tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72806610261683199622024-03-13T16:01:02.320-04:00Sam Bock Illustration & DesignBalancing a lifestyle of art, fitness, and fun!Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-85900491061376826252012-04-12T00:33:00.001-04:002012-04-12T00:33:27.933-04:00Finally made the switch!!!Hello, my friends!<br />
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So I have been toiling away, trying to make this switch. Still have some construction and design issues to deal with, but for now, at least I am <i>live </i>and working! My first three posts are non-existent in my import, however, and I am not sure how to get them. Any of you bloggy phenoms have any tips on that? Or heck, tips at all about WordPress? I have slaved away for the last few months trying to get this goin'.<br />
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And now for the big reveal....<br />
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Just call me....<i>The Balance Artist</i>. I wrestled over picking the right domain name, and wanted to have something that was all-encompassing for me. This is not just an illustration blog, and although I would love to have more art, design, and personal arting on here, I still can't deny that this is a lifestyle blog. Cooking, nutrition, and fitness have quickly solidified their places as top passions of mine, and I want to write about it all. Hopefully you will stick with me. ;) Promise, I have a whole list of exciting things coming up, from awesome recipes to art polls and updates on my illustration and design business to foodie giveaways to Best Of posts, and so much more. Oh, and a recipe (or two) and the rest of the Vegas recaps are coming this week. I am excited with the direction this is going, for sure.<br />
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If you want to follow my posts, my new address is <a href="http://www.thebalanceartist.com/">www.thebalanceartist.com</a>, and I will be posting from there from now on, assuming all goes well with the switch!<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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xoxoxoSam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-40514920714654910332012-04-10T22:41:00.002-04:002012-04-10T22:45:32.285-04:00Vegas Part II: Oscar Sings the Sexy Sax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
....and thus begins Part II of about 4! (Coop has not even arrived yet!) As promised, once I finish switching the blog over to its new name and domain, I will make a "Best Of" Vegas post...along with some recipes and fitness posts I have in mind. </div>
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You can find <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2012/04/vegas-part-i-oscar-does-yoga-sexy-sax.html" target="_blank">Part I here. </a></div>
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We concluded with a teaser about a certain video about a certain someone singing the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaoLU6zKaws" target="_blank">Sexy Sax Man</a> song to strangers along the Strip.</div>
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Here is a taste of our trip. Enjoy my snorting.</div>
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Allie really wanted to see <a href="http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/welcome.aspx" target="_blank">Cirque du Soleil</a>'s <i>Love </i>while we were out here. I had seen it before (along with <i>Zumanity</i> and <i>Mystere</i>), but could never turn down an invite to a Cirque show! They are AMAZING, from the tricks to the music to the choreography, and I marveled at how gorgeous and fit the women in the show were. Talk about talent...and muscles!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was when the phone we picked up in the booth actually started talking to us...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Don's first vacation picture with another male! Lucky guy, surrounded by women all day! ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that blue guy's snout!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasonal display at The Bellagio</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to stop for the iconic water show at Bellagio!</td></tr>
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Stay tuned for Part III and IV....Coop arrives and adventures ensue, more videos,....and yes. More sexy saxophone.Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-91975108600584852542012-04-04T21:13:00.000-04:002012-04-04T21:13:34.676-04:00Vegas Part I: Oscar Does Yoga & The Sexy Sax ManHello!<br />
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As I am fighting off a weird stomach bug (acquired the last few days of my trip....great!), I haven't been able to do much the last few days, and regressed today. NOT fun.<br />
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Anyway, the next few posts will be mostly picture documentation of our Vegas trip. I will eventually put together a Best Of Vegas post, as I have been there many times, and it seems like many of you will be making a visit within the next year. In the meantime, I finally came up with the right name for my blog, and I will be using the Vegas trip recap posts to hold you guys over while I make the switch to my own domain (and to Wordpress!). Slowly but surely! There will be some major construction going on, but I promise it will be worth it! Any WP lovers, feel free to give me tips...this is confusing!<br />
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In the mean time, keep checking here until I debut my new blog (although all of my posts will transfer over to the newbie, too) with a new look, a giveaway, and a fitness/health post! Can't wait, lots of new things comin'....just stick with me!<br />
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But for now....VEGAS, BABY!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><u>Part One</u></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excited! But this would be the last picture taken with my iPhone before it got stolen...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donald Butler from the Chargers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My seat for most of the trip...in the back with the bags!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar stretching it out before we go out...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I call this 'scorpion!' See my pinchers?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windiest day ever!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yardhouse is my dream come true...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm not getting a sig on my beeper..."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beers make moms hide in bushes...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and make us smile pretty....</td></tr>
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...and watch Sexy Sax Man Sergio Flores on our phones...<br />
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....and CRY laughing for a solid hour. Surprised no one clapped when we finally left the restaurant. But we continued the sexy saxophoning well into the trip...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my backseat with the leftovers!</td></tr>
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<b>Part II </b>will come.....bringing about some videos of Oscar sexy-saxin' in public, Coop arrives and we have a pretty sweet dance party, and we get some street performers on the Strip to perform the George Michael hit for us. First videos on here ever!<br />
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More to come. Now I will continue to sit here and try to stomach my ginger ale as I attempt to decipher this Wordpress mumbo jumbo! xoxox<br />
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<br />Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-40691168342100436952012-03-23T15:39:00.000-04:002012-03-23T15:39:01.827-04:00The Mustard-Colored ApartmentTomorrow is the day....my return to Vegas! I haven't been there in two years, and for someone who was relatively a local for a few years, I CANNOT WAIT to get back there!! The southwest owns my heart.<br />
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Before I leave, let me recap a bit.<br />
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Although most of my meals have been super nutrient-and-veggie-dense this week (hey, pool parties!) and have looked like this:<br />
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....the week before, not so much. First was dinner I cooked at my parent's house last Friday...homemade guac, green chili chicken enchiladas, and blackened shrimp tacos with cabbage, radicchio, an avocado cilantro crema (made with plain Chobani), and homemade pico de gallo. I could eat like this every day.<br />
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Then St. Paddy's Day in Philly.<br />
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First we met a friend at a house party. Coop called to get the details about where to meet, and when he said, "Oh okay, the mustard-colored apartment?" I scoured the horizon for a bright yellow, French's colored building. Then he pointed here.<br />
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"That's <i>mustard</i>-colored?"<br />
"Yes you know, like, spicy brown kind?"<br />
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...really? I would never consider that mustard-colored, but okay!<br />
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After the mustard party, we headed to <a href="http://www.moriartyspub.com/" target="_blank">Moriarty's</a> for some drinks and apps. If you are ever in the area, Moriarty's is known for their wings. They are amazing! I didn't have any this time, but they are killer. The girls from my dance studio and I used to go here before we would see any Broadway shows at the Forrest Theatre.<br />
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Even Stacy was in the St. Patrick's mood!<br />
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The next day, Coop and I wanted to try something a little different. Sunday was gorgeous here, so we opted to walk to South Street again. This time, German food was on our mind.<br />
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Two Germans at <a href="http://www.brauhausschmitz.com/" target="_blank">Brauhaus Schmitz</a>!<br />
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Ohhhh my goodness. We both agreed this is one of the top places we have ever been. The atmosphere was awesome (the front of the restaurant was open-air since it was so nice out), our server was fab, beer selection was amazing, and the food was spectacular. Fresh-baked bread, a delicious soft-pretzel, smokey fish spread, spatzle with veggies, housemade bratwurst (I just typed "mousemade".....<i>Ratatouille</i> on my mind), sauerkraut....everything was on point. So different and so fun!<br />
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Oh....and two mustards came out with our pretzel. One is what I would consider "mustard-colored", and the other is what Coop apparently considers "mustard-colored."<br />
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Just like the building! He is a treat.<br />
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I also laughed at "WinterFahrt." Because I am a twelve year old boy.<br />
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We then stopped in the Adidas store where Coop picked up some sweet new high-tops and I lusted over interesting kicks and gear of my own....<br />
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Wow.<br />
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And then I talked him into sharing a humungous fro-yo on the way home, in true foodie form, of course. :)<br />
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Hope you all had a great week...happy Friday!!! Enjoy your weekend....I know I will! See ya when I return!<br />
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Oh....and to hold you over here until I get back from my vaycay... you may watch the penguin cam.<br />
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...you're welcome.<br />
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<a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/frozen-planet/penguin-cam/" target="_blank">The 'guin Cam</a> <- click here for instant happiness.<br />
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As my BFF said (thanks for the penguin links, Biggie), "Penguin has to get to the stock markets. Penguin has work to do."<br />
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Freakin' penguins. So cool.Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-60732232083859356272012-03-16T10:27:00.000-04:002012-03-16T16:43:35.066-04:00Just So You Know....First, I discovered this via coupon attached to my receipt after buying out my grocery store's stock in Chobani....<br />
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And then last night, this happened....<br />
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......and they are all as <i>phenomenal</i> as you may imagine.<br />
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(I obviously had to taste-test each one before feeding them to my family for dessert tonight.)<br />
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Buy them, like, now. Or yesterday. That Blueberry Vanilla Graham? Oh. Gosh.<br />
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Tonight I am making blackened shrimp tacos, chicken enchiladas, and skinny "jalapeno poppers," which will essentially just be mini, spicy, baked mozz sticks. Well, pepper jack and habanero cheese sticks. Just another trial in the kitchen, I will post the recipe if they turn out!<br />
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So happy it is finally Friday. And although I am not sure what our plans are tomorrow, I can promise you that I will be celebrating my Irish heritage and wearing the best green shirt ever. You HAVE to drink beer on St. Paddy's Day. And then a week of eating super clean (the<a href="http://toneitup.com/blog.php?What-is-the-7-Day-Slim-Down-5096" target="_blank"> TIU 7 Day Slimdown</a>, perhaps?) for my trip to Vegas. So that I can indulge guilt-free! That is what vacations are allll about.<br />
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In other news, I am officially a nail polish addict. I have bought so much Essie nail polish that CVS has decided I get a free one.<br />
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I love receipt surprises!!!!<br />
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Happy weekend, friends! xoxo<br />
<b>Have any plans for St. Paddy's Day?</b><br />
<br />Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-85876153813517093292012-03-15T14:08:00.000-04:002012-03-15T14:20:39.133-04:00Caution: Do NOT Read If You Are Hungry!!Hello everyone!<br />
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Sorry I have been non-existent lately...I have been super busy with some freelance gigs (that I just can't share yet, up in here!) and preparing for my upcoming vacation. Promise I will share more art here when I can! Hopefully I will have time to work on some personal art ideas when I return from Vegas with the fam. Next Saturday! Can't wait!<br />
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I will have a foodie-based giveaway the week that I return, so be on the lookout for that! I have been super active in the kitchen lately, trying new-to-me things like <a href="http://toneitup.com/blog.php?We-LOVE-Food-Friday-5401" target="_blank">chia pudding</a>, homemade pesto, <a href="http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2011/08/15/weighing-my-options/" target="_blank">overnight oats in a jar,</a><br />
