Budget Changes & a Miss Money Bags Cash Wallet Review

Realistically, a budget is a flexible, ever-changing beast. Much like a toddler :) Now that I'm working from home and not in your typical 8-5 job, our budget has evolved too.

If I'm being honest, when I was working outside the home, I had a tendency to "treat" myself to a breakfast sandwich (because it was $1.65 for a bacon, egg and cheese on a biscuit) or to a cup of soup during lunch because I deserved it. Having an in-house cafeteria at work was kind of my kryptonite.

Now that I'm home, our budget has shifted. We no longer have the daycare expense (hello - second mortgage) but I don't have my weekly income either. My in-house cafeteria is MY KITCHEN. Meaning if I want something, I'm the one buying the food and cooking it. Trust me, breakfast sandwiches are less alluring when you have to make them yourself.

Because I don't have regular workplace chatter about upcoming trips or weekend plans, I'm hearing less about the cool things other people are doing. Honestly, that's a pro and con to being a home. I miss the slightly inane workplace aisle chatter. I'm less connected to all the cool things going on outside of my inner circle. I'm missing out on things but much of the time I don't even know it.

And because I'm subsisting on a steady stream of tee shirts and target shorts, my fashion IQ has also decreased. I've tried to implement a fall capsule wardrobe but I really am not digging it. Said fall capsule wardrobe is squashing my inner creative shopping fun. That's a post for another day. But online shopping is always tempting as well as building up my graphic tee collection. Because I can legitimately wear cute graphic tees everyday and no one thinks it's inappropriate for a work from home mom.

But our household food consumption is up overall because I've become consciously aware of the fact that if I don't buy fruit and vegetables, Lucan won't be eating any. Yesterday I also bought him animal crackers because he "really, really needed them." Yet once we got home, the box went unopened in our overflowing pantry.

K-cup budget is up too. I need coffee. And creamer. I could tell you I miss work coffee but that's a big fat lie.

Weirdly, hand soap expense is up too. What is it about preschoolers and their incessant need for at least 3 pumps of soap? And like I've previously mentioned I've become a paper product nazi. Lu is only allowed one napkin per day, maybe two if we're having soup. I make him put his tissue in his pocket if I feel like there's room for more snot in it.

We eat a chick-fil-a a lot more. Mostly because they have a play area and I have lots of coupons. But overall I eat out less per week because eating out means that I'm taking Lucan out to eat too #nothankyou

And there's less Target wandering too because between dropping Lu off for preschool and trying eke out a morning nap, there's just no time for that.

Our healthcare expenses have evolved too now that Lance is carrying all of us on his plan. Yikes, insurance is not cheap. We're also trying to plan for taxes better too since I'm considered an independent contractor and don't have taxes being pulled out ahead of time. Lance is happy that the Traverse has gotten to stay parked in our garage too as he's been driving the LHS back and forth to work. That car never dies.

This month has been an expense doozie: we had to pay to have our furnace/air conditioner serviced (because overly hot Kara is a crabby Kara and as I've reminded Lance "happy wife, happy life") and now we need to replace a car tire (not my fault, first time ever!) Last month I convinced Lance to spring for an expensive tri-membership (Blank Park Zoo, Science Center, Living History Farms) so that was an expense too. Life is just full of expenses.

We are still doing a cash budget because it's good accountability. I'm loving the handmade, colorful cash envelope wallet from Becky at Miss Money Bags.

Love the bright happy colors which makes parting with my money so much easier (lie).

The large wooden button is really nice too. It's kind of a statement piece. 

And while it might be hard to see from my photos, the fabrics have gold threads interspersed through them. Super pretty.

Best of all it's functional and so much more practical then using ACTUAL paper envelopes. That just begs for me to lose them. It would be really hard to lose this handy cash wallet. Becky thought of everything here - there's slots for credit cards/business cards/ IDs as well as a zippered pouch for change. It's a one-stop cash wallet shop!

Sturdy and colorful. Each "envelope" has a spot to label which category you are spending out of. I highly suggest that if you are looking for a different way to store your hard-earned cash, you check out Becky's Miss Money Bags etsy store. So great! You can also connect with Becky on Instagram too!

I received my cash envelope in exchange for my review. Opinions are all my own. 

