Tomorrow's To Dos

Not a square

Posted on April 24, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Hays hangover update: I’m back in the swing of things post-trip and this weather we’ve been having definitely helps. I got to spend some time with the Bean tonight and man, that kid loves to be outside. You can’t even say that word around her – you have to spell it out.

Bee Mine Bean

Tomorrow the DMU marketing team takes it to the street – well, sorta. We are participating in the Drake Relays downtown street painting on Court Avenue. With temps forecasted to be in the 80s it’s sure to be a hot one. Can’t wait!

Last year's square.

My sketches for this year's design. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Posted in Family, Work | Tagged Bean, Drake Relays | Leave a comment

Hays hangover

Posted on April 22, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Flying dutchman update: Fresh off our trip to Hays for the weekend and man am I tired. Hays really took it out of me. Must have been all that chatting and dancing…

Hays Day 1: Shopping on Main, Taco Shop and Cerv's snoballs, Grandma's goodies, hanging with Bean and a cold one at Gella's.

Hays Day 2: Justin & Angela's wedding

And one more picture from Hays. My late Grandma Haas had picked this card up for me before she passed away and had intended on giving it to me. So special.

I miss you Grandma.

After sitting in a car for seven hours it was nice to come home to my husband who had gone morel mushroom hunting this weekend. These were heavenly.

Can't even explain how good these are...

I’m off to enjoy the rest of the evening, but definitely plan on heading to bed sooner than later. Tomorrow is the start of another week – what are some of the things on your to-do list?

Posted in Family | Tagged Hays | 3 Comments

Flying dutchman

Posted on April 18, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Seeing stripes update: After rummaging through my closet, I think I have put together the perfect outfit for this weekend’s wedding. Dressy but not too dressy.

Can't wait to do the 'Flying Dutchman' in this!

Tomorrow we pack up the car again for our 7-hour trek to Hays, Kansas. (I’ve talked about some of my Hays faves in this post.) Not looking forward to the late-night drive, but can’t wait to see my family and do some polka.

Hays - Where history begins.

Posted in Fashion, Travel | Tagged Hays, stripes | 4 Comments

Seeing stripes

Posted on April 16, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Wedding crashers update: Minus the sheet-like rain and epic wind gusts, the wedding was perfect this past Saturday. I especially loved the bride’s heirloom brooch bouquet, the slate Target bridesmaid dresses and the Chocolaterie Stam gelato station.

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. O'Neill

Operation find the perfect shirt to go with my new skirt from Ann Taylor LOFT starts tomorrow. I’m going to riffle through my drawers at home first and try to find a look that’ll work. If I can’t find something, then I might have to hit up a store or two because I think this might by my wedding wardrobe for this weekend as my cousin gets hitched in Hays. Any suggestions?

Posted in Fashion, Wedding | Leave a comment

Wedding crashers

Posted on April 13, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Shoe crush update: Just when I thought the coast was clear and I hadn’t bought any of the shoes I mentioned in my past post, Sperry had to go and do this!

I buckled, and bought the Angelfish Sperry’s I’ve been wanting. With 25% off and free shipping – how could I resist? These will be perfect for strolling down boardwalks during our summer trip to North Carolina!

Tonight was date night in the Branstad household, and I had purchased a deal this week for Hoshi Sushi so we decided to head there for dinner. But first we made a pit-stop at Bistro Montage for a martini. Both local joints did not disappoint! And to top things off we stopped by Mars Cafe for a little caffeinated night-cap.

I love Des Moines!

We are at that point in our lives where a lot of our friends are getting married. Heck, we got hitched last year. So it comes as no surprise that we have eight weddings already slated for 2012. We already had one in February, but tomorrow officially kicks off wedding season for us. Two in April, two in May, one in June….the list goes on and on into the fall.

With weddings on the brain, I just had to share with you this absolutely adorable and unique save the date that we received the other day from our friends Hillary and John. So much creativity and thought went into this and it is a perfect reflection of the couple. Thanks for letting me share Hillary!

Posted in Fashion, Local Spots, Wedding | Tagged cappuccino, martini, save the date, sperry, sushi | 2 Comments

Shoe crush

Posted on April 11, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Cocktails ahead update: We’re already half-way through the week – can you believe that?! I know I can’t. It has turned out to be a pretty uneventful week thus far, which is a-okay considering how long last week was.

Some cocktails have been had:

Kir Royale at Nick's Bar & Grill.

Spent some time with the Bean (photo from my sister):

Bean playing with her friend, Legal.

Caught up on my guilty pleasure – Gossip Girl:

Karl is clearly not a Chuck Bass fan.

Went for a brisk walk with a dear friend:

Love walking (and gossiping) with my bestie.

Lusted over this Kate Spade bag at Von Maur:

Fabulous orange neon-rimmed Scout.

Tomorrow’s to do: Try not to buy new shoes. Not quite sure what it is, but I’ve been crushing hard on some shoes lately. I guess nothing really new there…

1. Target, Mossimo Pollie Strappy Espadrilles, $29.99
2. Old Navy, Bow-tie Canvas Ballet Flats, $19.94
3. Sperry, Angelfish Slip-on Boat Shoe, $80
4. H&M, Suede Pumps, $24.95

Posted in Accessories, Family, Fashion, Friends, Local Spots, Shopping | Tagged Bean, cocktails, Kate Spade, Shoes, walks | Leave a comment

Cocktails ahead

Posted on April 9, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Champagne wishes update: It’s weekends like this past one that remind me of how lucky I am to have such a great family. After a rough week it was nice to just relax and enjoy the company of my loved ones. I hope you all had a egg-cellent Easter weekend!

Easter Eve with the Branstad family.

Easter with the Haas fam.

Easter dinner with the Branstad/Johnson families.

I’m not exactly sure what is on tap for the week ahead, but I do know it will involve a few date nights with a cocktail or two included.

We already started tonight at WineStyles and Samurai.

Posted in Family, Holidays | Tagged Easter | Leave a comment

Champagne wishes

Posted on April 5, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

“It is what it is” update: A big thank you to everyone for all your kind words and condolences. My grandma was an incredible lady. She taught me about patience, prayer and the power of unconditional love. She may have physically left us, but I will always carry a piece of her in my heart and strive every day to be half the person that she was.

After a long week I am really looking forward to a weekend full of relaxing with family and even a little spa day for myself. For Lent, I decided to go big or go home. I gave up alcohol, and I am happy to report that not a single drop has crossed my lips. So this Easter Sunday I will get to have my first cocktail in 40 days. What should it be? I’m thinking champagne.

Posted in Family, Recipes | Tagged champagne, cocktails, Grandma Haas | Leave a comment

“It is what it is.”

Posted on April 1, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Treat your tootsies update: We had some absolutely beautiful weather this weekend here in Des Moines. I enjoyed a pedicure, fresh ground coffee, a trip to the zoo, quality time with the Bean, a Jayhawk victory, Palm Sunday Mass and breakfast with dad.

Tomorrow I will be heading back to Hays, Kansas to say goodbye to one of the most amazing women I have ever met – my Grandma – Thecla Haas. I believe my cousin summed things up best in this post:

“96 years of life. 14 children, one stillborn, one passed a couple of years ago after a lengthy battle with cancer. She’s seen 12 of her children married, lost a son-in-law 15 years ago, her husband almost 40 years ago. She’s seen 34 grandchildren enter this world, many of whom have married, and given her over 30 great-grandchildren. And the family keeps growing, with 2 engaged and 4 expecting. She hasnt just been a grandma, she has given me an entire life and entire lifeline. I love each and every member of this family no matter how near or far, a gift I learned from her. She lived her faith, and, with a son as a Capuchin priest, was even privileged to meet Pope John Paull II in Rome in the 90s. I know she believes in God. And I know that he shall comfort her and all of us as this path goes where needed. Everyone always says I look like a Haas. I love you Grandma. Proud to be a Haas.”

I love you grandma.

Posted in Family | Tagged Grandma Haas | 2 Comments

Treat your tootsies

Posted on March 30, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Cheesy buffalo goodness update: Marcus went out-of-town on Wednesday, so I had to wait until last night to make the Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac & Cheese. And wouldn’t you know it, the darn dish was finger-lickin’ good! I really had no doubts though.

Markie added the panko bread crumbs on top for a little crunch.

I’ve been keeping this under wraps, and I couldn’t even share it on my blog because I know she reads it, but we celebrated a very special birthday this evening. I still can’t believe we were able to pull it off! We orchestrated a surprise birthday party for my mother-in-law and the whole thing went off without a hitch.

Her actual birthday isn’t until April 8th, but with Easter being next weekend tonight was the only day that worked, which I think caught her more off guard. In order to get her out of the house, we told her we were going to The Cheese Shop for appetizers before “dinner” at Luna Bistro (still kind of bummed we didn’t actually get to go eat dinner there). In order to get her back to the house, we said we needed to go back to the house to pick up a bottle of wine we forgot and upon arrival the guests were waiting to shout “SURPRISE!”

While Marcus is away in Vegas this weekend for a bachelor party, I think I will take the time to pamper myself a little bit. With the forecast saying 88 degrees (!!!) for Sunday, I know that sandal weather is upon us – that means a pedicure is definitely in order. I’m thinking a nice coral shade will be a perfect way to kick off spring! Do you have a favorite or “go-to” shade of nail polish that you just love?

1. Chanel, Le Vernis nail colour in 539 June, $26
2. Butter London, Jaffa, $14
3. Essie, Clambake, $7.79
4. Nicole by OPI, Hello World, $7
5. Ulta, Peach Parfait, $6

Posted in Beauty, Birthdays, Blogs, Family, Recipes | Tagged coral, Nail Polish, pedicure, surprise party | 1 Comment