An Old Favorite

June 28, 2012

I can't tell you how many hours I've spent on this game in my lifetime. I've been on hiatus from it for about 3 years now but with the little bit of free time I have at the moment, I decided to give it a whirl again. 

Everyone Loves The UPS Man

June 27, 2012

I got goodies today. By goodies I mean shampoo, conditioner and other such "essentials". I found this great online store which carries all sorts of natural products.

Compulsive

June 26, 2012

I am a compulsive contest enterer... today I entered near 20. 

Quack

June 25, 2012

I cooked my first whole bird this evening. The duck turned out pretty scrumptious. I served it with wild rice, green beans and leek/cheese foccacia. Perhaps next time I will cook it longer on a lower temperature. It wasn't as tender as it could have been. I plan to use the leftovers tomorrow evening to make duck fried rice.

It Wouldn't Be Summer...

June 24, 2012

Today we headed out to Missouri wine country. The company was pleasant, the wine was delicious. It was just a bit on the hot side. Good stuff though!

On The Wall

June 23, 2012

I love when I can find things at Hobby Lobby for 80% off. I got two of these pieces for $2.80 each. They are a pleasant addition to our bedroom wall. I still don't have the apartment decorated exactly how I'd like. It's small touches like this that help make it homier. 

Moonrise Kingdom

June 22, 2012

Tonight we went to the cinema at Frontenac. We don't usually frequent this theater but I really enjoyed it - swanky. We saw Wes Anderson's latest called Moonrise Kingdom. 

Raising Funds

April 21, 2012

This evening we attended a fundraising event for my brother-in-law, Andrew. He is running again this fall for state representative for his district. He is also running for 'majority whip'. Whatever that is. What a cute cake!

Better You Than Me

June 20, 2012

I had to snap this picture this morning when I left for work. I've never seen this done before. Not only was it covered in post-its but the windows were all chalked. I'm sure glad it was their car and not mine! 

My New BFF

June 19, 2012

In all my efforts to maintain a green and safe home with my cleaning products, I am realizing how much you can do with this stuff! My favorite use so far is as a fabric softener! It works wonders! I've never had my clothes so soft. Not even with conventional softeners like Snuggle. You just add 1/4 cup per load to the rinse cycle. Believe it or not, no vinegar smell left over! You've got to try it!

Bunko

June 18, 2012

I subbed for Bunko tonight. I didn't win but it is always a good time

Bday Guys

June 17, 2012

We celebrated not just Father's Day today but also the bday of the famous Andy and Elkins. 

Tom Sawyer

June 16, 2012

We had our third Santa gift of the year today from Brians' folks. We took a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River. We also had lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory and the Arch. Since dad was in town, he got to come along also. Fun stuff. Thanks to my guest photographer, Brian. 

Busch

June 15, 2012

Tonight we took our dads to the Cardinals/Royals game for Father's Day. THE ROYALS WON! Enough said... :) 

Have Dinner Plans?

June 14, 2012

Look at the crazy kids we had to dinner! I made breaded chicken, fettuccine alfredo, garlic naan and salad. The alfredo sauce was sinful to say the least! Jen brought strawberry shortcake for dessert. We played Trivial Pursuit and Rummikub. 

In 814 I'll Be Done

April 13, 2012

This is my current read. I'm 159 pages in. No turning back now. 814 pages to go. So far I am enjoying it. Seems like it'll be a complex and compelling story. Brian just loved it. 

The Beans Are Green

June 12, 2012

I'm sort of famous for my green beans. Not self proclaimed fame either, the real deal. I start with fresh beans and snap off the ends. I add generous lumps of onion, butter, garlic...then add water and chicken bullion cubes or better yet, chicken stalk. Lots of salt and pepper and a slice or two of bacon (turkey bacon pictured) are also a must. I love cooking them. I love the way they smell. I love eating them. yum...

He Cooks!

June 11, 2012

Hmm... a lot of these blog photos are coming out of my kitchen. See what's important at our place? I love it when hubs cooks. It is SO helpful. Tonight I got to piddle around on the internet while Brian cooked. Chicken sandwiches and hasbrowns. Yum. I am so thankful for a man who helps!

Love it

June 10, 2012

I have to thank my guest photographer, Brian for taking this today. So precious!

Joy

June 9, 2012

We went to Columbia for a short weekend visit to see our newest baby cousin, Veda. She is cuter than ever. Also busier than ever! It sure does give me the baby fever pretty badly!

Abatement

June 8, 2012

I have to admit, I cheated a bit with this shot! I'm actually not allowed into the school building this summer during the construction - for obvious reasons! But our principal sent out these pictures and since this is MY area, I had to use this pic for today!! Looks like they are abating the asbestos in the first grade area. I wonder what else they will abate while they're working up there? Whining, hopefully. :)

Aqua

June 7, 2012

After a leisurely lunch this afternoon with colleagues, Brian and I headed to the pool. It was so nice to just relax!! I've been busy around the house and such and so I am cherishing the moments of laziness by the pool. 

Yellow Is A Color

June 6, 2012

It's the third day of summer school. I'm teaching a poetry class to kiddos grades 2-5. It's definitely different to have the older ones. They certainly don't think I'm as funny as the little ones do. ;-) It's okay though. We did color poems today. Some of these kids have some great talent.

Summer's Best Simple

June 5, 2012

This right here is one of summer's BEST simple pleasures!!! The perk of apartment living is a nice pool to enjoy. First day at the pool and hopefully the first of many this summer. Got a good book and plenty of H20. Makes for an utterly relaxing afternoon.

A Switch

June 4, 2012

I'm slowly changing my cleaning habits to be more "green". My reasons are mainly the health of myself, family and pets but of course I care about the earth too. I've always been disturbed about the list of chemicals found in everyday cleaners and even detergents. I'm learning a lot about making my own cleaners and finding out that many household items such as baking soda, soda water and vinegar are great cleaners and disinfectants. In the long run I know it'll make for a healthier environment to live in. I have a sneaking suspicion that many poisons we openly use in our home environments could be to blame for the increased rate of issues in children like autism, behaviors, etc. Anyway, that's my soap box. My plant-based, biodegradable soap box. :0)

BED!

June 3, 2012

We finally arrived home. I am so looking forward to sleeping in our own bed tonight! We've been in other beds for the past 10 nights. 

Leaving

June 2, 2012

Our last day in Vegas we decided to hang out at the pool. We had so much fun, we missed check out! Oops... 4 nights and 5 days is a LONG time to be in Las Vegas. We had a great time but it's always nice to get home. 

Absinthe

June 1, 2012

Tonight is our last night in Vegas. We saw the show Absinthe. It was a small center stage show. Very intimate seating in a tent. It was great! Humor, sex appeal and acrobatics galore.