Cowgirl Boot Mileage

Who's happy it's Friday? I am! And today's a good day to show off my boots. New? Nope, just resoled. You see these boots have put on a lot of miles over the past 5+ years. The stories they could tell if they could talk. Take that back... maybe it's a good thing they can't!
They've put on so many miles that the soles were completely wore out. Since they're full-quill ostrich, they were worth having resoled. Basically this is like when the treads on your tires wear out. Yes, the bottoms were balding and I needed a new set of tires! So this is how it works in my mind: since boots can be resoled it's OK to spend money on them... that makes them some sort of an investment, right?! :)
A shout out to Nigro's Western Store in Kansas. They have an awesome store-- even did a little damage when I was there last summer-- with a super cute clothes and one heck of a boot collection. But what really sets them a part is their customer service. Last summer they really took an interest in helping us find boots that not only fit but were comfortable. They also gave us tips on caring for our boots and how we can get the most mileage ;)

Check 'em out, and be sure to Like them on Facebook. A special thank you to my sister, Danielle-- she surprised me with the resoling as an early Birthday present.


Shined, conditioned and ready to
take on the world...round two!

High Five for Spring

This post was actually intended to be a High Five for February post. But, since I've been MIA and busy it obviously didn't happen but the five things are too good not to share. So here are five things worth a shout out.

1. Introducing Miss Charlotte Starr Johnson
   I have a new niece born February 10. I couldn't be happier about having a girl to spoil. All along Isaac insisted he was going to have a sister, and called her baby ham). We're happy he was right, otherwise my mom and dad would had to be the bearer of bad news to explain he had to live with a brother. Forever. Now out of the blue, Isaac has started calling her 'Charlotte Baby Ham O'Johnson'. Poor thing, she's going to have to put up with a crazy brother.
2. Wisconsin Hereford Association-- Hall of Fame
   A week before Charlotte was born, my parents were inducted into the WHA Hall of Fame. It was so nice of them to honor my parents. A surprise to my parents, Lindsay and I did the introduction of them. We decided a roast would be the best route. Like any cattle family, we have a lot of good stories, that are just too good not to share. Thanks again, Wisconsin Hereford Assoc. for honoring my parents.
    
3. Winter, yes it's still here.
   Will it ever go away? It's March and still no signs of spring. It's been long enough, we're ready for the temperature to rise. At least there are nice people my work who surprise you by cleaning off the snow on your vehicle. Yes, a mystery. It was such a nice gesture that I immediately paid it forward and helped the person next to me brush off the 6+ inches we were so lucky to receive.

    

4. Escaping from the winter
   Luckily I got to get away from the cold and spend a week in California for World Ag Expo. A good tradeshow, tasty wine and comfortably being outside without a jacket is a win in my book.
5. Back in shape
   And now that things are calming down, working out has made its way into my routine. And here's to sticking! Bader Rutter Boot Camp is back and I've also joined the Sweat Shop at SnapFitness. On a side note, my mom has started doing personal training through a Snap Fitness and LOVES it!

N.Starr

Year in Review

Another year is over. Where do the days, weeks and months go? For me, 2013 flew. But I think that's the sign of a good year. Here are my 12 highlights of 2013.

January: What better way to start the year than in the Mile High City for the National Western?! Love the people, cattle and atmosphere. Only a few more weeks and we'll be back in Denver for the 2014 NWSS.
February: My godson, Isaac, said my name. And I've answered to "Cole" or "NA-Cole" ever since.

 Looking forward to spoiling another niece or nephew in February 2014.



March: I got a taste of my true Irish heritage when my GREAT Aunt Sally from Virginia came home for St. Patrick's Day. We also celebrated Aunt Sally and Uncle Ralph's birthdays (88 and 90). I captured a YouTube worthy video of the Hurley birthday song.
April: The ground thawed and we saw green grass. Thank GOD.
May: A trip to Kansas City for Cinco de Mayo and watching the Kentucky Derby in the Power & Light District. Which meant one thing... drinking mint juleps out of margarita glasses. KC for the Derby? It was cheaper and we got to visit my sister.

June: Was able to cross off New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine from states I've visited. Had a blast at Logan and Marissa's wedding in New Hampshire and I've decided to save up for a vacation home in Maine. (You'll find there was a wedding theme in 2013:))

Even took a family photo which was the Starr Christmas card.
Never have we gotten that taken care of so early! Clean up pretty good don't we!?

July: To Kansas City again, this time for the Hereford Junior National and conveniently another trip to the Power & Light District. 
August: A college/cattle friend's wedding in Indiana. So happy we were there to celebrate with Cody & Lindsay and get to see so many of my favorite people in one spot!

September: A sad month as Grandma Starr passed away. But we're so lucky to have had her in our lives for so long. Good memories that will be cherish forever.
October: Christa & Aaron's wedding, a 2013 highlight! So blessed I was able to stand next to Christa on her big day. Plus seeing so many high school friends brought back sweet memories.

The class of 2006. We haven't changed a bit!

November: A quick trip to Louisville for the NAILE to help celebrate my college professor and family friend be inducted into Saddle and Sirloin portrait hanging.
December: Here we are. Another year closing and excited to see what 2014 brings.

First up in 2014 is cheering on the Spartans in the Rose Bowl!

Cheers to a prosperous year.

N.Starr

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

Fall into Michigan

Fall 2013 is complete, in my book. I went on a last minute road trip to Pure Michigan. Yes, I'm partial to this state because I spent the best four years of my life there and made awesome friends. But what I miss the most (besides those awesome friends) is the fall. You can't beat a Michigan fall day. So pretty you could make a postcard out of it. Trust me it's all that Tim Allen describes it to be on the Pure Michigan commercials and more.
My fall is now complete because I went on a wimp and did a last minute road trip and stayed with my college roommate and her husband on their farm. It was fun to see all the hard work they've put into the barn and cattle runs to make it their own. What did we do? We had no plans, which is why it was great. Whenever I visit them, I come back relaxed and refreshed. Dinner with more friends at a local diner, wine drinking till 1:30am and coffee drinking till Noon. Great conversations have been had in Jamie & Troy's farm house.
You know my love for pumpkins, so as a treat I got to go to Gale Aces Farm. Troy's family's farm, where they sell pumpkins. And let me tell you...the DIY fall decor they sell could take Pinterest out of business.

The first time I visited Gale Acres my comment was, "Now this is an ideal Michigan farm. Big white farm house, red buildings and white picket fence." Love it, right out of a calendar.  

N.Starr

Summer 2013: A Beautiful Mess

Took a little summer vacation from blogging. But the good news is I'm back! So far, summer 2013 has lived up to what I was wishing, hoping and praying for!
Pictures are the best way to catch us up on the time that has slipped away.And it just so happens I found a new photo app, it's your lucky day! We've all seen the photos with fun fonts and graphics, where are people pulling these out of? A few nights ago my instagram friend, kmclaflin, had a knock out photo so I bit the bullet and asked, because that's the only way you're going to find out. And you know, people love to share this type of information so next time you're wondering about the latest social media tool, just ask the person, no need to sit and wonder.
kmclaflin responded within minutes and this latest app is my newest addiction and the cheapest ($.99) entertainment I've had since I got a Facebook account in the spring of 2006. Plus is has a fun name, we've all been known to be this from time to time, no not a hot mess but... A Beautiful Mess. Search for it and download it, you won't regret it!

The photo editing portion is like instagram, but on steroids. Once you're done playing art director and by that I mean dolling up your photo with doodles, boarders and text; it's time to share with the world.
Since getting home from kicking butt in my workout class, boot camp, I've been glued to my phone having fun with my summer photos. As you can see the past couple months have been full of travel, sunshine and weddings. Looking forward to August!

 

  There are a ton of photo apps out there, which do you live by for giving followers a sneak peak into your life? Please share.
N.Starr

American's speaking Enliglish...Differently

Isn't funny when you travel or maybe just move to a different state how the lingo is totally different. How can the same things be called different things just because we're in another part of the country? When at cattle shows my sisters and I get picked on for our nasally Wisconsin accent. And I'll admit I think it would fun to have that southern drawl, but for now I'm stuck saying I'm from WisKONNNsin. Yesterday my sister, Danielle posted this news article that showed how Americans speak English in several ways. I've picked out my favorites, hopefully this is a good Friday laugh.

