melissa

bouncing around. part one.

2011-07-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy, busy month! Isaac and I have been bouncing around all over the northwest side of the country, hiking, exploring, forgetting sunscreen (me), remembering sunscreen (him always, me after the fact..), enjoying our families, and taking LOTS of pictures!!! So many in fact that I haven't finished going through them all to get them posted! But here are some highlights from one of the most exciting summers (and busiest... oh my!) we've had!!

POST 1 of 3

san francisco trip... via the redwoods:

elk, elk, everywhere!

camping with my man!

camper's wine....

oregon dunes. stunning.

my handsome fiance/travel consultant!!

battle rock wayside park

collecting rocks...

so many sea stars!!

GIANT redwoods at Jedediah Smith State Park!!

Uncle Isaac meets Leo. :)

GG bridge!

josh, margot and little leo. cute little family...

palace of fine arts in san fran.

playing at the exploratorium -- fun!

yes.

2011-07-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Isaac and I are ENGAGED!! Just the thought of it melts my heart. To be able to say yes, scream yes, KNOW... with all my heart... YES!! This man... will be my husband!

It's been about a month now, and we've both been going, going and sometimes gone for the entirety of our engagement thus far. We haven't had even an hour to plan, but for fun and good reason. Just one week after the big day, we went to San Francisco to visit Isaac's sister, brother-in-law, and meet their three-month-old, Leo. Then yesterday, we got back from nearly a week of camping with my immediate family in Yellowstone National Park. Everyday in between, we've been working, working, working! But the busy-ness has been strangely great; While we'll occasionally discuss things like location, theme, venues, etc., we've just been able to take this time and ENJOY it. We've been able to celebrate with so many of our family members, and basically just have a blast as fiance and fiancee. LOVING it.

In March of 2007, I spent my spring break with Isaac in Georgia. While we drove out of the city for a camping/hiking trip, we listened to music (Isaac is notorious for amazing music mixes). This song was played, and while I loved it then, I might just like it even more now...

First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes

music monday: bon iver

2011-06-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

Bon Iver. Thank goodness he has another album releasing. I needn't say more. Isaac and I got to see him open for a Wilco concert back in 2008... BAH!!... it was amazing.

From the self-titled album "bon iver", "calgary":

Listen to the entire album before it releases tomorrow HERE.

And stay tuned... the next post I do is going to be an exciting one, and that might be a promise. :)

Here's a hint....

addicted and can't stop

2011-06-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

What? A blog? Who has time for blogging when there is Pinterest?! I'm addicted and can't stop...

Pinterest is a social sharing site, similar to twitter, only better... especially for people like me who appreciate aesthetics, design and visuals! It's a place to share things that you love! Interiors, fashion, books, food, photography and fun products! It's fun and easy to follow others and get inspired!!

Check out my profile (and the main site), and let me know if you'd like an invite to join the 'pinboard'! Happy pinning (as they say)! haha!

music monday: thurston moore

2011-05-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Thurston Moore. My first experience with his music broke my little heart. I remember it so well; better than yesterday. Back in 2007, I was packing up from a week spent in Georgia with my love. He was finishing grad-school there, and I was heading back to my school in Nebraska. We'd visit each other and go for MONTHS without seeing each other again. This time, I was silently packing my things, careful not to say anything because saying anything at all would just make me cry. And when Thurston Moore's 'Honest James' came on, all of that holding back... dissipated. I had never heard it before then, and even now, the association of this song with the event called, Leaving, continues to put a lump in my throat.

Thurston Moore: Honest James

But now, I don't have to say goodbye to him. I don't have to pack my things and board an airplane with tissues. :) You have NO IDEA how happy it makes me to be able to see him everyday...

Now I can listen to Thurston Moore's newest album without crying. haha. 'Demolished Thoughts' (releasing next week) includes a few lovely musical ideas from his other albums, but not overwhelmingly so. The opening track reminds me so much of 'Honest James':

Thurston Moore: Benediction

Thurston Moore: In Silver Rain with a Paper Key

Get a first listen of the entire album 'Demolished Thoughts' HERE via NPR.

music monday: ellie goulding

2011-05-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

Tina Fey hosted SNL this past Saturday (yay!). It was sooo exciting, but I was sooo tired and kept falling asleep during all of the skits. But when Fey announced the guest musician "Ellie Goulding!" (an indie pop artist from England), there was something there that kept me awake. It was a strange thing; during her entire performance, I thought "do I like this? I like this! Do I like this? I love this!" Ellie G. has this incredible precision that is almost haunting as she gets higher in her vocal range. I downloaded her album, but I have to say that the differences she made in the live performance rock so much more than her studio recording... definitely more of a raw sound which I LOVE in female singers. And her vocal licks and runs sometimes sound digitally created, but they're NOT... it's just her, and it's awesome!!

This is the live performance she did on SNL Saturday....

Ellie Goulding: Lights

And another, live at The Cherrytree House. Lovely.

Ellie Goulding: The Writer

the articles worn

2011-05-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Happy day. I got the Anthropologie catalog in the mail today. It's the only catalog I look at (ok... I look at their sister store's, too [Urban Outfitters], but it's not as thrilling). Last summer, I got to work (play?) at an Anthropologie store, and it was so inspirational. Walking into new things, new surroundings, new ideas every day... it was a perfect environment for a girl like me. And about the catalog; even just since working there last year, I feel it has evolved. It's not about the individual items available for purchase... it's about art, photography, color, composition, travel and beauty. The models become a part of the composition and the articles worn become a part of the environment, the surrounding architecture and societies. Sometimes, I'm sad I don't get the everyday inspiration from the cute little eclectic store like I used to, but the booklet that comes in my mailbox is enough inspiration to fill me up. LOVE it.

{don't get the Anthropologie catalog in your mailbox? Not to fret... CLICK HERE and skim through the catalog on their site! Your welcome.}

____

music monday: fleet foxes

2011-05-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Guess what is releasing tomorrow!! A new Fleet Foxes album titled, 'Helplessness Blues'!! You can get a bitty sneak-listen by clicking here, but I can guarantee you'll need to just buy the album because it's a GOOD one!! They've stayed true to both their distinct sound and cool album cover art, so check it out!! Sooooooo good....

