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7.17.2015

Friday Favorites + $250 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveway!!!!

Today I'm linking up with Friday Favorites!



Hosted by: Andrea, Erika & Narci
 I haven't linked up with Friday Favorites in awhile, so that means I have a lot of favorites to share with you!

{ONE}
4th of July is one of my favorite days of the year!
I haven't blogged about our 4th yet :)
Every 4th of July, we head to our friends house for their annual French Toast Breakfast:
This is our 7th year going & we always take a family picture at their house.
Their party is so much fun...face painting & balloon animals!
Lots of friends & delicious French Toast:
They live right near the parade route, so after we eat breakfast, we walk down to the parade.
Luke's favorite "floats" were the tractor:
And the old school fire truck:
The girls were getting hot watching the parade, so they stood in the shade:
My friend Kelly & I walking back from the parade...it was our 7 year friend-a-versary. We met 7 years ago a the 4th of July breakfast & she has become one of my dear friends & our girls are good friends. Love you, Kelly!
After the parade we usually go home and get organized for our annual 4th of July pool party & Sausage Fest. But, because our house is under a bit of construction, we didn't have our party this year! 
It was SO weird not having it!! But, there was no way we could host a pool party with our backyard & kitchen under construction!

Some of our family friends were having a 4th of July party that evening, so we all headed to that BBQ.
My parents & sister were there also & it was fun...with delicious food:
There was also a DJ! Lots of dancing after dinner! My girls & I danced for hours. They were wiped out that night! I was a nice 4th of July!

{TWO}
Soccer is my favorite. 
If you didn't know, I was a college soccer player at University of Colorado. 
I LOVE SOCCER!
And, I love it when World Cup is on.
Watching the US Women's Soccer Team win the World Cup was my favorite. 
My girls loved watching it also!

{THREE}
Warm Summer Nights with amazing sunsets are my favorite.
Especially nights like this one when we played cornhole with our neighbors. Love this time of year!

{FOUR}
Our Rodan +Fields SPF 20 mineral peptide powder is my favorite!
It is so light weigh & perfect for summer, especially because it has SPF 20 in it.
When you go outside in the hot weather, it doesn't feel cakey or melt off your face.
It really is awesome.
One of my favorite things about this powder is that you can add it to any of our daytime moisturizers and it will make a tinted moisturizer!!!!!!
I just learned this trick last week from a girl on my team. My mind is blown. This is a life changing hack! I am even more obsessed with this powder...totally my favorite!

My July Special is $20 cash back, 10% off your order, Free Shipping AND a FREE Mineral Peptides Powder for all new preferred customers!!!
 Our mineral peptides powder comes in 3 shades: light, medium & bronze.
This powder is PERFECT for the summer because it has SPF 20 and it is so lightweight. You don't even feel like you have a powder on & it won't melt off your face like foundation or heavier powders!

We have products for ALL skin types! Wrinkles, Sun Damage, Acne & Sensitive Skin!
Take THIS quick questionairre to find out what is best for your skin!

Email me today to take advantage of this offer & get my July Special!
melissa_larson17@yahoo.com 

 {FIVE}
Iced Coffee is my favorite. Well, let's be honest...all coffee is my favorite!
Iced Coffee is my favorite pick me up during the afternoons, especially because Luke has given up his nap this summer....AHHHH!!!! NO!!!! Iced Coffee to the rescue!

{SIX}
Homegrown tomatoes from my Garden are my favorite!!
Last week my tomatoes just started to turn red! 
My favorite type of tomato that I grow is Early Girl Tomatoes!

{SEVEN}
Lake Tahoe is my favorite.
It is my Happy Place.
I grew up going to Tahoe each summer and we love taking our kids there!
 We were in Tahoe last week (the week after 4th of July) and that might be my favorite time to go...it was deserted! We got to our beach one morning & we were the only ones there! Loved it!
 You can read more about our Tahoe trip on THIS post, but here are some of my favorite images from our trip last week:
 The California Drought we are in the middle of is NOT my favorite...look how low the lake is :( I have never ever seen it like this before.
 Luke is playing next to the dock....that boat should be 8 feet up in water. So sad!
We had a nice, relaxing time in Tahoe. I can't wait to go back in a few weeks!
  
