Our Chalkboard

I have been loving on our new chalkboard (even more that we finally got it hung up)! I hope to change the drawings a few times a month.  Most of the things I have drawn so far have been from looking at a photo/drawing online and drawing something close to it on our chalkboard.  Here are a few of the ones I have made so far.  

 copied from http://littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com/ 

Much Love, 

Liz

Life as of Wednesday: October 16, 2013

Loving: Since our trip to the Ghirardelli Factory in San Fran, I have been obsessed with their new seasonal flavor.  Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares! Try them, you won’t be disappointed.

Reading: Still on the 6^th Harry Potter but moving right along! I love that these book allow you to see the characters grow up. 

Watching: Chris and I have just finished season 1 of Revolution; we can finally start to watch the new season now.  I’m also a big ABC Bachelor fan— it’s so stupid yet so addicting at the same time! They just announced that Sean and Catherine’s Wedding is going to be on live TV on January 26^th! Yes!! We also need to start watching some Halloween movies—add to the festive to-do list.

Listening: I really do like that Royals song by LORDE and also digging on Ingrid Michelson. Ingrid has been a favorite of mine for awhile now.

Drinking: Coffee! I don’t normally drink coffee every day but I think that since the mornings are staying darker longer it is so much harder to wake up. 

Eating: Lately I have been loving apples and peanut butter for a snack! I have also been wanting any type of warm meal for dinner.

Prayer of the Week: This week I pray for all the children that don’t have a safe home.  A friend of mine (MW)’s older sibling does fostering and sometimes the stories and outcomes are very heartbreaking. When a family member goes through a struggle we all do.

High of the Week: Teaching Kirby how to ‘shake’! 

Low of the Week: Falling asleep after all day of tailgating/football and missing the hockey game that night! Oops.

Random Thought: I hate when people don’t use blinkers. Seriously people.

Excited For: Our 1 Year Anniversary!

Much Love,

Liz 

San Francisco

When Chris and I had the opportunity to go to San Francisco, we jumped on it! I was my first time going to California.  Chris had a work conference on Thursday and Friday so we decided to stay the weekend.  We had an amazing time! We flew in on Wednesday night and out Sunday afternoon. 

We flew on United, which was nice because we leave directly from Grand Forks, connect in Denver, and then out to San Fran (unlike the other way which would be back tracking through Minneapolis).  Flying into San Francisco was really cool! If you the option to sit by the window, DO IT! When landing at the SFO airport it looks like you are going to land right in the water! We flew in at night and it was still very fun to see.

We stayed at the Marriott Marquis, located right in the downtown area.  The hotel was really nice! We did have an issue right when we arrived; they had given out all of the king bed rooms and only have double beds.  The guy at the front desk ‘guaranteed’ us we could move to a king bed in the morning for the rest of the stay—fine.  Frustratingly enough, when I called the front desk the next morning, the new worker told me that the worker from the night before didn’t put anything about reserving a king bed room in the system--- ugh.  Long story short, they found us a room with a king bed and all was good in the world.  Lesson learned: if you book a hotel room online, you need to still call the hotel and make them put in there system which type of room you prefer (they apparently don’t get that information from online bookings). 

The hotel was in a great location; there was the City Target the building over, wonderful shops within the area, and pretty easy to walk to almost anything.  The Marriott also has this amazing bar on the 39^th floor, the view is just amazing! It has large circle windows on each side so it has spectacular views of the city during the day and the sparkling lights at night. 

On Thursday, we walked over to a Lori’s Diner and had breakfast.  Chris went off to his conference and I went shopping (you guessed right that I got the better deal). The shops --though most too spendy for me—were so fun to walk around.  I went into the Westfield San Francisco Centre Mall, had lunch on the lower level at this wonderful salad place.  I also found a set of curvy escalators that went up 5 stories… don’t worry I rode up 3 floors just for fun!

