20 Special Days in 40 Photos

We're back from Europe and settling back into reality at home and at work (sigh). It's funny, I feel like we've been gone for two months instead of close to three weeks.  Maybe it's because we did a lot of living and filled so many special moments into the last twenty days.  From watching the sunrise on a Lake Michigan beach to riding a scooter around the colosseum in Rome- nothing about any day felt ordinary. Perhaps the most special of all was meeting our new nephew Benjamin shortly after he was born, the kind of moment we usually miss living far away from family.  So thankful for every moment that's now happily tucked away in my memory (ahhh heavy sigh).

Anyway, I'm eager to organize the mess of photos from our trip so I can share more about the places we visited but for now here's a glimpse from Instagram pics...

 

That's my new nephew Benjamin, born August 2nd at 9:07pm weighing 8lbs 7 ounces and 20 inches long

Although I'm sad it's all over, every moment reminds me of how many possibilities you have in life- and I'm so grateful for that!

Head Over Heels Friday: A Roman Holiday

Our European Adventure is coming to a close and although I'd love to share some more photos, there's so much to see and more sleep I need! 

For now here's a pic from our version of  "A Roman Holiday" as we scooted around Rome today! 

Alex played my Joe Bradley and I his Princess Ann :) 

Buona notte!

Well Traveled Home Decor and Wall Art

A favorite DIY project of mine has been turning any kind of travel souvenir or momento into home decor.  I'm thankful that I've been able to travel to a few places I've always dreamed of seeing and it's fun to take that experience and turn it into a piece of art or decor that captures the memories from that place.

I've shared a couple decor pieces I've made after our last trip to Europe and then from my work trips to India and China...

wall art from our Split, Croatia trip, printed vloth from India mounted on canvas, hand-cut paper from China

Now that we're in Europe again I can only hope to being home some unique pieces or mementos to decorate with!  Here's a couple unique ideas I found while google searching that I might go after. I'm really digging the jar idea with the sand, I'd love to bring home some of the beautiful Croatian beach to keep at home!

  Beach sand in labeled jars via I Heart NaptimeFramed stamps via Decor Adventures  Framed paper momentos and Labeled wooden boxes filled with travel momentos via Martha Stewart

Do you have other fun well-traveled decor ideas that we could use? I'd love to know!

Michigan Mitten Wall Art

Before leaving for our big Europe vacation, I added a little priced of wall art back at home in Minneapolis of the first place we called home- Michigan. 

It's a solid wood piece carved in the shape of the lower Michigan peninsula (aka the Mitten).  I lived my whole life in Grand Rapids until moving to Minneapolis and it has a cute little heart where the city is located.

I got my Michigan Mitten wall art from my Aunt Mary a while ago but couldn't find the perfect spot for it until now.  I thought it fit perfectly on the small blank wall we had by our basement door (between our kitchen and back entry).  

It feels sort of hidden or tucked away, like a little reminder just for Alex & I of where we came from, where we started, and where our loved ones are.  Just simple and sentimental little Mitten :)

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: How to do Two Weeks in Europe with a Carry-On

I think I've recovered from my terribly busy birthday thankfully, all that crazy prep is starting to feel worth it!  Now, I am ready to let go of everything and embrace our big European Vacation Part Duex!

Since the only thing I've been working on is figuring out how to pack for two weeks in Europe only using a carry-on, I figured I should share the experience.  Not only is it easier hauling around smaller carry-on luggage, but with how much airlines charge to check a bag these days we knew we'd save extra cash with the carry-on luggage approach.  Here's all the crap-o-la I'm bringing...

5 tanks, 3 tee-shirts, 6 shirts/blouses, 5 pairs of shorts + 1 skirt, 8 dresses, 1 swim cover-up, 1 swim suit



2 pairs of jeans, 2 sports bras, panties are in the blue zipped pouch and bras aren't photographed (that just seems to personal and weird to show), 4 additional shirts (one accidentally show twice but not counted), 2 sweaters, 4 undergarment tanks + 1 slip, 2 sets of PJ's, 2 scarves

1 pair of flat sandals, 1 pair of wedge sandals, flat iron, 2 belts; other items like make-up, hairbrush and toilets not photographed

 After gathering everything, I rolled up the dresses, shorts, and shirts then placed them into large Hefty zip storage bags.  Once in the bag I rolled the empty top space and let all the excess air out resulting in some densely packaged clothing which saves a TON of space in a carry on bag!  I took a couple photos of my carry-on luggage all packed an ready to go shown above.  I know it's a little OCD crazy organized but that's how I roll!   

It was a little challenging and I had to sort of map out what I planned to wear each day on the trip but I'm Head Over Heels for this minimalist approach for a long vacation!  Who wants to spend time sifting through tons of clothes and luggage when you could be out exploring instead anyway?

