One More Piece of Inspiration

Take a look at this and tell me that you aren't in love too!



Thank you, All Things Thrifty

A Truly Cultural Experience

On Friday night I talked Dane into attending an evening of culture on ISU's campus, and I might add that the $10.00 for both of our tickets was well worth the expense!

Have any of you listened to James Otto before?




**photo

I will admit, I was super-impressed during the concert! So impressed, actually, that I think I will invest in some of his music. (I haven't made it through too many concerts without falling head over heels with the music though.) James Otto was pretty fabulous, and not too shabby looking, but I couldn't help but notice that he was twice the size of any of his band members. He really looked like he could easily crush the bass or guitar players with his pinky finger. He was like "He-Man" or something! So, he had a strong mix of masculinity, but the gentle breeze from his personal fan added a sense of "swimsuit model" shoot to the mix. This giant "model" among men did put on quite a show.

Now, the culture really came from all around us. One of the best parts of the concert included the thirty-five year old woman who may have been slightly intoxicated and danced up and down the aisles, performing for anyone who was willing to watch. Now, I am ashamed to say that I laughed quite a bit! Is that bad? I loved watching her though--I have respect for people who enjoy being themselves, so I say to her, "You keep dancing and enjoying that music! Keep doing what you are doing, and don't worry about what other people think." See, I took a lesson away from this! I definitely appreciated the opportunity to people-watch and take in my surroundings. There were people from all walks of life at the concert, and I just loved it.

So, I definitely remind us all to take in our surroundings and enjoy the moment! I am definitely learning to do this a little more lately!

Education

Education is the most POWERFUL weapon which you can use to CHANGE the world.

Nelson Mandela

Definitely Worth a Look

All right! If you know me, you may know that I am a lover of anything related to music--commentary, videos, you name it! And because today was a good day I really want to share a little creative inspiration with you.

You can't tell me that after you watch this you won't want to create your very own "giant game of mouse trap" at home. I think Dane and I will try our own version on Sunday (if I can talk him into it).

"This Too Shall Pass" is the latest music video from OK Go, the musical geniuses that introduced the concept of dancing on moving treadmills. They really are revolutionary forces in the music video medium.

So, without further ado, here is "This Too Shall Pass," quite possibly one of the coolest music videos ever made!



Do you like it as much as I do?

Home Office Inspiration

I really just wanted to bounce some ideas for the home office off of you! I am so excited about the few ideas that I have come across, and Dane even likes them! (Dane likes almost everything I do, but still....)

Let me know what you think! (I am definitely not an interior designer, but I love putting together my own home--so, don't judge my poor design sense! :))

Of course I want to make a little something for the room:



I have fallen in l-o-v-e with IKEA, so here are my favorite IKEA pieces for the room:







Am I totally off my rocker on this one?!

Food Tribute to Great-Grandpa Sucher

So, my great-grandpa was an excellent cook! Oh, and he made a mean sugar cookie. Now--the recipe has been passed down through the Sucher family and made it my way this week. I called my mom for the recipe, and I think my dad was more excited to pass it on. "Oh, we are going to have to have your mother get out Great-Grandpa Sucher's recipe," he said. "He was a great cook." We Sucher's are proud of our fine German heritage and family members.

Last night I went to work on the recipe, after being warned by Mom that it was a little time consuming. Boy, the non-baker in me really felt overwhelmed at first, but I was very happy when I tasted the final result. (Just like when Mom and Grandma made them!) Needless to say, my kitchen looked like it was hit by a tornado--and I looked like I barely walked away from a duel with a bag of flour. (Note to all: I am a baking novice, but I have dreams of someday being a cupcake/baked goods queen. Watch out, world!)

One last note: I have to admit that I felt like I was paying a culinary tribute to my great-grandfather last night. I am sure Dane thought I was being ridiculous, but I really thought a lot about my family while I slaved away on the treats. It was a moving experience. (Is it weird to have a bit of a spiritual experience in the kitchen?)



I am feeling bold and gracious--so here is the recipe for some perfect sugar cookies--really fluffy ones!

Great Grandpa Sucher's Sugar Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Mix the following ingredients well:
2 cups sugar (if you like them really sweet, add a bit more sugar)
1 cup butter
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking powder
enough flour to make the mixture a soft, rollable dough (this was the hardest for me to determine personally)

Roll out the dough and cut out cookies. (I recommend keeping the dough fairly thick because I love thick, fluffy cookies.) I baked the cookies in the oven for ten minutes, and each batch came out perfectly. Top the cookies with your favorite cream cheese frosting.

(If anyone decides to try this out, I hope you love them as much as I do!)

Giveaway, Not By Me

So, I am posting about a giveaway on Jess's blog in order to get an extra entry in for "Pride & Prejudice & Zombies." I am telling ya, I have wanted to buy this book for the last several months, but I keep getting other books instead. There are just so many options out there! Anyway, I just won a book off of the Goodreads website, so I am feeling so good about my chances in this drawing.

Now, I am posting to be polite and to get the extra entry, but don't go thinking that you should enter--you will be decreasing my chances! Ahh! Anyway, I will keep you posted (only if I win!)