Rhubarb & Linen: April 2013

It's here!

It is here. By "it" I mean many things!

First, warmer weather is finally here. We had our first dinner on the patio at Timmer's yesterday. Windows are open. Sun dresses are out. Yippee!

Second, we closed on our new house on Friday. Hooray! We have a week of full of projects ahead of us and on Saturday morning... It's move in day!

Cheers!

An Annual (Crazy) Tradition

It's spring technically. But, it sure doesn't feel spring-ish. We are still seeing flurries and snow on the ground! It's almost May for heaven's sake! Nonetheless, winter's thick ice has left our beloved Big Cedar Lake which means it's time for Mr. Evans's annual jump! I think he must've been first this year.

You see, the flurries were still embedded in the grass. The ice dropped just a few days earlier.

Mr. Evans decided it was a perfect day for a dip. Yes, the sun was out but it was a crisp 38 degrees with a strong wind. My parents put their pier in the day prior (aka the day after the ice dropped). You'll notice from the photo below that no other piers are in!

There were two fishermen who informed us that the water was a balmy 40 degrees. They also thought Mr. Evans was insane and asked if our "shower was broken." Silly fisherman!

... And one...

... And two...

... And three!...

... And, that's it... even for an Ironman!

Notice me (in the jeans, black North Face, Ugg boots - brrr) taking photos?

Afterwards enjoying a beer and hot tub session! Crazy and lovable man.

Nina and Evelyn

This past weekend we celebrated my cousin-in-law Kala's huge accomplishment. She earned her PhD and finished up her Doctoral Dissertation at the MCW Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy. Smarty pants! :)

Here are Nina and Evelyn at the party. I loved their matching stripes! :)

Robin Egg Blue

Another sign that spring will come (hopefully) soon... We found this pretty thing outdoors. Don't worry the nest was placed safely back in its place.

Silly puppy

Silly puppy Molly. Who dressed her up in Nina's sweater? :)

Have a happy weekend!

Tulips in spring

A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for every flower. You didn’t have to struggle to make your face different than anyone else’s on earth. It just is. You are unique because you were created that way. Look at little children in kindergarten. They’re all different without trying to be. As long as they’re unselfconsciously being themselves, they can’t help but shine. It’s only later, when children are taught to compete, to strive to be better than others, that their natural light becomes distorted. -Marianne Williamson

A thoughtful gift from Mr. Evans

Random moments...

A yummy spring meal - Asparagus Soup with Crab Crostini (recipe here).

A fresh box of Crayola's for Nina. Nothing better.

Mr. Evans on the screened in porch... Cold enough for ice still on the lake. Warm enough for a cocktail and pipe smoke outdoors.

A tasty weeknight pasta dish - Penne with Treviso and Goat Cheese (recipe here).

Museum of Wisconsin Art

This past weekend the new Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) opened in town. They had a family day so we took full advantage and became new members. The building is gorgeous and the new artwork is just as beautiful (a major improvement over their older, yet classic location). See below for a few photos from our fun morning!

Nina enjoyed the art activities for kids!

It was a gloomy day, but the building is crisp, white and clean - perfect for a spring opening.

A rare photo of Nina and I ... what a cutie.

I mean how cute is she. Adorable outfit from GooGooGaaGaa in Brookfield and sparkly shoes from Sketchers. She's getting to be suuuch a big girl.

After the museum we headed to lunch at the Country Club. Yum!

Fun with Cousins

This past weekend we met up with some of Nina's cousins for a day of fun in Oconomowoc. We started the morning with a quick Easter egg hunt at my sister-in-law's house. Then, we went for lunch at Culvers (the Schreiner kids' favorite treat). Next, we ventured to the Delafield Children's Play Gallery (click here for more info). We had a blast! Nina was exhausted and we made some great memories with cousins.

Stitch Fix Review

I recently learned about Stitch Fix from a blog I read every once and awhile. I signed up, was on a waiting list for a bit, and recently got my first "fix". Here's the deal.

Basically, it's like Netflix for clothes - free shipping, a personalized stylist, cute new clothes! I was in!

It's so easy. You complete an in-depth online style profile, get five hand-picked items in the mail that have been chosen for you by a personalized stylist, keep what you like and send back the rest.

I was sold on the little styling idea cards included with each piece, the ability to try things on at home (Nina doesn't do confined fitting rooms), easy returns and new clothes that I otherwise wouldn't even try on. I tend to stick to my staples. However, Stitch Fix is a fun because it can be a way out of the comfort zone of clothes. :)

So, what's the catch? There is a $20 styling fee, but if you keep something from your mailing the fee is reduced. And, the pricing, styling direction, sizes, fit, frequency of mailings, etc... all designed by you! I know, right? Awesome.

If you're interested and want to sign up, I'd love if you use this link. I get a little kick back!
http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3060294

My first shipment!

The packaging/branding is fab!

An example of the styling cards included with each piece of clothing!

I kept this chambray jean shirt! It's so soft and versatile. Perfect for spring. (Notice I used the styling tip on the card above.)

A few other fun subscription sites I love - Birchbox (for cosmetics) and Kiwi Crate (for kids projects).

Simple Thoughts Today

via

Today, some simple thoughts from me to you.

A good reminder...

Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most. - Unknown

This is so true...

What we see mainly depends upon what we look for. - John Lubbock

Watch these. Seriously...

Kid President - over and over again, it's still worth it!

Yes to Love - so heartwarming.