Friday, December 23, 2011
happy holidazeeeeee
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
vintage. aspen.
I saw these photographs on Tomboy Style and it made me wish I could go back in time and snowboard in Aspen back in the day.
Well ok, I suppose there weren't snowboards back then. So I guess I'd have to settle for the Apres ski portion (see below). Fine by me. Having met Tyson in Aspen, I've been back several times and have hugely fond memories of the magical place. Though its not as simple and seemingly "rustic" as it is in these photos (insert celebrities and Gucci), it really is beautiful.
Somehow this led me down a super fun retrospective of skiing style < Can you believe how much things have changed? Check out Jackie O! and other goodies.
Skiing///Snowboarding is so fun with friends! We booked a cabin at Mt Baker for Tyson's birthday weekend in January and I cannot wait.
PS - Its the week before Christmas! I'm sick but spirits are high. Wishing you all a great holiday season!
Well ok, I suppose there weren't snowboards back then. So I guess I'd have to settle for the Apres ski portion (see below). Fine by me. Having met Tyson in Aspen, I've been back several times and have hugely fond memories of the magical place. Though its not as simple and seemingly "rustic" as it is in these photos (insert celebrities and Gucci), it really is beautiful.
Somehow this led me down a super fun retrospective of skiing style < Can you believe how much things have changed? Check out Jackie O! and other goodies.
I recently bought a new snowboarding jacket. It looks nothing like these two gems below. And frankly I'm kinda sad about it because these are great!
 |
| Photos from The Selvedge Yard |
PS - Its the week before Christmas! I'm sick but spirits are high. Wishing you all a great holiday season!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
no reason to be doom and gloom...
What a fresh and completely adorable man. Pure in delight and in his love of fashion.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Human.
A most bad-ass speech indeed.
Whether you're a HC fan or not, take the time to watch. Its important.
GOOD NUGGETS:
"...Now, raising this issue, I know, is sensitive for many people and that the obstacles standing in the way of protecting the human rights of LGBT people rest on deeply held personal, political, cultural, and religious beliefs. So I come here before you with respect, understanding, and humility. Even though progress on this front is not easy, we cannot delay acting. So in that spirit, I want to talk about the difficult and important issues we must address together to reach a global consensus that recognizes the human rights of LGBT citizens everywhere.
The first issue goes to the heart of the matter. Some have suggested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct; but, in fact, they are one and the same. Now, of course, 60 years ago, the governments that drafted and passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were not thinking about how it applied to the LGBT community. They also weren’t thinking about how it applied to indigenous people or children or people with disabilities or other marginalized groups. Yet in the past 60 years, we have come to recognize that members of these groups are entitled to the full measure of dignity and rights, because, like all people, they share a common humanity.
This recognition did not occur all at once. It evolved over time. And as it did, we understood that we were honoring rights that people always had, rather than creating new or special rights for them. Like being a woman, like being a racial, religious, tribal, or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights..."
ALSO:
"...Finally, progress comes from being willing to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. We need to ask ourselves, "How would it feel if it were a crime to love the person I love? How would it feel to be discriminated against for something about myself that I cannot change?" This challenge applies to all of us as we reflect upon deeply held beliefs, as we work to embrace tolerance and respect for the dignity of all persons, and as we engage humbly with those with whom we disagree in the hope of creating greater understanding..."
LASTLY:
"...There is a phrase that people in the United States invoke when urging others to support human rights: “Be on the right side of history.” The story of the United States is the story of a nation that has repeatedly grappled with intolerance and inequality. We fought a brutal civil war over slavery. People from coast to coast joined in campaigns to recognize the rights of women, indigenous peoples, racial minorities, children, people with disabilities, immigrants, workers, and on and on. And the march toward equality and justice has continued. Those who advocate for expanding the circle of human rights were and are on the right side of history, and history honors them. Those who tried to constrict human rights were wrong, and history reflects that as well."
Whether you're a HC fan or not, take the time to watch. Its important.
GOOD NUGGETS:
"...Now, raising this issue, I know, is sensitive for many people and that the obstacles standing in the way of protecting the human rights of LGBT people rest on deeply held personal, political, cultural, and religious beliefs. So I come here before you with respect, understanding, and humility. Even though progress on this front is not easy, we cannot delay acting. So in that spirit, I want to talk about the difficult and important issues we must address together to reach a global consensus that recognizes the human rights of LGBT citizens everywhere.
