be happy for this moment.

2011-07-20T07:54:00.001-05:00

Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.
Lazurus Long

Adieu.

All the best.

Cheers.

Happy trails to you.

Toodle-oo.

Godspeed.

I have been blogging for over six years. Four years here and two years at my old, original blog (where I met what could be considered my very first bloggy friend, Natalie). I have loved this community not only because it provided countless hours of "I should be working" entertainment and even my first friends in St. Louis (Heidi, Angie and Alyssa).

But alas, each time I've recently logged in I feel that overwhelming thought of, well, I'm over it. I've logged so many memories in my life here but I often find that I just sit at a blank screen with nothing new to say.

My life has shifted. With our recent move to Iowa, I'm now working from home and each second that ticks by is essentially a billable hour that I could be focusing on my clients and work or Nick's business. I have other things I'd like to focus my attention and energy toward. I loved blogging but now it is just another item on my to-do-list.

I'm not discounting a future blogging endeavor with more career focused content or even picking up in the future our lives on this personal blog.

But for now, I'm done.

Au revoir.

2011-06-18T07:55:00.000-05:00

Random: lacking any definite plan or order or purpose

Congrats to Sarah, winner of my little Shutterfly card giveaway! She commented that she'd use them for her son Danny's first birthday party, just five months away. Hooray for you, Sarah! I will contact you with more information.
The weather here has been gorgeous. Sunny most of the day but cool in the morning. I still have yet to make my maiden voyage to the local pool but it's a must do this weekend.
The Quad Cities Air Show is also this weekend. The Blue Angels will be there and have been practicing over the city each afternoon. It's crazy to be driving down a main road and see a F/A-18 at eye level zooming across the skyline. So cool! We're hoping to go out to the show on Sunday.
One of my favorite parts about my trip to Florida was seeing Casey and meet her son Eli. Because I hate my camera (here that again, Nick?!) Casey took pictures with her camera and sent them this week. Here are a few of my favorites:

Brought him his first birthday present a little early.

Auntie-approved annoying toy, a drum.
PS to Little Tikes: having the sticks attached to the side don't work so we cut 'em off!

With Eli.

With Eli and Casey.

2011-06-15T06:42:00.000-05:00

Every dog must have his day.
Jonathan Swift

A local bloody mary mix company called Irish Dog is hosting a summer contest featuring dogs wearing sunglasses. I posted a photo of Winnie sporting my aviators and she needs your vote. Just click here and "like" her photo. The photo with the most "likes" by June 30 wins!

Let's beat that little Pomeranian that's in the lead and show them that a classic hound is stylish frames is a perfect summer staple!

2011-06-13T19:35:00.001-05:00

Golf is so popular simply because it is the best game
in the world at which to be bad.
A.A. Milne

On Friday, we joined in on the summer event of Couples Twilight Golf at Nick's club. He's never played in it before so we invited two couples to play with us. The theme was Mexican Fiesta so after nine holes of golf (in the rain!) we enjoying a great dinner in the clubhouse with tacos, chips and salsa plus tons of other good stuff.

Even though Nick is a golf professional, he's usually so busy with work during the season it's rare for him to be playing a lot of golf. And, because it is what my husband does for a living I hardly play so it was great for us to get out on the course with some friends!

What's the line about how nice it is seeing a man in his element?
I love watching Nick play golf. He's a rockstar.

The three guys on the green.

We hit from the tee and ran for cover. Ladies' do not appreciate golf in the rain.

Florence and Mike, our very first Quad Cities friends

(I know Florence from Tri Delta in Naples).

Ben rocking his Poncho mustache. Getting in the fiesta spirit.

My favorite golf pro. Ole!

Our whole group.

2011-06-11T07:14:00.000-05:00

I get mail; therefore I am.
Scott Adams

I've written before how I love a great piece of mail. A birthday card, thank you note and a non-emailed invitation - all make me smile!

So thanks to Shutterfly, I want to offer a little giveaway for 30 free 5 x 7 (flat or folded, must be ordered by June 30, 2011) cards. They have plenty of darling designs that you can select from including announcements, holiday cards and invitations for just about any event.

To enter, I'm going to keep it simple. Just leave a comment about how you would use your 30 free cards. If you're a follower, let me know and I'll throw in a second entry.

I'll randomly draw a winner Wednesday, June 15. Good luck!

2011-06-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

Home is not where you live but where they understand you.
Christian Morgenstern

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to take the time to head to Florida. I spent time with my mom and old friends in Sarasota and then headed down to Fort Myers and Naples to meet with clients and see college friends.

It was so nice to be home again after more than a year (yikes!) so I tried to relish and enjoy each day doing something different that I loved. For a full week, I think I did pretty good except I didn't get to catch a beach sunset or eat a Publix sub (sad!).

At home with my mom.

Black Lab #3 of my life - Francis!

Visiting my favorite veteran on Memorial Day.

Beautiful Sarasota Bay.

Hanging out with Mr. Ringling on St. Armands Circle.

Exploring Siesta Key Village.

Lunch with my high school friend, Amanda.

Siesta Key Beach.

Down in Estero, dinner with college friends/sorority sisters Melissa and Ashley.

Gorgeous, relaxing morning on Bonita Beach.

View from our lunch at Doc's on Bonita Beach.

Dinner out in Naples for my final night in Florida!

2011-05-29T08:07:00.001-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

all of the US military, past and present (including my father), for their service.
I'm leaving for Florida TODAY!
homemade blue cheese dressing.
having fun with our first non-parental weekend guest, Luke from St. Louis.
bunches of daisies in old mason jars around the house.

2011-05-27T07:55:00.003-05:00

The greatest truths are the simplest, and so are the greatest men.
Julius Charles Hare

Happy 32nd birthday (oh my goodness, my husband is 32!) to the most funny, gracious, kind and hardworking man I've had the pleasure to not only know but to marry and spend my life with each day.

Happy birthday, my darling Nick!

2011-05-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

Thank you, St. Louis.
Mark McGwire

With the rain pouring down here in the Quad Cities, I'm tending to lean toward reminiscing. So, here are some things I really miss about summer The Lou':

My huge pink peony bush in the front yard heavy with blooms. It brought me weeks of girly-flower happiness throughout my house and on my desk at work.

Grant's Farm Clydesdales.

The Soulard Farmers Market: Amish-raised beef, homemade ham and cheese sandwiches on flaky croissants, pots of sweet basil for $1, banjo music filtering through the air.

Lunch on the deck at The Boathouse watching the ducks and the paddle boats.

Concerts in Station Plaza in Kirkwood on balmy summer nights with tailgating chairs and dinner on our lap. If you're close, don't miss 'em.

Heading down the Busch Stadium on any random weeknight to buy scalped tickets on South Broadway and catching a Cardinals game from where ever we got the best deal.

Getting all hot and sweaty watching fabulous Broadway musicals outdoors at The MUNY.

Outdoor festivals in the parking lot of Schlafly Tap Room.

Nino the Clown, the Flying Pages and a corn dog at Circus Flora.

As with everywhere in the Midwest, the city comes alive in the summer. I'm looking forward to making new memories and favorite things here too. But, gosh darn it, I will always love St. Louis summers!

2011-05-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

picking out a few segments of ribbon by the yard in cute patterns, colors and textures.
being surrounded by pansies and pearls hearing stories from Tri Delta alumnae about college life in WWII.
solo Sunday matinees.
long walks with Winnie listening to Dave Ramsey podcasts.

2011-05-20T08:17:00.001-05:00

And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.
James Russell Lowe

Reasons why I know I will love June 2011:

I'm heading to Florida for the first time in over a year to visit my mom and make a weekend trip to see Melissa and meet with some clients.
Continuing the Florida love, here is what I'm really looking forward to while I'm there: breakfast on the kitchen couch with my mom + dogs, seeing Casey's son, Eli, toddle across the room, snacks and a sunset at Point of Rocks, chatting with my godmother, Sue, on her patio on Siesta Key, a Publix sub, purchasing my (eighth?!) pair of my favorite black heeled sandals and some 97% spandex (it makes all the difference) tees at Miromar Outlets, dipping my toes in the water and collecting shells on Bonita Beach with lunch at Doc's and/or The Fish House to follow.
Ashley's son, Logan, is due June 25!
Hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law. Much to my monogramming dismay, they don't know the gender, but it will be a cute celebration anyway!
Heading down to St. Louis to stay with my dear friend, Sarah. The trip not only means time to catch up with her but also the Soulard Farmers Market, Ted Drewes and Trader Joe's (with a cooler to truck my things home, I have no shame).
Having our "only/first" Quad City friends join us for Couples Twilight Golf at Nick's club. The theme is "Margaritaville" which, in my book, means I will get to unabashedly wear my Brooks Brothers pink whale pattern pants and a lei with my golf shoes.

2011-05-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

But I prefer to think of Iowa as I saw it through the eyes of a ten-year old boy... filled with the wonders of Iowa's streams and woods, of the mystery of growing crops... days should be filled with adventure and great undertakings, with participation in good and comforting things.
Herbert Hoover

This past weekend we took advantage of Nick's last day off for the next eight or so weeks and headed to visit his parents for a quick overnight trip. We were able to catch up with some of his high school friends (+ wives + kids) for dinner, then spent the night at his parent's house and enjoyed breakfast with them the next morning.

On our way back home we had the whole day so we stopped into West Branch, Iowa. As the birthplace to our 31st President Herbert Hoover in 1874, there is a beautiful historic site and a cute downtown. We had lunch at a local pizza place and then walked through the historic site which was the Midwestern farm community where he was raised. The former president, along with his wife, are buried up on a hill at the site. Under beautiful oaks, overlooking the prairie I'd agree that it would be a lovely place to spend eternity.

Downtown West Branch.

Main street.

Heading up the hill to their memorial.

Graves of President and Mrs. Hoover.

With my favorite prairie dog.

Hoover Presidential Library

Nick walking ahead with Winnie on the site.

The town meeting place (aka the Quaker church).

Two-room birth home of Hoover.

Out back!

Historic homes along the road. Plus a horse/Beagle hitching post.

2011-05-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

letting my legs finally see the light of day in a pair of shorts.
good finds at the delightful Downtown Davenport Freight House farmer's market.
freshly potted ferns on the front porch.
having my first local Tri Delta alum event to look forward to next weekend.
watching the always inspiring Stephanie Nielson piece on 20/20 friday night (click here to watch if you missed it).

2011-05-10T22:42:00.003-05:00

My strongest trials now are past, my triumph has begun.

Emmylou Harris

My dear Uncle Kevin died today. He was my father's youngest brother. The man that stepped up and walked me down the aisle at my wedding in memory of my father. He was so sick so I'm finding peace today in knowing he is in no more pain, free of suffering and worry about his illness and what was to come.

