document.write('\x3cmeta http-equiv=\x22x-dns-prefetch-control\x22 content=\x22off\x22/\x3e\x3col class=\x22tumblr_posts\x22\x3e\x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eMentone, Alabama\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eA couple of weekends ago, I had the opportunity to get a way from it all. A sister-friend, myself, and our teenage daughters packed up the cars and headed for Mentone, Alabama. We rented a quaint little 2-bedroom cabin located on a bashful piece of land just a few miles off the beaten path.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eYes, the cabin had wi-fi but I still felt disconnected from the world which was the point. It was nice to unplug for a day or two. I was able to get \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/vision/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3emy vision boards\x3c/a\x3e started on that weekend. Yes, I\u2019m proud of those vision boards! I look at them every day and they are a reminder of what I\u2019m trying to accomplish.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eThe cabin had a jacuzzi on the back deck. I had never been in a jacuzzi before. I know, right! I quickly realized what I had been missing all these years. As I was adjusting to the jacuzzi-induced tranquility, it dawned on me that our home patio/courtyard is perfect for a jacuzzi.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eBut I digress\u2026.please excuse and forgive my day-tripping back to the days of my first jacuzzi experience.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eOkay, Mentone, Alabama. Well, I was warned that there wasn\u2019t a whole lot to do in Mentone which is really what I was looking forward to anyway. We did find a lovely little art gallery that supports the local artists.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.theforgegallery.com/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eThe Forge Gallery\x3c/a\x3e is owned by Artist Blacksmith, Walter Howell and his wife, Rhonda. When we were visiting we only met Rhonda and what a lovely delight she was! Everything we commented on or touched or ooohed and awwwed over she could tell us the history of the piece, the artist\u2019s background, and a whole lot of other interesting facts. The gallery is small but we could have stayed for hours! The gallery also hosts classes. So if you need to recharge your creative battery then check out The Forge Gallery in Mentone, Alabama.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eUpon our day of being out and about, taking in what Mentone had to offer, I found the reason I need to come back to this sleepy little town \u2013 The Mentone Springs Hotel. Oh Em Gee! I would have never known that this place was so awesomely cool if I hadn\u2019t been brave enough to just strut right into the place like I knew what I was doing. Fortunately for me, the wedding they were having there wasn\u2019t due to start for another hour. So I quickly walked the lobby and snapped all the photos I could. I\u2019m coming back to this establishment as a guest! Can you say writer\u2019s retreat? Maybe I should bring The Gent on my first stay though.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/quote-marks.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-full wp-image-3371\x22 title=\x22quote marks\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/quote-marks.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x2250\x22 height=\x2250\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\x3cspan style=\x22color: #9c7810;\x22\x3e\x3cem\x3eMentone Springs Hotel is on the National Register of Historical Places and is one of the oldest hotels in the State of Alabama.\x3c/em\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cspan style=\x22color: #9c7810;\x22\x3e\x3cem\x3eBuilt in 1884 by Dr. Frank Caldwell of Pennsylvania, the hotel was finished but still lacking a name. Dr. Caldwell was living in the home of John Mason, whose daughter, Alice, had read accounts of Queen Victoria\u2019s visit to a place called Mentone in France. The news item had given the meaning of Mentone as \u201ca musical mountain spring.\u201d She suggested the same name be given to this spot where a rippling mountain spring flowed.\x3c/em\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eAt any rate, please enjoy some of the photos I took when I strolled through the first floor of The Mentone Springs Hotel. Click on any photo for a larger view.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone7.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3667\x22 title=\x22Mentone7\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone7-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\u00a0\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone8.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3668\x22 title=\x22Mentone8\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone8-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone9.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3669\x22 title=\x22Mentone9\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone9-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\u00a0\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone10.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3670\x22 title=\x22Mentone10\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone10-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\u00a0\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone12.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3671\x22 title=\x22Mentone12\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone12-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone13.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3672\x22 title=\x22Mentone13\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone13-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eThe Mentone Springs Hotel is listed in the book, \u201c1000 Places To Visit Before You Die.\x26#8221; The book is a New York Times best seller.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eCheck out their website for more information such as wedding venue, festivals, and seasonal room rates. \x3ca href=\x22http://www.mentonesprings.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.mentonesprings.