tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14527234509496895402024-03-04T21:14:06.922-07:00my mod styleJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.comBlogger1095125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-75150988743864400942013-08-13T19:20:00.000-06:002013-08-13T19:20:17.640-06:00What's in a NAME?I have been considering changing my blog name for a long time now. I have been blogging for over seven years and my blog name has always been the same. When I named my blog "My Mod Style", it was based off my own design style when it came to decorating my home. For years my blog did focus on interior design.<br />
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<center>One of my favorite Decor Love collages I designed...<br />
<a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/10/decor-love-doggie-stuff.html"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8060216122_116bb86ea7_o.jpg" width="650" height="900" alt="Decor Love Doggie Stuff Oct2012"></a></center><br />
As time went by and life changed, decorating ideas became less and less on the blog. Now seven years later, the blog title just doesn't fit anymore. I also don't want people to be misled by my title. My blog is not a "style" blog at all really. As much as I like to share outfit posts every once in awhile, I am definitely not a fashion blogger. <br />
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<center><a href="http://creating-happy.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-i-wore-12.html"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8396096095_65eb3abdba_b.jpg" width="650" height="1000" alt="WIW12 pic4 11913"></a></center><br />
When I started to brainstorm a new blog title (which I am horrible at by the way) I kept trying to combine words together that I thought represented me as a person. I wanted someone to "get me" and what my blog was about right away. Well that's easier said then done. I even resorted to blog name generators online hoping that they would inspire me to come up with something. Nope. <br />
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At work lately everyone has been calling me a hippie. (Because apparently if you are "different" and since I recycle, that makes me a hippie.) I found a funny hippie name generator online that came up with the name <i>OCEANIA STARLIGHT</i> for me. I thought it was cute but too random for my blog title. I didn't want vegan in my title because even though that's a huge part of who I am, it's not the only thing I blog about. Then I got stuck on the word happiness.<br />
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<center>Read these awesome words of advice about life...<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547976377789/"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9505805124_df2aa95cdc_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="d66b4a34693d932f921ebbd1ac86653e"></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547976377789/">Source</a></center><br />
I am sure some people may roll their eyes at someone who appears to be happy ALL THE TIME. Well I'm not happy all the time. Pretty much Monday thru Friday when I'm at work I'm very stressed out and dropping F-bombs because I want to pull my hair out. No my life isn't unicorns and rainbows everyday, but I am at a place in my life where I feel things within myself have finally fallen into place.<br />
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<center><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547975585639/"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/9503053993_54801102e9_b.jpg" width="650" height="850" alt="f0401ce96ed6cfac5ef2b30f4cee636c"></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547975585639/">Source</a></center><br />
<b>Inner happiness and peace.</b> I love the person I have become and I am glad that I have let go of all the bad things that have happened to me in the past. I don't relive my past anymore and I have also learned how to forgive. Now that I am at a good place mentally in my life, I am starting to work on the rest. Things like traveling, building a tiny house (maybe) and possible moving somewhere that I can cycle outside all year round. It is all part of creating happiness and the simplicity I crave in my life! So what is my new blog title? It is <a href="http://creating-happy.blogspot.com/">Creating Happy</a>! I decided to use the word happy instead of happiness in my new blog title because I thought it sounded cuter.<br />
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What is different about the new blog? Nothing really, besides a new look and a more fitting title. Everything that is on My Mod Style has been imported to my new blog <a href="http://creating-happy.blogspot.com/">Creating Happy</a>. I hope to start having you redirected to the new blog automatically soon, once I figure out how to do it.<br />
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<center>I was nervous to do this but at the same time very excited! :)</center><br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-72774238412549355712013-08-10T01:00:00.000-06:002013-08-10T01:00:02.933-06:00Arches National Park<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9397443296/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9397443296_ca838ba368_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9404916116/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/9404916116_e9ff2ee850_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9404905408/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"></center><br />
Our first stop on our California road trip was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm">Arches National Park </a>located in Utah near the city of Moab. Arches is a park full of tall rock formations and naturally formed arch ways. After you enter the park you start driving up a windy hill. You end up so high you can see the highway off into the distance far below.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9404905408_fd4955fb93_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Arches National Park"></a></center><center>On your right side you look down below to the road where you started. <br />
On your left you start to see rocks lining the road.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402137059/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9402137059_3bf1601b2e_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a></center><center>It was hot outside, 96 degrees<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402129607/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9402129607_ec8178950d_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a></center><br />
The dogs were not allowed on any of the trails so they had to stay in the car. We kept the car moving so that it stayed cooled. I didn't really understand why dogs weren't allowed on the trails because they were all paved concrete walking trails. Even people stay on the trail it's self and don't go near the arches and rocks. Sadly since we were just driving through I didn't get to see if there were any real hiking trails where you can actually go out into the formations. The park was busy and it was hard to take pictures on the trails without a million people in them. I don't like it when it is that way. I prefer being out in nature where it's peaceful and quiet. When you can get lost in your thoughts.<br />
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<center><muffins and me><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9397518992/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9397518992_ecf8cc5832_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a></center><center>Almost right away you start seeing the arches and rock formations. It doesn't even look real....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9404883950/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/9404883950_798965667d_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9404851206/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/9404851206_a3ef39e58b_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9394702481/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3762/9394702481_635a12504a_b.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402084355/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9402084355_e6e5b41e02_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402075911/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/9402075911_2fce1be887_b.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Arches National Park"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9394197383/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9394197383_3627c5d2bc_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9397503794/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9397503794_3b3a0bca53_b.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402059577/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/9402059577_5dbbd364ca_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9405242078/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/9405242078_3122317d5f_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9405240436/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/9405240436_08b233d677_b.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402042005/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9402042005_b8c654bdab_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a><br />
My favorite photo I took...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402439581/" title="Arches National Park by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/9402439581_6f7082e2be_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Arches National Park"></a></center><br />
My photos do not do the park justice. You have to be standing next to the formations to actually see how big they are. I would visit Arches National Park again in the future as long as there are actual trails somewhere. I really want to check out the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needles.htm">Needles</a> area in Utah. I've been told the good hiking is there. Utah is so beautiful.<br />
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<center>View all our my posts about our California vacation <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/summer2013">HERE</a>.</center><br />
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-55676918723058972992013-08-08T01:00:00.000-06:002013-08-08T01:00:01.516-06:00Inspiration: A Year Long Road Trip & More Tiny HousesThe below video is so inspiring. (Caution: It may make you want to quit your job and do nothing but travel.) It's about a family who was sick of working just to pay for a big mortgage. They decided to make a huge change and sell everything they owned. They bought a travel camper and hit the road with their four young children to venture on a year long road trip.<br />
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<center><iframe width="650" height="370" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mAz5ENUUPzc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
I've become overwhelming obsessed with finding a way to live a gypsy lifestyle. Since our trip to California there has been much talk about building our own tiny house on a trailer. Will it happen? I can't say for sure since I don't know what our future holds for us. If it was up to me today though, construction would have already started. hahaha <br />
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I recently stumbled across a very inspiring story about someone currently building a house on wheels. His name is Ethan and his house is pretty amazing I think...<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.cloud-coach.net/my-tiny-house/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/9445563623_83d53aafa8_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="IMG_2772-1024x768"></a></center><br />
I really enjoyed reading his story about why he decided to build a tiny house and how he is going about it. His house isn't finished yet so I am really excited to be able to watch the rest of his progress. You can read his story <a href="http://www.cloud-coach.net/my-tiny-house/">HERE</a>.<br />
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Not sure if you can live in a tiny house? Do you wonder how small is it actually? You can now stay at the <a href="http://www.tinyhousehotel.com/">Caravan Tiny House Hotel</a> located in Oregon. You can get a true feel for how the houses are. I think this is great idea for someone considering building a tiny home. Cody and I plan to stay in one sometime next year.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9429986782/" title="Caravan-The-Tiny-House-Hotel by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/9429986782_580e47a340_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Caravan-The-Tiny-House-Hotel"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9427207275/" title="ed8059c4ff87316a72f8ea4b8c3ce26e by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/9427207275_f6d5e65c7d_z.jpg" width="650" height="370" alt="ed8059c4ff87316a72f8ea4b8c3ce26e"></a></center><br />
We actually spent some time over the weekend de-cluttering closets, selecting things to donate and also determining what from our toy collection we are going to try to sell. If you are going to live in a tiny house it requires a huge amount of downsizing. I am so ready for a huge change in my life. Downsizing my possessions is a great place to start I think. Here are some tiny homes that I fell in love with on Pinterest...<br />
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<center><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547976345971/"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/9445640181_fbe8bd8f72_b.jpg" width="650" height="900" alt="113e88e25b7d4cc634172dc55f9da5d6"></a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547976354543/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/9448493258_3ab8ed3258_z.jpg" width="650" height="500" alt="9d3b4a01e31062559bead617756e95f5"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9448507400/" title="67502912f68194edbe5bec15491e10f8 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/9448507400_2ef0e76d84_b.jpg" width="650" height="880" alt="67502912f68194edbe5bec15491e10f8"></a><br />
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I hope you find these images and stories inspiring. I have started sketching my own tiny house floor plans. <br />
If I can get my drawings looking descent enough I may share them here on the blog someday!<br />
View my entire Tiny House Pinterest board <a href="http://pinterest.com/mymodstyle/tiny-houses/">HERE</a>.</center><br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-91873212198127448012013-08-05T17:24:00.001-06:002013-08-08T15:39:36.135-06:00Driving to CalforniaI'm finally getting around to sharing my first post about our vacation. We decided to take three days to drive out to California. We took our time so that we could stop and see some sites along the way. I love going out west because I think the scenery is gorgeous. Day one of the drive was 500 miles and it took about 8 hours to reach our final destination in Monticello Utah. Below are some of my favorite photos I took during the first day of driving. The first one is of the sunrise near Fort Collins Colorado on highway 25, taken around 5:30 in the morning.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9397745776/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/9397745776_cc0e0bcd10_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day 1"></a></center><br />
The entire drive through Colorado you are surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. It's pretty amazing. Once we got off highway 25 and merged onto highway 70 we were pretty much <i>in</i> the mountains at that point. One of my favorite things about road trips is seeing the ever changing scenery from state to state.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9394883591/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/9394883591_6d38bbe2a7_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Driving Day 1"></a></center><center><atlas feet><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9397733790/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/9397733790_f8893aba27_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day 1"></a><br />
The skies out west are always so blue!</center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9394875669/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9394875669_d850ede166_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day 1"></a></center><br />
We made a quick stop at a very cute town called <a href="http://www.townoffrisco.com/">Frisco</a>. It had small town charm but you could tell it was a tourist hot spot. I had never even heard of the place. There were people riding bikes everywhere and we were surrounded by hiking trails. I think we are adding the city of Frisco to our travel to do list. :) This is another reason I like road trips, you find places to visit for future vacations. I like discovering hidden gems. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9397618340/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/9397618340_8d5753fdb5_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day 1"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9394854035/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9394854035_acf783c760_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day 1"></a></center><center>Back into the mountains we went...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9394844121/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/9394844121_a1c375239a_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day 1"></a></center><center><dog in car><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9437865415/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9437865415_cdf7d23e45_z.jpg" width="650" height="381" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><center>As you get closer to Utah you see more rocks...<br />
<rocks><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9437774841/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/9437774841_4fcc739c8b_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Driving Day 1"></a></center><center><i70 sign off exit><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9397543076/" title="Driving Day 1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9397543076_d5995251d8_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day 1"></a></center><br />
I was so excited that we were able to stop and take some photos of the Colorado river. I think it's so neat how it is a orange/red color from the clay. I had never seen anything like it before.<br />
