tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55137857908659340012024-02-21T09:26:46.561+00:00the traveling cupcakefood * travel * life...and cupcakestracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-60901922003816601812013-08-13T18:25:00.000+01:002013-08-13T18:25:06.986+01:00Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were having a great time in <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2013/07/jackson-hole-wyoming.html">Jackson Hole</a> and <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2013/08/yellowstone-national-park-old-faithful.html">exploring the area</a> but we had yet to get Kaitlin into our new hiking backpack. We decided to take a group trip to Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Park. There is a 7 mile loop that will take you around Jenny Lake (and to see many other sites) but we decided to take the shorter route since we had so many kids in tow. There is a ferry that crosses Jenny Lake and drops you off at the other side. It is a short hike (I think around half a mile) up to Hidden Falls which was our first stop of the day. It's a relatively easy hike and absolutely gorgeous, if not a bit touristy and crowded (especially in the summer). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Look at all that water!"</i></td></tr>
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We took a break for lunch and some photos with the gang. Kaitlin was being such a good sport and loved the scenery (especially the water fall!) so we decided to press onward to Inspiration Point, about another mile up. We will never learn to "quit while we're ahead" in terms of pressing Kaitlin to the limit. She was a bit fussy on the way up and A LOT fussy on the way down. Fair enough, it was the middle of the day and temperatures were reaching 90*F. Regardless, I'm glad we did the extra bit of hiking as the views were spectacular! We couldn't have asked for better weather during our whole trip, what a treat!</div>
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tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-23420814313948821822013-08-07T14:30:00.000+01:002013-08-07T14:30:29.516+01:00Yellowstone National Park (Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic)The next stop on our Jackson Hole adventure was to get out of Jackson Hole. We were about 50 miles south of Yellowstone so decided to take one day to drive up and see some of the sights. In reality you need at least three days to see a good clip of Yellowstone, but I'm pretty sure that you could spend two weeks there and still not see it all. We only had about 10 hours so we had to see as much as we could in that short amount of time. The drive up there itself was actually really beautiful. We essentially had to drive through Grand Teton National Park and past Jackson Lake to get to the entrance to Yellowstone. From the entrance it was another hours drive to our first official stop - Old Faithful.<br />
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We parked near the Old Faithful Inn so we had a wander through it on our way to Old Faithful. What a cool looking hotel! It was very dark and rustic on the inside and the wood work was just gorgeous. Next stop - Old Faithful herself. We had enough time to grab a quick lunch before making our way to the show. She decided to erupt about 10 minutes past the estimated time so we had plenty of time to get a great seat. As did the hundreds of other people that were there to see the show! If it doesn't look that impressive in the photos...well...it kind of wasn't. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that we went and that I had a chance to see it (bucket list - check!) but I expected something...more. That and we were standing down wind so we mostly just saw the mist coming off from the spray of water. We had gorgeous weather though and for that I am grateful.</div>
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Next stop on our Yellowstone Mini Tour was Grand Prismatic Spring. It is the largest geyser in the park and is also probably the most beautiful. It is about 250' x 300' and something like 160' deep! There is a boardwalk that covers most of the area which makes for a nice and easy stroll. Don't get caught near the steam for too long on a hot summer day though - talk about hot! This was easily one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been. I could have stayed for hours taking photos and wandering around. Alas, a hungry and tired baby called (loudly in my ear) and we were on our way back to Jackson Hole. Even though we didn't get to see that many sites and it was <i>a lot</i> of driving (6 hours total there and back) it was definitely worth the trek.</div>
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<br />tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-905235844861630842013-07-13T00:54:00.000+01:002013-07-13T00:54:14.773+01:00Jackson Hole, Wyoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Last week we were on vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with a bunch of friends. I have one suggestion if you live far away from your friends - go on vacation with them. Pretty much guaranteed to have the best time ever. We love going home to visit with friends and family, but most of the time we are rushing around from place to place, trying to see as many people as possible. This vacation was a great way to see and catch up with good friends, and have a chance to make new memories! Not to mention Kaitlin had a blast watching all the other kids run around and play. She's a little slow to warm up to a lot of new people so she hung back a little bit at first. But by the end of the week she was right in there playing with everyone.</div>
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Since there were so many of us (six adults and four kids under the age of five) we decided to rent a house in Kelly, just outside of Jackson. A house way definitely the way to go - we had TONS of room and lots of space for everyone to spread out. Kaitlin even got her own room! We were a little far from town but it was really quiet and we didn't have to worry about disturbing anyone. I can't recommend this house enough, so if you are heading to Jackson with a big group of people I highly suggest you <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/3482440ha">check it out</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our view from the back deck</i></td></tr>
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The day after we all arrived we decided to check out the neighborhood. As I mentioned before the house is in Kelly and it borders the National Elk Refuge. The road creates a loop around the area so we decided to take the whole gang for a walk. We had primo views of the Teton Mountains, the Gros Ventre River and even some wildlife! The walk proved to be a little longer than we planned, but it was beautiful and enjoyable none the less. And a great way to catch up with friends that you haven't seen in over six months!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view from the front yard</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Hiiii everybody!!"</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I loved the contrast of plains and mountains</i></td></tr>
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I'll be sharing our adventures in Jackson Hole (and beyond!) over the next couple of weeks. Check back soon for the next update!tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-90584600813109734502013-03-01T16:29:00.002+00:002013-03-01T16:29:12.279+00:00Houston Rodeo - World's Championship Bar-B-Que<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the weekend we celebrated our one year anniversary of moving to Houston. One year - can you believe it?? To celebrate (ok not really, it was just good timing) we went to the World's Championship Bar-B-Que at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. BBQ cook-off in Houston? SOLD!</div>
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Every year the barbecue cook-off kicks off the Houston Rodeo. For three days over 300 teams cook and compete to take home the honor of winning first place. These teams work their butts off smoking, cooking and BBQing for 72 hours. And the result is delicious. You have to have a ticket to eat at the tents, but general admission gets you a plate of BBQ at the food tent. We had tickets to the Dodge City Cookers tent, a team that usually does pretty well every year. This year they came in eighth place in the brisket competition and twenty-third place over all. Out of 300+ teams?! That's pretty dang good!</div>
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Brian and I were super excited to take part in an event that is basically the epitome of Texas culture. We put our western shirts and cowboy boots on and we fit right in. (Next year we are <i>totally</i> getting cowboy hats) If you hold a ticket to one of the tents it buys you as much food and drinks as you can handle. Our tent had a live band which gets the crowd into high gear and kept us entertained all night.</div>
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And the food? I bet you want to know how the food was? In a word - amazing. I went for the brisket, sausage, meatballs and ribs. No need to muddy the plate with beans or potato salad. Somehow I missed the BBQ sauce which might have made it out of the world, but none the less the food was delicious. And those meatballs? Best thing I ate all night. Want to know what they were made out of?</div>
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ARMADILLO!</div>
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WTF?!?!</div>
