Tuesday, August 9, 2011

shout it out.

Yesterday I had a lunch date with Taylor Hanson. No, I promise I'm not lying. You see, I'm like almost friends with Hanson at this point in my life. After being a lifelong fan since the fifth grade, my sister Nicole and I have seen them everytime they've come to Portland (or Seattle for that matter). I've flown to LA to see them at the Viper Room. Took a train to catch them in New Haven, Connecticut. I mean, it's pretty amazing. I've loved their music forever and more recently --I've loved the entrepreneurs they've turned into.

My sister arranged an interview with their management, so yesterday I drove to sit in her office conference room and overhear their interview. For the second time, we have been scheduled to speak with Taylor, the middle and heartthrob bro. Have you seen him lately? Fogetaboutdet. Long gone are his bleachy-blonde locks, and he's just...sigh.



Catch Hanson when they come to town on The Musical Ride Tour on September 5 at The Aladdin. What's different about this show? They're allowing fans total control over the setlist. Log onto their website and vote for your favorite album out of the three options, and whichever album wins will be played in its entirety as part of the set.  Each concert will also include musical highlights from their 20+ year career and more! I'll be there with my equally as obsessed girlfriend appropriately named...Taylor. MMMBOP!

Monday, August 8, 2011

"Seven Days was all she wrote..."

Today's guest post is from one of my favorite people --Veronica Medici of Veronica Booking. But we go way back. Even though we went to the same high school for a hot second before she transfered, we were only hallway acquaintances. Although I do remember her complementing my Urban Outfitters pants while shutting my locker (random vivid memory). But it truely all started with a mutural girlfriend and an extra ticket to see Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. Flash forward to countless mixtapes, shopping adventures and exploring our favorite city together on our 20th birthday and then again when I spent a semester at NYU while she was in the Fashion District at FIT. Her recent trip to the Big Apple will make you jealous.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My guy Mitch and I recently flew back to New York City for a quick week of work and visits with friends, family and all the spots we miss so much when we’re away. Luckily we landed in the city right after the thunderstorms and right before the stretch of record heat. Let’s just say, the stars aligned for this trip. Here it is in seven days…

Tuesday: We arrived early on the red eye from Portland, bright with energy (even with 2.5 hours of sleep each). Popped into City Diner for some breakfast, dropped our bags and headed to Central Park to laze in the sun and watch a baseball game. Later, we took a walk through my old college stomping grounds, the midtown Fashion District.


Wednesday: Checked into the Ace Hotel NYC, a fun West Coast transplant hotel. Mitch had his first show with good friend Cat Stephani (Janis in the recent Portland Center Stage Production, One Night With Janis Joplin) at Googies Room on the Lower East Side.

Thursday: Show #1 went great! We spent Thursday strolling through the West Village, then on to feast at one of my favorite eateries at their new location in Chelsea, Westville.

Walked through one of Mitch’s favorite neighborhoods, the Flatiron District, where we ran into an AMAZING 44-foot high statue in Madison Square Park. The sculpture, created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is modeled after the Greek myth of Echo (a nymph in love with her own voice). It looks unreal, even when standing directly in front of it. Quite a view.

Friday: Big show #2, I booked my client Nick Dothée for his CD Release Show at Canal Room, very cool venue in China Town, check it out sometime if you’re down there! Mitch plays drums for Nick, so all around a very exciting time! There was a photo booth set up from Dirty Sugar Photography which was of course a fun addition.

 

Saturday: Relaxation after the show #2, and a visit to see the Frick Collection on Museum Row. A little shopping on the East Side, including a favorite of ours Trash & Vaudeville on St. Marks. (My dad used to work there in the late 70’s!) Mitch picked up a couple pairs of perfectly fitted rock star pants, and a red miniskirt for me!
Sunday & Monday: We filled our last days with some family time and visits to every other neighborhood that we had missed. Had to stop in at Bleeker Street Pizza for a slice, and pick up a dirty water dog somewhere in Midtown. Overall, a perfect week, just too short! Already making plans and schedules for the next visit…

 

Friday, August 5, 2011

I love Lucy.


