Summer Survival Swap Reveal

I am so excited to link up with Joey, Courtney & Myra today and share the goodies I received in the Summer Survival Swap!  

I was partnered with the sweet Tiffani fromExtraOrdinary Love. I am not sure how Joey, Courtney & Myra choose who to partner with who for the swap but I felt like Tiffani and I were a great match! Tiffani is so sweet and I loved getting to know her through the swap and learn how similar we are! Tiffani has a heart for God, loves the outdoors, and knits & crochets. 

I'm not sure about where you live but here in Minnesota summer has not hit and we are still having cool & rainy days. This little package of sweet items definitely makes me excited for the next few months and helps remind me that at somepoint summer has to come (right?!).

- Mint Nail Polish: Mint is such an in color and I swear works for all seasons! I cannot wait to paint my fingers and toes with this cool color - and it will dry fast which is perfect for those days you're running out the door!

- Aloe Infused Socks: These aloe infused socks will be great to keep my feet hydrated and soft all year around especially in flip-flop season! I'm not sure about you but I also love to sleep in socks so I love the idea of waking up to soft feet in the morning!

- Burt Bee's Lip Shimmer: I had shared with Tiffani that I love lip gloss and chapstick and she sent me the best of both worlds. A girl always needs a bit of color on her lips right?

- Pretty Bracelet: I have fallen in love with bracelets this summer and cannot wait to wear these!

Thank you again Tiffani, you were so sweet and thoughtful I cannot wait to enjoy these items all summer long! 

The Tale of a Nail Polish Swap

A few weeks ago I signed up with Meghan at Shine On and Angela at Hairspray & High Heels for a nail swap they were sponsoring. 

My swap partner was Katherine at Bubbles, Babbles and a Baby, I think we were perfect matches! We both love Essie polishes and I am ABSOLUTELY in love with what she sent me. Katherine and I over the last couple weeks have emailed a few times and it was so fun getting to know her. In one of the emails I shared that I love all colors to neutrals, blues & greens and pinks and corals but had realized in the last few years that I don't really have any pinks or reds in my collection anymore {gasp!}. I definitely feel like that is a nail polish faux pas! 

Look at all of the amazing things that Katherine sent me! 

{goodies: China Glaze: Polarized, Essie: Secret Story, Confetti: Bayou Blue, Essie: Marathin, Nail Life Speed Demon Polish Dryer,  pedicure toe spacers}

It was just like Christmas in my little home after I opened all of my polishes and presents! I quickly un-shellaced my nails (the shellac mani had seen better days) and painted my fingers with Essie's Marathin.  I also used the Secret Story Essie polish Katherine sent on my toes! 

I still need to try the Bayou Blue and the Polarized but polishes but cannot wait! Ideas are swirling around in my head from pinterest boards + the polarized polish options. Perhaps this or this would be fun?

Can we talk about the the Nail Life Speed Demon Polish Dryer for a minute?! This polish is fantastic! Usually my mani's last 2-3 days and then begin chipping, but this is amazing, and my nails are seriously dry to the touch in a minute! This my friends is a MUST have in your arsenal of polishes!

Katherine, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of the pretty manicure/pedicure items you sent me! It was such fun getting to know you! I really need to learn some of your manicure tips! I will definitely think of you every time I use these fun products. 

I'm so thankful to Meghan and Angela for this fun link up party too! Head on over to Katherine's blog and show her some love and see what her polish package held! 

Dear Monday + Hello September!

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

Dear Labor Day Monday, Holla for days off! Today I leave Ohio & Amanda Sue and head back home to Minnesota.

Dear Amanda Sue + Ohio, thank you for rolling out the welcome mat for me! I loved car dancing across Ohio, eating tasty food and laughing the entire time. What a wonderful 3 day weekend!

Dear Liv, just a few more days home slice and we will be cheering on the Bison, sipping coffee, climbing mountains and hiking.

Dear Shellac manis and Parenthood, where have you been all my life?

How are you spending this Labor Day Monday? I'm hanging out with Amanda Sue for a few more hours in Ohio and then jet setting home to Minnesota!

{please excuse the blurry pictures - I blame it on the collage app I used, ippicy is so much better and quality!}

{InstaFriday} 9.24.12 Edition

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I'm linking up with Jeannette again for InstaFriday at LifeRearranged!

Caribou introduced all of their pumpkin drinks a week ago - needless to say I have had three pumpkin drinks so far!

Bible Study + a Pumpkin Latte// Pumpkin Iced Chia + One Thousand Gifts

Have you ready One Thousand Gifts? I really like it so far! 

I went to a fun wedding this weekend! 

Myself + Nae at Chandelle's Wedding// The cake = yum! 

beautiful Minnesota skies

balloons balloons balloons

We had a work event and I fit 39 balloons in my little SUV {HOLA!}

Our soft serve ice cream bar {after the mad rush!} // my sundae {yum!}

pretty flowers for the work event // I tried a pinterest hair style this weekend - looks same old same old

{my hair is a bit longer than the pinterest tutorial though}

Panera suppa! // Minnesota clouds + trees + grasslands

Minnesota State Fair

this is happening twice this weekend! 

