Archive for 'out and about'
That Pottery Place: Alice and Mom go on a Groupon
Posted on 11. Apr, 2013 by Princess Lasertron.
This rainy afternoon in Omaha, Alice and I used a Groupon I’ve been holding on to for a few months at That Pottery Place, an incredibly sweet and inspiring space where you can–what else?–paint your own pottery. I actually had my 12th birthday party here as a child, and I’ve loved returning ever since to put my personal stamp and design on a bowl or plate to add to my collection. Today I was excited to bring two-year-old Alice for the first time.
Alice immediately chose a tiny ceramic teddy bear as her first painting project, which she bedecked in shades of pink, purple, green, and of course black. Her focus and respect for the process was noticeable to me as she thought about which color to use next after every pass of the brush over the bear’s paws and nose. More than enough paint was used and I can’t wait to see how colorful and bright the bear is once it’s glazed and fired.
We also did a plate together with a mint green base (“mint” is a favorite color currently), black and orange polka dots, and a yellow “A” in the middle. I left the decor ideas up to Alice–it’ll be a fun piece to use for our snacks at home, but I’m more excited to always be able to see it and remember how proudly and deliberately she made it.
I painted a small bowl for myself that I am going to put some treasures in. And shoutout to Sam who reads my blog and works there. You were very helpful and we had a wonderful time. Next week I get to pick all of our creations up and I’ll post some nicer photos then of the finished work!
xx
meg
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Sometimes I still don’t know what to wear
Posted on 26. Mar, 2013 by Princess Lasertron.
Today I need to drop off Alice at pre-school after a week of spring break, deposit some checks, pick up a copy of my six-month plan from the office for some motivation, and then I’m embarking on the drive to Kansas City for Silicon Prairie News’s first annual Big Kansas City conference. After enjoying four years of SPN’s Big Omaha conference and seeing the growth and opportunity that surrounded the innovative culture Big Omaha helped to foster, I sprang for the Prairie Pass a few months ago so I wouldn’t miss my chance to go to SPN’s three conferences this year: Big Kansas City, Big Omaha of course, and Big Des Moines. I love seeing what other people in my region are doing to make more eyes turn toward the middle of the country, and I love meeting the talented and inspiring individuals who are intrigued by what’s happening here and travel in to find out what’s up. These are can’t-miss events for me, both for my personal growth and for the growth of Hello Holiday, and I’m excited to experience Big KC for the first time.
Anyway that was a long intro to a packing post, but I felt like it was relevant because I’m just so excited about this event. Conferences are like vacations to me. So as many of you know, I started wearing the same basic dress (in a few sleeve lengths and colors) last September, and I’ve worn it nearly every day since. I like wearing a uniform, I like feeling beautiful every day without standing anxiously in front of my closet or rejecting half my wardrobe after I see it on my body, and I love saving the time. But when I’m packing for a trip, I still wonder if there’s something else I should be bringing to mark the occasion as a little bit more special. Here’s what I ended up with:
I packed four of my normal shift dresses, and for a few different options I included a silk tux jacket with a cutout back from Hello Holiday, and a buffalo plaid cotton hi-lo skirt designed by Jane Round that I plan to pair with my take on the ubiquitous startup tee, my iHollaback t-shirt (I love talking about that organization!). I also love doing black with brown accessories, you’ll always see me in colored tights and a red lip (MAC’s Vegas Volt is my perfect red).
I’m happy about this–it all fits in a tote bag in my back seat of my newly cleaned car, and I’ll have plenty of room for my traveling partner’s luggage too. I’m constantly pursuing this goal of packing lighter, dressing simpler, and still trying to represent my business and personality, and it’s awesome to love how I look and need less to accomplish it.
xx
meg
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Vintage Fashion Heaven: The Douglas County Historical Society fashion show!
Posted on 24. Mar, 2013 by Princess Lasertron.
On Saturday morning, I enjoyed the honor of modeling in the Douglas County Historical Society’s annual vintage fashion show. Featuring eveningwear from the 1890s-1970s, the curators chose pieces that exemplified the trends of each era and showed how fashion represented the advances for women and personal freedom of each decade. The pieces came from the DCHS’s extensive collection of clothing, plus many special pieces from a fabulous vintage clothing collector from Beatrice, Nebraska named Susan McLain. Susan and her husband own a store called Yesterday’s Lady where she showcases her collection and I can’t wait to go there with Sarah on a road trip soon! Hanging out with Susan was like seeing Sarah and my futures–I want to be her when I grow up!
One of my favorite pieces was this delicate gold lame gown, above, originally worn by Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Queen Marcella Folda Gadbois in the year 1930. All of the women who participated in the show were so cool and diverse–it made it one of the most memorable and enjoyable runway experiences I’ve ever had. They were all so kind, helpful, and supportive as we dressed, got into hair and makeup, and spent time together backstage.
My dress was a beautiful chartreuse and turquoise silk piece with a heavily beaded bodice originally worn by 1965 Ak-Sar-Ben princess Mary Halle in 1965. Isn’t this dress so 1965?? Can’t you see Betty Draper wearing this to a black-tie affair? (Or I suppose Ms. Mary Halle wearing it to a black-tie affair!) The matching pillbox hat and full-length gloves were the cherry on top. The dress behind me in the above photo was a vogue piece designed and sewn by a fashion student in Chicago in the 1940s. I don’t know much about the original designer other than she is originally from Omaha. A lot about that riding jacket seems very forward-thinking and even futuristic for the times.
History’s not just something that “happened,” it’s something we participate in and shape every day. It’s so important for young people to take an interest in preserving local history and listen to the stories and lived experiences of those from the generations before us before we lose the opportunity! Even through seemingly frivolous things like fashion, we can observe a rich narrative about human rights, dignity, and the diversity of lifestyles from people who have gone before us. Thank you to Cassandra and the people at the Douglas County Historical Society who invited me to participate! I encourage all of you to check out the organization and consider joining or attending some of their events here locally. I had such a great time, and I will never forget how beautiful I felt in that vintage gown.
xx
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