Simple Pleasures

Just something quick to keep the ole blog active...

This past weekend Danny and I traveled to Santa Cruz, CA. The little beach town I called home for a whole year! It was lovely to be back and see how little things had changed.

The weekend restored in me a sense of calm and reminded me of the great pleasure I find in the simple and non-scheduled. We took specific care not to make many dates and flew by the seats of our pants most of the weekend.

Sitting by the water and people watching (and puppy watching on the beach) and walking to Kelly's Bakery to get coffee and sitting on their outdoor patio without a care in the world was awesome.

As spring approaches and the days get longer and warmer, I'm going to make an effort not to plan. I don't by any means want to lay around all spring but I want to find things to do and just do them when I have time.

The city of Chicago has endless activities and I want to enjoy as many of them as possible! A close friend of mine shared the idea of "Trekking". You start in one part of the city and literally just walk to another. This gives you the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. You can stop in shops, cafes or parks as much as you fancy.

So as spring approaches, I'm going to embrace the city and enjoy it as much as possible. I'll share the details here!


And... I start training for the half marathon next week with a trainer who has run 29 marathons. She knows her stuff. This will also be a part of enjoying the city this spring and summer and hopefully looking killer in a bathing suit!!

XoXo - e*ricks

Spring Cleaning

"Above all we must realize that each of us makes a difference with our life. Each of us impacts the world around us every single day. We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place - or not to bother." - Jane Goodall


The end of February means a few things.
First - that the worst of winter is over... fingers crossed
Second - that spring is around the corner... fingers crossed
Third - that it is spring cleaning time!

I love spring cleaning. I am a mild hoarder and Danny will be the first to tell you that I have a problem. Spring cleaning means you have a chance to sweep out all the dust from under the bed and discover what is down there! I know I have some books in bags under my bed and I'm excited to pull them out.

This spring I am also going to do some personal spring cleaning. I am going to focus on improving myself. I am to the point where I eat breakfast every morning, I have time to dry my hair (at least mostly) and I am following Weight Watchers with much detail. All three of those were goals of mine in November. Now it is time to add to the resolutions I made 4 months ago.

This spring I am going to start running. This is entirely new to me. The only running I have done is to the train when I am late for something. But I want to get in shape and I have many friends who run and I think it is a great sport.

On August 1st, 2010 I will run in the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon. This will be a first for me and I am nervous but excited. Besides getting in shape and having a hobby to share with friends this half marathon will be for something more, something greater; my cousin, Evan.

Last April, Evan Witty passed away while serving at the Palm Tree Orphanage in Cambodia. Evan was a extraordinary person who put a smile on the face of everyone who had the chance to know him. He was caring, selfless and inviting and has been dearly missed every day. This race will be for him.

Official training starts in April but in March I will be doing "prelim" training because I need to be able to run for 5 miles in the first week of official training. Those of us running in honor of Evan will be raising money for Cambodia's Hope, the organization he was working for.

The Palm Tree Orphanage is home to 93 children from age 4 to 18. The kids take classes in English, accounting, computers and dance as well as music lessons and a Cambodian curriculum. The children have room to learn, play and exercise at Palm Tree. They have a band practice room, and a large arts, crafts and ceramics room. There is a large play area for soccer, volleyball and other activities, and a spiritual meditation room on site as well. Cambodia's Hope maintains the orphanage as well as fund all of its operations.

Please visit www.cambodiashope.org to learn more about the group and how you can help. I am hoping to have people sponsor my training and donate $1 per mile I run from April to August 1st. If you are interested in running or donating please let me know!

I look forward to sharing my journey with you for the next 5 months.

XOXO - Rickert

Olympics - the greatest show on earth

It is that time of year again... well time of every two years. The world comes together for the Olympics. I wish that I had enough vacation to take the whole two weeks off and just watch all day and all night long.

I am a competitive person and watching the world's best compete head to head is awesome. I know there are those out there who think that the winter games are not exciting, or not as exciting as the summer games. They obviously are not watching what I am.

Skiers racing down mountains at 80 miles per hour. Faster than we're allowed to drive on most freeways (except in Wyoming and Montana and a few other states). Imagine being out there on nothing but 2 six foot long fiber glass sticks that you are clipped into! Same with bobsledding and the luge. Crazy stuff.

That's not even getting into ski jumping; those athletes go like 100 yards in the air... that's a football field! There is also ice skating, speed skating, hockey, curling and that one where they cross country ski and shoot things.

