T-Minus 18 Hours

Tomorrow evening, my flight for Berlin will take off (yikes!) and I'm tingling in anticipation. While I've flown many times before in my life––I've already traveled abroad with a high school class––this will be the first time I travel on my own. That's right, I'll have to go through security, boarding, baggage claim solo, and it's making my heart-beat quicken.

I feel extremely prepared, which is helping, and everyone has been immeasurably helpful and supportive as my departure nears, but I told my mom this evening that I keep worrying about the little, insignificant things like:

What if my baggage weighs 52 pounds?
Will my hair and make-up get gross on the flight?
Do I need compression socks or does the twenty-something-year-old magic apply to international flights, too?

See––little things . . . My time abroad is a quick three weeks, so I already know it will be a whirlwind kind of trip. During my stay, here's what I'm most looking forward to:

Staying with a family so I can experience "real life" in Berlin.
Going to museums and internet cafes when I feel touristy.
Eating chocolate and mentos as I read on the plane.
Listening to music on trains.
Seeing the Brandenburg Gate again––it's just so stunning.

Berlin Bound

Exciting news––I'm going to Berlin, Germany this June for a fellowship with the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the University of Minnesota. For the month of June, I will assist teaching English in classrooms while conducting minor research on German children's literature. My host family will likely be my cooperating teacher, and I am very excited to experience Berlin through an extended, somewhat assimilated stay.

I already booked my flight (eeps!) and I'll be leaving May 31 in the evening. . . I can hardly wait! I visited Berlin briefly in my high school years with a European history class, but it's been a while and I'm kind of nervous to go on my own!

Do you guys have any travel advice? I'll admit it: I've never flown or traveled alone. What should I be aware of and look out for? Do you have any good packing advice? I'd love your tips!

Playing Catch Up

I have a habit of using my days of to catch up on things. I'm by no means a procrastinator; in fact, I'm a bit of stickler when it comes to deadlines. But my days off from work are not always the weekend, so I use days like today to do things that I've missed. Here's what I'm catching up on today:

1) The Newsroom. So good, to dramatic, so Sorkin.

2) Paperwork (yuck!) for the upcoming school year. I got an email today that one of my advisors was missing some forms. Time to get out my favorite blue pen and fill out those forms!

3) Online job training. This is by far the weirdest thing I've ever done. My campus job this year is a sort of mentorship program for incoming freshman. But since most people live away from campus, or even Minnesota in the summer as we prepare, everything is virtual. It's pretty interesting. I'll be popping out my contacts and reading several interesting articles.

4) Reading for fun. I'm still on Changing My Mind, which is turning out to one my favorite reads in a long time. Zadie Smith is the bomb.

5) Course book inventory. I've ordered a ton of textbooks, but seriously have no idea what I have and what I still need. Amazon, watch out!

Photo via 

Must-See Movies

Speaking of movies, here are some films that I've either been meaning to see or am anticipating.

1. "Fruitvale Station" looks tragically insightful and human. Jamie Foxx called it "a movie for the ages."

2. The newest Woody Allen film "Blue Jasmine" is a loosely-based 21st Century A Streetcar Named Desire, but does not act like an impostor. Cate Blanchett, who played Blanche on broadway, apparently gives an electrifying performance as she slides from her economically high tower.

3. William Shakespeare and Joss Whedon finally meet as primarily sci-fi guru tackles "Much Ado About Nothing." The film isn't a period piece, but uses the original text, which makes it fun. As always, Whedon sticks with some of his classic mainstay heavy-weights like Nathan Fillion and Alexis Denisof. With a cast like that, it's got to be good.

4. Yes, I'm J.T. obsessed, but "Inside Llewyn Davis" looks great! ("Runner Runner" may, too, be good.) The Coen Brothers are almost always a sure hit, and Carey Mulligan has been on fire lately, so my hopes are high! Anticipated the end of this year!

5. Last, but not least, Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote and directed "Don Jon," which has been previewing in theaters for several months. With all the build-up, I'm hoping it's good. The preview is intriguing, and Levitt does not usually disappoint. With multi-talented and a smart actor/writer/director, the film has the potential to be huge.

What movies have you seen this summer that you would recommend? I have some free time coming up, so I'd love your suggestions! Furthermore, do you have any other suggestions for upcoming films? I'm often out of the loop for forthcoming projects, so give the details!

Photo via Tom Spaulding Flickr

Do You Volunteer?

Today I am volunteering at my place of work for about four or five hours. Middle school aged students from our local Boys & Girls Club will be visiting Old Navy to see what kinds of jobs there are, and what work can look like. I have to confess that I've done very little volunteering in my life; there are plenty of excuses, but when it gets down to it, I've never felt incredibly inspired by a certain cause.

