My Favorite Things

Moving has caused me to re-think the way I live. Organizing in new spaces, decorating a house that has a different feel than our old house, and living near a different grocery store has really challenged/forced me to try new things. I've had lots of misses; but some major hits. I plan to post one or more per week on my blog to share with you. For my two followers, maybe this commitment to regular posting will help you grow in numbers. Some of my favorite things are home accessories and might not be available in your area. Some are things I just picked up at the grocery store or Target. Either way, I figure they're fun and interesting to share.

Favorite Thing #1: Tide Febreeze Sport Liquid Detergent

I'll admit, I hate paying almost $10 for detergent. I believe in just buying something in the middle -- not too expensive and not too cheap. After all, it's just soap. However, recently I noticed my work out clothes were not smelling clean. So, Jim (and spokesperson Serena...or was it Venus...Williams) convinced me to give Tide Febreeze Sport a try. People, this has changed my life! Our clothes, sheets, towels, and even our rags smell amazing. And best of all -- the smell lasts for days. It's not overpowering or abnoxious. It's just clean. Tide, if you are reading this, please do not ever discontinue this product. And, if you decide to discontinue, please call me so I can buy all of the remaining bottles you have in stock.

What's a Trip Without Some Stories

We've been back from Europe for about 10 days. For those of you who don't know, me, Jim, Mom, Dad, Amber and Jason all went to Europe for two weeks to celebrate my parents' 35th anniversary and just to celebrate summer. Mom and Dad left first and went to London and Paris. Jim and I left a day later and went to Amsterdam and Prague. The four of us met in Munich and went to Salzburg and Bavaria. We then took a night train to Venice and met Amber and Jason. The six of us traveled Venice and Rome. Mom, Dad, Jim and I flew home to the USA (just in time for the Appel family reunion...get excited stories to come). Amber and Jason stayed another week to see Paris and Barcelona. Confusing, I know...and as exhausting as it sounds. But like any good Jim and Kim trip, we have TONS of crazy stories. I can't wait to share them. However, it will take weeks. In the meantime, here are some summaries in pictures.

1. Prostitution and Pot are not illegal...in Amsterdam (click on the picture of the buildings and look in the first window).

2. To improve guys' aim and to reduce pee on the walls in the Amsterdam airport, all urinals have a fly engraved on them. Apparently, guys' natural hunting instinct extends into the restroom, as well. The picture is a little blurry...probably because Jim said people were staring at him and thought he was a creeper for taking pictures in a restroom.


3. Every city is better on Segway...and it's a quick way to become a celebrity. This picture was taken in Prague.


4. The best way to see the Alps and two famous castles is by parachute (and yes, Mom, Dad, Jim, and I all took the plunge). The first picture is of Jim landing. The second is me in the air. It was taken on our video camera, so it is not as clear.


5. The hills of Salzburg are alive with the sound of music and lots of silly hats.



6. You can never take too many pictures in Venice -- especially when you travel with two cameras and a video camera. If you want to see our really good photos, check out our Flickr site (link on the right).


7. Italian playboys named Salvo make the best hotel desk clerks. This picture was taken at our hotel in Rome. More on Salvo to come.