Fab Finds: Forkly

On Sunday, I had brunch with Jaime - a good friend from high school - at Blackbird Cafe in Minneapolis.  We both ordered The Colleen Obrien [rancheros plus house made chorizo & avocado].  It was delicious.  Pretty much every time I'm up in Minneapolis, Jaime and I have the opportunity to catch up and it's really wonderful (typically, we reconnect over a lovely meal).  We learn a lot from one another, and now that Jaime is working full-time on her MBA, I know she'll have even more wonderful things to share with me.  This week, she introduced me to a new iPhone app:  Forkly.  If you like food, you should probably download it.  It's kind of like FourSquare and Twitter had a baby.  You take pictures of food (from restaurants), rate it, and then share it.  The goal is to become a Tastemaker, which means the foods you photographed (and likely ate) was loved by your followers...basically, it means you're respected in the food world.  I think this may become a new addiction of mine as it could open up a door to the eating-out g-free world...

forkly

Loss of a Legend

This morning, a fellow Iowa State journalism graduate posted about the passing of professor Barbara Mack.  She was a legend in the journalism program.  Every journalism student had to take journalism law, and she was one of the two professors (when I was a journalism student, that is).  I had her my senior year.  She was a tough cookie.  So much so, that with my apprenticeship, involvement with my sorority and on campus, and two other side jobs, I didn't think I could handle her class...so I dropped it (and had to take it the next semester with a different professor).  Anyway, when I told her I needed to drop it because I was over-committed and couldn't invest enough of myself in the class, she was kind and understanding (a complete surprise to me, and the first time I saw her kind heart).  I hate admitting I can't do everything.  I dropped two classes in undergrad:  chemistry (my first semester when I came to the realization that I'm not cut out to be a doctor) and journalism law.  I regret dropping chemistry...however, technically I didn't drop it (long story...).  I don't regret dropping journalism law.  I took it the next semester and got an A.  I felt like I owed it to her to do well in it.

Barbara Mack was rigid.  She expected a high standard of excellence from her students (and probably everyone, really).  She demanded respect.  And I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience her teaching.  I wish her family all the best in this difficult time.  I hope they know she left behind a legacy that may never be matched.  She was a legend in herself and will be missed dearly.  The Iowa State journalism program will never be the same.  And, for everyone who knew her, we will never be the same.

Barbara Mack, you will be missed.

One of Those Days

I'm usually a pretty happy person, but today I've had one of those days.  Things just felt a little "off" all day.  Everyone annoyed me.  Everything annoyed me.  My photo shoot turned out beautifully, but I was annoyed that my photographer didn't want to break for lunch when I did.  Um, have you ever heard of the term hangry?  Because that's how I get when I don't eat on a normal schedule.  My blood sugar drops...and so does my mood. 

I almost didn't take Sophie on a walk after work because I was just pissed.  Then, I bit my lip...for probably the third time this week.  Seriously?  What is wrong with me?  Maybe I should go to the orthodontist and have them check out my bite.  I've also been thinking I should get my retainer replaced soon - it's starting to crack and if I have to go a night without it, I'm sure I'll have a mental breakdown.  That thing is a huge comfort for me.  Probably because I had braces in college and don't want to go through the process again.  I look young enough without braces...they knock off at least five years...and I would really love it if people would look at me and assume I'm at least 20.

I'm feeling rejected a lot lately which is something I can handle in small doses (thanks, dad, for that), but it's been more difficult to handle lately.  Maybe I just need a hug from my mom.  That usually does the trick.  I was supposed to call her tonight, but I was feeling crabby and didn't want to take it out on her.  She's not the problem...

Maybe a picture of cute Sophie will help things.

Sophie smiles.  This is proof.

KBIS Update

Today was pretty great, as expected.  I saw lots of product at KBIS.  Saw lots of PR reps.  And my feet hurt.  This is all very typical of any trade show.  The day was spent at McCormick Place, a huge convention center in Chicago.  The night ended with the Moen Spa Event, an event I look forward to every year.  I literally plan every other press event around this one.  Tonight didn't disappoint.  I had amazing food, wine and conversation with some of my favorite PR reps.  Then, I was treated to a neck and back massage, air-brushed makeup, and ended with making my own blend of sea salt scrub.  It was fabulous.  And the best part - I got to meet up with my former boss, Marie, and some of my favorite kitchen and bath editors (who I use to work with for years).  It was pretty amazing overall.  It doesn't get much better than the Moen Spa Event.  If you haven't gone, you're missing out.

Some of my favorite kitchen and bath editors leaving the Moen Spa Event!

We got airbrushed makeup and had to document!

Also, I learned that next year's event will be in New Orleans the weekend of April 19.  I hope I have the opportunity to attend!

Someday is Today

I've been putting this off for years.  Seriously, who writes blogs?  Um, everyone!  I used to write every day for work, so writing in my free time didn't seem like a great idea.  Then, I went to graduate school (while working as an associate editor full-time), and wrote ALL the time.  So, again, blogging seemed like a terrible idea.  Then, I got a new job where all I do is make super awesome projects and create spaces and projects for photo shoots.  So, writing seems to fit back into my life now.  I'll see how things go.  It could be awful.  It could be amazing.  We shall see...