Giveaway Poll

I have a poll on my blog - help me decide what my first blog giveaway should be!

Check out the poll on my right hand side of my blog homepage.

Follow Up on My To-Go Ware Purchase

Ok, so I know you're all dying to know what I finally decided with my new lunch container purchase right?? :) I knew it!!

Well, I emailed To-Go-Ware about the EXACT dimensions of the 3-tier tiffen - here's the friendly and helpful reply from Shannon (I love it when you get actual answers from real people in a sensible amount of time!):

Dear Stacy,

I actually just remeasured all of our tiffins (we've needed to do that for a bit now), and the 3 tier tiffin comes in actually at 6 3/4 inches fully assembled. Each unit individually is between 2 to 2 1/2 inches tall (each is slightly different because of how they fit together). Each container holds about 2 cups of liquid.

It is much smaller because of comments from customers who said they needed to be able to carry a larger variety of food, but didn't want it to be any bigger than the new 2 tier, which some folks say is too big. I think the new 2 tier is perfect, as I tend to bring things like sandwiches and salad to work. I don't eat like a bird, I make a descent sized lunch every day so the size is just right for me.

I will be updating the sizes online if you'd like to check back in a day or so.

Best,
Shannon
--
Office Management & Outreach
To-Go Ware
2102 5th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
510.225.4045
www.to-goware.com

Solutionary gear for life on the go!

So, I went with the three tier - the carrier came in the colors I wanted (I order the exact thing pictured above in this blog post - same colors and all) and it seemed to fit the utensil case better than the two tier carrier did (based off the pictures of each on the website). I didn't base everything on the color, I still think I pack so many different things that I would need the 3 tier to keep them all separate. Don't want my cheerios mixing with my celery. :)

I'll know for sure if I made the right choice until after Feb. 4th when my tiffen comes in the mail and I can start playing around with what can and cannot fit in it. I can't wait!!

Nine Inches & Counting...

Well, we are finally getting the snow I've been whining about! Nine inches by 8:00AM Wednesday morning with a chance of another 2-4 by noon. It is a light fluffy snow too - so I'm sure blowing will become a factor if it isn't already.



Here's the hubby doing his part to get us out - so now we know we can get the end of the driveway - not sure how much further than that though.

Happy Snow Day Everyone! Stay safe and warm!

Indecisive Shopper I Am

I admit I am an awfully indecisive shopper - ask my poor husband who has been dragged into my exhaustive shopping process on many an occasion. It doesn't matter if it's online shopping or actual in-the-store shopping. Doesn't matter if it's clothes, furniture or whatever. And it doesn't happen all the time - just often enough.

Anyways, I tote my lunch to work everyday, usually in a bright fushia tote. I bought the largest one at the time and stuff it full of snacks and things to get me through the day - which is quite a bit of stuff. Usually people mistake it for my purse - which is terrible because it would be a hideous purse.

My current lunch tote looks exactly like the pic above - but in a fushia, purply-pink color.

Well, this tote is edging on 3 years old now and is getting rather ragged - still pretty good shape considering all the abuse it's suffered being dragged, dropped and stuffed to the gills with all sorts of tupperware, fruit and water bottles. It is washable and cleans up fairly well - but it's just getting worn.

I've seen tiffens before - and was instantly intrigued but never more so than when I found a website that packaged them together with a trendy carrying AND utensil case.



Just look at it - gorgeous! So, what's stopping me from just making the purchase? I dunno - my husband asked me if I'd use it - hrrump I say to that! Of course I would use it! Wouldn't I? :| I know I would still occassionaly use my old lunch tote - but I think it's time to upgrade a little and keep the old one as a backup.

So, trusty readers, what do you think? Is it too bulky, cumbersome - what do you think?

Web Finds Wednesday

Land Sharing Is a New Trend In the UK Wish we had a similar initiative here in the US!

How to Live off $6,500 a Year and Love It With as busy as I've been the last few weeks - this sounds pretty nice. :)

Meyer Lemon Tree - I want one!

to-go ware survey: 40% discount to readers

All Life is An Experiment

Do not be timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little coarse, and you may get your coat soiled and torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again; you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Loving Lazy Weekends

This weekend was one of those fabulously un-busy n0-where-to-go nothing-to-do weekends you get every once in a while. Slept in Saturday with my love, received a beautiful bouquet of gerber daisies (that the cat promptly knocked over within 24 hours) mucked around the house and watched the dogs and cat sleep in the sun, cleaned while listening to my ipod, went grocery shopping and bought all sorts of yummy things (red pears and the delicious new chocolate frosted mini-wheats), made two wonderful homemade meals (pork chops with apples and stuffing yesterday and bacon potato tarragon soup today). Played Scrabble with my dad, watched lots of WFYI and finished a great book. Also, was on the receiving end of some FABULOUS recipes! Can't wait to try them! Thank you, Cindy!

