QUIZ TIME

Take a few moments and label the following serving utensils.  I received my flatware in the mail this week and I was giddy seeing it's shinny unused surfaces!  I was stumped though, what are all of these serving utensils?  If you know, or think you know, leave a comment naming the utensil and describing it's use.  Better yet, if you don't know, make up a use and it could get pretty interesting!

   

  a-g

  h-n

 READY - SET - GO!!!!


.

Wedding Planning Bonus!

When planning a wedding you begin to realize how inflated "wedding" prices are - stupid wedding industry!  Be prepared to tack on 10% or more once you insert "wedding" in front of any purchase.

Thankfully there are perks along the way that encourage you that NOT all wedding people are devils!  One of the perks I took advantage of was Macy's Registry Star Rewards Program. 

To participate all you need is a Macy's card.  You don't need to have a Macy's gift registry to participate, simply register your Macy's card online or at your local Macy's and all of your wedding purchases will be tallied. 

10% of your purchase amount leading up to your wedding is gifted back to you!  The purchases I made were mens' ties, flower girl dress, rehearsal dress, bridesmaids' gifts, grooms gift, and a multitude of other accessories.  In addition to all of your purchases, if you choose to have a Macy's Registry, 5% of your registry purchases will be given back to you in the form of a Macy's gift card.

We received our 10% back in November and used it along with other gift cards from guests to purchase some new linens and flatware.  I waited til Macy's awesome January sales to get the best prices! 

Surviving the Midwest Winter

This one goes out to my SHORTY - who is moving to Michigan for the next 2 months, because she is a traveling speech therapist.

I feel pretty fortunate that I've lived most of my life on the west coast.

I realize that I have been spoiled with sunny Northern Nevada weather.  It's cold during the winter and it snows, but generally it's easy to manage as the snow melts because of the consistent sun.  I have had to change my habits to survive Midwest winters.

After the first snow fall I wear my snow boots all winter.  Because I walk to the train everyday it is imperative that I have traction and warm piggies!  I refuse to sacrifice my toes to look cute, also I am clumsy and will fall!  This year I've fallen twice (in one day!).  Last week was the first snow, so I've sported my boots all week!  I also incorporate long underwear into my wardrobe on a regular basis.  It's dangerous to be waiting on the train platform with one layer and a -2 reading on the thermometer plus wind chill.

So if you ever are nutty enough to live in the Midwest during winter time you will need the following:

1. Calcium Chloride ice melt - It goes on your sidewalk but doesn't ruin your hard wood floor if brought into your home!
2.  Cuddle Duds long underwear - The thinnest long underwear and so warm!  Moisture wick away from your skin and stretchy for comfort.
3. A can of spray De-icer -  Especially if you own a vehicle in the winter!  It's handy to have if anything gets stuck!
4. Extend handle shovel - This is a MUST only if you have a vehicle.  The plows will no doubt block you in your parking spot the morning you're late for work!

So, that's my 4 recommendations for surviving the Midwest winter.

Now, what to do for fun when your visiting us in Chicago during the winter... think - most of these things to do are FREE!

1. Ice Skating in Millennium Park 2. Christkindl Market  3. Polar Express Train!  4. Santa in Daily Plaza 5. Eat under the Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room at Macy's 6. 12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl 7. Light Festival and Parade 8. Zoo Lights!

This doesn't even cover half the holiday events in the city.  Consider the other sporting events, theater, caroling, and holiday tours also!

Come to Chicago so we can go play but make sure you pack your long underwear! 

This one goes out to my new sis, Ric!

A trip to Macys in most towns are easy shopping tasks. Chicago makes it a tad more difficult especially if you don't have a car!
Usually a trip downtown involves more of a plan and more preparation than any normal shopping trip to the mall. Nolan and I decided yesterday to go to Macys to look for shirts and ties for him and the groomsmen.










After walking in and out of the house twice, for forgotten scarfs and other items we were off.

We walk out of the house, down the sidewalk, down the back alley, into the Addison Red Line El Station. Total walking time: 7 mintues.













After getting the El platform we wait for the southbound train. We ride the train 6 stops and get out at State and Lake, because the red line begins as a elevated train and transfers to a subway we actually arrive at an exit that is directly into the basement floor of Macys! You can't get more convenient than that!



This Macys is the old Marshall Fields with a restaurant on the top of 7 floors!



Nolan and I spent a good 2 hours in Macys looking for shirts that would match his suit and that would look good on all the boys. We were successful at finding a shirt for him and ties for all the boys! They are awesome! $191 later, we were out the door!




The trip back is similar to the one there, we walk down to the train platform and wait for the train. On the weekends we usually wait about 10 minutes max for a train. On our northbound train, it takes 1/2 hour to get back to the Addison stop.

















Today we arrived home and left as quickly to go buy lasagna ingredients at the neighborhood grocery store, Jewel.