Clever Pumpkin Carving Idea

by Meredith

Still need some pumpkin carving inspiration, but running out of time?  Here's a clever idea.  Last year I cleaned out a pumpkin and used a drill to put holes all over.  It took about 1/3 of the time as a very detailed design, but I think is just as awesome.

Want some other pattern ideas?  I like Better Homes and Gardens' website.

Dorothy

by Meredith

This year, I'm channeling Judy Garland's Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz for Halloween.  Since, I experimented with a wig last year, I'm hooked.  I'm picking one up this week.  Think the blonde Scandinavian can pull it off?  Now all I need is a Toto...

Hang tight for pictures!

Gull Lake

by Meredith

This past weekend two of my best friends from college and I spent the weekend at Gull Lake, near Baxter, Minnesota. We used it as a mini escape from our real world in the Twin Cities.  It was fantastic and I came back rejuvenated.  Besides having some great conversations, we spent a lot of time drinking wine, checking out downtown Nisswa, taking time to watch a movie and some TV, painting, going for walks, sleeping in and eating some really good food. Everyone deserves a weekend like this multiple times a year.

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

{Megan's family cabin}

{Some of the gorgeous scenery}

{Downtown Nisswa - The Chocolate Ox}

Homecoming

by Meredith

Last Saturday I went back to my Alma mater, the University of St. Thomas for Homecoming.  Despite the crummy weather it was a great time.  Every time I go back since graduation I realize how beautiful the campus is.  Even though it's only been four years since my graduation, it feels like it's been at least 10 years - especially with all of the new buildings.  I loved my time there and feel I completely embraced my four years of undergrad.  I wouldn't change it a bit.

I've been talking a lot about accepting change, but I want to take a moment to recognize that somethings you don't have to give up completely - even if it is different.  I encourage you to keep in touch with your past.  Just because a moment goes by so quick and is short, don't feel like you cannot relive it.

{Inside thew Anderson Student Center at the University of St. Thomas}

{Courtesy of Mike Ekern}

{Courtesy of Mike Ekern}

Colossal Cafe

by Meredith

This past Sunday I went to the Colossal Cafe in South Minneapolis for brunch with my Gram.

The tiny building stands only a couple of blocks from where I grew up and hasn't changed much during my lifetime. However, the Colossal Cafe is by far the best product ever housed there.  The full menu is homemade from scratch - using all locally produced ingredients.  If you want to check it out get there early - there are only 15 chairs!  And, they are only open from 6am - 3pm Tuesday - Sunday.

From the success of the Minneapolis cafe, a second location opened in St. Paul that is much larger and has longer hours, which includes dinner.

Congrats to the Colossal Cafe!  I'll surely be back.  :)

 

{Egg, Swiss & Ham Breakfast Biscuit}

{Apple, Walnut & Brie Flappers}

Real Simple Soap

by Meredith

I'm in love with this soap, Real Simple Soap.  My mom and I met the creator at a craft fair in Buffalo, Minnesota and have bought from her every year.  The bars are handmade and completely natural.  I totally recommend her to anyone in search of a good soap bar.

{Peppermint Patty}

Gram's House

by Meredith

Thankfully I haven't had hard change forced upon me for most of my life - up until the last year and a half.  I loved that, even though experienceing change is a good thing, because no matter what change happens.  It's inevitable.

This past weekend we moved my Grandma into an assisted living community.  Her place is beautiful and looks like a one bedroom condo I would purchase.  Also, it's super close to our home in Richfield.  It just got too be to much - helping her and my mom.

I always knew this day was coming, but wasn't sure when and never wanted to be the one to pull the trigger.  We had to do it though.

It's a strange feeling doing something you know you have to do, but really don't want to in fear of the impact.  When we were moving things Miranda Lambert's the House that Built Me kept playing over and over in my head.  I kept thinking about all the times I walked into her kitchen and she was sitting there in the same corner spot beneath the radio with a cup of coffee. She had lived there since 1952 when my grandpa built it and they moved from Iowa.  My mom was raised there, I stayed there all the time growing up and majority of holidays were celebrated in this home.

Then I started to think of all the new memories yet to be made.  She feels good and looks good.  Not everything will go away.  It's just a house after all and she can't take care of it, or herself, the way she use to.

It's funny too - I went to church Sunday and the sermon was on change, and how Autumn symbolizes change and the ability to let things go - just like the trees do when they drop their leaves.  Only then, when you are emptied, can you make room for more - something new.

It will be ok.

Fall Colors

by Meredith

Autumn is in full swing in Minnesota.  This is one of my favorite times of the year.  The weather is calm, the temperature is right and the trees are gorgeous - to me they look like fireworks across the sky.  These pictures were taken by a friend of mine from church as he walked along the Mississippi River this week near St. Thomas.  Watch for the peak of fall foliage in your area on The Weather Channel's website.

Sakroots

by Meredith

I did it - last weekend I bought a new fall handbag.  I fell in love with the new Sakroots line.  This off shoot of The Sak focuses on helping the environment.  Sakroots supports The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees campaign with raises funds to restore and plant one billion tress by 2015 on 2.5 millions acres of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the greatest repositories of biodiversity on Earth.

The designs were beautiful and so unique.  I wanted all of them.  Looking at the concept of Sakroots more, I found that the designs were created by chosen artists that are also environmentally conscious and share the same world philosophy of the company.  The prints are meant to be laid back, cheerful and fun.

The designer of my bag is Joshua Davis of New York.  The flower power print represents hope, love and peace.  Thank you Joshua for your amazing creativity.