Farewell Winter

Now that it’s mid-May here in Minnesota, we can finally muster the courage to say goodbye to Winter.
Not because we love the cold and hate to see the snow melt, but because we’re used to being let down in the Spring… Surprise blizzards in April, 30 degree days in May. You just never know. But the deep freeze seems to finally be over!
Gardens are being planted and buds are on the trees (more on that later)!

So before we all get carried away with iced coffees and flip flops, here’s a quick recap of the past few months and the uninspiring, yet somewhat comforting, Minnesota Winter.

Fresh snowfall followed by a day of melting.

Mom’s homemade bread fresh from the oven : )

Patient trees waiting for Spring.

Experimenting with Turkish coffee…

And of course some snippets from Instagram…
The snow family we made with the first graders at school, warm treats like semi-heart-shaped pizzas, my favorite furry friend, and other Winter scenes. One thing I will miss are those sherbet sunsets that seem to appear in January… So beautiful!

Deep Freeze

Man, Minnesota winters are something else.
At the beginning of January, I started a new job at a school and since then we’ve already had five days off!
Not because it was a “snow day” but because it was literally a “cold day.” -40 degree wind chill in the mornings…
When kids were supposed to be waiting outside for their busses!

So basically, it’s been crazy and we’ve all been hibernating for the most part. Sleeping in scarves, wearing double layers of socks… Whatever it takes. Here’s how I’ve been keeping warm…

Lots & lots of coffee and comfort food.

Good books — Like my new Page to Screen Harry Potter book : )

I would be nowhere without my sweater & scarf stash…

Not to mention cuddles with this guy… Who has officially claimed my furry blanket as his own.

And more photos from Instagram depicting the few benefits of Winter in Minnesota…
Beautiful snowy views, more cuddles with Buda, my cozy grizzly bear shirt, margaritas,
& daydreams of the East Side Gallery in Berlin (see more Berlin here).

This & That

This sweater.

When my mom was knitting Buda’s new sweater, we could both hardly contain ourselves because it was turning out to be so adorable. Thanks to quite a few fittings, it’s the perfect size and also has an under-belly button closure. He’s even more irresistible now when he’s bundled up in his precious sweater!

That sandwich.

I’ve recently become obsessed with croissant sandwiches, especially breakfast sandwiches. I mean, look at it!
I enjoyed this delicious guy during a brunch date with my friend Liz : )

Warm & Well

The cold weather has been keeping me inside the house a bit more lately and I definitely don’t hate it…
Spending time at home is always warm and wonderful, especially around the holidays.

I hope everyone is well and is enjoying the season too : )

Our Thanksgiving Day bouquet.

Adventuring around Minneapolis with Brandon, celebrating our 3 year anniversary!

And some more snippets from Instagram…

Furry friends, Thanksgiving treats, holiday outings in Minneapolis, and anniversary drinks & donuts with Brandon.

Autumn in Albert Lea

Unfortunately, Minnesota no longer looks like this…

Many weeks ago, Katie and I visited our friend Senja in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where she moved for a job after returning from the east coast. We went for a lil’ nature walk and it was sooo beautiful near the lake. The air was a little crisp… But nothing compared to the freezing temperatures we have now, of course.

Beautiful Senja in her element.

Katie and me by the lake.

Happy weekend!