Time for a new look.

I went with this brown option to be more versatile with my wardrobe.

We all need a face lift ever once in a while. Whether it be a new tube of lipstick, designer jeans or a pair cowboy boots. I was due for a lift; while not ready for an actual face lift to calm the crows feet I opted for frames. My last glasses purchase was my sophomore year of college, six years ago to be exact. The old DKNY rectangular black plastic frames had seen better days and were pretty banged up. I'm a frequent offender of falling asleep with them on.
Shopped around and fell in love with these Juicy Coutures on framesdirect. Trendy, but classic frame size, but yet not too big. This is my first day with them, so far so good. Super comfortable and as a perk they don't slide down my short nose.
Maybe brown isn't for you, come to find out this style has a lot of colors to pick from.

Cute, but wouldn't work with all pink I have in my closet.

These were my runner-up.

 The real selling point on these though... the polka dots! Sure this isn't a surprise. Those that follow me know that I'm a firm believer that polka dots are acceptable for any occasion. The even better news: all lenses are 30% for a limited time on the Frames Direct website.

Proof of my belief that polka dots are always acceptable.
Because just wearing a polka dots sweater wasn't enough to complete today's outfit.
Happy to have another thing to add to my polka dot collection! 

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

Country Girl Faux Pas

I'm a Country girl.

And that's where I belong, but during the week I get to pretend to be a city girl with a fun career (however, that part about my career is real :) And sometimes my country girl attributes make me look a bit out of place, I'm not bothered by it though, luckily someone once told me to never forget where I came. Take yesterday for instance...
It was a warm day and after work I was headed to my cousin's for our traditional Modern Family Night. It was 5:30, sun was still shining, accomplished a lot at work and looking forward to a run around the park--life was good. And in this country girl's world, when life is good and the weather is warm...the big sunglasses are on, all windows down, sunroof open, radio blasting (may or may not have been doing the head bob thing:) as I'm driving through the city feeling like "one of them". In my mind I look something like this:

When in reality, there was sweat and make up running down my face and I'm still driving the same car I had when I was 16! I was stopped at a red light, probably jamming to a little Pink, as I turn my head to the left, I look to see a 17-18 year old boy driving a mini-van blow a kiss at me and do a little wave. All in one motion, my head slowly goes down, windows go up, radio down, hands ten and two! What at first was embarrassment turned into a little boost once I realized that high school boy was trying to flirt with a soon-to-be 24 year old! 
With that, it's time to kick-off Nicole's Birthday Wish List Countdown! It's promised to be just as good as last year. The fun part about this is there are no rules, anything and everything (no matter how far fetch from reality) goes! Today'll start off a bit more practical...

Yes, I'm a fan. You're all aware by now I'm sure. Read the book, have cookbook #1, DVR the Saturday cooking show. But what may come as a surprise is Ree's second cookbook came out two months ago and I have yet to own it, shocking I know. So that my friends is practical Birthday Wish #1. I promise if you buy it I will make lots of yummy meals:)

N.Starr

Mismatched for life?!

Please someone explain to me how I lose socks. I live by myself, don't sort my clothes with anyone but myself and yet I still manage to lose them! They go from my feet, to the hamper then down the hall to the wash machine. Very simple one would think, but yet when folding clothes (my least favorite chore) I always seem to winde up with at least one lonely sock. Perhaps someone has found a genious idea on Pinterest that prevents this misfortune? If so, please share!
The only solution I've come up with is wearing fun decorate socks, making the matching process easier. And besides white socks are just too serious for me. Bright stripes, poka-dots and zig zags take me back to my youth and I'm all about staying young! However no such luck! 

Missing: Orange/Pink diamond pattern sock w/yellow hearts.
If found please return to owner!

Life's too short for serious grown-up socks!

N.Starr

A Meet & Greet

With my new best friend

This past weekend I added a staple to my cowgirl boot collection. I can't hide it, I love cowgirl boots, for a real conversation starter I recommend you check out these boots. Well, I've had my eyes on the vintage look for quite some time, after several searches I finally found a pair that would fit my brand so to speak. In fact, several of you even helped with my decision-- I totally owe you, Thanks! So here they are in all their beauty.....The Brown Truffle Vintage Corral West Boots.

