Housewife of Hennepin County

Ever have one of those days?

2012-01-23T14:41:00.003-06:00

Where you feel so super great and you just know good things are going to happen? Today is that day. UPS just dropped off my Talbots gift card the I won as a Vogue Influencer. I am so excited to go and try this stuff out. I am grown up now (bummer) and I love these stores to help me look pulled together and stylish, and my age. Not too old and not like I shop my teenagers closet. Here are some of their past Holiday looks. Let me know what you think and what I should shop for first.

Embrace the sleek of Fekkai

2012-01-05T08:30:00.001-06:00

I thought I would post the fab hair from the show. I am going to try and embrace the sleekness. Just realized this morning that some of these gals are wearing extensions. Teehee. I am so gullible. But i think it is gorg. I included the video too for you to see how it was done too.

My Fekkai win

2012-01-05T08:24:00.002-06:00

I could post and post about this for sure. Two months later my hair has grown so beautifully thanks to this makeover. Then seeing this posted as a Vogue Influencer gave me the chance to relive it. Also, in the video, if you pause it at 18 and 19 seconds in and look down the isle you can see me in all my fabulousness. No lie, the products are fab and the ones I got in my gift bag I treat as gold. Seeing the video brings me back to the great California October weather and my feet are remembering the blisters and bruises they endured on the many walks up and down Sunset. Jen Aniston is staying at the hotel we stayed at. Kelli Cutrone was checking out as we were and Charlize Theron was checking in!!! Oh to be one of the cool kids for three days was a memory I will cherish for ages! Watch the video here.

let me know if it does not work, You can see it on facebook too.

We bundled Galore at our Old Navy store!!!

2011-12-19T12:56:00.008-06:00

Three of my beasties and I were out at the Mall of America for a fun night of shopping. Compliments of Old Navy and Crowdtap. Now, you all know who you are, but my sister in law Kara (couldn't have asked for a better gal) my super friend Sarah and of course my darling daughter Makenzee. I picked these gals because we are all so different and fun. We would never run out of things to say. I made them all special brittle with chocolate chips and marshmallows to keep energy high. Can't have any sugar dropping in this case. We all met at the Mall of America Starbucks, we were able to see the Old Navy Marquee from the corner of the store. After we got our java on, we were set. Most of you know how huge the store is, so we had no problems digging in. For me I loved what everyone else was finding, But i seemed to grab quite a pile of items along the way as well. The fitting room was ours... for over two hours. It went by so fast. It took us so long, because we kept trying on each others stuff to see if we liked something better, we would guard one another rooms while one of us would go on the hunt for a different size, style or color. So funny to see us come back with more than one thing that we had found along the way looking for something else. We all emerged with our designated treasures and a bit more. So great that we all ended up with different things. From Beanies to fun, cords to skinnies and wrap arounds too, we had such a blast. It was the best part to see their faces light up when the coupons worked and the Old Navy staff was just amazed at our luck and fun. With a little gelato to celebrate at the end. We could not have asked for a better time. Three of us just enjoyed finding a new outfit to add for our cold MN weather. My sister in law went a tad further to find her perfect outfit to celebrate her one year anniversary in Ely, does it get colder anywhere farther north than ELY?

Pumpkin and Friends

2011-12-02T10:05:00.004-06:00

Now, I am not calling anyone a pumpkin for sure but I am sure excited that my good friend Jodi is coming with her baby boy Brennen. For this great occasion I made some pumpkin scone like things, They have protein powder in them and use oatmeal as the filler as well. Using those was the nice part of me, the naughty? I added white chocolate chips. I felt like a baker at one of those fancy coffee houses. :)
These are gluten free of course and I think would make a great addition to a Holiday brunch, let me know what you think. I used honey instead of mollases, you could use corn syrup, but I try and stay somewhat away from that. I also skipped the raisins.
Pumpkin Protein Cookies
Fall just wouldn't be the same without an abundance of pumpkin-flavored treats, and this recipe allows you to indulge in them without feeling guilty. Made with vanilla protein powder, these spicy pumpkin cookies are perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. Although Stella seems to only want the ones with the chocolate in them, she says the other ones "are missing something"

