One Girl, One Beautiful Life

Monday Inspiration

2012-02-20T05:30:00.000-06:00

To kicking off Monday the right way.

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Rebecca on Pinterest

Resolutions Revealed

2012-02-15T21:50:00.000-06:00

{THE YEAR OF 2012}

It's already February and I am just now sharing my resolutions.

I realize that. I've held on to these resolutions, these goals for quite some time.

I've always been a bit fashionably late -- I will admit that.

{via}

{CREATING}

macaroons

create an organization binder

try one new recipe a month

become more crafty

learn to use my camera sans auto

{ENRICHMENT}

read the Bible daily

in a year read the entire Bible

less diet coke/coke/pop more H20

understand HTML

{MINNESOTA}

visit more Minnesota places

eat donuts at Mojo Monkey

visit Grand Marais

eat Izzys Ice Cream

hike and photograph Voyager National Park

Valentines Day Blog Swap

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I signed up for a Valentine's Day Swap hosted by several lovely ladies & their blogs.

Tara from Fabulous but Evil, Celia from ... just trying to find my way, and Meg from O. is Me hosted a fabulous blogger swap, I was so thrilled to be apart of it.

I was paired with the fabulous Miranda from Aimless Translation. Miranda did a great job & I loved everything I received! Miranda sent me a beautiful set of note cards, a great journal (empty journals excite me...is that strange?), Jelly Bellys (yum!), nail polish, festive socks and Lindor truffles. Can I tell you a secret? I ate the Lindor truffles before I could take the pictures. Ok that was embarrassing, thanks for keeping my secret!

Look at the pretty polishes I got! I am so excited to paint my fingers & toes with these colors! The colors are perfect for summer and great to remind a girl what summer is during cold Minnesota winters!

I am so excited for Valentines Day tomorrow & so thrilled with the great Valentines Day goodies I got from Miranda. Head on over to Miranda's blog Aimless Translation so see what I gifted her and give her some love!

Thanks again Tara, Celia & Meg for the great Valentines Day swap and thanks Miranda for my goodies!

I've been TAGGED!

2012-02-12T21:26:00.004-06:00

I've been tagged in a blogging game by Joey at hodge[s]podge. In full admission I have had this for weeks and took forever to complete this! Whops!

{Rules}

you must post the rules.
post 11 fun facts about yourself in the post
answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post. then created eleven new questions for the people you tag.
tag eleven people & link them in your post.... I'm not so sure about knowing 11 bloggers though...
let them know you’ve tagged them

{11 Random Facts}
1. I am five feet & one & a half inches tall. I often make sure that people include my half inch - I need ever inch I can get!
2. I use to many exclamation points in emails, blog posts, texts & facebook postings.
3. Car Dancing. I love it & rock out in my car at every appropriate song I hear.
4. I am addicted to social media. I check twitter & instagram so many times a day afraid I will miss something.
5. I could watch Friends & Gilmore Girls reruns all day long. I am constantly quoting some line from either of the shows and life situations always reference back to one or both of them.
6. I have never broken a bone or needed surgery. *knock on wood*
7. I love to hike - I feel the most alive when I am in the outdoors.
8. Several times I have dyed by hair with wash out hair dye but I have never permanently dyed or high lighted my hair. I don't really want the up keep that comes with the whole process.
9. I have lived at my current residence for 6 months and am not all the way unpacked & have nothing on my walls.
10. I am very sarcastic but most do not know until they get to know me.
11. I brush my teeth for 5 minutes.

{11 Questions from Joey}
What are you afraid of?
Drowning - that's right I don't really know how to swim to save my life. I can doggy paddle but that is about it folks and I sink faster than a bag of bricks!
Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what?
I can roll my tongue ... not sure if that is a talent but not everyone can do that so I will consider it a talent!
Why did you start blogging?
I got hooked on reading blogs in college and soon after wanted to start my own so I started my first blog as a sophomore on xanga. I wrote on it for a couple years and then petered off a bit, and after college decided to start another blog {this one} with a different feel to it. I love to blog & share my life, story & views but unfortunately I do not always find the time to get everything typed, thought out, and all of my ideas down on paper.
Go out or stay in on a Friday night?
85% of the time I am a stay in type of girl. Give me a movie and I am golden!
What did you {or are you} major {ing} in in college?
I graduated with a BA in Hospitality & Tourism Management & a minor in Business Administration
Favorite homemade meal. Share the recipe?
Growing up I would stay Beef Stroganoff and I still love it but as an adult also love vegetable stir-fry with tofu.
Last thing you laughed at so hard your stomach hurt?
Supper with my housemate
Favorite vacation you’ve taken thus far in your life.
Total toss up between family vacation to Wyoming/Grand Tetons/Yellow Stone as a kid or adult vacations to Washington & Colorado. I love anything with outdoors + hiking + mountains
Do you need anything special to sleep? Fan on? Window open? TV on? Childhood stuffed animal?
Not really - I do like total darkness. I go in phases were I will sleep on my back for several nights in a row and then switch to my side. Occasionally if there is alot of 'noise' in my head I will turn on a white noise app.
Favorite cosmetic product?
A good lip gloss in several different shades from a nude to a pink & a stain - something for every occasion & need. But on my cosmetic wish list would be a beauty blender (from what I hear absolutely amazing) & Urban Decay Naked Palette
Backstreet Boys or N*SYNC?
Backstreet Boys.

{11 Questions for L}
1. One place you would like to visit next?
2. Coke or Pepsi?
3. If you had to eat one ethnicity from the rest of your life what would it be? (ie. american, asian cuisine, Italian, etc.)
4. Best trip you've every been on?
5. Favorite cosmetic product.
6. You're craft of choice?
7. When you were a kid what did you dream of being when you were 'all grown up'?
8. Primary, neutrals or pastels?
9. Do you have a bucket list? If so share a few.
10. American Idol or The Voice?
11. You're house is on fire - what 5 things do you save?

{Dear Monday} 2.6.12

2012-02-06T19:40:00.001-06:00

I'm not usually happy about Monday - BUT since I came down with a cold over the weekend the

further in the week I go I hopefully I will start feeling better.

It *may* be wishful thinking. But at some point I must get better... right?

Anyway. I digress.

It is Monday and I am linking up again with Megan at Happy Day for Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, what a bad rap you hold. Thankfully one of the tricks up your sleeve is me vegging out watching 'The Voice'.

Dear Weekend, despite you bringing a cold to my life you were nice. You can't say no to tasty food, friends, best commercials ever, new experiences, coffee and an excuse to lounge around.

Dear Cold, you were a surprise visitor, and not a welcomed one at that. Consider this your eviction notice. I will thank you for reminding me of my love of grapefruit though, citrus always tastes better when you're around.

Happy Monday to you!

Hope your week is everything you want & more.

{Insta-Friday} St. Paulie Edition

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's that time again --- InstaFriday with Jeannette at Life Rearranged.

No need to have a fancy phone with the instagram app, any cell phone will work.

What a fun week. A new photo challenge, a couple fun packages, great dates with friends (many which I forgot to document), and the Minnesota Winter Carnival - a favorite event of mine!

The yarn aisle at Michaels makes me want to buy everything

Photo A Day - I am very excited about this challenge. It's never to late to join in!

I got my valentines day blog swap package! Wanna know what's in it? Come back on the 13th!

I had a friend date on Wednesday - it was the best. Shelbers & I started at Claddagh Coffee in St. Paul

An irish proverb in Claddagh

The last few days the Twin Cities have been so foggy. I am ok with foggy - it adds character.

My friend date ended at Shish cafe on Grand Avenue. Amazing indian fare, tasty tea & good looking cakes. Shish I will be back to visit you again!

Minnesota Winter Carnival in Rice Park

'The coolest place on Earth'

How will you be spending your weekend?

However you spend it I hope you enjoy!

