Oscar Looks 2011

Splashes of purple and champagne peppered the red carpet at the Oscars this year.  I was dazzled by, oooohhhh, just a few frocks. Take a peek at a few of my selected favs.  Which is your favorite?

Mandy Moore looked dazzling in this Monique Lhuillier number

Michelle Williams is one my favorites, she looks so chic in her Chanel gown

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa... so smart, so perfect

Natalie Portman in Rodarte was vibrant

Mila Kunis, in Elie Saab, sexy and sultry

Scarlett Johansson, my total style icon, wearing a Dolce & Gabbana. Va va voom with a bit of fun

 Cate Blanchett in Givenchy was absolutely beautiful and super unique

But the winner is...da da daaaa...Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein. I just loved her radiant, sleek ensemble 

Weekend Re-cap- Mt. Bachelor

This past weekend we loaded the car with tons of ski gear, picked up our dear friends Eli and Kelly, and headed over to Mt. Bachelor. Once a year a group of friends gather in Sister's Oregon to celebrate our friend, Steven's, birthday. It's always a lot of fun and the weather and snow conditions couldn't be any more perfect. It's safe to say we found the snow and had an amazing time.

Off to Find Some Snow

Not sure how the weather has been treating you so far this week, but Portland was promised a "February Freeze" which was to include up to 4 inches of snow.  Despite some measly flurries, we basically ended up with nothing but a disappointing dusting of powder. So, I'm off to find some snow! Wishing you all a great weekend. 

Image Via Bomobob

I Heart... Via Teri

Today's "I Heart" is a special one because I asked my dear friend Teri what she would select for her "I Heart" item.  She instantly pulled up "the dress" by Portland's very own designer, Holly Stalder.  Stalder's clothing designs are perfect in every way possible and this dress personifies Teri for me. Fun with frills, bright with cheer...and gorgeous in every way possible!

Craft and Create A Bit of Bling

No doubt about it, I'm in a blingy-kinda-mood and my jewelry box is becoming a bit robust. I made this little addition a couple of days ago. A little dash of gangsta and a pinch of rock n' roll. 

Circus Appeal for Book Club

In lieu of tonight's book club meeting I thought I would string together a row of images inspired by our amazing read, Water for Elephants. If you haven't had chance to check it out...I would highly suggest it. But then again I love anything that takes place in the 1920's. Because I'm no book critic I won't torture you with my inner thoughts of the book, but I will say it's a beautiful read.

Image via Hey Yo Yo

Image via Anthropologie

Image via Hey Yo Yo

Inspiration via 100 Layer Cake, Images via JL Designs

Inspiration via 100 Layer Cake, Images via JL Designs

Inspiration via 100 Layer Cake, Images via JL Designs

Inspiration via 100 Layer Cake, Images via JL Designs

Weekend Re-cap- The Sunday Sit

Yup, that pretty much sums it up...the Sunday sit.  With the combination of finishing off the flu (for weeks now), the hustle and bustle of daily activity, and a few other stressors, I woke up Sunday morning with nothing to do and no plans to find anything to do.  What else was there but to sit and read... ALLLLL DAY LONG. So with my trusty companion, Tux, a pile of down pillows, and comfy blankets I accomplished nothing but a Sunday sit.

Dream Spree: Young the Giant Concert

Super pumped because this weekend Erik and I will be rocking out at the "I Saw Them When" show at the Crystal Ballroom to newcomers Young the Giant. I figured I haven't been on a dream spree in a while, so why not combine the two indulgences. So, here you have it, my choice outfit for a rockin'-sweet time. Hope you all have an awesome weekend.

I Heart... White Owl

Romantic, stunning, and the beauty of all things vintage. I can see myself sporting one of these items at a wedding or with a plain white tee, the best of both worlds! The team of sisters at White Owl hit it square on the "want" button with this creation.

Craft and Create I - Mug Rug

The first official PMQG activity for 2011 is to create a "mug-rug". I’m not going to lie...at first I was a bit skeptical. Since I don't have any kids, I was thinking "what the heck will I use that for?"…well, I just finished my first rendition and I’m sold. I’m super psyched because this little mug-rug was my first quilting project to be officially completed. On Sunday, Erik and I ventured over to Erik’s parents' place for dinner and Karen, my quilting mentor and mom-in-law, gave me my first free-motion quilting lesson. I learned how to sandwich a quilt and then bind it along with some tricks to crisp mitered corners. I may be biased since I made it, but I love how it turned out, and I can’t wait to see what others bring to tomorrow’s PMQG meeting.

A mug-rug. A coaster large enough for your tea-cup and a snack! Tomorrow we bring our completed Mug-Rug to the PMQG meeting for a blinded swap. Exciting!