The first issue goes to the heart of the matter. Some have suggested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct; but, in fact, they are one and the same. Now, of course, 60 years ago, the governments that drafted and passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were not thinking about how it applied to the LGBT community. They also weren’t thinking about how it applied to indigenous people or children or people with disabilities or other marginalized groups. Yet in the past 60 years, we have come to recognize that members of these groups are entitled to the full measure of dignity and rights, because, like all people, they share a common humanity.
This recognition did not occur all at once. It evolved over time. And as it did, we understood that we were honoring rights that people always had, rather than creating new or special rights for them. Like being a woman, like being a racial, religious, tribal, or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights..."
ALSO:
"...Finally, progress comes from being willing to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. We need to ask ourselves, "How would it feel if it were a crime to love the person I love? How would it feel to be discriminated against for something about myself that I cannot change?" This challenge applies to all of us as we reflect upon deeply held beliefs, as we work to embrace tolerance and respect for the dignity of all persons, and as we engage humbly with those with whom we disagree in the hope of creating greater understanding..."
LASTLY:
"...There is a phrase that people in the United States invoke when urging others to support human rights: “Be on the right side of history.” The story of the United States is the story of a nation that has repeatedly grappled with intolerance and inequality. We fought a brutal civil war over slavery. People from coast to coast joined in campaigns to recognize the rights of women, indigenous peoples, racial minorities, children, people with disabilities, immigrants, workers, and on and on. And the march toward equality and justice has continued. Those who advocate for expanding the circle of human rights were and are on the right side of history, and history honors them. Those who tried to constrict human rights were wrong, and history reflects that as well."
Monday, December 12, 2011
occupy.
These are images from the west coast occupy movement groups. Times they are interesting in this country. I really respect people who can stand up for what they think is right. Its not always easy and certainly not safe or warm and fuzzy. Whether this is the best use of their energy, I'm not sure its immediately evident. But again, props for standing up for what you believe in.
I guess I'll just say this: Things have got to change. Maybe I sound like some bias news person, but the rich ARE getting richer while so many continue to struggle. The GAP is bigger than ever before. And the only thing that seems to matter in this country is money. It runs and ruins everything. Money sure is great, I'll admit it. I like money just as much as the next gal, but I certainly hope I don't like it so much that I don't give a shit about anyone else except myself. Bold statement. And I know I'm not perfect. I know I make choices every day that aren't considered charitable. I like going out to dinner and buying myself a super cute sweater from a "big box" store like J Crew. I drive a Volvo. Yup, I sure do. I guess I just feel like somewhere our country took a sharp turn that involved truly not giving a shit about thinking about our world and our planet as one big system. And the system doesn't thrive unless we can come together and try to make each other better. Supporting each other. The more we try to squash the "little" people the bigger the problems get and the longer they persist.
I sat on an airplane next to a doctor from Eugene, OR who was en route to MN to see her daughter who was attending Carlton as a freshmen. When I asked her, "What do you do?" she actually sheepishly revealed that she was a doctor. She was embarrassed, and well, a little ashamed. Shocked and feeling boldly inquisitive I pushed her to talk about her job and her role in healthcare over her 30+ year career. Originally from MN, she and her husband have both held various roles within the healthcare community in the Twin Cities, Oregon and they have also spent time with medical teams within the non-profit group Doctors Without Borders [DWB provides independent, impartial assistance in more than 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. DWB provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need.] Come to find that she has visibility to the landscape of corruption that happens within our current healthcare system. Doctors who feel pressure to earn more money for their respective clinics and hospitals in order to bolster their weekly "reports". And even ethical doctors whose hospitals pressure them to push for certain procedures so that they as an organization can make more money. Sounds like getting your car fixed in that you really just have to trust the mechanic and yet, none of us usually do (unless its my Papa, because he's a mechanic and I trust him!). Anyway, somewhere into hour two of our conversation she said to me, "I guess I just don't understand why the Republicans are so against universal healthcare. Do you realize how many unemployed people have health problems and disabilities and subsequently are unable to work as a result? And the longer they can't get health care, the longer they can't work, and then the longer they are a drain on the system. If we could get people healthy, we could get them to work."
Ok, that's all for now. Something to think about, I suppose. I don't have the answers. I guess I'm just frightened as to where things are going. I'm typically a pretty positive and optimistic person, and I know that things are cyclical. I just hope that we can come together - politically and in our communities - to make this world a good place to hang out and enjoy the people we love. Both for now and for whenever I decide I might want to make some kids who will be here long after me.
And just for reference, I plucked this from the www today.
The Occupy movement.
Demand one: Restoration of the living wage. This demand can only be met by ending "Freetrade" by re-imposing trade tariffs on all imported goods entering the American market to level the playing field for domestic family farming and domestic manufacturing as most nations that are dumping cheap products onto the American market have radical wage and environmental regulation advantages. Another policy that must be instituted is raise the minimum wage to twenty dollars an hr.
