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!

Charmin' up my jewelry

Brighton Charms

Do you like Brighton? I do, because their collection is classical but yet has a hit of a western touch, depending on how you wear it. I have a purse that has a rope style strap, eye catching... but that's for another time. Today we're talking about the Brighton Charm Collection. My mom got be hooked... she's a bad influence! However the charms that go on your bracelet make great birthday gifts for sisters, friends and family members. Last weekend The Feminine Touch, one of the Starr Sister's favorite boutiques, was have a huge blowout sale. We didn't miss it. We're were there in full force. But what The Feminine Touch didn't know what that it was a virtual sale. Yes, mom and I were taking orders via texting (where would we be without picture text messaging... I don't want to know!) from Milwaukee, Ohio and Missouri. Just call us The Feminine Touch sales reps:) We made out good and I got some neat new charms to add to my collection.

I wanted to share how you can design your charm bracelet online. That way you know exactly what you want when you're kicking asses and elbows the next time your local Brighton store has a sale.

Head to Brighton.com and select 'Charm Builder'.

After clicking: Create Your Own, you'll take the reigns on creating your bracelet. Imagine being set free in a Brighton store with no credit card limit. Ignore the total $ amount in the upper right.

The really fun part comes in after you've picked out your bracelet and you're set free to design. Sky is the limit. Literally. Have you seen their collection? Shop through the beads, charms and spacers in the right-hand column, click and drag the beads onto the chain. And if you think there's a charm out of place on the bracelet you can move it.

Here's a really cool bracelet my Aunt Jo designed, she's ready for spring... but aren't we all?!

If you've designed your own personalized bracelet, the price tag might shock you. But if you can't live without it add it to your Wish List. Email it to the store (so they have it on hand) the next time you want to spoil yourself. You can also send it to a friend or family member who's wondering what to get you for that birthday/Christmas/Congratulations/Just Because present.

WARNING: This design-game could become addicting.

N.Starr

Crackin' Up Show

National Animal Cracker Show

If you're a livestock person, have you ever compared people, objects of even food to livestock judging? It's Ok if you have, you're not alone. This guy has given an very entertaining, but exact, set of reason on his child's animal crackers. This went viral quickly, I cracked up and can't wait for you to watch. Did you agree with his placing? If not, comment below:)

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

Happy Hump Day

From the Brahman

We're half way through the week and for fun I wanted to share what I found in my news feed last week from the Ranch House Designs page. I really admire the people of this company and enjoy seeing their work at cattle shows across the country and in the livestock magazines. When I was a senior at Michigan State (2 1/2 yrs ago) I received their scholarship. I'm feel so thankful to have had influential stakeholders in the livestock industry that supported me throughout my college career, it truly shaped who I am today. Thank You Ranch House!

This is a Brahman. I've always been intrigued by this breed of cattle, maybe it's because it's not something you find everyday in the upper Midwest. Maybe someday I'll own at least one! Here's some fun facts:

• Have a large distinct hump, a loose flap of skin from the neck and big floppy ears
• Having more sweat glands they're able to withstand heat (hence their reasoning for living in the south and not be me!) 
• Brahman are commonly crossed with Hereford or Angus; also common in the southern part of the country

So there's you fun Brahman facts for your hump day!

N.Starr

Song of Summer 2012

SPRINGSTEEN

Doesn't seem that every year when the heat starts to crank up there seems to be the "song of summer"? Then in the cold miserable winter when that particular song comes on the radio in the car you start jamming out and it instantly takes you back to those fun, long summer days? For me, when old summer tunes come on it takes me back to a time when summer consisted on rinsing show heifers and blowing them dry under the fans. Can I please go back to being young, just for the summers?!

This year I have officially named Springsteen by Eric Church the "Song of Summer 2012". And winters from now when it comes on the radio I'll think back to the summer of 2012. Memories of working in an office cube jamming out to good ole' Eric Church and cramming in a week's worth of outdoor work and fun on the weekends.

I'll also think back to the summer of 2012 day spent at Ho-Dag in Rhinelander and getting to sing along to Springsteen, Homeboy and Drink in my Hand with Eric Church.

Guaranteed good people watching at HoDag, there were ALL kinds:)
Have you ever seen 80 acres of land with row after row of campers? I did!
A fun day spent with old and new friends:) Singing with Eric Church was a highlight, and his sunglasses and hat... so classic:)

What your "Song of Summer 2012"?
N.Starr

Friday Flair: The Vintage Cowgirl Look

Take your pick

Ladies and especially all you Rockin' Rural Women, I need your help!! I'm completely obsessed with the whole vintage cowgirl look. I just can't get enough of it, the overlay look is totally in and has my name all over it! My signature brand is Coral West, I actually own a pair of mules that are to die for. For awhile now I've had my pretty blue eyes on these two boots. Take a look.... I know you want to, it's OK if you drool.