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<center><river1><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9437728173/" title="Day 1 of Driving by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9437728173_eb0bafa971_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day 1 of Driving"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402006047/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9402006047_b3383e7b6e_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><center>Chloe and Muffins did a great job during the long ride...<br />
<chloe and muffins><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9437795869/" title="Day 1 of Driving by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/9437795869_2e5a37194e_z.jpg" width="650" height="370" alt="Day 1 of Driving"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9401933657/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9401933657_e9b3d8ef7d_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><center>We got to drive through some neat tunnels that were carved into the mountains.<br />
<tunnel><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9401996913/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/9401996913_b80f0fc666_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9401981809/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9401981809_d924f39a11_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><center>Beautiful flowers at a Colorado visitor center.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402366709/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/9402366709_11ab51a043_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9447772964/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/9447772964_07320469e8_z.jpg" width="650" height="424" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><br />
Shortly after crossing into Utah we stopped at a rest area to stretch our legs. The stop was really nice because you could get out and take some photos. I feel like my favorite scenery from our drive to California was in Utah. In my opinion, driving through Utah is like looking at a painting the entire time. A lot of it is so wide open and you can just see nothing but mountains in the distance... <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402299953/" title="Driving Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9402299953_e854941e5e_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Driving Day1"></a></center><center>Muffins wondering how she ended up in Utah...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402277517/" title="Drive Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9402277517_532522cd0e_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Drive Day1"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9405027210/" title="Drive Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/9405027210_095d3f259b_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Drive Day1"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9405032386/" title="Drive Day1 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/9405032386_3418398f7f_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Drive Day1"></a></center><br />
During our drive we also stopped at Arches National Park located near Moab Utah. I plan to share photos from that trip next. Below is a Google map of the route we drove in case you are interested. If you ever get a chance to drive it I highly recommend it. It is breathtaking. I use Google maps to plan all my road trips!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9445097595/" title="Picture 6 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/9445097595_61925fefe7_z.jpg" width="650" height="370" alt="Picture 6"></a></center><br />
<center>Learn more about the city of Frisco <a href="http://www.townoffrisco.com/">HERE</a> / Arches National Park <a href="http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm">HERE</a>.<br />
Stay tuned for many more posts about my trip. :)</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-15583632185192180712013-08-01T01:00:00.000-06:002013-08-01T01:00:01.030-06:00Photo A Day // July<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9189683792/" title="Day182 My new beach towel 7.1.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/9189683792_2dd1b49a0b_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day182 My new beach towel 7.1.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
New Hello Kitty beach towel<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9196040162/" title="Day183 I love summer :) 7.2.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/9196040162_36ef668f03_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day183 I love summer :) 7.2.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9205917574/" title="Day184 Playing a Despicable Me game today. 7.3.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/9205917574_10f45f2d73_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day184 Playing a Despicable Me game today. 7.3.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Summer flower // Found a fun Despicable Me game<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9210154403/" title="Day185 Another beautiful day for a ride // 43 miles today 7.4.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/9210154403_ccdf46ef3f_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day185 Another beautiful day for a ride // 43 miles today 7.4.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Beautiful bike ride - 45 miles<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9217372081/" title="Day186 Norman close up! 7.5.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9217372081_4ffe3c45af_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day186 Norman close up! 7.5.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Norman close up<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9224903511/" title="Day187 Spent the afternoon in Colorado. Bike ride - 42 miles 7.6 13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/9224903511_d11003b390_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day187 Spent the afternoon in Colorado. Bike ride - 42 miles 7.6 13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9245022466/" title="Day189 Chloe being cute 7.8.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9245022466_e9c2632153_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day189 Chloe being cute 7.8.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Colorado bike ride - 42 miles // Sleepy Chloe<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9235334290/" title="Day188 ladybug while I was doing yard work 7.7.13 #jessie365 #ladybug by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9235334290_3350c2a391_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day188 ladybug while I was doing yard work 7.7.13 #jessie365 #ladybug"></a><br />
Ladybug while doing some landscaping<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9252372712/" title="Day190 planning out of vacation in California with our dogs! Using Bringfido.com 7.9.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9252372712_a7c9725d63_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day190 planning out of vacation in California with our dogs! Using Bringfido.com 7.9.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9256508477/" title="Day191 Daisies :) 7.10.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/9256508477_8c5112d8c6_z.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day191 Daisies :) 7.10.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Using Bringfido.com to plan our vacation // Daisies<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9263333245/" title="Day192 New Converse. They are called "cactus purple". 7.11.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9263333245_f6d5292daa_z.jpg" width="650" height="659" alt="Day192 New Converse. They are called "cactus purple". 7.11.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
New Converse<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9273968886/" title="Day193 Tea time 7.12.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9273968886_e1b3f0fca6_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day193 Tea time 7.12.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9282101246/" title="Day194 just me 7.13.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/9282101246_743e10b35f.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day194 just me 7.13.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Tea time // Just me<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9289416762/" title="Day195 Packing for our vacation to California. ( I think I like stripes. Lol ) 7.14.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/9289416762_911dce6ab4.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day195 Packing for our vacation to California. ( I think I like stripes. Lol ) 7.14.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9302440165/" title="Day197 I guess there is a first time for everything: Simon and Chloe laying together! 7.16.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/9302440165_d60bd4cbff_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day197 I guess there is a first time for everything: Simon and Chloe laying together! 7.16.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Packing for our vacation // A first: Simon & Chloe laying together!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9294684613/" title="Day196 Wonder how many people I'm going to offend with my new bumper sticker? Lol it's supposed to be funny. Plus, I'm proud of my lifestyle :) 7.15.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/9294684613_0796e2ecfc_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day196 Wonder how many people I'm going to offend with my new bumper sticker? Lol it's supposed to be funny. Plus, I'm proud of my lifestyle :) 7.15.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
New bumper sticker on my car :)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9309277635/" title="Day198 Even packing some dresses for Muffins to wear in California!! 7.17.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9309277635_780bd87255_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day198 Even packing some dresses for Muffins to wear in California!! 7.17.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9315793637/" title="Day199 grapes are my favorite! #jessie365 #fruit 7.18.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9315793637_166dd9b39e.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day199 grapes are my favorite! #jessie365 #fruit 7.18.13"></a><br />
Muffins dress // Grapes are my favorite<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9322233067/" title="Day200 Start of our road trip to California. Did only 500 miles today. Stopped in Utah. Sorry for all the photo bombing! Haha #jessie365 #utah by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/9322233067_c3fe2bf065_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day200 Start of our road trip to California. Did only 500 miles today. Stopped in Utah. Sorry for all the photo bombing! Haha #jessie365 #utah"></a><br />
First day of our road trip - Beautiful Utah<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9328165893/" title="Day201 Muffins and me at the Grand Canyon (cue Circle of Life Lion King theme song) 7.20.13 #arizona #grandcanyon #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/9328165893_65792b83aa_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day201 Muffins and me at the Grand Canyon (cue Circle of Life Lion King theme song) 7.20.13 #arizona #grandcanyon #jessie365"></a><br />
Muffins and I at the Grand Canyon!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9337326965/" title="Day202 made it to the ocean 7.21.13 #ocean #california #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/9337326965_45b4714335_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day202 made it to the ocean 7.21.13 #ocean #california #jessie365"></a><br />
Made it to California and to the ocean.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9348297404/" title="Day203 Visited the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden today! 7.22.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/9348297404_b188c65c5e_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day203 Visited the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden today! 7.22.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Visited the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9355637368/" title="Day204 8mile hike today in Santa Barbara #california 7.23.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9355637368_5f75c51921_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day204 8mile hike today in Santa Barbara #california 7.23.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Hiked in the mountains<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9359848209/" title="Day205 Went Whale Watching! 7.24.13 #jessie365 #whale #santabarbara #condorexpress by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5469/9359848209_e622f4719d_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day205 Went Whale Watching! 7.24.13 #jessie365 #whale #santabarbara #condorexpress"></a><br />
Went Whale Watching (Yes, I was that close!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9369002108/" title="Day206 Visited the Sequoia National Forest. 7.25.13 #jessie365 #sequoia #forest by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/9369002108_b6b2f0cebb_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day206 Visited the Sequoia National Forest. 7.25.13 #jessie365 #sequoia #forest"></a><br />
Visited the Sequoia National Forest<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9375110260/" title="Day207 Utah sky (driving back home now. Vacation over! Boo!) 7.26.13 #jessie365 #utah #sky #clouds #nofilter by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/9375110260_d1133feea7_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day207 Utah sky (driving back home now. Vacation over! Boo!) 7.26.13 #jessie365 #utah #sky #clouds #nofilter"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9381626900/" title="Day208 Last road trip photo. Taken in #wyoming. Miss California already!!!! I need to live there! 7.27.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9381626900_ecefe3cfa5.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day208 Last road trip photo. Taken in #wyoming. Miss California already!!!! I need to live there! 7.27.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Utah sky, driving back home // Back in Wyoming<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9412982734/" title="Day211 Sammy being cute! #jessie365 #cat 7.30.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/9412982734_4d99d0257f_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day211 Sammy being cute! #jessie365 #cat 7.30.13"></a><br />
Sammy being cute!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9390361146/" title="Day209 Attempting to style my hair wavy 7.28.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/9390361146_39b7a25978.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day209 Attempting to style my hair wavy 7.28.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9398195714/" title="Day210 pretty Wyoming sky tonight. 7.29.13 #jessie365 #sky #clouds by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9398195714_857c690d6b.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day210 pretty Wyoming sky tonight. 7.29.13 #jessie365 #sky #clouds"></a><br />
Attempting wavy hair // Pretty Wyoming sky<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9410249607/" title="Day212 One of my favorite Disney Vinylmations. Now that we are back from our vacation, it's time to start planning the next one! ;) It will be to Disney World. #jessie365 #vinylmation #disney 7.31.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9410249607_a76cd999bf_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day212 One of my favorite Disney Vinylmations. Now that we are back from our vacation, it's time to start planning the next one! ;) It will be to Disney World. #jessie365 #vinylmation #disney 7.31.13"></a><br />
One of my favorite Vinylmations. We are planning our next Disney vacation.</center><br />
It was a pretty awesome month. I am so glad that we decided to take a vacation. It almost didn't happen. We literally decided the week before we went. I accomplished a few things that were on my <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/32%20Things">32 Things Before 32 List</a>. I will be posting about all the things that you see above in future posts. Taking the Instagram photos while on the road was really fun. You can see my Instagram feed <a href="http://instagram.com/jessiedmeece">HERE</a> if you'd like.<br />
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<center>How was your July? Can you believe that it's August already!???</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-20071166122499368642013-07-30T16:25:00.000-06:002013-07-30T17:18:56.464-06:00Some After Vacation ThoughtsThere must be something in the air in California. When I go there I feel at home. It is where I want to be. I see myself living there long term. The main area we visited was Santa Barbara. I love the atmosphere, scenery, being near the ocean, all the bike lanes and the open-mindedness that the locals have. I still need to visit some other major cities and states before really deciding 100% where I'd like to stay long term. Heck, part of me dreams of moving overseas somewhere. For now though we are stuck in Wyoming. It was a bit depressing to come back home after being somewhere we didn't want to leave. Here are a few photos I took around Santa Barbara....<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402233159/" title="Palm Trees SB by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/9402233159_6af4335772_z.jpg" width="650" height="443" alt="Palm Trees SB"></a><br />
I love the building that this Starbucks was in..<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9404950010/" title="Open Air bikes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/9404950010_36e857b829_c.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Open Air bikes"></a><br />
Bike shop in Santa Barbara<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402176957/" title="Open Air bikes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9402176957_63b9ebb316_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Open Air bikes"></a></center><br />