Ingredients:
1 c. pumpkin puree
1/4 c. applesauce
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 c. vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp. agave nectar
1 tbsp. molasses (corn syrup or honey)
1 tbsp. cinnamon
2 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. raisins (white chocolate chips)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine ingredients in a bowl, stirring until well combined. Drop cookies onto baking sheet and press down. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Makes 12 cookies

Oral B toothbrushes make for a fun Party

2011-11-29T17:48:00.005-06:00

It may have been the Pooh Bear theme and the fabulous toothpaste tubes that lured the little guys in, but whatever the case, we had such a great time. The kids kept screaming Pooh Bear Party. Seeing them brushing their teeth just while hanging out and watching the movie was actually moving to see that they are so impressionable so fast. Talking about fruits, and milk and going to the dentist to keep our choppers well, was a quick chat on these little ears, but I think they enjoyed pointing out the pics and were so proud when they knew the answers to the trivia.
You all know I am a foodie, and today was no disappointment. There was Piglets crunch, (caramel/chocolate chex mix), Apples, peanut butter and marshmallows to look like a mouth with teeth. And of course there was Eeyore's dirt cups. Made out of pudding. crunched up Oreo and gummy worms.
I was so fortunate to have been chosen as a host for this Oral B party. We are all familiar with the name, but to see all of the oral care they have geared towards our kids really makes an impact and there is something for us all to get and implement into not just ours but our kids schedules as well. From Cars, Toy Story and Princess's too.

What do you do?

2011-11-02T14:14:00.002-05:00

Maybe I was a tad overzealous, but stella is three now and i purchased a princess memory game for us. It had 72 cards. That seems like a bit much if you ask me. After 5mns of laying the cards out we began to "play". Then put it away. I was sad. I am looking for things for us to do that don't involve baking because of all the candy we have. What do all of you do with your tots to keep em busy???

Some swanky stuff is being applied too...

2011-10-24T15:31:00.002-05:00

What are some of the posh products I have gotten my hands on lately? Let me tell ya.
The L'ancome Baby doll lashes do not disappoint. I am a three swiper anyways, so I know there is no clumping. I have never seen an applicator quite like this one either. No one has one like it. And to go with those darling eyelashes to bat on date night, there is the Diane Von Furstenburg scent. Her first true perfume. subtle hints of Violet and base notes of myrrh, musk and patchouli. Seductive and feminine, DIANE is the ultimate accessory.
And boots are so in right now. No, I am not talking our Sorel Staple, I am talking about some Nine West beauties. Like these: (no not because of the name either)

or these ones: they scream walking and shopping downtown.

and these for the sexy flair of it all:

and to wrap it up, I am hoping to chat with you next time while typing on the beauty:

Enjoy the gorg stuff here, I sure am. Life is good, real good

So... Where have I been lately?

2011-10-24T15:21:00.002-05:00

What do Olivia Wilde, Busy Phillips, Baltzar Getty, Diana Agron and me have in common? We were all at the CFDA runway fashion show held at the Marmont this past week. Held outside it was more than a glamorous and perfect day.
Well, let me tell you. You all know I am a super sweeper. Let's not get to crazy here, not t.v. reality worthy, but enough to keep me fashionable and as a-of lately, well traveled. We are talking L.A. Yes, warm, sultry and sunny sunset strip.
It was not a scam. I have the pics to prove it. See above.
A big surprise was the poshy car service that drove me everywhere.
The Sunset Hotel? Oh, yes, everything and more. Right down to the cookies that were secretly placed bedside every evening when we came home.
Frederick Fekkai? So kind, so amazing. My hair has never looked so great and he cut 4in. off. I need to worry no more about the what I though were thinning spots. So lush.
Glasses of champagne were drank and swanky talk was abundant for sure. What a great time.
Derrick and I were even spotted in some of the swanky photos. You have to really look, but a glance and we are very present.
So, this housewife was almost in the ranks of the O.C. and the Beverly Hills gals. I can dream right?

Free John Frieda Hair Color Foam-Very Lux

2011-03-23T08:28:00.001-05:00

I have used this and I adore it, it feels so poshy with great pro gloves and a superb leave in conditioner, grab yours now!!! Just take the survey and see if you qualify. http://www.facebook.com/johnfriedaus?sk=app_109900249089848

I know you can see it, but can you taste it?

