3 Quarters Today

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365project

Valentine Day Dance Ideas – Dancing Shoes and So Much More

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Valentine Day Dance Ideas

The Sweetheart dance at our local high school gave me the idea for this photo.

Day 73/365 Project: Dancing Shoes

I had photography Valentine Day dance ideas in my head. My thought was Valentines decorations of red hearts, glitter, lights and fun dresses for Valentines Day. But for my 365 Photo Project, this plan went straight out the window when I saw two girls standing in the middle of the floor in their red and black dresses and shoes.

I want to thank Kolbi and Emily, thanks for being my leg models this evening.

oxiuly Women's Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)Women’s Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)oxiuly Women's Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)Sylvestidoso Women's A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Sylvestidoso Women’s A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Sylvestidoso Women's A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Women Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine's DayWomen Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine’s DayWomen Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine's DayAyli Women's Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Ayli Women’s Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Ayli Women's Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Missufe Women's Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Missufe Women’s Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Missufe Women's Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Miusol Women's Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)Miusol Women’s Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)Miusol Women's Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)

Of course, the Skull Candy dresses are more appropriate for the high school or a college Valentine’s Day Dance. High school sweetheart dances aren’t as formal. My daughter would have loved the Floral Sugar Skull Cap dress.

OTEN Women's Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeOTEN Women’s Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeOTEN Women's Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeSister Amy Women's Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart SmallSister Amy Women’s Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart SmallSister Amy Women's Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart Small

Red Dress Shoes for Dancing

You can’t go to a Valentines Day dance without the proper shoes. When else can you wear red shoes? Ok, for Christmas, but red red dress shoes and pumps just scream Valentine fashion and fun!

Christian Louboutin ShoesChristian Louboutin Shoes, red dress shoes for womenChristian Louboutin ShoesCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUJIMMY CHOO Women's Lancer100suedeblack Black Suede HeelsJIMMY CHOO Women’s Lancer Suede Black Suede HeelsJIMMY CHOO Women's Lancer100suedeblack Black Suede HeelsBadgley Mischka Women's Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBadgley Mischka Women’s Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBadgley Mischka Women's Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBrian Atwood Women's Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUBrian Atwood Women’s Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUBrian Atwood Women's Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUPrada Women's 1I294F 069 F0011 Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels EU 38 / US 8Prada Women’s – Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels Red dress shoes for women Prada Women's 1I294F 069 F0011 Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels EU 38 / US 8

Valentine Day Dance Ideas

To complete the whole Valentine Day dance ideas theme you need decorations for the room and tables. An elegant theme for a Valentines Day dance is using white window curtain lights.  This theme can be used to decorate for other parties and special occasions such as an anniversary party, company Christmas or even a New Years Eve party.

Neretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forNeretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forNeretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forBright Zeal 16Bright Zeal 16Bright Zeal 16Ambox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withAmbox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withAmbox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withCreative Converting 100' Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedCreative Converting 100′ Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedCreative Converting 100' Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationHanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations - Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Hanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations – Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Hanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations - Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother's Day, Valentin's Day and Everyday Use -DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother’s Day, Valentin’s Day and Everyday Use –DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother's Day, Valentin's Day and Everyday Use -

Quick Easy Valentine Desserts

Don’t forget to serve Valentine desserts and appetizers. Chocolate covered strawberries are super easy! Check out my easy homemade chocolate covered strawberry instructions and you can wipe them up in less than 30 minutes.

Chocolate covered strawberries recipe
Chocolate covered strawberries recipe

So I hope you have a Happy Valentines Day and find a Sweetheart dance to go to with your sweetheart. 

Day 72/365: Super Target, It’s Huge!!

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Day 72: Shopping

The Super Target in the Omaha L Street Market is huge!  It goes on forever and ever! I went in for a Valentine card, my daughter Birthday card, and socks for my son. Ended up walking a half a mile. Really it did. Never fails, whatever you’re needing is in opposite sections of the store. Then you remember something else you need and trek back to the far section again. This particular store is 174,000 sq feet and one half is the grocery section which I didn’t even venture into on this trip.

I do like Target, much more than Walmart. Target has higher quality items and for a chain department store the home decor section makes me drool.  I did resist, I made the conscience decision not to get a cart. That strategy has worked more than once. You can only buy what you can carry.

