Be Write There

New m&m's

2010-06-15T10:42:00.002-04:00

Try these, they are great!!

Velodrome

2010-06-06T16:00:00.005-04:00

I like to ride my mountain bike, I do spin class 2x/wk so my friend Carolyn thought I might like to take a ride at the Velodrome. I went yesterday to the introductory class, boy was this tough.

The bike is very light weight and has no gears and no brakes. The track coach would yell to let you know when to speed up and when to slow down. I did my first laps around the blue apron (which is board from the velodrome built for the Atlanta Olympics). To move up the wall you need incredible speed and pedal pressure. I was able to get enough to move around between the lowest 2 levels. I didn't want to go any higher, I was very nervous about falling/sliding right off the track. It's also an incredible strain on your neck.

Believe it or not, it's recommended to only do about 4-5 laps and then take a break. This really gets your heart rate going !! I have a new appreciation for how difficult this is and how easy the Olympic athletes make it look. It was fun to try something new! Thanks for inviting me Carolyn.

Book Review

2010-05-18T16:13:00.005-04:00

Finished reading:

Quick read, funny--but not as funny as previous books.

Great for travel or beach.

Today's Thought

2010-05-17T14:22:00.001-04:00

Sales

2010-04-23T13:19:00.004-04:00

Saks Friends and Family - 20% off most (includes Tory Burch!) - 10% off makeup

Kate Spade - 30% off (including sale items)

Lands End - 20% off & free shipping

Bad Economy = Good Deals

Prep Up the iphone

2010-04-22T09:47:00.003-04:00

My new case/cover!

C is at Apple HQ for mtgs, wonder what he'll bring home.

W asked, "Dad, is there a 1/2 off store @ HQ?"

Lilly Animal Crackers

2010-04-21T10:38:00.004-04:00

After looking all over metro Detroit unsuccessfully, I finally turned to ebay.

A Made Woman

2010-04-19T14:10:00.004-04:00

Laurie from Lulu and Daisy crowned me a socialite in the Preppy Mafia. Part of the initiation to the PM is that you have to, of course, follow the rules!

Rule #1: Click the above button and paste onto your blog/website.

Rule #2: Answer the below questions.

Rule #3: Pass onto 10 bloggers that you Love, go to their blog and let them know they've been tagged.

1. Who is your style icon?

I have many, from Audrey Hepburn to Heidi Klum!

2. What is your favorite socialite lit book?

Bonfire of the Vanities

3. Favorite party theme?

Beach

4. Go-to Halloween costume?

Don't do costume parties -- although I was a bumble bee a few years ago

-- I did it for the kids.

5. Extravagance you cannot live without?

Iphone, hair highlights

6. Living person you admire?

Mrs. Detmer & Mrs. Wallace (my childrens' teachers)

7. Greatest Fear?

snakes

8. Trait you deplore in yourself?

control freak

9. Which talent would you most like to have?

ability to play a string instrument

10. Greatest achievement?

having no regrets!

Thanks for sharing the crown Laurie. If you would like to be a made woman in the preppy mob, please feel free to copy and share with us on your blog!

Daughtry version of Poker Face

2010-04-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

Loving this version!

Tory Burch

2010-04-12T19:48:00.002-04:00

These arrived while I was away for Easter. Can't wait to wear them !

Final Four

2010-03-29T12:49:00.008-04:00

My Michigan State Spartans have made it to

The Final Four.

Can't wait for Saturday's game!

Sparty on

Don't Miss Out

2010-03-22T17:12:00.005-04:00

Great Giveaway

from

The Preppy Princess !!

Free Pastry @ Starbucks

2010-03-21T17:19:00.005-04:00

Print this coupon & get a free pastry w/your morning coffee on March 23!

St. Patrick's Prayer

2010-03-17T14:32:00.002-04:00

One of the many from St. Patrick:

May the Strength of God pilot us.

May the Power of God preserve us.

May the Wisdom of God instruct us.

May the Hand of God protect us.

May the Way of God direct us.

May the Shield of God defend us.

May the Host of God guard us.

Against the snares of the evil ones.

Against temptations of the world.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Salvation, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.

3 weeks

2010-02-19T12:53:00.004-05:00

3 weeks ago today, my mom died suddenly, unexpectedly & instantly of a heart attack. She was at home preparing for a lunch meeting to plan her 50th high school class reunion. She was a fabulous hostess :)

My family was up north at our cottage when we got the call. My husband then called my Dad and brother who were in Florida playing golf. Everyone made it home safely, but it has been a struggle.

This has been such a surreal experience. I keep thinking she is simply away on vacation. She had no prior signs/symptoms and she was a nurse too. I was the last one in our family to see her -- little did I know that the hug, kiss and usual "love ya mom" would be the last one.

At her memorial I read the poem, The Dash. If you don't know it or haven't heard it, please give it a read.

My mom definitely lived her dash.

Easy Chicken Chili

2010-01-28T17:26:00.003-05:00

So fast and easy -- tastes great too!

2 lbs. chicken breast

1 14 oz. can chicken broth

1 14 oz. can corn

1 16 oz. jar medium chunky salsa

2 tsp cumin

1 48 oz jar of Great Northern White Beans

8 oz. pepper jack cheese - shredded

Place all ingredients in the crock pot - except the cheese - and turn on low for 6 to 8 hours.

After cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred with 2 forks. Put back in the crock pot, add the cheese and stir until melted. Serve with cilantro, sour cream and chips.

Wasn’t spicy enough, so I added cayenne to my bowl!

burqa

2010-01-26T12:51:00.003-05:00

What do you think of France's partial ban on the burqa?

Is this freedom?

Is this partial ban to preserve France's national identity? Protect the beret !! :)

Would this be an issue in the U.S.?