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I kind of gagged when I heard that but they were so stinkin' good that I just had to finish them. Definitely one of the most adventurous things I've ever eaten. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The masters at work</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Watching the judging</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I almost forgot to take a picture! L-R: armadillo meatball, ribs, brisket and sausage.</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV4dmlQS-6MSavaWxTWajmW8nsLIDXE5vSHHUYdPQ70aLrBXiaaWJA25BvFi7TR0jWiRsGE_bCX54FpbepGXrdWR_wR7jlJHR0vbZzdcIl8Nf6UJSvQJrM2NwHRY1Ht10b9jxrCCbZ6Ot/s1600/IMG_4424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV4dmlQS-6MSavaWxTWajmW8nsLIDXE5vSHHUYdPQ70aLrBXiaaWJA25BvFi7TR0jWiRsGE_bCX54FpbepGXrdWR_wR7jlJHR0vbZzdcIl8Nf6UJSvQJrM2NwHRY1Ht10b9jxrCCbZ6Ot/s640/IMG_4424.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Dodge City Cookers</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvNJ5SNMhtNNgkQKGhOt3WnV_ubUkFVx7bDVVuAE35iRJQInE56ycbH4ysDhiSdr6DDymVAMzQH-4kjPxPoqrbpMqMB2lAJBhB4uUGZYYOfdEcmrW2GSaLnyqSWkZ9eTBqQikKpJuhbbA/s1600/IMG_4427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvNJ5SNMhtNNgkQKGhOt3WnV_ubUkFVx7bDVVuAE35iRJQInE56ycbH4ysDhiSdr6DDymVAMzQH-4kjPxPoqrbpMqMB2lAJBhB4uUGZYYOfdEcmrW2GSaLnyqSWkZ9eTBqQikKpJuhbbA/s640/IMG_4427.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Do you think he meant him - or the BBQ?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gotta love blurry, dark iPhone photos...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our tent had the NICEST ladies port-a-potties EVER! I was a very happy lady</i></td></tr>
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tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-10269063790405949322013-01-16T17:49:00.002+00:002013-01-16T17:49:17.132+00:00Houston Arboretum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I have lived in a big city for the past eight and a half years of my life. I don't mind the tall buildings, the concrete jungle or the hustle and bustle of every day life. However, my roots are in the country. I grew up in the middle of corn fields and every once in a while - especially now that I am not so young - I long for the quiet peacefulness of rural countryside. What we managed to find was not quite as peaceful as the countryside but offered us a few peaceful moments together as a family, enjoying nature.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hlYoAP6aKnlHndnyt0NI72n3zLjefYoTqKxbHgV7rgMrVlwjJqpvopks3glf_WjPrOK7qmX-rQwKra93yshNDuad5kfvtfXK9Zz0fLuJemaiEHPALetsSSTGmIvR0tuehraCaT-n66mU/s1600/arboretum-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hlYoAP6aKnlHndnyt0NI72n3zLjefYoTqKxbHgV7rgMrVlwjJqpvopks3glf_WjPrOK7qmX-rQwKra93yshNDuad5kfvtfXK9Zz0fLuJemaiEHPALetsSSTGmIvR0tuehraCaT-n66mU/s640/arboretum-1-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX7ZrEk6-5FiW11F_glrHQck7Z09uAObWX3dHr01yWJFzQZ0CnRcTbV5eoXy34-UELMCTgYPENlCTEETdc2iDUvFjSachLg7uj1L8lbMThKt9BSbWqmuvctXdcQcE64q3VuEMMZCDPtWg/s1600/arboretum-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX7ZrEk6-5FiW11F_glrHQck7Z09uAObWX3dHr01yWJFzQZ0CnRcTbV5eoXy34-UELMCTgYPENlCTEETdc2iDUvFjSachLg7uj1L8lbMThKt9BSbWqmuvctXdcQcE64q3VuEMMZCDPtWg/s640/arboretum-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A while back we decided to visit the <a href="http://www.houstonarboretum.org/">Houston Arboretum</a>. We liked it so much that we decided to go back with Brians parents over Thanksgiving. It's only a few miles from our house but it feels like you way outside of the city (apart from the traffic noise that you can hear from some of the trails. Eh - you win some and you lose some). There are over five miles of free walking trails covering forests, ponds and wetlands. There is a discover center as well for grown ups and little ones alike to learn more about the habitats and wildlife at the Arboretum.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrdHYY2qfM3y4D_TWAi1V-oH3OZyvZux3TX7bUiPz9jQbuhj9c0BGYE4OIKrP91OihA9bPC4uY5nANuw31QWRwpGGY5tRHZWJubSw6l4Hyl0Bd8OBpiRVzElzqsoOXSa_otfSpYibjymG/s1600/arboretum-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrdHYY2qfM3y4D_TWAi1V-oH3OZyvZux3TX7bUiPz9jQbuhj9c0BGYE4OIKrP91OihA9bPC4uY5nANuw31QWRwpGGY5tRHZWJubSw6l4Hyl0Bd8OBpiRVzElzqsoOXSa_otfSpYibjymG/s640/arboretum-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last year (2011) Houston went through a major drought. We could see a lot of the trees that had died from the drought and notice how the ones that survived were struggling to stay alive. And even though we went at a time of year that is not particularly pretty (I imagine spring, summer and fall are all more aesthetically pleasing times of the year to visit) we still enjoyed walking along the paths and enjoying a little quiet time.</div>
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We have been having some chilly weather lately but as soon as it warms up I fully plan on taking Kaitlin here for walks. It is easy enough to put her in the jogging stroller or Ergo carrier and get lost exploring the trains for an hour or so. And soon she will be able to walk the trails with us!</div>
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<a href="http://www.houstonarboretum.org/"><i>Houston Arboretum and Nature Center</i></a></div>
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<i>Grounds and Trails are open 7 days/week from 7am-dusk</i></div>
tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-87270911841750852712012-08-06T20:09:00.001+01:002012-08-07T15:37:19.840+01:00Lake Waccabuc<div style="text-align: justify;">
We spent the last couple of weeks driving all over the state of New York on vacation. We visited both of our families in Central NY and Long Island, but first we took a few days to ourselves and had a little vacation just the three of us. We knew we wanted to have a few quiet days to ourselves before the madness of visiting family. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE our families and LOVED introducing Kaitlin to everyone. But we knew it was going to be crazy town. We wanted somewhere quiet for us to go, but that wasn't too far out of the way (we had limited time and a newborn in the car with us after all). Our good friends knew of a place we could rent, in a location that we discovered <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/06/winvian-wedding.html">last year at their wedding</a> - Lake Waccabuc. You heard all about their amazing wedding at <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/06/winvian.html">Winvian</a>, but what I only briefly talked about their rehearsal dinner at the grooms parents lake house on Lake Waccabuc. </div>
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It was perfect - exactly what we were looking for. We had a small two bedroom cottage on the lake (which happened to be right next door to our friends place!) which had a big deck and access to the water. It was small but perfect for our family of three. Lake Waccabuc is small (less than 150 acres) and only small boats are allowed on it, making it a peaceful retreat. It is located in Westchester county in New York but is very close to Ridgefield, CT which is a super cute town with lots of shops and dining, perfect for an afternoon stroll. </div>
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What did we do while we were there?</div>
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A whole lot of nothing. </div>
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Well, I guess that's not entirely true.</div>
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Our friends have a couple paddle boards which made Brian a happy boy. They also have a small boat which we would take out to go swimming. (there are lots of rocks to jump off of and rope swings to jump from) </div>
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We grilled almost every night, and had a few friends stop by to meet Kaitlin. We even got a chance to sleep in once or twice now that Kaitlin sleeps almost through the whole night. </div>
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We set off fireworks and took walks around the lake. We watched a lot of sunsets and ate a lot of smores. </div>
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And by the time our stay had come to an end we were relaxed and recharged, ready to <strike>finish</strike> start our vacation with all of our friends and family. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0lbqOLGW4NT3yyOKDIPR_lucGAayFbFm9B6VVrYw3iWSZPSEBgUJiRBuVhUQ4xyJ5jaHhLmNASASTsURcxyecX-V2PkoprHBP71L7d8DC5LzX3iYD9JOkVId4uxJMgHzptbmXEg8hZ2X/s640/blogger-image--508882780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0lbqOLGW4NT3yyOKDIPR_lucGAayFbFm9B6VVrYw3iWSZPSEBgUJiRBuVhUQ4xyJ5jaHhLmNASASTsURcxyecX-V2PkoprHBP71L7d8DC5LzX3iYD9JOkVId4uxJMgHzptbmXEg8hZ2X/s640/blogger-image--508882780.jpg" /></a></div>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-60821336497685968802012-06-19T16:49:00.001+01:002012-06-19T16:49:25.538+01:00Celebrating an Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Today we are lucky enough to celebrate two milestones. The first milestone is our second wedding anniversary. The second is Kaitlin's one month birthday (see a separate post on the mini traveling cupcake for that one!)</div>
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Even though I have been blogging for almost four years, it occurred to me the other day that I never blogged about our wedding day. During that time blogging had taken a back seat to a very busy job and, of course, wedding planning. Planning our wedding was the most fun I have ever had. I loved every minute of it. It was difficult, seeing how we were living in London and getting married in New York City, but thanks to the internet and <i>a lot</i> of convenient work trips back to NYC we managed to get everything done.</div>
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And it was the perfect day.</div>