Who doesn't love Lucy? The comedic actress would have been 100 years old tomorrow, August 6. It also marks 60 years since "I Love Lucy" first aired.

Check out the Washington Post Article, 100 years later, we still “love” Lucille Ball


In celebration of all things Lucy, I hope to watch a few old episodes of her hilarious sit-com this weekend...talk about a true comedic legend!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

holiday from real


Alright, who's in? 

The Altitude Design Summit is held in Salt Lake City, January 18-21, 2012. And I can't travel alone! What is it you ask? Well, I can't possibly top the description they provide, so here goes:

Design. Lifestyle. Photography. Fashion. Events. Styling. Art Direction.    
If you're obsessed with lifestyle and shopping blogs, fantastic images, smart ideas and great design — all wrapped up with a social media bow — Altitude Design Summit is the place to be. 
We've created a place where design and lifestyle bloggers in all their forms— foodies, photographers, travelers, product placers, adventurers — come together, share ideas and connect with marketers. There will be discussions on how to grow your site, how to fund your site, how to keep your site above the fray. You'll find panels on blogging etiquette and blogging ethics. People will share good advice for creative entrepreneurs. Friends will be made. Contact books will be filled.

Last year, some of my all-time of my favorite bloggers gathered as speakers. I'm excited to see who they have lined up for 2012 so I can throw glitter in the air and book my trip.

Registration opens Monday, August 1. Let's do it!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

labels or love?



Quotations make my day. I came across this quote yesterday, and it's soon become one of my favorites. I tweeted it yesterday, and my phone keeps lighting up when people retweet it (love when that happens - by the way).


Sidenote: have you seen the book "The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World's Most Elegant Woman?" Everytime I go to Anthropologie, I scan it and pretend my bookshelf will die without it, but I haven't added it to my shelves just yet.

Monday, July 25, 2011

pulp fiction

There's a new website in town! Portland Pulp just launched today, and guess who's a freelance writer for all things 'style?' Me!

Check out my first post - an adaptation of a previous Publish My Love blog post, all about Egg Press.

Check out Portland Pulp for all things PDX--Nosh, Culture, Dwell, Gagets, and Rides.

Follow Portland Pulp on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

band on the run

My coffee table needs this book. Linda McCartney: Life in Photographs consists of 288 pages of behind the scenes moments with rock's most important musicians, quiet captures of daily life, and her life and love with Paul.

This 'must-have' retrospective volume contains images selected from her archive of over 200,000 images and is produced in close collaboration with Paul McCartney and their children. Gotta love that.

Oh, and if you're in New York this month, check out the Linda McCartney: Life in Photographs Exhibit.

June 2 – July 29, 2011
The Bonni Benrubi Gallery
41 East 57th Street 13th Floor, New York, NY 10022

 
PS) the book is on sale on Amazon right now (horray!)

Monday, July 18, 2011

eat your heart out: dove vivi

Friday night we were craving pizza and had to try a place that has been on my list forever. Dove Vivi is known for their cornmeal crust pizza, and I can honestly say it was a unique (and delicious) take on pizza. It's one of those pizzas where you are eating it and thinking, "this is some damn good pizza. It tastes familiar, but just different enough!"

At first, the location is unassuming. It's right on the triangle of NE Glisan and 28th. In a little strip mall, but don't be alarmed - the interior is quaint and totally a casual night out. We sat next to two young men that were contemplating the meaning of life (no, really), staring out to a couple on a date on the front patio tables, as well as a larger family get together.

First up? Drinks! I had a glass of the house Sangiovese while the BF had a can of Stiegl. Then we ordered the special salad- blue cheese wedge! For pizza, we had half Pesto (mozzarella, fontina, ricotta, house-made spinach pesto, basil, fresh tomatoes) and half House Pepperoni (mozzarella, fontina, pepperoni, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes). Truely delicious! Can't believe we've held out on this place for so long! Craving it now!

Dove Vivi
503-239-4444
2727 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97232
Open every night: 4pm-10pm
http://www.dovevivipizza.com/




Friday, July 15, 2011

you can't always get what you want...

