tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:33:40 +0000LifeFamilyMusicWorkSummerTVholidaysFaithSportsTravelBooksHealthMoviesshoppingExercisefavorite thingswinterTheatreWeatherhomeFoodTechnologyWeddingspringArtFallMoneyWritingOff-key Duets is a blog by best friends and twin sisters who share a love for music, writing, God, good humor, hockey and reality TV.http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Blogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-8877836440909753378Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:23:00 +00002013-06-19T13:23:03.614-05:00FamilyWow...how time flies! Just over eight weeks ago, following a last minute ultrasound, my doctor called to tell me, "we want you to have this baby tomorrow." And so on April 23--just 8 days before her due date--the perfectly healthy yet tiny Brielle Ann arrived. And can you blame me for not blogging when the alternative is to snuggle with this little peanut? &nbsp; We are all in love with http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2013/06/shes-hereand-so-are-we.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-7285547880801700316Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:10:00 +00002013-04-18T08:12:05.977-05:00ArtLifeWorkEarlier this week I spent an evening at the Paint Pub with some colleagues—a celebration for completing a big project together. If you’re not familiar with the paint pub fad, it’s where participants drink wine while we each create our own version of the same painting, led stroke-by-stroke by an instructor. I arrived hoping our chosen painting would be something abstract, or at least relatively http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2013/04/drawing-line.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-6119998110012420471Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:54:00 +00002013-03-20T15:54:11.896-05:00FamilyLifeTechnology Amidst the preparations in my household for baby number two in roughly six weeks (a girl this time, which I think I’ve failed to mention here before), a number of transitions have already begun on the home front. Among them has been moving my two-year-old in to a new bedroom. Not just any bedroom though—it’s his bigger, better, “big boy” room! We talked it up for weeks as our previous http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-spy-with-my-camera-eye.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-7125602938274064290Tue, 05 Mar 2013 01:07:00 +00002013-03-04T19:11:14.157-06:00WorkWriting Happy National Grammar Day! Given the nature of my job and background, I love that this day exists. While I still ask my colleagues about commas (which I tend to overuse) and capitalization on occasion, I’d like to think I have a decent grasp of the English language. A few people even appreciate that about me. That’s probably why I’m often asked to review/edit things written by my friends and http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2013/03/writing-red-ink-occasional-mishap.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-7224975567158710398Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:53:00 +00002013-02-19T11:06:18.587-06:00FamilyhomeLife As a social media savvy communications professional, I’m not sure I should admit that I tend to avoid Pinterest like it was a flu-like virus, but it’s true. However, my disdain mainly stems from a very real inferiority complex that curses my non-professional roles. My “complex” grew to its worst when I had my first child. It was then that I began my love/hate relationship with social media http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2013/02/overcoming-perfect-pinterest-world.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-7382813564294168975Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:13:00 +00002013-01-28T09:13:06.461-06:00LifeTravelwinter Happy Winter friends! I guess I've been hibernating a bit over the past month—enjoying some time off here and there and letting some of my "nice to dos" (like blogging) lag. Now the days are finally getting longer and I soaked up some healthy vitamin D during a long weekend in sunny Colorado with the bf recently, which made me appreciate winter just a bit more. I even put on a pair of skis for http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2013/01/cheers-to-winter.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-5229797403153895283Sat, 05 Jan 2013 19:51:00 +00002013-01-05T13:52:58.102-06:00FamilyHappy New Year! I had a fantastic holiday break from work, during which I fully intended to write a blog update or two, but in the end I decided to take a break from this little outlet as well. I had a “staycation” of sorts filled with lots of great family time, getting caught up on movie rentals, and watching season one of Downton Abbey (thanks to some of your recommendations). So basically, http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2013/01/presents-staycations-and-new-beginnings.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-6705599017344213069Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:44:00 +00002012-12-12T14:44:13.874-06:00holidaysMusic If you don't already know: I'm a music junkie. And there's no other season or holiday that offers a broader repertoire of music all its own than Christmas. I'm not one to break out the Christmas tunes before Thanksgiving (except the ones I rehearse with my church choir starting in September), but I make sure to get my fill of this music every year at this time.Already my December has been full http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-christmas-list-of-music.