Not only do I love the look I LOVE the name... Brown Truffle...mmmm...
sounds like something you'd find at a fancy chocolate shoppe!

The tag says that these boots like to drink wine, dance and have a good time.... I think we'll get along just fine!  Breakin' them in today, glad I have the luxury of wearing my boots whenever my little heart desires! Now if only Isaac's boots would arrive I'd be set!
Happy Tuesday!
N.Starr

It's Show Day

Yesterday I shared with you the good times we had the MSU Fall Fest sale, and today I'd like to tell you about the heifer we purchased. This morning our new heifer will be shown in Louisville at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), one of the largest cattle shows in the country. Her name is MSU Rachel, was born in February and comes from excellent nationally recognized genetics. We're very excited to watch her show this morning (via Internet) and at the National Western Stock Show (in person). The MSU Purebred Beef Center has been washing and blowing her hair daily in preparation for the sale and upcoming shows. MSU exhibited Angus and Hereford cattle at this show, wish them (and us) the best of luck this morning with the Hereford cattle.

If you are interested in watching the Hereford show or perhaps are interested in what the front-end of a cattle show entails, click here. The NAILE will be streaming the show live. Just a little background... the heifers are shown in their age groups and are lead around the show ring by their owners in front of a judge. The judge evaluates the heifers by looking at their phenotype (body structure, the way the walk, observable characteristics, longevity) and viewing their performance data, which are called E.P.D.s (Expected Progeny Differences) . The judges places them first, second, third, etc. First and second places class winners compete in their division and then champion and reserve divisions compete for overall Grand and Reserve Champion. This is comparable to a beauty pageant:)

Introducing MSU Rachel, sired (father) is Bailout. Wish us luck this morning!

 Happy Thursday!

N.Starr

How to JAZZ up a pumpkin

Decoupage pumpkins

First I have to give credit where credit is to. While at a gas station during a road trip my mom and I had about a month ago, we eyed the decorative pumpkins on the cover of the September issue of the Country Living magazine. We HAD to know how they did it! I had never even heard of decoupaging, but over the past couple weeks I've become quite the pro. My little Brookfield, WI pumpkin factory has been just a cranking these pumpkins out to get ready for the Shawano Farmers Market last weekend. With Halloween only a couple weeks out I wanted to share with you the decoupage technique.

Buy yourself a small/medium or pie sized naked pumpkin.

The bigger the pumpkin the longer it takes.
Small pumpkins are more decorative anyway!

Print out 4-5 color copies of your favorite pattern (make color copies of fabric or find your print online). This is my new favorite pattern. And cut into 1 inch stripes like this:

A straight edge paper cutter comes in real
handy during this step

Apply mod podge with a sponge brush to the back side of the strips (one at a time) and vertically place onto pumpkin. Rub the center of the strip and work your way to the edges to avoid wrinkles (we hate wrinkles!) Keep placing the strips onto the pumpkin an inch an a half apart and then go back and fill in the empty space. This tactic works best since you're dealing with a round pumpkin. It may not make the most sense but trust me on this one!

Pour the mod podge into a bowl for ease

Once completed apply a thin layer of mod podge to the entire pumpkin to completely seal the paper to the pumpkin.

And ta-da! A completed pumpkin that looks like this! This pumpkin will be going on my desk at work, but these would also make great center pieces for Thanksgiving.

With a little raffia this will be a great fall desk decor.

For more design styles check out the far right tab, Domestic Side.