In other news, my weight watchers is going well. I've been doing my hair in the morning and just last night finally bought make up that isn't too tan for my winter skin! I've also decided to run the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon in August! I'll start training for that in the next month or so and I'm sure I'll share the details of my struggle to compete in a race for the first time since 7th grade gym class.

Also I'm signed up on Google Buzz... I didn't really have a choice they just put it in my inbox one morning. So ya'll can catch daily updates there.

Have a good weekend and happy Mardi Gras!!!
E*Ricks

Resolutions - New and Old

Hello!

This is going to be a quick one but...

I've been drying my hair before work in the morning. I'm nearly at 100% which is a big improvement. This weekend I plan on getting some new make-up (since mine is for Summer Erin's skin tone) and then start to wear that to work.

I've completed 2 books in the last 6 weeks, one of which I actually started in that time. The Julie/Julia Project and The Other Boleyn Girl. I enjoyed both. I haven't started my new one yet but I plan to on tonight's commute home.

KEG, my bestie and I have begun to workout every week. She purchased a Jillian Michaels DVD and we get yelled at together (and sometimes yell back) on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Tuesday nights I go to S Factor with my teacher friend and my marketing friend. I'm very much enjoying this whole workout thing.

I've agreed to run in the half marathon this summer... more on that to come.

and KEG and I plan on starting another blog together. I'll be sure to put up an announcement so, mom, you can learn more about it.

LOVES - time to get back to work!

November Resolutions

Hi Ya'll!

So, I know it has been a while and I think there is only one or two of you reading this and we've probably seen each other in person so... yeah...

I've got a new idea. Why does everyone wait until January 1st to start their resolutions? I mean I get it and I always seem to start one and be done with it by January 4th.

My solution - start your new year's resolutions in October or November and by the time January 1 rolls around you're set up for success!

So my November Resolutions are as follows;

1. Blog once a week (get excited) I'm thinking Wednesdays will be my day

2. Lose weight (I've re-joined Weight Watchers)

3. Find a routine that allows me to eat breakfast every morning and dry my hair (and not be late to work)

4. Pay off my credit card debt.

I'm getting all these started this week and hope to have it down pat by the end of November.

The next thing I'm working on... Christmas gifts! Tis the Season (in 4 days)

xoxo - ericks

What happened to the business card?

Over the last week I have had the pleasure of striking up conversations with loyal patrons of the coffee shop I work at. One young professional made the off-hand comment that Facebook is the new business card.

I was astonished! Maybe I am just old fashioned but I love my Rolodex. I've actually got it on my night stand. Over the last year and a half that I have had it one of my favorite things to do is add people's business cards.

But, something about his comment made sense. Generation Y people are switching jobs every year or two and even when we don't have jobs, or if the card is out of date, we still need to share all our information with people. But I don't want to give out my Facebook information in lieu of a business card.

My solution - the calling card 21st century style.

This 19th century staple is the ancestor of the voicemail and the e-vite. It was used to schedule visits, send personal regards and to say "hey, i stopped by". They were left in silver trays while the "master" of the house was out (aka the Rolodex) and carried around town when you were out (just like the business card).

What I suggest... stop by Office Depot or Office Max and pick up a box of DIY business cards. You simply open up Microsoft word and go to the help tab then you type in the template number on the box.

Then you get to be creative - I suggest your name, e-mail and cell phone (things that are unlikely to change) then print off a page or two and pop them out.

Finally carry them around town and always (ALWAYS) have a pen with you (ladies... your purse is a pretty obvious spot, boys... jacket pockets?). Then as you meet people, new and old, you can share your info and add anything else to the back of the card (address, how/where you met, who you know in common) and encourage this person to keep in touch.

Having everything electronically is nice, but what happens when you spill on your lap-top or your phone breaks and you have lost all your contacts (or if it was stolen). Having a back-up on paper is always a good idea!

Let me know how it goes... and give me your card next time I see ya!

Cheers :o)

Foodie Insider: Quick (and cheap) tricks for FAB food!!

Hello again!

I've talked with several people lately who claim they "can't cook". I think people watch Food Network or Top Chef and get scared that since they can't cook like that they can't cook at all. It simply isn't true.

I suggest looking online at RealSimple.com for easy (and... really simple) recipes. They've got a ton of yummy ideas and great directions to follow.

First Foodie Insider Tip: Balsamic Vinegar

anty up for a middle to upper bottle. The cheap stuff is just that... cheap. But Balsamic Vinegar goes a looong way.

