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Thanks to Influenster, I got to try this incredible hair oil out from L’Oréal for free! What I like about it: it’s multipurpose. You can apply it to your hair before jumping in shower, you can apply it after getting out of the shower, before blow-drying, or after. You can use it on your dry hair to tame down pesky flyaways, or use it to protect your stressed ends. Really, you can use it in so many ways. It smells wonderful and the dispenser is easy to use and doesn’t pump out too much. Can’t say enough good things about it.

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It's winter in Minnesota and this verse comes to mind when I'm grumbling about the wind and insane windchills. #bible #minnesotawinter #Salomonfarms #Fortwayne #indiana #bibleverse #windmill 

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Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes - You Can't Break Me Again

I've had the phrase 'kick me when I'm down' in my head all this week. And so naturally, this song came to mind, and has been rattling around in my head today. Life has become a little too much as of late. This song isn't going to fix my problems (I can think of a lot more positive songs to listen to), but it lifts my spirits nonetheless.

You Can't Break Me Again by Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes

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I'm kind of obsessed over this song. Rosi Golan and William Fitzsimmons' voices are magical together. The song is simple and beautiful. So today I'm adding it to my tumblr (and my other blog) and putting it on repeat.  Yep, obsessed. #music

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I just added this to my closet on Poshmark: Neon Bangle. (http://bit.ly/14XFQJc) #poshmark #fashion #shopping #shopmycloset

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From the Inside Out - Hillsong

So I failed miserably towards the end of the year with posting my weekly song picks. December was brutal. The worst part is, I had songs to post....I was just never on my netbook. I've become solely reliant on my iPhone these days. This was the song I had in mind for my last December post. As I listened to the lyrics, my heart and soul was responding with a resounding YES. This is what I want for 2013. Consume me from the inside out, Lord.

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A thousand times I've failed Still Your mercy remains And should I stumble again I'm caught in Your grace Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame In my heart and my soul Lord I give You control Consume me from the inside out, Lord, let justice and praise Become my embrace To love you from the inside out. Your will above all else My purpose remains The art of losing myself In bringing You praise Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame In my heart and my soul Lord I give You control Consume me from the inside out, Lord, let justice and praise Become my embrace To love You from the inside out. Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame And the cry of my heart Is to bring You praise From the inside out Lord my soul cries out In my heart and my soul Lord I give you control Consume me from the inside out, Lord, let justice and praise Become my embrace To love You from the inside out. Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame And the cry of my heart Is to bring You praise From the inside out Lord my soul cries out. Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame And the cry of my heart Is to bring You praise From the inside out Lord my soul cries out

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Gotye/Call me Maybe Mashup - Pomplamoose

I'm baaaack. Whew, Thanksgiving really wore me out. My brother sent me a CD full of favorite tunes. This one was one of them. I love me some Pomplamoose.

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The Paper Kites - Bloom

Now that we've all been sick and are now healthy, it's nice that I don't have to keep my distance from my husband. It's almost a relief that he got sick - I can be close to him again, without worrying about spreading my contagious sicky germs. This song is at the top of my playlist for this week. I love this catchy romantic tune. 

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Into Dust (Mazzy Star) & The Stations (The Gutter Twins)

I came across these songs tonight. They both have a haunting feel to them. Perfect for this past Wednesday (Halloween).  I'm posting two, because I missed this past week. Hopefully, I can get back on track. Only 8 more weeks until the new year. Wow. 

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The Stations (The Gutter Twins):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XVp_PA8XXA

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Gray or Blue - Lee Coulter with Kate Vincent

We woke up to a rainy and dreary day. All I wanted to do was stay in bed with my love and sleep the day away. But alas, reality hit (aka alarm clock) and my husband left for work. It's still dreary and rainy out and so this song is perfect for today. I love how whimsical love songs remind me of how wonderful my marriage and relationship is with my favorite man. May this always be the case. <3

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Blood - The Middle East

I almost skipped this week altogether, seeing how late I was in posting. But then I came across this (sad and beautiful) song a couple of evenings ago as my husband and I were playing Carcassonne. Remember this post and the beard comment? This song/group falls under that post (perfect Autumn music)...and there's even a beard mentioned in these lyrics (Say your hair is long, but not long enough to reach home to me. But your beard, someday might be). lol. Beards. 

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All My Days - Alexi Murdoch

I love this guy's voice (so much!). And this song...is a favorite.

Now I see clearly It’s You I’m looking for All of my days So I’ll smile I know I’ll feel this loneliness no more All of my days For I look around me And it seems You found me And it’s coming into sight

As the days keep turning into night

And even breathing feels all right

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Song from a Secret Garden - Secret Garden

I'm trying to read more, now that it's getting cooler out. Summer was busy and I'm sad that I didn't get as much reading done while sitting out on my porch, sipping on iced tea, basking in the warmth of the sun. It's nice to curl up on the couch though, with a cup of hot coffee and a blanket and a good book.

I get distracted easily and if there are random noises around the house (or even complete silence - which rarely happens) while reading, I can't seem to concentrate as well.  So oftentimes I will listen to instrumental music (mostly old soundtracks - Rachel Portman is a favorite composer of mine). Even though Secret Garden might be considered "dated" (I've been a fan of them for almost 10 years now), I still love to listen to them while relaxing or reading.

When I worked in Michigan (early 2000's), I had my own room and sometimes I would hide out in my room in the quiet evening, munching on popcorn and reading a book. I listened to Izzy while reading through my beloved Lowlands of Scotland series. It really made the series come alive as I listened and read. It was like having a soundtrack to what I was reading.

Now you know more about me and my bizarre habits. ;)

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Where is my Mind - Trampled by Turtles

I love listening to Trampled by Turtles and Mumford & Sons during the Autumn months. I like listening to them no matter the month, but there's just something about their music that makes me want to throw on a flannel jacket, plop an ear-flap hat on my head and grow a beard. I'm totally kidding on the last part. ;)

I picked Trampled by Turtles instead of M&S because they're not as widely known and because they hold a special place in my heart. Peter and I first discovered them at the MN State Fair a few years back (they're so much fun to listen to live) and they're from Duluth, MN. (were we honeymooned). AND, they have an owl on one of their albums. Yep, they're pretty awesome.

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I loved You - Wolfhead

My friend Amy posted a link to this song on her facebook wall the other day. The girl who sings in this video is her sister! How fun is that?! I was immediately drawn into this beautiful song and love how their voices go so well together. I'm looking forward to more from them in the future. :D 

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10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Matt Redman

  I stayed home from church this morning. I had worship music on all day, listening and singing along as I meditated on God's goodness and faithfulness.

My husband went on a hiking trip over the weekend. He left Friday morning and came back earlier this evening. 60 hours without a husband doesn't sound like a long period of time, and for the most part it wasn't. But there were quite a few hours that went by in slow motion.  Lots of anxiety as a single parent. Lots of crying (mostly on the children's part) and lots of discipline. Of course the kids were at their worst while their dad was out of town. Also there was a lot of anxiety on my part for my husband's safety. 8+ hours on the road, hiking+camping with hardly any cell service. Yadayadayada.

This morning all I wanted was heaven. Basking in the glory of Jesus and singing his praises 10,000 years and there forever more without a care in the world. Someday.

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"And on that day when my strength is failing the end draws near and my time has come, soon my soul will sing your praise un-ending 10,000 years and there forever more."

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My husband sent this song to me last week in an email. By the time I was done listening to it I had tears in my eyes. It's nice to be reminded that I'm the reason he likes to come home. May it always be that way. "People dream of what you and me have found effortlessly."