Friday, December 10, 2010

Tips from the Road

I have been on the road a LOT the past week. Since last Thursday, I have driven over 2000 miles. And we're not done! We have traveled darn near every corner of the state repeatedly since we began our Wyoming Weddings guide in January 2009. Having grown up in Wyoming, we have spent years traveling the state to visit family, attend sporting events (as participants and coaches), with our volunteer organizations, for vacations, etc... But I have to say that we've learned the most about our state these past two years. Now that our 1st anniversary of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine and 2nd anniversary of Wyoming Weddings is approaching, I thought it appropriate to highlight some of the tips and memories I have accumulated...

I have learned that when speaking in front of people, I need to remember one word: EXHALE. I tend to inhale, inhale, inhale, until I'm speaking fast and about to hyperventilate!

I have learned which public bathrooms throughout the state do not offer paper towels for opening the door to the bathroom as I leave. Yes, I'm one of those. I am a health care worker who is a germaphobe and a mother -- bad combination. :)

Speaking of bathrooms, I have discovered that there is a gas station and general store combination in Pinedale that has the most beautiful bathroom. Yes, my travels revolve around places to eat, get gas, find cell phone service, and bathrooms. Modern day survival tools! :)

I will forever think of setting up the Rock Springs Bridal Show when I eat Domino's Pizza. Combine a whole stack of pizzas, beer, a stage and balloon arch to assemble... The boys had too much fun making things out of balloons and we enjoyed ourselves far too much. Can't wait for the next time! It also ALWAYS snows either before or after the show. Always!

Speaking of Rock Springs, I am hopeless when it come to navigating Rock Springs and Green River. I get lost in Downtown Rock Springs EVERY time I am there! Yesterday was no exception -- I got lost in Rock Springs AND Green River AGAIN! Someone, I need a map!

For the Rawlins show, it was again storming. We left early with Keith & Erin Turbitt and crawled through the storm to get to Rawlins. There was a very sweet desk clerk at the Hampton Inn who has an accent -- it's a New York accent I think -- that I cannot understand. He kept making jokes and laughing at me and I was clueless -- Erin had to translate. :)

There are some Wyoming terms that you just don't get wrong. I knew for years that Popo Agie is NOT pronounced 'Po-Po Agee", and ESPECIALLY not "Poo Poo Agee"! However, this year I was informed that Devils Tower does NOT have an apostrophe in it. To the dismay of English teachers everywhere. :)

In Wheatland, the Best Western has the sweetest desk clerk. He remembers my name, where I'm from, what we do and all of the places I've been to recently each time I go in. It's pretty impressive! I need him to remind ME what I'm doing sometimes... :)

I have learned that there are many scenic places I drive through that cause me to say "WOW...." every time. Doesn't matter if I just drove through that area two hours ago. I say WOW again.

I have learned where the sulfur pockets are throughout the state. Just saying. :)

This year was the first time I witnessed the Evanston Roundhouse. WOW! That is one impressive structure!

I learned that Tim Harland of Snake River Brewery eats fried bologna and ketchup sandwiches. My lunch was abruptly ended when I learned that fact. :)

I met Patrick Zimmerer in person by surprise when we were having dinner at The Bunkhouse in Torrington -- and of course he had lots of Table Mountain Vineyards wine on hand at his table! He's a good guy -- and The Bunkhouse is one of many great restaurants in Torrington!

I have learned that Matt Mead does not mind two obnoxious youngsters who are bent on showing me that they are not going to always behave at a business event. Bless him for being so patient. :)

I have learned that Leslie Petersen has a terrific memory for people, places and conversations. She remembered a great deal about our interview the next time I saw her -- what a classy lady!

I have learned that I can run four miles instead of two in Torrington -- talk about good workouts! I may have to drive to Torrington regularly just to work out! :)

I have (slowly) begun to understand the one way streets in Casper and Cheyenne. Kind of.

When I see a Maverick store, I will always think 'Linda Mccoul'. :)

I have learned that wearing my tall platform heels two days in a row to business events will give me a case of plantar fasciitis. However, one day on, one day off and one day on again will not...even though Levi warns me I'm tempting fate on that one...

When a special guest appears at an event, be careful introducing them at the podium. They may just have left early.... Hmmm, does anyone have a joke to fill that moment?! :)

And most importantly perhaps... I have learned that no matter who you talk to in Wyoming, they know someone, somewhere, that you also know... Without fail. EVERYONE is connected. Everyone!

Till next time, I'm going to keep gathering those memories and little lessons learned. Last night, as I saw the lights of Laramie ahead, I realized that entire state of Wyoming is 'home' to us. And that's a pretty good feeling.