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ewww.mentonesprings.com\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eIf you are looking for something a little more rustic and isolated then I might suggest the cabin we stayed in while we were in Mentone. \x3ca href=\x22http://www.vrbo.com/182663\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eFound on VRBO.com\x3c/a\x3e. You know, the one with the jacuzzi. The jacuzzi on the back deck. The back deck with a view. The view of peace and serenity.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eMore photos\u2026\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: left;\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone5.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3678\x22 title=\x22Mentone5\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone5-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone4.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3677\x22 title=\x22Mentone4\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone4-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone3.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3676\x22 title=\x22Mentone3\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone3-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone2.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3675\x22 title=\x22Mentone2\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone2-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone1.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3674\x22 title=\x22Mentone1\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone1-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone6.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3679 alignnone\x22 title=\x22Mentone6\x22 src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mentone6-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eOkay, so I had to throw in the photo of an antique store we visited as well to make the photo-layout even. The antique store is right beside the Mentone Springs Hotel, they share the parking lot. And the Forge Gallery? Same thing, all three right there in sort of a horseshoe.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eAnother surprise for me was the dining experience. \x3ca href=\x22http://www.mentonewildflower.com/index.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eThe Wildflower Cafe \x26amp; Country Store\x3c/a\x3e was awesomely cute! The eclectic decor and stellar service are worth the trip alone. Oh, and the entertainment filled me with happy-joy. Tony Goggans came over to our table to sing, \x26#8220;Brown Eyed Girl\x26#8221; to all of us. You will have to look him up on their website. It was for my niece\x26#8217;s birthday. I think she was embarrassed as any good 17-year old should be but this 40-something year old seasoned gal loved every minute of it. I\x26#8217;m glad we had a reservation because they were slammed packed full!\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eMentone is a great place to visit and hopefully I will be able to get back there soon. I\u2019m definitely adding it my places to have a soft landing when I\u2019m making my atmospheric entry from cyberspace. It is just the kind of area to visit when you want to unplug and unwind.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp style=\x22text-align: justify;\x22\x3eDo you have a favorite place you like to go to unplug?\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22tumblrize-permalink\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/mentone-alabama/\x22 title=\x22Go to original post at Carol Marks Online\x22 rel=\x22bookmark\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOriginal Article\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_photo_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x3cimg src=\x22http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyn4zbDcYW1qz4zqno1_400.jpg\x22 alt=\x22Taken with instagram\x22 class=\x22tumblr_photo\x22/\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_caption\x22\x3e\x0a                        \x3cp\x3eTaken with \x3ca href=\x22http://instagr.am\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3einstagram\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                    \x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eChef Merle Phillip Interview\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp style=\x22text-align: left;\x22\x3e\u2666 Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville [FWAH] \u2666\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eThe Eaves Restaurant and The Budding Chef Cooking School are under one roof. The two are owned and operated by Chef Merle Phillip. I had the privilege recently to sit down with Chef Philip to do an interview. The next FWAH networking mixer will be February 23rd and The Eaves Restaurant will play host to the event.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eGrowing up in New Jersey, Chef Merle Phillip\x26#8217;s parents were avid travelers and were the ones who gave Chef Merle her love of food. She graduated from the University of Maryland and trained/studied in the New York City area, the Mecca of all things culinary.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eSo let\x26#8217;s get on with the interview shall we?\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eWhen did you start your business? \x3c/strong\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aI started The Budding Chef Cooking School in October of 2008. I wanted to share the love of the culinary arts with others. We started with children and teen classes first. We wanted to teach them to prepare healthy meals, educating them how to make intelligent choices in the kitchen. I\x26#8217;m a strong believer of bending the tree while it is still young. The Budding Chef started to evolve into the catering business as well. Then in February of 2011 we opened our restaurant, The Eaves.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eTell me about some of your recent accomplishments.\x3c/strong\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aThe Eaves Restaurant has been on the Top 10 list on Urban Spoon and we\x26#8217;ve been rated one of the Top 10 restaurants in Go Magazine for the year 2011. Most restaurants don\x26#8217;t survive their first year, let alone flourish, so these two accomplishments are very meaningful to us.