tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-607744450540963492024-03-06T02:33:25.110-05:00Love, Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-49440696939981591642013-06-10T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-10T09:00:07.167-04:00Best Layover Ever<br />
I still haven't blogged about all the <a href="http://lovetinamarie.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-before-thirty.html">30B430</a> things I managed to accomplish. This post is about number four:<br /><br />Dip my toes in the pacific ocean.<br />
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After my fabulous birthday in Vegas (more on that later) I had to fly back to DC using the most roundabout flights possible, my layover was in Long Beach, California. While some people would have been livid at the idea of going the opposite direction in order to reach their final destination I saw it as an opportunity.<br />
<a href="http://smurfeats.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> booked the same flights I booked and I told her we were using our 5 hour layover to leave the airport and head to the beach.<br />
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It was INSANELY windy that day, but it's never too windy for a selfie. </div>
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After our jaunt on the beach we headed to <a href="http://www.eatchronictacos.com/">Chronic Tacos </a>for some good eats, and they did not disappoint.<br />
Our server even told us that there was a bus to get back to tthe airport just a few blocks away. Which was way better than another $25 cab ride.<br />
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And that is the story of the first time I ever saw the Pacific Ocean. <br /><br />Best. Layover. Ever.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Tina Marie<br />
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<br /><br />Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-17488495803128689632013-06-04T08:00:00.000-04:002013-06-04T08:00:08.666-04:00I Cheated...When I made my summer checklist I cheated a little bit.<br />
2. Go to the beach<br />
I had already done this! If you follow me on facebook you have likely seen the awesome pics being posted of my vacation in the Outer Banks. This year I stayed in Nags Head with friends. It was amazing.<br />
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Sarah bought a tent shade thing from Coleman. This was maybe the best purchase she has ever made It was great to have a place on the beach that was shaded from the sun, and easy to find. If you look REALLY closely you can see both of us in there. </div>
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One of the days at the beach we decided to make a day trip to Orcacoke (pronounced like Okra and coke).</div>
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Ocracoke is an island very close to South Carolina. We had to take a ferry to get there. This is pic of the girls on the ferry ride back. </div>
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One of the days we spent poolside we decided to go buy pool floaties. We had a large order and the store (Wings) offered to blow them up for free. It seemed silly not to accept. </div>
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One of the days spent on the beach I decided to dig a hole, then I got in the hole. I promise I was wearing a bathing suit and wasn't naked. </div>
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This is one of the many lighthouses in the OBX. I think this was Bodie Island. </div>
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I love the time I spent in the OUter Banks and can't wait to go back next year! </div>
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Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-13951685208149142882013-06-02T13:24:00.000-04:002013-06-02T13:24:00.936-04:00Summer Checklist<br />
I really enjoyed my 30 b4 30 list. It was a great way to hold myself accountable for lots of things I wanted to accomplish. I still need to write blog posts about a few of these, but in the mean time I decided to write another list; a summer checklist.<br />
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So, in no particular order here are things I want to do this summer (by September 15th - also it comes out to one thing per week):<br />
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1. Make popsicles<br /><br />2. Go to the beach<br />
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3. Go to an outdoor movie (screen on the green type thing)<br /><br />4. Run a half marathon<br />
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5. Go to an outdoor concert<br />
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6. Run through a sprinkler<br />
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7. Ride a roller coaster<br />
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8. Go fruit/berry picking<br />
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9. Roast Marshmellows<br />
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10. Make Sun Tea<br />
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11. Go to a Baseball game<br />
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12. Paint something/ create art<br />
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13. Grill out in my backyard<br />
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14. Take a nap in the sun.<br />
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What are your summer plans?<br />
Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-2549148156549282012013-04-15T13:48:00.001-04:002013-04-15T13:48:48.290-04:00The Best Thing I Ever AteI LOVE Food.<br />
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Some people might call me a food snob. I don't see myself as one simply because as much as I love truffled goose liver with gold shavings (made-up item), I equally love Doritos (not a made up item). I understand there is a difference between the two, but I can't help but enjoy the junk. That being said, the best meals always consist of a little effort being put forth. In this case the effort wasn't mine, but that of PRIME in Las Vegas.<br />
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Prime is a swanky steakhouse. While in Vegas for my fabulous birthday celebration (more on that later) one of the nights the crew decided to eat at PRIME. One of the other birthday girls had eaten there before and claimed it was fabulous. She did not disappoint.<br />
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Prime is located in the Bellagio hotel overlooking the dancing waters. Ya'll... we sat on the patio, overlooking the water (and occasionally getting a misting from the dancing waters). <br />
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This is right before our meal standing in front of the signage. Yes, those ARE tiaras. </div>
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This is the view from the table. Yep, that's the Eiffel Tower in the background, along with dancing waters. </div>
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This isn't the best picture of the three of us, but it's the birthday girls! </div>
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So I wish I had taken pictures of our food, but I didn't cause I was too anxious to get it in my mouth (twss). </div>
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Three other girls and myself split a bottle of wine, 3 (different) steaks, 3 appetizers, and 4 sides. We call it musical plating. I LOVE when I can share food cause I love trying as many things as possible. </div>
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Our menu was: </div>
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1 Bottle of blended red wine (Sarah ordered it so I cant even give specifics)</div>
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Bacon Wrapped Shrimp</div>
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Market Tomatoes, Burrata Cheese, Mussini Balsamic & Basil Salad</div>
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Roasted Baby Beets, Yogurt, Crispy Shallots & Fresh Herbs Salad - SO GOOD</div>
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Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Quince & Bacon - YES YES YES!</div>
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Ginger Sweet Potatoes</div>
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Chickpea Fries</div>
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Gratin Dauphinois with Comté Cheese</div>
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Bone in Rib-Eye - THE WINNER OF THE NIGHT (IMO)</div>
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Bone in Filet </div>
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Regular Filet</div>
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I suppose what all this is getting at, is that if you are in Vegas, you NEED to eat here, otherwise the terrorists win.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Tina Marie </div>
Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-37771175629701648592013-03-15T11:28:00.000-04:002013-03-15T11:28:14.105-04:00Habeus Papem! <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Habeus Papem! Viva il Papa! </span><br />
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Sounds like spells from Harry Potter? It's not, it's Latin. We have a new Pope! I know almost all my readers know that I am Catholic, and the church has every reason to celebrate right now. For those living under a rock, our previous Pope, Benedict stepped down last month, citing old age and inability to meet the demands necessary to lead the church. Catholics everywhere were stunned. It was completely unexpected. I felt very unsure. I did a lot of praying that this was the right move for the church. It's no secret that the Catholic Church is riddled with scandal. Between sex scandal cover ups, Vatileaks, and the infighting in the curia, it is a tough time to be Catholic. </div>
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In the two weeks leading up to the conclave I did a lot of reading on the papabili (the contenders for pope). Technically it could have been any of the 115 cardinals in the conclave, but there always emerge a few "front runners". As I read the biographies one stood out in particular: Jorge Mario Bergoglio. I knew he was a definite long shot, but I thought it's what we needed. He is a Jesuit. I have a special place in my heart for the Jesuit order, as I went to a Jesuit College. I know from first hand experience how AWESOME the Jesuits are. Unlike Diocesan priests they don't focus on the every day running of a Church. Instead they live in communities together, and the Jesuits are famously known for their efforts in education and ministry to the poor. The Jesuits at Loyola would have happy hour with the students every Friday at a local bar. Why? Because they go where the people are. They are humble, easy to talk to, and accepting of all kinds. </div>
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I was at work when the white smoke first billowed out from the Cistene Chapel. I shed a few tears at my desk, and along with the rest of the Catholic world I was in shock when the Pope was announced: Jorge Mario Bergoglio, taking the name Francis I. St Francis is known for his life of poverty and ministry to the poor. I really should have had money on my pick in Vegas, I would have cleaned up. </div>
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As elated as I was, and still am it's still not an easy time to be a Catholic. This is where living in New Orleans was awesome, EVERYONE is Catholic. You never have to explain yourself. Among my (very educated) friends I often feel like I'm defending my decision to belong to a peasant religion. I know they don't mean to offend, but it's really hard to be constantly questioned and (feel) attacked. Sometimes I feel like people hold me personally responsible for every wrong doing of the church. It doesn't stop with people I know either, I see it on TV, and in the news, every where people constantly questioning Catholics (sometimes warranted, sometimes not). I don't write this because I want to be some sort of victim. I choose to be a part of this religion, with all it's flaws, because I so intrinsically believe in the dogma that has nothing to do with the curia, or Vatileaks, or sex scandals; it has to do with faith at its core. </div>
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I really have every faith that God was in the room, helping the cardinals at the conclave make their decision. I think Pope Francis is exactly what this church needs, and I look forward to growing in my faith with him as our leader. </div>
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Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-16356552682493336312012-12-17T14:08:00.001-05:002012-12-17T14:08:22.314-05:00Everything is Bigger in Texas: Another 30 B4 30 Goal!<a href="http://lovetinamarie.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-before-thirty.html">Number 13: Go to a game at Cowboys Stadium.</a><br /><br />While I was on my life sabbatical and living in Texas for a few months I realized I could totally cross this one off my list. You know the saying that everything is bigger in Texas? Jerry Jones took that one to heart.<br />
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I went with my entire family. We went to a preseason game, so the weather was beautiful. Cowboys Stadium and The Ballpark in Arlington (where the Texas Rangers play) share parking lots. A baseball game just happened to be playing the same night so we parked in the Rangers parking lots cause they were cheaper. The walk was maybe half a mile to the stadium.<br />
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This thing is huge. (TWSS)</div>
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This is right outside the front doors. More TVs.</div>
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Fireworks and the infamous screens.</div>
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"Smaller" side screens.</div>
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The standing room is kind of amazing. Walking around the stadium you almost don't need seats as there are so many awesome places to stand (and set your drink down) while you cheer. We had seats but only stayed in them for about half the game.</div>
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All in all I would DEFINITELY go back and watch another game, but I don't know that I would want to watch a regular season game there. There is so much to be distracted by (look! shiny object!) that I think I would lose track of what's happening on the field. I think I'll stick to Clarendon Grill for my regular season football watching.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-62429282056143877372012-11-27T09:00:00.000-05:002012-11-27T09:00:06.088-05:00Go Home Panda. You're drunk.I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I totally know I did.<br />
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My day started off with meeting my good friend Jena for lunch at Honey Pig.<br />
What is Honey Pig? I am glad you asked. It is the most amazing Korean BBQ place in Annandale, VA.<br />
It's sort of like Hibachi, in that your food is cooked right in front of you/ at your table. It differs from Hibachi because you don't get a show. You order your meat and they waitress comes to toss it on the wok. She will occasionally pass by to stir or cut the meat, but really, it is all on you. Jena and I always order the thinly sliced spicy pork belly. AKA the Korean equivalent to bacon. Lots of spicy, spicy bacon. We totally demolished it.<br />
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Also to be noted, this place is open 24 hours. </div>
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After Honey Pig we wanted/needed to walk off all the food, so we headed to the <a href="http://nationalzoo.si.edu/">National Zoo</a>. The Zoo is part of the Smithsonian, so it's free! (Parking, however, is not!) It was too cold for most of the animals, so we went through a lot of "houses" (The Reptile House, The Bird House, etc). It was a fun way to spend the afternoon. The National Zoo is more sprawling than I thought it would be, which was interesting considering I had run my first <a href="http://www.lovetinamarie.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-did-it.html">5K</a> that very morning before lunch! By the end of the day I was pooped! </div>
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All in all I had a great time, and this is by far the best picture of a panda I have ever seen:</div>
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"Go home panda! You're drunk." -Jena</div>
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Love,<br />
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Tina Marie</div>
Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-7114006779873870082012-11-25T13:23:00.001-05:002012-11-25T13:24:49.717-05:00I did it!1. I am taking a page out of <a href="http://incasesomethingexcitinghappens.blogspot.com/">Annie's</a> book, and pretending like I never took a months long hiatus from blogging. I am diving back in.<br />
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2. I FINALLY did my 5k!<br />
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What it all comes down to is that after I moved to Virginia I was ridiculously lax about my running schedule. I am working at night, and have been using that as an excuse not to exercise. About a month ago a bunch of my friends signed up for <a href="http://www.ccapca.org/turkeytrot.htm">The Turkey Trot </a>in Arlington. I waited too long to sign up (they sold out) but ran it anyways sans number. My unofficial (stop watch) time is 41 minutes. It's nothing to brag about time wise, but considering I just decided to run 3 miles after taking weeks and weeks off, I was pretty proud of myself.<br />
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These are the fabulous ladies I ran the race with. We all broke apart once the race started, but we all hung out together at the finish line!</div>