{Dear Monday} 1.23.12

2012-01-23T19:30:00.003-06:00

Where did the weekend go?!

It's Monday again.

I'm linking up with Megan at Happy Day for Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, You came awfully early and with a new inch or two of snow - next time will you warn me? Today you also reminded me that Monday sometimes brings out the worst in people. Here is to giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Dear Flatmates, You are the best. I love our fun adventures, great chats and dinners together. Sometimes we all hang out together and other times we hang seperately. This weekend I told both of you I was not interested in ‘roommates’ anymore and that ‘flat mate’ just sounded so much better. Thank you for humoring me and loving me that way you do.

Dear Picnik, This morning I received a sad email saying you would be closing your site down in April. I am mourning your departure but will enjoy using you (and all the extra freebies) until you leave in April. No one will ever quite take your place in my life, but if Instagram comes up with a computer app I may start seeing you both.

Dear Caribou worker, I am heartily sorry that I gave you three different gift cards on Saturday that amounted to two dollas + change and still owed you money. It was quite embarassing but hopefully you can A). Forget about it B). Laugh about it C). seek counseling. I promise next time i will just give you one form of payment.

Dear Blog, Sorry I suck at you sometimes. Unfortunately work & other life sucks me in sometimes and leaves me with no time for you. Here is to you & me renewing our friendship!

{currently} on a quiet Sunday

2012-01-22T22:07:00.003-06:00

Source: lovenordic.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

excited about going to bed - exhausted.

reading A.W. Towzer + The Story.

creating a mess in my bedroom. it always gets messy before it gets clean. on the more creative side I am crocheting a scarf!

yearning a hot white chocolate mocha + vacation.

learning I should not put off tomorrow that I can do today.
{except laundry - that could have waited}

loving new clothes, warm socks & nail polish.

sipping ice cold H20.

wondering what will the week hold.

looking forward to valentines day - not sure why just excited for it.

{InstaFriday} 1.20.12 Edition

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's that time again --- InstaFriday with Jeannette at Life Rearranged.

No need to have a fancy phone with the instagram app, any cell phone will work.

Looking at all of these pictures as I sort & organize them for Insta-Friday gives me warm fuzzies. Often by Thursday (sometimes even Monday) I forget what my previous weekend & the prior days were like and the fun memories that I had and the simple beautiful life moments I lived. I get caught up & consumed with work, juggling life, the wants vs. needs & other life worries.

The weekend began with a light dusting of snow, which is so out of the ordinary here in Minnesota this year and a wonderful breakfast with tea while my small group meet to study about hope + Jesus.

Five Guys

yum

five guys+roomies+movie night.

homemade mini donuts + sprinkles

Roomies are wonderful people.

Wednesday morning I posted on facebook about my desire for starbucks/caribou/dunn bros to please please please start delivering coffee so I could get a little espresso jump. My friend (& roomie) Nae SURPRISED me & brought me a caramel latte to work! She is seriously the SWEETEST. Later that evening Amanda Sue & I hit our fav local mexican restaurant for some great food and venting/celebrating/girl talk.

Fabulous wednesday.

Here is to a fabulous weekend!

Dear Monday.

2012-01-09T18:18:00.001-06:00

Dear Monday, You went surprisingly fast, please do that forever & always.

Dear Soul Mate, thank you for my New Years card you sent full of blessings and well wishes for 2012. I cannot wait to see what it will hold. Thank you for reminding me there are 366 days this year and I plan on being thankful for each & every one of them!

Dear goals, I have written you out but still need to finish fleshing you out. I'm not so sure I am ready to share you with the world yet, I'm still deciding between resolutions and the possibility of 101 in 1001.

Dear Canon 60D, this is the year for us. I plan on learning how to shoot in manual, understand all of that camera talk of ISOs, bokeh, aperture and so much more.

Dear Hulu, thank you for helping me keep up on all of my television shows, entertaining me, and for just being a fun word to say. You are always chalk full of goodness and make me yearn for more. You complete me.

I'm linking up my Dear Monday Letters with Megan at Happy Day.

This Week.

2012-01-06T06:30:00.000-06:00

This calendar was waiting for me Tuesday morning when I got into work. Silly yes

but I got so excited about all of the possibilities. The possibilities are endless. 366 little boxes to fill up with exciting events. Coffee dates, group bookings (work -> higher chance of bonus *cha-ching*), holiday celebrations with family, celebrations of weddings & so many endless possibilities.

many dates with my girlies this week.

I've started crocheting again. I am working on an infinity scarf. I'm so excited for the scarf & the thrill of a new project. There is something so relaxing about sitting & crocheting curled up with a blanket and watching a movie or chatting with a friend.

Popcorn.

What can I say.

My roomie & I often share a bowl over a friends season.

{Currently} Fresh 2012 Edition

2012-01-03T22:30:00.000-06:00

Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

excited about 2012.

reading A.W. Towzer.

creating 2012 goals.

yearning for bedtime.

listening to wedding songs.

{ie engagement roommate}

learning that I didn't miss snow as much as I thought

{now that it has snowed}.

loving new slippers.

sipping red raspberry tea.

wondering what God has in store for 2012.

A Perfect Ending & A Perfect Beginning

2012-01-02T22:31:00.000-06:00

Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

New Years Eve weekend was basically wonderful. After a busy Christmas weekend followed by an even busier week this weekend was much needed. Three days of sleeping in, taking naps, movie watching, crocheting and lounging turned out to be the perfect end to 2011 and a wonderful beginning to 2012.

2011 was wonderful, 2012 will be just as perfect in it's own right.

2011.

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

2011 Recap

{monthly highlights}

January brought much snow and the continuation of a very long winter for Minnesotans. It also brought no real goals for myself, in years past I had made resolutions but this year nothing happened, no resolutions or goals were set, made or delivered. January also brought around the 125th year of the Minnesota Winter Carnival, I happily attended & enjoyed the winter wonderland and events that are entrenched in Minnesota history. My fabulous friend Carm visited Curly Locks & I for a action packed weekend of tea, flowers, and Minnesota walks in March. I continuted to job search and I finally received a call back, two interviews and several weeks later I turned in my resignation at the catering job I had been with since I graduated college. The Monday after Easter, April 25th I started a new job in the industry of my degree, goodbyes & starting new are bittersweet. With the new job came professional clothing, different hours, being able to wear painted nails and knowing I had to say no to my tentative Colorado summer vacation. April also brought my first Swarm LaCross game (I am attracted to the little known sports) & throwing a wedding shower for my engaged roommate. Most of my May was spent packing up the apartment I spent a year at living with two amazing women. I moved back home to mom & dads for 2 months before moving in August to a house with two friends. July brought my 27th birthday & a new DSLR camera for myself (Happy Birthday) and a fun day with family at the cabin. I watched the Bison defeat the Gophers and happily cheered on my alma mater to victory while tablegating in October. Another roommate became engaged in December and I was honored to attend the engagement party and accept her request to stand as her maid of honor.

{new loves}

New found loves were devoloped in 2011. I feel in love with all things Trader Joe's, Vaseline became my favorite chapstick and beauty product all around. I discovered after 26 years of not liking cold sandwiches Jimmy (Johns) makes tasty sandwiches plus they are super fast *wink*. I fell more and more in love with social media - yes I jumped on the blog wagon (hello xanga) and facebook long ago but I feel in love with Twitter, Instagram & pinterest this year in particular. Not sure how I could be anymore social media-ish in 2012 that I already am.

{personal lessons learned}

Sometimes paint chips lie and they don't look anything like the sample. I still need to work on personal organization and anti-procrastination, it's a work in progress. After yearning for 3 years to wear something besides an ugly catering uniform to work and then having to pick out clothes each morning I realized sometimes uniforms are easier.

