MN Mondays: wedding week.

My sister came to MKE a week before our wedding, spent a few days here, and then she and I drove back home to MN to get everything ready for the big day. While there was a bit of running around and plenty of last minute planning, we had so much fun enjoying summertime with our family and close friends.

I was so lucky to get plenty of girl time with my mom and sister. We took Medyk for a walk, let him play soccer while watching the Blues (in his jersey!), went shopping, went to dinner...girl things. Twice, we went to my aunt and uncle's house in Stillwater to gather barvinok, periwinkle, for the place settings at the reception. Periwinkle is traditionally used in Ukrainian weddings, symbolizing eternal and faithful love, and, lucky for me, it was overtaking a corner of their garden. It turns out that my grandfather had actually planted it many years ago! My aunt and uncle's backyard is gorgeous (it's where we had my bridal shower!), and summertime has made it even better, full of green. My sister and I jumped in the pool both days, and were so relaxed and happy to savor two afternoons at one of our favorite places from our childhood. 

One of my favorite things we did was have a baba's vechir, which translates to "old ladies' evening" at my mom's. When we were little these evenings used to be more frequent; every month, a group of fantastic women (NOT old ladies) from our Ukrainian community would get together, drink wine, and cook or bake. Just for fun. Just to talk, get together, and stay connected outside all of the other activities they were already so busy with. I, of course, wanted to be a part of that group as a little girl, and looked forward to these nights just as much as the adults. As we grew up, everyone became even busier, and these nights stopped happening. I was so, so happy to be able to reconnect at our own baba's vechir before the wedding. These women have all played, and continue to play, such an important role in my life. I've looked up to all of them since I can remember, and now they have their own kids who are much more grown up than I like to admit. We had a wonderful night...perhaps Medyk felt a little too much love, but it was still perfect. 

It's hard to believe this was all three weeks ago. Time flies. We miss you all so much! 

MN Mondays: Minneapolis, according to WSJ.

{Illustration by James Gulliver Hancock}

 

 

Even though this article has been making its way around Facebook and Twitter since Friday, I finally got around to reading it this morning. While there have been several, some not-so-great city guides and travelogues published about the Twin Cities lately (remember this genius advice to visit Potbelly's at the IDS on Saturday morning?!?), the Wall Street Journal's Ultimate Weekend in Minneapolis really hit all the spots.

 

Tilia, Mill City Farmer's Market, Butcher & the Boar, Lake Harriet...really, this article just tugged at my heart. It's about time that everyone else learns what we Minneapolitans already know: our City of Lakes has it all.

 

If you're planning on visiting Minneapolis for the first time, lived there all your life, or are coming back home for some time this summer, take a look at this list. You won't be disappointed.

 

Thanks, WSJ, for getting it right!

 

P.S. More fun in MN, but in wintertime! Never too early to plan ahead...

MN Mondays: Minneapolis rules.

{via}

I first saw this list on a fantastic Minneapolis tourism website and could barely contain my excitement for our trip home in a few weeks. Everything on this list is perfect, and I want to do every single one at some point in my life. I'm pretty sure we've checked off many already, but I wouldn't mind revisiting some favorites, including sidewalk dining down Nicollet Mall, everything involving St. Anthony Main and Lake Harriet, and, a true city gem, the Mill City Farmer's Market. I also love that Kramarczuk's made the list - a childhood tradition that is now making a real name for itself! 

If you're looking for things to do in the City of Lakes this summer (hint hint, dear friends and family who are coming in for the wedding!), check out this list. Even if you're a homemade Minneapolitan, challenge yourself to explore some of the neighborhood treasures you may not have yet seen. Sometimes the best things to do are truly in your own backyard! 

I think this post marks an unofficial countdown to summer...who's with me?!? 

MN Mondays: Spring break at home.

Get ready for a photo overload - here's the recap of our lovely not-so-spring-like spring break in MN (seriously - I had to shovel our driveway. Go away, snow.)! 

We left at 5:00 in the morning on Thursday - we were so anxious and excited to get back home! Medyk eagerly greeted us on our arrival and quickly jumped into the lap of his best friend. 

