weekend snapshots: a visit to pdx + seattle snow!

This past weekend was awesome for many reasons. Reason number one: Portland. I LOVE PORTLAND. So when Miles asked if I could take Friday off work to head down to see his band, the Torn ACLs, play at the Big Ass Boombox Pop Festival, my answer was a simple yet effective "duh." I had so much fun at their show, they sounded great and I danced my butt off (not true, it's still there)! Besides the show, the highlight of my trip was seeing my wonderful and supper funny friend Megan and romping around the Alberta neighborhood, my favorite place in all of Portland. Here are some photos I took of my favorite places to shop on Alberta Street, plus a few shots of me and Megan just for fun.

Billy Goat Vintage is my favorite vintage spot in PDX. They have beautiful clothes for reasonable prices plus super cute decorations! I tend to work up an appetite when I shop so Miles and I always have to stop at Alberta Co-Op Grocery Store for fresh local produce, baked goods and yummy local coffee. Lastly, Miles' favorite spot (and one of mine!) on Alberta is definitely Ampersand. They have a beautiful, open, design-y type store with vintage and modern books, photographs, prints and local art. Not to mention a ton of vintage post cards, my personal weakness. I had to have this postcard with hungry little Kodiak Bear Cubs on it! Anyways, reason number two this weekend was awesome: Seattle Snow!

I was born and raised in the sunny, dry Central Valley of California. So, any time there is snow I FREAK OUT. I love the snow! Not in a "hey brah, heard there's some fresh pow pow let's hit the slopes" sort of way, but in a "want to grab some hot cocoa, spike it with booze, and then walk around in our cute hats and mittens?!" sort of way. I was so excited we got back from our Portland adventure early enough to enjoy a lazy, snowy Sunday in Seattle. It doesn't snow a lot here, so when it does Seattlelites relish in it and take full advantage of a blanket white cityscape. Makeshift cardboard sleds, ironic hipster snowmen in the park, an excuse to drink warm alcoholic beverages in the middle of the day. These are just a few reasons I love Seattle snow days. All in all, it was a great weekend.

happy new year!

What up 2012!? I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Although New Years Eve is not my favorite holiday, as it is historically not that tight, I always look forward to a new year and fresh start. I make resolutions every year, ever since I was a kid and old enough to understand the concept. One year I resolved to convince my parents to get me and my brother bunk beds. Success. Another year my resolution was to visit my grandma once every day; she lived right across the street so again, success. Um, needless to say... I am pretty good and this resolution stuff. Here are a few of my New Years Resolutions for 2012! Happy New Year!

get organized.

 

 1. Moleskin Classic Mini Ruled Notebook 2. Moleskin 2012 Color-A-Month Box Set, 3.Moleskin 2012 Mini Daily Planner

Typically, I am pretty good at organizing my schedule but lately I have been getting a little off track. I love Moleskin planners and notebooks because they come in so many great colors and a perfect sizes for organizing and scheduling when you're on the go. Also for organizing my life, below are two calendars I just need for for 2012. You know, to circle important dates and stuff.

 1-2. 2012 Botanical Garden Calendar, 3. 2012 Die Cut Animal Calendar

 

keep in touch.

1. New Year Card, 2. "Hello" Cards, 3.Yellow Owl Workshop Thank You Card Set, 4. DIY Cross Stitch Case for iPhone 4/4S

I have made this resolution before, and I will make it again. In 2012, I resolve to be better at staying in touch with my friends and family. You heard it here first. So don't be surprised if and when you see one of these adorable cards showing up in your mail box! On a similar note, I think, I mean I know that if I upgraded to an iPhone 4S I would just be so much better at the whole corresponding with my loved ones thing. And if I got one, I would totally make myself one of these super cute iPhone DIY cases! Good luck with all of your resolutions and as promised, you'll be hearing from me soon! 

mini holiday gift guide: $50 and under

I have to be honest here you guys. I found some really awesome gifts for $50 and under. I know Christmas is days away, but there is still time! Take a look at these great (albeit a little late) gift ideas and get moving! Enjoy, xoxo.

1.Control Audio Headphones, $40; 2. 11"X14" Reindeer Print, $50; 3.Mountain Peak Mittens, $45; 4.Heart Pillow Case and Cushion, $40-$50; 5.Color Wheel Pendant, $44.

1.Matchstick Case, $38; 2.Walnut Alarm Clock, $50; 3.Tip Top Knit Hat, $50; 4.Heritage Backpack, $49; 5.Wood Camera iPhone Case, $42.

mini holiday gift guide: don't forget the card!

