Book Review: Lean In

Let's Lean In Togther.

A friend of mine recommended Lean In to me during a work trip a couple months back. The fact that the author, Sheryl Sandberg, was the Chief Operation Officer of Facebook was what initially sparked by interest to read the book. A majority of my career is spent working on social media, so I figured it'd be a good book to stay current on in the ever-changing world of social. HA, little did I know the positive impact, inspiring words and motivation Sandberg would share.
For me, the ticket to a good book is when at random points throughout the day, my mind wonders to the book.... the last chapter I read and what is going to happen next. A lot of ladies have read it in my office and I've managed to weasel it into several conversations. I'd recommend this to every women I know. Sheryl's message is strong and her story is definitely worth sharing. What I appreciate is that she calls it how it is, makes you think back to why you did something and then shares how women can have a seat at every and any table they want. Call me a nerd but I even highlighted certain points that spoke to me and may want to go back and reread.
I snapped an Instagram photo of this book before I turned the first page and my friends, Jamie and Taysha, asked for a review. So ladies, this post was for you and YES-- Go out, buy it and be  ready to be inspired!
Make sure you follow the Lean In Book on Facebook to continue the motivation after you're done with the book. Sheryl has also started a Lean In Community.      

Honoring lifetime accomplishments

A delayed post that has been on my list of things to do for weeks, a month to be exact! About a month ago, my parents and I hopped in the car and drove about 8 hours down to Louisville for the NAILE. Driving time was about 18 hours and we were there for less then 24, just a typical weekend for the Starr Family, really. But what we went down for we wouldn't have missed for anything. My professor at Michigan State and most importantly a family cattle friend, was inducted to the Saddle & Sirloin portrait gallery. Dr. Hawkins is one heck of guy that has impacted the lives of not only cattle breeders but students. He has a heck of a list of accomplishments that would be put any FFA Proficiency application or 4-H Record Book to shame. What was cool is that my family and I knew him well long before I made the decision to be a Spartan. Now how many of your professors were your parents friends with? It's rare, but just proves the type of people the cattle industry is blessed to have. I feel blessed to be called one of Dr. Hawkin's former students. I have good memories of sitting in his classroom listening him speak on beef management and livestock merchandise. But the memories I will cherish forever are talking about the calves being sold in the Fall Fest Sale, who I bred my last MSU show heifer to and doing Hawkin's chores while he and his wife, Kathleen were away. It's not very often that you can connect with one of your professors on such a personal level and still share a common bond after graduation.
Last summer, I was fortunate enough to be a part of group that shared how Dr. Hawkins impacted our lives and careers. I'll let the video do the rest of the talking.


Thank you Dr. Hawkins! Look forward to picking up where we left off at the next cattle event! GO GREEN!

N.Starr

#GivingTuesday

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday

Let's admit it, we spend those three days buying for ourselves. We start out with good intentions but then there's always that one thing that you just can't resist. I've done it and I'm sure you have too. Yesterday I heard of #GivingTuesday and then this little story appeared in my daily Advent book that I'm trying be dedicated to this holiday season. I really hope this new tradition catches on; America needs a day giving to others.

It just so happens that my coworkers and I have adopted a family through United Way of Greater Milwaukee this holiday season. Also a new tradition that has gotten all of us in the spirit! So I thought tonight was the perfect night for a Target run to get something on the family's six year old. On her Christmas list  was cooking and kitchen toys. Which kind of reminded me of when I was a little girl, always pretending to do something. Thrilled that kids are using their imagination! I know, I know that makes me sound old! I hope this little girl lights up when she opens her present and we help make her and her family's Christmas extra special this year.

A set complete with pots, pans, rolling pin, hand blender, a mixing spoons. Makes me want to throw on my apron and pretend to be Martha Stewart!

N.Starr

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Bacon Me Crazy

Happy Valentine's Day!

Did you know the most popular new sayings are:
"Tweet Me", "Text Me", "You Rock",
"Love Bug", "Soul Mate",
and "Me + You".
Times have changed since the original saying
created 145 years ago!

