on living together

Erik and I have successfully cohabitated through four seasons-- although spring just started yesterday, so not really. A few things I've learned:

- Silverware must be grouped together when in the dishwasher. This allows 
for a speedy/more sufficient silverware put back process.

- You never really have to fold your laundry if you just keep it in the dryer and 
continuously dry it when you want to get out wrinkles to wear it.

- You can change anything/buy anything for the home if you promise to forever 
give back scratches before bed.

- You will never see your boyfriend again if you insist on him putting an
Xbox on his Christmas list because his list seems really boring.

- Forever claim that you don't know how to cook and you will have dinner prepared 
for you most of the time. You also surprise him when you do make a good meal. 

- Always come home with groceries and he'll give you the driveway.

I have to thank Karra who took these amazing photos this past winter. She's the best, and I'm so bummed she's moving to Colorado. 

apartment tour

Welcome inside! I've been spending a lot of time in the apartment lately as I transition from a full time job, to managing social media at home. As I look around, I can't help but think of all of the memories we've had here and how much the space has changed--for the better. So many paint layers hiding under that crisp white, you have no idea.  Most of the items here can be found at West Elm, Urban Outfitters, Target and don't forget about Ikea. When I think about ever leaving this space, it makes me so sad. Can you believe we've been here since 2010?!

Please excuse the Christmas garland we still have residing in our living room.

Oh, and the Christmas wreath. 

Cheers to the room we use the least!

Here's to leaving dirty dishes next to my bed and not caring--it's only because it's a cute mug. 

baking time

I've never been good with surprises. Giving them, that is. I always end up getting too excited and want to spill the beans. This year, I got Erik an early Christmas gift and he agreed we could have one exchange before the holidays.  We made a Christmas afternoon of it exchanging gifts and preparing cookies.  I found a unique watch company, JORD Wood Watches and thought I'd add to Erik's growing collection. They've got a great variety of men's watches and women's watches too! Erik got me the perfect addition to my record collection. Hello, 'A Very Merry She & Him Christmas.' We obviously put it on for the afternoon.  

I've actually never made Gingerbread cookies, but they are delicious. What's your favorite kind?

This watch is the Fieldcrest Series Dark Sandalwood

Happy Holidays!

Watch Gift Ideas

april favorites

This month, after I saw the difference pure white walls could make (thank you, roommate), I decided to redo my bedroom! Therefore, most of my favorite finds this month were ones for my room. My makeover should be up here once it is complete. 

-Urban Outfitters was my go to as I got a few good books; including the Cabin Porn one above. I got the marble phone charger and decorative pillow there as well.

-This open back sweater is amazing and once again, I own another item from Abercrombie.

-I've been asked a lot about this gold water bottle. Swell partnered with Starbucks and it can be found here.

-You are my happy. Thank you, tinylovedesign for creating this adorable print! Check them out here 

going green

Becoming a plant lover is not something I intended to do this weekend, but heading away from Portland and out to Cistus Nursery, it happened.  I've been out to Sauvie Island before, and yet I never knew this wonderful place existed. Which leads me to believe that there are still hidden treasures I need to discover out there. We picked up a few plants for our apartment and tried to ask as many questions as possible like, "which plant can stand the most neglect?" Seriously guys. Megan and I don't have the best track record when it comes to being plant owners. The lady at the nursery said we may be over watering, which just means we love too much. Is that such a bad thing? We'll do our best with this round, but either way, I know I'll have a reason to head back to this amazing establishment. 

the calm before the storm

Sunday was anticipated to be the best day of the week, and that it was.  We had planned on baking the entire day and getting cozy to watch the Holiday.  In the evening we headed down to Henry's for happy hour, but as soon as 10 pm rolled around my view on the day completely changed.  This week is finals for me and I usually meet on Tuesday/Thursday so I was expecting to write my 6 page take home test tonight and bring it to class tomorrow.  Little did I know our final was actually today at 10 am instead of Tuesday.  Who does that?! The entire term you spend going to class a specific time on a certain day only to get to the end of it all and have them switch the final not only to a different hour but an entirely different day.  Needless to say, I got it done by staying up half the night.  I'm glad it's over and glad I got to spend the day relaxing before the high levels of stress came on. 

A Christmas Apartment

We are officially Christmas ready, and I couldn't love it more.  Why can't Christmas trees be acceptable year round? It just makes our apartment that much more wonderful. 

around here

I enjoy school, I really do.  I feel accomplished when I'm in class...or actually go to class for that matter. I just absolutely hate tests.  I never know the proper way to study and whether my study techniques will benefit me at all.  I always feel like I've been studying for hours but have accomplished nothing.  I also never know when enough is enough.  I find myself easy distracted and more likely to take naps. During midterms this week I barely left the house.  In fact, I only went to work on Monday and then to classes, so I guess I've seen a lot of the apartment this week.  Thank goodness it's fall and I had the decorations to look at, but I'm more thankful that I had all the ingredients to make cookies, which also gave me a relaxing break.  I still have one midterm left and cannot wait for this week to be over. 

Missing Something

It's only been four days since Megan has been in Germany, and boy have I noticed! I like having my "me" time but I think four days is about all I need.  The apartment is so different knowing I'll be enjoying it on my own.  There's just something about knowing someone else is there.  The only plus is I'm doing a lot of homework. In the meantime, I'll be following her travels here