to do: 2011.

I really thrive on a good to do list, so this year I entitled my goals list as"To do: 2011." I think it is so important to have a written list of things you want to accomplish and to have them up in a place that is in your daily life. I like to have a list that varies from silly to serious and mixes them together...I've already checked a few things off! I hope you have a lot of challenging and fun things to check off your list this year..

i heart MN: luminary loppet.

Another reason I love Minnesota...people came out in droves last weekend for the Luminary Loppet right in the heart of the city. A loppet is a scandinavian word for a cross country ski race. This wasn't technically a race, more of a beautiful ski stroll around Lake of the Isles that was lit all along the path by ice sculptures and luminaries. It was only my second time on cross country skiis, but we had an amazing time. And can I just say that there are some super moms living here in Minnesota who were skiing along with 2 kids in tow in little sled pods with skiis on the bottom! Inspiring..hope you enjoy these pictures from my skiing adventure at the loppet! We ended the night at one of my favorite spots, a little french restaurant called Barbette..

be inspired: hello sandwich.

i hope you all have stumbled upon this beautiful blog on your blogging adventures...this lovely graphic designer living in Tokyo sweeps you off your feet right into her little Tokyo neighborhood and captures so much of this lovely city. I especially love the amazing little street apartments she manages to find as well as her lovely gift wrapping ideas. You must add her as one of your favorites.

See more at hello sandwich!

la la land memories: gjelina.

Per our bosses suggestion, Lisa and I headed out for dinner on the first night to Gjelina in Venice Beach. We had actually walked by it on our stroll down Abbott Kinney earlier that day and it had definitely caught our eye...natural wood paneling on the outside, no sign, and a bunch of pretty chic locals hanging out outside... The first night we dined on Grilled Russian Kale with Yogurt Dressing & Toasted Hazelnuts, Roasted Acorn Squash with Hazelnut Brown Butter & Rosemary..and one of the most dreamy dishes I have ever put in my mouth...the Maitake Mushroom Toast with Creme Fraiche & Truffle Oil (pictured above). OMG. I am not even a big mushroom gal and wow. We actually ended up heading back again the next night! If you ever find yourself in LA, a trip to Gjelina will not disappoint.

la la land memories: tacos.

oh my...well, let's just say we had our fill of fresh, cheap, glorious tacos in LA. Our trip started with a taco truck and ended with a taco truck (we literally pulled a U-y in the street before pulling into the Enterprise lot after seeing one last truck..it was a sign. We HAD to stop.) Don't they look beautiful?? I also love the painted lettering on the trucks..yum yum yum!

Also, I have added owning a taco truck to my bucket list..i mean, i do already have a taco costume to advertise in..