Thanksgiving Tabletop November 22, 2009

I can’t wait to host Thanksgiving dinner at our home. Even though it won’t be happening this year, I still have visions of what my Thanksgiving table would look like. I love the classic Thanksgiving meal, the casual time with family, and the opportunity to reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for.

I love the idea of using natural, harvest elements for the centerpiece. I’ll stick with white plates to let the food really take center stage, and dress up place settings with table runners instead of placemats. I like the plates below for their classic details contrasted by the modern of the white. I like the traditional details of the table runner, a reflection the traditional Thanksgiving meal being served.

Maybe next year!

 

Hawks are 10-2! November 21, 2009

Today was Iowa’s last home game of the season and it was a little bittersweet. While we did pull off a win and the weather ended up being rather nice considering what it could have been, it was still the last game…always a little sad.

Our weekends the past three months have been consumed with Hawkeye football and it has been a FANTASTIC year, but it will be nice to have our weekends back and sleep in a little. So, tomorrow we will go through our tailgating bin, clean out the cooler, and pack away the supplies for next year.

It’s great to be a Hawkeye, looking forward to the bowl game, and a great 2010 season! Before you know it, we’ll be ordering our season tickets again. Go Hawks!

Chex Mix November 20, 2009

I love this time of year because the Chex Mix seasoning packets appear at the stores. We’re making a batch tonight for the last home football game.

I know, I know, you can make the stuff without the special packet…it’s just not the same though!

The Christmas Card November 19, 2009

I am hard at work on the 2009 Oswald Christmas card. I don’t do the letter,  but do like to make my own card instead of purchase something. Why do I add that extra level of stress  to my life? I have no idea! Do others put too much pressure on themselves/the family to create an amazing Christmas card every year?

The biggest problem I have (outside of my lack of Photoshop skills – thanks for helping CB) is the Christmas message. I don’t want it to be cheesy, I want it to have meaning, and really show how special Christmas is for the Oswald’s. This year, I may give up.

Ughhh, the clock is ticking…..

Reason 10.5 I want to move November 19, 2009

I’m not a fan of ’stuff’ hanging out and cluttering the yard/house. Do what you want inside your house, but not in shared spaces. Well, this random camping pot has been sitting out for about a year now. It started out right next to our shared steps. Then about a week ago it was moved to the end of the driveway and turned upside down so that water would not collect in it. Then, two days ago it was moved about another foot.

If this were the only thing I had to look at everyday as I pulled into the driveway and looked out my window I may be somewhat okay with it (I use okay VERY loosely). But there are also boxes growing soggy on the deck, and trash in the driveway.

I am at the end of my rope and am so ready to move. I know these problems still exist outside of condos/townhouses, but……

It’s the thought that counts November 18, 2009

I came home from work today and Josh said, “look what I got you.” He handed me a package of pepper spray.

I would rather come home to flowers or chocolate or jewelry…at least I know he was thinking of me a some point during the day!

The countdown… November 17, 2009

3 days…Yes, I’m definitely counting the days ’til New Moon comes out. Maybe I’ll go to the midnight show…who’s in?!?

 

Social Media…fascinating! November 16, 2009

I have slowly grown fond of and fascinated by social media and the power it holds(blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc). I was reluctant at first, Josh even had to bribe me to join Facebook, but once I was in…hook, line, and sinker! Now I’m reading articles and searching for books, experimenting, and browsing the many social media avenues trying to figure it all out.

I think what has grabbed my attention the most is how powerful social media can be for a business. It doesn’t jump out and scream fast cash (definitely slow on the ROI), but it sure can catipult a business to the top. The most challenging part is to prove the success of social media marketing. This morning I found this hilarious slideshow on mashable.com (it is a little long - 67 pages) that explains social media perfectly and how to measure it’s success.

You don’t have to view the entire slideshow to get the humor, but I just had to share it because it made me laugh.

 

Olivier Blanchard Basics Of Social Media Roi

View more presentations from Olivier Blanchard.

Favorite Restaurants November 13, 2009

It’s no secret, the Oswald’s love food! Josh and I really enjoy a good meal with a good glass of wine, and trying new foods. Those meals get talked about for a long time. It’s one of our favorite things when we go on vacation…find great restaurants (usually recommendations for local eateries) and eat.

Here are some of my favorite places from some of our travels:

1. Honolulu, Hawaii: fresh seafood dinner…I think it was called Nick’s (Mom, help with the name!). The raw oysters were phe-nominal!
2. San Francisco, California: Clam chowder in a bread bowl at Tarantino’s. Dinner at Scoma’s. Wowza! 
3. Sonoma, CA: In the small town of Glen Elyn there are quite a few small little restaurants…you can’t go wrong with any of them. We had breakfast at this super cute little cafe and I had the best french toast with real maple syrup EVER. (maybe Mom can help with the names)
4. Portland, Maine: The Lobster Shack right on the water. Wow, the lobster rolls were mouth watering and eating them at picnic tables overlooking the ocean was perfect. Street & Company, the scallops were buttery deliciousness.
5. Fish Creek, WI (Door County): White Gull Inn for breakfast. The french toast was soo yummy. Get there early, because the lineup starts at about 8:15am. The next time we head back to Door County we’ll stay at the Inn and do the fish boil.
6. Iowa City! Linn Street Cafe uses great local ingredients and is always switching up their menu. And we love the intimate atmosphere. Konomi in Coralville for sushi. Wig & Pen for the best pizza in town…order the Flying Tomato. Are you a fan of Indian food? Try Clay Pot in Coralville by the mall…so delicious and packed full of flavors. There’s also a new mexican restaurant in Tiffin, so stop by & see us, we’ll go to dinner! I can’t wait to try Chez Grace in Coralville.
7. Des Moines. There are so many to choose from,  but here are a few of my favorites. Star Bar for great Bloody Mary’s & breakfast potatoes, plus burgers. Sam & Gabes in Urbandale for yummy italian bistro. Centro in downtown DSM. Palmer’s Deli for, well, deli foods. Flemings for something uber fancy (I hear the host is great!).
8. BONUS: Inn at Little Washington in Virginia. One of the top ten restaurants in the world. Not only is the food outstanding, the service is a shown in itself. Must get the cheese cart…the tray is on a cow cart (from Iowa!) they push around and it moos!

I know I’ve already missed some…this great meat place in Atlanta, Sanibel Island…

I’d love to hear your favorite places to eat, anywhere…recommendations are the best. Do share your secert dives, bars, bistros, and those special occasion restaurants.

Doggie-tainment November 12, 2009

Zoey has been very needy lately. She seems to feel the need to have someone entertain her ALL the time and refuses to have her ‘alone time.’ I don’t know if she still hasn’t gotten used to the time change or if she’s just bored with her toys, but it sucks.

This afternoon I resorted to Tippy Cup. She sits at the edge of the kitchen while I hide a treat under one of 3 cups, I mix up the cups, and she has to find it. Mental stimulation for Zoey, entertainment for Jayne!