3 Goals for Spring

Chicago has been raining for the past few days. And not just raining. Thunderstorms, flash floods, and lightning. I’m definitely counting on these April showers to bring May flowers. This Spring will bring a lot of “newness” for me. I am going to be moving back to California and along with this will be looking for a new place to live and a new job. For all this sporadic change, I think I am going to have to balance it with some good ol’ planned change. Below are 3 of my golas for Spring this season.

1. Clean out my closet.

If only our closets looked like that they would be SO easy to keep organized, right? I have realized that I have a gross amount of clothing and accessories that I rarely wear. Part of this is due to Chicago winter forcing me into leggings, sweatshirts, and boots all season. But some other things I just know I will never wear again. This Spring I want to donate items that I don’t use any more. Plus, it will make for a much lighter and affordable move back to California! [image via].

2. Start running again. 

In January one of my New Years Resolutions was a challenge called “A Mile A Day.” It is just what it sounds, run a mile a day, no matter what your other work out is. I actually loved it. I was never really a runner before, but I found that one mile really does make a difference and builds stamina and muscle. I did the challenge for about a month and a half. And then my routine was thrown off. After a business trip to Dallas one week, it was hard to get back in the swing of things. With an erratic schedule like mine fitting this in every day can be tough, but I would like to start again; maybe with a break 1 or 2 days a week. Oh, and I think the above new Nike Free Run 3 Sneakers would be oh so encouraging. [image via].

3. Add more superfoods to my diet.

I must admit, I have been pretty great this year at cooking at home and not eating out. I have added some new things to my diet for the better including “green juices,” chia seeds, and more green tea. It is so important to take care of your body and make sure you are getting all the right nutrients to keep it functioning and thriving. This Spring I want to add even more raw, “superfoods” to my every day diet. I suggest this link for a list of 50 superfoods and why they are so good for you. [image via].

These are only 3. I want to come up with at least 2 more, achievable goals for the season. What are your Spring goals?

Sincerely, Johanna

Weekend Wrap-Up

This past Thursday – Monday I had an amazing (long) weekend in Chicago with Kevin. I was able to get the time off of work and the weather cooperated enough for us to explore the city a little more.

The weekend started with homemade banana pancakes. I used this recipe. The pancakes turned out good, but since they have the bananas inside, they are not as light and fluffy as regular pancakes. I think I would give them 3.5 out of 5 stars. To keep the banana flavor, but still enjoy the fluffiness of the pancake I think next time I would just make regular pancakes and add lots of fresh fruit sliced on top.

Friday and Saturday we went to the Cubs vs. Giants games at Wrigley Field. If you ask me it was WAY too cold for it to be baseball season, but we stuck it out to support our men in orange and black!

Game Day Tip: one of the days we got tickets from Stub Hub for about $15 each. The other, we got two hard tickets from a scalper outside the game – for $5 each! The seats were just as good and we didn’t have to worry about finding a printer, getting them before the game, etc. Granted we got the scalper tickets for a Friday day game and the stadium wasn’t that packed, but I would definitely still consider this option for next time. I don’t think I would do this at AT&T Park, since those games can sell out easily and even scalper tickets are expensive, but at the old-school Wrigley Field, it worked just perfectly.

Sunday morning we made our way to Lincoln Park to my new favorite doughnut shop Glazed and Infused. No 50 cent stale doughnuts, but works of art! They have the basic flavors, but then have an amazing menu of “seasonal doughnuts” as well. We got 4 to share – we couldn’t help it. Blueberry Lemon, Maple Toffee Bacon, Red Velvet, and Creme Brulee. Right?! My favorite was the Blueberry Lemon – it tasted so much like the fresh fruit you almost forgot you were eating a doughnut…almost. More props to Glazed and Infused, they had great coffee and the staff was super friendly. I’ll definitely be back.

We ended the weekend by enjoying the nice weather – ok, so it was only 53 degrees, but that’s nice for what Chicago winter dealt us! We walked down to Navy Pier and later got sandwiches at Fox & Obel and enjoyed them by the river.

As Kevin was packing up his things for his flight back to San Diego on Monday, we realized this may be the last time he visits me in Chicago. He’s almost graduating and with my plans to move back to California sometime in June, time is going by fast. Chicago, Kevin, and I have had some great times. From the hot August, to the freezing January, to now the pleasant April, each month and season has brought us something new. It will be a sad day to leave behind this city I called home for the past year, but I feel as though I have been lucky enough to experience quite a bit of it.

