James Bond, Crepes, and Star Wars

This weekend we got invited to a James Bond Party!  Lacking any proper Bond girl attire, Spenser and I took a quick trip to the mall Friday night (unsuccessfully) and then went thrifting Saturday afternoon.  I ended up finding a black dress at Revival, a trendy vintage/thrift store.  The catch: it was 2 sizes too big and came to mid-shin.  However, it was the perfect style, so after taking in the sides, cinching the back, and hemming it, it became the dress you see above.  *Also, boyfriend helped me hand-sew the hemming with barely any instruction.  I was quite impressed! so proud!

I also introduced Spenser and his roommate, Michael, to pumpkin malts on Saturday.  Both were fans.  Later that night, Michael made the three of us dinner, which was extra special.  Thanks, Mike!! 

Sunday morning we stopped at this delightful cafe for breakfast/lunch.  We had been meaning to try it and it was definitely worth it!  We walked around for a bit before heading home and having a mini Star Wars marathon.

Day of Peace

Psst!  I wanted to bring to attention that yesterday was the UN International Day of Peace.  I urge you

to pray for peace, speak peace, act peace. 

Choose peace.

love, c

Autumn 2011 List

Sometimes Spenser and I make lists of how we'd like to spend the season, so we can take full advantage of it.  This list was created during our Skype dates the last few days.  I am gushing with excitement for fall!  It's my favorite season.

Also, my fellow painters and I (for Paint the Town, see post below) almost made it in the Morrison newspaper. Almost.  A photographer took our picture, told us we looked great, jotted down our names and instructed us to look in Tuesday's paper.  Alas, it is Tuesday and we are nowhere to be found. Maybe next year?

Also, if you have any suggestions to add to our list, let me know!

Paint the Town

On Saturday I joined friends-Matt, Rebecca and Adele- in participating in Paint the Town.  Each person who registers receives a 5'x5' street square to paint on.  The more distinguished artists paint the downtown storefront windows.  It was amazing to see so much talent in such a small town.  The artists' work was truly incredible. I got a kick out of one artist who painted herself painting (got that?) and then placed a mirror in the window, so it looked as if she were painting you! (Check out the photo above) 

The four of us got two squares- the first was a picture of a dream Adele had, in which she attended class and everyone had pie charts for heads (most of the credit goes to Matt) and the second was a fall scene the girls including myself, worked on.  It was hilariously entertaining to listen to people walking by try and figure out what was happening in the pie chart painting.

Pumpkin Malts

  Some friends and I took a trip to Whitey's this evening.  We got pumpkin and graham central station malts, which were incredibly delicious.  If you haven't had one, you should definitely think about trying one!  With the crisp air, a wonderful pumpkin taste, and being in the company of delightful friends, it turned out to be

a beautiful fall evening. 

 

*photo credit goes to Emma

a sweet gift from a very sweet friend

One of my oldest friends sent this gift with my parents the other night.  I was so excited!  Inside was a blue legal pad and pencil that she had adorned with penguins.  I love legal pads (I've never had a blue one before!) and I love penguins, so it was quite fitting.  Its so sweet!  Thank you!    

Labor Day

Today was kind of a lazy day.  Phew!  I gave Spenser a haircut in the morning and in the evening we watched "How I Met Your Mother".  Neither one of us follow the show, but after channel surfing, we decided it won our attention.  The episode we watched had to do with finding the best burger in NYC and though we are quite far from New York, it got us pretty hungry...for a burger, of course!  I promised Spenser I'd take him out for a burger and fries (perhaps a shake, too?) next time I see him.

Sunday Adventures

Today was a busy day for us!  We started out by having lunch at The Pita Pit and then went shopping for a little bit (sorry I took so long, Spenser!).  We then proceeded to visit the Old Capitol.  This year their exhibit is on agriculture as well as a segment called "Life and Death on the Prairie".  Also, lucky for us, there was a piano recital going on in the Senate chambers of the Capitol.  Though we didn't go in (we didn't want to interrupt!), the music filled the building and was beautiful to listen to.  We had an afternoon ice cream break and checked out the "Book Art" that adorns the city streets before stocking up on fun sodas.  On our walk home, we stumbled upon a Discovery Garden.  Hidden treasure alert!  There were all different stations that were built out of natural materials and encouraged creative expression.  Spenser, being the musician that he is, immediately sat down on the xylophone and started plunking out "Under the Sea". (And the xylophone isn't even one of the many instruments he plays!)  I, not being crazy-talented like boyfriend, went to the BUILD spot and erected the wooden structure you see above.    

Fry Fest!

Yesterday was Fry Fest in Coralville, IA.  Named after Coach Hayden Fry, Fry Fest is now an annual Hawkeye celebration.  You can read more about it here!  As part of the marching band, Spenser played and paraded through the main festival area.  Afterwards, we ate steak and chicken kabobs along with chocolate covered strawberries on a stick. Yum!