Oh, this opens up so many issues and I don't think there's an easy answer.

Elder

2010-01-24T14:52:00.004-05:00

This morning my mom was installed as an Elder in our church for a 3 year term. The Presbyterian church's system of governance is modeled on the U.S. system. Being nominated & elected to serve as an Elder is like being a Senator. My dad, my husband and I all have had the privilege to serve (at different times) and now it's Mom's turn.

Congratulations Mom and "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Second Place

2010-01-22T13:01:00.005-05:00

M had a swim meet last night and took second in both events:

butterfly - lost 1st by a hair

breaststroke - really close too

M is only in 2nd grade, but she is so into her swimming. This is her 2nd season of swim team and other than snowboarding, I think she's found her passion - at least for now!

Not for me

2010-01-10T17:36:00.004-05:00

Stopped in the MAC store on Friday and was sadly disappointed by the very small corner of a display table that the new Lilly products occupied. I anticipated a big splashy, fun, colorful display. Didn't appear as though the worker bees were too excited about the new offering either. Perhaps the Lilly colors clash with the red, spiked hair and the nose piercings.

As much as I love all things Lilly, this collaboration doesn't work for me, but perhaps I'm not the target audience. What do/did you think?

My Entourage

2010-01-08T13:08:00.004-05:00

Last night, I finished watching season 5 of one of my favorite shows:

I want to be in Vinny's entourage.

Gift for me

2009-12-18T11:52:00.004-05:00

I won the Lilly bangle giveaway hosted by the lovely Lauren Nicole.

Can't wait to wear this over Christmas.

Be sure to check out all the lovely personalized goodies Lauren Nicole has available.

Thanks Denise and Merry Christmas.

Special Ornament

2009-12-16T16:43:00.005-05:00

Our Christmas tree is decorated with an "anything goes theme". Each year I try to add one special ornament to our collection. This year it was a M acKenzie Childs ceramic bell, love the storage box too!

Great Read

2009-12-15T08:57:00.003-05:00

Love Mitch Albom, he's a beloved Detroit sports writer and then some.

Remember Tuesdays with Morrie?, he wrote that too.

have a little faith is a quick read, but packed full of inspiration.

A great stocking stuffer for anyone of any faith or doubting faith.

on 12/14/99

2009-12-14T18:29:00.003-05:00

W was born at 10:21 a.m. - I remember watching Martha Stewart on TV while those contractions were fast & furious.

Didn't know the baby's gender - Knew baby would be named after my grandfather if it was a boy. It was all so emotionally overwhelming, you never forget your first.

Celebrating 10 years today !!

Meaning of the Carol

2009-12-10T09:29:00.002-05:00

This week, I found out from a friend's e-mail.....

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today.

twist & shout

2009-10-29T09:43:00.005-04:00

While walking the dog, I twisted my ankle on uneven sidewalk. Oh, yes, it was a twist & quiet shout. Couldn't walk, so I called my husband who was working at home, to pick me & coco up.

It's been an elevated leg w/lots of ice...I'm feeling trapped at home and rather useless.

Justice Harvard Style

2009-10-25T13:30:00.003-04:00

I love to debate (my husband says argue) and have been reliving my college days vicariously through this:

Justice - What's the Right Thing to Do - with Michael Sandel

"Justice is one of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history. Now it’s your turn to take the same journey in moral reflection that has captivated more than 14,000 students, as Harvard opens its classroom to the world."

You can watch this Harvard course & participate in online discussion, etc @ http://justiceharvard.org/

Costume Time

2009-10-19T20:32:00.004-04:00

What to be for Halloween.....

Making this for M:

Making this for W:

There most likely will be a color change.

Starting early, because I am "Murphy's Law".

Appliance

2009-10-15T19:39:00.005-04:00

Appliance - devices used to prepare your child for braces with the intention that the braces won't have to stay on as long....

We heard about this today at W's dentist appt and an ortho consult is upcoming. He's really excited about this (NOT!)

What ever happened to getting your braces in 7th or 8th grade ?? Wear for 2 yrs and you're done? That's what I did. Have our teeth/mouths changed that much ?? Oh, the agony of regular ortho visits, one more thing to get to.

P.S. Show me the money.

Overdue Thanks

2009-10-14T16:03:00.005-04:00

Dear Up North Preppy,

Thank you so much for the Kreativ Blogger award and please accept my apologies for not acknowledging this award sooner. I firmly believe in responding in a timely fashion and this slipped through the cracks.

Thanks,

Torch Lake Prep

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

Fluent in Spanish.
Played the clarinet in middle school.
Don't like to be a passenger in a vehicle. I think it's a control thing :)
Degree in Chemistry
Do not like bananas.
Addicted to Bejeweled - at least that's what my kids tell me.
Read all the Harry Potter books.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

I'm honoring each person who follows or comes upon my blog to take this award and run with it. Because by finding time to read and post on blogs you must be Kreativ!

secret career

2009-10-07T09:30:00.005-04:00

My secret careers have varied:

High School:

Forensic coroner

Thank you Quincy aka Jack Klugman

College:

Anything on Wall Street, preferably Drexel Burnham Lambert

Thank you Gordon Gecko aka Michael Douglas

Thank you "Let's Make Lot of Money" by the Pet Shop Boys

Mom:

Librarian

Play on the LPGA tour

Don't know who to credit for these secret careers. I do get to play Librarian at my kid's school each Tuesday afternoon which I love. Play golf as often as I can, but definitely not LPGA material, unless I was a caddie...HMMM ??

Future:

Own a vineyard, there's a beautiful one for sale in Northern Michigan....

What's your secret career?

It was good!

