MY SUMMER IN INSTAGRAMS

It's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end, especially when it's 90 degrees outside and you are in the middle of the year's biggest heat wave! We have been trying to stay cool by getting outside in the evenings, blasting the fans and playing around with new smoothie recipes. It's been a while since I shared personal photos so I figured I'd sum up my summer the best way I know how- Instagram!

1. During a visit from my dear friend Jessie, I reacquainted myself with OB and took a walk on the pier.
2. Got this pretty present this summer. Racoons sole purpose in life is to keep that ring safe every night. Still too scared to wear it at night.
3. The one day that my white sofa looked, well, white. Dogs and white do not mix.
4. Our venue is picked and I'm so excited about all of the little details it has in store- including the bar!
5. Starting to get a feel for what I want my wedding to be- it's all in the details!
6. I think I've had more cheese boards this summer than ever before.
7. Had a fun day in LA with these purdy ladies.
8. Got engaged to this stud muffin.
9. Movie night in the LA Forever Cemetery.
10. Starting to feel a little more at home in our new place.
11. San Diego County Fair to fulfill my cheese curd cravings.

HE PUT A RING ON IT

Much to my surprise, I got a nice little present this weekend for my finger. My boyfriend of almost five years, Kim, popped the question at the beach and I said yes! We couldn't be more excited and are just trying to enjoy the new bliss of it all before the planning fun (madness) begins. Thanks for all the sweet comments I already received on Facebook and Instagram from so many of you, means the world to me!

SURPRISE, I'M BACK

Hello, hello! I was right, I couldn't stay away from this blog for a whole month. Three weeks will have to suffice! While I have been out I have done a ton and nothing at the same time (know the feeling?).

I went home for ten wonderful days to Minnesota to see my family and friends but most importantly to see my cousin Kelsey get married. We had a blast and it was great to see everyone and let down a little bit. Trips home are always go-go-go though, so I honestly came back more tired than when I left. Worth every (waking) minute though!

The move has been a slow but sure thing. Everything is moved in but I'm further behind than I would like to admit on the decorating/finding a place for all my things phase. The additional space is lovely though and I am taking full advantage of the new dishwasher in my life.

Lastly, I'm in the middle of the Blogging Your Way e-course with Holly Becker form Decor8. I'm learning so much from so many amazing teachers and am feeling refreshed on the blogging front and ready to kick-start it back up.  Been a little behind on the readings and homework but hope to get all caught up this weekend. I know I said it before, but really, if you are thinking about starting a blog or need a course on it, take this class!

Photo Summary:
01. Otis watching the birds from the sofa.
02. (Most) of my family at cousin's wedding.
03. The new abode!
04. (Stayed) up to see the sunrise on Lake Harriet, whoops!
05. Hunt & Gather, my favorite Minneapolis antique store.
06. Out with my girlfriends for Grand Old Days in Saint Paul
07. My mom gardening outside my childhood home.

on the twelfth day of christmas: home for the holidays

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords-a-leaping, 9 ladies dancing, 8 maids-a-milking, 7 swans-a-swimming, 6 geese a-laying, 5 golden rings, 4 calling bird{y}s, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.


Back in sunny San Diego after an adventurous trip back to my homeland, Minnesota. I spent 10 days with family and friends and filled my time by celebrating the holiday with my family's Swedish traditions, catching up with people I don't see nearly enough, eating, practicing my dance moves with my niece and nephews and getting lots of rest. And although it wasn't the white Christmas you would expect in Minnesota, and I ran into a travel nightmare on the way home, it was still a great time that I'll never forget. 


While I was away, I gave myself a break and completely checked out of work and blogging but am happy to get back into my routine. To finish off my 12 days of Christmas posts, I have posted some photos below of my perfect holiday week home. I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 2012, here we go! May it be a happy, healthy and fun year for us all.


I can't wait to share photos with you from my fabulous New Years Eve night out with friends in Minneapolis. Post coming soon...

Check out my other 12 Days of Christmas posts here:

• On the first day of Christmas: iGifts
• On the second day of Christmas: DIY ornaments
• On the third day of Christmas: Free Holiday Subway Art 
• On the fourth day of Christmas: DIY Advent Inspiration
• On the fifth day of Christmas: DIY Snow Globe 
• On the sixth day of Christmas: Have Yourself a Sparkly Little Christmas 
• On the seventh day of Christmas: Holiday Link Love 
• On the eighth day of Christmas: Holiday Gift Guide
• On the ninth day of Christmas: Simple Hostess Gift
• On the tenth day of Christmas: Holiday Stationery
• On the eleventh day of Christmas: m's favorite gifts