Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Portland

Our trip down to see Lorri was fuuuun! It was so nice to see her and to spend so much time with Lisa...I really love those girls! On Sunday, we went to the Portland farmers market, which was quite a spectacle. I cant believe how huge it was! There were a ton of people carrying around pink boxes from Voodoo Doughnuts. We set forth to discover what all the hullabaloo was about. After walking aways, and passing some very interesting people, most of them sporting Toms, we arrived at the world famous doughnut shop.  There was a line stretching out the door and down the block. Both ways. We decided this was God's way of telling us doughnuts were not to be had. We did shove our faces against the glass hoping to catch a glimpse of what all the fuss was about...a fruit loop covered masterpiece caught me eye, but who wants to wait 45 minutes for that? Not I! After making our way back to the car and heading home for a pit stop, we went to the three dollar movie theater. We saw a movie called 'The Five Year Engagement' It was really really really good. I wouldn't mind seeing it again. I love Jason Segal. All in all, Portland really redeemed itself in my eyes. It took alot of driving but was most definitely worth it.  Oh!!! And I ordered some Butter Braids and cookie dough from Lorries niece who was selling them for a soccer trip fundraiser. Best part of the whole trip :) haha! 

Having forgot my camera, I had to make use my crappy iPhone cam...so without further adieu...








PS these pics were taken through the car window as we were driving. I know, ick.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Checking out

Heading down to Portland for the long weekend!!!! So excited to see my friend, Lorri and stoked to be hanging out with lovely Lisa too <3
Eff. I just remembered...I forgot my camera :(
Thank goodness for my iPhone!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Alaskan Adventure

I woke up at the crack of dawn to head down to Squalicum Harbor to see Martine off on her latest adventure as a Naturalist for a company called NW Explorations.  Last spring saw Martine in the same position working for this company, which charters yachts in the Northwest. She is going on a six week cruise through the San Juan Islands, into British Columbia, around the outside of Vancouver Island and into Southeastern Alaska. While this at first sounded like a lovely vacation, she is actually working her behind off.  She has been preparing for this trip for a long time! The vibe at the harbor this morning was definitely subdued excitement. I commented to Martine how calm everyone seemed. My experience with seeing a vessel off is limited to fishing boats...which is usually all out madness. Despite all of the work that goes into making a guided flotilla happen, I am still extremely jealous that she is getting to experience such an amazing opportunity. This makes me think about why my path in life is so different from hers. Not in a bad way, but the idea of so much freedom is very enticing. Was it a bad idea for me to buy a house at such a young age? Is that whats inhibiting me? Being responsible for a mortgage means I need to have steady income...which isn't really conducive to adventuring off for months at a time. I'm extremely proud of and happy for my friend but her leaving brings my disquiet to the forefront of my thoughts.  I have a feeling things are about to change for me. Maybe I should re-read my horoscope! Ha!

Here's a photo I lifted from the NW Explorations website...not the boat that Martine is on, but looks quite similar...

via

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Great Gatsby and an outfit under an outfit


Cover has always been creepy to me(via)



I just saw that a remake of The Great Gatsby is scheduled for release at the end of 2012. I was on IMDB and saw an advert for the trailer. And guess who's playing Gatsby? Its going to be the Legen-wait for it..dary Leonardo DiCaprio!!!! I literally SQUEALED when I read that he had been cast. Which was awkward because I made that kicked dog noise while at my desk at work. But whatevs. Let me start by saying, I love that book. I love the 20's. I think that would be my primo decado. Especially if I were born into an insanely wealthy family and didn't have to work, but rather, could spend my time partying and playing with my equally rich friends. No inhibitions (other than prohibition, duh) free to run wild, wear fur, drive fancy cars and dress like nobodys business. Oh! And smoke ciggies of course! Mustn't forget those!

And then there's the Leo aspect. I don't even know what to say about his magnificence. I think that if I were to look up 'practically perfect in every way' I would see a picture of Mary Poppins holding a little baby Leo via Romeo Capulet era. Currently fantasizing about all of the great films made even greater because of his performances. Leo man, I love you!!! I would scream for you like my teenage self at a Bush concert. You rock my world! Please, keep on keeping on...etc...you know what I mean.

For my viewing pleasure....
The trailer on IMDB

via



Today, Im trying to wear this dress again. Kris bought it, thought it was too shear, she is completely correct but I like it so much that IM REALLY TRYING!!! to make it work. Underneath the dress, I wore a white tank, bright red tights and green t-strap Chealsea Crew heels. Then, for good measure, I put on some shorts. I thought the shorts would be a good idea because I didn't want to feel self conscious. Instead, I just felt uncomfortable. Essentially, I am wearing a complete outfit underneath my dress. Its like a secret of sorts. Hehe! At about 4:00, I couldn't take it anymore and flung the shorts off and into my bag. Screw modesty. Ha! I probably just won't get up from my desk til its time to leave for the day.
No this is not me!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Photobooth-Cat shots

Well, this is what I was up to Saturday night.  Clearly Clarice did not want to participate...






Monday, May 21, 2012

My skin loves me

Its no secret that I'm in L.O.V.E. with Sarah Britton's blog, My New Roots. I have learned sooo much from spending time perusing all of her different recipes.  Once upon a time, I stumbled upon a post she had written a few years back about the benefits of dry skin brushing.  HOLY SMOKE!!! What an amazing awakening! I immediately bought myself a skin brush. What? Brush your skin you say? Yes indeedy! Its so awesome! My skin feels so incredibly soft and smooth. Especially during the winter months which end up drying the heck outta my skin. I learned that rubbing in coconut oil after showering is pretty dang wonderful as well. With the lovely results I was getting, I had to start telling people about it. Why wouldn't I? I ended up giving some as Christmas gifts and emailing just about everyone I know about the miracles associated with such an easy, simple process. Here is the skin brush that I use daily.