2009-10-05T18:04:00.005-04:00

FRIDAY

Hubby and I celebrated our 16 year anniversary by dining at Roast which is owned by Iron Chef Michael Symon. The service was top notch without being stuffy and the food was delicious. I definitely ate too much, but it was the anniversary afterall.

Hubby and I usually only exchange cards, except for the majors (5, 10, 15 etc.) but I love to give gifts and I created a wordle for him and put it in a lovely matted frame. He hung it in his office!

If you don't know what a wordle is, check it out - I think they make such thoughtful gifts.

SATURDAY

My beloved Michigan State Spartans beat Michigan in OT. It was a nailbiter as MSU v. UM games usually are. It doesn't matter who has the better record, this game always takes on a life of its own. This year State did it again, back to back wins against a tough U-M. SPARTY ON!

SUNDAY

The family went to Church to celebrate World Communion Sunday. Later in the afternoon, we were supposed to participate in the Crop Walk, which raises money to help fight hunger around the world, but the weather was so rainy that we opted not to walk, but we still contributed our financial support. Watched Amazing Race, (do not like Lance - he's mean, thinking he may not have been able to bring his steroids on the trip) and of course Mad Men too. Does Betty hate her life ??

What Next?

2009-09-28T18:52:00.002-04:00

Summer is definitely over....

I am overcommitted & understaffed !!

Land's End Discount

2009-09-23T12:54:00.004-04:00

Yesterday while in Hobby Lobby shopping for Halloween costume supplies, I rec'd a phone call from Land's End offering me a special shopping discount until 9/28:

25% off and free shipping

enter code: friends 1110

It's fun sharing!

Taryn Rose

2009-09-17T21:57:00.004-04:00

Oh yes, I want these shoes....

Beautiful grey suede with fur pom-pom...

The Barika can be yours for $495.

Spare change anyone ??

Words

2009-09-12T08:31:00.003-04:00

While on the treadmill, the song You Found Me by The Fray came on and the following words haven't left my mind:

"Who I am,

who I'm not,

and who I want to be"

For me, fall is the time of beginnings and as I volunteer, work, meet new people, etc. these words may serve as my litmus test for how I'm doing and if what I'm doing is for the good.

Celebrate

2009-09-11T08:12:00.004-04:00

Happy b-day to hubby,

You're the best!

LMWN

Next Lilly Car?

2009-08-27T20:20:00.004-04:00

Spotted in the mall parking lot.

Yes, it's spray paint swirls of green, pink, orange and yellow,

no extra charge for the rust.

Perhaps it's someone's attempt to apply for a Lilly art position!

Nancy Drew

2009-08-25T08:46:00.005-04:00

I LOVED reading Nancy Drew books when I was in elementary school. I think I even belonged to a Nancy Drew book club, where I received a new book each month. It was so exciting!! I'm sure Nancy was the root of my love for a good mystery.

How about resurrecting a little vintage Nancy Drew in the form of a notebook?

Check out Domestikated Life for more great back so school ideas: today's wish list is from the creative, Annechovie!

Winner Up

2009-08-24T08:44:00.005-04:00

Jason Chiou

The State News

W had a soccer tournament this weekend, so we traveled home, 1st time since school was out in June. After 3 games, the boys qualified for the Championship Game -- against one of their biggest rivals in the state.

Game breakdown:

The boys were down 4-1 at half time. Looking defeated, tired...

2nd half starts, they scored a quick goal and there's a spark. They worked so hard in the 2nd half and at the end of the game it was tied 4-4. It was a nailbiter, there were so many chances for each team to break the tie.

5 minute overtime -- still tied.

On to PK's (penalty kicks).

These are 10 yr old boys and this was so much pressure, although they were all fired up!

End result: W's team lost by 1 goal.

They were so bummed, but more than anything they appeared to handle the loss gracefully, which is a huge step for this team b/c they are sooo competitive and tough losers. Maybe it was because they were physically and emotionally spent and had no energy left. They each received a nice medal and now they want to know when they meet the "Crew" again for a match up.

Post game:

Drive 3.5 hrs back to the cottage.

KEP DESIGNS SALE

2009-08-21T16:47:00.002-04:00

You don't want to miss this.....

KEP Designs

20% OFF SUMMER SALE

ONLINE ONLY

SUNDAY - TUESDAY

ENTER CODE: SUMMER

How about this one to go with all the new fall Lilly ??

Coming back as...

2009-08-21T09:25:00.004-04:00

I used to want to come back as Christie Brinkley,

But now I've decided: Heidi Klum

She's naturally beautiful and seems to have it all together.

Although I wouldn't want to be pregnant again....

Who's your come back girl ?

Dessert Destiny

2009-08-19T20:48:00.005-04:00

Well, I decided it was time to give Jillian's (Biggest Loser trainer) DVD another go this morning, haven't used it since before spring break. Well, it's still tough, but I made it through the whole thing, except I stopped using my weights 1/2 way through - there's only so much punishment a girl can take on the 1st day back at it.

Then I blew all my toil this morning when M & I went to dinner to the local bistro and I caved for this feature dessert:

homemade lemon poppyseed pound cake

fresh raspberries

homemade rhubarb mousse

It was sooo good. I did have butternut squash soup with ginger and a spinach salad so maybe it all works out...oh yeah, I did have a martini too.

Guess I'll be doing Jillian again tomorrow.....

Travel Help

2009-08-18T10:54:00.005-04:00

My friend Anne from Junior League is traveling to Bar Harbor and wanted some tips on what to do, where to eat, etc....

I know you all can help her out, so please click over to her blog, Moments of Delight and leave her your best advice!