Demand two: Institute a universal single payer healthcare system. To do this all private insurers must be banned from the healthcare market as their only effect on the health of patients is to take money away from doctors, nurses and hospitals preventing them from doing their jobs and hand that money to wall st. investors.
Demand three: Guaranteed living wage income regardless of employment.
Demand four: Free college education.
Demand five: Begin a fast track process to bring the fossil fuel economy to an end while at the same bringing the alternative energy economy up to energy demand.
Demand six: One trillion dollars in infrastructure (Water, Sewer, Rail, Roads and Bridges and Electrical Grid) spending now.
Demand seven: One trillion dollars in ecological restoration planting forests, reestablishing wetlands and the natural flow of river systems and decommissioning of all of America's nuclear power plants.
Demand eight: Racial and gender equal rights amendment.
Demand nine: Open borders migration. anyone can travel anywhere to work and live.
Demand ten: Bring American elections up to international standards of a paper ballot precinct counted and recounted in front of an independent and party observers system.
Demand eleven: Immediate across the board debt forgiveness for all. Debt forgiveness of sovereign debt, commercial loans, home mortgages, home equity loans, credit card debt, student loans and personal loans now! All debt must be stricken from the "Books." World Bank Loans to all Nations, Bank to Bank Debt and all Bonds and Margin Call Debt in the stock market including all Derivatives or Credit Default Swaps, all 65 trillion dollars of them must also be stricken from the "Books." And I don't mean debt that is in default, I mean all debt on the entire planet period.
Demand twelve: Outlaw all credit reporting agencies.
Demand thirteen: Allow all workers to sign a ballot at any time during a union organizing campaign or at any time that represents their yeah or nay to having a union represent them in collective bargaining or to form a union.
"These demands will create so many jobs it will be completely impossible to fill them without an open borders policy."
Peace, friends.
I guess I'll just say this: Things have got to change. Maybe I sound like some bias news person, but the rich ARE getting richer while so many continue to struggle. The GAP is bigger than ever before. And the only thing that seems to matter in this country is money. It runs and ruins everything. Money sure is great, I'll admit it. I like money just as much as the next gal, but I certainly hope I don't like it so much that I don't give a shit about anyone else except myself. Bold statement. And I know I'm not perfect. I know I make choices every day that aren't considered charitable. I like going out to dinner and buying myself a super cute sweater from a "big box" store like J Crew. I drive a Volvo. Yup, I sure do. I guess I just feel like somewhere our country took a sharp turn that involved truly not giving a shit about thinking about our world and our planet as one big system. And the system doesn't thrive unless we can come together and try to make each other better. Supporting each other. The more we try to squash the "little" people the bigger the problems get and the longer they persist.
I sat on an airplane next to a doctor from Eugene, OR who was en route to MN to see her daughter who was attending Carlton as a freshmen. When I asked her, "What do you do?" she actually sheepishly revealed that she was a doctor. She was embarrassed, and well, a little ashamed. Shocked and feeling boldly inquisitive I pushed her to talk about her job and her role in healthcare over her 30+ year career. Originally from MN, she and her husband have both held various roles within the healthcare community in the Twin Cities, Oregon and they have also spent time with medical teams within the non-profit group Doctors Without Borders [DWB provides independent, impartial assistance in more than 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. DWB provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need.] Come to find that she has visibility to the landscape of corruption that happens within our current healthcare system. Doctors who feel pressure to earn more money for their respective clinics and hospitals in order to bolster their weekly "reports". And even ethical doctors whose hospitals pressure them to push for certain procedures so that they as an organization can make more money. Sounds like getting your car fixed in that you really just have to trust the mechanic and yet, none of us usually do (unless its my Papa, because he's a mechanic and I trust him!). Anyway, somewhere into hour two of our conversation she said to me, "I guess I just don't understand why the Republicans are so against universal healthcare. Do you realize how many unemployed people have health problems and disabilities and subsequently are unable to work as a result? And the longer they can't get health care, the longer they can't work, and then the longer they are a drain on the system. If we could get people healthy, we could get them to work."
Ok, that's all for now. Something to think about, I suppose. I don't have the answers. I guess I'm just frightened as to where things are going. I'm typically a pretty positive and optimistic person, and I know that things are cyclical. I just hope that we can come together - politically and in our communities - to make this world a good place to hang out and enjoy the people we love. Both for now and for whenever I decide I might want to make some kids who will be here long after me.
And just for reference, I plucked this from the www today.
The Occupy movement.
