We leave for the airport in 27 minutes. I feel sort of twitchy as I sit here blogging (is there something I forgot to pack?) but I think I'm good. I didn't overpack (in fact, Andi packed more than me on this trip) and I feel confident I brought everything I'll need. If not, I'll buy it there. The luxury of traveling to an urban city vs. an unknown beach town.
Today when I was setting my Out of Office message at work, I noted the date of our last big trip: Maui in March. This got me reminiscing about all of our adventures.
Maui
Thailand
Panama
... just to name a few.
I pulled up a few pictures of Thailand and smiled so big. Andi and I've had awesome adventures together, all around the globe. We're so lucky to have had the chance to experience so many places. I can't wait to add Europe to the list.
Au revoir!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
All my bags are packed...
We leave for Europe tomorrow night and I'm suddenly REALLY excited for our trip.
I packed my backpack with everything I said I would and I'm ready. Ready to experience all that Europe holds for us.
This trip will be an awesome way to enter into our 30's (well, Andi's 30's ... I still have 2 months left)!
I think I'm most excited to see this:
...and do this:
... with lots of this:
I'm bringing my computer along so be sure to check back. I'm planning to blog every day about our adventures!
I packed my backpack with everything I said I would and I'm ready. Ready to experience all that Europe holds for us.
This trip will be an awesome way to enter into our 30's (well, Andi's 30's ... I still have 2 months left)!
I think I'm most excited to see this:
...and do this:
... with lots of this:
I'm bringing my computer along so be sure to check back. I'm planning to blog every day about our adventures!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Ready as I'll ever be
I bet a dozen people have asked me this week if I'm all packed for Europe. The answer?
Nope.
I really am excited for our trip on Friday, but I haven't put any thought into what I'm bringing. I suppose there's only so much I can cram into a backpack anyway. Everyone warns us it'll be cold over there (it's their winter too) but it can't be any worse than the 10 degree forecast for Minneapolis next week! Weather.com forecasts London and Paris with highs in the 30's next week. As long as it doesn't rain, I think we'll be just fine.
As I mentally run through my closet, I think I'll bring ...
Nope.
I really am excited for our trip on Friday, but I haven't put any thought into what I'm bringing. I suppose there's only so much I can cram into a backpack anyway. Everyone warns us it'll be cold over there (it's their winter too) but it can't be any worse than the 10 degree forecast for Minneapolis next week! Weather.com forecasts London and Paris with highs in the 30's next week. As long as it doesn't rain, I think we'll be just fine.
As I mentally run through my closet, I think I'll bring ...
- 2 pairs of jeggings
- 1 pair of gray boots
- black peacoat
- a few long sleeve tees
- a couple hats and scarves
- 1 pair of pajama pants
- 1 dress
- a pair of tights
- ..... and anything else I need I'll buy
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
O Christmas Tree!
Love, love, love decorating my house for Christmas. I'm one of those crazies that decorates the day after Thanksgiving and leaves their decorations up until February. There's just something about the way they make your house feel all warm and cozy in the wintertime.
This is the same Christmas tree I purchased in 2003 for my very first holiday in my own apartment. I think it was a good investment. I always use my red glitter ornaments with white glittery snowflakes. Over the years, I've added a few personal ornaments too - like the little Chloe dog my mom and dad gave us, a picture of Brookie or the flip flops Andi and I bought on our trip to Hawaii in 2005.
This pup is gooood!
As soon as I pulled the camera out to take pictures of the decorations, Chloe walked right over to the tree and sat down in front. What a good little doggy! I rewarded her with a treat (maybe she remembers that part from last year. Or maybe she's glad I didn't make her wear the Santa costume again!)
Love the Santa Claus advent calendar in the background. I feel like a kid every morning when I move the candy cane from one day to the next. Because I'm a nerd like that, I have been drafting a list of advent calendar activities to do with my future kiddos someday. Things like "decorate the Christmas tree" or "make cinnamon ornaments." Won't that be a fun tradition some day?
O Christmas Tree!
This is the same Christmas tree I purchased in 2003 for my very first holiday in my own apartment. I think it was a good investment. I always use my red glitter ornaments with white glittery snowflakes. Over the years, I've added a few personal ornaments too - like the little Chloe dog my mom and dad gave us, a picture of Brookie or the flip flops Andi and I bought on our trip to Hawaii in 2005.
Chloe
As soon as I pulled the camera out to take pictures of the decorations, Chloe walked right over to the tree and sat down in front. What a good little doggy! I rewarded her with a treat (maybe she remembers that part from last year. Or maybe she's glad I didn't make her wear the Santa costume again!)