But, I signed up at work because I knew it would be a slow week, and I was looking for something to spice up my somewhat monotonous summer. Now I'm getting excited, as I helped plan some awesome activities, great co-workers will be there, and I get to beat this crazy heat. Bonus: middle schoolers can be awfully enthusiastic and sweet. :) I feel glad that I'll get to show the kids that a part time job while you're in school can be great! Hopefully they feel like they will want a place of a work community! I think that's such an important thing to have; different life spheres. If they see the value of the workplace, I'm happy!

P.S. Being in the Greater Minneapolis Area means it can be hard for me to get around to find good volunteering opportunities. If you know of any, please let me know! I'd love your suggestions. 

Photo via @oliviermela Flickr

America: Holiday Nation

The 4th of July is only a week away, and my family is already preparing for a summery shindig. After weeks of dreary June weather (we've had about three truly nice days, last night being one of them.) we're excited that the forecast is for beautiful skies & warm temperatures.

Like a large population of the U.S., I wouldn't say my family is overly patriotic. We have a flag outside of our house, like everyone in our neighborhood, we say the pledge of allegiance at school, and sing the national anthem at games, but we don't have America tattooed anywhere. And yet, the 4th is always a day that we like to celebrate.

So why is The Fourth such a cultural blowout? Stores have sales, neighborhoods have parties, families gather from near and far, and some use the weekend to travel, sometimes even out of the country. Is it just another reason to drink beer outside and eat cole slaw and brats? Or do we really value it as Independence Day?

Most of us don't refer to it as such, perhaps because it's easier to say the 4th. But it's quite easy to take our freedom for granted, forgetting that the day has some serious implications of war and struggle along with the celebratory fact that we're an independent nation. Like Memorial Day, St. Patty's Day, and the like, we haul out our decorations, put on ugly shirts, and party like it's 1999.

It seems as though America possesses and champions a cultural love of celebration. Any chance to throw a party is for us.

Remember, we're a country in the throw of an intense immigration debate that heavily emphasizes Mexico, yet we happily celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

So are we party obsessed, eager to celebrate at any chance? I'd love your thoughts on this one. It's been on my mind for a while, and would like hear your opinion on Holiday Nation.

Bug Out: Summer Bling

I've seen one of the coolest trends in jewelry this summer––insects! Whether on bangles or studs, these baubles are down right buggy! It's a great nod to these summer critters that we love to hate, just quirky enough to keep these jewels fun, and bling-y enough to be fabulous! 

Necklace (ASOS)/ Studs (ASOS) / Earrings (Erica Weiner) / Bracelet (Kate Spade New York) / Brooch (Topshop)

Would you wear bugs in your bling? I think it's pretty great. It will probably be a short lived trend, but it's worth it!

P.S. My favorite summer button down now comes in a dress!

Coming Home for Summer

Do ever find the transition into summer can be a little weird sometimes? I often am so used to being busy during the school year, that the first week or so I need something to keep me feeling productive. It can be difficult to go from long, productive days to lounge-y weeks that require little to no action. But, after a few days of unpacking & reorganizing all my belongings, baking up new recipes, and making summer goal lists, I settle down. 

And then I wake up to a bustling house in the late morning! 

While I'm at school, I'm considered the early riser between all my roommates. Weekdays I get up at 6:00 am and usually crawl out of bed for coffee by 9:00 am on weekends. But when I come home for the summer, I am the late sleeper, and feel lazy for not starting my days early like my parents. I occasionally even feel guilty for being so sloth-like, despite my mother's kind insistence that I "just relax after such a busy year!" 

I've been on summer vacation for over a month now, and am really feeling settled now. It seems crazy that the transition would take a while, but it can! 

How do you transition from hectic schedules to lazy weeks? I've heard horror stories of college kids not being able to stand living with their parents after living alone at college––could you do it? Should you ever feel guilty for relaxing if not everyone in the house is? 

{Weekend Update}...Summer is Here?

According to all my calendars, it is officially summer, but I found this weekend particularly gloomy and indeed not summery. We had many a rainstorms, overcast afternoons, and gloomy mornings to ponder over a cup of coffee. It was actually somewhat delightful. Despite the ominous clouds that boded showers, we visited our local farmer's market and discovered the most wonderful salsa company in Eau Claire! Chip Magnet (cute punny name, right?) has every flavor and zestiness imaginable! We picked Spicy Fruit Salsa and Garlic Chipotle Lime Salsa for a good summer flavor. I endured frigid temps at work, but survived, and we celebrated a family friend's 30th birthday! 

How was your weekend? Did you experience any of the crazy summer showers, or are you experiencing typical heat waves. Also, Midwesterners! Any good summer markets I should know about?