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and new creations like healthy Bang-Bang Shrimp Pasta, taco pie, and a Southwestern chopped quinoa salad inspired by one in the newest Fitness magazine. Agave + apple cider vinegar + lime juice + olive oil + spices makes the BEST dressing....oh man. And for some reason, when fresh salad ingredients are chopped up into itty bitty pieces, they just taste so much better! This reminded me of a salad I would be able to get at <a href="http://www.choicegreens.com/" target="_blank">Choice Greens in Tucson</a>. MAN I miss that place...and their ciabatta bread. Yum.<br />
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We have also checked out some amazing local food joints...South Street Diner in Philly made my dreams come true with a Crab Cake Eggs Benedict,<br />
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and <a href="http://www.zagat.com/r/la-locanda-del-ghiottone-philadelphia" target="_blank">La Laconda del Ghiottone in Old City</a> proved to be one of the best Italian joints I have ever encountered. The staff was knowledgable and fun, and oh-so-South-Philly-Italian, the setting is unique and intimate, and the menu...ohhhh the menu....<br />
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I was craving mussels, so we ordered those in a red sauce while we sipped on red wine. I planned on sticking with a relatively healthy fish dinner, but when I saw that they had gnocchi on the menu that they make with ricotta (the authentic Italian way!), I had to try! It is a signature dish of theirs and after hearing rave reviews, I went with it. The <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/12/pinteresting-some-recent-eats.html" target="_blank">time that I made my own gnocchi</a>, it was a ricotta gnocchi, as well! So I was pumped to try theirs. It was absolutely delicious; the gorgonzola and tomato sauce was perfectly creamy but not too much so. We all agreed it was the best dish of the night. The serving wasn't huge, so I didn't walk away feeling like a blimp...plus, we all shared a little of each dish that we got. The veal was also spectacular, and the sauce was just as good as mine. No sauce was left behind, thanks to the bread basket at the table.<br />
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Plus...BYOB always makes me happy. We came armed with plenty of Malbec!<i> Definitely </i>check out La Laconda if you are in the Philly area.<br />
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We also went to our friend's 30th birthday party at <a href="http://www.hsbeer.com/" target="_blank">Clipper City Brewery</a> in Baltimore (they make Heavy Seas beer) for a beerfest; Black Cannon IPA was <i>on point</i>. Lots of good brews. We took a pitstop at <a href="http://www.littlehavanas.com/" target="_blank">Little Havana</a> before heading home to Philly. Little Havana....best. Mojitos. Ever. I didn't take many pictures, but hopefully I can get a few from friends who did.<br />
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Pup has also gotten plenty of outdoors time, especially since the days have gotten longer (<i>wahoo!!</i>) and the temperature has been hovering around 60-70 degrees around these parts! Spring is in sight!!!<br />
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He's also been extra-spoiled since my dad is still at home recovering from his surgery, so Koda gets a lot more social time and extra walks.<br />
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And jelly beans. Goodness gracious, does this dog LOVE jelly beans. Even more than spinach and cheese (his two formerly-favorite foods).<br />
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Enjoy your Thursday! xoxoSam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-4643670511485023912012-03-02T15:23:00.001-05:002012-03-07T09:13:11.526-05:00Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Had to illustrate one of my very favorite quotes from one of my very favorite influences on his birthday.<br />
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Doesn't he have the best quotes ever?<br />
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Happy Friday! :) xoSam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-34305667844602043242012-02-27T09:33:00.000-05:002012-02-28T10:04:55.050-05:00Birthday Girl! & Weekend ShenanigansToday....is a special day.<br />
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It is somebody's 21st birthday!!<br />
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Noooo, not Koda. You are only about 10 in doggy years! Too young for alcohol.<br />
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There, there.<br />
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<i>Baby Sister</i> is 21!!! It is about time.<br />
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The family celebrated early on Friday with some pizza, ice cream cake, and a few presents. We are going on a trip to Vegas at the end of March, so that is her main "birthday celebration," but the grandparents wanted to come wish her a happy birthday.<br />
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It wouldn't be a Bock family celebration without awkward family photos<br />
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and shenanigans like my grandmother and I accidentally lighting the ice cream cake on fire.<br />
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Coop was at a show in Upstate NY Friday, so I was excited to venture over to Philly Saturday and spend some time with him after my Saturday morning double session of BodyCombat & BodyPump and then lunch at Chipotle with Allie and Oscar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember? The <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/10/kodas-big-adventure.html" target="_blank">Chipotle addicts.</a></td></tr>
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Coop suggested we go to try some local places we haven't been yet, and I happily obliged. We walked to the nearby <a href="http://philadelphiabarandrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant</a> to try out some apps and beer.<br />
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Fried Mac & Cheese and Fried Pickles. Ohhh my goodness. The "frickles" weren't quite as jaw-dropping as <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2012/01/empire-state-vs-chrysler-building.html" target="_blank">our favorite ones in NYC</a>, but they were still so, so good. <i>So</i> not on the <a href="http://toneitup.com/" target="_blank">Tone It Up </a>plan...but everything in moderation!!<br />
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We each had a Flying Fish Grand Cru, and then I went with the Dogfish Head Stout and Coop had the Sixpoint Signal Rauchbier. Good thing I took a taste of Weyerbacher Tango before ordering a full glass...as a huge WB Imperial Pumpkin Ale lover, I thought I would no doubt love their Belgian Dark Ale. Uh....not so much. Neither one of us could even finish the sample. Fail! Luckily the beer we ended up choosing was great.<br />
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Our waitress was wonderful, too. We will definitely be returning...especially since their "Coming Up" list of brews-to-come on tap was pretty stellar.<br />
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We were craving some red wine, and they were out of the Malbec we wanted, so we hit up a wine & fondue place nearby. The two wines we tried were amazing...but the service was totally <i>awful</i>. Sorry, Beneluxx. We won't be back. Even though the drink list was pretty amazing!<br />
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Sunday was the ultimate lounge day. T-shirts, yoga pants, warm and fuzzy socks.<br />
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We were all about TV (<i>Chopped</i>, <i>TripleD</i>, etc.) and movies (<i>Moneyball</i>...had some funny parts, was pretty intriguing, but also had some slow parts).<br />
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Coop left for the gym, and since I didn't feel like paying $15 bucks to go running, I stayed behind and watched <i>The Lion King</i> and <i>Aladdin</i> while doing a little at-home workout full of planks, squats, core work, pushups, pull ups from his bedroom's rafters, and belting out Disney lyrics. I pretty much looked super cool.<br />
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Sushi take-out from Uzu (right next to Philadelphia B&R!) accompanied the new episode of <i>The Walking Dead. </i><br />
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<i></i>We shared Miso soup, a house salad with ginger dressing, a Cali roll, a Mexican roll (grilled chicken, avocado, and a spicy sauce), a Boston roll (lettuce and shrimp), a King Kani (spicy crab)....but the show-stealer was definitely this guy:<br />
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The Mellow Yellow....yellowtail, mango, and cream cheese. Oh. My gosh.<br />
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I had made a little goody bag of snacks for Coop because he was supposed to be in New York this week at a hotel as he trains for his new job, but he actually ended up not having to go there this week and is just going to the regular office in PA. So....we dug into that little bag of goodness for dessert. The bag is full of Clif ZBars (Iced Oatmeal Cookie!!), Love Grown Cocoa Goodness granola, Larabars, Goldfish, and other snacks (....and a little bottle of Jack Daniel's). Multiple Hershey's Kisses and Hugs and a shared Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Larabar were consumed post-dinner.<br />
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And YAY for Coop's first day on the new job today! I know he will be a rockstar.<br />
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Lots of freelance and fun new projects, new recipes, and other fun things on the way. March will be an absolutely amazing month...lots of get togethers with friends, little Allie will be able to come play with us due to her FINALLY being 21, Coop has some good shows lined up, St. Patty's Day (I got a new shirt to wear this year....LOVE it, maybe even more than my typical Paddy's Pub shirt), we're seeing Justice in Philly on the 20th (YES.), and then....Vegas! Cannot wait to recap all of the awesome things we have coming up. And hopefully I will have some more illustration and design projects that I will be able to share with you soon.<br />
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Until then....have a great week! xoxo<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Question: </b>I just bought chia seeds and nutritional yeast....I have a few recipes lined up that I want to try, but do any of my healthy-living bloggers have some great ideas? I made <a href="http://toneitup.com/blog.php?We-LOVE-Food-Friday-5401" target="_blank">Brittany's Chia Pudding with Rolled Oats</a> on Saturday morning post-workout and I am totally obsessed with it!! Topped with Love Grown granola....perfect. I will post more about it in the future, I am sure.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNcNgVPLH10/T0zrIitG9_I/AAAAAAAABV4/E-Mj-yasXvw/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNcNgVPLH10/T0zrIitG9_I/AAAAAAAABV4/E-Mj-yasXvw/s320/photo-6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Chia Pudding with Love Grown granola!</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-10240001164029317022012-02-14T11:29:00.000-05:002012-02-14T11:46:23.507-05:00My Otter HalfWant to spread some love on Valentine's Day? Here's a few fun-lovin' things for V-Day 2012!<br />
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Here is a sketch I planned on coloring before today, but life has been pretty crazy lately! For those of you who don't know, my dad went in for surgery last week for prostate cancer and is home recovering...so far, so good! The Bocks really enjoy kicking cancer in the <i>tuchus</i>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Happy V-Day to </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">all</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> my loves...</span><br />
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Also, try this workout today if you want to feel the burn on this Valentine's Day! It is harder than it looks...and the girls are super-cute!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kAzr1vDtNQY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Another way to share the love today? Email <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LoveGrownFoods?sk=wall" target="_blank">Love Grown Foods</a> today with your ad<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">dress </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">LOVE@lovegrownfoods.com</span> with 'VDAY LOVE' as the subject)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, a</span>nd they will send you (and your Valentine!) a free bag of their granola. Yesssssss.<br />
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<b>Doing anything fun for V-Day?</b> I am celebrating by eating chocolate and doing a Barre class and some yoga. ;)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo</span></span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And congrats to all my Tone It Uppers who finished their </i><a href="http://www.toneitupdiet.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>7 Day Slim Down</i></span></a><i> today. You girls rock!</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>As for the Slim Down, today is technically my last day....but I have not been following the plan as closely as intended. Which is okay! I ate cleaner and more raw, but still had some diversions in the form of chocolate, Greek yogurt, wine, quinoa, peanut butter...and even with that, I still have a tighter belly and lost some bloat. The effects of this plan are amazing, and I can't even imagine what they are like if you actually stick to it for the week. After the first four days, I felt great and was ready to incorporate my carb-loves back into my life...plus, my workout routine is too intense not to. I will definitely do the Slim Down before my vacation in March, but for now, this mini-SD was exactly what I needed. <3</i></blockquote>
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<br />Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-85753559684403433522012-02-11T18:41:00.000-05:002012-02-13T16:57:48.583-05:00Drawing in a Recording Studio...11 Random Things!<br />
Aaand that is what I am doing.<br />
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I wanted to get out of the house today in order to be productive...sometimes it just helps to have a change in scenery. My plan was to possibly settle in at a coffee shop in Doylestown (Coop's band has a show there tonight) while the boys practiced at a studio for a few hours before the show. But I ended up here, and they have Wifi and a room with a couch that I took over.<br />
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Figured while I was here blasting the Gotye Pandora station into my eardrums (so good) and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5zFiYHgftw" target="_blank">gettin' all jacked up on Mountain Dew</a> , I should use some productivity time here to answer the 11 Things post I was tagged in via <a href="http://bessbefit.com/2012/02/07/eleven-things/" target="_blank">Bess</a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Eleven Things</span><br />
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Okay, so the rules are to:<br />
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1. List 11 random things about myself<br />
2. Answer the 11 questions she asked me<br />
