Unus Sed Leona

The Sun is Showing Off

2015-03-19T14:25:00.000-05:00

I feel like all I've been talking about lately is that Sun of ours. It's such a showoff.

If you've been following the work I do in STEM you know that the last two big launches from NASA have been all about the Sun, solar flares, plasma.......
For the MMS mission I sent out projects related to the mission to 8 different scout leaders and chatted with two troops the day after and one classroom of students. Kids always have the funniest questions and suggestions for NASA.

And I guess the Sun didn't think we were paying it enough attention because this week it decided to produce some of the best Auroras we've seen in years. Unfortunately, I was not up north and missed it all. Friends kept me satisfied though with incredible photos and even a live feed from a good friend way way up north.

Photos from Sebastian Saarloos that NASA Goddard shared.

Post by NASA Goddard.

Did you know that you can help verify Auroras? Aurorasaurus is an app to do just that! Check it out at: http://www.aurorasaurus.org/

Tomorrow we get an even better treat! A total solar eclipse. There are two people, well one person and one company, that I will be following for this event.

The first is Zero2Infinity, a commercial balloon company that is using the same material to construct their balloons as Bigelow Aerospace does. I can't wait till they get through the testing phase and start trips! For now though they are launching balloons to give the rest of us an entirely new view of a total solar eclipse from the Stratosphere.

The Bloon team is already in Svalbard waiting to launch their balloons, learn more about the project in the vid.

Total solar eclipse from Near-Space from zero2infinity on Vimeo.

The other person I'll be watching is Twitter user @NightSkyPark (Tyler Nordgren) who is in the Faroes.

Proof I am where I say I am. pic.twitter.com/brYMUSdLRu
— Tyler Nordgren (@NightSkyPark) March 19, 2015

And you can also watch it live via feed where ever you are in the world via: meteorwatch

If you are interested in doing some more citizen science, Zooniverse just launched a new project called Snapshot Supernova. There you can sort through images to help find exploding stars that large telescopes in Chile will then focus on!

Finally, remember to never look directly at the sun. There are safe ways to view, even if you don't have a scope. I like this leaflet for simple ways using things in your home (grab a collander!)....and it give tons of info for teachers and leaders to explain what students are seeing.

Be sure to come back and tell me all about what you see! Or tell me about it on Twitter @Chitownchica

Housekeeping and A Little Bit of Everything Else

2015-03-13T18:55:00.000-05:00

There are two things I find myself saying every day: take that off the table and I still need to do that.

Last year I lost two big writing contracts, one after the other; and then a third contract a few months later. What this meant though, was that I regained the rights to everything I wrote for them-- outside of what had been syndicated. I was going through a lot of personal housekeeping and was not prepared for the work that was involved to archive, save, transfer, file etc.

Around the same time I was struggling with the idea that my blog had gotten away from me, a feeling I still have. Rather than trying to manage it all, I ignored the majority of it; I ignored my blog entirely and dumped all my writing onto a drive to be sorted later. Life and day to day writing ensured that I could carry on ignoring both.

I don't have a house to clean anymore, but I have a lot of online housekeeping that needs doing-- starting with this blog.

On This Blog

A gift

This blog will be moving soon. It will keep the name and I'll keep writing it, but I am going to get back to writing about the things that inspire and excite me. It will go back to being my personal space to write, because I'm not sure what it is right now.

On Other Personal Writing Projects
I have more writing projects in the pan that I care to admit to. Know that they are coming and each one has a different focus. That'll be where I write about all the other things. Things that just pop into my head but aren't in line with my personal blog, or things that other people bring to my attention. You can stay on top of all of that here, if you care to.

On Professional Writing
I'm always writing, but I took a hiatus from publishing. Had a lot of marketing contracts, finishing work, editing and ghostwriting to keep me busy. Decided that I still have a lot to say, and a lot of stories to tell. To keep writing what I want, when I want and where I want I've decided to go entirely freelance. Harder, but better for me. Last month I snagged a column where I can talk about all things STEM (going to be space science heavy!) on The Huffington Post! I'm hoping to add a couple more regular places over the next few months.

Click on the image to go straight to my page.

I'm still organizing all my old work, but everything that I own digital rights to stays in a time-stamped portfolio that will only be shown to inquiring editors. All the new stuff I publish will be going on the new website, where this blog will also be re-homed.

On The Book
I've been asked to write one. I'm working on it.

On STEM Things

I even spoke at my alma mater.

STEM stuff has taken over my life. I don't mind at all, but in case you were wondering....it's where my head is. I've been doing a lot of speaking. A lot of setting stuff up and making sure it's ready for the public to participate in. I am still working with a lot of scouts. And there is a foundation and a conference on the way. Madballs.

On Where I Am
Anytime I'm asked for my current address, or to cover an event, it turns into a lengthy conversation to determine whats going to work. I am not in Chicago. I gave up a permanent address. I'm on an adventure. I'm just getting started and already learned that while a lot can fit into a suitcase, you really don't need all of it.

Zorro is adventuring with me

On Everything Else
There's a lot of it. I'm trying to get to it. I'll share as it happens.

Because Beauty is Contagious #FeelBeautifulFor

2014-11-21T21:44:00.000-06:00

*This is a sponsored post with Dove and Global Influence. All opinions are mine.*

Working with so many girls and young women on a regular basis, you get to chatting with them about all the things that are important to them. Of course, their looks and beauty come up, and while they may be insecure about the things they want to talk about, they are not shy about asking.

Dove is so well known for its body positive campaigns that I am always eager to hear about the next one. This time Dove asked me about the beauty legacy I want to leave, who I want to be beautiful for, now and in the future. Honestly, I had an answer the second the question was asked.

I've talked a little about the space and STEM journey that I have been on lately. I've always believed that when you are passionate about something, other people can sense that and want to be a part of it too. Turns out its true. One of the things I get told a lot is that my enthusiasm for space is so infectious, that it inspires them to want to learn more.

When it comes to the young women that I volunteer with, nothing thrills me more than for one of them to tell me that they want to be as crazy about the things they love when they grow up. When you're happy and share that happy, it makes other people want to be happy too. So sappy, I know, but it makes everything worth it.

Things like this, make me even more excited about the future, both mine and all the young women that I work with.

One thing I promised to share, was a giveaway that Dove is hosting. You can win a $25 Spa Week Gift Card!

 class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/zSXej/beauty-legacy-resourceful-mommy-network" rel="nofollow">Beauty Legacy - Resourceful Mommy Network

But what I really want to know is, who do you want to feel beautiful for?

