It’s the time of year when all your favorite products are “for a limited time” available in Pumpkin Spice flavors. Some of these things sound very appealing and others leave you scratching your head thinking “who thought this was a good idea?” There are even websites dedicated to this years best and worst Pumpkin Spice products. If you don’t appreciate pumpkin spice – it’s an annoying time of year. Advertising (and your friends) are pushing their latest new pumpkin spice food towards you. “Just try it, it’s SOOO good!” When I googled Pumpkin Spice products – it is worse than I thought. Really – who thought Pumpkin Spice Spam would be a hit? Or pumpkin spice hummus shake – Blehh! If you do like Pumpkin Spice – here’s a simple mix you can keep in your cupboard to spice all your favorite foods.
1/4 Cup ground cinnamon
2 Tablespoons ground ginger
4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspons ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cloves.
Whisk until they are mixed, store in a sealed jar. Adjust the amount of spices to suit your personal taste. What’s your favorite WORST Pumpkin Spice Product?And what’s your FAVORITE?
We have all heard that good is the enemy of great, but is it always true? Are we causing ourselves and our families stress by having unrealistic expectations? I’ve often used the saying – “good enough for who it’s for” . Have you gotten to this point in any area of your life? Sometimes perfection just doesn’t matter. Often, we just need to call it – Enough! Does “good enough” mean you are sacrificing excellence? I think there are areas that perfection is a waste of our time and energy and there are other times when it is absolutely the only choice. Another saying I’ve heard and used – “It’s more important to do all the right things than to do all things right.” Some things just don’t require perfection. Some examples of good enough: The frosting on the cake is tasty, but looks messy. Your child’s favorite shirt has a stain on it. The house didn’t get dusted today. You are 3 minutes late to a meeting. These things don’t compromise your safety or well-being. Now, where I do expect precision is in math. Numbers are finite. Close enough is not good enough when it comes to correct change from a store purchase, the guarantee on your car, or the proceeds check on the sale of your home. Maybe the continual quest for “The Best” is actually our enemy. What’s your ‘good enough’ task? And what’s your ‘100% needed’ task? I’d love to hear if you battle this Good vs. Best in your personal and professional life.
Summer is here and it seems to me the bugs have started early. I’m sure the wet spring we’ve had has contributed. What can you do to limit the bugs in your yard, especially mosquitoes?
Standing water is the breeding grounds. Empty pails, glasses, bird bath, toys, then turn them upside down.
If you have spots in your yard where water collects after a rain, resolve the problem with adding dirt and grade the dirt around the house to drain away. This will protect your basement also.
If you have a pond, adding aeration helps keep egg laying/hatching minimized.
Check your gutters to make sure they are draining properly without areas of standing water.
Swimming pools should be filtered, kept clean and covered to minimize the mosquito population.
Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug bulbs.
And if you do all these – it does not guarantee that mosquitoes will vacate your yard. After all, they do fly! What is your favorite home remedy?
A popular one used to be Avon SkinSoSoft. I’m not sure if this product is still availalable?
Bounce dryer sheets are supposed to repel mosquitos. It is suggested you rub them on your yourself and your clothing. Has anyone tried this?
Essential Oils – several oils are recommended to keep bugs at bay; Cinnamon, and /or lemon eucalyptus.
If does seem that some people are simply more susceptible or more appealing to mosquitoes and other annoying summer bugs. What’s your remedy? Would love to hear from you.
Have you been noticing more and more street art in Des Moines? I have and love it. The very first one I noticed was the side of an apartment building at the corner of Des Moines St. and Penn Ave . It’s funky and odd, bright colors, abstract and even a bit disgusting. Really, it has teeth falling out , snot and bugs! But it catches your eye and makes you wonder. Who painted it? Why these cartoonish people? Why on this building? This one was done by a local artist, Frank Hansen and is titled Sarah and Leland with Bees. The show, The Bachelor, came to town with Iowa native, Chris Soules. There was wall art created specifically for one episode. This mural has been the background for many photos shoots and has now been modified. An art organization, The Des Moines Walls Project has a goal of more public murals in the Des Moines Area. They would like to feature local history and culture of Des Moines. Their first one is on the side of Exile Brewery and has many local details, as well as biking and the beer making that Exile is known for. Some come quietly, artistically and with dignity. Here are a few of my favorites. The one on the side of a grocery store makes you do a double take. It’s so realistic, that you easily mistake the painting for a man standing against the building. And the woman with the butterflies – Love, Love, Love! Others come loudly, and with less dignity and artistic composition, but still catch your eye and attention. They do make you look and they do have a story to tell. This is art that is accessible to all. Enjoy. What/Where is your favorite street art?
Des Moines is gaining national recognition in surprising areas. We are already known for one of the best Art Festivals in the country. Even if you can’t afford the art, there are so many reasons to attend. There’s food, music, entertainment, and simply strolling and admiring the art. You also have the opportunity to speak to some of these renowned artists from all over the country. Amazing.