You can't always get what you want.
And if you try sometime you find -
You get what you need.


Well, this is what I need folks. Actually, this is about one-third of what I'd actually like, but I'm a practical gal- I can sacrifice.


(Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Wish list: Helmut Lang Glazed Moto Jacket, Calvin Klein Calf Hair Pump,
Halogen Merino Wool V-Neck Cardigan, MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Blade' Crystal Index Watch, MARC BY MARC JACOBS Square Sunglasses)
Grab those credit cards...today starts the official start to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Since the BF and I both have Nordstrom MOD cards, we got to enjoy pre-shopping at the preview events. He surprised me with a lovely Kate Spade leather bag - which I'm obsessed with - so I feel spoiled already.

Nordstrom is a magical place for me. For starters, my mom told me she had to wander around Nordstrom to enduce labor when my cute face was still in the womb (hence why I'm an expensive gal). Once I was out into the world, I would often scare my mom to death by hiding in the rounders of clothes. Her motherly-panic was in full swing. It was so, so fun...so was getting a balloon in the kid's shoe section. The Anniversary Sale was always the first stab at back-to-school shopping. For the next month and a half, I'd have several of those fun Sale bags in the corner of my room just waiting to have its contents be warn. Then back in 2008, I spent hours chatting it up with the BF for the first time as we wandered the different sections when he was enlisted to help style my sister's album cover shoot. We bonded over designer jeans, and later asked me to grab drinks that weekend.

From now until July 19, Nordstrom Fashion Rewards Members can earn double rewards points, while all the rest of you can just rack up some major debt. But it's worth it! The prices go back up August 1. Even though it's hard to shop for jackets and sweaters when Summer just arrived, your closet will thank you when fall rolls around.



Thursday, July 14, 2011

letters to you

It's no surprise that I love cards. Whether it's as a thank you, a birthday wish, or a note just to say hello- picking out the perfect card is somewhat of a magical power that I possess. Or so I've been told.

My friend Veronica and I spent our entire college careers sending adorable printed mail across the country. She would collect fun cards on her way home from class in New York City, and I would hit up tiny bookstores to select cards that were just right. The term 'penpal' doesn't even begin to explain it. The actual act of selecting the perfect card was the adventure. Oh, and we still have hopes of designing our own card line in the near future (cutest. name. ever. too. Very 'us').

It's no surprise that we both fell in love with the oh-so-adorable letterpress cards we saw pop up on card racks around town. Egg Press is a local, letterpress printing and design company, that features fun, whisical designs that are perfect for every occassion.



Well, the Egg Press Studio is moving across town to their new (and much larger digs) in Northwest Portland.  For the past 12 years, Egg Press' home has been The Plant - a warehouse on Alder in Southeast. And nothin' says moving quite like a sale, so now through Friday, Egg Press is selling slightly imperfect greeting cards ($1 each), screen printing while you wait ($5 per print) and other assorted Egg Press goodies at great prices - as well as items, both large and small, from their offices and print room.

My friend Lacey and I stopped by last night and picked up way too many great cards as well as some fun chalkbords - all for a buck!

Check them out!
Egg Press
939 SE Alder, Portland
10am-7pm Thursday and from 10am-5pm on Friday

Friday, July 8, 2011

I Can't Make You Love Me

Adele, I can't love you any more than I do. Her sultry voice is both powerful and unique to the airwaves. While I was planning to buy tickets to her Edgefield show this morning, I just couldn't bear the charge to my VISA, so fingers are crossed I might stumble upon a pair of extra tickets around the radio station. I'm dreaming (this I know), but it keeps it exciting to show up to work every day.

Check out Adele's cover of Bonnie Raitt's heartbreaking ballad, "I Can't Make You Love Me," at the iTunes Festival in London last night.


I got 29 problems but a list ain't one.



              (29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo)

I've had this list of 29 Ways to Stay Creative hanging on my bulletin board at work for a while. For starters, I love lists. I love collecting your thoughts on a cute piece of paper. I also love acknowledging the simple things in life that can help you creatively. Walls looking a little bare? Pin this puppy up!