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-3895043089152134912Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:59:00 +00002012-11-26T19:59:00.369-06:00FamilyholidaysLifeMy type A self appreciates (maybe even depends on) going into a work week with laundry completed, a full fridge and a clean home. Today, I experienced the total opposite, despite an extra long weekend. Among other things, my crazy weekend was spent… Hosting out of town in-laws for several days and enjoying a relaxing Thanksgiving Day – fun! Attending my grandpa’s funeral – not so fun, but http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/11/crazy-but-thankful.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-4447623239034893483Tue, 13 Nov 2012 01:35:00 +00002012-11-12T19:35:04.545-06:00TV Now that that my television is finally free of political ads, I’m ready to return to my favorite shows. But I’ve noticed this year that my list of favorites it dwindling. I’ve given up on some shows and simply not allowed myself to get sucked into others. I still can’t help thinking that for all the great new advancements in TV technology, the content we now watch in all its high-definition http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/11/tvs-good-ol-days.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-9203278693937741365Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:46:00 +00002012-10-30T11:50:33.634-05:00FamilyLifeshopping<!--[if gte mso 9]> http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/10/cars-and-kids.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-4868683940442992444Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:22:00 +00002012-10-15T12:23:05.966-05:00Work While visiting my pharmacy's website (a pharmacy chain that happens to be owned by my employer), I did a double take at the small advertising banner in the middle of the screen—the same image you see accompanying this post. Instantly, I recognized that hand! And before you start thinking it was some crazy hand twin discovery like the one that Joey had on Friends, it wasn't. No, it really WAS http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/10/almost-famous.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-3799283153006078814Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:17:00 +00002012-10-03T09:25:04.528-05:00Healthshopping I’m sick today. It’s just a cold, so I’m muddling through my normal routines, but it still sucks. And speaking of sucks…should I accidentally pass this little bug onto my toddler, at least I’m armed with the world’s best nasal aspirator to keep his sinuses as clear as can be…the Nosefrida Snotsucker. Essentially, it’s a tube where you put one end in your child’s nose and the other end in your http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/10/warning-post-about-boogers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-5822306626143703660Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:59:00 +00002012-09-25T17:59:50.373-05:00LifeTechnology I promise this isn’t about the most beloved pop song of 2012. I just couldn’t resist that headline. No, today I’m sharing with the world that, after several good years with my Blackberry and Android phones, I ordered the iPhone 5 yesterday. I no longer want to be upstaged by my two-year-old nephew who also can navigate the iPhone. While I’m looking forward to getting the phone, I did http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/09/call-me-maybe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-730827015545354360Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:19:00 +00002012-09-18T08:27:19.952-05:00FamilyLife With a now nearly two year old, I’m regularly getting to see things through a child’s eyes, and everything old is new again. Suddenly, the same old State Fair is cool because they have big tractors. The zoo is brand new because my little Connor saw a live bear for the first time. And these days, I rarely fail to notice when a school bus or semi truck drives by thanks to an excited toddler in http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/09/show-me-lovetoddler-style.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-1734597241322017843Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:00:00 +00002012-09-04T21:17:33.606-05:00FoodMusicSummer I concluded my Labor Day weekend Sunday night with a visit to the Minnesota State Fair. While I enjoyed my annual menu of cheese curds, Pronto Pup, ice cream and Sweet Martha's cookies, I also enjoyed a new fair tradition of sorts. For the second year in a row, I attended the finals of the amateur talent competition. For some reason, this talent show—particularly the pre-teen and teen http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/09/minnesotas-got-talent.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-5480187298741723579Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:28:00 +00002012-08-29T06:28:00.150-05:00LifeshoppingWorkAfter introducing you to my latest, and perhaps favorite accessory where style meets function, I’m back with more detail. Only I could turn a tote bag into a two part series. Today I’m going to share what’s in my bag…because I think that also says a lot about a person. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way because Delta Sky magazine (my favorite airline’s in-flight publication) has a http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-working-mom-tote-bag-part-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-6301023027779570621Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:55:00 +00002012-08-28T06:55:30.988-05:00LifeshoppingWorkToday’s post is about a purse—my new tote bag to be exact. And bizarre as it may seem, I’m even making it a two part series this week. Hopefully even my male readers will find this an intriguing look into the life and mind of the opposite sex. Why? Because a bag can say a lot about a woman. Even my 21 month old will tell you that ladies (especially mommies) need their bag. He looks for it http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-working-mom-tote-bag-part-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-4475898759750645296Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:38:00 +00002012-08-21T08:38:43.667-05:00ExerciseFaithFamilySports The Olympics are over and I offer a sincere ‘thank you’ to the Spice Girls for providing my closing ceremony highlight and splendid flashbacks to high school. As much as I enjoyed all the Olympic heroes and medalists, I came across another hero today who has me simply in awe.If you haven't heard about the father who completed a triathlon while carrying, pushing and pulling his 13-year old http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/08/carried-away.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-2917904339952972754Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:19:00 +00002012-08-27T13:29:22.011-05:00FamilyLifeSportsSummer Like a Lutheran potluck, this post has a little of everything. It’s a late summer recap of random musings that hopefully includes a dish or two you’ll enjoy, whether it be it vacation, baseball, charity, or perhaps a summer dish of your own. So, let’s dig in! I recently got back from vacation where we visited family in New York. Sadly, I took almost no photos. But here is my favorite shothttp://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-summer-potluck.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-6616363935438719965Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:17:00 +00002012-08-07T10:17:38.509-05:00SportsSummer If you're tired of the Olympics, I apologize, because I'm still addicted and I can’t not talk about it! The comebacks. The records broken. The teamwork. The people who made it despite incredible odds. Summer or Winter Olympics—doesn't matter; I'm so inspired. And I'm moved to tears every time I hear our national anthem during a medal ceremony. I'd like to bottle up these feelings of pride to http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/08/weve-got-spirit.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-8535694341256284049Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:21:00 +00002012-07-30T06:21:00.236-05:00TV<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/07/is-there-any-must-see-tv.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-2323309645231603751Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:38:00 +00002012-07-23T16:38:43.537-05:00HealthWedding My health care communications role often requires me to consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on information I write for my organization. (Remember H1N1 flu?) It’s good that we have these public health experts to help us prevent a Contagion-like scenario. But I was surprised to see that their latest public service to us was providing a Wedding Day Survival Guide. My first thought was http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-dangerous-trip-down-aisle.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-8671253124455612519Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:04:00 +00002012-07-17T08:04:54.085-05:00FaithFamilyLife I’ve enjoyed a slightly slower pace in recent weeks and it has given me added time to reflect (scary, I know). So as I was driving by a neighboring new housing development the other day, I thought about all those new homeowners. All of them built a home in the last year. For most of them, I presume, it’s a house where they plan to spend many more years. I couldn’t help but envy them just a bit.http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/07/unknown.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157996696653076359.post-2451170934550244060Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:52:00 +00002012-07-10T16:52:19.226-05:00LifeSummerTravel I'm back from a July Fourth extra long weekend up north and I've got the mosquito bites to prove it. Hanging out on the Iron Range toughened me up a little though. By the end of the weekend I thought "Meh, what's a little sunburn and 30 more bug bites… bring it on." And "Who needs indoor plumbing anyway?!" But the best thing about getting away was the lack of things to do. And by that I mean http://offkeyduets.blogspot.com/2012/07/lazy-days-of-summer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1