Little Black Dress Challenge

We've all been there. Wasting away an evening with a glass of wine, being suckered in to Pinterest. A spark of motivation hits when you scroll to the "Bikini abs in 30 days", "Flat belly workout" or the "Little Black Dress" workout challenge. It's pinned to the Fitness board, because honestly you will do it. If anything, you're Pinterest followers will believe you're stepping up for game for summer.
Well, a Spartan friend of mine had an idea to make these challenges become a reality. Meaning we actually do them. She put the 30-day challenge of her choice into a group text message to her sister and a friend from Nebraska. Challenge was completed. Word spread. I wanted in, and so did her coworker. Another 30 day challenge was completed. Word spread, more joined. Get the idea? So, this is how it works:

• Someone in the group finds a workout challenge, shares it in the group text
• When you're finished each day you text the group "DONE" or words of motivation
• This encourages everyone else to do the workout scheduled for that day, because you don't want to be that person that doesn't do it!
• Once the whole challenge is completed, it's up to someone to find a new challenge and more people can join.

Right now there's six of us. From Michigan to Oregon and a few places in between, we're motivating each other daily through our workout challenge text group. A couple I haven't even met and some I know quite well. One has an great blog you'll have to check out: Real World Sara.
Today starts my third challenge, this one is called: Little Black Dress. I'm sharing the schedule we'll be following for the next month. Will you accept the challenge, too?!

 N.Starr

Holiday Beauty Swap

Tonight I'm linking up with Crystal Cattle for the Holiday Beauty Swap Link Up (while of course, cheering on the Packers in the play offs!). This was my first time participating in any swap and so glad I did. I was paired up with Lacey Jo from Arizona of Calamity Lace. It was fun to be introduced to a new blogger; come to find out we have a lot in common so I'm looking forward to adding another blog to my reading. Now on to the beauty products.
I've been on the hunt for a good lipstick-- essential for completing the look you're going for. Plus I need something that lasts through my 3+ cups of coffee at work. So I was thrilled when I opened the package and found two lip products that I haven't tried yet. First was a Trate lip product that reminded me of the Clinique chubby sticks. It goes on so easily and that it feels like I'm also moisturizing my lips. A must for this frigid Wisconsin weather! The second product was a Christian Dior lip gloss called Dior Addict. A nice gloss that can be worn over a lipstick or by itself. Both products work great with my fair skin tone. THANK YOU, Lacey!! Both were perfect. And I loved the cowboy boot card, perfect for my cowboy boot love affair! Check out Lacey's post to see what she got from me.

 

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

Baby Shower & Cattle Shows

They go together, right?

We like our cows. We like going to shows. But we are also regular ladies that like to ooh and awe over cute baby things. Why not combine the two? Last weekend at the World Beef Expo in Milwaukee we had a fun girls afternoon at the end of the barn and set up a baby shower. A bunch of ladies drinking wine (except for the mom-to-be) and looking at cute baby girl clothes. If you were there and wondering who all the clacking women were, yes, that was us:) It's hard to get everyone together, so we figured a baby shower at a cattle show (where we all already were) would be a fine place.

Future Aunt Jamie, Soon-to-be Momma Lesley, and the excited Grandma Holly.
Wine bottles in a pink water bucket fit the theme:)

A sleeper with an embroidered Hereford and the family's farm name. Aunt Jamie went all out.
This future showman will be the best dressed before she's old enough to hit the ring.

Not the best picture, but I had to post. Instead of regular cake, cake pops were served. Fun cake balls on a stick and my oh my, soo good. If you're needing some in the Milwaukee area, I recommend Haute Pops by Kate. She was great to work with and even delivered to the Wisconsin State Fair grounds. Now that's service!

A baby shower at a show may sound odd to most, but to us was perfectly normal. We were with some of our best friends, young and old, who have either helped raise us or we've grown up together.

N.Starr

MIA

It's been a lack of blogging kind of month. But here I am for a quick post. Lots of students are starting school this week. For Michigan State today is the first day of classes. Who else misses the fall semesters? I know I sure do. It was always so exciting to get back into the swing of college life. Who would have thought those years would fly so fast! What was your favorite part of back to school?
Since I didn't get a chance to write an actual post I wanted to recommend two blogs that I think you'll like.