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We got married at the same place where we got engaged - Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. We had a short but sweet ceremony (that I wrote myself) and Brians best friend was our officiant. We had a cocktail reception afterwards that combined (in my opinion) the two best parts of a reception - cocktail hour and dancing! Afterwards a bunch of us (including my parents!) went out to a bar and danced until the early hours of the morning. I woke up the next day with no voice - a sure sign of a good party.</div>
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And the best part about that day is that I got to marry my best friend and all of our very best friends and family were there to witness and share our love. I have never felt more loved than I did on that day, and I will treasure that always.</div>
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Enough sentimental blabbing from me - I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story! All photos were taken by the amazing Kiersten of <a href="http://www.premaphotographic.com/#a=0&at=0&mi=1&pt=0&pi=21&s=0&p=-1">Prema Photographic</a>. She is the sweetest, nicest girl and we had a blast hanging out with her all day.</div>
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<i>(Warning - this is a photo heavy post. Even though its been two years I still have trouble narrowing down my favorites!)</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>can you tell i liked the photos of us walking away?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>go mom!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>this is Brians wonderful Grandpa who sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago. We love and think of him every day.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>and AC/DC style entrance for the new bride and groom</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPdvA5-jb8s3jV4AkYe44CRmuXroVPnEdZPbDoYUTUvqOGn0lokMC7NyaBGqMiXShqf4EBgVNCcGIAWdE4lbBgBXvDw3JlTkc45v2nRBrnTeKsE1h6d77kE4pFdDDJ416c53YdCt-MT1A/s1600/_MG_4836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPdvA5-jb8s3jV4AkYe44CRmuXroVPnEdZPbDoYUTUvqOGn0lokMC7NyaBGqMiXShqf4EBgVNCcGIAWdE4lbBgBXvDw3JlTkc45v2nRBrnTeKsE1h6d77kE4pFdDDJ416c53YdCt-MT1A/s640/_MG_4836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*sigh* i love new york</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYslvq-mR9h9lUUn3RjxqmJC_sSKExmqYpTXwN7LB9-MMUNcGLsHmbo4rrAXK_a_mTi2YCDhaMl-wWrTYbQQzZw2qwN_s6Blt1tlRMvO55dMqvlFk_DNR1wtLz9sWkb5i2hya2k77tWzJb/s1600/_MG_5012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYslvq-mR9h9lUUn3RjxqmJC_sSKExmqYpTXwN7LB9-MMUNcGLsHmbo4rrAXK_a_mTi2YCDhaMl-wWrTYbQQzZw2qwN_s6Blt1tlRMvO55dMqvlFk_DNR1wtLz9sWkb5i2hya2k77tWzJb/s640/_MG_5012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>this, my friends, is true</i></td></tr>
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<br />tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-63601144897616546812012-05-26T19:17:00.001+01:002012-05-26T19:17:29.583+01:00She's Here!In case you missed it over on t<a href="http://theminitravelingcupcake.blogspot.com/">he mini traveling cupcake</a> blog - Baby C is here!! Please help us welcome her to the world - check out the full post <a href="http://theminitravelingcupcake.blogspot.com/2012/05/shes-here-welcome-to-world.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<br />tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-40996806015639994282012-05-14T17:04:00.000+01:002012-05-14T17:04:02.521+01:0030th Birthday Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As you may know, our baby was due on Saturday. Based on my <a href="http://theminitravelingcupcake.blogspot.com/2012/05/thirty-nine-weeks.html">last appointment</a> I had a feeling she wasn't going to be making a move any time soon. For as long as I can remember, we had always planned on spending the weekend of May 12th in the hospital. It hadn't even crossed our minds that we might be home - without a new baby in tow.</div>
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As you also may know, this last weekend was Mothers Day. It was <i>also</i> my 30th birthday. When the prospect of having a free weekend suddenly came up I realized that - Hey! It's my birthday! Suddenly it wasn't all about the baby (well, OK - it was still 99% about the baby). As much as I wanted to usher in the next decade of my life with a new baby, I settled for a weekend at home with my husband and a batch of these delicious cupcakes.</div>
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It worked out pretty well if you ask me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNo7u3CMIkOpL10vsXvSJ9fWpP5kOH0RygiSMK5Lzv6d7Rhovbcnyydxl7lKfc07xyneq58ldhBxYbdB2oZFYTwyPEYV0J1jCRHcJvpKFTiopVPNug0MlH18bpnEsZX0CW8975TNoMNsE/s640/blogger-image--1179786515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNo7u3CMIkOpL10vsXvSJ9fWpP5kOH0RygiSMK5Lzv6d7Rhovbcnyydxl7lKfc07xyneq58ldhBxYbdB2oZFYTwyPEYV0J1jCRHcJvpKFTiopVPNug0MlH18bpnEsZX0CW8975TNoMNsE/s640/blogger-image--1179786515.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSa_bd5fvK556VJB_Lu1n1WqID8SXt6kpoqx35xjHdgGhQMN5rBdRwgNRoNC3pkfezf5_02HmR1o0XQGKmzZDNGo4WbcukU406EADVIYhkiFH9Pqzq6NnApdjfdJ_NbPudT_9etDWox2p/s640/blogger-image--1650094165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSa_bd5fvK556VJB_Lu1n1WqID8SXt6kpoqx35xjHdgGhQMN5rBdRwgNRoNC3pkfezf5_02HmR1o0XQGKmzZDNGo4WbcukU406EADVIYhkiFH9Pqzq6NnApdjfdJ_NbPudT_9etDWox2p/s640/blogger-image--1650094165.jpg" /></a></div>
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I knew I wanted to make something fabulous to celebrate the big 3-0. Funfetti cupcakes with tons of sprinkles (inside and out) screamed CELEBRATE to me. I knew right where to go for the perfect recipe - <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/">Sweetapolita</a>. I absolutely adore her blog and have been a fan of hers for quite some time. She makes the yummiest looking treats and her little baking helpers are super adorable. Rosie, the genius behind Sweetapolita, is obsessed with sprinkles and isn't afraid to use them. When I read about <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2012/02/funfetti-layer-cake-with-whipped-vanilla-frosting/">this cake</a> a couple months ago it instantly went on my "to-make" list. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMFBgRzQJixbUID_T9kDBbLtOEiIGugrZ2hmrmqDOo7kxBNUedEF3WKzCjFpVyK7_j3poirF6fXw3Z3gi-sRcGH7nzE9UuwyxnZ7RedMI1wOtGJSxfbJy1ob_49PkR0kQytfrr75URHT5/s640/blogger-image--2033184350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMFBgRzQJixbUID_T9kDBbLtOEiIGugrZ2hmrmqDOo7kxBNUedEF3WKzCjFpVyK7_j3poirF6fXw3Z3gi-sRcGH7nzE9UuwyxnZ7RedMI1wOtGJSxfbJy1ob_49PkR0kQytfrr75URHT5/s640/blogger-image--2033184350.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu9Q0YSZz3tOuDN4_pNphuzFdP-Bi_sQVl1qtpfZhkF2w7GYB1VtFMpQ3iUVVfD8lKJfThtF_sQpuqLVQRvdhau_IPXyva0VJ7w1vA6z1eMbRtyAAPPtmkfGwMGU4FNKKF-xUgoiYcBB8/s640/blogger-image-370618562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu9Q0YSZz3tOuDN4_pNphuzFdP-Bi_sQVl1qtpfZhkF2w7GYB1VtFMpQ3iUVVfD8lKJfThtF_sQpuqLVQRvdhau_IPXyva0VJ7w1vA6z1eMbRtyAAPPtmkfGwMGU4FNKKF-xUgoiYcBB8/s640/blogger-image-370618562.jpg" /></a></div>
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As you can see, I decided to forgo the layer cake in favor of making cupcakes. Since it was just the two of us around to celebrate I decided it was a <i>bad</i> idea to have a full layer cake hanging around the house. At least with cupcakes we can give them away to friends and coworkers (keeping a few for us, of course!)</div>
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These cupcakes turned out to be everything they were promised to be. The cake was light and fluffy, filled with a rainbow of colors. And the frosting - ooohhh the frosting. It was sweet and sugary but light and airy at the same time. It was the perfect combination. I am filing this as my go-to white cake and vanilla frosting from now on, I don't see how it can get any better!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GTKXbtNwSBIEvrMKar7P81Lf7LRUXuVY73H0zCHjG8JjO5dmp_lh6b_I6WHgtIE8QMDnJ7mKHBrNoDo_arMA1idvCkII8q_mIIGzjJl0mW3J8FhW3j7UK1xgb_ncEUG79b3-4BezZ-YA/s640/blogger-image--422520223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GTKXbtNwSBIEvrMKar7P81Lf7LRUXuVY73H0zCHjG8JjO5dmp_lh6b_I6WHgtIE8QMDnJ7mKHBrNoDo_arMA1idvCkII8q_mIIGzjJl0mW3J8FhW3j7UK1xgb_ncEUG79b3-4BezZ-YA/s640/blogger-image--422520223.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can find the recipe for Sweetapolita's <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2012/02/funfetti-layer-cake-with-whipped-vanilla-frosting/">Funfetti Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting</a> here. She also has a similar recipe (though slightly modified) for <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2012/03/super-duper-vanilla-or-funfetti-cupcakes/">Super Duper Vanilla (or Funfetti) Cupcakes</a> here. While you're there be sure to check out the rest of her site - you won't be disappointed!</div>