{new 2011 experiences}

Jumped on twitter, pinterest & the instagram bandwagon. Attended my first ugly sweater party in December. I became more involved at church going from 2 Sundays serving in children's ministry & small group leader to 3 Sundays in children's ministry, small group leader and church wedding coordinator. Attending the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse game and the Minnesota Roller Girls bout. Blog ornament exchange, I had so much fun with this.

2011 was everything & nothing I imagined it to be. I'm not sure what 2012 will hold but I am looking forward to finding out. I *may* even make 2012 resolutions/goals.

Will you be making any 2012 resolutions or goals this coming year?

December Details

2011-12-27T21:20:00.000-06:00

{Holidazzle Parade}

{Home}

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the decorations that are everywhere. The decorations help prepare me, prepare my heart for the season, for Christmas.

Every Christmas is special for it's own reason. This Christmas is the first Christmas for this little house that we live in, my roommates & I. Our Christmas decorations are a mash up for old and new all put together. For this reason decorating was ever more special this year.

{InstaFriday} December Issue

2011-12-23T05:30:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that it is the Friday before Christmas! I feel like I still have a million things still to do for Christmas and just around the house not to mention the 'me list' of wishful things to mark off my list. I love looking at all of these pictures from the last two weeks (two? yes I slacked last week). All of these pictures represent something dear to me and something important - a little glimpse into my life during those busy weeks.

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Christmas Cards - I get so excited to open these cards ||| balloons to celebrate Nae's engagement

Christmas Cookie baking ||| cookies

Decorations at my parents house

{I love manager scenes}

Stew + Football at mom & dads on Sunday ||| Winter Floral arrangement outside of work. I just love all the textures

Santa ornament pop ||| my favorite cookie ever

all cozy like ||| Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

presents & wrapping paper ||| Holiday Christmas party

I'm linking up with Jeannett at Life Rearranged today for InstaFriday, you can too.

{Currently} Christmas

2011-12-20T20:29:00.001-06:00

excited about spending time with family.

reading christmas cards.

loving roommates.

wondering how to get everything done.

sipping homemade cherry coke zero.

yearning for snow.

watching once upon a time.

learning balance & self control.

Source: lylaandblu.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Engaging Night

2011-12-17T23:15:00.001-06:00

On Friday night I attended a fun SURPRISE engagement party for my lovely roommate & friend Nae & her fiance Josh. Josh managed to keep his proposal a secret and notify the loved one's in their lives to attend a surprise part on Friday just an hour after he proposed.

Roommates

Ornament Exchange with Mackey Madness

2011-12-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago Megan at Mackey Madness hosted a sign up for an ornament exchange. Instantly I knew I wanted to be apart of the exchange. For years I have enviously watched other bloggers exchange presents, valentines & ornaments & have always wanted to join. So I signed up & waited to see who I would be matched up with.

My exchange partner was Joey from hodge[s]podge. I had so much fun shopping for Joey & I was so excited to received my ornaments from her when they came in the mail. Joey was so sweet and sent a note explaining why she bought each of the ornaments she did and why I thought I would like them.

Joey wrote that one of the things she noticed was that my faith was important to me & thought of me when she saw the cross. I pray that people do see Christs' love in me & my actions. It was such a blessing to me that Joey affirmed that with me.

An apron & rolling pin to signify my love of cooking.

I grew up in a home where snowman were collected by my mom & learned early on to love them as she does. Joey did not know that though so this was such a fun surprise to open the package & see this fun jolly man of snow.

I had so much fun shopping for Joey & I loved everything that Joey picked out for me - it was like an early Christmas.

Thanks again Joey!

Very Merry InstaFriday

2011-12-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

These weeks are just going by so quickly - dislike! It seems all I have time to blog about recently are linky parties; Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop & Jeanettes' InstaFriday. It's a bit frustrating as I have so many words & thoughts that I want to blog but oh so little time.

Without further ado welcome to my week!

work planning & inspiration brainstorming at Caribou - sometimes you just need to get away from work & find new inspiration! // Hmmm I love me some Trader Joe's (these peppermint waffle cookies were a-mazing!)

fresh snowfall on Sunday

lone barn near church // house bushes

I love how simple this present was wrapped from my dear friend Curly Locks // early Christmas celebration

A little 'Bou with a friend - love the holiday cups // my coworkers festive office decor, complete with the travelociy gnome.

Link up your InstaFriday post with Jeanette at Life Rearranged here

Christmas: Tips, Tricks & Secrets

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

{Inspiration Workshop}: Christmas Tips, Tricks & Secrets

The end of Thanksgiving always signifies the beginning of Christmas for me. I absolutely love Christmas but it is so easy to get pulled in so many directions with Christmas parties, decorating, crafts, cookie baking, and so many other Christmas/season to-dos. With so much going on around me I try to get as organized as I can and get my present buying, wrapping & card sending done as soon as I can so that I may actually enjoy the Christmas season & the friends, family and everything else that come together.

To get myself organized I have started a binder that is basically a fancy-schmancy to do list. The biggest & most helpful lists for Christmas prep are the lists about cards & presents.

Cards
who I sent cards to
address to send cards
who sent cards to me last year - should I add them to my list this year?

Gifts
gift budget
list of gift receivers
ideas of gifts

What are your biggest tips, tricks & secrets while you prepare for the holidays or to host an event?

I'm linking up with Maggie at Gussy Sews this week, you can too!

Rehash of the days that were

2011-11-28T21:57:00.001-06:00

warning: below sentences may not make a whole lot of sense - it is Monday after all.

Homemade apple pie for Thanksgiving.

I keep thinking about this pie.

I miss turkey. And days off.

I did many of crazy things this weekend. Several of which involved many stores, not much sleep, earlier mornings & late evenings. I saw the Willow Tree Nativity set at Hallmark - I love nativities.

I also bought my christmas cards at Hallmark this year, Christmas card buying is a serious matter to me.

We're decking the halls & breaking out yuletide cheer here at the house. There was some debate about purple lights on a certain Christmas tree, said Christmas tree now just has beautiful soft bulb lights, pretty.

___

We're hosting a Christmas party of Friday {eck!}, hence the breaking out of Christmas immediately.

Candy Land full of all things sweet.

Thankful.

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Source: potterybarn.com via Lori on Pinterest

This Thanksgiving I am going to enjoy the turkey, stuffing, pies, mashed potatoes, & family but I am also going to work on a more thankful heart throughout the year. Last night at churchs' Thanksgiving Eve service our pastor commented & read part of Abraham Lincolns' Thanksgiving Proclamation, there was a specific part that stood out to me ...

"I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States... to set apart & observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving & Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to they that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances & blessings...."

As Americans we are not often as 'thankful' throughout the year as we could or should be. Reading through my facebook newsfeed Wednesday evening I was once again reminded of the many daily blessings & thanksgivings going on all around us. In the last few days there have been announcements of baby boys, surprise engagements in NYC {on tv programs!}, and future baby bundles. It reminds me how thankful I am and how many things I have to be thankful of in the future as well.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

because

2011-11-20T22:17:00.001-06:00

:::short & sweet:::
because I'm writing this on Sunday evening.
because I'm tired.
because I'm a *slight* procrastinator.

:::snow:::
It snowed this weekend, the first snow of the season, it was a nice dusting that has stuck.
Snow has allowed me to feel Christmas is coming.
Snow let me wear 3, THREE types of boots this weekend.
Snow allowed me to break out my cute faux-fur hood.
Snow allowed me to accessorize with cute gloves & mittens.

:::party hats:::
I celebrated two fun birthdays this weekend; my dear friend Kristi & my precious moms. Both celebrations were so much fun & unique.

:::crafts:::
I've said it before & I'll say it again. Fall, winter, holidays & snow bring out the craft in me. I started a yarn wreath last week, started crocheting this week & worked on the advent calendar today.

:::advent:::
Did I mention the roommates & I are cooking up a fun advent calendar project? More later.

