Printed Press

2011-02-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Annual Holiday Card Debate

2010-11-10T18:57:00.002-07:00

Every year around this time I start thinking about our annual Christmas card. I've been sending holiday photo cards for the past 4 years, and am planning to carry on this tradition this year. I know I always love tearing into cards hoping to receive Christmas photo cards, as they are the ones I hang on to year after year, so they are something I'm happy sending - maybe others on my holiday mailing list have the same excitement.

Last year I hunted through about 20 sites looking for the perfect photo cards to ultimately end up unhappy with the card we picked. This year I was so excited to find some really fun designs at Shutterfly. I even loved their selection of return address labels - a one stop shop.

We took some really great photos in Mexico last week of Jason and I that I plan on using in our holiday card this year. I'm really looking froward to the holidays this year!

A few of the holiday cards from Shutterfly that I'm debating from include:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/warm-wishes-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93479

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/berry-merry-christmas-5x7-photo-card-5x7-photo?sortType=1&fa=4&storeNode=93480

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/holly-jolly-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93479

What do you typically do for your holiday cards?

*I'm receiving 50 free cards from Shutterly for this post and if you're a blogger, you can too! Follow this link and sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Create Possibilities

2010-09-07T15:43:00.002-06:00

This past week the card I selected from my Today is the Day pack is "Create Possibilities." I've been attempting to create possibilities in a few different ways, some I'm not ready to announce in such a public manner yet - but stay tuned and I may disclose a few things that are up my sleeve.

One of the things I have decided to do and share is that I'll be entering my first photo contest as I mentioned earlier in my Balloon Classic blog post. I've been pondering about what to do with my budding photography skills, and there are a few different ways I'm able to show my "work." So here is to the new possibility of being a artist with some credit to my name.

Colorado Balloon Classic Balloon Glo Pictures

2010-09-07T07:33:00.000-06:00

This weekend was stuffed full of life.

On Saturday night J & I drove down to Colorado Springs for the Colorado Balloon Classic. I wanted to attend the Balloon Glo - and it exceeded all of my expectations. I might say it was one of the coolest things to experience.

We watched them get the balloons inflated.

And when all the balloons would glow, the entire field would light up as people cheered. It was just breathtaking.

I'm debating entering my first photo contest and submitting a picture of the balloons, I just need to pick my favorite of the photos.

It makes me want to attend another balloon festival, and I already know that next year I want to stay in the Springs so we can watch the launch the next morning.

Watching You, Watching Me

2010-09-05T06:46:00.001-06:00

Took this picture last weekend and thought it was too funny to not post. This little guy tends to climb on our balcony a lot too. He is always around just watching, waiting, in hopes that you will leave him some food. Sorry little guy, you gotta find your food somewhere else...

It's a Sun Shiny Day...

2010-09-02T06:47:00.000-06:00

A few more pictures from this past weekend to brighten your day...

From Around the Web

2010-08-31T15:37:00.003-06:00

I've seen two blog posts that just are speaking to me today.

The first was on Geek in Heels and was of a shirt on Threadless that I just have to buy! It is the camera geek in me.

The next over on Claremont Road there was a post on theme parties.

I'm dying to host the following parties: Mixed Brew Party & Swap Party, I just need to decide when and who to invite.

Bringing Back Canning

2010-08-31T06:40:00.001-06:00

Every year (well except maybe last year) all of J's family gets together to make salsa by the bucket - literally. This year we had the joy of having some family in from out of state to also help in the fun. It takes all day, and by the end of the day you have eaten enough chips and salsa to feed an army.

We start by blanching and peeling bushels of tomatoes.

By washing and seeding peppers.

By cleaning the herbs.

And, chopping the garlic.

Then everything gets chopped a little more finely.

Before it is finally dumped in a bucket to be mixed with spices. Don't worry, the buckets are clean.

The whole family joins in mixing the salsa.

Finally, all of the jars are sterilized, the salsa is cooked, and then comes the canning and the processing.

More and more canning.

The jars process to seal.

Then we have jars and jars and jars and more jars of salsa to last the entire family through the year. We eat salsa at every get together from Christmas to football games to drinks in the summer on the porch.

We are going to pickle in 2 weeks. Any one else taken up the art of canning?

We'll Drink Big Whiskey While We Dance & Sing

2010-08-30T12:46:00.001-06:00

The weekend was a much needed break from the everyday. My goal for 2 days was to simply cherish family and the time we were spending together regardless of the activity.

Saturday morning J & I headed to my parents house where we decided to go on the Stranahan's whiskey tour. We headed out for lunch at Tocabe - I just love their fry bread, and then went on the whiskey tour.

I had never really drank whiskey, and after the tour I probably don't intend to drink it again. It just wasn't for me.

We went back to my parent's house, lounged around and caught up and then had a family dinner of BBQ ribs.

After heading back to our house, J & I rested in order to prepare for the salsa madness that Sunday would entail.

Enjoying the moment

2010-08-27T08:21:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I took the day off to cherish family. My cousin Karen is in town from California and spending time with her just makes you feel good down to your core.

I started the morning yesterday by sleeping in until 7 - I must tell you that 7 may be early to some, but what a difference it is compared to 4:45 like most days. After unwrapping a few special gifts from my cousin and from her dear friend Ruth (I'll post details on these later), we headed out for the day to do some antique shopping, have lunch and browse through Kohl's. We got home just in time for Jason to join us for a big dinner a couple glasses of wine. It was such a wonderful refreshing day to just be family.

My mom and Karen grew up spending all of their summers together, and just about any other time they could squeeze in. They are the bestest of friends:

My mom & Karen

Today is the Day...

2010-08-25T07:09:00.000-06:00

I'm always looking for ways to bring more positivity to things around me, especially when there is so much that is always trying to bring you down. Lately I've just felt stressed, drained and pulled to far from the point of balance.

While traveling a few weeks back for work, I visited our client's gift shop and saw these perfect magnets where you switch out the affirmation on a weekly basis. I knew I had to bring one home with me - it was calling out to me.

There are 53 different affirmations, everything from "Feel Alive" to "Seek out the Good". My goal is to switch it out each week and make that my personal focus for a few days.

This week I started with one that was really fitting "Cherish family." J and I both have family in town this week and will be spending a lot of time with our families over the next few days. I'm hoping to really cherish the time and allow it to re-energize my internal batteries.

The box reads: "Somewhere in your home or office, let there be one beautiful object, a little island of inspiration that will feed your spirit all year long. Let it remind you that every day is your day, that right now is a good time, and that happiness is always in your hands. Treasure each day and treasure yourself..."

So here goes a year of seizing the moment. I'll try to share the affirmation each week that I've selected and maybe you can even be inspired and reminded that your happiness is your hands too.

A Weekend Nap Recap

2010-08-23T19:42:00.002-06:00

The weekend was full...full of napping and relaxing.

On Friday I had to run a few errands, Costco and such, and made a little stop at Vera Bradley to do a little birthday shopping. I brought home this little beauty:

Then after that I came home and napped, cooked dinner and just relaxed.

On Saturday J went golfing while I visited with the folks. After coming home I napped until J got home. We cooked up some dinner and spent the evening watching the Broncos.

Sunday we met J's parents for lunch in Northfield to celebrate my birthday. J makes fun of me and says my birthday is a never-ending celebration - he is right. His parents gave me a another beautiful Vera bag. It was a great surprise. My cousin Allison would make fun of me and say that "if it looks like a quilt don't buy it" and maybe Vera bags have been around for awhile now - heck I've had one for going on 10 years now, but I think they are great carry all bags.

After lunch we came home and guess, I took a nap!

I woke this morning feeling rested and ready to return to the grind.

Mile High Music Festival - Day 2

2010-08-17T07:41:00.004-06:00

The morning of day 2 I woke up feeling like I had just spent 12 hours in the sun. My body was tired, but after some b-fast and a little lazin' around we were ready for more fest.

We met up with our friends again and picked out some great seats for Dave. Day 2 was much hotter than Day 1 temp wise and we were feeling the sun. We didn't hit as many shows, but that was ok in the end. We started off with a little of Danielle Ate the Sandwich, followed by Drive by Truckers, listening to Matt Morris from a distance, then Jimmy Cliff (which I really enjoyed), My Morning Jacket and then of course Dave!

More J & J time remembering all the shows of their past.

Me trying to avoid the sun.

Jimmy Cliff.

J & I.

My Morning Jacket.

Dave Matthews Band.

It was a great year at Mile High Music Festival. But, I can probably be done and say I've checked a music festival off my list of life.

Mile High Music Festival - Day 1

2010-08-16T05:58:00.004-06:00

Another great weekend, another tired Monday.

We survived Mile High Music Festival 2010, but I must say that festivals may not really be my thing. The crowds, the smoke, the heat, the port-o-potties... Anyway, all things aside we really enjoyed this year's line-up.

So a little recap of Day 1.

We started the day with One Eskimo in the sun at the side stage, followed by Amos Lee (seen below) in a tent, then we darted to see The Samples back in the sun. The Samples were not someone high on my list to see, but I really really enjoyed their show. It was fun to see a band that J has loved for so long. After that we went back to a tent for Rusted Root. We were finally ready to eat and headed for the food tents. After that we went back to the tents for Keane and then made our way to the main stage for Steve Miller Band and Jack Johnson.

J & I - no it wasn't sweat on his shoulders, he had a wet towel around his neck.

J & J reliving their glory days filled with concerts (all of that BW, Before Wives).

A little Jack Johnson.

A little more Jack Johnson.

And even more Jack Johnson.

I really enjoyed Day 1, but I don't think I will ever need to go see Jack again in concert. It pains me to say that because he is one of my favs, but his live show just lacks something. Don't really know how to say it, but it really just sounds like me and 40,000 other people are all just listening to the CD in the dark with some video coverage. He doesn't command the stage the way some artists do. Anyway, that aside, it was wonderful.

Stay tuned for a recap of Day 2.

Little Rock was a Rockin' Good Time

2010-08-14T07:12:00.000-06:00

Last week I took a trip for work down to Little Rock for a few days of client meetings. The trip was such a good time, not only the experience, but it was also a very productive few days work wise.

On Wednesday night after getting in we went to The Flying Fish for dinner where I had the best Poor Boy sandwich. It was just so truly southern.

What cracked me up was that The Flying Fish had a "Billy Bass Adoption Center" with hundreds of Billy Bass attached to the wall. If you bring your Billy Bass in you get a free order of catfish.

After dinner we walked around the River Walk. Mind you, the heat index was right around 115. Little Rock was in a heat wave, and the air was so thick. I'm used to coastal humidity from visiting my grandparents growing up, but this was nothing like that. To top it off, there was a movie in the park and all these people were sitting outside in the heat watching a movie. In Colorado we would do that and have blankets and light jackets.

A few more pictures from the trip:

I really liked Little Rock, the people were so friendly and it felt like it still had some of that "small-town" feel. The flights on the other hand weren't as enjoyable, but I still made it back in time to head out with J for the weekend of celebration.

I feel like I'm semi-caught up now with blogging the events of August. How quickly this month is already going.

Weekend of Celebration Day 3, The Drive Home

2010-08-13T10:39:00.000-06:00

All good things must come to an end, but we were determined to live it up until the very last second. We got up on my birthday morning and again enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the hotel. We loaded up the car and made it to a few fruit stands. Palisade is known for there peaches and we wanted to make sure we were taking a few home with us. We also stopped at two last wineries.

Then after leaving town we drove up the Mesa stopping to a take a few photos, before we commited to the 4+ hour drive back home.

It was the perfect birthday weekend full of beauty and life. I love little adventues and can't wait to start planning the next weekend getaway. Any suggestions on where to go?

Weekend of Celebration Day 2, Part 2

2010-08-11T19:26:00.006-06:00

In the afternoon we were met by our river guide Rondo for the start of our river float adventure.

The river is pretty murky, but it is so peaceful and relaxing. We floated along, enjoyed a cocktail and heard stories of surrounding mountains.

Along the way, Jason and I got out into the river and just floated like we were on a lazy river ride. Although the water looks so calm it really was a very strong flow.

I asked along the way if we would see any wildlife and sure enough near the end of the trip we passed a bald eagle perched along the river bank cliff.

Along on the trip was Leif from the Palisade Chamber of Commerce and his dog Flicka. I just loved Flicka dog - just look at that pup in the ducky boat.

If you are ever on the Western Slope and interested in a river float trip I can't recommend Rondo at Palisade Wine Country River Trips enough. He provided such a great time.

Look for tomorrow's post to wrap up our weekend of celebration!

Weekend of Celebration Day 2, Part 1

2010-08-11T19:11:00.004-06:00

We started the morning of Day 2 with a great breakfast at our hotel before heading into "downtown" Palisade where we browsed the farmer's market.
After that Jason and I picked up our bike rentals from Rapid Creek Cycles & Sports. The bikes were part of a package we got through our hotel. They were great bikes and the morning weather was just great for a wine tour via the bike.

We stopped at the first winery for a tour and taste.

After biking around we went back to the Farmer's market for lunch from one of the stands before we headed off for our afternoon adventure. Look for more tomorrow on our great afternoon on the Colorado River.

Weekend of Celebration Day 1

2010-08-10T20:28:00.000-06:00

After I got home from a late business trip the night before (details on that trip soon), Jason and I got up early on Saturday morning to hit the Paris Street market on our way out of town.

We filled up the tank and drove about 250 miles to Grand Junction.

Once we finally got to that side of the slope we grabbed some lunch and then took a drive through the Colorado Monument. The rain was just starting to roll in for the afternoon, but the sights were still just as beautiful and the mountain-sides just as steep. I often get irrational fears on steep drives that the car is just going to blow off of the side of the mountain, so as you can imagine I was pretty fearful on this drive.

We stopped at a few wineries and had a great dinner before taking a soak in the hot tub. All in all a very successful first day to our weekend getaway. Look for Day #2 coming tomorrow, with another full post of photos.

Today is my birthday

2010-08-09T19:40:00.002-06:00

We escaped this past weekend for a little road trip to the Western Slope to celebrate my birthday. I took hundreds of photos in just a few days and will spend this week posting all the details and sights from our mountain escape.

How to pass the time

2010-08-01T18:37:00.002-06:00

This weekend on our way to Jason's parent's house we were stuck in several traffic jams, and somehow after realizing we had been passing multiple out-of-state plates we began playing the License Plate Game.

::source::

In a matter of about 100 miles round-trip we saw about 50 plates from the following states:

Nevada

Indiana

Iowa

California

Texas (the most popular of the plates)

New Mexico

Florida

Ohio

Louisiana

Wyoming

Arizona

Oregon

Illinois

Kansas

Missouri

Utah

Michigan

Montana

Oklahoma

North Carolina

South Carolina

Nebraska

Idaho

In addition we also saw plates from Canada and Mexico, so we rounded out North America on one quick car ride.

...yes we really did start keeping track by writing them down. I don't think I have ever seen so many different plates - must be summer road-trip weekend!

Rockies Game

2010-07-29T07:57:00.000-06:00

Cross another thing off the summer list - attend an evening Rockies game...

On Tuesday the office headed to the Tavern and then to the Rockies game. We sat in the Rockpile - the first time I've done that in years, and I just read on Everything We Know About Denver that those are baseball's farthest seats.

It was the perfect evening weather wise and I only took two pics before leaving the game early to catch the train back home before the crowds.

The Latest DNS in the Collection

2010-07-27T07:51:00.000-06:00

The latest painting I've forced my dad to give me. He wasn't really pleased with how this painting turned out, but I love it. It is rather large and I can't wait to hang it on the wall in the living room - maybe even get some new throw pillows for the couch to go with the new painting.

