My parents are adorable

Aren't they? I just love them so much.

I often wonder whose genes I'll get - will I become more and more "blonde" like my Dad or never have to die my hair like my Mom? Tick tock, tick tock. Only time will tell.

TGIF: Hockey style

I realized that I never shared my hockey game experience from last Friday. Here are my takeaways:

• Seattle Thunderbirds are terribly young. There was a 15-year-old on the ice!
• I must be getting old because every time they got into a fight, I would grimace instead of cheer. But don't tell the diehards that sat behind us.
• Kent and/or hockey attracts an odd crowd.
• I'm happy that America chooses football (or baseball?) as our spot of choice, unlike Canada.
• There are only 3 periods in the game, not 4 like I expected.
• On the JumboTron, they were welcoming groups and all of a sudden "Dip-A-Palooza" appeared. I quickly texted Holden and they were only a few sections away! (Speaking of, DAP7 post to come with video teaser.)
• I want to learn how to skate backwards. Or just go ice skating. And watch Kathryn do a triple-axel since she used to skate competively.

Hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

The Girl Store

Every day, Indian girls are being sold into marriage and sex slavery. But you can help. Simply purchase an Indian girl the items she desparately needs to attend school. Because the most effective way to break the cycle of exploitation is education. Learn more about The Girl Store.

Today, I bought an adorable little girl her school uniform. It's a small price to pay, but every little bit helps these girls get the education they deserve. An education that many of us take for granted.

Up next, maybe I'll buy a little girl her backpack (which happens to be Hannah Montana!) or little black shoes?

What would you buy?

Could-have-been love story

You may have already seen this on Cup of Jo, but I think it's pretty cute. It makes you think about why it can be so hard to just put yourself out there, doesn't it?

Baking Day

I think Stephanie explains it perfectly, but these Devil's Food Cupcakes were the devil, both in the baking process (a 3 hour process) and on my waistline since I've eaten one daily since we made them.

They are delicious though, especially if you're a chocolate fan!

Any easy recipe recommendations for our next baking day?

Success

Joe's birthday was a success this weekend! From the hockey game with his family on Friday to drinks with friends at the Duchess on Saturday to dinner at Cactus on Sunday (actual birthday), he had a great time! He's not a huge birthday celebrator, but I told him to get used to it with me around.

But for the unveil on his gift, though many of you know: I got him a Kinect! His reaction was something along the lines of, "I have the coolest girlfriend ever!" So yes, it was well-received. The other idea was a watch, but I think he's going to try to revive his for now. He did sound interested when I mentioned this blue-faced Skagen watch. Who knows if he gets it for himself after all?

One of the funniest gifts was from Tom and Gwynne - a bib that said "li'l Swede" and a button that said "1/2 Swedish". How they found such perfect gifts is beyond me. Umm, who actually creates and sells a button that says 1/2 Swedish? The evidence below.

TGIF

My top 10 reasons I'm excited for the weekend:

1. This "short" week (I had to work a half day on Monday) has felt like eternity and I can't wait for a little breather.
2. It's Joe's birthday on Sunday! When I tell him he's an old man, he responds with, "How's that seat at the kid's table?" Touche.
3. Due to #2, we're getting a drink with a few friends on Saturday at the Dutch.
4. And Joe and I are going to dinner on Sunday somewhere fun. Place still TBD. Suggestions?
5. I'm SO excited to give him his present! I'll announce what I got him on Monday. I know, leaving you at the edge of your seat.
6. Thunderbirds hockey game tonight!
7. Sleeping in.
8. A possible run with Autumn?
9. There is only a small chance of rain this weekend.
10. Joe's birthday is also our 14 month marker. Crazy how time flies, huh?

What are you excited for this weekend?

pic/WeHeartIt

Clogs

So do you remember when I was coveting these clogs? Well, I still love those clogs (and would also love to get a pair of Hasbeens), but I have managed to get my hands on some very special clogs: My Grandma's clogs! Straight from Sweden. She has about 27 pairs. (I'm really not exaggerating.) She's living in a home for seniors now and can't bring everything with her, so I was able to pick out a couple of my favorites. I thought the camel-colored and red ones suited me quite nicely. In fact, I'm wearing the camel clogs right now. I think she'll be happy with the use I'll get out of them too. It's amazing how comfortable a pair of wooden shoes can be!