Sincerely, Johanna

Have a Happy Weekend & 5 Other Happy Things

happy (adj.) – cheerful, cheery, merry, joyful, jovial, jolly, jocular, gleeful, carefree, untroubled, delighted, smiling, beaming, grinning, in good spirits, in a good mood, lighthearted, pleased, contented, content, satisfied, gratified, buoyant, radiant, sunny, blithe, joyous, beatific; thrilled, elated, exhilarated, ecstatic, blissful, euphoric, overjoyed

T.G.I.F.!

Usually my crazy work schedule doesn’t allow me to partake in a “real weekend.” My “weekends” usually fall on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays..pretty much any other day of the week besides Saturday and Sunday. And this weekend is extra special because a) it includes Friday, so is technically a 3 day weekend and b) BECAUSE KEVIN IS IN CHICAGO!

There are so many adjectives I can use to describe the way I feel when Kevin and I reunite. But happy, and the above synonyms truly capture the pure feeling of content I have when I’m with him.  So this weekend, among endless other things, is going to be happy.

My roommate Lizzie just made an interesting post about Pinterest – does it do more good or bad? This actually made me think and I’m still undecided. What I DO know is that I find some of the most beautiful and inspiring images on the social media website. Here are 5 happy images from my recent pins [and if you feel so inclined, follow me on Pinterest here!]

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So that’s me signing off for the weekend – hey, if I’m going to take a real weekend I have to do it right, right? Taking a break from the electronic world to instead sip lattes, cheer on the Giants at Wrigley Field, and laugh about nothing and everything with my love.

I’ll be back next week – with good pictures!

Sincerely, Johanna

Wishlist: Greeting Cards

My love for snail mail began long ago, as I’m sure it did for a lot of little girls, passing notes about cute boys back and forth in grade school. It saddens me that the art of note/card writing has lost its luster to so many people in our electronic age. Yes, emails may be faster and more convenient in some circumstances, but there is something still so magical about opening a hand written note that took a few days traveling the state, country, world, to get to you. And people still do appreciate them. Working in the hospitality business, I get a better response from guests when I send them an amenity with a handwritten note as opposed to something printed from the computer. It’s just more personal. It show people you’re thinking of them.

If you know me, you know that I have a large stationary collection, a card for every occasion. Chicago has a few GREAT local card shops, (Foursided and Inkling are two of my favorites) that I frequent almost once a week. Yes, sometimes these cards can be expensive in some people’s opinion, but you’re buying a piece of artwork! And a quick note, slap on a stamp, and you’ve just made someone’s day.

Below are the greeting cards currently on my wishlist.

1. I’m IN LOVE with this beautiful and whimsical Terrarium Postcard Set from Quill & Fox; Set of 8 – $14

2. Send a Parisian note with these Assorted French Cards from Rifle Paper Co.; Set of 8 – $18

3. This You and Me Are Meant To Be Letterpress Notecard from 1canoe2 is perfect for writing sweet nothings to your main squeeze; $5

4. Say Thank You…in sign language with this Sign Language Thanks from Hammerpress; $4

5. Use either of these prints, Puzzle Pieces or Mixtape illustrated by Chicago local Laura Berger for any occasion; $4 each

6. Send more than a card with these Garden Seeds Collection Boxed Cards from Ruffhouse Art – the cards can be literally planted (they house little seeds) and grown into a garden!; Set of 6 – $25

Who are you going to send a note to this weekend?

P.S. SWAK (sealed with a kiss)

Sincerely, Johanna

The Present

image [via]

Sincerely, Johanna

Inspired By: Spring Blooms

Can you tell I’m in love with Spring yet? The past couple of days it’s been raining in Chicago and I can’t get the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” out of my head. While I’m still not sure if the quote is talking about babies or flowers, for the purpose of this post, let’s go with flowers.

Of course it’s cliche, but what woman doesn’t love flowers? And men too for that matter. To me, the colorful blooms are the epitome of the beauty of nature. I think in my second life I would enjoy being a florist, putting together arrangements for each occasion, season, event.

Below are some of the flowers I’ve been lucky enough to photograph over the past few years.

The Flower Fields, Encinitas, California.

The Flower Fields, Encinitas, California.

Sunflowers, San Diego, California.

The Flower Fields, Encinitas, California.

Tulips, San Diego, California.

Spring Blossoms, Santa Cruz, California.

Roses, San Diego, California.

California Poppy, Sunol Park, Northern California.

So this week, I’m inspired by flowers. What’s inspiring you?

Sincerely, Johanna

Big Love in the Big City

Happy Tuesday!

While most people see today as the day that comes after Monday, this week for me it is one day closer on my countdown calendar until Kevin is in Chicago! I’m not going to lie and tell you that keeping a long distance relationship alive over 2,000 plus miles is a piece of cake, because it’s not. It takes work, effort, understanding, patience, flexibility, and most of all, unconditional love.

