CATCHING UP

I can't believe it is the last week of August! Where has summer gone? I have been loving the slightly cooler temps lately though.

Just some iPhone pics from August to catch us all up to speed.

A few weeks after Megan's wedding I got to catch up again with all my girlfriends and we went to the Brewers game. We were pretty excited that we got free hats!

I also had another bridal shower a few weeks back. I know it seems like I have gone to a lot this summer. It was so good to see all my cousins and catch up with them. Rachel & Derek are getting married in October.

We celebrated Alex's birthday. He turned 13 on August 13th. I always enjoy seeing  what the cake will look like. The boys had an impromptu basketball game during the party.

Jeff & I stopped by the sunflowers last Saturday morning. We were a few days past the peak, but it was still worth stopping by. It is definitely something to see if you are in the Madison/Middleton area, and it is free!

We had our friends over for a Football Fantasy Draft Party last Sunday. It was so good to see all our college friends!

Who saw the solar eclipse? It was sort of a let down right? My co-workers and I walked outside and watched on the capital lawn. I thought it would get darker, but we weren't in totality so I think it would have been much cooler in the areas.

Last but not least, I had a work outing on Friday afternoon. I have been helping plan this event, since I'm part of the Party Planning Committee at work. 

We went on Lake Monona and grilled out on the pontoon and even jumped in the water. (I did not participate in that)

Hope everyone has a great week!

Odds and Ends

Happy Monday! How is it almost the middle of July already?!?! Here is a roundup of happenings this last month.

Have you tried the S'mores Frappuccino yet? We walked over to Starbucks one day during work and I decided to try it. I was pleasantly surprised.

Jeff & I stopped by a fast food spot that just opened in Middleton called Cafe Zupas.  Looking at their website, this is their only location in Wisconsin.

We both did the 'Try 2 Combo.' Even Jeff liked it and he is pretty picky.  We will definitely go back. I would say it is most similar to Panera Bread (but fresher if that makes sense). Oh and you also get a chocolate covered strawberry with your food!

We had make your own strawberry shortcakes at work. Notice we had to get both whip cream and cool whip since there was a debate going on which is better.

I'm always on the hunt for a GREAT mascara. Here are the ones I have used recently. I just bought the Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes and honestly I'm not that impressed. For me, it looks clumpy & takes a long time to remove the mascara. I have heard good things about this one and even the Ulta employe recommeneded it, but I was really disappointed. I definitely won't purchase it again and I wish they had a trial-size or sample I could have purchased to test it out before committed to a >$20 mascara purchase.   Out of the below, IT Superhero has been my favorite.

We always make smoothies around the NBA Finals. I don't know why, but that has been our tradition the last few years. Jeff is the BEST smoothie maker and he even makes it in just the Magic Bullet.

Over the 4th of July weekend, my parents came over and we had lunch. Mom made my favorite Chinese salad.

 We bought a patio umbrella this summer. Trying to have Valley Ho vibes on our deck. 

Lately, I have been craving real Smore's. Maybe it was that Frappuccino from Starbucks?! Anyway, we don't have a fire pit and didn't want to deal with the grill, so we just made them in the oven and they actually turned out pretty well. 

 Hope you have a great week ahead!

Odds and Ends

Hello! Can you believe it is almost April? I am ready for winter to be over.

Two great news story that happened in Wisconsin this week. Here and here. Both videos went viral and made it on Good Morning America.

My parents came up to Madison this weekend and Jeff's parents also came by and we all had lunch together. The girls chit chatted while the boys watched golf.

The weather was in the 60s on Friday so I went for my first walk/jog outside. I was so sore this weekend since I haven't excised in forever.

A few of our college friends came up to Madison and we went to the Badger hockey game.

Speaking of Badgers, how heartbreaking was the basketball game on Friday night?

Last but not least, Jeff finished the puzzle- all 2000 pieces. He approximated it took him about 30-40 hours.

Wishing you all a great week!