After the mall, I stopped into Target to some snacks and drinks.  I would totally recommend this to anyone that doesn’t want to spend $8.50 on the bottle of water in your hotel room.  We had dinner plans with one of the surgeons that Chris works with and his wife.  We had happy hour up on the 39^th floor of the hotel and then went to dinner at a wonderful place called UMAMI.  It was delish! It is a sushi restaurant with a very fun atmosphere.   After our wonderful dinner, we had these dessert sushi rolls.  For sure might try these at home, they were chocolate chip cookie dough wrapped around vanilla gelato with toppings (caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, chocolate chips and nuts) and then cut into cute sushi bites.  They were to die for and I don’t normally go for dessert!

On Friday morning we grabbed iced coffee at this cute little cable car coffee shop.  It was gorgeous weather all weekend! We decided to walk up (and down) Powell Street.  This street was fun to be on because the cable car goes on this street! We walked by Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach and then made it to Fisherman’s Wharf.  We stopped by the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory (although the chocolate isn’t made there any more but still have tours and shops).  We filled up a cute little cab car box with yummy Ghirardelli chocolates and went to have lunch on the patio of “The Pub” below the Factory on Beach Street.  It was soo good! I think it was my favorite meal of the trip! Plus the view was amazing!

After lunch we walked around to take a few photos and took the F-Line on the Street Cars back to the hotel.  The Street Cars are basically buses but they only cost $2 per person and they trip was very quick.  We got back to the hotel to get ready since we had a fun night in store! That night we went to the JOSHUA RADIN/ MATT NATHANSON concert in Oakland!!

Joshua Radin has been my favorite for a long time! I have seen him in concert once before in Minneapolis and couldn’t wait to see him again.  Chris was looking up different things before our trip and when we found out they were playing we booked tickets right away.  What I didn’t know was that Chris got us VIP tickets for Joshua! What that included was that we got to go into the concert hall with a small group and watch Joshua during the sound check.  To say I was super excited would be an understatement.

So to get to Oakland we decided to take the BART (subway type transit).  It worked out really well and stopped right by the concert hall.  The concert was such a great time! The VIP tickets were so worth it and really fun. Joshua asked us which songs he should play for his sound check and then came down and met us/took photos with us. He is super nice and seems like a pretty genuine guy.  The actual concert was very entertaining!

On Saturday, we decided the easiest way to see all the sights was to take a bus tour! I had never been on a double-decker bus before so it was all new to me.  However we did find out that ALL BUS TOURS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL! We reserved and took the ‘Blue Bus Tour’ with ‘Super Sightseeing Tours’.  It was not great.  Maybe it wouldn’t have been as bad if we didn’t see the other bus tours being way better? Who knows, all in all if we go back again we will not be using them.  I am planning on writing a review about them just so other people don’t make the same mistake we did. 

On the positive side, we hopped on the blue bus at the Hilton Hotel.  Road the blue bus all the way to Fishermen’s Wharf to take the cable car.  Taking the cable car was definitely a highlight of our trip! It is a must for anyone doing the tourist stuff.  It is $6 one way, we road from The Cannery to Union Square and then hopped on the bus again.  Then we decided to hop off at Pier 39 to have some clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl for lunch.  Both are things to eat when traveling to San Fran. 

After, we took the bus all the way to Fort Point in order to get some close up photos of Golden Gate Bridge.  It really is a beautiful bridge and the classic sight of San Francisco! We had some struggles with the blue bus be eventually took it through Golden Gate Park, Haight Ashbury (saw some interesting people there) and stopped to see the painted ladies in Alamo Square.    Anyone else here the Full House theme song playing in the background when you look at these houses? So pretty. 

Saturday night we stopped by this German Pub to have some drinks.  I had this awesome Grapefruit Beer, sounds weird but was actually pretty tastey! The next morning we met two of our friends that live in California. Had a fun brunch and then went for a drive across the golden gate bridge! It was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip!

See you next time, San Fran! 

Much Love, 

Liz 

Life as of Wednesday: October 9, 2013

Loving: October! So far so good and October is shaping up to be a perfect Autumn month.  Traveling and traditions rank high on my list and this month has it all!