Don't waste your time making balsamic vinaigrette... it is usually a lot easier to buy a cheap salad dressing than try to mix up your own... but we ARE going to make balsamic reduction.

- Take out a small sauce or frying pan.

- Add the B.V. to pan and turn it on to medium-high heat. You're going to add enough B.V. to cover the bottom of the pan (try 3 tablespoons... the big measuring spoon)

- Use a wooden spoon or spatula and "mix" it around (you want to move it every minute or so, basically you don't want it to burn)

- When it starts to bubble up, add in a spoon full of sugar (yes, do it Mary Poppins style)

- Stir it around for another minute (this is probably 5 minutes in at this point)

- Take a look at how much is in your pan - there should be about half of what you originally put in... like it has reduced by half.

And whala, you've got a Balsalmic Reduction!

Now... the fun part, a Balsalmic Reduction is good on pretty much everything, grilled chicken, veggies, rice and ice cream (yes... ice cream... tastes BEST with vanilla bean or brown sugar ice cream, FIVE by Haggen Daas makes a delish one). It might be good on pistachio ice cream... but I'm allergic so I wouldn't know :o)

Foodie Insider Tip Numbah Two: Quesadillas!!

These are SO easy and cheap to make. And once you know the basics you can make your own variations very easily.

We'll start with the traditional fixin's. You'll need store bought tortillas, bell peppers (green and red), a red onion, cheese and non-stick cooking spray.

- Cut up the peppers and onion.

- Spray the whole pan with the non-stick cooking spray

- Toss in the peppers and onion - cook them until the onion becomes "translucent"

- While it is cooking take out the cheese and shred it, probably about a 1/2 cup would be enough, but 3/4 cup would be better!

- When the peppers and onions are done put them in a bowl and set aside for the moment

- Re-Spray the pan and lay one tortilla down and put most of the cheese down leaving at least a 1/4 of an inch at the edge (think pizza crust size)

- Put in the veggies and top with the rest of the cheese and another tortilla

- Let it cook until the bottom tortilla turns tan/brown (aka cooked) and Flip It!

- - - The Flip can be very tricky... think of this as a giant half cooked pancake... It works best with a wide spatula and bringing the pan up to help. But the worst think that happens is that the flip isn't 100% successful... and you just have to use a fork!

- Let the second side cook and presto! You're done!

You can stuff your quesadilla with almost anything! I've done them with Spinach Artichoke Dip and Parmesan cheese, Italian dressing marinated chicken, black olives and cheese or Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Cheese.

Finally - the most important thing to remember when cooking is to have fun. Try new things, experiment. It takes a little while but you begin to learn what tastes go well together (and what your favorites are). For most things the "techniques" are the same, just the ingredients change.

And if all else fails... order in!

Until next time! Love ya!

Crisis Management

hiya!

So, last Wednesday, as I was going through the employee handbook and orientation materials for my new part-time job at Caribu Coffee... my purse was stolen.

Everything was inside it, including my social security card because I needed to prove my employment status and what not. My phone, AMEX, Discover Card, Chase debit card, license and house keys were in it. Not to mention the mini lotions, sun screens, mints and lip glosses I have grown to love (and rely on).

This blog entry will be about how to handle this crisis and be prepared for it as well.

Okay... for the preparedness side of things. Memorize at least 3 close family members and friends numbers. This will help you out much more than you know. Make sure a close friend has a copy of your keys as well as your landlords number. (this close friend should be one of the numbers you have memorized)

At home have one file, unmarked with all your credit card and bank account numbers and customer service numbers. Give them a call and they'll know what to do. It also isn't a bad idea to give this info to a parent or very trusted friend. That way you can cancel things ASAP and not have to wait until you get home.

Second, call the police. Usually 311 is the non-emergency number. Report everything and describe it with as much detail as possible. This will help you record the full value of things that were lost. Ask for a copy of the report and make sure you've got a number to contact the station if you need to.

If you've got renters insurance you may be able to make a claim. (This is where recording everything is important). The way renters insurance works is that you have to estimate the cost to replace everything new. So the phone that you lost might have only cost you $50 but if you don't have an upgrade or incentive available from your wireless carrier... it could cost you $150!

Finally... get over it. It is just stuff! You'll be able to replace the credit cards, trinkets and most likely pictures (they're all digital now anyways). And... you'll never leave your purse on the back corner of your chair again!

Coming up next... quick (and cheap) tricks for cooking FAB food at home!

For now, be save (hang on to those purses) and have a good rest of the week!