Option A

Black & Turqoise... how can you go wrong...

 Option B

Dark/Light Brown Truffle... sounds like tasty milk chocolate

I know right?! Aren't they awesome? How cute would these look this spring with a skirt, or leggings or even just my favorite Miss Me's. They're so versatile, I could wear them with anything, anywhere at anytime! Actually I'm just convincing themselves of this. Realistically they're totally unpractical and I wouldn't be able to do any sort of "cowgirl work" in them! All the better reason for the purchase, right!?
So take your pick ladies, which one's it gonna be? I'm taking a poll!  Please comment below with the boots of your choice, the boots you think that scream Nicole!

Thank you to my fashion forward friends and Rockin' Rural Women!!!!

N.Starr

Friday Flair: NWSS Shopping

A one-of-a-kind find

A few days ago I eluded to the shopping at the National Western Stock Show. While the number one reason we attend the stock show is for our cattle and to interact with other breeders from around the country and Canda, us girls also like to sneak away for a little retail therapy. After all, just because we are working hard, doesn't mean we can't look good while doing so! On The Hill above where the show cattle are stalled and the showing takes place is a shopping/tradeshow area. This shopping level has everything from the latest Ford vehicles, western belt buckles & turquoise jewelry, western clothes, furs and furniture. Even a few eating joints in between. You name it it's there! Below was my NWSS purchase, yes it's unique and one-of-a-kind! Literally! I found this little shop that makes these sweatshirts, and all of them were different! Thank God... I'll never have to run into someone with the same sweatshirt as me! I'll admit it's different and the average person wouldn't wear it, but let's be serious I don't consider myself average! This style fits my brand, and I'm sporting it today! No matter how many people made fun of me for this "different" purchase! Have a great weekend!

Modern Family night

Movie Star Feature- Eric Stonestreet

Last week I watched Barbra Walters' ABC edition of the top ten most interesting people of 2011. The main reason for tuning in was because Eric Stonestreet, also known as Cam, from Modern Family had been mentioned in the commercials following the special. On Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. everything comes to a stop for the 30 minute show. The stuff that happens is soo out of the ordinary and the one liners crack me up. I usually recite a few of the them on Thursdays at the office.
Well what I didn't know until watching the Barbara Walters interview was that Eric grew up in agriculture! Yes, totally through me off too! How could I not know this?? Stonestreet grew up in Kansas City, KS and was raised on a farm. He went on to say he exhibited hogs at the fairs! The best part was that he shared pictures of him showing his hogs. He looked great and the pictures captured his passion for the livestock industry. I've searched and searched and couldn't find the picture online to share, sorry! But it looked like he was quite the successful showman. Stonestreet went on to pursue his college education at Kansas State University.
This made me really proud of my agriculture roots. It just shows that growing up on a farm teaches kids the true value of a work ethic, responsibility and instills confidence in youth. Some may remain in agriculture whether it be taking over the family farm or holding a job/career off the farm. Others, like Stonestreet, continue to be an agriculture advocate with a career outside of the industry. Whatever path we chose, the industry we know and love will be a part of us; never forgetting where we came from. The valuable skills I mentioned above (work ethic, responsibility and confidence) that we acquired at a young age will carry on throughout our life, no matter where our journey takes us.

So tune in to Modern Family... It starts in 30 minutes! Unfortunately I couldn't get the interview, so watch this interview from The View.

Friday Flare: Miss Me Jeans

I finally splurged!

Yes that's right I am now the owner of Miss Me Jeans. I've heard so much wonderful things about them (especially from my Mom and sister) that I decided it was about time I own a pair (or two). I can't be out-fashioned by my MOM or SISTER!!
A perk about purchasing from the Buckle is that they hem them for FREE! And with my short legs that's huge bonus. I am a happy customer and these have defiently added a little flare to my jean selection.
Here's a few styles, I love the back pocket decor......

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 Find --> The PW Kitchen Aide

Pioneer Women Kitchen Aide

Now I may be a day (or months) late and a dollar short but this is still worthy of sharing. The other day my teammates and I were headed to Panera Bread for lunch (a fav) and L.U. informed me that Kitchen Aide has a limited edition of the Pioneer Women Kitchen Aide!!! Decked out with the orange floral design from her book and cookbook. I couldn't believe it! If only I was getting married it would be the first thing I'd register for at Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy's, Target or where ever brides register for that kind of stuff!!
I checked it out and learned and Kitchen Aide only made 4! My heart sunk! Two were given away to 2 lucky winners in a drawing, Ree Drumond received one (OK I can understand that, this is her gig) and kitchen aide kept one to for display only!

