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