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com
www.wyolifestyle.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

Plan a Ski Movie, and See it Snow!

Well, I did it again. I planned a trip, and it snowed. So if you're grumpy about the arrival of winter in Wyoming, I'm afraid you have me to blame. It happens every year during bridal fair season, and this year we added presenting ski movies to our list of special events -- so henceforth there will be snow. (Sorry.)

For me, though, I LOVE snow!!! A gentleman I know calls me a 'Wyoming Road Warrior'. I take that as a compliment. My father the Highway Patrolman calls it insane. I think that is part of the definition of 'Wyoming Road Warrior' -- a little bit of courage and insanity mixed together -- and add some 4-wheel drive. :)

I left last Friday morning for a 3-day adventure in northwest Wyoming. What an adventure it was, too! I arrived in Jackson and had lunch with my friend Tim Harland, VP of Sales & Marketing for Snake River Brewery in Jackson, and author of our column, "The Beer Made Here", which takes an educational approach to the life and times of brew in Wyoming. I enjoyed lunch and a tour of the brewery -- this business really strives to work in tandem with the community of Jackson, and they have grown by leaps and bounds. (They also make a pretty tasty pulled pork sandwich, although I had to give Tim my fries, it was so filling -- it was either that or his story of fried bologna and ketchup sandwiches that made my lose my appetite.) :)

While waiting for our Jackson screening of Warren Miller's "Wintervention" to begin, I went shopping in downtown Jackson. If you're there, do NOT miss MADE, in Gaslight Alley! I bought a really fun and funky glass ring for $15. Seriously. John, the owner, makes beautiful works of glass art, including Steamboat belt buckles! They are COOL! As always, I enjoyed my time shopping in Jackson -- the shopping is where the West meets New York. Always a treat for me!

Our movie screening was decent -- the JH High School was very accomodating, and the ski coach, Cody Hansen, was a great help. We had a modest crowd, but it's a good start to our work there. We'll be there next year and will look to grow on what we started!

I stayed in the most ADORABLE inn. The Inn on the Creek. Oh my GOSH is all I can say! This inn combines a handful of comfortable yet luxurious rooms that are contained within a quaint stone cottage that overlooks 'the creek'. My room was the Goldeneye, with a jacuzzi tab and gas fireplace in my bedroom, complete with votive candles! I felt a little guilty about being there by myself -- but the jacuzzi tub soak and a good book helped ease that guilt slightly. :) Breakfast was served to my door right on the nose, with my specifications made when I checked in. The staff was so gracious and friendly, and I will definitely put this on my list of repeats. Bravo!!!!!

I hit the road on Saturday morning and headed to Cody by way of Dubois, Riverton, Shoshoni and Thermopolis. My Road Warrior status was challenged slightly as snow was falling on a slick road over Togwotee Pass. The beautiful scenery welcomed me to Dubois, and I was excited to see that the Capitol Christmas Tree Celebration was taking place! I enjoyed meeting members of the tree committee as well as an online friend from the area! It was a fun, short stop!

The rest of my trip was uneventful, and I always love traveling through the Wind River Canyon. What a town Cody is! I had a great time. My hosts highly recommended Cassie's for supper and brunch Sunday morning, and they were absolutely spot on. I recommend the rotisserie chicken, which was HUGE! For brunch, I had the cream cheese stuffed french toast with berries and whipped creme...it was absolutely enormous and decadent! The Bloody Marys are known as some of the best in town. The atmosphere is very cozy, and the history just oozes from the walls. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. The manager is always greeting guests and making sure everyone is well cared for. When I arrived, I was greeted by probably half a dozen employees! The live music was a nice touch for my Saturday night visit, and I can imagine how much fun one can have on their dance floor!

Sunday morning pre-brunch I enjoyed the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. What a gem! I could go on and on about all that I loved...the historical models, the displays, the William Cody antiques and family memorabilia, the Plains Indians exhibit, the Yellowstone displays...just outstanding. Definitely one not to miss! Post-brunch, I took a drive up to the Buffalo Bill Dam (BEAUTIFUL!!!) and stopped in to see the Irma Hotel. Another historical gem not to be missed -- built by William Cody and named for his daughter, the hotel celebrated its centennial in 2002. I also had only a moment to explore downtown shops before the Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in Cody, so I popped into Reindeer Ranch on Sheridan Ave. WOW!!! The beautiful Christmas decorations were jaw-dropping. The store is a mixture of historical components and fun holiday decorations. I could have spent a LOT of time in that store!

I felt very privileged to experience the arrival of the tree in Cody. The turn-out was impressive, and the excitement was electric! It was fun to be a part of that energy, even if it was for a brief moment -- we had some movies to put on!