(29 Ways to Stay Creative via Life on Michigan Ave)



Wednesday, July 6, 2011

don't matter if you're black or white.

(via Kate Spade. 1. cooper square katarina handbag 2. le pavillion large natalie cosmetic case 3. cooper square lacey wallet   4. kate spade july illustration by christopher david ryan 5. vanston stripe scout handbag
Kate Spade just released their color(s) for the month of July: black and white! Since these two constantly make my list of favs, I am loving all of the fun picks for July! With all of the brights in fashion for summertime, these staples sure do pop!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

new version of you


(via Pinterest)
I'm alive! I'm alive! I promise I haven't been sick in bed or off jetsetting to tropical beaches, I've just been MIA. Earlier in the week, I was bussed up to Hood River with the rest of the sales department for our annual sales retreat! It's always fun to be out of the office in a new location.
I won't bore you with the details, but let's just sum it up with the fact that my boss might have started a foodfight (not the first time), our bar bill could be mistaken for a mortage payment, and three comedians will never be asked to join a company function ever again. Seriously. I can't even post to the Internets.

We had two motivational speakers this year (we all loved the speaker from last year that we brought him back!) Seriously. I love uplifting people that take ideas, concepts, quotes and real life sitautions and break them down into the simpliest yet profound stories. Lou Radja continues to inspire me to take things to the next level. I highly suggest that you book him anytime you need a corporate, school or personal developement speaker. Totally good stuff. I might have even scanned my notes and email them to my friend...that good.



Sunday, June 26, 2011

strawberry fields forever.

Yesterday we spent the morning checking out the Portland Farmer's Market at PSU. It's become one of my favorites for all of the great produce and fantastic flowers. I got a bunch of huge 10 stems of Peonies for only $8. Can't wait to swoop up a bunch each weekend. They have already opened up and our house has never looked better!

How was your weekend? How'd you enjoy the beautiful sunshine?!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

just cause.

(via Pinterest)

Random links I found today:


I'm off to run home to change so we can head out to a loft party in the Pearl. Mark Radcliffe is performing! Never heard of him, but I checked out his website - love singer/songwriters!

there's a place on ocean avenue...


This post is brought to you by...my dreams. Can we just take a second and absorb that visual glory you just experienced? The Viceroy Santa Monica is a little slice of heaven. Period.

I love walking into a place that totally sums up your personal style. And I can honestly say that The Viceroy nailed it. It's me! I mean, check out their own description, "Classic sophistication and contemporary chic to create a thoroughly modern and uniquely luxurious Santa Monica, California boutique hotel." Look that up in the dictionary and you might just see my face there with a speech bubble that says, "I want my house to embody this description." (because that can happen).

Those mirrors backing the front desk and the pop of the green chairs? Perfect. The yellow hued library and those bookcases completely set the scene. From the chic poolside cabanas, to Whist Restaurant, and fabulous Suites places the Viceroy at the tippy-top of the "Can we please stay here already?" list. BF, you heard that? Book it! I swear I'll be surprised!  

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

gimme gimme s'more. gimme s'more . gimme gimme s'more

(genius S’mores Cake in a Jar)

So, we're building a firepit on our patio this summer. There. I said it. It's happening. So you better grab your skewer, or move out of the way! S'mores are the essential summertime treat. But really? They're a year round indulgence. The BF and I have been known to roast our own in the fireplace in the dead of winter while watching the Blazers game. Jealous?

To get into the s'more spirit, I've found some genius (and I mean genius) s'more recipes.

Do yourself a favor, unbutton that top button, and check out these delicious sweet s'more treats (complete with 'so good you'll wanna lick your screen' photos).


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

summertime

Summer - there's nothing like it! The weather, the BBQs, cold microbrews, and activities are the reasons why Oregonians put up with the rain and grey for eight months. You better make the most of it!

This summer is no exception! I'm excited to fill my planner with friends, sunshine and events that keep Portland insanely weird. Here's a list of events that I can't wait for. How about you?