Kevin and I have also been so lucky that his cousin works for Southwest and has been able to help us out with a “Buddy Pass” here and there for Kevin to get on a stand-by flight. Out of the 10 months that I have been in Chicago, I have seen Kevin 6 of them, with 2 of those times being me going to California.

Each time before I see him, I still get butterflies in my stomach. I still get excited to cook him a special breakfast the first morning we’re together. I still spend the week before looking for events and fun things to do during the time we’ll be together. It’s important to me to maximize the time we have together. The times that Kevin has been in Chicago we’ve done everything from go to a Cubs game, to try deep dish pizza, to take pictures at “The Bean.“ Since I’m still pretty new to Chicago too, it’s exciting for both of us to explore the city.

When I was leaving to Chicago from California last June – wow, it’s been that long? – I had no doubt in my mind that Kevin and I would stay together. But I must say, I am so proud of what our relationship has grown into over the past several months. Relationships take work; long distance relationships take even more work. And there are no two people more ready for the job.

That being said, I can’t wait to be in the same city as this man. I love you Kevin.

August. Near Fullerton Beach.

September. At The Bean.

September. In Millenium Park.

December. At The Bean (again).

December. In Lincoln Park at the Nature Boardwalk.

Sincerely, Johanna

Sincerely, Johanna via Instagram

Remember the days when everyone had a camera? And no I don’t mean an iPhone, a real camera. I must admit, I do still have a little point and shoot camera, and do aspire to have a nice SLR camera someday soon, but am still surprised at how many of my photos I now take on my phone.

Sometimes I think our generation can be described by the word “convenience” (sometimes in a good way, other times bad). Why would anyone have a camera, just another thing to pull out of their purse, backpack, pocket, when they can instead stop texting for a minute and snap a photo on their phone? Convenient, right?

And then to share your photos! I know sometimes my roommate Lizzie says, I take all these photos, what am I going to do with them? Whoever invented Instagram really ate their Wheaties. “A picture is worth 1,000 words.” So cliche, but so true. Instagram has really turned everyone into a photographer. And I’m okay with it (unless you’re one of those people who Instagrams your dinner every night, or what song you’re listening to on Pandora every 30 minutes – really?!).

On my Instagram you’ll mostly find pictures of coffee, nature, yummy food, and pretty places. Just another little corner of the social media world to share my life. Enjoy some of my photos below.

1. The beginning of fall outside my apartment building, Chicago. / 2. California Poppy in Northern California. / 3. Latte & mocha at Intelligentsia, Chicago. / 4. Pistachio French macaron from Argo Tea, Chicago. / 5. Making homemade granola, Chicago. / 6. Coffee at Goddess and the Grocer, Chicago. / 7. Breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla, California. / 8. In the airport on my way to Santa Cruz. / 9. Kevin and me at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego.

Follow me on Instagram [here].

Sincerely, Johanna

Upcoming Adventure: Outside Lands

It’s official. Kevin and I purchased tickets for San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music Festival! Remember last week when I was sad that I wasn’t going to Coachella? – Well now that I know I will still be taking part in Festival Season, the smile has returned to my face. Although Outside Lands is a somewhat different kind of festival than Coachella (no camping, not in the middle of the desert, a liiiiittle less hot), there is still amazing music, great food, and happy people. And add wine tasting and being in the middle of the best Northern California city and you’ve got yourself a good time.

A few hopes for the line-up:

1. The Lumineers

2. Ellie Goulding

3. Phoenix

4. Passion Pit

5. Zedd

Ok, ok, I know it’s not until August, but I can still be excited now, right?

Sincerely, Johanna

Spring Ring Fever

This week I finally had a day in Chicago where I didn’t wear my NorthFace parka, the sun woke me up in the morning, and when walking to work I took off my scarf because I was too hot. What does this mean? Spring is finally here! Chicago may have had to wait until April, but it was well worth the wait.

During my days off this week, I plan on going through my closet and putting my favorite pretty Spring outfits towards the front. And it goes for jewelry too! I’ve realized that in my excessive jewelry collection I have plenty of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, but in the ring department, I am kind of lacking. I have fun cocktail rings, a few meaningful simple rings from graduations and gifts, but I don’t really have beautiful simple rings for everyday wear.

Below are 6 of the rings on my Spring wishlist. Simple, gold, and thin are my criteria this season – perfect for stacking!

1. Armenta Black Pave Diamond Ring / 2. Satomi Kawakita Twig Ring / 3. 14 Karat Gold Moissanite Stacking Rings (handmade by my friend’s older sister!)

4. Ariel Gordon Paper Thin Rings / 5. Dual Birthstone Rings / 6. Gold Initial Rings

What do you need to add to your Spring wardrobe?

Sincerely, Johanna