All I have to say to this one is...Why don't we have more of these....

 This one I don't agree on, I say pop. But supposedly SW Wisconsin people are soda drinkers.

And for the grand finale! I'm sure you'll think I'm a crazy cheesehead. But I drink out of a bubbler!

What crazy things do you say that turns heads from outa towners?

N.Starr

May Recap: Month of Celebration

Happy 25th Birthday to me!

I love birthdays. So much so that when I was younger I had multiple. A year. Yep, a birthday complete with cake, candles and presents (that I had wrapped). But what completed the party was the dress.. white with red polka-dots and ruffles..I mean, what else would it be? I'm glad I've stayed consistent with my fashions! As an adult (yikes that sounds so old... and responsible) I've continued with my love for birthdays. Instead of just celebrating one day I dedicate the whole month to birthday celebrating. Here's how I welcomed in year 25:

Kicking off the birthday month was a trip to Kansas City to see my sister and celebrate the Kentucky Derby. The derby is KC? Yep, that's right! Watched the big race at the Power & Light District and sipped on my first mint julep, which went down fairly smoothly. Some year we'll be sitting at Church Hill Downs, but the direct flight was much cheaper this year. Plus I finally got to see Danielle's apartment.

Sipping mint juleps, watching the Derby and a little shopping at Good Ju Ju. A fun girls weekend.

Next up was the real deal... Happy 25th to me! Supposedly the age where you should have your "shit" together. I'd say I'm doing pretty good. Thankful for getting up and going to a job I love with amazing coworkers and clients. Also thankful that they support my love for birthdays. It was a fun day!

But what's best about getting older is that now I get to share my birthday with my nephew. Now I don't share birthday with just anyone; I guess that shows how much I love Isaac. We have fun together. Isaac turned 2 on May 16. And turns out, he likes birthdays too! I wonder where he gets it from? A new work bench, garden tool set and pens to keep his animals contained with the highlights of a 2nd birthday.

Does it look like he already has a dip of chew in his mouth and he's heading out to check cows?

Last minute a friend from work, Amanda, had an extra ticket to the Kenny Chesney concert. Before she was finished explaining the details I had my checkbook out to pay for the ticket. It was a no brainer.... Kenny, Eric Church and Eli Young Band at Miller Park...Sign me up! We even got to tailgate before the game! Thanks again for letting me be part of the fun!

Memorial Day weekend concluded the month long partying...however I like to say it went out with a bang. Two weekends in a row at Miller Park. This time to watch the Brewers take on ..... um... OK I forgot who they played, I wasn't that in tune with the game. HOWEVER, I did get on the field so that counts for something right!? Not everyone gets to go on the field and get a behind the scene tour.

Michael and I grew up showing cattle together. Now he's the ground manager t Miller Park.
 Funny where how we all end up. Pretty cool to see some Hereford pictures in his office

 And lastly for a little farm action. We had our last calf and now it's breeding time to get our cows bred back. The corn is planted and just last weekend it was starting to sprout up. Here's to a better summer for the crops than we all had last year.

This little heifer was so little when she was born. Cutie-pa-tootie.

 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

A Valentine Drink

Red Beer

You all know I'm a red wine drinker. Rain, Snow, Sunny, 40 below or a 105*- Nothing puts me in a better place than a glass of red wine after a long day in the office or out in the barn. Luckily this week I'm on a work trip in California, where I'm getting my grape intake in the form of liquid. But I also have another favorite drink that fits in with the Valentine color scheme, it's called Red Beer. It can be enjoyed anytime of the year, but I only have it during Denver. I think of it as the National Western Stock Show signature drink. I thought I'd share in case your Valentine isn't a wine drinker, this may be a festive drink you could mix up before heading out for tomorrow's Valentine dinner reservation. So what is it? Red beer is a cross between a beer and a Bloody Mary. I think it's about 3/4 beer (Bud or Coors) and 1/4 Bloody Mary mix, topped with all the fixings. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Top with Tabasco sauce, a little pepper, olives, whatever you'd like and enjoy.

