the perfect cabin

The model cabin resides in Hood River. The tucked away location, the all white design, the ability to slow down time-- all make this dream perfection.  When the thought of birthday gifts with Megan came up this year, this place was it. We arrived and all we could say was, "oh my gosh, so cute. It's perfect" over and over. There is no wifi or TV, which allows you to really escape. By Saturday afternoon, we really discovered the magic of this place. We were ready to set up dinner until we noticed it was still only 3pm! If you're looking for a nice weekend away, this place is it. 

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

up in the trees

This weekend I got to pretend I had a home in the trees. Finally. I have been eyeing these tree escapes for awhile but haven't managed to push the booking button. As I thought about what adventure I could drag my dad on this weekend while visiting him, I remembered there was a tour option for Treehouse Point. It's about half and hour from where he lives, so it was the perfect opportunity to explore the place! Now, I'm wanting one of my own. The pictures don't do it justice, so I recommend the tour, or a stay. 

I could sit here all day. So cozy!

This one was my favorite, although I'm not so sure about this bridge considering I had some butterflies walking across it. 

This is the bedroom view surrounded by trees.

wine palate

If I learned anything this weekend, it's that wine tastes differently depending on the type of glass. Wine will taste better if it's served in a very thin glass. Believe me, I tested it out. I know nothing about palates and such, but when I was asked which glass tasted better, I seemed to have the right answer. I also learned that wine tasting is better in the fall. I may be biased because fall is my favorite, but the vineyards of greens just doesn't compare to those of reds, yellows, and oranges. 

bitter sweet

A few years ago I came across photos of this beautiful wooded dream and always said I was going to go. The next season came, and then the next and it was always a thought of "oh, I'm so busy and it's three hours away...next year for sure." That changed this year however, after I learned that this would all be gone soon and replaced with dairy farms. I then experienced some anxiety about not making it before it would become just a memory to some. My anxiety grew as the leaves fell in Portland because I knew it would be the same here. This place needed to be experienced in all of its magic: vibrant leaves both high and low. Lucky for me, I wasn't too late. I now regret not going years prior because this place deserves more than a lifetime visit.  

This spur of the moment photoshoot was one of the most fantastic things that has ever happened. After chatting with a photographer in the area, he offered to take some photos of us. Now we will forever have some of the most adorable -fake- save the date photos. 

september favorites

Who else is ready for fall? Although I barely experienced a summer this year because the weather was so up and down, I'm still over it. This week, we had a few cloudy mornings and even one morning where it rained on my entire walk to work. I loved every second of it. I'll need to invest in a new umbrella though.  Here are a few new finds all from Abercrombie to get me ready for my favorite season. You guys, they have so much good stuff right now and I want it all. More sales please?!

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.