Photos via @sarahcarlsonetc Instagram

Summer Sneakers

Last summer, I wrote about some fun options for summer kicks. I was heading to Florida, so I was looking for super light-weight (mostly slip-ons) that would go from beach to park in a few seconds. Bensimon creates beautiful tennis slip-ons that come in great colors, and here are some more affordable similar styles by Old Navy. (I have them; they're awesome!)

However, this summer we're going to Chicago! Instead of beach time, we'll be walking––a lot. I want some tennis shoes that are more durable and have more support for the days we spend several hours on hard pavement. These shoes by Superga look like a great option. I just ordered them! I've seen them in the J.Crew catalog, on Shopbob, and Piperlime (on sale there!). They also have great colors, so they aren't as drab as the typical tenny.

What do you think? Do you have any summer sneakers that you would suggest? I'd love to get the best (most comfortable and still chic) ones I can find!

That Summer Snooze

Perhaps I deal with it more than most people because of my college lifestyle. My mother is a teacher, and Abby & I are still in school, so when summer roles around, it's glorious! Hours spent lounging around outside in the sun, baking everyday, reading oodles of books; and then a couple weeks go by.

I'm not trying to look a gift horse in the mouth––I know that someday I will not be this lucky. I will have a job for which I will be required to work at least forty hours per week with Saturday and Sunday off, every month, all year. So I'm really not complaining (I promise)! But after awhile, every day becomes just like the last and just like the next.

Life gets predictable. And you suddenly crave something different. That's why vacations are so incredible. I got giddy today when I found out I'd be working more than usual next week, because it was changed things up. That notorious summer boredom has sadly crept upon us...

The school year is very industrious, so the transition to doing nothing all day can be jarring. I clean, I read, I practice piano (the poor ears of my family and neighbors!). I try to fill my day to the brim, but alas, that lull happens.

I'd love your advice here! How do I keep enjoying the relaxing days of summer without getting a tiny bit bored! I miss the excitement of Minneapolis, but realize that where ever I was, things would still be highly similar. How do you stay amused, active, and still totally loungey?

Photo via @classickitsch Instagram, Abby Carlson

To the Nightingale

As summer evenings start to wrap around us in dreamy sunsets and quiet buzzing, hear is one of my favorite poems. It is one I always think of when summer roles around, and I always turn to it whenever I need to think of something beautiful. I also love "Ode to a Nightingale" by the beloved Keats, but this is so gorgeous, and Borges is awesome.

Out of what secret English summer evening
or night on the incalculable Rhine,
lost among all the nights of my long night,
could it have come to my unknowing ear,
your song, encrusted with mythology,
nightingale of Virgil and the Persians?
Perhaps I never heard you, but my life
is bound up with your life, inseparably.
They symbol for you was a wandering spirit
in a book of enigmas. The poet, El Marino,
nicknamed you the "siren of the forest";
you sing throughout the night of Juliet
and through the intricate pages of the Latin
and from his pinewoods, Heine, that other
nightingale of Germany and Judea,
called you mockingbird, firebird, bird of mourning,
Keats hear your song for everyone, forever.
There is not one among the simmering names
people have given you across the earth
that does not seek to match your own music,
nightingale of the dark. The Muslim dreamed you
in the delirium of ecstasy,
his breast pierced by the thorn of the sung rose
you redden with your blood. Assiduously
in the black evening I contrive this poem,
nightingale of the sands and all the seas,
that in exultation, memory, and fable,
you burn with love and die in liquid song.

                     Jorge Luis Borges (Translated by Alastair Reid)

Photo by Nick Athanas

Summer Goals

During a lazy weekend at home in the middle of spring semester, my mom and sister and I lounged around dreaming up life goals. Some were really big (I want to be published!), while others were small but important (Abby wants to be a fabulous ballroom dancer). We got all caught up in dreaming big, but we also made some summer goals. Since Abby and I have part-time jobs, and the three of us are on a summer long "vacation" (Mom still does a lot of work for school over the summer.) we wanted to have little goals to keep us doing. Here are some of ours that we came up with:

1. Take more walks together. We live in a beautiful neighborhood––it's completely canopied in luscious, old trees and gardens. There's something very serene about taking a walk with others, but not feeling like you have to make conversation. 

2. Refurbish old furniture! My mom has a knack for giving beat-up things new life. She repainted a rocking chair for her classroom that is now gorgeous, and even overhauled a cabinet for our house! So we're hitting up thrift sales, estate sales, you name it to find the new "it" project for the summer!

3. Read more (an old stand-by for me) and watch TV less. I read quite a bit for school, but I like to read whatever I want over the summer. Also, my mom, an amazingly dedicated teacher, and avid learner admitted she hasn't read and "real, mature book" in ages, because it can often feel like she only has time for short articles in magazines during the year. (P.S. would you have a magazine or article club instead of a book club? They sound appealing and fascinating!)