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I am so lucky and thankful to have such awesome friends. I am also really happy that I finally crossed this off my <a href="http://lovetinamarie.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-before-thirty.html">30B430</a> list!</div>
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Finally, because she has always been an inspiration to me, this one is for <a href="http://losingweightinthecity.com/">Theodora</a>!</div>
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A race isn't officially over until you take a picture holding a banana! </div>
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Love,<br />
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Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-33197408833498247022012-07-10T18:33:00.002-04:002012-07-10T18:33:53.333-04:00Running Like the WindOkay, so maybe I'm not exactly running like the wind, but I AM running. Even though I let one of my 30b430 goals get away from me doesn't mean I will let all of the slide away. I keep trying to schedule a time to accomplish number six:<br />
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Run a 5k, no walking allowed.<br />
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I'm so close to this goal. I started the Couch to 5K program 6 weeks ago. It's an eight week program, and by the end of it I'm supposed to be able to run a 5K. I have to say... It is working! It's a great training program, it really built me up from nothing. When I started I couldn't even run 30 seconds without needing to stop and walk. I'm now up to 10 minute runs! I know it might not sound like a lot, but for me it is a HUGE accomplishment. Also, I don't just run 10 minutes, I just get a break and get to walk after 10 minutes. Usually the break is about 3 minutes long, and then I run for another 10 minutes. I really think that I'll be able to accomplish my goal in just a few more weeks. The biggest problem is going to be finding a 5K to run in. I had plans to run in a 5K in NOLA, but now I'm not sure that will happen, as I am moving. The goal is to find a 5K in East Texas. They are plentiful in Dallas, which is a good hour drive from my parent's house. I may have to suck it up and drive it. We will see. In the meantime I'm just really excited to reach my goal. I even think I want to continue with the running and train for a 10K next!<br />
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Love,<br />
Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-16037997032319877292012-07-09T13:28:00.000-04:002012-07-09T13:30:16.931-04:00Kids, You Tried and You Failed. The Lesson is: Never Try.<br />
I love that Simpson's quote. Seriously.<br />
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I know about a million days have passed since I last blogged. I totally failed at my 30b430 goal of blogging twice a week. Cest' la vie.<br />
Not that it's a reason, but my main excuse is that my laptop was stolen. Yep, sucks. I still haven't replaced it either. Thank God for the Loyola Library and my student ID still working.<br />
So much has happened since my last entry. The biggest announcement is...<br />
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I'M MOVING BACK TO VIRGINIA!<br />
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Crazy, I know. Trust me I didn't arrive at this decision lightly. I really wanted things to work out in New Orleans. I was excited to settle down, and start a new life here, but alas, things don't always turn out as you plan. People are asking why I'm moving bacj, there are a few reasons, these two are the biggest:<br />
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1. I was disillusioned. My memories of New Orleans are all from college. I of course knew that things would be different, but all I could think about were the festivals, parades, warm weather, tubing and all the other things that made me love this city so much. In reality all of those things are just as amazing as I remembered, but what I didn't remember was the crime, the dirtiness, the inability to walk from my car to my front door without looking over my shoulder, the lack of education, the commuting. Some of these may seem trivial, but after living in one of the nicest zip codes in America for the past six years, it was really hard to come back to this. I consider myself a pretty tough person. I grew up without a lot of money, and I'm no stranger to the struggles of the middle class, but living in New Orleans is beyond that. The bad neighborhoods are everywhere, crime is everywhere. You see people littering on a daily basis. You see people just not caring about their environment. It's all really hard to witness. The Texan in me is viciously proud, so when I see people not taking care of my neighborhood it makes me angry. When I see kids wandering the streets in the middle of the day, instead of at school, it makes me angry. When I have to drive everyplace I go, because I'm too scared to walk alone at night, it makes me angry. All of this really shattered the rainbows and puppies illusion of New Orleans that I had built up.<br />
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2. Friends. The other reason I'm moving back to Virginia is because I miss my family there. Not my biological family, but the friends I made into family. New Orleans people are some of the greatest people on earth, but as an "outsider" it's hard to make friends here. Everyone who lives here is from here, and they have all had the same friends for life. I'm not exaggerating in the slightest. When people here ask where you went to school, they don't mean college, they mean high school. High school pride is huge here, it's how everyone is connected. As someone from Texas, by way of Virginia, it seemed impossible to meet people my own age. I'm sure it can be done, but I was just not having any luck. I had a few sorority friends here, and I want to give them all the credit in the world, they are the reason I made it 7 months. Alas, I am a social butterfly, and I just needed more interaction. I know that I can get that in DC.<br />
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So, I tried New Orleans, and I failed New Orleans. It's not like I'll never be back. I still love the city and her people. I just know now that Virginia is my home.<br />
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Love, Tina Marie<br />
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PS- It would be wrong not to mention the social media campaign for my return to Virginia.<br />
A fake twitter was made: <a href="https://twitter.com/FakeVATina">https://twitter.com/FakeVATina</a><br />
Hats/ Logos were made: <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product2.aspx?from=CustomDesigner&number=666634944">http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product2.aspx?from=CustomDesigner&amp;number=666634944</a><br />
A Petition was sent out: <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/tina-cordova-move-back-to-virginia">http://www.change.org/petitions/tina-cordova-move-back-to-virginia</a><br />
And a facebook page was made: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinaCordovaMoveBackToVirginia">https://www.facebook.com/TinaCordovaMoveBackToVirginia</a><br />
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Thanks ya'll, you really make a girl feel loved.Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-37106080683182674132012-04-23T14:50:00.001-04:002012-04-23T14:50:24.524-04:00Little Known FactsNow that I have moved I am even more aware of finances and how much things cost. I'm a big penny pincher, but I also love going out to eat and looooove sitting in coffee shops to work. I have learned a few tricks in my time to pinch those pennies even farther, and now I am here to share them with you.<br />
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The Starbucks Refill<br />
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Did your mind just get blown? You can refill your beverage at Starbucks for either fifty four cents, or for free.<br />
Here is how. As much as you love the grande frappucino with extra whip and a shot of expresso, it isn't the cheapest thing on the menu, it's also a "specialty drink". Instead opt for a Grande coffee with a shot of caramel, or my summer favorite the passion fruit shaken iced tea lemonade. All the non specialty beverages are refillable for just fifty four cents (tax included, so it may very by a few cents in your state). BUT there is more if you have a starbucks rewards card the refill is FREE. A rewards card is free, it's basically a starbucks giftcard. If you find yourself a Starbucks patron more than once a month it would behoove you to pay with a giftcard/rewards card. Your purchase is 5% off and you get free refills. Also, if you don't go to starbucks don't hesitate to ask your local coffeehouse about their refill policy. I know that CC's offers one free refill as well.<br />
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Free Auto Zone Reading<br />