2011-02-16T07:54:00.002-06:00

Well, my stay at home mommies. It is getting so much closer. WE can see it. You know the bright light that is coming in through the windows a bit earlier each day. I can almost taste the fresh air of being able to bring stella out and let her run it out. Are you feeling couped up too? Climbing the walls at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Maybe waiting for the older siblings to come home so you can have a tad bit of extra "adult" conversation? How many projects can you do in a day to keep yourself busy? All of the extra muffins and brownies and cookies we have baked here in the afternoons are fab, but even though gluten free, my body may be resembling it's own form of the muffin top. Running outside you say? still to dangerous for sure. Leslie in the living room, yes, with stella being a great leslie fan herself it is a challenge. So for now, I am opening the blinds first thing in the morning and letting the light in a tad sooner, physically and mentally. It is going to be a great shiny day!!!

Love being a Vogue Influencer

2010-12-30T16:11:00.004-06:00

I was so very fortunate to be picked as a Vogue style influencer. I have rcv'd lancome mascara's before they hit the market and most recently the L'oreal Youth Code kit. There were three steps in it. I take the couple extra moments and treat myself. Using the eye cream is the best with it's cool applicator-literally. I have never really been loyal to a product. I just take the freebies and move on. Until now... I even saw the anchors chat about this on The Today Show this a.m. You all know I am a sucker for marketers, but if it good enough for the today show it is goo enough for me.
http://influencers.todd.enternewmedia.com//campaigns/view/5#embed_code27
http://influencers.todd.enternewmedia.com//campaigns/view/5#embed_code29
http://influencers.todd.enternewmedia.com//campaigns/view/5#embed_code26
here's the links if you are interested in exactly what I am using. here is to great skin for the New Year!!!

Glory in the small things

2010-12-22T18:40:00.002-06:00

Yesterday and today I learned to be patient and yes, wait for it....Break out the play-doh. Where it was messy Stella was oh so good. She even put it away herself. Bonus. But the real sanity saver was the sink with a titch of H2O and mega bubbles. Add some mixing cups, spoons and funnel and momma finishes two, yes two magazines. AHHHHHH. Also this week I won some fab faux eyelashes. Thinking they were a short/unfulfilled order of mineral makeup I had ordered (which after FEDEX tracking is scheduled to arrive tomorrow-oops) I was cussing all the way from the mailbox to the front door. Opened it up and SURPRISE. Free Stuff love it. They look so glam with the new eyeshadow quad I won two weeks ago. Just waiting for the IPAD to show up now (yes, I am hoping to win one). Keep Ya Posted. Merry Christmas. Yes, I said it and you should too, I still say Christmas break as well and I love it...

Things I learned this week...

2010-12-03T08:25:00.004-06:00

1. If you can get your hubby to give you a half hour in the bathroom sans kids and you add enough Aveda product, You can blow out your hair fabulously and walk out smelling as if you left a swanky salon.

2. Just because some one has one of those fancy new electric soap dispensers, it does not mean they upgraded their sink to electric as well, no matter how long you stand there and wave your hands around it.

3. And last and sigh, not the least, Kitchen Aid mixers are not invincible. Just add 1cp too much oat flour and wammo you can strip a gear faster than your toddler can say "no!!! I don't Like it" before they even see it. On the plus side you can google how to take it apart and feel oh so cool when said hubby comes home and see's "his" new project sitting on the counter already semi taken apart, to your part of comfortabilty.

The Holidays are now upon us which means so much more time for me to get myself in trouble. With a wedding in the family next week and me in charge of a few key aspects I am sure fun times and tragedy are just on the horizon. Toodles!

look at them freebies and know you are lucky in life

2010-10-27T10:50:00.003-05:00

Yes, I post most of them on FB, it is so much faster in a sense. I wanted to write a quick note on how lucky I am feeling lately. Curious George, Toothpaste, Houseparty etc. I also rcv'd a dvd with Dean Cain in it. It is called The Way Home. As he is no superman in this one, he does remind us of the power of love and patience and keeping an open eye. WE love our kids, all need a good hug and need to remind ourselves how lucky life really is. If you come across this one, sit the whole family down with a good bowl of popcorn and have a little faith. So, as they sit with the play-doh this chilly season, sit with them and open your imagination.

Where does the time go?