Loves!!

Decorate a Bathroom on a Budget (and with style!)

Hello!

My Aunt Gini requested some tips for bathroom decorating... here's what I "know" (have stolen from Home Depot, HDTV and MTV Cribs)

Biggest No No... those towel things that lay around the foot of the toilet and the seat covers. You're just shouting out that you have no clue it is 2009... or that it isn't 1987 anymore.

Next biggest No No... any color that isn't neutral. Painting can be a hassle, especially in small and often oddly shaped spaces like bathrooms. If you can get a color that you like that is neutral, you'll only have to paint once and can change the accessories if you need an update.

Also, with paint colors, stick with "warm" tones of whatever neutral you choose. It honestly will make you look better as you put your make up on. And on that note... NO florescent lighting! It washes you out and you'll put on way too much make-up and look foolish.

Biggest trends - and things I really like
- Large floor and wall tiles, (12 in x 12 in) again in neutral colors
- Track lighting (depending on size of bathroom... and it can be done without a contractor!)
- Glass tile mosaics (1 in x 1 in)

As far as finding the colors you like... grab Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and/or Restoration Hardware Catalogs and rip out the things you like. Even if they aren't for bathrooms. Then once you've compiled, sort through once or twice and eliminate things and rank the others. This will help you with your color scheme and will also help you discover your style if you don't know what it is yet!

Okay, now for the budget part. The most expensive things to replace are faucets and lighting so if you are on a budget or are happy with your current hardware just leave it! Measure the size of the bathroom so you do not waste paint. Also, the best type of paint to use is one that is "glossy" because it resists moisture (and bathrooms are moist places).

Then if you are handy, or crafty try a DIY project! I wouldn't recommend major renovations, or any tiling in the tub or shower, but around the mirror is a fun way to update. Visit Home Depot and have them help explain the details to you.

Another quick, and cheap, way to update or change your bathroom is to get a new shower curtain (if you don't have doors). Another is to have a couple sets of coordinating towels, then every couple of weeks switch one color scheme with the other so you get some variety (which is the spice of life, right)

I am a fan of putting little picture frames on the bathroom counter (instead of tooth brushes, which should be put in the medicine cabinet to keep them clean). These pictures shouldn't be of your pet, or favorite family member. They should be still life style, so flowers, fruits or objects. If you're able I LOVE cutting out make-up products from magazines and putting them in a frame. Another favorite of mine is buying mini calendars (and now is the best time... the 2009 ones are on clearance) and framing them. You can get a calendar of whatever you fancy, it is a great way to personalize.

Then get thrifty with your purchases... drive out to the rather ritzy areas around you and see if they're having Rummage Sales. They've probably got good stuff! Or check craigslist.com but always make sure to take a buddy if you pick something up... and request pictures! Safety First!

Alrighty it is time for me to make some dinner... tonight is grilled chicken with vegetables and a balsalmic reduction. Sounds so fancy right? I'll share the "recipe" tomorrow.

Loves - e*ricks

I'm back!

Hello Loyal Blog Readers... (hi Mom)

So, I've been very negligent over the last year in blogging. But to summarize, I worked for a year in California, really enjoyed my time out there, missed my family and friends in the Midwest so I quit my job and moved to Chicago.

Now I'm a stay-at-home girlfriend. I've decided to refocus the blog on surviving in the city without a job but still doing it all! The posts will revolve around job searching, saving money and still living a fab life.

I'm still hammering out the details but I'm thinking of doing a new recipe a week that will be good for two or more meals, finding free activities and staying sane without a 9 to 5 job.

Can't wait to get it started! See you soon - e*ricks

In the past month...

Okay, Okay I know. It has been a month. Sorry. But I don't think there are many of you out there even reading this so no worries!

It is my favorite time of year. Every two years actually. THE OLYMPICS! I just love seeing people from across the globe get together and play sports. The commentators on radio and TV have mentioned several times how gracious the Chinese audience has been to other countries. I don't think that should be a surprise. Why can't we all just support these fantastic athletes. There are 6.6 some billion people in the world and there are 11,000 athletes. That is a minute number! It amazes me the things these people achieve. And they inspire the other 6.6 billion people to achieve things they never dreamt possible.

These two weeks are extremely hopeful and inspiring and I wish the world could continue on in this spirit even when the games aren't in session.

But on to more real stories...
I got a couch! I no longer have to sit on just one chair, I have the option of the floor, the chair, or the couch! It is lovely. I also have some "artwork" to get put up. I know I said I would post pictures, and I promise I will.

