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. 

tulip fields

Spring, I love you. I'm often torn over which season to call my favorite, as I find myself enamored over each one every time they approach. But spring, you're a tough one to beat; with all of your bloom. Seriously, it's so enchanting. On Sunday I headed to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival with a girlfriend, and I anticipated a stressful day because of the popularity the festival has received over the last few years. I've been coming every year for awhile and this was the most packed that I have ever seen it.  Luckily for me, you can't really tell by the photos. I think we had the perfect plan though. We arrived around three o'clock expecting people would be heading home. As we approached the fields with wine in hand, we decided the best approach would be to hang out in the grass and finish our wine before tackling the crowded fields. We kept commenting on how the people would disperse well before six o'clock. Then we kept saying it wouldn't even matter since there was no way we would be there until that time. You guys, we were there until that time. Three hours of blissfulness roaming through the tulips, and we were right. The crowds died off, and there were moments I felt like we had the fields to ourselves. 

march favorites

This month's favorites all came in a little box from Athropologie (insert praising hands here):

-I got a calligraphy kit in the hopes that maybe I can teach myself a few things.

 Interested to see how this goes.

- See San Francisco. Can't wait to flip through this book! I'm trying to hold off because I know I'll want to book a trip shortly after. 

-French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish. Excited to see how well this lip exfoliant works!

-A box wouldn't be complete without a new sweater. Yes, I'm excited for spring; I just love sweaters.

#pdxeats

I've been indulging in a number of Portland eats recently and I'd just like to share a few...

Deschutes Brewery: the pretzel is a must have

Bar Bar: Last week was "Portland Burger Week" and so I took full advantage, obviously.  Bar Bar offered their State Fair Burger which is presented on an Alessio bun (my favorite part).  I also tried the Stuffed Cheese Curd Burger at North Light and if I'm being honest, could have had more cheese curds. This desire coming from a cheese lover, noted.  Lastly, I stopped by Club 21 for their Shadow Burger which was advertised as being 'topped off with an onion ring' however, mine was not.  I failed to notice until the last bite, so it wasn't a terrible absence. *all burgers were not consumed in one day (but two)*

Mike's Drive In: I had an unplanned date with the brother here and am so thankful it occurred.  I notice each time I see him how much alike we are, and am so happy to have such an amazing guy as my brother.  You can never go wrong with one of their seasonal shakes.

Cupcake Jones: This has got to be one of the best cupcake shops in Portland.  It's located in the Pearl District and offers just a handful of flavors including Cookie Dough, PB&J, Peanut Butter Cup, and German Chocolate.  It was fun indulging with my littlest friend for her second birthday.  

Mod Pizza: This isn't technically located in Portland, but it's right across the river in Vancouver, WA.  It's a fast serve pizza place so I was all in when asked to be the third wheel with one of my favorite couples.  

Fact: I can never say no to pizza. 

Tis' the Season

I love to see couples tie the knot no matter what.  There's just something about that moment when the bride comes out that makes me whisper "I'm going to cry" every single time.  However, a summer night, a tree farm, oven roasted pizza, and an ice cream truck all make for the perfect wedding.  As I headed up the driveway to the location, I immediately knew how perfect the wedding was going to be. I started noting the things I liked as if Pinterest had come alive.  I love this season like it were supposed to be included in the other four.  If that was the case, it would without a doubt, be my number one.  This fact becomes obvious as I had to get dragged off the dance floor, not ready for the night to end. 

new hobby

I found my future home, located out on an empty country road.

I also found my new hobby, if tasting wine can be considered one.  Stoller Vineyards is located in Dayton, Oregon and offers seven different varieties of  ripened grape juice.  It also offers you a day of relaxation as we sat for hours in the perfect setting consisting of four lawn chairs and a tire swing.  It was the best of both worlds as it allowed me to drink my wine and act like a child, while trying to remember how to maneuver  a tire swing. The assumption was that we would visit a handful of wineries, but after coming across this set up, it was clear we wouldn't move until we were forced to head back into the city.

From SW to NW to NE

With a busy school week, I knew I would be able to bask in the pleasures of a less stressful weekend.  It was kick started with a high school friend getting our group together for drinks on Friday. After hours of laughter and catching up, I came to the conclusion that I have some of the greatest friends ever.  

Saturday, Stephanie and I attended a matinee at The Living Room Theaters, and I wondered why we have never stepped foot in this place before.  This is the cutest use of space and the movies and food options are just as wonderful.  It was decided that we need to stroll in here more often.

I discovered that brick and string lighting make for the perfect combination.  I've always had an obsession for both, so setting them together is enough to make me want to be surrounded by them at every available opportunity. I also discovered that a Saturday afternoon spent at VoiceBox, paying $4 an hour to karaoke in your own designated room is the best use of your time. 

A new headband can brighten up any girl's day. I think I've found a new obsession.

Tasty and Sons, I adore you. 

A stormy Sunday afternoon can make one feel so good about the work put in at expanding a tiny book collection. Welcome, Tina Fey, Augusten Burroughs, and Fitzgerald.

Hope your weekend was just as wonderful!

cherry blossoms

I'm not one of those people who has a favorite season to obsessive over, because I obsess over all of them.  I can't pick favorites because I'm always eager for sweaters and pumpkin during the summer, scarves and hot chocolate in the fall, blooming flowers and outdoor happy hours in winter, and shorts with long days in spring. What I really need to be doing here is enjoying the season I am currently in, and these cherry blossoms are really helping me to do just that.  With the arrival of spring just a few days ago, Portland is in full bloom and looking gorgeous.  I can't help but admire every cherry blossom I pass, and wish they were there to admire year round.