Weekend Wrap-Up

2010-07-26T06:37:00.000-06:00

This weekend was wonderful.

Friday during the day I met a friend for lunch, went to the pool and cleaned up my plants on the patio.

Friday night we enjoyed a great meal of grilled chicken, fresh cooked beets, and wild rice.

After dinner we went to the driving range, and hit a few balls, before grabbing some ice cream and going home to watch the Bounty Hunter.

Saturday we went to the Outlet mall, grocery shopped, grabbed dinner at a local Mexican food place and then watched The Bannen Way - which I must recommend that everyone go out and rent, your local Redbox should have a copy.

Sunday we hung low, went to the pool, napped, and cooked the meal I had been dying for all weekend - Shrimp Boil on a stick. It was so good and so relaxing to just sit around and enjoy a meal on the patio.

It was a great weekend with my two favorites - Riley and Jas.

Plans

2010-07-23T07:38:00.001-06:00

I think like a lot people I'm ready for a weekend - I'm ready for a few days of relaxing.

This weekend, the plans:

I'm meeting a good friend for lunch today, and getting the oil changed in my car.

Saturday hoping to get down to the outlets for a little shopping. My closet is in serious need of some new business slacks. I'm hoping to of course get some pool time in.

Sunday is going to Funday. I'm planning on starting a new book and fixing Shrimp Boil on a Stick.

Overall I'm really just hoping to balance things out this weekend and enjoy a few days away and disconnected.

Wishing you a lovely weekend too - one free of worries and full of adventures.

Just what I needed...

2010-07-22T20:18:00.003-06:00

After a very long week, this is exactly what I needed to see this evening as I decompressed.

Somewhere over the rainbow

Blue birds fly

And dreams that are dreamed of

dreams really do come true

Someday I'll wish upon a star

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where trouble melts like lemon drops...

Weekend Wrap-Up (a few days late...)

2010-07-22T08:51:00.002-06:00

Last weekend I didn't pull my camera out once...

On Friday night we grabbed dinner at Bombay Bowl and settled in at home so I could finish up on my Blurb albums (promise a full post on this to come).

Saturday we ran a few errands, lounged at the pool, and made our way up to Blackhawk to dine on crab legs and pull the handle on the slots a few times.

Sunday was a day of celebration. My mother-in-law turned 60 on Saturday, and they had a big party for her at their house. We BBQed and chatted with family and friends, while watching the little ones play baseball. I'm sure we were asked about 2 dozen times when we would be adding to the bunch of rug rats - seriously the pressure is on from the family, but no plans for that yet.

Lilith Fair 2010

2010-07-22T08:42:00.002-06:00

Last week on the the 13th - Lauren and I headed to Lilith Fair. We took advantage of a $10 ticket offer (no fees even) to site on the lawn and arranged with our companies to leave work early.

We took advantage of all of the booths giving away free stuff, and watched some of the side stage acts.
Then we nabbed our place on the lawn to catch Ingrid Michaelson.
There was a couple in front of us that danced the afternoon away! A few other people would join their fun every once and while.
By the time that Sarah McLachlan came on they were fast asleep on their blankets - even had pillows. Maybe they enjoy concerts this way often?

Weekend Wrap-Up (a week late)

2010-07-18T07:41:00.000-06:00

So last weekend...not the weekend currently in the works...we lived it up.

Friday was my glorious day off - and it was much needed after a few long days with extra hours. I soaked up the sun at the pool (yes, this has become a theme of my summer) and then took the little dog for a haircut - or as I like to call it a trip to the doggie spa. I've also been working a lot on my photo albums on Blurb and organizing the other photos in folders. I'm crossing my fingers that I get an external hard drive for my birthday so I can rest easy that the photos are all backed up in one place.

Saturday we hung at the pool and then went to visit my parents for some BBQ ribs. I love my dad's cooking. It was a nice evening to sit and catch up.

On Sunday both J & I, as well as the families, met at the Rockies game for a day at the park. The Rockies had been on a winning streak but of course lost that afternoon. We still enjoyed the game, some beers, a hot dog and some ice cream.

Finally Friday

2010-07-16T08:27:00.003-06:00

I ow this little blog a few things - a Weekend Wrap-up from last weekend, a post on Lilith Fair and maybe a few extra photos thrown in.

I'm glad the weekend is just around the corner, I'm really looking forward to a little R&R and some celebration.

Next week, I promise to have a few extra posts on topics besides the weekend, until then lovelies may the sun shine brightly and shady tree provide you a cool spot to rest.

Weekend Recap #3: Glenhaven

2010-07-07T06:45:00.000-06:00

On Sunday we drove up to Glenhaven to celebrate the Fourth with some of Jason's family friends. They have a cabin right on the river and we were able to take a walk-about taking in the beauty of the mountains. We braved the bridge crossing the river, and no one fell in.

They also have a mini-mountain called "Pig Mountain" that Jason hiked to the top of.

We ate great BBQ and homemade ice cream. It rained the entire way home, so we just came back home and listened to the thunder. The lightening made for an even better show than any fireworks.

We rounded the weekend out on Monday with another dip at the pool and a great meal on the grill. I just love three day weekends with J.

Weekend Recap Part #2: Flea, Dogs, Pool & Fireworks

2010-07-06T11:17:00.000-06:00

We left off on Friday evening where we enjoyed our first Pinkberry experience.

On Saturday, I woke early to meet my train friends at the Paris Street Market at Aspen Grove. We got there at 7:30 and there were already people leaving with their finds. I found two vintage cameras to add to my collection.

After that I headed home to wake J up and get ready to head to Steve's Snappin' Dogs. Their hot dogs are some of the best in the city. We both got the Chicago Dogs, split a fry and a sipped on some lemonade.

We drove straight to the pool after Steve's and soaked up the sun. The swim team was having a party which included a canon ball contest. It was fun watching the different age brackets as they splashed for prizes. There was also a greased watermelon contest, which I had never heard of, but included on greased watermelon being dumped in the pool and all the kids trying to be the first to fish it out.

Saturday evening we headed to the town of Parker's Fourth of July celebration on the 3rd of July. There was a brass band, thousands of people and one great fireworks display. I enjoyed watching a group of young boys setting off their own fireworks before the show as they all stood around the firecracker jumping and screaming with each burst. Reminded me a lot of my own childhood where we set fireworks off from the front yard.

We crashed after getting home, it took awhile to get out of the parking lot. But, we were ready for to rest up for another day of weekend enjoyment.

Weekend Recap Part #1: Pinkberry

2010-07-05T18:11:00.003-06:00

So not really sure how many posts it will take to get through the weekend, but I guess that just means this weekend was well lived and full of fun.

Friday afternoon J and I both got out of work early and started into the weekend. We went to Rubio's for fish tacos followed by checking out Pinkberry. This is the first Pinkberry in Colorado, and the line shows you how excited people are to get a taste of the frozen yogurt.

I really like that you can mix flavors, I went for a small yogurt with Coconut, Orignal and Watermelon. Topped with some berries. It was so good and I can't wait to go back.

We also stopped at Barnes and Noble were I browsed some photography books.

Overall it was a great Friday afternoon. Now onto the meat of the weekend!

Here Comes the Sun...

2010-07-02T10:54:00.003-06:00

The weekend is just hours aways. 3-days of sun, splash and summer.

Last night went out with some friends to see Eclipse and have dinner. It was a good movie, good food and great laughs.

This weekend, the main goal is to get out and play with the camera. Expect next week to be several days of photo-heavy posts.

Until then, have a safe & happy 4th of July!

Weekend Wrap-up

2010-06-28T20:07:00.004-06:00

It's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine, it's summertime, sweet summertime.

Another weekend, another few days of summer soaked in.

