Missouri Wine Country Tour

Hermann, Mo. is a cute town.  It feels kind of European, as you are standing at the top of the hill looking down at the small town with it's windy roads and grape-vined hillsides. 

This weekend we toured the Stone Hill Winery and tasted wine at 4-5 different wineries; and yes, I did say I was in Missouri. The wine wasn't anything to write home about, but the casual, laid back atmosphere in the different wineries was a fun experience.  We then made our way to Washingon, Mo and stayed at a very cute, little bed and breakfast.  It was a nice weekend!

Have a great week!  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Try-It Tuesday {Feeling Inspired}

photo credit - Free People Clothing

I am feeling inspired by these vintage, funky necklaces.  Who doesn't have an old brooch or two in their closet, right?  I am going to see if I can figure out how to create one of these, while the big statement necklaces are still in.

I was super-excited when I checked out my jewelry box!  I forgot I had all of these.  Excited to see how this turns out. Stay tuned.

Dog Photography

I love dogs!  I love all the wonderful, goofy expressions that they make.  I also really enjoy getting those expressions on camera. 

The young ones are not the easiest of models! I recently had the opportunity to take photos of a friend's parent's puppy, whom they love like their third, much younger child. She is fiesty and that tongue just kept growing the whole time.  She does not sit still for a moment.  This was quite the challenge and I am happy that we got some framers!

Here is the money shot...

I really like this one too.

And, a few more...

I was able to snap a few of my friend's dogs.  Sweet girls.  Much older and calmer.

Heidi Ho...

And, the Maise Mo-Mo Chow-Chow...

I had to throw in a few of my Mutts as well...

Mr. Schuster Pooster...

Last, but certainly not least, the crazy Emma Em.

Sunday

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord and shun evil.

 This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8

Window Shopping - Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

I love to pre-plan my shopping.
Here are some items I wouldn't mind picking up from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale...
I love, love, love those brown boots!

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale by Mbruning featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

Items in this set:
Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan, $186
True Religion jeans, $120
William Rast jeans, $120
Nordstrom.com jacket, $58
Nordstrom.com outerwear, $58

Sunday

Couch to 5k

My treadmill and I are becoming friends again. I don't know what it is but it feels really good to run right now. And, it doesn't hurt! It is such a mental sport and it always defeats me. But, I am determined to enjoy running some day. Ha!

There is hope for me. I have a friend whose mother-in-law did not start (key word = START) running until she was 80 years old! And, she is still kickin' it at 90 something.

Last year I used the Couch to 5k program from Cool Running to train for a 5k. I successfully finished the program and was quite pleased with my finish.

It is a 2 month running program where you gradually increase the amount of time each week that you run. This eases you into running, so that you don't burn out from trying to do too much too soon.

There is a downloadable podcast on itunes, in which the cues to start and stop running are intertwined with music. I really enjoyed the podcast. The music wasn't too bad. In itunes search for Robert Ullrey and the podcast will pop up.

We usually do a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, so I am thinking of starting this program again. Want to join me?

Feeling Inspired

Where have I been? How have I gone this long without knowing about mini Boden?! Let's face it, shopping for boys clothes just isn't a whole lot of fun. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy it, but it is so hard to find fun, funky, cool clothes for boys.

Boden is a European company, so you can only order by catalog or via an in-home trunk show. So, if I can figure out how to host one of those, I will be all over it.

I am feeling really inspired by these shirts. I wonder if I can craft up my own little applique monster (for my little monster). Hmmm...what do you think?




And, seriously, how cute are these sock friends?! I will be making some of these soon. I will post pics.

Now, I can't not mention how incredibly cute the girls's clothes are...love this!



So, check it out for yourself - BodenUSA.

Halloween in Hiawatha

For Halloween this year we headed to Hiawatha, KS for the annual Halloween Frolic. This is the oldest Halloween parade in the nation. There is a children's parade in the afternoon and the Grand Parade is held in the evening. I love the spirit of small town parades! The whole town comes alive.



My spider and his "incredible" friend rode in the parade in the Spooky Spider Mobile. And, much to my excitement, won second place in the wagon division!!! We even won a prize (a $15 gift certificate to Wal-Mart!) Woo-hoo!




We stayed at the Country Cabins of Hiawatha. They are quaint, rustic cabins that overlook a quiet, serene pond. There is a restaurant on the property and I must say that we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of our meal. We dined on prime rib and trout. The food was fantastic and added to an all-around awesome weekend.



I think this may have to be a new Halloween tradition!

Meal Planning Monday

Healthy Snacks

I am always looking for healthy snack options. That is the one thing that really stresses me out each week when planning my grocery trip. I thought I would share some of my favorites and I would love to hear what some of yours are.

This is a great website for healthy, whole food recipes.

Energy Bites (from Delicious Wisdom)
Basic Ingredients:
1 Cup Peanut Butter or Other Nut Butter
1/2 Cup Honey
1 Cup Oats
1 Cup Oat Bran

Then, you can throw in anything. I normally throw in some chocolate chips and granola cereal. I think next time I am going to try chocolate chips, dried bananas and maybe walnuts.

Form into balls, put on baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, you can store in a freezer bag. And, when you get that 3 PM sugar craving, eat one of these and you are satisfied!

Dill Hummus (from Delicious Wisdom)
You can get the recipe here.

I love to have this with whole wheat pitas, Ak Mak crackers, cucumbers and carrot sticks.

Baked Sweet Potatoes
I have found the best way to cook these is in my small crock pot. I clean the potato and put it in the crock on high and it is ready in about 3-4 hours. I usually make 2-3 at a time. When they are done you can wrap them in foil and store them in your fridge for a couple of days.

When you are ready for a wholesome snack, just put it in the microwave for a minute, top with a little butter and this . Makes a delicious snack!

Cottage Cheese with Avocados and Tomatoes
Mix together with a little pepper and viola, super-easy, superfood snack!