Demand one: Restoration of the living wage. This demand can only be met by ending "Freetrade" by re-imposing trade tariffs on all imported goods entering the American market to level the playing field for domestic family farming and domestic manufacturing as most nations that are dumping cheap products onto the American market have radical wage and environmental regulation advantages. Another policy that must be instituted is raise the minimum wage to twenty dollars an hr.
Demand two: Institute a universal single payer healthcare system. To do this all private insurers must be banned from the healthcare market as their only effect on the health of patients is to take money away from doctors, nurses and hospitals preventing them from doing their jobs and hand that money to wall st. investors.
Demand three: Guaranteed living wage income regardless of employment.
Demand four: Free college education.
Demand five: Begin a fast track process to bring the fossil fuel economy to an end while at the same bringing the alternative energy economy up to energy demand.
Demand six: One trillion dollars in infrastructure (Water, Sewer, Rail, Roads and Bridges and Electrical Grid) spending now.
Demand seven: One trillion dollars in ecological restoration planting forests, reestablishing wetlands and the natural flow of river systems and decommissioning of all of America's nuclear power plants.
Demand eight: Racial and gender equal rights amendment.
Demand nine: Open borders migration. anyone can travel anywhere to work and live.
Demand ten: Bring American elections up to international standards of a paper ballot precinct counted and recounted in front of an independent and party observers system.
Demand eleven: Immediate across the board debt forgiveness for all. Debt forgiveness of sovereign debt, commercial loans, home mortgages, home equity loans, credit card debt, student loans and personal loans now! All debt must be stricken from the "Books." World Bank Loans to all Nations, Bank to Bank Debt and all Bonds and Margin Call Debt in the stock market including all Derivatives or Credit Default Swaps, all 65 trillion dollars of them must also be stricken from the "Books." And I don't mean debt that is in default, I mean all debt on the entire planet period.
Demand twelve: Outlaw all credit reporting agencies.
Demand thirteen: Allow all workers to sign a ballot at any time during a union organizing campaign or at any time that represents their yeah or nay to having a union represent them in collective bargaining or to form a union.
"These demands will create so many jobs it will be completely impossible to fill them without an open borders policy."
Peace, friends.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Nada.
Its Friday! Wham! Pow!
Let's see, pretty productive week in terms of 8-5 job type things. I'm actually driving in to work today vs. taking the vanpool (commuter van where multiple people ride together), which, literally feels like such a luxury. Seat heaters and my own music! Damn!
No big plans for the weekend. Must try to leverage the productive-ness of the work week into the weekend. Hoping to pop by ReStore as my husband said he saw heaps of wood options for my table. Might try and run around Lake Union in an effort to stop the inevitable lbs. after the candy consumption of this week. I ordered nordic skis, so maybe I'll see if I remember how to use them from that 9th grade gym class where I last did it. Other than that, its all chill baby chill. Off to Portland next weekend to visit the delightful BB.
I hope ya'll have great weekends!
Here is a killer space that I will pine over for quite some time (minus those stools, not into them). Pine over, was that a weak attempt at a woodsy rustic pun? I hope not.
Let's see, pretty productive week in terms of 8-5 job type things. I'm actually driving in to work today vs. taking the vanpool (commuter van where multiple people ride together), which, literally feels like such a luxury. Seat heaters and my own music! Damn!
No big plans for the weekend. Must try to leverage the productive-ness of the work week into the weekend. Hoping to pop by ReStore as my husband said he saw heaps of wood options for my table. Might try and run around Lake Union in an effort to stop the inevitable lbs. after the candy consumption of this week. I ordered nordic skis, so maybe I'll see if I remember how to use them from that 9th grade gym class where I last did it. Other than that, its all chill baby chill. Off to Portland next weekend to visit the delightful BB.
I hope ya'll have great weekends!
Here is a killer space that I will pine over for quite some time (minus those stools, not into them). Pine over, was that a weak attempt at a woodsy rustic pun? I hope not.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
'tis the season
Tree getting' <<<<<<<{
(****Our quest into the forest was thwarted this year on account of waist-deep snow and low morale for the two-mile hike. There and back. Oh, and I didn't have snowshoes. Alas, a tree farm it was. At least we chopped it. That tree smells so darn good.)
Lemon zest in the cookies. Painted like Santa Clause.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sinterklaas.
Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas is an elderly, stately and serious man with white hair and a long, full beard. He wears a long red cape or chasuble over a traditional white bishop's alb and sometimes red stola, dons a red mitre, and holds a gold-coloured crosier, a long ceremonial shepherd's staff with a fancy curled top and he also has a ruby ring. He carries a big book that tells whether each individual child has been good or naughty in the past year. He traditionally rides a white gray.He is celebrated annually on Saint Nicholas' eve (5 December) or on the morning of 6 December in Belgium and Northern France.