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Did a light just go off on the dashboard of your car? You have no idea what's wrong? The first step you should take is driving yoru car over to AutoZone for a free on board diagnostic reading. Basically a customer service associate will ome out to your car and hook up the device. Within a minute or two you will have a free diagnostic reading on your car. Your problem might be as simple as a bulb replacement. you definitely don't want to pay a mechanic $100 an hour to tell you the same thing. Also, if your battery is drained AutoZone will recharge it for FREE. They also have a tool loan program. If you put down a deposit you can check out a tool for a day. Just bring it back and get your deposit back. It's totally worth it to sign up for their rewards program. If you know how to change your own oil they run a special for all the oil you need and a filter for $10! That's way better than $30-$40 at Jiffy Lube. If you find that you still need to go to a mechanic do a little research and find one that offers free estimates. After you get your estimate don't be afraid to call around a bit to get the best price. A little research will save you a lot of money in the long run.<br />
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E Book Loan Program/ Free Books<br />
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If you are like me and love to read you may own a kindle or a nook. Did you know you can check out library books with your E Reader as long as you have a library card? Instead of shelling out $10 or more for a book, you can check them out and return them without every leaving the comfort of your home. Also, Google has a free book downloading program with Google Play. It's mostly classic books, but sometimes classics make for the best read.<br />
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That's all the tips for now, but if you have more feel free to post below!<br />
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Love, Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-35352132821068258152012-04-19T18:12:00.002-04:002012-04-19T18:18:18.592-04:00Things I Am Looking Forward To/ Tina's Favorite Things<div>
*** April 9th Post***</div>
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So After my last kind of downer of a post I figured I should brighten everyone's day with things I'm looking forward to/ Tina's favorite things list.<br />
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Casey's Bachelorette Weekend/ California in August! </div>
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This is our beach retreat in Atlantic City. Fabulous times were had. </div>
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I love hanging out with my sorority sisters. Even when we haven't seen each other in months and years we always manage to pick back up where we left off. It's amazing to have sisters all across the world (Hey Tamsin, you make Epsilon Mu and international thing!)</div>
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Pairing/ Favorite thing for this trip: </div>
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My giant straw hat. </div>
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If you don't have a giant straw hat you have no idea what you are missing out on. It's fashionable, you can tie a variety of ribbons around the base to fit any color scheme. It's beige so it doesn't show dirt, and it's travels amazingly well... or at least mine does. I take it along any time I plan to be out and about outside. Love it. </div>
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Second thing I'm looking forward to: </div>
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DC Trip/ Memorial Day in the OBX!</div>
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This is one of my favorite pictures of all time (OBX 2009)</div>
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Every Memorial Day my DC friends and I would leave the city for Memorial Day and take refuge in a huge house in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I love the beaches there, and it always made for a nice extra long weekend get away with friends. Even though I live in NOLA now I have decided to keep the OBX tradition alive (I'm the planner). This year not only will it be an awesome weekend at the beach, but it will be an awesome weekend with my friends who I haven't seen in SIX MONTHS! So excited! </div>
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Awesome Pairing/ Thing I love: </div>
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My lodge cast iron skillet. </div>
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I know that this may seem like an odd pairing for a beach trip, but trust me, they go together. My friend Sarah makes the most amazing pancakes in the world. She makes them for the whole group at the beach. She bakes them on cast iron skillets in the oven. Maybe some day I'll get her to guest post and share the recipe with ya'll... Sarah? </div>
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Till then, know that this is a great skillet for a great price, and I highly recommend. </div>
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Final thing I'm looking forward to: </div>
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My own place to live! </div>
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I've been sharing a house, but I've decided to get a place all my own. I'm super excited about this. </div>
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Thing I love/ Awesome Pairing: </div>
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Pinterest! I've been able to keep track of a lot of my awesome decorating ideas on my pinterest boards. </div>
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You can follow me too!</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/cordova_tina/">http://pinterest.com/cordova_tina/</a>
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So now it's time to go on pinterest and waste 3-4 hours. :)</div>
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Love, </div>
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Tina Marie</div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-8196968381129568172012-04-19T17:23:00.000-04:002012-04-19T17:23:12.046-04:00It's Not All Sunshine and LollipopsAs all of you know I recently moved to New Orleans.<br />
I have had a great time here so far, and I think I've done a good job chronicling it.<br />
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From Mardi Gras...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXQkRr9nVV-hmm1h1qSVy01fimYmIYoxjb81IdBZhaG01CwFIcSvWSqOr1l06qWzizTabWpAG1UE1B9_LTh5Mle6vPykGnRu5mDsuQin40cc-7JoO9k1Bb5mj6i96GkPKmVyn7pNDkw/s1600/IMG_20120318_121459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXQkRr9nVV-hmm1h1qSVy01fimYmIYoxjb81IdBZhaG01CwFIcSvWSqOr1l06qWzizTabWpAG1UE1B9_LTh5Mle6vPykGnRu5mDsuQin40cc-7JoO9k1Bb5mj6i96GkPKmVyn7pNDkw/s320/IMG_20120318_121459.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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To the Indians...</div>
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To oyster shucking...</div>
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Most of my experiences here have been good ones, but not all have been. </div>
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I was inspired by my friend Kennedy to write about my living in New Orleans, and the transition I went/ am going through. It isn't all good. A lot of it is very stressful. The whole moving thing in general is stressful, and throw 1500 miles in there, and you become a big old ball of stress. Not to mention that I didn't have a place to live when I moved here. I was lucky enough to have good friends who put up with me for 7 weeks before I moved out. However, I'm the kind of person who HATES to inconvenience people. It was really hard to know that I was putting them out for that time. On top of these obvious stress inducers there were also the little things that I had to adjust to. The traffic/ commute time. In Virginia it took me 15 minutes to get anywhere I wanted to go. I rarely went into DC unless it was for work, and even then I either took the metro in, or timed it so I wasn't driving in traffic. My good friend Tamsin lived "far" and it took me 20 minutes to get to her house (which was still less that 10 miles away from my house). In NOLA a 20 minute commute anywhere is standard. Going along with the car troubles, is the fact that no one in NOLA walks. Sure, there are tons of runners, but people here run for exercise. In DC I walked as a way of commuting. Everything I wanted was a 1.5mile or less walk away; the move theater, the metro station, bars, restaurants, grocery stores, friend's houses, etc etc. It's weird to be so reliant on my car, and also a little scary knowing that should anything happen to my car I wouldn't be able to do anything until I got a new one. </div>
