Coffee Break!

Quote of The Day

2011-08-12T09:04:00.000-06:00

Job Woes and Bravos!

2011-08-11T18:02:00.002-06:00

I interviewed internally within my company for a job today. I didn't get the job. But something amazing and even better happened. I have a renewed sense of confidence and a boosted self-esteem.

Usually when someone doesn't get the job, they're bummed, their confidence and self-worth takes a hit and feeling like they want to give it another shot is not top of mind.

This time around, for me, it was exactly what needed to happen.

While preparing my cover letter and updating my resume, I remembered why I chose to work there in the first place. I remembered what I love about the company. And I realized all the really wonderful opportunities I've been given since I've worked there. Apparently, I'd forgotten some of this, and I found myself feeling a bit of pride in what I do and "who" I work for.

When going through the interview process I found my voice again. For some time now, I've not felt heard, and at times I felt like Jason Alexander ("George Costanza") in that episode of Friends (you'll have to look it up). It may seem dramatic, but my perception is my reality and my truth (not necessary THE Truth) was that I didn't really matter as long as the work was completed. Being able to speak about my ideas, thoughts, and speak aloud the contributions I've given to the company really gave my overall moral a boost and empowered me as a woman in the workforce.

I'm incredibly proud of myself today. Yes, yes I am.

old friend.

2011-08-06T12:33:00.000-06:00

Calvin is here!!

My Apartment

2011-08-02T18:30:00.001-06:00

Home. I really love my home. While it's not the 10 acres I dream of owning and doesn't have a room dedicated to nothing but reading, my apartment is home. I've never felt so comfortable. Yes, it houses my things and stuff, but more so, it's my personal retreat away from everything else. I love to travel and experience other places, and at the same time, I love coming home.

A view of my dining area

P.S. Check out new updates on my Books, Melodious Magic and Show and Tell pages!

How to relax: Go to your friends' ranch.

2011-08-02T10:46:00.004-06:00

1) view from the ranch.

2) riley scratching her hiney on the fence.

3) wildflowers seen hiking.

4) penny.

5) flowers going to seed.

6) view from the deck.

7) lunch time.

8) family lineage

9) drive home.

Fall is Near!

2011-07-28T17:57:00.002-06:00

The Look

I know it's still HOTTER THAN HECK outside and yet, I'm looking ahead to fall fashion. It is my favorite time of year for such items like scarves, riding boots where layers of pattern, texture and color are considered appropriate. Bonus- no swass. Yes, I just typed that. If you don't know what it means then I'm very sorry for you and you're lucky.

Quote of the day

2011-07-28T09:16:00.000-06:00

Maps really can get you somewhere!

2011-07-27T17:06:00.002-06:00

I've been into maps lately and I decided to do something about it.

Inspired by this dresser on Pinterest, I DIY'd mine. Take a look and I'd love to hear what you think.

P.S. I took this pic with my iPhone using Instagram!

Chicago: I promise I'm not a tourist!

2011-07-08T19:54:00.003-06:00

Hello!

Goodness, I've been traveling a lot. 2 weekends ago Matt and I spontaneously flew (with the gracious help of Matt's boss and the wonderful idea that is, frequent flyer miles. THANKS CHARLIE!) to Minnesota to surprise his family and more importantly, his dad for his 60th birthday celebration.

YEAH! We made it!

Nikki was pumped too...

It was incredibly worth it to rush and be there last minute. Matt's family is wonderful and a great example of love and support. Do you see those kids?? How stinkin' cute are they!?? Their individual personalities are just as awesome. Matt's bro and sister-in-law, are wonderful parents. Nikki home school's the kiddos using the Waldorf model. She's an inspiration and gets my wheels turning about my future/could be/maybe (Lord willing) family... Check out her blog and see all the neat things the kids learn and do everyday!

Andrew and Molly (back-left) are off to Cambridge, England in the fall for a YEAR (or two...). Matt and Molly are super close. It will be hard to be so far away. But you know what that means... I'll be blogging from England next year!! WOOP (there it is)!!!

