Tomorrow's To Dos

O Christmas Tree

Posted on November 25, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Give thanks update: After eating copious amounts of tasty food yesterday, then caffeinating myself enough to head out to the stores for some serious deals via Black Friday, I am in much need of some rest.

It all started out on Thursday morning with an impromptu jaunt to Bass Pro Shop to snag some hunting gear for Markie that was going to be on sale starting at 8 a.m. Straight from there I headed to the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation at Plymouth Church. Such a neat event, and a trip down memory lane for Marcus and his siblings who used to go as kids.

Camo and pilgrims.

From there we headed home for a quick change in order to put on some elastic pants – or in my case, jeggings. Love those things! Then it was off to my sister and brother-in-law’s house for our first feast of the day. I showed up and lo and behold, the Bean and I are both wearing plaid flannel. Too cute!

What? You don't do scratch tickets on Thanksgiving?

After we finished off the last bite of pastacina and my mom’s famous mashed potatoes, we were off to turkey number two at Terrace Hill. I managed to save a little room for some corn casserole and a cookie or two but that was about it. We did our annual Christmas gift exchange to get everyone into the holiday spirit and then it was time for me to hit the road for some bargain shopping.

Thanksgiving at T.Hill

Black Friday is something that my mom, sisters and I have been doing over the past five or so years, and we have countless memories from each outing. This year was no different. Morgan and I headed to Wal-Mart to pick up a few toys and in the process witnessed complete and utter madness. We were able to snag one of the toys and decided it wasn’t worth a broken arm or black eye for the others. So off to Target we went to join my mom and Marissa who were already in line waiting for the doors to open at midnight. Once inside we managed to grab all of the things we needed and hit the checkout in record time. From there on things get hazy – Kohls, Hy-Vee, Younkers, another Target, Old Navy, Dunham’s. I finally managed to get home and in bed at 5:15 a.m. What a day!

Becky has two at Southridge!

After failing to sleep in today, I was off once again but this time to get our Christmas tree. So that is what is on my to do list for tomorrow: trimming the tree and the rest of the house for the holiday season.

Can wait to dress 'er up!

Posted in Family, Holidays | Tagged Black Friday, Christmas treet, Thanksgiving | Leave a comment

Give thanks

Posted on November 23, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Braid it, baby update: I was a little concerned about the braided crust, but for a first-timer, I’d say it turned out pretty well. I just cut off the extra dough around the edges once it was placed in the pie dish and used that for the braid.

Pumpkin pie with a braid on the side.

And while the pie was cooking I managed to steal another Pinterest idea for the relish tray I have to bring for the second Thanksgiving get-together tomorrow afternoon. It was so cute, I just had to do it. Plus, I think my nieces will love it!

Gobble, gobble.

It’s hard to believe another Thanksgiving is here. This year I am especially thankful for:

My handsome husband,

our furry baby boy, Karl,

my growing family - Love you Bean,

my new family,

and, of course, the countless blessings we receive daily. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Posted in Family, Holidays, Recipes | Tagged Pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving | 2 Comments

Braid it, baby

Posted on November 22, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Turkey time came early update: Last night with the gals was a blast. I truly am lucky and very thankful to have such lovely ladies in my life. My bestie Molly was a gracious hostess, as always. I mean, just look at the fabulously perfect table she set for us. Never a detail sparred with those Driscoll’s.

Love me some Thanksgiving fixins' early.

You’d think with such a big “I always overeat” holiday coming up this Thursday that I would tone it down with the big suppers, but nope – forging onward! Tonight, Marcus and I joined his mom,Uncle Ron and Jerry for a little Jewish kugel and some ham balls.

Kugel and ham balls - Random, but oh so good.

Tomorrow I put my pie baking hat back on (remember the Pie Party?) as I plan to whip up a simple Turkey Day fave, the Pumpkin Pie. I’ve actually never made one before, but I can’t imagine it’ll be that bad. But, to add a degree of difficulty, I might just try to spice it up a little with an idea I found on Pinterest today.

Fit to be tied - thanks Martha!

Posted in Family, Friends, Recipes | Tagged Pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving | 4 Comments

Turkey time came early

Posted on November 20, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

House of ginger update: Seriously, could my nieces be any cuter? I sure was a huge help at the gingerbread house decorating event… Of course I had to join in the fun and decorate a house of my own.

All my little ladies.

Bridget, Mackenzie, Me

T.B.’s birthday celebration was a lot of fun, and a great trip down memory lane for Marcus and his siblings.

Happy 65th Terry!

Since my mom and younger sis were out-of-town this weekend, Mariss, Sid and I decided to join my dad for breakfast this morning at a new cafe I read about this week – PerKup Cafe. My sister and I split the croissant sammie and a side of hash browns. And be sure to get some toast to spread their homemade jam on – YUM!

I love a cozy breakfast place.

I am really looking forward to the short work week and long holiday weekend. I am getting the week started tomorrow with a pre-Thanksgiving dinner potluck with my girlfriends. I am in charge of bringing the cheesy potatoes and a dessert. I can’t wait to spread some holiday cheer and get a head start on the turkey tasting.

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House of ginger

Posted on November 18, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Defying Gravity update: Another great show put on by the cast of Wicked. This was my third time seeing it, and I love the songs and characters just as much as the first time I saw it. Bravo!

Dinner, drinks and a show - not too bad of a night!

Another big day tomorrow – I mean, aren’t they all? I am heading out with my sister-in-law and nieces to do a little gingerbread house decorating. I can’t wait! We also have a little more celebrating to do in the eve for Marcus’ dad. I love weekends with the family!

This is what I'll be aiming for..