My personal favorites from the album:

Fleet Foxes | Battery Kinzie

Fleet Foxes | Lorelai

to visit family

2011-04-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

I love photography. Love it. Right now, my only camera is a lovely 35mm film sort, but I'm attempting to save up for something fancy, and the more I learn, the more I can't wait for the day I can get one. I absolutely adore the texture and color that comes from film, but it's scary for me to take photos with it because a) I can't see the "immediate" result on a 2x2 inch screen and b) I truly only get one shot! But I'm learning, and quite honestly, the unknown is a quarter of the fun!! I went home to visit family back in February, and already, I wish I knew then what I know now about exposure and light (like how to photograph in a bathroom?? haha). But with such a cutie pie niece to photograph, I can't help but show you some of the fun I had with my film during my visit.....

cutest bath baby...

my niece, leah. she's a cute, clever one.

bath buddies...

dry up!

mommy!!

bed-time story books... her favorite book about animals!!

it really is time for bed. cute little elephant pj's.... haha.

sweetie!!

she'll read books anywhere she can... just hop on pop!

one of leah's favorite animals... the 'affe!! so cute.

she fell asleep in the car and woke up in a ZOO!! lucky.

More photos from my visit to come! I had a lot of fun with "landscapes of the great plains". :) It's so different from the city, and I always forget that until I go home after being gone for so long...

play, create, edit and design

2011-04-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

I love getting to work on my computer. I don't have as much time to do it as I would like, and I don't have as many specific projects as I would like, but when I do, I just like to play, create, edit and design. Sometimes I forget that I reaaaaally enjoy this...... and looking back at a couple of fun projects from a few months ago is a great reminder....

a save-the-date mail-out -- Rachel and Brenden are getting married in less than a month!

the save-the-date design the couple chose and mailed out.

Taylor and Jamie, getting married just before the 4th -- Celebration themed with a hot fuchsia, gray and black color pallet! :)

Let me know if you have any specific projects you'd like created for you!! I just love working on special things like this!!

color inspiration: fashion magazines

2011-04-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

As far as graphic design and interiors go, I work best with neutrals and a punch of color. I realized that lately, I've been going back to the same color pallets, and needed some fresh inspiration that wasn't too cliche (for some reason, I think almost everything is cliche these days).

What am I turning to? Fashion magazine covers! Brilliant! They always have the neutrals of flesh and different hair colors, with the font colors and clothing for the punch of color! Now I can't stop looking for inspirational magazine covers and can't wait to start working with the various pallets I've been able to pull from them!!

Elle | January 2011*

Elle - France | March 2011*

Elle - UK | January 2011

Elle - UK | February 2011

Vogue - Turkey | March 2010*

Vogue - US | January 2011*

Vogue | January 2011

Vogue - Spain | April 2011

*My favorite color pallets! Love 'em.

music monday: say hi [to your mom]

2011-04-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

Say Hi to Your Mom!! Apparently the 'to your mom' portion was dropped at some point, and the band now simply goes with SAY HI... which I like better. Their album "Um, Uh Oh", released about two months ago, is quite nice for those of us in Portland who get rainy, lazy days and need some music that feels the same way. (Maybe they sound like rainy, lazy days because they are based out of Seattle?) It's pretty easy listening that reminds me a LOT of a less angry Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes and even perhaps a little of the Sabastian half in Belle and Sabastian. haha. Enjoy a couple of tracks from their album, "Um, Uh Oh"...

Say Hi: Dots on Maps

Say Hi: Trees Are a Swayin'

music monday: the temper trap | adele | the dodos

2011-03-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

It's sooo not monday, but who cares! Music Monday lives on!! And instead of featuring just one artist, I'm going to let you in on what I've been listening to all month! I've got opinions....

Let's start with the oldest to newest releases.

The Temper Trap. I downloaded their album, Conditions, which actually came out almost a year and a half ago! But I had no idea, so it's new music for meeee!! They remind me of some sort of combination of Kings of Leon and the Bee Gees... haha - I'm so serious!

I LOVE this video -- it cracks me up then breaks and melts my heart all at the same time!! love it...
The Temper Trap: Love Lost

The Temper Trap: Fools

Adele. Her album "21" -released last month- is definitely a step up from her previous album, "19", but I have to admit that I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong... she's a diva, but I guess I was expecting something a little better than what she gave us! She can ROCK, no doubt about it, but I think the biggest let-down were her ballads. They seemed sooo cliche and like so much of what has already been done and overdone. Blah. Buuuut, I still like it (when she rocks out) and listen to it - I just skip the boring tracks....

Adele: Rolling in The Deep

The Dodos. They are just so great. Isaac found them for me - he's so wonderful about keeping me in the know with the things I should probably know about... :) and I just love bands that make complex rhythms work and make it awesome. This is The Dodos. Their album, No Color, came out just a couple of weeks ago, and Isaac downloaded it to share with me. :)

The Dodos: Black Night

The Dodos: Going Under

music monday: jonsi

2011-03-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

This album is for the soul. From start to finish, it inspires me to live my life with purpose, away from the mundane tasks of everyday things and expectations. To Go Do. The past couple of months, I've been doing some serious soul searching for the sake of my career and the happiness that stems from that portion of my life. I'm a happy, happy girl, and in it all, I've got a pretty wonderful life. But I want more. I need more. More creativity. More life. More passion. And this album, I swear, is the soundtrack for this quest of mine... as cheesy as that may sound.

Jonsi's album, Go, is where the better parts in the melodic tendencies of Sigur Ros and Coldplay meet the driving beats of The National. It's a pretty wonderful combination; both moving and beautiful. And most of the songs are even good for a motivated work-out too! I'm not kidding! Check out the videos of the first two tracks in the album: Go Do and Animal Arithmetic. (I was told that this album has to be listened to in order, and it's true) - chronologically, it'll take you through life.

Jonsi: Go Do

Jonsi: Animal Arithmetic

Also...

click here to Watch Jonsi live (it's pretty awesome, and the differences from the studio recording rock!!)

click here to listen to Jonsi in Concert!!

___

out with my 35mm

2011-02-08T23:37:00.001-08:00

I went out with my 35mm camera the other day. It was a fun and much needed day!! I want to do this every day.

At Stumptown.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Henry's Tavern. Never been because it's always filled with frat boys. This day, it was pretty.

String lights and the threat of rain.

A dressmaker's store front.

luggage and shoes

2011-02-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

I'm ba-aack!! I had to take some time off while I got oriented with life. I really don't want to go into details, but it's been a whirlwind [so it seems] since moving here to Portland. Somehow though, I feel as if I'm starting to get the hang of things. I can't believe that it's 2011 already, but I must say that 2010 was the best year I've ever had. The happiest. The most content. Honestly. And I can't wait to make 2011 even better!!

With that said, I can't leave without sharing my favorite things of the year thus far that I have my eye on!!...

1. Floto Tack Duffle in Olive. PERFECT for a little weekender trip or avoiding checking in luggage if you can pack like a pro! Made of a beautiful Italian leather; this bag will last you a lifetime! LOVE it!! (Just might have to get it!)

2. OPI nail polish: Lincoln Park After Dark. I got this just after the new year and haven't had it out of rotation with #7 since!! Part of me doesn't want spring to come only because I'll have to set aside the cute boots and dark nails for a while!