N.Starr

Friday Flare: Jewelry Find

Janeen Reid-- Hidden Creek Ranch

Today I would like to feature a good friend Janeen who has a strong passion for making jewelry and is quite talented as well:) You can find her sitting behind her decorative display at quite a few of the cattle shows throughout the Wisconsin area. She is very helpful and willing to recreate a necklace if there's one you like but would like even more if you could alter or add alittle of your own personal flare to the piece.
Janeen has a wide selection of several stones & gems. The jewelry is very classical, elegant and sophisticated. Not like some of that other jewelry that is what I'll say big, loud and obnoxious! Take a peak at what I bought this past weekend from her at the Midwest Regional Jr. Hereford Show this past weekend. It took me forever to decide, I have quite a wish-list started:)

I LoVe all the character this necklace has:)

This was just too unique to leave behind. All you turquoise lovers would love Janeen's offering:)

Friday Flare--> Papyrus Greeting Cards

Made someones day

I spoke about my one of many shopping addictions, greeting cards, a few months ago. But this week's Flare features Papyrus Cards. This collection draws me in every time I stroll down the Target card aisle seeking out the perfect card. My first draw is the fact that they are protected by the cellophane wrapper, keeping them perfectly free from finger prints. And how many times have to found the PERFECT card only to discover the matching envelopes are gone?? Well with Papyrus you won't have to worry..... the card and envelope are tucked safe in a sleeve.
These brightly bold colored cards make a classical statement. The receive is sure to admire, enjoy and opt to put on display. All cards come with a smashing envelope and gold seal to place on the outside. It's truly a high class way to send a greeting card whether it be birthday, anniversary or just because:)
This card was purchased for my long time pen pal AUNT SALLY. We are really good about writing and keeping each other up with what's happening. Just about once a month we exchange letters or cards. It's fun to receive mail and for me part of the fun is picking out a special eye appealing card to brighten my Aunt Sally's day!
Do you have a pen pal?? These days with email, cell phones and text messaging it's easy not to do. However you need to remember the powerful, thoughtful message of a handwritten note.

What a fun-put-together-card to receive:)

Friday Find---> Seasonal Flare

Scraves

Around my birthday I touched on this a bit and it's becoming a new fad on mine!! These little scarves have completly taken my heart away!! According to Coach they are ponytail scraves. The clerk at the Johnson Creek Outlet mall showed me a fashionable way to tie these scarves onto the strap of your basic yet classical purse for a little "Seasonal Flare" as I like to call it. I plan on adding a few to my lonely 1 collection to suite my fancy for  mood I may be in:) Switchin' things up a bit never hurts! Generally these are about $38..... a fun little treat!

Check out the variety!

And if you need a little plaid in your life!

My ultimate fav! This Poppy collection is fun for summer:)

N.Starr

Wish-List Countdown Day 9

A Spring Career-girl Wardrobe

I have a closet full of clothes, but yet can never find anything to wear to the office! Today I would like to show you my dream wardrobe. My co-workers can vouch for me when I say this but I LOVE The Limited work clothes. Basically half my closet is Limited! So here's a peek at the spring collection that makes me want a rich boyfriend!! Just Kidding!

A pleated 1950's skirts. For being so fair skinned I'm surprised at how much yellow I love wearing. Oh and the shoes are sweet too!

Once again, sucker for ruffles! With a little cardigan over it this would be great in the office, yet flirty for happy hour!

While I probably don't need ANOTHER strapless dress, who can resist this? Again with a little cardigan this is the perfect office dress. Also great for all those summer occasion: weddings, baptisms, cocktail parties.... The options are endless! Love the print, would have also been great for Easter.

Hope you are enjoying Nicole's Birthday Wish-List! While I'm not expecting anything, a girl can still dream:)

Friday Find: Fossil Handbags--> Spring is here.......

Time to put away the winter purse.......
The sign of the temperature rising and green grass growing means lots of things..... but today it means that it's time to pack away my dark Brighton purse and make a statement with a fun exciting purse that screams SuMmEr Time. With my Lenten promise of no shopping it kinda makes it hard to do my annual splurge of a new spring purse, my eyes can still wander and gaze at the new selection though! This Friday's Find is the Fossil purses. Now I know there not Coach, Dooney & Bourke or Chanel, but who can resist a flowerly purse like these. Bonus for my budget-friendly readers-- They're not too terribly priced, just perfect for a trendy unpractical handbag that only screams "WILD FLOWER CHILD" at the summer outings! Enjoy........

Love the floral print, unique design too!

You all know pink is my favorite color:)

This is just a taste of my love & addiction for purses..... more is to come!