3. Come up with 11 questions to ask other bloggers<br />
4. Tag 11 bloggers to do this next.<br />
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Buuut this is already going to be long enough, so I am going to go with the first two.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">11 Random Things About Me</span><br />
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1. I hold my pencil like a freak.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poEw0Oc3nSQ/TzlZrM3UXZI/AAAAAAAABQs/g_TTQynIj2w/s1600/photo-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poEw0Oc3nSQ/TzlZrM3UXZI/AAAAAAAABQs/g_TTQynIj2w/s640/photo-42.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used to get in trouble for this all the time when I was in grade school and would always try to quickly hold it the "right" way when a teacher would walk by during handwriting exercises, like when we were learning how to write in cursive. I literally have the world's wobbliest hand when I try to use a pencil correctly.<br />
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2. I think I have the world's biggest Stitch collection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aaYWFwWm54k/TzldnD3ArRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/nboYlR0OH38/s1600/2010-09-10_20-19-33_921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aaYWFwWm54k/TzldnD3ArRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/nboYlR0OH38/s640/2010-09-10_20-19-33_921.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh...just some of it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIg7H2t9sJ8/Tzldp65A8qI/AAAAAAAABQ8/xBJJUyFFUHA/s1600/2010-09-10_20-21-09_593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIg7H2t9sJ8/Tzldp65A8qI/AAAAAAAABQ8/xBJJUyFFUHA/s640/2010-09-10_20-21-09_593.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to bedazzle my grad hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2lXswalHfc/Tzld1Va4S8I/AAAAAAAABRE/dl7CV8aa6h4/s1600/65906_816806356464_11316015_45668149_388252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2lXswalHfc/Tzld1Va4S8I/AAAAAAAABRE/dl7CV8aa6h4/s640/65906_816806356464_11316015_45668149_388252_n.jpg" width="354" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Pumpkin!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9Ns_Ru7U84/TzlfQ9RcYHI/AAAAAAAABRM/BuCEbruVVPI/s1600/n11316015_35731004_8908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9Ns_Ru7U84/TzlfQ9RcYHI/AAAAAAAABRM/BuCEbruVVPI/s640/n11316015_35731004_8908.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand drawing in San Diego!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4O5hLeDzptc/TzlioH6cfNI/AAAAAAAABSM/p19_4OJMHEY/s1600/39511_785944284304_11316015_44667257_6229421_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4O5hLeDzptc/TzlioH6cfNI/AAAAAAAABSM/p19_4OJMHEY/s640/39511_785944284304_11316015_44667257_6229421_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving is a little more tolerable when you wear a Stitch hat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbU5M9unNQ8/Tzli6QGqzSI/AAAAAAAABSU/Lo551NdJ_ns/s1600/297437_10100172592235684_11316015_48751229_4030773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbU5M9unNQ8/Tzli6QGqzSI/AAAAAAAABSU/Lo551NdJ_ns/s640/297437_10100172592235684_11316015_48751229_4030773_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">My own little Stitch</span></span></span></td></tr>
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I am so in love with the character that I am even in contact with my hero, <a href="http://www.chrissandersart.com/" target="_blank">Chris Sanders</a>, every so often. He created the character and story, drew the character, co-directed the movie, and even did Stitch's voice! We became email pen-pals after I contacted him years ago for a school presentation about our favorite illustrator, and has been an incredible inspiration and mentor to me. SO cool.<br />
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3. I was a dancer for thirteen years, and we used to dance on cruises.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKs7MdCddqs/Tzl-o-bKPaI/AAAAAAAABTU/I4APBqqYh9w/s1600/Cruise1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="403" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKs7MdCddqs/Tzl-o-bKPaI/AAAAAAAABTU/I4APBqqYh9w/s640/Cruise1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patriotic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LLQtDMkHA8/TzmBVi7Y0rI/AAAAAAAABTc/0H-EUEWXssI/s1600/cruise2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LLQtDMkHA8/TzmBVi7Y0rI/AAAAAAAABTc/0H-EUEWXssI/s640/cruise2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a rehearsal on the ship<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9g8XlvVh74/TzmBX7nkJqI/AAAAAAAABTk/1HKkIBqDTDw/s1600/cruise3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9g8XlvVh74/TzmBX7nkJqI/AAAAAAAABTk/1HKkIBqDTDw/s640/cruise3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64HY3_3IXtQ/TzmBZrGMqaI/AAAAAAAABTs/lllPSt85fHc/s1600/cruise4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64HY3_3IXtQ/TzmBZrGMqaI/AAAAAAAABTs/lllPSt85fHc/s640/cruise4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our favorite waiters ever!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daxjE7Y68_s/TzmBwYxzlDI/AAAAAAAABT0/wPYzXMW5sSI/s1600/72_520079709044_11316015_32777246_7590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daxjE7Y68_s/TzmBwYxzlDI/AAAAAAAABT0/wPYzXMW5sSI/s640/72_520079709044_11316015_32777246_7590_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Always makin' friends with the staff...our Australian Cruise Director we dubbed "The Thunder from Down Under."</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6d6Etx-4kM/TzmEc0HAcKI/AAAAAAAABT8/yRAkJ1WCzC0/s1600/cruise6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6d6Etx-4kM/TzmEc0HAcKI/AAAAAAAABT8/yRAkJ1WCzC0/s640/cruise6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy with my little eye....a small Allie!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muazfIG3h04/TzmErPkmRbI/AAAAAAAABUE/V-FxaXJiLO0/s1600/cruise5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muazfIG3h04/TzmErPkmRbI/AAAAAAAABUE/V-FxaXJiLO0/s640/cruise5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Standard.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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4. I tend to eat and cook healthy most of the time, but ice cream and beer are two things that I CANNOT turn down if other people around me are having them. I call it "beer pressure."<br />
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5. I went to San Diego Comic Con in 2010 and got to meet Chris Sanders in person, but also got to see Michael C. Hall, David Duchovny, Mary-Louise Parker, and other Showtime stars that I am obsessed with.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eggcYXW252k/TzlhBabaYXI/AAAAAAAABRs/I-TzzPy5i6I/s1600/37772_785932248424_11316015_44666650_7912632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eggcYXW252k/TzlhBabaYXI/AAAAAAAABRs/I-TzzPy5i6I/s640/37772_785932248424_11316015_44666650_7912632_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvinC2Nc6wo/TzlhBkN_LmI/AAAAAAAABR0/S31gqwdo5Qc/s1600/37778_785924813324_11316015_44666371_3520164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvinC2Nc6wo/TzlhBkN_LmI/AAAAAAAABR0/S31gqwdo5Qc/s640/37778_785924813324_11316015_44666371_3520164_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pplITm3rT7w/TzlhCHeC9WI/AAAAAAAABR8/IF2a0YtCy8o/s1600/38811_785932388144_11316015_44666657_7001338_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pplITm3rT7w/TzlhCHeC9WI/AAAAAAAABR8/IF2a0YtCy8o/s640/38811_785932388144_11316015_44666657_7001338_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I also met Bill Plympton, one of my favorite animators, when I wandered into the Chuck Jones gallery downtown.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbRhZNd2AL8/TzlgyMitseI/AAAAAAAABRU/N_02Ym9bJLk/s1600/38866_785932727464_11316015_44666676_1725543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbRhZNd2AL8/TzlgyMitseI/AAAAAAAABRU/N_02Ym9bJLk/s640/38866_785932727464_11316015_44666676_1725543_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM6y6jYyGw0/Tzlg0WS6Y9I/AAAAAAAABRc/2IUxBtPj0Go/s1600/39087_785932732454_11316015_44666677_4409139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM6y6jYyGw0/Tzlg0WS6Y9I/AAAAAAAABRc/2IUxBtPj0Go/s640/39087_785932732454_11316015_44666677_4409139_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I heart San Diego.<br />
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6. I went to University of Delaware for two years before I transferred to Arizona. I loved it, met some amazing people, and love visiting still...my little sister goes there.<br />
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7. I don't like folded-over chips and will always break them apart before eating them, I always pull cup lids and paper plates out from the middle of the stack, and pick off little pieces of excess bread from any and all sandwiches, burritos, hot dog buns, and wraps...which is weird, because I LOVE bread. I have done this since my family can remember. I guess I like a pretty low meat/filling-bread ratio.<br />
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8. When I get lazy, I pile my hair on top of my head into a weird "Pebbles" bun. Which prompted me to make this costume a few years ago.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etvjrs9SLzQ/TzlkEqKJXPI/AAAAAAAABSc/hwY_2TNU2CY/s1600/10957_703648470774_11316015_41385504_3791455_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etvjrs9SLzQ/TzlkEqKJXPI/AAAAAAAABSc/hwY_2TNU2CY/s400/10957_703648470774_11316015_41385504_3791455_n.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
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9. I collect giraffes and turtles.<br />
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10. I once dressed up like Mr. Brady of the Brady Bunch for a dance performance in tenth grade. All 5'1 of me.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liLvcTACUbk/Tzl7XKdzndI/AAAAAAAABTM/PFWhBjE58iM/s1600/BradyBunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liLvcTACUbk/Tzl7XKdzndI/AAAAAAAABTM/PFWhBjE58iM/s640/BradyBunch.jpg" width="459" /></a></div>
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(The other shortest/youngest person of the group, my best friend Christine, was naturally elected to be Mrs. Brady. Don't be jealous of our wigs and thrift-store polyester finds. And thanks to Grandma's closet...that shirt was once my <i>dad's</i>.)<br />
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11. I always wanted to be a Disney princess (and a mermaid. Love you, Ariel!), but Allie, on the other hand, wanted to be Aladdin.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq9wtt8Y3YQ/TzlnnscduSI/AAAAAAAABSk/iaN0luv8X74/s1600/72_520079888684_11316015_32778882_8734_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq9wtt8Y3YQ/TzlnnscduSI/AAAAAAAABSk/iaN0luv8X74/s400/72_520079888684_11316015_32778882_8734_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Cinderella Sammi in the background...</span></span></span></td></tr>
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I believe the day of their meeting is still her happiest moment to date.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECu_DasOHiI/Tzln1xIX1rI/AAAAAAAABSs/KGrCpqehUQw/s1600/72_520079883694_11316015_32778881_8499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECu_DasOHiI/Tzln1xIX1rI/AAAAAAAABSs/KGrCpqehUQw/s640/72_520079883694_11316015_32778881_8499_n.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes. The Bock family photo archives are full of gems like these.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>11 Questions asked by Bess</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b>1. </b></span></span><b>If you could change your name, what would it be? </b>Amber. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4IQgPNF6WY/TzlutBwKfkI/AAAAAAAABS0/A7XWPns4ja4/s1600/Product+-+Michelob+Amber+Bock.preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4IQgPNF6WY/TzlutBwKfkI/AAAAAAAABS0/A7XWPns4ja4/s1600/Product+-+Michelob+Amber+Bock.preview.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">(...get it?)</span></span></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>2. What is your favorite place to go on vacation? </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">See #5 above. I freakin' love California.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">3. What is the craziest thing you've ever done in your life? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Transfer across the country to live and go to school in AZ for three years, away from family and friends.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">4. Best dessert you've ever had? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Probably the pizookies of Tucson. Ice cream atop an infinitely big and gooey cookie. Half chocolate chunk, half peanut butter, please! And now they have red velvet. (!!!!!)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MJro98B1fQ/Tzlzq3tXyaI/AAAAAAAABS8/OMG9_ZrlA_Y/s1600/Pizookie_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MJro98B1fQ/Tzlzq3tXyaI/AAAAAAAABS8/OMG9_ZrlA_Y/s1600/Pizookie_7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/menus/desserts" target="_blank">I miss BJ's!!!</a>)</td></tr>
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</b></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>5. Favorite workout?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b>Les Mills BodyCombat! SO much fun! I do it 2-3 times a week.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>6. One thing you wish you could do? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Move to California and work in animation! But I am learning that things happen for a reason. As long as I keep workin' hard, I know good things will come, even if CA isn't in the equation. If I get out there one day, though, and could afford it, I'd be happy as a clam.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>7. What is your guilty pleasure? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Too. Much. TV. But I love it all.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>8. If you could speak another language besides the one(s) you already know, what would you chose? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">I took French in high school because it is so pretty-sounding, I wanted to vacation there to see wineries and the Louvre, and because I was a ballet dancer that knew a few French words. I've retained about 15% of that language now, sadly. But German would be pretty sweet. How badass would that sound if you just broke out in German?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>9. What is your perfect date? (April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket??) </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Hmmm. My Miss Congeniality answer is: A June beach-day-into-outdoor-happy-hour-night in Avalon. Not a worry in the world, beginning of summer, and perfect temperature before it gets too humidly hot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Otherwise, something creative is always fun....mine and Coop's first date was a comedy club (Gilbert Gottfried!), and a wine bar afterwards. I also am a huge homebody and love staying in to cook and watch TV or movies.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>10. What was the first pet you ever had? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">A Beta fish....I think I named her Charlotte.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><b>11. Favorite motivational quote or picture? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” ~ Nelson Mandela</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">....and.....</span></span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwh6YpMDV4I/Tzl3Rnefi3I/AAAAAAAABTE/nV7-NjvJXD4/s1600/71002131594776024_Yq2W6oKh_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwh6YpMDV4I/Tzl3Rnefi3I/AAAAAAAABTE/nV7-NjvJXD4/s320/71002131594776024_Yq2W6oKh_c.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71002131594776024/" target="_blank">Via my Pinterest</a>)</span></span></span></td></tr>