• Cows, Corn & Country Girl - You must read her 365 day project post. She helped her brother created a really cool music video for a scholarship application. I hope they win! Best of Luck.
• From Paris With Love - Ever heard of the "High Five for Friday" series? This southern bell shares the top five best/neatest/coolest/out-of-this-world things that happened in her week. She also take time to share all that's she's grateful for in her "Thankful Thursday" series.  

N.Starr

Giving Gratitude: Friends in far places

Some people have friends in low places, I have friends in far places. One of my 101 goals in 1001 days is to give gratitude on my blog. Today, I'm thankful for the friends I have. I'm fortunate for the friends I've made in Milwaukee, but today I'm even more grateful for those friends I've met throughout the years (whether it be cattle shows, college or now through social media) and we may not see each other every day or month, but yet are still considered close friends.
Social media has introduced me to a whole new circle of friends I wouldn't have met otherwise. A good example of that is my friend, Jamie Purfeerst of Cows Corn & Country Girls. Jamie and grew up with a similar childhood and now both pursuing agriculture communication type careers. I would have never met Jamie if it weren't for our blogs. I think she may even have been interning at Angus the summer I was at Hereford, small world!
And after meeting her in real life I realized how much fun we could have together! In celebration of her birthday, she's having a giveaway! May be when year 25 rolls around for me I'll have a giveaway in combo with my wish list! Make sure you become one of her followers and enter to win a crafty key chain band. She's quite crafty, too bad she lives so far away, we could have fun making Pinterest DIY crafts or cooking up yummy beef recipes!

Entere here and this homemade key chain could be yours! Drawing is on Friday.

Passing on the Liebster Award Love

Last week Cows, Corn and Country Girls nominated my little blog for the Liebster Award. After reading into it, I learned that it's a little pass-on-the-love-award to upcoming blogs. For someone with a smaller little blog like mine that doesn't even have a cool name for it (on my to-do list, taking suggestions), I was doing back flips and summer salts! What's neat about social media is that it's connected me with people in agriculture, like CCC, we share alot of the same interests and we love sharing our agriculture story (and aren't shy about sneaking in a girly fashion post here & there). I read CCC's blog regularly and feel like we've been friends for a long time, but what's funny is we've only met once! Yes, crazy I know. CCC and I met at the LPC Regional Workshop just a couple weeks ago. I look forward to catching up with her more next time, I have a feeling we could have lots of fun!
Anyways, back to the Liebster Award, this sorta reminds me of the friendship chain letters we did in gradeschool. So please check out the blogs listed below and join their site. And if I recommended your blog, you are to recommend 5 of your favorite blogs in a new post (comment on that person's blog so they're aware) and link back to mine in your post. Please keep this going (If you don't and are supertious it may bring back luck to your blog, ha just kidding)!

• From Paris with Love- Miss Holli and I met through showing cattle. She was the Hereford Intern one of the years I was serving on the NJHA Board. She never sits still for very long. Read about the exciting travels involved with her family's cattle sale management business and her Simmental cattle.
• On the Banks of Squaw Creek- Did you know there's more in Iowa than corn, cattle and pigs? Yes, add this blog to your list if interested in learning about turkeys that Katie & her family raise in state-of-the-art barns in central Iowa. Besides raising turkeys and her two children, Katie is also a Common Ground volunteer. I've been fortunate to listen to her speak about Common Ground.  
• Buzzard's Beat- A K-State Wildcat who loves barrel racing & agriculture. Brandi & I both were interns at the NCBA Convention in San Antonio. Even though we don't see each other often, I still enjoy catching up with her through Twitter, Facebook, blogs and the Rockin' Rural Women chats. Buzzard's Beat does a great job of advocating and telling the truth about American agriculture.
• Pinke Post- A social media friend I hope to meet in person someday! Since joining Pinke Post I've learned what life is like on the North Dakota prairie and how a farm wife/mother survives living hours from a major city. Through her blog and daily instagram photos, Pinke Post does an excellent job of bringing the rural lifestyle to those who've never experienced it.
• Chronicles of a Lipstick Cowgirl- A country girl who isn't afraid to put on her makeup before heading out the door (my idol!). A busy girl who continues to strive to reach her goals. Melissa just graduated with her Masters, is dedicated to giving back to her community and is a member of Team Beef. She loves to run, maybe we'll meet half way between WI and KS for a 5 or 10K. Looking for a make-over? She your gal for all your Mary Kay needs.

The last part of the Liebster Award is for me to share 5 random facts with my readers.