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<br /></div>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-89962764196141594582012-05-06T22:52:00.000+01:002012-05-06T22:52:03.329+01:00Sunday's with Joy - Browned Butter Blueberry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Earlier this week I was wondering around the internets and happened to find a Facebook group that is cooking and baking their way through all 100 recipes from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Baker-Cookbook-Comforting-Recipes/dp/1401310605/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335722218&sr=8-1">Joy the Bakers Cookbook</a> (remember those amazing <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-ive-been-up-toand-cookie-for-you.html">Trail Mix cookies</a> I posted about last week??) called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/161324710663962/">Sundays with Joy</a>. I'm always on the hunt for a new project so I signed right up. I joined a week late so I jumped right to the second recipe - Browned Butter Blueberry Muffins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6kP-D9GrAuWBtKkz6VfCFWZRYs3_3axgnHsGsrJ0JHiMiJfSOoT53FMu-d5Yza1ynKpwT3_gQgcmL7oMOvRatI-y9nUSebkRhbVbscqOXObANWuuW2rPDKgdd1QvsCrrzKKROLDUGN1D/s640/blogger-image-1457833274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6kP-D9GrAuWBtKkz6VfCFWZRYs3_3axgnHsGsrJ0JHiMiJfSOoT53FMu-d5Yza1ynKpwT3_gQgcmL7oMOvRatI-y9nUSebkRhbVbscqOXObANWuuW2rPDKgdd1QvsCrrzKKROLDUGN1D/s400/blogger-image-1457833274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have only used browned butter once before, and I was pretty nervous to use it again. The first time I ever used it I browned it a little <i>too</i> much and it tasted more like burnt butter...I still used it in the cake I was making and overall the cake still tasted wonderful, but I was convinced that browned butter was something too complex and fancy for me to use again.</div>
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Incase you have never made browned butter all you have to do is melt some butter in a pan, wait for it to bubble and froth, and then finally it will start to cook and turn a lovely brown color with a nutty aroma. The hard part is catching it before it turns from browned to burnt. <a href="http://joythebaker.com/">Joy</a> does a lovely job of explaining the whole process in her recipe, so I gave it another go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRg1XmH2s9aSt27wrIk7mq-pWR4EJUa15Z_GXaQSvXZs8ExZKncKr7fyNF16KtZ3ccGxmnk6QXfTAl7j6BQPM7VaLyXfNCMk7EbMVfa7sEu6hrJGhT6klgV-mf3hyphenhyphenOw-7ix8tzCb-p3v-/s640/blogger-image-449456996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRg1XmH2s9aSt27wrIk7mq-pWR4EJUa15Z_GXaQSvXZs8ExZKncKr7fyNF16KtZ3ccGxmnk6QXfTAl7j6BQPM7VaLyXfNCMk7EbMVfa7sEu6hrJGhT6klgV-mf3hyphenhyphenOw-7ix8tzCb-p3v-/s400/blogger-image-449456996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then I realized that something was wrong with my stove top. The pilot wasn't lighting and I was not about to hold a match to an open gas line while I am 9 months pregnant. So, I did the next best thing. I browned the butter in the oven. </div>
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It took a little longer than I would have liked, and I probably could have left it in there to brown a bit more, but in the end it was a success! There were lots of lovely browned bits that gave the muffins a nutty depth without making them over the top.</div>
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The blueberries that I picked up at the store were absolutely heavenly - super juicy and extra large, there were almost <i>too many</i> of them! No, just kidding, that's not possible. But I definitely didn't feel as guilty eating a <strike>dozen</strike> couple of these muffins since they were so packed with fruit. I should have added the whole amount of the crumble topping to them as they could have used a little more (you can <i>always</i> use a little more crumble) but I didn't want the muffins to spill over too much while baking. At least I know for next time...and there will be a next time!</div>
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Interested in joining our Sunday's with Joy? Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/161324710663962/">Facebook page</a>! And check out <a href="http://www.bakeaholicmama.com/2012/05/brown-butter-blueberry-muffins-week-2.html?spref=fb">Bakeaholic Mamas</a> blog to see everyone else's take on these muffins - some people even made theirs gluten free! I'm going to try and keep up with the group as much as possible but since the little lady is due to make her appearance sometime in the next two weeks I'm not sure how often I'll be able to contribute for the next couple of weeks - but I sure am looking forward to trying!</div>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-66211549284705399942012-04-30T22:22:00.000+01:002012-04-30T22:22:57.147+01:00What I've been up to...and a cookie for you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When we moved to Houston I was adamant that I wasn't going to let this blog fall by the wayside. I was going to have <i>tons</i> to write about - right?? A new city, new restaurants, a new house to cook in...the opportunities were endless! And then reality set it. As I settled in to my third trimester I saw my energy diminish by the day. Each day brought more boxes that needed to be unpacked, new fires that needed to be put out and another day without anything exciting to write about. If you have been keeping up with <a href="http://theminitravelingcupcake.blogspot.com/">the mini traveling cupcake</a> you will know that I am still alive (and still unpacking) and now that I feel like I have my head (slightly) above water I hope to make a more regular appearance here. So thanks for sticking with me all this time. That is, until this baby is born and then I will probably be on another hiatus :) Sorry folks, that's just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.</div>
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Speaking of cookies!!!</div>
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I made you some!</div>
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In one of the (many) boxes that I unpacked over the last month, I was super excited to find my new copy of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Baker-Cookbook-Comforting-Recipes/dp/1401310605/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335819722&sr=8-1">Joy the Baker Cookbook</a>. If you don't already read this <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/">amazing blog</a> I highly suggest you make it a part of your daily rotation. Since she's the second most popular food blogger out there though there's a good chance you already know who I'm talking about. I first found Joys blog a few years ago and she is a huge inspiration to me. She cooks and bakes just about anything - from bread to cookies to cakes - you name it, she's baked it. She also bakes gluton free and vegan goodies just because she wants to. To me it takes a lot of courage to use a ton of ingredients you aren't used to (almond flour, what? coconut oil, who?) and her creative recipes never cease to inspire me. I am also a huge fan of her podcasts - <a href="http://homefries.com/shows/the-joy-the-baker-podcast/">Joy the Baker Podcast with Tracy of Shutterbean</a> and <a href="http://homefries.com/shows/were-about-to-be-friends/">We're About to be Friends</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M91RXOBS5DkQJ-yucKXBPgAi6kwQFklRUbX0dCqjngBWumAgnpmS63-P6TuqAb3mKAEBXJE_HgRBwdf-uWkCOMZOGrgs9KptXqTHX4ZgS6w1bEvBe1n4b-EUR_n1lZ-ABeF9q8iVJUwk/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M91RXOBS5DkQJ-yucKXBPgAi6kwQFklRUbX0dCqjngBWumAgnpmS63-P6TuqAb3mKAEBXJE_HgRBwdf-uWkCOMZOGrgs9KptXqTHX4ZgS6w1bEvBe1n4b-EUR_n1lZ-ABeF9q8iVJUwk/s640/IMG_5677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But this post is about her cookbook. And these awesome cookies.</div>
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When I found her cookbook stashed away in the 495083409 Tupperware bin that I had unpacked that day I was pumped. I called it a day and proceeded to read the entire cookbook in one sitting. I had pre-ordered the book <i>months </i>ago and couldn't wait to dive in. This cookbook has it all. Want some pancakes? Pick your poison. Coffee bacon? Comin' right up. Cakes - cookies - frosting?? Done, done and done. The cookbook gives some of Joys great tips and is written in the same style as her blog - ie friendly, warm and funny. Basically like talking to your BFF while mixing up some amazing treats.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvR1GToIxEPZ3RmaLYsQGJnAHlXR8hswAggSZAqDJNkX2UwOVChg93EH0OXc0z_d4qw-FYPuMnxpJKvC1_xlSLYeGdZKoz2s-9l2H9Q4uocZiA_FBm2IqBsMT0n56KYsQVd5njo_My-dE/s1600/IMG_5687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvR1GToIxEPZ3RmaLYsQGJnAHlXR8hswAggSZAqDJNkX2UwOVChg93EH0OXc0z_d4qw-FYPuMnxpJKvC1_xlSLYeGdZKoz2s-9l2H9Q4uocZiA_FBm2IqBsMT0n56KYsQVd5njo_My-dE/s640/IMG_5687.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The first recipe I decided to make was these Trail Mix Cookies. These are pretty similar to what some people call Kitchen Sink cookies because they have, well, everything but the kitchen sink in them! M&Ms, peanuts, peanut butter chips, raisins, oats - you name it, it's in there! The recipe made a huge batch, I got three dozen out of mine, so I had plenty to stash in the freezer for when the baby is here and I don't have time to brush my teeth let alone bake cookies. And since these guys are made with whole wheat flour, oats and raisins they are practically health food! Sure to keep us going through those long days and nights.</div>
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Since I followed Joy's recipe to the letter (I usually do the first time around) I don't want to publish it here. You're just going to have to go out and buy her book yourself - I promise you won't regret it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_tQcoaHjrCm6ZCVAcIkySvjHZrbvWO6REHZQHussdeXgiXtb3tfP9DG8CT9a-bdQR6P02BP_NMcmf4fT5VeRSDh8Pbp-BrprvcQsVaaBpnYVX_NlsJRepl9YiQmvgDRzZDjJxPUa6KrD/s640/blogger-image-675383715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_tQcoaHjrCm6ZCVAcIkySvjHZrbvWO6REHZQHussdeXgiXtb3tfP9DG8CT9a-bdQR6P02BP_NMcmf4fT5VeRSDh8Pbp-BrprvcQsVaaBpnYVX_NlsJRepl9YiQmvgDRzZDjJxPUa6KrD/s640/blogger-image-675383715.jpg" /></a></div>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-26447464336723342222012-04-12T19:10:00.004+01:002012-04-12T19:10:26.926+01:00Lake Austin Spa - A Mini Getaway<div style="text-align: justify;">
