bakery series:: Spyhouse

Spyhouse has been on my radar for awhile.  Photos of the Minnesota mug have been showing up on my Instagram for the longest time and, once I figured out where they were from, I have been wanting to order a drink in one forever.

I finally got the chance.  Nathan and I went to the Northeast location before I went home for my sister's confirmation.  The coffee was delicious (as was every single one of their iced teas!), as were their pastries.  Here's the secret to their amazing pastries - they order them from Patisserie 46!  I got the almond croissant this time and I was not disappointed.  The coffee cake Nathan picked out was absolutely HUGE.  Again, we did computer work (me) and read the WSJ (Nathan).

The atmosphere was FANTASTIC.  Rustic, cozy, plenty of space.  Not too much outdoor seating, but the giant picture windows make up for it.  Probably my favorite of bakeries for atmosphere alone.  You will not be disappointed if you head here on a sunny, rainy, or snowy day.

bakery series:: Patisserie 46

For Easter, Nathan and I received a gift card to Patisserie 46.  What a treat!  So many great pastry options, and the coffee was delicious!  Nathan chose an almond croissant, while I was in a rare muffin mood and opted for banana chocolate chip.  Neither of us regretted our choices.

It was such a lovely atmosphere, and had so much table space.  I was able to set out my laptop and get some work done and Nathan enjoyed his WSJ.  There was a little patio out front, maybe three or four tables, though I thought it was too breezy to work outside.

This is a short review - because there's nothing bad to say about it!  As Nathan says, "a nice little gem in the neighborhood".  For being small and not incredibly well-known, I bet you'd be surprised to find their pastries and breads in places you wouldn't expect!  Can't wait to go back and hit that patio!

dankbar designs.

Here it is guys.  I've been hinting for awhile at the project I've been working on - well, here it is.  Dankbar Designs is my new project.  Working with acrylics, canvases, ink, and paper, I'm working on bringing my love of typography to you.

It's been a lot of work - making designs, creating words, floating them past friends and family.  After making a housewarming gift that my sister requested, it truly catapulted and I decided now was the time.  You know I've been looking for a job, that I went through Cake for Breakfast, I did the Willpower Council last year with Molly Mahar from Stratejoy and loved it.  Each of those steps, the steps that have required me to dig deep and press uncomfortable buttons, has pushed me towards people, creation, and collaboration.  I want to work with you to put your words to paper, or to canvas.  I want to make things that speak from my heart, your heart, our collective heart that we put into it.  I am so grateful for all of you, my family, friends, future customers, past customers, and everyone in between.  I wouldn't be here without you; this is not only something I'm doing for myself, but it's for you, in a way.  Dankbar is German for "grateful", and putting that on everything I do, in front of me and my work, it's to thank everyone for getting me this far.

I can't wait to see what comes of this, so feel free to check out the Etsy shop, and please, please, like Dankbar Designs on Facebook!  I love you all, thank you!!

sundown on the sunshine state.

                                        

Well, as I'm preparing to leave Florida, I'm looking back on the last week and smiling. I'm quite happy to be heading back to Minneapolis, but seeing my family has been wonderful, albeit exhausting. I've had a blast with every experience, with every daydream, and every life revelation I've had on this trip. I can't wait to get home and share them with you! Xx

beach must-haves

Before we go down to the beach each day, Mom makes sure we have bags packed. Plenty of water, - SmartWater on doctor reccommendation for all of us, for the electrolytes - a hat, some sunnies, a pair of head phones, a good book, and a cover-up. 

As fair skinned girls, Mom, the Sisters, and I are pros at protecting ourselves from the sun. Sunscreen is applied in copious amounts, and reapplied two hours later. I choose my outfits carefully for sunny vacations - a tank top cover up for early in the trip, and a light popover for when I don't want the sun directly on my lobster skin, but don't want to swelter. Hats have become a must for me over the last year, as I've started to notice more signs of aging on my face (eek!), sunglasses are necessary, and Chapstick with SPF is my most forgotten item, but one I'm working on making sure I remember! (Burnt and chapped lips are no fun!)

I'm notorious for lugging way more books around with me than I need, so it's no surprise that I make sure I'm good on reading supplies. I like to have a good book and a magazine, just in case. Today I have The Golden Notebook and the June Vanity Fair with me, so I am completely satisfied. 

What are your beach must-haves?

Beach Week

Posts may be a little slow this week, as I'm not near my computer currently. After a long semester and a stressful month for my family, we are currently enjoying five days in Fort Myers, FL on white sandy beaches. 

We flew in yesterday around 1:30pm local time, got to our hotel and promptly took a much needed nap. Followed by pizza, card games, and sleeping in this morning. I'm writing to you from the beach, where I'm reading, working on some projects, and catching Starfish with my sisters. I'll post soon!

Twins Win!

With my family, Baseball is the beginning of summer.  I got to go to the game a couple weeks ago for the game, and it was a blast.  Always a good time when the Twins win!

As one of the lucky first 20,000, we all got baseball caps when we entered the stadium.  Marshall was so excited and couldn't pick which of his hats to wear.  Obviously, wearing them both is the only way to go.

My dad gets great tickets through his work, which means we get access to the club concessions on the lowest level.  TC Bear tends to frequent this spot - go down for a drink and wind up with a picture of everyone's favorite!  

What a fantastic time.  Cannot wait for the rest of the season!  

What's your clue it's summer?