After visiting California and dreaming of living in a place like Santa Barbara, it left me feeling like I need to make some changes in my current life. One thing I realized was how stressful my job is and what silliness it is to put myself through it day after day. I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. I'm hoping things will calm down and I can stay there the next few years. Things could be worse, but life is too short for nonsense! :) For now I try to put a smile on my face and carry on.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9402123683/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/9402123683_14dfb5a7ea_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Afterlight"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9404959690/" title="Bad Hair Day by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/9404959690_8351f9fa15_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Bad Hair Day"></a><br />
Ponytail because of bad hair day. // After ponytail: Complete craziness!!</center><br />
After being somewhere with high humidity and having a week full of bad hairs days, I'm sick of dying it. I miss having normal healthy hair. It's been probably ten years since I had "normal" natural hair. I just had my hair cut to "clean it up" a little bit. Also, my hair is apparently wavy when I let it dry on its on. I currently blow dry it and straighten it daily. Frankly it's gotten old and I'm ready to simplify my daily hair routine. Any advise on how to style wavy hair? Help! I am planning to dye my hair a darker blonde so that I can start letting it grow out. I will miss my platinum blonde, but it will simplify my life. That is exactly what I am seeking! <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9405100042/" title="Open Air bikes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/9405100042_397126e468_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Open Air bikes"></a></center><br />
Back to my thoughts on Santa Barbara: I want to live there. How though? We actually straight out asked someone how they afford it. The response we got was, "Move here, then worry about it." The gentleman who told us this also said that he had to run up some credit card debt while he was out of work for a few months. Well since I don't believe in credit cards, that won't work for me. Moving to a place that has a very high cost of living may seem out of reach for us, but I believe if there is a will there is a way. I am perfectly happy with living in an RV, on a houseboat or renting a piece of land for a tiny house on a trailer to sit on! My new slogan is, <i>"Mortgage free is the way to be."</i><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9405021982/" title="Open Air bikes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/9405021982_87d4eaff01_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Open Air bikes"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9405056188/" title="Open Air bikes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/9405056188_1ab3ef7953_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Open Air bikes"></a><br />
Cute houseboat and tiny house I found for sale on <a href="http://tinyhouselistings.com/">tiny house listings.com</a>!</center><br />
On a positive note, Cody and I may be able to get out to California with the Air Force. We would be an hour from Santa Barbara, which would be affordable and better then being 1200 miles away from the ocean like we are now. If we are plan things out right and save money, I think our dream of living in California can and WILL come true. <br />
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<center>What do you think of California?<br />
I find people either love it or hate it.</center><br />
I am currently working on getting all of my photos organized from our vacation. I will be sharing our whale watching experience, our trip to the Grand Canyon, cute photos of Muffins and Chloe at the beach and many other things. Stay tuned! You can view all my posts about California by clicking <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/California">HERE</a>.Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-37428786902054547142013-07-22T01:00:00.000-06:002013-07-22T01:00:00.098-06:00Netflix Must See: Nature: Animal Odd CouplesAt first I thought this movie was a bit cheesy. As I watched it though I found it very moving and inspiring. I always see photos online of animals that are a bit "odd" together. Yet I've never seen actually video footage of it. The film shares remarkable stories about animals that have built friendships outside their own species. It proves that animals do have emotions and do seek similar things that humans do, such as friendship, companionship and love.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9313045619/" title="katepip3-610x582 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/9313045619_09d25cd47e_o.jpg" width="650" height="610" alt="katepip3-610x582"></a></center><br />
The story in the film that made me shed some tears, was a story about a blind horse and an old goat. The goat somehow learned that the horse was blind and started leading the horse everywhere for 16 years. The goat would never leave his side. It was such a heart touching story. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9313045755/" title="jackcharlie-610x343 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/9313045755_44ae89e7b9_o.jpg" width="650" height="383" alt="jackcharlie-610x343"></a></center><br />
There was also a cute story about a male lion and a female coyote that had been raised together at an animal sanctuary. Neither animal shows any signs of knowing they are different. They live and play together daily as if it's "normal".<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9315831896/" title="anthonyriley1-610x343 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9315831896_fa24c66ae4_z.jpg" width="650" height="373" alt="anthonyriley1-610x343"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9315831550/" title="NATURE_deer_dog by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/9315831550_fdf65775bc_z.jpg" width="650" height="370" alt="NATURE_deer_dog"></a></center><br />
This movie left me feeling like there is hope in the world for peace. If animals that are natural born predictors can be raised together and live peacefully, people should be able to do the same. We as a species could learn so much from wildlife if we would just learn to pay attention. The main lesson that we could learn is <b>compassion<i></i></b>.<br />
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<center>If you don't have Netflix it's okay, here is the full episode....<br />
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<iframe width="650" height="490" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Bi8PilWzELw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
<center><i>This is a scheduled post while I am on vacation in California! Be back soon! :)</i></center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-18615260938804771252013-07-16T01:00:00.000-06:002013-07-16T01:00:01.346-06:00At The Moment<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9197351820/" title="Biking w/Scott by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/9197351820_6517633df3_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Biking w/Scott"></a></center><br />
This is a photo of us from last month. We haven't been riding our bikes as much this month because of my new work schedule. It's been kinda of a bummer, but at the same time nice to take a break from the long rides. I rode 220 miles on my bike last month and only 85 miles this month. Honestly, I'm just tired. hahaha<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9294629311/" title="Biking w/Scott by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/9294629311_7b97d67da9_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Biking w/Scott"></a><br />
I took this funny picture with my friend Scott when he visited in June. (This proves how light my bike is.)</center><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9297436712/" title="IMG_8707 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9297436712_eda53a25c3_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="IMG_8707"></a><br />
This is how Chloe plays cards. Apparently she thinks standing on the table is part of the game.</center><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9294665747/" title="IMG_8699 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9294665747_3f9e91cce5_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="IMG_8699"></a></center><br />
Groceries for our vacation. Yes, a vacation. A much needed one I must add. Cody and I are heading out to California. I will be absent (even more) from the blog next week. When I get back though I will have many things to share! I am excited to have things I WANT to blog about when I return. :)<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9297445674/" title="IMG_8697 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/9297445674_f0b16868c0_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="IMG_8697"></a>Earlier this year I thought these were weeds. I'm so glad I didn't pull them!</center><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9297485456/" title="IMG_8643 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/9297485456_d3b4ec227c_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="IMG_8643"></a><br />
This has to be my favorite picture I've taken so far this month. <br />
Simon always looks so pretty in all the photos I take of him.</center><br />
Thanks to all of you who are still dropping in and saying hello. It means a lot to me considering that I feel like I've fallen out of the blogosphere. I'm behind on emails, posting and especially reading other blogs. My bloglovin app hasn't been working on my phone either. I miss blogging sometimes but it just doesn't fit into my life as well as it used to. Again, thanks. I look forward to sharing my vacation photos and adventures with you!<br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-77708748155776710582013-07-11T01:00:00.000-06:002013-07-11T01:00:02.504-06:00My Dream Of Traveling The WorldI grew up in a very tiny town with very few people in it. There probably was more cows then people now that I think about it. As I got older I became fascinated with big cities. Places like New York, San Francisco and Chicago. Something about the tall skyscrapers and bright shiny lights really appealed to me. I still haven't had the chance to live in a big city. I wish I would of moved to Cincinnati when I had the chance. Lived in Ohio most of my life and didn't even explore the city while I was there, bummer!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/7035277559/" title="IMG_4317 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/7035277559_3edd86d216_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="IMG_4317"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/7035307199/" title="IMG_4361 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/7035307199_c3be38735b_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="IMG_4361"></a></a></center><br />
Once I got away from Ohio and started to see more areas of the United States I was bitten by the travel bug. I now have a dream of traveling the world. I'm just a small town girl who wants to see it all. A fulfilling life for me, would be exploring as much of this beautiful planet as I can. There is nothing more that I want out of life then to see historical places and the natural wonders of the world. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9108274226/" title="IMG_3241 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/9108274226_788ef70dec_z.jpg" width="650" height="561" alt="IMG_3241"></a>Somewhere in Arizona on my cross country drive in 2011</center><br />
<a href="http://www.redparka.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-impossible-list-what-impossible.html">Jen from Red Parka Dairies</a> wrote a really cool post about <a href="http://www.redparka.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-impossible-list-what-impossible.html">"Impossible Things"</a> she wanted to accomplish in her life. When I read it I knew my only true dream in life was to travel. Honestly though I didn't think it was ever going to be possible. I always say that you can do anything that your heart desires, but the dream of traveling requires lots of dollar signs. I didn't see myself ever having enough money to travel the world.<br />
<br />
Then I stumbled across the whole tiny house movement. (Read my post HERE.) The lightbulb went off over my head!!! If I could build my own home, live debt free/mortgage free, save money and live a simple life, I could spend my money and time traveling. YES PLEASE! I can't explain the happiness I have been feeling since discovering tiny houses. For the first time in my life I felt like my dream was achievable. THAT'S A BIG DEAL! So where will I go?<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9256025427/" title="Venice_Italy by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9256025427_481bc4dd19_z.jpg" width="650" height="340" alt="Venice_Italy"></a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/262968065714909874/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/9250087909_5340151165_o.jpg" width="650" height="909" alt="e8fa38e01917c49ed72f297827e2997b"></a>Venice and Rome, Italy</center><br />
I have to admit, I'm not a history buff. Growing up I hated history and really anything that had to do with learning. As I've gotten older I have become very interested in learning about other countries and cultures. Italy to me is just simply gorgeous. I would love to see all the buildings and take in the sites. I think this will be our first overseas vacation. Now I just have to start saving money for it.<br />
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I mentioned a few posts back that I got a promotion at work. I am now full time which means more money. I was scared to go full time, but I decided there are way too many awesome things I want to do in the future to not be making the extra cash while I can. I may not have a high paying job but I know how to save money. For the first time in our lives we are saving money and not wasting it. Saving money to build a tiny house and travel the world is a dream come true for me. <br />
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<center>Needless to say there aren't many places in this world that I don't want to visit.<br />
I figured I would spare you the long list and just share Italy for now. hahaha<br />
What do you dream of doing in your life?</center><br />
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-32010584435343933512013-07-08T01:00:00.000-06:002013-07-08T01:00:02.191-06:00Kitchen Remodel UpdateIt has been a long time since I posted anything about our kitchen remodel. It's been a slow and painful process since we would rather be outside biking then cooped up inside working on our house. We started the kitchen remodel in mid-April. The kitchen has been painted gray and the cabinets have been painted white. Let's take a look...<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9197113534/" title="Our Kitchen BEFORE by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/9197113534_5aee9fcabd_z.jpg" width="650" height="549" alt="Our Kitchen BEFORE"></a>And currently.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9196642676/" title="Kitchen Progress by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/9196642676_087ca4606c_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Kitchen Progress"></a></center><br />
I honestly didn't even recognize the old kitchen. When I looked at the old photo, I had forgotten how ugly it was. The painting took us forever. It was hard to stay on task and motivated. We did two coats of primer and three coats of <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-products/advance-waterborne-interior-alkyd-paint?lang=en_US&role=H#s_pu=interior_product&s_pt=use_paint&advs=0&tab=2">Benjamin Moore Advance paint</a>. The paint is pretty awesome. It has a super high gloss finish.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9193849401/" title="Kitchen Progress by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/9193849401_ec71209128_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Kitchen Progress"></a></center><br />
I really love our little chrome knobs. They were less then a dollar each because they were on clearance at Lowes. It's so nice having doors on my cabinets finally!!! I was sick of my house looking like this...<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8738401973/" title="Kitchen Progress by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8738401973_9765900c67_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Kitchen Progress"></a>and all the doors taking over my living room...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8738405819/" title="Kitchen Progress by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8738405819_7e6959fb49_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Kitchen Progress"></a></center><br />
I'm glad to have my house back now. Things are put away where they should be again. The next projects will be installing new windows and counter-tops. After that we will put up our back-splash! I need to spray paint our light fixture that is hanging over the dining room table also. I have plans for a fun painting as well. We are kinda of putting off the rest of the work till the fall. We are too busy cycling right now to worry about remodeling projects. We figure it's better to do that stuff in the winter months when you are forced to be inside.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9197233476/" title="Our Kitchen BEFORE by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/9197233476_c7381fb43e_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Our Kitchen BEFORE"></a>Now...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9193853373/" title="Kitchen Progress by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/9193853373_33b155aba4_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Kitchen Progress"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9197253586/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/9197253586_8504ef412e_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Afterlight"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9196647464/" title="Kitchen Progress by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/9196647464_2df5636b1d_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Kitchen Progress"></a></center><br />
<center>So what do you think? I can't wait to get everything else done. <br />
It's going to be so pretty! Have you or would you paint your kitchen cabinets?<br />
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You can see more before photos of the kitchen <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/05/kitchen-remodel-progress-painted-walls.html">HERE</a>.</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-52108403959163321252013-07-05T01:00:00.000-06:002013-07-05T01:00:00.851-06:00Hiking at Curt Gowdy<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9166175419/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9166175419_91770c7c9c_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a></center><br />
