Heading south update: The weather may not have cooperated, but my cousin’s wedding turned out beautifully. Congrats Alex + Kelsey!
With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I better get going on pulling together something for my moms since I’ll be out-of-town. Here are a few gifts that I’m sure any mom would love:
[flip flops, hat, initial mug, perfume, iPhone wristlet, candle]
Please no more snow update: [Act as if this was posted Friday when it was meant to be…]
Well, it looks as though my prayers weren’t answered this time, because this was the scene outside our back door as of this morning:
Awful. Just awful.
I’m doing some last minute packing tonight and plan on making a game time decision on what I’m wearing for the wedding. Why not?
Our plan is for the girl car (minus the Bean this time) to hit the open road early, so that we can squeeze in a little retail therapy before the festivities begin. The gents will be heading up later in the day since the ceremony doesn’t start until the evening.
Hope you all have a wonderful (non-snowy) weekend!
Play ball update: We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day at Principal Park yesterday. And since temps are supposed to drop like crazy over the next few days, I soaked up as much vitamin D as humanly possible!
[beautiful day for a ball game]
[a trip is not complete without a soft pretzel with mustard]
Being that today is May 1st, you best believe I put together some May Day baskets for the nieces. Nothing too crazy – just a little popcorn and candy combo. These were the darling baskets left on our porch!
This weekend we are heading back to Kansas City for my cousin’s wedding and the weather is looking like it’s not going to cooperate. This has created quite the dilemma for me in the outfit department. All those spring dresses that have been patiently waiting in my closet probably won’t work for the outdoor ceremony. So what’s a gal to do?
I dream of Plinko update: I had every intention of blogging after the show Thursday night, but it was past my bedtime.
Absolutely. Amazing. The Price is Right LIVE took Des Moines (and the Haas ladies) by storm. We weren’t big winners, but we did get to see Cliffhanger, Any Number and Plinko played (pretty poorly, I might add). They should have picked me…
[Barker’s Beauties]
I had another three-day weekend and with temps in the 70s, I took full advantage of the outdoors!
[Sid had a tough decision]
[orange you glad it’s finally starting to feel like spring]
[first batch of sun tea for the season]
Tomorrow I am headed to my first Iowa Cubs game of the season with my co-workers. I just hope the rain holds off! Nothing like a little team building at the ballpark.
Stronger than ever update: We were robbed I tell ya! Our painted square wasn’t the big winner today, but I still think we did a darn good job.
Tomorrow is the day I’ve been waiting for my entire life. It is girls night out with my mom and sisters and we are heading down to the Civic Center to enjoy the greatest game show ever – The Price is Right. Wish us luck!
For the kids update: While little Bridgie did some exploring at her birthday party, I was in Kansas enjoying all sorts of sweets and treats at my cousin Kelsey’s bridal shower.
Can’t wait to celebrate her wedding in a few weeks!
Weather permitting, the DMU marketing team is heading down to Court Avenue tomorrow for the annual Drake Relays downtown street painting. (Check out last year!) The theme is ‘Stronger Than Ever’ and I can’t wait to see our square come to life.
[square design sneak peek]
Prayers for Boston update: With so many recent tragedies, it is more important than ever for me to spend time with my loved ones. And that is exactly what I plan on doing over the next few days.
I also wanted to share this video that was making the rounds earlier this week. I teared up watching it – just beautiful.
Being that I am the middle child of three girls it seems natural that I would connect with my niece Bridget who is the same. Little Miss Bridgie is turning four this weekend and since I will be out-of-town for a bridal shower, I have to miss the Dora the Explorer-themed festivities. So bummed!
I have picked up the perfect gifts for her and just need to do a little wrapping so that they are ready to send with Uncle Markie on Sunday. But while I’m at it, I thought I would round-up a few cute kid gift ideas for the favorite little ones in your life.
[shadow puppet theater, butterfly pail, hand tattoos, memory game, easel]
Mom’s the word update: I had such a lazy weekend that Monday was a rude awakening.
Our dinner at Luna Bistro on Friday evening was amazing – per usual. I started out with my favorite salad, Grilled Romaine House, then moved on to the Spring Chicken Cassoulet (that sauce!). Even though I could have just finished there, I topped it off with the Chocolate Pot de Creme which included toffee bits that tasted like heaven.
Here are a few other photos from the past weekend – like I said, I did nothing.
[donuts and dogs: two of my favorite things]
Sometimes it is hard to want to write a blog post about something so tragic, but the events that unfolded earlier today during the Boston Marathon are on my mind. I can’t even begin to believe how the runners, friends and families that were affected by the bombings are feeling as they try to make some sense out of what happened.