As always, a lot of our family gatherings centered around food. We were able to get reservations at one of the newest restaurants in town, Smack Shack, and enjoyed a night of seafood with our families. We almost had everyone together in one place that night, which is a rare and wonderful treat. 

Last year for St. Patrick's Day, it was 70 degrees and sunny. Even though the weather was not at all like that this year, we still managed to have a fantastic day spent (partially) outside: we celebrated Butcher & The Boar's 1st birthday! Andrew even won some of their meat to take back with us to MKE! I had attempted to document this momentous occasion, but the photos didn't turn out...too much Irish music (and beer and smoked sausage...). If you look carefully at B&B's photos from that Sunday, though, you can see me and my sister in the corner of one of them. We're famous now!

Minneapolis is such an amazing city (not biased at all, am I), and it's making an even bigger name for itself thanks to its food and restaurants...but really, it's the best because that's where all our favorite people (and dogs) are. Being able to eat, drink, and catch up with friends and family is, in my opinion, an absolute perfect way to spend a week, even if the weather doesn't cooperate. Going out, staying in, hot, cold, doesn't matter. To us, the week was all about being with those who we care for most.

We can't wait to be back. 

MN Mondays: Spring at home + Superbowl food.

As I was cleaning up some of the files on my laptop I stumbled across this gem. This picture is from the tiny lake (like really tiny...maybe it's more like a big pond?) of Kordiak park by our house at home. I've gone on so many walks there, we've hosted parties there, and I'm really wishing I was there right now! It's such a small little park, but just big enough for Medyk to run around through and not get too tired. Can't tell I'm craving sunshine and warm weather (and home) at all, can you.

At least we had some fun to distract ourselves from the not-so-nice winter weather yesterday! We snacked on our homemade bar food throughout the day and watched the game at night. Andrew made awesome wings that were smoked the day before, then fried and tossed with two different barbecue sauces, a mustard one and a spicier habanero one. We also made this fantastic guacamole and fried our own tortilla chips. "Guac" is one of my favorite snacks, even though I hated it when I was little - I think it was too green for my liking or something along the same ridiculous lines.

I would've added a serrano pepper to the mix, but that's because we like our food spicy! Otherwise this was a pretty mild version, almost sweet, in a way, because of the roasted garlic. So good.

I can't believe we're into February now. I was talking with one of my friends about how neither of us really like this month because at this point winter's boring and we're needing some fresh air. Anyone else feel that way? I am excited, though, for Andrew's birthday at the end of the month. It'll be a busy three weeks leading up to it, but I know we'll celebrate well...I already have his birthday present, and I can't wait to see his reaction!! 

Have a good start to your week, everybody! 

MN Mondays: Nicollet Mall.

Maybe it's because I've missed being downtown almost every day, or maybe it's because this lovely little street has been on my mind lately as we're searching for rehearsal dinner locations (!!), but lately, I've been thinking about Nicollet Mall. Running through the center of downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet is home to great restaurants and shopping. I spent a lot of time walking down its sidewalks, whether during my Macy's Registry days in high school and college or during law school. I miss the lights and the people watching, and look back happily on the many date nights (including our first ever!) and soccer mornings that happened here. 

Photo by Joe Ennesser

Photo by Tricia Vetrone

Photo by Betsy Graca

Maybe one of the best parts about Nicollet Mall is the fact that you can cross it all by skyway, which would have been completely necessary on a day like today, with a -40 windchill! I'm looking forward to spending some time on the downtown sidewalks this summer, which seems a long way away with this weather. But there is a sign of hope - tonight, it wasn't completely dark until after 5:00! Now this is progress! 

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

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. 

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!

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.

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! 

MN Mondays: Christmas at home.

During Christmastime when we were little, we were sent to bed with the promise of a surprise that would be ready the next morning. After fighting the excitement and eventually falling asleep, we'd wake up, tip toe down the hallway to the living room, and find a beautiful lit up and decorated Christmas tree waiting for us! We were told that little elves came to our house when we were sleeping and worked through the night to decorate our tree.

