Tomorrow's To Dos

Flighty fashion

Posted on June 14, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Carolina on my mind update: I managed to find some time in the midst of all the packing to spend an evening out with my gal pals last night. We try to get together on a monthly basis to check out a local restaurant and catch up on each other’s lives. Up this month: Flying Mango in Beaverdale.

One would think that after growing up in this ‘hood I would’ve been a frequent diner here, but that was not the case. As a first-timer, I was amazed at how darn tasty the food was, and am already planning my return trip.

I have an unhealthy obsession for pulled pork.

Wheels up at 0700 tomorrow which means I am in need of a no-fuss ‘fit for our flight since the alarm is set for 0400. (Darn body scanners.) Here is a great way to look effortless while flying.

necklace, sandals, carry on bag, tee, scarf, skirt,

See you all in about a week!

Posted in Fashion, Friends, Local Spots, Travel | Tagged Flying Mango, Girls Night Out, Travel attire | Leave a comment

Carolina on my mind

Posted on June 11, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Me likey lakey update: I am pretty sure I’m still in a food coma from this past weekend. Menomonie was a great little weekend getaway town and our friends Dick and Billie provided the perfect retreat for us. Hospitality at its finest with those two!

HUGE thank you to the Walleen’s!

Back from one trip and already thinking about the next. I can’t believe we head to North Carolina in a few short days. I’ve already started the task of laying outfits out being sure to have all the essentials: swimsuits, dresses and sandals.

Karl wanted to help pick out my outfits.

Posted in Family, Friends, Travel | Tagged Menomonie, North Carolina | Leave a comment

Me likey lakey

Posted on June 6, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

The good stuff update: I didn’t know what to expect at our little viewing/tasting tonight, but I gave ‘the good stuff’ a try and didn’t hate it.

T. Rye at T. Hill

Tomorrow we pack up the car again to head to Menomonie, Wisconsin for a long weekend of lounging by the lake. I know, it sounds rough but someone’s got to do it! I am hoping it consists of drinking wine, eating delicious food and having great conversations. Here’s to summer!

Posted in Parties, Travel | Tagged lake, Menomonie, Templeton Rye, Wisconsin | Leave a comment

The good stuff

Posted on June 4, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

I live for the weekend update: Do you ever feel like you could use a weekend after your weekend? That’s how I’m feeling right about now. Ours was so busy that I don’t really recall sitting down.

And to keep the fun going (and to free up our freezer) our friends got together this evening to have a little fish fry.

On Wednesday this week we are attending a private screening of Iowa Filmmaker Kristian Day’s movie “Capone’s Whiskey – The Story of Templeton Rye”. Templeton Rye is a whiskey made right here in Iowa.

From their site: “When Prohibition outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in 1920, many enterprising residents of a small town in Iowa chose to become outlaws – producing a high-caliber and much sought-after whiskey known as Templeton Rye, or “The Good Stuff” to those in the know. Produced from the original Prohibition era recipe and aged in charred new oak barrels, Templeton Rye provides a smooth finish and a clean getaway.”

I’m not quite sure I’ll love the stuff straight, but I could be up for trying this version:

Posted in Friends, Parties | Tagged Templeton Rye | 2 Comments

I live for the weekend

Posted on June 1, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Barbe-cute update: It was a perfect night for a little BBQ action and man, did we chow down. I’m having a serious barbecue sauce lover affair right now – I can’t get enough of it!

Haas BBQ

We kick off another busy, fun-filled weekend tomorrow, but for now I am off to bed. My 6:45 a.m. Pilates class will be here before I know it!

Posted in Family | Tagged BBQ, mason jars, Smokey D's | Leave a comment

Barbe-cute

Posted on May 31, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

June bug update: What a memorable evening! I can honestly say this is something Marcus and I will be talking about for years to come. For an anniversary gift, I went out on a search for something unique and fit just for Marcus – and I found it with one call to famed Des Moines French restaurant Baru 66.

I worked with wife/husband duo Sara Hill and Chef David Baruthio to create the perfect gift for my favorite foodie – a private six-course dinner served to us at Terrace Hill. It was a gastronomic tour fit for a king (and his queen).

a-mazing

Nothing says summer like the smell of a fired up grill and sticky, sweet barbecue sauce. And that is exactly what we will indulge in tomorrow night at my parents’ house. They are hosting a little get-together with family and friends to enjoy some finger lickin’ delights from Smokey D’s BBQ.

