A Wisconsin Weekend

This past weekend I spent it at my families cabin in Wisconsin. I absolutely fell in love with the wispy fluffy clouds and the blue blue skies. Everyday turned out to be sunny and not to hot but just warm enough. I grew up going to the cabin during the summer with my grandparents and always treasure the memories that were made here. 

Passing beautiful farm fields. 

Corn growing taller than me, it's a sign of the ends of summer. 

Tranquil lakes.

Beautiful Sunsets

I ran these roads each day, it was beautiful and peaceful, a great run. 

{Weekend Edition} College Friends

patio views // a beautiful hued sky during a late evening run

Sunday I meet two dear college friends one Minnesotan & one Coloradian for brunch at Granite City. We had such a wonderful time full of girl talk, bottomless mimosas, caramel rolls, a beautiful shaded patio & leafy surroundings. We laughed and talked for hours it was such a nice afternoon.

I also saw The Heat this weekend. I laughed during the entire movie and everyone left with a 

smile on their face. 

What a wonderful & beautiful weekend. I will treasure the memories for a long time and cannot wait till September when we are all reunited for Shelby's wedding.

This + That {vol. II}

Finally home from my fun fun trip out East. Most trips I seem to run myself ragged, come home and throw myself back into work + life. This trip I still managed to run myself crazy & ragged but hitting life a bit more slowly this time. I do it to myself, I'm a work in progress. 

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Today I was told I look like I am 24, nicest thing someone has said to me recently.... I'll be 29 in July. 

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This month brings a new work project, which brings an hour commute one way in rush hour. I will get over this but getting home an hour later sure does shorten my evenings. 

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Sometimes a girl just needs a spot of chocolate so I whipped up a Instant Brownie in a cup.

Add a few sprinkles, a small scoop of ice cream and you have a sweet treat.

Waiting on Spring

Here in my beloved Minnesota I am waiting on spring. 

I do love the winter but at this point after many late season snow storms I am done with the snow and am wishing, hoping, begging and pleading that spring will finally spring forth in Minnesota. 

Maybe it's wishful thinking but the last few days I feel like it maybe getting closer. as I was driving home Monday night I was noticing the change in the air. Even thought it was chilly outside and no where near the point (even thought I wanted to) where I could come home and open the windows and leave the patio door open it felt - 'springy'.  The sun was shining, birds chirping and blue blue skies. 

My wardrobe has even changed (despite the weather being 30 degrees). I've traded in the winter parka with the fur on the hood and fake uggs for cute ballet flats, light jackets and spring hues.

Despite the snow outside and the still chilly temps I traded in the winter themed decor for bright colors and cute little reminders that winter + snow will not be around forever.

Just for fun a cute sunnies & stache ring I feel in love with at Forever 21 and a tasty spring salad. 

(even my bright pink polish is calling for spring!)

Has spring finally 'sprung' in your home town or are you trying to wish & entice it along?

Choosing Joy

I started off this post as a little weekend recap but it has morphed as I wrote it. It is now Monday and I've had a long tired day and I am mentally exhausted and ready to just go to bed and I realize as I finalize this post it's more of a 'recognizing happy moments' than anything else. It's about choosing joy when it's so easy to succumb to the 'little bumps' that were thrown haphazardly around today. The bumps were really insignificant (slow snowy commute turning a 20 minute drive into 45 minutes, vehicles not working properly and foul moods) but yet they tend to stand out at the moment. 

So right now I am choosing joy, focusing on the good (because there is honestly so much to be thankful for) and not letting the little 'bumps' steal the joy away from me. 

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Saturday I visited Nadia's Cakes with a few friends and am still dreaming of the decadence and the smell of the frosting as I walked in the door. I think frosting maybe one of the best scents in the world - I'm sure someone has bottled it, maybe I can find it?

{The award winning Vanilla Vanilla Cupcake // Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Vanilla and Chocolate Chocolate // Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake}

{friends + boardgames}

Sunday afternoon I also made a big batch of chili. I like to keep a few frozen servings of soup or chili around in the freezer for last minute dinner options but especially grab & go lunch options during the work week. 

I made my own version of Lindsey's Everything But the Kitchen Sink Chili. I honestly have to say this is my favorite chili I have made so far. I love a good hearty meaty chili with a nice kick of spice! I also loved Lindsey's idea of freezing left over veggies that her family will not get to and adding them to the chili.

{Sunday mocha with a friend + homemade chili}

Monday's happy moments. 

Caribou's new Cafe Milan + red polished nails // a blood orange

..A story of a blood orange..

One of my besties gave me this blood orange. As I was peeling it this evening and realized what it really was (besides an orange). This friend loves apples, coffee and blood oranges (silly combination yes?). After seeing each other on a spur of the moment date this weekend she gave me a blood orange, it's like giving me a piece of her heart - it's such a 'her' thing to do. Maybe it's the tired or exhaustion talking but it warms my heart to see this blood orange because it's such a reflection of my friend, her personality and love. 

I'm off to bed and hope to start Tuesday nice & happy - despite the mountains of snow 

Minnesota is being *blessed* with. 