Friday I headed to the pool, flipped through a magazine and sipped on an ice tea. I cooked J and I up a quick dinner of fish, cucumber salad, and fresh cut tomatos. Following dinner we went and saw Killers with Ashton Kutcher.

Saturday I again went to the pool while Jason played golf with the boys. In the evening we celebrated our friends Kristin & Eric's son's 1st birthday! It was so cute to see him open presents and taste his first bites of cake.

On Sunday, go ahead and guess... I went to the POOL. Can I just say, it was so relaxing to spend 3 days soaking up the sun, lapping up every moment of pool time. We cooked up a delish meal of Thai Turkey burgers and turned in early.

I'm looking forward to spending next weekend in the sun celebrating America. Fourth of July is one of my most favorite holidays and it is the one I most want to host when J and I start hosting the family for holidays.

Summer Is...

2010-06-27T13:21:00.011-06:00

Afternoon thunderstorms that end with bright rainbows...

Flowers blooming everywhere...

Watermelon on the porch...
Lemonade with fresh blueberries mixed in...

A freezer full of Popsicles...

Toes freshly painted dancing in the sun at the pool...

Jumping from the diving board where the best form is judged based on the biggest splash...

Towels drying on chairs following a day of swimming...

My Favorite Macaroni Salad Recipe

2010-06-24T22:10:00.002-06:00

From my early childhood I always remember my mom pulling out an old cookbook with a page that was dog earred, and the spine was cracked just so that it would open easily to a page with the best macaroni salad recipe. We made it every so often and although we could have made it in the dead of winter, yet the salad reminds me of summer.

Ingredients:
1 cup elbow macaroni
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup cubed American cheese
3 tbsps apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dried dill
Salt & Pepper to taste

Boil the pasta until cooked. Drain. Mix the remaining ingredients and combine with pasta. Refrigerate 1-2 hours. Serve chilled.

We have eaten this salad two nights this week and it already feels more like we are celebrating summer that it did last week. Check that goal off the list.

A few flowers

2010-06-22T19:41:00.000-06:00

Some of my favorite shots from the season so far...

A Little Splash of Summer

2010-06-21T19:32:00.003-06:00

Some weekends feel full. Like you were able to live and get the most from those days. This weekend was one of those.

Friday night I finally finished planting all of my flowers. My window box has been empty while those baby birds grew up. With the patio all clean we were able to enjoy popsicles while the night settled in.

Saturday we got up early and headed to the Farmer's Market. I love the Farmer's Market - I wanted to buy all sorts of goodies, but we only got a pound of fresh snap peas. After that we went over to the Greek Fest, and I was so disappointed. The food was not everything I had been dreaming of, and the entire festival just lacked the festival feeling. After feeling let down with the Greeks, we grabbed a Sonic drink and headed to the club pool. I loved spending the afternoon at the club soaking up the sun. I jumped off the diving board just like the kiddos. Then I wrapped out the day by going to a party at my "train friend's" house.

Sunday I ran typical Sunday errands (have you missed hearing this dear reader), and then soaked up some more sun at the nieghborhood pool. In the afternoon I met up with Jason at his parents' house for BBQ and Father's Day celebration. We had celebrated Father's Day with my folks the weekend before. We dined on the patio and it was just so perfectly summer.

School's Out For Summer

2010-06-18T15:12:00.002-06:00

Remember the days of youth when the school year was winding down, year books were being passed around and a few months of freedom were around the corner. You could almost just taste watermelon, grilled hot dogs, and drippy popsicles by the time the final class bell would ring...

I miss those days, and this summer, maybe more than most I'm dreaming of being able to soak it all in over the next two months.

I'm hoping that I can really enjoy the summer air and make some time for a few summer must-dos.

Weekday evening baseball game
One long lazy day at the club pool complete with drinks and snacks from the pool bar
Trip to the driving range at dusk
Movie or concert in the park
Boat ride (could be canoe or paddle boat to, just a day at the lake)
Crab Boil
Make Classic Macaroni Salad
Go to the pool one hot evening
Drive with the windows down and the music turned up
Go Camping
Take more photos

Here is to a magical weekend, may it be filled with celebrations and summer memories...

And then there were none

2010-06-18T06:10:00.003-06:00

You saw what the little morning doves looked like on about day one (June 5), here they are a week old (photo taken June 12):

Here is the entire bird family and the little birds are getting much bigger (photo taken June 16)

Today (June 18) the nest, which doesn't really look like a nest, is empty. The birds have flown away. I'm excited to finally be able to plant in the window box, but part of me feels like an empty nester now.

Hello Birds

2010-06-10T05:13:00.003-06:00

Jas and I are thr proud godparents of two baby morning doves. Mamma morning dove decided our patio's window box looked like the perfect nesting grounds. Typically both mom and dad sit on the sit and swap out every 12 hours or so. The eggs take bout 12-14 days to hatch followed by another 12-14 days before the babies leave the nest.

Mamma has taken some beatings from a few storms this week, but she stays strong and sits on that nest.

We think that this photo is from the day or the day after the little babies hatched.

Weekend Hike

2010-06-08T06:55:00.002-06:00

This weekend my dear friend Jenny and her boyfriend Chris were in town. It was so good to catch up and have a few laughs. On Sunday we all went to Waterton Canyon per Lauren's recommendation. I will now be recommending this same trail. Get there. It's beautiful.

If Jenny or Lauren just happen to be reading this post - I promise I'll be emailing out the photo files tonight!

Left My Heart in San Francisco

2010-06-01T18:51:00.005-06:00

...or maybe just on vacation. Here are a few photos of the trip:

The Long Road Home

2010-05-17T20:45:00.002-06:00

Tonight I took a lavender bubble bath until the bubbles vanished and my toes wrinkled. Tonight I decided to return.

As the water swirled around the drain before escaping to the unknown, and I stepped out of the oval tub feeling refreshed with the worries of day shaken from my shoulders, I was overcome with the need to return to this place. The desire to capture my thoughts, my memories, my hopes, fears and dreams before they too escaped to the unknown with a new fleeting idea filling the space.

With this I hope that you, you who finds this update after months of silence, welcomes my return with open, forgiving and gracious arms.

Tonight I decided to return.

Good Reads

2010-01-28T12:37:00.002-07:00

In my blogging absence I have been doing a lot of reading - thanks in part to a brand new Denver Public Library card. Since the DPL is just down the street from my office it makes for a great lunch outing to go checkout books.

Some books that have graced the nightstand this month include:

Honeymoon with my Brother by Franz Wisner
This book gave me a serious case of the travel bug and I can't wait to start planning my next vacation.
Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
I liked Nanny Returns much better than Nanny Diaries. I thought it was cute and full of typical NYC chic-lit references.
Best Friends by Jennifer Weiner
One of favorite authors. I really enjoyed the semi-mystery type book where you know the answer to the mystery but someone else in on the hunt.What are you reading right now?

Worn out Weekend

2010-01-10T19:47:00.003-07:00

The weekends go by so fast even when they are three days long.

Friday, my day off, I ran around in the morning. I got my ring checked and cleaned - love how sparkly it is when I leave there. Then I swung by the post office, headed to my parents to get some packing boxes and then met Jason for lunch. It isn't often that I can meet up with him during the work week, so it was wonderful.

That night we went to the Nuggets vs Cavs game. The Nuggets, as you may know, won in the final seconds. It was a fun evening.
Saturday we headed out to the Stockshow. A favorite yearly tradition for me. I love the animals, the rodeo and of course the food! I grubbed on a corn dog and cotton candy.
Sunday was mainly chores and ended with a stove hot fresh cookie and a glass of milk.

2010 Hopes, Resolutions & Goals

2010-01-08T08:03:00.001-07:00

Hope: to cherish a desire with anticipation

Goal: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

Resolution: a resolve or determination, the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

I guess I have a hard time making "resolutions." They always seem to be waiting to be broken. I like to think I'm more optimistic, more goal driven, more about hoping mixed with action.