{Dear Monday} 8.20.12 Edition

Hello Monday! It's been a while since I wrote this fun little letters but loving writing them again!

Linking up with Megan at Happy Day.

Dear Monday, you are the beginning of a busy week but I am ready to conquer you! Evenings full of fun friend + family get togethers, and the 2nd annual client appreciation event at work.

Dear Minnesota State Fair, here is to you and 12 days of fun! I can not wait to step onto the fair grounds visit my favorite booths, try new foods and people watch. You are by far my favorite Minnesota event. I would not miss you for anything!

Dear weekly Sunday 'Bou dates, you are becoming a beautiful + favorite Sunday pastime.

Dear Friends & Gilmore Girls Episodes, thanks for always making me laugh.

Dear Minnesota sky, I will never tire of your beautiful sights from the city skylines to the sunsets & sunrises. You are beautiful & remind me daily of God's love and faithfulness.

{Insta-Friday} 8.2.12 Edition

What a busy busy week. I am loving watching the Olympics and trying to wind down after a busy {but such fun} weekend in New Ulm Minnesota and then diving back into work! 

This week was full of friend dates and evenings watching the Olympics and watching team USA dominate!

Beautiful Minnesota scenery

*sigh*

I love Minnesota and I love these fields and scenery!

New Ulm Winery was so much fun // Gorgeous turquoise doors in New Ulm

Schell's Brewery. We celebrated the tour with glasses of 1919 Root Beer

Lemon Tart & Vanilla Chia Latte with Grace & Shelbs before heading to Loring Park for an outdoor concert

Beautiful {hot} summer day // Me + Lins

Amanda Sue's first Cherry Berry experience. I could not resist sharing this tasty delight with Amanda!

Linking up with Life Rearranged for Insta-Friday! 

 

{Dear Monday Letters} Birthday Week Edition

Hello Monday! 

I'm linking up with Megan at Happy Day & sharing my Dear Monday letters with you. Click on over and share some Monday cheer with others ;) 

Dear Monday, what will you hold? Whatever it is I am ready for it - but please let me sip a little coffee before you get rolling ;)


Dear July, you are finally here! I have anxiously awaited you for months! I'm excited for all of the birthdays & celebrations this month - including INDEPENDENCE DAY! 


Dear Birthday Week, you are looking fabulous! So excited to celebrate with friends, reflect on the past year & anticipate the new year. Here is to you & me and a wonderful week! 


Dear neighbors, I like you, I really truly do. But must you really shoot off fireworks all weekend? Don't get me wrong, I love fireworks, but sometimes you should leave it to the professionals. Just sayin' is all. 


Dear Weekend, you were full of unexpected moments, treasured conversations, balmy 90 degree weather, and gorgeous sunsets.  I always underestimate how wonderful you will be and you always surprise me with an extra cherry on top with sprinkles! 


Dear Iced Coffee, I am attempting to make you at home. Sunday I purchased my first lime green Bodum French Press from Target - let's experiment and make deliciousness at home and save me some $$.

Wishing you a happy Monday!

Ps. Any iced coffee lovers out there who wanna help a sister out with some great at home brewing tips, techniques and secrets? 

{Dear Monday} 6.18.12 Edition

Seriously what a great weekend! 

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

Dear Monday, I am looking forward to evening Bible study with my girls + sipping an iced latte while digging into Gods' word. 

Dear Minnesota weekend full of quiet times, movie nights + popcorn, shopping, coordinating a wedding, friend phone dates, Fathers Day and simple pleasures, thank you for your beauty. I treasure weekends like you. 

Dear Summer, I am so excited for you and everything that you hold. Birthdays, road trips, patio sitting, hiking, summer nights & picture snapping. Yehaw! 

Dear July, I can't wait for you - you are my birthday month! Is it silly that at 27 {almost 28!} I still so head over heels for my birthday? Gosh I hope not because this is one girl who loves, loves, loves celebrating the new year & exciting opportunities and reflecting upon the last year.

Dear Week, you hold many fun delights - I can not wait to see what else you have in store for me. Let's getter started!

I hope your Monday is beautiful and your week just as fantastic. 

Remember to count your blessings and have a heart of thankfulness -- it's to easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget how beautiful & special life really truly is! 

{Dear Monday} 5.14.12

How & Why do Mondays come so quickly?! 

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

Dear Monday, I'm not sure what you have in store for me but bringer on! 

Dear Minnesota,  thanks for the stellar weather as of late.

Dear Carm, it was beautiful to see your face, laugh & talk with you in person, even if it was only for an hour during your layover. I am so ecstatic that you are moving back to the Midwest! 


Dear week of TV show finales, family dinner, friend birthday celebrations x2, graduation celebration & movie night with the girls, you already hold such wonderful potential. I cannot wait to see what else is in store! 