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Another thing that was hard was changing food that I ate. I always thought I would LOVE moving back south and getting my fill of fried foods. What I didn't realize it that while living in DC/VA I changed my eating habits. I tried many more foods (yay Korean BBQ and Mongolian!) which I can't get in NOLA. Also, I ate a lot more fruits and vegetables, and fried foods became more of a treat than a staple in my diet. The first month I lived here everything tasted like it was over salted. </div>
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I don't want ya'll to think I'm unhappy after this post. I'm still just working out the kinks of living here and changing everything about my life. I just want to be real, and maybe a source for anyone else looking to move. </div>
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Love, </div>
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Tina Marie</div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-48750853043199138302012-04-19T16:13:00.000-04:002012-04-19T16:13:38.873-04:00Stay Tuned In...This weekend I learned that all my recent blog posts haven't been published. <br />
This totally sucks. I have been pre-writing my posts, but apparently they have been dissappearing. <br />
I also learned that most of you need a facebook shout out when I write a new post, otherwise you won't read it. <br />
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So, stay tuned in the next day or two as I attempt to recover my posts and publish them.<br />
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Until then, here is a picture of my day:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA3ToUFG9BAa8UQ3iwRC5ZG6mBwJbWhpsI9EedoMIyUMiIUmjZCZvwr9AwxuyOuRfOV061PAMYmgym1MTF3RAxRZ-swQctD0RSxj_oIJV6YSfewjDe5j3U4v37qX0bHk07WGcR-6Jrw/s1600/Pj's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA3ToUFG9BAa8UQ3iwRC5ZG6mBwJbWhpsI9EedoMIyUMiIUmjZCZvwr9AwxuyOuRfOV061PAMYmgym1MTF3RAxRZ-swQctD0RSxj_oIJV6YSfewjDe5j3U4v37qX0bHk07WGcR-6Jrw/s320/Pj's.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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PJ's Coffee on Maple. </div>
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Love, </div>
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Tina Marie</div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-82077421010831789122012-04-03T09:35:00.000-04:002012-04-03T09:35:00.679-04:00Internet Dating, Part TwoLast week I talked about my foray into internet dating. Imagine my surprise when a guy emailed me with coherent, full sentences! He had a job, he liked to read, he had a degree, and overall, he seemed to have his shit together.<br /><br />I decided to dive in and meet him.<br /><br />I knew from him picture that he was ethnic, of some sort. When I met him, I found out that he is originally from India. I was sort of thrown by this information, but decided to roll with it.<br />We started out chatting, and while ordering, I found out he is a vegetarian. After our food came I decided to ask him about this. I have lots of friends who eat special diets for one reason or another. For some it's gluten intolerance, for some it's healthy lifestyle choices, and for some it's keeping kosher/ for religious reasons. He informed me that he is a Brahmin, and therefore wasn't allowed to eat meat.<br /><br />For those who are unfamiliar with the Hindu caste system, Brahmins are the top caste. They are the most educated, and the wealthiest caste.<br /><br />This brings about the question: Why are you on a date with me?<br /><br />I know I'm awesome, but there are several things I am not:<br />Hindu<br />Indian<br />Wealthy<br /><br />It's really rare for people to marry out of thier caste.<br /><br />I actually had a very enjoyable evening, but I felt like sparks weren't there. We ended the night with a hug and a goodbye.<br /><br />So, for you other internet daters out there.<br /><br />Do you go on dates for the sake of dating, even though you know it isn't ever going to go anywhere?<br /><br />Love,<br />Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-344399666153466292012-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:002012-03-31T08:00:09.048-04:00Where is home?I am so glad that I live the life I live. I am so blessed. I have a family who loves me. Both my parents are still alive, and still married for that matter. My brother and sister are blessings each and every day.<br /><br />On top of all that I have this amazing network of friends.<br /><br />I have lived in Dallas, East Texas, Austin, New Orleans, and DC (Virginia). Maybe it's a lot, and maybe it isn't, but it got me thinking. "Where is home?". Right now home is New Orleans. It's the city I have chosen to settle down in. I'm building a business here, meeting and making new friends, and doing the best I can to appreciate every day. However, a few weeks ago I went "home" to Texas. My parents now live in East Texas. I never grew up there. I don't have any friends there, but it's still home, because it's where my parents are. I also call Dallas home. It IS where I grew up. It's where I learned and made friends. It's where I went to school for 13 years.<br /><br />I was emailing with a a friend last week, thanking her for being such a great friend, and she asked me if I was coming "home" in May. She lives in Virginia. I never would have dreamed that I would call Virginia home. I don't have any family there, and I didn't "grow up" there. I did however spend the better part of my 20's there. So much happens to you as a young adult to shape who you are for the rest of your life, and all of this happened to me in Virginia. Virginia is also where most of my friends are. Don't get me wrong, I have amazing friends in New Orleans as well, but I have more in Virginia. These people became my family away from my family. They sat by my hospital bed when I was sick (literally). They celebrated birthdays with me. They were my "peeps". When I was visiting my parents I got lost, and asked someone for directions. The lady said "I'm not sure, I'm from Baltimore." Immediately my face brightened and I responded "Really?! I'm from Virginia!". (For those geographically challenged, Maryland and Virginia sit on either side of DC, and it's common to commute from one place to the other). She and I chatted for a few minutes, sharing a bond of being so far away from "home".<br /><br />I'm not sure that I will ever not call these places home. I suppose the Lord has chosen to bless me again. This time with 4 different places I can always call "home".<br /><br />Love,<br />Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-56572140481069427452012-03-28T23:42:00.005-04:002012-03-29T00:00:03.836-04:00My Foray Into Internet DatingI know what you're thinking:<br /><br />"But Tina, you're so awesome and cool. How are you single?!"<br /><br />My answer:<br /><br />"I KNOW, and I DON'T KNOW."<br /><br />Yet, I am still single, and now that I'm not in college anymore it's become a little harder to meet new people. Throw on top of that the fact that I am self employed, and it makes meeting people even tougher. This is why I decided to try internet dating.<br /><br />Being the frugal person that I am, I went with a free dating site. I'll refrain from saying which one, but I had heard good things about it. I went online and made a profile. I made sure to include nice pics of myself and a good description.<br /><br />About 5 minutes after completeing my profile I started to get messages. I quickly realized there were three distinct groups of guys messaging me:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">The guy who sees a picture of a hispanic girl </div><br /><div align="center">and immediatly pulls out all the Spanish he knows. </div><br /><div align="center">Key words usually include: Holla, bonita, and chica. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d79X0zHwDZ11jaRaCFJmgAqeCfVfWDx-icEXINEMmgHW8isPCL6QMvCGRjRukVMS7aO08Bu09d6G6Zu-ywg4WP-e2pL9sLn3PGyCap9jy4pTTZW3DV5PnARtSdgVebTvAh2_pUpZDg/s1600/datingsite2.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 61px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725159617289915906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d79X0zHwDZ11jaRaCFJmgAqeCfVfWDx-icEXINEMmgHW8isPCL6QMvCGRjRukVMS7aO08Bu09d6G6Zu-ywg4WP-e2pL9sLn3PGyCap9jy4pTTZW3DV5PnARtSdgVebTvAh2_pUpZDg/s320/datingsite2.png" /></a> Amazingly I didn't message this guy back.</div><br /><div align="center">Though the wife beater shirt in his profile pic made him hard to resist. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Next we have the ghetto fabulous guy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8rojFoatJr2809b_uQSxfHOYnjp4B2mX-qTshNaEa_z8M7WCgXYghyphenhyphen4r9W9pnpFENzRNilYejZsPatj3ngbwcmZ10dK-eIjiCQx6RyNyODANefLGgS3bzEvF1UCUMp7FQQcsBlAnFA/s1600/datingsite.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 69px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725159615954828338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8rojFoatJr2809b_uQSxfHOYnjp4B2mX-qTshNaEa_z8M7WCgXYghyphenhyphen4r9W9pnpFENzRNilYejZsPatj3ngbwcmZ10dK-eIjiCQx6RyNyODANefLGgS3bzEvF1UCUMp7FQQcsBlAnFA/s320/datingsite.png" /></a>Did you notice his name is "Mr. Swagg"?