Traditionally, in the weeks between his arrival and 5 December, before going to bed, children put their shoes next to the fireplace chimney of the coal-fired stove or fireplace. In modern times, they may put them next to the central heating unit. They leave the shoe with a carrot or some hay in it and a bowl of water nearby "for Sinterklaas' horse", and the children sing a Sinterklaas song. The next day they will find some candy or a small present in their shoes.
<<<<<<< Sinterklaas visited our house last night! He left us candy and money and even a little note! Thanks, Sinterklaas!...er, Tyson. >>>
make.
Lately we've been making a lot of things and its awesome. I wish I had, perhaps, more than the 600 square feet I currently live in right now. Ideally a big workroom complete with various saws and drills and clamps and maybe even a welding device. I don't know how to weld. Yet. Maybe my Papa will teach me.
Last weekend we made a bedside light, which, I actually couldn't believe how simple and fun it was to make. A socket, some lamp wire and a plug-in device. Strip the wire and connect both ends. Then mix in whatever item you'd like to affix the socket to and BOOM you have a light.
I've also been deep in the thinking phase of my table. This is the phase before actually doing anything.
And I just came across this incredible store located in Denver where the childhood friends who own/make things for it are actually living the dream for which I dream about living sometimes = a couple of folks with no formal training who build and sell furniture. They actually feature a table similar in style to the one I am planning to build = thick slabs of reclaimed pieces for the top (ReStore). Actually, I think it would be cool to replace one of the slabs with a random strip of chevron-shaped pieces of wood in various shades of stain. And maybe a neon base? Yes, please.
How cool is this dresser!? With its bright blue insides!
Basically its cold and dark outside and I wish I could hole up in a studio, listen to great music, and make stuff. Because making things = fun times. And then maybe design and build our house. To put all the furniture in. Except that I already have the design sitting there up in my head. Just wish I could fund it and then build it and then live in it.
I've also been deep in the thinking phase of my table. This is the phase before actually doing anything.
How cool is this dresser!? With its bright blue insides!
Basically its cold and dark outside and I wish I could hole up in a studio, listen to great music, and make stuff. Because making things = fun times. And then maybe design and build our house. To put all the furniture in. Except that I already have the design sitting there up in my head. Just wish I could fund it and then build it and then live in it.
Friday, December 2, 2011
cheese a.
It's December and we are officially geeky for the holidays. I could do without the Black Friday deals** and consumer message overload
during this time, but I'm happy to report that this weekend will
overflow with cheesy holiday activities because that's who we are and
that's what we do. Some people don't get into which I think is totally cool. I just happen to be one of those people who think cheesy things are fun. Tomorrow we head to the woods to cut down our tree! The car will be on the road with coffee in-hand at 9am. This year they'll be a gang with us and there is a Mandatory Flannel rule for tree huntin' day, as well as a ceremonial whiskey shot to go down the hatch before the cut. Sunday the holiday explosion continues with cookie baking/decorating, Bailey's and Hot Totties, all whilst Love Actually, The Family Stone and perhaps Christmas Vacation play in the background.
I CAN'T WAIT.
These are the times when I wish I had a fireplace. And some snow. At least I can go to the mountains for the snow part.
Wouldn't it be great to have a fireplace in say, your bedroom? Or your dining room? OR even your bathroom?
**Speaking of Black Friday, did ya'll see Patagonia's"Don't Buy This Jacket" messaging?
I CAN'T WAIT.
These are the times when I wish I had a fireplace. And some snow. At least I can go to the mountains for the snow part.
Wouldn't it be great to have a fireplace in say, your bedroom? Or your dining room? OR even your bathroom?
Have great weekends!
**Speaking of Black Friday, did ya'll see Patagonia's"Don't Buy This Jacket" messaging?
 |
| REDUCE WE make useful gear that lasts a long time YOU don’t buy what you don’t need |
| REPAIR WE help you repair your Patagonia gear YOU pledge to fix what's broken |
| REUSE WE help find a home for Patagonia gear you no longer need YOU sell or pass it on* |
| RECYCLE WE will take back your Patagonia gear that is worn out YOU pledge to keep your stuff out of the landfill and incinerator |
| REIMAGINE TOGETHER we reimagine a world where we take only what nature can replace |
Monday, November 28, 2011
First Turns.