3. Ralph Lauren's Women's Sadia. How CUTE are these?! I'm saving up for a very important purchase at the moment, otherwise, these would be in my closet. Perfect for a night out... maybe not the day.

4. London Fog Oxford 18" Dome Bag in brown. It's a mouthful, and perhaps not as cute as the Floto Tack bag (although gentler on the wallet), but another adorable piece of luggage none-the-less!! Can you tell I picture plenty of travels in my future? What is a life without exploring? And doing it without cute luggage would be a shame.

5. Bags and shoes. I love bags and shoes. These Bass Women's Fidele in Cognac leather might be a little more logical than #3 (and more affordable), so it's a good thing they're so darn cute. Perfect for the day... maybe not a night out...

6. Smart and sophisticated. Two of my favorite things. One couldn't go wrong with the Widemouth Leather Weekend bag by Hammacher Schlemmer (whoever they are...). You could fit your life in this thing!!

7. The other nail color. haha. Revlon's Steel Her Heart. (As if it weren't stolen already... I'm one lucky lady!!) Buy it at Target or something. 3 bucks.

Happy 2011 -- Grab it while you can and make it GREAT!!!

___

music monday: arcade fire

2010-08-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

So last week, Arcade Fire released their album "The Suburbs". This is good news for people like me who really liked "Funeral" but weren't feelin' it so much with "Neon Bible" except for one (occasionally two) songs in the entire album. I understand I may stand alone on this opinion, but still. Needless to say, they've redeemed themselves, and The Suburbs is (are?) GREAT!!

You can still listen to the entire album streaming via NPR, but you should probably just buy it because you'll want to keep listening to it later...

Arcade Fire: The Suburbs

aaaand...
Arcade Fire: We Used to Wait

music monday: elizabeth mitchell + meagan smith

2010-07-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

I think about my family every day. I love them. And as you know, this past September (whoa! almost a YEAR ago!!), my family grew! My brother and sister (in-law) had a little girl, and I've never looked at things the same way since. I stop at the windows of little baby boutiques now, I compare her to other babies and find them less adorable (sorry to all the other adorable babies out there, but the competition is steep in comparison...), and I am ALWAYS reminded of her in everyday events that wouldn't have touched me in the same way before. For example, this past thursday, I thought of my cutie-pie niece while watching the newest episode of Futurama. The cutest song played at the end:

Little Bird, Little Bird.
by Elizabeth Mitchell
album: You Are My Little Bird

Her 1 year birthday is just around the corner, and I'm thinking this album will be a perfect addition to her gift! (and I think the mom and pop will be able to enjoy it too!)

If you are looking for more fun music for your little one or a little one you know, I must also recommend Meagan Smith's album titled The Cricket's Orchestra. Also super fun. :)

Heartbroken.
Meagan Smith
album: The Cricket's Orchestra

life in a day

2010-07-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

On July 24th, help document a single day on earth. YouTube's Life in a Day.

I love this!!

"Life in a Day is a historic global experiment to create a user-generated feature film, shot in a single day, by you. On July 24, you have 24 hours to capture a glimpse of your life on camera. The most compelling and distinctive footage will be edited into an experimental documentary film, produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kevin Macdonald.

The film will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2011 and will be available on YouTube. If your footage makes it into the finished film, you'll be credited as co-director and you could be one of 20 contributors brought to Sundance to celebrate with Kevin Macdonald."

Go HERE for more info and videos on rules and how-tos. I probably won’t participate since nothing outrageous happens here, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes out of it!! Have a GREAT 24^th, tomorrow!!

what i have my eye on: diana f+ camera

2010-07-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

Sooo... I'm really into photography. I've been working non-stop for the past few weeks, so I haven't had much time to get out and play around with my camera, but Isaac and I were able to get out on the 4th of July for some coastal exploration (I'll have to post those pictures sometime). My amateur (terrible..) digital camera broke months ago, so I've been working solely with the 35 mm camera that Isaac got me this past Christmas. I LOVE this camera. Like, LOVE, love... and I wish I had easy access to developing my own film. Someday, I would like to get an extremely fancy Canon digital SLR, but while I work toward that dream, perhaps I could become a collector of all sorts of cameras!!

And which camera do I have my eye on? For the last year and a half, I've been keeping an eye on the Lomography Diana F+. It has a 75 mm lens with a removable flash unit (but in my opinion, you can't get the camera without the flash...), and not only is the camera itself adorable, but the shots produced are awesome. I WANT!!!!

color inspiration: lavender

2010-07-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

I maintain a preference for a neutral pallet. I'm constantly drawn to raw interior spaces and simple fashion. Nothing flashy, bright, loud, or heavily ornamented. I would even say that this appreciation for simplicity flows over to my film and musical preferences too, yet not as obviously. But of course, it seems as though I always have to take these tendencies back for the sake of a single color or vibrant idea that I find myself gravitating to. Lately, I can't keep my eye from finding lavenders amongst the neutrals...

1. Cupcake Jones: in The Pearl, a Cupcake Jones exists. I've never eaten one, but seriously... it's very possible that I might think about a certain bakery with cupcakes peeking at me from the window a little too often. I'll keep you posted on what they're like because I'm thinking I won't be able to hold back much longer...

2. Lavender: I love fresh lavender. None of this lavender scented shampoo junk... the real deal. (I like to pick a little in the morning on my way to work to tuck in my hair or to just enjoy as I walk...)

3. Ville Varumo: a Finnish photographer with an eye for stunning compositions (albeit occasionally filled with loneliness) . He's been mentioned as 'one to watch', so I'm doing just that! I recommend checking out Book III on his site.

4. Anthropologie: now putting outfits together just for you!! One can never have too many cardigans, and this little drapey number is simply lovely and possibly perfect in every way.

5. Restoration Hardware: Rococo-style frames in a weathered bronze. Does your desk or bed-side table need a little face-lift? Consider it done.

6. Southpark Seafood: So I can't give you a report on the seafood, but the cocktails are FANTASTIC!! And I really love this one in particular containing lavender, lemon, and vodka of some assortment. It's delicious, and if you go, just make sure that Will is there to create it for you.

7. Apolis Activism: "a platform for a network of global citizens empowering people through opportunity instead of charity"... and for the Bangladesh Project: the Market Bag. Adorable for awesome reasons....

fridays with friedman: hot

2010-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Have you been doing your reading this past week? I hope so!! I also hope it's getting you fired up, too!

Let's touch on the recent (oh, wait, 87 days ago isn't recent? You're right.) gulf oil spill. It's not even exciting to me that they've finally "capped" the gusher, and I'm more than underwhelmed at this supposed progress they've made on it. Not cool. This entire situation has DEFINITELY made our nation's dependence on oil an even more disgusting habit. No matter how you look at it. And it's a seemingly unbreakable habit that has been making our planet... Hot.

