2015 Goals

I'm usually not one for resolutions and goal setting for the new year but there are a few things I have been wanting to try for a while yet continually find excuses not to pursue them. I thought I would share them here so you can follow along in my 'crafting' adventures. 

1} Learning to Sew!
Sewing has been something I've been wanting to learn for about a year now. Although, my mom agreed to give me a few lessons in the end she ended up completing both my projects! She did warn me that she 'wasn't a teacher' on the bright side all my projects turned out beautiful! So as a lovely Christmas gift from my mother and father-in-law I will be taking my very first sewing class at Drygoods Design in Seattle. Isn't it just the cutest place?!

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2} Understanding my DSLR Camera!
This goal has been a long time coming as I've had my DSLR for about 5 years now! I've watched the occasional YouTube video or read a blog post about utilizing my DSLR camera to its fullest potential but in the end I'm still pretty green. I'm especially interested in food photography- no matter how hard I try I can never seem to make food look good, even deserts! I will be registering for a few photography classes through the online site called Skill Share. I discovered the site through a blog I follow and let me tell you it's worth looking into. Most of the classes are between $15-25 dollars and I don't think any of the classes exceed $40. There's even a membership package that allows you access to almost their entire site for a monthly fee. Anyway, I'm clearly hooked. I will be taking 'Easy DSLR: Master your Digital Camera in less then 30 days' to get started and then will follow that up with 'Food Photography: Prepping a Photo Shoot'. I cannot wait to get started.

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Do you have any goal for the New Year? Please share!

Thanks for reading,
L

New Year's Eve Look

It is so fun to finally have snow here in Minnesota, and when the sun is out it doesn't get much better. Today's post is a laid back, yet fun option for New Year's Eve. I have been loving combining blush and black lately so I paired this girly sweatshirt with a party skirt - perfect for NYE. The leopard heels, little bow clip, and evening bag pull the look together. What look are you planning for New Year's? P and I will be up north at our cabin, so I will be rocking leggings and an oversized sweater :)

:: Shop the Post :: 

J.Crew Sweatshirt // J.Crew Party Skirt (similar here, here, & here) // Aunt's Vintage Clutch // J.Crew Calf Hair Heels // Kate Spade Watch // Parc Boutique Ring // Chanel Sunnies // Nordstrom Bow Clip

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson

Black & Blue

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful holiday. B and I stayed in Seattle this Christmas season and although, we missed a white Christmas with our families back in MN we had a very merry Christmas in the PNW. I picked up a pair of neutral track pants at J.Crew last month (a steal of a deal at $23) I I fell in love with this printed pair and have been looking to add a neutral to my wardrobe. I've always been against pairing navy and black together but over the last couple of years have grown to love the two together- they are both neutrals right? I think the two colors make any look a little chicer. 

:: Shop The Post ::

J.Crew Blouse (similar) // J.Crew Track Pants (similar) // J.Crew Flats (similar) // Stella & Dot Necklace // Amber Heart Necklace // Coach Handbag (similar) // Revlon Lipstick in 'Hot Coral' 

Thanks for reading, 

L

Photos by Brendan Lorentz

Swedish Family Christmas (aka Favorite Things Friday)

Merry Christmas everyone!  L and I took yesterday off, but today I wanted to showcase our Swedish family Christmas celebration because it is one of our favorite things! Every year we host a traditional Swedish Christmas meal complete with Swedish meatballs, potatis korv, rice pudding, potatoes, Swedish rye bread, bond ost cheese, lingonberries, and Swedish creme :) My mom and sister are incredible cooks (I learn so much from them), and the meal seems to be getting better with each passing year; it is one of my favorites. The evening wouldn't be complete without singing Christmas carols, lots of laughter, and remembering the Lord's faithfulness to us throughout the years! May God bless you all this Christmas season.

"And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6 

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson

Holiday Hustle

I don’t know about you but I’m exhausted from all the holiday sales! Although, I can never resist browsing  J.  Crew’s stock of sale items- no matter how tiring it is… heheJ. I love this look for a post-holiday get together for all those ‘holiday’ parties that happen in January.

The best part, the entire look is on sale the coat, sweater, and shoes are an additional 40% off the lowest marked price and the denim and handbag are an additional 30% the regular marked price. I think the winner in this group is that emerald number, and for about $168 (after discounts) I think it’s something to consider especially if you are wondering what to use your J. Crew gift cards on!  

Throughout the hustle and bustle it's important to remember the real reason for the season; Christ's birth. 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

Luke 2: 8-15

Many Blessings this Christmas Season,

L

Ballerina Midi-Skirt

I have been in love with tulle midi-skirts for quite awhile now, and finally took the plunge. Midi-skirts are so chic and the tulle adds a fun element for the holidays. I love this one from Anthropologie  (20% off your purchase) because of its simplicity and the ability to pair just about anything with it. I have worn it with a flannel, a stylish sweatshirt, and a blazer - the options really are endless. Merry Christmas everyone! 

 

:: Shop the Post :: 

Anthropologie Midi-Skirt // J.Crew Tissue Tee // Aunt's Vintage Handbag // Chanel Sunnies // Kate Spade Watch // J.Crew Pearls // J.Crew Flytrap Necklace // J.Crew Pumps (similar here) 

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson