Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I am very grateful to be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family and friends. I am fully aware that not everyone gets to spend this day with family enjoying a wonderful meal. Please remember all those serving overseas and also those don't have the means to celebrate Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all I have been blessed with and will try not to take any of it for granted. Holidays away from family can be hard, they are also make you miss family members you have lost. This is the first Thanksgiving in several years I am with my family, the last four out of six Thanksgivings were celebrated in a different country. I loved my time overseas and would jump on a plane today if I could, but the holidays were a little rough. However, that life became the norm so it seems almost strange to be heading to my parents for Thanksgiving.

In 2005 I spent Thanksgiving with a great group of friends enjoy a meal at the DFAC at Camp Victory, Iraq. (Photos will come later as I think I left the CD at work :(. They are entertaining so I will post)

The staff went all out for us on Thanksgiving and it was amazing and entertaining. A great day but I missed my family dearly as the first year I had missed a Thanksgiving.

The second Thanksgiving spent in Iraq was surprisingly enjoyable. I had a lovely Thanksgiving lunch with my coworkers in the DFAC in the IZ (International Zone). Not quite the same presentation as Camp Victory but still fun.

And then had a very fun night celebrating Thanksgiving, my birthday, and Joey's birthday at the local Chinese Resturaunt (you don't want to know what a Chinese Resturant in Iraq entails trust me. It is probably a miracle I am alive with no strange diseases). A great Birthday and Thanksgiving even if I was thousands of miles from home.

What more can a girl want for her birthday than lots of cute PSD boys to celebrate with. On a side not that hat belonged to a PSD guy - not my normal attire.

Three years ago I was between overseas tours and luckily home for Thanksgiving (and Christmas!). We had Thanksgiving at my house. My Grandma Head was still alive at the time, makes me wish over the years I had been better about taking photos.


I have no photos of Thanksgiving my first year in Kuwait as pathetically I stayed home by myself all day and decorated for Christmas. I didn't even eat Thanksgiving food. At the time that seemed the best option. Last year however, was a different story. I traveled to Istanbul, Turkey (for Turkey day - funny eh?) with several coworkers/friends. We had a great time. My 30th birthday fell on Thanksgiving so we spent the day shopping in the amazing bazaar,

drinking Turkish beer, and Rake,

and having a very fancy Thanksgiving meal at the Four Seasons. I missed my family but had an amazing adventure.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. Grandpa VanEvery, Grandma VanEvery, and Grandma Head we miss you dearly and think about you daily. I am thankful this year for entirely too many items to list.

Christmas for my porch.

I finally bought a mailbox. No clue why it took so long. My current mailbox situation may be slightly flawed.

Classy eh? Even the new mailman was giving me a hard time. Embarrassing. I found a cool mailbox in Germany but for some reason didn’t purchase it. Luckily last time I was in KC I stopped into Restoration Hardware and found the perfect one (for me anyway). I ordered this mailbox.

These house numbers.

And this doorbell cover (as mine is plastic and yellowish – ewwww).

I love arriving home to boxes as it feels like Christmas or my Birthday (which is Friday in case anyone wants to buy me a present). Now I just need my handy brother or dad to help me hang/install each item and remove the horrid aluminum/screen door. Not sure what do do - go with no screen door or try to find a wood one?

Random Craving

I listen to a UK station (channel 11) on Siruis as I love the accents. It’s the whole obsession with all things British. This morning they were discussing favorite snacks and one chose Digestives. I am now craving Digestives smeared with Nutella.


Or the milk chocolate Digestives with milk.

Yummy! I have no idea where to find Digestives though, we just started carrying Nutella a few years ago. Maybe a trip to the UK is needed...

2 weeks from today

Make plans to attend the Historic Homes for the Holidays Tour hosted by the Council Bluffs Historic Preservation Society.

My home is on the tour. Makes me nervous to say the least! I spent a majority of the weekend (except a much needed break today to cheer on the Jays) decorating for Christmas. Lots more decorating planned as can't disappoint. On the 13th of December (also a Sunday) I am participating in the Lewis Central Vocal Music Holiday Parade of Homes.