Here is another photo dump of a beautiful hike we did last weekend. When friends visit us we love taking them to the local parks. They can get a real feel for the natural beauty Wyoming has to offer. When I am hiking I forget about how much I don't like living in the near by city. It's such a wonderful feeling. It really helps me to put things into perceptive. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9166172187/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/9166172187_a6057757d4_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9165973633/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/9165973633_15fc833d74_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9168143890/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/9168143890_c32c1ff89b_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9170266856/" title="Hiking at Gowdy by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9170266856_f641d967e8_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hiking at Gowdy"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9168012498/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9168012498_630eeef93b_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><br />
Look at this little cutie! I was so excited that he stood still for a photo.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9168058810/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9168058810_ab008b3ba4_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9167997010/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/9167997010_cc2f3c46c2_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><br />
<treehugger>I enjoy hugging trees.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9165969317/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/9165969317_1ebedbcbd2_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9165874429/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/9165874429_db019666ec_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><br />
All my friends are dudes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9169930195/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9169930195_112a82aac2_z.jpg" width="650" height="432" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9168149311/" title="Hiking at Gowdy by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9168149311_73ae8a6db6_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hiking at Gowdy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9167931484/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/9167931484_2b3812940a_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9168031886/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9168031886_0cdd22b273_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9170335950/" title="Hiking at Gowdy by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/9170335950_611c1ac0ab_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Hiking at Gowdy"></a><br />
I want one!!!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9172162798/" title="Hiking at Gowdy by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/9172162798_7eebda2b99_z.jpg" width="650" height="481" alt="Hiking at Gowdy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9168137510/" title="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/9168137510_836e642f56_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Hike at Gowdy 6.23.13"></a></center><br />
<center>Do you have a favorite park? I'd love to hear about it.<br />
I may travel there someday, so please do tell.<br />
<br />
Learn about Curt Gowdy State park <a href="http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=4">HERE</a>.<br />
See more posts like this one <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/park">HERE</a>.</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-3338206267852794252013-07-03T01:00:00.000-06:002013-07-03T01:00:07.658-06:00Living Green // Around My House<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9096177049/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/9096177049_cf9cc42d2d_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
Awhile back I shared a post about things I do to be more environmentally friendly in my daily life. I thought I would share some photos of things around my house that are part of my "green" lifestyle. I love sharing my ideas and hearing new ones from you as well. I am always looking for new ways to go green. <br />
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<center><span style="font-size: large;">ENERGY SAVING LIGHT BULBS</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098318218/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/9098318218_9acb7241b7_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
This is a pretty common one, I know. I remember when the CFL bulbs first came out and how expensive they were. No one wanted to buy them due to the cost. Our last house had so much lighting in it, that when we got our first utility bill we about had a heart attack. That is when we realized that we better consider the energy saving bulbs. It made a huge difference in our electrical bill cost. Also, I still have light bulbs that I used in the house back from 2007. The cost of the bulbs is totally worth it in the end. They aren't a just a gimmick. <br />
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<center><span style="font-size: large;">REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098405588/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9098405588_37791ef97c_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></CENTER>I've talked about this a few times on my blog. Reusable bags have come a long way. There are so many out there now and they come in a million different sizes to fit any shopping need. Plastic takes over 100 years to biodegrade in a landfill. Plastic bags are polluting our planet big time and wasting our non-renewal resources. All for a silly bag that is used for a short period of time. I love my reusable grocery bags. They are strong and durable. We also reuse the plastic produce bags week after week. <br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">REUSABLE COFFEE MUGS</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9096168179/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/9096168179_030a094da1_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
Think about how many people you see daily holding a Starbucks paper cup? Even my tiny town has four Starbucks in it. I use this coffee mug when I go to work everyday and also when I treat myself to a cup of coffee while out running around. Starbucks will give you a discount on your drink if you bring your own cup. They also give you a free cup of coffee if you return a empty Starbucks coffee bag. They take them back so that they can recycle them.<br />
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<center><span style="font-size: large;">VINTAGE PYREX AND GLASSWARE</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098398454/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/9098398454_4ee329788a_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098386598/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9098386598_3fd772b8f7_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Living Green"></a>The bowl I use for my pets water bowl.</center><br />
Buy secondhand and vintage items to use in your home. Even if they are being used as decoration. You are keeping things from ending up in landfills and new things from being mass produced. I love owning vintage items because to me they are a part of history. Sounds a bit cheesy I guess, but I tend to love things from the mid-century modern period. Also it's very rewarding to donate things that you don't currently use to your local thrift stores.<br />
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<center><span style="font-size: large;">REUSE GLASS JARS</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9096166167/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/9096166167_d67a089b01_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Living Green"></a></CENTER>We have instant "canisters" for our spices by saving all our peanut butter jars. It's nice because they are all uniform looking as if we store bought them. Someday I hope to get some nice labels for them. For now I just write what the spice is on top of the lid. Why go out and buy a bunch of jars when you already paid for them when you purchased a food product?<br />
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<center><span style="font-size: large;">REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098392924/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9098392924_6d16d49ef7_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></CENTER>This is another product that has come a long way. You can get many different types and sizes of bottles. They also have them with built in filters to give you that bottled water taste. I love my Camelbak bottle because I can easily carry it around just using only one finger.<br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">RECYCLING TRASH CAN</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098390442/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9098390442_1922705eb6_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></CENTER>Since almost everything we use is recyclable we now use our old trash can just for recycling. Once it is full we dump it in our large recycling trash can outside. It's so nice not to be throwing out a full trash bag of garbage daily. We now have a tiny trash can for the trash that we can't recycle.<br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">PLASTIC BAGS</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9096157251/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/9096157251_72a8627eb1_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
What do you do with all the plastic films and bags that products are sold in? In our kitchen we have a cabinet where we store all of this. Once we get a lot of it we take it to a recycling area. Our city doesn't pick up bags with the other recycling. This plastic is things like plastic that is as packaging around products, bread bags, bags that grapes come in, things that just can't be avoided when purchasing things at the store. The main large bag holding all the bags is a bag that was used to cover a pillow I purchased. It's hard to avoid getting all this plastic in our homes. It's used for everything. <br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">DECORATING IDEAS</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098385564/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9098385564_69b3bfc174_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
I framed some old maps that were in my cars glove box. They also have special meaning to me because I picked them up during a cross country road trip. They are of Phoenix Arizona and L.A. California. It's nice to be creative using things you already own instead of going out and buying new stuff.<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">SECONDHAND FURNITURE</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098382876/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9098382876_29a3069428_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
I've gotten really good about buying vintage furniture verses new stuff. Honestly as much as I move around, I need the old sturdy furniture. That's what I love about mid-century modern things. Its durable and lasts forever.<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">BIODEGRADE TRASH BAGS</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098369156/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/9098369156_4d6231827d_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
Since we recycle most of our trash we can get away with using smaller garbage bags now. These bags are actually less then $2.00 and we only use one a week. It works out really well for us and I'm keeping a lot of plastic trash bags out of the landfill. It feels good to make a difference. :)<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">BUY A DRY ERASE BOARD</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9096136637/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/9096136637_5847544570_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
We used to use paper every week to write out our grocery lists and meal plans. We bought a dry erase board for our fridge to eliminate that. I now type out my list on my cell phone. I find that I don't forget things at the store anymore since doing this. Once the list is completely cleared off on the phone I know I got everything. It's helped me out a lot. I always would forget something when I used my handwritten lists. <br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: large;">MAKE YOUR OWN HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9096124829/" title="Living Green by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/9096124829_eab5cd1cda_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Living Green"></a></center><br />
We all know that websites like Pinterest are flooded with ideas for making your own household products. I do make my own cleaner that I use mainly in my kitchen. It's pretty much half vinegar and half water with some scented oil added. I also make my own laundry detergent. Which seems to last forever and has worked out really well for us. I sure don't miss buying it! :)<br />
<br />
<center>This is just some of the things that I do in my daily life that I feel are making a difference.<br />
I would love to hear some of your ideas as well. I've also just learned to not buy things that I don't need.<br />
Here are some links to other posts I have done related to this topic:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/ways-i-have-gone-green.html">Ways I have Gone Green</a><br />
<a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/11/bag-it-in-reusable-bag-please.html">Bag It in a Reusable Bag Please!</a><br />
<a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/09/be-green-at-starbucks.html">Be Green at Starbucks</a><br />
<a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/08/netflix-must-see-bag-it.html">Netflix Must See: BAG IT</a><br />
<a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/06/why-i-recycle-hope-you-will-2.html">Why I Recycle & Hope You Will 2</a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-40100737190159957302013-07-01T01:00:00.000-06:002013-07-01T01:00:01.952-06:00Photo A Day // June<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8917777133/" title="Day152 Muffins enjoying some sunshine 6.1.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/8917777133_5ec6eacae5_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day152 Muffins enjoying some sunshine 6.1.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Muffins enjoying some sunshine<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8927744375/" title="Day153 First ride with clip in pedals. Success, rode 28 miles. I used muscles I didn't even know that I had! Ouch. 6.2.13 #jessie365 #cannondale #seashepherd by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/8927744375_4514b2fe6d_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day153 First ride with clip in pedals. Success, rode 28 miles. I used muscles I didn't even know that I had! Ouch. 6.2.13 #jessie365 #cannondale #seashepherd"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8942712237/" title="Day154 It's very odd to see Antelope grazing in front of a Burger King. 6.3.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/8942712237_6b4e11e27e_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day154 It's very odd to see Antelope grazing in front of a Burger King. 6.3.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
First clip in pedal ride // Antelope in front of Burger King,...strange.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8952390817/" title="Day155 Got my cute necklace from nerd-burger.com! Love it!!! 6.4.13 #jessie365 Thanks @nerdburgercazz by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/8952390817_0f7d07aafa_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day155 Got my cute necklace from nerd-burger.com! Love it!!! 6.4.13 #jessie365 Thanks @nerdburgercazz"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8964664322/" title="Day156 Just Me 6.5.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/8964664322_9e16ec4f39_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day156 Just Me 6.5.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.nerd-burger.com/">Minnie Mouse Nerd Burger Necklace</a> // Just Me<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8972241871/" title="Day157 The cabinets in my kitchen are about half way done being painted. It's taking forever! Can't wait to be finished. 6.6.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/8972241871_c4266ab34b_o.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day157 The cabinets in my kitchen are about half way done being painted. It's taking forever! Can't wait to be finished. 6.6.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Kitchen cabinet painting progress<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8990703293/" title="Day159 Dreaming about building a tiny home 6.8.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/8990703293_bd451917d7_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day159 Dreaming about building a tiny home 6.8.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9000895017/" title="Day160 Beautiful outside today 6.9.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/9000895017_fda0f84416.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day160 Beautiful outside today 6.9.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Dreaming about Tiny Houses // Beautiful weather <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8981547925/" title="Day158 Baked some vegan cupcakes (I may end up having a sugar high) 6.7.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/8981547925_53d73732ff_o.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day158 Baked some vegan cupcakes (I may end up having a sugar high) 6.7.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Vegan cupcakes<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9012745290/" title="Day161 Got stuck out biking in a thunderstorm. Sat in a tunnel while it passed. 6.10.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/9012745290_5c7c6dbd51_o.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day161 Got stuck out biking in a thunderstorm. Sat in a tunnel while it passed. 6.10.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Got stuck out in a thunderstorm while cycling<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019881463/" title="Day162 I need more Converse 6.11.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9019881463_76c3dce45d_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day162 I need more Converse 6.11.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9027736679/" title="Day163 I am loved :) 6.12.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/9027736679_5ecfaaa747_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day163 I am loved :) 6.12.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