Flowers From My Love

Matthew surprised me today with these! :) He's wonderful!

Funny Stuff

You all should read my husband's blog - he had the day off today and was feeling pretty hilarious apparently! I love how he makes me laugh!

Much more blogging than I've been able to do in the last few days!

Matt's Micellany

A Bed for Biz

Showbiz, though a tad bit bigger than Lola our Chihuahua, is just as much of a snuggle bug. Turn your back for one second and she's trying to curl up on the bed or ottoman. If there's a blanket or pillow on the floor - she's on it or under it. If our space heater is on - she will park herself 1 inch away from the blast of heat.

With the holidays over and my Christmas crafts put to rest my sewing machine and knitting needles are going cold. Sometimes you just get the urge to craft and Friday night was one of those nights, so I whipped up a snuggly-soft dog bed for her using my sewing machine, a fleece remnant and stuffing from an old body pillow we've had forever. And wallah! Pillow of perfect - it has all the smells of an old pillow (she prefers OUR pillows over anything we buy her) but is actually for her. Tricky tricky. As you can see she's taken right to it! :)

Winter Warm Up Weekend @ Mallow Run Winery

Matt and I always enjoy a good excuse to visit our favorite winery! This weekend (both Saturday AND Sunday) Mallow Run is having one of their Winter Warm Up Weekends with warm-you-up-good homemade soup and bread from Scholars Inn and wine, of course! Perfect way to spend a chilly weekend!

During Normal Tasting Room Hours:

Noon-6pm, daily

Winter Warm-up Weekends @ Mallow Run Winery

Homemade soup and warm bread

Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 10-11

Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 24-25

Don't let the cold winter give you the blahs. Grab a seat by the cozy fire and enjoy homemade soup and warm Scholar's Inn bread paired with your favorite wine from Noon-6pm both days.

Jan. 10-11- Baked Potato Soup in bread bowl

Jan. 24-25- Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Happiness Arrived On My Doorstep

I like finding packages on my doorstep! It's right up there with blog comments from you fabulous readers! ;)

Tonight I came home and found a nifty little package from my Aunt, Uncle & Cousin whom I missed in crossing for the holidays. :(

Inside I found all these fabulous little goodies! Two mugs, a tin of Snuggle Up Hot Chocolate Mix! Yum! And an adorable picture frame!

Thank you!!

Handmade Tote Giveaway From A Flower For You!

Sarah, from A Flower For You, has whipped up an awesome giveaway! She HANDMADE this darling little tote just for her blog readers...isn't it fabulous?!

Well, don't just wait there - go enter to win this puppy! Better hurry though - the contest ends Saturday January 10th and 10pm. THAT'S TOMORROW PEOPLE!

Ming Bling & Lilly Garden Walk

One of my favorite places to visit is the Indianapolis Museum of Art. There is always so much to do! Several floors of galleries (with something new and exciting every time!) and there's the Oldfield-Lilly House & Gardens (26-acres to explore!) - and a pretty awesome greenhouse!

Matt and I made it out last weekend and caught the Power & Glory Ming Dynasty exhibition (compliments of IndyKari - thank you!). Weren't really allowed to have cameras in the special exhibit (bummer!) so I can't really show you anything (check out info and pics of the pieces in the gallery online!) but I made up for it with a crazy amount of pics from our stroll through the gardens! (View them all on Facebook or Flickr)



The Ming exhibit was cool! A little packed since we went on a closing weekend I think. Couldn't really read the plaques like I wanted to - there were so many people wanting to scoot in and see that you just had to keep moving. It was AMAZING though - to think that such exquisite artwork, jewerly and design was made so long ago and survived to tell part of the Ming story.

Will make sure to make it to earlier when we decide to make it out to a special exhibit next time though - I like time to gaze and read and think. :)

Short & Sweet

It's going to be another short and sweet post from me again today. :(

My car was finally fixed! Woot! Well, the part I could afford to do right now anyways. The rest will have to wait till next month (new front brakes and new hoses or something in/to the transmission) - ugh! But at least I have it back now - no fun sharing a car with the husband or bumming rides off coworkers and friends.

Made it out to the first of a series of 6 yoga classes tonight at my favorite winery! Loved every minute - can't wait for next Tuesday!

Need to post soon about our IMA visit! We made it out to the Ming Dynasty exhibit this past weekend and waltzed about the Lilly gardens afterward. Took lots of pics and collected mini pine cones - very squirrel like, huh? :)!

Back to the Grind

Tired.

Going back to work today was rough - nice to be working again, but I think I wore myself out.