</div><br /><div align="center">Included in this group are people who send messages that say "Hey" or "Sup" and nothing else. </div><br /><div align="center">Also included are people who use "u" instead of "you" or "ur" instead of "you're". </div><br /><div align="center">I'm by no means a grammar Nazi, but if on your first impression you can't be bothered to type full words, I don't really see a future there. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">The last group of guys messaging me are the "seemingly normal". </div><br /><div align="left">This group of men seem to have their shit together. They have steady jobs, they use full sentences. It's quite exciting to get a message like this, because they are few and far between. However, there is a reason this group is called "seemingly normal" and not just "normal". </div><br /><div align="left">I chatted with one fella, let's call him "John". John was a teacher, he seemed nice enough. After two days of messaging I suggested we meet for coffee. He said that he wouldn't feel comfortable meeting me alone, and he wanted to bring a friend along. Umm, what? I told him that I would probably feel uncomfortable in that situation. He tried to explain that his parents didn't allow him to meet people he met online.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Let me repeat that. HIS PARENTS DIDN'T ALLOW HIM...</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Aaaaaaand, that was the end of that. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I'm not sure if I will continue to "internet date". I've actually yet to go on an actual date with anyone. I suppose if nothing else, they make fun stories. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Love, </div><br /><div align="left">Tina Marie</div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-32515354051756697992012-03-21T09:00:00.002-04:002012-03-21T09:00:07.601-04:00Love, Tina Marie Antiques<div>El numbero uno. </div><div><br /></div><div>That mean's "The Number One", as in "The number one thing to-do on my "30 before 30" list was to establish my business in New Orleans. Originally the plan was to move my catering business down here and to open up a food truck. This plan existed before I found the awesomeness that is antiques. I know I sound like a little old lady, but I seriously LOVE this business. If you've ever seen "Storage Wars" or "American Pickers", I kind of do a cross between those two things. I buy items at auction and sometimes I pick items. This satisfies my love of shopping. </div><div>I also love to be crafty and restore old items, which I get to do in this line of work. </div><div>Earlier this month I high-tailed it to Texas and brought back a ton of stuff for my little shop. </div><div>I have a space in the Magazine Antique Mall. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0ibkXkOHm1Eb4AmAjDWWnZuhcGXirvvXJNFEAKHNF9NHQux7CeuIThoEUrx0xIN3eeMpwQToA6htoRIjl8-fJOwTxfbYp_w-2umYRlteG1olzhKmTNzTQtiUUmif-Hu8RKORa3gNVg/s1600/antique+mall.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0ibkXkOHm1Eb4AmAjDWWnZuhcGXirvvXJNFEAKHNF9NHQux7CeuIThoEUrx0xIN3eeMpwQToA6htoRIjl8-fJOwTxfbYp_w-2umYRlteG1olzhKmTNzTQtiUUmif-Hu8RKORa3gNVg/s320/antique+mall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721359288567735234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><address class="adr" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: arial, 'Lucida Grande', 'Bitstream Vera Sans', verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; ">3017 Magazine St</span></div><span class="locality" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="locality" style="background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">New Orleans</span>, <span class="region" style="background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">LA</span> <span class="postal-code" style="background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">70115</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; ">(504) 896-9994</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; ">(next to Sucre, across from the Cigar shop)</span></div></span></address></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXhWMOVApV8qkSxoB4HqfoLrflKNNaPhd41MyMDqN24Oo_U83SqBS5d016CcPfsx7YQnYfX80u1EFbO9xAnXaA1UhlgXzLI8aQxPP236j7Ux5AwKJJeEoqbj027V5w2uA-7wc9UscdA/s1600/IMG_20120317_171619.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXhWMOVApV8qkSxoB4HqfoLrflKNNaPhd41MyMDqN24Oo_U83SqBS5d016CcPfsx7YQnYfX80u1EFbO9xAnXaA1UhlgXzLI8aQxPP236j7Ux5AwKJJeEoqbj027V5w2uA-7wc9UscdA/s320/IMG_20120317_171619.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721359294109655858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I have tons of "fun" items. (That one is for you Frank.)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zUL-n8xkDgnGKe_vsoWxFgOxiduGwHz3Xdo3j2oh-Ubtti2scrlhe7250A-ChJ30BaE84C3naq2aqGfD0xthAVDEsEN4Eqry56btOYehxJH1IRXRfwtT5gfZrCjgK97CIFvwWtg12Q/s1600/IMG_20120317_171632.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zUL-n8xkDgnGKe_vsoWxFgOxiduGwHz3Xdo3j2oh-Ubtti2scrlhe7250A-ChJ30BaE84C3naq2aqGfD0xthAVDEsEN4Eqry56btOYehxJH1IRXRfwtT5gfZrCjgK97CIFvwWtg12Q/s320/IMG_20120317_171632.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721359293711650274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My goal is to have pictures up on my website soon, so you can buy things from far, far away. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so excited for this ya'll. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tina Marie</div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-68589534367050492582012-03-19T09:00:00.001-04:002012-03-19T09:00:19.395-04:00St. Joseph's Day kicks St. Patrick's Day's Ass<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Good Monday Morning Everyone. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">This was a great weekend for Saints in New Orleans. Not "THE" Saints, but Saints. It was St. Patrick's Day, which I'm sure many of you all also celebrated. New Orleans does St. Patrick's day up right with two weekends worth of parading and cabbages. I'm saving that post for another day.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">This weekend was also St. Joseph's Day. St. Joseph is the husband of the Virgin Mary. You can learn more about him <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph's_Day">here</a>, if you are so inclined. In New Orleans the Mardi Gras Indians come out on St. Joseph's day in full gear. They march through the neighborhoods. The main starting point is A.L. Davis park in the central city neighborhood. It's normally not the safest of neighborhoods but yesterday is was transformed into a multi block party. There were lots of food trucks, and people set up with grills (I had a grilled pork chop AND a smoked sausage... cause I love food). It was great to walk around, take pictures, and just enjoy the beautiful day. Most of the spectators were African American people who lived in the neighborhood, and played some part in the festivities, but there were definitely a good number of folks from other parts of the city. For the most part it seemed to be local New Orleanians, enjoying each other's company. </div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I had one of the best times ever. I had actually never seen the Indians before. When you attend college in the city you live in a bubble that is "uptown". I am loving the exploration of other parts of the city. Things like St. Joseph's Day are the whole reason I moved to New Orleans. They really illustrate the culture of the community. I know that I'll never really be a New Orleanian, because too much of my heart belongs to Texas, but one day I want my kids to be able to partake in these </span>festivities<span style="font-size: 100%;"> as a second nature. I want them to be New Orleanians, and slowly but surely I'm learning all that I can, so I am able to pass it all along...</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FfWxkSRZWvo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="font-size: 100%; "></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">A video I made of the Indians chanting...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3F80dv5SSXgHlpmZ_48xHqUVFfIzMS8mk94DXV0eTOdw9Mzb2tQw54UyMo3KmsrXuWTWT9LOEcjwNzxW9EE4Ub3Oz6KvhcGbn0Uhm9YyMPPnfOIehf9m3O6IcQ8vMdwbolZgnuKhzg/s1600/MGI3.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3F80dv5SSXgHlpmZ_48xHqUVFfIzMS8mk94DXV0eTOdw9Mzb2tQw54UyMo3KmsrXuWTWT9LOEcjwNzxW9EE4Ub3Oz6KvhcGbn0Uhm9YyMPPnfOIehf9m3O6IcQ8vMdwbolZgnuKhzg/s320/MGI3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721347428323269250" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; ">The Indians create elaborate costumes. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; ">Every one is hand sewn and takes a year to complete. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpjR60kj9ZkCfDXAAtJ3XGvV5hSOnr5ztgutP7lyW6ts2cMs9KZzllvnuR1H5lYoWNeXxAbayx4r6gtP8AIhyFqdTJiXPUkcg5iXNP8hmsfplM-a3ffmoeahE8RU1rfKKq37gR3CYiw/s1600/MG2.