florida highlights

Beautiful trees at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.

Beaches covered in seashells.

Holiday lights Florida style.

Big Beautiful Bridge.

I spent a long weekend in Florida on the gulf coast with my sister. I had a nasty cold but we still had a great time relaxing on the beach and eating plenty of seafood.

Oh Christmas Tree!!!

city of fire

thankful.

I am thankful for soft pillows on my bed.

I am thankful for a workout that raised my heartrate.

I am thankful for photos from the weekend that make me smile.

I am thankful for neighbors who rake all of the leaves.

I am thankful for chocolate dessert. and pudding. and cool whip.

I am thankful for music that clears my head.

question.

mmm... coffee.

going somewhere?

senses.

The other day I was walking over to a meeting and I got a huge whiff of fresh cut grass. I imagine that is the last time I will smell that until spring. Then on the same walk I smelled someone's wood burning stove.
Today I was walking into the office and I looked up to see the bright blue sky framed around the deep red berries left on a tree. I should have captured a picture of that.

35W

My new commute has me traveling south on 35W every morning. Each time I go through all of the construction on 35W and 62 I notice all of the workers. They are out there building the new streets in the rain and cold. I just want to roll down my window and shout something like, Keep up the good work! Or I could deliver multiple gallons of hot chocolate to keep them working through the day. It has to be a rough job.

I would use these.

city of rw

How great are these signs?

faces.

Eli
One Month Old

just for fall.

Today it feels like fall. It's 50 degrees and it is super windy. In honor of that, here are a few things from the web that are great for fall.

Stemless wine glasses made from recycled bottles.

Rose Cut Ring.

Minnesota Grown Apples.

Watch PBS to learn about the National Parks.

Celebrate Oktoberfest. Check out these pics.

read this.

I highly recommend that you start reading this blog.

Sobrina Tung writes this lovely blog named Quiet Like Horses and I just can't get enough of it. She writes in a way that is honest and true. It's like you are her best friend and you completely understand the story she is telling because you have known her like, forever. Her writing is visual and you are right there with her through all of life's adventures. Read this blog. Enjoy!

I wanna dance.

Hoodies are on sale! So very tempting!

things to love.

Recycled Glasses from Yava Glass

Hanging Planter from Pigeon Toe Ceramics, found via for me, for you.

Fleece Lined Hoodie from L.L. Bean.

Pumpkin and fall drinks from Caribou.

walk.

I went for a walk last night with my friend, TJ. His dog, named Scotch, is full of energy and found great joy drinking water right out of someone's sprinkler system. While we laughed at Scotch's enthusiasm, one of TJ's neighbors called over to us. He was up on a step ladder cutting grapes from the trellis over his driveway. I never realized that someone was growing grapes right in Northeast Minneapolis! The friendly neighbor offered TJ and I fresh grapes. Despite the seeds, the grapes are very tasty!

big bag.

I have never been the type of girl who carries around a big bag for a purse. My purses have always been small. Tiny. Just big enough to hold the basics. Until now. I'm in love with this big bag that I won. It's an Orla Kiely bag from the shop All About Cute.

searching for whooping cranes

This past weekend my sister took me to search for whooping cranes. There are three whooping cranes in the area just north of Madison, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, we never found the whooping cranes. But we did spot egrets, sandhill cranes, and blue herons.



In this last picture - the water is actually over the road. The road is closed and we doubt it will ever be repaired because it's surrounded by the waterfowl production area.

How was your week?

My week has felt like this...

orange and blue

Up on the roof at Moto-i

Look!

I'm featured over at Simply Hue!

wednesday

Bonus points to you if you know where the photo above was taken. Any ideas?

coming soon. . .

August is full of so many joys and surprises. It's going to be a busy month. Here's a sneak peek at what's coming soon.

August is full of birthdays. First, it's my sister's birthday. Then my Grandma (turning 84!) and I celebrate our birthdays together. Hopefully Eli will arrive this month to add to our August Birthday Calendar!

I'm going to Dallas.

My parents will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

found treasures.

There are so many amazing, beautiful, creative treasures to be found. Here are some of my top picks from the recent past.

This spice cupboard organizer is genius.

I love reading stories written by Sobrina at Quiet Like Horses. Her storytelling skills are very captivating.

Here's a great video to remind all of us that love is sweet, even in a whisper.

This is a great gift idea = Customized Sigg Water Bottles. Found via The Kitchn. It would be really hard to decide on just one custom design!

Check out this great kitchen. Go Yellow! Found via The Kitchen.

14 things.

It's been awhile since I have done a post like this... Here are 15 things about me. Surf over to Jen Loves Kev to read her 15. Then post your own!

1. I started a photo club with two of my friends who are both named Sarah. The photo above is from our most recent outing. I love the spoonbridge!
2. I own three bicycles.
3. I love york peppermint patties.
4. I have two older sisters.
5. My friend Sarah and I started an etsy shop. Visit the shop by clicking here.
6. I planted some flowers in pots on my patio and I haven't been giving them much attention this summer. Surprisingly, they are still alive.
7. I haven't been camping yet this summer.
8. Green is my favorite color. This is obvious because I have SO many green things. Green bike, green purse, green bedroom, green luggage, and a new green pen!
9. My Grandma and I have the same birthday (and it's almost here!).
10. Soon, I'm going to be Aunt for the first time. I cannot wait to meet Eli Lenard Kramer.
11. I have a collection of spoons - the kind that are in tourist shops from the state you are visiting.
12. I'm very excited to go to a wedding this weekend.
13. I would like to learn calligraphy.
14. Right now I'm listening to the song Red and Purple by The Dodos. I like it.

Urban Image

Simple, Modern, Sentiments

Come on over to the Urban Image Etsy Shop. My friend Sarah and I are in business selling greeting cards. We'll add new cards frequently, so browse often. Need something specific? Let us know and we'll work with you to create just what you are looking for.

Happy Shopping!

standing tall.

download this. ALL of this.

A huge thanks to Kate at For Me For You who posted about the great free music from Urban Outfitters. I'm downloading all of it today!

make this.

Fajitas Marinade

for 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons onion salt
1 1/2 teaspoons season salt
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper

Mix all ingredients together. Place cut strips of chicken in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. The marinade smells delicious.

My sister Kelly gave me this recipe and I have made it on two different occasions. Both times I only let the marinade set into the chicken for about an hour. Then I cooked the chicken and in a separate pan I cooked peppers with garlic and olive oil. Build your own fajita with the chicken, peppers and toppings of your choice. The best thing about the marinade (besides the taste) is that there isn't a lot of remaining marinade to dispose of after you soak the chicken. It all covers the chicken and cooks nicely.

Enjoy!

I <3 Wisconsin.

Bosacki's Boat House, Minocqua, Wisconsin

glow.

architecture.

From top to bottom - More pics from the DC Trip.

The ceiling at Union Station.
The Old Post Office Building.
The Willard Hotel.
The Rotunda Ceiling at the Capitol.
The Metro.

art.

The pictures from my DC trip continue...
From top to bottom:
The original poster used for the Obama Campaign.
Fotobama exhibit at the Newseum featuring professional and amateur pictures.
Bike shop in Georgetown.
Pieces of the Berlin Wall on exhibit at the Newseum.