When putting back a red beer back at the National Western, it's not served in a nice glass like the one above. We're normal people that like to have fun at a cattle show. We drink out of red solo cups! But maybe for tomorrow you want to be a little fancier, it's Valentine's Day after all. Maybe mason jar glasses are more your style.

N.Starr

National Western Stock Show 2013

Annual Trip to the Mile High City

On the couch, surrounded by balls of waded up kleenex, sucking on cough drops and trying to chug down a glass of orange juice. To most this is a terrible way to spend a Tuesday evening (missing boot camp), but for me it's the sign of a good trip to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. For the most part this has been an annual trip for my family. Even though we weren't all there at the same time, my Genex sister was there before us and my CHB sister was there at the tail end. It's my favorite time of year. I love catching up with friends who I may only see once or twice a year. And it's always funny the unplanned people you bump into and get to visit with. And the reason for the trip...there's nothing more exciting than two days of cattle shows and looking at high quality cattle. I'm not quite sure these pictures are exactly worth a 1,000 words better (excuse my Droid), but they do a better job of telling the story. 

First off let me just say, this is a hard trip to pack for. Earlier last week it was 6*F.
We lucked out, the weather was gorgeous and sunny, temps even peaked int he 50's. TAKE ME BACK!
 

Since it was so nice out, I took a walk on the catwalk to see everything down in the yards. This is the back end of the yards. I wish I could look at those Rockies everyday.
 

From the sounds of it there was a steady stream of people in the yards. In the yards are where the pen and carload shows takes place. Herd bulls are on display is "Herd Sire Alley". A new blogger, Next Generation Genetics, shares the history of the yards in a recent post. Check it out and start following her blog too!

 

Changing things up a bit this year was the new location of the Mile High Night Sale, (National Hereford Sale). In the past we were all crammed into the beef palace in a hotter the heck sale arena. This new venue change was for the better. This is also were the cattle shows on the hill take place. The place was packed and it was a great way to showcase the breed. There were even a lot of people outside of the breed there to check it out and get in on the action.    

A good bookend to my first picture. Why do rental cars have the smallest trunks? We got to give a good friend from Oklahoma a ride to the airport. Thank you Keysto for your muscles, packing skills and entertainment.

Well there it is. I've only missed pictures of two things.... the cattle show (which took place in the ring where the sale was held) and my ultimate favorite place to eat Texas de Brazil. It's a once a year kinda place to eat at. But if you ever get the chance to eat at a Brazilian steakhouse... DO IT. I'm not sure if it's the food or the people I get to enjoy it with that I like best.

N.Starr

Leaf Peeper

Fall is here.

It's officially fall......I wore a jacket, drank a pumpkin spice latte, updated my hairstyle for the new season and helped my mom cover her flowers. I think the cool weather is here to stay. Fall is the best time for road trips. My favorite fall trips consist of going to cattle sales, football games or getting that one last girls trip in before the frozen tundra takes over the land. When driving from point A to point B it's interesting to see how the colors of the leaves change. Ever wonder if your destination has hit their color "peak"? If so, I found a new (and free) app that's a must-download: Leaf Peeper.

I used a picture of the NE part of the country, because some day
 I hope to go out there in the fall. I hear the falls are beauteous!!

  
Find the brightest colors with the Leaf Peeper foliage map. You can also take, upload and rate pictures in your hometown or where ever your fall road trip takes you. I have a couple mini trips coming up and look forward to putting this to use.

Where is your fall road trip taking you?

Pure Michigan

Have you heard?

I think most of us have heard a Pure Michigan commercial that make you want to immediately notify your boss and tell them you're taking a week off to rent a cabin on the shore of lake Michigan to be completely out of touch with the world, turn off your mind, relax and not have a care in the world. While at Michigan State the falls were my favorite; the view of trees could come straight out of  a storybook. Michigan is a agriculturally diverse state and share their agriculture story to the public with this 30 commercial. Bring a Door County tourist was nice; but after seeing this I'd much rather escape to Pure Michigan. This captures a state that's proud to feed others.

 

 

Your trip begins at puremichigan.org

 

N.Starr

Wisconsin Tourist

Door County weekend.

