Lady Nine

Let me just tell you that Minnesota summer's do not last long.  This past week we had weather that gave me a glimpse into fall.  Instead of being upset about the cooler weather, I embraced it, and went back-to-school shopping.  Luckily, I have a husband that understands even though I graduated from school years ago, BTS shopping is a smart addition to my annual wardrobe (my words, not his). I refuse to think about the end of summer though, and remain blissfully unaware that we are coming to an end of another beautiful summer.  I am going to make the most of the few short months we have left, by compiling my final summer "to do's" to make sure I complete them all before I wear my new school clothes.  1.  Love the layout of these prints .  Hoping to do something similar in our living room.  2.  I know this is far fetched, but I'm dying to see the rain room at the MOMA . Maybe I'll have a impromptu jetset weekend in NYC. 3.  Jon will be out of town

Diner en Blanc in Paris It's no secret that I love to picnic.  Which is strange because when I'm at work in a cubicle all day, I hate going outside for lunch.  Let's just say that I'm a high maintenance picnic-er.  I love to picnic, but I need to have my table, food that can be room temperature, and usually a glass of wine. This past weekend, I happen to come across a white picnic party.  It was a outdoor picnic, but everyone was dressed fashionably in white and dining al fresco by the light of candles and the moon.  One of the guests was nearby and I asked her about the party ( I assumed she was a guest because she was wearing a very large white had with a bird perched on the rim).  She explained that it was Diner en Blanc; an outdoor picnic that allows friends to gather in a secret location for a summer picnic.  Everyone wears all white and has to bring all their own picnic supplies (food, table, chairs, etc.). Once the party is complete, people take all their

Old city walls I have often thought of getting the title of this post tattooed on myself.  When I first studied abroad in 2006, little did I know how much my life was going to change. Not only did I discover my love for travel and exploring new cultures, I also found Jon.  'Nuff said.  If you haven't been to Florence, I would love to give you a good old fashion slap across the face with a white glove (it just sounds fancy) and knock some sense into you. Florence is a fantastic town with amazing food, art, and things to do. Even though we only spent a few days there on our wedding trip, it was worth the time to remember how much I love the city. Neptune's fountain sculpture in the Boboli Gardens Dinner at Trattoria da Guido View of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo Palazzo Vecchio at night Rolls of beautiful wallpaper found in a boutique while shopping

Fireworks over the ocean at Key Biscayne Let's take a mini break from talking about my trip to discuss the current holiday that is upon us, the 4th of July!  Just like most Americans, I love the birthday of America and am excited to celebrate with everyone!  We are heading up to the cabin tonight for a patriotic boat parade and some fireworks over the lake. I have been lucky to experience this holiday in a variety of places and there are always family, friends, food, and perhaps a cocktail with Uncle Sam (just to clarify I mean the father of America, I don't have an actual Uncle Sam). Here are a couple of links for your 4th of July viewing pleasure!  Hope you all have a fun holiday planned!  If not, take Katy Perry's Firework advice, "you just got to ignite the light, and let it shine!"  Happy Birthday America! I'm hoping to try this recipe tomorrow while we grill our steaks Love this Saved by the Bell episode of the 4th of July One year