Two opportunities to support great causes and get Christmas decorating ideas (or just snoop through our homes!).

I often crave relaxation, peace, and solitude

I have already expressed my love for this tiny little town and farmland.

My family loves it there and we really want to build a new cabin. Just not in the cards at the moment, mainly due to logistics (lack of time, hard finding solid labor in a town of 400). I have proposed a mobile home as a temporary solution. Many turned up their nose at the idea. I am a firm believer that anyplace can be made beautiful and homey with a little work and creativity (shoot I lived in a shipping connex for over a year!). Yesterday I stumbled across the Frugal Farmhouse Design blog and found these gorgeous photos.









Believe it or not these rooms are inside a mobile home!

Proof that we could have the perfect little getaway for very little money, virtually no headaches, and a small amount of time. I think I may start searching for a mobile home.

Council Bluffs City Council Election Night

I finally have photos from election night – thanks Aunt Debbie! Looking at photos today brought back a mixture of memories. I remember how fast I wanted the day to go. All day I was antsy for 8 so we could get results. As 8 drew near I got more and more nervous. Justin and I went to vote late afternoon and hit the Y to relieve stress.

Then a big group of awesome supporters stopped over for lasagna to pass the time.





It was great being surrounded by friends and family to help ease the election stress.







Around 830 we headed to the courthouse for the results. It’s funny as once 8 actually rolled around I suddenly wanted to turn back time. I wasn’t ready for the results as was extremely worried about the outcome. So much time had been vested (mine and many others) and I was very excited about the possibility of a city council position that losing would have been very hard. I tried to prepare myself and remind myself that it wouldn’t matter and it was a wonderful experience either way. It didn’t work. The courthouse was packed.






It took a little over an hour for the results to come in. They rolled in precinct by precinct, slowly at first.









Then all a sudden in a matter of minutes the final six precincts came in and it was over. Results were posted.

I WON!! I was so excited, surprised, and overwhelmed. I never expected to come in first and especially not by so many votes. A great feeling for sure and a chance to finally relax, breathe, and enjoy all the congrats I was receiving (along with advice).













A great evening full of anticipation, stress, excitement, and joy. Now the hard work begins!! Thanks again to everyone that supported me and will hopefully continue to support me throughout my term.

Spray Paint Magic

I was able to transform this horrible looking sewing table.


Into an upstairs worthy piece (verse the basement where it used to reside) with just a bit of elbow grease and spray paint.

(this photo made me realize I need to repaint the mop board now that the shag carpet is gone….)

Unfortunately it was a windy day out and I could’t get the spray paint perfect so I did brush on one coat of black paint. I think I need Poly to finish. I also need one of these magic tools for my next project.

Can’t believe I didn’t know there was such a tool earlier. Live and learn. Now I can put my home economics skillz to work. Believe it or not I took several sewing classes in high school and even made a prom dress! It was a paint filled weekend. I will do a full reveal soon but here is a sneak peak of another project.

Crazy color but figure why go with basic black when it is a sun porch/office. I was also inspired by the bold colors other bloggers have chosen lately. Love it or hate it?

Weekend Plans

I wish! Really they involve turning this messy and crazy space into a dressing room (it was once my kitchen as my house used to be an apartment for my grandparents and an apartment for me) on a budget. Yes I am responsible for the crazy color combination. I loved yellow for a bit…


Painting this cabinet black and coming up with an organization plan for Aeisha’s goodies and random office supplies.

Getting rid of all the yellow in the sun room (regardless of my love of yellow this was never my idea. I hired a painter for the outside and he finished this room. Not sure why he didnt paint the trim white).

And a few other small but necessary home projects. The home was neglected for many months and the holidays are quickly approaching. I am hoping for weather warm enough to open the windows without a $1,000+ heat bill…

Heart Failure

Ok maybe I am being slightly dramatic but this site had me in a bit of a panic.

