind of memoirs.<br />
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Cheryl Strayed's honest and unapologetic tone in the book were wonderful. Then there's the movie. Don't even get me started on the movie. I freaking loved it! Reese Whitherspoon was phenomenal in it and it is one of my favorites now.<br />
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Well, that is all for this time, until next time!<br />
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-Liz</div>
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Liz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680399756396686918.post-79297929459170232012015-10-29T20:19:00.001-06:002015-11-24T11:10:10.079-07:00It was the Best of Times, it was the Worst of Times: Saying Goodbye to the First Passport I held on to for the Whole Ten Years of Validity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRanZilabEIQYJcBlivmyRYy4NrjA9atZX-nlInmFRblrSYz-1hOnzo9dV2bckMLRO9wZdriqkzWaYs3XsY4V90zK3zBGI91T3RtXQ72osU_ByEakD-bS3SvXdOitDbo7hES-2zUp7duU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRanZilabEIQYJcBlivmyRYy4NrjA9atZX-nlInmFRblrSYz-1hOnzo9dV2bckMLRO9wZdriqkzWaYs3XsY4V90zK3zBGI91T3RtXQ72osU_ByEakD-bS3SvXdOitDbo7hES-2zUp7duU/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well I did it. I successfully held on to this passport for the whole ten years that it was valid for. I know, I know I'm finally growing up. *snif snif* <br />
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Until next time!<br />
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-LizLiz Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761780605629191960noreply@blogger.com0