I've always been a big believer that the card is just as important as the gift (although the gift is still super important). I love sending cards to my friends and family as much as I (hint hint) love getting them in the mail myself. Here are some of my favorite cards for this holiday season from Cakespy, Egg Press and Hello! Lucky.

images via cakespy.com

OMG! These cards are so cute! I have been a fan of Cakespy for years now and they are my go-to for cards on any occasion. In fact, I picked up the "Log, Nog Snog" cards above for my holiday cards this year! Not only are they adorable, but I think everyone can relate. I mean, who doesn't like a little sugar during the holidays? If you are on Capitol Hill in Seattle you should check out their shop, or click here to see their other sweet goods!

 images via eggpress.com

Love love love these cards from Egg Press in Portland, Oregon! Every time I peruse their website I tell myself I really need a letter press (and maybe a dash of graphic design training/talent?) of my own. Their designs are always so fun and creative. I got one in the mail last week from my good friend Sarah!

images via hellolucky.com

Ok, so maybe I got two sets of holiday cards this year because I couldn't decide between the Cakespy cards and these super cute Christmas carolers from Hello! Lucky. I couldn't help myself. I don't know if you guys have noticed, but I tend to gravitate toward things with adorable mini animals on them? Anyways, don't forget the card! And if you can't choose, I say just get both!

mini holiday gift guide: $25 and under

I'm back with more budget friendly gift ideas for all! I tried to find a variety of gifts for the girls and guys on your holiday shopping list, and found some wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers. All for $25 and under! With these prices, you can afford to get a few of these mini things for me your loved ones. Christmas is almost here, so for all you last minuet shoppers, I hope this helps!

1. Line of the Times Scarf, $16; 2. City Map Tote Bag, $25; 3.  Penguin Classics Hard Cover Books, $20; 4. L'Occitane Butter Hand Cream, $25; 5. Initial Ring, $20.

 1. Geo Snow Red Scarf, $22; 2. Ork City Poster, $22; 3.Casio Classic Watch, $22; 4. Wood Compass, $24; 5. Wooden Men's Shaving Kit, $25.

mini holiday gift guide: $10 and under

The holidays are upon us! No matter what you celebrate this time of year, we can all agree 'tis the season for many mini gifts. I've tried to put my greatest talent, online shopping, to use and searched the internets high and low for budget friendly gift ideas. I don't know if you all heard, but apparently the economy is not so great right now? Buzz kill? Fear not! Check out these great gifts for ladies and gentlemen alike, all $10 and under. Enjoy, xoxo!

1. Metallic Nail Polish, $6; 2. Baggu Reusable Bags, $6 -$8; 3. Rosebud Minted Lip Balm, $7; 4. Believe It Or Knot Earrings, $10; 5. Knit Pompom Beanie, $10.

1. Monthly/Weekly Scheduler, $10; 2. Instant Camera iPhone Decal, $6; 3. Jetfire Glider, $2; 4. Striped Sock Set, $7; 5. Monsieur Mustache Pint, $8.

(*special thanks to Miles for helping me get these photos put together)

add to cart: fall and winter favorites

Flash forward! Amazing how time flies when you are neglecting your 8 only most important blog followers. Here comes the part where I sincerely apologize to you, my loyal readers, for not posting anything on mmt for nearly a year. I'm so sorry!

To make up for it, I hope you will accept this small gift. My fall and winter faves! As always, I have filled my virtual cart to the brim with my favorite items for my favorite time of year. I love the cold weather and the layers of cute clothes and accessories that come along with it. Of course, that might be because the layers of cute clothes conveniently cover up other layers that tend to accumulate around this time of year. But that's neither here nor there. I hope you enjoy the fashion feast I have cooked up for you below. Eat your heart out!

Jill Coat $78. (via needsupply.com)

*The perfect vintage inspired coat. This one may need to get out of my cart and into my closet. Real soon.

Tristan Necklace $82. (via needsupply.com)

*This can be worn with just about anything. And just about everyone will compliment you on it :)

Llama Love Sweater $88. (via madewell.com)

*I should mention I am REALLY into sweaters with animals on them right now.

 PJ By Peter Jensen Animal Face Sweater $88. (via urbanoutfitters.com)

*I also should mention I really love bears. 

Alexander Wang Luca Boot $625. (via barneys.com)

*I feel like. I mean, I just really feel like I need these Alexander Wang boots.

Unisex Circle Scarf $28. (via americanapparel.com)

*I have wanted one of these scarfs for a while now because they are so versatile. I think this is the winter I finally make the purchase. So many colors to choose from! Maybe I should make the purchase a few times?

The Row Fessing Coat $2,900. (via barneys.com)

*I know what you're thinking. $2,900 for a coat?! Um, I love everything The Row does. So, totally worth it. On a totally unrelated note, does anybody have a spare $3,000 laying around?

 

The Row Burnt Orange and Black Leather Sunglasses $442. (via therow.com)

*Another favorite from The Row. Perfect for those crisp fall sunny days.

Butter London Rosie Lee Nail Lacquer $14. (via butterlondon.com)

*OK OK back to reality with something a little more affordable. My very sweet and lovely friend Amanda got this nail polish for me! No longer a part of my cart and a now a permanent favorite! You know I keep these nails nice.

weekend snapshots: christmas explosion!

I hope everyone (all 9 of you) had a great holiday! I spent my first Christmas in Seattle, away from my family this year. It was sad to be away from home, but I still had an awesome Christmas! Miles and I spent the day on Whidbey Island with his family, which was so much fun! And so relaxing. I'd forgotten what it was like to have a Christmas where I wasn't making arrangements to get a ride to the airport or making sure I can fit everything into one carry on. Here are some of my favorite mini snapshots from my yuletide weekend. I made a great Christmas memory in the northwest this year, and gained about five pounds in the process.

Still, I can't wait for the next time I land home...on the manure soaked turf of the central valley. Oh well, there's always next year.