Iowa State Fair 2012

Over the past few years, I've really come to love the Iowa State Fair. I make a point to go multiple times over the two weeks it runs so I can see (& eat) as much as possible! Ruby & I went TWICE this past weekend with family.

This is what we experienced...

Does anyone else get a sort of wistful longing to be a farmer after going through the livestock barns? I kind of feel that way around the horses.

I really thought this year was one of the best, maybe because Ruby had such a great time. She got to eat lots of things she normally doesn't get to eat, ride down the big slide, pet some animals, & even see Boyz II Men perform live (haha, seriously).

Even though it would've been fun to have Papa along with us, we had a really nice time together. I hope she grows up looking forward to the fair each year as much as I do...xx

A Farewell to Mars

Like many others, I was deeply saddened by the news that Mars Cafe was closing their doors for good this Saturday, August 18th. It's hard to express how much this little coffee shop meant to our family, but I will do my best to share some of the reasons that made this place so special.

When Wayde & I got married and were looking for a place to live, we were immediately drawn to the Drake Area of Des Moines; largely because we fell in love with a little place that served great coffee. Our first home was located 2 blocks from the cafe and we spent many nights that first year walking, biking, or unicycling to Mars for impromptu date nights or Scented Vinyl.

When I needed to take an indefinite leave from the corporate world, Mars hired me on as a barista. It was there that I got to work with some of the most interesting people I've known; many of whom I consider friends to this day. I'd even go as far as saying that I have an almost family-like kinship with some of my former co-workers, unlike any job I've ever had.

I also got to know a great deal of the customers, who all seemed to be on the verge of something big. If only there was a way to measure the amount of business & productivity that the cafe helped generate...

I got to live out a huge dream of mine when I was selected for a bit part in the film, The Experiment. We shot for almost the whole day, which is crazy considering I have about 5 seconds of actual screen time on the DVD.

SPACE PROM was UNFORGETTABLE. Shenanigans definitely ensued...  

When we found out we were going to be parents, it was actually at the "Deck The Mars" Christmas Party where we made the formal announcement. We just knew that we would be able to share our news with the greatest amount of friends in one place. I can't think of anywhere else we could do that today.

Mars was one of the first places we took Ruby as we were learning the ropes of hauling around a new baby with us everywhere. I really hoped that she would be able to work at the cafe one day. And who knows what kind of new businesses & coffee shops will grow in Des Moines over the next 20 years...?? WE ARE HOPEFUL. But for now, we are a little heartbroken. 

Thank you Mars Cafe for the atmosphere, the memories, and the darn good espresso. Des Moines will be less without you...xx

Parlours West Coast Tour!

Parlours hit the road this morning for their West Coast tour in support of their new album, All is Here. If you're in the vicinity of one of their shows, you should check 'em out!

8/16 – Denver, CO @ The Hi Dive w/ Red Fox Run
8/17 – Provo, UT @ Velour Music Gallery w/ Timmy the Teeth
8/18 – Nampa, ID @ Flying M Garage w/ Uinitah
8/19 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile w/ Elk & Boar, Whitney Ballent & The Intimates
8/20 – Portland, OR @ Mount Tabor House
8/21 – Sacramento, CA @ Bows and Arrows
8/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Viper Room w/ Kingsley
8/24 – Scottsdale, AZ @ The Rogue Bar
8/25 – Grand Junction, CO @ The Mesa Theatre Lounge

I may be slightly biased, but I have been listening to the new album on repeat and it is so SO good!! Also, I am so proud of my Hubby for the excellent job he did on the CD package and poster design. The man has got skills to pay the bills (literally)! Also, he's a pretty good drummer;)

This week with him away is going to be pretty crazy, but we are so looking forward to catching up with the band in CALIFORNIA next week!! Any prayers for me travelling alone with a 1 year old would be appreciated...xx

Andy & Summer's Wedding Weekend Pt. 2

Presenting Part 2 of Andy & Summer's EPIC wedding weekend! Would you believe each bridesmaid was in charge of finding her own dress (in any color I might add) and this is what we all came up with?! Honestly, I don't think we could have planned it any better.

So many details fell in place like this over the weekend and I was so happy for the couple that everything went off without a hitch. The theme of the wedding was inspired by Boardwalk Empire, which I knew would be interesting, but it turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined...

 The wedding was held at the Riedel Mansion in north Minneapolis. They couldn't have picked a more lovely or suitable place for their 1920's soiree.

The getaway car! My brother and I couldn't resist posing for a few pics in front of it...

Best wishes to the new couple and welcome to the family, Summer!! We love you two so much & were so honored to be a part of your memorable day...xx