Last weekend Matt and I flew to Chicago where is was the best man at his best friend's wedding. Talk about a BLAST. 5 days and 4 nights in downtown Chi-town is nothing a but a good time.

dashing.

I was able to see an old friend, TCo (also known as Tyler or Jon Tyler Core)!! He and I go way back to the days when our lockers were always next to each other since we were next to each other alphabetically in our class. We even graduated high school one seat apart.

I asked if he could take me to a place that is very un-touristy and he did just that. Enter Architectural Artifacts. A GIGANTIC 80,000 sq. ft. warehouse filled with gadgets and gizmos dating all the way back to the 1700’s in Argentina. I could see history and time progress as I walked the rooms. I saw things from horse hair stuffed chairs to old school candy containers (when soda and candy shops were the hang-out spot).

TCo caught me having a "moment" with old stuff.

I was in heaven.

All in all it was a blast. Lovers were married and friends were reunited. Good News! Mid-westerners are still kind. And yes, I still saw the bean.

This weekend, I fly to see my mom and dad at their home in San Antonio! I look forward to Q.T. with the parental units and lots of slobbery kisses from the dogs. Mama and I plan to go thrifting, Texas style (go BIG or go home).

Cheers!

P.S. I've finished my "About Me" page. Check it out! Stay tuned for others...

How to have fun with Tonsillitis.

2011-06-21T21:50:00.002-06:00

First, go to the doctor and get antibiotics. AND TAKE THEM. Don't fight it. It will help. Just tell 'em straight up, "look doc, yeah, I'll take the steroids, I'll take the vicodin, just give me the darn antibiotics." I learned this the hard way and had to go see the doc twice. I don't recommend it. And I guarantee your wallet will hate it.

Second, have your sister visit! Kianna came to see me and I got to show her all around Denver. It was a blast considering the fever, hot flashes and tonsils that touched each other (not kidding). You know how whenever you're sick, and you just want your mom? Well, having my sis here was just like that. Her caring for me made everything ten times better.

Love you, sister!

We didn't skip a beat and the best medicine was her excitement and energy.

We went to the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market, walked all up and down Broadway and did a little (or a ton) of shopping. Perused S. Pearl Street and I introduced her to Stella's (the best coffee house in Denver), went to an Art Festival, went to a Bluegrass Festival....

... got in some serious sister talk...

I love our "deep talks"

... had dinner with extended family, saw a movie and made Gluten Free Cake Pops! (Pretty stinkin' delicious if I say so myself (and I do). I recommend using Pamela's Chocolate Cake mix. )

I can't tell you how awesome it was to have my sis and best friend here with me.

all grow'd up

She's moving to Boston in the fall to start her Junior year at Emerson College and I'm so proud of her for going after what she wants and taking advantage of her college years, a chance to learn more about herself, life and experiencing what it's like to live away from home!! You go girl!

(and come back to visit soon.)

Cheers,

L

Island Time: Virgin Gorda, B.V.I

2011-06-08T22:52:00.004-06:00

*Warning: This post includes beautiful pictures of a beach. It may cause distraction and possibly a little daydreaming (it does for me anyway). Proceed at your own risk.

Well, I'm 4 days back to reality and man oh man, even though I took a break, the rest of the world definitely did not.

After a few days of catching up with life, I figured it's about time I post some pictures!

After we flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico, we caught a puddle jumper over to Tortola Island. I sat behind the pilot. Talk about too close for comfort! I prayed that he got a good night's sleep and chose not to drink a pina colada before giving us a "lift".

Then we hopped on a boat to our final destination, Virgin Gorda. More specifically, Island Time Villa. Yeah baby, bring on the water, the sand, family time, the flowers, the slow motion of life, the lizards (lizards?), the chickens (weird?), the mosquitos ( EVERYWHERE), the pinas (now we're talking), the spf 30 (melanoma free is the way to be)... Yes. Please (and thank you).

