Jodi's 26.2

This past Sunday I awoke to the downpour of rain.  Normally this would be a comforting, common sound for this season, but this time I was worried about my dear Fro-worker Jodi.  In about 30 minutes she would be starting her 26.2 mile marathon adventure.

A bunch of us bundled up for the rainy skies and headed out with hot chocolate in hand to cheer Jodi on around mile 19.

Though I missed her due to her speediness and my desperate need to dash to the restroom honeybucket it was very exciting to see how amazingly well she was doing.  She was rocking the race and was even able to make a quick hug-stop.

The Portland City Marathon holds a special place in my heart.  Erik and I sought out the challenge of running it two years ago. Though we weren't running for speed, and as we say in our office "we came in #1 behind the #1", I can truly appreciate how much grueling time every participant spent training for this accomplishment.  Congrats Jodi! Come rain or shine your legs carried your smile all the way to your amazing finish. I'm so proud and inspired.

The Dirty, Dirty Truth

Okay ladies and gents. Prepare yourself because I have a true confession...this is how Erik and I have been living for the past two weeks!

Can you say disaster? Yikes, I look at these pictures and think "no wonder I wasn't sleeping well!"  I'm a big believer that your bedroom is your sanctuary: a place where the ultimate calm should await you.  No computers in bed, no TV on the night stand, and neat and tidy = pleasant dreams.  This has not been the case lately! And this past Friday I dedicated 6 hours to dusting, scrubbing, recycling old magazines, and paring down the closests! Check it out.

I'm thinking about new bedding. But I just can't find something that catches my eye. Got any suggestions?

Ahhhh...so much better. A couple of thoughts if you plan on a big bedroom clean.  Donate old magazines to your local gym, and donate clothes to a WIN (Women's in Need) program. Clean room and clean karma.

Happy Birthday Johnnie-Boy

I'm sure most of you have spotted the Google homepage and have seen the homage to John Lennon's birthday, so it's not a big surprise.  But I thought I'd take advantage of the celebration and post one of my favorite portraits taken by photographer Annie Leibovitz of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in full embrace.  His music has continued to inspire all, his passion is beyond legendary and the world still misses him.  Happy Birthday John!

Image by Annie Leibovitz for Rolling Stone Magazine

A Birthday Celebration

Well, I'm off to a birthday dinner.  My friend Sciarrino is celebrating 29 years of greatness.  Happy Birthday my dear, here's to 29 years of giving (she is a very dedicated volunteer), creating (she is an amazing graphic designer), and inspiring (she has amazing style).  Sciarrino will always have a project on the go and I can always count on her for a crafting adventure.  She's a great friend to have.

Sciarrino's Present!

Halloween: Your Mini Monsters

It's no secret...I love Halloween.  Nothing beats an evening with popcorn, scary movies, and a husband to cuddle up next to.  But, to top it off, cute little kiddlets trick-or-treating at my door makes the holiday perfect.  So, for the next few weeks I will be pumping you full of Halloween inspiration.  I spotted these cute little costumes the other day.  I hope they make you smile as much as they made me.

Elise Hooper Designs on Etsy

Organic Octopus Poncho in Hot Pink $45

Eco-Friendly Orange Monster Vest $38

Purl Bee

Bunny Hat

Dream Spree: Black Key's Concert Outfit

Okay, so I'm super-duper pumped because tonight Erik and I will be watching the Black Keys ROCK OUT at Portland's Crystal Ballroom.  And since this is such a special occasion for which I've been waiting months with great anticipation I have put together a dream spree outfit inspired by the concert.  Hope you're all having an awesome evening!

Quick Pic Guide to Victoria, BC

This past weekend I ventured back to my homeland, Victoria, BC to attend a former crew-mate's wedding.  Special congrats to Kristen and Jeff (yes... there is a third Kristen!).  Everytime I sail into the inner harbour I get a little surge of giddiness.  There really is no city like Victoria.

My dad and I woke up bright and early to tour around the city and hit up a few of our favorite places to share with you.  Enjoy!

Johnson Street is packed  full of Victoria's prime boutiques. 

Scooters are a fun way to zip through the heart of the city

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.  The Parliament building flanks the edge of the Inner Harbor and it's architecture is spectacular.  It's completely regal looking.   

Fan-Tan Alley is located in the Chinatown area of downtown Victoria and it's one of my favorite places to visit.  At one point in time the street would have been packed with gambling halls, shops, and opium dens.  Presently, it is one of the cutest shopping streets in the city.  It's filled with galleries, trinket markets, barber shops and so much more.  It is one of the narrowest streets in all of  Canada and is a must see for any tourist or resident of the city.

The Empress Hotel, famous for its High Noon Tea, is the place to go if you want to feel like a queen for a day.   It's smack in the center of the Inner Harbor located on Government Street.  Many famous people have roamed the halls of the Empress, making it an iconic centerpiece of Victoria.

Victoria will always hold a special place in my heart.  It's a city filled with familiar faces along with a lot of change.  It has a culture that treasures and protects the history of the city and the people there are so nice.  It's a bike-friendly city, which I can definitely appreciate.  Also, where else in North America can you hop on a double decker bus as your daily mode of transportation?