I want more Converse // I am loved<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9035009015/" title="Day164 What I thought was weeds in my backyard is actually flowers. Glad I didn't pull them! 6.13.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/9035009015_aa26950758.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day164 What I thought was weeds in my backyard is actually flowers. Glad I didn't pull them! 6.13.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9044122511/" title="Day165 Wyoming skies are amazing! 6.14.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/9044122511_06ab4035e8_z.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day165 Wyoming skies are amazing! 6.14.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Flowers I thought were weeds // Beautiful Sky in Wyoming<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9053690194/" title="Day166 Did my first real road ride today. Climbed hills I didn't think I could! It was amazing and painful at the same time. Lol Going out again tomorrow. :) 6.15.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/9053690194_7b3014c778_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day166 Did my first real road ride today. Climbed hills I didn't think I could! It was amazing and painful at the same time. Lol Going out again tomorrow. :) 6.15.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
First real road ride. Also the hardest ride I've accomplished so far // 30 miles<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9060787142/" title="Day167 Another 30 mile painful ride today. Felt good, but now I rest! Lol 6.16.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/9060787142_fd5bfe84be_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day167 Another 30 mile painful ride today. Felt good, but now I rest! Lol 6.16.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Next day did another 30 mile road ride. Can feel the muscles building in my legs finally. SUCCESS!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098321134/" title="Love this show by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9098321134_6ff6d1918f_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Love this show"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9096083111/" title="Yes :) by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9096083111_c0d54dc0dd_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Yes :)"></a><br />
Love this show // New button (thanks Aubrey!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9098291056/" title="Barrett by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/9098291056_e6c14de4ca_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Barrett"></a><br />
Barrett being super cute<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9105804656/" title="Day172 at the park 6.21.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9105804656_1ae0ae7156_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day172 at the park 6.21.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9165329707/" title="Day171 Kitchen is starting to look good! 6.20.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9165329707_e0d1cf084d.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day171 Kitchen is starting to look good! 6.20.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
At the park // Kitchen Progress<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9112081540/" title="Day173 Took Muffins hiking. It was a great day! #jessie365 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9112081540_c1040f67bc_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day173 Took Muffins hiking. It was a great day! #jessie365 6.22.13"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9131725750/" title="Day175 My favorite vintage ring. Belonged to my great grandmother. 6.24.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9131725750_4b591916ee_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day175 My favorite vintage ring. Belonged to my great grandmother. 6.24.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Took Muffins hiking // My favorite vintage ring<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9165373421/" title="Day174 Hiked at Curt Gowdy State Park today! Beautiful. 6.23.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/9165373421_311c258149_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day174 Hiked at Curt Gowdy State Park today! Beautiful. 6.23.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Us at Curt Gowdy State Park, WY<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9140228926/" title="Day176 New (vintage) green couch and new chevron pillow 6.25.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/9140228926_e703393edf.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day176 New (vintage) green couch and new chevron pillow 6.25.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9153448901/" title="Day189 Saw a real life tiny house today parked in a parking lot. 6.27.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/9153448901_f22332a52d_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day189 Saw a real life tiny house today parked in a parking lot. 6.27.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Bought a green vintage loveseat // Saw a tiny house in a parking lot<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9148683190/" title="Day188 Great day for a hike after a stressful day at work 6.26.13 #wyoming #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/9148683190_c149b88ca7_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day188 Great day for a hike after a stressful day at work 6.26.13 #wyoming #jessie365"></a><br />
Vedauwoo National Forest, my favorite place in Wyoming (so far!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9163886640/" title="Day190 This is how Simon helps me do my work/filing. Lol 6.28.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/9163886640_731e337f34_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day190 This is how Simon helps me do my work/filing. Lol 6.28.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Simon "helping" me organize my paperwork for my new job.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9172753283/" title="Day190 Vegan cookie :) 6.29.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9172753283_afcfdc5561_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day190 Vegan cookie :) 6.29.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9177975750/" title="Day181 Amazing ride today, 45 miles. I have a new record to beat now. :) Yay! Great way to end the month. 6.30.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/9177975750_6d1b73f1a1.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day181 Amazing ride today, 45 miles. I have a new record to beat now. :) Yay! Great way to end the month. 6.30.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Vegan cookie // Longest ride so far EVER, 45 miles in one day!!<br />
<br />
What a great month. The weather was perfect for lots of outdoor activities. <br />
We hiked and biked a lot and had some friends visit us. June was simply awesome.<br />
<br />
You can follow me on Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/jessiedmeece#">HERE</a>.</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-65475003559662627692013-06-25T17:56:00.001-06:002013-06-29T21:35:38.099-06:00Vedauwoo I Love You, Again<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9121781752/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9121781752_109e9d43d3_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></center><br />
Last weekend was full of outdoor activites. My friend Scott came to visit and we decided to take him to our favorite park for some hiking. I have featured <a href="http://www.wyomingtourism.org/articles/detail/Vedauwoo-Recreation/32151">Vedauwoo National Forest</a> a few times on the blog already, view those posts <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/vedauwoo">HERE</a>. Vedauwoo is like a playground for adults where you get to climb and jump around. Plus it has great scenery.<br />
<br />
<center><scottandme><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9121858796/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="490" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9121858796_c34d2a973b_z.jpg" width="650" /></a></scottandme></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122101744/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/9122101744_7d1a1e8487_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></center><center><muffins><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9119843505/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/9119843505_68f552115d_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></muffins></center><center><pink flowers=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122043198/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9122043198_213dffa242_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></pink><br />
One thing I really wanted to do this year was photograph nature more. I am definitely doing that!<br />
<scottinrock><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9121559950/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="490" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/9121559950_d1cc926809_z.jpg" width="650" /></a></scottinrock><br />
Scott attempting to move a rock, he failed of course.<br />
<codyanddogs><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9121990420/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/9121990420_cfd87b5f7e_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></codyanddogs></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122147354/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/9122147354_6d63d36403_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9119912551/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/9119912551_e2143d6ed3_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
JUMPING!!!<br />
<jumping><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122378210/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="650" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/9122378210_9219d43c8b_z.jpg" width="650" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122387870/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="650" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9122387870_889f6e8668_z.jpg" width="650" /></a></jumping><br />
CLIMBING!!! (well, sort of.)<br />
<scotthanging><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9121998484/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/9121998484_79d8891fbd_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></scotthanging></center><center><moss><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122196586/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/9122196586_3ec93b5da5_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9119463937/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="490" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/9119463937_f828872fb8_z.jpg" width="650" /></a></moss></center><center><chloe flowers=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9119587923/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/9119587923_ce845f8c7f_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></chloe></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122035560/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/9122035560_54e9f41beb_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></center><center><yellowflowers><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122032448/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/9122032448_a112b79151_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></yellowflowers></center><center>BEAUTIFUL!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9122209798/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9122209798_5dd1f34a48_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9119992249/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="490" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9119992249_98f7bc775d_z.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<purple flowers=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9120036721/" title="Vedauwoo 6.22.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Vedauwoo 6.22.13" height="906" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/9120036721_1fc1c36973_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></purple></center><br />
<center>I know I've been a stranger online. I've been visiting with friends and hiking. <br />
I also got a promotion at work, which means more hours. <br />
Which is good because I am making more money to save for <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/05/inspiration-tiny-homes-living-mortgage.html">my tiny house</a> in the future. ;) <br />
What have you been up to?</center><br />
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-83603610765756041582013-06-20T19:58:00.003-06:002013-06-20T19:58:54.989-06:00Collecting Color // Yellow & Pink<center><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/9095775701_349ffb480d_b.jpg" width="650" height="78" alt="PINK YELLOW"><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9089582248/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/9089582248_d02c86c5bd_b.jpg" width="650" height="954" alt="Afterlight"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9087216157/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/9087216157_358fc0c30a_c.jpg" width="650" height="755" alt="Afterlight"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9089458626/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9089458626_64545886e4_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Afterlight"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9087250891/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/9087250891_977b24b424_b.jpg" width="650" height="954" alt="Afterlight"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9089587508/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/9089587508_a03a68a140_z.jpg" width="650" height="449" alt="Afterlight"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9089694618/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/9089694618_8d041cf9f0_z.jpg" width="650" height="494" alt="Afterlight"></a></center><br />
I had fun going around my house seeking out yellow and pink items to photograph. Surprisingly I don't have a lot of yellow stuff sitting around. The last photo with the Carebears has to be my favorite. They are just so darn cute! I think next month I am going to attempt to challenge myself to only take photos while out and about. The color scheme for next month is yellow and navy. <br />
<center>The <a href="http://jorpins.blogspot.com/search/label/collecting%20colour">Collecting Colour Challenge</a> is hosted by <a href="http://jorpins.blogspot.com/search/label/collecting%20colour">Good Things</a>. <br />
See all my Collecting Colour posts <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/Collecting%20Colour">HERE</a>.</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-56905404681743506812013-06-17T17:59:00.000-06:002013-06-17T18:01:08.314-06:00Vegan Cream Soda Cupcakes<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9069939095/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9069939095_0b877aeabe_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a><a href="http://happyherbivore.com/">Recipe adapted from Happy Herbivore by Lindsay Nixon</a></center><br />
I have to say these cupcakes did not turn out how I expected them to. When you think of cupcakes you think of something with three inches of frosting on top in a cute little swirl. The recipe I used suggested making homemade icing for them instead. Also the original recipe is called root beer float cupcakes. I decided to use cream soda in place of the root beer. In my opinion these so called cupcakes were more like muffins. They still tasted amazing though. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9069890293/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/9069890293_dee8a597d4_z.jpg" width="650" height="396" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a><br />
The Ingredients:<br />
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
1/4 cup raw sugar<br />
1 cup root beer or cream soda<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour<br />
1 1/4 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp fine salt</center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019806708/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9019806708_082452a1a0_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a></center><center>Preheat over to 350 degrees.<br />
In a mixing bowl whisk applesauce, sugar, soda and vanilla together. <br />
In another bowl mix flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.</center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019780752/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/9019780752_f7ae435d97_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a></center><center>The brand Virgil's is amazing. It's made with natural ingredients.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019775200/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9019775200_e41f611625_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a></center><center>Slowly combine the dry and wet ingredients together, stirring as little as possible.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019754726/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9019754726_ce79b06355_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019748102/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/9019748102_bbda8a64a5_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a></center><center>After placing the mixture into the baking cups, bake for 15 to 25 minutes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019727284/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/9019727284_7d260ddb26_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a></center><center>Then put your icing on. I made mine using (lots) of powdered sugar, vanilla and almond milk. <br />
I just kept mixing it all together till I liked the consistency. It turned out rather yummy.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019719082/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/9019719082_32b855b413_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9070105583/" title="Vegan Cupcakes by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/9070105583_2da1e3ba81_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Vegan Cupcakes"></a></center><br />