Saturday Morning Etsy Blackholes

2014-10-19T12:38:00.001-05:00

Its been a while, too long really, since I was sucked into Etsy for the better part of a morning. Lazy Saturdays are perfect for that though, right?

How Zorro spends his Saturdays :)

I used to have a busy Etsy shopped, that I closed, and then opened up a new one that I was too busy to fill and keep going. But, now that I am on another giant purge and feeling super crafty-- it's a fall thing-- I've been super tempted to start stocking it with cool finds again.

Naturally, its led to me browsing, studying and taking notes over on Etsy, and I've found a ton of really neat stuff that I want to buy. And that is my problem folks, I get sucked into browsing and never get to stocking.

To Goal Digging
I've knocked out so many goals this year. It feels good. Going after so many others too, so when I saw this from AbbyandGrace I couldn't help but laugh.

Shiny Star Decals
These Black Star Wall Decals from tayostudio remind me of the glow in the dark stars I grew up with, only prettier. No nursery here, but that wouldn't stop me and shouldn't stop anyone from buying them. They also come in silver.

To Making It Happen
I like making things happen, and I like people that make things happen. I met Libby a few months back, at a space event-- turns out we are both space nerds-- but I didn't know she was a doodler. I need a reason to order a whole bunch of these!

Because Space
I talk about my love for all things space here on the blog all the time. Naturally, it leads to me picking up random spacey things. This is the coolest cutting board I've seen in a long time.

They might suck up my time, but I never regret Etsy sessions. The artists and artisans always leave me inspired and remind me of the things I love.

Stay tuned for the re-opening of my own Etsy store. My sister Melissa is going to help me stock and run it. We love vintage everything, and then we get inspired by our vintage finds and create.

Sharing My Purple Purse Story to End Financial Abuse

2014-09-26T17:19:00.000-05:00

*This is a compensated blog post in collaboration with Allstate Foundation® and Latina Bloggers Connect. Everything stated is my own opinion, and my story*

If you had to walk out on your life right now, right this very second, do you think you could do it? This is not an exercise asking what 3 things you would grab from your house if it was burning or what you want to be stranded on a deserted island with. Rather, I'm asking you to think about the things that keep you where you are, doing what you do and staying with the people you are with. Could you really walk out on all of that?

As much as we like to think money and finances shouldn't and don't control our lives, they do. It's the reason why so many women stay in abusive relationships,
and a huge factor for why domestic violence becomes a repetitive thing. Last year Allstate Foundation began working with, Purple Purse, a program that uses the symbol of a purse to stand for domestic and financial abuse that so many women face, and empowers them through financial independence.

A lot of you reading this might not even realize financial abuse is a thing. Statistics show that 8 out of 10 Americans do not know that financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse. I know that a lot of the people that I talked to initially insisted that they had never heard of such a thing, but were able to come up with a few examples when faced with the idea that it can and does happen.

Domestic abuse is one of those things that no one wants to talk about, and when stories come out-- and they always do-- everyone has something to say about the victim, abuser and circumstances. Labels, stereotypes, assumptions and judgements go to work and take away even more control of the situation from the victim. In my personal experience, dealing with all the after has been just as hard, and sometimes harder, than dealing with what happened to me.

It's painful, but I know that sharing what happens to us makes a huge difference in the way someone else responds to a situation later. After seeing the way so many people responded to the big domestic violence news stories that recently came out, I said yes to sharing my story. So here goes.

The time that it took you to read that is about the same amount of time I had to deal with it. Those split seconds of acceptance, from that moment to this, were the few seconds that I felt in control.

Are you over it yet? Can you forget about what I just told you? Push it out of your mind yet? Can you think about how everyone else is feeling for just a minute? Think you can pretend it never happened in time for my big life moment? It turned out okay, right, you're still here.

No?!

I was fortunate that my what's next/what am I going to do, all those financial how, why, what's, were not controlled by anyone that hurt me. That does not mean it was easy.

And with that I walked away from my life.

My show of support for Purple Purse.

For 98% of people that are victims of domestic abuse, the financial abuse is what keeps them trapped. If you don't have access to money to leave, provide for yourself, your children etc it becomes a reason to stay-- if only to wait it out till you can leave.

Purple Purse was started to make sure that no one needs to stay trapped in an abusive relationship because of money. Financial literacy and independence are powerful tools, tools every woman should possess, no matter what her situation looks like right now.

Allstate invested more than half a million dollars to the Purple Purse Challenge, and Kerry Washington became the ambassador for the program! Anyone can donate to Purple Purse, here, and help someone going through what I went through. I don't think a lot of people realize how much it happens, how many women stay silent, how family members and friends come together to put pressure on victims to stay silent.

Kerry designed a purple purse, her symbol of support and to inspire women to reclaim their financial independence.

Being in control means everything. And being able to talk about domestic violence can change a life.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

A note to my friends that may be reading about this for the first time. I am safe. I am well. Sophie

Astronauts, Launches, Space Science Writing and #ISSRDC

2014-08-28T10:03:00.000-05:00

I've never met anyone that had the opportunity to see a shuttle or rocket launch and wasn't changed by it. Most of us become addicted, lining the streets, bridges and nearby waterways to feel that rumble.

Three years ago today, I was sitting on the banks of the Indian River, with my three sisters, hoping to see my first and last shuttle launch.
It would be the only shuttle launch the four of us would ever see in person because STS-135 was the last shuttle mission NASA would fly.

I wrote about it in THIS blog post, which I reread myself last night, had a good laugh over and shed a few tears at the happy memory. Or, you can just watch the video we posted a couple hours afterwards, so that our family and friends back home could experience what we did. I think Christine shot it with her little hand cam, but it captures the excitement in the crowd that day.

The number of us that gets to go to space, live in low-Earth orbit aboard the ISS or train to be astronauts, is fewer, but NASA does a great job of keeping us in the loop. And for so many years, so many launches, I have watched NASATV broadcasts because it was the only option I had.

I neglected to tell y'all about that time I was on NASATV.

Writing is my thing and space is my passion, so it only makes sense that I write more about space. Writing about space science is what I'll be focused on this year- bills be damned!

I am a firm believer that we all have a part in the current developments that are taking place in regards to space, even if it's just in the role of spectator. I am also a firm believer that you can't just experience one launch and be done with it, even if you only ever can view them remotely.

Photo Credit: Jared Haworth, Jared took this shot of the SpaceX3 launch from on top of the VAB!

