One Day in Juneau, Alaska {Pt.1}

We got back from our vacation to Alaska just over a week ago. It was incredible! We went on a seven day cruise through some of the southern Alaskan islands, with one final stop in Victoria, Canada. I'd like to share some of my photos from the week.

The cruise itself was a fairly typical cruise (except for the outdoor movie theater and zero, cheesy steel drum music...which both made it better than typical), but it was great. I know a lot of people aren't fans of cruises, but if you want to see a lot in a short time, I think they're excellent. And it's definitely nice that all your food is paid for in one shot. (Also, hello 30-whole. I think my whole family will start this soon because we need some serious purging and cleansing.)

We went whale watching in Juneau (pictures to come later) but this was the only killer whale we saw in the whole trip. That fin - see it? I KNOW it was a killer whale. :)

The locals' catch.

We spent one day in Juneau at the beginning of the week. It was lovely! The day started out rainy and misty, but turned in a glorious summer day!

He's so handsome. :)

Juneau was charming. I loved how the mountains surrounded the port and the clouds became an umbrella over everything.

Naturally...

Part two - which includes whales and salmon and glaciers - coming soon! xo

Five interview questions

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As many of you know, hubby and I moved to the U.S. just about two months ago (from South Africa). So many factors were involved in making that happen and in settling down here - one of the biggest being: finding a job. I've been hunting and interviewing (or trying to) like it's my job.

I recently sat down with a good friend who works part time as a college admissions advisor. She works with high school students to help them get into the university that they want, particularly by helping them prepare for the admissions interview. So, her help was still extremely beneficial for me, even though I'm just a few years past the college admissions stage. ;) She shared these five, random (and very real) questions that have been asked in interviews and the companies that asked them:


1) Airbnb: "How lucky are you and why?"

2) Red Frog Events: "If you could sing one song on 'American Idol', what would it be?"

3) Zappos: "If you could throw a parade of any caliber through the Zappos office, what type of parade would it be?"

4) Dell: "Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?"

5) Apple: "If you were a pizza deliveryman, how would you benefit from scissors?"


How do you answer those in an interview?! The point of looking at these questions was that if you were asked these, the employers are probably looking more for creativity and the ability to think on the spot, rather than a specific answer.

Either way, how would you answer some of these? What are some out-there interview questions you've been asked or heard of?

Back from Alaska!

We just got back (this past Saturday) from the most lovely holiday in ALASKA! It was amazing. Truly, it's one of those places that is so utterly breathtaking and unique that you really feel like you're in another world. We took a seven day cruise that stopped in three different Alaskan cities, with one stop in British Columbia. Hubby and I are so ready to move there! (Ok, not actually. Cross-continent was enough for a while.) Here are a few photos if you're interested. I can't wait to share more!

What have you been up to? I can't believe summer (and winter for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere) is almost over! Any last minute plans?

Oh, and the most exciting thing happened just before we started our cruise: I got a call for an interview! :)

Walkin' around Seattle.

Movies under the Alaskan night sky.

Helicopter rides to glaciers, with my little brother.

 Wild salmon heading upstream. 

 So much glacier!

 Stunning, stunning Victoria!

The family selfie.

Off to Alaska!

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The hubby, parents, little brother, and I are all off to Alaska tomorrow for a week! I am so excited to cruise around glaciers, see orcas in the wild, and be in cold weather! (Miami is just SO. HOT.)

I'll be back on the blog when we return. Have a great week! :)

The Balancing Act

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I'm pretty sure almost everyone (at least at some point in life?) struggles to feel that they've got everything balanced. And I suppose when I say "balanced", I even just mean "getting to do a little bit of everything". I think that's what makes me feel balanced: when I have a checklist and I at least get to touch each item somehow.

But I find that most days, either something doesn't get touched at all (i.e.: reading...seriously when do people read a novel?!) or something isn't done to the extent I would like (apply to more jobs, make a healthy dinner).

What's most startling to me is that right now, I probably have more time in my life to do things than I ever will. And yet I can't do it all! How does that happen? I have definitely found that picking three or four priorities for the day, and being content if at least those get done, helps. But I still want to do more.

Can anyone relate? Do you have any good suggestions for "balancing it all"? Or maybe the key is to be OK with not being able to do everything, as much as I hope to?

Have a wonderful weekend!

What are you up to this weekend? Our weekend consists of job hunting (that will be an "always" until we have one) but also getting ready for our upcoming family holiday to Alaska! We leave one week from today and are so excited!

Here are some links from around the webs and some photos from the week.

Have a great one! :)



10 Things You Need to Know About Social Media that truly are helpful. I feel slightly hypocritical for posting this when I haven't been staying the course lately, but overall, I try to stick to most of these.

I loved this home tour! Until we're settled in our own place, I'm just saving every great home idea I see!

My husband just about peed his pants when he saw this parody. I'm really not that bad.

Traveling on the Schooner Heritage sounds amazing! I'm dying to go now. Discovered this on one of my favorite weekly reads, From China Village.

Peanut Butter, Marshmallow Fluff (gluten free) cookies from Dessert for Two! 

Found that wood thing in the garage, my grandparents old lamp, and some white, cotton napkins...and I had myself a night stand! I love it.

We'll be here in a week! Can't wait!

Back from the land of the happy, adjusting, and unemployed

Ok, well I'm still all of those things (and still living by the beach :)...but I am back on the blog!

As many of you know, hubby and I moved back to the United States just over a month ago. (I can't believe it's been that long already!) It's been full of so many things: excitement, adjustment, food, job hunting, happiness, filling out lots of paperwork, queso, ice-cream, bike riding, swimming, more job hunting, more filling out lots of paperwork, and even more adjustment. Sometimes it feels like a holiday (vacation...I'm slowly getting American lingo back) and sometimes I don't know what to feel. And often, the emotions (and the need to find a job) are what make it difficult for me to keep up with Gumption.

But there have been so many blessings of being back here and I'm looking forward to sharing all sorts of new (and Miami specific, of course) things with you! If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen a lot of these already, but here are some snapshots of the blessings of life back in the summery, Northern Hemisphere.

Thanks for sticking around! It's good to be back. :)

"Braaing" (bbq-ing)...and with three bassets!

Little friends!

Sangria! Not that we didn't have that in South Africa, but a night out with the parents and sangria is really fun.

Lounging under palm trees and in the sun.

Wearing my lovely, African skirt. :)

More friends and the beach!

Three bassets under one roof! (A blessing and a curse?)

Being here with him. 

I have to add... This whole move is a far bigger deal and transition for hubby than for me. I basically have come home; he's moved continents. I'm so thankful that we was willing to do that and that we get to do all of this together. Certain things have been hard about the move for both of us, but he is and is doing amazing! Love him.