4. I want to learn bass guitar––finally!––after getting one in high school and never taking the initiative to learn for real. 

Do you have any summer goals? So many people have the "bikini body" goal, which I gave up on long ago. What's on your reading list? Do you have a summertime hobby?

Photo © Sarah Carlson Etc. 

Bedtime Stories

I'm reading one of the best books right now. Stories: All New Tales, edited by the amazing Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio is a fantastic compilation of wonderful stories. They are short enough to read within one week, and are perfect for reading those 30 minutes before lights out.

My favorites thus far: "The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains" by Neil Gaiman, "Blood" by Roddy Doyle, and finally, the awesome "Wildfire in Manhattan" by Joanne Harris. (Beautiful storytelling––I'm interested to read more by her!)

Do you have any good recommendations that are good for night-time reading? Sometimes stories that are creepy are gruesome are simply to anxiety inducing for bedtime; would you agree? I also really enjoy "At the Bay".

Photo via @sarahcarlsonetc Instagram. 

{Summer Threads}...Family + Friends Dinner Night

We've put away the Spring Threads column for now––even though summer doesn't start for a few weeks––and are kicking off June with Summer Threads! Our first is for those hazy summer evenings when you gather at a friend's house and have a big dinner. Last summer, our family had some theme dinner nights, like Italian night and Mexican fiesta night with a taco bar and fresh guacamole. Family dinners are relaxed and fun, but there are usually tons of pictures for those Instagram albums. Here's my favorite uniform for summer evening shindigs!

Chambray is everywhere this summer, this button down is relaxed in a beautiful light wash, but still polished.

Cat eye shades with a twist featuring animal print and gold. 

NARS everywhere stick in their most popular color, Orgasm (oh, my!) is great for throwing in your tote and having instant, effortless beauty. 

A lovely carafe that is easily transportable for bringing homemade sangria to the party.

Tote along your camera, board games, CDs, and edible contribution in this simple straw bag.

The most swoon-worthy floral skirt that is fun, flirt, and absolutely dahling...

These will be your go-to shoes. Easy to slip on & off as you go from patio to living room in a radiant metallic. 

Happy June!

It's finally June! After what seems like months of bad weather, summer has arrived! The Chippewa Valley could not be more beautiful right now––we're looking forward to going to cool even in our city called Taste of the Valley tomorrow (vendors from around the area serve their coolest, most popular food at a huge park and pavilion near the gorgeous river) for sunshine, food, and fun! Enjoy your first day of the lovely, lovely month!

{Weekend Update}...Settling In

After a whirlwind week of finals, packing, and moving, I took this weekend to enjoy the very beginnings of summer vacation. We started off with a dinner and movie, followed by a bonfire with family and friends. It was incredible weather, and we chatted for hours about our favorite parts of Star Trek (Chris Pine's eyebrows), past vacation stories, and our recent move to a new church. And on the day of rest we stopped for lunch and frozen yogurt (I know it's kind of a fad, but I'm obsessed!) before picking up all our flowers for planting! Glorious sunshine, a heavy rainfall, and friends and family was a pretty great way to start summer.

When you come home, what is the first thing you want to do? I crave s'mores and bonfires, and afternoon patio reading. 

Photo via @classickitsch Instagram

The Sound of Summer

Today is the last day of instruction for me, with a week of finals to follow! Needless to say, I'm dreaming of summer and craving a sunny heat wave. In the spirit of lemonade, hammocks, and sundresses, I've started making my first summer playlist. After all, every good party requires a soundtrack, and summer is just one long, leisurely party. You play music on road trips, as you have a barbecue, sing songs on bike rides. Often times, I hear a song from a previous playlist (I have many for many occasions–some random like an entire playlist for a fun weekend) and think of memories from that summer, or week years ago. Every time I hear this song, it takes me back to spring/summer of high school. So this summer. . .

I've got lots of bubbly tunes to compliment the (hopefully) blissful weather, featuring She & Him, Zee Avi, Mika, and Feist. All classics.

What do you have on your summer playlist? Does your taste in music change with the season? Mine certainly does. 

Photo via @sarahcarlsonetc Instagram

I'm Busy July 22...

Pretty much everyone I see now knows that I'm busy July 22. I just can't stop saying it!

I've already made summer plans and I still have several weeks left of semester. But this new is simply too exciting not to share! I ordered my tickets for the July 22 Justin Timberlake concert at Soldier Field in Chicago! I'm so pumped to go and even more exciting, I'm going with my family. Abby and I surprised our mom early with the tickets for her birthday (which is in July) and we'll be making a small vacation out of it and will probably listen to The 20/20 Experience the whole way there. 

Needless to say, I have a countdown started for July 22. And by the way, have I said I'm busy July 22?

Photo via