I shared several times what I set out to do in 2009, so here is a glimpse at what I hope 2010 will hold:

- Reduce a mortgage, unless that is we buy a vacation home in 2010 - but really, no one needs two mortgages.
- Finish my wedding album
- Purge, purge & purge some more - a repeat of 2009, but there is a lot we need to clean out, donate and sell.
- Eat at the dining room table 2 times a week - right now we are averaging once a week, normally Sundays.

- Limit soda intake to once a week at work - normally not a huge soda drinker, somehow being an office with an unlimited, free supply just causes me to drink more.
- Get a new computer, and set up an office space
- Travel out of the state at least 3 times, one is already on the calendar. I would say out of the country, but this year we may just stay stateside with our adventures, saving Europe for 2011.
- Finish Project365 and create a blurb book, I'm still taking photos everyday, but just struggling to get them posted the same day to Love What You Live.
- Redesign the blog

This list will probably evolve. However, it is start of 2010 goasl, hopes and I suppose a litle mix of resolutions.

Dreaming of an Exotic Voyage

2010-01-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Maybe it is the winter blues dragging me down, but I'm finding myself daydreaming nonstop about jet-setting somewhere warm, topical and beachy. Wouldn't this shirt from ModCloth just be perfect with some flip flops and big sunglasses?

Swoon

2010-01-06T14:43:00.003-07:00

I think my heart skipped a beat, seriously...

I saw a Kelly Moore bag on another blog that I read, and it quickly moved to the top of my must-have items in 2010. Maybe, just maybe if I can stick to my budget for the next three months I can treat myself to this splurge.

I mean seriously, have you ever seen a camera bag so beautiful!! It comes in seven wonderful colors...

Can you pour me a glass of juice

2010-01-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

The other day my mailbox had Crate & Barrel's latest catalog. I love that store. Anyway, they had the cutest juice glasses. ever. Trying to find a reason to convince hubs that I ...need... these glasses.

December

2010-01-05T19:21:00.003-07:00

So as promised, a few photos froms the past month that somehow came and went.

The month started with the KBCO Studio C CD release party and a concert by Brandi Carlile. Lauren had won tickets to the show - it was a great evening.

Jason and I took in an Avs game - and had great seats!

I not only baked some great cookies this year, but of course enjoyed making Lefse with Jason's grandma.

We spent some quality time with both our families.

And of course opened lots of presents.

So blogging world, I'm back from an extended holiday break. Thanks for bearing with my light posting schedule in December. And, thanks to my friend Linds for asking where my posts were... and now, I encourage you to blog!

Another Year, Lots of Dreams

2010-01-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

I read a lot of blogs, and normally I don't suffer with insecurities, but my google reader has been stuffed full with stunning holiday photos, remarkable resolutions, profound thoughts on every subject, and here I am wondering where to pick back up blogging. Struggling with what to say, stumbling to find my voice, my take, my spin, my thoughts that I find worth sharing.

Tonight I promise a picture loaded post of basically the month of December, and maybe just maybe the words will begin to flow again. I also promise tonight to sit down and brainstorm blog post topics again. I always have so much to say and function better with lists, even when it comes to listing what I shall blog about.

I hope that everyone is settling back into the weekday grind.

Call it what you want

2009-12-28T15:38:00.003-07:00

I suppose you could say I've fallen off the face of the earth, hit writer's block, got stuck in a funk... whatever it is, I haven't been blogging.

My lovely readers it isn't for lack of want, it isn't really even lack of ideas, there is much I have been wanting to share, and even lots of photos.

Really I guess it has come down to time, energy and the holidays keeping my busy. I plan to take the rest of this week off from blogging and return full steam ahead with the New Year.

Until then, warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, 2010!

A Look Back...

2009-12-18T08:46:00.002-07:00

So it's the end of the year and before I post my goals, resolutions, hopes and dreams for 2010, I thought I would take a look at what I accomplished on the list from 2009.

- Scrapbook (dare I say weekly?) - well I didn't hit this one, but I did scrapbook several times with my mother and mother-in-law, as well as created a December Daily album this year. Maybe more time in 2010 to tackle the ever-growing stack of photos.
- Love - Everyday my love grows deeper and broader and richer. May this love never end.
- Paint my bedroom - it is now a beautiful color that I should be marking down somewhere to remember for the next home, as I love the color.
- Plan my happily ever after - What a wonderful wedding it was.
- Paint my master bathroom - after going back and forth on this one, it was decided that we didn't need to paint it and it is still plain jane white.
- Give more of myself - I would like to say I volunteered, donated and gave away a lot of myself this past year, and in the end I didn't do as much as I hoped.
- Purge, purge and purge some more - keep it simple, organized, neat, and clean - Two garage sales this year, and plans to clean out closets, drawers, boxes and more in 2010.
- Smile more - This year was a happy year, full of lots of smiles.
- Journal, again - Well I didn't had write in my journal much in 2009, but I must say I blogged more than I ever imagined.
- Breath deeply - I could use a few more quite moments, but I do try to remember to breath.
- Get a new car - I love my little car that will celebrate it's 1st birthday with me in Feb.
- Relax more, really let my mind slow down - Maybe more down time in 2010?
- Travel out of the country at least twice - Only got out of dodge once this year.
- Hug more - Well...sure...
- Hook up the TV in the second bedroom - We hooked the TV up in the second bedroom and then moved it back into the master bedroom.
- Sleep in, and be ok with it, that is what weekends are for - Slept in a few weekends this year.
- Eat at the dining room table more - Got a new dining room table and try to eat there at least once a week. Problem is it gets cluttered with mail... maybe a goal in 2010 should be to eat there 2 times a week.

Hello Old Friend

2009-12-10T07:15:00.002-07:00

It has been a week since I pushed a post on this blog. I'm still here. I've had a lot of things I could write about and some things I didn't really need to write about, but I've just been cold. With the temps well below zero every day and every night by the time I get home I just want to snuggle up in a blanket and go to sleep while watching Christmas specials on TV.

Tomorrow is my Friday off, maybe I'll find the time to play a serious game of catch-up photo style and provide you with the past week in pics.

My New Favorite Site

2009-12-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

So for a long time now I've admired those with a Mac because of that handy dandy Polaroid image creating thing - Poladroid. Well Rollip is for all you out there like me who don't own a Mac but still covet the idea of make Polaroids.

Food Drive Update

2009-12-03T08:44:00.002-07:00

Remember when I told you were doing a food drive here at work.

Well the bins were collected and the weight was totaled and my company donated 1,427 lbs of food this year to the Food Bank of the Rockies. That means we averaged 40 lbs of food per employee!

Words to Live By

2009-12-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a quote I saw on one of my favorite blogs, Gabrielle Kai Photography:

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captures forever…. it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
~ Aaron Siskind

Wrapping Mania

2009-12-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

On my day off on Monday I spent the day wrapping presents. To start things off I heated up a great chai tea latte topped with plenty of whipped cream.

I pulled out all the rolls of wrapping paper and began to wrap.

And kept wrapping...

Until finally, I was done and able to put all the presents neatly back under the tree.

December Daily Starts Today

2009-12-01T21:35:00.003-07:00

Giving a December Daily album a try this year. I've really been inspired by Ali Edwards albums in the past (here is her 2008 album). I'm a little behind in getting my album skeleton together, but I'm hoping that since my shopping and wrapping is complete that I'll be able to enjoy this little project and that it brings me added joy this holiday season.

I plan on only printing photos once a week as I don't have a photo printer at home, but I'll try to get the journaling pieces done each day this month.

Grateful Tuesday

2009-12-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Today I'm grateful of Riley. This little pup is the light of my life. Seriously having a little pup who excited when you come home, who cuddles you when you sleep and who plays with her toys in a way that makes you laugh uncontrollably is just one of life's greatest joys!

Photo taken this past weekend while on a photo walk.