{EIGHT}
All of you Runners who gave me advice on training for my 1/2 marathon are my favorite!!!!
THANK YOU for all your advice & support on THIS post.
I went with the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training program:
I started my training last night.
It was my first time going on a run in 10 years which also means it was the first time running after having 3 kids...that was ROUGH.
 I'm going to be SO sore for the next few days but you gotta start somewhere, right? SF Nike Women's 1/2 marathon is 3 months from tomorrow!
Just do it :)

{NINE} 
Ice Cream Cakes are my favorite!
I love making them, I love eating them!
If you missed my post yesterday, I made a Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake:
Recipe {HERE}

Oreo Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie:

Recipe {HERE}

 Oreo Mud Pie Ice Cream Cake:
 
Recipe {HERE}

Seasonal Ice Cream Cakes.....
Pumpkin Ice Cream Cake:
Recipe {HERE}

Peppermint Ice Cream Cake:
Recipe {HERE}

See...I told you Ice Cream Cake is my favorite :)

{TEN}
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is my favorite & it officially starts today!
Here are some of my favorite things that I own from Nordstrom that are on sale!

These darling pajama's:

I LOVE my blardigan! I have one in solid charcoal gray, now it comes in a more patterns:

I have these boots, but I have always wanted these ones & now they are on sale!
 
 The name is Melissa, I mean it's like they were meant for me ;)

And, you know I love my Uggs! They rarely have Uggs on sale, but these ones are:

I have 3 of these jeans in different washes & styles:

This Spring, I got this crossbody purse in cognac (not on sale, but still only $32)
 
I loved it so much I also got a black one (on sale, slightly different)

Claire asked for these Toms for Back to School:

Love these Toms for Luke, especially in the summer:

Kate is all about these Converse:

I own this watch & it is gorgeous & comfortable, this one is on sale though!

So many great deals going on right now!

Know what else is my favorite?
Giveaways!
Especially Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaways!

Use the Rafflecopter to enter to win a $250 Nordstrom Gift Card!!!!
Giveaway ends next Friday (so you will still have lots of time to shop the sale!)
Good Luck & Happy Friday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

151 comments:

  1. I love your favorites friend!! Your ice cream cakes look so, so, so good!!!

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  2. I didn't know that about the powder and moisturizer!!! That's awesome!!

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  3. I need a new pair of fall boots and those ones are lovely!

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  4. Your 4th looks amazing! how fun! my uncle is wanting an ice cream cake for his birthday but I just don't know if I could make them as fab as yours!

    not a mom

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  5. I would buy my husband a few work shirts; thanks for the chance!
    following here: https://instagram.com/lisalubrown/
    https://www.bloglovin.com/people/lisabrown-1344076

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  6. I would love to buy some Kendra Scott jewelry and a new pair of jeans!

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  7. I would love to win! All of my clothing money is currently outfitting my five kids for the upcoming school year. I would spend this entirely on myself! :)

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  8. Your 4th looks like it was an amazing time! If I won, I would definitely get another blardigan! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  9. Love your Nordstrom selections, especially those knee boots!

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  10. I love the idea of a 4th of July French Toast breakfast with your friends!

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  11. Those ice cream cakes....yum!! And I must get those pjs!!

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  12. Those pajamas look great for this fall/winter, and I'm thinking I need ANOTHER blardigan! The Nordstrom anniversary sale is fun to shop, so thanks for this opportunity!

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  13. Seriously your pace for 3 miles after not having run in 10 years is awesome! I'm super impressed! You can do it, and you'll do great!

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  14. Those Ice Cream cakes look delish. And those Frye boots are calling my name. Here's hoping I can snag them with this fab Nordies gc.

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  15. Love the ice cream recipes! I'd buy the Frye boots.

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  16. I've also been eyeing the Frye Melissa's! (Among about 15 other things currently saved on my wish list!) :)

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  17. Ohhhh I would treat myself to a pair of cute suede booties!!! So many things I have my eye on, though!! Earrings and a necklace! Kim W

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  18. SO many cute things:) I think I'd have to focus on back to school shoes for the girls!

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  19. I would buy a blardigan, some pjs, and a new Kendra Scott necklace!

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  20. I would have trouble not buying the pajamas in every available print!

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  21. Would love to buy a great pair of boots!!!

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  23. I am SO impressed with your first run! Plus you look fabulous! You can do this, Mel! Oh, and I gotta try for the giftcard. :)

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  24. I'd be buying some Kendra Scott jewelry or a new crossbody

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  25. Totally looking an a pair of moto boots or another blardigan :)

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  26. You did awesome for your first run in so long!! Good luck with your training!

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  27. Wow, I'm impressed that after 10 years of not running, you ran 3 miles! You go girl!

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  28. Serious props to you for starting your running training!!!!!

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  29. Love your favorite Mel. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is always a favorite of mine too. :)

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  30. I love that the 4th of July party you attended had a dj--so fun!!! That ice cream cake looked AMAZING and now I am craving ice cream for breakfast. Oddly your 1/2 marathon training schedule didn't leave me similarly inspired ;)

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  31. I'd buy my Mom some Frye Boots for Christmas.