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eWhat is the key to your success?\x3c/strong\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aI do my job well. I am constantly raising the bar on my staff and myself. By doing my job well, touching every plate, and striving to do better every day. I don\x26#8217;t ever want to get so full of myself where I think I can sit back and relax.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eHow do you keep current in your area of expertise?\x3c/strong\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aPersonally, I keep up to date on industry trends. This year I will attend a professional culinary boot camp. Remain open and learn from people who have achieved excellence. As far as the staff and servers, I consider them having an additional role, our sales force. They share the backbone of the business. We have a training program in place where we continue to cultivate the craft of fine dining.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eCommunity involvement?\x3c/strong\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aI am a member of the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. I\x26#8217;m a supporter of our local NPR station, WLRH. Wounded Warriors is a philanthropic endeavor near and dear to my heart. I host a special cooking class for the spouses of Wounded Warriors.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eIs there anything you have coming up that you\x26#8217;d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions, specials?\x3c/strong\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aThe Budding Chef Cooking School kind of took a back seat in 2011 so I want to let everyone know that we will be back in full swing for 2012 with the cooking school. We are filling up our calendar with all sorts of fun classes. One of which I am extremely excited about is called Art with An Appetite. So be sure to get on the schedule for that one! Of course The Eaves Restaurant is also expanding into social events and activities more and more in 2012. We are going to do a series called Dinner \x26amp; Dancing!\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3ccenter\x3e####\x3c/center\x3eThe Eaves Restaurant is playing host for the Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville social networking mixer that will be held on February 23 from 6-8PM. Chef Phillip tells me that she is extremely happy to be a part of this event and mentioned creating fashion inspired beverages and hors d\x26#8217;oeuvres specific for this event. Proceeds will go to support the goals and missions of Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville, as well as community outreach efforts.\x0a\x3cp\x3eRemember to check out the websites for class information as well as hours of operation for the restaurant.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://buddingchefcookingschool.com/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eThe Budding Chef Cooking School\x3c/a\x3e and \x3ca href=\x22http://www.theeavesrestaurant.com/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eThe Eaves Restaurant\x3c/a\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3ca href=\x22https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Eaves-Restaurant/198659776814119\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eThe Eaves on Facebook\x3c/a\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x0a501 Church Street\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aDowntown Huntsville\x3cbr/\x3e\x0a256.489.1752\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eFor more information about Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville you can visit their website at \x3ca href=\x22http://www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ewww.fashionweekalabamahsv.com\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/a\x3e Be sure to \x3ca href=\x22https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fashion-Week-Alabama/190595604286675\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eLIKE their Facebook page\x3c/a\x3e as well to stay up to date on all the news and activities.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eCome on out February 23 (6-8PM) for a fun and glamorous networking event.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22tumblrize-permalink\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/chef-merle-phillip-interview/\x22 title=\x22Go to original post at Carol Marks Online\x22 rel=\x22bookmark\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOriginal Article\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3ePinterest Revisited\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eI have an on-off relationship with Pinterest. One day I\x26#8217;m all up in there liking stuff, pinning and repinning, even commenting! Then other days I\x26#8217;m all like, \x26#8220;eh.\x26#8221;\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eFor the life of me, I can\x26#8217;t explain the obsession with Pinterest. But it is so cool! Sometimes.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eFor me, it\x26#8217;s fun but I can live without it too. I understand pinning to a board so you can save it for later. You know where you put stuff, easy to find later when you want to view it again. You can categorize things. This is probably the main reason I do like Pinterest. There is nothing I don\x26#8217;t like about Pinterest but as I said before, I can take it or leave it.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eAt any rate, here are my labels for the boards I have created on Pinterest.