#71 of 365~Brand Camp

2014 Rebel Brand Camp

Rebel Brand Camp was a full day just for people who LOVE the art of branding! I've been interested in branding and PR work for some time now so when I was asked to tag along to "Brand Camp," I jumped at the chance!  Rebel Interactive is a branding company made up of "rebels, brand managers, creatives, rock stars, and collaborators" who want to help you fall in love with your brand.  During "Brand Camp," we learned how to build our authentic identity internally, and build our image externally through campaigns, websites, videos, social media and events.

Greengo Coffee and Deli catered lunch and it was sooo amazingly good!!!  (super proud to have them as a neighborhood eatery)  I was impressed with Rebels eye for detail and was interested when the day ended with a "graduation" ceremony where we were given red whistles and a badge.  There were celebratory pictures with the "brand evangelists" and a hot dog happy hour to network and wrap things up.  Productive day.

Brand Camp Take-Homes

#70 of 365~Hidden Magic Forest Adventure

On our first beautiful Spring Sunday, my sis Racheal and I decided to take an adventure into the "Hidden Magical Forest" of Chalco Hills Park.  Within minutes of entering, we were greeted by two Doe's (sisters maybe?) grazing on the freshly sprung grass.  The instructions were super vague and we enjoyed trying to "find the magic" while laughing our heads off. As we pulled into a parking spot, we spotted a little blue door within the trunk of a tree complete with a fence, flower garden, and pet lamb.  The next hour was filled with giggles and wonder as we searched for each little magical door. 

“Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”― Franz Kafka

#69 of 365~Spring Break 2014

Spring Break 2014~MOA  OR BUST!!!!

I've NEVER been on a Spring Break vacay....until now!  This last weekend, my lil sis/Honey, Mom/Chris, and her sister/Aunt Lisa, hopped into the "red war pony" and headed to Minnesota for the ultimate shopping trip at Mall of America!  While it wasn't your typical sun and sand getaway, let's just say I wouldn't trade the cold air or laughter we shared for anything!

Our trip to Ikea found Honey's new layout

While Barbies Dream house Extravaganza was to expensive for us smart shoppers, we did check out the VW Bug and giant pink slipper waterfall...can we say too much?!

 Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and checking out the amusement park

 Having fun in the mall

#67 of 365~Roller Derby Birthday

It has been a life long dream to attend a live roller derby match. I have read countless books about the start of roller derby and have viewed several movies about the topic. Nick made my dream come true for my 31st birthday.  With several friends and the Omaha Roller Girls, we had a total blast despite not having a clue how points were scored or what the heck was going on! 

 I had a ton of fun "experiencing" everything there was to experience at a match.  I took a picture with my Roller Derby name-Kastastrophe, talked derby with some roller girls, volunteered to dance, threw some "grenades," won tickets to the next match, and bought the t-shirt to prove it. Best Birthday EVER!!!!

MY DERBY LOOT!

#66 of 365~A Silent Obsession

India

A country of swirling color, specific spices, 1.2 million people, 
and the land of my silent obsession.

There is a deep desire in my heart to visit the country of India. I've always been fascinated with the landscape, interested in the culture, and enamored by the people.  Nick and I have been fortunate to have met several individuals who've become fast friends and who have welcomed us to "come home" often.

This year, I am blessed to have a special student whose family has literally become my personal teachers on all things Indian.  They recently took me to the Indian grocery store where "Little Miss" helped me pick out treats for our Preschool friends.  We are currently learning about India in the classroom and thought this would be a great way to incorporate foods from their culture.  Our class is studying India because we are raising money to send to our sister school.  Everything we raise will be donated to the schools new library.

Our school also has a diverse population that includes an amazing young lady who is trained to dance in one of the 9 classical dance styles of India called Kuchipudi.

Kuchipudi originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. This dance form was originally danced only by men and boys. About 50 years ago, women also started dancing in this style. Her dance was about Siva the lord of dance (according to Indian Mythology). The lyrics were in the language Sanskrit. The music is in the Carnatic style, the oldest classical music style in India.  The crowd was mesmerized. I'm in love.

#64 of 365~Continued Outdoor Ed

Another day spent outside learning.  Learning about nature, learning about outdoor classrooms, and learning how cold Nebraska North-Winds can be.   Two weeks ago, I spent a Saturday morning with several other educators from the Metro at Gifford Farms.  Several lovely acres of land that most students visit during their elementary years filled with opportunities to pet farm animals, sleep outside, and hike to the nearby river.  The following pictures are of the outdoor classroom, that is new to the farm, after an alarming amount of students visited and had never experienced playing in nature.

I love the stumps that create unique opportunities for little ones to explore.  The "round table" below is one place I wouldn't mind having weekly meetings!

The highlight of my morning was seeing this lama.  It reminded me of a childhood song I loved off Sesame Street and the hopes of one day having one as a pet.

#63 of 365~Omaha Fashion Week~Fall/Winter Showcase

Omaha Fashion Week put on another great event with daily fashion shows this last week.  My sister Racheal and I went to Thursday night's Children's Wear showcase. We had killer seats and first glimpse at each little model walking the runway. We were there cheering on my favorite little model who was non other than my little girly-friend Sophia!  

Sophia walked for an amazing designer named, "MarKoos Modern Design."  Her fall/winter design was inspired by the teenage cult classic-"Clueless." I want to buy every piece for my future children!!!

One great thing I love about these events is being able to support home-grown Midwest designers and Omaha's passion for fashion.  We are an up and coming city with so much to offer the country.  We are NOW!