Uncle Kevin and Nick at our wedding.

Walking me down the aisle because my father wasn't there to do it.

Uncle Kevin and his wife, Sandy, at our wedding - married 25+ years.

My mom said today, which is so true, that he and my dad are already getting in lots of trouble together in heaven. Laughing so hard like they always used to do. Southern accents raring their heads just like the old days and reminiscing about their happiest times.

"Where the hell you been, brother!"

My father and my Uncle Kevin in the 1980s.

2011-05-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

my wonderful mother!

2011-05-04T10:39:00.001-05:00

A handwritten note is like dining by candlelight instead of flicking on the
lights, like making a gift instead of ordering a product,
like taking a walk instead of driving.
Margaret Shepherd

One thing that I really love to do is send cards. In the day of Facebook wall posts, Twitter direct messages and email I think we can all agree that a solid piece of mail, stamped and carefully addressed, from a friend or family member is so appreciated.

I spent 45 minutes in Hallmark yesterday picking out cards for some upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, Mother's Day. My grandmother used to send so many cards each month. She used to write them all out at the beginning of the month, carefully write the date that it needed to be sent in small print where the stamp goes and file them on her desk. Once the date approached, she'd cover her reminder date with the stamp and send it off.

When she died, my mother said that many people told her that some years the only birthday wish they received was a card from my grandmother. For a few dollars or often just a cute 99 cent card, I love sending cards out whenever I am able.

Beyond greeting cards, I love having stationary on hand especially for thank you notes. I suppose it's ingrained in my head from my mother, "You can't play with that toy until you send a thank you note!" Having cute, personalized notes on hand makes me want to take the time to say thanks in a handwritten note.

I purchase most of my stationary from Shutterfly (including Christmas cards) because they always have a great special going and it allows me to have custom stationary without the fancy paper store prices. I also love their darling invitations and unique photo gifts.

[Plus, if you're a blogger, you can have the chance to get 50 free cards from Shutterfly!]

2011-05-01T07:38:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

actually seeing the sunshine pour through my windows for more than an hour.
freshly laundered and folded white towels.
smart and fun women in the Junior League of the Quad Cities.
the experience of waking up at 3 a.m. to watch the royal wedding on the phone with my mom - loved, loved, loved it all!
helping Nick in his golf shop with the merchandising - who knew I had a talent for dressing mannequins?

Rabbit, rabbit!

2011-04-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work,
sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.

Vince Lombardi

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to meet up with my father-in-law at an event at the University of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium. My in laws have been involved with a organization called Camp Courageous for years and each year the host an event for the campers to meet the Iowa football players and tour the stadium.

On Saturday I helped serve lunch, got a poster signed by the 2o11 Hawkeye seniors and a tour of the stadium. It was an amazing event. Not just because of the beautiful stadium and rubbing shoulders with the (very cute, very tall) football players but also seeing the look of pure joy on the campers' faces being able to participate in a wonderful day like this.

Here's a great article from the event, and here are my fun pictures:

Serving lunch to over 150 people

Welcome from head coach Kirk Ferentz

The group of players lined up to sign and greet.

The kids were so excited!

View of the stadium from the suites.

My father-in-law, Joe, in Ricky Stanzi's locker.

Some players showing us around the locker room.

Heading out to the field through the tunnel.

On the field!

The whole group.

With some of the players. I wanted a picture because 1.) they were really nice and cute and 2.) I felt extremely dainty and petite next to them and I wanted to capture the moment!

2011-04-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

that all of my St. Louis friends are safe after the terrible tornadoes on Friday night.
finally having (kind of) warm and sunny weather after all the rain!
the opportunity to spend the day with Camp Courageous at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
being able to host Easter here in Iowa and include a friend who would have otherwise been alone today.
putting together Nick's goodies from "the Easter bunny."

2011-04-22T07:24:00.000-05:00

Every dog must have his day.
Jonathan Swift

One part about this area of Iowa that we live in are the amazing community amenities. I joined the local YMCA and have four branches to choose from for classes and facilities. Beautiful parks along the Mississippi River. And, there is a local dog park that we've heard a lot about.

Do you have children?

Uh, no. We have a Beagle.

Oh, a dog? You have to go to the Bettendorf dog park!

So I got Winnie's rabies' vaccination registered with the city and she was clear to head to the local dog park. Five beautiful acres, full fenced with 6 foot chain link, benches, doggie water fountains and, of course, many delicious Beagle-friendly smells.

Nick and Winnie heading to the dog park gates.

Heading in to check it out (sniffsniffsniff).

I was worried that as an only dog-child, she would not enjoy being in a big area with a bunch of dogs. But she really did love it! She mostly sniffed every square inch of the park and didn't have much interest in playing but she had fun and that's all that matters.

I just love this video because it captures her pure Beagle-filled joy. Ignore my shrill voice (I was praising her for coming when she was called!):

2011-04-18T06:57:00.002-05:00

I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony,
I'd like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company.
1970's Coca-Cola commercial

As with any move, you notice regional and cultural differences about where you came from to where you are.

There were huge things moving from Florida to St. Louis. Like, um, seasons. And pools not being open year round. Shoveling snow. And everyone wanting to know where you went to high school.

Moving from St. Louis to Iowa, just four hours north, I expected the changes going from a rather large metropolitan area to a smaller region. But my husband is from Iowa. My in-laws live in Iowa. I'm familiar enough with the Midwestern aesthetic that it didn't seem foreign to me.

And, generally, it really isn't too different. But there are little things that make me chuckle and the grocery store is the easiest place to recognize differences.

Side note: there are no Trader Joe's here. Which may make me more sad than not having Publix. Wah. But I am learning to appreciate Hy-Vee and their glorious self-serve food bars.

Anyway, first, what do you call the carbonated beverage that comes in cans or 2-liter bottles?

I call it "soda." Or even the overreaching title of "Coke."

In Iowa, it's "pop." Not just a part of the venacular. It's actually referred to in the grocery store as pop. See:

Yes, I took a picture.

I will be making a consorted effort to call it soda the rest of my life no matter how long I live in Iowa. Sorry.

On another grocery note, I had to explain to a stock girl what capers were. I couldn't find them (they are usually with the pickles) and asked their location. I was answered with a blank stare.

"Um, capers? Um... I don't know what those are."

Have you ever tried to explain what a caper is? Yeah, me either. I had no idea how to describe it so I nicely had her to check with a coworker. Thankfully, two people later, the capers were located and the state of Iowa as a culinary resource was redeemed in my mind.

The Spanish-style chicken with yellow rice and capers I made for dinner that night was delicious. As was the soda I had with lunch today.

2011-04-17T07:06:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

it's finally strawberry season again: love them freshly sliced in a bowl with breakfast.
Winnie running free at the local dog park.
my new YMCA membership, can't wait to get back to Zumba!
a stash of non-husband-approved shows like The Real Housewives of New York saved on my DVR.
The "Mildred Pierce" miniseries on HBO. Fascinating and beautiful.

2011-04-15T07:15:00.000-05:00

It's hard to imagine a bigger desert oasis than Las Vegas.
Cinnamon Stomberger

A few weeks ago I headed to Las Vegas. Not for a crazy time, but to host a baby shower! Ashley is due in June so I took advantage of being able to see her for a bit before Logan arrives and host a celebration in her honor. I stayed with her and her husband for three nights and then Melissa flew in and we stayed in a hotel for another three. It was the perfect getaway - a mix of friends, their family, relaxation and fun times!

Here are some cute photos of our great week together!

An exciting Wednesday night in Las Vegas - laptops, pups and Conan!

Updating her registry and parking in the special spot!

On Thursday night we headed to The Mirage to see "Love" - it was wonderful!

Melissa arrived on Friday and we headed out to explore The Strip.

The Paris hotel at night.

Headed to The Palms for the Britney Spears special concert,
it was announced that morning and we made it work!

Waiting for Britney to take the stage.

The guest DJ was Pauly D from Jersey Shore.

He was really good and very, very tan!

She put on a great show, her back up dancers were amazing!

One Saturday I hosted Ashley's baby shower at the home of RaeAnna's sister.

The theme was bees with yellow and black and white gingham.

Ashley's dog, Paisley, was the bee greeter!

Lots of generous gifts.

Yum!

Hostess-ing.

Big spread of great food.

With the mama-to-"bee"

Opening gifts.

With my dear college friends!

Out to dinner at our hotel on Saturday night.

My very first big Vegas buffet on Sunday morning.

Melissa and I then headed to The Strip to explore.

Our favorite spot to see each time we are there is Bellagio's Conservatory that is updated every season. Beautiful, beautiful!

This time the theme was a fantasy garden with a Ferris wheel, big butterflies and bright colors.

Watching the fountains in front of Bellagio.

Our last stop were the Lions at MGM - so sweet!

2011-04-13T07:21:00.001-05:00

Where thou art - that - is Home.

Emily Dickinson

After many curses of "we're never moving again" our place is finally in working order. Because this is a rental I sort of staged the whole thing so it looks cute and all the stuff we need is up and out but a lot of our stuff is nicely labeled and boxed in the basement. This was the last of many, many rentals that we looked at before the move. I always joke that this is the one that didn't make me cry. It's a duplex built in the 1970s but has been completely updated inside from windows to the wood floors. New kitchen, new bathroom, new carpet, new everything. Compared to everything we looked at, this was such a relief to find.

The unit from the outside isn't anything to write home about, just cement but well kept and clean. The inside, however, I really love. The couple that owns the whole duplex, the other unit is rented out to a very nice 30-something woman, is about our age and are taking a year abroad in Singapore with the husband's job. Being that they are our age, the style and color choices is very much in tune with what I like and all of our furniture fits nicely.

Here's a little photo tour of our new place:

From the front door, living room and dining room.

To the left, stairs to the bedrooms and bath.

To the right, living room (+ Beagle).

From the dining room.

View of the dining room, painted brick wall and sliding glass doors to the back deck.

From the dining room to the kitchen.

Dining room.

Kitchen wall near the basement door.

Kitchen.

Kitchen again.

Heading up the stairs.

The second bedroom is the office/guest room (when I blow up the air mattress!)

Bookcase with guest supplies to the left.

The other, larger room is ours.

Our room.

Bathroom upstairs, it has great slate tile.

Bathroom again with my favorite medicine cabinet (it's huge and holds everything!)

Bathroom, great towel racks installed.