Reading: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (HP #6). I never before read the Harry Potter books but I did love the series of movies.  Why did I not read these books before? They are so fun! A very enjoyable read and I can’t wait to finish them.  I purchased the whole series of books for my iPad the end of July and have finished the first 5 already.  As I finish reading a book, Chris and I are watching that movie (Chris had never seen any of the movies). 

Watching: Fall TV Premiers! I need to update my DVR list with the new seasons of 2013.  Here is the list so far: Parenthood, Modern Family, Revenge, The Crazy Ones and Nashville. I hate to admit that this summer I was addicted to ABC Family and ‘reality’ shows like Dance Moms and Cheer Perfection.  Chris and I also just started watching season one of Revolution on Netflix, its super good- don’t know why we didn’t watch it last year- going to have to add that to the DVR list too.

Listening: Joshua Radin is my all time favorite! We recently got to go to his concert when we vacationed to CA. It was AMAZING! Chris surprised me with VIP tickets so we could go in during his sound check and meet him. Eeek! He was playing with Matt Nathanson so needless to say I have been playing both of their albums on repeat trying to relive the concert. 

Drinking: A few years ago, I traveled to Russia. It was a wonderful and life changing experience. One thing I loved for awhile after traveling there was Tea.  I’ve decided to bring tea back and I am loving it! I typically go for the Earl Grey Tea.  Along with Tea, I am loving the traditional Autumn Apple Drinks, Carmel Apple Spice and Redds Apple Ale.  Yumms!

Eating: After eating out so much on Vacation, I am enjoying any home cooked meal.  We have made taco salad and tried a new pizza casserole. Both delish! I really want to try making some pumpkin muffin/cupcake soon. 

High of the Week: Traveling to San Fran!

Low of the Week: The short mini-meltdown over my new hair chop -but loving the cut other then that.

Prayer of the Week: This week I pray that God looks after my best friend (AS) as her father is in the hospital.  I also pray that you bless our friends (KK&LK) from California, Monday they welcomed their first son into the world!

Random Thought: Thank you to Chris for being so sweet and the type of husband that brings me flowers at work! The roses are beautiful and I am so lucky to have you.

Excited For: I am excited to take my nephew to the pumpkin patch tomorrow! And for the UND Homecoming Football Game this weekend. Booyah! #mentallyfistbumpingautumnrightnow

Much Love, 

Liz 

Donate Hair: CHECK!

Chris and I just got back home from San Francisco yesterday. It was a super fun trip and I will post all about it asap. But the night before we left town I had a hair appointment and decided to bite the bullet and donate my hair!

I have been thinking about donating my hair for a long time but never had the guts to do it. Frankly and selfishly, I love my hair.  It is so unique and a beautiful shade of amber (never colored/highlighted).  After getting some information from friends and doing a bit of research, it came down to Locks of Love/ Pantene Beautiful Lengths/ Wigs for Kids.  They all looked like great organizations.  Wigs for Kids the donation had to be over 12 inches long, I didn’t think I would have that much. 

I booked an appointment at the downtown salon, Avant.  They assured me that they had worked with people donating hair before and had all the information ready for Locks of Love.  In the end, I did go with Locks of Love and sent in 11 inches! The photo of me holding up the cut off pony was only 1 of 4 sections of hair I sent in! I have some pretty thick hair, my hairdresser said she was amazed at how much hair I still had after chopping of 11 inches!

So far I have been loving my short hair! It is fun to change things up every now and then.  I did have a mini meltdown one evening—I have been so used to being able to toss my hair up into a bun/braid/high pony—and after all day on a bus tour of San Fran my hair was a mess.  We had to rush to get ready for dinner and I was so frustrated that I didn’t know how to do my hair! Like what? We ended up pushing dinner back a bit and I quickly curled my hair and pinned half of it up. Overall though it has been a great time and shampoo saving chop! I’m excited to get some time to play around with short hair for once. 