This is just the first of many backyard bashes that I’m sure I will be attending this summer, so it’s always nice to have some go-to outfits for such an event. Like these:

tank & shorts or dress & necklace
+ sandals & clutch

Posted in Family, Fashion, Local Spots, Parties | Tagged anniversary, Baru 66, BBQ | 1 Comment

June bug

Posted on May 29, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

Minne on my mind update: What a whirlwind yet fabulous weekend up north! We got to celebrate our friends’ nuptials, chow down at some great restaurants (Punch, Grand Cafe, Colette and Forepaugh’s) and I even managed to drag Marcus into a few shops.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

After returning yesterday, Marcus and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary with a little pool time and a dinner with our parents. A year later, and our cake still tasted amazing!

Monday

Lots of things to look forward to this week: an anniversary surprise, family BBQ, couples wedding shower, baptism and first birthday. Life is good!

Posted in Travel, Wedding | 1 Comment

Minne on my mind

Posted on May 24, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

SYTYCD update: After work today I met up with my little sis Morgan for a much-needed pedi. After our tootsies were polished to perfection we headed home to catch So You Think You Can Dance. Ok, I am already obsessed! I’m convinced that in a past lifetime I was a contemporary dancer. Anybody stand out to you?

Pretty toes and Nigel Lythgoe

And we are off again – Marcus and I are hitting the road for the long weekend, making the trek up to Minneapolis for our friends’ wedding in St. Paul tomorrow. Instead of coming back on Saturday we decided to lengthen our stay for a little anniversary getaway. On the agenda for the weekend: a little shopping, restaurant hopping, sleeping in and who knows what else.

Snack bag is packed, but Karl doesn’t want us to leave.

Posted in Travel, Wedding | Tagged Minneapolis, pedicure, So You Think You Can Dance | Leave a comment

SYTYCD

Posted on May 23, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

A gift of paper update: Ok, I think I’ve outdone myself and gotten Marcus a pretty good first anniversary gift. Only catch is – it’s a surprise, so I’ll have to keep it under wraps until next week. Don’t fret – I’ll be sure to fill you in on all the deets afterward though.

Tonight my bestie, Molly, came over for a gals night in. We caught up over Bravo and a de-lish Trader Joe’s spread – my two new faves: pulled pork and blood orange soda.

I’ll admit it, I get a little sad when my shows have their season finales and won’t be returning for what seems like eternity. The only thing that can cheer me up is the thought of my summer shows returning to the tube. One that I have been watching (read: glued to the TV for) since it started almost seven years ago is So You Think You Can Dance on FOX. I can’t wait to see what Tyce Diorio, Nappy Tabs and the rest of the choreographers have in store for us this summer!

My all-time fave dances:

Posted in Friends, Gifts | Tagged So You Think You Can Dance, Trader Joe's | 1 Comment

A gift of paper

Posted on May 22, 2012 by tomorrowstodos

His and hers update: Saturday morning started off like most – with an early trip to the gym for Pilates class, but instead of hopping on the elliptical after, I went out to Raccoon River Park to watch my sister cross the 5k finish line. After a quick stop by her house we were off to our first downtown Farmers’ Market of the season. Holy cow – soooo many people. Too many for me to really enjoy it, so next time I’ll have to be there at 7 a.m. when it opens. A quick refuel stop at Smokey Row and it was about time to get ready for the wedding.

Perfect Saturday morning

And what a beautiful wedding it was – such a gorgeous bride and handsome groom. Libby (the bride) used the same florist as we did for our wedding and once again they produced absolutely amazing centerpieces. Congratulations to the newlyweds – Mr. & Mrs. Patton!

Andrew & Libby Patton

After a lazy post-wedding Sunday morning, Marcus and I headed down to Hoyt Sherman for Mackenzie’s dance recital. She did such a wonderful job and looked adorable, per usual, in her costume. Everyone needs a little silver sparkle in their lives!

Our tiny dancer

Now that the week is off to a good start I’ve already started to think about next weekend which just so happens to be a long (and very special) one for us. On Memorial Day (May 28th) Marcus and I will celebrate our first anniversary. Hard to believe a year has gone by, but you know how the saying goes – time flies when you’re having fun!

Now on to more important things – what to give the man who has everything? I am going to try to give traditional anniversary gifts to Marcus. Up first – PAPER. Yeesh – I better get going on this!

Any thoughts on what it should be?!

Posted in Family, Friends, Gifts, Wedding | Tagged anniversary, dance, Downtown Farmers Market | 3 Comments