MN Mondays: Auld Lang Syne.

How is it the last day of 2012? I just can't believe how quickly this year has gone by! 

While I'm not usually one for resolutions, I always like to take a look back at the last year to reflect on all that has happened over the previous twelve months. Twelve months - some days it seems like it takes forever to get through a year, and other days, I feel like time just flies, and the year is over in a blink of an eye.

I think back to New Year's Eve 2011, and so much has changed since then. We went out for a few hours to a friend's place, but came back to spend the night in our old apartment in Minneapolis because we were snowed in and couldn't get a cab to go anywhere else. We stayed in, drank champagne and danced the night (and year) away by ourselves. Now, a year later, we've gone on all sorts of adventures that were really unimaginable to me this time last December 31st. From major school accomplishments for both of us (graduating from law school and passing the bar to starting a PhD program) to the big move to a new state and every little event in between, 2012 has taught me a lot about myself and about what is truly important in life. Through it all, I know we couldn't have done all that we have without the love and support of our families and close friends. That is truly the glue that holds my life together, and I don't know what I would do without it. 

While 2012 was really a major year for us, I am so, so excited for what 2013 will bring...I'm sure there are going to be plenty of surprises in store, as always, but the best and most wonderful thing about the year ahead is that we're getting married!! I can't wait to marry my love, and August can't get here soon enough! 

I hope that 2013 brings everyone peace, health, and love. Spend tonight with your favorite people reminiscing all about 2012, and ring in the new year with a glass of something sparkling. Stay safe, stay warm, and stay happy. 

Here's to an absolutely wonderful new year. 

Christmasgram #5.

 

Even though the Christmas season is just beginning for our families, I'm one step ahead, thinking to Easter...the pysanky supplies are out! Stay tuned for more on that as springtime comes closer, but I thought this one looked like a snowflake, and therefore, Christmasgram-appropriate.

Right now, it's lightly snowing, and I can see the red cardinals hiding in the pine trees from the two giant windows in my mom's kitchen. Peaceful and lovely. Perfect for making pysanky and drinking something warm.

Have a beautiful night! 

Chicago for Christmas.

This last Friday, Andrew, my sister, and I took the train down to Chicago to see the Windy City decorated for Christmas. It's so easy to get there from Shorewood, and we thought it'd be a fun way to kick off all our holiday celebrations. Highlights included Xoco for breakfast, a bit of window shopping and day dreaming, a Vince Vaughn sighting at Williams-Sonoma, Sprinkles, the Christkindlmarket, and a fantastic lunch at Publican Quality Meats.

Here are a few pictures from our stops throughout the city...we'll be back soon, I'm sure.

MN Mondays: Happy Christmas Eve.

This morning, MN Mondays comes to you from...Minnesota! We drove home from Milwaukee yesterday, with a packed car (and an extra person, since D. came to WI on Friday morning!) and plenty of excitement. We are so happy to be able to spend this time with our family and friends and will be making the most out of this Christmas season.

Our last weekend in Milwaukee was actually partially spent in Chicago - we took the train for a day trip to the Windy City. It was, unfortunately, cut a bit short because I was silly and sprained my ankle (just wasn't paying attention and stepped on it wrong), but as always, the city was great. I'll post some pictures of our adventures later. Today we're running a few errands at home and looking forward to the start of all our Christmas celebrations, lasting through the middle of January!

Here's wishing all our loved ones a beautiful Christmas Eve!

Christmasgram #4.

Countdown to my sister's flight to MKE: less than 24 hours. 

Countdown to Chicago Christmas fun: 2 days. 

Countdown to driving home for Christmas: 3 days. 

I'm a happy girl. 

In the lane, snow is glistening...

Winter has finally come to Shorewood. After more than 280 days without measurable snow (a record, apparently), we have powdery trees and fluffy sidewalks. The lake was particularly beautiful - driving by it on the way back from work, the sky, snow, and water were all this silvery color. Here are just a few shots around our neighborhood, taken this afternoon. 

MN Mondays: A Twin Cities Christmas.

A quick post on MN Mondays this afternoon, but hopefully a useful one!

Photo by Doug Wallick 

If you've never been to Minnesota, you may believe that it's a frozen tundra of ice with nothing to do but stay inside for 6 months out of the year. Well, you're wrong - there's so much to do during wintertime! Minnesotans have embraced the cold and have come up with all sorts of activities, both inside and out, that are especially fun to do around the holidays. And with just enough snow, it's remarkably beautiful as the streets and parks turn into quite the winter wonderland.

If you're visiting MN or coming home for Christmas, below are just a few of my favorite things to do: 

Photo by Dave Peterson

Go ice skating, outside! St. Paul's Rice Park has an outdoor skating rink open almost every day from now until February 3rd. The park is lovely, right in the heart of downtown St. Paul and in front of the Landmark Center. Afterwards, drive up to Grand or Summit, and admire all the gorgeous houses decorated with Christmas lights.  