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3eProducts I Love (self-explanatory)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eFavorite Places and Spaces (places I\x26#8217;d like to travel/visit)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eBooks Worth Reading (self-explanatory)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eMy Style Board (clothes, jewelry, and other accessories)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eFor The Home (decorating ideas, furniture, cool ideas)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eWriting (cool things related to writing; notebooks, quotes)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eThe Coveted (great fashion looks from Jennine Jacbos)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eRocket City Bloggers (local bloggers blogs)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eFoodie\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eRome, Italy\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eQuotes \x26amp; Inspiration\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eTotal Cuteness (I don\x26#8217;t even know why I have this one)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eWant (lusty stuff, fun)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eDIY (this is where I\x26#8217;ve figured out how to really use Pinterest)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cp\x3eOkay, now that I have all of my labels laid out here where I can see them in writing I realize that I\x26#8217;ve been using Pinterest wrong. Keep in mind I created most of these boards when I first signed up and \x3cem\x3ereally\x3c/em\x3e had no idea what I was doing over there and before I knew what the purpose of Pinterest really was.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eBecause I mean really, why do I need a board labeled Total Cuteness? What is on that board that I need to save and reference in the future?\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eNow, though, I want to use Pinterest to save ideas and DIY projects. Have a place to store great Internet finds whether it is a simple craft project to a recipe to a new designer.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eOh well, it is fun though. \x3ca href=\x22http://pinterest.com/carolannmarks/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eFollow me on Pinterest\x3c/a\x3e. And as soon as I figure out how to follow you back I\x26#8217;ll do it.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eHappy pinning!\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22tumblrize-permalink\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/pinterest-revisited/\x22 title=\x22Go to original post at Carol Marks Online\x22 rel=\x22bookmark\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOriginal Article\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eClosing January 2012\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eMonth one in 2012 is just about to come to a close. I thought this might be a good time to reflect and evaluate how I am doing, so far, on things I wanted to change this year. You know do a quick spot check on any resolutions I had set for myself.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eI\x26#8217;ve always been a late bloomer in all sorts of areas. So setting goals and resolutions in January is no different. I took a while in January to figure out what it is I wanted to really get done this year. I should have done this in December I suppose but oh well. I didn\x26#8217;t actually write down my goals until last week, when we were well into the first month of the New Year.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eLast month, to wrap up 2011, I wrote \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/dear-2012/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ethis blog post to Dear 2012\x3c/a\x3e. In it I wrote about what kind of person I wanted to strive to become. I want to become a more agreeable person with a positive attitude who is satisfied with the current state-of-affairs of her life. That is a big chunk of cake isn\x26#8217;t it? For me, that is a lot of effort. Sad, yes, I know.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eSo how am I doing? It is time for a little self-assessment here, a spot check so to speak.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eAm I agreeable and satisfied?\x3c/strong\x3e Yes, I am satisfied with where I am in life today. Do I want to aspire for more? Yes, of course, but it is more of a realistic nature these days (I wrote them down). Am I agreeable? Well, you\x26#8217;d have to ask The Gent and other people that know me face-to-face for the answer to that one. But inside my head, do I think I am being more agreeable? Yes. I truly believe it.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eHave I tamed my complaining and bellyaching?\x3c/strong\x3e On the social media sites, yes. I have had some slips but they were more civilized than they had been in the past. Or not as long and drawn out. Or not as dark and depressing. Or bitter. In real life? I\x26#8217;ve let myself slip from time to time but I would catch myself, become aware of what I was doing/saying, and I was able to reel it in. This area still needs vast improvement but it\x26#8217;s only January.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eHave I shown gratitude?\x3c/strong\x3e Yes. Gratitude is an action not a feeling or emotion. I still get up every day, shower, go to work, clean the house, support my family, and I try to help others. Can I do more to show my gratitude? Probably. This needs more pondering on my part; what else can I do to demonstrate my gratitude?\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eHave I written down everything, read more books, and listened?\x3c/strong\x3e Wow. I am writing more. I have read 4 books in January (but I am slipping already). Have I listened? Hmmmm. I don\x26#8217;t know the answer to this question.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eHave I reacted?\x3c/strong\x3e LOL!!! I don\x26#8217;t know if I will ever be able to overcome this one. I try. I try so hard. I think perhaps I have gotten better but I want to become perfect at this one. But as they say, \x26#8220;Progress not perfection.\x26#8221; Ugh.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eThe shopping rule of waiting 3 days?\x3c/strong\x3e Um, yeah, I\x26#8217;ll pass over this question. I still have 11 months left in the year to get a handle on this one. Thank you. What was I just saying about progress not perfection? ;-)\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eSo yeah, I think this was all that needed addressing from that previous post, so far. As I stated earlier, I have finally written down my goals, dreams, and aspirations for 2012. I even made \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/vision/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3evision boards\x3c/a\x3e to help me stay on course. Is it working? I think so. I am more aware. I have a reasonable plan too.