Oh hello, gorgeous

This, ladies and gents, is what I got to play in and explore all week long. Anytime I wanted. This was only a short, five minute walk from the house. This... crystal clear, magnanimously mysterious big blue, took my breath away. And caused a serious case of The Relaxation.

Once the crew was up, we'd snorkel. Every day. Sometimes I'd grow a wild hair and go twice. Island time, mon. You do want you want.

"You're hungry, you eat. You're thirsty, you drink. You want to see some fish, you snorkel. It's as simple as that." - Grandpa Tom

I made new friends with Trunk Fish, Nurse sharks, Octopus, Jack Knife, Blue Tang, Barracuda (yikes!), Spotlight Rainbow Fish, Trumpet Fish, Chub, Sea Turtles and thousands of others. I thought the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce knew how to network... you ain't seen nothing yet until you've watched a school of Blue Tang mingle with a school of Yellow Fins.

exploring...

relaxing...

ordering...

... Pina Coladas, mon. (my mouth is watering as I type)

I did my fair share of cooking. And I gotta tell you, it was my pleasure. I don't get to work with a kitchen like that everyday (or at all). I had fun preparing meals and not to mention, Matt and my mom are grade-A sous chefs and were very helpful. Besides, what's family time without everyone standing in the kitchen sharing stories and eating the food before it's finished?

Does this ever get old? The answer is no.

I mentioned chickens before and I was telling the truth. I'm from the mid-west. As far as I'm concerned, squirrels are the unofficial animal or mascot, if you will. You could say the same thing about chickens and Virgin Gorda. You know, everywhere and curiously unfazed by humans. Literally crossing every road ( I still don't know why. Must be to get to the other side). Cock-a-doodling at all hours.

I imagine they're plotting to declare war and take over the island.

The same goes for the lizards. I think the chickens and the lizards play on the same team.

"You can't catch me. And if you do, I'll just dislodge my tail and or poop on you."

Needless to say, I had an amazing trip. By the last day, I had fully adjusted to "island time" only to have to leave the next morning (isn't that how it always goes?).

Matt, Me, Dad, Mom, Grandpa Tom, Nanny

Cheers,

L

Owls like coffee too...

2011-06-05T20:21:00.010-06:00

I'm back in Denver! I had a blast on vacation. I mean, who wouldn't? Being forced to relax, let go and just be is always a good thing. I'm working on putting together a little show-and-tell for you however, I'm not quite finished.

While you wait, I must share with you a treasure found when on a walk today.

I stumbled upon a new shop called Hazel & Dewey on Broadway. I noticed the logo first, because of the branding (good branding works) and second, because Hazel is my great-grandmothers name. I had to go in. Sometimes you just know.

screen print by: http://hannahdollerycreative.blogspot.com

This place is a fantastic gem full of whimsical housewares geared toward making one's kitchen fun, functional and lovely all at the same time. The owner, Jenna, has a very sweet and approachable disposition about her and I felt welcomed immediately. The shop has only been open about a week and I already have good feelings about it's future.

I felt so at ease and happy that a store of it's concept and design found it's home near mine that I forgot where I was (in an 800 square ft. room with 3 people including me) and I let out a louder-than-appropriate sound of glee when I found this:

Can you believe it!? I saw this little ditty online and sadly it was sold out. Hazel & Dewey and I were meant to meet.

Cheers,

Island Time

2011-05-31T19:55:00.006-06:00

Well people, I'm on an island. An Island! A 7 mile island with wi-fi, no less. I'm as secluded as much as I want to be. And believe me, I want to be. To begin to describe how wonderful this place is will take a few separate posts. Which is why I'm not going to write much tonight (although I really, really want to). However, I'll leave you with a picture.

First night. Having a coffee break on the beach.

Cheers,

Grace.