Awesome Potatoes

2009-08-17T09:36:00.002-04:00

Have now made these potatoes 2x. Once for the fam and then for our cookout party on Saturday, everyone loved them - even our guests visiting from England. I'm thinking these could even work on a grill for football tailgates.

Recipe is from Melissa D'Arabian, the newly crowned Next Food Network Star.

Enjoy!

5-Minute Individual Potato Gratins

Vegetable spray
2 large russet potatoes, roughly peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped ( I omitted the onion)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray 8 muffin tins with vegetable spray. Layer potato slices, cheese, and onions into each muffin cup. Season with salt and pepper and top each gratin with 1 or 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Cover with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, removing the foil halfway through cooking time. Scoop out potatoes and serve.

skiing

2009-08-13T09:41:00.001-04:00

Went water skiing yesterday....arms are a little sore today....no heavy lifting for me :)

Monday Mind Games

2009-08-10T11:07:00.006-04:00

Hazy, humid & a little rainy this morning.

Perfect for a game to challenge the mind:

SUDOKU

Found this board version at the Senior Citizen's sale in town last wk.

I love doing crosswords and playing trivia games too -- Cash Cab, Jeopardy...

More mind games this afternoon with a round of golf!

Who Did it?

2009-08-05T09:30:00.002-04:00

This is not my usual thing, but W (9 1/2 yrs) old finds this soooo funny and is still trying to figure out who did it? So I post this to humor him :)

Renew or Cancel?

2009-08-04T10:58:00.004-04:00

The complimentary Sirius Satellite Radio that came with my new vehicle expires on 8/28.

From the get go, I thought, "Oh this is nice but not really necessary, I've got my NPR & my iphone what more could I need?"

Well, those sneaky Mad (wo)Men sure know how to play me, because now I don't know if I can give it up!!! I like to choose a genre of entertainment/music- "80's on 8", "Fox News", "CNBC", "Coffee House", "Martha" (love the program "Whatever with Alexis & Jennifer)

It's $142.25 for 13 months, which is reasonable....but.....need your input bloggy friends.....Will I be holding a funeral for my satellite radio?

What's up?

2009-08-03T08:44:00.008-04:00

Hubby and W came back to the cottage on Thursday night (YEAH!) and with a gift: my mom.

She was bearing gifts:

A trunk full of food, because "the grocery up here isn't like the market at home." She has always been a "just in case" kinda lady. She brought her homemade pasta sauce which we all love!

The Lilly fish night light:

Lilly mouse take note pad:

We did some swimming & boating - W&M on the new tube....They couldn't coax Granny into a ride.

Hubby needed a break -- he's sun sensitive or is he hiding from his mother in law? :)

This wk the kids are at day camp on the lake, today is warm but rainy....what to do with Mom? Thinking out for lunch and maybe watch Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Hot Water or Cold Water?

2009-07-28T21:05:00.005-04:00

Hubby went home for a few days and has informed me the hot water heater is leaking and we need to get a new one. Well, I'm all for hot showers, but since we are at the cottage for the summer, I thought perhaps it could wait. Could you shower at the neighbors? It's summer, a cold shower will do you good. Hubby explained it could blow at any time and leak all the water onto the finished lower level. HMMM...to buy it or to risk it....

Hot water heater installed this afternoon, all is well. I'll try it out after Labor Day. I guess no new school clothes for the kids (just joking)!

Don't Play it Again

2009-07-27T18:45:00.006-04:00

For the past few summers my kids have chosen a "summer song" which they play over and over anywhere and everywhere.

I enjoyed the song the first 100 times....

2009

"Poker Face" - Lady Gaga

"Right Round" -Flo Rida

2008

"Shake it" - Metro Music Station

"Mercy" - Duffy

2007

"Makes Me Wonder" - Maroon 5

2006

"Sk8er Boi" - Avril Lavigne

Is there a song you're tired of hearing?

Final Three

2009-07-26T18:10:00.005-04:00

M & I will be watching Next Food Network Star tonight at 9:00 eastern to cheer Melissa on to the final 2!

Tonight's episode has something to do with the upcoming movie

Julie & Julia.

Must see TV!

Rainy Days

2009-07-23T06:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a rainy day in northern Michigan.

What to do?

I couldn't talk the kids into playing Euchre and drinking beer all day :)

So we got creative and went to Handz on Art to paint pottery.

It was a fun afternoon. W painted a dog dish for coco, M painted a bowl and I painted a round tile in my fav colors complete with monogram! I'm hoping they'll look this good when fired.

We enjoyed a pizza dinner @ home with another up north Mom & Son which included tasty wine for the moms, fresh just picked cherries and local dairy chocolate milk & oreos for the kids!

Hope you had a fun day too.

Values for All Ages

2009-07-22T10:31:00.010-04:00

I love the core values that are stressed at my kid's camp:

I want to post a copy of these @ the cottage, but not sure of the best spot...any suggestions?

Caring: To love others, to be sensitve to the well-being of others, to help others.

"Where there is love, there is life." Gandhi

Honesty: To tell the truth, to act in such a way that you are worthy of trust, to have integrity; making sure your choices match your values.

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." Thomas Jefferson

Respect: To treat others as you would have them treat you; to value the worth of every person, including yourself.

"You don't have to be handicapped to be different. Everyone's different." Kim Peek

Responsibility: To do what is right, what you ought to do; to be accountable for your behavior and obligations.

"The time is always right to do what is right." Martin Luther King, Jr

Love Bug

2009-07-21T09:15:00.005-04:00

My two love bugs....

Herbie was at our Beach Club yesterday and M couldn't resist getting a photo with him. It's a family favorite movie. The kids like the new Herbie with Lindsay Lohan while I enjoy the original which starred Michelle Lee and Buddy Hackett in 1969.