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  32. LOVING the anniversary sale - I want everything!!

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  33. I would buy so many baby items for our soon to be new addition - coming in October. EEEEEEEEEEP.

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  34. I would buy so many baby items for our soon to be new addition - coming in October. EEEEEEEEEEP.

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  35. I would buy some presents for some lovely friends, and maybe the hubs too

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  36. I love your blog! I'm a teacher and am amazed at all you do!! I'd get those Uggs!

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  37. Those ice cream cakes look amazing!!

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  38. I never ever win, but I totally need some new pajamas so here we go!

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  39. My little girl needs those converse for school!

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  40. We love going to Lake Tahoe! We hiked down to Vikingsholm last summer and my Daughter kept calling it "Princess Anna's house." :)
    The PJs from Nordstroms are super cute!

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  41. I am super tempted to get the Frye boots...
    Thank you for your wonderful blog!

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  42. Great suggestions, I'd love a shopping spree for this winter!

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  43. I would buy some Christmas gifts and maybe a Kendra Scott necklace that is so much on sale! Thank you for the chance to win!

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  44. Love this whole post but that Oreo pie. Omg!! Yummmm

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  45. Love the ice cream cakes! Yum and the Nordstrom sale is heaven

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  46. Your trip to Tahoe looked amazing! And it seems like every day I find another thing to add to my cart at Nordstrom....lol, the pile of boxes the postman is delivering is getting a bit ridiculous, but I found another cardi this morning I think I "need" to have. :)

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  47. I would buy the Tory Burch Miller Sandals! Would love to win. Thank you for the opportunity. :)

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  48. So excited about your first training run! Great job :) I'm writing the ingredients down for your ice cream cake now. And I want a blardigan! Haha

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  49. That Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake looks AMAZING. And I would so buy those cute ice cream cone pajamas!!

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  50. All of those ice cream cakes/pies look SO GOOD! Tahoe looks beautiful. My fiance is from Oakland and has been, but I never have! The drought makes me sad. I try to conserve as much water as possible at all times, but especially now! When Michael leaves the water on while brushing his teeth I give him a look and turn it off right away!

    There's a pair of pajamas that I love in the sale that I'd definitely get with the gift card! I'd also probably have a look at the shoe section!

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  51. I am in love with my Blardigan too! I just got mine and cannot wait to snuggle up in it this winter! I have so many things on my Nordstrom sale wishlist, but i would absolutely get a pair of Hunter boots with the gift card!

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  52. Ooh!! I would buy some jewelry and probably a sweater or two!

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  53. I'm a teacher, so I'd love to buy some new Sam Edelman flats or Toms wedge booties to stay comfy on my feet when we go back to school. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  54. I've been eyeing some of their cute shoes. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

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  55. I can't wait to make the peppermint ice cream cake! I would definitely get some fall boots!

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  56. If i won, I would def buy a new pair of running shoes!!!!!

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  57. So fun, thanks!! I'd get some cute new PJs!!

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  58. Some new jeans and a crossbody bag!

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  59. All of your ice cream cakes look so delicious! Yummy!

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    1. I would buy the Frye boots with the gift card!😍

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  60. What a fun giveaway! I would love either or both of those boots! :)

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  61. I would get some new shirts and shorts! for the summer!

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  62. I love the 4th of July!! I am desperately in need of a new watch.

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  63. I think I would buy a really luxe bra (seriously)
    ******************
    {in the contest I am Margot C__ on the Rafflecopter}

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  64. I would buy a fall purse and a pair of booties! Can't wait to try the ice cream cake - looks divine! Is there a way to print a more condensed version of the recipe? When I print now, it prints the entire blog post with all the pics and takes up alot of pages. Would love to see a way to print a version that would fit on one or two pages. Thank you!!!

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  65. Christmas gifts and jeans!
    Thank you so much!!

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  66. Love the blardigan!!!! It is the best :)

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  67. I would buy new jeans for the Fall.

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  68. I would buy my kids some clothes!

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  69. I think I would buy some more tops for work!

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  70. Ugg boots! (Those gray ones have been sitting on Wish List since the sale started!)

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  71. The nordstrom anniversary sale rocks!

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  72. I would buy some of the gorgeous Kendra Scott pieces for Christmas presents for my mom and sister!

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  73. Ughhhh. Really your first 5K in 10 years and it was under 30:00???? Jealous!! Kate Spade earrings, booties, jeans would all be on my go to list.

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  74. Way to go on your run!! :) have a great weekend!!