2011-05-27T09:47:00.004-06:00

I'm sitting here, in front of the screen, in a box, and I feel deflated. For this moment, I'm going to allow it because you know what, sometimes I feel like the gum stuck on the bottom of a shoe. No one wants you there, you don't want to be there, and you keep getting walked on over and over and over and over...
Instead of trudging forth, reacting instead of reflecting, I'll allow the feeling of defeat for this moment.
...

Okay. Now that's over, I'm going to move forward.

Because there's a lesson in everything, and because life is easier when you try to find the positive, I'm going to focus on my mug being half full of my Double Americano.

Please join me in lifting yourself up. Pat yourself on the back. Celebrate the small victories. Look in the mirror and remind yourself you are worth it, competent, beautiful/ handsome and capable.

A colleague once told me he will, in times of need, close his office door and break out into dance to a song that makes him instantaneously happy. I love that about him. He's also a person who is willing to help, always. He always has a compliment, a smile and a great story to share about his wife and son. His job is hard and the opposite of glamorous. It's a dog-eat-dog world and sometimes the dog needs to dance to shake off the fleas.

And oh, by the way, it's Friday and a holiday weekend for most. STOP the madness and take a moment to breathe. I plan on it.

Just Can't Get Enough...

2011-05-25T14:07:00.003-06:00

CONFESSION.

I pass judgement on a restaurant based on the take away.

Yes, price matters (hook) Yes, food and service matters (line).

But the sinker is if the place serves these:

I can't help it. I LOVE Starlight Peppermints. I can eat them all day. In fact I've had 3 in the last 20 minutes inevitably prompting this post. I'm the person who grabs a handful on the way out. If I'm with someone else, I ask them do to the same. Not an ounce of shame felt. I may even have a baggie in my purse designated for such occasions...

However, I will almost always return to a restaurant if they provide these:

CHOCOLATE STARLIGHT MINTS.

Be still my heart.

It's the little things, people.

Poor Man's Mocha

2011-05-21T10:22:00.002-06:00

Good Morning and Happy Saturday! I woke up excited. So many things to be excited about. I jumped out of bed, brewed some coffee and made a Poor Man's Mocha.

You don't know what a Poor Man's Mocha is? Well, let. me. tell. you.

It's the best [coffee] thing to happen me since the time I stumbled upon a coffee house named Common Grounds while walking downtown Denver. (Those of you who knew me while in college at UK, know that I lived at a coffee house named Common Grounds and thus formed an everlasting love of the coffee house.) Back to the P.M.M.

For one of my events, WhiteWave foods was a sponsor and they graciously gave us Horizon Organic Vanilla Milk and Silk Chocolate Soy Milk to put in the goodie bags we handed out to the attendees. Let's just say, there were a lot of left-overs (perk of the biz) and thus the Poor Man's Mocha came to fruition. I was sitting at work, unwilling to go out and spend money on coffee and at the same time forcing myself to swallow the burnt-acid-like office coffee (because I have a true addiction to coffee caffeine) and it donned on me that we have flats of Silk Chocolate Soy milk in office fridge. (Genius, Lindsay. You are brilliant) free, Free, FREEE! And delicious. And I took some home because the boss said so. :) Perrrfect.

Okay, now that you're up to speed on the P.M.M. here are the reason's I woke so excited this Saturday the 21st of May.
1.) It's not raining!! It has been raining for 2 years. straight. Okay. 1 week at least. It doesn't rain here for 2 consecutive hours, let alone days. So the people who fled the midwest to run from bouts S.A.D.D. found themselves wondering why they moved here in the first place.

2.) It's not raining which means the 5k race I'm running in a couple of hours will (fingers crossed) be a dry, pleasant run (aside from my own perspiration, which I welcome more than Mother Nature's).

3.) I leave for Virgin Gorda in ONE WEEK. I need a physical vacay like I need coffee in the morning. Beach. Blue Ocean. Pina Coladas. Family. Books. And NO AGENDA. NO PLANS. Just being.