I hope that if some redhead out there one day needs a wig during a scary time, the wig that my hair helps make will give them a bit of comfort and peace. 

Mentally taking a bright pink marker and drawing a big check off my life list...

DONATE HAIR: CHECK!! 

Much Love,

Liz  

Happy 1st Birthday, Kirby!

It is our other puppy’s first birthday today! Yay for our sweet puppy dog!

We got Kirby from the pet store in the middle of last November. Getting him was kind of an impulsive thing.  I mean we had discussed getting a second dog many times but had thought we would wait until the spring.  However, like Kevin, once we got to the pet store and I saw him, sold.  I couldn’t wait to bring him home!

Kirby is a Springer Spaniel (3/4) with a little Shitzu (1/4).  He looks just like a Springer with short legs and he is cute as a button! I grew up with an English Springer Spaniel, Ginger, and I loved her so.  I always wanted to get another Springer because I loved their energy and then freckles on their noses!

Kirby really was a smart puppy but he gave us our fare share of puppy frustrations.  He was potty trained really quickly! But funny story, he was potty trained when there was snow on the ground so when the snow melted in the spring, he was so confused! It was very funny, he would have to go and find patches of snow to be able to go to the bathroom.  “Go to the bathroom” although ironic is the phrase he is trained to and will almost go on command. 

Kevin took awhile to warm up to Kirby but they are just like brothers now and get along very well.  Kirby is kenneled during the day while we are at work and Kevin is not.  I know this may sound unfair but Kirby still acts like a puppy and gets things he shouldn’t to chew. 

Kirby loves to cuddle until he is too hot, just a heat rock that little one! He is always wagging his long tail that looks like a feather pen! He will play, play, play until he crashes.  We are still learning Kirby’s quarks but so far he is a pretty normal dog.  He loves to pick up sticks on our walks and carry it with him.  You can tell he has that hunting bread in him, birds- bunnies-squirrels drive him crazy!

I’m quite sure Kirby will keep us entertained and on our toes! Even though he is a year old, he is still very much a puppy.  We love you Kirby! Happy Birthday!

Much Love, 

Liz 

Loving On Autumn

I'm currently loving on all things Autumn! Leaves changing color, crisp weather, changing up the house decor, football parties, sented candles burning and even new fall television premiers! I'm so thankful we live in a place were we get to experience all the seasons (even though winter sometimes stays a bit longer then its welcome).

Typically I would be getting ready for the skating season, since I skated and coached for many years but this year I am trying something new and not coaching.  I will miss the girls, being around the ice rink and even the mama drama but I am happy with my decision right now and that is what matters! I'm excited to think of all the things I will be able to accomplish with my free time and at the top of that list right now is enjoying fall!

I have painted my nails a nice new Essie Fall color: Essie Cashmere Bathrobe. Loving it!

I have also put away the summer decor and brought new autumn decor for the house.  One thing that is nice about newlyweds is that we don't have a bunch of this stuff already and its fun to get new things.  I think I may be enjoying fall even more this year since last year it was all wedding planning and fun having.  We didn't get to do any of this festive fall activities like pumpkin carving or dressing up for Halloween.  Which means we have to make up for it with EXTRA fun this year! So the house has been put into full autumn theme. 

CandyCorn Yellow Candles & Pumpkin Candle: Target

I also made this Autumn Wreath which was super easy! I got everything (on sale of course) at Michael's.  I purchased a stryrofoam ring, brown sparkly wide ribbon, fake fall leaves/berries. All I did was use the hot glue gun to secure the brown ribbon and wrapped it evenly around the wreath.  Then with the hot glue gun I attached the leaves/berries.  I'm really happy with it and it is a perfect replacement for the summer/address wreath.  

 This weekend we are heading out to the lake for my Dad's birthday! It always seems to smell more like fall out there then in town, yum! Then we have a UND football game on Saturday, talk about fall activities.  Can't wait! 

Much Love, 

Liz 

Meet Kevin

Kevin is our wonderful dog.  He is three years old, 20ish pounds and honestly the best dog Chris and I have ever owned.  He is a mix of pug and toy poodle. He has become a huge part of our family. 