In the late 1700's, our country took amazing steps in technology and resources during the Industrial Revolution. Society was advancing through innovative thought, incredibly hard work and The Big-Boys-of-then getting just as dirty as the people that worked for them. And it worked. And our country took giant steps. And we became powerful. And the American Dream was born (more about that later -- see how it's impossible to stay on one topic?). But since those late years of the 1700's, very little innovation has occurred, leaving us to rely on these fossil fuels (coal, crude oil, natural gas)... fuels that emit Carbon Dioxide (CO2). [p. 69]

[Imagine me going on a personal rant, and insert that paragraph here, because I wrote it and then remember this is Fridays with Friedman...]

So flashback to gradeschool when we all learned about the Model T car built by Henry Ford in 1896. Between the years of 1908 and 1927, Henry Ford's "use of the modern industrial assembly line" had produced over 18 million Model T cars. [p. 70] Umm... that's a lot of automobile stuff, and that's a lot of oil. So, excuse me, but why are we here 100 years later, and still using the same method for getting around? Burning oil and puttering around in the same transportation system with mere comfort enhancements like air-conditioning, adjustable seats, and fancy surround sound being our ONLY progress in advancement?? ANYONE? blegh.

Anyway... with this new technology, society was finally going places. People were able to move quickly and on their own time. They were exploring and discovering a completely new idea of freedom. And with this, people had the ability to live privately and not feel confined to living so close to city-centers. People could live further from work because driving in became the norm... and, in turn, became glamorous. All of this gave birth to urban sprawl... the thing that I despise the most. So people are driving anywhere and everywhere, all the time, and life is good.

But WAIT! For every mile we drive, we are basically throwing a pound of CO2 into the atmosphere [p. 71], and that isn't something we can pick up like a nasty styrofoam cup that some idiot tossed out of the passenger-side window now, is it. That's staying there. In the atmosphere. For good. And each molecule that's hanging out up there is absorbing heat from the earth's surface. (And methane does this too only to a higher degree. And methane comes from things like cows. And then you have to wonder if we really need the large number of cows that we seem to have dotting our nation, but then that goes into America's diet and obesity, and that's a topic like urban sprawl to me where I can't believe it's so bad and I'd just need to see you face to face to hash that one out...)

I'm sure you already knew all of this; how global climate change is really happening and where it all started... but I don't think it's talked about in the seriousness that it deserves. People still flippantly toss the topic aside and trick themselves into believing that it is either a) 'not actually happening', or b) 'it's not going to affect me and my family'.... Anyone else hear things like that and think, yikes?

You ALL... I'm so sad that I have to leave for now, and that the topic is such a heavy one and that we only got, like, a millimeter of depth into a mile deep subject (and only touched on 3 pages of this book -- what?? I know!), buuuuuut..... WHAT DO YOU THINK???

music monday: junip (jose gonzalez)

2010-07-12T23:19:00.000-07:00

So most people know about Jose Gonzalez. He's a fantastic singer-songwriter of the indie folk sort (perhaps really well known for his cover of 'Heartbeats'? - one of my personal favorites), but after hanging silent for the past five years, what people may not know is that he is also featured in a band called Junip. And what do bands do after such a hiatus? Release an album (or an EP in this case)!

Released this past May, Junip's most recent work: Rope and Summit.
Have a listen of the title track via youtube...

Junip: Rope and Summit:

Aaaaand... while you're at it, since I've posted this and previously posted access to some great summer tunes, you HAVE to check out the Summer Music Preview from ASC... a line-up of individual songs from twelve artists (might M.I.A. and Phil Selway do it for you?). Make a smoothie and crank it on your sun porch... or something. :) You'll LOVE it!!

fridays with friedman: getting started

2010-07-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Sooo... we're going to get serious here for a bit. I'm currently reading a fantastic book titled, 'Hot, Flat, and Crowded' by Thomas L. Friedman, and it gets me fired up like the topic of urban sprawl (which is also discussed in the book).

"Friedman explains how global warming, rapidly growing populations, and the expansion of the world's middle class through globalization have produced a dangerously unstable planet - one that is 'hot, flat, and crowded." ...He also shows how the very habits that led us to ravage the natural world led to the meltdown of the financial markets and the Great Recession. The challenge of a sustainable way of life presents the United States with an opportunity not only to rebuild its economy, but to lead the world in radically innovating toward cleaner energy. And it could inspire Americans to something we haven't seen in a long time -nation-building in America- by summoning the intelligence, creativity, and concern for the common good that are our greatest national resources."

So, I've been given a challenge; under the same concept as Music Monday's, I'll be starting Friday's with Friedman and I'm inviting you to join me! I'm only on page 73, so it will be easy for you to catch up. I'd be 100% interested in hearing your thoughts about it as we go, and can't wait to see what YOU think! It's been something that I've been trying to start for quite a while, but have been intimidated by the thought because I would start with a point and go off on another tangent, which would take me to another and another, and it basically just became IMPOSSIBLE to figure out where to start!

It doesn't matter if you are a member of the democratic party, republican party, or if you practice a religion or not... this is a book that I seriously think that every person should read. Yeah... one of THOSE books!! It's thought-provoking, challenging, and full of issues that people need to be aware of.

We'll plan on getting deeper into it next Friday, but this gives you a week to snag the book* and catch up -- you'll want to... trust me.

*be certain to purchase the most recent version of this book: Release 2.0 - Updated and Expanded. The first edition was released in August of 2008, and the later in November of 2009. Goodness knows a TON happened in that gap, so again, be sure to get the updated version. :)

music monday: the national

2010-07-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

It's easy to enjoy a drive to the coast for a 4th of July hike when you have wonderful company and great music (more about the amazing trip to come - still need to develop my film...), so a drive the the coast for the 4th is exactly what we did... Company: my sweet Isaac. Music: The National - High Violet.

The album was released about two months ago, and a Must Add for your musical collection, for sure. Their rhythms and musical phrases remain true to the signature sound they've created for themselves, so if you're already a fan, you won't be disappointed. (And if you're the exercising sort, I recommend taking them out for a run... I swear you'll go faster...) :)

Enjoy a couple of my favorites from the new album, High Violet!

Bloodbuzz Ohio:

Terrible Love:

___

what i have my eye on: entertaining outdoors

2010-06-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

| entertaining outdoors |

"little lanterns" by Jurrianne Matter from the Linda Ferrol Studio. This studio is based out of Seattle, so hopefully I'll get a chance to visit there soon!

OXO Candela Luau lanterns made with LED lights. Duh. Love them. Hate the price.