1. I've been driving the same car since I was 16. The trusty red Grand Prix is still going strong:)
2. For as much as I love Packers and as close as I live to Lambeau Field, I only been to one game in my entire life.
3. I'm allergic to shell fish. But it doesn't bother me too much because I LOVE BEEF!
4. I have a dent in my head. Don't know why, parents took me to lots of doctors. We've come to the conclusion it's from when my mom broke her elbow doing chores while prego with me. She had to rest the cast somewhere.
5. Went to college for 4 years, party at cattle shows and yet I still can't take a whole shot of liquor. I don't know what's wrong with me, perhaps I should go back to school to learn how.

Add these new blogs to your list and continue to pass on the love.
N.Starr    

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

Are you a Rockin' Rural Woman?

Ag Beauties Unite for Girl Chat, 9 pm CST

Do you find yourself drooling over the make up counter at Macys, but then also find yourself frantically running to the farm supply store to get bailer twine, milk replacer or feed for your cattle? If so, you're not alone. While it may be an odd combination rest assured there are plenty of other women out there as well.

Everyone deserves a little pampering!

Tonight once the cows are all fed and bedded down join the Rockin' Rural Women Facebook & Twitter conversation at 9 pm CST for a topic we all know & love, but may not get to spend as much time on as we'd like......BEAUTY! I consider myself one that likes to work hard, but am also not shy about looking good while doing so. Us ag girls need our beauty fix too!
Join my good friend, Crystal Cattle, tonight as she leads the twitter conversation for a little girl chat on make up, deal & steals and the latest products.
To join in on the fun, follow the Twitter hastag #rockinruralwomen or visit the Rockin' Rural Women Facebook page.
I plan on participating in both, but follow me on Twitter @nstarrgirl
See you at 9 pm for a fun-filled beauty convo!


N.Starr 

Denver Stock Show

A Recap

Yesterday I gave a teaser about my trip to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. Each January the NWSS is held in Denver, CO for approximately 16 days. Cattlemen from throughout the country and Canada come to exhibit cattle on The Hill and in The Yards. The NWSS is home to the only pen and carload show, which takes place in The Yards. Also in The yards you’ll find bulls on display and cattle industry related companies, set up as an outside tradeshow. The Hill consists of your show bulls and heifers in the open & junior shows. (PS-above the cattle stalls you’ll also find excellent shopping ;) This big facility overlooks the Rocky Mountains, gorgeous scenery!


My family has been fortunate to have cattle purchased from Michigan State University, MSU have then been nice to bring the heifers via truck and trailer to the show (it’s a long haul from Michigan!). The MSU Purebred Beef Barn brought ten head to Denver to be exhibited on The Hill. The guys loaded up the livestock and their feed in two trailers and set out for the trip on January 3rd, they didn’t get home till early yesterday morning! Long trip and if you’re a lady reading this you’re probably thinking about all the clothes that needed to be packed! Don’t worry… when I used to go with MSU I usually took the prize for having the most luggage, just because we’re farm girls doesn’t mean we can’t look good!

Due my big girl job I didn’t fly out to the stock show till last Wednesday but am fortunate to have spent 5 days in the Rocky Mountains to look over all the display bulls and bull & heifer pens in The Yards and the show cattle on The Hill.

My family was very happy with how everything went in the ring. The MSU heifer calf that was a Division Champion at the NAILE ended up winner her class. We were very pleased and are looking forward to seeing her grow. My sister, Danielle, will be showing her and Miley’s calf this upcoming summer.

This is our NWSS class winner, Rachel.
We didn't get a picture of her in Denver, this is from NAILE.

One NWSS tradition is to go out to eat at Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian Steakhouse where servers come around with different platters of meat. Guests are given a card (one side green, the other red), green means serves me, red means I’m full! While I’m always way too full after the delicious salad bar and meat I still manage to have room for the Brazilian cheesecake…. I mean honestly what’s a few more hundred calories?! If you’re gonna go, might as well go all out!

Besides watching the cattle show it was great to catch up with old friends. Even though we don’t see each other as often as we’d like it’s still nice knowing we’re all just a plane ride or phone call away! I really think it’s the friends I’ve made over the many years of showing that has kept me interested in the cattle business. I’ve met and become close with amazing people, and wouldn’t trade that for any other lifestyle!