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I hope you enjoyed this session of public humiliation of myself (and family and friends) via the interwebs.<br />
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Ya welcome.<br />
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</div>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-3835153160966342802012-02-07T12:13:00.001-05:002012-02-07T12:13:20.299-05:00Super Bowl, Slim Down, and a Fashion Question<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Super Bowl</span></b><br />
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So my Super Bowl menu was pretty great...even if the Pats didn't win.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQVxJpdXjXA/TzFSqUEpPUI/AAAAAAAABPU/i5qQAjjcbVo/s1600/PatsCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQVxJpdXjXA/TzFSqUEpPUI/AAAAAAAABPU/i5qQAjjcbVo/s640/PatsCake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Luckily, Coop didn't jump off a ledge...although I was nervous there for a second.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5NA-D2zAko/TzFVlEiOk0I/AAAAAAAABPs/hWzg75SdVsc/s1600/photo-33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5NA-D2zAko/TzFVlEiOk0I/AAAAAAAABPs/hWzg75SdVsc/s400/photo-33.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gronk (my fellow Arizona alum) fans!<br />
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The day started off with a veggie-filled omelette, one of Coop's specialties. I sauteed, he chopped the onion....my most-hated kitchen job!!!....and then I left the rest up to him.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxHC0oekp8o/TzFVJfR7GGI/AAAAAAAABPc/T8XQ4_3e8d0/s1600/photo-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxHC0oekp8o/TzFVJfR7GGI/AAAAAAAABPc/T8XQ4_3e8d0/s640/photo-29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-J8ZMLa05A/TzFWBJFWHiI/AAAAAAAABP0/hsX71oTdwDA/s1600/photo-34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-J8ZMLa05A/TzFWBJFWHiI/AAAAAAAABP0/hsX71oTdwDA/s640/photo-34.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3BdHOBvj5w/TzFVNTEjyyI/AAAAAAAABPk/20Ib1LCxB_s/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3BdHOBvj5w/TzFVNTEjyyI/AAAAAAAABPk/20Ib1LCxB_s/s640/photo-30.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Um, how do boys make such perfect omelettes? Mine NEVER stay together this beautifully. I will keep him.<br />
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Much wine and beer was consumed alongside all of this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzl4upAMP9E/TzFWcVKQoPI/AAAAAAAABP8/bqdDFm_MXdo/s1600/photo-35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzl4upAMP9E/TzFWcVKQoPI/AAAAAAAABP8/bqdDFm_MXdo/s640/photo-35.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmyqTsPVlzw/TzFWdH8LieI/AAAAAAAABQE/r1AuhnoVXu8/s1600/photo-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmyqTsPVlzw/TzFWdH8LieI/AAAAAAAABQE/r1AuhnoVXu8/s640/photo-36.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepper Jack Tostitos, Homemade Pita Chips, <br />and a healthified Spinach, Artichoke, and Feta Dip</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBWx-f5HFJ0/TzFWdvEUp6I/AAAAAAAABQM/6pBJWpEYmuQ/s1600/photo-37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBWx-f5HFJ0/TzFWdvEUp6I/AAAAAAAABQM/6pBJWpEYmuQ/s640/photo-37.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie....dough. YUM.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Sy6WS4LXs/TzFWeGoJUbI/AAAAAAAABQU/ZmbsqUzfD84/s1600/photo-38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Sy6WS4LXs/TzFWeGoJUbI/AAAAAAAABQU/ZmbsqUzfD84/s640/photo-38.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layered Taco Dip, Eggrolls, and a Creeper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let me know if you want any of the recipes!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Tone It Up 7 Day Slim Down</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to all of the amazing indulgences via my past weekend, today is my first day of the <a href="http://toneitup.com/index.php" target="_blank">Tone It Up 7 Day Slim Down</a>. Not trying to lose any weight, but I am going to follow the plan as best as possible in order to prime myself to eat more Lean, Green, and Clean. It'll help get rid of that bloated feeling and will help make healthy, clean eating even more of a habit. This is a bit of a test run, as I plan on doing the Slim Down again before my Vegas vacation (flights booked! Woop woop!) to detox and tighten up a bit before a glorious week of bikinis, drinks, and little dresses. Oh, and I plan on indulging hardcore at <a href="http://www.mesagrill.com/las-vegas-restaurant/" target="_blank">my favorite chef's restaurant.</a> Mesa Grill!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA9K9U-hMG4/TzFLstwkc9I/AAAAAAAABPE/I9tr6Ao1wd0/s1600/mesa-grill-restaurant-las-vegas-exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA9K9U-hMG4/TzFLstwkc9I/AAAAAAAABPE/I9tr6Ao1wd0/s400/mesa-grill-restaurant-las-vegas-exterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Somehow I have never been here despite my insane love for Las Vegas, Bobby Flay <i>and </i>southwestern food.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tonight I plan on taking an idea from <a href="http://bessbefit.com/" target="_blank">Bess</a> (she is on day two of her second 7DSD...her posts about it are great!) and making enough protein pancakes for the week and freezing them so that I can just microwave them in the morning. Easy peasy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I only wish mine could look as pretty as hers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAQHBTduFAg/TzFR6Ek9gMI/AAAAAAAABPM/dqeLSpL6rsc/s1600/Protein+Pancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAQHBTduFAg/TzFR6Ek9gMI/AAAAAAAABPM/dqeLSpL6rsc/s640/Protein+Pancake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Oops.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Any Tone It Up girls out there, let me know if you are doing the Slim Down this week! I know a lot of people are doing it to finish off strong in the Toned In '12 Challenge (and just in time for Valentine's Day).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Fashion Question</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Quick question to my fashionista readers who are much more savvy than me when it comes to this stuff:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have a $100 J.Crew gift card. I collect lots of bracelets (big layering fiend) and I have loved <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/bracelets/PRDOVR~48736/99102435828/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~jenna/48736.jsp" target="_blank">this</a> since I saw it on <a href="http://www.longdistanceloving.net/" target="_blank">{av}'s blog</a>...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66rY-ZGNRBM/TzFJAwdQ1eI/AAAAAAAABOs/lqdcFZYivpM/s1600/jcrewjenna.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66rY-ZGNRBM/TzFJAwdQ1eI/AAAAAAAABOs/lqdcFZYivpM/s320/jcrewjenna.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I think it may be pretty to layer with <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/marc-by-marc-jacobs-turnlock-katie-bracelet/3115543?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=2264" target="_blank">this Marc By Marc Jacobs</a> one that I have. Or it may be overkill?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Q9EmWMZMI/TzFKz123ehI/AAAAAAAABO0/3H2VacRN20s/s1600/KatieTurnlockBracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Q9EmWMZMI/TzFKz123ehI/AAAAAAAABO0/3H2VacRN20s/s320/KatieTurnlockBracelet.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">BUT! I have also been wanting a new "statement" necklace, and I kinda like <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/necklaces/PRDOVR~92687/92687.jsp" target="_blank">this one</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkohRYJ0lio/TzFLFm-FfmI/AAAAAAAABO8/dVWcTf28fYU/s1600/bubblenecklace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkohRYJ0lio/TzFLFm-FfmI/AAAAAAAABO8/dVWcTf28fYU/s320/bubblenecklace.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What do you think? I am envisioning my vacation and which I would want to wear more.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Have a fabulous day!!! xoxo</span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Of Possible Interest:</span></b> (Artsy ones!)<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2012/02/david-choe-facebook-ipo.html" target="_blank">Graffiti Artist David Choe to make hundreds of millions from Facebook IPO</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Earliest-copy-of-Mona-Lisa-found-in-Prado/25514" target="_blank">Earliest copy of Mona Lisa discovered at Prado, possibly painted by an apprentice alongside Leonardo</a></li>
</ul>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-21643674271656909742012-02-03T08:57:00.000-05:002012-02-03T14:29:35.447-05:00Koala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6bR8E1-zDc/TyvkcuRs2AI/AAAAAAAABOk/kVNzWO9wA2Y/s1600/Koala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6bR8E1-zDc/TyvkcuRs2AI/AAAAAAAABOk/kVNzWO9wA2Y/s640/Koala.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Happy Friday, everyone!<br />
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Good things are happenin'.....leeeet's keep that ball rolling.<br />
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Love more, pray more, work more, play more, live more. Stay happy and healthy, my friends!<br />
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Have a fabulous weekend! I know I will enjoy mine with lotsa friends in Philly, some reggae music (summer, come back!), and some healthy-but-tasty SuperBowl recipes. <a href="http://bessbefit.com/2012/02/03/healthy-super-bowl-food-a-fitness-game/" target="_blank">Look</a> <a href="http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2012/02/healthy-recipes-for-the-super-bowl-and-my-eat-clean-challenge-results/" target="_blank">here</a> <a href="http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/02/skinny-beer-garitas.html" target="_blank">for</a> <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/Healthy-Super-Bowl-Snacks-Dips-7269052" target="_blank">some</a> <a href="http://life.dailyburn.com/diet-and-nutrition/healthy-super-bowl-recipe-roundup/" target="_blank">really</a> <a href="http://www.shape.com/blogs/shape-your-life/make-these-9-swaps-healthier-super-bowl-snacks" target="_blank">good</a> <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/super_bowl_1" target="_blank">ones</a>. And....get better, Gronk; GO PATS!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo</span>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-15328848658924105832012-01-27T16:42:00.001-05:002012-01-27T16:43:19.169-05:00More About Tone It Up and HAPPY FRIDAY!Verdict so far on <a href="http://toneitup.com/index.php">Tone It Up</a>?<br />
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Besides making me want to buy everything Oakley,<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzUmTWpY2H4/TyL7rNavFeI/AAAAAAAABNk/LHYz4ZNMeDw/s1600/oakley_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzUmTWpY2H4/TyL7rNavFeI/AAAAAAAABNk/LHYz4ZNMeDw/s400/oakley_06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://toneitup.com/gallery.php?Oakley-Perform-Beautifully-Campaign-2">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIevtjTEbKs/TyL7rWxsuUI/AAAAAAAABNs/G4Jlk6Nxxo0/s1600/oakley_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIevtjTEbKs/TyL7rWxsuUI/AAAAAAAABNs/G4Jlk6Nxxo0/s400/oakley_09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://toneitup.com/gallery.php?Oakley-Perform-Beautifully-Campaign-2">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://toneitup.com/gallery.php?Oakley-Perform-Beautifully-Campaign-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeiZSPM5BDY/TyL7r5-RvnI/AAAAAAAABN0/wNSbBxBqD4o/s400/oakley_12.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://toneitup.com/gallery.php?Oakley-Perform-Beautifully-Campaign-2">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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these uber-fit girls also make a mean <a href="http://www.toneitupdiet.com/">Nutrition Plan</a> and serve as amazing role models and inspiration.<br />
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Okay, so I don't follow the plan perfectly by any means...I pretty much already eat the way their "maintenance" nutrition plan is most of the time, and as I am pretty active and also am not looking to lose any weight, I don't follow some of the stricter guidelines as perfectly.<br />
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Case in point? Along with my kale/onion/tomato/quinoa/mushroom/bean/balsamic/EVOO salad today,<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DigAQHMVyc4/TyMWUXuhUXI/AAAAAAAABOc/j0UojREivkg/s1600/photo-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DigAQHMVyc4/TyMWUXuhUXI/AAAAAAAABOc/j0UojREivkg/s640/photo-21.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am also having a Caprese Burger (mozz! tomato! basil! pesto! yum!) and some sweet potato fries.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWsqFdjnqNU/TyMWKGKyXPI/AAAAAAAABOU/s5Eu3udF4BU/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWsqFdjnqNU/TyMWKGKyXPI/AAAAAAAABOU/s5Eu3udF4BU/s640/photo-20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have dinner chillin' in the CrockPot at home, a black bean, ground turkey, and sweet potato chili inspired by <a href="http://fitnessista.com/2009/11/sweet-potato-black-bean-chili/" target="_blank">Gina's</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVm6DLDNeXg/TyMVw0b5q2I/AAAAAAAABOM/21HvaRWdFdA/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVm6DLDNeXg/TyMVw0b5q2I/AAAAAAAABOM/21HvaRWdFdA/s640/photo-22.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If I was following the TIU plan, they do not promote certain types of foods after the afternoon hours hit. However, I know my body, and the types of foods that I need, and why I crave certain ones. "Diet" in the sense of restricting certain foods completely and calorie-counting will never be in my vernacular or lifestyle. Like I said, since I am very active fitness-wise 5-6 days out of the week, I need a decent caloric intake due to the intense cardio and lifting in order to keep my energy up, blood sugars up, and metabolism hummin'. I know what works for me...but that doesn't mean I can't learn how to eat smarter!<br />
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What I do love about the plan is that Karena and Katrina have really built a super healthy and yet totally doable platform of eating. They teach you how to combine foods to get the right proteins and vitamins absorbed into your body, and encourage a 5-meal-a-day plan...so you still get to eat...a lot! They basically teach you to eat like an athlete. I love the fact that they are all about health, and not "skinny." Fit is beautiful! I also am loving the recipes they have, and lots of other tips and tricks. Their Meta-D drink is a metabolism boosting concoction that I just tried for the first time today and I love it...definitely felt more alert afterwards. They also encourage what they call a morning "Booty Call," which is essentially just getting your butt out of bed a little earlier and getting moving, somehow, someway, whether it is a doggy walk or a workout, in order to get your metabolism goin'. I already feel more energized since I decided to join the team and have been trying some new things I have learned via Tone It Up. I also plan on doing their 7 Day Slimdown, exclusive to the <a href="http://www.toneitupdiet.com/">Nutrition Plan</a>, before my Vegas vaycay at the end of March. Just a little extra tightening up before a week of afternoon sun sessions (just bought my new bikini for it!) and itty-bitty Vegas dresses. Oh, Vegas, how I have missed you.<br />