To say that we have had a stressful and hectic first quarter of 2012 would be an understatement. And the rest of the year looks to be just as crazy, if not more so once the little one gets here and flips our lives upside down (in a good way, of course). We had been dying to getaway, to go on vacation. We didn't want to stare at the piles of boxes and things needing to be unpacked. We didn't want to have to go to Home Depot <i>again</i>. We didn't want to have to deal with buying any more baby-related thing (how much does an infant really need??)</div>
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We wanted - no, no, better yet - <i>needed</i> a break.</div>
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Enter <a href="http://www.lakeaustin.com/">Lake Austin Spa</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNFIBCR5YJpnNykxm8lkh-uOKeh_mpBMKwaLBBhzwLU68C1yAt-bmWrfwW_lWzXgscW_7Xbg_Lxnc_Pzw3e0cr1F4ANMSySIvJZT-lBa4bH7nTuH0uLIXP2tB-EEvU7uO54xOTrRgGBHw/s1600/L1000323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNFIBCR5YJpnNykxm8lkh-uOKeh_mpBMKwaLBBhzwLU68C1yAt-bmWrfwW_lWzXgscW_7Xbg_Lxnc_Pzw3e0cr1F4ANMSySIvJZT-lBa4bH7nTuH0uLIXP2tB-EEvU7uO54xOTrRgGBHw/s640/L1000323.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PB0YpSWsL9TRyFZf0Pvt5HyrmiM9VOfsnz5TBiKg_pdxY_oaOABp8tTqER52BQRB9za36Qs3CLwDKoV40MNlDSGzYfMYllpWZQZrfIEKkGeuINGYER0C4mgkc_Xsws_Azb986iKaUQdk/s1600/L1000335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PB0YpSWsL9TRyFZf0Pvt5HyrmiM9VOfsnz5TBiKg_pdxY_oaOABp8tTqER52BQRB9za36Qs3CLwDKoV40MNlDSGzYfMYllpWZQZrfIEKkGeuINGYER0C4mgkc_Xsws_Azb986iKaUQdk/s640/L1000335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I often find that the best recommendations come from people you know. That's how we found this little gem. One of Brian's coworkers recommended it as a place to go "if you really want to relax and not have to worry about a thing." SOLD. Sign us up!</div>
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We spent three nights at this oasis in the Hill Country of Western Texas. I did a little bit of research before getting there but not much - most of my research included perusing the spa menu and making our appointments! The resort has 40 cabins which means that their maximum occupancy is never more than around 80 guests. They were pretty full while we were there but you wouldn't have known it - we were always able to get a lounge chair by the pool, had a choice of tables for dinner and plenty of peace and quiet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXTgf13Bocu1mfelEER_PF42bFqltufHprJIiu8hGnQ38xadsgpyo2xEXP47RGXwiKkzhBNSizVcMebEme2cebLsU9uxiXUDoyrKp9JxYE50nhps0G2FI6XDO8fLtI4hUPNg_WEb_s9Mw/s1600/L1000374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXTgf13Bocu1mfelEER_PF42bFqltufHprJIiu8hGnQ38xadsgpyo2xEXP47RGXwiKkzhBNSizVcMebEme2cebLsU9uxiXUDoyrKp9JxYE50nhps0G2FI6XDO8fLtI4hUPNg_WEb_s9Mw/s640/L1000374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10PI7jjaT02CxKxyWJ2Rn8rMhXb2R5BtEpc2K6TIDp0uYfHd_40kJO-y6lCeBQWekcEPHn0qaI2FfrSSbpy00STyYTRQadN_JOYF5X0KWTM8HdTw1rbi-CKJ-lkwKbRg-4EC5UfD45U8H/s1600/L1000377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10PI7jjaT02CxKxyWJ2Rn8rMhXb2R5BtEpc2K6TIDp0uYfHd_40kJO-y6lCeBQWekcEPHn0qaI2FfrSSbpy00STyYTRQadN_JOYF5X0KWTM8HdTw1rbi-CKJ-lkwKbRg-4EC5UfD45U8H/s640/L1000377.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Perhaps the best thing about the Lake Austin Spa is that everything is included in the room rate - I mean <i>everything</i>. Well - everything except spa appointments. Close enough. They have a full schedule of work out classes, hikes and classes every day and you are free to enjoy as many as you like - or as many as you can pack into your day! Since I'm about to burst I wasn't able to enjoy many of the fitness classes that they had on offer but Brian was able to take a few each day. We went on boat tour of the lake on afternoon and I even went to a cooking demonstration lead by the head chef at the resort. In addition to all of the scheduled activities you also have access to kayaks, water bikes and paddle boards should you want to take to the open water on your own.</div>
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If you wanted to take a more relaxing approach to your stay you had plenty of options there too. The resort features two pools - one on the main resort and one at the spa. The spa menu includes anything and everything that you can imagine, from massages to facials to body scrubs and everything in between. There are hammocks set up by the lake, begging you to spend your afternoon in them reading a book. Or perhaps you would rather take a leisurely stroll through the resorts gardens - where fresh herbs, flowers and vegetables are all in full bloom. The garden is also the place where the chefs get most of their vegetables and herbs for the days menu. There is every kind of herb you can imagine in full bloom, vegetable plants, fruit trees and plenty more growing bountifully getting ready to be picked for that days lunch or dinner. It doesn't get much fresher than that.</div>
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Which brings me to the food. Their website mentions that the seasonal menu includes fat grams and calories posted next to each item in case you are watching your weight. Any of the dishes can be made to accommodate your dietary needs - whether it be vegan, gluten free, sugar free, nut free - or any other ailment that you might have! As much as they can the pick the herbs and produce from their own gardens, and everything else is sourced as locally as possible. It feels good knowing that what you are eating is fresh, organic and truly good for you. </div>
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Now, I do have to mention, since this is a health spa the portions are TINY. An appetiser of fried olives included only five olives. Five. I could - and did - eat five olives in 10 seconds flat. Luckily, our super nice waitress let us know ahead of time about the teeny tiny portions and let us order as much food as we wanted. Six appetisers, two salads, three entrees and three desserts later we were happy and full. And every bite of each one of those plates was amazing. We didn't have one single complaint about the food the entire time we were there. You can have your meals in the main dining room, outside on the patio, in the Spa cafe or even brought straight to your room, should you be too tired from the days activities to venture outside (although the staff full encourages you to wear your bathrobe to the dining room whenever you like). And remember - <i>all </i>of the food is included in your rate, no mater where you chose to enjoy it.</div>
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We each had a massage appointment at the spa and boy did we ever need it. I was able to get a Mama-To-Be massage and it was just what the doctor ordered. My therapist was super friendly and knew all the tricks to relieving pregnancy pains. The staff encourages you to hang out in the Blue Room (where you can relax and catch up on your reading - or take a cat nap!) and to use the steam room, sauna and pools before or after your appointment. It only takes a few moments to feel the tension in your shoulders and the furrow in your brow melt away once you are here. I should mention that Lake Austin Spa has recently (and is frequently) named the #1 Destination Spa by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine amongst many other top rated awards. With <a href="http://www.lakeaustin.com/lake-resort-accolades.php">accolades like this</a> it's a good idea to book early! </div>
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I can't wait to go back to the Lake Austin Spa after Baby C has arrived. It is an excellent place for a girlie weekend - in fact while we were there Brian was one of the only men that we saw during our whole stay. Of course that being said it is also a perfectly romantic place for couples to getaway from it all. Next time I am here I am looking forward to taking advantage of more fitness classes, a few deep tissue massages (I'll need them after lugging around a baby all the time, right?) and enjoying a glass of wine by the pool. It doesn't get much better than that.</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.lakeaustin.com/">Lake Austin Spa Resort</a></i><br />
<i>1705 South Quinian Park Road</i><br />
<i>Austin, Texas 78732</i><br />
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<br />tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-67401488073054706782012-04-02T19:04:00.000+01:002012-04-04T21:39:04.052+01:00Introducing - Tracy Lynn Photography<div style="text-align: justify;">
As if moving to a new country/state/city, buying a house and having a baby all around the same time isn't crazy enough, I've decided to add one more big item to my "to-do" list (which is another reason why things have been so quiet around here). And that, my friends, is a new business.</div>
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After eight years of working in the corporate world I have the amazing opportunity to make my passion my business. I am nervous and scared, excited and thrilled all at the same time. It's going to be a lot of hard work and it's going to take a lot of time - but I am in it for the long haul and truly believe that this is going to be an amazing experience.</div>
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I would like to introduce you to - </div>
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Tracy Lynn Photography specializes in Childrens and Baby photography in the Houston, TX area. I already have a great portfolio from London and can't wait to expand my client base to Houston. </div>
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If you would like to check out my website and get some more information on my packages and rates, you can visit me here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.tracylphotography.com/">Tracy Lynn Photography</a></div>