N.Starr

Excitement from my cubicle

Well for those of you who tuned in yesterday morning to the North American International Livestock Exposition, saw that our heifer MSU Rachel won Champion in her division! That means that our heifer was the best in her age division. She was in one of the younger age divisions, so when she went in for overall the judge decided to go with an old female, perfectly understandable. And the judge picked a good heifer.. owned by my friends, Karey & Katlyn Howes from Maryland won! Congrats ladies!!
Words can not say how excited I was watching the show at my desk and cheering only to get funny faces from my coworkers:)
What's even better is the numerous text messages and facebook "likes" I received from my cattle friends throughout the country. It just reaffirms that the reason we're in the cattle business is because of the kind, generous people we get to work with. Sure everyone likes to win, but in the end I'd much rather have friends that I've grown up with and share in the same interests. While I wish I could see them all more (being an adult, watching the show from my office has put a damper on seeing friends) I know that when we meet up at a stock show we'll pick up just where we left off months or years ago! I don't know any other sector of business that has the kind of people the cattle industry holds.

No backdrop picture yet. But this picture was sent to me. The purple banner
hanging on MSU sign back at the stalls with the rest of the cattle.

Happy Friday and....... get ready because tomorrow is a National holiday (check your calendars to see what it is...... nothing written????, that's because it's a Wisconsin holiday)....... Opening day of deer hunting!!!!

N.Starr

Friday Flare: Keepsakes by Katlin



Click to enlarge.

If you’re a frequent reader you may not be surprised that“Keepsake’s by Katlin” is this week’s Friday Flare. I did allude to this in quite a few of the details I shared in my San Francisco trip recap.
Throughout my four day trip to San Francisco/Sonoma Valley area my sister, mom and I hung out with a great Hereford friend, Katlin Mulvaney. The first thing I noticed on our trip down to Fisherman’s Wharf via Cable Car was the shiny new camera with the fancy lens, zoom etc she pulled out of her bag. This camera was decked out and I knew anyone who owned a camera with so many features must mean business.
Throughout the weekend Katlin was generous enough to take pictures of other people (including me). She quickly got the title of Event Photographer as she captured the beautiful vineyards, Hereford cattle and damp, foggy (yet amazing) Somona Valley scenery. 
Katlin was gracious enough to upload her pictures to her Facebook page so attendees could relive their memories and be somewhat sad they were back to the ‘real world’ of jobs and attending to livestock & crop responsibilities. I commend her on posting these pictures. She did a great job of immediately publicizing the success of this fundraising event, The Harvest, to Hereford enthusiasts who were not able to attend. After encouragement and prodding from me and several of her friends she started a Facebook page named “Keepsakes byKatlin”as an online portfolio of her photos.

The vision behind “Keepsakes by Katlin” is she believes every photo should be a treasured keepsake, capturing that special moment in time. With example photos like these there’s no doubt her photos capture a moment in time that will be treasured forever.

So if you’re in the market for a photographer for special events, graduation or engagement photos, “Keepsakes by Katlin” will be sure to help preserve these special moments.
Let me know if you’re ever interested and I will put you in contact with this energized lady who always has her camera at hand.

N.Starr

A unique commodity: Sea Salt

To eat & to relax in!

A great girls trip! Mom, Angie &
myself at Kunde Estate.

On our second day we took the cable cars to do some souvenir purchasing, see below. Then loaded the buses (there were about 50 people in our group) to Santa Rosa for Kunde Estates. Kunde Estates is owned by the Mickelsons, a great Hereford family that hosted the weekend event and are huge supporters of Hereford youth. They have 2 fun kids, Bobby & Jamie. A great family and we couldn't have had the successful fundraiser we did without them welcoming us to their estate. The first evening evening was a casual get together to visit with Hereford breeders, some being my best friends. A relaxing evening where we were really able to get our taste buds acquainted with the wine!

Each brightly colored bin had
it's own scent!

Back tracking.....While we continued our San Francisco tourist adventure, prior to bus loading.... I couldn't help but be amazed at all the vast agriculture commodities in the state. And at that point I was only in San Francisco, little did I know there was more to come! From the seafood, dairy, fruit and vegetable industry a lot of people's jobs depend on agriculture.
On this day I learned about California sea salt! Salt is harvested from the inlets of the San Francisco bays. This salt has greater depth of flavor then just ordinary salt. Variations in mineral content and harvesting methods create the unique look and taste of individual sea salts.

Us girls pretending to "Eat" the sea salt!
What a fun stand we
came upon!

Best Clam Chowder I've
ever had! Had to bring some
back, along w/a few
bottles of wine!