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What it also has done for me so far is motivate me to be more aware of my eating, how often I eat, and what types of foods I eat and when. I am not going to become a food-Nazi at any point, but it has been interesting to notice that I eat very carb-heavy. I was also surprised at how many veggies I actually eat throughout the day, and I have upped that even more the past week. K & K urge you to eat "Lean, Clean & Green" as much as possible, and remind you that if you take off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from exercise and healthy eats, that is<i> half </i>of the month! Overall, TIU will positively impact my lifestyle eating and help me to make smarter (and still tasty!) choices.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT1_9PU_YtQ/TyMVBRTkFmI/AAAAAAAABN8/lFiPo2MyC9o/s1600/photo-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT1_9PU_YtQ/TyMVBRTkFmI/AAAAAAAABN8/lFiPo2MyC9o/s640/photo-23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course, if you know me, you know I <i>love</i> my beer, wine, pizza, chocolate, and of course, ice cream. And while I limit myself with those (I don't eat them every<i>day</i>), they are not going <i>any</i>where...don't you worry.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e89Wn1PlQgY/TyMViB4oCLI/AAAAAAAABOE/wbh4voW4KyM/s1600/DSCN5471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e89Wn1PlQgY/TyMViB4oCLI/AAAAAAAABOE/wbh4voW4KyM/s640/DSCN5471.JPG" width="464" /></a></div>
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Work hard, play hard. I work hard to keep my body healthy and fuel it with the foods it needs and deserves...aaaand because of that discipline, I never feel guilty about indulging. If you restrict yourself from certain things, you just may go balls to the wall and eat your body weight in it when you get a chance. So...when I want a cookie, or three, I go for it. All about BALANCE, <i>mes amis</i>!<br />
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Overall, I really think it is a wonderful program, and I look forward to seeing and feeling the positive changes in my body and well-being. If you have any questions about Tone It Up, feel free to <a href="mailto:sbock1124@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a>!<br />
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Sorry for the word-heavy post! Hope you all have a wonderful Friday...another yoga sesh tonight (tried hot yoga last night for the first time...LOVE), and it benefits the Humane Society. 'Cuz our furry friends need some lovin' too!<br />
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<i>(I may or may not be creating a yoga animal series veryyyy soon...keep your eyes peeled! :) )</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo, Happy Weekend!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>And don't forget...free shipping in <a href="http://society6.com/SamBock">my Society6 shop</a> through Sunday! </b>You know you want a <a href="http://society6.com/SamBock/Up-in-the-Air-aXr_Hoody">duck hoodie</a>.</span><br />
<br />Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-80058884397997084832012-01-24T14:28:00.000-05:002012-01-24T14:28:29.143-05:00Tone It Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I finally did it....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Rt9vwghxI/Tx75BKzqPRI/AAAAAAAABM8/UlrM3OJ_QA0/s1600/ToneItUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Rt9vwghxI/Tx75BKzqPRI/AAAAAAAABM8/UlrM3OJ_QA0/s320/ToneItUp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After months of following the Tone It Up girls via <a href="http://toneitup.com/index.php">their website</a> and learning some great tips and motivation, I decided to finally take the plunge and join the Tone It Up team!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcAhB6vHE4o/Tx8Cc2VdTDI/AAAAAAAABNU/Z-AXN4EnqqQ/s1600/164594_10150093280099801_125883599800_5819419_2315666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcAhB6vHE4o/Tx8Cc2VdTDI/AAAAAAAABNU/Z-AXN4EnqqQ/s400/164594_10150093280099801_125883599800_5819419_2315666_n.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ToneItUp">Source</a>)</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvyd4XeiAKQ/Tx8BP3qFnkI/AAAAAAAABNM/i8dH2_rwvf8/s1600/402320_10150547640309801_125883599800_8580406_1040490253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvyd4XeiAKQ/Tx8BP3qFnkI/AAAAAAAABNM/i8dH2_rwvf8/s1600/402320_10150547640309801_125883599800_8580406_1040490253_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ToneItUp">TIU Facebook Page</a>)</span></span></span></td></tr>
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Although I <i>love</i> my workout routine and mostly know how and what foods to eat (yet I am <i>no</i> registered dietician or nutritionist....helloooo<i>,</i> I went to art school!), I think I opted to finally join due to the community support. I know having that extra motivation will help to lead an even healthier life, and I really look forward to learning some new things along the way. I have heard only<i> amazing </i>things about the effectiveness of the program, and with aspirations of having fitness and nutrition become an even bigger part of my life this year (become a certified instructor? Maybe?), I think this was a great decision. I look forward to being immersed within a community that is passionate about the same ideals!<br />
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Plus, just look at these two!<br />
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Katrina & Karena.....my girl crushes.<br />
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If you are interested, you can see info about their plan <a href="http://www.toneitupdiet.com/">here</a>. Their website has tons of amazing workouts, recipes, videos, and other tips and tricks. And if you join the plan, you have exclusive life-time access to their lifestyle eating plans, workout guides, their famous "7 Day Slim Down" (so pumped for that!), and regular updates, as well as access to their members-only online community. Guess I will be utilizing Twitter more....<br />
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I am sure you will be hearing more about it as I join in with <a href="http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/">these</a> <a href="http://bessbefit.com/">girls</a> and start to live an even healthier, fitter, toned-up life (of course, with my same mentality of "work hard, play hard;" alcohol and occasional treats are necessary for my sanity!). And I am very, very excited.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo</span>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-62039216242391334882012-01-20T09:28:00.000-05:002012-01-26T14:05:41.516-05:00Thumbprint Wedding Guestbook!....that is what I worked on last week!<br />
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Can't say it is my original idea...there are a slew of them on sale by different artists on Etsy. A friend of mine contacted me to see if I could make one in time for her friend's wedding shower tomorrow.<br />
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And so I accepted; I thought it is a super cool idea! Of course, I put my own spin on it. And threw in a couple love birds.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyLW-FZYfSs/Txl42M63ReI/AAAAAAAABM0/D3k9X0HoIs0/s1600/Regan%2526Chris+with+prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyLW-FZYfSs/Txl42M63ReI/AAAAAAAABM0/D3k9X0HoIs0/s640/Regan%2526Chris+with+prints.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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(Photoshopped some green thumbprints on it to see what it could look like. It could look pretty with different greens and even pink....like flower blossoms! Or red, yellow, and orange for a fall wedding.)<br />
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This particular one is 16" x 20" and can hold roughly 150 thumbprints, give or take. Put a pretty frame on it, and you are good to go! Fun gift for a wedding or baby shower or any other event where you would want a guestbook.<br />
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<a href="mailto:sbock1124@gmail.com">Let me know</a> if you are interested in a thumbprint guestbook! I can hook you up. ;)<br />
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**UPDATE: These are now for sale on my new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91501823/thumbprint-tree-guestbook">Etsy site!</a>**<br />
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<b>Have a happy Friday, friends! </b>I'm enjoying mine with a Dunkin' Donuts Hazelnut cawf and some particularly awful DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.....thanks, heavy bag!).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo</span>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-28294663707756966742012-01-17T17:57:00.000-05:002012-01-17T17:57:27.903-05:00Rest DaysHello there!<br />
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Finally back into the swing of things....regular gym-going, healthier eats, more arting.<br />
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Veggies, get back in my life.<br />
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My newest flavor love, Chobani Apple Cinnamon.<br />
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Lots of the best flavor of Larabar (thanks to chocolate chips, this is the winner).<br />
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<a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/10/lululemon-and-black-bean-soup.html">My black bean soup!</a><br />
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Saturday we had a little party for my mama's birthday.<br />
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For prep, Friday night was shopping trip number one for our food necessities. I dragged Allie along with me to WalMart, where we found Oscar (Allie's boyfriend, if you are new to the blog).<br />
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An uncanny resemblance to <i>our </i>Oscar. We also found some pantyhose on the wasabi popcorn. Uhhh?<br />
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To add to our adventure, I had to climb a fixture in order to get the last bottle of lime juice. Unfortunately, the only pictures we have of that are mental ones.<br />
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After some kickass BodyCombat and BodyPump classes the next morning, I headed to the grocery store to pick up some last minute things for the night.<br />
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Family and friends came over for the football games, complete with my parent's homemade wings and lots of pizza. I also made some buffalo chicken eggrolls and my buffalo dip (we had buffalo chicken <i>on </i>buffalo chicken!!!) and they were pretty tasty.<br />
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She even got a froggy funfetti cake (she collects frogs).<br />
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It was lovely and I think my mama had a fun birthday!<br />
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Sunday is normally my exercise rest day, where I can usually be found taking Koda for a nice long walk and/or spending the day watching football in Philly in my yoga pants.....sans the yoga.<br />
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And I did <i>both</i> of those things this Sunday. Starting with The Monster's walk (he's a ferocious beast, I know).<br />
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Along with a little drawing. Although I usually limit my alcohol consumption to once (occasionally twice) a week, a leisurely beer or two is usually consumed on Sunday. Like this week's local microbrew:<br />
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Obviously.<br />
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The brewery is in Allentown, where Coop's alma mater is located. Muhlenberg!<br />
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I did take off Monday from the gym as well, which is usually a BodyPump class and some cardio. I just wasn't feeling it yesterday; I was absolutely exhausted after work (didn't have off for MLK like all of you luckies!) and in a bit of a weird funk and just wanted to lay on the couch all night and take a bath. Definitely my body's way of begging for some extra recovery time after a hard week at the gym and a double sesh on Saturday morning, so that wish was gladly granted. That means I had time to scour some new magazines for recipes that I want to try.<br />
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^Had to buy this one due to this show (please watch this;....you are welcome):<br />
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Our new obsession on the Food Network. And my new obsession with the extreme weirdness that is Aaron Carter.<br />
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But I ended up loving <i><a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com/">Every Day with Rachael Ray</a></i>...who knew! This thing is chock-full of awesome recipe ideas that are organized <i>so</i> well. Can't wait to try my spin on many of them.<br />
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Plus, I needed my rest. It will be an exciting week at the gym...new BodyCombat launch tonight with all of the instructors, and a new class on Wednesdays called Fight Club! So I got to buy these pretty little things:<br />
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As time goes on, I am becoming more and more passionate about becoming a certified instructor/trainer. Something that is a huge goal of mine for the year. I am just loving the way these classes have been transforming my body! And I am loving being back in a class mode and pushing myself to the max...reminds me of my dancing days.<br />
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Other two big goals for this year? Getting my finances in order and trying to consolidate some things, and to move out! These are all very doable, and I am in super-saver mode. Which means my extensive Lululemon collection is going to have to stay content in its current state at the moment. No new additions. That is, unless I find the perfect long sleeve tech shirt in the perfect color...<br />
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Some illustration coming at ya later this week!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo</span><br />
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<b><br /></b><br />
<b>How often do you take rest days? </b>Usually<b> </b>1-2 days on a normal week for me, unless I am traveling/on vacation. I get grumpy when I don't work out!Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-27072145190938533722012-01-10T22:43:00.000-05:002012-01-10T23:00:26.605-05:00Empire State vs. Chrysler BuildingNYC is magical....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sXyMQzIhLY/Twz-xXOpLnI/AAAAAAAABHw/BCQ7mLAMRro/s1600/nyc_skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sXyMQzIhLY/Twz-xXOpLnI/AAAAAAAABHw/BCQ7mLAMRro/s640/nyc_skyline.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://thelittlenell.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/uncorked-in-nyc/">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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....even when you make a trip just to get away from it all.<br />