November - Check

2009-11-30T07:04:00.002-07:00

Today marks the final day of NaBloPoMo and I did it, I posted everyday in November and even threw in a couple extra posts. No promises that I can keep that pace up, but do know that it is my intention and effort to post more often.

With that, weekends are wonderful, so wonderful in fact that mine extends through today with an extra day of vacation.

Wednesday night started this turkey filled weekend adventure by the office closing a little early. I made it home and decided that we would eat leftovers and not cook something new. We of course had to run out to Walmart because I was certain I should have bought more cranberries (if you fast forward to thanksgiving day we had a ton of leftover cranberries, but better safe than without them). I cooked up our cranberry sauce that evening and just enjoyed the excited energy of the weekend.

Thursday I woke up around 7:30 thinking I could have tried to sleep a little longer, but good thing I didn't, I ended up short on time anyway. I turned on the Macy's parade, picked up the house, opened up the newspaper hoping to read all the Black Friday ads, baked corn bread muffins and showered al before leaving the house at 10:45 to head to my parents house. We listened to our favorite Alice's Restaurant on KBCO, a family tradition, and then headed to Jas' parents. In total we were a smaller group this year due to some being sick with good 'ol swine flu, but there were 16 of us still celebrating together. After stuffing ourselves with all the turkey day fixings, we headed back to my parents. Jas watched the Broncos game while my mom and I sorted through the ads making our shopping plans.

On Friday as I posted early we were up early and out the door to shop and shop and shop. Jason and I rented Angels and Demons to watch at home that night. Together we enjoyed round #1 of turkey day leftovers. Open faced sandwiches and some sides.

Saturday we cleaned out some donation items for Goodwill and ate turkey day leftovers round #2, a turkey pot pie I crafted.

Sunday I finished up a little Christmas shopping and worked on my Christmas cards. And, ate turkey day leftovers round #3, a turkey BBQ pizza.

Today I plan to wrap gifts until my fingers bleed or all the presents are wrapped - whichever comes first. I'll certainly post a few pictures of the event, as it is one of my favorite days of the holiday season. I'm one of those strange people that enjoys wrapping.

Thanks for bearing through this long weekend post, and for reading all November long as I posted each day. May December fill your heart with joy and may the holiday spirit bring a smile to your face.

Card Swap

2009-11-29T16:52:00.003-07:00

Today I spent the morning hand crafting my cards for Brooklyn Bride's 3rd annual card swap. I'm going with a snow flake theme and am very excited with how the cards turned out and now just need to put together the finishing touches. Here is a sneak peak of the card I'm putting together (look forward to more pictures of my own cards, and the cards I receive in the mail in the coming weeks).

Black Friday Shopping

2009-11-28T08:09:00.002-07:00

I'm still recovering today after shopping til I couldn't shop anymore yesterday. The morning started at 4:00 when we got up to be able to leave the house at 4:20. First stop, Walmart. I've never seen anything so manic! I hunted around while Jas stood in a line for a new bedroom TV. I picked up a few DVDs and a couple Wii games that will be perfect for presents. Long story short, I got a better deal on the games than advertised after one of the games didn't scan right {big smiles}. Then we went to Target, followed by Best Buy, followed by home for a quick breakfast and then back out again to another Target, Ulta, Aaron Brothers and Hallmark. After that Jas and I hit the grocery for a quick stop and then come home so he could watch some football and I could nap. Later in the afternoon we went to Costco, where we scored some great deals and I got an awesome free cookbook they were handing out. Love the free stuff.

All in all that was the Black Friday shopping experience. Lots of purchases, lots of crowds. I'm almost done with my shopping. Only 3 gifts left to buy and that includes my gift for the work gift exchange.

More of a complete weekend recap coming tomorrow.

Golden Turkey & Black Friday

2009-11-27T15:22:00.003-07:00

Although I'll spend more time detailing the holiday, yesterday was a day of golden turkey and it was wonderful. Today is a day full of black friday shopping and it too will be wonderful.

Hoping that everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend celebrating with friends and family.

Christmas Tree Decorating

2009-11-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

I normally wait until this Thanksgiving holiday weekend to decorate the Christmas tree, but as I mentioned in the last wonderful weekend recap, I took advantage of my joyous feeling and put up the tree a week early.

This is the first year I've had a full sized tree and I'm in love. Here are the steps of the tree becoming beautiful:
1. Right out of the box.
2. Fluffed and ready for trimming.
3. Beaded garland in place.
4. All the beautiful ornaments, and topped with a star (J really wants an angel for the top so that is what we will be on the look out for this holiday season).

My Little Hobby

2009-11-25T14:56:00.002-07:00

Again a swoop and a dart has left me such inspiration! Recently I saw a post over there where she used her Kodak Duaflex to take pictures with her digital camera. Well I decided this past weekend to grab my one of my cameras from my new collection and experiment.

The results weren't as easy I was hoping, but I really like the idea of it. I might continue to play around with this idea.

Celebrate Today

2009-11-25T07:20:00.004-07:00

Today you would be celebrating 27 years of life. 3 years ago we gathered together to celebrate your life. A life cut too short. I think of you often and wonder the countless what ifs. The main what if is always what if you had lived, what if you were still alive today? Where would the past 3 years have taken you? Would you be overseas flying high? Would you be living in some Arab country speaking a language you had fallen in love with?

This time of year brings back so many memories of the years of our friendship. From countless requests for chocolate silk pie from your mom to birthdays mixed with thanksgiving. Today I'm thankful for those memories.

Someday we'll all be gone, But lullabies go on and on...

Grateful Tuesday

2009-11-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Today my gratitude is all over the board

1. Thanksgiving and my father's willingness to cook a turkey even though the family is going to be celebrating together at Jason's parents' house. Who else would cook a turkey because the kids want leftovers for the weekend?

2. My marriage. Last night I watched the final episode of Jon & Kate plus 8 and I wasn't sad it was ending because I think the show is maybe ready to be over, but I was sad thinking back over the years of watching Kate and Jon, despite their fighting, moving together for their family and sharing those tender moments. Those moments won't ever happen again and it made me grateful for my tender moments and the years ahead.

3. Oprah. In light of her wrapping up the Oprah show to move to the OWN (her new cable channel), I decided I'm thankful for all the knowledge her show has shared with the world. Some of it has been fun, the latest gifts to give, and other moments have been eye opening, how to protect yourself in moments of terror. All in all, I enjoy having something on the DVR when nothing else is on tv to tune into.

4. Christmas music! Yes, I'm streaming it non-stop right now. It is just so merry and joyous.

5. The train. I've met some great friends on the train and really enjoy sharing stories from the day with this little pod of people. They share my love for magazines and dinner plans. Plus, I enjoy the quiet moments each morning in the darkness just reading or thinking.

Vintage Vixen

2009-11-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

I saw this over at The Less Than Domestic Goddess and just had to share.

Before the glitz, makeup, bling and crazy rants, Lady Gaga had a former life. A life that appears much more simply and lovely.

Can you believe that this video is the same Lady who now looks like this:

Wonderful Weekends

2009-11-23T07:13:00.002-07:00

Listening to Christmas music this morning and enjoying a warm cup of coffee. Weekends seem even greater when they end with a three a work week ahead followed by a 5-day weekend. Friday before I left work I cleaned my desk off and it feels very refreshing this morning too.

As for the weekend, Friday we cooked some pork chops and just watched some TV. Saturday we got a head start on you guessed it, errands and more holiday shopping. We had Which Wich for lunch, and just love that place. Then we went and saw The Blind Side. I. LOVED. IT. It was the best movie that I've seen in a lonnnng time. Every person cast in the movie was outstanding. Sandra Bullock fit the role perfectly. Time McGraw can act. Quinton Aaron was impressive and I just loved that little Jae Head as S.J. Go see that movie this weekend, or tonight for that matter.