To get back to my souvenir purchases, did you know that this salt can also be used as bath salt?? Yep! When I saw these beauteous bright colored barrels A.D.D. kicked in and I had to go up to the fine gentlemen manning the stand and learn more! Well long story short, it was buy 2 get one free! So I got 3 bags (probably 3 pounds each)! But it was soo brightly colored and ooo soooo relaxing to use when I arrive back to Brookfield! Also wanted my trip savings to a commodity unique to the state! Combine the nine pounds of sea salt along with my San Francisco clam chowder soup purchase (remember my Seafood post?) and I had myself a full bag and one back ache by the time I reached the bus located what seemed to be miles & miles away! Needless to say I screamed TOURIST!

 

Check back later today for my first wordless Wednesday posts! Get ready to be amazed by California's gorgeous scenery!

5 year class reunion

Can you believe it's been that long? I can't:)

This weekend was the big LWHS (Little Wolf High School) 2006 class reunion. Who would have thought 5 years would fly by so quickly. It's really amazing to think back at all that I've done in just a few short years. Soon after graduation I picked up and moved to East Lansing, MI to attend Michigan State University where I knew absolutely no one. In college I made some of my best friends and there were enough good times to last a lifetime:) Within the last year I moved back to Wisconsin to start my agriculture communications career at Bader Rutter where I work on Pfizer Animal Health.
It was good to go back to the ole' stomping ground and catch up with my high school friends. I will admit I wasn't good at staying in touch with everyone. So it was neat to hear about the different types of jobs people landed with the university and major they chose five + years ago. We have some really bright people full of ambition, drive and dedication! I also loved seeing a few shiny diamonds on the left hands and sharing wedding details. So happy for Miss Katie Bauer, happy wedding planning. I am happy to be part of a successful LWHS class. Keep it up class of 2006, let's see what we can all accomplish in the next 5 years. I didn't take any pictures of the evening, however I thought some old high school photos would be better.

Senior year homecoming. Christa (green dress) and I (black dress) were the Varsity Water girls and on homecoming court. Christa was Queen:)

The Varsity Water Girls--> Prom time

National Honor Society. We worn those white collars over our graduation gowns.

 Then on the way back Danielle & I drove through a rainbow!! I captured it on Instagram (remember follow me: starrnicole). I'm not sure but that's got to be pretty lucky! So I made a wish just in case.

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

Kickin' it in Kansas

JNHE Deadline--> TODAY!

Today is a bittersweet day for me. For the first time in 15 years I am not eligible to submit my Junior National Hereford Expo entries. Another thing that reminds me I'm no longer a "kid" and that in reality I'm without a doubt an adult. The Starr name is not out of the junior division; my sister Danielle will be exhibiting a cow/calf pair and bred heifer. This is a big JNHE for her as she will retire from her three years on the National Junior Hereford Board of Directors at the conclusion of the week-long event.
Even though this will be my first time being a spectator I am fortunate for the all the memorable moments growing up in the program. It all started in 1996 with my first heifer Emily at the Junior National in Des Moines, through the years getting more involved in the contests and PRIDE Convention. As a senior I was elected onto the National Junior Hereford Board of Directors and three years later was able to pass my jacket onto Danielle at the 2008 JNHE in Kansas City. I was also fortunate to be hired as the Youth Activities Intern for American Hereford Association the summer of 2009 and work with Amy Cowan, Youth Activities Director. Looking back at all those hectic years of practicing with my heifer, reciting speeches, calling sponsorships and potential contest judges I was able to get alot into those 15 years. To my own surprise I was even able to finish up my junior career last year in Indiana as a good ole' exhibitor and take in all fun things the JNHE has to offer one last time! It was 15 years of jam-packed fun and meeting some of my best friends across the country.
It made me sad to read NJHA member's Facebook status about submitting online entries by Midnight today. However, I am happy to see that so many other kids are compassionate about the Hereford breed and look forward to the JNHE each summer. I encourage all NJHA members to take advantage of the opportunities available; it will truly have a positive impact on your lifestyle & career as an adult. I know it did for me and I wouldn't trade who I've become for the world!
See all you Hereford kids the middle of July in Kansas City!! Even though I'm using my vacation days I wouldn't miss it!

To my friends in the South!

Spring Weather

Tonight I would like dedicate my post to my friends in the states of Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas who have had to endure the tornadoes that the whipped through their hometowns. Over the past couple days I have constantly been think about the struggles they're having. It is however reassuring to know via Facebook that they have make it through. Another reason why I love facebook! Instant communication with my cattle friends several states away! 