With a blog post title like that I should really get a side job with the conversation heart candy company, don't ya think?
 For the second year in a row I'll be celebrating this holiday in California at World Ag Expo. But I can't think of a better place - representing a great client in animal health, surrounded by agriculture with great coworkers & friends, and slipping on a little wine after hours. I'll take that!
I found this on Pinterest a few weeks ago and had to share in case you were the type of person that stays in and cooks a meal. Wouldn't your Valentine be shocked to see a heart shaped piece of bacon on what they thought was going to be just a typical burger? I know
 I would be. And how easy! Avoid the crazy Valentine's Day
reservation rush, cook up a bacon heart burger and drink a red beer.
Sometimes simpler is better, at least in my world.

N.Starr

Happy New Year!

Yes, I back! The hustle and bustle of the crazy holidays is finally over and we've been greeted with a new year! I can't wait to share with you the fun things I did over break, Christmas with the family and what the new year has in store.
Most of the blogs I follow have shared new years resolutions and top posts of 2012. All neat ideas and what I was planning on doing until... BAM! I woke up on Wednesday to red, watery eyes. HUH? That's strange it must have been my contacts etc. didn't think much of it. Guess it was going to be a glasses kind of day for my first work day of 2013. Thank god my outfit could accommodate a last minute switch to wearing my glasses. But then as the day went on, the redness became worse and I kept thinking 'uhh I can't wait for 5 O'clock so I can just go home and shut my eyes'. Since it wasn't getting better I decided a trip to the urgent care was in order. My baby blues aren't something to mess around with.
After filling out all the dreaded paper work and sitting in the waiting room, only to I'm sure catch my next illness, the nurse finally called me back. After the usual questions, blood pressure and heart beat SHE had the NERVE to ask me to step on the SCALE. Come on lady, we're only a week past Christmas, couldn't she have given me a pass?! But no I had to step on the scale only for the number to confirm that I did in fact eat too many of my dad's homemade, delicious chocolates. Oh you haven't heard.... yes, he'll be putting Godiva gotta business someday.
Back to my eyes.... the doctor wasn't even in the room, took once quick glance and announced a confirmed case of PINK EYE! Gross, yuck. Where did I get that? In my opinion there are only two classes of mammals that get pink... little kids and Hereford cattle. (I know certain readers who will get a kick out of that comment, my brother in-law included!) I don't fit into either one of those.
So here I sit for a couple day in isolation, applying drops ever 3 hours and disinfecting everything in sight. Operation Sanitation is my current motto. The lovely nurse also informed me that pink eye is no way to start the new year, she was a real piece of work.
Expect the unexpected. Go with what life throws at you. This is minor, I'm confident 2013 will be a year for the record books. I'll be living each day to the fullest in no time....that is once I'm able to put my contacts in and have made a trip to the MAC counter for new makeup and brushes (yes, had to throw all that out).
Cheers to a crazy, hectic one-of-kind New Year!
N.Starr

Slow down and think

Think before you speak.

We've all heard it. Don't gossip, if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Easier said than done at times. Especially when you get caught up in the hustle of work, are passionate about a certain topic or have have just flat out had enough.....A great mentor of mine once said "My give a shit meter is busted!" LOVE IT!
So when I can across this today on the Rockin' Rural Women page it reminded me to slow down and really think before I spill. And those that have ever dealt with me on a regular basis know I'm guilty of saying whatever is one my mind at the given moment. You never have to wonder what's going on in this brain of mine.
Thanks RRW for the good reminder for all of us to TRY to follow, once in a while, when our Give-a-Shit Meter is working:)

Time for an Update

My 101 goals in 1001 days was published on April 1, 2012 and no it wasn't an April Fool's joke! It's been a few months so let's see how it's going. I just edited the page, realizing I need to get crackin'. Here's the highlights; visit the tab on the top right for the full list. Pink means complete, blue is in progress.

Travel
7. See my Danielle (sister) graduate from Purdue- A fun weekend of being w/family and packing the cattle trailer for her next adventure, Certified Hereford Beef. And yes, us cattle people move in trailers!