4.) My sister is coming to visit in less than a month! Kianna and I have a special bond and an incredible friendship. I cannot wait to show her the place I call home.

So cheers (raising my P.M.M), may your Saturday be full, happy and filled with excitement.

L

Movie Club

2011-05-19T15:20:00.005-06:00

For the past few months, a group of friends and I meet on a not-so-consistent Wednesday to make dinner and watch a documentary or an older film. It wasn't until yesterday's gathering did I realize how much I've come to enjoy and appreciate this time spent with these specific individuals. It has become a time to relax and unwind, fill our bellies, catch-up and educate.

Films we have seen: Sunset Blvd., The Hustler, Glengarry Glen Ross, West Side Story, Bottled, Cinema Paradiso, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and Double Indemnity.

Film Noir. It wasn't until last night when we watched Double Indemnity did the concept hit a chord. What a brilliant film. The layering of light, the emotional flip flop, perfect casting of characters, the tiny details in wardrobe, the impending doom...

"Yes I killed him. I killed him for the money and for a woman. I didn't get the money. And I didn't get the woman. Pretty isn't it?"- Walter

1. Matt, Jeremy and Nicole
2. Steve-o, our ring leader
3. Yes, the infamous spring rolls finally captured!
4. Steve-o may be the best salad maker I've ever met.
5. My colorful plate.

Double Indemnity Teaser

Potty Talk.

2011-05-18T15:13:00.002-06:00

I walk into a public restroom and I can't help but notice this imaginary bubble people inflate when entering a w.c. with more than two stalls. People tend to leave an empty stall between them and the next person if at all possible. I know I do. And I recognize others do as well. The noise will be heard regardless of perimeter, right? Why is such a normal and natural thing, so embarrassing to share?

Moments from the weekend.

2011-05-17T15:16:00.006-06:00

I was able to spend some quality time with a dear friend this past weekend.

1. I made Banana Bread from scratch. Tip: add cinnamon. Makes everyone happier.
2. I was commissioned to make cake pops again!
3. Janae taught me how to use my grandmothers sewing machine. Her graceful hands not mine.
4. I made pillowcases from a tablecloth that was folded and unused.
5. I learned how to make spring rolls with peanut sauce (eaten before I could take a picture). I proceeded to make them again for dinner the next night. Alas, the mouths of hungry men ate them before I could remember to take a picture.

Irony & or Brilliant?

2011-05-17T08:40:00.000-06:00

My mom sent me this image in an email.

And then I did some research.

I suspect some tom foolery.

The Help

2011-04-27T14:45:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago a friend lent me the book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I've been told by numerous people how wonderful this book is and how much I'd enjoy it. Truth be told, it wasn't until I saw the trailer for the movie, did I become excited to read it.

I am such a visual person. I know I know, the books are almost always better.

Cheers,

Lindsay

p.s. I can say the same thing about this:

I think I'll finish The Help first...

Cake Pop verdict

2011-04-26T09:49:00.002-06:00

Here's a sweet note from the birthday girl. Makes everything worth it :)

Cake Pops! nom, nom, nom...

2011-04-25T11:18:00.001-06:00

I have been following Bakerella and her cute, whimsical and incredibly creative baked sweets for a couple of years now. Over time, she came up with cake pops, and has started a trend that has truly taken off! Starbucks is even carrying a version of her delicious creation.

Speaking of Starbucks, a couple weeks ago, a co-worker saw the cake pops in the pastry window while we were standing in line for a much needed coffee break. She mentioned her daughter would like to have c.b's to hand out at her birthday party. She wasn't sure she could make them or knew of anyone who wouldn't charge and arm and leg.

You all know I love to bake, so I offered to take the challenge! I have tried them in the past with what I believe to be a success (I have to rely on my trusted gluten eating taste testers for their honest opinion) and so I felt as though I could give an audience of 25, 5 to 10 year olds, a try and test out my cake pop skills.

