I Got A Feeling...

I'm jetting out of town for the weekend with some of my favorite girls! Singing all the way
"Tonight's going to be a good night!" Woo hoo!!

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Le Sac

Isn't this the perfect grocery tote? I'm all about the re-usable bag, I mean living in Seattle it's practically an unwritten law - everybody brings a reusable bag to the grocery store...seriously, everybody!

I am totally digging this chic tote. It's the perfect size for a quick grocery run, small enough to throw over your shoulder and bike home. I'm especially loving the side compartment perfect for the must-have magazine, or a bouquet of Spring flowers or a the quintessential dinner baguette. After spying this beauty, I don't think my reusable bags will ever look quite the same...

image/ohjoyeats
via destinedtodesign

Sew Much To Learn

I've decided I need to learn how to sew. Yes, my blog friends, I admit...I'm 27 and aside from a basic needle and thread, I have no sewing skills (gasp!). I know, I know, it's a little pathetic. I'm tired of defaulting to my tailor for alterations when I could be saving money by taking the time to learn how to effectively use a sewing machine.

Since I'm eager to take on this new hobby/skill, I've been perusing websites in the Seattle area looking for good sewing classes for beginners. Any tips for how to kick off my domestic journey?

image/maryruffle

I Need To Plan A Vacation

I've got the vacation itch - I usually get this familiar ache when I'm anticipating an upcoming vacation but feel the need to book another on the calendar, just so I have something to look forward to once I've returned. This weekend, I'm headed out of town with some girlfriends for a quick getaway, but now all I can think of is...where should I go next?? Yes, yes, I do have my big adventure to Japan just a few short months away in mid-July, but I'm excited to get some weekend trips on the calender. Right now I'm dreaming about returning to New York City and staying at the swanky hotel The Standard, right in the heart of the ever-buzzing Meatpacking District. I used to try and visit NYC at least once a year, but sadly the last time I was there was August 2007, which seems like an eternity ago... Where are you looking to book your next weekend getaway? images/thestandard

Breakfast Boredom

What's your breakfast routine? I'm one of those people that can't eat the same thing every morning. I always try out new things and eventually, breakfast boredom ensues. In recent weeks, I've gone through an apple-cinnamon oatmeal kick, which transitioned into a phase of Cheerios with sliced bananas, and finally I settled with English muffins with butter. And once again, breakfast boredom has reared it's ugly head. Now, I've got an abundance of these ingredients sitting idly in my pantry, and a breakfast craving waiting to be filled.

My latest breakfast routine includes Trader Joes granola mixed with sliced strawberries and vanilla Greek yogurt. I'm sure I'll tire of this soon enough, but I'm looking for some alternatives. What is your breakfast routine?

images/simplybreakfast

Playing House

I've been playing house with my new roomie for a week and it's been so much fun! This weekend, we made the trek down to Ikea to pick up some new furniture to accommodate the incredible amount of combined stuff we have. We did have some testing trials with one certain beaudoir that just didn't want to fit through the doorway. For most of the weekend, our living room was cluttered with cardboard boxes, random odds & ends, tools, and finally, it's starting to materialize as furniture (to house all of our stuff)!

It's been a fun transition, having him here everyday. I've enjoyed all the little things we now do together everyday; making dinner, watching our favorite shows, and setting up house. I'll keep you posted as we continue to settle into this new chapter.

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Yawn

Sorry for the lack of posts. I can't tell you how happy I am that today is Friday...this week has been an exhausting one. I assure you'll I'll be back in full form next week. Looking forward to a very unplanned weekend of R & R. Any big plans 'round the blogosphere?

Lilacs

One of the perks of having a yard is the beautiful Spring flowers! I have the good fortune of having two lovely lilac trees in my backyard that have been bursting with blooms. Lilacs are my fave for several reasons. One, they are purple and green (my favorite colors), and two, they are unbelievably fragrant! Just one of those flowers you can't help but dive your nose into to inhale the sweet scent. I picked a bunch of lilacs from my tree a few days ago and am still smiling at the sweet Spring fragrance that's filling my living room.

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What's in your Queue?

I imagine many of you use Netflix as I do. So I'm curious, what's in your queue? I'm having a bit of a brain freeze when it comes to movies. My top 5 currently includes:
1.Mad Men Season 3
2. Oscar nominated "An Education"
3. Coco Before Chanel
4. A League of Their Own
5. Men Who Stare at Goats.

