San Diego, California

Since I’ve been home over a week figured it’s time I share photos! I loved San Diego –the weather was gorgeous, so many fun things to do, and the city was easy to navigate. We went to the Gas Lamp District several nights. I loved the Shout House.



I also really enjoyed RA Sushi and Pinkberry (wish we had a Pinkberry here!). For lunch we dined at an awesome restaurant on the bay and also went to Little Italy

And at ate Phillipi’s.

Great Italian and quite cheap. Old Towne was on the agenda one night for Happy Hour (mega cheap margaritas).


Shopping, and dinner. While there I spied Mexican Vanilla for $20, the exact same vanilla I had bought my aunt a day earlier in Tijuana for only $2!! I was quite pleased with myself for the bargain, until one of the wiser guys in our group pointed out that I risked my life to save $18. Ok maybe not so brilliant. Speaking of Tijuana a few guys and I boarded the trolley for Tijuana.

The trolley ride alone was an experience - the closer we got to the border we definitely became the minority for several reasons. Then we crossed over the border (along with 100’s of students).

And entered Mexico (no passport required to enter, but definitely required to exit).

Downtown Tijuana, MX was a ghost town. Seemed surreal that there was no one around and several shops closed.





A huge change from the last time I visited with a church mission group. We still managed a bit of shopping.

And of course Margaritas (and churros for the trolley ride back).


I was not kidnapped and actually felt quite safe the entire time. Since I obviously consumed a bit of alcohol and a lot of food I made sure to wake up for a morning run every day (well I skipped one day….).

It was easy to motivate myself out of bed when I knew I had sunny weather in the 60’s and views like this.




I loved the bay. The view of the city from across the bay is gorgeous.


As were all the sailboats lined up.





I even saw the cutest boxer with his owner heading out for a day at sea.


I also thought this looked like the best mode of transportation to and from the airport!

Photos from the San Diego Zoo to come later this week. In case anyone is wondering I did attend class while there as well so it wasn’t all play.

Menards Appeals to Both Sex's...

I went to Menards to approve of the spa bathtub my dad and brother got an amazing deal on (for our cabin). It met my approval :) Of course I couldn't leave empty handed once I spotted "Valentines plants" for only $6.88. I found cute spring/Valentiney pots (on sale for $4.88 and $2). And now have this for my kitchen:

(yes I watch the Bachelor & read US Weekly at times - guilty but harmless pleasure)
And this for my bedroom:

Maybe a touch of Spring growing indoors we will equal spring weather instead of snow outdoors. One can dream anyway!

Valentines Day Decorating

I love holidays. Always fun to have a reason to celebrate. This month I am hosting our neighborhood association monthly meeting. It seems each neighbor must out do the next. (In a good, not bad way) The last several have been great so the stakes are high. Since the meeting is right around Valentines Day I am using that as my theme. I stocked up on decorating supplies at Hobby Lobby and of course Aeisha felt the need to help me assemble.

Sometimes it feels like having a child around. I don’t know how mothers do it!! I am hoping to wrap up my decorating this weekend and tackle other more important projects. Anyone have any good ideas for a Valentines dinner/meeting? I am serving chili, cornbread, and desserts. Any easy and unique decorating tricks?

Has anyone heard of the Pepsi Refresh Project?

You submit a project idea for one of the six categories, then the public votes on the best ideas. Each month Pepsi awards thousands of dollars to the winning ideas. There are so many great options. Right now a fellow in my Spin class has an idea in the running. Here is the recap:
Preserve 15 acres of Iowa Loess Hills, they exist only in Western Ia.
McPherson Hills Neighborhood Association
Goals
To make into a preserve a 15. 5 acre tract of Loess Hills land.
Overview
We want to save from development a rare 15 acre track of Loess Hill land. Our hope is to make it into a Forest/Grassland preserve for future generations. The Loess Hills are one of the rarest on earth. Existing only in Western Iowa and China. As pressures on development raise this rare land formation is quickly being destroyed. The land is home to a large variety of wildlife and forest grasses. This reserve will allow people to walk through it and see the Loess Hills as when Lewis & Clark explored the Missouri river valley.

To vote click here. Would love your support as this is a great project and helps enhance our community and preserve the environment. I am thinking of submitting an idea next week for our neighborhood park. If you have submitted an idea send me a link and I will vote (as long as it isn't in competition with Council Bluffs)

24 Spruce, Niobrara Nebraska

IS OURS!!

Well almost – still have to close on the home. The owners accepted our offer (for those following along my dad won the cabin fight….). I am so excited I could scream –actually I may have when I found out. And I was at work. I am envisioning lazy relaxing weekends, weekends with family, and lively weekends with friends. Paddle boating, four wheeling, running, and biking. Hurry up summer!! In the meantime lots of shopping, decorating, demolition, and updating must be undertaken to transform this 1970’s ranch into a modern minimalist country cabin. I am starting with my bedroom as I bought this bed last night in cherry.


I plan to transform this room.

Into something like this.


I am torn between these two bedding choices from Pottery Barn.
Ruched Voile Duvet Cover & Sham

Cloud Quilt & Sham

I plan to distress this built in, change out the hardware, add a mirror, and seating so it becomes a vanity.



This bedside lamp (also from Pottery Barn) reminds me of the oil lanterns we had at our original cabin so may be a necessary purchase as well.

Sure this is the first of many design or cabin related posts you will see. Any thoughts or ideas for the transformation of this room?

2010 RAGBRAI is one of shortest, flattest ever

Music to my ears! Short and flat as opposed to last year's killer hills! The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa runs July 25-31 with overnight stops in Sioux City, Storm Lake, Algona, Clear Lake, Charles City, Waterloo, Manchester and Dubuque.

I am so ready for summer and fun outdoor activities. Especially Ragbrai. Overnight towns were announced on Saturday evening. I spent hours yesterday booking hotels. I couldn't believe how many were already sold out! Luckily I scored Team Drinkstrong several rooms in all but one town!! After riding 50+ miles a day I need a hot shower and a comfy bed, not a tent. Call me soft, a wimp, high maintenance, whatever you please but I am not roughing it for Ragbrai. Anyone else riding this year?