The dining room
... and our make-shift mantle since we don't have a fireplace or staircase to hang out stockings
Love the Santa Claus advent calendar in the background. I feel like a kid every morning when I move the candy cane from one day to the next. Because I'm a nerd like that, I have been drafting a list of advent calendar activities to do with my future kiddos someday. Things like "decorate the Christmas tree" or "make cinnamon ornaments." Won't that be a fun tradition some day?
Television / mantle area
Monday, December 6, 2010
Holiday Cookie Baking Party
Yesterday I hosted my second annual Holiday Cookie Baking Party. Last year's party was so much fun, I decided to invite family and friends together again for holiday baking, girl talk and Christmas music.
This party differs from traditional cookie exchanges as guests bake their cookies at the party and then fill up our cookie tins with all the homemade treats. Andi's office serves as the perfect location for the party because there's a large industrial-size kitchen with 4 convection ovens, 2 microwaves, 2 stoves, lots of counter space and more utensils and cookie sheets than you'd ever need. Andi's office partner, a photography company, uses the kitchen to prepare and shoot food photography and one day a year they're gracious enough to turn it over to me for my Cookie Baking Party. (That is on one condition, we must leave a plate of cookies for the office to enjoy. No problem!)
This year, I had 16 people RSVP to the party (up from last year's 7 people) so I was a little nervous we wouldn't have enough work space for everyone. I organized 3 workspace tables and set up a separate "socializing space" to the side of the kitchen to be sure we had enough room to bake. It all worked out perfectly and we had so much fun!
Here's a list of all the goodies:
Cardamom Cookies
Rice Krispie Date Balls
Russian Teacakes
English Toffee
Cranberry and Orange Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cake Balls
Oreo Truffles
Candy's Sugar Cookies
Peanut Brittle
Peppermint Bark
Minnesota Munchers
Linzer Cookies
Lincoln Logs
Caramels
Lime Cookies
Chocolate Snowballs
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ginger Cookies
Almost Candy Bars
This party differs from traditional cookie exchanges as guests bake their cookies at the party and then fill up our cookie tins with all the homemade treats. Andi's office serves as the perfect location for the party because there's a large industrial-size kitchen with 4 convection ovens, 2 microwaves, 2 stoves, lots of counter space and more utensils and cookie sheets than you'd ever need. Andi's office partner, a photography company, uses the kitchen to prepare and shoot food photography and one day a year they're gracious enough to turn it over to me for my Cookie Baking Party. (That is on one condition, we must leave a plate of cookies for the office to enjoy. No problem!)
This year, I had 16 people RSVP to the party (up from last year's 7 people) so I was a little nervous we wouldn't have enough work space for everyone. I organized 3 workspace tables and set up a separate "socializing space" to the side of the kitchen to be sure we had enough room to bake. It all worked out perfectly and we had so much fun!
Here's a list of all the goodies:
Cardamom Cookies
Rice Krispie Date Balls
Russian Teacakes
English Toffee
Cranberry and Orange Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cake Balls
Oreo Truffles
Candy's Sugar Cookies
Peanut Brittle
Peppermint Bark
Minnesota Munchers
Linzer Cookies
Lincoln Logs
Caramels
Lime Cookies
Chocolate Snowballs
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ginger Cookies
Almost Candy Bars
The Kitchen
Jenna and Kristin
Russian Tea Cakes
Russian Tea Cakes
Jess and Jessie
Jess - Almost Candy Bars
Jessie - Cake Balls and Oreo Truffles
Jess - Almost Candy Bars
Jessie - Cake Balls and Oreo Truffles
Kristin and Karen
Linzer Cookies
Linzer Cookies
Melissa
Peppermint Bark and Minnesota Munchers
Peppermint Bark and Minnesota Munchers
Lindsay
Cardamon Cookies and Date Rice Krispie Cookies
Cardamon Cookies and Date Rice Krispie Cookies
Julie
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms
I made my mom's Sugar Cookies dipped in chocolate and Peanut Brittle
Just look at all those cookies!
Thanks to everyone who came to the party. See you next year!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
Because we have immediate family in both Minnesota and Nebraska, Andi and I decided early on we would alternate holidays with each side of the family. The reason being, quite honestly, piece of mind. No one's feelings are hurt when there's a system in place and everyone's treated fairly. For example:
Easter in NE
Thanksgiving in MN
Christmas in NE
... and then switch the following year.