This tradition continued for years, until we were old enough to want to help decorate (and learned the elves' true identity). Different traditions have evolved over time, for example, we would always put on The Muppet Christmas Carol as we hung ornaments and lights. When we were home over Thanksgiving last week, we of course put it on...it's become such a favorite Christmas movie that my sister and I are "those people" that quote and sing along with it as it plays.

We also knew we wanted to decorate the tree. Because it's up from Thanksgiving weekend through Orthodox Christmas, it's technically not a "real" one, but I think it's perfect. Almost every ornament has a story, including those that my mom made years ago with intricate beads and sequins, and the ones that all three of us chose as our own every year. This is one of my favorite traditions - each Christmas, my mom let us pick out whatever ornament we wanted, and now, we see our favorite activities and everything we were loving at the time preserved in ornament form. Yes, this means that Simba from the Lion King, several pairs of ice skates, and different breeds of puppies all hang on our tree, but this makes it so personal and filled with stories. I love it so much more than the color coordinated designer trees that lack any bit of personality. 

It's taken years to fill up the tree, but now it's absolutely beautiful. This is definitely a tradition that I'll want to carry on someday! 

How do you decorate your tree? And when do you put it up? I always wonder if it's technically "too soon" to decorate for Christmas the weekend of Thanksgiving because it takes away from that holiday. But as soon as I see everything all set up, any doubt goes away, and the house looks beautifully Christmasy until the middle of January. 

Have a wonderful Monday, friends! 

MN Mondays: Thankful.

There is no way to describe how wonderful our weekend at home was! Each time we're back in MN, we feel like our days fly by and our to-see-and-do list is never completely satisfied...but our last trip reminded us of how incredibly thankful we are to have just the best family and friends to come home to. 

This is a short post; I'll put up plenty of pictures and tell you more about our week later, but I did want to take a minute and note what we are so thankful for this Thanksgiving. I know that the "official" day of thanksgiving was Thursday (and how is it already Monday?), but especially this year, I'm trying to remind myself daily of all that we've been given and to be thankful for it all. Our families top that list. There is, without a doubt, no more supportive, loving, hilarious, reassuring, and comforting family than ours. It's not been the easiest to be away from them these last few months, but the visits, phone calls, text messages, emails, and FaceTime dates have certainly helped. We love you more than words can say. I'm also so grateful for our trusty and dependable car, our avtochko, that has safely transported us home several times now. I'm thankful for how hard Andrew is working here, and for the opportunity for us to have this adventure together in a new place. I'm thankful to have passed the bar, for our beautiful apartment, and for our delicious cooking adventures...and of course, for our friends who keep in touch with us, from near and far. There is so much more, but I did say this was going to be short. 

I hope all of our readers had the best Thanksgiving with their loved ones, ate plenty of amazing food, and had the opportunity to relax and spend time with those that mean the most to them. I know we certainly did. 

Tonight, I'm making this spicy curry (we're looking forward to something with a different flavor profile than turkey and potatoes), and we'll put up our Christmas tree! I love decorating for Christmas, and it'll be so fun to do in our new place...pictures to come! 

Hoping your Monday was tolerable and that this week goes by quickly...I'm already looking forward to the weekend! 

MN Mondays: Daria visits.

We've been blessed with just the best reminders of MN these last few weeks. And by reminders, I mean my wonderful siblings who've made the brave 5-hour trek to Milwaukee to visit us! Remember last Monday when my brother visited? Well, this last Friday, my beautiful, hilarious, and oh-so-lovely sister came to visit! 

We had a low-key weekend: we made a fiesta of food, bought cupcakes (fancy ones, too - champagne pear cupcakes?!? YUM!), went window shopping and added all of J. Crew's new arrivals to our wish list, watched The Room (yes...that movie), and went out to a few neighborhood bars. It was over before I knew it, but I can't wait to see Deshie again in a few days when we're home!

