Mama Needs New Gym Bag

One that fits tall boots, has useful compartments, is easy to carry and cute. In the running...

Timbuk2 Parcel Tote.

Under Armour Shatter Gym Tote.

North Face Talia Tote.

What I've Been Reading

Over the holidays I switched from Shelfari to Goodreads. Loving it. You can find my profile here. What I've read as of late.

I think this was my favorite book of 2012. The author is coming to Des Moines next month for a free reading at the library, can't wait.

Currently reading and very much enjoying when I have a chance to sit down and read it.

 Kind of two books in one. Good food for thought.

Vacation trash! These are the kind of books I can read in an afternoon. Nothing better.

Okay, obviously not something I'm super interested in, but I'd heard this book was good. Uh...not so much. Its like Groundhog Day with porn stars.

While a thorough account of Scientology history and practices, I thought Janet Reitman's book was more interesting. I may just be crazy, made up religion-ed out.

Using Coconut Oil for Beauty Treatments

 

This winter has been brutal on my skin. Dry, dry, dry. In my constant quest for homeopathic remedies and a real desire not to spend $50 on some expensive serum, I recently turned to the interwebs for a suggestion for my dry cheeks. My poor Scandinavian skin hasn't been able to keep up.

Two suggestions that came up repeatedly were coconut oil and sweet almond oil. I went straight for the coconut oil (which is a solid at room temperature) and haven't looked back. I put it on my cheeks and hands each morning, then put my regular cheap-o Ponds dry skin face lotion everywhere else.

SUCCESS!

It smells great, traps moisture in and feels good. Several articles suggest using it on your hair, but I've found mine is too fine for that. It does work wonders as a body lotion.

Life, Lately

I think its really boring when people say they've been busy. Though this winter has been very busy, its more apropos for me to say I've been living in the moment and moving in constant forward motion. That said, I can't believe its March.

We started the new year in Florida, which I highly suggest. After a few days with family in Ft. Myers, we rented a car and drove down to Key West (we took a catamaran back to Ft. Myers.) I wasn't sure that I understood what the Key West fuss was all about, but a few 80 degree days walking around Duval Street and being out on the water got me up to speed.

 

View inside the lighthouse. 

We got a great deal on a room at the Southernmost Hotel via Booking.com. Other highlights: Cuban food, Hemingway House tour and the actual drive down through the Keys + the Everglades in a convertible.

 

I had a crazy start to my February, or at least crazy for someone who likes (NEEDS) down time. I flew to Sacramento for work, then turned right around and went to NYC with my mom. The personal trip was planned, the work one was more last minute. I have so much respect for people who travel for a living. Coast to coast about did me in.

We were in NYC for Nemo (of course.) The only issue it presented were the rolling delays that prevented me from getting home. What's another bed when you haven't slept in your own for a week?

Our NYC trip was very food oriented, with stops at Chelsea Market and Eataly, as well as a Greenwich Village food and culture tour. The food tour was the highlight of the trip for me; 8 stops for authentic New York treats and a history of the neighborhood to boot. We also had success at Uniqlo and wandered through ABC Home and Fish's Eddy. I love NYC. You could have a different trip every time you go, can't wait to go back.

Now I'm happy to be back in Des Moines and looking forward to getting started on some home projects.

J Crew cambridge cable turtleneck sweater

This past January I picked up this sweater in black. Its held its shape so well and is the perfect "I want to be cozy and cute" sweater.

Pretty Fall Nights

Make for pretty skies.

Flyover country!

Holidays Rule Mix

I'm a sucker for a good holiday mix and have been trying my darnedest to get into the spirit (despite the 60 degree days in December) with this new one Anthony picked up.