Announcement, Announcement!!! Taylor Swift

Announcement, Announcement!!! Guess who's going to the Taylor Swift Concert? WE ARE!!! That's right we've got 6 months to stock up on red lipstick, gallons of glitter, and cute boots! I'm sooooo excited I can barely control myself. 

(L-R) Me, Jillian, Teri and Jodi

Weekend Re-cap- Day Date

Last weekend was a treat...bliss actually. For once in what seems like forever, Erik and I treated ourselves to a weekend dedicated to ourselves! We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and dined on the most amazing breakfast at Mother's Bistro and Bar, a hot spot in the inner city of Portland, known for fine baked goods and undeniably excellent French toast. We sipped on French pressed coffee, basked in the streaming window light, and most of all just enjoyed each other's company. We followed our beloved meal with a trip to the Portland Art Museum, one of my favorite places in Portland. We soaked up the beauty of works by masters such as Roy Lichtenstein, Berenice Abbott, Andy Warhol, and many other greats. I love going to art museums with Erik...his engineering background provides a whole new level of appreciation for art.  I'm always so intrigued by his interpretation of each piece. The very best part of the day, though, was the two of us coming home, making tea, and curling up on the couch with our books. It was a great day!

Erik hanging out in "Cartland"

Entry way to Mother's Bistro and Bar

I love their mugs

Stumptown French press coffee...life is good.

Portland Art Museum entrance

Love it

Valentine's Day with the Co-workers

Last night was great! It was an evening spent hanging out with co-workers away from the daily grind. Inspired by the day of love, I thought it would be fun to host a dinner and movie night. So, we noshed on fancy grilled cheese sandwiches (everyone brought their own choice of cheese), tomato soup, salad and...ICE CREAM SUNDAES. We sipped on fine wine and watched the 1987 romantic comedy "Can't Buy Me Love" (which my dear friend Jillian had to drive all over Portland to find). Always filled with fits of laughter and good cheer, I love hanging out with the co-workers...what a perfect way to fill your day with love.

(L to R) Jillian, Shannon, Teri, Kate, Jodi, Victoria

(L-R) Shannon, Victoria, Jill

I Heart... Gleena Ceramics

Just looking at these beautiful ceramics by Gleena I am smitten with the potential of spring's arrival. Botanically crisp and calming my cupboard would welcome these beauts. 

Craft and Create - Valentine

Well, this may spoil the surprise, but to be honest the past week has been a flurry of activity and I haven't had a whole lot of time to be crafting or creating. I did manage to squeeze a bit of Valentine's Day activity in, however. Do you remember grade school when you would receive piles of valentines and just sit there and read through them all. Or what about the time you spent selecting the perfect card for the perfect individual. I know I wasn't the only one! Well, I love my co-workers and every year I take advantage of Cupid's holiday to share my love and appreciation for them with a special valentine. This year I utilized a pile of scrap fabric, ribbon, stuffing, stamps, and lavender to craft some Valentine's Day-themed lavender sachets.

Playing with Purples

Purple. Yes, I know, it’s a dangerous color. Too much and it can instantly remind you of a large, cartoonish dinosaur, too feminine and it will look like grandma’s cottage. Despite those dangers, there is something about the tints and shades of purple that keep me coming back to it. And when done right, it can deliver a spunky, yet relaxing oasis. Here are a few of my favorite examples. Whaddya think?

Image via arhdecor

Image via Canadian House and Home

Image via Canadian House and Home

Image via Inside-out design

Image via Parehe

Image via Sherwin Williams

Tracy's Baby Shower

Meet my dear friend and old rowing teammate, Tracy. Along with her husband Jeff and son Lachlan, Tracy is expecting a new addition to her family and the arrival date is just a few days away! Tracy is wonderful, not only as friend, but also as a wife and mother. She's gentle and sweet and has the best sense of humor. I want to wish her and her family all the best and, while I'm at it, I would also like to offer, publicly, my babysitting talents.  For her shower gift, the rest of Tracy's old teammates (thanks to Kathy's amazing organization skills) surprised her with a gliding rocking chair all set up and ready to go. She was adorably delighted. I know I always say this, but I cherish watching all my friend's families grow. 

Tracy

Tex and Tracy

Amber and Sciarrino (host-ess with the mostest)

Are these not the flippin' cutest? I found them at a local Portland children's store Black Wagon

(L-R) Lauren, Tracy, Tex, Katie

Tummy time

(Front L-R) Tex and Katie

(Back L-R) Karen with Kourtney and Kathy with Grant

(L-R) Katie, Tex, Amber