I have to admit. Making and creating food for people you don't know does add a little pressure. Solution? Ride your bike to meet your friends for Friday happy hour then come home and pump up the jams. Well, that's what I did. It worked and I ended up having a lot of fun making them! See the recipe and pictures below.

Cake Pops!

Ingredients:
-1 box cake (makes approx. 50 cake balls)
-1 can of cream cheese frosting
-2 boxes of bakers chocolate (or white chocolate)
-skewers or lollipop sticks
-sprinkles

Bake your choice of boxed cake (or make one from scratch). In this case, the birthday girl requested strawberry. Allow the cake to completely cool. Slice the cake into one inch squares. This makes it easier for step two.

Scoop the cake into a large bowl and and the cream cheese frosting. The next part is fun and very messy.

Mix together the cake and frosting so that it makes a very dough-y consistency. Don't be afraid to get your hands messy!

After you've mixed your cake and frosting together, turn up your music. These next couple steps take some time and patience.

Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a quarter sized ball. Repeat until you've used all of the dough. I found that once you've made 5 or 6, it's best to wipe your hands completely of the mixture and start again with clean, dry hands. The frosting can become quite sticky causing the dough to not roll well.

Once you've rolled all of the dough, place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour to harden.

While you're waiting, you can prepare your final ingredients- the chocolate and sprinkles! Since I don't use a microwave, I heated the chocolate over the stove in a stainless steel bowl. I recommend heating a couple of blocks at a time so that you are always working with freshly melted chocolate.

Once you've allowed your cake balls to harden, heat up the chocolate and start covering the c.b's with chocolate! I found using two spoons to roll each c.b. around was very efficient. Do what you find easiest!

Add some decoration and and a stick and voila- cake pops! Once you've covered every c.b., place them back into the fridge to harden for a couple of hours. Once they have completely cooled, remove the pops by hand and not the stick.

I'm upset with myself for not taking a final picture, or even showing you what they look like once you've taken a bite. But after all the rolling, dipping and frankly, dancing around to Matt & Kim, I was wiped and went to bed. I'll try my best to never forget the final picture again. No promises though.

There are a lot of creative ways to present your pops. Bakerella recommends a styrofoam block. I know you creatives out there can find all sorts of neat ways to present your own, unique cake pops!

I hope you try these out sometime. My next venture with c.b's would be a gluten free version. Have any of you tried baking gluten free cake pops? I'd love to know of any tricks or tips!

Cheers,

Lindsay

ahh, Spring.

2011-04-15T12:51:00.002-06:00

It's Friday.

Phew. I made it.

Sometimes the week flies by and sometimes it drags on and takes forever like pouring molasses out of a jar.

Spring is showing it's bright pretty face around here in CO and you know what that means?! Well a lot of things. Here are a few I'm most excited about.

Planting the garden and farm.
Patio Happy Hours.
Bike rides.
Hikes.
Flowers.
Flowering trees.
Camping.
Camp Fires.
BBQ.
The smell of food cooking on a grill in the air.
The park.
Volleyball in the park.
Running. Just running everywhere.
Races.
Brunch. in the sun. on a patio.
Music. Outdoor concerts and festivals.
The smell of freshly cut grass.
Garage sales which = projects.

I'm feeling really good about what is to come. OOh boy, is it 5 yet?

Entrepreneurial Movtivation

2011-04-08T11:55:00.003-06:00

Today in my Leads Leadership Meeting, the co-chair spoke about a book called Fish. It's about the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, WA. Watching them is an experience that people go back to see daily. What is it about this company that can draw a crowd? According to Fish, they base their day on 4 principles.

1.) Choose your attitude
2.) Be present
3.) Make their day
4.) Play!

We were also shown a video. It was a great perspective reminder. Maybe you've seen it? I hadn't. And well I like it. So I thought I'd share.
Entrepreneurs Can Change The World

Boom. Happy Friday :)