Whenever you meet anyone that is interested in space, the first question is always "Have you seen a launch?", and anyone with a story tells it. I've been fortunate to meet and listen to many astronauts tell their stories. I had the extreme fortune, very recently, to meet NASA astronauts Frank Culbertson (passionate about rockets), Greg Johnson (passionate about education & space opps), Nicole Stott (passionate about kids and space) and John Grunsfeld (passionate about JWST) at home, in Chicago, for the International Space Station Research & Development Conference (ISSRDC).

After the SpaceX3 launch I attended and ISSRDC I noticed that the conversations are starting to change. More and more I am talking to "normal" folks of all ages, folks that are sending up rockets, equipment on rockets, experiments on rockets and accessing the International Space Station like we never have before. Yes, we are on track to send our astronauts back into space with our own vehicles again (Hallelujah!), but at the same time all of us are being given incredible opportunities to take what we know, what we want to know, in order to benefit life here on Earth.

With each of these conversations I have, the students, educators, and medical researchers, among others, mention the launches. Not all of them have been able to see their payloads head to orbit in person, but all of them have seen their launches. And all of them agree that they would love to see it again. Whenever the opportunity to view a launch arises, I will take full advantage. But even if I can't be there I know I'll still have an awesome view. In the meantime I'll be busy coming up with a way to make my mark on history with a genius science experiment to send to LEO, and I know that everyone will line up to fund it ;).

Retired Space Shuttle Atlantis at KSC Visitor Center, FL

Mango Shortcake You'll Want to Crave #Recipe #DairyFree

2014-07-17T12:43:00.002-05:00

With mangoes being in season, they have been super cheap so I always grab a couple at a time. The extra leaves me with one to try making something new, even if I don't always know what that something new is going to be. A couple weeks ago I was thinking about strawberry shortcake, only I didn't have strawberries on hand.

So instead I made this!

There are some people in this world that don't like mangoes. Strange, I know. I'll take my mangoes any way I can get them-- dried, covered with chili, in syrup, as a marinade and diced as salsa-- but my favorite way is fresh, just the way they are.

While I did cut up the mango, you don't have to do anything else to it in this recipe. I like to have juice to drizzle over the biscuits (I went with easy drop biscuits over a more traditional cake base because I was being lazy) so I took turned some of the mango into a light syrup.

Was way better than strawberry shortcake, though I'm still thinking about making some of that too. The problem being, when I bring home strawberries, they are too good to pass up and end up getting eaten.

Here's the simple, super quick recipe I used so that I could enjoy some shortcake that I am craving all over again thanks to this write-up.

Biscuit Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or sub with almond milk if you're allergic like me)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Mango Topping
2 mangoes, cut up into squares
1/3 cup water

Combine all the dry ingredients, making sure there are no clumps. Add the milk and lightly mix till all the dry ingredients are wet.

Grease a flat baking tray and preheat oven to 400F. Spoon dough onto your baking tray, don't bother pressing down because the biscuits will flatten out as they bake.

Bake for 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, take 1/4 cup of your cut up mangoes and put them in a small saucepan with the water. Heat over medium for about 5-10 minutes till the mango begins breaking down. Stir constantly. You want to create a very light syrup with the mango looking almost like it has been smashed into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat.

Once your biscuits are done, remove from oven and allow them to cool. Slice your biscuits in half, add some mango syrup to the biscuits and then top with mango and whipped topping. The mangoes themselves are sweet enough, so if you don't like overdoing it on sweetness, skip the syrup and topping.

Enjoy!

Sean Astin's Vox Populi Radio Show Begins May 1st! #RaiseYourVox

2014-04-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

*Disclosure: I am excited to partner with Sean to promote his radio show. He is sending me a gift as a thank you, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

So, I am sure y'all know who Sean Astin is-- Goonies, Lord of the Rings, Rudy and most recently his own political radio show, Vox Populi.

Okay, so maybe you recognize the guy but didn't know about his radio show, Vox Populi. Sean is interested in politics, and he likes to get the casually political involved types talking about politics.
I occasionally talk about politics here, on my blog, because like Sean, I'm interested in politics. I come from a family that occasionally involves itself in local politics with each generation, and even though I leave running for office to the other folks in my family, I do see, enjoy and recognize the need to talk politics.

After hearing more about Sean's Vox Populi Radio show, which means "The Voice of the People in Latin, I knew it was something I would be interested in, and there are bound to be some of you that want to check it out. The Season 2 starts on May 1st on the new network, TradioV. Astin shares his interest of politics with "the occasionally interested people" and he genuinely wants people to understand what is happening in government and current affairs. The goal of the show really is to offer intellectual discussion, hear what people are talking about and what concerns them.

I can't wait for his first show, I have the feeling Missy will be listening in with me-- did I tell you my little sis is an elected official! Couldn't be prouder :)

His broadcast airs Thursdays 12-2PT on TradioV.com

You can learn more about the show at:
Sean's Twitter: www.twitter.com/HostVoxPopuli
Sean's FB: www.facebook.com/VoxPopuliRadio
Sean's YT: www.youtube.com/user/HostVoxPopuli

Tonight there is going to be a Twitter Party to help kick off the new season. If you've never done a Twitter party, they're tons of fun, but move super fast so be ready for lots of chat and engaging convo!

Party Info:
#RaiseYourVox Twitter party Saturday night, April 26th, 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET
RSVP link: http://bit.ly/SeanChat
Host: @HostVoxPopuli @crazyadventures
Co-hosts: @seanastin @LindaofNote @ENMNetwork @Leah_Cevoli
Panelists: @MamaDweeb @StacieinAtlanta @1momof5
Prize Patrol: @SincerelyG
Prizes to be given away: two personalized autographed pictures, one autographed poster, and a grand prize "prize pack" with an autographed picture and Vox-branded items, including a Vox t-shirt!

If you end up listening in, make sure to come back and tell me what you think!

Always Looking Up: Space Dreams with NASA #SpaceX3 #NASASocial

2014-04-17T17:41:00.000-05:00

A few of you have asked me if I cried this past Monday, the few that know me enough to know how life changing seeing, feeling and experiencing a launch is for me. Truth is, I did cry. But I didn't cry when or for the reason you might expect.

Missy's exact words to me, lol!

I was crying before the scrub announcement came. I was sitting on a NASA bus out on the causeway, staring out the window at that rocket, and I started crying
like there was no tomorrow. I was crying because I was thinking about the last time I had the chance to see a launch, with my sisters at my side. I was missing them and thinking how much I wanted them to be there to see this, be a part of this. Because the truth is, the things we are passionate about are made so much better when we have people, people we love, to share them with.

