http://www.iowageekonline.com tots, tech and tools for living Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:28:34 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Anyone who knows me is well aware of my love, nay, my adoration, of all things Irish.  So when I was asked by Hachette Book Group if I wanted to read The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey I couldn't refuse! In the early 20th century Ireland was involved in two wars- ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/03/09/books/yellow-house-novel-review/ With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner I've been trying out new recipes for my annual Irish feast.  I found a new Irish Brown Bread recipe in an issue of Woman's Day magazine last year and recently tried it.  Oh so good!  It's the best I've made yet! This recipe ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/03/06/httpwww-iowageekonline-comindex-phpfab-food-friday/irish-brown-bread-recipe/ I've been chosen as one of 50 finalists in Ciao Bambino's contest.  The prize is a week in Tuscany.  Oh, yes, I want to win this... Since not all of my readers bridge the gap between this blog and Family Rambling I realized I needed to ask for help over here, ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/03/04/travel/i-could-use-some-help/ Des Moines Moms Nite Out will be held at Staybridge Suites in West Des Moines!  I am realy excited about this location as it provides lots of room for pampering and fun! Businesses around the metro are getting involved to help give Des Moines moms a great night of fun and ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/03/03/a-day-in-the-life/des-moines-moms-nite-out/ I hosted a Houseparty to help spread the word about Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins®.  I was thrilled to do this for a couple of reasons. I "discovered" these when we were in Boston a year ago.  When we returned to Iowa I couldn't find them anywhere.  I am so glad they are ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/02/28/httpwww-iowageekonline-comindex-phpfab-food-friday/fun-with-sandwich-thins/ Al Gore, the inventor of the internet, may likely be the destroyer of it as well. New studies have shown that a major cause of global warming is dihydrogen monoxide. Apparently too much dihydrogen monoxide in the earth can cause catastrophic results, and too little can cause expansion ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/02/25/blogger/mables-labels-blogher-contest/ If you're a business it's likely that you have some sort of online presence.  Which is really handy for your customers.  But did you know that if your content isn't updated regularly Google thinks your site is stagnant and your website moves lower and lower in searches...  Even if your ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/02/24/business/small-business-social-media/ I haven't been very good about sharing what I learned at Blissdom.  Sorry for that. When I say a couple of thoughts I truly mean "a couple of thoughts".  Because I only wrote down two notes in the niche blogging session. 1) Your community is not an enemy.  Embrace it and share.  ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/02/23/blogger/niche-blogging-notes-blissdom/ Funnily enough as large companies continue to close and institute lay offs it brings something out in people.  That something is called "entrepreneurial spirit".  I have met so many people in the past year who have begun small businesses and who are really making them work.The SmallBiz Social Media Summit ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/02/23/blogger/do-you-have-a-small-business/ I completely suck at losing weight.  I have very little willpower when confronted with any baked good and though I know that the first few bites of anything taste the best I have trouble stopping myself from eating too much- thereby losing the taste all together. It's very frustrating for me ... http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2010/02/21/a-day-in-the-life/motto-from-mary-poppins/