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpjR60kj9ZkCfDXAAtJ3XGvV5hSOnr5ztgutP7lyW6ts2cMs9KZzllvnuR1H5lYoWNeXxAbayx4r6gtP8AIhyFqdTJiXPUkcg5iXNP8hmsfplM-a3ffmoeahE8RU1rfKKq37gR3CYiw/s320/MG2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721346081545282274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I loved the all white costume. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dsy_egxsPrG9A1YAShy65b-ML5AldYrrcVA3J37gL0YIr-orfEj7tY5QHLpwB_Gs9hprcw3UF4f8f_LguGDwZAFxZ6MXIaKBF7wwPptOKkRxfdxzBzwMPFQ8crlqPTgFZOJrL20B_w/s1600/IMG_20120318_133109.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dsy_egxsPrG9A1YAShy65b-ML5AldYrrcVA3J37gL0YIr-orfEj7tY5QHLpwB_Gs9hprcw3UF4f8f_LguGDwZAFxZ6MXIaKBF7wwPptOKkRxfdxzBzwMPFQ8crlqPTgFZOJrL20B_w/s320/IMG_20120318_133109.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721346065789151330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Feathers, plumes and thousands of beads are incorporated into each costume. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAgvZqgnWDjziSKmjz3YN19oj-y1077l7wytry4T3bHj4edtRSbfi6QpPcRpjgR-9jJh2kIzjFdzMEVvmcELKFnYYr4lUyvYDwWvAV2ByyIjuuZuOrhYlW6YQqGZ4h4nAuo_ihKkP_Q/s1600/IMG_20120318_132712.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAgvZqgnWDjziSKmjz3YN19oj-y1077l7wytry4T3bHj4edtRSbfi6QpPcRpjgR-9jJh2kIzjFdzMEVvmcELKFnYYr4lUyvYDwWvAV2ByyIjuuZuOrhYlW6YQqGZ4h4nAuo_ihKkP_Q/s320/IMG_20120318_132712.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721346064973452706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKKcL8MzWCqEa8YNvJmzJ33I_YrGItSo13uKoLQAhOWsoLmo9Wly2Y8Kz0u8KaftZqsqWt6Nsr4zfutKVaImWbNGiXELxZOlfO7wB7LVL3U4OFTEDahsONSR8pV9XGpTXX-IkZBdBxw/s1600/IMG_20120318_132606.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKKcL8MzWCqEa8YNvJmzJ33I_YrGItSo13uKoLQAhOWsoLmo9Wly2Y8Kz0u8KaftZqsqWt6Nsr4zfutKVaImWbNGiXELxZOlfO7wB7LVL3U4OFTEDahsONSR8pV9XGpTXX-IkZBdBxw/s320/IMG_20120318_132606.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721346062523631698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlfasBy_9k0VNcFcOicwkH9kwyjlCMft92MZEWsJai-gd8GEfBWHNlvuI-X6Rwzdnx7IL_ebAkFATVJ4COXEYPyabr2Y6bIX9nB7CvWJ3t3-B9CrPHZ57UXyD3VHulyEn2leefumD9g/s1600/IMG_20120318_121459.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlfasBy_9k0VNcFcOicwkH9kwyjlCMft92MZEWsJai-gd8GEfBWHNlvuI-X6Rwzdnx7IL_ebAkFATVJ4COXEYPyabr2Y6bIX9nB7CvWJ3t3-B9CrPHZ57UXyD3VHulyEn2leefumD9g/s320/IMG_20120318_121459.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721346052967651298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Each tribe is different and has its own set of colors and themes each year. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I will soon put up a link to a picasa account with more/better pictures. I left my camera cord in Texas and I'm waiting for my little sister (biological) to mail it back to me, so for now we have to make due with the pictures taken with my phone. Also, feel free to leave comments and/or questions below. I fixed the comment section so you no longer have to log in to leave your thoughts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tina Marie</div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-32554137344325697482012-03-15T09:00:00.001-04:002012-03-15T09:00:15.494-04:00A Very Manly PostI had to balance out yesterday's uber girly post with something a little manly, so today we talk about tools.<br /><br />I'm a tool nut. In my arsenal I have a glass cutter, a hand saw, a variable speed power drill, hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers (both flathead and philips), a staple gun/nail gun combo, a caulk gun, and a few more to fill it all out. Lately though I have felt the need to expand.<br /><br />I went to Texas to visit my parent's last week, and wouldn't you know, my dad had extras of two items that I'm just itching to play with. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcGSisaLJ2fb7fgSFgiod5ixOnCsE50KvEjAmTpUP9jBrMzyYI6IyV2KcGjLEwMWPgE4EIVwY_45X6i2mwxM7_Eo2EQavZccz2r_ugsV4AXRXnw5CtVt1lKTgKAm2BlIhKOucVVngLg/s1600/Circular+saw.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719873321591906034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcGSisaLJ2fb7fgSFgiod5ixOnCsE50KvEjAmTpUP9jBrMzyYI6IyV2KcGjLEwMWPgE4EIVwY_45X6i2mwxM7_Eo2EQavZccz2r_ugsV4AXRXnw5CtVt1lKTgKAm2BlIhKOucVVngLg/s320/Circular+saw.jpg" /></a> A Circular Saw<br /><br /><div align="left">Seriously, a circular saw is super badass. I could cut through bones with that thing! (Not that I would.). Now I can cut down my headboard a few inches, and perhaps even cut some 2 by 4's to make a few shelves, you never know.</div><br /><div align="left">He also had an extra jig saw. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLTvJiRrWjVxoFAvUjuvu_LBXnWEEX_btzHqdxzlVai6suHNv2oO42Abav-wPh56DNpuGkVfEDCGh2REHsMYUu32pKVNYdXysk7U25ZcHUItjx3d0jaPUeJVjsQOlMT1Tjy1SnhQCSA/s1600/jigsaw.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719873318560315138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLTvJiRrWjVxoFAvUjuvu_LBXnWEEX_btzHqdxzlVai6suHNv2oO42Abav-wPh56DNpuGkVfEDCGh2REHsMYUu32pKVNYdXysk7U25ZcHUItjx3d0jaPUeJVjsQOlMT1Tjy1SnhQCSA/s320/jigsaw.jpg" /></a><br />Jig Saw<br /><br /><div align="left">This is a great saw to cut out shapes and patterns in wood. I've never used a jig saw before, so I might grab some practice boards before I dive into a project. I can't wait!</div><br /><div align="left">Are you a tool fanatic? What should my next tool purchase be? </div><br /><div align="left">Love, </div><br /><div align="left">Tina Marie</div></div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-57738987082504342562012-03-14T12:11:00.002-04:002012-03-14T12:38:27.549-04:00Rent The RunwayI'm warning ya'll upfront, tihs is a ridiculously girly post.<br /><br />I've been a member of "Rent the Runway" for awhile now. The idea is that instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a dress for a special occasion you can rent it for a fraction of the cost. even though I have been a member for awhile, I've never actually used the site. I am the biggest bargain shopper ever. I never pay full price for anything, and I'm not a label snob, so I can usually find a dress for less than the cost of a rental.<br /><br />Today in my inbox I had a special offer though. Rent the Runway is giving me a $50 credit for my birthday! I jumped on the website and started to sort through the dresses. I knew I didn't really want to spend anything out of pocket.<br /><br />I found the Hampton Harbor Dress, which I think is lovely. It also looks comfotable enough to sit around in the backyard in, which is the birthday plan.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AE2EkFHD1qSkO4L-8TlNszu0PkPRaRspeg6xMZB94Aeegwz_x2zcjV0HpmPLRSZglNAGfZ3y7pZhTXE_crt663cIkmuyoV636ybFZyguEcHpa_XVeFSy5NiPQ-V3wLOTurHlGOmQpA/s1600/Hampton+Harbor+Dress.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719790658315210226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AE2EkFHD1qSkO4L-8TlNszu0PkPRaRspeg6xMZB94Aeegwz_x2zcjV0HpmPLRSZglNAGfZ3y7pZhTXE_crt663cIkmuyoV636ybFZyguEcHpa_XVeFSy5NiPQ-V3wLOTurHlGOmQpA/s320/Hampton+Harbor+Dress.png" /></a> The Hampton Harbor Dress</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">The problem with the Hampton Harbor Dress is that I'll end up having to spend $15 extra out of pocket. Now, I know $15 isn't a lot of money, but keep in mind I had intended to spend $0 before the coupon. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I also found the Aztec dress. I like it too, but not nearly as much.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0GD94rHDPY1PZ6TFRiJ7wEoqpqzqtUJQbw3CxEU0RGETW3XHAipo_0PQ7h1tKvP_BRb-_td5pU5PoZgzFpQUp7VmIsGxKeCCyexaiBU5EdN2SXbFKOCmh_FyglaEkA7mDmmaAY-ZNw/s1600/Aztec+Dress.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719790652068489314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0GD94rHDPY1PZ6TFRiJ7wEoqpqzqtUJQbw3CxEU0RGETW3XHAipo_0PQ7h1tKvP_BRb-_td5pU5PoZgzFpQUp7VmIsGxKeCCyexaiBU5EdN2SXbFKOCmh_FyglaEkA7mDmmaAY-ZNw/s320/Aztec+Dress.png" /></a>The Aztec Dress</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">The Aztec Dress would cost me $5 out of pocket. I feel like $5 is more justifiable of an expense. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">A third option would be to head off to Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls, Ross, or TJ Maxx and spend $25 or less on a dress I get to KEEP. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">A fourth option would be to wear one of the 85 dresses already hanging in my closet. This option is boring, and for the time being I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist. :)</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">This is where ya'll come in! I need advice! Which dress (if any) do you think I should choose? Has anyone used Rent the Runway before? Did you like it? </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Help!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Love, </div><br /><div align="left">Tina Marie<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-67410721959955641352012-03-14T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-14T09:00:15.178-04:00Cher, Also, This Post Isn't Kid FriendlyDo you read The Bloggess? No? You should. Like right now. Seriously, I'll wait.