So close! Photo Credit: AlloyCode

I knew going into this experience the first time around that it was going to be pretty amazing. Like hanging off the side of a tall ship, fishing net in hand, beating at an ocean full of bioluminescence just so I can watch the reflection of the Milky Way turn neon blue. Or like the time I climbed a cliff to watch the midnight sun dip down in the sky, kiss Vättern and swing back up. Yeah, that kind of amazing.

Most of the time the things that amaze me are the things I have to work the hardest to get to. But then there are those things that just fall in your lap, things other people came together to create and invited you along to witness. This was one of those things.

Orion Model and EFT-1 Launch Abort System, Photo Credit: AlloyCode

I found myself walking around NASA's Kennedy Space Center taking a journey through the minds of many. Oh, what beautiful minds! I've always had a thing for NASA, their "let's do this, we're gonna figure out a way" attitude about things.

Gioia Massa speaks about Veggie

For me, my love for all things space started at a space themed Girl Scout camp-- Troop Trek!-- where someone took the time to point their telescope upwards and invited me over to take a look. I remember thinking the moon was the most beautiful, ugly thing I'd ever seen. But now that I'd seen it that way, I wanted to see it that way all the time. I was hooked.

Launch Pad 39A, where Apollo, the Space Shuttle and now SpaceX will carry men and women into orbit.

As I learned all about space during that scouting weekend, one thing struck a cord in me. Someone told us that you didn't have to be an astronaut to have a place in space.....and it was something I found myself repeating to my sisters many years later as we watched STS-135 take off for ISS. Sure, a lot of us dream of being astronauts, I sure did, but NASA doesn't just need astronauts, they need the rest of us too. Writers, artists, IT guys, doctors, scientists and even dreamers....


University Research-1 students

If I ever doubted that idea, this trip to cover the third SpaceX launch of a Falcon 9 and Dragon Cargo mission proved to me that every STEM student and Girl Scout I talk to, can believe the words coming out of my mouth when I tell them to do what they love and there will be a place for them in space.

NASA saved a place for me in space!

That beautiful rocket still sits on its launch pad today, three launch scrubs later. But inside the Dragon capsule is the work of so many great minds, and I can't wait to tell you all about that cargo! Work like the robotic legs that are headed up to ISS for Robonaut2, and the idea a little company out in Madison, Wisconsin had to make NASA Veggie possible. Then there is the CASIS sponsored Huntington's disease research and the first collaboration between university student cancer research and the ISS, University Research-1.

Where I left her.

The next launch attempt is scheduled for tomorrow, 4/18 at 3:25 p.m. EDT with a backup date of 4/19 at 3:02 p.m. We can watch it together on NASA TV: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/

And when you're done watching the launch, come back and read more about all the awesome payloads, and then a bit about my personal experience (it really was the stuff of dreams, y'all) that I'm going to share here.

I know, right!

We're Hosting a #NASASocial Twitter Party! #SpaceX3

2014-03-09T09:07:00.001-05:00

If you are not familiar with Spacetweepers, you are missing out. Space and social media just go together, y'all. It's the best way to find out what's going on, meet and network with other folks that are passionate about space, the space program or just trying to figure out what they're looking at in the night sky in a particular part of the world.

One of the big things I have coming up is a trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and I am going to have the chance to meet a lot of folks passionate about space. Some of the folks I've been following on Twitter for a while, and others I have only just met.

Before we get together we are going to host a little twitter party to get ready!

Join us to talk NASA, Space-X, rockets, robotics and space on Tuesday, March, 11th at 8pm CST. And make sure to follow along on Twitter after the party to come along with us on our trip to NASA's KSC!

Party Details:
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11th 8pm CST
Duration: 1 hour (officially, lol)
Hosted by: @Chitownchica
Co-Hosts: @SecretColGrl @AstroGingerSnap
Hashtags: #NASASocial #SpaceX3
Surprises: A few of us are putting together some awesome NASA swag grab bags to give a way! A little bit of vintage NASA swag, stuff for kiddos, gift store swag type things.

How to Join In:
Joining a twitter party is easy! Follow me or any one of the co-hosts on Twitter (to win one of the swag bags you must follow me on Twitter so I can DM for shipping). Another easy way to follow along is to follow either of the hashtags: #NASASocial or #SpaceX3. Then just show up on twitter and ask us questions, lots of questions, interact and have fun!

RSVP here:
If you want to throw your name in the hat for a NASA swag prize, add your twitter profile to the linky so we can choose names easier.

If You See Me Skipping.....#SpaceX3 #NASASocial

2014-03-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

There's this thing I do occasionally. People close to me are used to it, people that don't know me just ignore it, smile, stare. Sometimes I can't help it.

I skip.

I used to scuttle, but that took too long.

At some point as a child I realized I could cover more ground faster and started skipping.

Why do I skip?

Well, growing up my parents made a point of taking family vacations to important, historic places. I was obsessed with who walked where, touched what and did important things in the very spot I was standing. I would make a point of scuttling across the floor of whatever place we were visiting to make sure that I was "stepping onto history"-- and I think it was the whole step into history mantra of the places we went got me started.

Anyway, I would tackle places like a grid to make sure I covered as much area as possible. Some places were just too big, and we had to keep moving along on the tour or something....so I switched to scuttling. That still wasn't fast enough though.

At some point I switched to spontaneous skipping and talked myself into being okay with the fact that my feet were on the ground less.

Every once in a while now, I find myself doing a little skip. Just a little one.

The idea that big things happened or are happening on the very place I am standing is so exciting it just comes out in a skip. :)

For the next month I have some very big things coming up-- just hoping I have the energy to get through it all. My NASA invitation is the most exciting though. Can hardly contain myself.

So excited I want to do a giveaway! Make sure you come back and hear about my NASA trip later this month, and all the other events & happenings I get to do back in Chicago and everywhere else. I promise to get better about sharing here-- hard to keep up with the blog when you are always running.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

USA Ski Jumping at Home #Sochi2014 #Chicago #Olympics

2014-02-05T22:54:00.001-06:00

The start of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics is less than 24 hours away! Sadly, most of the news around the Olympics has to do with scandal, corruption, security threats and now the city's unpreparedness for the games. Instead of focusing on all of that today, I wanted to make sure I shared with y'all the awesome event I got to see last week-- Ski Jumping!