This "artwork" is SO simple. And CHEAP! :o)
All you need is two or three rolls of wrapping paper in patterns you like (and can look at every day), some boxes (clean up after holidays and snag a bunch, that's what I did), scissors, glue and thumb tacks.

Okay ready... here we go
1. trace the top of the box on the paper you want to cover it with. then measure how high the side of the box is and make sure you've got enough extra paper to cut the sides
2. cut out the paper
3. place paper face down on table (or floor if you've got minimal furniture like me) and apply glue in an even way. I suggest using a glue stick, but if you've got good ole fashioned elmers use a paint brush to make sure it is evenly spread
4. put box on paper and apply pressure
5. LET DRY! (don't try to do the sides yet, you'll get wrinkles and shifts in the paper)
6. do steps 1-4 for the other boxes until all the paper is gone
7. have a glass of wine and a chick flick (or deadliest catch marathon) while the tops dry
8. go back and glue on the sides. For corners you can either fold them over or cut them out. I suggest folding (less room for error)
9. let dry either overnight or if you're up for it through another glass of wine and movie
10. tack the bottom of the box to the wall. I would use two tacks, one in each corner of the box and "hang" the top of the box on the bottom! (if you want it to be more sturdy you can glue the top to the bottom but i think this is the best way to do it, you'll have a lot more flexibility to move them around

In the next two weeks, i PROMISE to do this and take pictures so you can see how it is done!

Check back soon!
loves - e*ricks

p.s. GO WORLD!

Erin: OOOOGH...
this is a catastrophe
you will NOT believe this
so.. i just spell checked my blog post in Blogger
had the word "arn't" instead of "aren't"
but when it highlighted "arn't"
the first option to change it to... "ain't"
Katie: NOOOO
Erin: AIN"T???!!!
SOOO NOT A WORD!
Katie: that is infuriating
Erin: thank you!
Katie: what is this world coming to
seriously
Erin: it is falling apart around us
Katie: is it that hard to at least write in proper English

Next time I post... we will discuss proper English and how the Internet has destroyed it.

Happy Birthday America!!

Hello Everyone -

I am getting ready to head to the beach to write some postcards and just enjoy the beautiful day! But this weekend is 4th of July and what a fantastic time to just relax and enjoy our beautiful country.

Sure gas prices are awful, unemployment is high and we have service men and women oversees protecting our freedom. But use this time to be with your family and friends.

Go to the parade, see the fireworks show, grill out (yumm, I love cook outs) and have a beverage or two! I'm planning on visiting these things (sans the cook out) but I'll be on my lonesome. I'm actually going to hit up a bunch of the 4th of July furniture sales! That way I'll have something to sit on or a table to put my computer on while I write my blog!

I also have these beautiful vaulted ceilings and so I plan on buying making some artwork to put above my kitchen cabinets. The easiest (and cheapest) way to do it is to go and buy two or three large poster frames they shouldn't be more than $25 each. Then flip the piece of paper inside it over so you have the white side. Get a few tubes of acrylic paint in your favorite colors and a few different size brushes.

The color you want to be most predominant gets the biggest brush and then work your way down. This is where it gets fun! You can do swirls, zig - zags or just freestyle! You can make each frame different or line them up and make them one large mural! Once the paint has dried (give it overnight to make sure) put them back in the frames and you are good to go!

If you don't have large space to cover, get a bunch of small ones and hang them on the wall. This is a great thing to do if you have kids or you are babysitting all summer - they can make art for their bedrooms or their bathroom. And for the more mature set, kitchens, entryways, dens anywhere really! It is so easy to do.

Then when people come over to visit and they see your fabulous art display they'll ask where you got it and how much it was... you can take full credit for it! (but throw like 3% credit to me... I did give you the fantastic idea!!)

So those are my plans for this 3 day weekend!

Take care and have a great (and safe) holiday!
e*ricks - out!

My first full weekend here

Hello Friends!

I've officially got cable and internet! It feels good to be connected again. But the few days without it got me thinking. It was only 15 years ago that the internet was this luxury. Now I can hardly live without it! Oh how times have changed.

On Thursday I took a walk from my apartment to the beach. It is 2.7 miles there (and that means 2.7 miles back!) The summers are pretty foggy because of the temperature differences I guess. So it hasn't been sunny california in the mornings like I was expecting. But it clears up in the afternoons.