My thoughts and prayers go out to my friends and those who have livestock operations affected by the storm. Oddly enough I have lived through my fair share of snow blizzards but have never experienced a tornado. I can't image what you all are going through, but I'm thinking of you and here for you!

If you are wanting to help out those affected please visit the Oklahoma Red Cross. Just $3 donation to the Red Cross provides a comfort kit to our friends affected by the storms.
Thank you to DRIVE for posting this news about the Red Cross on facebook. So many people are willing to help out in any way possible!

23 Candles

CELEBRATE

I am head over heels crazy about my birthday. My excitement grows stronger with every year I age! I used to love birthdays soo much as a kid that I would have "pretend" birthdays! Yes, that's right folks I would wake up on a random day announce it was my birthday and the event planning would begin! Mom would start baking a cake, I would throw on my ruffly red and white polka-dot dress and start wrapping the presents (my books). Then I would call up my Grandma Lindsay and she'd pick me up in my red sports car and we'd celebrate the "birthday" at her house. The party varied every time sometimes we had pretend parties at our house. The party theme all depended upon the wish of the birthday girl!! I'm the only child that's ever done this!
Unfortunately I have outgrown the ruffly dress. This year I was able to celebrate with my wonderful Bader Rutter coworkers! We ordered in Potbelly sandwiches, it was great to all be together, have fun and talk about things other than work! Looking forward to see what year 23 will bring. Here's a few photos to capture May 10, 2011......

My co-worker Aimee who helps me out a great deal at work gave me this beauteous pink flowery cupcake. It was very tasty, the chocolate was rich and frosting creamy. I shared with Maddie and Noah! I really enjoy working with her, we're a great team.

Did you know calories don't count on your birthday? Yep, it's true!

To my surprise I received flowers! It was certainly a burst of excitement to answer the phone and learn there was a "special" delivery at the front desk! The spring flowers are soo pretty and smell fantastic:) Thank you to the Reilly Family for thinking of me on this grand day!

Thanks Reillys!!!

To conclude with my birthday celebrations I would like to say that my Birthday Wish-List was very successful! Never did I think I would get anything on it. As you know Lindsay & Brad gave me the cookbook. My parents surprised me with the Nike + shoes and sensor!!! YEAH! A) These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever had and B) I love tracking my miles. I am on my way to being a workout running fanatic. I will admit I'm starting out slow, but I'll get there!

Hereford Prayer

In honor of Holy Week I would like to share with you an old Hereford Prayer that I found god knows how long ago! I just remember thinking "that's nice, I'm sure I'll be able to use that someday" (that was the year 2007). And I can't think of a better time than the present to share. No matter what breed of cattle you and your family raise, I think you'll be able to relate and appreciate. I am so grateful that my parents raised my sisters and I in the beef industry. No only are we passionate about our cattle; but it distilled in us a strong work ethic, responsibility and the true meaning of life. Being involved in my family's farm developed me into the person that I am today; I am fortunate to have made so many contacts throughout the country. Even though I have friends near and far I consider them all good friends. There are several that I will always admire and consider true role models. The cattle business is really the best life my parents could have given me.

The Hereford Prayer

One of the best investments you can make for your children is to buy for each a registered Hereford Heifer. In this way you can make your children partners with you in your breeding program. Let every child have the profits arising from this heifer. The profit to you will be low, you gain for your children an interest and enthusiasm for Purebred Cattle that will be the most valuable asset throughout life. Remember, America’s favorite meat is beef. Beef not only builds new tissues but it repairs old tissues. Also remember that a sideline of raising cattle is the enrichment and preservation of your soil. You can’t start too soon in this worthwhile project for your boys & girls. American’s future depends on it.

N.Starr

Good Morning!

Happy Tuesday!

This is just a friendly Good Morning post! Hope you all are ready to take on your Tuesday. While chatting with some of my best gal-friends Saturday night at the Whiskey Barrel my blog came up in conversation. I was totally shocked at how many of them were actually reading it and revisiting in hopes of updates. It just goes to show that even if they aren't official "followers" people are still reading! So a special hello and good morning to my good gal-friends in Michigan: Theresa Sisung & Jamie Wilson (a.k.a. The Michigan Corn girls), Cally Hass and Brenda Sisung (MSU's newest Alumni here in a couple weeks!)

My parents are predicted to get 6+ inches of snow over the next 24 hours! That will make snow boots and snow pants a requirement at this weekend's Easter Egg hunt!