Well, there’s another art establishment that will be gaining notoriety. It’s the Mainframe Gallery, destined to be one of the largest art communities in the country.
It is now in its first phase with 65 artists’ studios and 5 non-profit offices. It has event rental space, a commercial kitchen and many common areas.
The financial structure is unique and interesting and allows for local artists to have a permanent studio space at an affordable price. It’s privately funded and is designed to be self-sustaining.
There is a wide variety of artistry in this community, each with it’s own space and hours of business. There are many established artists that will be familiar to locals – Brian Duffy, cartoonist; Bozz Prints, graphic illustrations with iconic Des Moines scenes; The Red Door Press, graphic illustrations using antique printing presses. Some other tenants are Bitty Buttons, children’s clothing; Capital Photography, photos reproduced on metal; Jen Lawler, jewelry and so much more.
The fun thing is that you can browse these artists’ studios and purchase their work on the First Friday of every month. Make sure to catch the educational demonstration by the Gaffers in the art of blowing glass on the lower level. The next open event will be April 5, from 5-8 pm. 900 Keo Way. Put it on your calendar and be prepared to be amazed.
I remember reading a murder mystery where the victim was stabbed to death with an icicle. The weapon melted and therefore the murderer was never caught. Sounds like a good plot right?
This winter , I’m enjoying the beautiful sight of abundant icicles glistening in the sun. But with that sight, I have this irresistible child-like urge to knock them all down, have a sword fight, lick them, write messages in the snow with them. Anyone else have fond memories of playing with icicles?
Have you wondered if they may be causing harm to your home? Or are they a sign of maintenance that needs to be done?
They are a sign that heat is escaping from your attic That along with the sun’s heat on the roof, causes the icicles to form.
The best solution to prevent the formation of icicles is to properly insulate your attic. Winter is actually an ideal time to add insulation. Wouldn’t you rather be working in a small, dark enclosed space in the winter than with the hot sun beating down in summer?
The icicles may be forwarning you of an ice damn forming in your gutters which could cause damage if not resolved. When the sun melts the snow, and it flows into your gutters, then freezes overnight, this could impede the proper flow of the water away from your home causing damage to your gutters and possibly water pooling around the foundation
And while we are on the subject of winter hazards: With the record-breaking amount of snow we are seeing this winter, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up to avoid carbon monoxide build up.
Lastly, while you are shoveling your driveway and sidewalks – make sure there is clear access to fire hydrants in your neighborhood. Just this morning, local news had a story about a delay in fighting a fire because the fireman had to first dig out the hydrant.
Bacon Era is right now, right here in Des Moines, Iowa. Saturday February 16, all four levels of the Event Center.
It’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest. Perhaps the largest collection of bacon related foods and activities that you will see in your lifetime.
And there are still tickets available. As their website relates:
This year’s theme, “Hello Piggy – East Meats West,” will pay homage to both the Year of the Pig on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar and the pork-filled relationship Iowans have built with the people of Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan since sending them 36 pigs almost 60 years ago.
So many bacon questions.
Thick sliced or regular?
Fried or baked?
Breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Crisp or limp?
A few features of this year’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest
Japan’s Bacon Queen will be a guest of honor. And a local Bacon Queen and King will be crowned.
Bacon Eating contest, both individual and group competition.
Bacon Duct Tape Bike giveaway
Super Piggio Kart Races
A lecture from the Bacon Professor – Iowa Bacon: Border to Border
Gangnam Style Dance Off
Bacon Costume Judging
Here are some “Did you Know” facts about Bacon
Bacon dates back to 1500’s, making it one of the oldest processed foods.
The average American eats 18 pounds of bacon a year.
2 scrambled eggs have more calories than 4 slices of bacon.
Oscar Meyer began selling pre-sliced, packaged bacon in 1924.
Nearly 1/3 of the nations hogs grow up in Iowa.
What’s your favorite bacon fact? And what’s your favorite food involving bacon?
Bacon’s the best. Even the frying of bacon sounds like applause. Jim Gaffigan
Bacon Era is right now, right here in Des Moines, Iowa. Saturday February 16, all four levels of the Event Center. It’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest. Perhaps the largest collection of bacon related foods and activities that you will see in your lifetime. And there are still tickets available. As their website relates: This year’s theme, “Hello Piggy – East Meats West,” will pay homage to both the Year of the Pig on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar and the pork-filled relationship Iowans have built with the people of Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan since sending them 36 pigs almost 60 years ago. So many bacon questions.
Thick sliced or regular?
Fried or baked?
Breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Crisp or limp?
A few features of this year’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest –
Japan’s Bacon Queen will be a guest of honor. And a local Bacon Queen and King will be crowned.
Bacon Eating contest, both individual and group competition.