Wasara biodegradable tableware. Simple, sassy AND smart. Can't argue with that!

the Bespoke Slatted Bench from Terrain. It's made of galvanized steel, and designed with a weathered look, but totally reminds me of an adorable wooden bench we had on our porch at home when I was younger. So cute! {and pillows too!}

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summer dance party

2010-06-22T15:57:00.001-07:00

I am a SU-CKER for dance music! I love it. I love a great beat, and I love dancing. It doesn't matter where I am. I'm in. I'm probably extra awkward, but I honestly can't care.

ANYWAY... I've got a summer dance music list to share with you! Bob Boilen from All Songs Considered has the usual hook-up (although, last year, they had an entire summer's worth of dance party which was waaay better). I can't really get down with rap... haha... and I never thought Kylie Minogue would make it through with a couple of thumbs up from my end, but it's a pretty sweet list, even so!

the list | listen!

My personal favorites from this list:

Scissor Sisters -- Night Work
Uffie -- Add SUV
Kylie Minogue -- All the Lovers

Ummm... dance party coming right up! What are YOU dancing to these summer days???

music monday... tbd

2010-06-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

Music monday will be postponed until tomorrow. I'm waiting for an article that will be posted tomorrow by Bob Boilen, but I'm 100% certain that it's going to be awesome.

Hint: You'll want your fancy dancin' shoes...

diy | wall-hanging

2010-06-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Finally! The DIY project I promised! It took me a while because I was neglecting to print the needed photos, but it is finally done and hanging on my livingroom wall. I'll take you through the simple step-by-step process of creation so that you, too, can have a simple solution for your bare wall (you know which one)...

What you'll need:
-canvases of varied sizes
-fabric
-paint brush
-Mod Podge
-scissors
-craft glue (or hot glue, but I think the finish of craft glue is nicer if you have time for it to dry...)

All you need is a couple of hours and a great movie to watch (or dishes and laundry to do) while they dry!

1. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the top of the canvas.

2. Lay the fabric gently on the canvas. It's tough to move it after pressing it down, so be sure to line it up well the first time.

3. Smooth out any bumps and bubbles and press fabric firmly to the Mod Podged canvas.

4. Apply a layer of Mod P. directly over the fabric for a more professional finish. You'll want to test a corner of the fabric before starting to see how it reacts to the Mod Podge. The gray fabric that I have in the picture above became really dark after I applied it on top, so I had to start over and apply the Mod Podge to the canvas only. So... if you do not like how the fabric looks when Mod Podge is applied to the top, you may skip this step.

5. Trim fabric far enough from the canvas so that the edges can be wrapped.

6. Apply Mod Podge to the edges of canvas...

7. And press fabric around the edge of canvas.

8. Wrap fabric around the edge and wrap the corners of fabric like a christmas present! Glue the remaining fabric to the back of the canvas frame, and press firmly to finish off!!

THE FINISHED PRODUCT:

I mixed picture frames (with a photo of the Multnomah falls that I took here in Oregon, and a photo of driftwood on the coast of South Carolina that Isaac took) and a cork square covered with navy, patterned felt for an eclectic statement.

Let me know if you try the project, and take photos of it to share! I'd love to see what you come up with!!

Happy DIY-ing!!

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music monday: she & him

2010-06-14T23:38:00.003-07:00

She & Him (Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) at Bonnaroo! The darling duo released 'Volume Two' three months ago, and It's become one of my favorite albums! I didn't attend Bonnaroo 2010, but I've been able to listen to yesterday's live performance, and I love it almost more than the album. Z. Deschanel performs these numbers with perfect differences from the recorded album while maintaining her naturally sweet vocal texture, and you can tell that a great deal of adrenaline is rushing through the band as they kick off at a faster tempo than I'm used to listening to.

Here they are performing 'I was Made for You'. Isn't she adorable?

and she. is. fierce... !!

clyde common

2010-06-13T12:46:00.012-07:00

With family in town, Isaac and I were able to do some more exploring of the city this weekend. Food exploration. Thai restaurants (which are rampant here, so with fierce competition, it's pretty easy to find deliciousness of this Asian sort), Sushi, dessert and European cuisine. Everything was fantastic, but perhaps my favorite was Clyde Common.

From their website:

Opened in May 2007 by Nate Tilden and Matt Piacentini, Clyde Common is a European style tavern serving delicious food and drinks in a casual and energizing space.
Chef Chris DiMinno draws inspiration for our menu from domestic and foreign cooking traditions, as well as from the farmers, foragers and ranchers who provide us with extraordinary local ingerdients. ...
The Clyde bar features a large selection of American whiskeys, European bitters and local craft spirits. Our rotating list of house cocktails emphasizes classic techniques, fresh ingredients, and modern sensibilities.
Bryon Adams-Harford and Nate Tilden design our wine list to complement the wide range of flavors and textures in our cuisine, while showcasing growers, traditional methods and small producers.

Obviously, so much of a food experience includes the environment and overall tone of the atmosphere. And being an interior designer, the architectural function and aesthetics never go unnoticed. So since this space was awesome, I never felt obligated to question the food or presentation. I LOVED the brilliantly simple and understated interior and how it worked with the food... and of course, everything was SOOOOO DELICIOUS!!

ooo... I just can't wait to go back!!! mmm

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generosity like this

2010-06-09T14:19:00.004-07:00

Isaac shared this link with me for a blog, 'Ripple', that features artwork to be sold with all proceeds going to the animal victims of the Deep Water Horizon Gulf Oil Spill. Awesome. Each artist has more information about their personal artwork too, so take a moment to snoop around! It's a tragedy, this spill, but generosity like this is the one good thing about it.

music monday: oliver schroer

2010-06-07T21:28:00.006-07:00

We get a lot of rain here. Apparently, it isn't normal for Portland's months of May/June to have this many days of pouring rain, but I was expecting it, so I'm not disappointed by it. Some of my absolute favorite days have been cloud-covered and drenched; my favorite runs, favorite movie afternoons, naps, college days locked in with homework, coffee dates with girlfriends, days dedicated to cleaning and baking... and of course, all of these filled with beautiful music that somehow made the rain smell that much sweeter.

And after all of these days and experiences with so many combinations of rain and music, I have concluded that the best music for such a mood is that of Mr. Oliver Schroer, specifically his album titled 'Camino'. It will grab your heart and catch your breath.

Perhaps the thing that makes the entire album even more enchanting is that:
"In May 2004, fiddler/composer Oliver Schroer set out with three companions to walk along the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrim trail that meanders across France and Spain.... Along with the joys of making a long journey on foot, of being totally immersed in a slowly changing landscape and experiencing it with all of the senses.... In his pack, Oliver carried his violin and a portable recording studio. When he found a church or cathedral that was acoustically enticing... and open... he played and recorded in these spectacular, sonic spaces - 25 different churches in two months of walking."

I think that is awesome.

You can listen to a couple of sample pieces on the Camino page of his website (click on LISTEN on the right hand side of his page). I recommend listening to 'The Tears of Mary'. It's my favorite. I first learned about Mr. Schroer on NPR's All Songs Considered when Isaac played it for me one evening last year. I was captivated then and there. You can listen to Tears of Mary there too which is probably simpler than from his site.

PLEASE listen to him. You will LOVE it.

What is YOUR go-to music on rainy days?

music monday: vampire weekend

2010-05-31T22:54:00.004-07:00

When I was home for a while at the beginning of the year, I would listen to this album (Vampire Weekend's 'Contra') that Isaac got for me as I was getting ready for the day or something, and I LOVED it... perfect day-starter-album. But now it seems even more fitting because the beats of this entire album make me want to do cartwheels, barefoot, in my backyard in the grass. And when better to do that but SUMMER! So I'm pulling out the oldies for play-time's sake!! Have fun in the sun!!

Vampire Weekend - Cousins

new uses for old things

2010-05-26T13:34:00.006-07:00

Real Simple is a fantastic magazine and I'll admit that getting it in my mail makes me squeal. Of course, they throw a ton of ideas at you with each issue and implementing each into your life would make things Real Complicated, but they'll always have things that apply to my life or inspire me. Anyway, it's a simple article, but I really enjoy their 50 All-Time Favorite New Uses for Old Things article in this most recent issue. Three of my favorite ideas are:

Using coasters from interesting pubs as gift tags!

Repurposing a detailed frame for a vanity tray!

Using shower curtain hooks in your closet for heavy things like purses and scarves. (Which I am going to go do with my spare shower hooks. Right now...)

Check it out and get organized!

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music monday

2010-05-25T09:08:00.003-07:00

So, I know it's Tuesday, but this happened yesterday, so I'm sticking with music Monday. haha. We'd been listening to the album streaming off and on (and definitely ON for the weekends), but The New Pornographers' most recent album, 'Together', is fantastic... and yesterday, Isaac bought it! yay! It's been out for a few weeks now, so sorry I'm a little late... It's perfect music for driving on a sunny afternoon, cleaning, dancing (especially if it's with your little niece, which I totally want to do right now) or just adding a brighter step to your day. Love it!

These are two of my favorites: "Moves" and "Sweet talk, Sweet talk"... ENJOY!!

face to every city

2010-05-20T22:58:00.004-07:00

So I learned about a cool project going on a few days ago. CitID is an "ambitious project aiming to gain global consciousness by giving a (type)face to every city worldwide." And it's been fun to check it out and think about all the places I've been. Do these typfaces really grab the impression that I left these cities with? Here are some awesome examples of a few places I've explored myself:

Los Angeles, California

New York, New York

London, England

Portland, Oregon

Lincoln, Nebraska

Erfurt, Germany

Dublin, Ireland

Cologne, Germany

Beograd (Belgrade), Serbia

Take a look at the site... which are your favorites? (I think mine is the Philadelphia image...) Do you see your hometown or current city of residence? Do you think that they accurately represent your personal impression? How would you design them differently? Have fun exploring!

starting to bud

2010-05-17T21:00:00.024-07:00

Today's feature: the porch and backyard!
Plants, birds, city... we have it all!!

Getting started. Plants ALWAYS belong on a balcony!!

I fell in love with this beautiful flowering plant... so Isaac got it for me. :)

Potting my flowers. So sweet.

My turn, different day. Victim: a Western Sword Fern!

Potting a coleus that I got at the farmers market. This one's inside.

This is a Western Scrub-Jay (not a Steller's Jay which Isaac is still trying to get a picture of, but a bird that is not currently on my nice list). The Steller's Jay that hangs out here (again, not the one pictured) is big and extremely domineering and squawks so so loud. Because it is a bird, I will like it. But I'm sort of afraid it's going to attack me someday.
(Isaac took this picture)

Isaac took this picture too. You can't see its spots, but it's a little Spotted Towhee that I've only seen twice. The jay probably makes sure it stays far away.

You can't see it, but my watering can has sprung a leak so significant that there is literally a steady stream of water falling from the can. What you CAN see is that this makes me very very sad. :(

None the less, the plants still need water. Especially THAT one! Shiesh! RIP poor plant that went from Nebraska to Georgia to Nebraska to Oregon... (2007-2010).

..........

Tonight, the lighting was perfect outside for some photos - just after a day full of sun and right before a sunset full of rain. Such vibrant colors!! Enjoy!...

Only thing missing: some quality outdoor furniture to enjoy this beautiful weather with a hot cup of coffee (and perhaps a certain Steller's Jay that may or may not be sabotaging the bird feeder).

My favorite yellow (antique!) stool that I refused to leave behind.

Pine cones that Isaac and I collected on our run through the neighborhood the other day! While we were walking back, a total of three elders that we passed commented on our "treasures". :) Moments like THAT are why I am LOVING it here!!

A White Nancy that I found at the Farmer's Market... starting to bud! This is that plant that replaced the one that died. Hopefully this one isn't as high-maintenance!!

West side of porch. Notice the empty bird feeder thanks to a certain glutenous Jay.

They are GROWING! The bottom left one is a Creeping Myrtle and fanning out a LOT! The orange one is my Kalanchoe that Isaac got me and the red one is another Coleus from the farmer's market.

The make-shift compost...

... working hard.

Center Portland view from the porch. Normally you can also see Mt. St. Helens, but the evening's storm is rolling in. I'll try for another picture on a clear day soon...

The beautiful "backyard". YES, those flowers really are that RED!!

"Backyard"

It's such a lovely, quiet area for being in the middle of the city!!

And for those of you who've made it this far, I'm working on a DIY project right now to spruce up some walls! I'll be posting the process and final result soon, so be on the lookout for that!!

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visit from the toothfairy

2010-05-10T15:56:00.006-07:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to share some images of my most recent custom order I did for MH Repurposed! Two little girls, ages 8 and 6, are loosing teeth, and need some mega $$ from the tooth fairy... so I was privileged enough to design 5 cards for each little lady. It was really fun, and now that I look back, I wish I would have done them a little differently (especially with the design of the little envelopes), but it's probably one of those things you learn about as you go! But it was an fun little design project and I enjoyed the challenge. I'd love to do more for YOU if you have any little ones hoping for a visit from the toothfairy!! :)

day in forest park

2010-05-09T22:35:00.011-07:00

Finally getting to some photos from our day in Forest Park two weeks ago! It was so wonderful. I think we ended up going only 6 or 7 miles or so, but it felt so great to go for a hike (stroll, perhaps?) in our new home-city!! I'm hoping we can get out for a longer hike soon, if not at Forest Park, somewhere along the coast! Enjoy the photos!!

My handsome date!!

I was able to look out over a portion we had hiked.

A fat tree with rich dark bark.

Switchbacks.

My favorite tree. Beautiful dainty leaves of a most vibrant green! What is this tree called? I still haven't figured it out.