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eMapping a plan and visualizing it is helpful to me. I need to plan and schedule, stick to a routine. Be diligent. Persevere. Maintain.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/February-2012-calendar.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/February-2012-calendar-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22February 2012 calendar\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3557\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3eI bought a simple Office Depot brand 2012 calendar notebook that helps me stay on course. I even created a writing schedule. So far I\x26#8217;ve done well with it. I\x26#8217;ve managed to at least go back to my desk during the scheduled time to write and sit down at the laptop (instead of watching TV on the couch). I may not have written anything worthwhile yet but I am going through the motions, getting acclimated. Yeah, that\x26#8217;s it. The photo in this blog post is of my new calendar - color coated and all. Yeah, I\x26#8217;m a dork like that but I learned this trick when I was a Mary Kay consultant and I found this to be one of the most brilliant things I\x26#8217;ve ever taken a suggestion on. It works. This is a shot of February. I don\x26#8217;t have it finished yet but I do have my writing time carved out first and foremost. That and the weekend my son will be home. :-)\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eAs stated earlier, I took some time to think about what I wanted to accomplish in 2012 and I wrote them down. I\x26#8217;ll share some of them with you:\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3eWrite personal essay/fiction/creative nonfiction and actually submit them\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eAttend a blogging conference\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eBe able to take family on vacation\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eTravel\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eLose 20 lbs, be fit, do the Warrior Dash\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cp\x3eThese are just SOME of my goals I wrote down and was willing to share with the Internet. \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3ccenter\x3eMy vision boards: Health, Career, Family, and Motivation\x3c/center\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/visionboard.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/visionboard-300x300.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22visionboard\x22 width=\x22300\x22 height=\x22300\x22 class=\x22aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3570\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eOkay, your turn, how are your New Year goals and resolutions coming along? Have you fallen behind? Well, just get right back up and start again! \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eHere is to a great February ya\x26#8217;ll.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22tumblrize-permalink\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/closing-january-2012/\x22 title=\x22Go to original post at Carol Marks Online\x22 rel=\x22bookmark\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOriginal Article\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eIFB: Links a la Mode\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eHow did the Independent Fashion Bloggers Links a la Mode sneak up on me this week? I don\x26#8217;t know but here is this week\x26#8217;s edition for your viewing and reading pleasure. I know what I\x26#8217;m doing this evening? My reading is set! \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eIt is the weekly round up of fashion goodness.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3ch2\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://heartifb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/LALM0126.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg class=\x22aligncenter  wp-image-15045\x22 title=\x22LALM0126\x22 src=\x22http://heartifb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/LALM0126.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 width=\x22610\x22 height=\x22310\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/h2\x3e\x0a\x3ch2\x3eMaking a Connection\x3c/h2\x3e\x0a\x0a\x3cp\x3eEdited by: Fajr Muhammad of \x3ca href=\x22http://stylishthought.com/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eStylish Thought\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cdiv\x3e\x0a\x0a\x3cp\x3eCan you believe that it\u2019s almost February. Fashion week is right around the corner and that means that the \x3ca href=\x22http://heartifb.com/ifbcon/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eIFB Conference\x3c/a\x3e is right upon us. The IFB\u00a0 Conference has opened so many doors and channels for fashion bloggers to connect and expand their *ahem* influence. Fashion week is another great avenue to network and work with brands, the media and other bloggers. In our fast-paced digital (and fashion) worlds, connection is key.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3c/div\x3e\x0a\x3cdiv\x3e\x3c/div\x3e\x0a\x3cdiv\x3eCheck out this week\u2019s Link a la Mode and connect with our 20 selected bloggers. Read their post, comment and build relationships that will last past fashion week and beyond.\x3c/div\x3e\x0a\x3cdiv\x3e\x0a\x3ch2\x3e\x3c/h2\x3e\x0a\x3ch2\x3eTHE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS \u00c0 LA MODE: JANUARY 26TH\x3c/h2\x3e\x0a\x3cdiv\x3e\x3c/div\x3e\x0a\x3c/div\x3e\x0a\x3cdiv\x3e\x0a\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.colormebluefashion.com/2012/01/face-makeup-101.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eColor Me Blue:\x3c/a\x3e Face Makeup 101\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://daveesecrets.blogspot.com/2012/01/black-onyx_23.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eDavee\u2019s Secrets\x3c/a\x3e: Black Onyx\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.purushu.com/2012/01/fashion-designers-workshop-facts.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eDesigner Purushu\x3c/a\x3e: A Fashion Designer\u2019s Workshop\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.fashionmoriarty.co.uk/2012/01/day-i-was-in-teen-vogue.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eFashion Moriarty\x3c/a\x3e: The day I was in Teen Vogue\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.blog.fumikokawa.com/2012/01/texture-quilted-chinesenewyear-dragon.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eFumiko Kawa\x3c/a\x3e: Crossing Lines\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.firstcamefashion.com/2012/01/california-girl.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eFirst Came Fashion\x3c/a\x3e: California Girl\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://homesandheels.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/this-weekend-8/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eHomes \x26amp; Heels\x3c/a\x3e: This Weekend\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.ihaveadegreeinthis.com/2012/01/why-i-love-fashion.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eI Have a Degree in This\x3c/a\x3e: Why I Love Fashion\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://pandippo.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-not-beauty-queen-im-just-beautiful.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eJust Pandippo\x3c/a\x3e: I\u2019m not a Beauty Queen\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://initfortheloveblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/life-to-market-to-market.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eLe Love:\x3c/a\x3e To Market to Market\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.myvoguishdiaries.com/2012/01/chambray-and-fur.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eMy Voguish Diaries\x3c/a\x3e: Chambray and Fur\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://thechicmuse000.blogspot.com/2012/01/nailed-it.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ePretty Passions, Fine Fashions\x3c/a\x3e: Nailed It\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.oranges-and-apples.com/2012/01/on-valuing-clothes.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOranges and Apples\x3c/a\x3e: On Valuing Clothes\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://simplyfrabulous.blogspot.com/2012/01/year-of-dragon.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eSimply Frabulous\x3c/a\x3e: The year of the Dragon\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://stylesizzle.com/beauty-product-reviews-2/hate-beauty-trends\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eStyle Sizzle\x3c/a\x3e: I Hate Beauty Trends\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://stylethroughhereyes.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinterest-vs-tumblr.html\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eStyle Through Her Eyes\x3c/a\x3e: Pinterest vs. Tumblr\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://stylishthought.com/fashion/the-a-to-z-guide-to-personal-style/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eStylish Thought\x3c/a\x3e: The A to Z Guide to Personal Style\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://thestyleconfessions.com/2012/01/20/l-a-woman/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eThe Style Confessions:\x3c/a\x3e L.A. Woman\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://tiffanysquared.com/2012/01/22/the-editor-allure/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eTiffany Squared\x3c/a\x3e: The Editor Allure\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://vikisecrets.com/news/the-secret-meaning-of-brands\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eViki Secrets\x3c/a\x3e: The Secret Meaning of Brands\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3c/div\x3e\x0a\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cspan\x3eSPONSOR\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e:\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000000;\x22 title=\x22Shopbop\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/accessories-jewelry-necklaces/br/v=1/2534374302060432.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eShoes \x3c/a\x3e at \x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: #000000;\x22 href=\x22https://plus.google.com/111383160386890421187\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eShopbop\x3c/a\x3e:\u00a0\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/frye-shoes/br/v=1/2534374302024537.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eFrye Shoes\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/yosi-samra-shoes-flats/br/v=1/2534374302183044.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eYosi Samra Flats\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/see-chloe-shoes/br/v=1/2534374302129932.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eSee by Chloe Shoes\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/tapeet/br/v=1/2534374302047394.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eTapeet\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/ash-shoes-sport/br/v=1/2534374302076272.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eAsh Sneakers\x3c/a\x3e, \x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/sam-edelman-shoes-sandals/br/v=1/2534374302184485.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eSam Edelman Sandals\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/steven-shoes/br/v=1/2534374302167074.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eSteven\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/alexander-wang-shoes/br/v=1/2534374302162831.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eWang Shoes\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/pelle-moda/br/v=1/2534374302122091.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ePelle Moda\x3c/a\x3e, \x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/vanessa-mooney/br/v=1/2534374302172578.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eVanessa Mooney\x3c/a\x3e,\x3c/span\x3e \x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/loeffler-randall/br/v=1/2534374302025533.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eLoeffler Randall\x3c/a\x3e,\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/dolce-vita-shoes/br/v=1/2534374302038455.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e Dolce Vita Shoes \x3c/a\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x26amp;\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3ca style=\x22text-decoration: none; color: #666666;\x22 href=\x22http://www.shopbop.com/hunter-boots/br/v=1/2534374302049169.htm?all\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e Hunter Boots\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3ePLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE\x3c/strong\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eIf you would like to submit your link for next week\u2019s Links \u00e0 la Mode, please\u00a0\x3cstrong\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://community.heartifb.com/account/register.php\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eregister first\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e, then post your links\u00a0\x3cstrong\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://community.heartifb.com/mod/groups/topicposts.php?topic=2179215\x26amp;group_guid=34\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eHERE\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e. The HTML code for this week will be found in the\u00a0\x3cstrong\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://community.heartifb.com/pg/groups/34/links-la-mode/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eLinks a la Mode\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e\u00a0group will be published later today. ~Jennine\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22tumblrize-permalink\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/ifb-links-a-la-mode-2/\x22 title=\x22Go to original post at Carol Marks Online\x22 rel=\x22bookmark\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOriginal Article\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_photo_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x3cimg src=\x22http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyja3myptH1qz4zqno1_400.jpg\x22 alt=\x22Taken with instagram\x22 class=\x22tumblr_photo\x22/\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_caption\x22\x3e\x0a                        \x3cp\x3eTaken with \x3ca href=\x22http://instagr.am\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3einstagram\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                    \x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_photo_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x3cimg src=\x22http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyhd5zAb431qz4zqno1_400.jpg\x22 alt=\x22Caught him in a yawn apparently.  (Taken with instagram)\x22 class=\x22tumblr_photo\x22/\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_caption\x22\x3e\x0a                        \x3cp\x3eCaught him in a yawn apparently.  (Taken with \x3ca href=\x22http://instagr.am\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3einstagram\x3c/a\x3e)\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                    \x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eVictoria Pennington Ribbon Cutting\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eHey, if you\x26#8217;d like to get in on the fashion scene then I might suggest you attend the hottest ribbon cutting you will \x3cstrong\x3eever\x3c/strong\x3e attend in Huntsville, Alabama. January 28 at 4PM, see details below in the official press release. \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eVictoria Pennington Model \x26amp; Talent Management (and also the agency working exclusively with Fashion Week Alabama - Huntsville) is having its ribbon cutting this Saturday at 4PM. But this isn\x26#8217;t your regular ole run of the mill meet and greet, shake hands, and pass out business cards sort of ribbon cutting. Oh no. Are you kidding me? Victoria Pennington do anything regular and normal? And trust me, this is a good thing. You are in for a treat my friends! \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eCocktails, fashion \x26amp; accessory trunk shows, and a grand finale fashion show that will feature collections from local designers Josie Wachi and LeJeune House of Fashion will be some of the festivities at this grand opening and ribbon cutting.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eSo yeah, you do NOT want to miss THIS ribbon cutting. \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eBelow is the full press release for the ribbon cutting. Yes, she has a press release, can you imagine? I am so excited to attend this ribbon cutting. It\x26#8217;ll be like I am in New York! \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cblockquote\x3e\x3cp\x3eVictoria Pennington Model \x26amp; Talent Management\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aLincoln Mills Office Campus\x3cbr/\x3e\x0a1300 Meridian Street, A13\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aHuntsville, AL  35801\x3cbr/\x3e\x0a256-777-2495\x3cbr/\x3e\x0a================================================\x3c/p\x3e\x3c/blockquote\x3e\x0a\x3cblockquote\x3e\x3cp\x3eFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE \x3c/p\x3e\x3c/blockquote\x3e\x0a\x3cblockquote\x3e\x3cp\x3eHuntsville, Alabama - Victoria Pennington Model \x26amp; Talent Management (VPMTM), located at 1300 Meridian Street, Suite A13 (Lincoln Mills Office Campus), will be holding a Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, January 28 at 4pm.  Following the Ribbon Cutting, guests will enjoy cocktails,  and preview and shop from local fashion \x26amp; accessory designer trunk shows.  There will be a fashion show at 5pm featuring collections from Huntsville designers Josie Wachi and LeJeune House of Fashion.  Fashion models, of course, provided by VPMTM. Hair and makeup provided by Gray Premier Salon.\x3c/p\x3e\x3c/blockquote\x3e\x0a\x3cblockquote\x3e\x3cp\x3eAbout VPMTM:\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aVPMTM is a modeling agency that provides coaching and other talent management services, and has been named Fashion Week Alabama\u2019s runway fashion model hub for 2012. For more information call 256-777-2495 or visit \x3ca href=\x22http://victoriapennington.com/\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://www.victoriapennington.