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I didn't know that was possible in New York, but we just had the <i>best</i> mini-getaway.<br />
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Our main mission: to not have any plans. To have no distractions. No temptations to "just run to the gym real quick" or having roommates and doggies running amok. It was just the two of us, toting overnight bags and two bottles of champagne, two hours from home, with aspirations of ordering room service and watching the Food Network.<br />
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And that we did.<br />
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It involved the best "frickles" I have ever had.<br />
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Spinach and artichoke dip and a ridiculous(ly good) chicken burger with sundried tomato aioli.<br />
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And red wine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, reflection!</td></tr>
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And thanks to his and hers iPhones (um, do they do <i>everything?</i>), we found a nearby jazz club once we decided to stop being lazy. Where I am pretty sure they thought we were someone we were not. Treated like royalty (it was super funny but super weird) and the owner wanted a picture with us...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like his "JAZZ" pin...and not sure what is happening with our hair. Just roll with it.</td></tr>
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Then we ventured back to the hotel, where we decided we should take advantage of the 24-hr access to the rooftop.<br />
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Where we proceeded to argue for a good twenty minutes + about which was the Chrysler Building and which was the Empire State Building.<br />
(Does anyone else think of the song from <i>Annie</i> when they hear "Chrysler Building?")<br />
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(I may or may not have been wrong...)<br />
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A leisurely brunch after checkout in the morning before the mad rush of the Giants game...<br />
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Southwestern egg burrito and Bloody Marys. Duh.<br />
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Said goodbye to our friend the Empire State Building.<br />
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And came home to this guy.<br />
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We decided this shall be a "calm-after-the-holiday-storm" tradition....it was absolutely perfect and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Already looking forward to next year.<br />
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But for now? Happy 2012...<br />
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I have huge aspirations to make this the best year yet. So far?<br />
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<br />Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-76724799079957082122011-12-29T12:36:00.001-05:002011-12-29T23:35:10.118-05:00The Christmas BratHello hello!<br />
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So the holiday season is finally winding down a bit. I had work today and yesterday, but tonight is my Friday...I have off tomorrow and Monday! Woo hoo!<br />
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As for my time in New Hampshire, it was amazing. I loved meeting so many people from both sides of Coop's family and some of his friends from home, and spending six straight days together only made me adore him even more.<br />
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Even if his wrapping skills are sub-par. ;)<br />
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He somehow <i>wrapped</i> a teapot for his mother...<br />
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After driving through 7 states to get there, we shared a room at his mom and her boyfriend's house with these guys:<br />
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I snagged some pretty sweet gifts....I was totally the Christmas Brat. I even made out in the White Elephant/Yankee Swap exchange. Even though I went third and got stuck with eggnog soap (!!!), the group ended up having two extra gifts at the end...the one bag I brought (three seasonal beers; Magic Hat Encore, Beach Haus Winter Rental, and Leinenkugel's Fireside Nut Brown, all dressed up in festive ribbons) and one other bag. So we swapped, and I got to keep my eggnog soap AND got a Dunkin' giftcard and a sweet Ninja Turtle pint glass.<br />
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Coop received some interesting gifts himself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bieber Fever!!!</td></tr>
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Plenty of parties and houses were visited, we attended a beautiful candlelight service, and I even fit in a stretchy yoga class with his mom. We drank <i>tons</i> of red wine, visited a local <a href="http://flyinggoose.com/">brewpub</a>, and noshed on eggnog, homemade gingerbread cookies, and the chocolate-covered pretzels/chocolate peanut butter Chex mix jars I made. And fresh New England oysters. And about a billion other delicious things.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedgehog Brown Ale & Crockett's Corner Oatmeal Stout!</td></tr>
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We watched <i>Chopped</i> and <i>Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives</i> marathons late-night while sipping Sam Adams Winter Lager and snuggled in blankets while snow fell outside. Basically, it was winter heaven.<br />
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Coop's mom and aunt both hooked me up with awesome and totally thoughtful New Hampshire-inspired gifts. His aunt made a picture frame for me with branches from trees in the area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the New Hampshire thangs...</td></tr>
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My self-proclaimed "bad gift giver," AKA Coop, totally threw me for a loop when he presented me with a gorgeous card that announced we'd be staying in Manhattan the weekend after New Year's for a relaxing mini-getaway, rooftop drinks and massage included. I think I'll keep him.<br />
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Then I came home to even <i>more</i> presents from my family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Holy Grail of Blenders!</td></tr>
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Which I promptly used to create a Cilantro-Lime Glaze for the salmon and sauteed kale/spinach/mushroom/onion/bell pepp/roasted tomato dinner I pulled together last night (after a much-needed and missed gym sesh....I was literally going into withdrawal!).<br />
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Also got this from my daddy....<br />
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Flyers Winter Classic, baby!<br />
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And this book by a really great friend of mine and fellow Arizona VisComm alum.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AWFUL cell picture, but GREAT book.<br />
And yes, I am using my own bookmark in it. Art kids, UNITE!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.joebrodesign.com/">Joe Brown!</a> My dad bought it for me and had Joe sign it and ship it to me! So special. Miss you mucho, Joe Bro!!! You can buy his beautifully drawn book, <i>How to Catch a Ghost,</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1466414057/?tag=flatwave-20">here on Amazon.</a><br />
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Yeah. <i>Total</i> Christmas gift brat.<br />
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Best thing of all, though, was to be able to spend so much time with lots of people I love throughout the last few weeks. Gosh, I love the holidays.<br />
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Hope yours were just as wonderful and filled with love....and sweet gifts. ;)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo</span><br />
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<b>By the way, if you haven't checked out my Society6 shop yet, <a href="http://society6.com/SamBock">here is a link!</a> It's a great online collective of amazing talent; artists can sell their work as prints, canvases, t-shirts, hoodies, laptop skins....and what I think is the coolest, iPhone cases and skins!</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-31800513054178809622011-12-28T16:39:00.001-05:002011-12-28T16:52:30.072-05:00SB Illustration & Design iPhone Cases!I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I cannot wait to recap mine....but until then, just wanted to drop by and let you know that I <i>just </i>debuted a shop on <a href="http://society6.com/">Society6</a>. It is an amazing place to buy art prints, t-shirts, and iPhone cases!<br />
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I am currently selling my hippo and giraffe illustrations as fine art prints, stretched canvases, laptop cases, and iPhone cases and skins! Kinda cool, right?<br />
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You can find my shop <a href="http://society6.com/SamBock">here</a>, which will definitely be updated with more images to choose from.<br />
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Any suggestions of illustrations you would like to see as an iPhone case or t-shirt?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxoxo</span>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-75504393875992871332011-12-21T12:34:00.000-05:002011-12-21T15:39:09.322-05:00A Merry Christmas for All...So things have been pretty festive/crazy around here.<br />
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Early Christmas dinner (since I will be in New Hampshire starting tomorrow...I was in charge of the appetizers! Recipes to come):<br />
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And a little gift giving. I got a certificate for a massage!!! My very first one (can you believe that?). And.....<b>my</b> <b>Vitamix</b> is in the mail as we speak. :) I am a happy girl.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas to meeeeee!</td></tr>
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Yesterday I got my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UODX_pYpVxk">hurr did</a> and was talking to the salon owner about how we sort of, kind of, secretly love all of this holiday hustle and bustle. Just wouldn't be the holidays without it. Of course, I still cannot wait for all of the cooking/baking/decorating/spending/running around to slow down a bit.<br />
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And I try to remember the reason for the season, as well as give back to others who are a little less fortunate. One of my favorite yoga instructors organized an amazing Karma Yoga session last weekend....it was a HUGE turnout and afterwards she was able to deliver over <i>30 bags</i> of food to a local pantry!! Something good for your mind/body, <i>and</i> something great for others.<br />
(Sidebar...just found out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Rollins">Jimmy Rollins</a> goes to my yoga studio. Jus' sayin'.)<br />
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I also donated a Target gift card to my hair stylist's neighbors; a few houses caught on fire this week and the families suffered a lot of losses, although no one was hurt, thankfully. She is collecting gift cards and clothing in this time of need for these families. Awful events like that really put things in perspective for you, and help you to really appreciate what you have.<br />
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After some last minute wrapping and packing (and a BodyPump sesh), I will be heading to Philly for a chill night before leaving for New Hampshire tomorrow for a few days, where I will have to dress like this:<br />
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I am so excited! Definitely in need of a mini vaycay. I am all ready with some homemade gifts, white elephant gifts, my new camera, and my yoga mat...going to try to practice a little bit during the break. Hope I don't forget anything...if so, at least New Hampshire is tax-free! Woop woop. Gonna be a good time.<br />
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Oh! And the winner of the OXO Good Cookie giveaway is....<a href="http://www.littlegirlinthebigworld.com/">Meghan</a>!! Contact me with your address and I will get your package out in the mail!<br />
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I hope you all have amazing Christmases and Hanukkahs and Christmakuhs! xoxoxo<br />
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<b>Any fun plans for the holidays? Traditions? Travels?</b>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-66826804328463603472011-12-15T09:17:00.000-05:002011-12-15T14:48:33.167-05:00Pinteresting & Some Recent EatsHello, amid all of the holiday craziness!<br />
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Lots going on around here...I have a ton planned before leaving for New Hampshire for Christmas next week...and celebrating my family's own Christmas <i>this </i>Sunday!<br />
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I am set on using butcher paper for wrapping this year after lots of Pinteresting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Re8CD2YZ8sQ/TuoGkd6ShUI/AAAAAAAAA64/mioS-05S09w/s1600/71002131594873328_xARG8p7d_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Re8CD2YZ8sQ/TuoGkd6ShUI/AAAAAAAAA64/mioS-05S09w/s320/71002131594873328_xARG8p7d_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://olderandwisor.blogspot.com/">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com/post/11756055571">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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Um, why is everyone either sold out/has no idea what it is and looks at me like a crazy person when I ask for "butcher paper"? C'mon, people. The Staples by me apparently has "brown kraft paper".....gonna check that out.<br />
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On the hunt for mason jars, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-kxt5DnIFQ/TuoFhlN1ZuI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/JlI2yJyOsKQ/s1600/140878294563340997_YCBiYtGt_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-kxt5DnIFQ/TuoFhlN1ZuI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/JlI2yJyOsKQ/s400/140878294563340997_YCBiYtGt_c.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(<a href="http://cathrineshjerterom.blogspot.com/2011/12/nib-utfordring-jul-i-vart-hus.html">Source</a>)</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv3ItfaNhHU/TuoFPeWGWcI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/o5t2oUfLogo/s1600/152700243585089959_7cp6uMFW_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv3ItfaNhHU/TuoFPeWGWcI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/o5t2oUfLogo/s400/152700243585089959_7cp6uMFW_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2011/10/21/inspired-holidays-day-21-the-ever-famous-versatile-mason-jar/">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRaAq7-2uoY/TuoGXheJ91I/AAAAAAAAA6w/dfNpqndOyAQ/s1600/71002131594835244_KKHmJV0m_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRaAq7-2uoY/TuoGXheJ91I/AAAAAAAAA6w/dfNpqndOyAQ/s320/71002131594835244_KKHmJV0m_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.thedecoratedcookieblog.com/2009/12/sweet-snowy-gifts-gingerbread-snowflake.html">Source</a>)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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Missing my art stores in Arizona <i>real </i>hard. They had <i>all </i>of this stuff!!!<br />