Go ice skating, inside! If it's too cold but you really want to go skating, the Depot Hotel in downtown Minneapolis has an indoor rink open through March. I've always wanted to do this - maybe this year we'll get the chance! You can make a full weekend out of it - stay at the hotel and go skating one night and goof around in the indoor water park another night!  

Take part in a Minneapolis tradition at the Holidazzle parade! The parade runs down Nicollet Mall, and true Minnesotans will watch outside, all bundled up...but if you can't handle the cold, you can watch it from the skyways on your way back from Macy's 8th Floor Auditorium Christmas display. The last day of the parade is this upcoming Sunday - I'm so sad to be just missing it this year! 

Head out to the Guthrie Theater for another Christmas classic: A Christmas Carol! Make sure to take in the views of the Mississippi from the Endless Bridge before the play: breathtaking. 

Photo by Norbert Marklin

Stretch out after all those Christmas cookies and holiday feasts and take a walk around Lake Harriet. Perfect in the summertime, this lake is one of my favorites, and it's just as beautiful during the winter months. 

Photo by Ron Traeger

Check out Van Gogh, Monet, and fantastic skyline views at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Also free. I could easily spend hours here. This Supper with Shakespeare exhibition looks really cool! 

Photo via Como Zoo's FB page

Visit Como Zoo's arboretum. An indoor flower lover's paradise, this place is gorgeously decorated for Christmas! The zoo itself is also open year round, and it's free (one of the last free zoos in the country!). 

There is so much more to do and see, but these are just some of my favorites. Maybe we'll check out a few (and add a few more) when we're home...NEXT WEEK!

Photos (1), (2), (3), and (4) via Capture Minnesota.

Saturday Post No. 2

It's a quiet, rainy, and windy day in Shorewood. In a strange way we're wanting some (just a little, though) snow. The houses are all so nicely decorated for Christmas, but there's something not quite right to us Minnesotans about seeing the wreaths, lights, and garlands put up on a gray and brown lawn.  I know many at home might disagree, as they already have over a foot of snow on the ground and are expecting more tonight. We'll get our fill of it, I'm sure, when we're back in the Cities, but for now, I'm wanting to see just a bit more fluffy white than muddy brown. 

We've been hiding inside from the rain for much of the day; Andrew's been working on and finished a paper (which, having read it, is really great, if I do say so myself). Besides that, it's hard not to be distracted and horrified by the news that keeps coming in from CT - my heart just breaks for all those families, especially the little ones. It's unimaginable, really, and so, so sad. 

Tonight, we're going to keep to our lovely apartment and perhaps chat with loved ones at home. We made some homemade tomato sauce earlier and will serve it with pasta - absolutely perfect comfort food for a dreary day. We have a busy week ahead, but can't wait to be back in MN in a few short days for Christmas! 

Hope everyone's weekend is filled by spending time with your favorite people - and if not, that it won't be long until you can. Go bake some Christmas cookies, watch a classic holiday movie, and snuggle under blankets. 

Have a happy Saturday, friends. Much love. 

Photo via apartmenttherapy.com.  

Give me an old fashioned fireplace.

We didn't have a fireplace growing up. When we were little, we were concerned about how Santa Clause would come visit us, thanks to the countless images and songs about coming down the chimney. I think we eventually convinced ourselves that the TV disappeared and turned into a "magic fireplace," relieving any fears that Santa might bypass our house for lack of a chimney. 

And while I'm not too worried about this anymore (for Santa always finds a way!), I would still love to have a fireplace. For one, Christmas cards and decorations look their best on top of a mantel. And since it's getting cold in Shorewood (but still no snow), this morning, I'd be happy to sit in front of a roaring fire, get lost in a book, and drink my coffee. Instead, I'll leave you with some of my favorite finds and fireplace inspirations, and let Frank Sinatra sing us out...

Photos (1), (2), (3) via apartmenttherapy.com; (4), (5), (6) via Pinterest. 

MN Mondays: Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown.

Today on MN Mondays: a tribute to Charles Schulz, Snoopy, and some of Andrew's favorite Christmas ornaments! 

Last week for MN Mondays, I wrote about decorating the tree at home in Minneapolis and our tradition of buying a new ornament each Christmas. Well, one of my favorite of Andrew's family's traditions has come alive on our tree, too! Andrew's loved Charlie Brown and Snoopy since he was little; he told me when he first learned to read, he would always read Charlie Brown (how adorable - I just love my fiance!). Different members of the Peanuts gang hang on his family's Christmas tree, as they collect them every year. 

I think most Minnesotans hold a special place in their hearts for Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic, as he was born and raised in St. Paul and also lived in Minneapolis for a time. Even those too young to have read the comics in the newspapers still recognize Charlie Brown and his friends. There are statues of the characters next to various landmarks in the Twin Cities now, as tributes to Schulz and the Peanuts crew, and every young adult in Minnesota knows that Mall of America's "Nickelodeon Universe" will always truly be Camp Snoopy. 

Recently we started collecting some of our own Snoopy ornaments - we only have three so far, but there are plenty of Christmases to add to that number. Below is our newest Snoopy! He's so cute and happy! 