2011-04-11T07:29:00.001-05:00

Happy people learn that happiness, like sweat, is a by-product of activity. You can only achieve happiness if you are too busy living your life to notice
whether you are happy or not.
Frank Pittman III

In the last six weeks, I've been busy. So busy in fact that I haven't updated this blog at all!

Here are the highlights:

Unpacked and set up an entire household (lots of pictures to come of the final result!).

Helped Nick clean, merchandise and host a lovely grand opening of the club's golf shop.

Hosted a baby shower for Ashley.

Saw Britney Spears put on a fantastic performance at The Palms.

Plus, my mom came to visit, we visited Nick's parents for a quick overnight trip, spent the day in Iowa City, went to a David Sedaris reading and learned that soda = "pop" around these parts.

Looking forward to keeping you all updated on our new happenings!

2011-03-05T08:27:00.000-06:00

Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa
for reasons they can't even fathom.
Terence Mann, Field of Dreams

Well, we now reside in Iowa!

We've reached the point in the move where a bit of the excitement has worn off and we're swearing that we'll never move again. My legs hurt and Bella has just now joined us from behind the toilet but everything is good! I was able to get the downstairs area of our new place in living condition and will tackle upstairs today.

The pirated wi-fi is spotty, we have no cable and I ate scrambled eggs for dinner last night but it is great to finally be here and get started on our new plans.

2011-03-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some

people can be persuaded to go for a walk.
O.A. Battista

As one last St. Louis "hoorah" we took Winnie down to the Soulard Beggin' Dog Parade. The yearly event, in coordination with the big Mardi Gras bash, is generally expected to have about 8,000 dogs and 80,000 people. Wow!

"The Raging Bull" - also known as Pearl the Basset Hound

Cute picture taken by Angie - nonsense all around!

It really was, as Nick put it, a zoo.

But it was so fun! We ate pizza, dog and people watched, met up with friends and then walked through Soulard throwing beads with Winnie.

Our view from the parade out into the crowd.

Walking down Russell with the parade.

The picture Angie took of us walking in the parade.
This was right before Winnie sputtered out.

We seriously drained the "Beagle Juice" because after four hours of walking around, eating snacks and socializing she was done. She stopped dead in her tracks near the end of the parade and Nick actually had to carry her back to the car. It was good for her to get worn out and fun for us in the midst of the moving and packing.

Picture taken by Jen at Molly's

Rabbit, rabbit!

2011-02-24T19:07:00.000-06:00

Be packing!

King Henry VI

With the constant back and forth between the Quad Cities over the last few weeks I am so thankful to finally have a moving date set (one week from today!). I've been sitting in a completely packed house for almost a month and I'm sick of it.

Because everything has been packed for longer than we expected, we've reached the point where we're digging back through boxes to find things. Nick's favorite egg pan. Our return address stamp. The hand-held mixer.

Now I can finally repack everything but the essentials, seal it up and start packing the "relocation cubes" sitting in our driveway.

"Oh, why yes, we do have three storage units in our driveway. Adds to the character of the neighborhood, don't you think?"

Movers are really, really expensive. We used ABF U-Pack when we moved from Florida and it worked great. So we're doing it again at the fraction of the cost of standard movers. We will be hiring help to move the furniture but other than that, it's all us.

Sounds like fun, right? Wanna come help?

That's what I thought.

2011-02-21T07:45:00.000-06:00

The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out
with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one.

Erma Bombeck

With the move and my non-full-time-employment status we've been extra careful with our money lately. It's not that we don't have money for the essentials and an occasional dinner out, we I need to be more conscious of those little, random purchases that chip away at a monthly budget.

I'm just being super aware of where my pennies go. I'm eating lunch at home after running errands, skipping TJMaxx browsing sessions and smuggling cans of soda and microwave popcorn into the movies (eh, I always did that anyway).

In a recent trip to Target, I needed two things. A can of my Dove hairspray and a replacement for that little plastic thing that holds your toilet paper roll on the dispenser. I did not need a shirt that was on sale for $9, stationery from the Dollar Spot, a cute pair of PJ pants, discounted Valentine's Day items or a toy for Winnie.

Did not need. Did not buy. Thankyouverymuch.

Here are my two thrifty revelations:

Target has little bags. Not just the standard grocery store size ones but they have little ones too. Two items fit nicely in that little bag. Never in my life have I ever walked out of Target with a little bag. It swings nicely on the end of your finger.
They actually let you out of the doors spending $4.72. You don't have to spend $20 to be released from Target.

Here's to many more tiny bag shopping trips!

My snazzy little Target bag.

2011-02-13T10:05:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

we finally have a rental house in the Quad Cities!
the fun atmosphere at Iron Barley.
doggy socializing and chatting with Winnie at the local pet store.
having my lovely in-laws in town last weekend to celebrate a very belated Christmas!
glorious weather in the 50s that's melting the snow and taking the chill out of the air.

2011-02-11T07:47:00.000-06:00

Random: lacking any definite plan or order or purpose

Today is my wonderful father's birthday. We always recognize today and Father's Day through the year even though he isn't here to celebrate. And we are sure he is thrilled to be in heaven and not have to turn 66(!).
We are on round 496 (okay, round 3) of trying to find a rental in the Quad Cities so we don't have to live in the golf shop. Fingers crossed we've narrowed it down to two prospects and should have a decision today.
The low tonight in the Quad Cities is 6 degrees. I'm going to need to upgrade my outerwear.
I know I grew up with terrible allergies but it still amazes me to see my entire body break out in hives and red splotches simply due to fragrance added to a common pharmacy item. As Nick said, "That's impressive."
Winnie is operating at a high level of naughtiness lately. Poor thing just has cabin fever but she is sort of driving me out.of.my.mind.
37 days until I get to spend a week in Vegas with Ashley. I am so fortunate to have the time with her before the baby comes - lots of fun together and I'm throwing a baby shower. Yippee!
I treated myself to a movie on Wednesday afternoon while Nick was working in the Quad Cities and saw Black Swan. I knew it was going to be weird but I loved it. The dancing is what I really adored (I could smell the resin!) but I just thought the whole thing was fascinating. Totally creepy and disturbing but well worth every award nomination.
I rarely eat candy (I'd rather have cheese) however driving for four hours each way and forth to the Quad Cities makes me want those sour gummy worms in the gas station. And the caramel bulls eyes. And the Red Vines. Damn.

2011-02-04T14:13:00.000-06:00

Cats are smarter than dogs.
You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.
Jeff Valdez

Pets are funny. I often pause to laugh and think how random it is that I share my home with these furry, unique little creatures.

During our snow day on Tuesday, Bella and Winnie were in rare form. I'm always amazed that Winnie can go a full eight hours at home without an accident but when we're here she needs to go out no less than every 45 minutes.

Let the dog in, let the dog out.
Let the dog in, let the dog out.
Let the dog in, let the dog out.

Being home all day also lets me see their habits. Winnie conks out on the living room chair. Snoring and running in her sleep. Barking occasionally, no doubt chasing squirrels in her Beagle dreams.

Not very ladylike, but cozy still the same.

Now Bella, on the other hand, spent the entire day stationed next to the heat register. I'll have to agree, cats are far wiser than dogs!

Smarty-pants.

2011-02-03T08:05:00.001-06:00

All things are cheap to the saving, dear to the wasteful.
Benjamin Franklin.

A day at home because of the weather was certainly welcome because of our growing to do list. Nick got a ton of stuff done at the dining room table for his new job. I worked and also put a dent in our packing. We are low on boxes now but I got all of our bathroom and bedroom drawers cleaned out.

Perhaps it's because of my mother's minimalist household, but I tend to stash toiletries! I'm ruthless with editing home goods and clothing (if I don't use them, out they go). But with sunscreen, bandages, cotton pads and razors... you know you'll use them, so why not store them?

Generally, it's practical. We really do use most of my stash and it's nice to not get stuck without that extra bottle of aloe gel or extra Zicam.

But I do, as realized today, have a problem with hoarding hotel-size goodies. Not just shampoo and conditioner but sewing kits, little plastic bags of Q-Tips and shower caps are all in my stash.

I always take all the bathroom goodies when we travel. When we get home, I toss them in a drawer. A drawer that I can no longer close because it's full to the brim! I use the little lotions in my work bag or at my bedside table. Other items are used in later travel and for house guests. Nick loves mouthwash (aka "Mouth Juice") so I put aside those little bottles!

But it's gotten out of control and I'm not moving all this stuff! I gathered two big freezer bags for the food pantry pile (they said they'd happily take them) growing in the basement.

Hopefully someone who really needs that bar of soap (or an individually wrapped shoe horn, for that matter) will appreciate and enjoy my little travel tokens!

2011-02-01T22:07:00.000-06:00

Of winter's lifeless world each tree
Now seems a perfect part;
Yet each one holds summer's secret
Deep down within its heart.
Charles G. Stater

Well, as of Tuesday evening, this "record setting snow storm" wasn't much more than 3 inches of sleet. The areas around us in Missouri had huge amounts of snow, but it basically missed us here in St. Louis. It is supposed to snow through the night so we'll see how everything looks in the morning.

Beyond the minimal snow, what was impressive was the ice! I'd never seen a real ice storm before.

It literally coated everything in a shiny grey veil. From the power lines and big tree branches to tiny berries and every little blade of grass, everything was covered with ice.

Really, it was beautiful. I took Winnie out early in the morning and you could hear the sleet hitting the ice - tink, tink, tink. Everything was so still. So calm.

I know I'll see plenty of snow and ice in Iowa but here are some pictures I snapped while taking Winnie for a little walk in the afternoon:

Rabbit, rabbit!

2011-01-31T18:27:00.000-06:00

Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says, "I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway."
Maya Angelou

Only warm-weather-raised people who are now living in cold weather areas would understand the tight similarity between hurricane days and snow days.

In my boo, Snow Day = Hurricane Day. Except with a hurricane day, it's warmer outside. All the rest is exactly the same.

Praying work or school is canceled. A mad rush through the grocery store for good snacks. Filling up with gas. That foreboding sense of excitement.

Instead of boarding up the windows, we're salting the driveway.

Either way, a huge winter storm has started up here in the Midwest. Work is canceled for tomorrow, we're stocked up on groceries and settling in for at least 36 hours of nasty weather. About an inch of ice followed by what could be up to a foot of snow. My favorite local nicknames for this storm include Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse and snOMG - teehee!

Nick, after a nap, is now commanding "new job central" from the dining room table while Bella and I are snuggled on the couch with many hours of DVR'd goodness. Plenty of packing and organizing on the schedule for tomorrow.

At this point, I am just really hoping the power won't go out. That would turn a fun time off at home into a cold and boring experience with an extremely annoying, house-bound Beagle.

Hope everyone effected by this weather stays warm and safe!