When God Answers Prayer

The secret prayer of my heart for the last four years has been for God to provide some way for me to stay home with our kiddos. If you would have asked me in everyday conversation if I wanted to stay home I would have shrugged off an answer and said “sure, maybe. I don’t know.”  I didn’t allow myself to dwell on the possibility because it was just mostly a silent hope. 

It took having our first child for me to have a reality check that our lifestyle did not match the life we wanted to have for our family. But at that point we were too far in to be able to change things. Lance was the only person who really knew that I was no longer finding fulfillment in working full-time. It took major commitment to paying off our debt (minus the house, I always feel compelled to add that so people know we still are paying off our house) to be in a place where I am able to walk away from my 9-5 job. Four years, one major budget overhaul, two children, one bout of unemployment and two jobs later, life is about to take another radical turn. I’m leaving the full-time corporate world and starting my dream job. I’m going to work for Des Moines Moms Blog as the Sponsorship Coordinator and will start the challenge of being a work from home mom. 

Truly, this job is a God-thing. I feel like the phrase “God-thing” can be a cop-out but in this instance it really is a God-thing.  I was approached by Des Moines Moms Blog with this position because I had been on their hearts and minds. I had applied to be a contributing writer and they really only knew me through the blog and a through a mutual friend. The timing was perfect. We had just made the final payment on my student loans and were ready to explore the possibility of me finding part-time work and staying home with the kiddos. I had applied for a part-time job earlier that I thought would have been a good fit too, but it had some aspects that we would have had to figure out. But it wasn’t the job God wanted for me and He didn’t grant it to me. At the time I was disappointed but I accepted this wasn’t where God wanted me. Then this job came along and it truly was God’s hand at work.  I can’t imagine a better fit – being able to write, use my marketing knowledge and spend time with my family. God’s perfect plan.

So we are taking this leap of faith and we are going to see where this is going to go. Both Lance and I are nervous (any new job or big lifestyle change is heart stopping!) but we're hopeful. Hopeful, cautious and thankful. Thankful to be given this opportunity.

 

Asking for help.

It’s so easy to write out, yet virtually impossible to actually do. 

Some of the only times I’ve actually felt okay asking for help is after I’ve had a baby and even then that’s killed me a bit. Friends have shown up on my doorstep with baked goods and meals and I’ve fervently given thanks. They’ve joyfully brought me sustenance and cooed over our newborn and provided me with 10 minutes of adult interaction. And it’s been wonderful. 

I have friends at church who gleefully ask if they can hold Gracelyn.  Or they ask if they can help when they see me struggling with Lucan, my purse, a diaper bag, Gracelyn and a coffee cup all at the same time. It’s obvious I need help (seriously – where is Lance in all of this?) but yet I am loathe to accept it. I have this ridiculous mindset that I should be able to do it all. I’m strong. I have two working legs. I am not disabled. And above it all, I am willful. 

But the people that are offering their help – they are kind, they see a need and are more than happy to fulfill it. 

I am here to tell you this: you are not weak. There is no need for you to go it alone. You are not a bad mom if Tuesdays nights are your pizza nights because you know that on Tuesdays you can get a large Papa Murphy’s pizza for $10 (try the taco – it’s delicious). You are allowed to tell your husband it’s his turn to take the baby at 4 am. It’s okay to BUY those treats for your kiddo’s Easter party instead of staying up to 11:30 pm frosting yellow baby chick sugar cookies (last year). Accept help. Or even more unfathomable, ask for help. You can do it. You’re not a bad person for accepting that you are not a super hero.

