seasonally-employed

I got myself a job at Paper Source.  It's the coolest store to ever exist.  If you like crafts, books, calendars.... its the place for you.  I get to spend my holiday season demo-ing crafts, helping customers learn about different craft ideas, and enjoying the holiday season!  I am so excited about this job, I have wanted to open up my own craft store forever and maybe this is a perfect start!

If you have never been to Paper Source you MUST check it out.         Click here to see the website.

AUTZEN

What a game.... Always great to see the DUCKS win.  

It was a fun evening celebrating an engagement of some friends, cheering for the Ducks, 

tailgating with other fans, and being with Steve.

AZ

This last weekend.... took myself a mini-vacay with Steve.  We went to Arizona for his sister's wedding reception, as well as the Oregon State vs. Arizona State football game.  We also got to enjoy lots of sun, hot weather, and good company.  We went to an awesome bar called The Big Bang Bar, which was a dueling piano bar.... and NO it was nothing like The Barrel Room.  Way better!!!  Steve and I drove through Tucson and checked out University of Arizona campus.  It was a fun vacation.... sucked coming back to rainy, cold weather and returning to work.

At a Brewery near ASU campus, Gordon Biersch. 

Cheering on OSU at the game with lots of friends.... Rough loss but still a good time.  

Ran into a few Cacti... who would have thought?

At the wedding reception.  His sister, Kristy and her husband Jack got married in Hawaii a few weeks ago but through a reception for friends and family.  It was a blast.  She looked beautiful.... perfect weather.... and the music was great.  Steve and I own the dance floor.

seattle

(from left to right)

 top left:   downtown Seattle

top right:   outside Safeco Field

 bottom right:   Mariners vs. Red Sox, Safeco Field

bottom left:   Steve and I enjoying the fun city

SANDiego:CA

PACIFIC BEACH

I recently took a last minute trip to San Diego.  It was the best getaway, even though it was super short.  I could have stayed forever but had to get back for a wedding.  There was so much to do and not enough time, however, I spent much time soaking up the sun, indulging in delicious food and tasty drinks, playing sand volleyball, and exploring some cool parts of city.

garden of success

my garden is blossoming like crazy.  everyday i look out the window to see it growing like crazy.  it makes me so excited for sweet juicy tomatoes, fresh summer squash, and yummy green beans!!  i wish it didn't take half of summer for it to appear.

HR:Fruit Loop

Yah-Who!!  It's time for fresh fruits and veggies to start blooming.  This is the best part of the year.  Strawberries, Cherries, Zucchini, Raspberries, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Eggplant... you name it, it's going to be fresh and tasty.  One of my favorite places is Hood River.  They have the best fruits and veggies, perfectly ripe and so tasteful.  With over 50 places to stop and get produce... you are bound to find something.  The Hood River Fruit Loop is so impressive because of the variety each stand offers.  I have found that I often times eat my whole way home because it is so tasty and I can't stop snacking on the cherries or apples that I just bought!

If you are interested in FRESH PRODUCE you must head up to Hood River.  Not only do they have amazing produce but there is much more to do there..... wine tasting, great restaurants, fun shopping, and beautiful scenery.

(click on Hood River Fruit Loop above)

some things....

doesn't this look perfectly cozy for a fun time with family and friends.

like these.

my favorite part about summer.... fresh cherries.

dainty and cute.  cool and refreshing.  light and simple.

what what!

BE HAPPY, JOYFUL, MERRY, TICKLED, JOLLY, ECSTATIC, and DELIGHTED
SIMPLY, JUST SMILE

Looking for something to do this weekend? 

--Check out happy hour at Noble Rot 
--Go to the Portland Farmer's Market at PSU Park Blocks
--Take a hike through Forest Park
--Rent a good movie and get a pint of Ben and Jerry's Mud Pie

summer centerpiece

The summer is the best time for a fun, colorful, flowery centerpiece.  There are so many places to get wildflowers, tulips, dahlia's, daisies, and all your other favorites!  The best part is bringing them home and designing a centerpiece for a table in your home.  A small bouquet can add a boost of color to any room.

(via Design Sponge)

hmmmm

I dream of the day I can decorate my home into something comfortable yet beautified, with a cozy seating arrangement, and embellished pillows.  However, that day may be years away.... however, I can still dream, right?

Here are just a few accessories I love and adore.  All found at (ANTROPOLOGIE)

Herbs anyone

Now that spring has arrived my mom and I finally decided to start the garden.  It might possibly be the best part about summer.  I love having fresh vegetables and herbs to cook with.  However, it's slightly still early for the vegetables to be planted because it's not warm enough.

We went to a local nursery though yesterday for a fun trip of perusing and once we arrived we couldn't resist buying something to start the garden.  So we are starting with herbs.  We got there and roamed through all the fresh vegetable, fruit, and herb plants and we both go to excited, therefore, our temptations gave in.  I felt like a kid again, asking "when do we get to start planting vegetables?" or  "is it still too early?"  So I think my mom wanted to end the questions and gave in.

Once we got home, I immediately planted them.  I was so excited to start the trend of our garden and am waiting anxiously for the arrival of hot days, sun, and a fresh garden!  

(Check back tomorrow for the DIY)

sweet escape.

I would love to spend all my time in a place like this.  

How peaceful and settling it looks.  To look out and see endless hills and open terrain, 

listen to calm sounds, entertain a friend for a light lunch, 

and indulge in a good book- sounds and looks impeccable!

ReCycled:Lighting

I was searching through Etsy and found these adorable ReCycled lighting fixtures.  BootsNGus has tons inspiring ideas, many are vintage, antique, and ReCycled.  I really feel in love with some of the ReCycled items in the store.  Each item establishes a different idea creating an individual vibe for the room.  

ReCycled Glassware Vases

ReCycled Wicker Planter Cover

ReCycled Tupperware

ReCycled Mason Jars

ReCycled Table Lamp

ReCycled Wicker Tissue Box

**Be sure to click on the links provided under the picture to see other ideas and get inspired!

in a dream...

need to be somewhere warm... 

not likely to happen but can still dream about it.

i would love to be here or here.

or there.

and maybe doing this.

DIY: Wall Shelf

found this on Design Sponge.  

the old drawers from a dresser were used to create a wall shelf.

i also really love this.

Mantle(decor)

found this on The Creative Crayon.

super cute.  

here's the how to by Paper Stitch.

a new favorite

best place to find this, and that,

and endless choices of these

oh and dont forget located close by is this amazing place.

Wish I Were Here....

I need some sun.

I dislike rain, dark, and cold.  It's no fun.

Come back SUN!

(my)own: craft corner

I have created my own craft corner at my house.  It is not exactly what I would picture for the future craft room but it will do for now.  I love having everything there... ready for every crafty minute!