I look out the window of my sunroom to see my precious Aeisha on the ROOF of the neighbors house! No clue how she got down in one piece but luckily she did. For a moment I thought I was going to have to call the fire department....

Decking the Halls

Because I am crazy, or a glutton for punishment, I volunteered to participate in not one but two holiday home tours. Therefore I must decorate for Christmas, and ensure it is done over the top (without being tacky) enough to be worthy of the admission fee people pay. Granted all proceeds go to charity but still don’t want to have disappointed viewers. I have been browsing magazines like mad to decide on an overall “theme” for lack of a better word. I have decided to go with glamour and glitz and use silver, gold, white, ivory, and ice blue throughout the home for a uniform look.

Yesterday my mom, Kelly (Riverside Grille owner - also on the holiday tour), Nancy (Olive Branch owner), and I traveled to Atchison, Kansas. Home of Nell Hill's and a few other neat shops.




Isn’t the town lovely. It amazes me how a few shops in this small town have become a must visit for all in the Midwest. I was told over 90% of the business for the shops come from at least 100 miles away. Amazing. The owner, Mary Carol Garrity, was present when we shopped. She was very nice and even offered to help me decorate if I brought in room photos after I commented about being overwhelmed. I left with all kinds of loot.

And more importantly a lot of inspiration. Using my color scheme and my own personal variations I would like to recreate this mantle for downstairs dinning room.

This display for the doorway (that has a sliding pocket door) between my dinning and living room.

This cool idea for the upstairs hallway over the door leading into my bedroom.


Something along these lines in my bedroom.


I didn’t get the crown as have a ceiling fan (ugly I know but so much better for summer slumber). Really want the crown though!! The following arrangements for my porch and outdoor planters.



And these name card holders to grace my Christmas dinning table.

A very inspiring store with goodies galore. A few other cute stores in the area as well. One even had clothes, jewelry, and other fun accessories. A fun but tiring day. Need a few more shopping trips then its time to get to work! Some on the tour already have their homes decorated and ready....

Veterans Day

" A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."

President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day – which later became Veteran’s Day - he said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The Soldiers Cross In the Army and other branches of the U.S. military, most units prepare a visible reminder of the deceased soldier with a display of a pair of combat boots and an inverted rifle with the soldier’s helmet and dog tags hanging on it. Army lore indicates the helmet and identification tags signify the fallen soldier. The inverted rifle with bayonet signals a time for prayer and a break in the action to pay tribute to the dead. The combat boots represent the final march of the last battle.

I hope everyone takes time today to honor and pray for our veterans, soldiers, sailers, airmen, marines, DOD civilians, and their families who make unthinkable sacrifices for our freedom.

Las Vegas Recap

Vegas was a very quick but fun getaway. A much needed chance to unwind after the stress of the election. A few things I learned:
1. Don’t go to Vegas this late in the year; it isn’t warm enough for the pool.
2. Leaving Friday afternoon and returning Sunday afternoon makes for one very short trip. If it requires a flight best to leave early Friday.
3. Group trips are a blast but also a lot of work.
4. Don’t leave shopping until the last minute. I really wanted a black/white photo. Due to time constraints figured airport shop would have – no such luck.
5. Always err on the side of taking too many photos. (I need to learn how to use Apple version of photoshop)

We stayed at Caesar’s. Pools were partially closed due to weather and only one day was nice enough to sunbathe. Bummer.

Friday night we all took a limo to Hard Rock and ate at Nobu (or Pink Taco for the non sushi fans).


Nobu was yummy but Blue in Omaha is better. Next we hit PURE and PCD as we had free VIP admission.



A bit disappointed we never made it on the rooftop patio (it was roped off?) so just your typical nightclub.Probably better at the Seahorse where we started the night.


Saturday I managed a bit of pool time


Then our group had an early dinner at Prime (Bellagio).



Awesome food, awesome views, first class service. And a little gambling.



