linnea paulina

loving july (lots of yummy moments)

Hi there :o)  Hope you've been having a great week!  The time is flying by, isn't it?  I can't believe I've already lived in my new place for a month!  

Autumn made the fantastic dinner  earlier in the month (featured above): veggie rolls & dipping sauce, wine, cherries, and a slice of french bread (to go with brie & fig jam).  I recently bought the most amazing pair of jeans.  They have already changed my life.  True story.  If you are searching for the perfect pair of jeans, try Express! 

Most exciting of all, my parents & youngest brother are visiting me for the week!!!  Yaaaaaayyy :o)  Tonight we barbecued sausages and ate corn on the cob, salad, and baked sweet potatoes outside on the picnic furniture.  I love having them here :o)  My brother Jakie is so grown up, I didn't even recognize him when I first saw him.  He had also changed his hair style a bit, if that can be considered a legitimate excuse for mistaking my brother from the same mother.  Forgive me.    

In other news, I have decided that I'm growing my hair out long again, and going to buy a blow dryer (sometime soon).  I tried Autumn's out and I loved its magic.  The only other blow dryer I had used in my life was my mom's clunky grey one, manufactured in the 80's (like me!) with poufy results.    

Fitness-wise, I have rejoined the gym (to get jacked!), decided to run a half marathon in the fall, and I am actively declaring my love for Lindt chili chocolate (chilling in the fridge).  I hope you are happy and loving your life right now. xox.

independence day (part 2)

There's nothing better than a hot dog with all the right fixings for the 4th of July!  Ketchup is by far my favorite condiment.  My fingers & nose were covered with it by the time I was through... quite attractive, I agree... but hey, that's what napkins are for :o)  When I was younger, I always had a hard time spelling independence  I always wanted to end it with -dance.  I like to consider myself a good speller, but it was just one of those words.... along with because which I learned to spell by repeating big elephants can't always use small exits.  It works!

Last Saturday, Autumn, Kristine, & I went berry picking.  I was sad that I missed strawberry season this year!  Good thing there were plenty of just-ripened raspberries & blueberries to pick (& eat).  I've been working on growing my nails out.  I usually just keep them short & unpolished, but now I'm all about the french manicure :o)  I'm getting good practice, it just takes some careful dedication (Savina nail color is my favorite... from the nordstrom rack, as always!).    

Here is Autumn, a natural berry picker!  I would not have been able to do it in 95 degree weather, in a dress, with my hair down... but she did, somehow :o) 

These berries are long gone... but they did brighten up my oatmeal and brownies for a whole week.  I should definitely go again (soon!).  Right now Autumn & I are working on our weekly meal plan, and about to head to the grocery store.  My philosophy at the moment is: as long as there is a good supply of fresh fruits & veggies in the fridge, I can use my imagination and make something simple & delicious.  I think it'll be an early night to bed for me (I really mean it this time!).  

This upcoming week is going to be characterized by STUDYING!  Ashley & I already kicked it off with a big bowl of PHO, and salad rolls (with peanut dipping sauce).  Then we hit the books.  When I got home, I bought a scrumptious dough ball and made some pizza for dinner.  Simple, fast, delicious! 

All in all, this was an encouraging week.  I'm so thankful for my friends and everyone who lifts me up, with smiles, words, letters, hugs, drawings, and airplane packets of peanuts.  Thank you, I feel like the luckiest of creatures.  I'm ready to take on this week.  Let's go!

independence day (part 1)

My fourth of July celebration started out with iced coffee and a trip to the farmers market.  This week I tried the pear soda, last week, the strawberry.  Next week, I'll give boysenberry a go... the fruit which will forever have a special place in my heart.  Maybe I'll even buy a bottle.  It's high-fructose syrup free!  

Aren't these little basil seedlings just the cutest?  I think I could grow some on my window sill?  Did I mention how excited I am about having window sills in my new place?  I think I also might buy a little orchid plant to put in the window... just like the houses in Sweden have.  

As always, I need to work on getting to bed earlier!  My bed is all ready for me, and I'm going to turn in for the night :o)  Sweet dreams & stay tuned for Part 2!

cupcakes & books (kick any day off to a good start)

A tiny vanilla cupcake (with cream cheese frosting... and sprinkles!) was what my blue bike carried me toward on Saturday afternoon.  Smart bicycle!  

After that, I had enough fuel with me to visit my favorite consignment store.  I found three items for my reading enjoyment (all for only $5.50) :  Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn, Paula by Isabel Allende, and the May issue of Real Simple Magazine (it's all about makeup... which I have really been enjoying wearing lately).  My new kate spade bag also just happened to sneak into the picture above :o) (thank you Norsdstrom's semi-annual sale!).  Its vibrant blue hue is irresistible to me.  It's slouchy, a bit fancy, and stripey on the inside.  

