Wednesday, December 28, 2011

R is for Relaxing

I can't believe the holidays are wrapping up...it seems like it was just a whirlwind.  I feel as I get older, they seem to go by a lot faster!  I was able to spend Christmas day in Seattle with my family for first time in many years so honestly that was the best gift of all!  I work in retail so I usually only get the 25th off.  Now that I finally have a full day off I plan on catching up on blogs, television shows, and Pinterest (in addition to the few necessities like doing laundry...).

I normally would never spend this much money on a blanket...but I was completely drawn in by the color and the texture.  There was a large display of Giraffe At Home blankets at Nordstrom...a big table of cozy fuzziness.  It was love at first touch!  I had a gift card from Christmas and they are currently on sale 20% off (now through January 16, 2012!!!).  This is the throw in Mulberry.  Its perfect for curling up on the couch and I also throw it on my bed for more warmth.  After all the rush and craziness of the holiday season I am perfectly content relaxing with a cup of coffee in my new Portland mug!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  Onward to 2012!  

Saturday, December 24, 2011

H is for Happy Holidays

Top to Bottom: baked my favorite Vanilla Spritz cookies, a new ornament, lucky stars (reminds me of being a kid, we used to make these all the time!), lights 
Happy Holidays!  I seriously can't believe its already Christmas Eve...where did this year go?!?  I've made a lot of difficult, challenging, and exciting decisions this year and can't wait for the new year to start.  I started reflecting on a few things recently and most of all I am thankful for friends (old and new), family, and living again in the Pacific Northwest.

Although I didn't really get too decked out for the holidays this year (no tree...) I did manage to do a few things.  Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday season!!!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

L is for Lush

I'm a beauty product junkie...I own a lot of makeup, nail polish, and bath products.  I recently discovered the amazing world of Lush.  You can usually smell the store from a block away so if you're sensitive to smells...you may find it a little intense.  Inside it can be a little overwhelming as well too so I definitely asked for assistance on where to start.  I recommend letting the sales associates know what your favorite scents are and go from there.  Most of all I love their bath and shower products.  The Bath Bombs are by far my favorite product they create.  Its like a giant smells-amazing alka-seltzer tablet in your bath tub.

They recently opened a location in Tigard, OR and I couldn't resist checking out the new shop.  Here are a few items from my recent visit:
L to R: Golden Slumbers Bath Bomb, Ocean Salt cleanser (its a tad harsh on my face but I love it as a body scrub), French Kiss Bubble Bar (lavender obsession...), and Angels on Bare Skin cleanser

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

G is for Grass

The Grass by Emily Dickinson

The grass so little has to do, --
A sphere of simple green,
With only butterflies to brood,
And bees to entertain,

And stir all day to pretty tunes
The breezes fetch along,
And hold the sunshine in its lap
And bow to everything;

And thread the dews all night, like pearls,
And make itself to fine, --
A duchess were too common 
For such a noticing.

And even when it dies, to pass
In odors so divine,
As lowly spices gone to sleep,
Or amulets of pine.

And then to dwell in sovereign barns,
And dream the days away, --
The bass so little has to do,
I wish I were the hay!

Friday, December 16, 2011

L is for Love

I recently made a very exciting purchase...  I call it more of an investment ;)  I have been wanting a Chanel bag for a long time now and decided to take the plunge (especially with a rumored price increase happening early in the new year and no sales tax!).   I was in the Nordstrom at Downtown Portland for a really long time making my decision.  The amazing sales associate was so patient and helpful with me!  I couldn't help eyeing her amazing taste in fashion as well too (a fab Rick Owen's leather jacket, lace up boots, and a beautiful Chanel scarf...) so I knew I was in good hands.  Since this is my first bag she suggested starting with a classic style.  Being the busy holiday season, they were running out of a lot styles quickly but she pulled this Reissue style out of the back and it was love at first sight.  I love being able to carry this bag as a cross body in addition to a shoulder bag.  It's the larger size (similar to the classic jumbo flap) but smaller then the bags I'm used to carrying.  It holds my wallet (and its a big one), iPhone, glasses, and a small cosmetics bag; all the essentials!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

M is for Moss

I loved how the water from the rain and fog had gathered on this moss hanging on a tree branch.  The light was perfect when I took this shot.  It was one of those beautiful days in the Northwest while I was on a walk.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I is for Ikea

Ikea is one of my favorite places to get stuff for my apartment.  I'm pretty good at putting it all together too!  I love reading the new catalogs when they come out because they are filled with so many great ideas.  Also I do enjoy eating lunch there when I go shopping.  When I moved I didn't take a lot of furniture with me.  Its still a work in progress but I have started to get my office area together.
This desk style comes with lots of customizable options (choice of top, legs, etc) and being obsessed with a black, grey, white color scheme...I went with the above options.  I still haven't done much personalizing (I promise I'm not really this boring haha!) and decorating yet.  I can't wait to get more of my pictures up on the walls.  
My couch is also from Ikea.  Its extremely comfortable and I have fallen asleep many times on it.  I found the pillows at West Elm (here) and the side table is also from Ikea.  It was $9.99...so I got two of them :)     

Monday, December 12, 2011

B is for Brevard

Front to Back: Cruz Cross, Old Money Cruz, and Anchor earrings
I have a jewelry obsession...  One of my absolute favorites is Lee Brevard's (here) designs.  I have a growing collection of earrings.  They are sold individually so you can mix and match to make your own unique sets of earrings.  Most are sterling silver on a gold hoop.  Some have cubic zirconia in them as well to add a bit of sparkle.  The Neiman Marcus in Scottsdale, AZ seems to be the only location that carries the collection.  They have trunk shows a couple times a year and literally trays and trays of earrings are brought in (as well as a large assortment of other exquisite jewels!)!  I was so bummed I missed out on the recent trunk show but called up and was able to order 3 new earrings...

Friday, December 9, 2011

B is for Bracelet

I just received a really amazing birthday present from a good friend!  I love the mixed metals and added sparkle (she definitely knows my style!).  I do try to branch out and if I do dare to wear color, blue and purple jewel tones are my go to!  She had posted a fun DIY idea for bracelets (here) and now I am the proud owner of one of her creations!  This will definitely add to the "Arm Party" (via The Man Repeller)  that has begun on my wrists :)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A is for AllSaints

I truly feel like a hip Portlander now that my AllSaints boots have arrived!  I've been pining over these for quite some time now and well...their Day After Thanksgiving/Cyber Monday sale was just enough to put me over the edge (20% off everything!!!).  They have a large store in downtown Seattle and I highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area.     

The Damisi boots (here) are very comfortable and just edgy enough to make them acceptable for work.  Yes, they have been seen on the likes of Miley Cyrus however I admit I liked the way she styled them.  Also...I now realize this is the third shoe post I have done since I started this blog.  I guess I am much more obsessed with shoes than I realized! 

Monday, December 5, 2011

W is for Winter

Its not officially winter but its one of my favorite times of year.  It maybe darn cold outside but it sure has been beautiful in Portland these last couple of days.  I've been wearing a North Face parka style jacket (here) lately and also purchased my first pair of gloves in many many years.  The trees have mostly lost all their leaves and frost is regularly covering the ground.  I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner!  Warm coffee is a must for me and I feel like I've been consuming insane amounts (maybe its a NW thing?).      

I'm truly enjoying the transition of the seasons!  What do you do to keep warm?

Friday, December 2, 2011

R is for River

I found my place in Portland right along the Columbia River.  It divides Washington and Oregon and runs straight into the Pacific Ocean.  I took a walk today because it was just so beautiful outside (still very cold though).  On clear days like today Mount Hood can be seen in the distance.  Also to the north you can catch a glimpse of Mount St. Helens.  It famously (and catastrophically) lost its top back in 1980 so it looks like large dome in the distance.

I recently registered my car and got an Oregon drivers license (which by the way I had to take the written exam...).  I decided to "put a salmon on it" (anyone watch Portlandia? Put a bird on it?) and got these special plates which actually benefit the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and Oregon Parks & Recreation Department.  I'm a huge fan of the NBC show "Parks and Rec" so I felt this was fitting :)

Thursday, December 1, 2011

V is for Valentino

Another year has gone by and yes I'm getting older (a bit wiser I hope too!).  I decided to treat myself to something extra special this year for my birthday so I splurged on a new pair of shoes.  I feel it was meant to be because I got them on sale!  Also almost every size was already sold out except for mine.  Don't you love it when the universe aligns in your favor?!  I had originally seen these fabulous heels on Chloe of The Chloe Conspiracy a while back (here).  She continues to put amazing outfits together with them and I realized I wanted them more and more.  I'm looking forward to putting outfits of my own together with these fabulous shoes!  

Have you shopped any amazing sales lately?