I will be sure to share photos from my Europe trip and if I was able to make it through easily with what I packed for Prague, Milan, Rome, and Dubrovnik!  At least the hot summer weather helped since I didn't need big bulky stuff for cold weather too!

What do you think of my crazy approach to packing? 

Do you have other suggestions for making through a long trip with only a carry-on too? 

Please share, I'd love to know before I go!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Twenty-Nine

Well, today marks another birthday for me, I decided to make another list on this birthday like I did for the last and for the year before. Again, not focused on to-do's, goals, or things that I want, this is a positive list!  But, you know I realized this whole birthday list thing is only going to get harder considering that number is only going to continue to go up, LOL!  So...

I know everyday in this life isn't perfect and I know I don't have everything figured out... but this is a list of the 29 things I am happy about and thankful for in my life as it is right now- on this birthday.

At Twenty-Nine Years Old...

1. I grew an appreciation for gray days, instead of them seeming gloomy I find comfort in them.  Gray days are a reason to relax and take some time for yourself.

2. I found my hidden roadshow talent- well maybe not a roadshow, but it was a hoot entertaining coworkers by folding up into a large basket... the photo cracks me up, I look like a cartoon rabbit being pulled out of a hat, haha!

3. I took time this year to learn more about myself and things that are tough emotionally for me. Being more open is helping me to accept some of those faults and change them.

4. We thought our house would be a "5 year" house. We are at four and a half now and I can't imagine leaving this home or our neighbors yet. Who knows what life will bring us next, all I know now is that our little nook in Homewood truly is a special place. I understand why I have neighbors that have spent the last 40 years here, I'm thankful for them and other neighbors that have been here 2, 5, or 29 years. We've all shaped the special character of Homewood.

5. I know we've said it before, but our neighbors are very cool and I'm very thankful for that!  I'm especially happy that we've grown a special friendship with our next door neighbors.  Movies, Twins games, country concerts, Christmas holidays, backyard BBQ's, beer-fueled 4th of Julys, and many "group hugs" later I'm still happy that real estate fate brought us together :) Lisa and Chris, very thankful for you!

6. My sister and I have reconnected with our step sister. I guess I should say former, but even though an ended marriage changed the title of our relationship, she is always going to feel like a sister.  I wish and will always wish the best for you Samantha. I'm proud of you and excited for you to start college and experience dorm life this fall!   

7. Each year I learn more and more about marriage.  Marriage is work like everyone says it is.  I know Alex better than anyone, I can predict what he is going to say, know how he reacts, what he wants with his food, etc.  He knows I love him and I know he loves me... but I've learned married life is sweeter when we keep trying to earn that love instead of expecting it.  Never take love for granted.

8. We're heading out on vacation again next week for Europe part II the Sequel!  Oops, I haven't mentioned that yet at all, super behind on blog stuff (perhaps because of the trip prep?) but yes, no joke we are going to Prague, Dubrovnik, Milan and Rome!  How can that not make my list?!!?

9. Related to #8,  I am so, so, so thankful to have a partner to explore the world with and I look forward to every adventure ahead in life because I will be experiencing them with you.

10. I became a farmer gardener this year!  I'm very impressed by our mad gardening skillz.

11. Although I love blogging, I am thankful I've been letting myself break my post-per-week rules a little bit this summer so I can take time to really enjoy it!  Ahhh summer!

12. Additional awesome skill learned this year- the crazy Cups things Anna Kendrick does in Pitch Perfect.  Now if only I can get the singing thing down?  I'll save that for 30 perhaps.

13. I don't really like to talk about appearance or weight, but I am very thankful that I've been able to keep off the 10 lbs I gained after we got married.  Being the right, healthy version of me feels so much better!

14. I will have another nephew very soon! Watching my sister and sister-in-law as mothers brings me a lot of happiness.  I can see all the love and joy in their hearts when they are with their little ones, and I am so thankful for that. 

15. Related to #14, I will have a new nephew to meet soon and that means Henri is going to be a big brother!  I really look forward to seeing his imagination at play with a sibling :)

16. I know I had to add this to the list (again) because I know someone will wonder given numbers #14 and #15 above- I am thankful that Alex and I are still a two-some with two pups and yes, I know I am only getting old here but this feels right for us and who knows when or if that will change.  After 7 years together and 4 years of it married, we're happy kickin' it with each other and I still want Alex all to myself :)

17. I experienced the most challenging and rewarding year of my career over the past year.  Through all the long projects, stress, and risks I ended up learning more about what I am passionate about doing.  I'm thankful for all the new challenges ahead knowing that I will continue to grow.