:::christmas count:::
I've already started listening to Christmas music.
I've already started Christmas shopping.
I've already started a Christmas list.

{InstaFriday} with a side of confession

2011-11-17T21:14:00.001-06:00

Wasn't yesterday just Monday?! This week just zoomed by but was a wonderful week. This week I spent beautiful moments with friends, cozied up with thick blankets, caught up with great co-workers and started listening to Christmas music {!}.

My secret is out, yes I began listening to Christmas music. I am usually such a stickler about NO Christmas until after Thanksgiving. This year I threw caution to the wind and started crooning christmas lyrics & even watched 'The Holiday'. Ok so 'The Holiday' doesn't have to be Christmas but when it's this close to the season -- it's Christmas in my book.

{Saturday}

Saturday morn all the roommates woke up and had a beautiful leisurely breakfast together, it was so relaxing and a welcome change to most Saturdays that are busy busy & hectic. In the evening we all went to Five Guys - their "regular" fries was more than enough for 4 people.

Fall & the transition to winter makes me thinking sweaters, thick socks, blankets, crafts & knitting. I started a pintrest wreath project & I absolutely love the yarn - it's so beautiful! The new caribou cups remind me of a bit thick sweater all comfy & cozy.

Seing all of the Keurig flavors & packets makes me want one. But even more than a Keurig I want this. Meet my new pretty ring. I believe every girls needs a little bling-bling!

Have you started revealing in the Christmas season -- or do you wait till after Thanksgiving?

{Shameless Plug}

Follow me on Pinterest HERE

follow me on twitter @ Becca_OneGirl

Linking up to Jeanette at Life Rearranged today. Now it's your turn!

{Inspiration Workshop} Thanksgiving

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

I can't believe Thanksgiving is just a mere week away! Each year the thought of Thanksgiving fills my mind with apple pie, turkey stuffing, full stomaches, pumpkin goodness, family lined tables, green bean casserole {my fav - BTW}, black friday, and the thought of Christmas around the corner.

My past Thanksgivings are always full of wonderful beautiful memories and I can not wait for Thanksgiving 2011 to make more memories. Thanksgiving is just a week away and yet it can not come soon enough in my mind.

What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?

I'm linking up to Gussy Sews' Inspiration workshop, you can too!

Snapshot of a weekend

2011-11-13T21:49:00.001-06:00

Beautiful, beautiful weekend. Saturday morning was so relaxing and nice all the roommates around one table eating starting the day off together.

I also started my first fall craft project, it feels wonderful. There is just something about fall & winter that make me want to grab yarn, start wrapping presents, and decorating my residence.

How did you spend your weekend?

A Cupcake kind of week

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's a cupcake kind of week on InstaFriday this week!

As always grab the pictures you've taken from your cell phone all week and link up with Jeanette at Life Rearranged!

Pop Up Shop boutique - I finally bought me some Gussy ruffles!

Cuppiecakes from Cupcake

a little 'bou with a friend

mary janes + leaves

more cupcakes

{more details here}

My pretty Gussy ruffles. A ruffled camera strap & beautiful mustard clutch {<3 me some mustard}

Tis the season for cozy mittens, arm warmers, hats and ear muffs

How did you spend your week?

Coffee + Cupcakes

2011-11-09T19:04:00.001-06:00

Curly Locks & I ventured out to Cupcake in Minneapolis for what else but cupcakes.

{tasting menu for the evening}

:::I Love Lucy:::

Moist Vanilla cupcake with sweet vanilla frosting & red fondant heart

:::Handle with Caramel:::

Chocolate cupcake filled with caramel sauce, topped with caramel mousse & dipped in dark chocolate ganache

:::Elvis:::

banana cupcake filled with creamy peanut butter, topped with marshmallow & rolled in chocolate sprinkles

A Chilly November Week

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Insta-Friday and (in my household at least) the WEEKEND!
I cannot believe it's already November! Where did October go?!?

Halloween Costumes

Words with Friends at a friends' party / Surgeon for work to visit clients on Monday

tea and a Friends marathon - "She's his lobster!" / celebrating my grandpa's 80th birthday it was a special day!

Dunn Bros coffee cup - I love the black & white sketch/new favorite treat - apple with peanut butter and sprinkles. The crunch is an added bonus!

A beautiful drive through one of my favorite parks
I love the fiery orange leaves and the sun peaking through the trees

I'm linking up to Jeanette at Life Rearranged & you can too!

It's fun - I promise!

on jumbled thoughts

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Source: mochatini.org via Rebecca on Pinterest

Can I just say how much I love Benjamin Bratt's character on Private Practice? I love Sam & Addison but I think I could really love Benjamin & Addison. Shame on Private Practice, Shandra & ABC for making me want to break up a good think.

I realized that today being November 1st means that the season of apple orchards, corn mazes, pumpkin carving and haunted houses has gone by without me doing any of them. Shame on me for wasting a beautiful season.

Skype is a beautiful invention

Pinterest is a lie.

{did you hear the collective gasp}

I can't make my hair look like any of the hair models, paint & style my nails like they show and will probably never make a 1/4 of any of the recipes or crafts I pin.

But I still pin none the less.

{ps. you can find me on pinterest here}

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

source

{quick weekend update} I had a simply marvelous weekend full of family, friends, quiet time, friends marathons and beautiful life moments.
Friday I dressed up like a game board and hit a Halloween/Housewarming party and on Sunday my family all came together to celebrate my grandpas' impending 80th birthday. In between those fun events I ran errands, visited friends, and just enjoyed my weekend. It was a seriously great!

Today?

Today I will be hitting the streets in my 2nd Halloween costume of the season visiting clients at work and later this evening passing out gobs of candy.

How will you be celebrating tonight?

Hello Weekend

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Insta-Friday and (in my household at least) the WEEKEND!
Not gonna lie this week was kind of a blur and did not stop and take pictures as much as I would have liked.

Here you will find my life shared through Instagram pictures. Don't have instagram? No worries just use your cell pictures. But if you do have instagram on your phone and want to follow me {insert cheap plug} you can find me at Becca_OneGirl

Celebrating my brothers big 2-0 with angel food cake & fresh strawberries / I am also loving vaseline (weird? maybe. best chapstick ever? oh yes!) I am also in love with this Pumpkin Spice Latte lotion

Coffee date downtown with Curly Locks / Pumpkin Spice Latte from Dunn Bros - best ever

Someone's house is ready for halloween / Dunn Bros date with Bestie

I'm linking up to Jeanette at Life Rearranged & you can too!

It's fun - I promise!

ps. part of my halloween costume is represented somewhere in the above pictures. more on that later I promise.

Do you have Hallowen plans this weekend?

Monday.

2011-10-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

source

Monday I am trying to like you.

So far I'm not sure it's working.

I'll try harder, but please be nice in return.

Beautiful Life Moments seen through Insta-Friday

2011-10-21T04:30:00.000-05:00

A glimpse into my week through my instagram pictures.

Outdoors *sigh* I love my clouds & naked tree pictures. Clouds are beautiful & naked trees have so much character.

I took these pictures on my way into dinner over the weekend with a friend & their family.

Pannekokene with small group / Fort Snelling, let the flag always stand proud

Movie night with the roommate - we watched on a laptop on the coffee table

we're classy like that

pomegranate is my favorite fruit / fun girly present for a fun girly-girl

Seriously what a great week. How ever you spent your week I hope it was just as lovely & full of heart warming memories & beautiful life moments.

Have a beautiful weekend!

linking up with Jeanette again at Life Rearranged.

You can too!

Daily Life through Instagrams

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Life again through my iphone.
Sometimes I wonder where the week went, sometimes i just remember the busyness of it, the work, the 'I have to...', the appointments, ect. But looking back through these pictures helps remind me how beautiful the week was.