Considering the zillion calories consumed over the Thanksgiving holiday it was practically a must that we head straight to Mt. Baker for some first-time turns of the season. The day was so fab < sunny, powder-y and we had tons o'fun. Mt. Baker is such an amazing place because of the views of Mt. Shuksan in the distance. That and the fact its just a wee bit old school so if you're feeling cheap you can order a PBR on tap for $2.50. Or just order a delicious Boundary Bay Scotch Ale. For a few more dollars. Yum.
Being outside is so awesome. I love it.
Hope your Thanksgivings were superb!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Danke.
Today I am thankful for:
+ My new husband! He is the best!
+ Our incredible whirlwind year, complete with our magical wedding day where I've never felt so much love in every direction as I did in those 12 hours AND our totally BOMB-tastic honeymoon in Greece and Italy.
+ My family << we've had a pretty big year with some health scares, two weddings - one resulting in a brand new sister-who-rules, a boy who now takes the bus, and we're all still plugging along. Livin'.
+ My Grandma, Peg! Of course! Would you expect that I could possibly forget my darling Gma? Nope.
+ Friends. So many friends who care so much and who bring joy to my soul. Really when I say Friends, I mean Family-from-anotha-motha. (Wow I've become odd today, aye?)
+ For sugar. I love you, sugar. You are delicious and make me happy every time I eat you. You and your buddy, Cheese.
+ All the things in my life that make me feel alive: running, laughing, writing, snowboarding, camping + campfires, cooking + eating, traveling, creating and doing all of the above with awesome people who rule.
Oh and for wine. Yum.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Holiday Season
Well, working for a retailer I've been feeling the holiday season looming for about six months now. And, its finally here! I am a cheesy lover of all things classic when it comes to holidays:
+ multiple holiday parties with both family and friends
+ going out and actually cutting down our Christmas tree
+ listening to holiday music - any good, new suggestions?
+ sipping spiced apple cider
+ swapping out my pillow cases for winter-themed ones made with fabric from Stitches
+ cookie baking/decorating parties whilst Love Actually and The Family Stone play in the background
+ eating
+ eating more
Imagine a cozy holiday gathering in these rooms. Fireplace, sipping wine, smells of delicious food coming from that kitchen. Good stuff!
I am in the market for some new traditions though. Any thoughts?
+ multiple holiday parties with both family and friends
+ going out and actually cutting down our Christmas tree
+ listening to holiday music - any good, new suggestions?
+ sipping spiced apple cider
+ swapping out my pillow cases for winter-themed ones made with fabric from Stitches
+ cookie baking/decorating parties whilst Love Actually and The Family Stone play in the background
+ eating
+ eating more
Imagine a cozy holiday gathering in these rooms. Fireplace, sipping wine, smells of delicious food coming from that kitchen. Good stuff!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Power.
So, I'm taking a powertools class tonight at the West Seattle Tool Library. Yup. I like how its titled: PowerTools 101. Lose your fear, not your fingers.
Love it.
The class is described as the following:
Join instructor Amy Ecklund, as she welcomes you in to the basics of using small powertools such as circular saws, jigsaws, powerdrills, impact drivers, nail guns, and miter saws. As part of the class, you’ll demonstrate what you’ve learned by building a take-home, cedar planter box.
My goal is to eventually build a table. And then maybe more tables if I enjoy the process. I'm sure its waaaaay harder than I think (things typically are as my brain tends to oversimplify things), but I'm gonna give it a go. I like wood and woodworking projects in general so it should be a good time.
Then the plan is to head over to ReStore - a local non-profit that sells used building materials - and find me some wood! ReStore is one of the most incredible gems on the planet. One can get lost in the endless drawers of random things and aisles of old wood, doors and windows. I found the giant timbers for my mounted shelves there a few years ago and I still marvel at how much I love them.
If possible, I'd like to build the top out of recycled wood using biscuit joiners. I just learned what a biscuit joiner is. Good times. And my end goal is something of the like:
And maybe someday I'll learn how to weld and make super cool metal bases. Heck, if I had a studio/workspace the dreams could just keep going and going as I'd love to make a table top with a chevron pattern. Of different stains and colors. How, HOW can I make this happen? Need tools and space and someone to help teach me. Keeps the dreams alive I guess.
Love it.
The class is described as the following:
Join instructor Amy Ecklund, as she welcomes you in to the basics of using small powertools such as circular saws, jigsaws, powerdrills, impact drivers, nail guns, and miter saws. As part of the class, you’ll demonstrate what you’ve learned by building a take-home, cedar planter box.
My goal is to eventually build a table. And then maybe more tables if I enjoy the process. I'm sure its waaaaay harder than I think (things typically are as my brain tends to oversimplify things), but I'm gonna give it a go. I like wood and woodworking projects in general so it should be a good time.