(I say *blessed* because I'm choosing joy here right?!?)

Happy Friday + a few insta-pics on the side

Hello and Happy Friday and February 1st. 

(I cannot believe it's already February)

What a busy & interesting week. The week began with freezing rain, snow, and a long commute. But the trees were beautiful all dressed in beautiful snow. 

The temperatures have been so cold recently in the Twin Cities that I have been keeping myself warm with layers, scarves, mittens, blankets and warm beverages. Thursday evening I had a Bucks date with a dear friend - their spicy vanilla latte is a must try!  

While going through a few old boxes from college I unearthed this dear green + gold mug. This mug brought warm and fuzzy memories to mind. The mug would mean nothing to anyone else but being a NDSU Alumni is such a happy thing to me and I had so many wonderful memories from my years there and have some of the best people in my life because of it. 

Once a Bison always a Bison.

You've Got Mail. What an oldie but goodie and one of my favorite movies. Every couple months I will pop the movie in and have it in the background or watch it sporadicly till I reach the end. My roommates often use to tease me about my sporadic movie watching, sometimes I just watch it for 10 minutes as I get ready or put away clothes, etc. 

I also *finally* receive my 2013 planner. It took me a long time to find a planner I loved that would work for me and be functional in the way I need it to function. This past year I had been using my iPhone calendar to track dates, appointments, etc but it reached the point where it just was not working for me and I wanted to open something up and dig into it and see my month/week/day. I am so excited to dig into this planner - and oh how true the words are ... '2013 a year filled with possibility'. 

ps. Please tell me I am not the only one who uses a non-digital planner still?

Well I'm off to enjoy the weekend full of friends, shopping, family and a super bowl party with tasty food! Have a wonderful weekend friends!

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!

'Perfect' Snowy Weekend

When I reflect back on the weekend I can't help but think -- 'perfect'.

Saturday morning I began the process of making Christmas Stollen. Stollen is a German sweet bread that my family enjoys each most Christmas'. There is something about stollen that I just love to make, whether it is the process ( 3 risings), the smell of yeast or the nostalgic memories I'm not sure but I do enjoy it all. 

I also made chocolate peppermint crackle cookies which were tasty! I must admit that right out of the oven when the hershey kisses were all ooey, gooey and melty was really the best time to enjoy them! 

The green tree with tinsel + lights is from church and the tree that we have in the preschool room. 

There is something magical to waking up to a snow covered landscape. I love how snow turns everything magical, covers the brown grass and brings a new crisp landscape! I do not particularly enjoy the shoveling, cleaning your car off multiple times a day, the wet jean cuffs (this sista is short) or the bitter cold that seems to come with it but I try and remember how much I love it for the beauty it brings. 

Sunday morning I made the 25 minute treck to the country to church. In full disclosure I would not have made the snowy icy trip if it had not been for teaching preschool - it was much safer to be at home than on the roads. I dearly love my church for so many reasons, real reasons but I also love that no matter the season the long 'driveway' leading to church has cornfields, a little pond, a variety of tress and two beautiful barns. The scenery is always beautiful and no matter the season it always puts me in the right mindset to worship. 

The rest of Sunday was spent at home shoveling, finishing up a few decor items, rearranging, watching Hugo & The Dark Knight Returns, snowball fights and a orange snack break between shoveling. 

Monday morning came around and I was tired from a late night, sore from shoveling and still had way to many things on my to do list. 

But it was still a perfect weekend. 

It may not have sounded like a perfect weekend with the snow storm / 'blizzard' going on outside but perfect is like beauty and it changes definitions depending on the eye of the beholder. There are so many definitions of a perfect weekend - this weekend, this was my definition. 

One Weekend, Two Showers

Last weekend I had the honor of co-throwing two showers; a baby shower and a wedding shower for two very dear friends of mine.

{A Rainbow Baby Shower}

Christina and I were friends from high school who lost touch during college. Shortly after we both graduated and I moved back to Minnesota I found myself attending the same church as Christina. Over the years Christina and I have thrown many parties together, were roommates, co-lead a Bible study together and had many other fun adventures. Last weekend my friend Kayla and I threw a fun and colorful baby shower for the happy mommy-to-be at Kayla's cute home in St. Paul.

We had all of the girls decorate onesies and they turned out so cute, everyone had such a fun time being creative. 

Our theme was a rainbow theme. Kayla made a beautiful and tasty colorful cake, we also served colorful fruit kabobs, meat, cheese & crackers and skittles. 

{A Wedding Shower for Kristi}

On Sunday we threw a wedding shower for my dear friend Kristi. Kristi and I first meet years ago when we were both in our friend Amanda's wedding. It was so fun planning a shower for Kristi since 5 years ago Kristi and I were helping to throw a shower for Amanda, and this time around Amanda and I were throwing a shower for Kristi.

We actually held the shower in the meeting space of the hotel that I work at. The space worked out perfectly for the shower!

We offered quite the spread of appetizers and snacks. 