Our two screenings of Warren Miller's "Wintervention" in Cody went over VERY well! The Sleeping Giant Ski Area staff were great at connecting with the public, and the attendees were very supportive of the resort. We had a great turn-out, people had fun, and it was a real joy working with the staff. Tony and the staff of Big Horn Cinema were AWESOME, and extremely accommodating! I'm excited to go back next year!

The drive home was slow, with snow the entire way from Cody to Laramie. Levi waited up for me as always to get home, and we rolled into bed at 3 AM -- but it was worth it, it was a GREAT weekend!

Til next time -- I'm logging the miles and excited to see where the adventure takes us next!

Kati

Kati Hime
Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Life & Times of WLM -- The Killer Casper Wasp (Yes, it was a KILLER!!! Quit laughing!) :)

Well, Levi is going to kill me for posting this one...but that's okay. I rather like our couch, it is comfy to sleep on...hence why he'll come wake my sorry butt up at 2 AM when I've fallen asleep writing an article on that same couch...often times hands still on the keyboard... :)

Last weekend Levi & I were in Casper for another Job's Daughters conference. We arrived a little early and made our way through our distribution points in Casper, dropping off loads of extra copies. (Sadly, this is about as close as we get to a vacation sans babies anymore.) :)

As we left Country Charm Gift Shoppe, we began to cross the street. What should come buzzing around my head, then his, and back ahead, but a wasp! One thing you should know about me -- I do NOT like wasps. I don't know why. They've never done anything to me -- but they seem rather grumpy, and I tend to shy away from grumpy organisms, people, moose and wasps included. :)

So I did what my grandma always told me, and that was to stand still. Which I did -- in the middle of the street. Levi apparently did not receive my grandma's memo, as he proceeded to wave at the air in front of the wasp and told me to move OUT of the street, but that childhood lesson was firmly lodged in my brain. I was unable to move. Plus...it LANDED ON ME!!! I resisted the urge to scream and jump around, and then it moved -- to Levi, then in my bag of magazines, then in Levi's bag of magazines, to him, to me, and so on. We ended up going back to the sidewalk after a moment of "It's on you!" "No, it's on you!" We put down our bags, and watched it explore their contents before flying off...once we guessed it had left, we picked them up again and kept going...

Once we arrived safely on the other side of the street, wasp nowhere in sight, we breathed a big sigh of relief. THAT was when we looked up -- and saw a man in the shop window laughing hysterically at us. And that was when we realized that we probably looked a little silly. (Just a LITTLE.) I really wanted to go in that shop and inform that laughing man of the size of this killer wasp... :)

Well, lessons for the day: #1 You're never too old to be afraid of a wasp. #2 My grandma failed to tell me what I should do if a wasp lands on me in the middle of a downtown street. #3 My husband is truly my knight in shining armor, risking his safety by waving his arms in the air in front of the killer wasp... and #4 I am definitely now sleeping on the couch. :)

'Til next time... I am maintaining that this wasp was GINORMOUS and had a stinger the size of an embroidery needle... :)

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Life & Times of WLM

I have run into many people that want to know about the people behind our publication...for some reason that escapes me, people think that what we do is glamorous. Quite the contrary! We're ordinary people living ordinary lives, save one thing -- an extraordinary opportunity to promote the people, places, lives and times of our great state. I've also been one to share the crazy happenings of our family behind the scenes -- and some have said that the crazy anecdotes that we experience would make a really interesting column. Well, here you go...the Life & Times of WLM. The craziness behind the scenes that makes us who we are. Not just ME, mind you -- our crew, our helpers, our little oddities...we are an interesting bunch. :)

And to start off with, I'll do what I do best -- make fun of myself. Many of you may not know that for all the work you see on the front side, I am a Mountain Dew crava-holic, who says 'so' too often and chews my gum too loudly (per my husband). :) What many of my friends know is that I am my worst critic....

Case in point yesterday. My hubby was enjoying the new PSP game I got him for his birthday, and I was playing Spider Solitaire on my laptop, attempting to unwind from the day so I could get to sleep. We were sharing the couch, me with my legs stretched up on him and he busy blingy-blingy-blinging away. And this was the conversation:

Me: "Hey guess what -- someone told us the magazine is good today!"

Levi (with game clicking and little blingy-blingy sounds happening, eyes never looking up): "Awesome, Honey!"

Then it occurred to me. Why hadn't I thought of this before?

Me: "Hmmm."

Levi (blingy-blingy-blingy, eyes glued on game): "Hmmm what?"

Me: "They said 'good.'"

Levi (blingy blingy blingy...): "Yeah. Good is good."

Me: "Yeah, but...they didn't say GREAT."

