Moving Day

Well I'm happy to report that I'm all moved in!  I LOVE the new place.  So excited to have all the amenities I was hoping for in my next place (large, open kitchen, washer/dryer in-unit and underground parking are the main ones!)  The movers were awesome; it was so nice not having to lift so many boxes, etc.  Plus it saved my energy for unpacking quickly, and even allowed for me to get some decorating in!  Did I mention Target is directly across the street (Blessing?  Or Curse?  Ha!) 

Several home projects are on my list, including hanging paintings/artwork, painting the living room and bedroom, and repurposing my bedroom furniture (going for cozy french cottage theme, inspired by the quilt my momma is finishing for me.)

Looking forward to breaking the place in with a little move-in party in a couple weeks with some close friends!

Here are my "before" pics, taken shortly after the movers left. I'll post several "after" pics tomorrow to compare :)

The Moving Process Begins!

Happy Memorial Day!  As I move into my new place on June 1st, most of my long weekend was spent packing up my belongings!  I'm happy to report that the process went quite smoothly...after a couple trips to Target, Lowes and Starbucks (of course)...I effectively boxed everything up!

One thing I love about moving is the opportunity it provides for simplifying and getting rid of the excess stuff one accumulates over time.  I counted 8 bags of clothing, accessories, etc. that I dropped off yesterday for donation!  My main goal for this move was to only bring items with me that follow the Feng Shui motto to only allow things into your home that are either functional or beautful.  I heard this mantra for the first time a couple years ago, and it has stuck with me since then.  Moving is a perfect time to work toward it. 

Everything is ready for the movers on Friday.  I will document the actual move (pictures to follow as well!)

For now, please see the boxes in all their glory (more functional than beautiful at this point, clearly!)

Boxes, boxes and more boxes!

Do What You Love

Last week marked my one year anniversary with my company, KellyMitchell Group!  Hard to believe it has already been a whole year, yet it feels like so much has happened and changed in my life as a result.  I've grown so much professionally, and can say with confidence that I love coming to work every day!  Pretty awesome. 

They say, "do what you love and success will follow."  Never have I felt so strongly about that statement; passion drives you to push yourself to new heights.   

In celebration of my workplace anniversary, here I am celebrating a new hire.  My coworker Caroline took this snapshot of me this morning in my new blue dress.  On a side note, pretty excited about bright colors and fun fabrics these days. 

Happy Wednesday!  Go forth and be passionate!  ;)

Welcome Home Sydney!

Thought I'd kick off the week with a favorite friendship quote of mine...

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." -Marcel Proust

My dear friend Sydney is currently en route home to Minneapolis from Chicago - I'm so excited to see her.  Sydney is in law school at Northwestern, and will be home for a couple weeks!  We have a lot of catching up to do...excited to spend some quality time with one of my favorite people.  Hoping to recapture a moment such as this tonight when I see her :)

Syd and I

Cinco De Mayo Treats

This past weekend, my friend Ally and I rang in Cinco De Mayo with some refreshing Margaritas at my place in Uptown.  We coupled our delicious margs with seven layer taco dip - quite tasty.  It was a rainy day in Minneapolis, so we stayed indoors for the most part, but Margs on the couch taste just as good!  

I snapped this shot at my kitchen table.  I'm a new user of Instagram; so far I'm in love!  Perfect for blogging. 

To Market, To Market - Part Deux

Well, from vision to reality, I successfully made it down to the Farmer's Market today.  It was everything I expected...actually, better than I expected.  Fresh flowers (see below) coupled with an abundance of fresh veggies and fruit at amazing prices and all naturally grown...it doesn't get much better than that. 

I picked up a couple of great treats, including fresh zucchini, squash and bananas.  I also picked up a homemade Red Pepper and Feta hummus - after sampling I simply couldn't resist.  All of this for under $6!  Needless to say, I know where I'll be shopping each and every Thursday throughout the summer. 

I'll definitely be picking up fresh flowers for my kitchen table on a regular basis as well - so lovely!

To Market, To Market

Here in Minneapolis today it went from warm and sunny to rainy with a bit of thunder.  Spring has sprung! 

I find that there's something about being able to comfortably go outside to get some fresh air in the middle of a workday that lifts the spirits and re-energizes the mind.

The Minneapolis Farmer's Market started last Thursday.  Located very centrally downtown, it's just about a block from my office.  I'm quite excited to pick up fresh veggies, fruits and flower bouquets throughout the spring and summer months.  I'll be sure to post photos of my fresh findings, but here's a visual aid of the fabulous weekly Minneapolis Market (don't you just love the colors?)  Yum!

Photo credit:  Google Image