I can't stop listening to Michael Jackson.  My favorite songs are You Rock My World (Invincible), and In the Closet (Dangerous).  They are both great running songs.  When I find a song I love, I listen to that one song on repeat... for a really long time.  My first musical obsessions were Grease and Michael Jackson.  When I was in first grade, my dad and I, my best friend Stephanie, and her father all had tickets to an MJ concert.  I was so excited about going... Stephanie and I would watch concert videos with people fainting left & right.  My dad bought us earplugs.  We were ready to go!  The concert was cancelled... disappointing, but what can you do?  I was saddened to hear last week's news.

Happening this very moment, Autumn is cooking up a feast... and in the meantime, she bought some brie, a warm fresh baguette, and a bottle of white zinfandel.  She's throwing a celebration... because today is a special celebration-y sort of day.  I'm sending good thoughts straight from my heart out into the world.  I'm thankful for my friends!

drawing class

I hope you had a very happy 4th of July weekend!  I had a wonderful time with Autumn & Kristine (and will share more about that later!).  I was looking through my photographs and realized that I never had mentioned the drawing class I took last month, taught by Jill Bliss. 

I spent 6 relaxing hours drawing in the park that day.  I bundled up at the picnic bench until the sun came out, then I spread my blue plaid blanket out on the grass and laid on my stomach to continue.  I hadn't spent that much time drawing in years.  It was really a nice treat.  

Maybe I should bring my sketchbook out more often.  I love doodling while listening to my ipod.  Drawing is one of the few things I can do to music (besides running... or dancing :o) ).  I can't study or write while listening to music... it's much too distracting to my mind.  

Grocery shopping for the week is in my near future... and blueberry muffins may be, too :o)  We'll see.  Hope you are recharged and ready to take on Monday! xox.

home made pizza

Last week, Autumn and I made the delicious-est pizza.  My very first home made pizza recipes involve my brothers & mom sitting around the kitchen table.  We each would make our own continent shaped dough crusts, and top them just as we pleased.  These memories are my inspiration.  

We brushed the dough with olive oil, and used tomato sauce & basil pesto as the base.  I must admit, I bought the dough from my favorite pizza shop here... so it isn't one hundred percent homemade... details, details :o)  In the mix we've got zucchini, red bell pepper, mushrooms, red onions, basil, and tomatoes. 

I used mozzarella & herbed goat cheese to top everything off.  Next time, I'm not even sure I'll use cheese... I think it would taste great without it, especially because the pesto & tomato sauce together are so flavorful (& it would also be healthier that way, too).  

I think we should definitely make some more next week.  Today we had an amazing crab salad... thank you Autumn!  Later in the week, it will be my turn to cook something up!  

I'm planning on making some sort of pasta & sauce with chicken sausage and chiang mai noodle soup (also with chicken).  Did I mention that my parents & youngest brother are coming to visit me in less than three weeks?  I'm so excited!  

I have a little presentation to put together for work... so I'll leave you with a picture of the finished masterpiece - tada!

It was absolutely amazing and I ate the whole thing :o) Happy Thursday!

my first day (in my new place)

Hi there :o)  I hope this past week has been going well for you.  It truly feels like summer.  My first popsicle (cucumber, lime, & jalapeno) and homemade lemonade have officially kicked off the season.  It's funny - since moving in, I feel like I have a brand new life... even though I didn't travel very far.  I'm finding new coffee shops, grocery stores, a place to buy fresh tortillas & salsa, new walking routes, a great yoga studio, a new roomie for the summer :o)  It has been so great having Autumn stay with me.  Tonight I came home from work and she had crab cakes in the oven, and little mango, pineapple, cinnamon, & plain yogurt compotes waiting for dessert.  I feel driven to explore the neighborhood, eat fresh, read books from the library, enjoy life... the season.  We are lucky.

These pictures are from my first day here.  What better way to initiate a brand new oven than with a batch of fresh (& slightly healthified) brownies.  My friend Heather (Tree!) gave me the recipe in high-school and it is a definite keeper.  I forget if I've shared it with you or not?  I might already have.  I have a habit of sharing the same stories twice... but I'm sure you wouldn't mind if you got double the dose of this chocolate treat, would you?  

The Best Brownies

1. preheat oven to 360 degrees F

2. mix together in a bowl with a wooden spoon:

1 T instant coffee

3/4 c oil

1.5 c sugar

3 eggs

1 egg white

1 t vanilla

1 t salt

1 c flour

1.5 c cocoa

3. top with chopped nuts, pearl sugar, or sprinkles (if you like!) and bake for 25 minutes. 

Does this look slightly familiar to you?  I love the way everything fits together so easily in this space.  I think it has something to do with the open floor plan, and large windows.  I feel natural and relaxed here.  A nice feeling.  I need to take a few more pictures... especially now that the boxes are cleared away.  

I like my big mirror, counter space, and drawers :o)  Pink peonies also happen to make everything better.  The dahlias should be popping up soon, too.  Yes!  

hello hello!