This store was so bright, clean, such a contrast from the Walmart at the other end of the shopping plaza, which feels like warehouse. Target has an actual finished ceiling, instead of open pipes and heating ducts. The floor is finished and not polished concrete, again like Walmart. Makes the shopping experience so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Maybe the concept is people will feel more comfortable, shop longer and spend more money. I might have, it I had a cart.

Photoshop Notes: In addition to the standard adjustment layers I posterized the image and it really made a difference in the image clarity giving it more depth. The original was looked  a dull and boring. I wasn’t getting the same bright crisp effect in the photograph that I got in person. First time experimenting with this function and I’m going to have to use it more often.

Day 71/365: Purses and Camera Bags

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Purses, Purses and more purses. A trip to my local thrift store, Bits N’ Pieces on a quest for a purse that I can convert to a  camera bag.

Thirft store shopping for a camera bag
Day 71: Thrift Store Shopping

I’m really not purse obsessed, but I do get bored with the same one and have to switch it out every few months. For that reason I can’t justify spending a small fortune on a purse, so I keep my eyes open for bargains at thrift stores. I’m on a quest for purses that can be converted to a camera case.

 BBP DSLR Camera Insert, Make Your Own Camera Bag – Orange

Now, if I were to go and buy a brand new purse it would have to be multi-purpose for me that means a combination purse and camera bag. I like to carry my photo gear with me everywhere, you never know when you’re going to see an amazing sunset, a bald eagle, or a perfect photo opportunity.

Red Tote & Shoot Camera Bag By

But, I don’t like carrying my camera bag separately. Nor, do I like using my plain, boring camera bag as my handbag. I may not have much fashion sense, but I do know that black does NOT go with everything. A camera bag can be stylish and functional at the same time.

Purse and Camera Bag Combination

Each one of these fashionable camera bags also has the convenience of extra pockets for wallets, cell phones, keys and credit cards. I haven’t decided which one I want yet. But so far I like the looks of the Tote and Shoot variety which has a separate zippered pouch to easily pull out your camera, it not only has the short straps but a cross-body strap for a “hands free” carrying option. Kinda like a messenger bag.

Kattee Canvas Cow Leather DSLR SLR VintageKattee Fashion PU Leather Canvas DSLR CameraGracie MintRed Tote & Shoot Camera Bag ByCosmos New Classic Vintage Casual Brown ShoulderKattee Vintage PU Leather/ Canvas DSLR CameraKelly Moore Posey 2 Women’s Multifunction CameraBlue Tote & Shoot Camera Bag By

Day 70/365: Elmwood-Murdock High School

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Day 70: Elmwood-Murdock High School

I’ve mentioned my kids high school a few times in this blog, yes I’m not only a proud parent, but a proud member of the Elmwood-Murdock community. This is the school sign outside the high school located in Murdock Ne. Murdock has a population of about 267 people, give or take a few, and is located in Eastern Nebraska between Omaha and Lincoln. The Village of Elmwood is just six miles south comprised of approximately 700 citizens.

As you can see sports isn’t the only area the students pf Elmwood-Murdock High School excel. Academic recognition is just as important and the FLBA (Future Business Leaders of America) has made it to Nationals every year since 1992. My daughter is in FBLA, FCCLA, Speech, Track, and Volleyball. With such a small school if there is going to be any activities just about everyone has to participate.

Participate they do, in a big way. It’s cool to be involved, fun, and from a parents perspective it really builds character, confidence, and skill sets that will take them far. Over 50 students participate in FBLA and more than 20 in speech.  The high school student body  is comprised of approximate 120 students from 9-12th grade. We have a 100% graduation rate, and an average ACT score of about 24, would have to check that again as two years in a row we had students that got a perfect score.

Anyhow, more to come on the school as the year progresses.

Day 69/365: It’s COLD in Nebraska!

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Day 69: Yes the thermometer is correct

Woke up one morning not wanting to climb out of bed. It was cold! Brrrr. Broke out my trusty iPod, (have I mentioned I love my iPod yet? Well I do!) and checked the weather. Yes, you read it correctly -2.1F, that is without wind chill which made it feel like -15 F, too cold for outside pictures, I think I’ll just stay under the covers and work from my iPod. I can do that, email counts.

The free App is @Thermometer, simple, but does the trick. I’m really addicted to Scramble, it’s like online Boggle. Don’t even ask what level I’m on, it’s embarrassing.