Swedish Family

View from Norra Berget (via)

I've been communicating with my family in Sweden to get a few details hashed out for our upcoming visit and let me tell you - it's been SO FUN! (I have family in Ostersund, Sundsvall and Stockholm.) I can't even tell you how gracious they are - letting us stay with them, taking days off of work to be able to visit and now trying to plan fun activities during our stay!

My cousin in Sundsvall asked what I was interested in and I mentioned I had read about this beautiful vista from Norra Berget, Sundsvall's Central Park. She said, "Norra Berget, is it! But I think we'll have to think about something else too, Norra Berget is a small hill but for us in Sundsvall, but it's really a gigantic mountain! :)" Awesome factor: 10

Another cousin said they would take us to a baby moose farm in Ostersund! Plus, we'll be staying in a cottage by the lake. And I'll see the house that my great grandma grew up in. Ummm, how awesome is all of that? Awesome factor: 10

All these little details are making me more and more excited about this trip, including the fact that we've booked a night here! I realize that it's 44 days away (not that I'm counting) but that time will fly by and before you know it, I'll be back in Seattle dreaming about my next vacation :)

I covet

I've eally been eyeing cross body bags lately. They just look so comfortable to carry, but also cute! For the last several years, I've been lugging around this ginormous bag from Banana Republic (as seen here), but I think I might be ready to switch it up. Plus, I think a cross body bag would be a perfect travel companion for my upcoming trip.

I also absolutely love this Marc Jacobs bag, but probably shouldn't splurge right now.

Oh, decisions.

bag 1 via & bag 2 via

21 things I'd like to accomplish or tell my 37 year-old self

Awhile ago, I made a list of things I'd like to tell my 17 year-old self, so I thought I would fast forward 10 years and make a similar list. Erika at 37, here goes.

1. Travel as much as your bank account affords.
   
2. Buy a home.
   
3. Decorate that home prettily. Make one room unapologetically girly.
   
4. Be happy and content with work. We spend far too many hours in the office, so we better enjoy those hours, right?
   
5. Learn how to sew.
   
6. 37 is the new 27.
   
7. Still adore your amazing friends.
   
8. Grow a garden for fresh, tasty ingredients to use for all the recipes you're still experimenting with!
   
9. Get hitched to my adorable fella.
   
10. Have a babe or two.
    
11. Enjoy motherhood. I hear it flies by, so soak it up.
    
12. But also plan "us" time and let the grandparents take care of the kiddos.
    
13. Keep running.
    
14. At some point, take at least a month off of work and go on an adventure.
    
15. You better not be shopping at Forever 21. Sure, an item here and there at 27 is acceptable, but 37 is another story.
    
16. Kam is going to be graduating from high school. (eek!) Convince him that UW is the place to be.
    
17. Remember Facebook? That was (is still?) huge.
    
18. Remember leggings/skinny jeans/oversized sunglasses/large purses? (I wonder what 2021 fashion will bring?)
    
19. Continue to take lots of photos. They are so fun to look back on.
    
20. Never underestimate the power of a healthy glass of red wine. It works wonders.
    
21. Remember that at the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is having the people you love in your life.

Staircases

Sometimes when I dream about my future home, I find myself browsing design blogs for inspiration. Adding picture after picture to my "future home inspiration" folder - bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. Until recently, I never realized how much of an impact a staircase can have in a home. Then I came across these suckers. They're so simple, but bring it up a step. (Ha, get it? A stair step.)

I especially love how the light comes through in the one below. Isn't it great?

all pics via/My Scandinavian Retreat

Oh yes, it's ladies night

In celebration of my Mom's birthday (Happy birthday again, Mom!), her girlfriends are throwing her a ladies night bash filled with wine, good food and lots of laughing. No, more than laughing, they howl from having too much fun. And guess what? I'm invited! I feel so honored. I hope they start a lemon drop throwing fight like they did last time. That made my night.

TGIF, friends!

Pic compliments of my cousin's wedding photobooth - Sister, Mom and me :)

Meet Grace

She was one of the first bloggers that I really started following (and lost track of, but recently found again) and now she's turned into some crazy, slightly famous vlogger for MyDamnChannel. Her name is Grace and I wish I could be kinda like her. She's crazy funny, works as a comedian and actress, and always looks awesome. And now she goes and starts her own fashion blog called Daily Grace Gets Dressed?! Even cooler in my book. The best part? She's uber-budget friendly, but still puts together fun outfits, don't you think?

Iceland

So I've only seen a small handful of their pictures, but I'm obsessed with Maddie, Steph and Kimber's road trip around Iceland. The beautiful, sweeping landscapes, bright blue skies and warm, wintery clothes - it all makes want to pack up and catch the next flight to Reykjavik! In due time, Erika, you'll make it there. Only 52 days.

I'm glad you ladies has such an amazing time. We missed you here, but can't wait to hear all of the incredible stories!

P.S. You guys look like another Emo band album cover. I love it.