The beautiful tree leaves.

So green!!

One of the most charming retaining walls I've ever seen.

So VERY green!

The giant sequoias.

sweet baby

2010-05-04T19:50:00.014-07:00

Sooo, my cutie pie niece, Leah, is 8 months old today! Awww... and she's still as cute as ever -- getting sooo big! For her 6 month mark, I got to do a little photo shoot with her, and I want to finally share some of them! I had such a fun time, and wish I were closer to the little family of three so that I could do a shoot EVERY three months!! haha. And I have to thank my brother and sister-in-law for allowing me to document the moment! Enjoy!

Sweet Baby!!!

stuff to love

2010-05-03T16:02:00.005-07:00

1) The weather! Most days, it's overcast and cool with minor drizzles throughout the day and the occasional 5 minute downpour. So ideal. My favorite dress falls in the autumn and spring months where I get to wear a couple of jackets and scarves and that is exactly the type of weather we've had here! I'm pumped about a cool summer; I've spent the last three summers in Georgia where it got so hot that the rear-view mirror in my car melted. Literally.

2) The people! Everyone we've met here is so friendly. I lived in Los Angeles for a couple of years after high-school and I remember meeting such nice people there too, but two seconds after meeting them, they had everything bad to say about people. Tons of two-faced niceness that I can't dig. But here, it feels so different. Seriously, it's a joy running into people and conversing. I love it!! Last weekend, Isaac and I spent our Saturday strolling around the heart of the city, and these two ladies stopped us. "May I ask you a question?" one inquired. "Sure", I said sceptically (thinking she was going to ask for directions to a certain cafe or something). She then said that she could tell we were a couple and wondered what attracted us to each other. What? I asked her what this was for, and she said it was for nothing other than her own curiosity. So Isaac and I stood there talking with these two ladies about how we met (thanks, brother) and what has kept our relationship strong over the last several years. HAHA -- it was SO fun! And I swear that every time we go to Whole Foods, we make friends. HAHA -- or maybe just when I go by myself and chat with everyone like my grandmother. :)

3) The nature! There are so many trees here that I've never seen before. Two Sundays ago, Isaac and I went for a stroll/hike in Forest Park, and it was glorious. I'll have to post a picture (I don't yet know what to call this tree), but there was a smaller sized tree that had the most wonderful leaves on it - dainty, but a most vibrant green with a beautiful silhouette. I LOVED it! And, of course, the bird population is different up here than in Georgia or Nebraska, so we're having fun seeing different bird species and I look forward to learning about them! Isaac is much quicker with learning bird-calls/songs, but I'm hoping that I can keep up with him! I have noooo idea which box holds my bird book (no bookshelves, yet), but I'm anxious to pull it out!...

How's that for some stuff to love?! More to come -- I find tons to appreciate every day!!

searching for one

2010-04-21T16:18:00.005-07:00

Hey all!! What a crazy month it has been! From Nebraska, down to Georgia, then driving back to Nebraska for the second time and on through to Oregon! I can't believe how far behind I am on updates, and so much has gone on that it would be overwhelming to try catching up, so we'll have to pick up from here!!

Since I don't have a job just yet (ouch.), I feel like searching for one should be my full time job... aaaaand finishing the 'settling in' bits is sometimes daunting (especially when NO ONE wants to carry the exact bathroom storage I'm envisioning, for example), but I look forward to getting on and getting back to having fun on the blog-o!! Yesterday, I did the job search thing by hitting the pavement. Today, it was online. Tomorrow, it's back on the streets... WISH ME LUCK!!!

anticipate the following

2010-02-27T19:39:00.003-08:00

Hey everyone! I'm having a great time up north here with my brother, his wife and their little girl -- so refreshing to be with them. But during my drive up here, I was thinking about what I should write about, and I'm getting really excited! Thanks to Heather and Erin for the challenges!! So until I get back, you can anticipate the following topics... soon to come!! :

1) organizing your refrigerator; sustainable (cute) options for your leftovers.

2) the five things I think about... everyday.

and

3) five things I love. :)

Looking forward to it!!...

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my shop

2010-02-25T10:27:00.010-08:00

Alright! The moment has arrived, and I'd like to share my little project that I've been working on with you! My SHOP!!! For now, it features notecards, but this isn't all I'd like to focus on. I'll be continuing with the "repurposed" theme, which will extend to hardware for the home!! I'll let you know when I get more and different things up, but for now, enjoy my SHOP @ www.mhrepurposed.etsy.com. Let me know what you think or if there is anything else you would like to see on it! It's been really fun to work on, and I look forward to expanding! Enjoy!

as a little teaser...

reader contribution

2010-02-19T15:20:00.005-08:00

Hello readers! In my most recent post, I received a comment saying that I should express more of my opinion, and I sense that perhaps some of my posts are too boring. But I appreciate it because I haven't been completely committed to updating my blog all the time, so a challenge is nice. So many of my days lately have been filled with trying to figure out all that I am, all that I want, dream, love and "need". (Which, by the way, has led me to a very special project that I am hoping to debut and share with you all soon!!)

So, readers, I am asking for your help. In the comment section below this post, please share a couple of things that you would like to read on this blog!! What are you curious about? Is there anything you wish you had a second opinion on? Challenge me!!

I look forward to hearing from you all, and learning in the process! Thanks!!

click on "comments" to comment!
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lady pym

2010-01-29T17:11:00.009-08:00

I have to give a shout-out to my friend Kari. She's off having fun in the city of New York, and a few months ago, successfully launched her buisiness: Lady Pym. She makes some pretty classy notecards featuring street art, the bicycles of NY, the Brooklyn bridge and some kitschy graphics. I, personally, am just waiting for a clothing line! She's also been featured in some other blogs and articles like, HighSnobette and Q! for starters... and my blog, which doesn't really count because I'm pretty sure, like, three people read this... Anyway, check her out and get yourself some Lady Pym correspondence!!

lady pym site

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parliament office

2010-01-28T18:43:00.006-08:00

How exciting! It's been all over my twitter page: Parliament's office (a graphic design and marketing company in Portand, OR) has been remodeled! I'm really enjoying the use of the existing industrial structure mixed with the natural and reclaimed materials and additions! There is sooo much you can do with a neutral color pallet! I'm not certain, but the art on their walls could be their own productions. Well done, folks!! (clickable stuff below)

article and more pictures | parliament's website

(and their website is cool because it simulates the interiors of their office!)

july flame

2010-01-15T11:59:00.004-08:00

Laura Veirs' album July Flame was released three days ago on the 12th. I can't stop listening to it... it's sooo good! Maybe I'll post some more of her songs, but for now, I'll let you listen to one of my favorites from the album, the title track, "July Flame".