Hi there!!  I feel like it's been quite a while :o)  I'm currently here at my favorite burger joint... for the wireless... and the strawberry smoothie (who am I kidding!).  My new apartment is after my own heart.  It is wonderful, and I can't wait to share some pictures with you.  It's covered in boxes, but I'm slowly chipping away at it.  The internet won't be up for another few days... I might have to make this smoothie thing a habit (just for a little!).  Or perhaps branch out and try something else on the menu.  

Some Little Notes:

♥ I set out to the farmer's market this morning to buy peonies.  I saw one stand offering 10 stems for $7 - what a deal!  Then the guy told me he would add on another bundle of 10 because they were opened quite a bit.  TWENTY peonies for only $7!!  I couldn't believe my fortune.  My new apartment may be disheveled as heck, but at least it's got flowers.  I am in heaven.  

♥ My friend Autumn is coming to live with me for the summer (starting on Monday)!  I just used two seasons in one sentence.  Yay :o)  

♥ I've been thinking about buying a car sometime soon... coming from me, this is big :o)  I was sort of a late bloomer when it comes to driving.  

You are awesome.  Thank you so much for your kind comments and thoughts.  I better start walking back home.  It's starting to get dark.  Happy weekend!

farmers market saturday

Amy had this really amazing idea... to go to the farmer's market!  There is no way I would ever turn down that invitation (great friend, flowers, food, free samples!)... perfect combination.  I was up before seven (thank you, natural alarm clock).  There's really something nice about getting up early & starting your day.  I feel like I've got a head start on things.  This week I've been much better about getting to bed early and listening to my body.  

On Tuesday I had a shift of mindset and determination... I really want to take care of my body by eating well, and exercising (on a more consistent basis).  I know this will make me feel good.  So far, I've got five check marks in my calendar for doing a good job... and I look forward to putting another one on for today!  I can still fit a little donut and carrot cake into my day, and give myself a check mark... it's more of a mindset/balance/totality of the circumstances thing :o)  I'll enjoy what I've got, go for a run, and drink lots of water.  That's pretty much it!

This mindset culminated in an "aha moment" for me on Friday.  I was in the middle of watching Twilight (having just finished reading the book), and the phrase "make yourself happy first" painted itself in neon pink & twinkly lights in my mind.  I know it's not a unique concept, but it truly stood out to me so vividly, and I've been contemplating it ever since.

I mean it in the least self-centered way possible.  It is applicable to my life in the smallest of ways on up.  I need to take care of the little things first.  The things that I know make me happy.  If I work most peacefully in an uncluttered environment, I need to take the time to clean/organize... that is to say, I need to know myself well enough to take care of the prerequisite things that put me at ease and allow me to contribute to the world in the fullest way possible.  

Maybe it is a bit like Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  I sometimes feel like making oneself happy has a negative tinted connotation... well, what if it is actually an act of generosity?  In our happiest states, I think we are better friends, kinder people, more fun to be around, and better able to help others. 

This means that it is my responsibility to take care of the "make yourself happy first" part of things... because I'm the only one who can do it.  It's not going to come from outside sources, people, things.

So that's what I've been thinking about lately.  That, and packing out.  I thought I had considerably lessened my belongings... but goodness, there's still so much stuff.  I guess it also looks more daunting when it's all out there, rather than tucked neatly away in drawers & cabinets.  

So I've still got the kitchen to pack, plus a few loose ends in the living room to stash away.  Not too bad.  I know my mumsy would be so proud to see me such a good packer, rather than the pack rat I was in my childhood days.     

The weekend really just zipped on by!  Saturday's highlight: definitely the farmers market.  Sunday's highlight: drawing in the park (I can't wait to tell you more about this!).  Thank you for following along with me.  I hope you have a wonderful Monday.

These strawberries remind me... I just picked up a ripe & almost mushy strawberry pint from the store, washed, and boiled them on up.  I'm going to mix it into my yogurt tomorrow morning & add a little flavor to the mix.  

hello there!

I hope you had a great weekend :o)  I guess the weekend seems a little bit far away... but still, it's nice looking back and remembering things... like Saturday's egg-white (and one-half egg yolk) omelette.  It was the first omelette I have ever eaten without ketchup!  As much as I love ketchup, I wanted to taste everything inside as much as possible... and there was just no room for my favorite condiment.  This omelette was stuffed with asparagus, caramelized onions, avocado, and mascarpone cheese.  Oh boy!  

On Sunday I helped Olivia move out of her place.  Good prep for when I move next week, right?  Monday, I took the LSAT!  I'm very proud of myself just for doing it.  It sure is a good exercise of concentration.  

I ran on the treadmill today for 30 minutes (25 of them were hard).  I really pushed myself.  I ate healthy (besides kettle corn, but that's fiber... so it's good, right? :o) ) I feel great, but tired.  I've done well on my to-do list.  Let's see: hair trimmed, nails painted, laundry tumbling, dishwasher washing.  All there's left to do is brush/floss/gargle.  Then I'll call it a night.  An early night.  

Sweet dreams.  Have a great Wednesday :o)!