Blingy blingy blingy stopped. Silence. I looked up. His left eyebrow was raised and he looked at me with that look that said 'What did you just say?'

Levi: "Seriously."

Me: "Yeah, seriously! Good is good, but...great is GREAT."

Levi: "Ser-i-ously."

Me: "Well...yeah! Why, what's wrong with always striving to be better?"

Levi (face turning red and little puff of smoke coming out his ears...to his credit all he simply said was: "Woman, you are killing me."

Back to blingy blingy blingy...

I thought about that then and again today when I was running...which is my time when my creative juices flow and I think about things in great detail. (Of course, perhaps it is because that is my time when I am childless and have a few minutes to think in peace.) When is GOOD good enough? When am I being too harsh of a critic of myself? As Levi always says, "You have to trust in the product. Trust in yourself." That's pretty hard to do sometimes. That's something that I'm going to add to my to do list -- FIND HAPPINESS IN THE GOOD, WHILE STRIVING FOR THE GREAT...

I hope that you all find happiness in your GOOD today while striving for your GREAT moment...and in the meantime, I'm going to work on that exact same thing...while attempting to shun the Mountain Dew habit and keep my gum popping to a minimum... :)

Kati Hime
Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Monday, August 2, 2010

Catching up!

My goodness, how time flies when you're preparing an issue! Now that things are wrapping up, I can finally catch up on things like blogging -- and laundry, yikes! :)

Summer is entering its last month, and August brings with it a feeling of 'hurry up and get things done'. Hurry up and do school shopping, schedule the kids' activities, go through the school clothes to see what doesn't fit, but most of all, hurry up and enjoy all that Wyoming has to offer before the winter comes again. (Although I need to add that winter holds its own allure for me -- I'm a ski bunny at heart.) :)

I battle with myself during August, because with the urge to hurry up comes the urge to SLOW DOWN and enjoy summer. It's funny how both of these urges can describe summer enjoyment. Go, see, do, explore, photograph, log in the memory book; but also sit, breathe, sip and smile. Fortunately in Wyoming, we can do both -- the same outdoors that offer endless opportunity for adventure also offer beautiful scenery in which to sit, relax and unwind.

So as a way to satisfy both cravings, I suggest going, doing and seeing -- with a dose of relaxation. For example: GO hike the nearest mountain with your kids -- and stop at every viewpoint to breathe, sit and take a picture. Point out the colorful wildflowers to your kids -- guess at what their names are (who cares if you're wrong?). Or fish the nearest lake -- and I'd suggest that whether you catch something or not doesn't matter. What's important is that you are OUT, enjoying Wyoming. On the other end of the spectrum, go check out that neat museum or cultural center in your community or a neighboring one. Learn something new about your home state that you never knew -- and once you have, promptly share it with someone. Education is one half learning, and one half sharing.

Once you've gone, done and seen, learned a little and experienced a little...don't do anything. Fix yourself your refreshing beverage of choice and sit on your step, patio, deck or front yard. Breathe deep. Enjoy the fresh air -- and the time that summer has left. Enjoy life -- that is part of what summer is all about!

Until next time -- I'm breathing deep! (And doing a mountain of laundry!) :)

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com
http://www.wyolifestyle.com -- BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE, WLM TV AND OUR PREVIEW OF ISSUE #3! ALSO READ UP ON THE WYOMING PLEIN AIR EVENT -- GO TO 'COMMUNITY' THEN 'ARTS' TO FIND IT!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Beautiful...

That's the only word I can think to describe the scenery I drove through yesterday, and that one word doesn't hardly do it justice. I left at 5 AM on a journey to Ten Sleep for an interview that will be featured in our new issue of WLM, due out in August -- something about having to get up early in the morning, I never sleep well the night before because I am afraid of sleeping through my alarm! So, sleep-deprived and blurry eyed, I began my journey. I was jerked awake though by the sight of so many animals on the drive to Casper! I lost count of how many antelope, deer, rabbits, birds, etc. I saw...it was really something!

I traveled through Casper, to Shoshoni, up to Thermopolis, to Worland, and then over to Ten Sleep. The drive from Thermopolis to Ten Sleep was absolutely incredible -- the river was full, the mountains were multi-colored and dotted with greenery...it was simply jaw-dropping. The last time I was up in the area was three years ago, with a car full of girls on our way to a state Job's Daughters function -- they were singing loudly and it was approaching nighttime, and I obviously failed to notice the scenery around me! Yesterday was a different matter: I was able to truly appreciate what I saw around me. It was breathtaking!

After the interview, I enjoyed a shaved ice from Ten Sleep at Sno Shavers -- make sure you do NOT say it's a snow cone, because it's not! I made the mistake of using that term and was given a demonstration on how the ice is actually shaved -- it looks like a spider web of ice, it's really good! Said hello to some folks and met some new friends -- what a neat little town!