Every year the Norge Ski Club hosts a Ski Jump Tournament, with competitors coming from all over the country and world. It was actually one leg of the US Cup and because local, Mike Glasder (one of Norge's own), is on the USA Ski Jumping team it was a pretty big thing. A day or two before the event the team that will be representing the USA at Sochi was announced and unfortunately, Mike just missed being selected, but I don't think he is going to stop jumping anytime soon.

I mean, check this out, its pretty much flying.....sure you have to fly down an incredibly steep ramp, but you're flying!

Watching was thrilling, I can't even imagine what it's like to fly like that. And I don't want to imagine it. After a beautiful day, one of the few we've had this winter, by the river I want to give it a try.

Luckily for me, Norge is right in Chicagoland, and they are very encouraging to crazy people like me that want to give it a go.

I always watch the Olympics, and even watch out for sports that I would never try. I don't recall ever paying that much attention to ski jumping in the past though-- but seeing it for myself was definitely exciting. Every jump was different, and every jump was appreciated by the crowd.

Did y'all know that women will be competing in ski jumping for the first time in the Olympics this year? This young lady was the only female to qualify in the Sr division, and she ended up posting the furthest jump-- though she had some trouble with the landing. Still, she got right back up and walked it off (placed 3rd in the end).

This time next year I hope to be posting pics of myself jumping off a hill-- might be the small bunny hill, but I am going to jump. :)

Who will be watching the Olympics this year? What events are your favorite? Think you'd ever give ski jumping a try if you had the chance?

The Chicago Bears & P&G Host #PGBestDefense Day at Halas Hall!

2013-10-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

To raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, the Chicago Bears have teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and P&G today. P&G is hosting the Best Defense Day of Action at Halas Hall, the Chicago Bears' headquarters and inviting media, bloggers and men and women.

For the past 6 years P&G and NBCF have worked together to educate women and men about breast cancer, provide early detection plans and P&G donated $500,000 to the NBCF this year.

Corey Wooten is going to be in attendance too! Excited to learn about what I can do for myself and the women in my life.

Do you have an early detection plan? Have you talked about early detection with the women you know?

Pass on the #PurplePurse and Empower Women Facing Domestic Violence #Sponsored

2013-10-10T23:28:00.001-05:00

*This post is sponsored by Latina Bloggers and Allstate. Information regarding domestic violence was provided by Allstate, the rest is my own opinion. *

Earlier last month I was flipping through my latest issue of Latina and came across a domestic violence campaign, the Purple Purse Campaign, that actress, Rosario Dawson, was speaking out about. That piece served its purpose because it got the people I was around talking. Within a few minutes we had shared stories about family, friends and acquaintances across all backgrounds, races, socioeconomic situations and ages that had something happen in their lives only to find themselves financially stranded and unable to provide for themselves, and sometimes their children.

Little did I know that I would be sent a purple purse and asked to help spread the word myself, and I am honored to do so. There are very few of you out there that can honestly say they do not know of someone that has dealt with this issue, because guess what....

Domestic violence affects one in four women in their lifetime – that’s more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined.

Still, domestic violence is one of the hardest things for people to talk about. It is hard for women to talk about with their family, friends and professionals. It is hard for parents to talk about with their children. And for children to talk about with their parents. Friends don't like talking about it with each other. And forget about casual acquaintances bringing up the topic in conversation.

A majority of Americans agree that domestic violence is tough to talk about. More than one-third of Americans have never discussed the issue with family or friends and Purple Purse provides a conversation starter.

Bring on the Purple Purse Campaign!

To help folks talk about domestic violence, and to help women see the importance of being financially smart, unrestricted and aware, Allstate is leading the Purple Purse Campaign to take action against domestic violence and donate $5 to the YWCA for every purse that is passed to help pay for programs that help domestic abuse survivors and stop the cycle of abuse.

Lacking financial knowledge and resources is the number one indicator of whether a domestic victim will stay, leave or return to an abusive relationship.

Never assume that domestic violence is not happening because a woman has decided to stay in that relationship, or that it isn't as bad as she might have said or let on.

I would love for you all to help me raise some money and Pass the Purse I was given.

Allstate sent me an actual purse to share, and 999 others are floating around out there, but you don't have to actually come across one to take part and help out. I need all of you to go to purplepurse.com and enter my code: 0003 to help me raise funds.

You can visit the site to follow my purse as it travels the country and of course share it with your friends and family to help get the conversation started.

I want to add something that a young woman halfway around the globe (a fellow Girl Scout) speaks about again and again to battle violence against women and girls in her country and around the world. Women cannot keep sharing this message with and educating just each other, but need to pull men and boys into the conversation. Solving this problem means everyone has a part, so please, don't just keep this campaign to the women you know, but share it with all the men in your lives too.

Visit Facebook or PurplePurse.com for more information.

Iron Rich Pineapple Beet Smoothies #Recipe #DairyFree

2013-09-04T12:06:00.003-05:00

I've had a hard time keeping my iron levels where they need to be, so in addition to taking iron pills I've started using things rich in iron-- like beets-- in recipes. Flipping through a magazine I noticed a recipe for a Pineapple-Beet smoothie that is supposed to help with high blood pressure and I remembered that beets are also great for iron.

Turns out we had beets on hand and pineapple! The recipe is also dairy free (even if it weren't I would've made it that way). This was actually one of the first times I've knowingly had beets and I was in love with the taste of my smoothie-- beats iron pills any day!

What You Need
1/2 cup cooked beets, sliced
1 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, frozen (canned works too, but then throw in 6 ice cubes)
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup fresh orange juice

What You Do
Toss everything in the blender and puree until smooth. Should make 2-3 cups. Enjoy!

Know of any other easy ways to toss beets into a recipe? Or any other iron rich veggies I should try?

Add Impressionism, #Fashion, and Modernity at @artinstitutechi to Your #BackToSchool List! #Chicago

2013-08-30T13:42:00.000-05:00

The Art Institute of Chicago is always putting together exhibitions that I love, and Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity is the latest. Chicago is actually the last stop that this exhibition is making on its international tour (here till Sept. 29th), where the relationship between fashion and art from the mid 1860s to the mid 1880s is explored. There is actually a lot of potential for learning and it makes a great back to school activity for the kids.

The exhibit has over 75 masterpieces from Degas, Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Seurat among others. For me, it was the fashion that first got me hooked on art museum hopping when I was younger-- and I've heard the same from so many of my buddies.