<br /><br />If you do read her, you know that she has a giant metal chicken named Beyonce.<br />Story here:<br /><a href="http://thebloggess.com/2011/06/and-thats-why-you-should-learn-to-pick-your-battles/">http://thebloggess.com/2011/06/and-thats-why-you-should-learn-to-pick-your-battles/</a><br /><br />Picture of awesomeness here:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzM7z72sQMMVk2PvOkrgp3YBVupIOSwFyj9VW3qwfCrABTEKoBJAvmWH8ecMxeTAhh5yKQ63DdEihPOka5DqUZIdASppY6nTyWZADIcTlk0ICIdHSqoChxWjQDVrHebJG8CrEB7k9Dg/s1600/knockknockmotherfucker.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715154832913872498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzM7z72sQMMVk2PvOkrgp3YBVupIOSwFyj9VW3qwfCrABTEKoBJAvmWH8ecMxeTAhh5yKQ63DdEihPOka5DqUZIdASppY6nTyWZADIcTlk0ICIdHSqoChxWjQDVrHebJG8CrEB7k9Dg/s320/knockknockmotherfucker.jpg" /></a> Best Part is I saved that image on my computer as "KnockKnockMotherFucker".<br /><br />So fastforward to me moving here amd driving up and down River Road everyday. Everyday passing the River Road Flea Market, and passing this:<br /><br />PICTURE<br /><br />Yep, a sea of metal chickens.<br />Now, the logical person would have a chuckle and move on.<br /><br />This is what I did:<br /><br />me: I'm buying a metal chicken for my yard. I need a name.<br /><br />Anne: I'll think about it and get back to you. Chastity comes to mind.<br /><br />me: I was thinking Cher.<br />me: Not Cher the singer. Cher from Clueless.<br /><br />Anne: That is a good one. What about Heather?<br /><br />me: Ooo. Maybe I need TWO giant metal chickens.<br /><br />For those of you who don't get the Heather reference, go watch "The Heathers". I'll wait.<br />For those who do get it, we can still be friends.<br /><br />And that is the story of how I decided I needed two metal chickens for the yard.Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-2071589302199003082012-03-08T00:52:00.000-05:002012-03-08T00:52:00.680-05:00Run Forest, Run!Last week my friend Frank posted an article about the Zombie 5K obstacle course.<br /><br /><a href="http://runforyourlives.com/">http://runforyourlives.com/</a><br /><br />With every fiber of my being I wanted to run in it, but alas, it isn't coming to a city near me, yet.<br />But if you are in a participating city, and you're super cool, you should totally do it.<br /><br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2zbZabcxFPU" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />This is video from Atlanta. It looks so AWESOME.<br /><br />Well, even though I can't run in the Zombie 5K Obstacle Course, I remembered that running a 5K, without walking, is a part of my 30 before 30 list. So, I looked up races, and I signed up for the "Run Forest, Run" 5K. It's sponsored by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and it's in the French Quarter. It's at the end of April, so that gives me 2 months. That should be plenty of time to train for it, and actually being signed up, and paying money means that I can't flake out.<br /><br />The first part of my training is to get myself to the gym. I'm going to start taking step aerobic again, and with a little persistence I should be able to outrun any zombie.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Tina MarieTina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-82770405836477586402012-03-03T09:00:00.000-05:002012-03-03T09:00:11.398-05:00What's in it for you.So now that I'm writing twice a week, I suppose I should ask my reader what they want more of.<br />More crafty stuff/ home repair? More of my life in New Orleans? More recipes? More random stuff?<br /><br />Also, I need/want more of ya'll to follow me! So if you are reading on google reader or you click my posts everytime I post in twitter or facebook, I need you to go to <a href="http://www.lovetinamarie.blogspot.com/">http://www.lovetinamarie.blogspot.com/</a> and click the "Follow" button on the right hand side.<br />So easy, so quick.<br /><br />As added incentive for every three people who follow me this week I will add that many more posts during this month. So if I get 30 new followers I will add an extra 10 posts this month in addition to the 2 a week I'm already doing! That's SO much extra Tina, all for free! All you have to do is click a button.<br /><br />For those of you who are already following me, kudos. You're totally part of the cool kids, and as a reward you get this picture of a baby giraffe.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_rLrEEnB4d7Cwpck4tGt7Mww7ZQ4DVGfL9RH1L9ecBOOzZZaoIKnIJojO2hjoGi-Hri9-A7EtwcZHiuEHuKrlAgki9irL9K_ySHJ9Ar2e-DMLZo6JWBIBkJor3mou4PDHRF_BJv4hA/s1600/baby+giraffe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715169435051368002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_rLrEEnB4d7Cwpck4tGt7Mww7ZQ4DVGfL9RH1L9ecBOOzZZaoIKnIJojO2hjoGi-Hri9-A7EtwcZHiuEHuKrlAgki9irL9K_ySHJ9Ar2e-DMLZo6JWBIBkJor3mou4PDHRF_BJv4hA/s320/baby+giraffe.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p>Love, </p><br /><br /><p>Tina Marie</p>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60774445054096349.post-84808346352778416952012-03-01T22:59:00.010-05:002012-03-01T23:27:56.424-05:00Crossing off the List/ Recipe Time<div align="center">I am finally (sort of) settled in New Orleans. I'm getting a lot accomplished on my 30 before 30 list, but there is one thing in particular that I need to start now, Number 22, blog twice a week for a year. Yep, as many times as I get too busy to blog, I no longer have an excuses. It's on my list, and I am determined to make it happen. </div><br /><div align="center"><br />Today I'm going to share a recipe. It's no secret that I'm Catholic, and as a Catholic person I don't eat meat on Fridays during Lent. That being said, eating tuna sandwhiches and fried shrimp can get old really fast. I was on the phone with my mom last week and she reminded me of another dish that she made for me when I was younger. It's called Abondigas. Technically an abondiga is a meatball, I flatten mine and make them cakes. If you like crab cakes you will like this dish.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec0jkE1OYJZgonjVGs4lZWbdvVwkKjP1ItIcjrC05l7kpbUMxDv9ti-IzRn_T8Qr2LUob1zCkaFZAGxOKnKd8suyLQ8QU20Pl_aCg1KLOGEHiU-OmFt43tdZEEU4HLwSN5q0UDh622A/s1600/Lenten+food.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715147979347222642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec0jkE1OYJZgonjVGs4lZWbdvVwkKjP1ItIcjrC05l7kpbUMxDv9ti-IzRn_T8Qr2LUob1zCkaFZAGxOKnKd8suyLQ8QU20Pl_aCg1KLOGEHiU-OmFt43tdZEEU4HLwSN5q0UDh622A/s320/Lenten+food.jpg" /></a> I start with a can of pink salmon.<br />The salmon has the bones in it, so you will need to pick out the bones.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyZ9yMpCI7dW00_Mewzpj0cK7q5u-3g5RLf0IwKQNadnqgrrzTyEXCVt4nmPMKHEXj2Zn7oojJFmCcxk3-gWXjTIAArmGThB8roqELOcOK-QzVoPTd9stB-Hd7-Rr7n4N4Q-jNAseOg/s1600/Lenten+food+prep.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715147879575678802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyZ9yMpCI7dW00_Mewzpj0cK7q5u-3g5RLf0IwKQNadnqgrrzTyEXCVt4nmPMKHEXj2Zn7oojJFmCcxk3-gWXjTIAArmGThB8roqELOcOK-QzVoPTd9stB-Hd7-Rr7n4N4Q-jNAseOg/s320/Lenten+food+prep.jpg" /></a>After you have deboned your salmon you need to add about 8 saltine crackers crushed up. I just crush them in my hand before adding them to the mix. Next add one raw egg and half of a small onion, finely diced. Mix everything together and add a a pinch of salt (remember the saltimes have salt on them, so don't add to much) and a dash of pepper.<br /></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmDdblyR_XdGHaah4_PFaRo7HHYtP9Z6G4VU1r-ZKuEP9PjIM96rBQ4IyoQM4fyoEm0O7liR5AO9GSeGdPrrTn6d9u95aeMK_5cYHK4Xl68VIDRlJ5tIpa7r3r39xFByntaCv1XGbSg/s1600/lenten+food+cooking.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715147796535997186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmDdblyR_XdGHaah4_PFaRo7HHYtP9Z6G4VU1r-ZKuEP9PjIM96rBQ4IyoQM4fyoEm0O7liR5AO9GSeGdPrrTn6d9u95aeMK_5cYHK4Xl68VIDRlJ5tIpa7r3r39xFByntaCv1XGbSg/s320/lenten+food+cooking.jpg" /></a> After mixing everything together form cakes, similar to crab cakes. Fry them until golden brown on each side. I used a little bit of olive oil in my pan, but you can use butter, any kind of oil, or the spray stuff. You just want to make sure they don't stick.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzY8UwIvSaBZTF_jP2wfZxtShZIvhyap2ALwzGutDjS6wRygtYtuiQTXy8aAJJBFZ5EM_aUxwu4kf8Bh_A4UNj0fA3H7YvFSWD3nf0DbqKJtSuWTivgTmldcwgu4pIXRQKYHh8qRCrWA/s1600/Lenten+food+finished.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715147670114801074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzY8UwIvSaBZTF_jP2wfZxtShZIvhyap2ALwzGutDjS6wRygtYtuiQTXy8aAJJBFZ5EM_aUxwu4kf8Bh_A4UNj0fA3H7YvFSWD3nf0DbqKJtSuWTivgTmldcwgu4pIXRQKYHh8qRCrWA/s320/Lenten+food+finished.jpg" /></a>That's it! You're done! Your salmon cakes, or abonigas, are ready to eat. I like to eat mine with tortillas. But you can have yours on their own, or with bread or crackers. Enjoy! </p><br /><p align="left">Love,</p><br /><p align="left">Tina Marie</p>Tina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333371909766740769noreply@blogger.com1