Dear plants, please grow grow grow!   

Happy Monday! 

{Dear Monday} St. Paul edition

 I'm linking up again with Megan at Happy Day 

Dear Monday, you started off a bit rough but an impromptu girls night was just what the doctor ordered! 

Dear St. Paul, I love everything about you. 

Dear Minnesota, you will always have my love but please help a girl out with sunny warm weather.

Dear Weekend full of roommate day, movie nights, an afternoon nap, friend dates & church, you were just what a girl needed. 

{Dear Monday} The Happiness Issue

Thank Goodness it's Monday {TGIM} again!  

I'm linking up again with Megan at Happy Day 

Dear Monday, today you are a vacation day - that makes you instantly beautiful! So far I have slept in, read a book in bed, visited old friends, wore cute new shoes and sipped a marshmallow latte while working in caribou. 

Dear Life, you are amazing! I am sorry that somedays I do not realize it, but beautiful you are.

                                                                   Source: southernpiphi.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Dear Camera with a ruffled strap,  sometimes I forget how much I love you. But then I pull you out, start snapping pictures and fall more & more in love with you with every click of the shutter. I love looking at life through your lens!


Dear not-so-new job,  I cannot believe this week marks a year of working you. I'm still learning about you and the role I play in your big tetris game. 

"We tend to forget that HAPPINESS doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing & appreciating what we do have."

- Frederick Keonig

Happy Monday to you & yours!  

{Dear Monday} 4.9.2012 Edition

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

Dear Monday, so far I have started the day by coffee+a book, a walk around a lake and lunch with a friend. Looking forward to seeing what the rest of you will bring. 

Dear week, you are full of exciting coffee dates, tasty dinners and endless possibilities! 

Dear four day weekend, you and I get along like two peas in a pod, I savored every moment of you! I filled your days with egg dyeing, blizzards & shopping with the roommate, coffee dates, Easter services, family Easter & falling in love with NieNie's new book Heaven is Here.

Dear Amanda Sue, Friday can not come soon enough! Looking forward to seeing you numerous times this weekend! 

I'm excited to see what this week will bring! 

What do you have planned?

{4/2/2012} Dear Monday

Holy Cow it's April!

I am linking up with Megan at Happy Day for Dear Monday. 

Dear Monday, you were a bag of tricks, fun & great surprises! 


Dear April Fools, you are always one of my favorite holidays, let's always be friends. 


Dear Skype, thanks for making the miles between friends seem not as far as they truly are.  

Dear Minnesota, I am ready to reacquaint myself with your trails, lakes & summer stops. 


Dear Friday, you can not come fast enough. So excited for a day of dyeing eggs, Easter crafts, time with a friend and a morning of sleeping past 6am

Do you have anything fun planned this week?

{Dear Monday} 3.19.12 Edition

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

Dear Monday, you were a full day. A last goodbye, a busy day at work, sweaty workout followed up by a tasty panera date & a target adventure. All in all you were a good day, thank you. 

Dear ASB, happy trails my friend! The house is lonely without you and echos in a strange way. You are already missed. I am happy though we will get to 'see' each other soon via skype and that I can already count the times I will see you in the next few months leading up to our flatmates' wedding. 


Dear Minnesota, thank you for the beautiful summer weather in the middle of March. To say that 70 & 80 degree weather does not happen in Minnesota in March would be an understatement. 


How did your Monday treat you? 

{Dear Monday} North Edition

It is Monday and I am linking up again with Megan at Happy Day for Dear Monday. Head on over to Megan's blog and check out her own exciting news and leave her some love!

Dear Monday, I rejoice that I had today off. Four day weeks are really the best. 

Dear Girls Weekend, thank you for being so wonderful. Your days were filled with coffee, beautiful northern sights, and many fun talks. 

Dear L & Curly Locks, thank you for always being up for an adventure, laughing with me, reliving the 'college years' and understanding my love of photography (and never thinking it's silly that I need to stop for ANOTHER photo). You're the best. 

Dear Minnesota, You are an addiction that I never plan to give up. 

Dear Self, I am sorry that I did not have good eating habits this weekend, that burger was just so good, and those fries... don't get me started on those delights! I promise to get back to the basics and eat better this week and thus forward. 

Happy Monday to you! 

{Insta-Friday} Leap Day Edition

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.  

A project finally coming to and end. 

Now that the 10,000 foot infinity scarf is all done I miss working on it. 

I need a new project.

A beautiful Sunday evening coming to an end watching some Castle on hulu, blogging & sipping tea. 

Awww yes perfection. 

Plus my finished scarf - warm, soft & cozy. 

Leap Day struck Minnesota with more snow than we had seen all year. The trees were quite beautiful first from frozen rain the night before and then beautiful snow. 

My current reading resting on my night stand. 

A magazine, 'Catching the Fire' (less than 24 hours in and already 54% done) and  'The Pursuit of God' by A.W. Tozer.

I'm off to enjoy a beautiful relaxing weekend!

What are your weekend plans?