2011-01-30T08:08:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

all of the wonderful friends I've met in St. Louis.
taco dip, brownies and Scattergories.
the threat of inclement weather.
the efficiency of bubble wrap and packing tape sealing up boxes.
how The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion causes Nick and Winnie to leave the room so Bella and I can have the couch to ourselves.

2011-01-26T09:59:00.000-06:00

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
John Lennon

Active. Hustling. Engrossed. Up to one's ears. Assiduous. Overloaded. Having a full plate. Occupied. Swamped.

In other words, I'm busy.

Why?

Because we're moving!

Nick has accepted a head golf professional position in the Quad Cities and we're headed there in about two weeks. It is all very exciting and an amazing position for him. It's a perfect fit and one that he has been on the hunt for for about two years. It finally all clicked into place and we're busy, busy, busy making it all happen.

We will certainly miss St. Louis, we had a lot of fun here to start off our marriage, but we're also looking forward to the opportunities this job will afford us.

Now excuse me, but I have to get back to my three page to do list!

Credit

2011-01-16T17:32:00.001-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

homemade chili and playing Taboo! with a group of friends.
my favorite awards show, the Golden Globes, are on tonight!
Sunday plans that include nothing but Zumba, a trip to Target and the grocery store.
how so.very.very.very.excited Winnie gets about rabbits.
a brand new bottle of Aveeno lotion.

2011-01-12T12:54:00.000-06:00

Though I know I'll never lose affection
for people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more
In My Life, The Beatles

Six years ago today, a cute redhead picked me up for our first date.

Ashley and RaeAnna were sitting in the living room at our place in Fort Myers when I answered the door. We was hearing a white button up and jeans. We went to Carrabba's for dinner. I liked his laugh and that he held my hand. We were "together" in three months and married about four years later.

I would have thought you were lying if you told me I'd be now living in St. Louis! Crazy how time flies and where life took us. Can't wait to look back in another six years.

Our first picture taken together in Spring 2005 at a golf tournament.

2011-01-09T10:01:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

the magic of Sudafed and nose spray to help ease the nastiness of this cold.
Sex and the City reruns on E! - I think I've seen every episode about fourteen times.
packing boxes for Operation Shower.
Beagle snuggles on the couch.
Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech.

2011-01-03T07:49:00.000-06:00

Ah, the alleys . . . It's really a sensory experience, you know. The scent of Aqua Net on a beehive hairdo. The roar of polyester rubbing against old Naugahyde. The site of a cigarette stubbed out on a patty melt. All this plus the anticipation of placing your feet in shoes only seven thousand others have worn before you.
Diane Chambers, Cheers

Last weekend after the Christmas that was a bust, we were both itching to get out of the house to do something. Do anything.

So for the first time ever together we went bowling! I used to bowl a lot as a child and also as a camp counselor through college but not at all recently.

We headed to Crestwood Bowl here in St. Louis. As Nick said, he wanted an "authentic" bowling alley, not one of those new, clean ones. The place was packed and we had so much fun. Fries, corn dogs and three games of bowling was an excellent way to entertain ourselves for an evening.

We played three games, Nick won the first game and I the second - our tie breaking third game went to Nick but only by a few points. I will say, bowling really messed up my manicure, so I was
too distracted to beat him again.

2011-01-02T10:49:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

an honest to goodness weekend (completely) off.
a clean house free of Christmas clutter.
BBQ pork sandwiches with coleslaw on top.
being safe when tornadoes caused so much damage very close to my home.
just a few days until mom is here for a long weekend!

2010-12-31T08:30:00.006-06:00

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
Edith Lovejoy Pierce

This was a busy but certainly nice year! Here are my favorite photos, one from each month, from 2010. Can't wait to look back at 2011 to see all the fun we had!

Ashley started off the year with an impromptu visit.

Enjoying the company of friends in the freezing cold.

My friend Angie's son, Nick (what a great name!), is born!

I traveled to Sarasota to host a baby shower for Casey.

Took a quick trip to Louisville and visited Churchill Downs.

Adopted the cutest Beagle in St. Louis.

Took a weekend trip to Chicago and saw a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

Made another annual trip with my two college roommates - this time to San Diego.

Met Ashley and CJ in Kansas City for baseball and BBQ.

Headed to New Orleans to celebrate my mom's birthday.

Took our second anniversary trip to Arizona and saw the spectacular Grand Canyon.

Christmas in St. Louis was snowed in but we tried to make the best of it!

2010-12-30T07:45:00.001-06:00

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Oprah Winfrey

It's the most marvelous day of the year!

My birthday, of course.

Happy 28th to me. I have a lovely day planned that includes a half day at work (They're closing up just for me. Or for the holiday weekend. Same difference.), lunch with Sarah, a manicure and then dinner out with my handsome husband.

As with any holiday, I'll take any reason to celebrate and birthdays are not different. Here's to a fabulous year!

Photo Credit

2010-12-27T07:15:00.000-06:00

Which Christmas is the most vivid to me? It's always the next Christmas.

Joanne Woodward

This Christmas was to be the first time I hosted at my home. I had prepared weeks, even months in my mind, for Christmas Eve with dinner and church, brunch on Christmas morning, sledding and a big fancy dinner on Christmas Day. I was so excited for Nick's parents, his brother and our sister-in-law, his sister and Grandma to come to St. Louis. I love entertaining and hosting and just couldn't wait to have his family here.

It was the Christmas that never was.

Snow moved into the Midwest late on December 23 and by mid day on Christmas Eve snow was coming down heavy here and they were snowed in up in Iowa.

They couldn't even get out of the driveway. To say the least, I was devastated.

Our first Christmas married, we spent the holiday alone. Nick had taken so much time off in November for our wedding and honeymoon that we simply couldn't get away for Christmas. It was very sad to be all by ourselves for such a family centered holiday. I promised myself that, if I could help it, I'd never do it again.

Now just two years later, here we were again. Alone on Christmas.

It was a terrible feeling but absolutely nothing we could do about it. It was no one's fault. Simply a turn of weather fate.

All we could do was make the best of it.

As the snow laid heavy on the trees, Nick was working on Christmas Eve. He came home we set our "oh crap we're alone again" plans in motion. We headed to the local park with Winnie that afternoon for sledding.

Beautiful snow that ruined Christmas.

Sweet Winnie prints on the way to sled.

Nick and Winnie heading to the sledding hill.

With Winnie on the sledding hill.

Weeeeee!

Breathtaking.

On Christmas Eve, as planned, we headed to church for service. The roads were terrible so I think I told Nick about 75 times how thankful I was that we took me. The service was beautiful of course. Candle light and an angel-like choir.

In my heart of hearts for my whole life I've always loved Christmas so much. With this officially titled "Crappiest Christmas Ever" it was good for me to be at church on Christmas Eve and understanding how it was all simply so much bigger than us. The beauty and magic will return each year and that I can simply look forward to all that is to come!

Putting the angel on the tree Christmas Eve.

Heading to church.

On Christmas morning we slept in. The cynic in me thought, "whatever do we have to get up for?" But when we did rise we had a delicious breakfast strata with cinnamon rolls. This year we (stupidly, hindsight is 20/20) agreed to not exchange gifts. So the only thing we had to open was from my mom. Our gifts really were lovely, monogrammed terry cloth roles from Land's End. Cozy and so thoughtful. Winnie and Bella also had gifts from Santa Paws who stopped by... they were very excited with fancy wet cat food, a squeaky reindeer toy and Dentastix. It's the little things.

With Winnie on Christmas morning.

Coffee in his fancy new bathrobe.

When I knew Nick's family weren't coming for Christmas I put a semi-desperate plee out on Facebook. I had dinner for eight that I'd gladly open to anyone that didn't have a place for dinner. Or if anyone was gracious enough, I could supply food, drink and a free golf lesson for family that was willing to open their home to me and Nick.

Thankfully, a woman I have known through my Tri Delta alumnae group (I'll forever extol the power of Tri Delta) extended and invitation to her family's big lunch on Christmas day. It was so nice to not only have a place to go but also invited into such a welcoming home. We had a delicious lunch (they even humored my Christmas poppers!) and even had her two darling boys lead us in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday, Jesus."

A big lunch at Kara and Greg's home - complete with my Christmas popper crowns!

After lunch we took the long way home through Forest Park (we conceded to sledding, too cold!) and then enjoyed an evening on the couch with a warm fire. It was not at all the Christmas I planned but it was a very nice day and now I just have next year to look forward to!

At the base of Art Hill in Forest Park, you can see all of the sledders behind me!

Fancy Christmas dinner for two. Random leftovers plus a delicious grilled steak. Can you spot the Beagle?

Um, hi, are you going to eat that?

Best Christmas ever, per Winnie.

2010-12-26T10:15:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

my wonderful husband who drove me to church on Christmas Eve in the snow.
to have friends here in St. Louis who welcomes us into their home on Christmas when our family couldn't travel because of the weather.
the pure "weeeee!" when sledding down a hill in the snow.
opening presents with Winnie and Bella - Dentastix are very exciting to a Beagle!
brand new matching monogrammed bathrobes.

2010-12-24T08:28:00.001-06:00

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Judy Garland

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Here is my very favorite Christmas piece that my mother read to me each year and now I do the same:

From the Editorial Page of The New York Sun, written by Francis P. Church, September 21, 1897.

Dear Editor--I am 8 years old."Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus."Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.'"Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O'Hanlon,115 West Ninety-fifth Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

My husband, Nick, circa 1984

2010-12-22T22:12:00.001-06:00

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?
J.B. Priestley

Last weekend we had the first good snow I've seen this season here in St. Louis. Not too much, about 3 inches, but just enough for it to be fun. As a Florida girl I still think the snow is simply magical. I love watching it and seeing how to softly coats the neighborhood. We had never seen Winnie in the snow so I considered it her "first snow" and just had to take pictures.

Just like her mama, she sniffed for a bit and then decided the arm chair by the warm fire was the place to be. Snow was very pretty. To watch from inside in the living room.

View from the front porch on Sunday morning.

The rocking chairs look happier in the summer.

Beagle in the snow.

Funny video of her in the snow (Then doing her lady business. It happens).

2010-12-19T07:29:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

fancy country club holiday lunches.
glossy, freshly painted nails.
a class with my favorite Zumba instructor.
finally cleaning the grime and salt off of my car.
the upcoming three day work week.

