Dog Days of Summer

One last weekend at the cabin.

It’s been more than three months since I last wrote and I must apologize for my silence. Finding myself in-between jobs and dealing with a barrage of difficult family matters left me both uninspired and largely too low to write. I’m happy to report that much has changed.

Last work I began a new job with a nonprofit I’m passionate about and, for the first time in months, feel my life is no longer on “pause.” B and I are planning a road trip through New England. We’re getting excited to give canning another crack this fall. More than anything, we’re doing our best to drink up the last drops of summer; i.e, go paddle-boarding one last time, have Izzie’s ice cream for lunch, finish one more good book and wear my favorite summer dresses on repeat.

How will you enjoy these last days of summer? I’d love to know and I’m so glad to be back!

What Do You Do When You Have to Get Out of the House?

It has been raining nonstop in Minneapolis since Sunday. Sheet after sheet of cold rain and, last night, it finally got to us. We had to get out of the house and do something. Anything! So, as Ashleigh would say, we did something “very American.” We went to the mall, window shopped and eventually found ourselves having sushi and debating for close to 20 minutes whether we should try all the desserts on the menu. In the end, we settled on a dessert each, but! was the decision difficult. The monotony of the weather made having a choice all too exotic. It was so nice, though, to break up the work week and get out of our routine for a night.

What do you do when you need to get out of the house? Wine night with your bff? Solo bookshop date? I’d love to know!

Adorable Scottie photo courtesy of Flickr

Spring is Finally Here

Hello, beauties! Does it feel like spring where you are? Today in Minneapolis it’s supposed to reach 70! The warmest day on record in over six months. My plans are to meet a friend at an outdoor patio and sip mojitos.

Sorry for being so bad about posting lately. Blogging and personal well-being seem to have an inverse relationship for me. When I’m uninspired in the office, I blog more and when I’m, well, quite happy at work, I can’t think of what to blog!

I do, however, want to make a spring 2014 fun-do list, so here goes:

-Plan a weekend for Gigi & Nanie to visit (Nanie’s the one in the photo)

-Have an outdoor picnic at least three times a week

-Take Aya on a long walk almost every day

-Read outside

-Eat springy foods (salads + fruit for me, please!)

-Finally read Grace: A Memoir

That’s about it. Simple is good. What are your plans now that the weather’s gorgeous?!

Happy Friday

Happy Friday, everyone!

It’s a bright cool morning here in Minneapolis and, as usual, I feel a sense of accomplishment in just making it through the week. I hope you’re all looking forward to fun plans this weekend with time to unwind, enjoy a glass of wine and maybe even get lost in a good novel.

Sunday marks my one year wedding anniversary and to celebrate, B and I are heading to the North Shore for a long weekend. As the lodge we’re staying at doesn’t allow pets, we’ll even be ‘child free.’ Don’t feel too sorry for Audrey, though. She loves staying at the doggie hotel. I can’t tell you how excited I am to sleep in, have a change of scenery and not have to go to work on Monday! And then there’s spending time with my man, of course.

Take care everyone and I’ll see you Monday! If you’re in the mood to browse this morning, you might enjoy these finds…

Minneapolis, you need this. Period.

Halloween party decorating ideas

Because my sister is getting married!

I’ll take the gold one, please.

This may inspire you

Another reason to whistle while you work

This may be the best Halloween costume idea of.all.time.

Nine ways to be a style setter

The little prince is only getting cuter

Xo, Em & Ash

Photo courtesy of Cruello.tumblr

Madewell’s MOA Grand Opening

Madewell’s grand opening event last night at Mall of America did not disappoint and I had so much fun finally trying on pieces I’d been eyeballing online all season. I walked out with the most comfortable and versatile chambray shirt, but also loved the fit of Madewell’s dresses. 

 

At first I thought this navy cap-sleeve dress was a bit too basic, but then I started thinking of just how many ways and places I could wear this. It’d look adorable with black ankle booties and a cardi and equally great with a blazer and heels. A crisp white button down underneath would also work great for cool fall days.

This diamond jacquard dress was so comfortable and I could so see wearing it with slinky black heels, but it would also look great belted. This is a dress that makes you feel instantly polished and put together. The fabric was slightly heavy, however, so this is really a piece you’d only wear through fall and winter. 

What are your favorite pieces from Madewell’s fall collection?! How would you wear these dresses? Xo, Em