I spun through Worland, where I stopped in at the Washakie Museum. WOW!!! Be sure to check out this brand new attraction with your kids! It's a class act! http://www.washakiemusuem.org

I then traveled onto Thermopolis, although FIRST I stopped in Kirby to say hello to the nice folks, Steve & Donna Nally, over at Wyoming Whiskey. They run tours of the distillery and it's a neat place -- definitely worth the stop! Also check out the local restaurant, Butch's Place, on the way into town -- my husband says lunch there is also worth the stop! For Wyoming Whiskey, visit: http://www.wyomingwhiskey.com Butch's Place is on Facebook! Check them out: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirby-WY/Butchs-Place/143376546110?v=wall

I met the nice folks over at the visitors' center in Thermopolis as well -- what a beautiful town with some great tourist attractions! Be sure to check out their website! http://www.thermopolis.com/

I journeyed back through Shoshoni, where I need some more info on the Yellowstone Drug -- are they now Shoshoni Malt? Is this the same place with a new name, or a different place? I'd love some info from WLM fans, please!

Traveled through Casper, where I stopped at my FAVORITE Cold Stone Creamery for some smiles from the girls working -- they are an enthusiastic bunch! I tried the Key Lime Pie concoction, which I know has a catchy name that has escaped my brain at the moment...forgive me... At any rate, it was GOOD, and Cold Stone is ALWAYS on my list of favorites in Casper! They're also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Casper-WY/Cold-Stone-Casper/120090941356284?ref=ts&ajaxpipe=1&__a=40

Then I made it home, where I nursed my aching head and sore back, but shared my travels with my husband...what a BEAUTIFUL day in Wyoming! Beautiful scenery, friendly people, new friends and fans, and TONS of wildlife...a 17 hour work day never was so much FUN!

'Til Next Time -- I'm loggin' my miles!

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Monday, June 21, 2010

Terrific Torrington

OK, I was searching for a superlative with a "t"... :) We were in Torrington this past week for our annual Wyoming Job's Daughters conference. What a time we had! Between catching up with folks from around the state, we enjoyed a very hospitable reception from the community!

The staff at Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) were very kind, and their custodial staff was top notch! They constantly asked if we needed assistance of any kind, and they even saved my reusable signs after we left a few behind by accident! I was very impressed also by their librarian -- she allowed me to rearrange tables and clear off displays for our competitions on Thursday morning -- and then she did the major share of setting it all back up again while I attempted to clean up (obviously, I failed some by the fact I left signs behind...) :) The facility was excellent, and our 200+ attendees had a wonderful time. Bravo EWC!!!

My husband, Levi, and I went around town, visiting friends (like Carol over at Adorn, and Rob McIntosh at D&B Fine Furniture) and meeting new friends (like Ben and Bill over at Ben's Diner, the owner of The Bucking Horse Steakhouse & Lounge, the wonderful staff at Western Mall and the owner of Brighter Side of Life gift shop). What nice people live in this town -- friendly and ready with a smile!

So here are some of my personal recommendations for your next trip through Torrington...

Ben's Diner -- AMAZING burgers!!! I had the Aloha burger, with onions and grilled pineapple...my husband had the bacon burger, and we both agreed it was top notch. A definite stop!

Wine Time -- Great selection and service!

The Bucking Horse Steak House & Lounge -- We were there with a party, and enjoyed a great meal and drinks. The staff was very friendly and outgoing, and the view is to DIE FOR. Honestly -- BEAUTIFUL view to match some great food! I definitely recommend this one!

Shopping: Adorn (a neat and colorful selection of clothes to fit many tastes); Western Mall (for cowgirl chic but also home decor, jewelry, and more!); D&B Fine Furniture for a great selection in home decor; The Brighter Side of Life gift shop (fun atmosphere and adorable gifts!).

Just a selection to start with -- There are many more shops and restaurants to choose from, and you can find more selections at the Goshen County Chamber's website: http://www.goshencountychamber.com/

Thanks Torrington for a great trip -- we appreciate your hospitality!

Until next time -- we're exploring Wyoming!

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts
Twitter: wyolifestylemag

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

To work, to work!

Thanks to KGWN TV 5 in Cheyenne for two fun interviews! We presented wedding trends for 2010 last week with Wyoming Weddings; this week, we presented WY Lifestyle Magazine! Both of these interviews were at 6 AM, and believe me, being up and out the door in time to be at the station has NOT been an easy task!