Even though I couldn't taste the cream soda at all, these little cupcakes still were really good. They reminded me of cinnamon buns which is strange since there is no cinnamon in the recipe. Maybe it was the super sweet icing that I made. We ate some the next morning with our coffee. If you want to start your day off with a little sugar buzz then these cupcakes (muffins) are right for you! They do have apple sauce in them,....that's healthy right? These were a treat for us since we never eat sugar. <br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-18337430844518050972013-06-15T13:01:00.001-06:002013-06-15T13:05:18.526-06:0032 Things Before 32 // #32 Ignore HatersThis is a harder one to post about because I don't have physical proof of accomplishing it, just my story. My entire life I have struggled with always wanting everyone to like me. I've always wore my heart on my sleeve and been hurt many times because of it. Over the years though I learned that when something bad happens to me, I just become a little bit stronger. <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/12/feeling-blue-why-i-hate-facebook.html">Last year</a> when my vegan lifestyle was more fresh and new to me I really had a hard time adapting emotionally. I didn't know how to ignore negative comments or reactions that I would receive from people. I didn't get what the big deal was. Yes, I don't eat animals, what's the problem?<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/regularshow/index.html"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/9049796704_f202b4df61_b.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Haters"></a></center><br />
I would seriously just fall apart. I know now that people are going to dislike me because of my values and beliefs. There is always going to be haters. It doesn't matter what you do or say. Over time I realized that people feel attacked personally if you talk about not eating animals. Some people view it as you are trying to be pushy and change them. I have <b>never</b> wanted to make someone feel that way. I just like giving information to people. Plus I just simply get excited when I talk about it. I feel like I am glowing and I have a smile from ear to ear. I get so happy when someone asks me questions about the food I eat and why. It's so nice when someone is curious and listens to what I have to say. I've learned to just focus on the people who are willing to accept me for who I am and not treat me like a freak or a crazy person. Why waste so much energy on those who don't care or show interest? This was the lesson I needed to learn and I feel like in the last 6 months I have.<br />
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<center><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547976081130/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9049990070_b1843d8bb3_o.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="tumblr-man5s7iipt1rvyqizo1-500--large-msg-134883536395"></a></center><br />
I used to stress over influencing family and friends to go vegan. It's hard to influence the people I love since they live 1,200 miles away. The best way to prove to people that eating a plant based diet isn't hard is by cooking for them. Since I can't cook for them on a regular basis, they will never understand that I don't just eat tofu and carrots. When I post things about animal rights on Facebook they can just choose to ignore me. Which would cause me to get very sad sometimes. I could never understand why no one cared. One of the reasons Cody and I visited Ohio back in April was to hopefully talk to our families about adapting our diet. I didn't expect my family to want to go join Peta and become animal activists, but I would love for everyone to be healthier. Once I was there with the people I love I decided not to bring it up. It's like the saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink." One of my blogger friends said that to me once and it's stuck every since. <br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/24136547976081135/"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/9047759227_44eeb362b9_b.jpg" width="650" height="855" alt="6706d24265caef23ac4da45510f0ac9d"></a><br />
<br />
During our visit we fed people good vegan meals, they saw how happy we are and how healthy we have become,....done. All I ever hope to do is inspire people and lead by example. Conversations were started with family but ended fairly quick. It just proved to me that I need to let things be. Even though it's hard on me at times, I definitely learned from it as well. Things don't seem to be bothering me as much. I still struggle with watching people eat meat or even seeing it. I don't know if that will ever change, maybe just get easier over time. I do, however, not worry about what people think or say when I tell them I don't eat animals. I also will straight forward tell them why. Which leaves me with this video below. I stumbled across it by accident. This guy is vegan and he took the words right out of my mouth. I found it very inspiring. He speaks out about why vegans shouldn't be scared of speaking their minds.<br />
<br />
<center>Skip ahead to 2 minutes and 15 seconds. That is where he starts talking about vegans.<br />
<iframe width="650" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FWXSD3hyX_8?rel=2m13s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
I speak my mind when it's appropriate and I'm never mean or pushy. That doesn't get you anywhere in any aspect of life!! I have always treated people the way I want to be treated. It's so simple yet very powerful. A few months back I had someone tell me that I was going to live a life of depression by being vegan. This was said to me because one day I was really sad over animals being killed for food. As if we don't all get sad about something that happens in the world from time to time. We are human aren't we? Those words were said to me as a personal attack. <br />
<br />
Funny thing is, it did the opposite. It made me learn to "<a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/12/feeling-blue-why-i-hate-facebook.html">Ignore Haters</a>" and I think I am stronger now. I am just going to keep being me. Which is actually a rather happy person I think. If I inspire some people along the way then that's just an added bonus. I hope that this post wasn't just another vegan one to you. I think we all have things in our lives that we are passionate about and wish that others were as well. Just lead by example and always wear a smile on your face. It's contagious. ;) <br />
<br />
<center>Things on my list I have accomplished so far:<br />
<a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/05/32-things-before-32-learn-to-knit.html">#3 Learn to Knit</a> | <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/04/32-things-before-32-pink-hair.html">#26 Dye My Hair Pink</a> | <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/04/32-things-before-32-list-24-biking-in.html">#24 Biking in Ohio<br />
</a> <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/03/32-things-before-32-list-20-kicking-my.html">#20 Kick My Coffee Addiction</a> | <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/32-things-before-32-list-29-surprise.html">#29 Surprise Someone</a> | <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/trip-to-peaceful-prairie-farm-sanctuary.html">#23 Visit A Farm Sanctuary</a><br />
<br />
You can view the full list <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2012/12/32-things-before-32_20.html">HERE</a>.<br />
Or check out my labels below to find similar posts like this one.</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-83826483224910810082013-06-11T17:06:00.000-06:002013-06-11T17:07:12.734-06:00At The Moment<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019617108/" title="Our Backyard by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9019617108_34d8d4f4de_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Our Backyard"></a><br />
I've been enjoying lots of tea. My newest tea obsession is Sweet Coconut Thai (It's decaf by the way). <br />
I'm doing pretty good with my caffeine/coffee addiction. <br />
Down to only one cup in the morning and sometimes an extra on the weekend as a treat. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019670740/" title="Our Backyard by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/9019670740_16366660c1_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Our Backyard"></a><br />
Glad to be wearing flip flops and hanging out on my deck.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8962078337/" title="Kitties at the door by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/8962078337_2bee6f7afd_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Kitties at the door"></a><br />
The cats love watching me outside. They are so curious, but too scared to venture outside on their own.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8962063257/" title="In our Yard by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/8962063257_6367236593_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="In our Yard"></a><br />
Flowers are in full bloom in my backyard. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8962016941/" title="28 Miles // June 4th by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/8962016941_9748d40aff_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="28 Miles // June 4th"></a><br />
Getting some longer bike rides in with Cody. My absence from the internet is due to my love for my bicycle. <br />
So far we are only doing 30 mile rides, which on average takes around 3 hours to do. <br />
I hope to at least be able to do 50 miles in one day by the end of the month. <br />
Not sure if we will have time to pull this off, but I can be hopefully. :)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019894124/" title="Ouch by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9019894124_034f495589_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Ouch"></a><br />
Since I have been using <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/06/first-clip-in-pedal-bike-ride.html">my new clip in pedals</a> I have crashed every ride.<br />
I always have a little blood and a lot of grease on me. hahaha <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9020093814/" title="Greenway bike ride // 28 miles by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/9020093814_6affef1cbe_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Greenway bike ride // 28 miles"></a><br />
One of our parks has a little box full of books for people to read and share.<br />
Isn't that cool? I may have to donate a few. They are trying to encourage people to grab a book and read at the park.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/9019595646/" title="Being Cute by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9019595646_91b4345a32_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Being Cute"></a><br />
There has been lots of cuddling happening with my fur babies. :)</center><br />
Overall things have been good. I have been enjoying my new found freedom since blogging less. I think during the colder months when I am pinned up instead blogging is better for me. I'm also super busy painting our kitchen cabinets still! (BOO!) Hopefully they will be done by the end of the month and I can share some photos. How is your summer going? (I guess Fall for some of my readers?) Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-17846550108141206962013-06-09T09:10:00.001-06:002013-08-03T08:54:45.470-06:00A Few of My Favorite Things<br />
<center><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8995961981_b2eb250686_b.jpg" width="650" height="50" alt="Favorite Video"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/td6jmKMZLcA?rel=0" width="650"></iframe></center><br />
Recently Cody and I watched all five seasons of the TV series <a href="http://www.fox.com/fringe/">Fringe</a>. It is definitely one of my favorite shows ever. Above is one of my favorite scenes featuring the character Walter. Walter is my favorite thing about the entire show. I decided to share this scene with you because Walter has a melt down at the grocery store over the ingredients in some toaster pastries. As Cody and I were watching it we looked at each other and said, "This is so us". We always read all the ingredient labels on boxes before placing anything in the cart. The show is really cool. If you like Sci-Fi and Government conspiracy type shows you should check it out. Visit the Fringe website <a href="http://www.fox.com/fringe/">HERE</a>.<br />
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<center><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/8997168694_459d0744c6_b.jpg" width="650" height="50" alt="Favorite Blog Post"><a href="http://keithawynn2011.blogspot.com/"><img alt="bf897a5f884e555be9f72a3948abd0bdb21333f7" height="446" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8411/8753047561_9fd1ae75f5_z.jpg" width="650" /></a></center><br />
A blog that I really enjoy reading is <a href="http://keithawynn2011.blogspot.com/"><i>Musings of an Unapologetic Dreamer</i></a>, written by Keith. The above image is one that he shared on his blog in a post called <i><a href="http://keithawynn2011.blogspot.com/2013/04/dont-let-yesterday-take-up-too-much-of.html">Don't Let Yesterday Take Up To Much Of Today</a></i>. Keith always chooses great topics to blog about. I love how inspiration his posts can be for me. He also keeps them short and sweet a lot of time, yet they usually make you "think". Visit his blog <a href="http://keithawynn2011.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>. <br />
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<center><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/8997197588_7d94d240e9_b.jpg" width="650" height="50" alt="Favorite Topic"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BQjBrt9LriY?rel=0" width="650"></iframe></center><br />
Currently I am obsessed with building a tiny home, living mortgage free, downsizing and downsizing some more! I love the above video by IKEA about living in a small space. I always enjoy a trip to IKEA browsing all there staged rooms. IKEA is so great about providing storage solutions for all areas of any sized home. A few weeks back I shared a post entirely dedicated to Tiny Homes <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/2013/05/inspiration-tiny-homes-living-mortgage.html">HERE</a>. Ever since I have become a bit obsessed with them! For instance, the home below I am head over heels for. It is a little over 500 square feet and <i>AMAZING</i>....<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.athomearkansas.com/article/little-house-little-rock"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/8996064779_75be278e2c_o.jpg" width="650" height="689" alt="img_2678_copy"></a><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/8997250884_e48a6cd0c7_z.jpg" width="650" height="335" alt="img_2569_copy"><a href="http://www.athomearkansas.com/article/little-house-little-rock">Images from At Home Arkansas</a></center><br />
It's amazing how some of these tiny homes don't seem tiny at all. Open floors plans, smart design and simple decorating make these downsized homes so appealing. I've been sketching floor plans, building Sims houses and doing a lot of research on the topic the past few weeks. It will be a few years before any of this can happen for Cody and I since he has three more years in the Air Force. Plenty of time to plan and save money! You can see all the photos of the above home <a href="http://www.athomearkansas.com/article/little-house-little-rock">HERE</a>. Check it out, it's beautiful.<br />
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<center>What has been inspiring you lately? </center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-89673761369624258102013-06-05T16:13:00.001-06:002013-06-05T16:23:20.027-06:00Yes, My Dogs Are VeganI've gotten quite accustomed to getting weird reactions about eating a vegan diet. When you mention that your dogs are also vegan you really get some strange looks. Honestly though I just laugh about it. I'm the type of person who believes in physical proof or solid evidence. The results I have seen in both my dogs since switching them to a vegan dog food formula have been amazing. That's all I need to know that it's the right choice for my Fur Babies. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8963243484/" title="Muffins :) by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8273/8963243484_748a052140_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Muffins :)"></a>Photo taken just a few days ago.</center><br />
Let me give you a little history about Muffins. She is 13 years old and has a curved spine. Also when she walks her knee caps move out of place. Things started getting hard for her back in 2011 when we lived in <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/California">California</a>. Back then she still had a lot of spunk and we were able to take her for walks on the beach. Shortly after California she seemed to be in a lot of pain when she walked and she became very lazy. When we moved to Wyoming I took her to a vet and had her put on pain meds. I didn't like giving her meds because I know they cause liver damage. I kept her on them for about a month and saw no improvement at all. I stopped giving them to her.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/5883045561/" title="Weekend 11 / 6.25.2011 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5142/5883045561_9b6edefb82_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Weekend 11 / 6.25.2011"></a>Muffins in California, 2011</center><br />
Fast froward to 2012, which is when Cody and I went vegan. I never would of thought that I would find a vegan dog food or even consider switching my dogs to a meat free diet. My views and beliefs changed overtime, I educated myself on how the dog/cat food is made and I just decided that if meat causes so many problems in the human body, isn't it possible it does the same to our pets? Made sense to me. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/5779219476/" title="Weekend 7 - 5.30.2011 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2574/5779219476_6d601e9051_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Weekend 7 - 5.30.2011"></a>Muffins and I on the beach in <a href="http://mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/California">California</a>, 2011</center><br />