2010-12-14T11:17:00.003-06:00

Santa honey, I wanna yacht and really that's not a lot

I've been an angel all year
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight
Ertha Kitt

This year Nick and I agreed not to exchange gifts. To be honest, the last thing we need is to spend money on stuff (although I'm sure very nice stuff) that I don't really need. Things we do need include a new car (that has heat for goodness sake) which, in my mind, is where I'd want my money to go to this year. I know we will receive plenty of lovely gifts from our families and I'd like to spend any extra holiday money hosting a great Christmas dinner, going ice skating and simply enjoying the season.

So, what are you asking for this Christmas?

Just for fun here are some items that I'd love for Santa to put underneath my Christmas tree (just not with my money, to clarify):

A set of 10 oz. couple monogrammed Tervis Tumblers

Source: The Palm Gifts

Canon PowerShot point and shoot camera

Source: Best Buy

A personalized tote bag for Winnie
(yes, she has a lot of stuff)

Source: LL Bean

Complete my everyday china from Crate & Barrel
Source: Crate & Barrel

2010-12-12T08:43:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

homemade Beef Stroganoff with buttered noodles.
sitting on a rainy day with a cup of hot tea and People magazine "gettin' my hair did."
an $87 fix to my car heater (although I still need a new car).
seeing one of my clients featured on national television.
a crowded mall at Christmas time - the most wonderful time of year!

2010-12-06T10:03:00.000-06:00

A charming woman is a busy woman.

Loretta Young

I had a really fun and productive weekend - the best kind in my opinion:

Saturday

Zumba first thing in the morning.
grocery and Target shopping, including all of the lights for my Christmas tree!
attended a baby shower at Cyrano's for my Tri Delta alumane chapter president. The desserts were amazing and she's having a girl so it was fun to see all of the cute stuff.
got together with a Junior League friend and her husband (our only two fellow St. Louis Husker fans) to sadly watch the unsuccessful go for the Big 12 Championship.

Sunday

cleaned the entire house like a maniac because our landlord came over to patch and (fresh!) paint our hallway.
finished putting up my Christmas tree.
joined Angie (and Nick came along too!) for the Kirkwood Historical Society Holiday House tour (our favorite was 643 E. Monroe).

Angie snuck this picture of the house on our way up the driveway.
Obviously, I'm not paying attention and talking with my hands.

cooked Spinach Lasagna Rolls with a big salad and garlic bread.
relaxed by the fire and wasted the evening watching Old School, football and reading magazines.

Delightful!

2010-12-05T10:47:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

my first, very own Christmas tree.
when my boss unexpectedly closes the office at 3 p.m. on a Friday.
Winnie all warm in her sporty jacket.
all the cute stuff at a baby shower for a little girl.
ordering Christmas gifts online with free shipping.

2010-12-01T14:22:00.003-06:00

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
Roy L. Smith

Well it's official. Officially the very best month of the year!

I just adore the entire Christmas season, festivities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, my birthday and New Years Eve. A delightful month full of entertaining, parties, shopping, crafting and wrapping and, let's be honest, frequent days off from work.

So cheers to a lovely December for all!

Our snazzy 2009 Ugly Sweater party outfits

Rabbit, rabbit!

2010-11-30T12:13:00.000-06:00

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.
Joyce Brothers

Nick and I had a whirlwind tour of Iowa and Nebraska this Thanksgiving weekend. Nick joked that it was like a baseball team trip, hoping from one city to another. It was a "productive" trip seeing lots of friends, family and even my first Nebraska Huskers game in Lincoln!

Here are some photos from our fun long weekend...

The Gray Sweater Mafia (friends from high school)

Let's play, how do we fit six people plus luggage in the car for the road trip

Pat and Joe (best in laws ever) at Thanksgiving dinner in Des Moines

A little living room football with the cousins

Sisters (in law)

In Lincoln on Friday from the Nebraska Huskers game

One reason I love the Huskers, their colors fit so nicely in my wardrobe

Go Big Red!

With my favorite Husker fan

Nick manning the basement bar at his grandma's house in Carroll

With his grandma and family

Last night of vacation

His old friend and best man at our wedding, Chad

Last road trip stop, lunch with his college
friend Aaron, his wife Crystal and son Andrew

2010-11-23T13:42:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is America’s national chow-down feast, the one occasion
each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty.
Michael Dresser

Here are some great dinner prep tips that I found - many I follow (I totally do the Post-It notes on serving dishes!) and others I thought were new and helpful. I don't have to cook Thanksgiving this year but many of the ideas are great for entertaining or hosting at any time of the year.

Have a happy Thanksgiving and especially enjoy the long weekend!

Thanksgiving Kitchen Tip Sheet
from Better Homes & Gardens

Well in advance, write down your entire menu and post it somewhere in your kitchen so you don't remember midway through dinner that the mashed potatoes are still in the refrigerator.

Prepare a cooking schedule and timetable based on your recipes and write it down. Post it in a visible place in your kitchen.

Clean out your refrigerator a few days before you begin cooking to make room for make-ahead dishes.

Set your Thanksgiving table the night before - or earlier, if you don't use your dining room every night.

Assemble and organize your serving dishes and utensils a few days before. Pair them up and put a sticky note on each serving dish that tells you what's going in it so that in the last-minute frenzy of getting dinner on the table, you don't forget.

Turkey Tips

Defrosting a turkey: Defrosting time for your turkey depends on how big your bird is. Use these figures as a guide -- and always defrost a frozen turkey in its original wrapping in a pan in the refrigerator (don't count the day of roasting):

10- to 12-pound bird: 2 days 12- to 14-pound bird: 3 days 14- to 18-pound bird: 4 days 18-pound-plus bird: 5 days

Consider grilling your bird: Free up oven space for side dishes by cooking your turkey (unstuffed!) in a covered grill. (Although this can be done with a charcoal grill, a gas or propane model will be much less work.) An 8- to 12-pound turkey will take between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 hours to grill over medium coals. Be sure to grill indirectly (with the heat source coming from under each side of the bird rather than directly under it). You can bake your stuffing in the oven with the rest of the sides.

Turkey for a smaller crowd: Unless you really relish lots of leftovers, consider roasting a turkey breast rather than a whole bird if you're having six or fewer guests.

Herbs for stuffing: The best herbs for your stuffing are the ones you enjoy the most, though you may want to consider some of the sturdier, highly aromatic ones such as sage, thyme, lemon thyme, rosemary, and flat-leaf Italian parsley.

For the shortest cooking time: Keep the oven door shut as much as possible. Slow, steady heat coaxes maximum flavor from the bird and produces a golden, crackly skin. Basting is not necessary, and may lengthen the cooking time.

How to tell if your turkey is done: A meat thermometer inserted into the thigh (but not touching bone) should read 180 degrees F and the stuffing should be 165 degrees F. The drumsticks should move very easily in their sockets and juices from the thigh will run clear when the thigh is pierced with a long-tined fork.

Vegetable Math for Cooking

ASPARAGUS Purchased Amount: 1 pound Yield: 2 cups pieces

BEANS (green, Italian green, purple, and yellow wax) Purchased Amount: 3/4 pound Yield: 2-1/4 cups pieces

BEETS Purchased Amount: 1 pound Yield: 2-3/4 cups cubes

BROCCOLI Purchased Amount: 3/4 pound Yield: 3 cups florets

BRUSSELS SPROUTS Purchased Amount: 3/4 pound Yield: 3 cups

CABBAGE Purchased Amount: Half of a 1- to 1-1/4-pound head Yield: 4 cups pieces

CARROTS Purchased Amount: 1 pound Yield: 3 cups slices

CARROTS, TINY WHOLE Purchased Amount: 1 pound Yield: 3 1/2 cups

CAULIFLOWER Purchased Amount: 3/4 pound head Yield: 3 cups florets

CELERY Purchased Amount: 5 stalks Yield: 2-1/2 cups slices

2010-11-21T09:31:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

Christmas is creeping in and I can't wait!
thanks to training, Winnie can actually "leave it." Hallelujah.
minivan Tri Delta road trips with Twizzlers.
the upcoming three day work week.
cold enough weather that I can wear and enjoy all of my scarves.

2010-11-19T14:08:00.000-06:00

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
Seneca the Younger

Two years ago tomorrow, I drove into St. Louis with my mom and a tranquilized cat in the backseat of my packed Volkswagen.

Sometimes it seems like yesterday and other times I feel like we've been here forever. I have learned so much from this first move away from home. About myself, my husband, my family and, really, how much I am capable of on my own. To be honest, I'm really proud of us. This could have been a complete disaster but it has been simply the opposite. I'm so happy to call St. Louis home and although I miss so much about Florida I really love our life here.

I can't wait to see what the years to come have in store for us!

On the 17 hour drive

Getting closer!

Almost there!

Hello St. Louis!

Being carried over the threshold of our first home together.
Please excuse the awful angle of this photo, it's the only one I have!

2010-11-18T09:07:00.000-06:00

Food is the most primitive form of comfort.
Sheila Graham

With the recent time change and the feeling that the world is ending at about 4:45 p.m. every evening when the sun goes down I was craving a really cozy dinner on Sunday night. I usually do a bigger-than-usual sit down dinner on Sundays and since we'd been out of town and traveling the last few weeks I was excited to get something together.

Since I saw it posted on another blog, all I could think about was Chicken Spaghetti. It's not healthy but, oh man, it just sounded so good. I knew it would be the perfect warm comfort food dinner for Sunday night.

It's very easy and so far has made awesome lunch leftovers this week. I actually think it tastes better as the flavors meld together. I served it with steamed mixed veggies and it passed the husband clean-plate-club-taste-test as well.

Chicken Spaghetti
4 boneless chicken breast
8oz Velveeta (cubed)
1 can Rotel
1 can Cream of Mushroom (I used Cream of Chicken & Mushroom to limit the mushroom-y taste but you can use what you want)
1 package spaghetti noodles (I used whole wheat)
Salt and pepper to taste

Boil or bake chicken (I cooked mine for a few hours in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of water)

Boil spaghetti noodles according to package directions (I cooked mine in water and 2 cups chicken broth)

Cut chicken into bite-size cubes.

In pan combine can of soup, can of Rotel, cubed Velveeta in pan and heat over low to medium heat until Velveeta melts

Once heated through, combine with noodles and chicken

Mix together, season to taste and serve (I had to keep it warm for a while so I put it in a casserole dish and baked it)

2010-11-17T08:54:00.000-06:00

A little smile, a word of cheer, a bit of love from someone near, a little gift from one held dear, best wishes for the coming year… these make a Merry Christmas!
John Greenleaf Whittier

I start thinking about it in September. It is the best time of year.

But it's not the tree, the stockings and the cookies I think about. It's the Christmas card.

I love, love, love sending and receiving Christmas cards. For me, it's a throw back and homage to real, honest to goodness mail. Hand-addressed envelopes, pictures of babies in stockings and Labradors in the snow. I love hearing about how everyone is doing and seeing photos of their families.