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Or contact me here:</div>
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TracyLPhotography@gmail.com</div>
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917-420-0990</div>
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I am offering a limited number of appointments from now until May 1st and then will resume a full time schedule in September (I'll need a few months off to take care of the little one!) I think the great thing about my packages, and is something different from many photographers, is that I give you the rights to the images. Every session includes a disk of edited images (30-50 images depending on the package you chose) for you to use however you like! Of course - you are welcome to order prints, albums, cards, etc from me but it's nice to have those images at home so you can order more whenever you want!</div>
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I am really excited about my new endeavor and can't wait to get the business fully up and running. For those of you that are in New York - feel free to contact me about possible sessions while I am in the area (at least a few times a year). I am happy to take on extra clients in my old home state! </div>
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To check out some of my London sessions see <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/10/photography-project-childrens.html">here</a>, <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/11/photo-project-childrens-photography.html">here</a>, <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/12/photo-project-childrens-photography.html">here</a> and <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/photo-project-childrens-photography.html">here</a>.</div>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-6989652761714320132012-03-08T04:13:00.000+00:002012-03-08T04:13:46.250+00:00Settling In<div style="text-align: justify;">
For some strange reason I had the idea in my head that once we moved to Houston our lives would calm down a little. We would suddenly have time to catch up on our sleep and reduce the amount of stress we have been feeling for the last few months.</div>
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HA!</div>
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HA! Ha! HA!</div>
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I think thats a trick my mind played on itself so that it didn't go insane.</div>
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So...what have I been up to? Besides test driving nearly every SUV available in the US market (honestly - someone just PICK A CAR FOR ME! I never want to see a car dealership ever again) the majority of my time has been taken up by...</div>
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That's right! We closed on our house earlier this week and couldn't be more excited. And scared. More like, 99% excited 1% scared.</div>
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Or maybe 75% excited and 25% scared.</div>
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It's definitely at least 60% excited 40% scared.</div>
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Its changes, day to day. </div>
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Again, for some reason my silly mind thought that once we closed on the house we would be able to relax - that was the stressful part, right??</div>
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Oh silly that brain of mine. </div>
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The ink was barely dry on the papers when we started calling roofers and painters and making multiple trips to Home Depot. What's the rush? Ohhh a little thing called a BABY. We need to get as much of the big "fix-it" items completed before it's time for us to move in 100%. With the days flying by faster than I can shake my fist at them that meant that we needed to get to work pronto.</div>
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So now my days are spent arranging deliveries, scheduling appointments, picking out paint colors, coordinating our shipments from the UK (I can't wait to get all of our stuff!! I miss my pots and pans - sad, isn't it?) and picking out more paint colors.</div>
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One of these days, hopefully very soon, I will be able to go to all of those wonderful farmers markets and explore Houston beyond the Home Depot and all the major car dealerships. Hopefully that time comes before the baby does...</div>
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But that could be just another silly trick my brain is playing on me.</div>
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<i>Thanks for your patience while I try to get my life in order - I promise to try and update the blog as regularly as I can! Besides...I have spotted a few cupcake bakeries around town and have a feeling I will be taste testing them in the very near future!</i></div>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-43787204311984771702012-02-27T21:44:00.003+00:002012-02-27T21:44:28.329+00:00We made it!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Howdy!</div>
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Sorry, I had to. It's only fitting now that we are living in Texas, right?</div>
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The good news is - we made it!! It was a long and stressful process - moving day was less than stellar and the bronchitis that I have been fighting for the last month didn't make it any easier. BUT! We are here now and everything has been going well (in the last 48 hours that is). We are all set up in our temporary housing and are anxiously waiting to close on the house we put an offer on the last time we were in Houston. Only a few more things on our To-Do list (OK that's a lie, there are definitely more than a few) and we will be all settled in!</div>
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The first item on our agenda once we got to Houston (and got a good nights sleep)? BREAKFAST! We were in desperate need of a good, solid American style breakfast. I'm talking french toast, waffles, American style breakfast sausage, bottomless <i>filter</i> coffee - the works. We did a quick google search and all reviews pointed us in the direction of <a href="http://www.thebreakfastklub.com/">The Breakfast Klub</a> in the Fourth Ward. The reviews warned of long lines so we high tailed it there as soon as we were conscious on Sunday morning. We managed to get there right before the rush, and in no time had hot coffee in our hands and <i>these</i> plates of deliciousness in front of us - </div>
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We were more than satisfied with our Texas French Toast and Pecan Waffles - it was basically heaven on a plate (or, three plates if you want to get technical). The Breakfast Kulb is also known for their Wings and Waffles and Catfish and Grits breakfast plates - which we will surely be back to sample soon!</div>
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By the time we managed to roll our full bellies out of there the line was wrapped around the front of the restaurant! It was well worth the hustle to get down here nice and early.</div>
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I'm looking forward to discovering a whole new type of cooking down here in Texas. The first place I am going to start is with the markets. Houston has a wide variety of weekly farmers markets that I am anxious to take part in. I can't wait to see what kind of season goodies they have to offer here - I bet it's a world of difference compared to what is offered at the London farmers markets in February!</div>
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<br />tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-41881348687605027592012-02-20T13:42:00.003+00:002012-02-20T16:26:15.528+00:00Goodbye London<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, so it's not <i>quite</i> time to move yet - but the date is rapidly approaching. By the middle of this week our flat will be empty and by the weekend we will be on our way to our new home in Houston.</div>
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I've been feeling a rush of emotions over the past few days. We have been excited about moving to Houston and starting the next phase of our life. But I have also been reflecting upon all of the wonderful memories that we have from our time here - all the amazing places we have been, wonderful people that we have met, and delicious food we have eaten. Sure, it hasn't always been easy - sometimes it's been down right hard and frustrating - but we wouldn't trade our time here for anything in the world. We are truly blessed to have had this experience and I will remember it always.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37114115?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/37114115">Untitled</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user10516579">tracy miller</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-20056205735939408182012-02-15T17:52:00.002+00:002012-02-15T17:52:53.888+00:00Things I'm going to miss about London<div style="text-align: justify;">
By the time we move next week we will have been here for three years and four months. To me, that's a long time - it's almost as long as I lived in New York City. And although this has been an amazing opportunity and I have so many wonderful memories, I never really called London "home". I always saw it as a temporary move, never thought of our life here for longer than 1-2 year increments. And maybe that was part of the problem. A friend of ours mentioned that the London relocation program at her work was the least successful out of all the programs. That simultaneously did and did not surprise me. It was a little surprising to hear that employees found settling in to far away places like Singapore easier than London. And at the same time, I know exactly how they feel.</div>