2010-08-27T12:23:00.004-05:00

I promised early on I would never post too frequently, but looking back it has been two months. What was I thinking? I would never abandon you!! Many of you have been busy as well. Building homes, going to Europe...ME? Just a typical summer of kids and life. I did get a part time job as so many of you know. It was a bucket list thing. I am now a full fledged barista at the friendly neighborhood Caribou Coffee. Love it, Love it. Recently though, we were in Proctor for good ole Hoghead days and my dad's birthday. Where spending time with the fam is flawless, my day however was not as much. Stung by a bee for the first time-ouch!!!! Knowing I am not the only one in the world to get stung I did have to complain a tad. To top it off, the b-day cake I spent four days prepping for my dad fell in about four seconds to the floor. SPLAT. Now, my husband being the kind man he is, said "honey, no worries, everyone expects this kind of thing from you. It's cute and your so quirky." Now my gal readers know in the heat of the moment, no one wants to hear this. We did get some great pics of us eating off of the fine china AKA the floor though. Memories, memories. Making this short for many of you as well I are gettingready for the back to school dash. I am sad to see Makenzee go, she is a doll. A doll who as of last month has outgrown her mom. Just another valuable reason to consistently wear the heel and wedge. Toodles...

Embarassing moment of the day-Maybe worse than the vomit of lies in the past

2010-06-22T13:41:00.004-05:00

Everyone has one, and I know many of you look to me for the doozies. Today's doozy... Hit reply with this statement to the Circus Fitness Class at Gleason's Gymnastic school in Eagan. It was meant to go to the hubby..."Sounds like fun, we should go and try it out... Maybe learn a "trick" or two. Teehee". Sweating with the embarrassment of having to go under an incognito name if we do sign , I quickly sent an apology. Can they sue you for harassment for this kind of thing?

Oh so sorry

2010-06-22T13:35:00.001-05:00

Yes, it has been far too long, but one of many reasons (the main) is that my poor tank of a computer was down. We are talking so far down, I was not too sure it was coming back up for air. Technology....always need one and the other to make a perfect pair. Much like life. Save that for another story. Thankfully my magician of a brother in law took a week (yes, I said a week... my computer was really really caput) out of his life to give my trusty friend life once again. "breathe, breathe". Saving for a mac one survey at a time. Yes, Dell is a trusty brand, heck my husband spilled a glass of milk on this sucker and after pouring it out, (no lie) it still ran like a champ.

I hope your summer has started off with a bang. Our first day of summer did end with a sunny sky so that has got to be positive. On my postive note, I am taking a look at Bethany Frankel and going to be more assertive and open. I will keep you posted on how that bit of housewife tude goes over in this house. "Like we need any more" my hubby might say. Au contraire my dear, yes...yes we do!!

On a final note, I just learned of poor Jake and Vienna. Although I am not sure what is more shocking, the split or his turtle neck. Let me know what you think.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b187053_real_story_behind_jake_viennas_breakup.html

Every now and then

2010-05-20T14:54:00.004-05:00

Yes, every now and then I need to do it. I would like to think that yes, my glass is more than half full. Then there are days or even instances that make you think people suck. There, I said it. PEOPLE SUCK!!! As we get older, we grow up right? I know I have and believe the good in everyone. Then, I took a step back today and took a closer look. Not all people are good. There are people out there that are just for themselves and a small select group of the ELITE. I have never belonged to the ELITE club. There was a time I might have sold my soul to join. As I sit here in Eden Prairie, home to some of the biggest ELITE I might say, I am reminded that they are everywhere. South to North. So, today, maybe take a step back and look at what club you are in and weather or not you still want to be an honorary member. Looks can be deceiving and there are clubs out there were you don't need to pay a "fee"!! Let me know your thoughts.

Today's Deal: http://www.quantumhealth.com/wwmag/. Free samples of oral care. You will be entered into a sweepstakes and then forwarded to the sample page. Thank you Roland.