After the movie we went to check out Cheddar's for dinner which just opened near the house. I was really hoping that I would be in love with this place. The autmosphere is great, but the service was very lacking for a newly opened place. We started off with an order of onion rings and then I ordered a burger and Jason ordered some ribs. He got a baked potato with his meal. The food was beyond slow to be delivered, and my water glass sat empty most of the meal. When they finally brought our main meals, Jason said we were still waiting on a baked potato and the server said, oh we ran out of those. WHO runs out of a meal item and doesn't tell you in advance?!?! At a new place?!?! Anyway, I'm sure we will go back someday as the prices are reasonable and the food was fine, but I'm giving them a few more weeks to iron out the wrinkles and for the wait to get a table to die down. We waited for 40 mins to get a table and were there at 5:00 PM.

Sorry... long post...

Sunday I put up the Christmas tree while Jason watch football. Then I gave myself a facial and manicure. After that, whipped up some red velvet cupcakes (that my coworkers will be thankful for later today). I took a quick photo walk and snapped about 40 pictures - it was hard to pic a photo for Love What You Live yesterday. Then we cooked dinner together and enjoyed a peaceful evening.

Looking forward to a short week and a holiday with friends and family gathered near.

Photo Inspiration

2009-11-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

Although I'm creeping up on being a third of the way through my photo challenge, I saw an idea over at a swoop and a dart that I feel in love with and can't wait to try. She took a photo of her backyard everyday and it is just so fun to see the changes from fall to winter.

I feel so inspired I can't wait to give this a try sometime soon hopefully!

Free Printable 2010 Calendar

2009-11-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

This year, as with all years, I fall in love with the dozens of beautiful calendars that are created. I sweat over which one I should purchase. I stress as I compare sizes, ink types and paper types. Well maybe I should just put all that behind me because How about orange blogged earlier this week about a free printable 2010 calendar available at Love. Obsess. Inspire.

This would make the perfect holiday gift for those on a budget. And I love the idea in the PDF that says "If feeling fancy adhere a swarovski crystal to the outlined dot in the lower right vertical dot row."

Enjoy!

Food Drive: After Photos

2009-11-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Food Bank of the Rockies food collection bins are full. The food drive ended yesterday. Stay tuned to know how many pounds of food we ended up collecting.

Spreading the Holiday Cheer

2009-11-19T07:16:00.003-07:00

This year there is just something in the air and I am beyond excited for the holidays. Maybe because there is so much I'm thankful for this year I'm just feeling extra joyous. Jason has been telling me it is ok for me to put up the "November tree" if I feel it is that important, so we may end up with the Christmas tree up a week earlier than normal this year. Generally the Christmas tree gets decorated the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, so stay tuned to see if I can hold out one more week or not.

In October my company started their annual food drive and today is the last day of the drive. Last year we donated 920 lbs of food, this year we are aiming to beat that. Here is the before photo, and after photos will be coming:

Oh Ray, You Are the Best Thing

2009-11-18T08:36:00.003-07:00

Last night I went to see Ray LaMontange at the Ellie Caulkins Opera thanks to a last minute ticket from Kayla.
It was such a fab show. Here was the view from our seats, thanks to Lauren being sneaky and capturing a photo inside the venue where cameras weren't allowed.

All in all, highly recommended show. He is funny, he is talented and it was a great evening.

Grateful Tuesday

2009-11-17T07:03:00.004-07:00

Today I'm thankful for life, for the celebration of a life well lived, for being able to enjoy the sun rises and sun sets.

Today marks the third anniversary of my dear friend Chris' passing. I miss that kid. May he be flying high among the clouds.

Today I wish that you too take a moment to appreciate life and celebrate the little things.

Wonderful Weekends

2009-11-16T19:26:00.003-07:00

Weekends are wonderful, but man are they busy.

Friday was my day off. I again tackled some early Christmas shopping and remarkably got a lot checked off my list. The day started with the post office for holiday stamps, a stop at the bank, Target, Costco, Hobby Lobby, lunch, Dollar Store, another bank (was looking for something specific), Grocery Store, red box at McDonald's, Walmart, hair cut, Kohl's. Seriously I was gone for the entire day, as if it were a work day. We watched the Ugly Truth, which was just ok. I won't need to see that movie again, but I suppose it was enough entertainment for a Friday night.

Saturday I ran a few more errands with J and then I cooked a big pot of bean soup. It was perfect for a snowy night.

Sunday we headed to J's parents house to watch the football game and I worked on my photo album with his mom. Then for dinner I cooked up a big dish of chicken curry.

This week looks to be another busy one, but at least the light at the end of the tunnel is Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Sunday Evening

2009-11-15T18:21:00.003-07:00

The weekend is winding down. It feels like it was remarkably short. Stay tuned for a recap coming tomorrow. I think I'll enjoy some ice cream and relax by watching some TV.

One of my favorites: Martha Stewart's Mediterranean Chicken Packets

2009-11-14T19:22:00.002-07:00

There are some recipes you become so thankful for having found, and after cooking them so many times you no longer need the recipe. This dish is slowly becoming one of those.

It is quick enough to make on a week night, and tasty enough to entertain with.

Here is what you need to serve 4:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 8 ounces each)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
4 artichoke hearts (from a 14-ounce can), quartered
12 Kalamata olives, halved and pitted
4 teaspoons capers
1/2 cup crumbled feta (2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Here is what you do:
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place four 12-inch squares of parchment paper or heavy-duty foil on a work surface. Place a chicken breast on one half of each square, leaving a 2-inch border; season with salt and pepper.
2.Dividing evenly, top chicken with tomatoes, artichokes, olives, capers, and feta. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and oil. Fold parchment over ingredients, and crimp edges to seal.
3.Place packets on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until chicken is opaque throughout, 20 to 22 minutes.

Source for recipe and image.

CWW

2009-11-13T20:35:00.001-07:00

Today is my compressed work week Friday. Today I'm so thankful for having every other Friday off so I can run errands, check things off my list and go into the weekend already feeling accomplished.

Happy Friday, Happy Weekend!

Get in on the Turkey Day Family Fun

2009-11-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs for inspiration, It's the Little Things that Make a House a Home, recently posted on some fun ideas for Thanksgiving crafts. You know I'm a big fan of crafty projects, and although I don't have kids, I was just smitten with this ideas:

How about making the traditional hand drawn turkey artwork into a gloved puppet? Reader's Digest gives you all the details of the craft project with step-by-step instructions.

Or if you are looking for finger-licking good crafts, because we all love to play with our food, how about creating Rice Krispy turkeys with feathers made of sweet candies. Alpha Mom gives you a supply list to create a craft that's both fun to make and to eat!

Today We Honor Those Who Serve

2009-11-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Best Wall Paper Ever

2009-11-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back Jason and I were touring new homes. Model homes always seem to have, um, unique, themes for the rooms. One room we saw had a pet theme with the CUTEST wallpaper I've ever seen. Not sure that I would ever actually use the wallpaper, but it was sure cute:

Grateful Tuesday

2009-11-10T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for my developing photography talents. I never expect to make money with this hobby, or have my work published, but I've been enjoying capturing the moment. I've enjoyed watching how my work has progressed. Most of all it has simply made me happy because I have a creative outlet, so for that I'm grateful.

Win a Free Vacation

2009-11-09T14:08:00.002-07:00

Monograms is giving away a free vacation to any destination they travel to. The grand prize package includes airfare and is valued at $7,500. They are also giving away other prizes along the way. Check it out - you know I'm entering!

Wonderful Weekends

2009-11-09T06:58:00.001-07:00

Another weekend, another Monday.

Friday night started with a lovely date. Jason and I went to PF Changs for dinner and simply indulged in their dinner for 2 option. It was so tasty, and I loved that we had leftovers for the next day's dinner too.

Saturday we took the car to the car wash, and got it cleaned for free as we are Colorado Athletic Club members. Nice little bonus perk. Then we met my parents for lunch at GB Fish & Chips and went to the Denver Art Museum.