June 24-26: North American Organic Brewers Festival
Overlook Park, N Fremont Street
One word: beer.
Check out the North American Organic Brewers Festival Program


June 26-Sept. 10: Summer free for all Movies in the Park
Parks across the city
Complete Movies in the Park listings. So many classics that I've never seen! 


July 4-Aug. 25: Top Down: Rooftop Cinema
Hotel deLux's rooftop garage
One of the coolest views in the city with live bands and beers. Movie starts when the sun sets, so bring your own chair and get up there early!
Can't wait to check out Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders" (why haven't I seen this movie before?)
Scheduled Top Down: Rooftop Cinema screenings


July 28-31: Oregon Brewers Festival
More than 80 different craft beers from all over the country! So amazingly fun.
Entry is free, but the tasting mug is $6 with tastes ranging from $1-$4.
Oregon Brewers Festival info

July 31: The BIG Float
The event hosted by Willamette Riverkeeper that will take place on this sunny, Sunday afternoon on the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The goal, quite simply, is to encourage people to “get into the river." And with 1,000+ people expected to participate, you won't want to miss it!
The website is just so damn cute. Love the vintage design.


Aug. 12-14: The Bite of Oregon
Food, music, wine, beer and....food! And it's a benefit for Special Olympics! Yum. (note: wear expandable pants and/or skirt).
$10 single day pass, $15 full weekend.
The Bite of Oregon food and entertainment offerings


Aug. 13: Adult Soapbox Derby
Mount Tabor Park, SE Portland
Seriously? So entertaining. I wouldn't miss this one!
Free to watch with races starting at 10am.
Check out the pictures from last year's Adult Soapbox Derby


Aug. 25-27: Festa Italiana
Southwest Morrison Street and Broadway
Grape stomp, pizza toss, bocce tournament and Italian movie night. 
In case you need any more arm twisting (hello! Pizza!), check out the Festa Italian lineup 


What's on your summer bucket list? Always looking to expand my list!




(* umbrella print by Elle Moss)

you down with OPP LBB? (yeah you know me)


Happy Tuesday (and first official day of summer!) The sun is out in Portland, and you know what that means...burgers! And Little Big Burger just so happens to be opening their second location on N Mississippi Avenue today!

I hope you've tried Little Big Burger by now, but if you haven't - what the hell are you waiting for? Owners Micah Camden and Katie Poppe have expanded their hip Pearl District burger joint to a second (and much closer to my home) location that also brings a bunch of foot traffic to the Portlanders that flock to Mississippi for coffee, food and fun shops.

Their menu is simple: deliciously perfect-sized hamburgers or cheeseburgers (take your pick: cheddar, swiss, chevre or bleu?) Fries (yukon gold potatoes or white truffle sea salt?) Hint: white truffle wins.

And to roll out the opening of the new location, LBB is treating their burger-loving fans with FREE burgers today from 4-9pm! Only one per person though, but I swear, that's all you'll need!

Monday, June 20, 2011

where all the hot girls wear glasses.




(glasses print via Pinterest, kate spade new york 'jodie' reading glasses from Nordstrom)
  Aren't my new glasses adorable? I've had the same thick black Dior readers since 2008 (oh, the horror!) and had to switch it up. I love the green sherbert hue inside the thin frames. Wearing these makes me feel so scholarly (except that I had to Google 'scholarly' to make sure I was spelling it properly! Sh, don't tell anyone). And at a cool $68 at Nordstrom, what's not to love?
 



Sunday, June 19, 2011

new resolution

(Paul Arden quote, "It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be")
Stay tuned for more a more inspired blog, promise.

Also, a special hello to all of the lovely ladies I met at Oh Joy Studio's blog workshop at the Ace Hotel this morning! Loved being in a room full of people with fellow bloggers that shared some of my same questions. 

Follow my blog for updates of the latest new restaurant to try, store to stop into, and to keep up with my adventures in and around the Rose City.

Friday, June 17, 2011

here comes the sun...

(photo via Pinterest here, design by me)
Start spreading the news: the sun is out! Which means my entire office is MIA off enjoying the sunshine on patios and all of that jazz. Me? Oh, I'm just staring at the clock waiting for it to inch closer to 5ish.