10 Things to Treat Yourself to in the Third Trimester

1. Mani/pedi. Hello feet?! Haven’t seen you in a while … go treat yourself to a little pampering and get your toes and fingers in tip-top-shape.
2. Flowers. At the end of October I hosted a “Favorite Things Party” and received a lovely bouquet of flowers. They’re not extravagant or huge, but they’re pretty and we all deserve a little more pretty!
3. Take a nap. More than likely you’re tired from all that energy you’re expending on GROWING A LIFE.
4. Read something unrelated to child rearing/baby development. It might be the last time you are able to sit in one spot without falling asleep or have someone interrupt you.
5. Get a new pillow. All sleep related things are good things at this point.
6. Have a “last hurrah” date night with hubby. Date nights become far fewer when you have to contend with finding a babysitter. Lance and I went to one of our favorite restaurants, The Flying Mango, when I was pregnant with Lucan. I have very vivid memories of having water offered to me several times while we were waiting for a table. I must have looked like I was going to have the baby at any moment. This time we went to Centro, one of other Des Moines favorites. But eat at someplace really nice and celebrate life.
7. Give yourself permission not to fanatically clean or marathon cook. In fact, I bought a groupon earlier in the year for house cleaning with the sole intention of using it in my third trimester when I didn’t feel like cleaning the floor on my hands and knees. Update: this ended up being a complete bust. The cleaning company wouldn’t return any of my calls and I ended up getting a groupon refund and still had to clean the house myself. #fail My parents are coming to spend Thanksgiving at our house and my wise friend, Jessica, made me promise that I would not spend hours in front of the stove preparing a Thanksgiving meal. As a result, I’m buying 2/3 of my Thanksgiving meal from Hy-Vee. I’m not allowing myself to feel guilty about this.
8. Attend a prenatal yoga class. All that stretching and “oommm-ing” will be soothing.
9. Drink a mock-tail and pretend it’s the real thing. Even if that just means pouring your Shirley Temple into a cocktail glass and adding an umbrella to it.
10. Take a bath. A long bath. Fill it with essential oils and Epsom salts and just sit. Enjoy the sitting. Then imagine that maybe the next time, the water will be able to cover your belly. I had a friend give me a fizzbanger bath bomb from LUSH and I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it. It made my bath water silky smooth and delicious smelling.

One unofficial thing I love doing now that the nursery is “done” is sit quietly in the rocker and pray and imagine life with this little one. Life, right now, is anything but quiet so the serene quality of the nursery is especially soothing on this anxious mama’s nerves!

Stitch Fix Review Box #2 - October

This box was an improvement over my last box, far and above. Again, if you are new to Stitch Fix, the concept is pretty easy. You go to Stitch Fix’s website and provide basic information such as their body shape, size, style preferences and budget. Then, a Stitch Fix stylist uses that information you provided to select and ship a box of five items to try on. Then you can keep and pay for the things you like and send back the stuff that doesn't work. Stitch Fix charges a $20 per box styling fee, which goes toward any purchase that you make. The company keeps track of what you keep and send back to further personalize your clothing profile. It's pretty neat overall! And if you use my referral link, I get a $25 style credit. Win! Okay here's the good stuff.
 

41Hawthorn Shara Herringbone Vest with Black Piping. Ugly. My stylist added it because she had seen a lot of vests on my pintrest board and thought I would like it. Wrong. $68 wrong. No offense mom, but it looks like something you own. In fact, I do think you own a vest like this.

Style tips. I like the denim dress they style the vest with. Can I have the dress instead?

Mak Neptune Stripe and Colorblocked Cardigan $48.This sweater was teeny tiny and ugly. Sorry. I like stripes and did request something mustard colored to take me into the fall. Just not this one.

Ick.

Renee C Rossi Polka Dot Print Neck-Tie Blouse. I like this shirt and I kept it, despite feeling weird about the bow tie. I feel like a court reporter in this shirt. Let's not talk about the awkwardness of the selfie bathroom shot. It takes me about a dozen shots to get it right and even then my walls look a lurid lime green (they aren't in real life). But even the most awkward selfies don't even begin to compare to the horrid pictures Lance takes. I will never be a fashion blogger for this reason.

The shirt is white with a small white polka dot design. It's lightweight, almost sheer and flowy. I didn't have anything like it, design wise, in my wardrobe so I kept it! Winner!

I don't have coral colored skinnies or a turquoise pencil skirt. But I'd gladly wear both!

Kensie Jackie Longsleeve Striped Sweater Dress. Oh sweater dress. Sweater dresses are just never going to happen with my body. They cling to all the wrong places and have no structure. I gave feedback to my stylist, Sidney, to stop sending them because they're never going to work.

Bye bye sweater dress. You were way too price anyways at $88.

41Hawthorn Galway Bird Print Button-Up Blouse. $58. Hello birdie shirt! You are adorable and quirky and perfect! Loved this shirt. Flowy cut, fun, yet manageable print and cute details like a pearl button and shirred shoulders. Perfect for layering! 

I've noticed that in other Stitch Fix boxes they've gotten fun prints and I'm happy to have gotten one in my box too!