In addition to the main exhibition, the museum has put together some interesting galleries that look at everything from Greek hairstyles to fashion in publishing. Make sure to stop in the beautiful Ryerson and Burnham Libraries and take a peek at the engravings that spurred most major shopping decisions at the time they were published.

If you are a teacher, homeschooler or a parent, this exhibit has a lot of lesson plan potential. One of the first things that came to mind was how women used colors and fashion to voice their opinions on politics in a time when they couldn't vote, creating trends, and then these avant-garde artists painted the fashion trends they saw. Another interesting topic was the way fashion was used to indicate status throughout history, and then recorded through art.

For older students the exhibit, Undressed: The Fashion of Privacy, gives us a lot of social issues to consider. The one that I thought was particularly interesting, and kids of all ages can relate to, was the changing ideas of childhood and motherhood that took place during this period-- and was captured on canvas. I was reminded of a book I read, Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London, and thought this exhibit was a great way to tie literature, art and social issues all together.

I'm working on the lesson plan now (drop me a note if you want an all ages guide) but its easy to pull a couple Cassatt prints to refer to, Dickens' own novels or even just learn about his own life, and then talk about the new laws protecting children that were established as well as the idea of establishing what society considers the current idea of childhood.

The AIC has educator resources that teachers, educators and families can take advantage of and I've always found the AIC to be very kid and family friendly.

If you prefer an evening out at the museum, there are a couple Dressed to the Nines events at the museum. Special event tickets are needed for each of these themed night viewings.

Have you been to a great exhibit or event lately?

A Visit to the Biltmore Estate & Books for the Journey #Travel

2013-08-19T16:03:00.003-05:00

If you've seen one house museum, you've seen them all, right? Not true when it comes to the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the US, seat of the Vanderbilt family and the biggest tourist attraction in Asheville, NC. Earlier this summer I had the chance to visit the estate with friends and family for the day, and was overwhelmed by the house, the gardens, the view and just about everything else on the estate.

It's crazy to think that you can spend a whole day in a home and only see a small percentage of it even though you've used up the entire day just walking through and around it. I can only imagine what its like living in the place and forgetting something or having to find a family member. The house is just under 180,000 square feet and has 250 rooms, but you only get to see a small portion of them on the public access tours.

As much as I loved viewing the house, I was really looking forward to the gardens and they did not disappoint. My favorites were the formal walled garden, a huge greenhouse, an azalea garden, and the Italian garden with its lily ponds.

Overall, I think it was the little details that kept surprising me all over the house that I really enjoyed. And since any visitor to my blog knows how I feel about lions, you can understand why I immediately fell in love with the place when you meet the lions that greet you at the door-- they're just as big as the AIC lions!

And since I always find a book to go with every experience, I have two recommendations for the journey there if you decide to go.

The first is a memoir by one of the Astor descendants that grew up in the Rokeby mansion.

And the second I am about halfway through myself right now. It covers the lives of six royal servants and gives a real view of Victorian life in a palace.

Have you ever taken a tour of a historic home? Or been to the Biltmore Estate?

PBS's Secret Summer-- Secrets of Chatsworth

2013-07-11T10:06:00.000-05:00

If you love watching Downton Abbey, are into touring houses or are in love with the royals you have no doubt been watching the PBS Secrets series. If you missed the last two, this Sunday is the final Secret episode, showcasing Chatsworth.

From PBS:

"In its 500-year history, Chatsworth has been home to some notable inhabitants, among them the 5th Duke of Devonshire, his wife, Lady Georgiana Spencer, and Lady Elizabeth Foster, who lived together in a ménage à trois. King Edward VII enjoyed shooting parties on the estate and was often entertained by Duchess Louisa, one of Britain’s foremost political hostesses. Duchess Louisa’s daughter-in-law, American Consuelo Yznaga del Valle, introduced American heiresses into the British aristocracy; many of these young women married British noblemen. Billy Cavendish, heir of the 10th Duke of Devonshire, wooed and wed Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of future U.S. president John F Kennedy. The marriage was short-lived, however: Billy died in action in World War II four months after they exchanged vows. Four years later, Kathleen died in a plane crash. She was buried at Chatsworth."

There are so many English country homes that are open for viewing and tours, but there are even more that are private. Even so, you get a real behind the scenes look with the PBS Secrets tours.

The Show airs on PBS on Sunday, July 14, 2013, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET

Things I'm Loving This Month-- Asparagus, Luvocracy & Books

2013-04-16T22:22:00.001-05:00

Spring always has a way of putting me in a much better mood-- not a fan of winter. It also has a way of making me fall in love with everything, and there is so much to fall in love with.

A couple of things I'm loving this month....

Loving Luvocracy
Ever find something you fall in love with on Beso, Polyvore or Pinterest only to find its sold out or 3 seasons old? Happens to me all the time, super annoying. Recently joined Luvocracy, its like the love child of Pinterest and Beso, where everything recommended has to currently be for sale! Way better.

Fresh Asparagus
Not sure I am even going to bother vegetable gardening this summer-- its pointless when you live in a shady forest. Going to focus on seasonal cooking more and I love kicking things off with asparagus every spring. On the menu for now, asparagus flatbread, asparagus fritter sticks and asparagus ribbons. Stay tuned for the recipes!

Books, Books and More Books
With so many rainy afternoons I discovered there is such a thing as reading too much (who knew!). My eyes and arms are sore. I've carted home several new to me titles and my own copies of old favorites. Also put up some shelves to house them.

Best thing is, this month I get to give away several copies of my favorite book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, as part of World Book Night! After participating last year I filled out their survey and commented about the need for bilingual books as well as the addition of Latin American authors. There must have been several of us saying the same thing because Coehlo and Sandra Cisneros were added in English and Spanish! Chevalier also has a title on the list!!

Winter Sale Windfall
Finally, as much as I hate winter, right now is the best time to prep for next winter. I snagged a new Columbia jacket for playing outdoors, an ivory swing coat for special occasions and a new pea coat for everyday all for less than the price of one. Also grabbed warm blankets for cuddling, super cute Vera Wang slippers, boots, scarves for the new coats and almost forgot about the deal on cashmere sweaters I found (you wouldn't believe the prices if I showed you the receipt).

Anything new you're loving this month? Tell me about it!

Celebrating the Return of Downton Abbey #downtonabbey

2013-01-06T19:47:00.001-06:00

Season Three of Downton Abbey is all anyone around here has been talking about. Both Missy and I have several British friends that already saw the season, and blabbed certain details on FB, so we have some ideas about what is coming, but there is nothing like seeing the episodes for yourself the first time. And I totally blocked those FB friends till March, and they know why.