Posted in Family, Local Spots | Tagged Wicked | Leave a comment

Defying Gravity

Posted on November 17, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

I’m hungry update: Have you gone out and picked up a copy of the Hunger Games yet? Seriously, it’s a MUST READ series.

The holidays are right around the corner. I mean, Christmas is only 37 days away people! And while I am already making my lists and checking them twice, I am also getting the holiday decorating bug. You know, the urge to string twinkling lights everywhere and purchase an over-sized evergreen to load up with sparkly ornaments. But, I know better than to skip my other favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, in order to get to the glitz faster.

So, to whet my “all things shiny” appetite, and to keep me from busting out the gold decor early, I went over to Terrace Hill today as they put their holiday finest up around the manse to prepare for their annual Holly & Ivy tour. Man, I love Christmastime!

I love all things shiny and bright!

The man behind the magic, Kirk Enwright.

In other news, today is my father-in-law’s 65th birthday! I can’t even begin to tell you how hard it is to shop for the man, but we managed to find something he does need – dress socks. Haha!

A fabulous birthday dinner at Splash.

Every year around this time – well, technically from October 1st until I’d say mid-January, I claim myself to be a deer widow. If you have a significant other who hunts, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. Yes, I enjoy the “me time”, just not days and days of it. Thank God I have Karl to keep me company!

With deer season, also comes the obligatory deer season dates. Yes, these were self-imposed so that I’d get to see my husband at least one night during all of this madness. And tomorrow night just so happens to be that night. I am giddy with excitement because we are adding a show to our usual dinner date, Wicked. I am no stranger to this musical, as this will be my third time seeing it, but I cannot help but be excited to relive (and sing along to) it.

Posted in Family, Holidays | Tagged Holly & Ivy, Terrace Hill | Leave a comment

I’m hungry

Posted on November 14, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Helianthus annuus update: Back from Kansas and all I can say is “there’s no place like home.” I loved seeing my family and exploring the shops of Hays, but I’m glad to be back here in Des Moines. The past weekend was filled with family, food and a walking Bean.

One of my favorite shops in Hays, C.S. Post & Co.

My little Bean hammin' it up for the camera.

Cousins closing down Gella's and Brass Rail every couple of years.

Family is everything. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Buffington!

And let us not forget this – Bean is officially walking! Proud aunt alert!

Every now and again I get into a book series and become obsessed. In the past it’s been Harry Potter, Twilight, the Sookie Stackhouse series, and now the Hunger Games. I highly recommend reading the books – they are addicting. And as if the movie gods knew that I just finished the series, today the extended trailer for the upcoming movie was released. Cannot freakin’ wait!

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Helianthus annuus

Posted on November 9, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Race for the case update: I haven’t found “the one” yet, so while I shop around for the perfect case I just need one so that I don’t feel as if my iPhone is going to break at the touch of my finger. I talked with my mom tonight who knew I was on the lookout, and she found a few at T.J. Maxx for me to checkout.

While I was all jazzed about my iPhone something else happened overnight – our first snow of the season.

It was a heavy, wet and slushy.

I am all packed up and ready to hit the road tomorrow for my cousin Ashley’s wedding in exotic Hays, Kansas. This will be my first time riding with the Bean for a long car ride, so I hope she is in a good mood or else it could be a very long 7.5 hours! Eek.

To get in the mood this week, I placed these beauties from Trader Joe’s by my bedside.

Sunflowers, Kansas' state flower

Posted in Family, Travel | Tagged Hays | Leave a comment

Race for the case

Posted on November 7, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Pay it forward update: With such a lovely weekend behind me I am full steam ahead. And part of that might have to do with the fact that I know it’s a 3.5 day work week for me because we are heading out west Thursday for my cousin’s wedding. You already know my love for my parent’s home town, Hays, Kansas – so it comes as no surprise that I am super excited about our impending excursion.

And if that wasn’t enough, I got the call this weekend that my new iPhone was in and that I could come pick it up – which I did this evening.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Now that I’ve got the goods I need to get some sweet packaging for it a.k.a. a fabulous case. Here are a few I have my eye on:

Kate Spade, Le Pavillion iPhone 4 Case, $40

Jonathan Adler, Scales Pink Multi iPhone Case, $28

Petunia Pickle, Majestic Murano iPhone Case, $38

Le Papier Studio, Monogram Cell Phone Cases - Chevron, $42

Posted in Electronics | Leave a comment

Pay it forward

Posted on November 4, 2011 by tomorrowstodos

Many thanks update: Now that the birthday hoopla has passed and so has Halloween, I am in full holiday mode. This entire week all I could think about was mistletoe, Douglas firs, Black Friday and Mannheim Steamroller. And as I sat down for an evening of television the other night, it was as if the TV gods knew it was time as well, because what movie came on? Home Alone.

Anyone that knows me is aware of the slight obsession I have with this movie. I even started using “woof” as a common phrase to describe how I feel about things. As in Kevin McCallister’s reference to his brother’s lady-love – “Buzz! Your girlfriend! WOOF!” I mean, this entire flick is packed with great lines that can (and should) be used in everyday life.

To take it one step further, while living in Chicago I managed to track down the house and a few other locales to go visit. Check these out!

"This is my house, I have to defend it."

"How fast does this thing go? Does it have automatic transmission? Does it have four-wheel drive?"

During the holiday season I am always reminded how blessed I am. This year is no different. So tomorrow I am taking some time out of my weekend to give back by volunteering at the Des Moines University Senior Health Fair. This is a great annual event put on by DMU for free health screenings for people 50 and older.

I will end this post with a friendly little reminder to get you through the next 50 days. It’s not about ‘getting’ it’s about ‘giving’.

Posted in Holidays, Movies | Tagged Home Alone | 1 Comment