My at-home fashion stylist getting fur all over our bedding.

I kept two shirts this time and was much more pleased by my second fix. I don't think I'll do a Nov fix, but maybe I'll do a Dec or a Jan fix. That's the nice thing about Stitch Fix, they don't tie you into a monthly subscription. Again, if you are interested in receiving fun mail and clothes picked for you by a personal stylist (mine was Sidney) - try Stitch Fix out! I think I'm going to ask for a Stitch Fix gift card for Christmas.

Stitch Fix Review - Box 1

I am a box junkie. This trend has me wanting me to receive 10 subscription boxes a month (Birchbox, Blumm, Barkbox, NatureSnacks, Stitch Fix), but alas that's not good for me or the budget. Especially the budget. I suppose I could justify it being good for me ... (the delight in getting a surprise in the mail every month, a gift that keeps on giving every month, etc, etc. If there's a way to justify something, I'm your gal for it!)

After reading about Stitch Fix on scores of blogs, I knew that I wanted in on the action. Because all the cool kids are doing it.

When you sign up, you'll fill out a questionnaire about your style, body shape, interests, needs, etc. They ask height, weight, and a lot of questions about your style personality. Really they're just asking you the same three questions in about five ways to make sure they're understanding you. For instance, the first time they asked me if I was bohemian, I thought, heck no, I'm not Nicole Richie. Then a couple of questions later they asked me again and showed me a picture of what bohemian was, and I realized, Yep, I'm def classic and preppy. Send me some argyle sweaters folks! Each box contains 5 items your personal stylist chose especially for YOU. How much fun is that!? They give you the opportunity to jot down a few things you're looking for in your box as well as linking up to a pintrest board your stylist can use for inspiration. 

And if you like the whole box, you get 25% off all the items. Otherwise you pick a price point for your stylist to work within. Me, I'm on the cheap end. Mostly because all of my jewelry I can get at F21 for $4 :) You pay an initial $20 stylist fee and then if you choose to keep an item, your $20 goes toward paying for the item. Super! Anything you don't like goes back into a pre-paid postage bag that you stuff in your mailbox. Couldn't be easier.

In my box I received, I got a sweater dress, an infinity scarf and three shirts. 

Every piece comes with a styling card with ideas on how to wear what they've sent you.

Let's talk about the sweater dress first.
I can understand why my stylist would think I would like it. 1. Stripes 2. Polka dots. But OMG was this bad. For being 5' 3," this dress was super short. Like get sent to HR short. Like not work appropriate short. And if I can't wear it to work, it's not worth having. Back in the box for return. (Price: $68. Yikes.)

I called this my flying squirrel sweater. It was a lightweight knit, which I liked. What I did not enjoy were my bat wings, the color fuchsia and the longer length in the back. That being said, I did almost keep it. Almost. Back in the box. (Price: $48. Another yikes.)

It was cute but I couldn't see it being one of my favorites. (again, problems with my pictures being fine and then uploading sideways - what gives?)

Oh this shirt... it was by far the most expensive shirt in my box at $88. 88 dollars batman!! Yikes. A couple of things to note: I had a lot of things pinned that featured chambray shirts. But it was mostly because I wanted ways to style the shirt I ALREADY owned. I noted this in my instructions and yet I still got a chambray shirt. I really did like this but it was super expensive and I already own a polka dot chambray shirt. Back in the box.

88 dollars?! Really!? But I did appreciate the style ideas.

I did like this shirt. But it was tight in the chest and kind of looked maternity. I liked the button tab detail. Back in the box. I'm sure my stylist hates me now. (Price: $38. Gulp-able. Still kinda pricey. Especially for the girl who thinks shopping at Jcrew on the 40% clearance rack is pricey.)

It was a nice shirt. Just not my nice shirt.

And finishing up with a selfie and my infinity scarf - the only winner! I don't have much in this color and the bird print was cute. It was $28, so really like only $8 after my style fee. I'll keep it! Lance said the scarf is totally me. I think that's a compliment.

If you are interested in trying out Stitch Fix for yourself, please consider using my referral code because I'll get credit in my account. And credits are a good thing in our cash budget!
Overall, I think Stitch Fix is really fun. I think that the items your stylist chooses only get better as you refine what you like and dislike and they get a better feel for who you are. I'll definitely be putting this on my Christmas list this year.