Today is the annual "Woodies on the Warf". People bring their old wood paneled station wagons and their surfboards. I'm going to head out that way and take a few pictures. The summer season has begun and they've got little events like that every weekend.

Also on my schedule for the weekend is to find some furniture. There are a few thrift stores and a sizeable flea market not more than 5 minutes away. I'm going to look there for some different pieces of furniture to put in my apartment. Yesterday I did get a table for my TV so it is not on the floor anymore. But I have to eat on the floor (my table is a cardboard box).

So I'm off! Keep in touch!
loves - e*ricks

"No trip to Hollywood"

... as my dad has said to me over and over again. My response... "I know, it is a trip to Santa Cruz!"

Life out in California is pretty "nard" as the kids say. I'm not kidding, in SoCal it is now "nard" not "nardly". Ah from the mouths of babes.

Another thing, I am officially a boss. I don't feel old, but I am old. At least a year older than anyone I work with. Something I will need to adjust to.

Yesterday was the first day that I saw rain in CA. It was really awesome to see the lightening over the ocean and then see the clouds come to the shore. Then I scooted to the car in order to not get drenched! But until then it has been sunny, warm and not humid! Perfecto!!

This week I am moving into my apartment, my studio with a half wall (so a "one bedroom"). And it is why "no trip to Hollywood" is the title of this post. I am starting from scratch with this apartment and I figured I'd share it on the world wide web.

The day you move in you will need:

• Toilet Paper
• Clorox wipes
• Shower curtain (or liner if you prefer)
• bottle of wine (and a glass, or bowl, or paper cup... or just the bottle)
• corkscrew (aka. church key, wine opener, life-blood)

It is nice to have a bed or sofa or a few pillows. I am excited to inflate my Aero Bed.

Finally, I have some ideas for decorating and what not, but I'll post those ideas, and how-to's, when I've done it and can put up the pictures too.

for now... e*ricks ~ out

okay. so Heidi called me out and yes, I haven't blogged in a few weeks. But in my defense life has been very very busy.

The first week of May was full of exams and packing and preparing for Graduation on May 4. I walked down the isle on Sunday morning and received my University of Dayton diploma. (YAY!)

On Monday I flew to Orlando on my way to a week in Daytona Beach with tons of UD friends. We had a mishap with our car rental (a friend didn't want to wait so he canceled it and took a shuttle... leave Kim, Katie and I high and dry). But Bonnie G (Katie's mom) was awesome and booked us a limo to Daytona. We rode in style and looked really great as we pulled into a Wendy's for dinner! It was a great start to the trip.

The next week was full of sun and fun and I'm sorry that it is over! I even got to go to the Daytona 500 Speedway! Now, I never considered myself a NASCAR person before I went, and I'm still not going to watch it on TV, but it was SO cool to see the cars and feel just how fast they really go. The track is so banked on the (left) turns (31 degrees) that cars have to go over 100 mph in order to not fall to the infield! amazing.

Today is almost a "day off" even though I have errands to run and a lot of unpacking to do. Tomorrow morning I have a phone interview and Thursday I fly to Denver to talk about school locations with RuffaloCODY. Northern Illinois wasn't able to renew their contract and now I'm looking at the west coast for schools. I've got a big decision to make in the next few weeks! eek.

I'm very excited to get out on my own and begin to decorate a place! I watched "Design on a Dime" for an hour and a half today. I got a lot of great ideas to add to the ones that I already have. Once I do move in and am able to begin spicing up my place I'll let you know my secrets!

Keep checking in. I'll write more at the end of the week after I return from Denver and I have some pictures to share from Graduation and Daytona!

Take care!

Milanos Challenge night 100

Tonight is night 100 for the Challenge Team at Milano's!

Here is my advice... if you are going to go to a restaurant for 130 nights in a row, save for a while before hand. My bank account is feeling the strain.

Oh well! It is worth the memories.

:o)

Official Beginning of my Career

I am very excited to annouce that I formally accepted a position with RuffaloCODY today. Beginning July 1 I will be the new program manager for the Northern Illinois University Annual Fund.

I could not be more excited to take this position and begin my annual giving career!

Welcome!!!!

Hello All!!

This is my blog for you. The plan is to give and share ideas for how to survive after college. I'll give you what I know about cheap decorating for your first pad, what to do when your toilette leaks and how to make every last penny stretch (this is "do as i say, not as i do" advice... but i'm trying).

And what is great about Blogs is that you get to tell me what you know and love too! We can learn a lot from each other so lets get going!!

e*ricks - out