I'm looking forward to a low-key weekend. Might see a movie tomorrow night (date night!), but before that, I think we need to enjoy this gorgeous day on a local patio. I'm sure we'll wake up tomorrow and demand a delicious breakfast. On Sunday morning, I'll be attending Oh Joy's social media/blogging workshop at the Ace Hotel (Can. Not. Wait.) while the BF runs a half marathon (he's nuts, obviously).

Oh, and how amazing is that Marc Jacobs sundress above? I must have it hanging in my closet!

Monday, June 13, 2011

monday, monday, monday

Happy Monday!


(via Pinterest)
 I can't really get into today. I'm just...in a daze! We'll just blame it on the lack of sleep I got last night due to a wiggly pup that pushed me nearly off one side of the bed, and the "we ate like kings" this weekend collection of excellent meals. More on that later! It deserves it's own blog post.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

and you smile like a saint, but you curse like a sailor...


(via pinterest)

Ahoy! I've never met a stripe that I didn't instantly love, and today's outfit is no exception.
I got this cute lil number from Target last week, and decided to rock it today. On Wednesday mornings we have our weekly sales meeting first thing, so the fact that people see my outfit weighs on my daily decision.

Striped dress, natural wedges, brown belt, and cotton blazer with gold natual buttons? Check! Oh, and my favorite yellow Kate Spade bangle pretty much seals the deal. I was waiting for people to start humming "In the Navy" as I walked in, but nope! All good!

Amazing how a new outfit, or part of an outfit, gives you a lil spring in your step. And on a Wednesday? I definitely could use it.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

I whip my hair back and forth


('embrace messy hair' print via funnelcloud on etsy. bw hair via tumblr. blonde knot via pinterest.)
 This weekend I ran out of dry shampoo (sinful), so I picked up some Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo. Anyone tried it? I couldn't help but test out my new product on my perfectly clean hair this morning. Beauty fail. Oh, and I totally want to frame that 'Embrace Messy Hair' print for the bathroom. Words to live by!

Monday, May 23, 2011

where we gonna go from here?

Amazing how your day can turn around so quickly!

For starters, it's Monday. (Do I even need to elaborate?)

Last night, the BF and I spent HOURS putting together our new IKEA TV stand. I know, I know - everytime I get anything there, I swear I won't get another piece in fears that our house will start looking like an IKEA showroom. But the beauty is in the details (I can add my own touches later) and let's face it - you can't beat the price for some modern pieces. As we watching the terribly, awful Billboard Music Awards last night, we attempted to build this sucker. Long story short, we messed up on Step 2, therefore when we got to step 43, the whole thing was all wrong. Fail. Too late to even care anymore. So tonight we'll tackle that beast.




I have no clean clothes and never picked up my dry cleaning, so I'm wearing a pretty casual and 'nothin special' outfit. My hair looks like straw. I was rushed this morning, what do you expect?

ANYWAY!

I was out to grab a bite to eat by my lonesome when I got an email from Bri from Design Love Fest. The subject? WINNER!



I'm so stoked! I've never even tried to win anything on anyone's blog before! Beginner's luck! And, I just love her blog and everything she does. It's fabulous!

Oh, and I just signed up for OhJoy's Portland Blogging and Social Media workshop in June. I'm so thrilled!

Monday, you're not so bad afterall.

How did you spend your weekend?

On Saturday, went to breakfast with the BF at one of our standby breakfast joints, Cadillac Cafe. Then I picked up two of my girlfriends and headed to my co-worker's Stella & Dot Trunk Show. It was so fun to gawk over all the fabulous pieces! I ended up snagging some earrings since I never seem to wear any. I needed some, you hear?

Aren't they pretty?!
(Stella & Dot 'Garden Party Chandelier Earrings - Green/Gold')
Sunday was spent meeting with a potential new client for a freelance web project. Fun! I'm totally jazzed about it. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon at my brother's baseball game. Ended up at IKEA for some black picture frames and that god forsaken TV STAND! (See above). I'm angry just thinking about it. How many relationships end over IKEA assembly? I seriously wonder.