A good mix of new releases and classics (I never tire of "A League of Their Own"), but I'm feeling kind of ho hum about my queue...I need some good recommendations.

So I ask, what's in your queue? Or what have you recently watched/rented?

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Panna What?

I've been cultivating a few fave food blogs and like any good blogger, I have my favorites. I usually check the "food feed" in my Google Reader every couple of days to salivate over the culinary delights circulating blog land.

I'm always wooed by the tempting desserts, salted caramel this and blueberry heaven that. I came across this lovely post via Tartelette - a lovely little food blog, and immediately the word rhubarb caught my eye. Rhubarb! My fave - it's tart, tangy zing of a flavor blended with sugar is perfection, the ideal blend of tart + sweet.

As I reread the recipe title again...I spotted lavender panna cotta? Interesting, sounds very floral and therefore aromatic...even tasty. But more than anything I was wondering, what exactly is panna cotta? I mean, I've seen it on dessert menus before, but I usually order something absurdly rich and chocolaty without a moments hesitation.

So my solution? Wikipedia. Seriously, what did people do before the internet? Dun Dun Dun Dun! Success:
Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made by simmering together cream, milk, and sugar, mixing this in with gelating, and letting it cool until set. Originating from the Piedmont region in Italy, it is eaten all over Italy where it is often served with wild berries, caramel, chocolate sauce or fruit coulis. The expression literally means "cooked cream."

Sounds good enough right? The only logical next step is to make it myself and conclude my panna cotta knowledge with experience. Lavendar Panna Cotta with Poached Rhubarb, watch out, you're on the to-do list! Anyone ever made this before??

image/tartelette

The September Issue

In case you haven't heard of it yet - The September Issue is the real story behind The Devil Wears Prada. It's a documentary following esteemed Vogue editor Anna Wintour for several months as the magazine prepares to put out their legendary September issue. If you're like me and go, "Why is the September issue so special?" Let me tell you...this issue is the trendsetter, and kicks off the next season of fashion, trends, and all that is to follow.

Having read The Devil Wears Prada and owning the movie, I was curious to see if the movie was true to form. While she's got a flat affect, she doesn't seem to fill the shoes as the cold-hearted "Ice Woman" Meryl Streep played in the movie.

Ultimately, I found it interesting and fun documentary (especially since I'm not usually one for documentaries). Check it out!

Move-In...Check!

It's official - I have a roommate! My boyfriend moved in Sunday afternoon and we spent the evening getting settled and relaxing in our digs. It's a big milestone for me, I've never lived with a boy before, so this is a big deal! I'm excited for this new chapter in our lives.

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Eat, Pray, Love Journey

So back to my query: if you went on a Eat, Pray, Love journey where would you go?? I think if I had 1-year to go anywhere...I would split do as she did in the book, and split my time between three very different regions. I think I would start in Europe, visiting the places I haven't been yet: Ireland, the English countryside, Sweden, Portugal, the Basque Country, and then East.

Next, I would travel through SE Asia; see Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, see Halong Bay in Vietnam, and travel throughout Thailand and Laos, eating all the way!

Finally, I would spend the final third of my year traveling through Peru, Argentina, and explore Patagonia.

image/wishopeace

Weekend of Brides

I'm so glad it's Friday! This week has been an odd one, see-sawing back and forth, some days go by so fast, others incredibly slow. And my weekend is literally a weekend of brides: wedding reception + bridal shower.

I guess most weekends are pretty busy, but this one seems jam-packed. Tonight, I'm attending a friend and co-worker's wedding reception tonight (the lovely pair wed in Hawaii in mid-February) and we're toasting to their newlywed bliss this evening.

Saturday is moving day. Yes, it's official, the boyfriend is moving in! It kind of feels like he already lives with me, but moving the furniture makes it extra-official! We'll be loading and unloading for most of the morning/afternoon, followed by a low-key evening.

On Sunday, I have yet another bridal shower, for my friend and sorority sister Carol of Everyday Delights. This is the 'Round the Clock shower I've been asking y'all for advice on, so I'll be sure to update you with my 1:00am gift!

Any big weekend plans?

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Eat, Pray, Love

I seriously cannot wait for this movie. LOVED the book, and I love the way this preview is looking... Doesn't it make you want to get up and just GO somewhere!

Now, here's the big question: If you went on a journey for a year...where would you go? I need some time to ponder my own query, but I'll post my answer tomorrow!