Does Herbie give you a chance to walk down memory lane with a smile?

Rolex

2009-07-19T10:28:00.003-04:00

I want this giant Rolex -- Oh, the places I could hang it :)

I just haven't figured out how to sneak it out of the tournament.

Good luck to Tom Watson today in the British Open.

No TIP?

2009-07-17T08:14:00.004-04:00

Have you ever not tipped your waitperson?

I was so tempted last night.

We ate at the only boat up restaurant on the lake. It's a burger joint that lures boaters in with the smell of grease for miles away. Like those Sirens luring Homer to the rocks...I digress.

It's seat yourself, so we got a table, waited forever for the waitress to greet us and when she did it was a weak, "I'll be right back." It was about 7:45 pm and I hadn't eaten since lunch and was about ready to eat the tablecloth, oh there's no tablecloths. Well you know the rest, it was all downhill and I'm sure my snarky attitude, like when I said we didn't need menus, only added fuel to the fire, but the waitress started it! I told M (my 7 yr old) that the waitress was either going to spit in my beer or on my burger. Waitress delivers food an hour later -- burger & nachos. NEVER comes to our table again. Different waitress delivers the bill. I confirm that the waitstaff still "pools" tips and she says it has it ups and downs. There are other waitpeople working that we know do a good job, but our waitress was terrible and appears to be a noose around the neck of the others.

Hubby, gracious man that he is, paid the bill and left a tip. I'm thinking I would have turned my beer glass upside down with a dollar inside it. No, not really.

How do you tip for poor service?

Ted Geisel

2009-07-16T09:51:00.006-04:00

Ted Geisel AKA Dr. Seuss has popped up at Target!

Bought these adorable totes made from recycled material for $1.

M gets one fish because she is our swimmer.

W gets Cat in the Hat because he's always up to something.

There was a Horton tote too. I love Horton, but Horton's pose on the tote was not very flattering. Horton remains safely in the bin at Target.

What's your favorite Dr. Seuss story or is there a book that your remember most from childhood?

Blue Pelican

2009-07-15T08:28:00.005-04:00

It seems everyone up north was at the Blue Pelican Inn for 2 for Tuesday. Usually this is a more upscale dining spot (well, for up north) but not on Tuesday. The food and drink are great and the people watching is even better. You have a mix of locals, summer residents and vacationeers. The lines are long and your choices are short:

$2 margaritas/beers

$3 pulled pork sandwiches/burgers

Pulled pork for all but M -- she went cheeseburger and margaritas for mom & dad.

You get your food and then sit under the veranda or at picnic tables on the grass.

While your parents are waiting in line and you're "saving" the table, feel free to be social by playing a race car game :) Yep, there's an app for that....

Life up north is always an adventure.

Picky, Picky

2009-07-14T09:58:00.003-04:00

Kids are at day camp this week and I went raspberry picking yesterday. It was the first day the patch was open and I only picked a quart. So sweet and melt in your mouth. The kids enjoy going too, so we'll go back next wk. Any good raspberry recipes/ideas?

We were meeting our former up north babysitters, now college girls home for a few days, for dinner. I went to Charlevoix and bought fresh whitefish from John Cross (2lbs for $11) and the kids fav chocolate cake slices from Scovie's. We had fish tacos and everybody was happy. Ahh the life of a summer college student....

W watched some of the home run derby and we were a little bummed (embarrassed) that Brandon Inge (Detroit Tiger) got 0 home runs. Yikes!

Happy day to everyone.

Still got it ??

2009-07-11T11:07:00.004-04:00

After a beautiful day of boating, tubing and hanging out at the beach club, the kids wanted ice cream. While sitting on the bench @ the ice cream shop, the 7:00 movie let out and a group of 8-11 year old boys & girls walked by us and wanted to pet coco. I was surprised to hear from a boy about 10 that he liked my dog, my sandals, my Titleist golf hat and my 4 leaf clover Life is Good t-shirt. WOW !! I forget who said this, "I can go for weeks on one good compliment." but I'm set for the rest of the summer -- thanks young boy!

Buy the label

2009-07-09T11:02:00.005-04:00

How many of us buy a bottle of wine because we are drawn to the label?

Who cares if it's not bearing a wine spectator rating, the label is fun!

Even though I'm the older of two, I couldn't resist this one from "Middle Sister":

I chose the "Mischief Maker" cabernet sauvignon. I'll let you know if I find any mischief.

Which fun labels have you bought?

What flavor are you?

2009-07-07T16:40:00.005-04:00

While out boating, we stopped at Higgins for ice cream.

M chose mint chocolate chip in a sprinkle waffle cone and W chose chocolate in a cup.

Mom sneaks bites from both :)

What flavor do you favor?

FBI or CIA

2009-07-01T16:42:00.003-04:00

This really is me, but is so not me.

This was the first time I EVER held a gun in my life.

You might as well go big with the automatic rifle, police dept. issued.

Like the bullet proof 35 lb vest?

Somehow I don't think the smile suits this outfit!

On Sale

2009-06-30T10:20:00.003-04:00

Tucker Blair Headbands

Were $40

Now $25

Free Shipping with code "July4"

I'm thinking green with white polka dots....

quick quiche

2009-06-29T13:28:00.004-04:00

Enjoy a fast, easy quiche

It was our dinner last night and my lunch today!

1 - 9" frozen piecrust

2 - 12-ounce boxes Stouffer's spinach souffle thawed

4 eggs beaten

6 ounces grated swiss (buy it in the bag)

Put a sheet pan in oven.

Heat oven to 375.

Combine the spinach souffle, eggs, cheese & 3/4 tsp pepper in a large bowl.

Pour the mixture in the pie shell.