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  75. I would buy the Lush Perfect Roll Tab Tunic and a blardigan

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  76. I would get some new clothing for myself and my son. Thanks for the chance! :)

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  77. I would get some new clothing for myself and my son. Thanks for the chance! :)

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  78. I will get a leather tote, eyeing on the LC one.

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  79. Ooo, fingers crossed! I would get a Tory Burch bracelet for my Fit Bit... because otherwise I could never afford one, lol.

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  80. I'd love to stock up on some stuff for fall and get some new jeans :)

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  81. love the nordstrom sale! new jeans for fall.

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  82. The boots, the blardigan, the pjs Shay Shull posted all her blog yesterday. All to adorable. I would love to order some R&F but I probably have to wait tell next month. :-)

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  83. Love these Friday favorites! I'm loving iced coffee in the afternoon too! I put a little agave & soy milk in mine. Oh & with a gift card I would definitely buy new jeans & probably some neutral wedges, hopefully a cute top or two, & a new scarf!

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  84. I am in dire need of a new pair of jeans and I want a good quality pair that fit well and will last. I have a $12 pair from Ross that I got a couple years ago and they just aren't cutting it anymore. But I'm cheap so I need to win a gift card so I can actually invest in some quality denim...

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  85. I would love to get some new jeans for work!

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  86. I would get something for an interview on sale!!!

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  87. I would love to know how you become a R + F preferred customer!

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  88. Great Nordstrom picks! I'd love to do some Anniversary shopping.

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  89. I would love to get all 4 of my kiddos a new pair of shoes for school! Love Nordstroms shoes! Thanks for hosting this fun give away! : )

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  90. WTG on your run! For not running in a few years, you did fantastic!!! I definitely need some jeans and it's one of those things where I know I need to splurge a little but...ugh but paying over $100 for them just stinks!

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  91. So fun! Thanks for such a great giveaway!

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  92. I'd love to buy my nephews some shoes! Thanks for hosting :)

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  93. I would buy my fiance and my son clothes to wear for our wedding :)

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  94. I would buy a dress to wear to my engagement party!

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  95. I would buy more blardigans!

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  96. I would buy those boots - LOVE THEM!

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  97. We live close to Tahoe. Love it up there!

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  98. I would start my Christmas shopping and throw in some goodies for myself too (jeans, boots, cute tops)

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  99. New clothes for fall, it will be here before we know it.

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  100. Definitely the PJ Salvage PJs. They look so comfy!

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  101. Hubby needs some new clothes for work after getting down to his college fitness level again...Definitely would share with him...or get some Ugg boots! :)

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  102. new clothes for back to school for me

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  103. Hi Mel! I have been a follower for some time, but haven't commented yet! I have made many of your recipes and absolutely love each one! My favorite is the banana chocolate chip muffins though!! I am so excited about this giveaway! I would buy a Blardigan if I won the gift card - I have been wanting one for awhile, and I love the new striped version!! Thank you so much!

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  104. I would love to buy a new dress or a pair of shoes!

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  105. I would love a pair of Frye boots!

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  106. I would buy a first day of school outfit , because even teachers need a fun new outfit for the first day too!

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  107. Such a fun 4th and I'm drooling over your plate! I did get those Frye boots and another blardigan...yea! I'm going to have to hop over and read your Tahoe post.....that's someplace we haven't been and after seeing your pix I'm definitely adding to my list. And yea! Great job on your first run!

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  108. My R+F Reverse is on its way! The black clutch and boots are in my shopping bag.

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  109. I would buy a blardigan. I've bought lots of other stuff, but held out on a second blardigan, but I would splurge on that!

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  110. BootIes for sure. It was hard to narrow it down to just one pair!

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  111. My choice would be to find a great pair of jeans! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway! Love your blog!

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  112. Can't go wrong with a blardigan!

    Rachel
    thirdgradecupcakes.blogspot.com

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  113. Love the cross body bag even if it's not part of the sale.

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  114. Just got my blardigan today...on a gloomy, summer day in SoCal...what are the chances, but I'll take it!

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  115. Wow! I love every single picture in this post. Wasn't the soccer game awesome?! I need to make those cakes asap! And then run as much as you are :) I can't believe you ran 3+ miles in 29 minutes after not running for 10 years. You'll do great in the half marathon. Looks like you are enjoying your summer!

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  116. I would probably buy a blardigan for me and a few more for Christmas gifts!

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  117. Clothes! I love clothes and would love some new pregnancy ones! Maybe some new dresses too!

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  118. The ice cream cake looks amazing! I am new to your blog and loving it!

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  119. I would buy those Uggs and some fall shirts!

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  120. I would buy some professional flats since I am starting pharmacy school in a month :)

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  121. I would get a pair of shoes - shaunie on rafflecopter

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