energy. or lack thereof.

I have to blame Old Man Winter. The cold is finally starting to wear me down. That was made blatantly clear as I endured a horrendous mood change today as I watched and listened to a webinar which was facilitated by a woman, working at home, in Miami, Florida. What made my mood change so violently; so quickly you ask? This kind, soulless woman, turned her camera so that we could see out her front window...the sunshine, the palm trees blowing gently in the breeze and the paradise we can only dream of here in our currently frozen solid tundra stared me right in the face and didn't even feel bad about it. I'm a Minnesota girl through and through, but man. I'm not bitter. That's just the wind. Did I mention this woman's name is Margarita? No folks, that's not a joke. I am dead serious. Sigh.

So I haven't posted for nearly two weeks. And as much as I'd like to stop pointing fingers [yes, Old Man Winter, I am still giving you the stink eye] I have been busy with the semester transition at work but finally feel as though I am catching up. So as I fight my icy cold mood swing today, I felt the need to post something positive and wise. I was looking for inspiration recently, and as I was perusing through some inspirational photos, I found this blog.

...the notebook doodles...

Simple, beautiful, truth. Those are the things that I love most about what this talented individual can do. I invite you to check out this blog and get lost in the images, the quotes and the path your mind will take you as you surround yourself with it all. Grab a cup of coffee [and a blanket if you live around here] and enjoy a bitter sunrise or sunset; I am trying to find the beauty in the cold.

spaces.

Some days, I really dislike living in an apartment. I dislike the boring colors on ALL the walls and not being able to change them. I dislike knowing that it really isn't ours, and it's only a temporary space. And I also really dislike paying rent to a landlord who is less than noble.

Of course there are plenty of other things I really love about living in an apartment. Like not having to worry about shoveling or blowing snow after a blizzard. Or paying to fix something when it stops working. And I guess the lower-than-if-we-lived-in-a-house utility bills we currently pay, although that could be debated.

Regardless of my love or dislike, there is one thing I know for sure: I cannot wait to make a cute office/work space just like these pictures show below. If I had anything that looked like these spaces, I would definitely find a job I could do from home. Perhaps I should add that to my goal list for 2011? :)

makeover.

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving was just over a week ago and we are already under the three week mark to Christmas. Where in the world does the time go?

Well, in honor of the fact that it is now December [okay, I admit I am officially 5 days behind the turn of the calendar but my energy level has been a wee bit on the non-existent side] I decided to change up the look of the blog for Christmas. Isn't it cute?! It was tough to pick just one layout but I am certainly looking forward to updating monthly with other adorable winter themes. I just love changing it up...or maybe I love utilizing my own creativity...either way, I love it!

So what have we been up to? First things first - D won his first conference game of the season on Friday! They are on a two game winning streak [their game Saturday was postponed due to the weather] and we hope to see some more W's very soon!

D and I spent part of the day putting up the Christmas tree and carefully placing all our cute little snowmen in locations where they can best be showcased. With limited space, I think we did a job well done! By the time we finished decorating [and watching Elf in between football games] I decided I need to either make or buy more decorations. Oh, and I also need to install a mantle or fireplace of some sort. Does anyone else feel like it just can't be Christmas without a chimney or fireplace? I guess I was spoiled with that growing up but I miss it!


Here is a blurry and dark glimpse at our beautiful tree! My childhood memories are scattered throughout which brings a big smile to my face. Mom and I went through all my ornaments when I was home for Thanksgiving so I could put them on our tree this year. But my favorite ornament is a cute little snowman in a tux holding his snowman bride. I placed this ornament right in the middle at the top of the tree for everyone to see; it is the most wonderful reminder that I am not only celebrating over a year of blissful marriage, but we will be celebrating our 2nd Christmas as a married couple.

Time continues to tick away but there is no moment too small to take for granted. Here's to our life, love and happiness!

hope.

Here in our home, we are slowly working ourselves toward financial stability. It has been an ongoing process, and likely will be that way for most of our lives, but I feel just a little lighter in my heart knowing we are making headway. I've made mistakes, and continue to do so with spending money, I think we all do no matter how disciplined we are, but I cannot express enough gratitude to my Mom for teaching me the things she did [and continues to teach me to this day]. She is hands down, the most inspirational person I have met in my life.

Now I entitled this blog entry hope because once we do reach that point financially, I am hoping to be able to give back. Give back to my Mom, give back to those in need, give back to the issues which weigh heavily on my heart. I have learned through my own life that very little bit makes a difference...and I want others to see and know that too. This has become another financial goal on my list.

One of the issues that continue to plague my heart and soul is what is happening over in Taiji, Japan and the work being done by the Save Japan Dolphins organization. If you are reading this and don't know much [or anything] about the brutal slaughter occurring over there, I encourage you to watch the video in the right column at the top of this blog, visit the website listed above or go out and rent [or Netflix!] The Cove and see for yourself why this continues to haunt me.