1. A beautiful old barn that I adore

2. Beautiful evening sun rays and clouds - I heart clouds something fierce

Beautiful scenery near church

1. Crunchy leaves in the yard - it makes fall even more real

2. Apple tree in my backyard! {no we're not sure what kind it is}

1. painting with the roomie at 'Color me Mine'

2. christmas in october.

How ever you spent your week I hope it was lovely!

Happy WEEKEND!

linking up with Jeanette again at Life Rearranged.

You should try it - it's fun!

On Sights

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

A lot of my Friday - Sunday hours this weekend were spent at church since there was a wedding rehearsal+wedding+church+teaching sunday school during those three days, which also means I drove to church each day. Now church is located a bit in the 'burbs and is a bit farther of a drive since I have moved but despite that I love it's location.

I love that I pass gorgeous scenery on my way, fields of corn, little ponds and fishing lakes, I love the extra time in the car to prepare my heart for worship and teaching & I love the barns I pass as I drive in and I love that it is a bit off the beaten path. I have driven that same path to and from church for three years now and in all reality the corn comes back every year, the trees along the highway are still the same trees as two years ago and the fields are still the same but I never get old of these sights. These sights inspire me and remind me of Gods' faithfulness and love, they remind me that He is everlasting and true.

To me these sights are beautiful and hold a special place in my heart.

Recently....

2011-10-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

{fall}
Fall is here. Despite the minor heat wave that Minnesota is having this week - fall is here. I am sipping pumpkin spice lattes, steeping tea and enjoying glasses of steaming apple cider. I love the crunchy leaves underfoot, and the colored trees.

I am trying to find fun cute boots and figure out how to wear scarves everyday. I am loving the more layered looks of fall, the cute fall coats and jeans again with long sleeve shirts and cardigans.

{on making changes}
I find myself (again) giving up pop, it's not a bad thing. I love how unintentionally I am giving up and lessening bad habits.

Almost instantly without thought I changed my work morning ritual of half a cup of coffee to tea. I should never leave tea - it's a beautiful tasty everyday delight.

{updating goals}
Originally my goals were more books, less online reading; less eating out more eating in.

On the book front I am falling behind but I want to get back on the band wagon. Must.Find.New.Book.

More eating in & less eating out is going well. Of course my freezer is full of lean cuisines, healthy choice cafe steamers and smart ones. But you can't beat a meal that is under $2, quick to 'prepare' and under 300 calories.

How are you enjoying the change of seasons?

{InstaFriday} with a side of fall

2011-10-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time again...

INSTA-FRIDAY

You know the drill - take cellphone pics throughout the week

of your week and post them on Friday.

No need to have instagram just no fancy cameras :)

This week you will have to suffer through my half instagramed and half non-instagramed

Panera & a movie with a friend

I love Paneras' french onion soup

Fiery fall tree

have I mentioned I love fall

find out where I get inspired for fall here

Chandelle & I finally found time to get together!

We had a wonderful evening of girl talk & chipotle - I love their burrito bowls!

Chandelle & I

I took a little 24 hour work trip from Monday noon - Tuesday noon

Apple cider float

apple cider+vanilla ice cream+drizzle of caramel

Loving Minnesota's idea of fall weather this week

Lost change found again

I dug out $4.06 plus 6 bobby pins from a teeny-tiny hole in my wallet

a prairie like park

this picture with the lake makes me yearn for up north

{Inspiration Workshop} Fall

2011-10-06T04:30:00.000-05:00

t's that time again inspiration workshop with Maggie at Gussy Sews.

This weeks topic is Fall.

I, like many others love the season of fall. September 1st always seems to start the motions of fall but here in the midwest I wait for the changing of the seasons, the coloring of the leaves, the days where you walk down the street littered with pretty leaves. For me everything about fall revolves around the beautiful scenery.

There are so many things about fall that I absolutely love.
I love the fall fashion of boots, scarves & slouchy dresses. I live for those first days you can wear jeans and comfy sweatshirts, being able to start layering with cardigans and the fall colors of the season.

I live for the fall activities.

I love octoberfests, apple picking, fall craft shows, corn maze,

pumpkin carving, and haunted houses. The smell of fall baking, apple pie and pumpkin inspired culinary delights in the air, sipping pumpkin spice lattes, eating slices of apple pie.

Fall inspires so many parts of my life, where do you find your fall inspiration?
{personal pictures taken fall 2010, Bayfield WI}

InstaFriday

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time again...

INSTA-FRIDAY

You know the drill - take cellphone pics throughout the week

of your week and post them on Friday.

No need to have instagram just no fancy cameras :)

My goal this week was to take more pictures of the people in my life.
I did not do so great in all honesty. I only took two people pics. Next week I'll do better.
{at least that is what I tell myself}

GO Bison!

Last Saturday the Bison (my alma mater) played the local college - MN Gophers

A few fellow friend alums & I headed out to a sports bar to cheer them on.

It was a great night - and the Bison WON!

Once a Bison, always a Bison!

ps. I don't really like beer - so I ordered a hard cider - so much better in my opinion!

Do all things with love

Lunch with Bestie on Sunday

Charming Charlie shopping - love that store!

What greets me every time I come home

How did you spend your week?

Is there something you wish you would have done differently?

A weekend that was

2011-09-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

A weekend that was such a beautiful & fun weekend.

Quite by chance my weekend went from being slam packed busy to a nicely balanced weekend full of fun, friends, children, church & football.

For weeks I had been looking forward to this weekend. My alma mater was in town playing the Gophers. In college I loved going to Bison football games but since graduation I had not gotten the chance to go to any games. Enter this weekend the Bison vs. Gophers game. I looked at tickets but they were spendy so I went with the second best option - local sports bar.

random fact: I don't like beer, below is a hard dry cider - it tastes a bit like apple juice, yes please I'll have that!

Bison totally kicked Gopher butt - it was a beautiful sight!

Sunday was full of teaching the kiddos about creation.

Good Stuff.

Bestie & I also went out for lunch.

It was scrumptious.

Goal for this week: take more pictures of people in my life

The only downside this weekend was waking up in the early sunday morn knowing I had caught someone's cold. Considering I know several people who have colds right now I am not sure who I can blame - either way I have it & it has me.

Excuse me while I go hibernate with a box of klenex & packets of emergen-c

to goals

2011-09-24T02:30:00.000-05:00

Source: leahremilletblog.com via Carrie on Pinterest

via

Have you heard the crazy news yet? As of 9-23-11 there are only 100 days left in 2011. That kind of blows my mind.

In 2010 I set goals for myself, at 26 I set expectations of 26 - what it would hold. Currently at 27 in 2011 I have no goals - I was pretty ok with that, I didn't have my ducks in a row or have solid ideas and I was ok with that, I did not need goals, I was fine. But when I heard 100 days left in 2011 I decided I wanted to do something. I missed the goal setting, working towards something, the new me in 100 days.

That being said I am making goals for the last 100 days of 2011.

Will you be making goals for the last 100 days?

{Insta-Friday} with a side of pumpkin

2011-09-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

It's that time again...

INSTA-FRIDAY

You know the drill - take cellphone pics throughout the week

of your week and post them on Friday.

No need to have instagram just no fancy cameras :)

This is totally the week that I forgot to take pictures - which is crazy if you know me.

I typically am snapping pictures everywhere - so much that you may be embarrassed!

Pumpkin Apple muffins made by my almost roomie

These were sitting on the counter waiting for us in the morn - so sweet of Ms. ASB

apples with pumpkin dip

delish!

I am eating & loving everything pumpkin right now - love it!

Ms. Lynnae & I spend {maybe one of the last MN} evenings on the patio this week.

Keeping me company was 'The Story' & a pumpkin spice latte

SO blurry - so sorry

I had my FIRST ever skype date on Wednesday evening.

{remember how late I am to every new trend?}

Kaarin & I had so much fun 'seeing' each other & chatting

I love anyway we can chat & catch up but this was unbelievably great.