Adventure
23. Eat at a new restaurant (2/5) Mountain Jacks (graduation weekend @ Purdue, Curley's Pub @ Lambeau

Intelligence47. Read the Advantage Newsletter (1/3)- A semi-annual newsletter written by the Nat'l Hereford Board for juniors across the country! A great way to learn what opportunities are available. Brings back good memories of my junior career days!
49. Read a new book (2/6) Reunion, 50 Shades of Grey- Let's be honest, who hasn't read 50 Shades of Grey??

Health, Beauty & Spirit
60. Run a 5K (2/7) Iola Trail Run, Packer 5K- You can see good pictures here and here. Love the feeling of the finish line!

Graditude
75. Write Aunt Sally each month (Apr'12, May'12, June'12)- Love my GREAT Aunt Sally from Virginia. She's my Aunt Jo's sister and celebrates her birthday with lots of Irish festivities.
77. Judge a youth agriculture event- Job Interview Contest @ WI FFA Convention- Just realized (and can't believe) I haven't posted about this, stay tuned for when things calm down.

So there are the highlights. Long ways to go and lots to do & see till December 28, 2014 .

N.Starr

Official Start of Summer 2012

Well if the 90 + degree temperatures isn't enough of a sign of summer today's calendar date is! June 20th-- not only my dad's birthday, but also the first day of summer-- my favorite season.
To kick things off right, I'm having my first blog giveaway! In my opinion with the high temperatures predicted across the country, we're headed into prime wine-drinking time on the patio.  After a hot, sticky Saturday of farm work, I'm ready for evening of drinking my favorite bottle of Kunde wine outside while grilling up a tasty steak. Or maybe colorful kabobs similar to what Cows, Corn and Country Girls posted. PS-I'm jealous of all of you who get to patio drink in the country during the week! :)
So let's celebrate! Here are two chalkboard wine glasses painted by yours truly. This idea is inspired by my Certified Hereford Beef sister. I had fun making them and I'm sure they'll bring lots of fun to your patio drinking!

Win Me!! Use chalk to write your name of your glass.
Your favorite summer wine is sure to taste better in a fun glass!

To enter all you have to do is:

• Be a follower of the Nicole Starr blog, leave a comment saying you do
• Comment below with your favorite summer wine

Easy peasy, right? I can't wait to give these two glasses to one lucky winner! The winner will be announced Friday at Noon.
Good Luck!
N.Starr

Birthday Wish #4--> A house that's MINE

For the Home I Don't Own.


If you follow me on Pinterest you may have see my board titled "For the Home I Don't Own". Still being somewhat young and renting, at times I haven't moved out of that college transitional housing mode. Ya know? Someday I hope to have a big farm house and can decorate it, for now Pinterest will have to do. However I am having fun getting some ideas, and hey a girl can always dream...

Unfortunately I'm having troubles inserting the pictures of my dream house... Please check out my board to see today's birthday wish! One item i repinned from my friend, Holli Hatmaker, she has a great blog called From Paris with Love.

I think my Vera Bradley bags would fit in nicely:)

You can follow me on Pinterest by searching for nstarr.
N.Starr

1001 days from now I'll have........

101 in 1001 goals

As you know from my 3 in 30 monthly challenges, I'm a goal-driven individual. As odd as it may sound, I think I get some sort of emotional high off of checking this off my to-do list. Whether work or personal life, I have a handwritten (usually never-ending) list that I'm plugging along at and living for the moment when I can take a hot pink highlighter and cross it off as complete! In a way it makes sense, from little on I've been the kind of person that's not only working in the present, but also planning for the future.
With that, I've decided to take on a larger goal challenges, 101 goals in 1001 days. Start date was on Sunday, April 1, 2012 (no not an April Fool's joke), with a completion date of Sunday, December 28, 2014. It seems so far away, but yet it also seems like just yesterday I was graduating from Michigan State and entering the real world, hard to believe I've been a MSU alumni for 2 years!
Anyways, I'm excited to see where these 1001 days take me, hopefully I'll get to do a little traveling and knock a few things off my bucket list. Here are some of my favorites, but please see all of them on the '101 Things to do in 1001 Day' tab or by click here.

