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! 

bookin it: design sponge at home

While I do consider myself a somewhat avid reader, I in no way consider myself a book reviewer. I do, however, love recommending books that I have read and enjoyed to my friends. The new Design Sponge at Home book by Design Sponge's Grace Bonney is an easy book to recommend. It is full of creativity, lovely images and great DIY tips. Another thing I love about this book is that it features two of my favorite series from their blog, sneak peeks and before & after. I am such a huge fan of her blog, when I heard Grace was going to be at the Downtown Seattle Anthropologie for her book tour I had to be there! Here are some photos from the book signing party this last September. It was so much fun, and Grace Bonney was so nice and super adorable, it made me love D*Sponge even more!

image via designsponge.com

 photo credit: tomika davis

 photo credit: tomika davis
 

You can see more photos from the Seattle book signing party on Facebook and check out photos from the whole West Coast book tour here! Below are some photos from the event I snapped with my iPhone. The line was so long, but it was worth the wait! The fancy champagne and Theo Chocolates definitely helped. 

 

Meeting Grace Bonney at the Anthropologie D*Sponge book signing event!

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.

a dog photo shoot with breanna carin!

  photos by breanna carin photography

A few weeks ago I took a trip to the Bay Area to visit with my wonderful friends Breanna and Jamie. I have known both of them for years and they are both so fun and incredibly talented. Case in point, Breanna of Breanna Carin Photography flew up to Berkley to take these adorable photos of Jamie's dog, Roxy! We've known the lovely Roxy since 7th grade and I assure you, she has always been this cute. Breanna did a great job capturing her essence, no?

1. Jamie and Chris, our super cute hosts 2.Breanna snapping a photo of Roxy 3. Jamie getting Roxy's attention with treats 4. Look at that face!

While assisting with the dog photoshoot (true story) I snapped a few photos of my own with my iPhone. Roxy was such a good model! The fact that we were feeding her doggie treats all day probably helped. The photos turned out great. Breanna is so damn talented with that camera, it kills me! See for yourself, check out her photo blog here!

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.