Skype - you made a new friend in me

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Happy Friday ya'lll and Happy FIRST day of Fall

Now go live it up with a pumpkin spice latte or something equally as delish!

{Inspiration Workshop} Bringing Families Together

2011-09-22T05:30:00.000-05:00

It's that time again inspiration workshop with Maggie at Gussy Sews.

Maggie always picks out the most fun topics & I always look forward to finding out the new one each week! This weeks topic is Family Rooms.

As I was searching for inspiration this week these pictures were just seemed to capture & hold my thoughts on family rooms. A room that people are drawn to, where strangers become your friends & your family, the place that unites everyone - to me that is a family room. It is nice to have pretty paint on the wall and funky coffee tables but it's how the room draws you in and helps you become more family-ish I think.

**all pictures from pintrest**
1. via 2. via 3. via 4. via

1. Blankets are a must have in my home. No matter the time of year or season you can probably find me curled up in a blanket, they are just so comforting and warm & soft. I love that these blankets are in muted tones as well as knit which just make them look more homey.

2. I love the books & the homelike feel to the room. It's lived in but also nice & entertain-able.

3. I love the whole look of this room and the fireplace which is warm & cozy but also such a fun statement piece.

4. Chalkboard table with games - I just love this idea as it is. I love that this family obviously likes games & spending time with each other as well as there is a bit of craziness involved with the chalkboard paint.

What items are a must have in your family room?

Playing Catch Up

2011-09-19T21:06:00.002-05:00

Life has been busy. Busy at work. Busy with friends. Busy at church. Busy with family.

Busy. Busy.Busy.

I have been trying to spend more time reading books & less time online. In the last few years I had realized that I read less books and more online content. Reading more online content is not a bad thing at all - but I missed books. A few weeks ago my co-worker brought me in a huge bag of books - it was like Christmas. I am slowly reading more books and enjoying it immensely. But I miss reading blogs too. Where is the balance?

Remember that time I talked about how slow I am to discover & join anything new? I discovered 'Bringing Sexy Back' 2 years two late {embarrassing right?} Remember that one post I confessed my love for twitter? Over a year later I am twitterpatted even more - but it gets worse - much worse... I have finally joined the club.

Here's a shamless plug.. follow me on twitter & become my tweep... I know sounds ridiculous right?

My fair weather list has many more adventures that need to be completed but i am so excited for everything fall. Falling leaves, apple cider, pumpkin delights, apple orchards, fall colors. jeans & sweat shirts. Oh fall I have missed you.

What fall activities are you looking forward to?

How do you play catch up when life gets busy?

Insta-Friday - Happy Weekend!

2011-09-15T22:49:00.000-05:00

It's that time again...

INSTA-FRIDAY

{ok so I just felt like i was on a game show}

this week has been flying by with crazy, fun, busy moments

The weather in Minnesota went from 90s on Tuesday down to

50s & 60s on Wednesday & Thursday.

However I am choosing to be blessed & happy whatever the weather.

::: Anyway back to Insta-Friday :::

You know the drill - take cellphone pics throughout the week

of your week and post them on Friday.

No need to have instagram just no fancy cameras :)

Ok so this weeks prompt was take a picture of something you can't live without...

{Source: shelterness.com via Bethany on Pinterest}

{So this is not my bed but I thought I would help you imagine}
Imagine a big comfy bed full of pillows and warm sheets.

I love my bed & how comfy it is but I really love what a refuge it is and how I love

to jump in to it in the evening after a long day, how I can hunker down down with a good movie or book, how it provides the right support (hardy har har), and is inviting.

Bible study Saturday morn at Panera
The chai tea latter was amazing
The company - even better
God is good & blesses me abundantly

Coffee date with a friend

It was a gorgeous day so we sat outside for one of the last times of the season,

I ordered probably my last Mocha Coconut Frappacino

Movie night with the family

homemade popcorn is always the way to go

Coconut M & Ms

I have been looking for these for weeks

I finally found them in a small gas station & bought several packs

{8 to be exact}

I have only ate one so far

These are seriously the best thing created

Local Farmers Market

I went to the farmers market thinking since it was the end of season

maybe they would have less selection & dwindling supplies.

I was WRONG they had an abundance - maybe even more than I had seen during the entire summer!

I bought egg plants & zucchini

I have a new found love for egg plant

Bath & Body Works Fall Collection

recently new job + change in season + whole new wardrobe = shoe need

I am hoping these shoes will help get me through fall/winter/spring in snowy Minnesota

But my feet may freeze, but I have to look professional.

I am also surrounded by heel wearing girls - I like flats.

But flats make me short,

I am already short {5'1.5"} but I also need to make sure my pants aren't dragging.

I need to be somewhere between business casual & business professional.

*sigh*

That was my week in pictures.

My favorite thing about this week was the time I was able to spend with family & friends.

What what your favorite moment this week?

How will you be spending your weekend?

Instagram Friday: Counting my blessings

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Ya'll!

It's Instagram Friday

I seriously love instagram Friday -

I love reviewing my week and all the blessings I've had during the week.

Every picture I snap is of something that makes me smile in the moment

Pretty yellow flowers from my hike this past weekend

L & I met in the middle of the road {figurative not literal} and went hiking

So much fun! The perfect way to kick off Labor Day weekend!

Grassy field

Quarry Park & Nature Preserve

My VERY first Twins game in their new stadium Target Field

I had so much fun

The Twins lost which was unfortunate but I won since I got to spend time with a friend,

watch my 1st game in Target Field & gaze at this gorgeous city

Fresh peaches from Trader Joes

I love Trader Joes

Beautiful dishes from Ikea

If only I NEEDED these

*sigh*

Sonic Pumpkin Pie Shake

I could not resist

... I love fall...

... I love pumpkin...

First Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season

It was so delectable

You may also notice I am trying to rock the neutral gray polish here

Instagram must have turned it weird looking

....

who am I kidding - I can't rock gray polish

How did you spend your week?

How will you spend your weekend?

{Inspiration Workshop} Inspiring Books

2011-09-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

{Inspiration Workshop} Inspiring Books

It's that time again, Inspiration Workshop over at Gussy Sews. This weeks prompt is inspiring books.

{via}

I have always loved books, I remember I use to beg my mom to take me to the bookstore when I was younger and I would buy book after book. I would go to the library and bring stacks & stacks of books back with me that I would pour over & decide which one to read first.

Books that inspire me:

'The Story'. The Story is the Bible retold in a narrative form. Zondervan originally created 'The Story' to combat biblical illiteracy. I just recently started reading this but am liking it so far.

'Walking with God' by John Eldredge I happen to love this book. I am typically not a big non-fiction reader but this book is amazing. The book follows John through his spiritual life by seasons and how a persons spiritual life can face ups & downs.

what books inspire you?

Target Field

2011-09-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

Labor Day I was blessed to attend my very first Twins game at Target Field.

{sorry about the badly lit celly pictures}

The beautiful open air stadium

Twins vs. White Sox

Beautiful Minneapolis skyline

Lynnae & I

Soon...

2011-09-06T21:47:00.002-05:00

So many thoughts to share & beautiful pictures to post...

But considering I could have used a caffeinated IV drip this morning that is my que to go to bed.

Let's just say {for now} wonderful weekend, beautiful friends, fun Minnesota activities and lots of fun.

More later ... promise...

...at some point...

Kickin' It with Instagram Friday!

2011-09-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

It's Friday again ya'all. Linking up to Jeannette again this week to show off how I spent my week. What a week it was - beautiful weather, the Minnesota State Fair TWICE and some great friends & fun adventures!

Honey display at the Horticulture Building

Minnesota State Fair

At the fair we saw a calf born

It was pretty amazing to watch actually

Spend time at the fair with 177,116 people on Saturday.

I seriously love the fair. There always seems to be a ton of people but it is really not that bad.

