A Day In The Life Of A Retail Specialist

The days that I'm not working from home, I'm usually out merchandising stores. I just worked at an 8th grade Career Fair last week and tried to explain exactly what a retail specialist does. Everyday seems to involve graphic design, photography and phone calls!

Sometimes, I design plan-o-grams and wall elevations:

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Other times I'm moving things around and re-displaying them to help increase sales:

When I am at home, I might create an e-commerce store, design emails or create brochures for a client:

And if it's a particularly good day, I'm setting up client Facebook and Pinterest pages. :)

After six hours of talking, I wanted to say "Go to college and don't do drugs!" But seriously, in the end, it was a great opportunity to let students know that there are many great careers out there if you're willing to work hard and smart!

For The Love Of Turquoise!

Ever since I saw this duvet cover (from Young House Love,) I can't get it out of my head...

Unfortunately, I think West Elm no longer makes this one. :(

I've also fallen in love with turquoise, I'm finding it everywhere and not sure if Husband will agree to this color in our lake house.

Young House Love

And this kitchen, oh my...

House of Turquoise

What about this bathroom? Why is it not in my house?!?

Anyway, we'll see how it goes, maybe something small, or just one (or two) rooms...visit my Pinterest page and see what our plans are for our lake house!

DIY: Countertop Transformation

I want to do this in my laundry room!

According to my research, I would have to spend about $250 in order to update my mustard-colored countertop.

Have you tried this? Some reviews on Amazon say it's a mess and a hassle. What are your thoughts?

Visit Rust-Oleum for more details.

Repurposing for Free

Does your box of baking soda look like this?

Mine does. To keep it safe from spills, I cleaned a plastic container that held our grated Parmesan cheese and stuck a label on it.

Open the one side of the top and use in the fridge to absorb smells, or keep it in your pantry and use the other side to scoop out for when you're baking. Super cheap.

(FYI- the label is a blank address label, cut with fancy scissors which I wrote on! Free and easy!)

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!

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!

Shari Lynne @ www.faithfilledfoodformoms.com says:

March 19, 2012 1:12 PM 

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

Blessings!