Beachy Keen

My friends Charlie and Mikal's engagement photo shoot was featured on the wedding blog Engaged and Inspired. Check out their photos, I love the casual, outdoorsy vibe!
images/engagedandinspired

Bringing Back the Bangs

These pictures of Anne Hathaway have me contemplating bringing back the bangs. One thing I'm digging about her bangs is how they're long and side-swept (as opposed to covering the entire forehead across). This seems to provide some hair flexibility or options, if you will...

Thoughts?

Tea Time

These days, I find myself a tea enthusiast. When I bought my house in October, I went on a bit of a tea binge, stocking my cupboard full of a plethora of tea varieties, not really so much for the flavors themselves, but just to have the satisfaction of living in a house with filled shelves.

Perhaps my fave tea is Market Spice - it's a local Seattle tea, spicy-orangy-cinnamon goodness in every sip! But lately I've been dabbling with Celestial Seasons Bengal Spice and Mandarin Orange Spice. Anyone else see a pattern here? Can you tell I like spicy tea? Of course I try and balance these out with Bigelow's Green Tea with Pomegranate and Yogi's Honey Lemon for those scratchy throat kind of days.

But now...after all that purchasing, alas I'm kind of bored with my tea shelf. Don't get me wrong, I won't deny my Seattle roots because I'm first and foremost a coffee-in-the-morning kind of girl, but I usually retire in the evenings with tea and a good book (wow that comment just aged me 20 years...).

Are any of you out there tea drinkers as well? What's your fave?

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Ideas?

Ladies (and gents), I am in need of a bit of bridal shower inspiration. As I mentioned before, bridal shower season has dawned on my life, and I've got one this upcoming weekend and not a clue of what to get the lovely bride.

Let me explain...the theme is a 'Round the Clock shower, meaning each guest is assigned an hour of the day and your gift is suggested to reflect that hour. For example, 4pm would be margarita glasses for happy hour. Well my hour is 1am...not the first thing that immediately came to mind was lingerie, but I want my gift to be tasteful and chic. I mean, 1am on a weeknight I'm usually sleeping, and on a weekend I'm usually winding down or (gasp) already in bed.

Any ideas of a clever gift to reflect this hour?

My Go-To Recipe

Do you have a go-to recipe? You know the kind...when there is nothing in your fridge, your pantry is paltry, and you are STARVING? Well, this is my go-to in a jam recipe because it requires few ingredients, and these are usually staples I have on hand anyway, (even in a barren- fridge-kind-of-situation). It's Giada's Lemon Spaghetti - because it always turns out great, and it's unbelievably easy!

The main ingredients are: pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It calls for basil, but let's face it, how often do you have fresh basil on hand? I mean, I rarely do. I literally make this at least a few times a month, because it really is so light, simple, and always ends up tasting great!

So now my question is...what is your go-to recipe? This could be a meal you make frequently, or an dinner you resort to because it's continually easy and delicious...I'm very curious as I could use a little variety in my go-to recipe routine.

Giada's Lemon Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the oil, Parmesan, and lemon juice in a large bowl to blend.

Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Toss the pasta with the lemon sauce, and the reserved cooking liquid, adding 1/4 cup at a time as needed to moisten. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon zest and chopped basil.

recipe/foodnetwork
image/somethingsoclever

Friday

Have a lovely weekend! I'm flying off to LA bright and early tomorrow for my grandpa's memorial later in the afternoon. While it's an unexpected trip, I'll have a chance to visit with my middle sister who lives in Venice Beach, and enjoy some quality time with my family that lives in the area. After the celebration of life we're going to do some hiking, shopping, and hit up the Santa Monica Market. Have a great, reflective weekend.

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Dinner Last Night: Crispy Fish with Lemon-Dill Sauce

Since I'm no longer afraid to cook fish, I figured why not dive in head first! I made this last night for dinner - Crispy Fish with Lemon-Dill Sauce, pretty light, quick, & easy! The recipe calls for cod, but opting for fresh in lieu of frozen, I went with halibut. The sauce was probably my favorite part, quite delightful (and really complimented the fish). And since I have extra fresh dill leftover from this recipe, I might try and tackle this recipe next.

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Lavender Farm

I've just discovered a lavender farm in my backyard! Vashon Island, a short ferry ride away, in Seattle's own Puget Sound is home to many a lavender farm, including Lavender Hill Farms. I'm so excited at this discovery, it'll be a fun day trip during the summer when lavender is in season and the U-Pick fields are open.