The one thing that I love about being up this early, though, is having the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful Wyoming Morning. Coming down the summit back to Laramie this morning, I was marveling at how green the valley looks -- the rain we have received the last few weeks has really turned everything into a beautiful, spring green! Off-set by the blue of the Snowies, it's a beautiful sight. I imagine it's just as beautiful all over Wyoming...we are so fortunate!

The best thing, though, is returning home from another trip on the road with WLM to my family -- walking in the door and hearing "Mama's home!" just warms my heart. I'm so glad that this journey is not mine alone...

As we enter into our next 'crazy season', as we refer to it, I'm fortunate to have new crew members working alongside our team. Our growth is becoming remarkable, and I'm so glad to bring aboard new people to help make that happen. Ad and distribution reps are joining in many areas; if you are interested, please e-mail editor@wyolifestyle.com today! We also are receiving many requests for coverage and opportunities -- and we're working hard to fill them all!

Please keep checking back as our exciting developments are beginning to take shape -- and remember, our subscriptions are available online! We are so excited for what's in store...

Until Next Time -- We're Growing like a Weed!

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts

Twitter: wyolifestylemag

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

It's Still Beautiful in Wyoming

Many of our fellow Wyoming citizens are currently facing flooding and the threats of flooding in many parts of the state. Fremont County is currently battling a disaster, and Saratoga is another area in jeopardy -- just to name two locations. It's amazing to me that we've gone from drought to flooding in such a short time -- but this is the case with Mother Nature. My husband, who is a geologist, can explain all the science to me and why things happen -- I'll let him blog that if he'd like. :) For me, I'm just simply amazed.

My oldest child summed it up well with their daily journal entry: "Today was a beautiful day. We planted my pumpkin plant outside. Today was not a beautiful day. We had a hail storm and my pumpkin plant was outside. My dad had to cover it with the laundry basket. Today is a beautiful day again." It made me smile because that IS Wyoming in a nutshell -- beautiful days turn to black skies and dynamic thunderstorms...just to be over within minutes sometimes, with blue skies returning.

This idea can cross over into the flooding and other disasters Wyoming experiences. A beautiful day can become tragic, but it will be beautiful again with time. How do I know this? Because we have wonderful PEOPLE, and PEOPLE help each other through difficult times. Losing your home, your possessions, etc., is a horrible, horrible thing -- at least knowing that there are people in your community and throughout your state that care and are here to help can make a world of difference. And those people helping each other can make the day beautiful once again...

Our prayers are going out to those battling flooding -- may your beautiful day return quickly to you...

To keep current, here is a Facebook page with more information and up to date posts: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1319964564#!/FremontCountyFlood2010?v=info&ref=ts

High Plains WY Red Cross Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheyenne-Wyoming/Red-Cross-of-Wyoming-High-Plains-Chapter/258835342289?ref=search&v=wall

Contributions and donations can be sent to the Cheyenne Red Cross: 3619 Evans Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001 **MAKE SURE YOU MARK YOUR DONATION AS "FREMONT COUNTY 2010 FLOOD" SO IT GOES TO THE APPROPRIATE FUND!!**

'Til next time...Thinking of our friends around the state...

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts
Twitter: wyolifestylemag
website: www.wyolifestyle.com For subscriptions, issues and more!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Why We're Here (And why we're GROWING!)

It's always worthwhile to reflect on WHY you do something. It's so easy to know WHAT you're doing, (even though the HOW sometimes takes figuring), but it's the WHY that is so important. The WHY is what gets you out of bed in the morning, what keeps you cooking, and what make success taste that much sweeter.

Personally, I set upon this journey as something to make my family proud. I want my children to have pride in seeing what their parents can do -- and I want to set a good example for women everywhere. Embarking on this journey as a family is difficult at times, but we always make it through together -- I couldn't take one step down this road without my husband and children not behind me, but BESIDE me!

It also helps to have wonderful friends -- and I am making them everyday as more and more friends join our crew. I can't thank the support we have enough for what they do everyday -- from being a sounding block for ideas, to creating beautiful work, to giving me inspirational quotes to get me through those days when the mountain of work feels too heavy. THANK YOU, you know exactly who you are... :)

As a business, we set upon this journey for YOU, Wyoming! We wanted to cover not ONE area of life in Wyoming, but ALL areas -- for ALL of you! Your interests and personalities are as diverse as our topography, and I for one feel immensely blessed to meet your faces on the road! We know that YOU feel our love for you, too, as the returns we have received thus far have been ten-fold.

As we prepare our THIRD issue, we're growing by leaps and bounds -- we have demonstrated our quality in our first issue, proved our ability to reproduce in our second, and are now spreading our wings to fly into our third issue -- our best yet!

Our THREE exciting announcements so far -- many more to come...