Friday Finds--> Greeting Cards 101

What Friday Find on a Monday? Yep, it's coming twice this week! This is an exciting week because: a) The week will end with March and the beginning of April b) The temperature is expected to be above freezing (during the day) c) I am on track to finish my Masters of Beef Advocacy! Can you say CELEBRATE!!! Ok and the truth is, I've been horrible at blogging on Friday due to insane weekends! So here it goes; letting you in on one of my obsessions: The Greeting Card aisle (especially at Target). I am obessed with buying greeting cards, my shopping cart always seems to detour me through that aisle and I'm competely suckered in gazing at all the bright pretty cards (I'm sure this correlates with my wrapping & tissue paper/gift wrapping obsession). $25 later and a little ticked at myself I come strolling out with my greeting card collection. I always seem to find excuses or think of people who "must" have a card sent to them. 9/10 the cards are being purchased for my GREAT Aunt Sally, my goal is to write to her once a month. But deep down I think it's because I love sending mail in hopes of brightening & surprising someone's day. It's a cost effective and easy way to show a distant friend or relative that you are thinking of them. While I think E-mail and Facebook are great ways to connect, we also need to remember the powerful message that a handwritten note sends. I figure no one enjoys looking through the mail after a long day of work, only to find bill after bill. It always makes my day when there is a brightly colored envelope with my name on it, and I like to do the same for someone else. Today's tip is: Always send a handwritten thank you note, especially when job interviewing. A handwritten note goes along way- it shows the individual you are appreciative and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Were any of you on the receiving end of these greeting cards??? N.Starr

A Bun in the OVEN!!

This may be an odd title, but it pretty much sums up my weekend: Lindsay's (my sister) Baby Shower. It was a success, lots of people, laughs, and a spectacular tea party brunch. Like all baby showers we spent a majority of our time oohing and aahing over all the cute presents. Lindsay is due May 9th (a day before my birthday, what a present to become an Aunt on my Birthday! Keeping my fingers are crossed!) Boy or Girl no one knows:)

Around Christmas time my friend Melissa Leander shared on her blog, Chronicle of a Lipstick Cowgirl, the most innovative way to bake bread: in a Mason Jar! I jumped right on this creative bandwagon and they ended up making excellent Holiday gifts. Real easy: Mix up for favorite bread batter, fill into 1/2 full into greased wide-mouth mason jars, bake @ 325 for 45 minutes. Boil lids and rings. Place lids and rings onto jars immediately coming out of the oven and they will seal. :) Decorate with ribbon if desired.

As a unique party favor for the shower I baked three different kinds of bread (lemon poppy seed, banana, and zucchini) in mason jars and have officially named them "A Bun in the Oven". They were a huge hit, specially amongst the "older" crowd. They were displayed in an antique buggy and our guests each took one (or two) as they departed. I will let the pictures capture the thrill of the party. After the busy weekend, I'm exhausted and ready to watch the Bachelor FINALE. Who's going to win Emily or Chantel?? I'm cheering for Emily.

"Bun in the Oven" display

"OOHing and AAHing" at all the cute baby clothes

The Grandma TO-BE, Aunts TO-BE with the Soon to be MOMMA:)

N.Starr

Friday Finds --> A "Grown-Up" Lunch Box

TGIF! I am devoting Friday's to only fun easy to read posts about my latest trends, must-haves and obsessions! I'm waring you now you never know what Friday will bring! Today I'm sharing with you my "grown-up" lunch box from Francesca's. Lately everything that my eyes zone into at store is the popular paisley/floral print. So it was no surprise that I couldn't leave this purse-looking lunch box be on the shelf while shopping with my cousin Karen. It's become my signature at work (in the fridge at least)!. No one else has it so there's never a worry someone will accidentally eat my ham sandwich and yogurt! This trendy look takes packing-a sack lunch to a whole new fashionable level. A steal for only $12. Are any of you ladies Francesca shoppers? My mom and sister, Lindsay, introduced me; not every mall has one. I'd call it a unique boutique; with one-of-a-kind dresses, tops, jackets & accessories. They also carry Miss Me Jeans- I hope to someday own a pair!

Have a great weekend all!

N.Starr