when the going gets tough, i have two instincts: 1. hide under a blanket or 2. call my favorite people. the other day, i did both. and it turns out that chatting with loved ones from under a blanket is a lot like sharing secrets in a homemade fort. smiles will ensue.

p.s. found: an incredible article about growing pains, the cerebral ones.
p.p.s. my new favorite quote: "home is where your coffee maker is."

(photo credit: emma llensa)

my week, in photos.

hello! can you believe that the holiday season is over (sad face.) and that 2011 is here?! i don't know about you, but i'm already feeling like the new year is off to an impressive start (minus, of course, the fact that i spent the evening of january 1st eating a bag of doritos). but otherwise, it feels like it's going to be a big year. :)

the week leading into new year's i taught yoga at the studio three times, and also made time for my own practice at a great studio in colorado. i quickly noticed a theme emerge, both as a teacher and as a student. i really need to start taking better care of myself, (see above mention of doritos as an example). i'm having visions of fresh fruit smoothies for breakfast, and calming tea at night. and maybe, just maybe, i'll start eating a real dinner every day. ;)

i spent a lot of time in airports over the past week, so this is a snapshot of how i entertained myself. (p.s. secrets to happiness is a fun book.)

my sister and i baked a fantastic kransekake and i couldn't help but love the fact that it ended up looking a little like the leaning tower of pisa. perfection in imperfection, as they say.

we also decided in the eleventh hour that my mother needed new centerpieces for a big dinner party, (sorry, mom)... so we threw some dried juniper berries into a vase. i love how sweet and simple they turned out.

and last but not least, here i am with a lucky napkin on my head.

the story: dating back almost twenty years, we have a tradition in my family that as a participant of a board or card game, any of us can place a napkin on our head for good luck. (in this particular case, i was so beyond losing, the napkin didn't work. it was hopeless.)

here's to a fantastic year! xo.

christmas.

as i'm writing this, there are big white flakes falling through the sky. hurray! what a perfect end to a fun weekend. how were your holidays?

our christmas weekend was filled with games, 1000 piece puzzles, stuffed bellies, tears from laughing so hard, and lots of thoughtful gifts.

we started our mornings with coffee and scones, (and i decided to be festive by painting my nails with glitter.) we even tried a spicy egg-nog flavored coffee in honor of the holiday, but alas, my coffee snobbery got in the way. in fact, it was so disappointing, i threw it out and made a whole second pot of (normal) coffee.

simon's mother had decorated their house beautifully, and we played christmas tunes all day long. we also sat by the roaring fire and sipped wine. love.

and aside from all the festivities, we managed to squeeze in a quick knitting lesson for me. i am starting small, but it's so addictive. (i'm curious, do you knit?)

all in all, it was a lovely holiday, and i am a happy girl. now it's time to gear up for the next holiday... new years! xo.

on top of the world.

whenever i feel the slightest bit discouraged about life, all i have to do is look at this picture of my parents.

it reminds me that as long as we have someone in your lives that make us radiate and laugh this much... everything else will work itself out.

happy monday, everyone!

p.s. i also love that my parents look so norwegian. i think i need one of those sweaters.

our christmas in photos.

how was your christmas? (or if you don't celebrate, how was your weekend?)
i have missed you all and am happy to be back... although i am always bummed when christmas is over. sigh.

it's a good thing that 2010 is just around the corner! i love an excuse to celebrate.

the rents.

today my darling parents arrive from norway! they are two of the most positive, energetic people you'll ever know. and they also love happy hour. this is why we get along so well.

this photograph was taken in 1974 right after they got married. i could stare at it all day. they look so happy, don't they?

some day...

... i hope simon and i have our own little pumpkin.

(photo credit: i saw today)

my weekend!

on saturday we were by the ocean in maine and suddenly my love uttered those four little words: "will you marry me?" yes! (of course.)

being the genius that he is, simon planned the surprise perfectly and it truly was the best day of my life. both sets of parents were nearby and enveloped us in hugs. and then we celebrated with champagne.

we are so excited, and i'm already calling him my "fancy".