#1: Increase to 20,000 copies in our upcoming issue -- to release in August!
#2: We're hiring!!! (E-mail editor@wyolifestyle.com to apply!)
#3: We have our online subscription service available! Receive WLM directly in your mailbox for one year at a low rate!


STAY TUNED as the announcements continue -- BELIEVE ME, you'll be amazed! We're here for YOU, the people of Wyoming -- THANK YOU for being HERE for US!

'Til Next Time -- I'm Proud to be on this Journey...

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts
Twitter: wyolifestylemag
Subscriptions, and read our first two issues online! http://www.wyolifestyle.com

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Did You Know...We're "Organic"?

That WY Lifestyle Magazine and WY Weddings are created ENTIRELY within the state of Wyoming?! We are! From our contributing writers and photographers...to our design team...to our ad reps...to our printers, even our internet service providers! -- they are ALL Wyoming companies.

This is part of what we believe in: Working with Wyoming businesses, not only via our advertising and articles, expos and events, but also in the business that we bring to the economy. When you advertise with us, your dollars go BACK into Wyoming! A friend calls it being "organic" -- and we LOVE thinking green over at WLM!

Welcome to our Organically Wyoming Company...We're here to serve you!

'Til Next time -- I'm thinking organically!

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?ref=ts
Twitter: wyolifestylemag

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Beauty in Motion

I love to workout. I'm not a super athlete by any means (anyone who has seen me swim can attest to that!), but I do enjoy a good workout every day. As soon as the weather warms, I move my workouts from the Laramie Recreation Center (which is a God send in Wyoming winters!), to the outdoors.

Yesterday was my first outdoor run of the summer, and that 'summer smell' in the air inspired me to look around at my surroundings...as they passed by! I was pleased to see the beautiful, vibrant colors all around me: green grass accented by the brown bark of trees; pinks, yellows and reds of flowers; the yellow of dandelions (we seem to have an infestation this year in Laramie!). It was beautiful to watch these colors as I ran.

I returned home from my workout to enjoy our first lunch on the patio as a family -- my children discovered the variety of birds that were around our home. At first, we heard one bird, but that quickly led us to discover more and more sounds that we didn't hear at first -- the depth of noise was amazing once we sat silent and listened! It was fascinating, and made me think that this would be a fun family activity of the summer -- researching what birds live in Wyoming, and the sounds that they make.

I encourage you to explore your outdoors -- even if you're not the type who enjoys a hike in the woods, explore the world right in your own backyard! Share with us what you find -- here on this blog, on Facebook or via Twitter, username wyolifestylemag!

'Til next time -- I'm off to learn something new!

Kati Hime, Editor
Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine
editor@wyolifestyle.com
www.wyolifestyle.com

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Sometimes...it just clicks

I had a fantastic two days of networking in Casper and Cheyenne -- thank you to the new friends and fans alike. I enjoyed some beautiful sunshine in Casper Tuesday, followed by an interview by KCWY 13's Britni McDonald on Wednesday morning (bright and early!). Blew around Casper, flew to Cheyenne (or at least it felt like that with the wind!), and enjoyed some great folks down there as well.

The thing that hit me, as I journeyed through my days, are the real people out there, making Wyoming what it is. These people are not just the business owners and leaders in our community -- they're also the employees, the stay-at-home parents, the teachers, the children, the seniors, the volunteers...all together, I have observed that we share a similar value -- we appreciate the value of PEOPLE.

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank the wonderful people of Wyoming and those who love Wyoming from around the country and the world -- you all make what we do so enjoyable. It's a joy reporting on your lives and communities, but it's equally a joy getting out there and meeting everyone face-to-face. What a dream job!

We have many new adventures ahead -- please stay tuned as we grow...and connect with us! E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, respond to this blog -- and let us know why YOU love Wyoming!

'Til next time -- Here's a shout out to the great people of Wyoming!

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts

Twitter profile: wyolifestylemag

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Looking for your favorite WY campsites & activities!

We're polling our readers for your favorite Wyoming campsites and activities! So please, weigh in! Tell us your favorite Wyoming camping spot, and what your favorite activity to do there is... Comment on this blog, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter! See the links below -- and enjoy those beautiful WY outdoors!!!

'Til next time -- I'm craving some s'mores... :)

Kati Hime
Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts

Twitter: wyolifestylemag

Monday, May 24, 2010

WY Public Libraries Make A Splash for Summer!

Last night, my children wanted to create with Legos as a family. As we sat there, my daughter creating a pirate ship that was entitled "Backwards Hat Ship" (because all of the crew had backwards hats), it reminded me of the Lego program our Albany County Public Library is offering for the summer...

This thought inspired me to write about our Wyoming public libraries -- I have enjoyed browsing through the different websites around the state this morning, getting to know the programs and enjoying the passion of those people who run our public libraries. There's something for everyone!

