What Are Your Life Dreams (and a Giveaway!)?

Happy Monday, friends!

It has been a very busy week/weekend for this girl. I went home to CO for a few days (which was great!) and picked up my brother for spring break (yes, my brother is spending his spring break in Kansas.. but I'm an awesome sister so he doesn't mind)! We've been busy cheering on KU, visiting friends, watching SNL reruns and antiquing--pretty perfect weekend in my book!

We were also able to visit our Grandpa Julius on Friday--he is just amazing! It was so nice visiting with him and I can't wait until the next time we get together (he turns 91 next month)!

He's been through a lot these last few years but he's still as funny and ornery as ever. I love him!

I have been working on my Carabox for my friend Anna over at The Days When I'm Not a Nurse (P.S. check out her blog--she is awesome!). We were talking last week about our interests and hobbies when she told me that her dream is to someday open her own bakery.. how cool is that?! It really got me thinking about my life goals and dreams. 

I think dreams and ambitions are so important for everyone--but it's hard to think ahead in this here and now world.

Today, I'm challenging you to make a list of 4-5 things you want to do in the future; it can be something you want to do next week, next year or after your kids are grown and you've retired. This isn't necessarily a 'bucket list'--as you'll see from my list, I more than likely won't be able to do all 4 of those things in my lifetime. But you know what? It gives me something to think about and it makes me happy. If I only check one of these things off my list, wonderful! If not, that's okay too!

Own my own flower shop

I have always dreamed of owning a flower shop after I retire. I have no knowledge in horticulture or managing a business, but it's still something fun to think about (I even know what I'd name the shop: Velora's (after my Grandma Velora). Velora's would be located on Old South Gaylord (my favorite street in Denver) and would look something like this:

Wouldn't owning a flower shop be the best job ever? Growing and arranging beautiful blooms day after day sounds like heaven to me. (Source)

Own my own boutique

As stated before, I probably won't be able to own this many businesses in my lifetime, but it's fun to think about. I LOVE the boutique Wish in Denver (which just so happens to be on Old South Gaylord.. coincidence? I think not.) and would love to own a boutique exactly like it; full of fun and quirky home decor, yummy candles, and beautiful clothes. And seriously, how fun would it be to go shopping for your store inventory?!

Too much fabulous for one store! (Source)

Write a Book

I have started writing countless books; one about the amazing life of my Grandma Mitz, one loosely based on my family, the beginning of my memoir, etc. One of these days, I will finish writing one of these books..

Have My Own Talk Show

It doesn't even have to be national (I mean, it'd make sense if it was, but..); I just want to have a talk show!

A talk show for a video production class.. it was named after me and everything! (Source)

What's on your list? 

While you're thinking about it, check out a BIG group giveaway hosted by my friend Beth from Arrow in the Eye! The Rafflecopter will walk you through the steps :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The 'B' Word.. and The Chronicles of Aunt Annie!

This week has totally gotten away from me.. ugh!

I had some stuff come up and ended up having to go home to Colorado on Wednesday so I haven't had a lot of time to plan my Rocky Mountain Colorado Vacation Guide..

So stay tuned for the Rocky Mountain Vacation Guide next Friday.

Until then, I'm just going to cut to the chase and tell you about something that has been on my mind.

...Brandon and I have only been married 2 months and we both want a baby (what B word did you think I was talking about?).

We know it isn't the right time. We both want to travel and work for a bit before settling down and starting a family so that's what we plan to do.. and I want to be a stay-at-home mom so it's important to me to work a little and put some more money into our savings (I heard that babies are expensive.. it could just be a rumor, I don't know).

I did some research though and discovered that it's pretty typical for newlyweds to want to start a family right away.. and I think Brandon and I are both yearning to care for and nurture someone/something.

I think we're going to go adopt a dog from the humane society (preferably a 125 pound Great Dane..).

Sooo, we're just going to roll with the punches for awhile.. and that's just fine! If God decides we're supposed to have a baby sooner than later, it will happen.

This is what thenest.com said our baby will look like.. this picture should be birth control in itself.

In the meantime, I get to spoil these two cuties..

I have always wanted to be an aunt (probably because I have the most awesome aunts ever!) and was fortunate enough to get an adorable niece and nephew when I married Brandon. So, I'm just going to enjoy my time as Aunt Annie!

Benny the night before our wedding.

My sweet Sara and the headband I got her for Christmas.

And I'm an honorary aunt to this blue eyed cutie (one of my best friends sons)!

Party, Party, I like to Party
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Holy Eyebrows!

Today, I'm over at my friend Stephanie's adorable and fun blog, Never The Same Spice Twice!

The topic is eyebrows.. come visit!

http://www.neverthesamespicetwice.com/2013/03/holy-eyebrows-guest-post.html

Homemade Uncrustables (and another cooking video!)

I have another Campus Living 101 cooking video to share with you!

(You didn't think it was a one time thing, did you? Nope, you gotta sit through another one!)

This week, I'm making homemade Uncrustable sandwiches (you know the ones--the cold PB&J sandwiches in a bread pouch that sell for $4 for a box of 4 at the store)!

(Source)

The key to making them is a sandwich sealer--I found one for $2 at Wal-Mart.. so not too pricy. 

Without further ado, here is this weeks video!

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Kathe with an E, The D.I.Y. Dreamer, Clean & Scentsible, The Frugal Girls, 504 Main, Six Sisters Stuff, I Should be Mopping the Floor, Under the Table and Dreaming,

Lightning When it's Snowing?

I'm from Colorado and I have never seen it lightning while it's snowing. Crazy. Welcome to Kansas!

