Dear Double Stuffed.....

Happy 100th Birthday!
Thank you for being there for me.

Yep, this picture captures my childhood in a nutshell. I was THAT kid that LOVED Oreos. In fact, the above image was the cover of last year's birthday card from my sister Danielle. You know a card is made for you when you accidentally run crossed it in a drawer and say, "Um guys, I don't think I was suppose to find this, but... is this card suppose to be for me?" No worries I acted surprised when I received in a few months later for my birthday--probably one of the better cards I've ever received.
This week as Oreos' celebrates its' 100th birthday I reflected on the necessity that this cookies played in my life. As a child, or teenager, OK fine I'll admit... young adult it was or is nothing for me to sit down with Oreos' friend, milk (I drink skim--I'm health conscious") and eat an entire row ! Something about that chocolaty cookie with creamy frosting that would set me in a better mood! Come to think of it Oreos and I go back along way... through the good, bad and ugly times (i.e. selected as classroom line-leader, outdoor recess, good report card, killing sister's pet frog, getting kicked by a heifer, forgetting to shut the gate to the pasture, unnecessary social drama, not getting that first job I interviewed for) anyways, this fine cookie has been there for me through thick & thin! Probably more on the "thick" side though..... it's a wonder I don't weigh 300 pounds, but probably explains the extra 10 pounds I just can't seem to shake! 
Happy Birthday Oreo! Cheers to many more dunks!

N.Starr

Friday Flare: My Domestic Side

An Additional Tab

Happy Friday! I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but in Wisconsin it's windier and ranier then ever! Definetly feels like October... Speaking of October, earlier this week I talked about the Signs of Fall. To follow that I would like to introduce you to a new tab: Domestic Side. It's a page on my blog dedicated to showing off all my Becky-Homecky projects. Take a peak I know you want to! Items are for sale at The Flower Pot (Manawa, WI), The Lily Pad (New London) and by contacting me. Move that mouse to the upper right-hand corner and see what I've been crafting up this week. Continue to check the tab for updates and new items.

Here's a teaser....

Great fall decor....

Friday Flare --> VICI Capilli

Finally have my Brookfield hairstylist!

In my experiences of moving a place doesn't feel like a home until you finally have a hairstylists. You see living in Lansing I got totally hooked on a male hairstylist Alex. Hands down the best haircuts, highlights and head/neck massages I've ever received. Since I was such a loyal customer he treated me well in terms of coupons, freebies etc. Sadly I had to leave Alex behind at the Regis Salon in the Meridan Mall.
Tuesday however I found a replacement! My friend Laurie referred me to a girl named Inge at VICI Capilli Salon in Brookfield Square. Not only did I get a great haircut (it was lookin rough, too plain & simple for this wild child), Inge has a fun personality and we chatted the whole time. Yes finding a hairstylist is more than just a good cut & color it's about the friendship and conversations you have! For me, I must be able to bond with the individual with the scissors!
I've had some bad experience over the past 6 months, for me my hairstylist must meet the following set of criteria:

•  He/She must NOT have streaks of hot pink, purple, blue, orange or lime greens color in their hair.
• DO NOT scrub my scalp raw at the shampoo bowl with the water hose. I don't need a scalp exfoliating treatment.
• Like my doctor I prefer the individual to be older then me
• Must be able to carry on a somewhat intelligent conversation; please refrain from saying "umm ya, totally, so like" etc.
• I came in for a good cut and/or color, however a conversation is important to! I must bond!

Needless to say I'm very happy with Inge, we've bonded, she's meet the criteria above and will be back for a second appointment. If in the Brookfield area I recommended VICI Capilli, ask for Inge!

N.Starr

Friday Find--> Cupcake Vinyard

Sweet Sugar on the Lips!

Us Starr Sisters & Mom love our wine, with the exception of Lindsay (right now), being prego puts a hold on the wine intake!

This is our new wine find, Cupcake Vinyard. I, of course was drawn into the unique vintage label. I am a red wine drinker so have only tried the Merlot; but there's also several other types including sparkling champagne, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet etc. Check out there website: Cupcake Vinyard.

The sweet taste and blissful smell is a great way to unwind and relax. Cupcake vine can be purchased at any major grocery store for a reasonable price of $12-$15/bottle. It's right on the top of my grocery list along with Milk, bread, eggs and yogurt! Next time you're looking to spoil yourself just a bit sneak a bottle of this into your cart. You won't regret it! Enjoy, if you try a different kind please share your review:)

Cheers to a weekend of fun, laughter and a little Cupcake Wine drinking!

N.Starr 

Friday Find--> MADELINE BOOTS

A nice western/rain boot combo

While shopping with my Mom at a cute little store in Waupaca I fell head over heels in love with these boots. What a statement I thoughts and for a reasonable price of $40 who in their right mind would leave these behind. Off out the door I went with these fashionista rain/cowgirl boots and a black ruffly dress.
They're so fun and spark a lot of conversation in the office or outin' about in Milwaukee. These boots are part of this year's Easter outfit, I'm sure it'll be a hit.

Happy Good Friday.

Friday Find --> Water for Elephants

Another book I won't be able to put down.....

Water for Elephants. While I'll admit I don't know any about the book or almost release it is certainly the buzz amongst by co-worker at Bader Rutter. I fell so deeply in love with the book Black Heels to Tractor Wheels and have been lonesome for a good book ever since I turned the last page.
Today some gals and I went to Potbelly's for lunch and chatted about the book and the anticpation of the new movie release. One my way home from work today I made a pit-stop at Barnes & Nobles (I'm almost a regular) and picked it up, only $14; a good book buy!
From what I gather it's a romance about a vet student to get involved with a circus who falls in love with a blonde bombshell who is part of the circus crew. Like I said I don't know much, excited to get started. And I really like movies with Reese Witherspoon.
I'm hoping this will be another book I can't put down. I'm going on a little road trip this weekend leaving tomorrow returing Sunday (short trip!!). Can you guess where I'll be going????
Anyways I'm hoping this book will occupy my time and to get it read before the movie is released Easter weekend. Here's the movie preview.


Have a  great weekend!
N.Starr

Friday Find--> Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

Happy April Fool's! What trick/pranks did you play today? Today I am reminded of my Grandma Lindsay, she was an April Fool's baby. Though not with me today I know she's looking over me and my family. Even though I was young when she passed away I'm grateful for the fun memories; but comforting to see her resemblance through my mom. Today we are greeted with a gloomy, rainy day. So I thought it would be a good excuse to pass on the gym and come home to relax from the week. I made a pit-stop at Barnes & Noble to purchase a book I've had my eye one for some time now.... Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by: Ree Drummond. A few of my friends have read it and supposedly can't put it down. Ree began blogging in 2006 and has built http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ into an award winning website; sharing recipes, showcasing photography, and documents the daily hilarious occurrences she has experienced going from city life to rancher's wife! Ree has appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and The view. Ree lives on a working cattle ranch near Pawhuska, Oklahoma with her husband and four children.

Sadly I have no plans this weekend (call me an Old Maid), but am looking forward to see how far into this I can get this weekend. So I'm told that once you start you can't put down. From what I have learned Ree is an inspirational lady, especially for us agriculture goddesses!

Have a great weekend!

N.Starr

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