 


While in the car with my girlfriends, I expressed that I wished Lauren Conrad shared her beauty products. I'm so glad she heard me since I just came across this article that dishes what's in Lauren Conrad's makeup bag. Genius.

Incase you have $8.6 million in your back pocket, you can buy the late Elizabeth Taylor's Bel Air estate. Could you even imagine? She's owned it for the last 30 years. Check out the listing here.

The new season of The Bachelorette starts tonight. Crap. Another reality show...Here's a cheat sheet: get to know the 25 guys before you watch.

I think I need this for my new iPhone that I just decided that I needed. I can't handle the slow-going of my current phone.

Until next time....


Friday, April 15, 2011

brand new day.


(I need to remember this as I go into Weekend 1 on this 6-week diet. Pizza Fridays are no longer...)

Is it 5:30p yet? So ready for the weekend! I need some downtown to relax. What's on tap this weekend?

On Saturday, I'm meeting up with my girlfriend for coffee to chat about some freelance projects I have going on for her and then we're going to check out the Sample Sale at Egg Press. Our favorite letterpress cards for just $1? Yes please!

But before that, I think I might try to hit up this Old Navy sale. Have you heard about it? From 7am-11am only, all swimsuits are 60% off! Hard to resist a sale...

Trail Blazers vs. Mavericks in Game 1 of the Playoffs? Obviously. Free fun.

Other than that - I need to do some much needed Vegas shopping and planning, pay some bills, read some books and try to stretch these two days and make them feel as long as I can. How is it already halfway through April? Crazy.

Speaking of Vegas outfits...I'm kind of loving this look I created. That necklace? Jewel tones are so fab! But not sure it goes with the top, but who cares, one Photoshop document opened...one photo is what you get!

(1. Urban Outfitters tank  2. H&M hat 3. LC Conrad Sandals 4. Necklace) 
 This week my aunt called me a "foodie." I mean, I guess? Really, I just love to dine out. It's what the boyfriend and I have always loved to do. We get to try new foods and ambiances on date night - all while leaving the dishes behind! There are our standbys - the Thai place on Alberta, the pizza join down the street and dessert out of the case at New Seasons Market. But I'm always looking for recommendations and inspiration to switch it up and try something new.
I came across the blog, Under the Table with Jen a while ago, but just now revisited it again. This needs to be in your "Favorites."

Last night I ended up talking with two co-workers about the best burgers in Portland...oh delicious. I need to blog about my adventures out more often. These ladies were eating it up (ha!)

(found on Pinterest here)
Also - Just came across this creative way to store ribbon. I really need more ribbon. I can't come up with a good reason why, but maybe before Christmas time rolls around, I'll make this lil device. If you're not on Pinterest...well then you probably have more productive days at the office than I do. Wait, that's relative.



Wednesday, April 13, 2011

don't let me down...

What is wrong with me? I feel like I always have intetions of keeping this blog up, but it just escapes me. I go through life saying, "Oh, I should totally blog about this," but never get around to it. I browse so many blogs every day, but neglect my own. Tsk, tsk!

So what have I been up to? Hell knows. Actually, just a lot of working, freelance projects and trying to relax on the weekends!

