hey there, dahlia

I discovered one of the best things last week--there is a dahlia festival not far south of Portland! I'm not sure how it has gone unnoticed considering it is a must see for any flower lover. The photos from the day do not do it any justice. We spent over an hour wandering through the 30 acres of color, but we could have stayed all day. 

of course we each picked out a few bunches

^ I love this just because of the tutti fruiti sign

conservatories

Can we all just agree that there needs to be more conservatories? Check out this beaut! I headed to Seattle just for the day last weekend to check out the Volunteer Park Conservatory, among other things. I'm so lucky my dad agreed to hang out with me for the day so that I didn't have to venture around the city alone. The $4 fee to get in and wander was well worth the views:

please note that my dad is the ultimate "dad" check out that dad outfit

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.  

may favorites

I guess it looks as though I'm into baking this month, but the truth is I haven't baked at all.

Here are a few of my favorite finds!

-Tobi.com always has a way of getting me to buy dresses. How can you say no to a 50% sale though?! Both of these dresses are from there. 

-I found the cute mint strainer from Magnolia Market! Oh how I wish I lived closer to that place. 

-Miniature pink waffle maker? Sold. I purchased this find from Urban Outfitters along with the donut cook book. I cannot wait to make every recipe from this book.

-I was introduced to Skinny Coffee Club's coffee and can't wait to see the benefits!

sweet magnolia

As I arrived at the airport to check in for my flight last week, the individual checking me in asked my destination, "Waco, Texas" I replied. His response? "By choice?" We chuckled. No, not by choice; but really by choice. Who chooses to go to Waco, Texas of all places? If it weren't for my mother living there, or my parents being from Waco, I don't think it's a place I would have ever known about. Until Magnolia Market came along. Thank you Chip and Joanna for making Waco, Texas something to talk about. The Magnolia Market is amazing, and if you get there at opening time you'll be lucky enough to feel as though you almost have the place to yourself. 

Tips of the Silos!

My sweet momma and brother! 

I want it all.

The cutest food cart I've ever seen.