It is actually kind of fun to gaze up the street & just see a sea of people who were all brought together by "The Great Minnesota Get Together"

Stone Arch Bridge

Minneapolis

Coffee date with Curly Locks in North East Minneapolis

Iced Chai & Cappuccino

the outdoor patio was so cute & right on the street

Minnesota is so diverse & beautiful each area has something different to offer &

NE Minneapolis is definitely unique & fun in it's own right

This is how I currently organize & keep my necklaces untangled.

This is about half of them - I guess the half I have worn since I moved in

You may ask how I get into my drawers - it's a bit difficult

Thankfully M-F I mostly wear business casual that is 95% hung in my closet

So a little organization & a bit decoration (possibly?)

Coconut + Chocolate

The M&Ms still win out though

{no worries about me eating this entire bag -

I only ate the 8 or so on the table, the bag was my coworkers)

I bought two new books at Half Price today (extra 20% - yippey!)

I have started reading Hidden Affections but need to track down the sequel to A Man Called Blessed before I can read it.

Hidden Affections - Delia Parr

A Man Called Blessed - Ted Dekker & Bill Bright

What are you reading right now? I am always looking for something new & recommended *wink*

Ode to the weekend

2011-08-29T20:35:00.000-05:00

Minnesota how I love thee, let me count the ways....

The honey displays at the state fair are always gorgeous, pretty & uniform.

Wild Rice burger at the state fair - yummy. Minnesota is almost as in love with wild rice as Wisconsin is. I swear every little town in Wisconsin sells local jerky & lbs of wild rice.

Minnesota really is the "Great Minnesota Get Together". Bestie & I ran into Kaar amongst 177,166 people. We even ran into several other friends as well - not a easy feat among that many fair goers.

Sunday afternoon a beautiful outdoor coffee shop with a patio.

Stone Arch Bridge. Must I say more?

SAB is one of my favorite Minnesota landmarks.

Northeast Minneapolis

Bridges, Rivers and blue skies.

Roomie Lynnae & I went & saw "The Help" this weekend.

It was such a wonderful movie and a beautiful & sad story.

How did you spend your weekend?

Any beautiful moments?

Intagramming it Friday

2011-08-26T04:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Insta-Friday to you!

If you're new to Insta-Friday it's a little something cooked up over at Life Rearranged. Each Friday you show off your week with only cell phone pictures.

I love how instafriday helps me review my week.

It reminds me it wasn't all work & being busy

there is plenty of fun squeezed into

EVERY.SINGLE.DAY

Fresh buttery roasted corn

Part of my lunch at the Farmers Market

3.5 miles later this is what we brought home

pretty good bounty if you ask me

Coffee from Cupcake

I even got a cute little cupcake with my coffee

My co-worker & I went on a St. Paul river boat

cruise & brought an international client of ours who wanted

to see more of Minnesota before she left.

Lime Green

I love lime green :)

A fun evening with Kristi & a fun present

A cool treat for a hot hot hot day

I have really been trying to cut down on my out to eat/coffee spending

It has especially helped now that there is NO coffee establishment on my

direct route to work.

It is also sad that there is no coffee establishment on my way to work

MN State Fair Survival Kit

I dropped off two of these for some clients at work

The kit included:

anti-bacterial gel/soap

tums

sunscreen

smart water

1 state fair ticket

a beautiful afternoon out on the patio

laptop, drink, lip gloss, cell, book

a simple pleasure & beautiful moment

St. Paul skyline from the boat at dusk

I love skylines there is just something about them that is

beautiful, magical & gorgeous

I love how instafriday helps me review my week.

It reminds me it wasn't all work & being busy

there is plenty of fun squeezed into

EVERY.SINGLE.DAY

Ingredients for a Saturday

2011-08-21T21:03:00.002-05:00

.:: Saturday ::.

:: tired feet :: Black Dog Coffee :: St. Paul :: Mississippi River :: fresh produce :: 3.5 miles :: fresh buttery corn :: girl talk :: people watching :: late afternoon naps :: friends :: fresh paint :: fresh homemade stir fry :: laughs :: curling up with a book ::

What were the makings of your Saturday?

Insta-Friday

2011-08-19T04:00:00.000-05:00

If you're new to Insta-Friday it's a little something cooked up over at Life Rearranged. Each Friday you show off your week with only cell phone pictures.

ps. you do not need instagram to participate - just fun cell phone

pics, or not fun cell phone pics - your choice *wink*

Please let me interrupt this post with a brief blog update

...

{{blog update}} life has been a bit crazy-hectic-busy of recent. someday I will get back to posting things besides just fun linky parties. oh but the linky parties are so much with Maggie @ Gussy Sews & Jeanette @ Life Rearranged that I can never resist dreaming with Maggie & reflecting on my week & looking for beautiful moments with Jeanette.

...

now back to your regularly scheduled Insta-Friday post

Saturday my wonderful parents graciously helped shlep boxes, furniture,

and every-possesion-I-own into the new place

I have made some progress since then but still several boxes to be put away

{read: almost all boxes still need to be put away *sigh*}

meet Max

he's 11 weeks

isn't he adorable?

it gets better - he likes to cuddle!

Chandelle, Max & I met on Monday for a picnic at the park over my lunch hour

It was wonderful

{enter another grown up moment}

Re-reading the Twilight series in reverse.

'Friends Scene It' with roomie Lynnae

She won by a small margin

I like roomies

Sitting on the back patio

laptop {check}

cellphones {check}

twilight {check}

roomie {check}

beverage {check}

I like roomies, patios & the outdoors

bag o'books

I went into the office & there was a whole

bag o'books sitting there for me

{enter new goal}

How did you find yourself spending your week?

{Inspiration Workshop} Front Porch

2011-08-18T07:31:00.000-05:00

Source: None via Kathryn on Pintere st
{Inspiration Workshop} Front Porch

It's Thursday again which means Inspiration Workshop at Gussy Sews. Each Thursday Maggie from Gussy Sews shares a prompt ment to inspire, dream, share & explore. Click over to find out more information about Maggies' Inspiration Workshop.

{Inspiration Workshop} Front Porch

I have always dreamed of having a porch, a porch to sit on with a glass of iced tea chatting with friends or just enjoying a beautiful book with the smells of summer floating by and cool breezes. A front porch is an extension of your kitchen or family room - a room that envelopes people & welcomes them to your home.

Source: dlynnphoto.tumblr.com via Deidre on Pinterest

I would love a porch with seating for friends & family to gather and a table to gather for a meal.

Source: parisapartment.wordpress.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

A place to curl up on those chilly fall evenings with a steaming cup of tea

And a porch to welcome guests in the season.

Source: marthastewart.com via Angela on Pinterest

Where do you find your porch inspiration?

What does it look like?

What do you want it to look like?

What does a porch mean to you?

Insta Friday

2011-08-12T07:29:00.000-05:00

If you're new to Insta-Friday it's a little something cooked up over at Life Rearranged. Each Friday you show off your week with only cell phone pictures.

This week even though I am in love with instagram - half my photos are instagrammed the other half or plain old non-instagrammed.

ps. you do not need instagram to participate - just fun cell phone pics, or not fun cell phone pics - your choice *wink*

the first of many a'trips

It may be silly but I call these clouds 'asuncion clouds'

it reminds me of when Jesus ascended into heaven

the Bible talks about how the skies opened up and the sun shown down on them

everytime I see clouds lite like this I think of His sacrifice

find beauty in everything surrounding you

Ikea

I love me some ikea catalog

it is my favorite - i get so excited when it comes in the mail

{it's embarrassing really}

trying to cut down on my pop intake

it's carbonated but does this count as pop?

shopping at borders going out of business sale

{the instagram picture - so much cooler - but i lost it somewhere}

BEST ICE CREAM EVER!

look at all of those flavors

isn't it pretty?