Travel

• Go to the Kentucky Derby. Yes that right, watch it on TV the first weekend of every May. I'm actually a "Southern Bell" at heart. I would love to get dressed up and wear a big, fancy hat and take in that high-dollar horse racing vibe. And maybe do a little horse betting!

Adventure

• Sailboat ride. Just to say I have and because I've never been.
• Meet the Pioneer Women. Yep, I'm sure you're not surprised, I'm a huge fan! And to get my cookbooks signed, pretty please. Hint Hint... my birthday is in a little over a month and I still don't own cookbook #2....

Gratitude

• Give back to an organization that was good to me and got me to where I am today. Looking forward to this one!

Professional

• Attend a new agriculture event. It's always good to expand your horizons and learn a little something new about the industry we love!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the 101 in 1001 list, it's quite the list and I had fun putting it together. What will you accomplish this April? I'm hoping for a little spring cleaning:)

N.Starr
   

Spring has sprung

Is today the first day of spring??? Because to me it feels more like the first day of SUMMER! Let's hope this warm weather continues. I love of all the signs of spring, I think it's here to stay! Happy Tuesday!

Valentine sweet treats

Perhaps you men didn't take my advice from the Hunk of Beef Monday post and you failed to run out Macy's or Bath & Body to get a perfume/lotion/soap gift combo (remember these items are cattle byproducts). It's OK- today I have the solution to redeem yourself and get you out of the doghouse. As you know, it's "I Heart Beef Month", here's your second chance to combine your Valentine gift with beef awareness......
If this doesn't say "I love you" and "You're my Valentine", I don't know what does!! You're little sweetheart is bound to forgive you for forgetting the Feb 14th holiday when you surprise her with a steak cookie!! Another Pinterest find, thank you! Now you're on your own as far as a recipe and step by step instructions.

.

A normal steak wouldn't contain this much fat. I suggest
adding more meat (aka red frosting) to your cookie.

Since we're sweet talking, I'll leave you with a beef and chocolate health fact...
One-third of the saturated fat in beef is stearic acid, which has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels and is the same fat recognized in chocolate for its benefits.

N.Starr

Who wants a #Hereford cake??

ME ME ME!!!

Last night my sister Danielle came over and exchanged her Kohls fashion plate attire for her baking apron. As a celebration to completed the Kohls summer internship she and her pals are having a cake and wine party tonight in fact. Not many of the other Kohls interns are and original, authentic cow/farmgirl like Danielle. So this has been an eye opener for both parties. Danielle has been able share her cattle lifestyle and education them about all the care that does into raising livestock and the dedication it takes to grow crops to make sure we have enough hay and corn to last a whole year. In return the big city girls are learning more then just fashion and ecommerce. They are learning how their food reaches the dinner table and the crazy, hectic lifestyle we lead but wouldn't trade for the world.
The cake Danielle made represents her 100%. I couldn't think of a more appropriate cake for this event. It represents Danielle, and this will for sure be the first time any of those girls have had a Hereford cake at a cake & wine party!
Never forget where you came from and to be proud of who you really are!



Have a great evening!
N.Starr

#3in30 Feature Guest Post

Sorry for my absence this week it's just been one of those weeks. However I've been ecstatic about the warm 0% humidity and have been spending every waking moment (when not at the office) outside. After the gym I usually go for a little walk around my little subdivision and then eat my supper (and breakfast for that matter) out on my patio over looking a huge lawn (that I never mow!) and tennis court.

Anyways last week I jumped the gun alittle and said I was the #3in30 feature guest post. Well silly Blondie me I got my Wednesday mixed up! It's actually today that I was the featured post. To learn more about it please click here and you'll be transferred to last week's post that's give all the details. And to see my actual feature post on the #3in30 website click here.

