California: San Fransisco

Toni wanted Sonoma Valley. Ben wanted Yosemite. Our friends Kate and Jordan wanted San Francisco. And they got it all for 9 spring days. Our favorite moments in the Bay area were a lunch at Alice Walker's Chez Panisse in Berkeley, a garden tour at Alcatraz, free chocolate at Ghiradelli Square, a VIP tour of Google Headquarters, and the magical fog on the Golden Gate Bridge. Hat tip to our college bro Travis Zimbelman for giving us free lunch at Google and a big thanks to Toni's old friend and neighbor Jenni Grenz for showing us around the Pacific Heights neighborhood.


Fisherman's Warf


Ghirardelli Square


Alcatraz Garden Tour


At Jenni's carriage house.


Lombard Street


Painted Ladies


Golden Gate Bridge


Breakfast with Mom and Dad who were also in town.


Google Tour

Urban with the Girls

With Ben out of town for the weekend my mom and sister flew into Philly to keep me company. We had a fabulous weekend...shopping, eating out, the Macy's Flower show, cooking, crafting and plenty of time chit chatting at the coffee shop. Thanks for the fun visit Mom and Kata!

Hot Springs with the Boys

Ben and his brothers surprised their dad with an East Coast fly fishing trip for his 60th birthday. They stayed at a rustic cabin on a sheep farm along the river in Bath County, Virginia. Apparently they had a great time. All I can tell is what I see in the pictures. If you want more details you will have to talk with one of the Brandenburg boys directly.

Clothing Swap

"A clothing swap is a type of swapmeet wherein participants exchange their valued but no longer used clothing for clothing they will use. Clothing swaps are considered not only a good way to declutter and refill one's wardrobe, but also are considered an act of environmentalism. " -Wikipedia

I was invited to my first ever clothing swap this weekend. I had read about them and thought it sounded like a fantastic idea but never attended one. I was able to get rid of a few clothes, I wasn't wearing anymore, and pick up 3 fabulous new pieces. Not only did I get new clothes but there were also delicious snacks and it was held in a an amazing photography studio!




With our treasures :)

Home Projects

The past few months I have been working on some projects around the house...here are the before and afters for you to enjoy.


Our dining room before.


Dining room after with the chandelier Ben gave me for Christmas.


Canvases before.


We needed something to fill the height of our loft...here are the canvases after.



Our kitchen with polka dots before.


After, we were tired of the dots so decided to change it up to a solid back splash.


The 50 cent lamp I bought at the thrift store, before.


After, on our dresser.

Millie Jean Perkins

I was one of the many people that was honored to have Millie in my life. She was the most extraordinary woman I have ever met and truly lived life to the fullest. She was 2 months shy of her 92nd birthday when she passed. Here are a few photos of Millie.


Traveling in Burma.


Fun at Millie's.

A Very White Christmas

Ben, Berlin and I once again took the 18 hour drive home to Minnesota to spend the holidays with our families. It was a busy week driving all over the Twin Cities seeing friends and family...but it was totally worth it. Here are a few photos highlighting the week in snowy MN.


Twenty-something years celebrating Christmas with the Pearsons!


Checking out Kata's new digs in Rochester, MN.


Aiden, Elaine, Kim and Me at the shower mom and I threw for Kim.


Christmas with the Brandenburgs.


Loved spending time with our Nephew Ethan and Niece Ellie.


Dinner and games with the Pedersons.