Wine Country

Last weekend I visited wine country! Missouri wine country! The trip started out in St. Louis, where we hit up a few cute restaurants.

I didn't see Nelly, but I came upon this lovely STL scene of City Museum. What's not to love?! There's a Ferris wheel (on a roof!) and a praying mantis who appears to be attacking the wheel. I didn't get a chance to take a ride, but I'll be back.

Blondie's was the perfect spot for a girl's brunch, complete with mimosas!

My newest arm party - the red version. Also, wear your seat belt. I do.

The view from Oak Glenn Winery was fabulous. I even spotted a deer grazing by a little inlet. My favorite winery was Adam Puchta, though. What can I say, I like crackers and cookies that coordinate with my drinks!

I strongly suggest that anyone in the Midwest check out Hermann, MO. Be sure to take the trolley with Kevin!

Life is a Special Occasion!

Last week we celebrated our 2 year anniversary at the USA's largest manufacturer of greeting cards. In true form, we went a little overboard with our celebrations for this type of occasion. We wore festive t-shirts, made punch and cookies, and generally were very excited.

We stuck with purple for the theme, accented with gold napkins and multicolored Belly Flops.

These monster cookies are NOT from Sisters Bakery, but were still very good. Similar recipe here, but add peanuts and stuff.

Belly Flops - my new obsession. I thought they were IMITATION Jelly Bellies at first, but I soon discovered they were simply defective/irregular Jelly Bellies for a fraction of the cost! Say it isn't so!

I am the punch queen! The great thing about party punch is that you just need to pick a color and go with it. Grab a pop/soda + juice + sherbet in that color, add lemonade and ginger ale, and it will taste good 99% of the time. Also, I call it SURE-BURT.

So send a card. It's the biggest little thing you can do.

Blue. Green.

Looking back through some pics of 2011 I noticed a cluster of brilliantly colored scenes.

 I'm not a gal who is scared of bugs. Especially not cool bugs like this little guy who clung to my Corsica's antennae to and from work. I finally had to relocate him in the forest. And yes, that photo was taken while I was driving.

One of my favorite events is the Ol' Marais River Run Car Show in Ottawa, KS. They don't make 'em like they used to.

A neat print in Square Pizza - Independence, MO.

Rainbow citrus cake from Succotash.

Neon Pop

This weekend was my future sister-in-law's graduation from The University of Kansas Medical School (Rock Chalk). That's right, I have a doctor in my soon-to-be family. I feel like graduations can really act as a fashion show. Sure, the graduates all have the same look, but the attendees come dressed to impress. This is what I wore:

My attempt at a neon POP. 

Minty polish, neon belt, purple pattern dress.

Arm Party 2.0 - I added this kissing leopard bracelet from Forever 21.

Arm Party

You know you've been reading too many fashion blogs when someone tells you, "Hey, I like all those bracelets!" Then you say, "Thanks, but actually, it's an ARM PARTY!"

That just happened. And I don't even think I have a legit "Arm Party" because I think I need something linky or ropey or colored.

I did want to take a moment to rant about how much I love my Michael Kors watch. I bought it when I got a big girl job, and I'd really never worn a watch before. Because it is gold and silver, I feel like I can wear either/both metals everywhere else on myself to any degree. I've worn it nearly everyday for the past two years. You should get one yourself!

Kate Spade

Michael Kors

The Kate Spade tennis racket tennis bracelet is a new fave of mine. I'm pretty into tennis apparel lately. The other two bracelets are a mystery in their origin.

Cinco de Kentucky Derby Bachelorette

I don't really like bachelorette cliches: penis straws, getting so drunk you spew, acting like a cat in heat. I do those things regularly (kind of) and don't plan to stop when I get married!

But anyway, I DO love themes! So Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby falling on the same day as my bachelorette party was a happy situation for this gal.

 

We started off the Kentucky Derby pub crawl with a mint julep from the Cashew. Surprisingly un-minty.

Cute hats were worn, and ladies be lookin' classy (and texty)!

And then of course there was my bridal beauty! That little veil thing from Forever 21 was certainly worth the $6 I spent on it!

I'm not proud of this piñata... I had great plans for it, but I fell short. It was filled with two jolly ranchers, and we didn't even bust it open until Seis de Mayo. Oh well, everything is okay when you have a hat on.

Hey, May Day

The Sister's Bakery (or should it be Sisters' Bakery?) has been kickin' it into high gear lately. They pumped out their famous sugar cookies + monster cookies + birthday cake popcorn for some fabulous May Day baskets/cups.

These blossom-themed desserts were quite bright! Almost neon! Almost Lisa Frank!

I cranked out some birthday cake popcorn. Yum. And messy.

Cookie porn...

A few of the stray nibs and jelly bellies that actually made it into the May Day cup.

The finished product! Everything jammed into a cup with festive packaging (good job Beth!). Hope everyone had a great May Day!