Isn't it funny we travel all over to the country and world to the "Ultimate Vacation Hot-Spots", but yet we (or at least I'll admit) don't take the time to explore your own state? Now there's not a lot happening in Wisconsin besides cows, corn and the Packers. But there was one place I'd never been and needed to cross of my list (1001 in 101 list especially).... Door County, Wisconsin's Peninsula. It just so happened a family friend of ours got hitched in Bailey's Harbor last weekend. It was fun, got to see a lot of old high school friends and I had an oh-so-Door-County-Nautical Dress from Banana Republic paired with coral Francesca jewelry. Sunday my parents and I spent the day seeing what this peninsula was all about and we literally saw it all. We drove through all the little villages filled with quaint shopping, coffee, ice cream stores and docks/beaches. Great views of the lake and the leaves were just about starting to turn. We took our adventure to the extreme (and not sure if I'd recommend it or do this part again)....

Wisconsin Tourist. Hopped on a ferry and headed to Washington Island. To do what? We didn't know!

 Washington Island, the little island off the peninsula, doesn't exactly have it "going on" like the map at the ferry station portrayed. But hey, who doesn't like a 30 min boat ride to a barely-any-civilization- island. And surprisingly people do live there, however all of the houses are for sale. Looking to buy a cheap house in a remote location? From the tiny farmettes I'd say these people live there year-round, I can only image what the winters are like. Mom and I were starving, but we thought lunch on the island would be the way to go.....

A trip back in time, To the Simple Life, To when photos were all taken in black and white. As we took in the island locals the one-woman-show took our order, got our drinks, made our sandwiches and rang up our bill. 

And after an 8 mile drive around little Washington Island we were ready to hit the main land and head home.

After driving through the peninsula and getting a glimpse of the towns there's a few areas I'd recommend and go back to for a fun weekend:

1. Fish Creek (by far this is "The Place" lots of little shops and cafes. On the outskirts there was a cute winery and it is getting to be grape harvest season).
2. Ephraim great shoreline, fun shoppes however rumor has it it's a dry township!
3. Sister Bay very similar atmosphere to the two above (shopping, restaurants and water!) 

 N.Starr

 

 

The Drought of 2012

I love summer, but this is getting a little outta hand. Who has green grass? I'm jealous, this past weekend the only thing I mowed was a lawn full of weeds. But who cares about the grass... our poor crops are looking soo rough!
I blame the heat on my lack of blogness! That's not completely true, but it sounds like a good excuse so I'll run with it.
The past two weeks of heat have been filled with lots of summer fun despite the heat index....

• The 4th of July--- attending the Manawa Rodeo
• A visit with a good college friend
• A trip to paradise see my Kansas City sister and lots of cattle friends(definitely wasn't paradise, but this is my blog so I can say whatever I want:)
• Lots of swimming at a family friend's outdoor pool (I tell ya if you're looking for friends, buy a pool your "friends" will flock)
• A mini trip to Rhinelander for a little concert

Hope you're all having a great summer! What's been your highlight thus far?

N.Starr

Wordless Wednesday: An Indiana Easter

Indiana is just a hop away!

To celebrate the Easter weekend, we (Mom, Dad and 3rd sister Brenda) packed up the car and headed down to Boilermaker Territory for a weekend of cattle, Harry's Chocolate Shoppe and Easter celebration. Proudly, I even squeezed in a Saturday morning run through a subdivision.

Mom thought she'd be funny and pose by this sign at the sale. We always knew she had a future as a donor female. It was just that kind of joky-type of a weekend! This was funny after a Starbucks caffine high.

 

The Starr Girls (minus Lindsay of course) at the Golden Girls Sale. It was such a nice weekend to be outside and at a cattle sale!

Thanks to one of Danielle's best college friends, originally from New York but has recently taken a job in sales with Dow Agrosciences upon graduation, for taking this photo! She's grew up showing hogs, bet she'd love yesterday's Pork Be Inspired post. Can't wait to spend more time at Harry's Chocolate Shoppe in May at graduation!

N.Starr

Easter Sweets!

Time for the chef hat!