My mom saved a few pairs of my clogs from when I was a wee one and they are frickin' adorable.

It's kind of fun that clogs are making a comeback. Are you eyeing a pair yourself?

New Years Resolutions

I realize that we are more than half way through the month, but I never got around to sharing my resolutions. I don't have many, but I think that makes my chances for success much higher. Or at least that's what I tell myself.

1. Communicate better. I am a "communications professional", yet sometimes I don't have quality communications with people enough. Maybe try calling more than texting? Or sending a quick "hello" email to people, just for fun.
2. Mix up the workout routine. I usually only run. Run, run, run. But I want to throw in a hip hop or yoga class here and there. It's fun, so why not?
3. Strategically use my vacation days. I don't think this will be a problem if we do end up going to Sweden, but the fact that I've put myself into a 'use them or lose them' situation this year means that I didn't take enough time off. But thinking back, I was often too busy to take time off. It's a vicious cycle, but it's ending in 2011: the year of using my given vacation days.
4. Continue to try new recipes. In the last year, I've never cooked so much in my life and I loved all of the experimentation. Let's keep it up, Petes.
5. Host more parties. They don't have to be fancy and elaborate, but a game night here and a wine night there is always a good idea. Maybe even a wine & chocolate tasting party? Who is in?
6. Don't get so caught up with what's happening tomorrow. Focus on the now and enjoy it. It's in my nature to always look ahead, but sometimes I find myself doing that way too much. I need to enjoy the moment I'm in too.

I'm sure more "resolutions" or goals will come to mind, but I'll start with this list. It's challenging, yet not unattainable.

What are your resolutions?

pic/via

Imitation is the best form of flattery

I guess George Lopez really liked the Washyourhandsington PSA. In fact, so much that he recreated it to be more applicable to Los Angeles. I present to you: WashYourHandsGeles.

Please note: The contents of this video might be seen as gory. Consider yourself warned.

Recipes a' plenty

pic/PDubs soup

I'm a little behind in sharing a few tasty recipes I've tried recently. I feel like I owe it to you. And so, I share.

First, last weekend I made Pioneer Woman's cauliflower soup and The Bread. Please note the capital "T" and capital "B". That bread really deserves more than capitals. If I could (read: if my body allowed me to intake that much butter without consequence), I would work this side into every meal. It still boggles my mind that only two ingredients (butter and bread) can create such amazing flavor! It's all about the broiling. Oh, and the cauliflower soup: delish.

This weekend, Joe and I had a Mediterranean-themed meal with a greek salad and tuscan bread soup. The homemade dressing on the greek salad turned your average greek salad into something well-above average. And the tuscan soup? Not only is it simple, it's actually pretty healthy. Who would have known that throwing bread in soup could take it to the next level?

Vi kommer till Sverige!

Translation: We are going to Sweden!

Well, maybe. Joe and I hope to go this summer, but there are a lot of factors coming into play so we'll see.

However, it doesn't mean we can't get excited for it, right? Like plan it out day-by-day and create an Excel spreadsheet budget? Yes, total nerd alert here. (My budgeting skills are off the hook - for our road trip, I was only $40 off!) Part of the Sweden plan includes staying on a SHIP in Stockholm! Wouldn't that just be awesome? Check out some of the fun rooms, with porthole and all!

pics/via

little letters

pic via You Are My Fave

dear polaroids,

now i know what to do with you. make a giant collage for my kitchen. (i also want that dutch oven)

dear peanut butter and celery,

though unconventional, you were a quick and delicious dinner last night.

dear Christina,

we told you that you're not allowed to leave. so while you think today is your "last day", think again. (sometimes things are easier in denial.)

dear blog,

sorry i've neglected you this week. kind of like i've neglected everyone else this week. sorry!

dear diva coffee,

that almond flavored latte you made me yesterday is still on my mind. it was sooo yummy.

dear iPhone4,

one day i will own you. am i the last person in my generation without a smartphone?

dear friday,

you're so close, i can smell your sweet, sweet smell.

p.s. it's officially official. as in, they finally announced it at work - i got a promotion. yay!

