bright, bold, blonde

New Job

2013-05-29T10:03:00.002-05:00

by Meredith

Excuse yet another delay on my blogging. Last week I accepted a new job at Manhattan Toy, a botique toy manufacturer in downtown Minneapolis. I'll be the in-house marketing and public relations specialist.

This adds yet another change to the books for 2013. But, I'm excited because it's the perfect time for a career change - I'm looking for more growth, new challenges and a few new faces. I'll pick up my blog editorial soon. Promise.

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
― Andy Warhol, The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

DIY Bouquets

2013-05-15T09:30:00.002-05:00

by Meredith

I'm thinking about making my own bouquets this summer with flowers from a small business I love at the Minneapolis Farmer Market. You can plan ahead and create a custom order, then pick them up the day before the wedding. Then I could create my own bouquets and centerpieces. It can't be that hard, right?

I've found a lot of videos and tips online and in magazines, but any other suggestions? Have you tried it before? I want to know how it went.

table numbers

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

by Meredith

Now on to place settings... below are some of my favorites. Nothing I want to copy exactly, but I will use pieces from each.

Jesse and I love to travel, so this theme is perfect.

Happy May Day

2013-05-01T11:42:00.000-05:00

by Meredith

Happy May Day. Buy some flowers, make a basket and give to a friend, share some love.

aisle decor

2013-04-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

By Meredith

This week I'm thinking about aisle decor and have many ideas. Below are my favorites.

{Aisle decor: a single gerbera daisy, tied with black ribbon}

{Flower cones made from sheet music}

{Ribbon in your colors wrapped around chair ends for a simple aisle decor}

{Hymn pages made into flowers}

Mirror Transformation

2013-04-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

by Meredith

I found an old mirror while sorting items at my Gram's house. It's a beautiful white painted antique, wood mirror. It's perfect except for the chipped paint. You can easily pick up some spray paint and fix it. Just remove the mirror and go outside to spray on a few layers until it's completely covered. Let it dry and wala!

The Past Two Months

2013-04-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

by Meredith

I hope my readers have stuck with me over the past two months. I apologize for not being present, but a lot has gone on. First, my wonderful boyfriend proposed February 9th, 2013. We are planning a wedding celebration for July 20th of this year. Secondly, my beautiful mom and best friend passed away March 20, 2013 after a courageous 26-month battle with brain cancer - a glioblastoma multiforme. It was the hardest time of my life and I hope the only. Since early February I've checked out of my normal routine and spent all of my time and energy living in the present and with loved ones.

Now, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things... slowly but surely my blog too will be up and running.

Sending wishes your way for happiness, love, success and health.

Meredith

"Life is all memory, except for the present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going." ~ Tennessee Williams

No Sew Blanket

2013-02-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

My Mom's friends gave us a no-sew blanket kit for Christmas, in hopes that we could make together. It's been quite busy lately, but this weekend we found time. It was so much fun.

This is one lovely, yet simple project you can work on with someone else. It creates not only a wonderful keepsake, but a beautiful memory.


{Lay the two pieces of fleece out so that the wrong sides are together (both right sides are facing out) and the edges are even. If the edges are not even, trim the larger piece of fleece so that both pieces are even. Cut off the selvage edge from the both pieces.}

{Cut out a 5" square from each corner. On all four sides, cut slits all the way around that are 5" deep and approximately 1 1/2" apart. You should cut through both layers of fleece at one time.}

{Cutting the slits in the edges makes fringe. Since you cut through both layers of fleece at the same time, the fringe will be in pairs. Knot each pair in an overhand knot - just like you tie a balloon. The knot should be close to the actual blanket. Continue knotting each of the pairs all the way around}

Gram

2013-01-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

My heart has been heavy the last week. My dear Grandma Helen passed away last Thursday, January 24 at 10:15pm. She had ongoing respiratory problems and they caught up to her at age 90. But, up until the last month - she got to do everything she wanted to. She has been my second mom and best friend for my entire life. I hope I can be just like her. Handle things with grace, have the most unconditional love for my family and friends, keep my faith in God strong, be hard working, focus on the present and keep going. I love you Grams, so very very much. I'm so happy you were mine and I was yours. Even though you're gone, I feel like you'll be with me forever. Until we meet again in the land of glory, love your Meredith.

John 14:1-4, 18-19, 25-27

14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ²My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going.”

¹⁸I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

²⁵“All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

{Dad's birthday brunch at Dangerfield's}

{Annual birthday cake made by Gram}

{Gram's 89th birthday at Sunsets}

{90th birthday at Church}

{Walk by Minnehaha Falls}

{Three generation trip to Duluth}

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

2013-01-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

Today...

2013-01-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

This quote sums up how I am going to take on 2013. Cookie Monster has always been my favorite.

Atlanta

2013-01-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

Sorry... one more week of poor creativity. Today I leave for Atlanta, Georgia to see my dear cousin and friend, Dawn. It's been hectic getting ready for another long weekend out, but it will be so worth it! I've never spent time in Atlanta - nor Georgia really, except for one day in Savannah two and a half years ago with my family. Here's a photo from our day trip to Savannah - in front of the famous Paula Deen restaurant, The Lady & Sons. We were on vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC and spent a day driving further south to check out the scenery. More to come next week!