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We have been looking forward to moving back to the US for quite some time now - especially since we found out about Baby C. And as much as I am looking forward to starting a new adventure in Houston, there are a <i>few</i> things about London that I am going to miss...</div>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/02/things-im-going-to-miss-about-london.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-17535267657911436002012-02-06T23:10:00.002+00:002012-02-06T23:10:39.465+00:00A Trip to Ireland and a New Camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For Christmas I wanted to get Brian something really special. We knew our time in London was coming to an end and we would soon be off on a new adventure. When I thought about what to get him I wanted to make sure it was something that he would remember for a long time - kind of a "last hurrah" if you will. The idea of taking him back to Ireland came to me after dinner one night with some friends. Brian had mentioned to our friends that his favorite place in the world was this small town on the West coast of Ireland that we had visited a couple of years ago. </div>
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His eyes lit up and he was so excited just talking about the place, I knew we had to go back one more time before we left London for good. So on a random, grey weekend in January we were off to Ireland for our last trip before the big move.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGJKDWdTcOTqwcuN45MklUstVLd1lHnM_rWTF6ypD1CXPi58-tivvRPjSUxnV9PM2AGv3OmzJ3jtkRSEjeTqRXATJrzb5zO3UM2BMdPVz4UWC1_8SCzFqvfqylvH6fTH6J_wTa7gfq6X7/s1600/L1000120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGJKDWdTcOTqwcuN45MklUstVLd1lHnM_rWTF6ypD1CXPi58-tivvRPjSUxnV9PM2AGv3OmzJ3jtkRSEjeTqRXATJrzb5zO3UM2BMdPVz4UWC1_8SCzFqvfqylvH6fTH6J_wTa7gfq6X7/s640/L1000120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We flew into Shannon and drove a couple of hours North and West to <a href="http://www.connemara.ie/en/">Connemare</a>. This rugged part of Ireland appeals to Brians adventurous side. There are the Twelve Bens mountain range and endless country walks that you can take around this spectacular piece of the country. The landscape is so rugged - mountains and rocks and crashing waves of the Atlantic as far as the eye can see. His favorite part of Connemare though is a small hotel called <a href="http://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/connemara-hotel">Ballynahinch Castle</a>. </div>
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The castle sits on 450 acres of stunning property made up of woods, lakes and rivers. You can shoot game, go fly fishing or take one of the many walks around the property or of the surrounding area. There is a pub and a fine dining restaurant on site, neither of which disappoint. We gladly called this place home for two nights.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LokPw_GE-B93rwFj3Pa5EaUIepyBpxSuwnunqfg80UggruqrJwKf6iwOZKRM7qWfWlzql-OHIyNJDaxDTAucKbBsuf-FMJtwexA0B68-bgMWg2uNY0GIkF0ZaoIUqsfrEicv1UuCxKi_/s1600/L1000129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LokPw_GE-B93rwFj3Pa5EaUIepyBpxSuwnunqfg80UggruqrJwKf6iwOZKRM7qWfWlzql-OHIyNJDaxDTAucKbBsuf-FMJtwexA0B68-bgMWg2uNY0GIkF0ZaoIUqsfrEicv1UuCxKi_/s640/L1000129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next morning Brian was off on an all day hike to see how many of the Twelve Bens him and his guide could get through. As luck had it the weather was actually pretty decent all day, they didn't get caught in the rain at all and it was even sunny for a bit (quite a rarity during an Irish winter). While they were out I decided to take a walk around the property. It was a good opportunity to get some fresh air and use my Christmas present - a new camera.</div>
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Ballynahinch has three walking trails along the property, ranging from 1-3km. They are easily walkable and wind through the woods, along the rivers and lakes and all meet back at the main house. I decided to walk the newest trail - the Railway Loop. It took me about an hour which included numerous stops along the way to take some photos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqZ9s6GJZa9CMrzlA9nxmxmeWPxibk_BhCvjQPuI8VB6DyLFucJzcCal4By54QAliW4JFEgSrqmD-S2_dNrL6Egyckg319Tz5SAEPSLr1sRwHJpVVb0tkGuAMcLpCt18eiHm3ucYvbFNW/s1600/L1000142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqZ9s6GJZa9CMrzlA9nxmxmeWPxibk_BhCvjQPuI8VB6DyLFucJzcCal4By54QAliW4JFEgSrqmD-S2_dNrL6Egyckg319Tz5SAEPSLr1sRwHJpVVb0tkGuAMcLpCt18eiHm3ucYvbFNW/s640/L1000142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpdk4wd2aDA4dJeYCh6A3YpHVUN_uHmJN4F_QIr0hyN2zSBXepVggVmzqeIaa8OhORBP9x8c6X66o1PAhrOjw_BDzOveMOTSbRnjBsAB5De1mj7zOtMNYqzq3_WGargH1Z1wS9lUpzgNR/s1600/L1000149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpdk4wd2aDA4dJeYCh6A3YpHVUN_uHmJN4F_QIr0hyN2zSBXepVggVmzqeIaa8OhORBP9x8c6X66o1PAhrOjw_BDzOveMOTSbRnjBsAB5De1mj7zOtMNYqzq3_WGargH1Z1wS9lUpzgNR/s640/L1000149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned, Brian got me a new camera for Christmas. And man, is it an amazing camera. My new Leica is unlike any camera that I have ever used before. First and foremost because this camera is completely manual. It is not a regular DSLR camera. There are no auto modes - I can't set it to landscape or portrait or macro. I can't even set it to a full auto mode. The closest I can get to automatic setting is I can set the ISO to auto and I can set the shutter speed to Aperture priority (did I lose you?).</div>
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Basically what all of this means is that you have to control nearly every part of this camera in order to take a photo - including the manual focus. Which makes this camera a big challenge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEn7JNvcMrf0UweP2oFVifFNxKm6CTdjLD3z7Hs09qMKwcwZxOG-UYuac8KzDKXqh7plDMgvwHQCyZfF9aHvgx6P_8oU6uY0jcBw6zFfQlM6FLB7loLhjCqP_F-DHAU4IEDT41TMHkloM/s1600/L1000152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEn7JNvcMrf0UweP2oFVifFNxKm6CTdjLD3z7Hs09qMKwcwZxOG-UYuac8KzDKXqh7plDMgvwHQCyZfF9aHvgx6P_8oU6uY0jcBw6zFfQlM6FLB7loLhjCqP_F-DHAU4IEDT41TMHkloM/s640/L1000152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyBV7CuIg1iEoEEpOW7kad411NWejeOMA-HAyQeqXXFDP3VL9JqLSSSs-hq6idgDlvuT7mHeNDYZth_23YM0KBQd5vt_YX9AGi0FPH2eWXzN3pj51ToVqlv7BNaSH0COtdZm4-OAySAVZ/s1600/L1000169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyBV7CuIg1iEoEEpOW7kad411NWejeOMA-HAyQeqXXFDP3VL9JqLSSSs-hq6idgDlvuT7mHeNDYZth_23YM0KBQd5vt_YX9AGi0FPH2eWXzN3pj51ToVqlv7BNaSH0COtdZm4-OAySAVZ/s640/L1000169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ever since I took that <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/03/photography-101.html">photography class</a> last year I have been pushing myself to grow as a photographer. I look at how far I have come in a year and am pretty proud of all that I have learned and the improvements I can see in my photography. I know that I still have <i style="font-weight: bold;">a lot</i> more to learn and many, many hours of practice ahead of me, but for the most part I am encouraged to move forward. When I am shooting landscapes or travel photography I am pretty comfortable using my DSLR on fully manual mode. I like adjusting the ISO, aperture and shutter speed to get the perfect photo. I usually use my camera on auto-focus, only moving it to manual when the lens isn't reading my mind and can't focus on what I want (which is not very often).</div>
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When I am taking photos of people, street scenes and children I tend to put my camera in aperture priority (meaning that I set the aperture and the camera selects the correct shutter speed to get a "perfectly" exposed photo) and always use the auto-focus. I do this because I am not entirely confident that I will be able to set all three at the same time and still get the shot that I want - I'm just not that fast yet on my camera. But since aperture priority doesn't always give me that result that I want I am forced to move my camera into full manual mode for at least half of the time, to make sure my photos are correctly exposed. </div>
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But thats with my DSLR. On my Leica I don't have the leisure of being lazy - of slipping back into those comfort zones. Sure, I can set the ISO to auto but that is really the least of my worries. Aperture priority helps a little as at least I don't have to worry about the shutter speed as much - but again, same with the DSLR - when it's in aperture priority the camera is in control, and what it thinks is properly exposed is not necessarily what I think is properly exposed. So most times I end up having to take it off and moving the shutter speed into manual as well.</div>
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Perhaps the biggest thing that I have struggled with so far is the manual focus. I haven't had to use a manual focus since I first began shooting with my Dad's old Pentax SLR in high school. If you are shooting something with a clean line it makes focusing pretty easy. But if you get in the middle of a forest with a million tree branches and leaves and layers - it can make focusing on the right thing a challenge.</div>
