I found my heart in Florence

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

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Luck be a lady...

In case you haven't already heard, it's out with the old and in with the new at Mall of America. Not that I didn't love Bloomingdales, but it's time Minnesota caught up with the rest of the world, and get some great retail stores in the supposed "Mall of America." I am excited and downright giddy to announce that MOA will now have four new stores in replace of the Bloomingdales location: Zara, Topshop, Madewell, and Tory Burch. To say I am happier than a bird with a french fry, is an understatement. My trips to MOA are going to dramatically increase to the point where I should look into a reserving a spot in the parking lot. To prepare properly for this special occasion, I have been online window shopping again, and picked out some items I will hope to find in the new stores. Here are some of my favorites. This Topshop dress will be perfect at weddings this summer. A Madewell llama necklace . Need I say more? I li...

Gifts for the Host

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party. Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party). Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends. Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift. Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season. A new way to keep white wine chilled A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire These throws are super soft and cozy Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it! This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.

Happy 4th of July!

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...

Lady Nine

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