18. How can I forget my little Rocco and Sadie.  Honestly, they feel like a major pain in the buns sometimes, but I love them like crazy.  There's no feeling like coming home to two happy, furry, adorable kiddos that think you are their whole world and love you just that way.

19. I love this blog and thankfully I now love the way the blog looks.  Hammers and High Heels is a part of my life and I'm still very thankful to Kayd for creating a look for it that I can feel proud of and happy every time I get to share it.

20. I had my first food truck lunch experience! Not sure why I waited so long, fish tacos from a truck are real darn good even though it sounds strange.

21.  July 31st is extra special not just for my birthday but because it marks the day that my sister got to bring my niece Brynn home from the hospital.  Brynn came 6 weeks early and I know it was incredibly hard for Holly to not get to bring her home.  I will never forget when I heard one year ago that she finally got to bring her baby girl home :)

22. Homes all around us that were vacant or in poor shape are now occupied and renovated or are in process of renovation.  It's refreshing that more and more people seem to be taking a second look at North Minneapolis (NoMi) and Homewood.

23. It scares me that this is my last 20's birthday, but I know my 30's will be thoughtfully shaped by all the things I've learned and the experiences I had in my 20's.  I am ready to embrace the older wiser Carla.

24. My hubby is taking on his first half Ironman race on Sunday- 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run.  He has trained for this race for 9 months and I admire his commitment to be able to achieve his goals for this race.  Most of all though, I am so proud to be his wife and cheer him on throughout the long race.  You amaze me Alex.

25. Looking back at my 20's with only one year left until 30, I'm happy thinking of where I started and where I am now.  The memories still feel like just a year or two ago, but the 20 year old me feels worlds away from me now.

26. I thankfully kicked off my birthday today with Peanut Butter and Jelly cupcakes and the Golden Girls 1st season on DVD!  Thank you for being a friend Dean :)


27. So I'm going to admit that this birthday kinda sucks- at 9:59pm I am doing laundry and bathing the dogs all in prep for our BIG vacation.  So, despite this crap-tacular birthday I am so flipping THANKFUL that suffering through this in order to be in Prague on Tuesday, followed by Milan, Dubrovnik, and Rome.  Perhaps I'll blow out some candles somewhere then.... ahhh!

28. Well, as I finish this post up so late, Bravo reminds me that I'm thankful for Watch What Happens Live and Andy Cohen.  You create all great guilty pleasure shows that I love Andy, and your shows are often playing during all my projects and the posts I write. I'll sport a side pony any day or number of days if it means I can be a clubhouse bartender... yep, birthday wish, there ya go!

29. I know my 20's aren't over just yet, but as I gear up for 30 I only hope I discover more about my purpose, or what my life will be defined by.  It sort of scares me that I don't know but even though I'm nearing 30 (which sounds old but now that I am close it's not really anymore) I have a lot of life left to live, and many more years to define me and my life- and I am very thankful and hopeful for that!

Here's to starting 29 from where I am at right now!  Cheers!

Veggies Growing & Our New Hydrenga is Blooming!

Can you believe how fast summer is flying by?  That really slow start to spring sure didn't help- speaking of that, did anyone else wonder how that would affect their plants/landscaping?  Maybe I am a weirdo because I did, but maybe it's because I didn't see our Tulips and Peonies earlier and instead they sort of came up with everything else.  I should have known though that nature would figure itself out and it did.  Everything around here seems to be growing like crazy- including the veggies in our DIY planter boxes! 

Some of them are even ready to eat!  I'm kind of shocked Alex and I grew something edible, you know like a farmer, LOL!  I'm pretty amused by it, and I've enjoyed calling Alex "Farmer Ted" (Sixteen Candles anyone?) every time he goes out to water the garden.  Naturally I had to make a visual... 

Alex didn't get the reference and that seemed to make it more fun for me :)  I know it's weird, but it still makes me giggle!
 
Aside from the new garden greens & farmer Ted thing in the backyard, I'm happy to share pretty pics of our new hydrangea shrubs in the front yard!  I had wanted hydrangea shrubs since the first summer in our house and this being our fifth summer I thought it was finally time!  I have to tell you though they had a rough start and long story short, a week after planting they looked pretty dry and another week later almost dead even though I watered them five days a week. Thankfully, I was able to revive them!

I learned is that they needed TONS of water! Hydrangeas are thirsty- especially when they are newly planted!  I watered them everyday, about 2 or 3 gallons (while reviving) and then went down to 1 gallon when they started improving.  It's a crap ton of watering compared to other plants but it's been worth it to me.  Hydrangeas just seem so charming, fluffy and happy! I'm loving this pretty addition in our front yard!

 

So what's growing and blooming in your yard?  Any happy hydrangeas? 
Are you enjoying home grown veggies too?

I'd love to know if anyone has fun recipes that they love to use for garden veggies, let us know!