I absolutely love family Christmas traditions - they're so telling of a family's history and so full of meaning, whether it's in an ornament, a particular place you always visit, or a special meal. We can't wait to be back home with our families in a few short weeks to make more Christmas memories!! 

Hope you all had a lovely Monday! 

Christmas cookies.

Last week I promised you Christmas cookies. Today, you shall have them! This recipe is super easy (okay, not as easy as the ready-to-bake ones with the Christmas designs in the middle, but still) and they taste so good and chewy. It all comes down to a secret ingredient: cream cheese! And it's likely that you'll have all of the ingredients in your pantry already - another plus! 

We made a batch of these a few weeks ago and made them again for one of Andrew's classes this weekend because they were so yummy. The recipe makes two dozen cookies. Definitely use the two tablespoons of dough when first forming the balls; any less (as I tried with one of the batches) and the cookies don't come out as soft. 

Ingredients: 

2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 1/2 cups sugar, plus more for rolling and dusting

2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 tablespoon milk 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (substitute maple syrup if you don't have any vanilla)

• 
  

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in medium bowl. Set aside.
  Place 1½ cups sugar and cream cheese in large bowl. Place about 1/3 cup sugar in shallow baking dish or small plate and set aside. Pour butter over sugar and cream cheese and whisk to combine. Whisk in oil until incorporated. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; continue to whisk until smooth. Add flour mixture and mix until soft dough forms.
• Roll dough into 24 balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Next, roll in reserved sugar to coat and then evenly space on prepared baking sheets. Using bottom of drinking glass, flatten dough balls until 2 inches in diameter. Sprinkle tops evenly with the sugar remaining in shallow dish. 
• Bake, 1 tray at a time, until edges are set and just beginning to brown, 11 to 13 minutes, rotating tray after 7 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Or, better yet, try them when they're still slightly warm - they'll melt in your mouth! 

Happy baking! Hope all our MN readers are recovering after their winter wonderland hit yesterday!

P.S.: more cookies I've made and loved, and cookies I want to try.

Christmasgram #3.

Fancy Christmas cupcakes on display at Sendik's, our favorite local market. They're too cute to eat! 

Have a great start to your weekend - happy Friday! 

Happy birthday, Medyk!

Even though he runs around and plays like a little puppy, this monster is 10 years old today! Our Medyk is one of the sweetest, most people-loving puppies around, and quickly makes friends with all his visitors (especially with Andrew). The picture above is from this May, when Medyk was sporting his "summer coat," but he's usually a bit more scruffy...

Happy birthday to Medyk! We wish we could be snuggling with you today, but hope you get all the christmooses, water bottles, and soccer balls you could ever hope for!!

Play time at MAM.

It's the first Thursday in December, so that meant that we went to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum again today! We went for the first time last month and loved it, and since it's free (every first Thursday!), we went back to wander around some more tonight. Isn't the above installation lovely? It's supposed to represent the Cliffs of Dover. I think it's gorgeous. 

We went to see the Rembrandt exhibit, which was alright; they only had one Rembrandt. We then ran upstairs to go back to the Disney animators exhibit. 

This remains one of the coolest exhibits I've been to. And, to make it even better, I was able to make this: 

I think I can safely say that if this legal thing doesn't work out, I'll rely on my animation skills as my source of livelihood. Oscar worthy? Probably (DEFINITELY) not, but it was so much fun to do! 

After we came back from the museum, we made dinner and baked sugar cookies - stay tuned for the recipe, because they are seriously the some of the best and easiest cookies to make!

And now, some Parks and Recreation, Christmas lights, wine, and blankets. Sounds just about perfect. 

Christmasgram #2.

So different from our last apartment's entryway - this one's actually decorated (and taken care of) for Christmas!

Happy Thursday!

Christmasgram #1.

Like many twenty-somethings, I often use my iPhone to snap pictures of random objects that grab my attention and post them to Facebook or Instagram. This is especially common around Christmastime, as I'm easily entertained by ornaments, snowflakes, cute red coffee cups at Starbucks, etc. I find myself doing this a lot lately, wanting to document our first Christmas in Shorewood. It occurred to me today, though, that some of my dearest readers (read, our parents) may not be seeing some of these pictures...so, easy solution: they'll be coming to you every once in a while from our Kukhnya! 

Enjoy! 

For the kitchen: Christmas decorations.

Decorating for Christmas is so much fun, and I just love when there's a touch of holiday sparkle in each room of the house. What better place for Christmas decorations than the kitchen, a room that's full of warmth and cozy places to gather with family and friends (for some reason, Ukrainians always seem to congregate in the kitchen)? 

Pinterest is not lacking in ideas on how to bring Christmas into the kitchen, ranging from setting up a gigantic decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the room to hanging snowflakes made by the youngest members of the house from the windows. Some of my personal favorites are below. These touches are a bit more subtle and would still allow one to actually use their kitchen...all just Christmasy enough to make the room look and feel special for the holidays.

Photos (1), (2) via apartmenttherapy.com; (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) via Pinterest.