Hug your loved ones tonight, and remember to say a few…
Tag you’re it update: My previous post was so long and took forever to write that I decided to take a little break-ski from the blog this week. YIKES! That combined with the fact that it has been a rainy, dreary, drizzly mess the past couple of days hasn’t made me the most motivated person ever.
[I highly recommend House of Cards on Netflix. Kevin Spacey is crazy good.]
Man, am I happy that my work week is over. Things have been a little crazy lately and I could really use some much-needed down time. I have the day off tomorrow (yesssssss) so I plan on just relaxing for most of the day.
And to top off my fabulous Friday, we’ll be heading to dinner at my favorite Des Moines restaurant, Luna Bistro, to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday. They just announced their new spring menu so I can’t wait to check it out!
MILs (mother-in-laws) can be hard to shop for sometimes, but I always enjoy a good challenge. Especially when it involves finding the perfect gift for a special someone. I’ve pulled together a few ideas for the MIL in your life:
[message board, throw, serving set, pitcher, candle, bud vase]
Deck the walls update: I was able to pop over to my sister’s house this weekend to check out the progress of Bean’s big girl room. It’s off to a great start, now we just need to do the finishing touches.
[Bean’s room – in progress]
It finally is starting to feel like spring, and to celebrate, we took Sid to Gray’s Lake to walk the path on Saturday. It was a little windy, but she didn’t mind!
[windy walk at Gray’s Lake]
On Sunday, we had the opportunity to be a part of our niece Stella’s Baptism. She was a rock star and didn’t let out a peep during the entire service.
[the godfather + Stella]
[Baptism brights]
[bars: kiddies vs. adults]
[God Bless Stella]
I am constantly amazed with some of the bloggers I have met over my few years of blogging and since entering the wonderful world of social media. One of those happens to be Brianne over at BS in the Midwest who I had the opportunity to meet at the Go Red for Women luncheon last year. She ‘tagged’ me via her blog post, so now it’s my turn.
Here’s what I’m supposed to do:
My 11 Random Facts
1. My maiden name ran together: nicolelizabethaas
2. My husband and I make up dog-related lyrics to current songs on the radio to sing to our German Shorthaired Pointer, Karl.
3. I am an aunt, but only have nieces.
4. I start listening to Christmas music in October.
5. I’m not ashamed to say that Target is my sanctuary. I could spend hours wandering up and down the aisles.
6. As a senior in high school, I was the co-captain of the varsity football cheerleading squad.
7. When I was sick as a child I liked to rent Fiddler on the Roof.
8. I’m obsessed with fresh flowers and am forbidden to buy any more vases (per my husband).
9. I met my husband when I was 14 but didn’t start dating him until 10 years later.
10. My first job out of college was for Taste of Home Magazine.
11. I live for trips back to Hays, Kansas (where my parents grew up) and they aren’t complete without a Diet Mountain Dew snoball and Big Hunk.
My answers to Brianne’s questions
1. What character (book/TV/movie) do you wish was your babysitter when you were growing up?
Uncle Jesse from Full House
2. Your go-to roadtrip food?
Flavor-blasted Goldfish
3. You found $100 in your pocket and have to spend it right away! What do you buy? Anything and everything at the nearest Target.
4. What book do you tell other people they have to read? (If you really don’t read, what movie do you tell other people they simply must see?)
Book: Harry Potter series because it is what got me back into reading; Movie: SHAG (obsessed)
5. What’s one of the most meaningful gifts you’ve given or received?
Life (thanks mom/dad)
6. Which company/product/organization do you most enjoy following on social media?
Refinery29
7. What was your favorite grade in school? What made it the best?
2nd grade. Great teacher, not too much homework and you could still be a kid.
8. What three things (not people or pets) would you need to feel at home?
Mulled cider candle, my pillow and a down comforter
9. Beverage of choice?
San Pellegrino
10. If you could start a business, what would you want to sell or what service would you provide?
Home delivery ice cream truck or creative design/printing company
11. What words do you live by?
It is what it is.
My 11 questions:
1. If you had the chance to go back in time for 24 hours, where and when would you go?
2. What is your favorite candy?
3. What is your favorite song to sing along to?
4. Where is your favorite place to find a good deal/bargain?
5. If you could own the wardrobe from any show/movie, what would it be?
6. What are two foods you could never give up?
7. What is your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
8. If you knew today was your last day on Earth, how would you spend it?
9. If someone wrote a book on your life what would you like the title to be?
10. What is your favorite Christmas carol?
11. Do you have any nicknames?
Bloggers I’m “nominating” for this game
Morgan of Drawn From Fashion
Mollie of Mollie’s Sprinkles of Life
Valerie of Miss Arty Pants
Katie of The Kt-Did
Nikki of Life in the Fast Lane
Tomorrow's To Dos 