Considering I do all of the addressing and stamping of the envelopes, I get the final say in the design. Of course Nick throws in his silly and random ideas. "Oh, let's Photoshop our heads on racehorses crossing the finish line into the new year!"

Uh, no.

Since photo cards of my favorite to receive, last year we did this:

This year, I've been browsing the options and here are my favorite Christmas cards from Shutterfly. These meet my multiple photo and actually say "Merry Christmas" guidelines. (Obviously, they will be photos of us and now pretty stock photo families).

The site also has really cute custom Christmas tags and holiday party invitations. And because I love a good deal, I'll share that bloggers can get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly too!

Now that's a reason to celebrate.

2010-11-15T10:22:00.002-06:00

The trip across Arizona is just one oasis after another. You can just throw anything out and it will grow there, I like Arizona.
Will Rogers

Nick and are not what you'd call "repeat travelers." We like to pick a new place we haven't been and enjoy all it has to offer with the thought that we'll probably never be there again. Arizona was high on our list of "never been there" places (although Nick did play some college golf in Scottsdale about 10 years ago). November is the perfect time for us to take our big yearly trip because it's the end of golf season here in St. Louis and allows us to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

We left Saturday morning and returned late Thursday night - the time in between was both fun, relaxing and downright educational.

Did you know that the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest on the continent is in the area around the Grand Canyon? Me either! The landscape was so much different than I pictured in Northern Arizona. I was thinking cactus and desert like Phoenix but in fact it was full of beautiful trees, snow capped mountains and cold weather.

Here's a photo run down of our fun 2nd anniversary trip:

Our first stop when we landed in Phoenix, In-N-Out Burger!

Yum!

We then drove north from Phoenix to Sedona (about 2 hours). This was one of our first views entering the area.

In front of our "condo" home for three days at the Hyatt Pinon Pointe.

Sunset and appetizers on the balcony before dinner.

Sunrise on Sunday morning in Sedona. Up early for our Pink Jeep Tour to the Grand Canyon.

Hooray for Pink Jeep!

Our stylin' ride two hours north to the Canyon.

After a drive through Flagstaff, we arrived at the Grand Canyon.

Our first beautiful view of the Canyon.

Relaxing on the front porch of the Grand Canyon lodge, El Tovar, where we had lunch.

At El Tovar.

Nick has the historic Hopi House.

Second view of the Canyon toward the east.

Last stop, at the Desert View Watchtower.

Inside the Watchtower, full of neat paintings.

View from the top of the Watchtower.

Beautiful views, so long Grand Canyon!

After the Grand Canyon, we headed east to the Navajo Indian Reservation and their trading post.

On Monday morning we went to a few of the lookout points in Sedona on our way out of town. That's Nick with "me" since there was no one else there to take our picture.

Beautiful rocks near Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Chapel of the Holy Cross built right into the rocks.

That day we drove back south to Scottsdale. View from our hotel room at Millennium McCormick Ranch.

Nick played golf at The Arizona Country Club...

...while I explored 5th Avenue and the Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale.

For our anniversary dinner we at at The Greene House in Kierland Commons.

On Tuesday morning, Nick played golf at our resort and I went for a tour at the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright home, Taliesin West.

View of the front of the house.

Views out to Scottsdale.

That evening we went to meet for coffee with my favorite summer intern from St. Louis, Elaine. She goes to school in Flagstaff and we driving through so I got to see her and catch up!

On Wednesday morning, while Nick laid around in his bathrobe at the hotel, I stood in line at Kierland Commons like a crazy woman to meet and have my book signed by the Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten.

With Ina! She was so gracious and nice, just as you'd imagine.

Then I took myself down to Old Town Scottsdale to look around.

Lots of stores and I finally found a pair of turquoise and silver earrings that I loved (and that weren't $300!).

I had lunch at the Sugar Bowl which is famously known in Family Circus comics.

For dinner we headed to the mountains to meet up at the beautiful home of Nick's parent's good friends, Tim and Genny.

We ate at their beautiful country club, Troon. It was the perfect last dinner in Scottsdale!

On our last day, Thursday, we drove west to Glendale and took a tour of the Arizona Cardinals' stadium. It was pretty amazing!

On the "field" except it hadn't been rolled in yet for the game.

For my future reference and for anyone who would like details of where we visited, stayed and ate here are the links:

Stayed:
Hyatt Pinon Pointe in Sedona
Millennium McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale

Visited:
Pink Jeep Tour to the Grand Canyon
Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona
Kierland Commons in Scottsdale
5th Avenue in Scottsdale
Taliesin West (the Frank Lloyd Wright home)
Old Town Scottsdale
The Arizona Country Club in Phoenix
McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale
Scottsdale Fashion Square
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale

Ate:
In-N-Out Burger in Phoenix
Ken's Creekside in Sedona
El Tovar in Grand Canyon Village
Late for the Train Coffee in Flagstaff
Cowboy Club in Sedona
The Breakfast Club in Scottsdale
The Greene House in Scottsdale
RA Sushi in Scottsdale
Lux Coffee Bar in Phoenix
Yard House in Scottsdale
Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale
Troon Country Club in Scottsdale
Gordon Biersch in Glendale

2010-11-14T00:09:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

direct flights on Southwest.
clean laundry, a kitchen full of groceries and my life organized again!
singing along to South Pacific at the Fox Theatre.
the smell of burning leaves and fireplaces in the cool air.
my first, delicious attempt at making Chicken Spaghetti.

2010-11-12T11:08:00.000-06:00

The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz and the sky, with no clouds
The heat was hot and the ground was dry but the air was full of sound
Horse with no Name, Crosby Stills Nash & Young

I'm tired, my house is a wreck. Laundry all over the floor and I know my missing bottle of hairspray is still stuffed somewhere in Nick's golf bag. Bella is squawking and Winnie is so excited we're home she just.cannot.contain.her.excitement.

But we got to spend a week in Arizona, celebrating our anniversary and the end of Nick's busy work season with views like this:

Worth it.

2010-11-07T07:18:00.000-06:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

Two years (tomorrow!) with my darling husband!

2010-11-05T07:38:00.000-05:00

The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.
Calvin Klein

It's the curse of the discontinued product.

Unfortunately, it afflicts me often.

I must have such good taste that no one else buys the products I like.

Or, perhaps, I'm weird and no one ever buys the products I like.

Either way, I have a constant issue with great products that I love. That I adore. Then, the next time I swing into to Target to pick up a replacement, it's gone. I often kid myself, "Oh, they must be out. I should check Wal-Mart or CVS."

But the product is gone. Disappeared from my life never to be seen again.

Then I become the crazy lady who orders discontinued products online. They arrive in an unmarked envelope with random stickers and various packaging. It doesn't matter, though, because it is the product I've been missing.

The most recent causality has been my adored CoverGirl Outlast eyeliner in Onyx. Oh sure, CoverGirl says on its website, "Just use so-and-so eyeliner, it's the same."

No, CoverGirl. No it is not. The Outlast eyeliner stayed perfectly on all day and then was easily removed at night. No smearing or greasy lines. It is magic eyeliner.

Thank goodness a random Amazon seller agreed with my appreciation and allowed me to purchase four magic eyeliners to fill my makeup void.

Welcome back discontinued magic eyeliner. Welcome back.

2010-11-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.
Unknown

I had a fun Halloween weekend with my friend Ashley in town. First on Saturday we took Winnie, who was dressed up as a Tri Delta trick or treating at my favorite little pet boutique, Treats Unleashed.

That evening we went to my coworkers place in the Central West End for lots of food and then a trek down to the crazy Halloween party and costume contest. It was amazing people watching and so many of the costumes were clever and smart. I love a holiday that people embrace and celebrate!

Licking her lips with treats!

All dressed up, she has that "Delta Shine!"

Off we go...

Treats!

Father Nick with his "right shoulder" and "left shoulder" angels

Naughty and nice.

Nice wins.

Rabbit, rabbit!

2010-10-31T08:16:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

leaves floating down from the trees.
the creative and unique Halloween costumes in the Central West End.
the magic of false eyelashes.
trick 'o treating with Winnie, she is easy to please!
the haunting music of "Psycho."

2010-10-29T07:39:00.000-05:00

Rambunctious, rumbustious, delinquent dogs become angelic when sitting.
Dr. Ian Dunbar

On Wednesday night Nick and I packed Winnie in the car and headed to her very first day of school. Training school, that is. The trainer and class were recommended by Winnie's foster mom from the rescue so we signed up to whip her into shape.

Okay, not really whip. More like bribe with handfuls of treats and "good girl, good girl, good girl!"

After sort of worrying that she would just be the weird kid in class howling at the wall I was relieved to be in a room with a bunch of dogs just like her! No one was terribly naughty, they all just needed to learn some manners.

So we worked on "watch" and "leave it" as well as some leash habits that prevent pulling. The trainer was great offering concise directions and using dogs as examples so you could see how the command should be done.

She did wonderful, far better than I ever imagined. What can I say, she's the smartest dog ever.

We have to practice and do homework through the next week and then we go back each Wednesday night for five more weeks. Looking forward to a Beagle who waits her turn at the back door and doesn't grab peanut butter toast from my hand.

After our class (I'm still wearing my snazzy treat apron). Winnie wants down to chase the squirrels in the parking lot. We have some work to do.

2010-10-27T13:40:00.000-05:00

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.
Emma Goldman

Last summer and this summer I've tossed a few packets of Zinnia seeds into the front flower bed and just let them go to town. The grow fast and tall (about to my waist height) with plenty of friendly pink, yellow and orange blooms. I pick a few here and there for my desk at work but mostly let them hang out, cheering up the front walk.

And just like last year with one big fall thunderstorm, all their stems fall over in one fell swoop. So last night after work I went and pulled the broken stems out of the ground and salvaged all of the pretty flowers.

The arm load of flowers turned into three pretty arrangements! A low orange and yellow one for the dining room, a perfect match to all of the Halloween decor. A small mint julep cup with a few flowers for the bathroom. And a tall face of hot pinks for my desk at work.

Flowers to brighten my day!

2010-10-26T10:10:00.001-05:00

I love New Orleans physically. I love the trees
and the balmy air and the beautiful days.
Anne Rice

This past weekend I joined my mom for her birthday weekend in New Orleans. We had a lovely time being together and exploring the city, although to be honest, it wasn't my favorite place. I know people gush about loving New Orleans and there were definitely parts I enjoyed (like the Garden District) but I was surprised how, well, trashy much of the French Quarter was. Ick.