I got mine at Fred Meyer, but found the same one online.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Harrison Hotsprings and a trip to the doctor

First and foremost, I want to go stay a night at Harrison Resort. Like REALLY want to. I keep thinking about it. I keep going to their website to check room prices. Its getting close to peak season so the prices are going up :(
A night away sounds soooo nice. Especially a night away at a place that has mineral pools, good restaurants, a lake and beach and hiking. I just cannot afford it. Uuuuh! (groan of despair) Well...maybe I'll just look and see when the annual sandcastle build off is...hehe!



pics via


Also, looking at the area activities tab on the website, I found this place...

Minter Gardens! This place looks divine! Eek! They have live music on Sunday afternoons! How fun!!! Oh my. I'm starting to sound like an old person if this is my perfect idea of a vacation...totally okay with that, by the way :)

On another note, tomorrow I'm off work because I have an ALL DAY appointment with a psychologist. I saw this same guy a few months after my accident because I was having some memory and attention issues...now I have to go back because my new attorney wants me be re-evaluated....and did I mention it takes all day? I may sound silly saying this, but Id much rather be at work than doing weird tests all day. Ick. Oh well, the sooner I'm done with these appointments, the sooner I can put all of this behind me...so that's something to look forward to!!

And on ANOTHER note, I'm completely smitten with these shoes..they're absolutely amazing...sigh...

via


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Optimism as a way of life.

Found this at Little Chief Honeybee
This really encompasses how I try to think on a daily basis. Optimism is truly a state of mind, of well-being and a way of life for me. I want to be able to lead by example. To show others that its possible to be happy and healthy mentally and physically. I want to find joy in as many things and as many people as possible. Negativity and self doubt, thanklessness and hatred are poison.

Every morning on my drive to work I thank God for everything I can think of. For the weather, for my health for my family and friends, for helping me everyday to make the best choices and to be the best person I can be...

Everything. I am 100% thankful for every single aspect of my life! It makes me happy! It makes my heart feel light! I think that with practice, this will become even easier. I try and turn any kind of negative into a positive. I fell down a week ago and sprained my right thumb. Being that Im right handed, this has been a challenge. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, I think 'Im so thankful that this happened! It reminds me that this will eventually get better and Ill be fine'. It makes me grateful to have all of my parts in working order. I have a thumb! Its hurt now, but it will get better! This may sound silly, but its true.

Ive noticed a difference in myself that Im so glad for. This path that Ive chosen is a good one. I don't ever want to go back :)

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Currently....


Doing calf-raises at my desk...

Listening to Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' album...

Munching on organic strawberries and coconut water...

Talking about cars and gas mileage...

Wearing my moms vintage maxi dress...

Smiling about the picture I took of my cats snuggling...

Excited for my new sandals to come tomorrow...



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Simple Song

When I was driving to work this morning I heard that song on the radio and thought 'yes! its going to be a good day!!!' It makes me feel so joyous! I bet the guy driving in front of me was wondering why the girl behind him was grinning like an idiot, but seriously, cant stop smiling when I hear it! Ha! Anyway, I love when a song can set the tone for the entire day :) Im just realizing this (work)day is almost over. And I heard a rumor that its sunny outside. Hooray! My premonition is coming true! Thinking its really time to get my tattoo. My 30th *gasp* birthday is Saturday and I cant think of a better excuse to spend money on myself. Maybe Ill get two! YES! Im loving this idea! Cant wait!!! In other news, today is the two year anniversary of my life altering car accident. Before realizing this, I requested all my medical records from my attorneys office and was reading the chart notes from the latest specialist. GOOD LORD it made me feel anxious. I had to stop reading and say a quick little 'thank you' prayer for being alive...for being HERE...for actually feeling pain. I. AM. THANKFUL. Isaak is going to make me dinner tonight. Whoa! Heres a pic, just for fun:
Its frightening because I KNOW I make this face ALL THE TIME. Finally caught on camera. God, Im so professional. HAHAHAAHA!!!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Lets talk about food, baby.

Jeeze, I'm such a nerd. I supposed everyone replaces words in songs so they become relevant to what they're talking about right? RIGHT? So...I follow a blog called My New Roots which has taught me sooo much. I can't even begin to explain how often I rely on this site for food inspiration and information. I tell EVERYONE I know about it. Literally, everyone. Anyway, I bought some goat yogurt awhile ago at the co-op with the intention of getting the good stuff from dairy, just not the cow version... Ill just say this, goat yogurt is not my fave. So I started looking for ways to use it up so I wouldn't have to toss it out. At this same point in time, I had some lovely bananas rotting ripening on my counter and wanted to incorporate those as well. I stumbled upon this recipe Let me tell you!!!! I have made this stuff 3 times in the last 2.5 weeks. Its that good. So good. Everyone loves it. Even my brother loves it, which is a miracle. I dont have the heart to tell him its made with goat yogurt...thats my little secret. haha! Here are some phone-shots from when I made it before my trip to Palm Springs:
The Medjool Dates were soooo cheap in California. I pay an arm and leg for them here and the deliciousness doesn't even compare. I called my mom and asked her to bring back another two pounds with her!!