Stay warm, friends!

LAST CALL for Giveaway!

Get ready to party like it's 1990!!

The time has come for a giveaway to celebrate the BIG 2-3 and it looks like we'll be giving away a BIG gift card to one of my (or your!) fabulous followers.

Click Here for the form. The giveaway will go live next Monday (the 18th) and will run for a week. Details on form.

Thankkkkkks!

What to do in Denver (Vacation Guide)

It's Friday! Woot!

I hope your weekend is renewing and full of wonderful thrift finds (isn't that what everyone does on the weekend--or is that just me?)!

If you've been visiting my blog for awhile now, you know that I am a displaced Coloradoan. I moved to Kansas for college, met and married a Kansas boy, and am now working and settling down a bit here in the sunflower state--but I visit home as often as possible (which is usually about once a month)!

Recently, I've been chatting with several bloggers who are either planning to visit or move to Colorado--sooo, I decided to to a series of posts about what to do/eat/avoid while visiting CO.. beginning with Denver.. let's go!

Disclaimer: These are my favorite places in Denver--I'm sure if you were to ask somebody else, they'll tell you different.. but they'd be wrong.

Where to Visit 

Colorado State Capitol (Denver)

Yes, the capitol building.. I know it's totally kitschy, but it's actually a really neat experience. What other time in your life will you be exactly one mile above sea level?! The building itself is beautiful, the view of the Rocky Mountains from the top is stunning, and admission is free.

Source

200 E Colfax Ave  

Denver, CO 80203

(303) 866-2604

Red Rocks Amphitheater (Golden)

Red Rocks is seriously a stop you won't want to miss on your trip to Denver. The Rocks sit 6,450 feet above sea level and are surrounded by "868 acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines and prairie, geological wonders and spectacular vistas" (source). If you're a big music fan, be sure to check out the upcoming concerts. I went to my first concert at Red Rocks back in '09 (Death Cab for Cutie) and it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Red Rocks is a great place to exercise, take pictures (my brother had his senior pictures taken there!), and admission is free.

(Source)

18300 W Alameda Pkwy
Golden, CO 80401

     (720) 865-2494    

Coors Brewery Tour (Golden)

After hiking around Red Rocks, you'll be ready to unwind a bit with a cold beer. Lucky for you, the Coors Brewing Company is just down the road from the Rocks and offers a free tour of the worlds largest single-site brewery. And the best part? At the end, you get to sample some of their beer while sitting in a refrigerated room. Ahhh..

(Source)

1221 Ford Street and 13th

Golden, CO 80401

(303) 277-2337 

Basically Anything in Boulder (Boulder)

Boulder is just an awesome town that is fun to venture around in. My personal favorite spot is the Pearl Street Mall in Downtown Boulder. The Pearl Street Mall has a few of your chain stores (Urban Outfitters, Billabong) but is mostly made up of small, locally owned boutiques and shops. The whole area has a fun vibe and will entice all 5 of your senses. Also in Boulder are the University of Colorado campus, Flatirons, and  Coors Events Center.

(Source)

 Runners Up

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Old South Gaylord (my favorite street in the world!)
Denver Mint 

Where to Eat

Brown Palace (Denver)
If you know me, you know that this is a given--the Brown Palace offers a high tea every afternoon in their gorgeous lobby area. You can never go wrong with soft, crumble on your tongue scones with authentic English Devonshire cream, right? If you're looking for a little mother/daughter time on your vacation, make sure to visit the Brown Palace. It's an experience neither of you will forget!

Source

321 17th St.

Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-3111

Andre's (Denver)

This is seriously one of the most intimate and adorable restaurants I have ever been to. Andre's offers authentic Swiss meals (and different meal choices everyday) and the most mouthwatering Swiss, French and Danish desserts you will ever try (unless you visit Europe, of course). While you're waiting for your Croute au fromage, do a little people watching--you'll see several regulars dressed to the nines in suits, dresses and hats.

(Source)

 370 S Garfield St.

 Denver, CO 80209

(303) 322-8871

Lodo's Bar and Grill (Denver)

I'm completely basing this pick off of their nachos (something you may not know about me--I am a connoisseur of nachos.. I get them at every restaurant I go to.. except Andre's) but the food was amazing. My friends and I actually had dinner here for my bachelorette party and the girls all raved about their meals. If you can, get a table out on the roof; the views of downtown, Coors Field and the Rocky Mountains are breathtaking.

(Source)

1946 Market St.

 Denver, CO 80202

(303) 293-8555

Where to Avoid

Casa Bonita (Lakewood)

Casa Bonita is one of the biggest novelties in Denver. If you're looking for delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, DO NOT COME HERE. The food has no taste and it has been debated whether or not the meat is legitimate beef or cat food. The only reason you come to Casa Bonita is for the atmosphere.. there are cliff divers, puppet shows, arcades, musicians, etc. Just make sure they don't make you sit behind the waterfall (we always get left back there.. and it is humid and loud).

(Source)

Downtown Aquarium (Denver)

Let me start this out by saying that I have nothing against aquariums.. gazing at beautiful and tropical fish is my jam. However, $18 a pop for admission ($12 for kids) is just too much. In my opinion, the Downtown Aquarium isn't anything special. Save yourself some money and visit the Botanic Gardens instead. The cost is less and there is more to see/do.

(Source)

I hope this guide helps you plan your next Denver vacation! Next week, I'll be back with the Rocky Mountain edition of the Annie One Can Cook Colorado Vacation Guide! 

Where is your favorite place to visit in the Mile High City?

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