Made dinner AND lemon cookies tonight complete with homemade icing.

Did myself in though...yawn!

Hamburger Soup

Sticking pretty fair and true to my 2009 goals thus far, though it has only been three days so I can't really boast.

Tried a new recipe on the 2nd! Hamburger Soup, a recipe I got from Chubba Gurl blogger, Shweetpotato! Uber delicious!

I did tweak the recipe a bit to fit what I had on hand and what I forgot to pick up from the store. I used a cup of frozen veggies (pea, carrots, green beans) instead of the carrots and celery...and I used diced tomatoes instead of whole...just personal pref. Was very good - a definite add to our collection of things to make! Makes my mouth water now!

Starting Off the 2009 Scrabble Playing Season with Style

In addition to finding my official scent for 2009 - I also have found the perfect the thing to rekindle my passion for Scrabble. I think I was beat one too many times in the latter part of 08 and became a little bummed. However, after finding this nifty little Scrabble Score & Tile Tracker book at Barnes & Nobles - I am excited to start the 2009 playing season!

It has the pocket word lists I oh-so-love. Three letter word with a Q and no U?? Oh yeah, I know it! :)

Also, has a diagram on each score sheet so you can record the whole came and to go back and analyze the moves. Fun! Now I can see what went wrong or right in each game!

Tried it out on Matt when we got home from the mall (so maybe I was a little hopped on on that perfume) but I have officially broken my losing streak and beat him 337 to 271!

He was really quite the opponent tonight pulling out words like QAT, EXERT and snatching up quite a few double and triple letter word scores!

Heavenly Scent

Traipsed through the mall today with the husband in tow, it was actually his idea to go to the mall, so I blame this all on him. :) Did a pretty good job at just "browsing" at each store. Did leave Bath & Body Works with five less dollars than we came in with AND Wetzel Pretzel snuck another $3 out for a delish cinnamon pretzel.

BUT on the way out, as we walked out through Macy's - it hit me. We were being goofs and sniffing all the perfume at the counters - making faces at the scents we hated, etc. All fun and games, right?

Well, in sniffing all the perfume I came across this...(a little x-rated so beware if you're at work or what not).



Yup, Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue...the BEST scent EVER!! It's right up there past RALPH Ralph Lauren.

It has been over 4 hours ago and I am STILL sniffing myself. Good thing I drenched my coat in so it will last a few days until I can sneak back in for a few more puffs when the sales people aren't looking. I know you CAN try the stuff, it's just that when they SEE you use it - they want to SELL it to you.

Granted, I WILL own that perfume one day...I just don't want to be goaded into it by a pushy sales person. Plus it needs to be on sale, mmmm k?

Maybe Valentine's Day?? ;)

Friday Foto Fiesta 2009!

Wow, haven't done a FFF post in a long while! Here's a pic of my husband trying on his Christmas present from his parents! Metal gloves - haha! If you don't know why this is funny and the oh-so-perfect present for my husband - you need to read up! :)
Also, be sure to visit Candid Carrie for more Friday Foto Fun!!

Thursday Night Freak Out

Matt's Injury Recap

Pin Pictures

Oh My Goodness!

Hubby Hand Update

Squirrel Chatter 2008 Overview

With the New Year already upon us, I thought it would be good to look back a little at was 2008 for this little blog.

Most Popular Posts (According to Google Analytics)

1. Beginner's Paralysis - Yeah, I have that.
2. What To Do This Weekend - August 22
Friday Foto Fiesta Posts were always popular, here's the top 3:
3. September 5th - Pic of Friends
4. September 25th - Garden Pic
5. September 19th - Michigan Friends
6. Can't Get Enough Christmas?
7. Currently Loving: Beauty Rush Lip Gloss - still my fave, by the way! Esp. the Slice of Heaven Flavor
8. Let the Moosh Whoorl Your Hair Contest

Most Commented On Posts
Look What I Found Today!
A Weekend In Review - April 20
Friday Foto Fiesta - August 1
Sleeping In Style
Michigan Weekend of Fun

Will have to post about MY favorites next!

2009 Resolutions/Goals

1. Finally get myself baptized :)
   
   
2. Cook More
   
   
3. Make a Quilt
   
   
4. Build a Cold Frame & add two more garden boxes
   
   
5. Spend more time with family (we want to make plans for each month of the year)
   (anyone up for dinner at Abe's Pizza sometime soon or a wine tasting at Whyte Horse?)
   
   
6. Spend more time with friends
   (coffee, wine tastings, dog walks, apple orchard, you name it)
   
   
7. Join another professional association
   
   
8. Submit work for an award or two
   
   
9. Update my portfolio more regularly
   
   
10. Travel (more sand between my toes in 2009 please!)