The DAM had a special exhibit on Charles Russell, my father's favorite artist. It was really nice to do something different from the typical weekend routine.

We also toured some of the other wings and admired the work of various artists.

Sunday I tackled a few projects I've been meaning to get to including pulling out all of the holiday decorations and storage boxes to see what type of wrapping paper and ribbons I had left from last holiday season. As well as put all the various decorations that have been laying around the house back in their rightful boxes.

I loved on my little dog a lot this weekend, and Jason and I started some of our holiday shopping.

I even took in the sunset yesterday evening and snapped a few photos of the golden s

In Love with this DIY on Design Sponge

2009-11-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

I saw this over at Design Sponge and I'm in love. If I was needing another weekend project to add to the list this might make it pretty close to the top.

They are wine bottle vases attached to the wall. Get the exact how-to over at Design Sponge.

That's it, I'm off to go find some beautiful wine bottles of my own to replicate this idea. I'll post pictures some day when this little project happens.

My Plans for June 12, 2010

2009-11-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Source

We bought our tickets for U2 in June. The tickets were pricey and the show is a long way off, but I'm hoping it will be one of the best shows I've ever seen. Looking forward to it!

Funny Money

2009-11-06T15:43:00.002-07:00

On Monday I blogged about Vectra Bank's marketing idea where they have put stickers on $1 bills. Well, it's making headlines.

9News here in town has said that the bank "the bank actually had to get permission from the treasury department before launching the promotion last Wednesday."

To get your hands on your own "funny money" as 9News is calling it, you can visit:

-Famous Dave's BBQ in Stapleton
-Dazbog Coffee at 9th Street and Downing in Denver
-Boulder Breadworks
-Aspen Café,
-The Market
-Newberry's (all locations)
-Under the Umbrella at 12th Street and Madison
-Brewed Awakenings at Glendale
-Cherry Creek North area, Wolfe's on West Colfax and Downtown
-The Cup in Boulder

Let me know if you find any other witty sayings on your own dollar bills.

Hello Friday!

2009-11-06T08:07:00.003-07:00

Bounding into the weekend. This week has been completely killer, a roller coaster of work and busy life.

I'm ready for the weekend! On the agenda of weekend fun:

Date Night: Trying to decide where the hubs and I should go for dinner tonight
Art: Tomorrow headed to look at some art with my parents and enjoy lunch with them
R&R: Gotta spend some time at home sleeping and nesting

Happy Friday, Happy Weekend!

A Moment

2009-11-05T07:04:00.003-07:00

My life at times feels like I'm not the one living it, like I'm not the one in control of the day to day happenings. You know those moments when it occurs to you that you literally only spend 3 1/2 hours at home awake each day, and that is if you are lucky. That each morning you leave behind the chance to spend hours petting your little dog and loving on your husband because something else is beckoning, calling, forcing you to move forward. Maybe that is how I feel this morning...

Jas is traveling for business so last night I took one of those nights were I simply came home, made a 'bad for you dinner' and laid on the couch watching some horrible TV. I didn't have the computer at home to even check email, facebook, or any other random site. I didn't multitask. I simply let the moment of peace be, and maybe that is still how I feel this morning...

Shelf Gallery

2009-11-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've posted before about my love of the shelf gallery, well I finally got around to getting my act together and changing up the guest bedroom.

Here is the before:
Here is the after (notice the cameras on display):

I think it turned out great. Thank to Jas who installed the shelf system (and they even turned out level).

My New Collection from Brass Armadillo

2009-11-03T16:23:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned yesterday, my parents and I went to The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall for the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of the find.

With over 600 dealers, this place was huge. I believe we made it through about half of the store and we were there for over two hours. So many beautiful things, so many ugly things, so many "do you really think that is an antique things?" I've been wanting to the the Brass Armadillo for awhile now, however I didn't know what I was looking for. I've also been wanting to start a new collection of something, just again not sure what.

Finally after about 1 million rows of antiques and peaking and poking my way through items, I found a little beauty of a camera. Then, I found another, and finally a few rows later I was on a roll. Here are the cute little things I brought home with me.

So, there you go, my new collection. I don't know any details about my finds, but I'm hoping to continue adding to the little family of cameras.

Grateful Tuesday

2009-11-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for...
...sunshine... ...the upcoming holidays... ...routines... ...a good sale... ...time to craft... ...time to blog... ...flowers... ...photo inspiration... ...the relationship I have with my mother... ...etsy... ...how fun it is to say 'swwaannn' while tilting my head... ...transitioning at work... ...being cough free... ...ok, fine, being optimistic about being cough free... ...about 100 more things

Vectra Bank Marketing Idea

2009-11-02T19:17:00.003-07:00

While with my parents this weekend at lunch, we received a few dollars back from our waiter on the check. The thing about this money was it was unique and having that marketing brain I've been stewing over these dollar bills. Allow me to show you:

Each of the dollar bills had a sticker in the upper right corner with a speech bubble coming from George. I don't know how many different stickers are out there, but here are what the 4 read that we received:

Did someone write a phone number on my back. I can't see from here.
Spent all of last week in a tip jar. These creases are killin' me.
After that register, I need som wallet R&R.
Keep me away from your 20s. It's humiliating.

Each of the stickers simply ended with "Make dollars. The serious kind." and the Vectra Bank logo.

I've shown the dollars to a couple of people and the first thing someone says is "Is this legal?" The sticker easily comes off, so I'm not really thinking that. But, interesting that is the reaction.

Here are the things I'm wondering: What was the objective of this campaign? Just branding? How long do you think the stickers will last, certainly no other bank will leave them on? There isn't a call to action, no website listed, no locations listed, nothing that makes me figure out where to find this bank. Who thought of this, how many impressions they must be getting. Well still stewing on this idea...

What do you think of this marketing campaign?

Wonderful Weekends

2009-11-02T07:49:00.003-07:00

Back to Monday again so soon? I thought with 4 days off I would have tackled the world, however it is Monday again.

Friday I did indeed start some Christmas shopping and enjoyed a great lunch with my friend Kristin. I ran about 100 errands between Target, the bookstore, the liquor store, the scrapbook store, Home Depot - you name it I probably ventured there. Friday night cooked up some great jerk pork with black beans and rice for dinner and played a game of Monopoly.

Saturday - Halloween - we had a few more errands to run together this time. And then played another game of Monopoly before heading to dinner at Chipotle. We had a BOGO coupon, but so many people were there for the free burrito if you dress like a burrito. It was so funny to see all these people wrapped in foil. Then we went to see the Michael Jackson This is It movie. I actually really enjoyed it although, it was exactly what I was expecting.

That's right dear readers, we didn't dress up for Halloween, we went to the movies. Jason's barber said that we were lame when he told her our plans.

Yesterday I had a mother/daughter date that included my father. We went to lunch and then to the Brass Armadillo anqitue mall. It was a great day of hunting for treasures. I started a new collection (more in coming post, and over at Love What You Live). Then I came home and just crashed.

I'm still sick today, nearly a week later. I think I over did it this weekend and probably should have just rested. Hopefully this week won't be too bad and I'll start kicking this cough.

Here is to a great week!

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well here it goes...
I'm going to attempt to particapte in NaBloPoMo on this blog. It is easy over at Love What You Live to post a photo everyday, so what should be any different on this little blog were I ramble about life. I hope you enjoy the next month.

Lights, Action, Change...

2009-10-30T10:20:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday evening we stopped at Home Depot and saw a box of 2 new lights for only $16.97. I had been pondering replacing the ugly brass lights at the front door and in the hallway, so we snagged a package of lights up.

Jason got to work Sunday replacing the old light fixtures.

That although match all the door knobs just weren't looking that sharp and pretty anymore.

Here is the new light up and in place. They look so much better and for just a few dollars I think made a nice difference.

We saved the old lights in case we ever need to replace them back to the brass ones, or in case some day we buy a house that has lights in even worse condition than these brass ones.