I like the way we do things. Each side of our family honors unique traditions, celebrates with different foods and both are special in their own way. This Thanksgiving was suppose to be our turn to celebrate in Nebraska, but unfortunately the Gopher football team decided to schedule a game on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We could have gone back, but 7 hours each way is a lot of driving in 2 days (not to mention the weather - you never know what it's going to do). Since I was required to work the game, we changed our holiday rotation this year and went back to Nebraska for Easter. We'll be celebrating both Thanksgiving and Christmas with Andi's side of the family this year. It's a bummer we've missed Thanksgiving with my side two years in a row now, but we've started a fun, new tradition with Andi's mom (Janie) and sister (Lindsay) --- cooking the meal together Thanksgiving morning.
On Thanksgiving Thursday, Lindsay picked me up bright and early and we met Janie, aunts Barb and Judy and cousin Kiera at Grandma Marion's house. I decided to bring mashed potatoes and corny macaroni (my piece of Nebraska Thanksgiving, even in Minnesota) and I had prepared those beforehand.
In my family, you always bring the hostess(es) a gift. It doesn't have to be much, but a thank you to show how much you appreciate them having you over. I've carried on this tradition with our Minnesota family. (Andi thinks I'm crazy for doing this, by the way. The night before, I politely insisted he write a Thanksgiving message in each card for his parents and grandma and this is what he wrote in his mom's "Aren't you thankful I married someone that gives gifts for every holiday. Love Andi") Ha! Very funny Husband. Although Janie found it pretty funny, so I guess Andi knows his mom. I must mention my tradition has spread on as Janie brought Thankgiving hostess gifts for Lindsay, Kiera and I. She gave me pretty Christmas appetizer plates, a candle and some holiday napkins. I can't wait to use them in December!
Anyway, I'm getting off track....
So we all began to prepare Thanksgiving at Grandma Marion's house. My mom's always blown away that I actually cook the meal (shocking, I do!). We got the turkey in the oven (Lindsay was nominated to pull the neck out of the bird for the second year in a row. Yes!). We made homemade stuffing, green bean casserole, gravy and sweet potatoes.
Andi stopped by Walgreens that morning before coming over to his grandma's. He brought me some reindeer slippers because he said he knows his wife's feet always get cold. What a sweetie! So these are the slippers I sported all day. Fashionable, huh.
I made a dried beef cheese ball to snack on while we cooked the meal. I'd never made this recipe before, but it's a favorite of my mom's and everyone in Andi's family liked it too. I broke Keebler Bistro crackers in half and added them to the back half of the cheese ball as the turkey's "tail" - turned out really cute.
Here's a group shot of the cooks:
(I always laugh when I compare myself to Andi's family in photos. Can you tell which one of us is family-by-marriage? All blonde-haired Swedish ladies and me, one brown-haired German girl). Good thing they made me feel all warm and welcome!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Minnesota this year. Rumor is, Gopher football has 3 football games in November 2011 and another game over Thanksgiving weekend in 2011 and 2012 so it sounds like we may be making some exceptions to our perfect little holiday schedule. Although, who knows! Maybe my Nebraska family will make a trip to our house in Minnesota next year ...
Easter in NE
Thanksgiving in MN
Christmas in NE
... and then switch the following year.
I like the way we do things. Each side of our family honors unique traditions, celebrates with different foods and both are special in their own way. This Thanksgiving was suppose to be our turn to celebrate in Nebraska, but unfortunately the Gopher football team decided to schedule a game on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We could have gone back, but 7 hours each way is a lot of driving in 2 days (not to mention the weather - you never know what it's going to do). Since I was required to work the game, we changed our holiday rotation this year and went back to Nebraska for Easter. We'll be celebrating both Thanksgiving and Christmas with Andi's side of the family this year. It's a bummer we've missed Thanksgiving with my side two years in a row now, but we've started a fun, new tradition with Andi's mom (Janie) and sister (Lindsay) --- cooking the meal together Thanksgiving morning.
On Thanksgiving Thursday, Lindsay picked me up bright and early and we met Janie, aunts Barb and Judy and cousin Kiera at Grandma Marion's house. I decided to bring mashed potatoes and corny macaroni (my piece of Nebraska Thanksgiving, even in Minnesota) and I had prepared those beforehand.
Thanksgiving Mums
In my family, you always bring the hostess(es) a gift. It doesn't have to be much, but a thank you to show how much you appreciate them having you over. I've carried on this tradition with our Minnesota family. (Andi thinks I'm crazy for doing this, by the way. The night before, I politely insisted he write a Thanksgiving message in each card for his parents and grandma and this is what he wrote in his mom's "Aren't you thankful I married someone that gives gifts for every holiday. Love Andi") Ha! Very funny Husband. Although Janie found it pretty funny, so I guess Andi knows his mom. I must mention my tradition has spread on as Janie brought Thankgiving hostess gifts for Lindsay, Kiera and I. She gave me pretty Christmas appetizer plates, a candle and some holiday napkins. I can't wait to use them in December!