If you're going to be watching tonight, don't forget to tune in early to see, Secrets of Highclere Castle. The castle is on my bucket list of places to see, hopefully get there later this year.

So ready for the two hour episode because I made it through the Downton Abbey inspired book list I put together months ago. You can check that out, here.

Because I just got back from my holiday vacation we don't have a big night planned like last year, but everyone is here to catch it. Who else is watching the season premiere tonight?

Theology, Art & History: New Books on My Shelf

2012-12-07T12:11:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I made myself promise not to buy anymore books until I got through at least half of the books that I bought and still have to read. I cannot keep promises. At least not when it comes to books. For a while I did okay, but that was because I got a Kindle and in addition to books constantly being sent to me, there are a lot of really great books offered at great prices. When it comes down to it, anytime I am within a few feet of books for sale I end up forgetting my promise and browsing.

Most times I am able to show restraint, and only purchase a couple books that I really, really want to read and know that I am not going to be able to find later.
Then there are times I lose my mind and buy everything that seems interesting. After an entire summer of restraint, I had a mindless couple of days. I'm now left with this stack of books that I really want to read, but really do not have the time to. In order to read any of them I would have to give up sleep and speed read through them-- and I really hate speed reading through anything.

Its okay though, because there are worse things than drowning in books. Right?

And the only other thing I like more than reading books, is sharing the books that I come across. Today I wanted to show y'all three "pretty books" I picked up. I have flipped through each one, but going to have to wait till mid January to really get into each of them. They aren't the kind of books you read cover to cover though so flipping is fine for now.

The first book is, Sacred, and it is a photo and text catalogue of books from the three main faiths: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. I majored in Biology in college, but Theology has always been something that I have studied in depth. I didn't realize that I only needed a senior thesis project to earn a double major in Theo till a month before graduation or I would've gone for it.

The photos included on each text are beautiful, and the largest collection I have seen in one book. Love it.

I got the second book with my mom in mind. She is responsible for my interest in art and since the subject of the book is mothers, this book is headed her way. Till, The Artist's Mother, gets gift wrapped I am going to keep flipping through it because there are a lot of paintings that I am not familiar with and the background info gives me a different side of each artist.

The last pretty book I found is, Maps and Mapmakers of the Civil War. I actually wish I wasn't in my right mind when I bought this book because the reader that I bought it from had an extensive collection of Civil War and history books that I have never come across. I don't know how she managed to part with so many incredible books. I bought this book because its a good reference point for all the other books I have on the Civil War. I like to know where and what places looked like when I am reading.

Shopping For The Hostess, A Gift Guide

2012-12-05T15:01:00.000-06:00

Finding the perfect hostess gift is something I have had to do a lot in life, and it never gets easier. For the holidays I knew I was going to be doing a lot of visiting and that visiting is going to happen with people that I do not know the best, but have opened their doors to me. Shopping for the hostess this year has been the hardest, especially since I need to be able to fit whatever I buy into an already packed suitcase.

Still, I have run across a ton of things that I know just about anyone that loves hosting parties and people will love. Might buy a few of these for myself too!

The first two are for the hostess that enjoys to cook. Who doesn't want a chocolate fondue kit? And this one from Orka is so colorful. From Bella Cucina is a pesto kit complete with a book of recipes.

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

Source: ruelala.com via Unus on Pinterest

Everyone loves a little pampering, and when products come as part of a kit it leaves plenty of choices to dig into. I love Dr. Hauschka's line of skin care and I am sure this aromatherapy kit would be appreciated. L'Occitane happens to be one of my favorite brands because their lavender line is the best. I picked out the shea butter set because everyone could do with its benefits.

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

And because I love pretty things and rocks, I totally want these for myself. Check out these gorgeous bottle stoppers and even though I already have a soap holder that looks like these, I want coasters too!

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

My family has an ornament giving tradition. We give them to each other and other people every year. Love looking back on the different ornaments that make it onto the tree because each one has a memory attached. Most of the time we grab these ornaments when we are traveling or because they remind us of each other. When it comes to folks that aren't close family, I like to pick up gorgeous ornaments to give too. These ornaments from Kate Spade are going to look gorgeous on any tree.

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

Happy Shopping!

Snoozing at the Hard Rock Hotel #Chicago @HardRockChicago #Travel

2012-12-04T21:54:00.000-06:00

I've been meaning to mention my stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago for a while now, a long while. My stay there was packed in between a long series of events-- been meaning to tell you about some of those for a while now too-- and between all that and everyday craziness, I just never got to it. Well, today is the day.

The one crappy shot of the outside of this beautiful building I remembered to take before leaving.

My stay took place towards the end of summer, all kinds of crazy things were happening-- conferences, events, trees falling on houses, family stuff etc. I didn't choose the Hard Rock though, someone did that for me and put me up for the weekend (not at all related to the hotel). It turned out to be an excellent stay and left me wishing I had more time to enjoy it, because I really only ran in and out and then thoroughly crashed in my bed at night.

If you aren't familiar with Chicago or the Hard Rock Hotel, its located in my favorite part of the city right between Millennium Park and the shopping strip known as the Mag Mile. It's here you'll find the greatest concentration of confuzzled tourists and the suits that love to scowl at them. Call me evil, but I love watching these super brief encounters play out.

The best part though, is that the Hard Rock Hotel is located in the Carbide and Carbon building which is my favorite Art Deco building in Chicago & the world. Art Deco also happens to be my favorite type of architecture making this place my Fave building! I love everything about it from the black granite to the gold leafing to the reliefs and even the green terra cotta. So beautiful.

But back to my stay. I was there two nights, over the weekend, busy and out of the room both days, all day. Check in was as smooth as could be. Two things that I did miss at checkout. First was an internet code, the company that was taking care of my stay provided wifi with the room. As a result I was not able to log in right away when I got to my room, but had to call down after unpacking, and then realizing I couldn't use the internet and not finding a code of any sort scribbled down on the little key card holder thingy they give you. When I did get back to my room that evening the code worked fine and internet was fast (yay!), of course by then I didn't need to rely on the free Wi-Fi because I had my own hotspot set up.

The second non issue was keys. I made the reservation for two, because someone was supposed to join me. Because of a last minute accident, I knew I was going to be solo, but at the desk I still requested two keys when asked (a safety thing I always do when traveling solo, because no one else at that desk or in the lobby needs to know that I am alone). They only gave me the one key, which was a non-issue because no one else knew that, and I really didn't need it. Had I been there with a second guest though, I would have had to go back down for a 2nd key since my guest and I would have been separate for the majority of the stay.