Chris and I started dating in October of 2009.  In the spring of 2010, Chris went to the pet store to pick out Kevin. So needless to say he has been around for almost entire relationship. 

For those of you that know Chris, when he puts his mind to something—he wants it—like yesterday! So that spring, Chris has decided he NEEDED a dog. Period-end of story. 

As he talked about getting a dog, we got into the subject of naming. I had one rule, no people names for dogs.  It just always seemed a no-brainer to me, I didn’t want someone coming into my house with the same name as my dog (for the human's sake).  So Chris would just tease me with human names: Paul, Kevin, Walter… it was a running joke. 

One Friday evening, Chris dragged me to the pet store despite me saying maybe he should wait for a while.  But oh those puppies get me every time, soo cute! And there were little tiny black & brown pug/poodles.  When the pet store worker brought out a puppy for us to play with, sold. As we played with him and got to know the puppy, Chris teased and called him Kevin. (I just laughed and thought I could convince him of a different name later).  He said he would sleep on it and come back in the morning…

He went back in the morning.  As he walked into the store, he heard the young pet store worker ask, “Are you here for KEVIN??” From that point on, it was a done deal! Chris’ new dog was named Kevin.  

Being that Chris and I didn’t live together but he had to travel a lot for work, it was like we shared joint custody of Kevin. We just loved him, very smart puppy.  Chris kenneled him during the day for the first few months and thankfully Kevin picked up some tips from Chris’ roommate's dogs.  Kevin moved with Chris into his apartment and then into the townhouse before we got married and then I moved in. 

Kevin is a great dog! He has a HUGE personality and under bite. He is so sweet and kind.  He does have a few quirks though.  Such as he watches tv.  No joke, he watches the tv for animals! We did not train him to do this and it is as bazaar as it sounds.   He is very smart. Kevin’s only downfall is barking—ugh, barking.  Kevin also has a huge before and after when he gets his haircut! Too fun.

There are so many stories about Kevin and I’m sure I will share them over time but for now… say hello to Kevin. 

Much Love, 

Liz

The Omaha Zoo

We LOVE to road trip! Our favorite one (that we would like to take every summer) is to Denver with a weekend pit-stop in Omaha.  My aunt Lisa, my mom's sister, lives in Omaha and we always have so much fun there! I have been going to the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo since I was a little girl.  It seriously is in my top ten places to visit.  

Last summer, Chris and I switched up the road trip to go to Kansas City to see Chris' family and to celebrate his Grandma's 90th Birthday.  We brought my mom along for the trip to visit her sister in Omaha.  We all had 2 days of fun in Omaha and then Chris and I continued on the Kansas City leaving my mom with Lisa. 

During our 2 day stop in Omaha, We had the BEST zoo day ever! It was such beautiful weather and all the animals were out to play! 

We spend the morning walking around seeing the cute monkey families, the skyfari, the aquarium and then left the Zoo gates for a picnic. It was so yummy and a perfect break from the people at the Zoo.  After lunch we headed back into the Zoo-- saw the gorillas put on a show, some animal nap time, fed the fish from the bridge, look at some BIG cats and with the grand final--the bears! This polar bear was the perfect ending to the perfect Zoo day! 

Recommendations for a visit to The Omaha Zoo

-If possible go on a week day, weekends are more crowded but do-able

-Try for a day that isn't too hot, the animals won't come out to play if its scorching hot

-Bring a lunch, snacks, drinks with you! Zoo food is expensive!

-Leave the Zoo for a break during the day

-Take the skyfari ride to the other side of the park, explore that area and then head back using the second part of your skyfari round trip ticket.. its a lot of walking at the end of the day

-If you are short time, skip the Desert Dome, its really not a highlight of the visit but a quick walk though would do the trick if interested

-Take your time! If you can don't rush, its easy to get caught up with all the other people running around but just watch and enjoy the animals.. that's why we go after all! 

Much Love, 

Liz