Reminisce: Color & Fashion

An old fashion school project I constructed, that was also featured at my portfolio show in September of 2010 (has it been that long already)?! Missing it a bit.

A Review: Aladdin Senja Desktop Mug

Usually I'm not one to dissect something as trivial as a desktop mug, but I figured that this product is just that fabulous and no, I'm not getting paid to do this! In all seriousness, or as serious as one can be regarding this matter, I have honestly been on the lookout for a coffee mug for quite a while now. Since a trip to Caribou became part of my daily routine (sometimes double-daily) I have been searching for something that just simply, made sense; For one, I am sincerely trying to reduce my footprint and this is such a simple way in which I can do that: I figure that using the mug will cease personal consumption of around 300 paper cups and paper sleeves, or more, per year.
Also, Caribou discounts 50 cents for each time one utilizes his or her own mug, which totals about $200 a year in savings. Reduce, reuse, RECYCLE. The mug is double-wall constructed, stainless steel (meaning rust-proof, odorless, tasteless) has a nonslip bottom, sturdy (welded) handle with a nice grip, BPA free, seal-tight cover that caters to both lefties and righties and did I mention the lagoon-esque color?! LOVE. My coffee, tea, hot cocoa, stays HOT for at least an hour and perfectly warm for around two. But, for how many of us does it actually take more than an hour to finish that 16 oz. coffee at 8:00AM? ....that's what I thought. Target. $15. Enough said.
For more information about Aladdin's products, visit http://www.aladdin-pmi.com/

Lovetown, USA!!

I am ecstatic that the news has finally surfaced. I am even more so excited that my wonderful boss, mentor and friend, Kailen Rosenberg, will be a part of this extremely unique and challenging social experiment. Not to mention, after viewing this video made by the residents of Kingsland, Georgia during the nomination phase of the process, I am looking forward to watching deserving people be blessed with such an amazing opportunity.

Below, is what was released on Oprah's site on Monday: 

"After a nationwide search, OWN and BBC Worldwide Productions have selected Kingsland, Georgia, to be transformed into Lovetown, USA. Two expert matchmakers including the real-life "Hitch," Paul Carrick Brunson, and Kailen Rosenberg, with more than 200 successful marriages to her name and hailed as a true "love whisperer," will take over Kingsland for 30 days, helping eight singles embark on a journey to find true love in their own backyard.
From the local mayor to restaurateurs, bosses and even married couples, everyone in the town will be involved. This one-of-a-kind social experiment is the biggest dating challenge in TV history—examining the effects love can have on the DNA of one American community."

Visit http://www.oprah.com/own/Lovetown-USA-About-the-Show#ixzz1jYcNXFCU to learn more about the show and to share your thoughts with Kailen Rosenberg and OWN.

For all you twitter enthusiasts, be sure to follow @kailenrosenberg, @lovearchitects and @loveandlifeXO for Kailen Rosenberg, Lovetown, USA and Love and Life Architects updates!!
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Revolutions.

Why wait for a new year to determine motivators for needed change? Ok, I admit I'm a bit late, but (refer to list below) these took a while. I feel as though I am constantly making small changes in my life to satiate diverse aspects of my life. Hence the name of my blog, there is no way I could keep track of ALL of these; thank god for archives.

Regardless, some personal, consistent resolutions:

1. Listen more, and truly listen.
2. See the good in everything – maintain a glass that’s half full.
3. Rise above the bad and avoid 'risky' situations all together.
4. Always be aware. Mouth closed, eyes open.
5. Be conscious of the beautiful environment we were blessed with – plant a community garden (this summer in the homeland), reduce, reuse, recycle always and inform others of their important role in making the world a better place. Every tree planted, every bottle recycled, helps.
6. Be conscious of what my body is coming into contact with; clothes, cosmetics, food, etc. – buy local, support small shops; do away with toxicity (be it unhealthy food, unnecessary consumerism, harmful relationships, etc.).
7. Be more artistic;  construct treasure from trash, learn to crochet, paint; thank you craftgawker, pinterest..
8. Reaquaint myself with a consistent, spiritual routine.
9. Ease into some regular form of exercise: yoga, biking, running? ....I'm human (refer to 12).
10. Don't overanalyze.
11. Don’t preach to an unwilling choir; mainly practice and educate those willing to follow my lead.
12. Be human. Rome wasn't built in a day.
13. Give more compliments. One compliment per one stranger per day.
14. Don't blink. Live in the moment and know that not one moment will be the same ever again.
15. Read more.
16. First seek to understand, then to be understood.
17. Never take for granted the little things.
18. Smile. Cry when I need to…and smile more.
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Don't Blink.

I thoroughly enjoyed looking back on my ‘list of happenings’ that I compiled last year and it’s a bit crazy to think that it’s already that time again. I cannot believe what 2011 has blessed me with. It has been a wonderful, yet sometimes trying, year; a lot of ups, plenty of downs and all-arounds! With that being said, I have grown tremendously, as a person, and know that everything happens for a reason. Life truly is a rollercoaster, but I can honestly say that I am enjoying the ride.

1] My family started the year off right and instead of buying Christmas presents this year, we headed to Maui in mid-January. I will never forget the day we came home to -14 degree Minnesnowta, blistered noses and all. Surely, it was an experience that I will never forget with people I love the most.

2] I turned 22, which reminds me, 23 is just around the corner! EEeeek!

3] Jon and I officially celebrated 4 years together, on the luckiest day of the year, St. Patty’s Day.

4] Went platinum blonde, and what they say is true!

5] Finally dumped the unreliable neon and exchanged it for one of my most favorite possessions – the Yaris.

6] Took an impromptu trip to Two Harbors, Duluth with some friends from high school this past summer. Great times with great people.

7] Goodbye 1 bedroom apartment, hello 2 bedroom apartment and little brother! Jason moved in with us this past fall and started school in Eden Prairie..so far, it has been a great fit for all.

8] The beginning of July, I said goodbye to my position with Leede Research as a Marketing Research Assistant and HELLO to a big girl job. I am the Lead LoveLife Design Concierge at Love and Life Architects in Wayzata, MN. I couldn’t ask for anything better at this point. My eyes have been opened and this position has truly changed my perspective on many aspects of my life, including what I feel I am destined to do.

9] The Barrick family was blessed with another, gorgeous little addition: Jetta Adeline was born in August. She is beyond adorable and I am looking forward to watching her learn and grow. As well as teaching her dad how to paint nails, braid hair, etc. :)

10] A year in the making, Jon and I took a week-long road trip, west-bound! Full of exploration, discovery and fun, we stayed in Seattle for a few days and visited family and friends and finally made it to our destination: Squamish, British Columbia. We are very in love with the beauty and simplicity of the area and hope to one day end up there, for at least a little while. I will never forget our memories made on that journey.

11] Myself and my siblings put on quite the party for my wonderful parent’s 25^th wedding anniversary! To such a fabulous couple and role models, a little planning and some teamwork really paid off. It’s what life is all about.

12] Currently, we are still living in DT Minneapolis ~ Jon is back to playing hockey after partially tearing his MCL a couple of months back. Between being a full-time student and hockey player, he is staying busy. Internship applications have been sent out for summer placement, which is exciting. I am working full-time and loving every minute. The picture captures our, 'Welcome 2012,' new year's kiss.

Hopes and wishes for health, love and happiness to all in 2012!