Stephanie from <a href="http://sharelovealways.blogspot.com/">Share The Love</a> informed me that the pet food brand <a href="http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/product.aspx?ProductId=18&product=Vegetarian+Dry+Dog+Formula">Natural Balance</a> made a vegan dog food formula. I was so excited about it and I was able to just go to my local pet food store and buy it. The price is pretty comparable to brands like IAMS, which is what they were eating prior to switching to Natural Balance. Within only a few weeks of switching the dogs to their new food I saw results. When I fed Muffins IAMS she would barely eat a bowl worth a day, even go a few days without eating. It was heartbreaking. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/5778677015/" title="Weekend 7 - 5.30.2011 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3627/5778677015_4be5afff6a_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Weekend 7 - 5.30.2011"></a></center><br />
There were days where I would come home from work and have to check to see if she was still breathing. It was awful. Sometimes I would just start balling my eyes out because I feared the worst. Muffins would sleep for hours and never even get up to drink water or go outside. I had watched my poor little dogs health decline very badly over the last year. She was super skinny and had trouble getting off the deck to use the restroom and even going over the doorway to get in and out of the house she would fall.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/5778682385/" title="Weekend 7 - 5.30.2011 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2095/5778682385_ccf4b50658_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Weekend 7 - 5.30.2011"></a></center><br />
It's so hard to watch your pets get old. For a long time I didn't think she would make it to the end of this year. However, after switching her diet I have this completely different dog. It's as if I rolled back time. For one she loves the food and she is eating regularly. She has gained some much needed weight. She wants to be up and about. She goes outside multiple times a day on her own without being forced. She shows happiness and excitement again. All I did was switch her food.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8556341482/" title="Day72 My dogs are going Vegan! Yay! 3.13.13 #jessie365 #vegan #dogfood by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8556341482_bca66ede00_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day72 My dogs are going Vegan! Yay! 3.13.13 #jessie365 #vegan #dogfood"></a></center><br />
I actually was talking to a co-worker about the vegan dog food the other day. It was so refreshing to have someone show interest and ask questions about it. She planned to tell her aunt about the food because she has a dog that's older and not doing that well. That's when I knew I really wanted to share it with my readers. :) Cody and I plan to take a vacation this year to California. It means a lot to me to take Muffins to see the ocean again. I've never seen her so happy. As far as Chloe goes, she has lost some much needed weight. <br />
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<center>Chloe eating a vegan dinner<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="650" height="370" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=7c596158e6&photo_id=8693228099&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=7c596158e6&photo_id=8693228099&hd_default=false" height="370" width="650"></embed></object><br />
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Chloe is no longer the shape of a barrel. She now has an hour glass shape the way she should. The results with both my dogs have been great. I wrote this post so that I could pass the information along. I know not everyone will agree with me and that's fine. Again, this is my choice and all the proof I need is in front of me everyday. I can't wait to walk Muffins on the beach again!<br />
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<center>You can visit the Natural Balance website <a href="http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/product.aspx?ProductId=18&product=Vegetarian+Dry+Dog+Formula">HERE</a>.</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-17210426352768061262013-06-04T06:37:00.002-06:002013-06-04T06:37:56.752-06:00First Clip in Pedal Bike Ride<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929085833/" title="First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/8929085833_51ac936fa0_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="First Clip in Ride"></a></center><br />
The next big step for me to take in cycling was to put <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=clip+in+pedals&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=rAJ&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=TtWrUa-AI6SryQGpy4HgAw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1665&bih=916">clip in pedals</a> on my bike. What are clip in pedals you may ask? I'm sure you know what a traditional bike pedal looks like. A clip in pedal is designed to "clip in" to a cleat on the bottom of cycling shoes. Below you can see my cute little shoes and a also a photo of the circle shaped clip in pedal.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929756500/" title="PRE-First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/8929756500_3a71614b61.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="PRE-First Clip in Ride"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929153105/" title="PRE-First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/8929153105_a06f2a2911.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="PRE-First Clip in Ride"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929748480/" title="PRE-First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/8929748480_e4008e758e_z.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="PRE-First Clip in Ride"></a></center><br />
I started out just riding my bike on my trainer in my basement to practice the motion of clipping in and out of the pedal with my shoes. It does take sometime to get used to the feeling. The benefits of having the clip in pedals is that they give you more strength while riding your bike. Since your shoe is now attached to the pedal you get more power while you are pedaling. Not only do you push on the pedal, you are also it pulling up. However, Cody didn't inform me how much it was going to hurt my legs the first ride. I felt pain in muscles I didn't know I had! It really becomes a full leg workout.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929077049/" title="First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/8929077049_097d8696b9_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="First Clip in Ride"></a></center><br />
I did fall/crash twice. With clip in pedals you basically become part of the bike, so it's easy to make mistakes as a beginner. You are attached and need to know what you are doing to get off. The first time I fell was because I didn't push myself up high enough to get on my seat when starting. The padding on my shorts caught the seat just enough to turn it into a failed attempt. I tried to get off and save myself, but with my right foot still clipped in, down I went. My second fall didn't hurt so bad. I was coming to a stop and I had clipped out of my left pedal. This is the foot I always put on the ground when I get off the bike. Somehow I accidentally clipped it back in. Since I didn't know I was clipped in, I just went to get off the bike "thinking" my foot was free. I think my exact words were, "Shit, I'm still clipped in." Crash. hahaha<br />
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<center>Caution: Hot Dogs Ahead<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929213897/" title="First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8929213897_03cd0a6d63_o.jpg" width="650" height="1040" alt="First Clip in Ride"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929442197/" title="First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8929442197_4dc2f1d297_z.jpg" width="650" height="226" alt="First Clip in Ride"></a></center><center><cody road><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929249199/" title="First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8929249199_83d78f6e3f_c.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="First Clip in Ride"></a></center><br />
We have been riding on actual roads more. I feel fairly comfortable doing it because the people in the area are used to seeing cyclists. I do tend to stay as far over as possible or use the shoulder if there is one. I don't believe in hogging the road because I'm on a bike. I do hope that people don't get too close either. When I lived in Ohio you rarely saw cyclists. When I did see them I'd get so mad and cuss about it. I thought that roads were only for cars. Boy, how my views have changed. It's also very hard for a cyclist to stop and go. It's so nice when people wave you on or have patience. Especially for a beginner like me. :)<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8929067003/" title="First Clip in Ride by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/8929067003_942536a933_z.jpg" width="650" height="379" alt="First Clip in Ride"></a></center><br />
I love snapping photos while we are riding. The above photo is a common site here in town. Lots of people have there own junkyard or car lot going on. Cars and campers lined up rusting away. I joke with Cody that I think there are more campers in our city then people. It's a very interesting place to live and I'm sure someday when we move away we will miss it. You really get to see things differently when you are out on a bike. This ride was one of the most physically hard rides I've done, since I was working all kinds of new muscles in my legs. I can't wait to just keep getting stronger!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-86292277596780479542013-06-01T06:54:00.001-06:002013-06-01T06:54:23.345-06:00Photo A Day // May <center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8700512006/" title="Day121 May snow showers bring May flowers???? I hope so at least! 5.1.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Day121 May snow showers bring May flowers???? I hope so at least! 5.1.13 #jessie365" height="650" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8552/8700512006_ca51a7de2c_z.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
Snow storm arrives on May 1st<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8710492380/" title="Day122 Blue nails to brighten my mood 5.2.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Day122 Blue nails to brighten my mood 5.2.13 #jessie365" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8399/8710492380_7804e00e90_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8706205702/" title="Day123 Going to attempt to teach myself to knit 5.3.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Day123 Going to attempt to teach myself to knit 5.3.13 #jessie365" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8706205702_58932276d9.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Blue nails // Bought my first knitting supplies<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8708031837/" title="Day124 Beautiful Flowers at Lowes 5.4.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img alt="Day124 Beautiful Flowers at Lowes 5.4.13 #jessie365" height="650" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8130/8708031837_65fe43361a_z.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
Flower shopping for our yard<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8711339417/" title="Day125 Prepping the cabinets so that we can paint them 5.5.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8711339417_abbe090a0b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day125 Prepping the cabinets so that we can paint them 5.5.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8724998080/" title="Day129 Watching Bob Burgers! Love this show! 5.9.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/8724998080_1664cdede4.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day129 Watching Bob Burgers! Love this show! 5.9.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Prepping our cabinets for paint // Enjoying Bob's Burgers<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8715283635/" title="Day126 Happy Kitty 5.6.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/8715283635_80625f4831_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day126 Happy Kitty 5.6.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Simon is a happy kitty<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8718069347/" title="Day127 This stuff...amazing. Trying to drink only 1 cup a day is tricky! 5.7.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/8718069347_796b9f6ba9_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day127 This stuff...amazing. Trying to drink only 1 cup a day is tricky! 5.7.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8722114078/" title="Day128 Always animals at my feet 5.8.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/8722114078_bebbf3f4ff.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day128 Always animals at my feet 5.8.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Starbucks at home // Always pets at my feet<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8730725163/" title="Day130 Beautiful outside today 5.10.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/8730725163_3152d1168f_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day130 Beautiful outside today 5.10.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Finally having some sunny days<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8730429790/" title="Day131 Planted my first flowers today 5.11.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/8730429790_a318eb2371_z.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day131 Planted my first flowers today 5.11.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8741495917/" title="Day133 Today Cody and I have been married 7 years! 5.13.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8741495917_32fdf23efd_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day133 Today Cody and I have been married 7 years! 5.13.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Planted my first flowers in the yard // Married 7 years!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8731343767/" title="Great day for a sunny ride! by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/8731343767_214441bca8_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Great day for a sunny ride!"></a><br />
I love my ride - rode 30 miles<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8741502853/" title="Day134 Finally understanding knitting 5.14.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/8741502853_bff584ece5.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day134 Finally understanding knitting 5.14.13"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8743110492/" title="Day135 Breakfast for dinner. Tofu Scramble Burrito and Chocolate Pancakes! Yum! 5.15.13 #jessie365 #veganfood by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8743110492_928de4378a_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day135 Breakfast for dinner. Tofu Scramble Burrito and Chocolate Pancakes! Yum! 5.15.13 #jessie365 #veganfood"></a><br />
Understanding how to knit // Tofu Scramble and Chocolate Pancakes<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8745345345/" title="Day136 My mice are so cute while eating their corn 5.16.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/8745345345_8f654b3090.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day136 My mice are so cute while eating their corn 5.16.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8749658172/" title="Day137 Got my first LUSH magazine in the mail today. Yay to vegan makeup! 5.17.13 #jessie365 #vegan by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8276/8749658172_ed812ec4f5.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day137 Got my first LUSH magazine in the mail today. Yay to vegan makeup! 5.17.13 #jessie365 #vegan"></a><br />
My cute little pet mouse // Lush makeup catalog<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756594259/" title="Water break // 25 mile ride today 5.18.13 Day138 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8756594259_fe067fabdb_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Water break // 25 mile ride today 5.18.13 Day138"></a><br />
Me attempting to look like a badass cyclist (still far from it. haha)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8759828433/" title="Day140 Knitting and cats! Crazy cat lady in the making! 5.20.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/8759828433_0969f9c39a_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day140 Knitting and cats! Crazy cat lady in the making! 5.20.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8804782089/" title="Working on the yard by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/8804782089_1ce69a96f0_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Working on the yard"></a><br />
Knitting going well // Mushrooms in my yard<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756054640/" title="Day139 Watched our close friend race today! Very fun time! He is the reason I cycle! 5.19.13 #jessie365 #bikerace by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8756054640_3bd7666cdb_o.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day139 Watched our close friend race today! Very fun time! He is the reason I cycle! 5.19.13 #jessie365 #bikerace"></a><br />
Watched our friend ride in a mountain bike race. It was very inspiring.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8804744857/" title="Knitting by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/8804744857_4da649d5f5_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Knitting"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8815335610/" title="Working on the yard by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/8815335610_98580ab323_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Working on the yard"></a><br />