Place on the sheet pan in the oven.

Bake until set in the center, about 45-60 mins.

Serve with fruit or side salad.

on a mission

2009-06-28T09:49:00.005-04:00

My new vintage mission chair, purchased for an unbelievable $200 at the Alden Antiques Fest. I will be replacing/recovering the cushion b/c the colors don't work on the porch. I love the unique design!

Locked Out & Up

2009-06-27T08:40:00.008-04:00

Locked Out

The kids, dog and I headed out Friday morning....farmer's market, Moka for coffee/treats, went to King Orchards and bought freshly picked strawberries (it was too hot to pick our own), stopped by the kid's camp to get new sweatshirts -- 3 hrs later, roll up the driveway, click open the garage as usual, get out of car, TRY to open the house door and it's LOCKED !! This door is NEVER locked -- I have no key and we haven't put out the "hidden" key yet. Hubby has a key but is out of state. All windows are shut & locked b/c we've been using the a/c. screened in porch is all locked up. I was not a happy cottage mom, but it was interesting to me that W (my oldest @ 9 yrs) admitted to locking the door by accident. This was a big step b/c he prefers to place blame on anybody but himself.

We do have a caretaker and I called him, he was at a job about 45 mins away and had our key with him. Everybody back in the car. The hidden key is now in place and a key has been added to my fob.

Locked Up

Hubby flew in to TC last night and we all met for dinner at Trattoria Stella -- which is in a former state mental hospital -- yeah, a little crazy. The building & grounds are beautiful. The menu changes daily and printed at the top of the menu you know what local ingredients are being used and from which farms. The service is top notch, but not too fussy. It's a true gem in this era of chain restaurants. The restaurant is in the area where food & supplies were stored:

Here's the entire "campus":

If you find yourself in Traverse City in Northern Michigan, I highly recommend "Stella". So I've now been locked out and locked up!

Woosh

2009-06-25T13:19:00.006-04:00

I feel like I've been traveling in a wind tunnel. A fun, frenzied wind tunnel.

The fam spent last weekend in Chicago for Father's Day. We had a great time:

Navy Pier

water Taxi to Rebar @ the new Trump International for cocktails & sushi

great dinner at Rosebud

Brunch for the girls at American Girl & a few purchases

Wrigley Field for the boys (go Cubbies, they won in extra innings!)

Shedd Aquarium (love the beluga whales)

Pizzeria Uno (W's choice - I'm a thin crust lover)

Breakfast at Nookies Two in Lincoln Park (love their fresh squeezed OJ - lots of pulp!)

Lincoln Park Zoo

Biking along Lake Shore Drive

Little snack at Taco Fresco

On Monday, I cleaned/scrubbed the house, did laundry and got everything together for the summer move to the cottage. We left Tuesday afternoon and it's all good in Northern Michigan. Everyone is settled in and getting into the summer routine, thank goodness for A/C at the cottage -- it's 90, which rarely happens up here!

Hope everyone is well!

Kitchen Gadget

2009-06-18T15:41:00.005-04:00

I've always wanted a rolling pin that wouldn't stick to the dough or leave a flour trail behind....

I thought about wrapping my sil-pat around the rolling pin, but

Look what I've found:

Sil-Pin

Several different colors and styles - with handles or without

Buy it at any of these stores

Wrapped up

2009-06-17T08:43:00.005-04:00

Today is the last day of school for W&M and here is one of the year end gifts I "wrapped".

Pink paper lunch bag

Pink & white tissue paper flower

Pink & green gift tag

I'm not the craftiest girl, but I was happy about how pretty this gift looked.

After all, it's all about the presentation!

Look it up

2009-06-16T08:34:00.003-04:00

If you are in need of a resource to help you understand today's slang, want to build your vocabulary, need a good laugh or have absolutely nothing to do

visit:

Urban Dictionary

Do you have one of these?

friendtm

Are you one of these?

Recessionista

The Grass is Greener...

2009-06-15T14:39:00.004-04:00

I paid the last bill and cancelled our lawn fertilizing service b/c hubby said they're not doing that great of a job and he'd do it himself.

Come home from various errands this morning and there's a "just fertilized" sign near the driveway and a bill in the door. I call the company to remind them I cancelled per my last bill and I wasn't paying this bill and furthermore the hubby just fertilized yesterday and now my lawn has the potential to look like a hay field!!

Response from owner of said lawn fertilizing company,

"Water the crap out of it."

Golf Humor

2009-06-14T12:45:00.003-04:00

We have a long history of golfers in my family. My brother is a PGA professional working as the head pro at a country club, my dad for fun and (free golf) is the golf starter at a country club, I play, hubby plays and so do the kids. We all love and appreciate a good golf joke.

Golfer: "I'd move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course."

Caddy: "Try heaven; you've already moved most of the earth."

Golfer: "Do you think it's a sin to play on a Sunday."

Caddy: "The way you play, it's a sin on any day."

Golfer: "I think I'm going to drown myself in the lake."

Caddy: "Think you can keep your head down that long?"

Have a great Sunday!

Sweet Giveaway Winner!!

2009-06-13T14:38:00.000-04:00

All American Preppy

"My favorite cupcake of all time is the Vanilla Vanilla cupcake from Magnolia Bakery"

You are the winner of my Sweet Giveaway as chosen by random.org

Please send me an e-mail with your address, etc.

torchlk@gmail.com

Thanks for all the sweet comments.

Seems like a red velvet or a chocolate cupcake with extra frosting was the fav!

Swap Gift Arrives

2009-06-12T14:45:00.005-04:00

The Company She Keeps hosted a koozie swap

and look at my cute koozie from Beantown Prepster.

I love it !!