Oh well! I don't really even know what I'd use the kitchen aide for expect for display and to caught dust in my future kitchen. Maybe Miss Ree and I will meet someday when I'm married and in desperate need of a kitchen aide because I'll be too busy chasing my kids around! And then maybe just maybe she'll let kitchen aide produce a 5th one!

Someone needs to tell kitchen aide they're really on to something with the floral print!

N.Starr

Friday Find--> Danielle's Necklaces

Chunky Jewels

Today's Friday Find is featuring my sister, Danielle. She has been making necklaces for quite a few years. Due to this big chunky jewelry that's a big western fashion fad she hasn't gone all out with it like some. So instead this has become a fun little hobby where she's been able to make some money and give away great gift.
This year for my birthday I received pick of the inventory. Pictured below is the necklace of my choice. If there is a design you have in mind just let her know, she's always open to creating new pieces. I'll also say it's really handy to have a sister that's a jewelry pro! Whenever I have bracelets or necklaces that need a little fixin' I send me right to her to work her magic. Send her a Facebook message or e-mail at dstarr@purdue.edu

What got me was the pink turquoise on the left, what a statement:)

N.Starr

Day 5--New Boots please!

Fashion, not work boots!

This I'm sure would have to be something I spoil myself with as I can't imagine anyone wanting to buy boots as a gift. A little hard! Boots that are unique make it fun for me to say splurge a bit. Knowing I won't wear these out in the barn; but for going to cattle shows, fun events, out-on-the-town kinda boots!
I own a pair of Corral West Mules, tan with turquoise inlay! Love them, they make such a statement:) Enjoy, please refrain from drooling.

Wish-List Countdown Day 8

Day 8 is a bit Inpractical, but you'll have that every once in a while!

I love Hereford hide, and deep chocolate leather couches. And even better... couches that are as comfy as your favorite work jeans. Let me tell you these couches are E) All of the above!
Someday I hope to be able to have comfy couches with a touch of Hereford in my future dream house. Lucky for me I will just enjoy them at my parents house until I'm an official grown-up.

Make sure to check back tomorrow to see what day 7 brings!

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.

Meet Toy Story's New Woody and Jessie

Cowgirl Maddie & Cowboy Noah

It's Thursday and I'll admit I've been a bit lazy about topics, I have some good ones brewing though for next week! Tonight I'd like to introduce you to Cowgirl Maddie and Cowboy Noah. Karen, their mom, is my cousin. Karen is married to John; Maddie is 6 and Noah is 4 (soon-to-be 7 and 5, wow). These kids are soo much fun I love spending every minute with them. I'm so happy I live close to them and that they've become even more of my family then what they already were! It's tradition for me to visit every Wednesday and watch Modern Family (early bedtime for Maddie & Noah:(). 

Maddie is in 1st grade and a smart little girl, I can't believe some of the books she reads to me, impressive! 

Noah is in 4-year old kindergarten and not a visit goes by when I don't crack up laughing at something hysterical he has done or said!

Karen & John have welcomed me with open arms to Milwaukee and their family. We've had a lot of laughs and adventures, especially since sometimes I feel like the cowgirl that's moved to the big city life! 

Maddie and Noah were modeling their Cowboy hats from their Uncle Tom & Aunt Kathie and never in a million years did I think the picture taken from my phone would turn out sooo cute. A posed picture couldn't even turn out that good.

 N. Starr

There's a Cactus in my Boot

Is this not the coolest thing you have ever seen? I couldn't believe my very own eyes when I walked into The Flower Pot (a cute little shop in Manawa) with my mom in December. Since Christmas was around the corner I couldn't buy it, but I definitely dropped the hint while ooing and aauuing and saying how great it would look in my office space. At the time the pot was empty and I had no idea what I would put in it.

Santa (aka sister and brother-in-law, Lindsay & Brad), was good to me and it was wrapped underneath the Christmas tree. Giddy as a little girl on Christmas morning I was thrilled to receive a present off my list to Santa; however I still had no idea what I was going to do with it.

Finally in the dead of January it hit me: A Cactus! What a excellent way to play on the whole cowboy boot/southwestern look! While doing a little shopping in the Brookfield/Wauwatosa area I scoped out a plant store having a 20% sale, jackpot; While even talking the high school clerk into giving me FREE Spanish moss to cover up the orange cactus pot.

Tomorrow I will proudly carry in my cowboy boot into the office, can't wait to hear what everyone thinks of it.

Currently I'm head over heels in love with the western theme look and can't wait to have my own place to beautify. What theme do you have going in your apartment/home or office??