<br />
Also, found out that my original NYE dress (sparkly, duh) that I found via Pinterest a while ago is backordered until the 29th and will not be here on time, even though I ordered it a month ago and it was supposedly available by tomorrow. <i>De-</i>nied.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOP6MsHXNlE/TuoKK5jqgBI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/kmy_vAt1FQM/s1600/124482377169889209_wcYHZI1x_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOP6MsHXNlE/TuoKK5jqgBI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/kmy_vAt1FQM/s320/124482377169889209_wcYHZI1x_c.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(<a href="http://store.alloy.com/item.do?categoryID=2745&itemID=54447&outfitID=1862">Source</a>)</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I luckily found this Free People one yesterday. Bam.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcwF6Btelo4/TuoKHvq3UgI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/W3JDZS_BOkE/s1600/71002131594924059_jIY9eh58_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcwF6Btelo4/TuoKHvq3UgI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/W3JDZS_BOkE/s320/71002131594924059_jIY9eh58_c.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-dresses/sequin-fever-bodycon-dress/">Source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I may actually get a rewear outta both of these thanks to my VEGAS trip in March!!! Because where else is it socially acceptable to wear sequins galore when it is not December 31st? Oh, Nevada, we have been apart for much too long.<br />
<br />
(You can find me on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/sam_bock/">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
I won't exhuast you (or me) with a list of all of my other to-do's....instead, here are some awesome eats I have had lately.<br />
<br />
Homemade gnocchi! With spinach and roasted tomatoes, doubling <a href="http://vitaljuice.com/entry_detail/recipes/12511/Swapping_part_skim_ricotta_for_the_usual_potato_makes_this_.htm">this recipe</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLJ9RlFCM-k/TuoWr-V3LFI/AAAAAAAAA74/3s35x1QmbcA/s1600/gnocchi391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLJ9RlFCM-k/TuoWr-V3LFI/AAAAAAAAA74/3s35x1QmbcA/s320/gnocchi391.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(Mine looked similar but with the tomatoes mixed in)</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The only thing I changed was that I added diced onions. Stirring the whole roasted tomato slices (I didn't core them, and used regular vine-in tomatoes in lieu of plum tomatoes) into the pan at the end created an awesome, light sauce.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAYhe5krYQw/TuoXFnhRiEI/AAAAAAAAA8I/uF1pgokT0GY/s1600/2011-12-09_20-58-10_839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAYhe5krYQw/TuoXFnhRiEI/AAAAAAAAA8I/uF1pgokT0GY/s640/2011-12-09_20-58-10_839.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Very doughy.</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkgzLg0o-ck/TuoXT8sY9sI/AAAAAAAAA8g/u-pnAhvt2oI/s1600/2011-12-09_21-23-25_255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkgzLg0o-ck/TuoXT8sY9sI/AAAAAAAAA8g/u-pnAhvt2oI/s400/2011-12-09_21-23-25_255.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled out and cut into pieces!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilJYVHfl5QA/TuoYX_0w90I/AAAAAAAAA8o/QHNUCaWgyuA/s1600/2011-12-09_21-45-23_241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilJYVHfl5QA/TuoYX_0w90I/AAAAAAAAA8o/QHNUCaWgyuA/s400/2011-12-09_21-45-23_241.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browning them in a pan with garlic and onion before the spinach and tomatoes were added.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sooo cool, right?! Took way longer than I anticipated, but I would definitely make this again. Loved the flavor of the roasted tomatoes, too. I want to roast the garlic as well, next time. It is one of those dishes that makes you proud when you have pulled it off.<br />
<br />
Also, remember when I mentioned the <a href="http://communityblog.yelp.com/2011/11/an-interview-with-top-chef-all-star-jen-carroll.html">interview</a> I read about Top Chef contestant and Old City dweller Jen Carroll? She talks about <b>Cafe Ole</b> and was eating the house special, Shakshouka, as she chatted with the interviewer. Come to find out it is super close to us, soooo Coop and I have eaten there twice recently and I am now addicted. They have a bazillion different types of chai tea (I got a soy gingerbread chai latte last weekend!) and their panini-like wraps, Mediterranean platter, and shakshouka (sort of like an Israeli huevos rancheros) are aaaamazing. Love the art and decor inside the cozy little shop, as well. I definitely have another go-to Philly spot.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu1n402KYiI/TuoQmQjh1eI/AAAAAAAAA7o/_qUMfNyeiGE/s1600/2011-12-11_13-15-31_200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu1n402KYiI/TuoQmQjh1eI/AAAAAAAAA7o/_qUMfNyeiGE/s640/2011-12-11_13-15-31_200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKJJmeRfTH4/TuoQpTcVqKI/AAAAAAAAA7w/WnGVYek3lOU/s1600/2011-12-11_13-08-54_784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKJJmeRfTH4/TuoQpTcVqKI/AAAAAAAAA7w/WnGVYek3lOU/s640/2011-12-11_13-08-54_784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Best. Hummus. Ever.<br />
<br />
Hope you are all having a fabulous and relatively stress-free week! With lots of delicious food.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">xoxo</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>If you ordered <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-card-sale.html">Christmas cards</a> from me, they should arrive today from the printer...I will put everyone's package together and send them out this week! Next year I will have had my Etsy shop up and running for a while, making this process a little easier.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>If you still want to enter my <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/12/sams-smore-cookies-giveaway.html">Cookies for Kids' Cancer giveaway</a>, remember to do so before Sunday at midnight! Also....make those cookies. Seriously. Check them out on <a href="http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2011/12/12-days-of-cookies-day-12-marshmallow-madness/">Eating Bird Food today</a>, they are a part of the Twelve Days of Cookies!</i>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-18361892042446772292011-12-09T11:01:00.001-05:002011-12-11T19:29:12.973-05:00Sam's S'more Cookies & a Giveaway!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After a crazy week of <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/12/appearances-can-be-decieving.html">trial</a> & <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/12/candy-candy-canes-candy-corns-syrup.html">error</a>, I finally have a cookie recipe I can release to you guys! They are tasty, soft, and indulgent.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sam's S'more Cookies</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubyh25Zuk8A/TuU8CtQhaNI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/jxrsjCXNmmE/s1600/DSC00166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubyh25Zuk8A/TuU8CtQhaNI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/jxrsjCXNmmE/s640/DSC00166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
<br />
1 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1 cup whole-wheat flour<br />
3/4 cup salted sweet butter, softened<br />
2/3 cup sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 egg yolk<br />
4 sheets reduced-fat honey graham crackers, crushed<br />
1/2 cup Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips<br />
Mini-marshmallows (1 to top each cookie)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Directions: </span></span><br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 350°.<br />
<br />
In a stand mixer, add flour, butter, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, and egg yolk. Let mix until you achieve a breadcrumb-y consistency.<br />
<br />
Mix in crushed graham crackers. Batter should still resemble breadcrumbs, but will be able to mold into a ball.<br />
<br />
Stir in chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
Put batter in an airtight container and chill for at least thirty minutes.<br />
<br />
On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, mold your batter into 1.5" squares. Put in oven for 4 minutes.<br />
<br />
Remove cookies from oven, and place one mini-marshmallow on top of each cookie. Put back in the oven for 4 more minutes. The marshmallow tops will start to brown.<br />
<br />
Remove from oven and let sit for a minute on baking sheet, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Or eat gooey cookie immediately, if you are like me (i.e., super impatient and extra-hungry for cookies).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vg2TaSOr6s/TuU8_jkqppI/AAAAAAAAA5g/Xt7nBJ-Yzgw/s1600/DSC00148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vg2TaSOr6s/TuU8_jkqppI/AAAAAAAAA5g/Xt7nBJ-Yzgw/s640/DSC00148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know the batter is right when it is crumbly but moldable!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F54lZ0KQgd4/TuU9BaEJiGI/AAAAAAAAA5o/MGtBzePwnPA/s1600/DSC00164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F54lZ0KQgd4/TuU9BaEJiGI/AAAAAAAAA5o/MGtBzePwnPA/s640/DSC00164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OXO Good Cookie Spatula Giveaway!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
About a week ago, I received a package in the mail from OXO, one of my all-time favorite companies for all-things-kitchen. It contained two "Good Cookie" Spatulas....one for me to use, and one to give away to a reader!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJKZBAJhF8E/TuU9UHFvrnI/AAAAAAAAA5w/U_mMIDDhwHk/s1600/DSC00146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJKZBAJhF8E/TuU9UHFvrnI/AAAAAAAAA5w/U_mMIDDhwHk/s640/DSC00146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only is it super-cute (<i>love</i> the green color), but it is the perfect size for cookies. I used it all the way through the baking process, from scraping the sides of the bowl, to transferring the cookies (that didn't immediately make it into my mouth) onto a cooling rack.<br />
<br />
Best part about it, though?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Each limited edition "Good Cookie" spatula sold benefits Cookies for Kids' Cancer, whose mission is to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; line-height: 18px;">help find a cure for pediatric cancer.</span></span><br />
<br />
Up for grabs is this awesome OXO Good Cookie Spatula, as well as a 3" x 5" recipe card for Sam's S'more Cookies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnpdkTmj9OY/TuVHR2GamwI/AAAAAAAAA54/uw3ljhJEh6s/s1600/smores+cookie+recipe+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnpdkTmj9OY/TuVHR2GamwI/AAAAAAAAA54/uw3ljhJEh6s/s400/smores+cookie+recipe+card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below this post for<i> each</i> entry:<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Entry Options</span></b><br />
<br />
<i><b>Mandatory:</b></i><br />
<br />
1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas cookie.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Optional:</b></i><br />
<br />
2. "Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Bock-Illustration-Design/129432450437811">Sam Bock Illustration & Design on Facebook</a>. (Leave a comment below if you already do...that still counts!)<br />
<br />
3. "Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OXO">OXO on Facebook</a>.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://twitter.com/sam_bock">Follow me</a> on Twitter.<br />
<br />
I will use a random number generator to choose the winner. Entries will be closed on <b>Sunday, December 18th at midnight.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Just in time for holiday cookie baking, right? If you want to buy one for yourself or as a gift, you can find them at your nearest Bed Bath & Beyond, amazon.com, or check the <a href="http://www.oxogoodcookies.com/cookie_spatula/index">OXO Store Locator</a> to find the nearest retail store. It will make a great gift for any baker, and will benefit an awesome cause at the same time.<br />
<br />
Good luck! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55ZYgy1VwjY/TuI6PdmL2lI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/JmfBcOpwidQ/s1600/Sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55ZYgy1VwjY/TuI6PdmL2lI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/JmfBcOpwidQ/s200/Sig.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-66955972126246502732011-12-09T09:35:00.001-05:002011-12-11T18:32:53.297-05:00Appearances Can Be Deceiving....and so can names.<br />
<br />
Does anyone else think the word "meatloaf" is absolutely atrocious? It makes me cringe when I say it...I think of a big ol' wad of raw meat, and the word "loaf" is equally as awkward.<br />
<br />
However...I <i>do</i> love me some meatloaf. <i>Can we just come up with a better word for this already?</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Especially the Southwest Turkey Meatloaf I made last night. It isn't pretty, and it obviously doesn't sound too hot, but let me tell ya. It'll convert you if you are not a 'loaf lovah. Promise. I used the recipe for Turkey Taco Meatloaf from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hungry-Girl-Survival-Strategies-Guilt-Free/dp/0312377428/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323441725&sr=1-3">Hungry Girl</a> cookbook for inspiration, making some additions and substitutions according to what I had on hand, and what I was in the mood for.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Southwest Turkey Meatloaf</span></span></span><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hungry-Girl-Survival-Strategies-Guilt-Free/dp/0312377428/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1323441603&sr=8-3">Hungry Girl</a> <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=504983">Turkey Taco Meatloaf</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJpnweUHdwI/TuJEfRtVIGI/AAAAAAAAA4g/faG6kWiVmog/s1600/DSC00150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJpnweUHdwI/TuJEfRtVIGI/AAAAAAAAA4g/faG6kWiVmog/s640/DSC00150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="prep_box" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: left;">
<time datetime="PT10M" itemprop="prepTime"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Minutes to Prepare: </b></span><em style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10</b></span></em></time></div>
<div class="prep_box" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: left;">
<time datetime="PT45M" itemprop="cookTime"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Minutes to Cook: </b></span><em style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>45</b></span></em></time></div>
<div class="prep_box" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Number of Servings: </b></span><em style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6</b></span></em></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 pound raw lean ground turkey (I use 93/7)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup chopped onions</span></span></ul>
2 cloves garlic, chopped</span></span></ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8 oz. (about half a can) of black beans</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4 oz. canned </span>diced green chiles</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tablespoon of lime juice</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 packet of taco seasoning mix, dry</span></span></ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup salsa + leave aside about 1/4 cup to top the meatloaf</span></span></ul>
</span></span></ul>
</span></ul>
</span></span></ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 slices of pepper jack cheese</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese</span></span> </ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span itemprop="name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 avocado, sliced</span></span></ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Directions:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, combine onions, garlic, black beans, green chiles, lime juice, </span>seasoning mix, and 1/2 cup salsa (leave 1/4 c aside) with turkey. Spread half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the loaf pan (about 9"x5") sprayed with nonstick spray.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Layer the two slices of pepper jack cheese on top of the mixture (try to keep slices away from the pan's edges). Evenly top with the remaining meat mixture.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pour remaining 1/4 cup salsa over the top of the loaf. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Top loaf with shredded cheese. Return loaf to the oven and cook for another 15 minutes. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Garnish each serving with sliced avocado.</span><br />
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So easy, and so good, even if it is not the most beautiful. Another winning dish, even according to my super-picky little sister.<br />
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Adventures in Cookie-Baking, Part II</span></span></span><br />
<br />
And <b>good news </b>on the cookie front!<br />
Randomly throughout my day at work and during my workout last night, I had cookies on the brain.<br />
<i>(Anyone else constantly think of food while at the gym? Or like...all day long?)</i><br />
What can I do to redeem myself? How in the world do I reverse the <a href="http://sambockillustration.blogspot.com/2011/12/candy-candy-canes-candy-corns-syrup.html">epic baking fail</a> Wednesday? After perusing Allie's cookie books for inspiration, we had a plan.<br />
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After putting dinner in the oven to cook last night, I got to work. No more Smart Balance, no more whole-wheat flour...we were going balls to the wall and working with <i>real</i> butter and all-purpose white flour. One taste of the batter (which was a totally different consistency than the failed cookies'...no longer runny, but more breadcrumby and able to mold into a ball) and we had a good feeling about this guy.<br />
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After chilling the batter during dinner, I had to do a little trial & error baking to see how they would turn out, since we plan on actually baking the cookies tonight. Because I am the most impatient person alive. I dropped a few of Allie's new <b>Aztec Chocolate Cookies</b> on some parchment paper, and molded my <b>S'more Cookie</b> dough into little squares.<br />
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Day #2 of eagerly sitting Indian-style in front of the oven to see how they turn out. I am a freak.<br />
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Aaaand....<i>SUCCESS!</i><br />
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Tasted one of each about 2 seconds out-of-the-oven. Again, most impatient person alive. After dancing around the kitchen for a good five minutes, and twisting my parents' arms to be additional taste-testers, I called it a night...gearing up for a Friday Bake-fest at the Bock household, and I am also trying a new gnocchi recipe tonight, so I had to get some good rest in!<br />
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Look out for the recipes to come, along with (finally!) a giveaway. Can't wait to share these with you guys. Just in time for Christmas cookie baking!!! My very first cookie recipe....oh man, can't even tell you how happy that makes me!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sharing the Christmas Spirit</span></span></span><br />
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It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Shopping, baking, parties, all of it. So when I saw this on Julie's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PBFingers">PBF Facebook page</a> today, I really wanted to share it with you.<br />
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She received an email from a nursing student in West Virginia about Max, an 8-year-old boy battling leukemia who will not be able to make it home to celebrate Christmas this year. <br />
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His single Christmas wish? He would like to receive 1,000,000 Christmas cards in the mail! Love it!<br />
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If you would like to partake in helping to make Max's Christmas wish come true, you can send a card to the following address:<br />
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<b>Max c/o Hailey Remish<br />417 Jones Street<br />Belle Vernon, PA </b><b>15012</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Alternate address to send directly to the hospital:<br /><b>Ruby Memorial Hospital<br />Attn: WVU Children’s Hospital/Max<br />1 Medical Center Drive<br />Morgantown, WV 26506-8110</b></span></span></b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Sometimes it takes something like this to put in perspective what Christmas is really all about. Spread the word if you can. Thank you!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Happy Fridayyyyyy, friends!</span></span></div>
</div>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-40020288827926125172011-12-08T11:42:00.000-05:002011-12-08T11:46:33.122-05:00Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corns, & SyrupLast night, I attempted to create my own cookie recipe. I snagged a big acai protein shake at the gym so I could "have dinner" while I excitedly shopped the grocery store for yummy ingredients. I had grandiose plans to use this spectacularly delicious recipe to kick off a great giveaway on my blog, one that acknowledges a really great cause. I assembled all the ingredients, and enlisted my baker-extraordinaire sister to be my sous-chef. I was excited.<br />
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<i>.....and then I attempted to bake.</i><br />
<br />
Um, healthy ingredient substitutions may work well when cooking...but in baking? This is just not always true.<br />
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The batter was runny, but pretty tasty. I eagerly sat on the floor in front of the lit oven (for real) to watch my creation unfold. The final cookies didn't totally spread out into one <i>biiiiiig</i> cookie (a normal occurrence for me), and they didn't burn, wahoooo!<br />
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Buuuut, hold yo' horses. They felt like sponges, and tasted like a mouthful of whole wheat. Barf.<br />
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I got totally down on myself....<i>I don't feel well, I am tired, I had a crappy day, I wasted my night and my money, my baking skillz are non-existent, I don't have any delicious cookies to eat, I wish I had my own kitchen again, I suck at life.</i> You know, stuff like that.<br />
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So I needed a reminder.<br />
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"Get ahold of yourself, self. Here are some things that make you happy right now:"<br />
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<b>Snow dogs.</b><br />
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Don't even ask how many pictures (and treats) this took. It may be considered animal cruelty.<br />
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<b>This trailer. </b><br />
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Any other Summer Heights High fans out there? One of the most genius shows, ever. Netflix. Like, now.<br />
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<b>My own little Charlie Brown Christmas tree </b>that I hauled out of one of my many storage boxes marked "XMAS." It's hard to have all of my baller Christmas decorations boxed up in my parents garage...hoping by this time next year I will be deckin' the halls of my own place again. For now, this makes me smile. Especially my new sparkly Anthropologie armadillo.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.bicbands.com/">BIC Bands!</a></b> Oh. Mah gosh. After reading about these babies soooo many times, I finally decided to try them out. Ever want to see what I look like after two sweaty hours of BodyCombat & BodyFlow? Sure. Of course you do.<br />
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I was afraid the sparkly ones (which I am obviously obsessed with, given my obsession for all-things-sparkle-and-glitter) may shed, but the shimmer is in fact part of the material the band is made of. Not only did I<i> not</i> trail glittery goodness all over my gym, much to all the meatheads' chagrin, I'm sure, but it also kept my wayward hair out of my face. Didn't budge. For two hours. And they are washable. I will take 72 more, please.<br />
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<b>The bottom of my newest Lululemon shopping-bag-turned-lunch-bag.</b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br />
Maybe I need to take a queue from Buddy here and nix those "healthy" recipe subs for big ol' helpings of tasty, decadent ingredients. Because, you know what? It is Christmastime. And I <i>do</i> love me some sugar.<br />
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And....so what if I am not a wonderful baker and recipe creator? That's why other talented bakers out there make recipes....for me to follow! I will try again tonight, and when all else fails, I will say hello to Betty Crocker's <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/inside-out-chocolate-chip-cookies/2ac20d6e-048e-46b5-9ecb-b89ff2e13a83">Inside-Out Chocolate Chip cookies</a>. Because they. Are. Awesome. Every time. No excessive guesstimates, brain power, or letdowns required.<br />
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Keep your fingers crossed for Adventures in Cookie Baking Part II!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(This post hereby fills your quota for awkward, goober pictures of Sam for the day.)</span><br />
<br />Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280661026168319962.post-72433340012888554652011-12-02T22:59:00.001-05:002011-12-16T08:57:05.262-05:00Christmas Card Sale!Here are the six cards and the gift tags available for purchase this holiday season.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>Cards</i></span><br />
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<i>Cards are professionally printed (without the watermarks ;) ) on thick 16pt matte paper with a subtle satin finish. Size is<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4.13" x 5.82".</span></span> Blank inside (I am a huge fan of writing your own personal message in cards!). "Sam Bock Illustration & Design" on the back in small lettering. White envelopes included; red, gold, or silver available for an additional fee.</i><br />
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<b>2011 Cards</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1aFewZceGk/TutL8-yqb_I/AAAAAAAAA9g/wLfZPaXejyU/s1600/Xmas+Penguin+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1aFewZceGk/TutL8-yqb_I/AAAAAAAAA9g/wLfZPaXejyU/s640/Xmas+Penguin+WM.jpg" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockhopper Penguin & Ugly Christmas Sweater</td></tr>
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<b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR0I-9iVDa4/TutMrO3kJVI/AAAAAAAAA9o/3ynYNktjdvk/s1600/Xmas+Kanga+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR0I-9iVDa4/TutMrO3kJVI/AAAAAAAAA9o/3ynYNktjdvk/s640/Xmas+Kanga+WM.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Kangaroo with Joey & Christmas Lights</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EalhcFW2Ys8/TutL7ygzNDI/AAAAAAAAA9I/Ln7TSkhs6Ic/s1600/Xmas+Husky+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EalhcFW2Ys8/TutL7ygzNDI/AAAAAAAAA9I/Ln7TSkhs6Ic/s640/Xmas+Husky+WM.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Siberian Husky & Reindeer Antlers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>2010 Cards</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E7m-Q6y9yk/TutL7nVaq2I/AAAAAAAAA9A/-kc14IFGZhY/s1600/xmas+giraffe+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E7m-Q6y9yk/TutL7nVaq2I/AAAAAAAAA9A/-kc14IFGZhY/s640/xmas+giraffe+WM.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giraffe & Wreath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0HMEoQ-Zc8/TutL7bRN5JI/AAAAAAAAA84/eyKlTWN9mQg/s1600/xmas+flamingo+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0HMEoQ-Zc8/TutL7bRN5JI/AAAAAAAAA84/eyKlTWN9mQg/s640/xmas+flamingo+WM.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingo & Christmas Lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbF-jfss6Q4/TutL8szkDHI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/eQoJRxlTz38/s1600/Xmas+Moose+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbF-jfss6Q4/TutL8szkDHI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/eQoJRxlTz38/s640/Xmas+Moose+WM.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose with Ornaments & Garland</td></tr>
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Set of 10 mix-n-match cards: $19<br />
*Shipping costs will be determined according to the size of the order.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>Gift Tags</i></span><br />
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These thick, acid-free gift tags, featuring Giraffe & Wreath, are printed on 16pt smooth matte laminate. They have a hole at the top and are double-sided. The evergreen backside says: "Merry Christmas! To: From: "<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnYU5uyLMZA/Ttmt1HrJKiI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/zMrXTMKeztM/s1600/2011-12-03_00-02-35_330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnYU5uyLMZA/Ttmt1HrJKiI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/zMrXTMKeztM/s640/2011-12-03_00-02-35_330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Set of 50: $15<br />
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<b>Email me at sbock1124 (at) gmail (dot) com if you are interested!</b><br />
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<i>*Mixing and matching is not only allowed...it is encouraged!</i><br />
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<i>There will be some turnaround time, so order in advance! I send these to a professional printer and will receive the mass orders. Items will then be shipped to you as soon as they arrive to me from the printer and I will put together your package, usually the next day after I receive them.</i><br />
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<i>Paypal is the preferred method of payment, but a check works, as well.</i>Sam Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516861647134637746noreply@blogger.com1