Knitted my first project // Been working on my yard<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8835658246/" title="Day145 Bookcase in my office 5.25.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/8835658246_c0845f81e5_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day145 Bookcase in my office 5.25.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8848249733/" title="Day146 Decorating my guest bedroom 5.26.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/8848249733_869b282c78_o.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day146 Decorating my guest bedroom 5.26.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Photo of my office // Decorating the guest bedroom<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8808083805/" title="Day144 Enjoying some Yogi tea! 5.24.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/8808083805_1ac342f623_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day144 Enjoying some Yogi tea! 5.24.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Some inspiration from my tea bag: YOU ARE UNLIMITED<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8871627537/" title="Day148 Beautiful flowers in my yard 5.28.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8871627537_f6d13d3de7_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day148 Beautiful flowers in my yard 5.28.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8884991449/" title="Day149 Yawn. 5.29.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/8884991449_37cc98f6f0.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day149 Yawn. 5.29.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Flowers in my backyard // Yawn <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8858624311/" title="Day127 Lady bug landed on my glasses 5.27.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/8858624311_a5973508eb_o.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Day127 Lady bug landed on my glasses 5.27.13 #jessie365"></a><br />
Lady bug landed on my glasses<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8896885706/" title="Day150 Cold enough for Stewie pajama pants 5.30.13 #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/8896885706_0766165362.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day150 Cold enough for Stewie pajama pants 5.30.13 #jessie365"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8907073855/" title="Day151 Finally bought clip in pedals for my bike. For non cyclists, that means my shoes will be attached to my pedals giving me more power. Also, I'll be crashing a few times till I get the hang of it. ;) #jessie365 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/8907073855_6b46f1553c.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Day151 Finally bought clip in pedals for my bike. For non cyclists, that means my shoes will be attached to my pedals giving me more power. Also, I'll be crashing a few times till I get the hang of it. ;) #jessie365"></a><br />
Stewie Pajama pants // Got clip-in pedals for my bike!<br />
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I'm really sad that May is over. I lost two good weeks of bike riding because I had a head cold. I feel like time is flying by so quickly. The good thing about feeling this way though is that I'm super motivated to get my butt in gear. I'm ready to get outside more and enjoy the beautiful weather. May was still a good month overall. I taught myself how to knit, planted some flowers in my yard and spent less time blogging. I'm ready for some more adventures. Lets do this June!!! <br />
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<center>How was your May? Do you have anything exciting planned for June?</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-61653895572184330932013-05-31T01:00:00.000-06:002013-05-31T01:00:00.640-06:00Watching Our First Mountain Bike RaceA few weekends back we got the chance to watch our friend Dan compete in a mountain bike race. In case you are wondering this is not the same Dan that is doing the vegan project on my blog. (I have two friends named Dan!) We were super excited to go support him since he is the reason we started cycling in the first place. Dan has been a huge inspiration for me. He has battled some serious health problems over the last few years and has still been able to stay in great shape. He decided he wasn't going to let his health issues hold him back from his love of biking. Last year he climbed the summit at the Rocky Mountain National Park. (A 9,000 feet climb to the top.) I hope to follow in his footsteps someday.<br />
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<center><gowdy sign><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8884276342/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/8884276342_0e74568733_z.jpg" width="650" height="458" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
<view><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8883755648/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/8883755648_f9bbbb439a_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><br />
The race was held at <a href="http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=4">Curt Gowdy State Park</a> here in Wyoming. It was my first visit and I was impressed with how beautiful the park is. I was more fascinated with the amount of bikes I was surrounded by. I may not be a mountain biker but it was still really cool to be around other people who love to ride a bike the way I do. Even though mountain bikers like to tease road bikers about riding on the road verses the dirt and mountains. I'm not ready for riding in the rocks. It's scares the hell out of me honestly. I can get hurt on my road bike but I feel the chances are increased on a mountain bike. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8895580923/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/8895580923_ecc1d94543_c.jpg" width="650" height="770" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
<chloe in grass>It was nice being able to bring our dogs with us...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756719395/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/8756719395_03be4b1224_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8896332864/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/8896332864_545594c7af_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><br />
There were three bike races held that day. Dan's race was the last one, the intermediate course. It was a total of 15 miles through narrow dirt trails, rocks, steep hills and mountains. The intermediate race was also opened to women. They just started ten minutes ahead of the men and were timed separately. The first hill that all the racers had to climb up was so steep and what seemed to be never ending. Here is a photo Cody took of some of the girls climbing... <br />
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<center><girls climbing><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756668487/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/8756668487_75171c6e92_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
We got this great video of Dan starting the race and climbing the hill. There is no way in hell I could climb that thing!!!<br />
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Dan waving as he goes by...<br />
<dan waving><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8804851195/" title="Dans Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/8804851195_cec00c1f3c_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Dans Race"></a></center><br />
After Dan went by us, we hiked out in the woods to find a cool place to catch some photos. Since Dan had practiced the trail many times he told about a great place to sit and wait for him to ride by during his second lap. I had fun climbing some rocks and snapping some photos. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756607343/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/8756607343_24f2e9b3cf_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756613355/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/8756613355_a2733686a6_b.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8759636472/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/8759636472_b5b3ff928d_b.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
<cowbell><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8757745096/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/8757745096_5d5bd82d05_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><br />
Yes, that is a cowbell sitting on a rock. Notice it has "rule #5" written on it. When Dan first introduced us to cycling he also informed us of the rules of cycling. The rules are mostly just supposed to be humorous. A lot of cyclists follow them by the book though. I tend to be the rebellious type of person and plan to wear my heart shaped sunglasses while cycling instead of buying overpriced cycling glasses. Which is already breaking rule #1 which is, follow all the rules. By the way, rule #5 is <i>Harden The F*ck Up</i>. I remember this every time I climb a hill on my bike. For a complete list of the rules go <a href="http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/">HERE</a>. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8758510657/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8758510657_618f235db3_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><br />
We waited for about an hour for Dan to reach the spot where we hoped to get some photos of him riding. We really had to pay attention because riders came by quickly. When Dan came around the corner he had a guy in front him...<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8758005097/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/8758005097_8081a86dd3_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8759127316/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/8759127316_bbfba50e18.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8759123816/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/8759123816_49f1cf6c76.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8757996475/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/8757996475_624d90c6f3_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><br />
We felt bad for the guy in front of Dan because we scared him. He wasn't expecting there to be people cheering and taking photos. We really knocked him off his game. Dan knew we were going to be sitting there. It was funny though, the guy laughed about it. Dan didn't miss a beat and soon after passed the guy that was riding in front of him.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8883510357/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/8883510357_3a9594daaa_c.jpg" width="650" height="770" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8757986005/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8757986005_8cf6424283_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><br />
<center>Then we headed back to the finish line to wait for Dan to complete the race. It got crazy windy and cold.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8758724145/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/8758724145_e91b9043b4_c.jpg" width="650" height="490" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8896038999/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/8896038999_d691e0f9e5_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a>Poor Muffins.</center><center><cody><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756722203/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/8756722203_90fc04d043.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8756723443/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/8756723443_69d9b16ac3.jpg" width="320" height="450" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><center>Video of Dan finishing the race. (Listen to the wind!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8758579511/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/8758579511_2b598cf2b6_b.jpg" width="650" height="1044" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a><br />
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It was a very inspiring day. Even though all these people were way better on a bike then me, I just use it as motivation to get better myself. Everyone starts somewhere. I got sick a few days after watching this race so I haven't been able to ride my bike at all. The withdraw is killing me. It may sound silly, but it's addicting. I never thought I would be addicted to something that is considered exercise. I look forward to watching other races in the future. I hoped you enjoyed my photos.<br />
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-73836118079501104422013-05-28T06:34:00.001-06:002013-05-29T05:12:55.542-06:00Inspiration: Tiny Homes & Living Mortgage FreeI have spent the last few days sick, which was a horrible way to spend my three day weekend. I haven't even had the motivation to read emails or other blogs. I am hoping that in the next few days I will feel better and things will go back to normal. Yesterday while lying in bed, I was browsing YouTube and stumbled across some great videos about tiny houses. I usually don't like to post this many videos in a blog post but I really felt inspired by these people. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsElQQt_gCZ9LgnW-7v-cQ">Kirsten Dirksen</a> is a film maker who interviews people about their tiny homes. You get to learn why these people are choosing to build them and how they do it. The first video is about a lady who started her house from a free shipping container. <br />
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<center><iframe width="650" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DsVxgOjNLbA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
I found her story very inspiring. I have really started to come to the conclusion that I don't want a mortgage. I don't want to be paying all this money every month for the rest of my life just because it's what is considered the normal thing to do. My dream is to travel. If I didn't have to spend tons of money on a "roof over my head" I could achieve my dream of traveling the world. Which I've always felt would never be able to happen. The below video is of a 16 year old who has started building a tiny home in his parents backyard. What a smart kid!! He is going to have a very promising future ahead of him. He is building his first home already and it's on a trailer so that he can move anywhere he wants to. <br />
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<center><iframe width="650" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HXDu2U-CmkI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
Then there is the tool shed house in the video below. This one is my favorite. I love the style and size. Out of all of them I find this one the closest to the amount of space I would want. I will admit, these homes may not be for everybody but when you are building something like this yourself the designs and options are endless. I want something small but not super tiny. Even though I think building your house on a flatbed trailer is pretty genius. Moving wouldn't be a burden ever again! <br />
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<center><iframe width="650" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8j1advQqAk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
I really look forward to researching these homes more. I did always dream of building my own home someday! Little did I know that this would be the direction I would go. It went from a dream of huge mansions with a million rooms I didn't need to an off the grid / mortgage free tiny house. HA! Aren't priorities great? ;) If you are inspired by these cute little homes or even just curious about them, below is the film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2148460/"><i>We The Tiny House People</i> by Kirsten Dirksen</a>. Or you can just visit her YouTube Channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsElQQt_gCZ9LgnW-7v-cQ">HERE</a>.<br />
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<center><iframe width="650" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lDcVrVA4bSQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
What do you think of these homes? Tiny, yes. I would need an additional tiny home just for my pets. hahaha Right now I'm off to work so that I can make money to pay for a house I don't need. Ironic.<br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452723450949689540.post-23817836209570534112013-05-27T01:00:00.000-06:002013-05-27T01:00:04.124-06:00Collecting Color // Green & Pink<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8828152844/" title="GreenandPink title by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/8828152844_fd1d79a9a9_b.jpg" width="650" height="72" alt="GreenandPink title"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8816811023/" title="Mernards by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/8816811023_393f701880_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Mernards"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8827685700/" title="Gowdy Bike Race by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/8827685700_1f290d1ac6_z.jpg" width="650" height="650" alt="Gowdy Bike Race"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8827569562/" title="Landscaping by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/8827569562_aa6d6c2640_z.jpg" width="650" height="313" alt="Landscaping"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8736950258/" title="Bike Ride 5.12.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8736950258_35a095c203_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Bike Ride 5.12.13"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8827423342/" title="Mernards by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/8827423342_4a8080a7c0_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Mernards"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8827435070/" title="Mernards by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8827435070_924ce93b11_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Mernards"></a></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8827634532/" title="Bike Ride 5.12.13 by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8827634532_f3b5327838_z.jpg" width="650" height="530" alt="Bike Ride 5.12.13"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8845236416/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8845236416_d5ab9ce48c_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Afterlight"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jd_design/8844623403/" title="Afterlight by Jessie {my mod style}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8844623403_de1237e7d7_b.jpg" width="650" height="906" alt="Afterlight"></a></center><br />
The color scheme this month was green and pink. Once I started looking at flowers to purchase for my yard, I knew I wanted to just stick with a plant theme for my photos this month. It also happens to be my favorite thing to photograph. I love when everything starts getting green outside and the flowers are blooming. It means that the warm weather has finally arrived and plans to start around for the season. Next month the colors for the challenge are pink and yellow.<br />
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<center>The <a href="http://jorpins.blogspot.com/search/label/collecting%20colour">Collecting Colour Challenge</a> is hosted by <a href="http://jorpins.blogspot.com/search/label/collecting%20colour">Good Things</a>. <br />
See all my Collecting Colour posts <a href="http://www.mymodstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/Collecting%20Colour">HERE</a>.</center>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125093150749941236noreply@blogger.com8