Cole and I also made it to Jubilee at Bally’s. Amazing show with top notch performers and sets. Very glad we went. Sunday was low key. Too cold for the pool. Did squeeze in a bit of Tiffany shopping (always dangerous). Overall a great trip with friends and family. Now time to plan the big Birthday Trip!

Homemade Winter Goodies

I keep sending my mom knitting projects. She started off with baby blankets but with no babies on the horizon I have been able to reap the rewards of her homemade goodness. Today I found these lovelies:

(via Coco + Kelly)
Right now we are having great weather but I know a brutal winter is upon us. Makes me want to stock up on sweater dresses, fun tights, Uggs, and lots of cute and cozy hats, mittens, and scarves!! Here were a few other ideas I hinted at wanting:


(all via Etsy)
I am so lucky to have a crafty and talented Mom!

My Birthday Month

Yes I said birthday month. I like to celebrate my birthday all month long. I am spoiled like that – or just strange. Last year I lived here and turned 30.

So the celebration options were very limited in country but the travel options were exotic, fun, and exciting. Since it was a big milestone birthday I felt pressure to celebrate it properly. First I went here:


For a fun filled long weekend. There may have been a $125+ per person champagne brunch in the mix among other opulent adventures. I also interviewed for my current job while there so it must have been a lucky place. Next I went here:



For an even longer holiday to celebrate Thanksgiving and my actual Birthday. It was sooo much fun. Great group of friends, lots and lots of shopping, sights that were amazing, and a bit of Raki was consumed. (Sorry the photos aren’t that hot my camera was stolen so was using a back up cheapo). This year isn’t a milestone birthday but still feel the need for travel and birthday celebrations. I am kicking it off with a trip here this weekend:

A great group of my friends and family going so I know it will be a blast. Now I have to decide where to go for my actual birthday. I originally tried to pacify myself with a small trip here:

But just wasn’t feeling exotic or exciting enough. So now thinking here:

Or here:

If the choice is Canada does anyone have recommendations? Toronto, Montreal, Ontario, Vancouver BC?? I want relaxing, gorgeous scenery, quaint shops and cafes. Please help with pointers or recommendations. Or should I go with Chicago?

My Town

At a recent forum hosted by the DNA they had a cool YouTube video to play. You can check out the video and song about Council Bluffs here . Seeing the old photos makes me wish we still had some of the gorgeous buildings, would add so much character and charm to our downtown. For those of you from CB or still living in CB it's a neat video to watch.

Speaking of Miley Cyrus

I may have went to the Miley concert when it was in Omaha about a month ago…. I fully realize I am opening myself up to ridicule by admitting this! It was right after the primary and we found awesome tickets last minute. A fun way to relieve a little stress and celebrate the small victory. Luckily my brother is a trooper and agreed to be drug along.

Can you feel his excitement? Who wouldn’t be excited!! We were a bit out of place – moms/kids, dads/kids, us…..

Her half brother opened the concert and he was sorta scary. Especially when you took into account the demographics of the concert.

Miley did not disappoint though. The concert was soooo much fun, great special effects, and a great performance by Miley.



There were guys climbing the walls for one song.

And Miley rode a Harley above the crowds in another.


Of course the screaming teeny boppers were classic. Check out all their glow sticks in action.

A great relaxing night for Justin and I and she ended the concert with my favorite song “The Climb”.

The Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes they knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
The pain I'm knowing
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

*by Miley Cyrus.

I have been a Miley fan since the first time I heard this song. It’s such a true representation of life. I am a goal setter and once one goal is accomplished I always set an even higher goal. Last night I was honored to have been elected to the Council Bluffs City Council. For details check out Head4CB. An opportunity I have dreamed about but never truly believed I would have, now I plan to work very hard to ensure I don’t disappoint my supporters. It will be a constant climb as even though I have made it to the top of the first mountain I foresee several more in my future. I am still in shock that this opportunity is mine. It was a very exciting night and I will post more photos shortly.



