The Library

Since when did it become o.k. to be loud in the library? I have been to two different public libraries multiple times in the last few weeks and there was a steady noise level from both staff and patrons. Maybe it's the summer atmosphere with more kids around, I don't know. Makes it harder for me to get my homework done. :-(

In unrelated news, Boo will appreciate that I went to Panera for lunch. I had the summer corn chowder and hummus & veggie sandwich. The corn chowder was creamy (a light cream texture, though), so I had an apple for my side to make up for it. :-)

I feel like I should add something more exciting, but I've got nuthin'.

Delicious photos HERE!

A pretty flower pic is a good way to start. I didn't get that many good pictures of the party.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiib carnage.

My sister and her daughter.

Post rib pig-out relaxation
The beer: Chris's homebrewed "Sticky Fingers" and Bell's Oberon


The rib cookoff was a success! It's so nice to throw parties and get household projects done. I swear that's 50% of why I throw parties. It forces me to clean and get those pesky projects finished.

We are renaming second place the "Chris Nolet Always a Bridesmaid" prize. His ribs took second again this year. There were 10 entries-more than I expected! Mine came in somewhere in the middle.

The weather was super hot, but our backyard gets a lot of shade after 3 pm. We started out with chairs under the tree canopy along the woodline, then inched our way back to the patio. The addition of icicle lights behind the lattice on the deck was a hit as the darkness crept in.

Busy week

Our second annual rib cookoff is this weekend. Mmmmm, ribs. Lots to do in the meantime around the house. In addition to a rib entry (admittedly, Chris's are better than mine, but his are smoked, mine are not due to me wanting to offer another entry in the non-smoked category). I'm also making homemade baked beans in the bean pot and some peanut butter bars with chocolate icing (they are kinda like those ones from the school cafeteria).

School is uber busy. I just keeping thinking how short summer classes are. I hope time flies.

My 3 Day fundraising is slow. So many of my donors from last time are either between jobs or had cuts in their paychecks. Sigh. I have to redouble my efforts next week.

My perennial beds aren't very colorful right now. Two bright asian lilies are about ready to bloom, which will help one area. Otherwise, not much action. I bought one flat of annuals to perk up a few beds, but those didn't go very far. I refuse to spend any more on annuals.

What a difference an outfit makes

New clothes make me happy. I've gotten more picky about what I buy, only buying things that fit just right now, rather than saying, "Oh, it's a little big, but it's fine" or "When I lose 5 lbs this will be perfect!" We went to the outlet mall on Saturday and picked up a few things. Nothing really amazing, but decent stuff for work and casual. I'm more of a quantity over quality girl, so I'll buy three cheaper brand shirts instead of one Ann Taylor shirt. I'm able to keep my wardrobe more current this way. I only have four items or so that I paid over $50 for.

And I cannot fathom spending over say $60 on a purse. I'm not really a purse woman. Hence, I've been getting purses at TJ Maxx so I can get some nicer purses at cheaper prices. Chris thought all women drooled over the Coach outlet store. Meh. I'd rather spend money elsewhere.

What do you like to spend money on/what are you cheap about when it comes to clothes? Bonus: What is your favorite work or casual outfit?