Home and office away from home!

I stayed in the standard room, for up to two guests, called the Deluxe King. Plenty of room and since one of my biggest pet peeves about hotel rooms is the one at a time, nose to tail thing you have to do when entering them, I wanted to give someone a sticker for all the door space. :) I was so excited by this that later that night I lined up my bag and things in the room just so I could take a picture and show everyone how much I liked it.

Loved the spacious bathroom too, but I was kinda freaked out about the above the toilet portraits. They weren't exactly above the toilet, but off to the side and looking right at you when you come in. I couldn't help but look up at them while I was um, taking care of business.

What I was really looking forward to was kicking back in the room at the end of the night and just enjoying myself. The first night I spent out, dinner and drinks, and I knew I had an early morning so I planned for a good night's rest. I think I got that, even though I was only halfway in bed, fully dressed, lol. Seriously, I came into my room, dropped my bag on the floor and dropped backwards into the bed. Took a few breaths while staring up at the ceiling and next thing I knew sunlight was hitting my eyes. My phone was still in my hand and I had less than a half hour to be where I had to be-- CRAP!

It was at this point that I developed an appreciation for all those little toiletries hotels put out that I never even bothered looking at before. I jumped in and out of the shower, grabbing at the well placed toiletries because I never even had a chance to unpack. I'm super picky about what I use in my hair, but I loved the way my hair felt that day. Spent that whole day out of my room again, and didn't get back till past midnight. If you get late night munchies, like I did, and nothing in the room is appetizing, there is a Walgreens directly across from the hotel (though it closes early) and a 24 hour CVS right across the street. Just south of the hotel are several fast food restaurants too-- I tried out the Noodles and Company.

Definitely did a much better job getting myself into bed, and since I had to be up early again I appreciated the firm, but still comfy mattress. The last portion of my stay was checkout, pain-free. And even though this is really going to date my stay, and the extremely long passage of time it took to get this up, I gotta mention it. I asked the concierge what bus would get me to the train station, I only had the one small bag, time to kill and was feeling a little bit nostalgic about public trans. He looked it up and sent me off, only many of the buses kept turning and when I finally paid attention to the buses that were stopping I noticed they posted alternate route alerts. Hmm, downloaded the CTAs tracker thing and the bus I was supposed to catch said 2 minutes, then refreshed to 20, and then the next bus that was 5 minutes out also refreshed to 30. Look closer, something the concierge didn't do, and there was an alert on account of the Rock n Roll Marathon going on that morning. Ended up catching my train with a minute to spare and super glad I wore slacks instead of the dress.

All of that said, I would totally recommend Chicago's Hard Rock Hotel if you are visiting the city. I've been trying to string together events in the city so that I have an excuse to book a night or two. Positive the chance will come up again!

Oh, I did want to mention the green initiatives the hotel has taken. I spent the entire week before this weekend holed up in another Chicago hotel just up the Mile, and while it was excellent, the group of Girl scouts from around the world I was with were very concerned about the lack of green initiatives within that hotel. Not sure if they ever got that sit down with the hotel manager that they were gunning for. Anyway, in addition to the many little things the Hard Rock Hotel does, they are partnered with, Clean the World, a global recycler of hotel soaps and ammenities. I have been following the group and its activities on FB since my stay, learning about the people that benefit from their work. Love that the hotel has all the energy saving things going on, and gives each guest the chance to do so themselves-- makes me wonder what all they do behind the scenes too.

If you read through ALL of that, you must really want to stay at the Hard Rock Chicago :)

Shopping for Tea Lovers, a Gift Guide

2012-11-25T22:48:00.001-06:00

There are a lot of fans of tea on my Christmas gifting list, and I always try to get them something unique that I know they will enjoy. Here are just a few of the cool things I have come across and bookmarked over the months.

Super cool DVF teapot

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

Sneakpeeq has this collection of super cool peek-a-boo cups. But hurry because the sale ends in a couple days! Join here

Source: sneakpeeq.com via Unus on Pinterest

I love tea assortments, and so do most tea lovers because even though they have favorites its always fun to find new combinations.

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

I love tea towels and I have been collecting them since that first trip to England. The thing is you can never have enough and they serve a purpose. Thought these were cute!

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

This tea and scones pin is ubber cute!

Source: beso.com via Unus on Pinterest

I have even more tea gift ideas on this Pinterest board so make sure you check it out!

Verizon Giveaway! Nokia Lumia 822 & Verizon GC!! #VZWSM

2012-11-23T21:44:00.001-06:00

Remember when I told you I had an exciting giveaway for y'all?! Well, today is the day I get to share it with you. Verizon is giving one of my readers the chance to win the new Nokia Lumia 822 and a $100 gift card that you can use towards your Verizon bill or for accessories.

A little about the Nokia Lumia 822:

Nokia Drive+ - Voice Guided, Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Nokia Maps allows you to see a broad area or pinpoint your location.

Nokia City Lens uses augmented reality to show you top sights, with review and directions.

Nokia Music gives you access to over millions of tracks with subscription-free streaming.

EXCLUSIVE Nokia preloads (limited time):

– ESPN: access live scores, video content, news and ESPN Mobile.

– Univision app combines their mobile experience into a single hub.

– The Weather Channel for Windows Phone.

Kids’ Corner. Grants your little ones access only to the apps, games, videos, and music you choose for them, so you can relax and let them play. They can open Kid’s Corner on their own, but your Start screen, apps, and info are protected by a password you set.

And, of course…Verizon 4G LTE, America’s Fastest 4G Network (You can checkout this video for even more info.)

Check out this video to learn more about the Lumia 822 on Verizon's 4G network.

I am in love with my Samsung Galaxy S3, but this phone looks like its just as much fun!

Going to keep this giveaway as easy to enter as possible, using Rafflecopter to help with that, so you don't need to have any social networks or be a member of anything to enter. All you need is your name, email and to answer a simple question. Of course, if you want to improve your chances, there will be plenty more ways for you to enter.

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, if it doesn't show up right away, hit refresh. This giveaway ends on November 30th at midnight, winner has 24 hours to respond to me with their shipping info via email or I will have to draw another winner. Entrants must be 18 years of age and reside in the US (or provide me with a US address for shipping). Also, you are only eligible to win this prize from Verizon once.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. This giveaway was provided to me by Verizon Wireless as part of this program.*