But as my grandfather used to say, "That's why there is chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream." Everyone likes different things and I suppose I can't just adore every city I visit.

Either way, I loved the beautiful homes, the trolleys, Jackson Square and the French Market. I also appreciated a city that was so in love with their football team. Here in St. Louis it's all Cardinals, all the time! Here are a few favorite photos:

Waiting for a trolley near Tulane.

Fun flags and beautiful gardens in the French Quarter.

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District.

I loved that the trees along St. Charles Avenue were full of Mardi Gras beads.

Beautiful St. Louis Cathedral.

Dinner and great live jazz at Arnaud's.

Coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde (where we also saw Ali Wentworth and her husband George Stephanopoulos).

Delicious Muffulettas at their origin, the Central Grocery.

Dinner at "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" spot, Joey K's on Magazine Street.

A fun "happy birthday" face at our breakfast at Brennan's.

2010-10-25T11:36:00.000-05:00

...may the bonds of love be
all else above our fraternity.

Tri Delta song Alpha Theta Phi

Seven years ago today, I had the unique opportunity to be a founding member of my sorority. Even more, I was the colony president and had the honor of accepting our charter as well as the various gifts from alumnae and the foundation. We were the very first chartered Greek organization on my university's campus and I'm proud to say the chapter is still going strong.

Here's to many, many more birthdays for the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Delta Delta Delta at Florida Gulf Coast University!

Accepting the chapter president pin from the Naples alumnae president.

The chapter gavel, used at every meeting, was a gift from the Tri Delta Foundation.

2010-10-24T08:14:00.001-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

being with my mom on her birthday today in New Orleans!
gas lamps flickering on the front porches of homes in the Garden District.
salty olives on the original Muffuletta at Central Grocery.
"Geaux Saints" signs hanging from balconies.
hot beignets from a paper bag at Cafe Du Monde.

2010-10-21T08:39:00.000-05:00

We've got heaven right here on earth

With those beautiful queens
Way down yonder in New Orleans

Louis Armstrong

Beignets at Cafe du Monde. Jazz wafting through the balconies. Ghost stories and cemetery tours. Fleur-di-lis at every turn. Bells echoing from the St. Louis Cathedral.

On my way to New Orleans for the weekend!

2010-10-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

Only great minds can afford a simple style.
Stendhal

I've been on the hunt for new ID tags for Winnie and Bella. Before, they each had pretty boring tags from the local pet store. And they didn't match each other so, of course, that bugged me!

Many custom tags are quite pricey but I found the darling Etsy store, Ao Designs. In addition to jewelry, Ashley does pretty, well-priced pet tags.

They arrived in a cute box and the tags were just as lovely as they were online. Both Winnie and Bella told me they really like their new accessory on their red leather collars.

And certainly appreciate that they now match. Of course.

Pretty packaging.

Bella and Winnie's new tags (number blurred out for privacy)

Winnie loves her styling new tag!

2010-10-18T07:45:00.000-05:00

Our body is a vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.
Buddha

This week is Fat Talk Free Week, an initiative started by Tri Delta. The video below was originally posted two years ago but I still just love its impact. Think of the amazing difference that could be made if we changed the conversation about body image.

Take time this week to stop and focus on your inner dialogue. Share with a friend and promote this inspiring program!

2010-10-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

sun shining and windows open on this glorious morning!
four days until New Orleans with mom!
the new "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" - delightfully ridiculous.
red and orange leaves piled on the sidewalks.
fresh cut Zinnias from my garden on my desk at work.

2010-10-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace,
as I have seen in one autumnal face.
John Donne

Do you feel that?

Cool temps in the sixties, brilliant fall leaves and the smell of smoke in the air.

It's feels like fall.

Finally.

Winnie is happy it feels like fall.

Hallelujah!

2010-10-12T14:06:00.000-05:00

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
Unknown

Considering it is now official the actual month of Halloween, I found it appropriate to pull out my decorations. Although the Christmas aisles in Hobby Lobby make me happy, goodness gracious, it's two months away! One holiday at a time to relish and enjoy, thankyouverymuch.

I don't go too overboard with Halloween decor, but it's fun to have little touches here and there. I love to light all of the candles at night and enjoy the glow. Now if it would just be fall weather outside to match my cozy house inside, I'd be a happy girl!

2010-10-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself,
than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
Henry David Thoreau

Yesterday, using my ever trusty buy one, get one admission free Groupon I headed out with my friend Sarah to Eckert's in Millstadt, Illinois. I've always heard of Eckert's and purchase their produce, canned foods and fresh eggs at the Kirkwood Farmers Market but I'd never ventured over to "the other side of the river" to visit.

In the fall, their Millstadt location (one of three) is a big, fun fall festival with rides, a petting zoo, games and, of course, plenty of pumpkins! Another fun part, and something that you don't find in Florida, were the apple orchards. I'd never picked an apple, and really, I don't think I've ever seen an apple tree in real life. We took the tracker out to the orchard and picked a bag, then headed to the pumpkin patch from there. A few pumpkins, some fresh cider and homemade kettle corn in our wagon and we were out of there.

It was hot, not fall whether at all, but fun! I can't wait to carve my pumpkins with a few ideas I have up my sleeve.

Golden Delicious apples in the orchard.

With Sarah and our fresh picked Fugi apples.

Claiming a pumpkin. But really, we didn't want to haul it back on the tractor so we left them in the field and bought them at the store near the exit gate.

View from the look out (you can see the tractor we rode heading out to the orchards and fields) - in the distance you can see downtown St. Louis and the Arch.

With my pile 'o pumpkins.

2010-10-10T07:25:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

the amazing race footage in Secretariat.
blazing orange and red fall leaves.
rounded doors and door frames in old houses.
The Wedding Planner on cable. It never gets old.
white pumpkins.

2010-10-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

Treat a horse like a woman and a woman like a horse.
And they'll both win for you.
Elizabeth Arden

It's not secret that other than baseball, golf and, well, me my husband's other love and passion is thoroughbred horse racing.

I actually don't remember it starting but it is a fairly recent development, at least since we've been together. I actually have a hard time following him handicapping races from The Daily Racing Form, reviewing his strategy and placing bets. Think the stock market. There is just so much statistical evidence that goes into why a horse wins or loses. And he understands it.

I, on the other hand, pick a horse to win because their silks are pretty or I like the horse's name. I also bet on horses jockeyed by Mike Smith or owned by Maggie Moss. I guess I'm learning but it's still way over my head.

Literally every trip I've been on in the last few years have been based around a visit to the local track. My friend Ashley's husband CJ has a goal of visiting every major league baseball park in the country. Nick's goal is similar: go to every major race track.

Pacific Classic at Del Mar in San Diego

Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita in Los Angeles

Arlington Park in Chicago

Churchill Downs in Louisiville

Phew. That makes me tired.

But I do love the history of the sport, it's epic stories and wins, the passion, traditions and dedication of everyone involved.

So this all leads to tonight because we're going to the first movie we've seen in over six months. We have an insane cable package so we just never go to movies. Seriously, the last movie we saw was Hot Tub Time Machine. That proves my point.

Today, the (what I think is going to be brilliant) Secretariat opens. We'll be there and for once at a race track, I won't have to bring a book.

Image Source

2010-10-04T15:04:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City.
Roger Maris

This past weekend Nick and I drove across the state to spend 24 hours in Kansas City with Ashley and CJ. They swung through in between work trips to catch their favorite team, the Tampa Bay Rays, play the Kansas City Royals. We always have so much fun together and this time was no different!

With Ashley at the hotel before the game.

Great seats at Kauffman Stadium.

With my favorite baseball fan (wearing my baseball watching glasses - I can SEE!)

With Ashley and CJ after the game.

On Sunday we visited beautiful Country Club Plaza.

Delicious BBQ at Fiorella's Jack Stack.

As a transplanted Missourian, I had never spent time in Kansas City and I really loved it! The game was great in the beautiful stadium and I was so impressed with Country Club Plaza and the surrounding areas. It wasn't at all as I pictured. Thanks Kansas City for a lovely 24 hours with three of my favorite people!

2010-10-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

Way down yonder in New Orleans
In the land of dreamy scenes
There's a garden of Eden
You know what I mean.
Louis Armstrong

According to my mother and my dear friend Melissa, October is simply the best.month.ever. They are October birthday babies, one day a part in fact, so they relish their favorite month in celebration. And considering they are two of my favorite people in the world, I say, celebrate on.

In a few weeks, my mom and I are heading to New Orleans for her birthday weekend. Last year, you may remember, we went to Chicago. Since we had so much fun, we thought it would be best for everyone involved (well, that's just us) to do it again. Growing up we traveled a lot and were always non-repeat travelers seeing new places with each trip.

Thinking of cities I've never been to, and ones my mom hasn't been to in years, New Orleans topped the list. We're staying in the French Quarter, taking a Garden District Tour (complete with cemetery visits), seeing Tulane, going church on Sunday at The Saint Louis Cathedral, walking, shopping and eating! We also may visit the Audubon Nature Insitute.

Any favorite stops or sights you have in New Orleans?

Rabbit, rabbit!

2010-09-28T10:00:00.001-05:00

She's a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she's dancing like she's never danced before
Michael Sembello

Winnie has a lot of energy. I'll nicely say, she's rambunctious.

When the bike-ride-wearing-out-trick doesn't work, this is the joyful animal with who I spend my time. As she runs laps around the house and barks at rabbits from the window (really, wascally wabbits) all I can think of is Chris Farley in Tommy Boy singing, "I'm a maniac, maniac..."

2010-09-27T09:48:00.000-05:00

No child should die in the dawn of life.
Danny Thomas

Just a reminder that today at Chili's across the country, 100% of their proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Tri Delta's national philanthropy is St. Jude so it holds a special place in my heart. I had the opportunity to go to Memphis in college for a leadership seminar and while there, visit St. Jude.

Even if for a quick lunch, after work happy hour or dinner please be sure to visit Chili's today. I'll be getting chips and queso for sure! Spend a $1 to Create-a-Pepper and support a cause near and dear to my heart.

Visiting St. Jude in 2003.

2010-09-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

hot apple cider.
the fascination with "Waiting for Superman."
finally, beautiful fall weather here in St. Louis.
working overtime on a Saturday to get an extra day off later. Delayed gratification at its best.
homemade egg sammy with fried potatoes.

2010-09-21T07:25:00.002-05:00

The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.
Sonya Friedman

How many times have we all said it?

I'm too fat to wear these shorts.

If I'd lose 15 pounds, then you might actually see me in a bathing suit.

Do my arms look gross and flabby in this top?

Ew, I'm so fat.

I know I've said it. My friends have all said it. Yes, even you mom. We all "fat talk."