A Diamond Candle

My friend Rachael thinks that I win a lot of stuff. I suppose that's fair. But I enter a ton more things than I win. I suppose it's the law of ratios.

I won a Diamond Candle giveaway from Jennifer's blog, Style Your Life. Jennifer has great taste and is always causing me to think about my clothes differently (in a good way!). When I received my email from Jennifer, I was ecstatic because I was really interested in Diamond Candles. You see, each candle is all-natural, made from soy, but contains a surprise inside - in the form of jewelry! Each candle contains a ring - valued from $10 to $5000. It's like Cracker Jacks, only prettier and for grown-up women :)

The only disappointment I experienced was that many of the fragrances I was interested in were sold out. I had no idea when things were going to be restocked and I was too anxious to wait long, so I went with something that was in inventory. I chose the "Sunwashed" candle because I was looking to branch out from my normal spiced vanilla or cinnamon pumpkin. "Sunwashed" smells like clean laundry and is light and airy. I was initially concerned that it would be really overpowering, but it's nice and subtle.

I haven't dug my ring out of the wax yet. I've seen pictures where women get a spoon out and start digging. I'm trying to be a bit more patient than that. But I'll follow-up and let you know what I dig out of my Diamond Candle.

*I was given the candle, but all opinions are my own*

Citrus Lane Review: September Box

Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription service that features kid and mom products. I LOVE all of these monthly subscription fads going on in the world. I love getting mail and each month is a new surprise of what's inside! Even though this box is for Lucan, it's just as fun for me too (partly because I love mail)


Cost: $25 per month or $21 with a six month subscription


Coupon: Get $10 off your first box and it credits my account $10 too! (Thanks in advance if you use my referral link!)


Products: The best kid products (toys, snacks, books, etc) on the market, specially tailored to your child's age.

In our September box, we received some fun stuff - fun for Lu, fun for Mom!

Episencial Playful Wash Shampoo & Body Cleanser – 100 mL Value $4
Charlie Harper ABCs Book – Value $10
Happy Family Super Toddler Bar – Value $1.50
City Planner Blocks – Value $10
Julep Nail Color in Gabrielle – Value $14

Lucan continues to love to make "towas" (towers) with his blocks and then immediately knock them down. The city blocks require a steady hand and are a little trickier for him (but they've provided me plenty of entertainment. I like making patterns and designs with all the colors and shapes).

The snack bar he was a little more iffy on. Lu liked picking out the blueberries the best. But if your child had a gluten intolerance, this is a great snack option. I like how Citrus Lane included something for those allergy kids. And they also included coupons for more Happy Baby products.

Lucan also loves singing his "ABCs." Granted, the only letters he's solid on are A-B-C and W-X-Y, but he enjoys singing the song and reading his ABC books. This book is really beautifully illustrated and lovely. Definitely a win.

The body wash smells really good. A nice light citrus smell. Lucan loves squeezing the bottle empty of it's contents. That being said, there is a gladewear container in the kitchen that now contains half a bottle of citrus body wash :)

And the nail polish. It's beautiful and surprisingly long wearing. I put it on without a top coat and it's stayed for the last three days. It's a great greige-purple color and the perfect nail polish to take me into the fall.

Okay and the silly thing I liked was that the illustrator of the book also illustrated the box flaps. I cut out the flaps so I could color them later. I suppose the idea is for your child to be able to color them, but I'm reserving them for myself. Because I'm selfish. 

Citrus Lane is a really fun subscription service perfect for newborns to five year-olds! I can't imagine what child wouldn't enjoy getting a monthly box full of stuff suited to them :) You can give gift subscriptions too, so it's a great baby shower, Christmas or birthday gift too.

*I can't figure out why the last three photos are all facing the wrong way. Sorry*

Qdoba House Party

I've decided from here on out, I'm having all of my parties professionally catered. Because I'm just that affluent and basically a Real Housewife of Des Moines. Ha. Or I couldn't be farther from it.

I hosted a catered Qdoba House Party for the Cinco de Mayo. It was great. All I had to do was clean my house (actually easier said than done. With Lucan around, it's always one step forward 1.75 steps backwards). Initially I saw a blog post on moneysavingmom.com who said that Qdoba was doing a giveaway. So I went through the application process (mostly questions about your involvement with social media) and then lo and behold - I was picked to host a House Party.  