Bacon Duct Tape Bike giveaway
Super Piggio Kart Races
A lecture from the Bacon Professor – Iowa Bacon: Border to Border
Gangnam Style Dance Off
Bacon Costume Judging
Here are some “Did you Know” facts about Bacon-
Bacon dates back to 1500’s, making it one of the oldest processed foods.
The average American eats 18 pounds of bacon a year.
2 scrambled eggs have more calories than 4 slices of bacon.
Oscar Meyer began selling pre-sliced, packaged bacon in 1924.
Nearly 1/3 of the nations hogs grow up in Iowa.
What’s your favorite bacon fact? And what’s your favorite food involving bacon?
Bacon’s the best. Even the frying of bacon sounds like applause. Jim Gaffigan
The coldest weather in the last 20 years coming our way, tonight into tomorrow. Have you been to the grocery store? Forget the milk and bread, make sure you have enough toilet paper and batteries! Here’s a few more survival tips.
Change your furnace filter. A clean filter will help keep your home toasty warm in this frigid weather. If your filter is dirty and you have no spare, you can remove it and run the furnace without a filter for a few days.
If your thermostat has batteries – put fresh ones in. A dead battery can cause havoc with maintaining your homes’ temperatures. Also check the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO2 detectors.
Don’t fire up your fireplace if you haven’t had it cleaned. And in subzero temps, you will loose more heat up the flue than you gain in enjoying the blazing fire.
Pay attention to any water pipes that are located on outside walls. If there are cupboards you can leave open, do that to help warm air circulate around the pipes.
Keep garage door closed.
Make a pot of soup.
Protect little people and pets, limit their time outside.
Get a supply of jigsaw puzzles and good books for your time at home.
Hunker down – We’re Iowans – we can survive this arctic blast!
We have all heard that good is the enemy of great, but is it always true? Are we causing ourselves and our families stress by having unrealistic expectations? I’ve often used the saying – “good enough for who it’s for” . Have you gotten to this point in any area of your life? Sometimes perfection just doesn’t matter. Often, we just need to call it – Enough! Does “good enough” mean you are sacrificing excellence? I think there are areas that perfection is a waste of our time and energy and there are other times when it is absolutely the only choice. Another saying I’ve heard and used – “It’s more important to do all the right things than to do all things right.” Some things just don’t require perfection. Some examples of good enough: The frosting on the cake is tasty, but looks messy. Your child’s favorite shirt has a stain on it. The house didn’t get dusted today. You are 3 minutes late to a meeting. These things don’t compromise your safety or well-being. Now, where I do expect precision is in math. Numbers are finite. Close enough is not good enough when it comes to correct change from a store purchase, the guarantee on your car, or the proceeds check on the sale of your home. Maybe the continual quest for “The Best” is actually our enemy. What’s your ‘good enough’ task? And what’s your ‘100% needed’ task? I’d love to hear if you battle this Good vs. Best in your personal and professional life. 
Summer is here and it seems to me the bugs have started early. I’m sure the wet spring we’ve had has contributed. What can you do to limit the bugs in your yard, especially mosquitoes?
The show, The Bachelor, came to town with Iowa native, Chris Soules. There was wall art created specifically for one episode. This mural has been the background for many photos shoots and has now been modified. 
An art organization, The Des Moines Walls Project has a goal of more public murals in the Des Moines Area. They would like to feature local history and culture of Des Moines. Their first one is on the side of Exile Brewery and has many local details, as well as biking and the beer making that Exile is known for. 
Some come quietly, artistically and with dignity. Here are a few of my favorites. The one on the side of a grocery store makes you do a double take. It’s so realistic, that you easily mistake the painting for a man standing against the building. And the woman with the butterflies – Love, Love, Love! 
They do make you look and they do have a story to tell. This is art that is accessible to all. Enjoy. What/Where is your favorite street art?
The show, The Bachelor, came to town with Iowa native, Chris Soules. There was wall art created specifically for one episode. This mural has been the background for many photos shoots and has now been modified. 
An art organization, The Des Moines Walls Project has a goal of more public murals in the Des Moines Area. They would like to feature local history and culture of Des Moines. Their first one is on the side of Exile Brewery and has many local details, as well as biking and the beer making that Exile is known for. 
Some come quietly, artistically and with dignity. Here are a few of my favorites. The one on the side of a grocery store makes you do a double take. It’s so realistic, that you easily mistake the painting for a man standing against the building. And the woman with the butterflies – Love, Love, Love! 
Others come loudly, and with less dignity and artistic composition, but still catch your eye and attention. 
They do make you look and they do have a story to tell. This is art that is accessible to all. Enjoy. What/Where is your favorite street art?
The coldest weather in the last 20 years coming our way, tonight into tomorrow. Have you been to the grocery store? Forget the milk and bread, make sure you have enough toilet paper and batteries! Here’s a few more survival tips.
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