Anyway, I'm getting off track....
So we all began to prepare Thanksgiving at Grandma Marion's house. My mom's always blown away that I actually cook the meal (shocking, I do!). We got the turkey in the oven (Lindsay was nominated to pull the neck out of the bird for the second year in a row. Yes!). We made homemade stuffing, green bean casserole, gravy and sweet potatoes.
Lindsay and I elbow deep in homemade stuffing
Lindsay and Kiera cleaning the turkey
Andi stopped by Walgreens that morning before coming over to his grandma's. He brought me some reindeer slippers because he said he knows his wife's feet always get cold. What a sweetie! So these are the slippers I sported all day. Fashionable, huh.
My cute little Reindeer slippers - thanks Husband!
I made a dried beef cheese ball to snack on while we cooked the meal. I'd never made this recipe before, but it's a favorite of my mom's and everyone in Andi's family liked it too. I broke Keebler Bistro crackers in half and added them to the back half of the cheese ball as the turkey's "tail" - turned out really cute.
Thanksgiving cheese ball
Here's a group shot of the cooks:
(From L to R: Janie, Barb, Grandma Marion, Kiera, me, Judy, Lindsay)
(I always laugh when I compare myself to Andi's family in photos. Can you tell which one of us is family-by-marriage? All blonde-haired Swedish ladies and me, one brown-haired German girl). Good thing they made me feel all warm and welcome!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Minnesota this year. Rumor is, Gopher football has 3 football games in November 2011 and another game over Thanksgiving weekend in 2011 and 2012 so it sounds like we may be making some exceptions to our perfect little holiday schedule. Although, who knows! Maybe my Nebraska family will make a trip to our house in Minnesota next year ...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Currently In ...
Is any else in bewilderment as to the whereabouts of November? I can't believe how fast time is flying. That's such a grandma-y thing to say but it's so true!
November was good to us; Andi and I visited my cousin Tara in Philadelphia, we celebrated Thanksgiving with Andi's family and I had a blast from past when I visited my old collegiate stomping grounds in Nebraska.
Here's what else happened in November:
Current Books: I traveled quite a bit this month so I brought by Kindle along and read a few books on the plane. I finished Kendra Wilkinson's autobiography Sliding Into Home (scholarly I realize, but I actually liked it and it was a quick, easy read). I also finished The Red Tent which I really enjoyed. This book was loosely based on the life of Dinah from the Bible, and I found it fascinating to think about the way they lived back then. I'm still reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (although I haven't made any progress with that book this month). And, I've been r am referencing sections of Taking Charge of Your Fertility this month too.
Current Play List: Still been listening to a lot of country lately. Loving Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and Miranda Lambert. I started listening to Christmas music a few days ago too which I always love listening to as well.
Current Guilty Pleasure: Caffeine. I've been really trying to kick caffeine and alchohol this month. Alcohol seems like the easy one, but caffeine it's sooo much harder. I'll keep working on this one for December.
Current Color: Black and this just in ... gray.
Current Drink: I had a horrible sore throat Thanksgiving weekend and Andi bought me some Throat Comfort tea. That stuff was a-mazing. He added a slice of fresh lemon and it soothed my sore throat right away. What a loving husband I have!
Current Food: When I was visiting my parents back home this month, my mom made me my favorite pork chop gravy with crunchy chunks of pork chop goodness tucked inside creamy gravy yumminess. I have been craving that gravy for YEARS and it was awesome.
Current Favorite Shows: Andi and I finished the Tutors series this month and I'm so sad that my hot, steamy history lesson of a show is over. I think I'm adding Tudors Series DVDs to my Christmas list so I can re-watch them over again.
Current Wish list: My Christmas list is rapidly multiplying but also on my wish list? Another pair of Gap Jeggings. I love the pair I bought a few weeks ago and I'm definitely buying a few more pairs to take to Europe next week.
Current Needs: Health. I've been sick this month and Andi has too. Seems like all those wintertime germs are really floating around this time of year and I'm wishing for health so we're able to spend the holidays together in happiness.
Current Triumphs: The Gophers football season has finally come to a close. Thank GOODNESS! No more working Saturdays for another year. Also, I'm off The Pill this month so I feel very victorious about that.
