Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Clothes Shopping

Calling all fashionistas!

I am increasingly frustrated by Lane Bryant quality. I just purchased a really cute spring dress for a wedding in May and realized (after one washing) that the armhole was mis-stitched and will probably end up being a hole soon.

I continue to have problems with both fabric and construction quality of their clothes. But, where else can you find good quality, age-appropriate, somewhat trendy but usually cute plus-sized clothing??? (And, not things that were designed in a size 2 and then sized up to a size 22...that NEVER works.)

Where do you all shop???

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Sending Home

The ladies have left the building. My mom and Aunt Kathy braved the early morning (up at 4:45AM), rain, and people to make it from Atlanta to Aberdeen by 2PM.

Before they left, we were up late admiring the new piece of furniture (thanks to Jeff for th epic drive while I was at work) with all our perfectly arranged pretty-prettys on it.



YIPPEE!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Southern Hospitality

Yay, visitors from the north again!!! Mom and Kathy arrived safe and sound and we have had so much fun doing a puzzle, hanging out, decorating, talking about decorating, gossiping about families (Amy and Ben, that means you), planning diabetic-friendly meals, going out to eat, exploring, and admiring the azaleas.

A highlight so far has been all the wisteria (invasive but beautiful) in bloom everywhere, especially on our drive to Serenbe.



We had dinner at the most quaint little shop...Blue Eyed Daisy, I believe, and my ham and cheese panini was accented by pear mustard. Can you believe it? YUM.



I hope they never leave!!!

Monday, March 21, 2011

TV Commercials

Did you see these in your neighborhood yet?

This is definitely a fun one if you have a phone better than mine...



And - please, please, please watch this one...I love it!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Two Doves

Doves are the symbol of love, peace, and serenity. So I think it totally fitting after the crazy week last week that I have spotted a pair in our backyard.

And not only did I spot them - we saw some nesting material. We were not sure if it was nesting material since it was actually ON THE TRAY FEEDER and we thought surely there would be too much traffic for them to start a nest.

So we cleaned off the 'debris' and about an hour later, a mama dove came to sit on the nest-in-progress while the daddy dove kept watch on the deck railing.

I still can't believe this will be their final nesting place - after all, we go through a 40-lb bag of birdseed in about 2 weeks...but who knows!? Maybe the universe is telling me to get a little more peace and serenity in my life.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Fire Hose

My new job rocks. I love it. However, I feel a little like the kid in this video after getting acquainted with the job this week...

Thursday, March 17, 2011

St Patrick's Day

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Did you know the Irish DEFINITELY do not call it "St. Patty's Day"???

I have not drank any green beer, sang any fun tunes, or drifted down any green rivers this year. (Wait. I don't think I have really ever done that). But I did wear a green shirt!

Stay safe and have fun!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Happy New Job Day

Today I began a new endeavor. I am so excited - I will have more project-based, and more complex, commodities...in the form of FOOD!

Not just any food though - SNACKS. Something I definitely am already intimately involved with (it sounds like a relationship when you put it that way).

Also, it means less travel, which is something I am looking forward to. I really, REALLY love the autonomy and independence I have now, and the ability to see the world in the name of 'work', but it is in exchange for nights away from home and a somewhat irregular schedule.

I am hopeful this new challenge will be a perfect combination of learning experiences for me, and actually applying things I already know...AND the more consistent hours will hopefully give me time to 'workout' and 'workoff' any product tasting meetings we have.

So next time you are on board eating Biscoff and peanuts, think of me! And while you're at it, purchase a snack box, or Pringles, or M&Ms!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Reykjavik, Iceland!

My farewell trip for Corporate Travel was to Reykjavik, Iceland! What a perfect ending...it was cold (20F) and snow for a big chunk of it...I had all the right gear!

Upon landing, it kind of looked like South Dakota (somewhat flat and snowcovered)...until you look closer and realize it is a lava field underneath with volcanos in the distance.


I really knew I was not in SD when I saw geothermal steam rising up from nearby geysers on the ride into town (it took a long time).


Iceland is tiny with only about 300,000 people and about 65% live in or around the city. Here you can see why - beautiful Esja mountain and fjords jutting into the cityscape, with quant colored roof housing below.


The national pastime is swimming and bathing since the entire island is basically a volcano with steaming hot water underground. A wondrous sight to behold is the Blue Lagoon - filled with healing white silica mud, dark volcanic sand, and water filled with blue algae and over 200 unique species of bacteria. It is said to be the closest to a fountain of youth on earth.


What a beautiful place!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

The Tudors

I know I am a little late to the party - but who is with me in LOVING The Tudors?

Seasons 1-3 are out on DVD...but be warned, this Showtime Original is NOT for kids.

Also, I am in love with several members of this royal family...namely one King Henry before he got old and paranoid.

I have learned SO MUCH about English history this way!

Friday, March 4, 2011

The Next Real Estate Boom?

This article appeared in the New York Times this week. He is investigating the beginnings of a real estate boom/bust cycle - except this time it's focused on farmland in the midwest..I really hope the journalist actually visited Iowa to interview these people. Perhaps maybe he would see God's Country is worth what people are paying!

...or...maybe a 20% increase isn't realistic...

I wonder how South Dakota's numbers stack up in relation to these concepts.

All I know is it's never a good idea to "chase" the market, don't pay more than the market can bear, and get out before it's too late (DO YOU HEAR ME, ETHANOL INVESTORS?????).