Happy Independence Day!

Holidays always seem to revolve around food + family - am I right? While both of those are important I don't want to forget the real reason behind this holiday. I am so blessed to live in a nation that values & promotes freedom & independence and am thankful to the people who in the past & currently fight for the freedom daily.

I'm spending this fourth of July with family & preparing for my grandparents' 60th anniversary celebration. This morning I whipped up these tasty shortcake/patriotic 4th of July kabobs - who doesn't love food on a stick & a holiday inspired treat. 

So thankful & blessed to be an American & live in the land of the free. 

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

I love Easter & I love the reason for Easter - Celebrating Jesus conquering the grave! 
The last few days I have been re-reading the events of the first Easter in my Bible - and it just floors me over and over again. 

I'm not sure how you are spending the day but wherever you find yourself I hope you are surrounded by loved ones.  I am helping in children's ministry and attending church this morning and then off to Easter lunch with my family! 

Source: akadesign.ca via Christi on Pinterest

A Look at 2012

2012 was filled with many blessings, celebrations, trips, and life lessons and each and every one has made me more of who I am and has shaped me into the person I am today. 

The last few days I have been reflecting on everything that 2012 has ment to me and everything I have been blessed to experience. 

{A Few 2012 Memories} 

- My Alma-mater winning the NCCA FCS Championships in January

- Wedding dress shopping with Amanda Sue, Nae and bridesmaids.

- Joining weight watchers in February - I have since lost 28 Ibs. Summer and most of fall were unproductive weight loss times but I guess that is why it is called a journey. 

- Visiting Duluth in March 

- A trip to Voyager National Park with friends. It was such a thrill for me to travel to Voyager and visit the only National park that is in Minnesota. 

- Falling in love with frozen yogurt + topping bars this summer

- Standing up as maid of honor in Nae's wedding in June. 

- Roadtrip with L to New Ulm, MN

- Attending the Minnesota State Fair twice

- In three weeks I took 2 plane rides, visited three states, slept in 5 different cities. 

- Flying out to visit Amanda in Ohio. The adventures we had were epic. 

- Celebrating two 2013 engagements, attending 5 weddings, participating in 2 of them. Attending two bachelorette parties, 1 baby shower and 1 wedding shower. 

- Colorado trip to see Olivia for the first time in 2 years. 

- Cheering on the Bison live

- Becoming a self-proclaimed holiday coffee expert

- Shelby asking me to be one of her bridesmaids. Wedding #5 coming September 15th, 2014.

 - Hiking in Banning State Park

- Standing up with Krisit as she got married

- Time with family & friends

- Turning 28 years young

This past year has been fully of many adventures, surprises and opportunities and I am beyond blessed to be here today able to reflect on it all. I cannot wait to see what 2013 will hold for me but whatever it is I know it will be a wild ride and I am willing to walk out and meet it. 

Happy New Years Friends!

Decking the Home and the Heart for Christmas

December is here and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The tree's up and all decked out with ornaments and lights.

A pinecone wreath was attempted - and failed. So I settled on pinecones and ornaments hung in front of the window and it makes me happy.

Candles are lite, Santa is sending presents via UPS, hot chocolate is being sipped and cookies are being consumed. 

Soon presents will be wrapped, cookies will be baked and snow {possibly} will be flying.

The home is coming along with decor and presents are being marked off lists but more than anything I'm preparing my heart for Jesus' birth. I've been reading an amazing advent devotional and trying to drink in all of the blessings that He has bestowed on me.

How are you preparing your home and heart for Christmas?

From One Year to the Next

It's my birthday! 

I absolutely hands down love my birthday. I'm 28 {gasp that's new!} and I still {and hopefully always will} love my birthday. New Years and looking back at the calendar year is fun but there is something even more special to reflect on the past year of your own personal 'New Years'.

{27} You have been so fun and yet so unexpected. It amazes me how far I have come and what I have learned in the past year. There have been many new experiences and adventures, there have been heart aches, and milestones, mountaintops and valleys and I would not trade any of it.

