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. 

easter sunday

Erik completely surprised me Sunday on our way home from our Easter festivities. I had been begging him all week to go to the tulip festival with me, which I know is something he finds little joy in. My chances were slim on getting him to go. We had passed our exit for home and I didn't even realize it. A little while later I turned to him and said, "wait...are we?!" and we sure were! It's funny because I was actually busy thinking about how nice a nap actually sounded and negotiated with myself that maybe I didn't need to see the tulips this year. So, I decided not to bring them up.  Well I didn't get my Sunday nap, but I'm happy Erik decided to go with me. As we were leaving, he asked sarcastically, "so was it so much better with me being here?" My response was, "you make everything better when you're there." Now, if only I could delete everyone else who was taking up the field. 

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

a birthday well spent

Visiting Crater Lake has always been on my bucket list, and since my birthday fell on Labor Day this year, I thought what better way to spend the long weekend!? It was seriously the best birthday I think I've had, even though we were road tripping back home for the majority of my actual birthday. We set up tent at Diamond Lake which is about 20 minutes away from Crater, and let me tell you, the campsite views were just as grand. We were surrounded by trees the whole weekend and could see the entire night sky at night. This is definitely a weekend I'll always remember and I can't wait to plan the next birthday destination.

Those clear blue waters though.

Us girls conquered another National Park together! We took on the Grand Canyon together as well.

My babe, the captain.

Rooney was happy too.

So the wind wasn't our favorite, and neither were the freezing nights.

Those tree views!

If I thought Crater Lake couldn't get any better, it did. Steph, Megan and I headed back to watch the sunset, and I'm sure happy we did. 

spontaneity

I usually wouldn't consider myself the spontaneous type, as I am more of a planner. However, this weekend that may have all changed. As the Portland heat crept in and hit the 100's this past weekend, I needed an escape. We were sitting in houses without air conditioning throughout the day and slowly soaking through our clothes. I couldn't even pretend sitting on the couch was satisfying. Then I mentioned the beach to Erik as he quickly shut me down. Understandable considering it was 3 in the afternoon. I sulked on the hardwood floor. About half an hour later in a moment of silence, he murmured "the beach house is available." I jumped for joy as he informed me I had 10 minutes to grab my things. I'm not sure I would have survived this weekend if we hadn't headed west. As we drove back into town on Sunday and slowly watched the thermometer rise, all we wanted to do was turn around. Thank you for being spontaneous with me, Erik.  

Très Bien

Très Bien, meaning very good, is the cabin we stayed at over Valentine's Day weekend; and a very good weekend it was indeed. We spent our time doing very little. Besides going out to check up on how much was left of Detroit Lake, we stayed in and did one of my favorite things. Cuddle. As if I needed a romantic holiday to celebrate my love for Erik, it was nice to escape and hide out in this A frame.  

So crazy how low the water still is.

Hello, gorgeous.

Two roses for two Valentine's together!

Best cuddle spot ever. 

I wasn't even upset about the amount of rain we experienced. Detroit, OR needs all the rain it can get!

Chocolate fondue will be our new thing, seeing as how Erik couldn't stop obsessing over it.

I think A frame cabins have become one of my newest obsessions.