Breast Cancer Awareness month

My neighbor is training for a breast cancer walk in November. While I wish I had the motivation to do the entire walk with her, I know myself too well. The intentions would be good, but my training would fall short. As the next best thing, I have promised to keep her company on her long training days - 60 pounds in stroller weight/kids included.

In the spirit of giving, I've decided "pink shopping" is dedication as well. With all the sites dedicated to raising money for breast cancer awareness and research, why shop anywhere else this month? There are many items available in colors other than pink, but in the spirit of the cause, I picked my favorite pink products!

Design-her-Gals stationery, dedicated to our favorite woman!

Galoshes (because I've always wanted a pair) from DLL Rainwear

A great jacket for all my neighborly training, from The Breast Cancer Site

And because I seem to be the handy one around here, how about a pink set of tools from Tomboy Tools?

Whenever doing online shopping, try to find a site that gives back. There are a lot of companies that care, not just during breast cancer awareness month, but year round. Uptown Liz is a fabulous site - you can shop by product OR cause. In my mind, you don't have to make excuses for shopping when it's for a cause!

Halloween costume confusion

We got a costume catalog in the mail at least a month ago and I made the mistake of handing it over to my three year old..."So what do you think you'd like to be this year for Halloween?" He took it to bed that night and before closing his eyes decided:
Luckily, he changed his mind about the same time I found out UPS had "officially" lost a package they had traced three times. Moving on, he entered a Star Wars phase. As long as he could add a light saber to his costume, he would dress up in anything Star Wars related.Next up, he found an Incredible Hulk costume...one in daddy's size, one in his size and one in a baby size for his little brother. I didn't ask what mommy would wear, I was just praying this phase would also pass!
Most recently he decided he would be a cowboy, just like last year. So when you see a crazy lady out on Halloween Eve, scouring the shelves of Target's Halloween section, you'll know my three year old changed his mind, yet again!

Fried Chicken Friday

So I've been experiencing a bit of writers block...fighting off a cold, work overload, etc. I found the cure - Stroud's fried chicken! For anyone who has spent significant time in Kansas City, the place is legendary. A few years back, the city had to build a highway through the old location. Everyone was up in arms and couldn't believe such a thing could happen. Thankfully, Stroud's finally found a new home. Lucky for me, it happens to be blocks away from my home.

Now this restaurant hasn't updated a thing in their move - they literally saved bar fixtures from the old building. I'm not entirely sure they didn't save their old curtains and tablecloths too! Fortunately, they also kept all their old recipes...fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and the fabulous cinnamon rolls. The only thing to beat Stroud's would be the same meal from my Nana.

La Plates - Oval Platters

With the holidays approaching, La Plates is working on a new product design - oval platters. We are offering the 10in x 14in platters on our website for a LIMITED TIME. They make a fabulous gift to family and friends...you might need one too!

We are offering the platters in BAMBOO, GINGHAM, MODERN, VINES, ZEBRA designs - you pick the colors, font and personalization

Kansas City BBQ

When I met my husband, I didn't eat red meat...now we live in Kansas. We moved here 7 years ago and I didn't understand the obsession with barbecue. However, over time, I've learned that it is our claim to fame and I have embraced it.
Last night was the American Royal BBQ - the BBQ of the year. We started our evening at Roadkill - all the competing teams name their tent/team. My brother-in-law and friend prep all the meat for serving. I can't tell you all the items I ate, but each bite melted in my mouth! They also had Mustard Girl condiments - a favorite of mine. Entry into the tent is canned food goods for Harvesters or a $10 donation to the organization.

Next stop was Meat Mitch. This crew goes over the top to entertain their guests! It begins with their invitation which includes a Meat Mitch tattoo for entry. As you walk in, the scent of Red Bull fills the air. I didn't even make it to the food table, because I heard my favorite 80's tunes. This year their dance floor was crazy! Not only did they have their dance party videos on 2 big screens, but they created a drive-in movie size screen on a neighboring building - great times. Even E! Entertainment came to film the shindig, impressive. All tips from the bar go to women fighting breast cancer, specifically two Kansas City women.

My husband and the host, Mitch

Please note, blurry pictures are NOT caused by the consumption of too much keg beer. I forgot my camera and had to resort to my I Phone camera - not great for night photos!

Thanksgiving tradition

Kiddie treats at the Thanksgiving table have been a long standing tradition in our family. The women always came up with something to attempt to entertain the kid table. I'll never forget the Thanksgiving a month after I was married that my mother provided pilgrim and indian paper dolls for all the "kids". Never mind that we were dining in a lovely Chicago restaurant or that all the "kids" were 23+!!

La Plates has designed a line of holiday plates that are sure to become a family tradition in your home. Create one for each child or a set for your entire family. Holiday Plates make great hostess gifts and teacher gifts with a dozen homemade cookies.

It's party time!

Bring on the party, people - La Plates is ready to go! This insulated party bucket is a must for entertaining. Our coolers do not leak or sweat and help keep your beverages cold. Features include a pocket on each side for stashing cocktail napkins and an attached bottle opener. Available in navy (shown), red, green, royal and black. Personalize with monogram or text. Checkout our La Plates Accessories today!
Think tailgates, parties, gifts for friends and family...everyone likes their bevies chilled, right?!