I think an adult beverage will be tucked comfortably inside it this evening

when I watch the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup (again).

Thank you Beantown Prepster!!!

Cornerstone

2009-06-12T12:55:00.006-04:00

Education in urban cities can work and in Detroit, Cornerstone Schools is the benchmark. This private, Christian school (K-8) in the heart of Detroit is AMAZING.

I have the privilege to be a "partner" at Cornerstone Schools.

As a partner you assist a student financially and provide them encouragement and support. Today was a partner morning, which I love. All partners had the opportunity to hear the concert choir sing, and the 8th grade strings perform. It gave me goosebumps!

I met my student and went to her classroom for visiting and an activity. Our class played Jeopardy. This was right up my alley and Marina, my student, was so excited. She knew we were going to win. Our table of 3 students and 3 partners kicked butt -- and now I know why I'm not going on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader". Marina also gave me a beautiful still life of flowers in a vase that she created in art.

The teachers are so dedicated and really love and care for their students. The teacher mission is "To prepare students for life." The Cornerstone mission is "Changing Detroit one child at a time."

I see this happening before my very eyes with these young people. I'm thankful I can be a part of this community.

Fav Music

2009-06-11T06:01:00.003-04:00

While driving today, I heard "Tempted" by Squeeze on Sirius channel 8 (80's tunes only). Took me right back to the dorm and playing that cassette (okay my age is showing) over and over. I love how a song can do that. Squeeze Singles is a great purchase and it's available on itunes for $9.99!

The songs:

Annie Get Your Gun

Another Nail For My Heart

Black Coffee In Bed

Cool For Cats

Goodbye Girl

Is That Love

Labelled With Love

Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)

Slap And Tickle

Take Me I'm Yours

Tempted

Up The Junction

Reading or Eating?

2009-06-10T08:19:00.004-04:00

Coco wanted to read too.

Looks like I'll be bringing my checkbook to the library.

This was a fun, easy read. The quotes at the start of each chapter are priceless!

She Makes Me Laugh

2009-06-09T08:18:00.004-04:00

Kathy Griffin My Life on The D-List is one of my escape tv shows. My life seems so buttoned up and Kathy gives me a chance to laugh at unpredictable, outrageous and what I think is funny stuff. I am not a fan of swearing, but somehow coming from Kathy it doesn't bother me -- it may shock me at times, but I'm glued to the show - like not being able to take your eyes off the trainwreck.

Season 5 debuted last night on Bravo and Kathy was hanging out with Bette Midler in Vegas. Kathy didn't let me down!

Sweet Giveaway

2009-06-08T08:40:00.004-04:00

With all the sweetness that has been coming my way, it's time for a sweet giveaway!

In the same comment:

1st entry:

What's your favorite cupcake

2nd entry:

Tell me you're a follower or become a follower

3rd entry:

Blog about this sweet giveaway

Giveaway ends at Midnight EDT on Friday, June 12

Winner announced on Saturday, June 13

Inspiration

2009-06-07T10:42:00.002-04:00

This piece of a prayer at church really resonated with me this morning:

Ask much of us,

expect much from us,

enable much by us,

encourage many through us.

BIG Thanks!

2009-06-05T08:31:00.007-04:00

Lauren Nicole Gifts

You, your store & your blog are amazing !!!

Lauren Nicole donated a big box full of her "scrap" (I would not call this quantity & quality scrap) fabric to make book covers for the non-profit at which I work. The patterns are adorable and yes, there is Lilly fabric in there :)

This fabric will make over 200 book covers for stories inner city children have written. Sometimes these are the only books a child will have at home.

Thanks Lauren Nicole for your generous donation and big heart. It's good to have bloggy friends. Be sure to check out Lauren Nicole Gifts, she has beautiful handmade everything and she hosts a fabulous giveaway every week. Feeling a little guilty because not only did I get the fabric I won her jeweled monogrammed bookmark giveaway. Thank you!

ALL Day Project

2009-06-04T17:29:00.002-04:00

Usually I work on Thursday's but not today. W&M got on the bus, sun is shining, it's time to clean the very noticeable layer of dust from the wood window blinds. Yes, call me crazy. This is the kind of dust that the swiffer just can't handle - believe me I've tried.

Put on wellies (w/my shorts - very attractive, but practical)

Get ladder

Get bucket/soap/towels

Clear spot on deck

Laundry room & Kitchen-

Blinds down, washed, dried, rehung.

This is working.

Family room-

Decide instead of laying the blind on the deck I'll drape it over the soccer net which is on the deck b/c of the lawnmower guys. Much easier on the back & it's kinda drip drying. Well after doing 2 blinds this way and then taking them back in the house, I notice the twill tapes that run the length of the blinds have RIPPED and therefore the blinds will not pull up or down and look like the lopsided blinds in a dorm room!

Now I don't know whether this ripping is due to sun damage (agree with me here please) OR it's because I draped them over the soccer net and with the weight and the water they ripped.

Went to Joann's bought the "iron on fusing tape" and it seems to be working. Blinds are hanging up.

Just finished washing the last blind from the family room and I laid it on the deck. It is now drying in the sun. Hoping there is no RIP!

Wasn't this a great use of a day?

Tied up

2009-06-03T14:25:00.004-04:00

Right index finger has lost circulation from tying appx 200 water balloons.

They will be tossed and thrown during Field Day on Friday at W & M's school.

It could have been worse -- 600 balloons were needed!

Thank goodness we had 2 other mom teams!

Framed

2009-06-02T12:04:00.006-04:00

I love unique and fun picture frames. Especially ones that are easy to swap pictures or postcards in and out. These frames could also be used to hold a piece of note paper w/a mssg on your desk or in the kitchen!

