Eight years ago, I made a decision that has changed my entire life. I joined the sisterhood of Kappa Kappa Gamma. I can honestly say it’s one of the best five decisions I’ve made in my entire life, and I have six women to thank. On this day, 144 years ago, six women walked into… [Read More]
DIY Wine Bottle Decor
I have always loved all the different ideas on Pinterest for DIY wine bottle decor. Paul and Mary Kay (my in-laws) have some pretty cool displays of wine bottles in their house. Like they have empty wine bottles on the top shelves of their kitchen cabinets and they have a few wine bottles hanging on… [Read More]
Saying Good-Bye to Bertha Haugen
Written September 30th. My mom said to cry and to write. I’ve done enough of the former, so it’s time to try the latter. In the 1890s, the Original Brita emigrated from Norway to live in America. She was my great-great-grandmother. In America, she anglicized her name to Bertha and also named her daughter Bertha,… [Read More]
I’m Afraid of the Dark (and other irrational fears)
I’m 27. I have a college degree. I’ve walked the streets of Paris alone at midnight. I’m married. And I’m afraid of the dark. It’s not so much that I have a childlike terror of darkness. I prefer sleeping in complete darkness, to the point that Dan and I have covered in Duck tape every… [Read More]
Q&A with Meagan Albert, Owner of Rainshine Stitches
Remember my very first fashion post? And the super-cute black and silver bow I wore? My friend Meagan Albert, owner of super-cool and creative shop Rainshine Stitches, made it for me! It’s a one-of-a-kind hair accessory. I absolutely love her shop, and one day, when I’ve organized all my old t-shirts still at my parents’… [Read More]
#EmpireGoGold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
In the Long family, we tend to focus our energies and awareness-building on Crohn’s Disease, which I’ve had for more than 20 years, and on brain cancer, which both my twin brother and my mom have. But I also try to advocate for causes that don’t affect me directly, like childhood cancer. Back in May,… [Read More]