I'm planning an escape

How is it only Tuesday?

pic/via

DIY: Jewelry Organizer

Say Yes to Hoboken featured this AMAZING jewelry organizer that she created recently. I fell in love. So now I either have to a) find out where she leaves (probably Hoboken?) and steal it, or b) the more "politically correct" way, to make it on my own! So now I'm on a mission to find an antique frame, cute fabric that matches my bedroom and a few knobs. I haven't been this excited about a DIY project in awhile!

Aren't these knobs perfect?

A new year celebration

Considering 2k10 had a bit of a rough start, this year is going seamlessly (knock on wood). With the BIG exception of the accident, 2010 has been one of my favorite years ever. I'm a little late to the game for the whole "reflections of the year", but I'll get to that in time. I also hope to share my goals again for the year, but again, my blogging break put me a little behind.

In the meantime, I share with you: New Years Eve Celebration 2011. It was at RyRy's and there was champagne bottle poppin', appetizer grazin', funny hat wearin', sparklers sparklin' and a moustache moustachin'. The latter was only rocked by Officer Newsome. And he totally rocks it. Though we did learn that Straubs has secretly tried to shave it in his sleep. Seriously. You can call her Sneaky Straubs from now on.

The ladies of the evening.

Moustachin'

Chillaxin'

Self portraitin'

Sparklin'

More sparklin'

Ain't no mountain high enough

When you have SNOWSHOES on! I got Joe snowshoes for Christmas, so we didn't have to borrow all the time. This, in turn, meant that I would also have to buy them for myself. What a pity :)

So on our little mini-trip to Leavenworth, we went on 2 snowshoeing adventures. Once in Leavenworth and once at Stevens Pass, but on the other side of the ski area. At Stevens, we gained some major elevation and weren't too far from the top! I kept blaming my lack of breath on the high elevation... I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with my lack of exercise recently, right? In Leavenworth, however, it was a bit more flat. But we did forge the river because it was frozen over! I guess they call is Icicle River for a reason.

Near the top! Isn't it lovely? Minus my bright red nose. Am I Rudolf?

We even "off-roaded" a bit, which was my favorite part.

And I found this hole in the snow and took a rest.

And Joe conquered this mini-hill. This was in Leavenworth when we thought this was a big hill... before the monstrous mountain!

We ended up snowshoeing until the sunset, which isn't too late this time of year, but still. We're badass.

Willkommen in Leavenworth

On the heels of this little video, Joe and I decided to make the trek over the pass to go to one of my favorite Bavarian towns on Earth: Leavenworth. (I guess I haven't been to any others, but it's still an AWESOME place.)

We meandered around the town, ate a schweinshaxe, drank German beer, wine tasted (did you know they now have 13 tasting rooms in the town?), visited the hat shop and Nutcracker museum, watched the Huskies win the Holiday Bowl and more! (Our snowshoeing adventures to come) Ironically, Erik, Shelly and Johan (Joe's family) were in town our last day, so we also visited with them over a drink and some sledding.

Overall, fabulous little mini-trip!

The classic welcome sign picture. How many times have I posed with that sign? I can't even count.

Schweinshaxe!

German beer the size of my head!

Can we please talk about how red my hair looks here? And how purple our teeth are? And how blue Joe's eyes are? And his awesome Swedish hat?

Nutcrackers galore. Joe was excited.

As I was trying to take of photo of Joe and Johan, all of a sudden the little bugger came crashing down directly for me. Then this continued for a good 30 minutes. I haven't seen a little kiddo laugh that much in a long time. Good times.

Miss me?

Well, I missed you too. I just took a little break over the holidays to rejuvenate my love for blogging. I just couldn't find myself interrupting family/friend/boyfriend/relaxing/vacation time. But now I have a lot of catch you up on, but I'll start with my lovely Christmas. A little on the smaller side, but it was nice. I was the ONLY cousin there. It felt really weird. There are about a dozen of us, so this was a first.

We ate good food. Played Apple to Apples. Drank good wine. Ate more good food. You know, the basics. Overall, it was a wonderful Christmas!