Part of the things that can help the Save Japan Dolphins organization is the purchase of their merchandise, which you can imagine, have been at the top of my "want" list for quite some time. But because the needs far outweigh the wants, always, these things have moved far down the list and have nearly fallen off completely. I want to show you just a few of the items that are on my list; not only because they help raise awareness of the issue and are great conversation starter pieces, but because a portion of the funds from all merchandise sold goes directly to the cause. And that is why I am trying to move these items up my list.

A daily reminder: Save Japan Dolphins bracelet


A simple statement that means so much. I love this.

Who doesn't love a comfy hoodie for a good cause? I know I do!


A conversation piece and a statement. If you click
the photo, you can see my favorite part of this tshirt on the back.
Adore. It.

simple joys.

There are few things I enjoy more than waking up with the sun in my face. Very few things indeed. When you wake up feeling such warmth...such majestic beauty...it's nearly impossible to not wake up with a smile on your face, hope in your heart and spring in your step.

The long days of summer where the sun rises early and sets late, make my heart simply sing. Ultimately, what this means is that adjusting to the shorter days and darker skies does not bode well with my heart. Or my eyes. How do I know? Well, because I have successfully been waking up late for about two weeks straight. Oye.


Today, I woke up to the sun shining brightly on my face. I instantly knew it was going to be a fabulous and productive day and all felt right in the world. Although all is most definitely not right in the world, not even close, it was refreshing to remain in my bubble of happiness for even a short period of time.

I believe in finding joys in the little things; I think that's something that living in a small town has made me appreciate. Too often I take for granted my daily phone call to my Mom, feeling safe in my home and in my community, or hearing the sound of my sweet hubby's voice when he is on a road trip. I like to think that some part of me has always cherished the little things, but as I have gotten older and as I continue to learn, they deserve more than just that. Here is a small list of the little things that made this a perfect day:

1. Waking up with the sun on my face
2. A full hour of cardio dance routine thanks to my daily sidekick: NETFLIX
3. Listening to my Mom talk about what a pain the Christmas lights are; I miss being home to help with this project, although if you ask my Mom, I never wanted to help when I was actually living at home!
4. Catching up with Lynnette
5. Feeling a complete sense of accomplishment from scouring our apartment from carpet to ceiling, every room, and organizing while I went. It feels blissful!
6. Texting back and forth with Carly
7. Although there wasn't a live broadcast to listen to, the stat updates on D's game had me running around the apartment like I was actually at the game. They lost in overtime but they played hard and I am proud!
8. Watching my happy fish swim in their clean tank
9. Writing a "welcome home" message on our entryway chalkboard
10. Hearing my hubby tell me he is on his way home - zero sleeps until he's home!

What little things made you happy today? I hope you enjoyed every second of your Saturday as much as I did!

vintage beauty.

While I am thinking about it, I had to post a photo of this necklace I literally fell in love with after seeing it on Lauren Elise Design's blog. You may be wondering, who is Lauren Elise? Well...it would be my extreme pleasure to tell you.

Lauren is an incredibly beautiful and talented woman who I had the pleasure of meeting on the happiest day of my life...our wedding day! Lauren came along with Eden Photography to help capture our moments that day; and she did so beautifully! It truly was amazing to see her finished work with a different perspective. If you are interested, you can see all of her photographs right here at Lauren Elise Photography. Pst! If you stay on the main page long enough, you just may see D and I in a few photos...!

In addition to her photography, she just so happens to also be an incredible jewelry designer [i wish i had a talent for just one of these things yet alone BOTH!] She is the one who designed this beautiful necklace and I invite you to also check out her other items. You will not be disappointed! Visit Lauren Elise Designs and fall in love for yourself.

inspire.

I found this cute little quote while perusing through some amazing reading material. There are plenty of other inspirational quotes plus some really fantastic items available for purchase. Check her out at volume twenty five or if you want to go straight to her Etsy shop, just put your mouse here and click! Easy as that. Enjoy!

inspire.

As some of you know (ahem, Tig), I subscribe to a daily email type thing called Daily Candy. If you live in a larger city (Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York City, etc.) you should definitely sign up and even if you don't, it's fun to see the daily updates. There is information about health and beauty, fashion, weather, weekend guides for what to do and of course fashion. Call it the inner "fashion major" in me, but I love getting updates on new designers, retail strategies, etc. Okay, okay, all this does have some kind of tie to the wedding. Believe it or not.

A few days ago, I opened my Daily Candy and read an introduction about the founder of Nettleton Hollow...

"The name Nettleton Hollow comes from a valley in Litchfield County, Connecticut, through which the founder's family drove their cows home from the summer pastures to one of the last dairy farms in the area. "

Seeing as how I am from Litchfield, Minnesota, I of course took upon this as a sign and clicked to the website. Lo and behold my inspiration! Branches and grasses and foliage, oh my! This creator has managed to capture the true essence of nature in an artificial product. After browsing through craft store after craft store, allowing my thoughts to wander and collectively put together a collage of images and ideas for the wedding, I realized how true his words were about not finding true natural items like this in a store.

Pure. Beautiful. Natural. Everything I want our wedding to be.