Going Home

Nov 28, 2014

I have been living a pretty charmed life these days.  A trip to Ohio to see all of my Ohio family that I could see and now a trip to North Carolina to catch up with family and friends.  It is what I love the most---being with family and friends and just living in the moment. One thing that I loved was being able to go to church on Sunday to the church that Chris and I and the boys attended for almost 9 years when we lived in North Carolina.  It was at this church, Fair View UMC in Mount …

Going Above and Beyond—#North Iowa Bloggers Are Making a Difference

Oct 31, 2014

I love how things come together unexpectedly sometimes.  I love how I can still find so much good in the world amidst the sadness and tragedy.  I love how people continue to amaze and astound me.  Quite frankly---I am loving life right now. When I had this little idea I threw it out to my North Iowa Blogger family and they all jumped on board so I am thrilled to announce that we are embarking on a campaign of sorts to raise more awareness and help stock our local food pantries. The month …

More Fun With #NorthIowaBloggers –Don’t You Wish You Lived Here?

Oct 24, 2014

Our little group is growing by leaps and bounds!  I am thrilled that this group that started out with just a few of us has started to grow and expand over the past few months.  Quite honestly this group has changed my life and that is a fact. It seems that we love to get together.  It does not have to be for a special event like our Lay's Tasting Party or our Oreo Tasting Party.  It can be just getting together for a meal at The Barrel Drive In or going to visit a local business together. We …

North Iowa Bloggers + Oreos = Sugar High

Sep 29, 2014

You might have heard the moans and groans on Thursday night coming from my humble abode.  My fabulous group of North Iowa Bloggers (at least some of our ever growing wonderful group) got together at my house to celebrate the fall birthdays.  What started out as a birthday celebration for 4 ladies morphed into much more. Someone spied some oddly flavored Oreos in a store and since we all had so much fun with the Lay's Chip Tasting not too long ago I offered the challenge to the group that we …

Teapot Tuesday

Sep 2, 2014

Isn't it adorable??  A lovely teapot with an apple on it.  Friend and blogger, Audrey, from Minnesota Prairie Roots, along with her husband, Randy, recently paid me a visit and spent the night at the Chiles Bed and Breakfast.  She came in with a lovely bag and surprise of all surprises---a perfect teapot for my collection.   The teapot is adorable and I have seen this one before but do not have one in my collection so I am thrilled to welcome it into the family.  What a thoughtful gift and …

Today Is Special

Aug 30, 2014

So excited to be a part of this fabulous couple's wedding today!  Wishing them a lifetime of joy and happiness together!!!! …

Making Memories

Aug 25, 2014

Last week I told you about the upcoming Malt Shop Memories Street Dance and live broadcast at KCMR coming up on Friday night and I know you are all waiting with baited breath to hear all about it.  In a word----FABULOUS! Jeni of Jeni Eats and Donna of DonnaHup.com stopped off to pick me up to go down to the studio to join in the fun.  We saw lots of familiar faces including Bill Schickel, general manager at KCMR and Cynthia Tompkins whose show I get to be a part of on Tuesday …

Let’s Super Size This! Your Chance to Save a Landmark!

Aug 21, 2014

I often wonder why I am the last one to find out about some things.  I try to keep up with the news and the goings on in the world but at times I am basically clueless about the things that are practically in my own back yard.  How did I not know about The Barrel Drive In in Clear Lake---a mere 5 miles from my house? Thanks to a recent social media blitz and with the company of good friends I am now much more educated.  And that, my friends, is a very good thing.  Especially when it comes to …

It All Started With A Chip

Aug 7, 2014

Isn't the above picture just the picture of health?  Not really.  Tuesday night a group of North Iowa Bloggers (and yes---these ladies deserve a capital B) got together at my home for a bit of fun and taste testing.  The new flavored Lay's came out recently and after a quick Facebook conversation I decided to host a tasting party for all who could attend.  Of course while I was at it I picked up what other summer items I could find but they did not get top billing like the Lay's chips. Trust …

Dangled Carat Cover Reveal

Jul 24, 2014

It's a big day for Hilary, my blogger / writer friend who wrote the memoir, Dangled Carat.   This is the official new cover for her book and I get to help spread the news.  Please join me in congratulating Hilary on her new cover and wish her luck on continued success with her book. Below find a little interview I did with Hilary to let you all know a bit more about her.  Following my Q and A are a few short blurbs about the book and links to purchase it in either Ebook or Paperback form.  Let's …