Any locals ever been?

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Cookie Crush

I read about this delightful NYC bakery, Ruby et Violette via Joanna's amazing blog, and now I can't wait to visit New York...just for a cookie (or two). Now I know most bakeries are the same, but their website was quite intriguing. First and foremost, the cookie flavors are incredibly creative! Ever had a marshmallow cookie? Or German chocolate cake? Maybe peach cobbler, white Irish, or champagne strawberry...among others! Can we say "delicious?"

Mmm, my mouth is watering right now! Next stop: New York City!!

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My 1000th Post!

Wow, I can't believe I've been blogging long enough to have 1000 posts! What a journey it's been. Writing is a passion of mine. I've always enjoy crafting together words and am pleased they have entertained others as well. It's funny because initially I never thought a blog could suffice as a creative outlet, but it has surpassed my expectations in so many ways. I continue to surprised at how fulfilling and purposeful blogging is. Thanks to all of my loyal readers for joining me through my endeavors learning how to become a blogger!

Alice in Wonderland

We have now officially entered bridal shower season. I helped my mom co-host two weekends ago, and I have 2 on the calender for April. While bridal shower themes vary from bride to bride, I quite like this whimsical theme - Alice in Wonderland. Perfect in light of the recent movie and it makes for darling table displays with "eat me," and "drink me," place settings, hanging mason jars brimming with flowers, and the lovely blues and purples. So creative!
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Smidgen or Dash?

Have you ever followed a recipe that called for a "pinch" or a "dash?" Raise your hand if you have...um, yeah...me too. While I may be improving in the culinary arts, but I still hem and haw over what constitutes these measurements. But I'm loving these handy-dandy measurement tools with 3 spoons for smidgen, pinch, and dash so you measure perfect every time!

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5-Year Journal

I bought this 5-year, one-line-a-day memory book per Nicole's suggestion, and I have to say it was one of the best purchases! I've always been a journaler or "diary-keeper," but as I've gotten older and my schedule busier I find I write less and less every year. But I always love looking back at entries past, reading what I liked and disliked, rereading my take on both the frivolous and monumental event in my life, and I'm comforted that I wrote these little moments down.

This little 5-year journal is fabulous! It has room for no more than a few lines a day (about 2-3 sentences), and tracks the dates over 5 years, so you can compare your April 5th, 2010 to your April 5, 2015...and see how your life has grown and changed. I've had mine for about 4 weeks now, and already I'm enjoying flipping back and seeing and remembering the little things.

image/chroniclebooks

Trash the Dress

Have you heard of the fad, "trash the dress?" It's where the bride & groom wear their wedding duds out on the town the day after the wedding. This includes walking on the beach, prancing around in fields, essentially sporting the formal wear in a very non-formal setting. I like this idea, except I think I'd be afraid of ruining that beautiful gown. Here is an example of a tasteful "trash the dress" my sorority sister Megan did...Pretty, right? I like her "trash the dress' style, they almost look like they're floating on the water, in a beautiful dreamy sort of way.

Now, below is a very different version of "trash the dress." I discovered this "trash the dress" photo shoot, entitled "You and Me and a Bag of Wendy's" via my friend Heather's blog. While it looks like the bride and groom are having a raucous good time, and granted it was probably fun to shoot, I almost cringed at these photos. I don't know if I could muster the strength to ever take condiments to my wedding dress!
images 1.2/jefflaplantephotography
images.3.4.5/tracyturpen

Hot Tub Time Machine!

This movie was hilarious! Seriously...it's so ridiculous that it just works! It was even the Critic's Pick in the Washington Post with the subtitle, "don't judge a movie by it's title." So true! If you at all like raunchy humor, swearing, folks from the TV show The Office, and John Cusack, this movie doesn't disappoint!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Any big plans for the day? After a morning of mixing, whipping, and baking; my kitchen is a wreck but my dishes are prepped and ready to travel en route to brunch with good friends. Also, I've been told that the Easter bunny left me a little something special at my parents house, can't wait!

Hope your Easter is a lovely one!

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The Weekend

This has been a long week...I'm very ready for this weekend to arrive. No big plans aside from laying low, sleeping in, and of course seeing Hot Tub Time Machine!

Also, next week is my school's Spring break which means I have the entire week off! This is cause for a celebration in itself! I didn't have any plans initially, but just found out my grandpa's memorial is scheduled for next Saturday in LA, so I'll be flying down there for the weekend to attend with family.

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