  • Last Friday, we were in our company suite to watch Lam Lam Odom and the rest of the Lakers get crushed by the Blazers. Plus, I was wearing my new "The dream of the 90s is alive in Portland" Blazer t-shirt that my co-worker made. Want one? You know you do.
  • Speaking of Lam Lam, the premeire of Khloe & Lamar was on Sunday. Offically hooked. I mean, it's the Kardashians. What do you expect? They're just so damn adorable. And Rob Kardashian in those thick glasses? Hot. And let's not forget that I could not get the song from the show's trailer out of my head for the 3 days leading up to the show. "Takin' me higher...higghhhherrrr..."
  • On Monday, I started my "I have to be in a bathing suit in Vegas in 4 weeks" diet. It's the 6 Week Body Makeover plan. Pretty bland, but not terrible. Hoping to shed some much needed pounds before the sun actually comes out. Let's see if I can do this. I am not known to have much self restrain around chips and salsa. Or anything for that matter.
  • I'm now selling Mary Kay? Random for sure, but who can resist a deal on products? Not me, apparently. Want some fun products? Check out my website and order, order, order!
  • Looking for inspiration (and cash flow) to revamp my wardrobe from only grey and and black to fun neons and bright hues for Spring. Had fun trying on bell-bottom jeans and flow-y tops at Nordstrom over the weekend. I will be back. This pair of 70s-inspired J-Brand's have my name all over them! My foot is non-existant in them. Is that totally rediculous?
  • Finished designing and creating my friend's new music booking agency website. Check out Veronica Booking if you're in the market to get some shows booked.
  • Tried Lucy's Original over the weekend. The food truck is located on N Mississippi and their fried egg breakfast sandwiches are to-DIE-for. I had the "XMas" and boyfriend had a "Messenger." Seriously yum.
And that's the update folks! Besides watching Tori and Dean, Bethenny Ever After, The Real Housewives of Orange County and anything on E!, I've been up to no good. You'd swear I was a couch potato, but I've actually been busy working out, cookin' up a storm, online window shopping and planning my sister's bridal shower (it's in July - but hey, I love to plan)! Hoping to clean up the growing pile of clothes I have stacked on my dresser and organize my life before the weekend...only to create a new pile come Monday morning. Oops.

Monday, March 28, 2011

how do you measure, measure a year?



Just came across the site 365 Things to do in Portland, and I love it!

I'm all about making lists and exploring parts of the city that I haven't yet discovered.

I wish they had a list so that I could start checking things off, but I guess I'll have to make my own for all of our spring and summer adventures!

What's on your "must see, must do, must visit" places in Portland? I'm dying to know!

just another manic Monday...

This weekend was a whirlwind!

Friday night, we continuted our newfound tradition of grabbing pizza with our friend Marty. Our goal is to try a new place everyweek. We decided to try a place in our neighborhood, but when we stopped into Firehouse we were turned away since they were all booked up for the night.

We went across the street to Good Neighbor Pizza. Its right next door to one of our favorite places, Breakside Brewing, so we've wanted to try it for a while. The pizza is a tad more spendy than the usual gourmet pizza we are used to, but it was totally, totally worth it!



We ended up sharing a 18" half Chicken Pesto (roasted chicken, pesto, feta & spinach) and Hog Heaven (pepperoni, spicy italian sausage, Canadian bacon, apple-smoked bacon & tomatoes). They were out of bacon (the horror) so we subsititued for salami. It was by far the most delicious pizza I've had in a while - maybe even since our best pizza experience in San Francisco last year!

Then we were feeling spontaneous, so we ended up going cosmic bowling! Hilarious to say the least!


On Saturday, I went down to Aurora for day 1 of my cousin's bridal shower. Fun to catch up with family and hang out.
My sister and I decided to go in on a gift together for the bridal shower. Instead of sticking to the registry like most other people did, I got her 2 Kate Spade bangle bracelets. They come in these adorable mini hat boxes, and they bracelets have cute phrases engraved on the inside. One was white, and said "on cloud nine." The other was purple and said "three cheers." When I bought the bangles, I went up to the counter and the sales woman ran to the back to get me some new ones instead of the ones on the floor. She wrapped them up in the boxes and tied the ribbon.

Day of the shower - our cute Kate Spade gift bag is up! Everyone's looking since it's not from Macy's or Bed, Bath and Beyond. She opens the box and goes, "Oh cute!" and I was trying to tell her to read the inscription. She looked on the inside and began reading it aloud. "Tickeling the...ivories?" Everyone was dead silent. She did an akward laugh. I was horrified. The. Wrong. Bracelet. So very awkward!

The festivities continued on Sunday, when we all went wine tasting throughout the Oregon Wine Country. All of the younger ladies piled into a limo while my cousin chauffeured the other ladies around. We stopped at Anne Amie Vineyards, Erath Winery, and Elk Cove Vineyards. Wine tasting all day on Sunday? I'm exhausted!