understated elegance

2010-01-08T15:19:00.006-08:00

I'm noticing that my tastes in jewelry are changing. Of course, they always change with various fashion statements that are introduced, but I'm usually not as subdued as I've become. I've been gravitating toward a simple and elegantly understated look, and continually strip myself bare of the piercings my teenage years brought me, resorting to practically nothing, save the standard ear piercings - one in each lobe - and the occasional ring or bracelet. In some ways this saddens me because I've acquired several beautiful antique pieces from my grandmother and mother over the years. And their beauty remains. But in my quest to transition to this idea of understated elegance, I found myself adoring these lovely pieces from Urban Outfitters. Elegant, understated... perfect!! These are my favorites!:

the earrings | UO main site

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that thing is love

2009-11-13T09:24:00.005-08:00

"I'm not frightened. I'm not frightened of anything. Why should I be? I welcome obstacles because they are like mountains I can fly over to be in your arms. The more I suffer, the more I love. Danger will only increase my love. It will sharpen it, forgive its vice. I will be the only angel you need. On this arm, you will go dancing through life. You will leave life even more beautiful that you entered it. Heaven will take you back and look at you and say: Only one thing can make a soul complete, and that thing is love."

Character, Michael Berg in 'The Reader' written by Bernhard Schlink

I know it's backwards to watch a movie first and then read the book it was inspired from... but I recently viewed 'The Reader', and can't wait to venture into the written pages of it soon. I know that there were some beautiful scenes excluded from the film that were in the original written story, but it is captivating writing like this that makes me want to dive into it all. Ah, love. Beautiful.

going to like it

2009-11-05T21:00:00.003-08:00

I'm going to like it here.... :)

"... The City of Portland has a program that promotes green building as a standard of development. Our best Portland realtors are certified Eco-Brokers. Portland ranks at the very top of the nation (is that first or second?) in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) developments. Not only does Portland believe strongly in sustainability but the city offers incentives to those who do. It's not uncommon to see turn of the (last) century homes with solar panels. ..."

sooo excited!

cross-country drive

2009-11-01T11:19:00.003-08:00

Hello all! Just as an update on some recent life developments... I must inform you that I'm preparing to MOVE again!! Officially, Isaac has received and accepted a post-doctoral position in PORTLAND, Oregon and I'm totally coming with! :) It's all quite exciting, although I'll be on a 'shop-till-I-drop' search for a design job which has proven to be difficult (as expected) with the economical state of the... state. And while my current job here has been a blessing, I must admit that I'm thrilled to start the job search, again, in a location that's a bit more successful in the architectural industry... just a bit. So onward, ho. I'm hopeful, excited, and ready. Now, I just have to mentally prepare for a wintered cross-country drive with a u-haul trailer! :) But I'll keep you posted with news throughout the process... and CONGRATS to Isaac!!!!! :D

Now, a side note... I need your help. I have been looking for a wonderfully unique salt bowl and pepper mill. I always get stuck on the same sites, but I would love any help you might be able to give me in my quest to find these kitchen essentials!! Any fun websites I could shop??

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend. Can't believe it's November already!! Yipes!

duck bag

2009-10-28T17:51:00.012-07:00

I have been a long-time fan of BAGGU BAGS. I got several back in 2007 for my shopping needs and have even given them as wedding gifts! They are constantly adding new patterns, colors, and sizes to their original collection, and even have reusable produce bags (who can't use reusable produce bags?)! But LOOK at their most recent addition! 100% recycled canvas Duck bags!!*

A book bag, a market carry-all, the perfect everyday tote. Carry in your hand, on your shoulder or across your chest. Brings home everything from a laptop to groceries.
16" high / 10" wide / 5.5" deep. 40" adjustable shoulder strap. Snap Closure. Interior pocket.
100% recycled cotton canvas.
$18.00 each
[fyi]

Practically perfect, eh??

*not required for toting ducks, unless desired.

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creative inspiration

2009-10-13T15:30:00.005-07:00

I love finding things that inspire me to create, design, compose or look at ordinary items in a different light. There is an artist/photographer/designer named Promise Tangeman, whom I have never met and probably never will, but she is a friend of a friend that I met a long time ago.... I gravitate to her work and energy, but only know her through her blog. It's so inspirational to me, and I would encourage you to check it out, especially if you'd like some creative inspiration too!

In one of the comment sections of a recent post that Promise did, someone gave the website for Maemae Paperie's stationary. There is so much to look through on her site, but I really enjoyed her blog most of all, which showcases her most recent bits of graphic talent.

I have no idea who these people are, but who cares! I like it!!

add a little texture

2009-10-12T20:26:00.008-07:00

Browsing around today, I found some cute sheets on Urban Outfitters. And on sale, no less (my grandmother taught me well...) I like to keep things clean and simple in the home, but I'm realizing that my bedroom is sooo clean and sooo simple that it's lame. These sheets can add a little texture and dimension without being too loud; something that my current boring white bedding is not. I'm not exactly sure when U.O. added their "apartment" section to their merchandise... over a year ago... but they have sooo many fun things! But items sell fast, so get 'em while you can!!

Also, I have so many adorable pictures of my sister-in-law, brother and their beautiful little baby girl from my visit two and a half weeks ago. I'll post them soon -- I have to keep up; my sister-in-law just posted some current pictures of her... she's growing up EXTRA fast and her once tiny eyes are so big and bright now!!

so close

2009-10-06T17:11:00.006-07:00

Outside, creation groans
to lose our darkness and be made whole.
My feet are close to slipping,
speak to my heart in time.
You have promised, so I do believe
you won’t forget this wandering child.

My soul clings to the dust
so in Your life, let it be enough.
I’m foolish to believe that I can escape Your love.
My feet were close to slipping,
you spoke to my heart in time.
You have promised, so I do believe
you won’t forget this wandering child.

-Bethany Dillon - "so close"

storage and dishwasher went missing

2009-09-19T09:57:00.002-07:00

Because I haven't these things now, I will never again take them for granted. For the last year, I have realized how wonderful it is to have these things in a home:

DISHWASHER!
shower air-vent
garbage disposal
washer and dryer
regulated heating/air
operable power outlets
Porch (with a screen door)
lots of windows
a bathtub without a built-in door
a bathroom counter
lots of KITCHEN counter!
STORAGE!!!
a WALK-In CLOSET!!! (I've NEVER had one, and for being 25 and moving every year since I was 18, that's impressive -- I bet I won't even know what to do with one once I get it.)

I never realized how much these things mean to me, especially once my storage and dishwasher went missing. Although, sometimes Isaac is my dishwasher, and that is MUCH sweeter than a noisy machine!! :) I have enjoyed this apartment though, it's in a quiet corner only a walk away from work with "hard wood" floors and built in bookshelves that I LOVE!

Oh, but the aforementioned list... ooooo, those things would be nice....