I got an awesome present from my wonderful parents. Thanks so much! My mom knows how much I love Kate Spade and pink (Pink was my campaign color so a perfectly coordinated gift). I am the proud owner of the purse below (shown in black).

But mine is this color.

Perfect for the Vegas fun we are about to encounter.

Fall Walks

Hope everyone had a great Halloween. I wanted my porch to look inviting for Trick or Treater’s on Saturday. However, I only ended up with maybe twenty minutes to work magic (as the rest of the day was spent handing out campaign flyers) so I scrounged up a few pumpkins, candles, cornstalks (I “borrowed” from my parent’s farmer) and transformed the porch into a fall oasis.

I found the bat lights in my attic – eerily enough I have real bats in the attic so seemed fitting.

Perfect weather for Trick or Treating and so much fun to see the kiddos all dressed up. I walked a LOT Saturday passing out flyers. I brought my camera and snapped photos of my favorite homes of the day.



I have almost bought this cute house on two different occasions – it is one street over from where I live now. I still love the house and could picture myself living there. Downfall is it only has one small bathroom (with no bathtub).

This home is currently for sale and has an amazing view! Asking price is $269,000. Awesome old established neighborhood. A bit large for my current needs though.

I am noticing a trend, brick homes in older neighborhoods.





There were so many more amazing homes and it really was a great opportunity to enjoy the fall weather. Just another positive of this campaign that I wouldn’t have thought of, the chance to stop and admire my wonderful gorgeous hometown. I even gathered up a few ideas for my own home. First on the list is to get rid of the ugly aluminum screen door.

Second Council Bluffs Half Marathon to be held May 23, 2010

Any takers? Hopefully this year the weather Gods will smile upon us and send sunshine. Seems odd to register for a race so far in advance! But there was an article in the Nonpareil yesterday about the Half Marathon. I actually wish it was sooner as I need a reason to start running again. I can tell that I have been slacking and it is making me grumpy. There has to be a run somewhere convenient in the next few months, I need motivation.

Fundraising, Family, Football, and Fun

Last weekend I ventured to Kansas City with my parents and Cole. Friday night we attended a dinner at JJ’s on the Plaza where we enjoyed wonderful food and drinks. All proceeds went to support downs syndrome through the First Down for Downs Syndrome organization (the dinner was purchased at the wine auction in April).

Saturday morning we awoke bright and early (or at least it felt bright and early after the late night at JJ’s) and headed to the Chiefs stadium for the Step up for Downs Syndrome Walk (formerly known as the Buddy walk) to walk as part of “Max’s Birthday Bash” Team. Here is my cousin Max.

We had a great crew for the walk and the weather turned out awesome.




Kansas City has one of the largest down syndrome walks in the country – impressive.

Sunday was Chiefs Football. It started off quite fun with great weather and loads of team spirit.






However by half time the team spirit had faltered due to the score and the horrible rainy weather. It was Support the Troops day and the half time show was amazing. A great reminder that we must support those who are risking their lives and leaving the comforts of home to keep the rest of us safe. (I sat in seats far away from the camera so unfortunately no photos)

A great weekend spent raising money for a great cause, spending time with family, and relaxing a bit before this hectic week of campaigning.

City Council Fundraiser

I haven't posted much on this blog as I am trying to keep it from becoming all city council all the time. However, right now my daily existence mainly evolves around the city council race. This week is the final stretch!

Last Wednesday I had a fundraiser at Riverside Grille and it went wonderful. I posted photos and a thank you on the campaign blog but wanted to post a few of the fun photos for family and friends here.
Erik with his boss (Erik is a tall guy...)

My super sister

My kindegarden teacher - how cool is that

Cole's GQ look - not sure why he had a pink scarf on

My Dad, Grandpa, and Craig

Grandpa who has been very supportive throughout this race

A short little speech to thank everyone

Kirk enlighting Jason on life

Craig and Tia (we still have a few shirts if anyone is interested)

My dad and Kathy

Cole and I

Christine showing her father in law some love

Justin chillin