Friday, March 30, 2012

When In Wisconsin...


...do as the Wisconsinites do?

Hey-Oh! Husband's Spring Break. Destination? Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Why? Beer

I always look forward to this time of year when we get a breather from running 3 kids in 3 different directions and instead get a little alone time that isn't dependent on a bedtime schedule.

We decided to work and play, which meant visiting some local microbreweries. I actually don't drink much beer, but I've been learning a lot about the brewing process since
I now have a brewery as a client.


I don't think taste-testing beer is that much different than wine. The characteristics are similar; appearance, aroma, taste/finish and how some foods mesh better with some beers, and others don't.

The one thing I do know is what I like, and I love to taste a beer that has a great deal of "hoppiness." This references the hops which provide an herbal, crisp, bitter palate cleansing effect to beer.

I've also discovered that there are possibly as many varieties of beer as there is wine! Fascinating!

Two years ago, we discovered Door County and thus began our wine tasting experience. It was one of the best times Husband and I had together.


I have to admit, I get a kick out of the beer names too. The beer pictured above is an IPA called "Hopasaurus Rex," one of the many favorites at Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay.




These names come from the Stone Celler Brew Pub in Appleton, Wisconsin.


But enough of that, now that my week has come to an end, I guess I can relax a little and read the "Hunger Games" with the rest of the world.


Thanks to my eldest daughter who has gotten me hooked!


Have a great weekend!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Earthquakes, Spring Fashion & Lemonade Pie

It's been crazy  in our little Midwestern town. We've had everyone from CNN to Fox News here reporting on the minor earthquake that has the people buzzing. The strange booming noises and shakes that started last Sunday night have the conspiracy theorists talking about everything from hidden bunkers to aliens! Yikes!


Even though Juno, the English Mastiff is pretty laid back, the strongest of the shakes did wake her up this past Monday night!

But aside from all the drama, our family was able to taste test a recipe from Pinterest; Pink Lemonade Pie. Yum. It was fabulous.


I've also started thinking about spring dresses and summer fashion since it's been unseasonably warm here (we're talking 70s to 80s, in March!) Talk about madness!


Don't you love this spring dress from H&M? Check out my other Spring pins on Pinterest.

Hope everyone else has had a less hectic week than our family! Enjoy your weekend!


Congrats to Shari Lynne who won the Re-tie giveaway! I'll be contacting you via email with details!


Totally LOVE this idea! so cute! My fave accessory is earrings:)
Blessings!


Monday, March 19, 2012

Giveaway: Re-tie Hair Accessories

I'm so excited to announce this giveaway! My friend Kathy has a new website catering to her handcrafted hair accessories which have been selling like hotcakes!

Re-tie Accessories are gorgeous, one-of-a-kind hair accessories made from recycled neckties. Not only is this good for the environment, but each headband or head scarf is unique, you'll never see the same one twice!


Kathy's Re-tie headbands have really taken off among the college-aged girls as well, it's quite the fashion statement! You can visit her website here to see the assortment of styles and colors!



Re-tie scarves are versatile and you can wear them in a variety of ways.
To win one of these amazing headbands, here's what you have to do:

  • Leave a comment on my blog telling me your favorite fashion accessory (mandatory.)
  • For more chances to win, leave an additional comment each time you:
    • Follow me with Google Friend Connect
    • Follow me on Pinterest
    • Like As For Me And My House on Facebook
One lucky reader will be chosen via Random.org and notified on this blog and via email on Friday, March 23, 2012. (Prize ships only in United States.)

As always, I'm a huge proponent of supporting small businesses, so drop by the Re-tie website and check it out! Good luck everyone!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

A Pinterest Inspired Home Office

I've gotten stuck on the color scheme of blue and white (and sometimes black) so when I had time to dream up ideas for a new home office, I came up with this:

{designed on olioboard}

I blame Pinterest. It's where I get all my ideas! It's where I also found this laundry room...

{Cameras And Chaos}

and this bathroom and blue door all from houzz...



Pinterest is addicting, only according to the now 18 million users! What's the last thing you pinned?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Today Is Pi (Pie) Day

As in pi = 3.14159265.


But because we celebrate everything in our family, we will be making "pie," starting with Pink Lemonade Pie, that I pinned on Pinterest.


Photo courtesy of Seriously Daisies


We've made other pies like Apple Pie,




...and eaten this delicious Raspberry Pie that was given to us.




But today, we will attempt Pink Lemonade Pie. We'll see how it turns out!



Friday, March 2, 2012

My Kitchen Design

I'm putting together ideas for my kitchen. It's what I do when I have a few minutes to spare. I would have to paint the hutch black and change the flooring...love the drum shade (I'd have to buy that!) What do you think?