Buffalo Chicken dip with celery and pretzel crisps for dipping, corn & black bean salsa, make your own fruit pizza bar, veggies and dip and chicken salad in wanton cups. 

One of the games we played was 'He Said, She Said'. We used mustaches and lips for the game to denote who said what. The 'staches and lips were quite a hit with the entire group snapping pictures and playing with them. 

(me, Kristi, Amanda and Tanaya)

You can't have a bridal shower without a picture of Kristi and her maids, and who can resist the lips and 'staches! 

December will be a very fun month for both of these ladies! Christina is due with her little one the first week of December and Kristi is getting married December 29th! 

Weekend Recap + Rewind

I can't believe it's already Sunday evening and I am preparing for another work week. I think we need to rethink a 5 day work week and only a 2 day weekend. 

{FRIDAY} 

After work on Friday I attended the pre-opening of a new restaurant located in the South metro. I was given the chance to bring 3 guests with me and decided to take my family. We had a blast and were able to try a few of the menu options. Unfortunately the restaurant in question is quite a drive for this north metro girl, but I would definitely head back if I was in the area again.

{SATURDAY}

I headed to Ikea with a friend. Ikea is always like a playground for me - always beautiful things. I was completely taken aback when I found all of the Christmas items by the checkout. I am pretty anti-Christmas before Thanksgiving but I was a complete goner this time - I soaked it all in, snapped pictures of it and drooled all over the gorgeous ideas, home-scapes and products. I even found that two wreathes seemed to leap into my arms - that's right. LEAP. 

I seriously wanted this home-scape to magically appear in my own living room. I am not usually a red+green Christmas fan, I like the non-traditional colors together but I loved this look. So homey. 

After Ikea my friend and I ventured over to the Mall of America, had lunch and visited Cupcake. 

(Don't worry - I shared the cupcakes with a few friends later on in the evening - heaven knows this girl does not need cupcakes!). 

{SUNDAY}

Most of Sunday was spent working a wedding fair for work. Busy busy day with set up, chatting people up, selling the hotel I work at, clean up and basically crashing when I finally arrived home. But it was a great event - so happy that it went well! 

Weekend. 

Fun. 

Busy. 

Exhausting. 

Over. 

How did you spend your weekend? 

Hello from New Ulm!

I'm heading back from New Ulm, Minnesota where I spent roughly 16 hours (including sleep) attending my companies annual meeting. A few other managers and I left mid-Monday morning for New Ulm (it's roughly 2 hours). Today after breakfast we left to head back to work. I have to say after a few busy couple of weeks I am really looking forward to life slowing down {hopefully}.

Going back to New Ulm made me think of the last time I was there with L to spend the weekend. 

Last time L and I meet a distinguished gentleman. 

Visited Schell's Brewery for a tour and went to a Winery

Made funny faces 

{because that's what we do}

Visited Herman the German 

{He is a very BIG deal in New Ulm}

Watched the Glockenspiel play it's tune and dance it's dance for 15 minutes

{it played 12 minutes too long --- just saying}

All in all it was a nice trip and a nice 'walk' down memory lane. This time there was no L, not nearly as many laughs and no glockenspiel. 

Until next time New Ulm.

Recently

The last few weeks have been filled with such fun memories. My recent Sunday afternoons have been filled with Caribou dates with a good book and my laptop. Sushi, good conversations and shopping with friends, Twins game at Target Field, a friends wedding and movie nights at home.  

{Target Field}

I attend my second ever Twins game at their new stadium -- Target Field. I'm more of a football fan myself but the game was such fun and Target Field is so gorgeous!

{Jim + Chandelle}

This past weekend I also attended my second and last friends wedding of the year. Chandelle & Jim's wedding was so lovely! At both the ceremony and the reception the pastor and Chandelle's mom told Jim & Chandelle's story, I had heard most of it but God's fingerprints are seriously all over their meeting and dating and it was so beautiful! 

Not at all like me but I only got one picture {blurry iphone} picture of Jim & Chandelle. Typically I am a picture snapping fiend! One of my favorite moments was on their first dance Jim pulled out his cell phone to take a picture of them! It was so cute and so like them since Jim & Chandelle always have the cutest pictures up on facebook showing off their fun adventures! 

Busy + Beautiful Weekend

What a wonderful busy & beautiful weekend. 

Minnesota temps have finally cooled down a bit and I've enjoyed having the windows open and allowing the cool air inside after a long hot summer of air on & closed windows and shades!

I spent a large chunk of time at church with coordinating a wedding rehearsal Friday and wedding on Saturday. Sunday was busy with church and teaching. I have become so attached to my little two year olds this past year, I've gotten use to their personalities and have come to realize what to expect from all of them and know their favorite things. I am going to be so sad when they 'graduate' up to the threes room and I start with a new bunch of twos!

The rest of the weekend was wonderful and relaxing with visiting Amanda & lil' Adri, movie nights at home, conversations with wonderful friends and 'Bou dates with my Bible + journal.

The weekend was truly a beautiful mix of friends + business + fun + relaxation.