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-10T14:27:00.005-05:00

So....how was it? You know, the spoil "ME" rotten day? Please no dishes, no laundry , no meal planning. Did it work out well for ya? For me? Oh yes, yes, yes!!!! Woke up to peacefully getting dressed and makeup applied. That's a biggie. No little fingers in my blush and brushes. Downstairs we trot to cards and a gift bag waiting to be opened. Cards from the girls are always so great. And the piece de resistance...A porcelain reusable Starbucks mug. Oh the Glory. But, am I responsible enough not to break it? Then off to IHOP. Breakfast again there was interesting. We always vow to never go back. We did, ended up with a long dark hair in hubbies sunny side up eggs, found it when he was down to the last bite. YUCK!!!! Stella did get a balloon though. YEAH! Como Zoo, all the animals awake and vibrant. Cupcakes on France. My family knows me so well. Don't let anyone say you can't do mothers day on a budget. Hope yours was just as awesome!! Don't forget to share this with your friends, if they can relate..

Today's deal: 3 free greeting cards from Shutterfly.com. Just pay shipping. Use code card4grad. Enjoy
thank you pocket your dollars

New to Swagbucks?

2010-05-10T13:04:00.002-05:00

Check it out. Lots of free stuff, addicting to get points. Could be fun.

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Hi, hello, how are you? Goodbye...

2010-05-05T12:10:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was a 24 hour whirlwind of driving , coffee, formal dresses and the best breakfast in the Northland. But it always comes with too quick of hello's and goodbyes. It involves the beauty of the blended family. My husband and I packed up the gals and the faithful dog and drove to Duluth for stop #1. Dad's. He is the best dog sitter we know. Prada has even come home with a tummy full of her own Happy Meal. (No lie). Quick Hello number one. Then it is off to moms to drop of the girls. With a quick "here look at the freebies I got you, no don't worry if Stella doesn't eat and yes she still goes to bed at 6:15 with a story." we are off to Ely. Jordan's grandmarch. So beautiful. One of the highlights was me in my dress and 3in high heels on the back of a fourwheeler prior. Pics to come soon I am sure. Derrick was teary eyed as he watched his first born dawn the stairs in her formal escorted by her beau. More quick hello's and just as quick goodbye's as she went off to her dance. I think we were in Ely equally as long as it took us to drive there; from Duluth. Back to moms for the night. Wake up and gracefully dart out in the a.m. for our breakfast ritual. Back to moms. Derrick has found yet another fourwheeler. (the north's preferred mode of transportation i am now sure). We are off for another ride in another town. Goodbye to moms. #3 stop was grandpa Ed's with a visit with him and d's mom. "Hello/goodbye." Off to dads for the beloved pet. Short stay with a quick lunch. Hello/Goodbye. Insert drive home here. As you can see in a nut shell the drive was equally made up of quick salutations as the hours spent in the car. Way to fast, way to sorrowful. Stop and smell the roses? Please, we have to lay off the accelerator first.
Todays freebie: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/101118/quickQuestions.iphtml?item=101118&source=&ss_id=&key=1c4d9fdaedb386c4bfdf1fc77b8e907e. To keep you energized on your ride.

Little lie...Lots of Guilt.

2010-04-29T17:44:00.005-05:00

Was outside with Stella today to hopefully "run" into the assoc. leader or lawyers I am not sure who they were but I really needed to fess up. REWIND to yesterday afternoon. Official looking people walking around the property looking at siding and such. Head official guy looks at my neighbors and I told them "no one lives there any more". Then he looks and sees that my neighbor friend Lisa's car is in their spot and proceeds to ask me "whose car is that?" Without a hesitation i say "i am not sure." WHAT??? Did i just lie? It was like throw up, it just happened. He knew i was lying i could read it in his face. That and he pointed to her house and said, "i think it is their car". Oh crap. I just directed stella to her chalk and ignored him. But the guilt I had was awful. And then i thought am I going to get in trouble now? (i know for what) Silly, Silly right? It was on the verge of keeping me up last night, if it was not for the trash mag i was reading, i think it would have been tough. Hoping to not run into the "mad men" again. So, have a good laugh on my neurosis and go to bed guilt free.

Here we go....

2010-04-29T12:16:00.001-05:00

I can tell you this may be as fashionable as Orange County with out the nudity of New York and negativity of Orange County. Who doesn't love a little local flare? So far, so quite for now. Got the baby down for her nap and thought now would be a great time to start sharing my mommy life with the world. Alas, nothing too crazy today, but it is still early. D just came home for a quick.....lunch. gotcha. He is in between jobs and had a chance to come and visit. What a great soul. If there was anybody more busy right now I am not sure. So, on that note here's to my first post and to many, many more. Buckle your belts, it could be a crazy wig wearing, wine sipping ride.