Lutsen

2013-01-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

Happy New Year 2013. I apologize for my creative hiatus, but it's been a busy couple of weeks. Now I'm headed to Lutsen and next next week Atlanta. Once I'm back in the normal grind, things will start to get a little more crazy again.

{View of Lake Superior from atop the Lutsen Mountains}

Merry Christmas

2012-12-27T11:02:00.002-06:00

by Meredith

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013! Wishing you love, joy and peace in the new year and always...

Festive Tights

2012-12-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

A simple way to stay warm and add flare to any winter outfit is by adding tights. I'm sure you already own a pair of black or brown, but mix it up and add some color. You'll be suprised how many comliments you get.

My favorite brand is Hue.

Chocolate Crinkles

2012-12-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

These are my favorite Christmas cookie.

Blue Ribbon Crinkles

1/2 C. vegetable oil
1 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 C. ganulated sugar
4 eggs
2 t. vanilla
1 C. flour
2 t. baking poweder
1/2 t. salt
1 C. powdered sugar

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes
Makes six dozen

Mix oil, chocoate and sugar in bowl. Blend in one egg at a time until well mixed.
In separate bowl, mix vanilla, flour, baking power and salt together. Once well mixed, stir into oil mix.
Chill several hours or over night.
Take teaspoon and form small balls out of batter. Roll in powder sugar and place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Cool cookies, but place small marshmellow in center before completely cool.
Mix up simple chocolate frosting or buy canned frosting. Drip over center.

Christmas Lights

2012-12-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

This is my home, completely covered in LED Christmas lights, and thanks to the awesome work of my father. #MerryChristmas

Is your house still dark this holiday? There is still time to decorate. :)

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2012-12-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

We are now walking in a winter wonderland in Minnesota. This weekend we got up to 10 inches in the Twin Cities, and even more in some parts! In celebration of the snowy season, I am sharing this picture of what I call strong and true "snow birds," courtesy of my friend who saw these little guys trying to cozy up the past couple of days.

Afternoon Holiday Tea

2012-12-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

Host an afternoon tea this holiday season. Grab Grandma's teapots and teacups and invite loved ones over for a tea. Here's all you need:

Teapots and teacups
Classical or vintage mucus
Candles to create ambiance
Server a variety of petit fours, scones, fruit, cheeses, crackers, sugar cookies and of course chocolate. Display on china platters
Set out bouquets of pink and white flowers.
Take Polaroid snapshots of guests to add to the fun
Encourage guests to dress up complete with heels, hats and gloves.

{Blueberry Almond Scones and Lemon Curd via Bonne Nouvelle}

{Cucumber Sandwiches are a must}

Holiday Cards

2012-12-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

To me, there's nothing better than receiving a traditional, hand-written holiday card via snail mail during the Christmas season. You can either buy them from the store or make them yourself. Gather your loved ones addresses and tell them how much they mean to you. You'll make their day and it's a simple, inexpensive way to show you care.

Hand Painted Ornaments

2012-11-29T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

In need of a few little gifts this holiday season? Here's a creative idea. Pick up some ornaments (plastic or glass) and acrylic paint, then create your own beautiful tree ornaments. You can make the design as complicated or simple as you want and they will still be stunning. Guaranteed your friends and family will love them. This makes a nice, small thoughtful present, or use them to decorate the outside of a present by attaching it near the top by the bow for an add-on.

This can also make for a fun activity to do with kids this holiday season.

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

CaringBridge

2012-11-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

During this season of care, I want to plug an organization I've become acquainted and really appreciate, CaringBridge. This web organization allows you to create your own web page/blog and share information about a person's health. You can make it as private as you want, and can easily share it with those you want. If someone you care about ever has a major health crisis, friends and family want to know what's going on - and you want them too. However, if you've ever experienced this firsthand, you can understand how trying it is to keep everyone in the loop - especially when conditions are changing daily. This is so much more simple than jumping on the phone with everyone to tell the same, long, detailed story over and over again. This way all those 'details' can be explained one time. And, those who care can still call and just say hello and ask how they can help instead because everyone will already know the nasty details. Better yet - those who care, can post messages of love and support on the page, and the person experiencing all of the terribleness can read them and know how much they are cared about.

Of course you never want to 'need' a space like this, but when someone does... I highly recommend and support this organization.

Happy Thanksgiving

2012-11-22T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

Lakes of Wood

2012-11-20T09:06:00.002-06:00

by Meredith

For the past five years or so I've gone to my local craft fairs and have seen the Lakes of Wood booth. I've always wanted to buy one of our lake for my family, and this year I finally did. I cannot wait to give this gift Christmas morning.

If you know someone else who has and loves a home or a cabin on a lake in the Midwest, this is a great idea.

Keep Calm

2012-11-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

by Meredith

Sometimes I think I should know how to handle everything that comes flying at me because doesn't everyone else? The truth is no, most others don't know what they are doing either. They just try to make good decisions. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a guidebook to life? If you find one let me know.