The University of Colorado has proven that women consistently overestimate the size of their hips by 16% and their waists by 25% but the same women can easily and correctly estimate the width of a box.

According to a study by the Klarman Eating Disorder Center, young girls today are more afraid of being fat than of cancer, nuclear war or losing their parents. The same center also showed that after women viewed photos of female fashion models, seven out of ten of them felt more depressed and angry.

What gives?

These same beautiful women I know who fat talk are college educated, many with post-graduate degrees. They have healthy families, caring husbands and partners, and are successful in their chosen career paths. They volunteer in community organizations, donate time and money to numerous charities and are passionate about their causes. They have great hair, killer shoes, tell funny stories and make brownies from scratch.

I'm proud to say that my sorority, Delta Delta Delta, has taken the initiative to end fat talk. This is the third Annual Fat Talk Free Week, designed to raise awareness of the damaging impact of fat talk on women in society.

I'll be posting more about this great campaign but think about all of the times you fat talk to friends over the next few weeks. Then join me for Fat Talk Free Week October 18 - 22.

2010-09-20T08:10:00.001-05:00

I think most dancers would agree that the art of ballet
chooses the dancer, not the other way around.
Kevin McKenzie

Yesterday I treated myself to a movie on a very rainy, unproductive Sunday. My mom had loved seeing Mao's Last Dancer in the local indi-movie theater in Sarasota and I headed to the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema for the first time to see it as well.

The little theater, set right in the fanciest mall in St. Louis, features all of the smaller movies not seen in regular theaters. It is very pretty space, small screens and it was just $7 for the first show of the day.

The movie was marvelous. So interesting because it was a true story and it combined my love of ballet and fascination with China. It also really drove home the harsh realities of Communist China.

If you have a few hours to spare, be sure to take the time to see this beautiful movie!

2010-09-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

a rainy Sunday morning perfect for doing nothing.
discovering how fun Zumba is!
when Winnie sleeps until 8 a.m.
new horseshoe stamped with our last name hanging over the back door - holding our luck in!
a new season of Oprah to clog up the DVR.

2010-09-13T20:03:00.001-05:00

I'll bet what motivated the British to colonize so much of the world
is that they were just looking for a decent meal.
Martha Harrison

One of my favorite shows on television right now is "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on Food Network. Seriously, it's like food porn. Oh my. All of my most loved chefs raving about their most delicious finds on all different topics. Last night was pizza and fried foods. Other topics have been snacks, hamburgers and even soups.

Yum, it all looks so good and I get to hear about great restaurants and dives all over the country while I watch their raving fans.

But it got me thinking...

What is the best thing I ever ate? Not quite sure I could narrow it down to just one thing but there are those meals that you think about when you're really hungry. Just starving. You think, "ugh, all I want right now is..."

A baked potato with butter and sour cream, a cold house salad with tomato and blue cheese dressing, beer rolls and a big steak at The Waterfront in Sarasota.
A slice of cheese pizza and an ice cold Coke with lots of ice at Pontello's in Sarasota.
A Boars Head turkey and Swiss Cheese sub on whole grain bread with veggies, sub dressing and spicy mustard, salt and vinegar chips and an iced tea from Publix (and I'll always think of Ashley when I enjoy this).
The Better Burger with a side of fresh, hot onion rings dipped in homemade ranch dressing at Village Bar here in St. Louis.
The 1905 Salad at Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle with a side of black bean and rice soup and crusty Cuban bread for dipping

Darn, I'm hungry. What are some of your best meals ever?

2010-09-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

enjoying my first mini-candy bar of the Halloween season.
getting allowed to leave work on Rosh Hashanah.
my new duvet and cover arrived!
the success of our first Junior League new member meeting this fall.
today's first game of the Miami Dolphins' season:

Winnie is ready for some football!

2010-09-08T20:11:00.000-05:00

Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.
Arnold Palmer

I'm lending my in-house marketing skills to Nick for developing more golf lesson income (free of charge!). Many golf professionals brand themselves as separate entities from their clubs because anyone, even if they aren't a club member, can take a lesson from him. It's a great tool to have a basic website, business cards and additional supporting materials to get your name and teaching philosophy out there.

I'm working on his website, getting a logo designed by a graphic designer friend and then getting my Nick some business! Last week I met him after work to get some photos to use for his website. Just thought I'd share a few of my cute golfer!

So if you're in St. Louis and want a golf lesson, please let me know. I can put in you touch with the best instructor in town!

My favorite golf pro!

Fake putting.

Fake swinging.

We were laughing during this "be inspired to be a better golfer" photo.

2010-09-07T07:38:00.001-05:00

A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need.

Sidney Carroll

One of the best parts about an upcoming change in seasons is the great "on its way out" stuff on sale. Last winter I was able to pick up several clothing items for a fraction of their original price. Sure, they had to be packed away but they'll be new to me in a few weeks when they come out.

I've been scoping out the clearance racks and random shelves to see if there was any great summer items that were marked down to a great deal. In the past I've found cute summer clothing, home accessories, linens and patio items. Last week, I scored two great items on deep clearance at Target:

Beautiful watering can (been on the hunt for a non-plastic one under $15) marked down from $29 to $11.99.

Sandals (similar to the white ones I loved all summer) were $3.95, down from $15.

I'm looking forward to enjoying these next summer, and even pulling out my great Winter stuff I snagged last Spring. Do you find any great clearance summer items?

2010-09-05T11:07:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

my gorgeous new bed all set up.
blooming Zinnias in the front flower beds.
$3.95 hot pink sandals for next summer.
having all of the windows open for the first time since Spring.
someone else mowing my lawn.

2010-09-03T22:15:00.001-05:00

College football is a sport that bears the same relation
to education that bullfighting does to agriculture.
Elbert Hubbard

Lest we forget, tomorrow is the beginning of college football season in our home. Don't worry, there is still plenty of baseball to watch. Oh, and pro football is on its way too. Winnie is ready to snarf bratwursts and homemade chili from the Crock Pot in her snazzy, new Miami Dolphins color.

But tomorrow, is the first game of the season for Nick's beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. Yes, he's from Iowa. No, he doesn't like the Hawkeyes.

Nick's dad was born in Nebraska, always loved the team and then passed it on to his two sons.
I have a Nebraska Huskers bird feeder, salt and pepper shakers and the flag flying from my front porch. Yes, I'd say I married a lifelong fan.

Nick at his bachelor party - a Nebraska Huskers game, of course!

Nick and his brother, Matt, at the Nebraska v. Mizzou game last Fall.

Tomorrow we were graciously invited to watch the first game at the home of a woman I met in Junior League. She was literally the very first person I met in the League at the information session I attended. It was our topic of conversation because she moved from Nebraska and, well, my house is covered in it. Both her and her husband are big Huskers fans. I'm looking forward to donning our scarlet and cream, breaking out my Nebraska platter for homemade sausage balls (ala Paula Deen).

Happy college football season to all and Go Big Red!

At the Nebraska Huskers game v. Mizzou last Fall - it rained the WHOLE TIME but we won!

2010-09-02T10:26:00.000-05:00

There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the
realization that we have accomplished something.
Henry Ford

Last weekend my mom came into town for a visit. We had a lovely time just being together but I also got a ton of stuff done. A mother is a good motivator, "just do it now!"

Here's all we accomplished:

Used my Groupon at Women's Closet Exchange for a Banana Republic tweed skirt, a raspberry pink Pashmina and a long sleeve red tee from Talbot's.
Dropped off clothes at the fun new store called Rung. It is a second-hand resale store that focuses on selling stylish clothes and helping underprivileged women.
Hung some great items mom brought from home including the photo that goes along with the pocket watch on my living room wall (it's of my grandfather holding the exact watch up to his brother's ear) and some great old horse medallions from Ireland.

Mom did a killer job cleaning the back porch and replanting new mums for fall.

Visiting Grant's Farm - so fun to see the baby Clydesdale horses and beautiful grounds of the park.

Snuggled and walked with Winnie, the "granddog."

Went out to a delicious dinner at Cafe Provencal (and used Nick's "free entree" birthday coupon).

2010-09-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

I sincerely believe blogging can save America.

John Jay Hooker

I'm joining in on Centsational Girl's "Where Do You Blog Party" - how fun it is to have a voyeuristic peak into the habits (and lovely decorating skills) of other bloggers.

Although I do most of my commenting and blog reading throughout my little mental breaks at work, I write all of my posts on my couch at home in the evenings. I have my laptop on, well, my lap with a Beagle by my side and my husband, Nick, watching baseball. Or football. Or basketball. Or golf. Or horse racing. Or ESPN reviewing everything he missed. You get the idea.

So here's the pretty, staged photo:

And here's the reality:

So, where do you blog?

Rabbit, rabbit!

2010-08-30T09:35:00.000-05:00

Television! Teacher, mother, secret lover.

Homer Simpson, The Simpsons

For all my love of television, I just thoroughly enjoyed watching the Emmy's last night with my mom and Nick. From Temple Grandin sweeping the movie category to seeing True Blood cast members, Jimmy Fallon sing like Boyz 2 Men and another big Mad Men win it was a fun show.

Of course, the highlight of the evening were the many appearances by lovely, St. Louis-bred Jon Hamm. That made sitting through the commercials bearable!

Yes, please.

2010-08-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

found and bought my new bed!
the salty bread at Cafe Provencal.
having my mom walk Winnie at 6 a.m. on a Saturday.
baby Clydesdale horses at Grant's Farm.
new Sperry Topsiders.

2010-08-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

The bed has become a place of luxury to me!
I would not exchange it for all the thrones in the world.
Napoleon Bonaparte

My mom flew in this afternoon and I'm very excited because we have a fun weekend of things planned. Nick works every weekend so I'm usually alone, it will be nice to have company and a little help in getting some things checked off my to do list. We'll be doing the standard lunch/movie/shopping but also I'm on a serious hunt for a new bed!

I've saved and saved and have a suspiciously large envelope of cash that looks like it would pay for something illegal set aside just for a bed purchase. I'll also have enough for brand new bedding. We have beautiful sheets and pillowcases from a wedding gift but we desperately need a new comforter/duvet.

I'm not keen on paying retail for a bed so we'll be scouting local consignment stores for what I want. I'm pretty open to the style and would love something old but do love beds with this kind of structure (basically Pottery Barn without the price):

For bedding, I'm on the hunt for this comforter/duvet style but again, hopefully I will snag it at TJMaxx or Stein Mart. I want neutral (monogrammed of course!) so it will last when my decor changes around it:

If you have any bed and/or linen buying advice, please share. Either way, wish us luck with the hunt!