I don’t generally take pictures in when I get my haircut and I’ve been really happy with my current ‘bob,’ but when I saw Alice from the Twilight movies, I had to have that hair. It’s just the amount of spunk I’ve been looking for, plus it’s versatile…just look at the different levels of flip she has.

This collage will be accompanying me on my visit next week. I’m pretty sure I know what my hair stylist is going to say…my hair’s probably to thick and heavy for this look. We’ll see what happens at my appointment, a girl can always dream.

I forgot how much I love Harry & David’s. They have great gifts in a wide range of prices perfect for every occasion.

Who doesn’t love getting food as a gift!

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!

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!

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!

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…..

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……

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!

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?!?

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.