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So I took my new camera out for a walk and really took my time playing with all the settings and taking as many photos as I could. Most of them turned out bad. A few turned out good. But the most important thing I took away from that afternoon was that I was learning something. I was being challenged in a way I haven't been in a while. It felt good to experiment and use my brain and try to figure out this thing. Sure, it was frustrating, and will probably continue to be until I get to know the camera inside and out. But it was fun. And at the end of the day, when I had a chance to review the photos beside a roaring fire in our hotel - even through all the out of focus and over/under exposed images - I still felt proud of what I had captured. I can't wait to use this camera more and more and really unlock its - and my - true potential.</div>
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<i>All of these photos have been minimally altered in post-processing. I tried not to change any of them so that you could see exactly what the photos looked like coming out of the camera. There were a few though that I had to reduce the shadows and brighten up a little. But for the most part though, what you see here is what I saw through the lens.</i>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-83265234359363673922012-01-29T21:09:00.000+00:002012-11-06T18:19:31.285+00:00Time for a change...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have had a lot of exciting news to share over the last twelve months! First, I <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/04/introducing.html">redesigned my blog</a>. Then I announced <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-i-have-been-miaand-some-big-news.html">we were having a baby</a>. And NOW - I get to make another exciting announcement. It has been three years and three months since Brian and I, newly engaged, packed up our life in NYC and moved to London. It was thrilling, scary and exiting all at the same time. We have had some amazing experiences living abroad and wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world.</div>
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But - we have decided that it is time to go back home. It's time for us to move back to the US of A!</div>
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In a little less than a month we will packing up our London home and shipping it all back across the pond. But we aren't headed back to NYC. Now <i>that </i>would be too easy. Much to our parents dismay (especially with the little one on the way!) we are heading off on a <b>new</b> adventure...</div>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/time-for-change.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-91165119708435120962012-01-18T22:26:00.000+00:002012-01-18T22:26:49.680+00:00Photo project - Childrens Photography part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
During much of November and December I was a busy bee building my Children's photography portfolio. Our friends were kind enough to let me invade their home one afternoon and take some pictures of their two beautiful kids, Mia and Luke. The family had recently returned from a trip back to the US so everyone was a little jet-lagged - or so they claimed! The kids were running around playing like crazy, only towards the end did Luke show signs of fatigue (by laughing uncontrollably - I hope my kids are like that when they are tired).</div>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/photo-project-childrens-photography.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-58875095327014133372012-01-13T20:13:00.000+00:002012-01-13T20:13:01.316+00:00Hotel Mayr - Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Even though we don't even own our first house yet, we already know where we want to own our second house. Yes I realize I am putting the cart before the horse here, but stay with me. The first time we went to the <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2010/11/castelrotto.html">Dolomites</a> in October 2010 we fell in love. We fell in <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2010/11/hiking-in-dolomites.html">love</a> hard. We had a full on affair with the Dolomites, returning there for Christmas 2010 and 2011. We would have gone back a few more times last year but we forced ourselves to explore new places. </div>
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Whats so magical about the Dolomites? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRxg19smPJO1VOHdVA68R7ttWHy6BHJmxJh1PS01evu0hCAOUVcDLmCOCsvx0D413LiO1xo1I9D49Av-3EAqm0SLleCq92XCyhINv85kmMKq8CzzpSsiJlEOIvI2mKGGbBzzaVAJRAuts/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRxg19smPJO1VOHdVA68R7ttWHy6BHJmxJh1PS01evu0hCAOUVcDLmCOCsvx0D413LiO1xo1I9D49Av-3EAqm0SLleCq92XCyhINv85kmMKq8CzzpSsiJlEOIvI2mKGGbBzzaVAJRAuts/s640/IMG_1435.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/hotel-mayr-italy.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-38358346781443176312012-01-09T21:00:00.001+00:002012-01-09T21:00:23.861+00:00BMW Museum - Munich, Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
During our last full day in Munich we decided to check out the <a href="http://www.bmw-welt.com/web_rb/bmw-welt/en/index.html">BMW Museum</a>. I could really care less about going there, but Brian was super excited and I had heard good things so decided to I tag along. We thought that we would spend a couple of hours there in the morning and then head back to the markets in the afternoon. WRONG. We ended up spending almost a full day there - there was so much to do and see!</div>
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As I said, I am not really a cars and motorcycle person. Yes, I appreciate nice cars and someday hope to own something nice myself. But to see a whole museum? Meh. However, once we arrived at the museum and walked inside I was blown away. This place was no joke.</div>
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<i>*most photos in this post were taken by Brian - he did a great job!*</i></div>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/bmw-museum-munich-germany.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-16207166873328954672012-01-02T19:43:00.000+00:002012-01-03T22:52:49.030+00:00Christmas for Two - Munich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We had a great time in <a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-for-two-prague.html">Prague</a> but were excited to get to our next destination on our Christmas vacation - Munich. We decided to take the train, which was easier than driving and less stressful than flying. The train worked out perfectly. We splurged for first class seats (they were only a few Euro more) and ended up being two out of five people in the whole train car. The trip was a little long (six hours give or take) but we went through some beautiful countryside and it even started to snow the closer we got to Munich.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzTMdkkqv15E6-UGXI14aFDzYk_DR_LoEZptjEe0vj7iPeSQ4Rybo6y0X1X13R_FRDZbjEDHLE7EKcjGUkqqIwKcnzCHug811aFVR_AKBe5W3hyrTnCJbBhKGBQrL_fsGYBI2jDt-j_XO/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzTMdkkqv15E6-UGXI14aFDzYk_DR_LoEZptjEe0vj7iPeSQ4Rybo6y0X1X13R_FRDZbjEDHLE7EKcjGUkqqIwKcnzCHug811aFVR_AKBe5W3hyrTnCJbBhKGBQrL_fsGYBI2jDt-j_XO/s640/IMG_4064.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-for-two-munich.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-76590137835611345082011-12-30T09:00:00.000+00:002011-12-30T09:00:55.059+00:002011 - A Year in ReviewI can't believe it's that time again. Time to say good-bye to one year and hello to another. Is it just me or do the years go by faster and faster the older we get? No? Just me? Thanksgiving is usually the time when most people reflect upon all the things they are thankful for. For me New Years is also that time. It's a chance to look back at your life during the last 365 days - the good, the bad, the sunny and the rainy - relive the memories one last time before looking ahead to the next 365 days of your life.<br>
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And although I am VERY excited for everything that 2012 is going to bring, I'm not quite ready to shut the door on 2011 just yet. Anyone want to take a trip down memory lane with me?<br>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-year-in-review.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513785790865934001.post-73561806039136328312011-12-28T19:04:00.000+00:002011-12-28T20:56:56.835+00:00Christmas for two: Prague<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first part of our Christmas vacation was in Prague in the Czech Republic. As I previously mentioned, we went to Prague on our first European trip together and we were excited to go back. Just as the first time, Prague was as beautiful as ever. The architecture and the way the light hits the buildings is just breath-taking. </div>
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We spent a few days wandering the streets, visiting the sites. We went to the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, we walked over the Charles Bridge, through the Old Town Square and we even climbed the Town Hall Tower (Ok, maybe we didn't climb it exactly. There happened to be an elevator. Whatevs)</div>
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<i>*disclaimer - most of the photos in this post were taken by Brian, he did a great job!*</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiS3YRB_lQgEHsWElH40qaesHwjqAF2XmBTky-Py-KBULomEJZowL8d2F7LNNRmWJllDWWtJWM19ksnRs-EMsjjhh9bz3jYrbFj_gulQx2FWwELIapB8JHqbrokk5OP4ufsv-Hp5Muar2/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiS3YRB_lQgEHsWElH40qaesHwjqAF2XmBTky-Py-KBULomEJZowL8d2F7LNNRmWJllDWWtJWM19ksnRs-EMsjjhh9bz3jYrbFj_gulQx2FWwELIapB8JHqbrokk5OP4ufsv-Hp5Muar2/s640/IMG_3924.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="http://havecupcakewilltravel.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-for-two-prague.html#more">*read more*</a>tracy lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545570195105666950noreply@blogger.com2