Current Bane Of My Existence: The SNOW! I hate driving in slippery, snowy conditions and I find myself becoming a hermit in the wintertime just to avoid driving in the weather. Always takes me a few months to adjust to it all and by then, it's spring.
Current Celebrity Crush: Loving Carrie Underwood this month. And loving her smoking body too. Those legs! I think any girl would kill for them.
Current Indulgence: Andi's been making yummy banana smoothies this month. Ice cream, bananas and a Hershey's syrup. Fantastic.
Current Blessing: We're lucky enough to have some amazing trips planned over the winter months this year. Philly in November, London and Paris in December, Nebraska in December and we're working on planning a trip to the Caribbean in February for my birthday.
Current Outfit: Feeling very stylish in my skinny jeans and tall suede boots this month.
Current Excitement: My hair is finally starting to grow out. Today I was able to pull it into a low side ponytail - wahoo!
Current Mood: Ready for vacation. I'm feeling beat and ready to relax and recharge.
Current Link: http://www.retailmenot.com/ Ever use this website? Never pay for shipping again. You can always find a coupon for % off or free shipping here.
November was good to us; Andi and I visited my cousin Tara in Philadelphia, we celebrated Thanksgiving with Andi's family and I had a blast from past when I visited my old collegiate stomping grounds in Nebraska.
Here's what else happened in November:
Current Books: I traveled quite a bit this month so I brought by Kindle along and read a few books on the plane. I finished Kendra Wilkinson's autobiography Sliding Into Home (scholarly I realize, but I actually liked it and it was a quick, easy read). I also finished The Red Tent which I really enjoyed. This book was loosely based on the life of Dinah from the Bible, and I found it fascinating to think about the way they lived back then. I'm still reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (although I haven't made any progress with that book this month). And, I've been r am referencing sections of Taking Charge of Your Fertility this month too.
Current Play List: Still been listening to a lot of country lately. Loving Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and Miranda Lambert. I started listening to Christmas music a few days ago too which I always love listening to as well.
Current Guilty Pleasure: Caffeine. I've been really trying to kick caffeine and alchohol this month. Alcohol seems like the easy one, but caffeine it's sooo much harder. I'll keep working on this one for December.
Current Color: Black and this just in ... gray.
Current Drink: I had a horrible sore throat Thanksgiving weekend and Andi bought me some Throat Comfort tea. That stuff was a-mazing. He added a slice of fresh lemon and it soothed my sore throat right away. What a loving husband I have!
Current Food: When I was visiting my parents back home this month, my mom made me my favorite pork chop gravy with crunchy chunks of pork chop goodness tucked inside creamy gravy yumminess. I have been craving that gravy for YEARS and it was awesome.
Current Favorite Shows: Andi and I finished the Tutors series this month and I'm so sad that my hot, steamy history lesson of a show is over. I think I'm adding Tudors Series DVDs to my Christmas list so I can re-watch them over again.
Current Wish list: My Christmas list is rapidly multiplying but also on my wish list? Another pair of Gap Jeggings. I love the pair I bought a few weeks ago and I'm definitely buying a few more pairs to take to Europe next week.
Current Needs: Health. I've been sick this month and Andi has too. Seems like all those wintertime germs are really floating around this time of year and I'm wishing for health so we're able to spend the holidays together in happiness.
Current Triumphs: The Gophers football season has finally come to a close. Thank GOODNESS! No more working Saturdays for another year. Also, I'm off The Pill this month so I feel very victorious about that.
Current Bane Of My Existence: The SNOW! I hate driving in slippery, snowy conditions and I find myself becoming a hermit in the wintertime just to avoid driving in the weather. Always takes me a few months to adjust to it all and by then, it's spring.
Current Celebrity Crush: Loving Carrie Underwood this month. And loving her smoking body too. Those legs! I think any girl would kill for them.
Current Indulgence: Andi's been making yummy banana smoothies this month. Ice cream, bananas and a Hershey's syrup. Fantastic.
Current Blessing: We're lucky enough to have some amazing trips planned over the winter months this year. Philly in November, London and Paris in December, Nebraska in December and we're working on planning a trip to the Caribbean in February for my birthday.
Current Outfit: Feeling very stylish in my skinny jeans and tall suede boots this month.
Current Excitement: My hair is finally starting to grow out. Today I was able to pull it into a low side ponytail - wahoo!
Current Mood: Ready for vacation. I'm feeling beat and ready to relax and recharge.
Current Link: http://www.retailmenot.com/ Ever use this website? Never pay for shipping again. You can always find a coupon for % off or free shipping here.
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