The whole process couldn't have been easier. I was mailed a box full of stuff for my party (plastic clear margarita glasses, some salsa servers, an apron, some serving ware, etc.) and then given a certificate with instructions on what my food options were for the party. I called in my order and then I received a callback to confirm everything. When I went to pick-up the food, the store employees couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. It was a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Qdoba to cater a party. 

And the food, oh my, it was yummy. I picked the Naked Burrito bowls, which came with a GIGANTIC bag of homemade tortilla chips, chicken, steak, black beans, and lime cilantro rice. Then we also received 3 kinds of salsas, sour cream, guacamole (which somehow I forgot to put out- drat!) and cheese. Qdoba also provided chocolate chip cookies and brownies which weren't that good. A little stale if you ask me. But you don't hear Qdoba boasting about it's baked goods, so I guess that's to be expected.

The pico de gallo was my favorite condiment. You could taste the fresh cilantro - yum!

Qdoba even provided the wire racks and Sterno burners to heat the food.

This is the giant bag of tortilla chips.

Bigger than my head!

The only thing I had to provide were drinks! Raspberry lemonade - refreshing!

All of the hot items stayed toasty warm thanks to the Sterno burners.

Everyone avoids eye contact when I'm taking pictures.

Apparently being photographed while you eat is awkward. I should have thought about that. My poor friends.

Even Lucan enjoyed the party. He especially like the black beans and steak. Not to mention the chips. My boy likes crunchy!

See? More people avoiding eye contact with the photographer.

I made everyone go out on the deck so I could take a timed group picture. Please take no notice of my child who is dangling precariously off the railing. 

Thanks Qdoba for a fun Cinco de Mayo!

A Mother's Day Gift for .... Me

Dear Lance,


 
Here's a fool proof Mother's Day present.

Combine with brunch somewhere and you'll be #1 in my book. I'd make reservations ahead of time.

Or at least you'll rank higher than the time I was pregnant with Lucan and you told me that I didn't count as a mom yet. (Tell that to any 8 1/2 month pregnant lady and be don't be surprised if you get the silent treatment for the rest of the day. Or a swift kick. You'd deserve both.) But then you got the picture that it maybe wasn't the wisest thing to have said and took me to Wal-Mart at 9:30 PM on Mother's Day to "let" me pick out my own dilapidated bouquet of flowers. 
Let's upgrade from that first Mother's Day.

Love,
KK

PS - I already have your Father's Day present, so I'm setting the bar high. You've been warned.

Call me a PBS geek ...

My latest and greatest obsession are the shows on PBS, specifically "Masterpiece Theater." I suppose once you've ditched Direct TV, PBS is the best one can do. Besides, I like to think that all the cool kids are watching PBS these days. I mean, don't I sound more sophisticated and smarter when in casual conversation I mention to you that my favorite programs are on PBS (and I'm not talking about Clifford, the Big Red Dog either)?

Saturday morning, 11:30 AM: "Martha Stewart's Cooking School." Last Saturday Lance I learned the proper way to make scrambled eggs. Turns out neither one of us knew what we were doing. And we weren't properly boiling hard boiled eggs too.

My latest love affair is with Sunday evening's "Masterpiece Theater. It all started off with "Downton Abbey." If you haven't watched it yet, get out from that rock you've been hiding under!

Look at the lovelies of Downton.  

How could you not love Maggie Smith? She's got some of the best one-liners of the show! I'm looking forward to the Jan 6, 2013 start of Season 3. If you are having a hard time getting ahold of the first two seasons, check out your local library. Because it's PBS, so it's education, so they carry it :)



I'm also watching "Call the Midwife" too. But there are a few too many images of women giving birth which are a bit traumatizing and bring back scary memories. Def stick to "Downton Abby", less scary.

Currently on M.P.T (Masterpiece Theater for all you cool kids), is the show "Upstairs Downstairs." This show is a updated version of the original dating back to 1971. I'm enjoying it. It's about the lives of the servants "downstairs" and their masters "upstairs." It's fun. It is set right before WWII, so there's the chance that I could get Lance to watch it with me. He's such a WWII geek.

PBS is the place to be. Eat that Mitt Romney.