Check out Marnier on etsy. She has many cute choices. I purchased a madras fabric frame a while back and I really like it!

Sunday Inspiration

2009-05-31T19:27:00.002-04:00

We can't take any credit for our talents.

It's how we use them that counts.

-Madeleine L'Engle, writer

He He Ha Ha

2009-05-30T12:36:00.003-04:00

What does a skeleton take when he has a cold?

coffin drops

as told by my 7 year old!

My New Job ?

2009-05-29T13:39:00.003-04:00

While walking to the soda counter in Target, a woman with a small child approached me and asked, "Do you know where the restroom is?" I was ready to reply, "Sorry, I don't" but she said first, "Oh, I thought you worked here."

Oh yes, you haven't heard about the new Target uniform:

Sunglasses on your head
Orange tattersall patterned v-neck golf shirt (with club logo)
Khaki golf skort
Navy espadrilles with navy/white pom-poms (yes, those cute Kate Spade ones @ Rue La La)
Hot pink purse

How about that Target employee discount?

Nature Boy

2009-05-28T20:37:00.004-04:00

Went to the Nature Center today with W's 3rd grade class. They have been studying life cycle, bugs, etc. Very humid here today, so there were plenty of water critters to be found. Kids worked in teams of 2 and used a fishing net to dip for critters. They unload their finds into another container and use a key card to determine what they are. W & partner were so proud they found a crayfish, which the group guide informed the group earlier would be highly unlikely. They were very pleased with themselves!

I wish I had an amusing story, like someone got too close to the edge and slipped into the pond or a child tasted a tadpole, but nothing funny.

Little Helper

2009-05-27T14:57:00.005-04:00

Each Wednesday I am the teacher's helper in M's 1st grade class. Today was the pillowcase keepsake project. Each child brings in a pillow case and then parent volunteers write on the poem. Today, I painted the child's hand and then we stamped it on the pillowcase. I love her teacher, Mrs H., and the boys & girls in her class. It was a fun morning. More handprints to be done tomorrow -- but that's for a different mom! I'll be at the Nature Center with W's 3rd grade class. Oh, yes, as a thank you, Mrs H. gave me a lovely pink begonia hanging basket and a water globe. She knows me well -- pink and not so green of a thumb.

So Blue

2009-05-26T17:02:00.003-04:00

The weekend was blue skies, shades of blue water & blue moods when we left.

It was great to spend the long weekend at the cottage. When to the first farmer's market of the season in our small town. Asparagus are in season and we got a beautiful bunch for $2.50. Cooked them on the grill - YUM-O! Picked up the boat from the marina and thank goodness no repairs were required - boats are rather finicky and you just never know. Spent time with our "cottage friends" and nobody wanted to come home. Just a few more wks and we'll be back for the whole summer!!

Spring Flower

2009-05-24T21:55:00.004-04:00

I always know it's spring at the cottage when you see the trillium in the woods.

These are rare wildflowers and at one time were considered endangered in Michigan.

So delicate and pretty!

Preppy @ Hallmark

2009-05-20T15:10:00.007-04:00

I can't think of the last time I shopped in Hallmark, but I needed some printed tissue paper for a project and a friend said, "Hallmark" .

The tissue was perfect

and

Look what I found for $4.99!

Pink & white seersucker fabric

Kelly green grosgrain ribbon handles

Who wouldn't like a gift hidden in this bag?

I'm not so sure I want to part with it!

I see stars

2009-05-19T16:13:00.004-04:00

Are they from Tiffany?

Are they from Michael's?

Yes

These little star fish charms were each $1.00 and came on not so cute corded necklaces. I thought I could use them as package decorations or wine charms and then I decided to put them on my own silver chains and VOILA!

Angel or Demon ?

2009-05-18T13:50:00.003-04:00

Hubby and I had a date yesterday & we decided to go see Angels & Demons.

My review is two thumbs up.

The movie made me ponder the roles of church and science and question if either is compromised if they co-exist? Think modern day - stem cell research....

While not a Catholic, I appreciate all the tradition that the Catholic church maintains and enjoyed watching it play out in the movie.

LOVED all the splendor of Roma & the Vatican as shown throughout the movie. The architecture and the history and the gelato (there was no gelato in the movie!!) makes me want to plan my next trip to Roma now!

Food Bank

2009-05-17T20:06:00.003-04:00

Our Junior League has a partnership with Gleaner's Community Food Bank. On Saturday, I had the opportunity to sort food and pack meal boxes. The meal boxes are delivered to food banks in the metro Detroit area for distribution to people in need. I worked with 2 other JLB members and several high school students. It was a great day! For the 3 hrs we were there, we packed 2800 lbs of food!

This experience opened my eyes to what food banks really need and don't need.

Need:

Cereal (single serving boxes)
Granola bars/cereal bars
Pasta/sauce
Dinner in a can (a la chef boy r d)
Coffee (single packets or small jars instant)
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Lifesavers or other candy treats
Mayo (small containers)

Don't Need:

Weird stuff from your pantry that no one in your family will eat.
Anything homemade
Expired food - You wouldn't believe the bottles of salad dressing donated that were 2 years expired.

I encourage you to find an opportunity in your city to give back!

Down in Detroit

2009-05-15T14:36:00.004-04:00

"Our dealership is closing."

Words that my friend Jen could barely whisper this morning through tear soaked eyes. Her family owns a Chrysler Jeep dealership in suburban Detroit. They received notice yesterday from Chrysler Corp. that their dealership will be closing as a result of the Chrysler bankruptcy. This dealership has been in the family for generations. Her husband works there, her brother in law, etc. etc. It truly is a family operation and she is devastated. I pray for peace, clarity and patience for Jen and her entire dealership family.