Here are links to the 23 Wyoming county public libraries -- tell us about your favorite! Comment here, on our Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts ) or on Twitter, user name: wyolifestylemag

'Til next time, I am curling up with a good book! (And encourage YOU to curl up with the latest copy of WY Lifestyle Magazine, or WLM as we call it!)

Kati Hime
Owner/Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Laramie County: http://www.lclsonline.org/
Albany County: http://acpl.lib.wy.us
Carbon County: http://carboncolibrary.state.wy.us/
Fremont County: http://www.fclsonline.org/index.htm
Campbell County:http://www.cc-pl.org/
Natrona County: http://www.natronacountylibrary.org/
Converse County:http://www.conversecountylibrary.org/
Sweetwater County: http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com/
Johnson County: http://www.jclwyo.org/
Uinta County: http://www.uintalibrary.org/
Teton County: http://tclib.org/
Sheridan County: http://www.sheridanwyolibrary.org/
Lincoln County: http://linclib.org/
Weston County: http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/weston/
Goshen County: http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/goshen/
Platte County: http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/platte/
Park County: http://parkcountylibrary.org/
Sublette County: http://www.sublettecountylibrary.org/
Hot Springs County: http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/hotsprings/
Washakie County: http://www.washakiecountylibrary.org/
Crook County: http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/crook/
Niobrara County: http://www.niobraracountylibrary.org/
Big Horn County: http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/bighorn/

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Music Together -- More than Baby Talk!

Our family enjoyed a Montessori community dinner last night in Laramie, and were mesmerized by Karen Bienz of Music Together of Albany County and her sing along. Picture the scene: crowded living room filled with twenty children 7 and under, sitting in a circle and surrounded by 40 enthusiastic parents, all creating a rain storm with their hands...snapping, tapping, stomping the floor, all in a calculated method led by Bienz...it was awe-inspiring! From there we moved to a parachute game, singing, raising and lowering the parachute over the kids as their static-filled hair stuck straight up to the ceiling...only matched by their delighted giggling!

This is Music Together, a dynamic program that inspires music and movement between adults and children. We've participated with both of our children since they were infants -- we learned how to inspire a love of music through use of tone, facial expressions and movement. As they grew, we added musical instruments like bells and rhythm sticks, learning how to make music fun by tapping them on the floor, in different patterns, and (gently!) on ourselves. :)

Karen Bienz's program is well-known in Laramie (Music Together of Albany County), and Briana Cramer has a dynamic growing program in Cheyenne (Windy Prairie Music)! Check out these programs in your area -- and let us know what other programs like these exist throughout the state! Check out the links below!

*Editor's note: You do NOT have to sing well... luckily for me and my husband!

Tone Deafly Yours (but havin' a LOT of fun with my kids!),

Kati Hime
Owner/Editor
Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine

Music Together of Albany County 307-721-2968
Windy Prairie Music, Cheyenne 307-635-1433

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts

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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Laramie's hit by Hapi-Ness

Today Laramie Junior High School hosts the Hapi-Ness 5K, a benefit run for local families undergoing extreme obstacles. The run became a Laramie tradition in 1987, when the ninth grade organized the first run in honor of Hapi Patterson, their classmate who died of leukemia that year. Over 30 families have received help with medical bills from Hapi-Ness 5K proceeds since that time. This year, the recipients are two Laramie families, both battling with cancer.

Prizes are given for all ages and categories, and LJHS staff have even pitched in with hand-crafted items to be given away at a drawing after the race.

This annual benefit joins the countless others organized by Wyoming citizens, to benefit others in our state. Post a few of your favorites on this blog, our Facebook page or at Twitter (see below)!

Keep on finding your Hapi-Ness...

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Lifestyle-Magazine/258768099856?v=wall&ref=ts

Twitter profile name: wyolifestylemag

Friday, May 21, 2010

WLM Summer 2010 Issue

Welcome to our blog! Blogging is a new adventure for us, so we'd love some feedback -- leave us some comments and let us know what you'd like to see...both in our magazine as well as on our blog!

We are dedicated to producing a beautiful publication that represents the diverse culture of Wyoming. We are very excited about our Summer 2010 issue of WLM, (our staff's pet name for WY Lifestyle Magazine), which was released over two weeks ago! We made some design updates to this our second issue, and are VERY excited with the result.

Please check it out! Click on "View our NEW Summer 2010 Issue" on the home page to pull it up. If you have any difficulties viewing it with Internet Explorer or AOL, please e-mail us at editor@wyolifestyle.com.

Thank you for being a fan. We have experienced phenomenal growth and we owe our success to great folks like you!

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