Speaking of which - we're leaving for Minnesota tomorrow night! I'll be sure to post some pictures and recipes from our Thanksgiving dinner preparations, as well as some highlights from the Turkey Day 5k! We're excited for cooking, cuddling with the dog, fantastic food, and spending lots of time with those we love.

Have a wonderful few days before the holiday, and don't stress too much over those green beans and turkey. Much love to all!

P.S.: Aren't these pie crusts from Style Me Pretty just so very...pretty?!? I would so make these on Thursday if I weren't already making this!!

MN Mondays: Marko visits.

This was a particularly fun MN Monday, as we had a MN visitor! My brother drove down for a short trip yesterday afternoon, and we thoroughly enjoyed having him stay with us, even if it was just for the day. It was great being able to drive around and show him the city; we also went out to a new place for dinner, called Stack'd, where Marky had a burger with foie gras and truffle butter! Burgers + beers + brat (brother in Ukrainian!) = excellent weekend! 

We have simply the BEST two weeks in store for us, which kicked off with Marko's visit. We were so glad to have him here yesterday and today...then my sister is coming this Friday and staying all weekend...and then three days after she drives back, we'll be heading home for Thanksgiving!!! It's quite exciting to have this much Minnesota love around and waiting for us! We are very thankful to be on this adventure here in Milwaukee, but are always so glad to be surrounded by friends and family, whether that's here or in the Cities. 

With that, I'm off to go running. That Turkey Run is coming up quick! 

MN Mondays: A Williams-Sonoma Thanksgiving.

Confession: nothing gets me more excited for Thanksgiving than walking into Williams-Sonoma. And with less than three weeks to go until Turkey Day, I'm just itching to make it out to W-S as many times as I can, but visiting the website is a good substitute (they have so many great recipes!). The store is filled with gorgeous cookbooks, knives, cast iron pans...it's definitely our happy place, and we get inspired to cook something new each time we're there. 

Whether it's July or the beginning of November, the mulled cider smells of that store always make me crave Thanksgiving dinner. When we were little and growing up, my mom always hosted Thanksgiving at our house. The preparation for this food-filled, family friendly holiday always included a trip (or several!) to Williams-Sonoma where we would pick up Thanksgiving essentials, including pumpkin butter, the annual Thanksgiving Guide, and a few new "kitchen toys" that we knew we just had to have to make the perfect meal. Every year she set a beautiful table and cooked her heart out, and it's no surprise that Thanksgiving dinner has become one of our favorite holidays. I'm also not surprised as to why I love hosting dinners and parties so much: I know I learned it all from her! 

Last year, Andrew and I hosted both our families at our apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. While it wasn't always the easiest to cook for nine people in our tiny kitchen, everything turned out wonderfully; we cooked all day and spent time with our favorite people, which to us, sums up a perfect day. This is a picture of our fridge last year, stuffed to the doors with everything we made from scratch, from turkey stock, to green bean casserole, to crème brûlée!

We absolutely can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving, and will be trying something spectacular for the turkey this year: SOUS VIDE! We first attempted this last year for our "Thanksgiving Round 2" that we made in March (yes, March), and Andrew, my sister, and I all agreed that this was the best turkey we've ever had. When we were home last weekend, we started discussing the details of Thanksgiving dinner, and after little to no argument, Andrew said he could be persuaded to bring along the sous vide machine so we could recreate that turkey. And of course, we'll have (THE BEST) stuffing, our homemade version of green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes: all the classics that make dinner so much fun. 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods - are you sticking with the tried-and-true recipes or will you be making something new, perhaps a classic with a twist? I'm getting hungry just thinking about all the possibilities! 

Happy Monday, friends! 

MN Mondays: Weekend update.

What a fun fall weekend we had, and it was so, so great to be home. What did we do, you ask? Well...

I was sworn in as a licensed attorney, 

we had lovely family dinners with oh-so-delicious fall recipes, 

we cooked some, 

we celebrated some, 

and laughed a lot. 

We also carved pumpkins with these monsters: 

It really was just the best time, and we cannot wait until Thanksgiving (only a little more than three weeks to go!) until we're home again. Love to all our family and friends - thank you for everything!!