The many adventures and life moments at 27:

; joined weight watchers ; Visited Voyaguers National Park  ; celebrated a year at the new job  ; saw Canada for the 1st time  ; discovered a new way of eating  ; gave my 3rd MOH speech  ; lost 25 lbs  ; went to my first double feature  ; became a 'words with friends' board for halloween ; took a boat cruise on the Mississippi ; became slightly obsessed with nail polish  

; fell in love with pintrest ; hopped on the twitter bandwagon ; started teaching preschool twice a month at church ; worked on adding more margin to my life ; received pedicure #1 & #2 

; first manicure ever ; started coordinating weddings at church ; 

God has amazed me and taught me so much and yet there is still so much to learn and experience and live. As I look at 28 I too wonder what that will hold, whatever it holds I know that I am ready for it with God, my family & friends by my side.


Let the adventure begin. 

2011.

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?

Ornament Exchange with Mackey Madness

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! 

Christmas: Tips, Tricks & Secrets

{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!

Thankful.

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?

{Inspiration Workshop} Thanksgiving

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! 

Happy Halloween!

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? 

Easter

Easter was beautiful.

My stargazer lily finally bloomed, just in time for Easter

Cousin honey bee with grandma's shoes. It definitely makes the outfit. 

Easter basket cupcakes. A tradition every year. 

New Years

I hope you all had an amazing and wonderful New Years Eve. 

Mine? Mine was wonderful. 

I made Sangria, roommate No. 2 and I picked out movies and laid on our respective couches. 

That was my beautiful evening. 

Decking 2011 with Organization

I'm still enjoying my christmas music and still have a few presents under the tree for some loved ones but I am already thinking about next year. This year I loved but next year had better not be a repeat of this year I am telling you! This year I did get everything done, mailed, baked and wrapped but it was a close call.
I would like to get myself more 'christmas organized' for next year - this year.

Something along the lines of making a document/list/binder of everyone I send christmas cards to and their addresses all in one place, a list of present ideas from this year that I did not use and use possibly next year, recipes I made, recipes to add, skip or delete next year and a list of various other notes.

And a kick-butt-letter to myself about being organized, and not procrastinating on wrapping and certain grandparent baking next year.

Is there something you do to organize yourself for the holidays?

Until Next Year Christmas

Christmas was wonderful, magical and everything more I could have wished for.

Christmas Eve morn brunch with Christmas music playing softly in the background. And lots of laughter & fun while ripping open presents.

Yummy food spreads and tasty cookies. Beautifully wrapped presents and gorgeous ornamented trees.

I already miss the Christmas music and the hustle & bustle of the season. I will miss the twinkle lights after the tree comes down but at least living in Minnesota the promise of snow dusting the trees will still happen for many months.

Twas the night before Christmas

The Stockings were hung with care

The Cookies baked and sugared

And the presents nestled under the tree

Christmas Stollen

There is something about eating this year after year, the yeasty smell in the air, the kneading of bread dough. I just can not get enough. 

For the record Christmas Stollen is NOT Fruit Cake

Just for the record.

Thanksgiving in Rewind

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Grandma always outdoes herself. 

This year I tried my hand at a new recipe, Nantucket Cranberry Pie. 

It was a HUGE hit, tasty tasty. And of course Thanksgiving would not be complete without a homemade apple pie. 

Happy Earth Day

So this poster is comical but I'm not going to get into politics I have mixed feelings on this topic in general. But maybe today in honor of Earth Day eat local foods. 

What a wonderful way to

A) help local farmers and growers

B) keep money in your community 

C) lower your carbon foot print

Peeps

One of the many things I look forward to each Easter is the Pioneer Press Peeps Diorama Contest.


This year in Pioneer Press Peeps Diorama Contest there were some reaccuring themes like the Olympic, Avatar, and UP (motion picture), and Alice in Wonderland

Some Favorites

Peeps Self Preservation

UP by Peepxar

Alice in Wonderland

Peepaloppet