I spent a good chunk of time going through old mags & trying to chuck them

I would pull out the recipes I liked to save in a binder & ditch the rest

{entire night = 4 mags done}

parade time!

I am a sucker for grenadine in diet cokes

and cherries

{be still my beating heart}

{Inspiration Workshop} Garden Inspiration

2011-08-11T21:05:00.002-05:00

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

{Inspiration Workshop} Garden Inspiration

Happy Thursday all! I'm taking part in Gussy's Inspiration Workshop. Each Thursday Maggie from Gussy Sews shares a prompt ment to inspire, dream, share & explore. To find out more information about Maggies' Inspiration Workshop go here. You'll be glad you did :)My Garden Inspiration

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Growing up I have always been surrounded by beautiful plants & gardens. I grew up picking raspberries & mint leaves & digging up carrots & potatoes in my grandparents garden. For as long as I can remember my parents have kept a garden full of vegetables & flowers. In high school I talked my mom into letting me have a garden. Let me tell you it did not go very far. I have always appreciated beautiful gardens of my parents & grandparents.

Source: ffffound.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Myself I am much more of a indoor gardener with house plants & herb garden. I enjoy the bright fun pots & the lush grenery that can last all year long - especially those long cold blustery Minnesota winters.

Are you more of an indoor or an outdoor gardener?

Insta-Friday

2011-08-05T06:01:00.000-05:00

If you're new to Insta-Friday it's a little something cooked up over at Life Rearranged. Each Friday you show off your week with only cell phone pictures.

This week even though I am in love with instagram - half my photos are instagrammed the other half or plain old non-instagrammed.

ps. you do not need instagram to participate - just fun cell phone pics, or not fun cell phone pics - your choice *wink*

St. Paul skyline

I love love love city skylines

there is just something so beautiful about them

a day at the beach

it was so relaxing & peaceful & beautiful

it's kind of a renewal of energy & life

Sunday inbetween church & lunch with a friend I grab an

iced coffee, my Bible & 'The Story'

so wonderful

also a renewal of energy & life {wink}

picnic lunch on a sunday afternoon

Em & I pulled up a patch of shaded grass and enjoyed our lunch

while catching up on life & having those deep friendship building conversations

we both had grabbed a tasty lunch from the co-op

chicken spring rolls with sparkling apple cider

Stillwater Lift Bridge

our picnic view

yumm!

cupcake with sprinkles

we served cupcakes at work as part of a customer appreciation BBQ

the turn out was amazing & the food was pretty tasty too!

32 balloons

guess who fit them all in her little suv?

i would not suggest or do it again

pretty colorful summer flowers

at the BBQ we placed mason jars on table with

blossoming blooms

the next day we grabbed all the left over flowers & made 4 bigger

bouquets & scattered them around the guest areas

now you've seen my week

how did you spend your week?

what beach essentials are a must have for you?

on mismatched & jumbled thoughts

2011-08-03T20:43:00.001-05:00

I keep thinking about the beach

---

I want to go hiking and play outside

I want to play with my camera & take pictures

---

I was blessed to have lunch with a friend - over my lunch hour while at work.

It was amazing. Many people have friends that they work near & eat with them over lunch

or co-workers to share that with.

I don't - which is fine because I typically spend my lunch hours catching up

on personal correspondence, losing myself in my google reader or

catching up on facebook.

But Monday I had lunch with a friend - it was wonderful.

Makes me feel like a real live grown up {grin}

---

I really like JP

{from the bachelorette}

---

Work threw a huge BBQ for clients

so tired & drained afterwards which is ironic

I use to throw events & run around crazy {but calm} for 5 years

---

Buying coffee in the morning before work.

Also makes me feel like a real live grown up.

---

recently I have been reading books

{gasp}

it feels nice to read books vs. something {blogs} on a computer screen constantly

---

it always amazes me how good I can feel in the morning if I go to bed on time

---

I do not like the "F" word

{fall}

I will like fall when fall comes

but until then - enjoy summer

live in the moment instead of wishing it away

Happy Monday

2011-08-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here is to making your Monday happy & positive!

Don't succumb to a case of the Mondays!

Source: None via Julia on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Anderson on Pinterest

{photos curtsey of pintrest}

A Minnesota Weekend

2011-07-31T21:38:00.000-05:00

The weekend is over - how sad is that?!?

My weekend was amazing - full of sunshine, friends, large amounts of coffee & a sprinkling of Gilmore Girls all around.

I kicked off the weekend with an evening chat & coffee {coffee # 1} with Bestie. So fun. I love caribou's summer customer appreciation card - do you have one? I love collecting my free coffees.

Saturday was packed full. Having breakfast with old roomie before she leaves for South Carolina and then St. Paul. Oh St. Paul - I love the city - that it's old and beautiful and on the river.

Curly Locks & I headed out to the beach after grabbing coffee {#2}. We went to a beach a bit off the beaten path & pleasantly surprised that it was not crazy busy. We packed the beach essentials - ya know the sunscreen, mags, books, snacks and fun beach blankets. Unfortunately I was sans floppy hat - must get one of those!

After adequately sunning ourselves we headed back to St. Paul & had supper. After supper Gracie, Curly Locks & I walked to grab $1 coffee {#3} for our dessert while watching the roller derby cinema classic - 'Whip It'.

Stillwater

Beautiful grassy picnic on Stillwater riverfront. I had chicken spring rolls - so tasty. Between church & lunch I did grab a coffee {#4} at Caribou while reading my Bible.

Gilmore Girls.

I have started going through by season {at least the 3rd time I have done this}. No words to explain my love for this tv show & I have been watching episodes inbetween life moments of cleaning, dressing, blogging and every other moment that I am free.

Did you count the coffee intake? Four in three days!?! I also shared tiramisu with Emily at lunch sunday... does that up my coffee intake count?

How did you spend your weekend?

What are your essential beach items?

One Girl, One Beautiful Life

Monday Inspiration

Resolutions Revealed

Valentines Day Blog Swap

I've been TAGGED!

{Dear Monday} 2.6.12

{Insta-Friday} St. Paulie Edition

{Dear Monday} 1.23.12

{currently} on a quiet Sunday

{InstaFriday} 1.20.12 Edition

Dear Monday.

This Week.

{Currently} Fresh 2012 Edition

A Perfect Ending & A Perfect Beginning

2011.

December Details

{InstaFriday} December Issue

{Currently} Christmas

Engaging Night

Ornament Exchange with Mackey Madness

Very Merry InstaFriday

Christmas: Tips, Tricks & Secrets

Rehash of the days that were

Thankful.

because

{InstaFriday} with a side of confession

{Inspiration Workshop} Thanksgiving

Snapshot of a weekend

A Cupcake kind of week

Coffee + Cupcakes

A Chilly November Week

on jumbled thoughts

Happy Halloween!

Hello Weekend

Monday.

Beautiful Life Moments seen through Insta-Friday

Daily Life through Instagrams

On Sights

Recently....

{InstaFriday} with a side of fall

{Inspiration Workshop} Fall

InstaFriday

A weekend that was

to goals

{Insta-Friday} with a side of pumpkin

{Inspiration Workshop} Bringing Families Together

Playing Catch Up

Insta-Friday - Happy Weekend!

Instagram Friday: Counting my blessings

{Inspiration Workshop} Inspiring Books

Target Field

Soon...

Kickin' It with Instagram Friday!

Ode to the weekend

Intagramming it Friday

Ingredients for a Saturday

Insta-Friday

{Inspiration Workshop} Front Porch

Source: None via Kathryn on Pinterest{Inspiration Workshop} Front Porch

{Inspiration Workshop} Front Porch

Insta Friday

{Inspiration Workshop} Garden Inspiration

Insta-Friday

on mismatched & jumbled thoughts

Happy Monday

A Minnesota Weekend

Source: None via Kathryn on Pintere st
{Inspiration Workshop} Front Porch