Sunday Snapshots: Catching up

Again, I've taken a long break from posting here. All is well, but you know how busy life gets, especially during the summer. I'm hoping to be back soon with some fun posts that don't include just Instagram photos or Pinterest finds. But for now, here's what I've been up to lately.

Bits and pieces

Winter's gotta be almost over, right?

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Clementines

By this time of year, I've eaten my weight in clementines. While they're the perfect little treat, sometimes a girl likes to dress things up.

Make these this week for your valentine.



Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Clementines
4 clementines, peeled
1/2 cup good dark chocolate. I like the Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips.
Sea salt



1. Melt the chocolate in a small dish in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds and stir, repeating the cycle until the chocolate in fully melted and smooth.



2. Dip the clementines in the chocolate, using a spoon to cover half of each piece. Lay on parchment paper and sprinkle with sea salt.



3. Allow chocolate to harden for at least an hour before removing the slices from the parchment to serve or store in the refrigerator. The end of the clementine that's not covered in chocolate will dry out, so consume within 12 hours.

Pieces of my weekend

This time of year, it's hard to feel like doing much but curling up at home. Lately I've tried to find small indulgences to chase away the winter blues: drinking champagne after a good workout, spending an extra half-hour in the morning reading in bed,  making galentines with my best gal (coming in a future post). While the temperatures barely broke zero this weekend, seeing Justin Timberlake in concert and hosting a tapas party made for an awesome weekend.

SaturdayObsessions: Currently loving

Here are some of my favorite things right now.


I accidentally gave up coffee a few weeks ago because of all of the fantastic teas I've found. Don't worry, I'm not quitting coffee; it's just on vacation for this recent obsession.


This book has me rethinking every purchase I've ever made and thinking harder about what I like versus what's trendy.


Combining a neutral with a bright accent color is my new favorite manicure.




Apparently I'm also obsessed with accessorizing my wrist. I love my Olivia Burton watch and my Fitbit Force.


The day I receive my Birchbox is a highlight of my week.

For Kathryn and Matthias

We have a new German bier hall in Fargo. It's just not the same without you, Kathryn and Matthias, but Troy tried having a good time without you.



Sorry, Matthias, but no Flensburger. We'll work on the owners to get it on tap so you have an excuse to come visit.






Miss you guys!

Monday Musings: Our newest family member

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm taking a few days of this new year to wrap up the last.

One of the most exciting purchases we made in 2013 was our 1978 Vespa scooter.

After walking through Paris, Prague and Berlin, we were itching to bring a little European buzz to the streets of Fargo. In what can only be described as serendipity, we happened upon a Vespa that was in great shape for a fantastic price located just 30 miles away.

Meet Peppi, short for Pepperoni, our little blue Vespa.

We took Peppi on our summer camping trip to Itasca State Park.


Troy surprised me for Christmas with this chic new white helmet, so I'll be styling again once the snow melts.

Sunday Snapshots: Euro trip 2013

I'm clearly a bit behind  keeping you up to date on how I spent 2013. It was a great year, so as we head into a new one, let's recap over the next few days.

In May we took another trip to Europe, this time stopping in Paris, Prague and Berlin. Despite a very wet couple of weeks, we had a fantastic time.

Paris

We made sure to stop at Fargo Records in the Marais.

Place des Vosges

And, of course, Paris included lots of dessert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prague

The mister grew a mustache. Here it is on about Day 5

The Vltava flooded the city just two days after this photo.

Eurostache Day 7.

Very Kafka.

One of Europe's oldest vineyards.

All of the dessert in Paris, was replace by beer in Prague.

Berlin

Juxtaposition of Berlin's dark past with its developing future.

A raindrop looks like a tear at this Jewish memorial.

Scars of the past.

We met my dear friend Kathryn and her husband Matthias.

Mimosas with my Kathryn.

We're so lucky they could join us from Switzerland.

Lots of beers were consumed.