Cannon Beach, Oregon

I recently returned home from a trip to Portland, Oregon and Cannon Beach, Oregon. It was little Miss Sofia's first time playing at the ocean and she was in LOVE. I have never seen any one roll around in the sand with such joy and contentment. When we arrived at the Pacific Ocean on the cold and breezy day she ran ahead of us and we had to stop her from running into the cold, powerful waves.

There was a small inlet of water left behind by the tide that Sofia played in after we enjoyed a perfect sea lunch (a whole crab and clam chowder). We filled our bellies and the sun came out to greet us at as we splashed in the water and frolicked in the sand.

Wisconsin Dells Sunset

I took my first trip to Wisconsin Dells with my husband, daughter, some friends and my daughter's best friend, June. I must admit that Wisconsin Dells is the cheesiest place on the planet, but we had a blast. In addition to zooming down water slides and shopping for Davey Crockett hats, I had a chance to photograph the views from outside of the petite cabin that we lodged in. The setting sun created magical colors that changed every time I took a step in a new direction.

Spring Splashes

When the weather becomes warm, my daughter and I spend the majority of our time outside. One afternoon last week, we were greeted by a brief thunderstorm. As soon as the rain calmed down, we rallied outside to play in one of the most entertaining entities ever created, a puddle. Puddles bring endless joy and delight to my tot. Sofia ran back and forth for at least and hour, while clouds meandered above and rain drops fell on her head.

Lucky You!

For all of you folks out there that have adorable babies in your lives or know someone that is expecting a baby, you are in luck.

My best friend, Annie, designer at Lottie Lou Design is having a Mother's day sale. She handcrafts the most gorgeous burp cloths, blankets, and quilts, towels and washcloths for little ones. The quality is PERFECT and the prices are literally unbeatable.

Check out Annie's goodies here and buy a little one in your life something special, hand-crafted and made with love and care. Click Here to start shopping!

Fun-Filled Weekend

Spring weekends fill up so quickly with fun activities. This morning I visited the Craftstravagana at the State Fair and it was wonderful to see so many artists' and crafters' creations. I purchased an adorable little card set with a gorgeous peacock design made by Michelle Brusegaard. I have to say that I loved all of her products and they are just as cute in person as they are online.

I also found the cutest dresses for my Sofia, which inspired me to get out my old yellow Kenmore sewing machine. My mom gave me my first lesson a few weeks ago (along with the sewing machine) and I have not touched the machine since. I am starting a collection of patterns and fabrics, some of which I purchased at the annual garage sale at the Minnesota Textile Center. I have many sewing ideas, but I will just have to wait and see if my self-diagnosed ADD allows me to start and complete them.

After visiting the craft fair, Sofia and I played outside, which always consumes the bulk of our day when spring is in the air. Of course, we went to the playground (twice), rode bikes, walked, smelled flowers, played with another tot, Claira, and watched some neighbor boys partake in sword fight with wooden swords.

Last night, I got to spend time alone with my other best buddy (otherwise known as my husband) and we attended a friend's wedding. Any excuse to hear my daughter say, "Mommy, you look like a princess," is reason enough for me to dress up!

Spring Blossoms

In addition to working on a brand identity for my new client, Blue Ocean Photography, I had the joyous opportunity to play outside in the rain today. I jogged along the Missippi River and enjoyed all of the spring buds and blossoms. After my jog, I snapped a few photos of the perfectly-perky tulips springing up in my yard and some of the stunning blossoms in a neighbor's yard. I hope everyone is enjoying the magic of spring.

Attack of the Cheesy Puffs

This picture was too funny for me not to post. It doesn't have much to do with my creativity, but illustrates the creativity of a tired, bored toddler after 4 hours in the car. I provided my cute little one with the medium for the creative project (unknowingly) and she went wild (while her parents were not looking). Sofia is just learning about the color wheel and how colors interact with one another. She chose to create a three-dimensional piece demonstrating how not only colors interact, but also how inanimate objects interact with the human physical form.

I cannot begin to describe the joy this little one brings to me, even when she dumps an entire bag of cheesy puffs all over herself and the backseat of my car.

Rainy Day Roving

Northern Minnesota + cold and rainy weather + fireplace + log house + children + homemade chicken soup = perfect recipe for needle felting. I needled a bunny and carrot for my Sofia. I also taught my 9-year-old niece how to create with wool and needles and she mastered the art. She created a dog with a water bowl and a food bowl.

More Gifts From Mother Nature

Today I found more gifts from Mother Nature blooming in my front yard. Impeccable design, as always.

Mother Nature

If you have ever visited my blog, you are very aware of my adoration of nature and flowers. I have a powerful appreciation for plant life that could be labeled as “strange” by some. Seriously, when I walk outside and I examine how plants are created, I am in total awe. I am always excited to see something in nature growing or blooming and I never tire of foliage. I am like a child when it comes to nature. I get excited and giddy about it. I jump for joy when I see a spring bud on a tree.

Thank you, Mother Nature, for providing me endless joy and inspiration.

Needle Felt Eggs

To fulfill my needle felting addiction, I made my Sofia these adorable eggs. She loves to tote them in the itsy bitsy basket I got from one of our favorite toy stores, Wonderment.

Spring is HERE!

Spring finally arrived in Minneapolis and EVERYONE is happy (except for maybe the people that are trapped inside of an office all day). Minnesotans are possibly the most grateful people for 70-degree weather in the UNIVERSE. We enjoy every moment of warmth and sunshine and people aren’t hesitating to put on their bathing suits and bask in the glory of the sun.

Winter is so long and cold here and never fails to make me ask, “Why on earth do I live here?” Then spring comes and washes any cold memories away, making Minneapolis one of the greatest places to live. My life suddenly fills up with gorgeous flowers, gardening, bike rides, long walks, feeding ducks with my Sofia, swimming in kiddy pools, playgrounds, bar-b-ques, and farmer’s markets…and I am so HAPPY.