Baking and cooking meals has always been something I enjoyed and now that I'm considered an adult I enjoy contributing to family holiday meals or whipping something up just because it looked divine. My addiction to Pinterest and fan of The Pioneer Women has given me access to so many fun recipes I never would have though of. This weekend my parents swung through Milwaukee and slowed down just a bit for me to "hop" in with my luggage and sweets and headed to Indiana to spend Easter weekend with my sister Danielle.
Rest assured, when Nicole is in charge of the dessert you'll have more than just one option. Here's what I brought, feel free to steal if you're ever at a loss as to what to bake for a family get together! All are easy and good for last-minute baking. These sweet treats are brought to you by Pinterest and The Pioneer Women.

Dulche de Leche Cheesecake! A bit embarrassed about this one, because I took the rectangular pan to my family's Easter with a row completly gone. Yes, I couldn't wait and needed to taste it. It's just my family, so I hope they understood. They know I have zero self-control. Is it sinful to take half a pan of something to a family gathering? Recipe compliments of Pinterest.

Another Pinterest Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Cake. Test-tested approved, however I brought a pan of this into the office last Monday. Coworkers make great guinea pigs. They gobbled the pan up so it's a sure bet it would also go over well at any meal.

 Lastly The Pioneer Women French Breakfast Puffs (In cookbook #1 for all you fans!). Please excuse the horrible lighting in the pictures.

The cast of characters:
3 cups Flour
3 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1 cup Sugar
2/3 cups Shortening (Crisco)
2 whole Eggs
1 cup Milk
1-1/2 cup Sugar
3 teaspoons Cinnamon
2 sticks Butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups. In a large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a different bowl, cream together 1 cup sugar and shortening. Then add eggs and mix again. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden.



 

Now you can stop here and enjoy with breakfast, however it's Easter and what's a holiday without sugar? I love to bite into a sweet something that really lets out a loud crunch sugary crunch. So if you're looking for that continue to read, trust me.

Melt 2 sticks of butter in one dish. 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 3 tsp of cinnamon in the other. Roll 'em, sprinkle 'em, shake 'em around (in the butter dish and then in the sugar dish). Just do whatever you have to do to get the cinnamon to stick. Plus you'll fingers will be covered in the gooeyness (score!).

Repeat with each muffin! Best to do when muffins are warm.

And yes, like the other sweets above, I've tasted this one too! And sooo good! Next time I'll make them smaller, baseball-size is a bit too big. These French Puffs are like bitting into a homemade donut roll! Thank you PW!
Excuse me I need to go run A LOT!!
Happy Easter!!

March in Review

Hello 2nd Quarter!

Is anyone else besides me shocked that we survived the mild winter and are 5 days into April? I'm excited for spring and summer, but the weeks have just been flying! March was a fun hectic month with trips to see friends near and far. So to reminisce here's a few shots that capture the month activities.

Lucas Oil Stadium. Except I didn't go in! March kicked off with a trip to see my sister Danielle. She goes to Purdue University (graduating in May). Click here for more highlights of the trip and our day in Indy.

Who's seen this famous statue of Marilyn Monroe in Chicago? Danielle and Cullan couldn't resist getting their picture by it after a night celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the city. And if you recall, Cullan also took a ride on a space shuttle on this day too.

Awww.. the city was soo pretty that day! Hopefully I can fit in a train ride to the windy city!

Now for some random animal encounters......

These ladies were out for a morning stroll across town one morning as I was getting my oil changed.

Never have I seen a baby turtle in MARCH!! But I guess it was 80*, I'm sure the poor thing didn't make it across the sidewalk (either being run over or frozen to death once the temperatures dropped to "normal")

Ever have to wait behind a box of "LIVE ANIMALS" at the UPS Store? Me either, it was my first. The man "in charge" of the box couldn't speak English, after several failed attempts to communicating with Mr. UPS, he backed his cart out and left in disgust. Needless to say I thought it was pure entertainment and wondered what on Earth was in the box. My guessing the Milwaukee Zoo wasn't happy with their shipment of.... Monkeys? Kangaroos? The guy was probably looking to put whatever is was on a direct flight back to Madagascar.

Whew! There it was, a fun-filled month, the only thing I'm missing is the trip back to my Ole' Stompin' Grounds, but you'll just have to read the post to relive that weekend! Cheers to hoping April is just a memorable, it's starting off right... heading to Indiana this weekend for Easter. We don't stay put too long:)

N.Starr