Then the plan is to head over to ReStore - a local non-profit that sells used building materials - and find me some wood! ReStore is one of the most incredible gems on the planet. One can get lost in the endless drawers of random things and aisles of old wood, doors and windows. I found the giant timbers for my mounted shelves there a few years ago and I still marvel at how much I love them.
If possible, I'd like to build the top out of recycled wood using biscuit joiners. I just learned what a biscuit joiner is. Good times. And my end goal is something of the like:
Friday, November 18, 2011
Bad Ass.
Let's face it, women rule. I'm working on trying to incorporate a weekly post on bad ass women because:
A) they are everywhere around me, and around all of you I'm sure of it, and
B) they inspire me; helping me to realize my potential, to continue going after my dreams and to be proud of who I am.
c) because I'm so so proud to be a WOMAN!
To kick things off, check out the totally awesome gals in the film, !Women Art Revolution, featured this weekend at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. If you don't happen to live in Minnie, I checked it out and you can save it in your netflix queue for when its available to ship.
!Women Art Revolution
!Women Art Revolution (!W.A.R.) is a fascinating documentary that combines interviews, artwork, and rarely-seen archival film and video footage, collected over the past 40 years, to detail the evolution of the feminist art movement in the United States from 1968 to the present.
Trailer:
Speaking of, I have a killer girls' dinner out tonight and I'm getting really excited to wear some lipstick and engage in what is sure to be fantastic banter!
Have great weekends!
A) they are everywhere around me, and around all of you I'm sure of it, and
B) they inspire me; helping me to realize my potential, to continue going after my dreams and to be proud of who I am.
c) because I'm so so proud to be a WOMAN!
To kick things off, check out the totally awesome gals in the film, !Women Art Revolution, featured this weekend at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. If you don't happen to live in Minnie, I checked it out and you can save it in your netflix queue for when its available to ship.
!Women Art Revolution
!Women Art Revolution (!W.A.R.) is a fascinating documentary that combines interviews, artwork, and rarely-seen archival film and video footage, collected over the past 40 years, to detail the evolution of the feminist art movement in the United States from 1968 to the present.
Trailer:
Speaking of, I have a killer girls' dinner out tonight and I'm getting really excited to wear some lipstick and engage in what is sure to be fantastic banter!
Have great weekends!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
List.
I spoke to my mama last night. She rules. At one point she asked me what's on my Christmas list. Oooooh, the can of worms has been opened. On the spot I can never seem to think of anything. But here I am, less than 24-hours later and sure enough I thought of a few things.
+ Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand
+ Bossypants, by Tina Fey
+ A subscription to The Week
+ This chunky throw blanket
+ A bottle of Baileys < yum
+ Anything from J. Crew
Really I'm just bummed I'm not going to MN this holiday season. Luckily my bro and I are on a mission to plan the most epic family Minnesota lake adventure for this summer.
What's on your list?
+ Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand
+ Bossypants, by Tina Fey
+ A subscription to The Week
+ This chunky throw blanket
+ A bottle of Baileys < yum
+ Anything from J. Crew
Really I'm just bummed I'm not going to MN this holiday season. Luckily my bro and I are on a mission to plan the most epic family Minnesota lake adventure for this summer.
What's on your list?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Heavy.
We celebrated the third annual Seattle Friends Thanksgiving last Saturday night - this is not to be confused with the MN Friends Thanksgiving tradition of which I believe is in its 10th year this year, and I have only missed a few since moving to Seattle. Both are fab events for sure. Here in Seattle its always a stellar lineup of glutinous eats, ultra competitive Pictionary and the wine flows like water. We also never skip the tear-jerkingly emotional "go around the table and say something you're thankful for" step in the process. This year was especially emotional as some folks had welcomed a new baby, another team is currently pregnant. New houses, new marriages and new and cherished friendships all dominated the tear ducts of gratefulness. This year was especially emotional for me as a very close and dear friend of mine had phoned me the night before with tragic news: Her mother, in all likelihood, has pancreatic cancer. We both sobbed as I listened to her talk about what she'd experienced since hearing the news only hours before. That moment where your life turns instantly from going through the daily motions, going to work, talking with friends, laughing at a happy hour, planning a trip, yadda yadda <<< to BAM! living and breathing every moment thinking and talking about cancer, and your fears and your hopes and your sadness and your appreciation. And trying to comprehend what it was like before this moment. Before this new phase.
Prior to attending the Thanksgiving celebration I had begun to craft my list of Thanks. Fairly obvious ones considering the year we've had:
+ For my new husband.
+ For our incredible wedding day and all of the love and support and generosity we felt - the energy in that room was something I'll never forget.