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ewww.victoriapennington.com\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/a\x3e. \x3c/p\x3e\x3c/blockquote\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eYou know I\x26#8217;m gonna be there taking photos to blog about this later. See you there! \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22tumblrize-permalink\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/victoria-pennington-ribbon-cutting/\x22 title=\x22Go to original post at Carol Marks Online\x22 rel=\x22bookmark\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOriginal Article\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eBenefit Cosmetics Makeovers\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eSo The Girl and I spent some mother-daughter time this weekend by getting free facials and makeovers at the Benefit Cosmetic counter at Belk in the Parkway Place mall.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eI thought it would be a great way to spend some time with my daughter and to have her try some new looks out for the military ball she is going to attend this coming weekend. So when Sarah, the Benefit sales consultant, called me to see if I was interested in the facials and makeovers I said, \x26#8220;Yes.\x26#8221;\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eWe spent four hours there at the counter and had so much fun. My daughter does not wear a lot of makeup. She may wear some concealer and mascara but that\x26#8217;s about it. When Sarah broke out three different eye shadows for The Girl I remained quiet, hoping that Gracie would be open-minded and give it a try. She did. And she loved it. I reckon because it was someone other than her old mom suggesting something new.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eHere are some before and after photographs of The Girl\x26#8217;s experience:\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Before-1.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Before-1-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Gracie Before 1\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3441\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Before-2.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Before-2-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Gracie Before 2\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3442\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Before-3.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Before-3-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Gracie Before 3\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3443\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-After-2.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-After-2-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Gracie After 2\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3444\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-After-3.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-After-3-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Gracie After 3\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3445\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-After-4.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-After-4-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Gracie After 4\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3446\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Eye.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gracie-Eye-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Gracie Eye\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3450\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Benefit-Counter.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Benefit-Counter-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Benefit Counter\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3451\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e \x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Benefit-Counter-2.jpg\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Benefit-Counter-2-150x150.jpg\x22 alt=\x22\x22 title=\x22Benefit Counter 2\x22 width=\x22150\x22 height=\x22150\x22 class=\x22alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3452\x22/\x3e\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eWe had a great time. The Girl learned how to apply eye make up and Sarah was great with us; she was knowledgeable and patient, very outgoing with a positive attitude. She also has a great memory because she did not write anything down while we were doing the facials, but she was able to recite everything at the end of our four hour pampering session when she wrote down on our cards what she used in the process. I was impressed.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eThe product I liked best was the erase paste. LOVED the erase paste! Benefit Erase Paste is a brightening camouflage for eyes and face. Easily covers dark circles and imperfections. It is thick and you don\x26#8217;t need a lot of it so it will last a very long time. It comes in three different shades with brightening melon undertones. \x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eThe Girl\x26#8217;s favorite products were the cream eye shadows of course. She did look awesome. But of course I think she looks awesome all the time, with or without makeup. :)\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eThe product packaging and names are so much fun too! Just to name a few:\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eDr. Feel Good - a velvety complexion balm\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aLemon Aid - color correcting eyelid primer\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aThey\x26#8217;re Real! Mascara - beyond mascara\x3cbr/\x3e\x0aOoh La Lift - instant under-eye brightening boost\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eI mean really, if you want something fun to do with your daughter go on down to the Benefit Cosmetics counter at Belk and ask for Sarah. Tell her Carol, the Blogger, sent you. Heh.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22tumblrize-permalink\x22\x3e\x3ca href=\x22http://carolmarksonline.com/benefit-cosmetics-makeovers/\x22 title=\x22Go to original post at Carol Marks Online\x22 rel=\x22bookmark\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eOriginal Article\x3c/a\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a\x3c/ol\x3e');