Happy Wednesday:)
N.Starr

Helping Those in Need

Joplin Tornado Victims

Last week the company I work for Bader Rutter announced they were collecting items to send to Joplin to help the unfortunate individuals that endured the horrific spring weather two weeks ago. This is just another reason why I am proud to be part of such a generous and thoughtful organization. Not only do we do our best at serving our clients, but we strive to make a difference in our community and country.
When I dropped off my donation items I couldn't believe all the items that had been collected and awaiting to be FedEx to Joplin.
In honor of my new little nephew, Isaac, I donated diapers and wipes. It was something on the listed that caught my eye. From the conversations I've had with my sister I've come to realize what a necessity these things are!!
Anyways, it feels great to help out those in need in hard times like these!

So many choices at Walgreens!! As you can imagine I was alittle out of my element:)

N.Starr

Happy May Day!!

It's May..... Finally!!! Today is the celebration of May Day. While I've only celebrated this holiday one time when in elementary school, May Day always sets off a major trigger in my mind..... 10 days until my birthday. For some reason I've always made a major deal about my birthday (however the older I get the less excitement seems to overcome me!)
May Day is celebrated to commemorate the fight for the eight hour work day. Today is an international celebration of the social and economic achievements in the labor movement. So, how do we celebrate? In the United States we recognize this day as a sign of spring so May Day baskets are made. These baskets are filled with small and unusual flowers or treats and left on someones door step. The giver rings the door bell and runs. The person receiving would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person a kiss would be exchanged. Kind of a cool old tradition, but unfortunately I don't hear of May Day baskets being exchanged anymore. Hope you had a great Sunday! The sun is finally shining here, YEAH!
N.Starr

Try This..... 31 Ways to be a Better Person

Today is gorgeous sunny day! It puts me in such a happy go-lucky mood! After my walk around Bishop's Woods near my office I'm fully charged to take on the the afternoon. The sunshine puts everyone in a much better mood and I find people are more apt to do a good deed. Today I found this article: 31 ways to be a better person; read it and see if there's something you do throughout your day. Remember little things go along ways too! Enjoy the 60* weather we are having:)

31 Ways to be a Better Person
1.Pick up a piece of trash at the beach. It won't kill you.
2.Teach someone something new. Human interaction speaks louder than Google.
3.Shop in a new store. Break your routine. Never know who you'll run into.
4.Go grab a drink by yourself. See how comfortable you are in your own skin and how well you handle "traffic."
5.Donate something to a person who truly needs it.
6.Have an opinion and know how to express it without offending.
7.Pick one topic per week and learn about it. Have something to bring to a conversation.
8.Offer before someone has to ask.
9.Discover a new area.
10.For one day, keep all negative comments to yourself.
11.Be a leader not a preacher. Set a good example and don't mention it.
12.Look people in the eye as you pass them on the street. Smile.
13.Learn about your co-workers.
14.Surprise someone with a gift. Make their day.
15.Leave your "baggage" at home. Negativity breeds negativity.
16.Be inquisitive. Ask others questions about them without waiting for your turn to speak.
17.The big stuff is obvious, remember the little things. They often matter the most.
18.Cook, build or make something from scratch. Even if it tastes bad, looks bad or falls apart, you did it yourself and you'll do better next time.
19.Facebook, e-mail or write a hand-written letter. If someone acknowledges you, acknowledge them back.
20.Make a list and accomplish one thing you've been putting off each week.
21.Set goals. Write them down. Achieve them because you can!
22.Listen more. Talk less.
23.Remember that when you have a rough day, you're not the only one.
24.Be aware of your surroundings.
25.Make someone else's problem your problem and do your best to help.
26.Be incredibly nice to everyone for one whole day.
27.Own up to your mistakes and deal with the consequences immediately. Move on.
28.Cut the drama out of your life.
29.Take initiative. Don't wait to be told to do something.
30.Be a hard worker for yourself, but have confidence that others take notice.
31.Make time to live life and stop going through the motions of just living.


How do you make a difference? Do you have anything to add to this list??? Please share:)