+ For our honeymoon - trips are so special and rare, and I'll never forget so many of the experiences we were lucky enough to share in Greece and Rome.
And I had to add another to that list.
+ For my mama. I'm very thankful for her. She is a pretty incredible gal and I adore our hour-long chats peppered with hilarity and recipes, and even just nothing special, just banter. I love you, mama!
Prior to attending the Thanksgiving celebration I had begun to craft my list of Thanks. Fairly obvious ones considering the year we've had:
+ For my new husband.
+ For our incredible wedding day and all of the love and support and generosity we felt - the energy in that room was something I'll never forget.
+ For our honeymoon - trips are so special and rare, and I'll never forget so many of the experiences we were lucky enough to share in Greece and Rome.
And I had to add another to that list.
+ For my mama. I'm very thankful for her. She is a pretty incredible gal and I adore our hour-long chats peppered with hilarity and recipes, and even just nothing special, just banter. I love you, mama!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Weekend.
Its supposed to rain here all weekend. All. Weekend. I'm actually somewhat ok with it as we have plans to attend a Thanksgiving dinner party with friends which will entail good food, wine + cozy games like Pictionary.
Have a cozy weekend!
And for now I'll leave you with these warm-weather adorable outfits taken from the The Sartorialist.
Next week I'll regale you with stories from a doctor I sat next to on a plane (en route to MN!) who is enraged with the healthcare system. Good stuff!
Have a cozy weekend!
And for now I'll leave you with these warm-weather adorable outfits taken from the The Sartorialist.
Next week I'll regale you with stories from a doctor I sat next to on a plane (en route to MN!) who is enraged with the healthcare system. Good stuff!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Gals.
I'm feeling kinda blue today. Not even sure why, which, is part of the problem. Its one of those days where I wish I could invite all of my favorite girlfriends over for a super girlie dinner party and just laugh and chat and drink wine. Why does that help so much? Because girls rule.
Let's take this a step further and plant those girls having the best time ever in one of these dining rooms. Fun stuff! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
All photos courtest of Living etc
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Honeymoon {Rome, Italy}
Two weeks after our wedding, two of our best friends were married just outside of Chicago. Tyson was the best man. It was a stunning ceremony and a fabulous party. The following day we jetted off to Greece. Two days after that, they were off to Italy. Our original honeymoon brainstorm included Turkey and Greece, but when we learned that we could possibly meet up with these fabulous pals somewhere in Italy for a big honeymoon hullabaloo, we quickly refined our plans.
It is rare to travel with other adults as jobs and families and timing all make things complex as we get older. Throw in the fact that the four of us were a pack of newlyweds, and I think you'll agree this was a wise decision. BOOM < Rome! We agreed to meet-up at the Trevi Fountain at 5pm. Below you see the photo of us arriving in Rome, at the Trevi Fountain, horribly dirty and exhausted after the transportation strikes in Athens. That's right, NO TRANSPORTATION. We had to pay some random guy on the street to take us to the airport for $100! Luckily Tyson followed the map the entire way guaranteeing that we were in fact going to the airport and not to some dungeon somewhere with perfect strangers.
First of all I'll just say this: Rome is the bomb. I studied abroad in Italy, specifically Florence, and had been to Rome twice before this trip. I find that the city is endlessly romantic and beautiful, the people are great, and of course no one can complain about the food or the wine or the prosecco. Or the espresso. Yum.
We rented an apartment in the city, which was relatively inexpensive and a great way for us all to stay together. Two bedrooms, a great living room/dining room, and a perfect kitchen for Tyson to make us espresso every morning. That mixed with the fact that in the first floor of the building was a BAKERY! Yum. Each night we'd pop in and buy - first two, then four, and then finally eight pastries. Hazelnut. Lemon. Nutella. We'd eat some in the evenings and save some for espresso.
That first evening = Excited discussions and honeymoon story exchange over countless glasses of wine for several hours. Then we headed to dinner around 11pm. Sleepy time around 3-4am. Yep.
hul·la·ba·loo
[huhl-uh-buh-loo]
noun, plural -loos.
a clamorous noise or disturbance; uproar.
It is rare to travel with other adults as jobs and families and timing all make things complex as we get older. Throw in the fact that the four of us were a pack of newlyweds, and I think you'll agree this was a wise decision. BOOM < Rome! We agreed to meet-up at the Trevi Fountain at 5pm. Below you see the photo of us arriving in Rome, at the Trevi Fountain, horribly dirty and exhausted after the transportation strikes in Athens. That's right, NO TRANSPORTATION. We had to pay some random guy on the street to take us to the airport for $100! Luckily Tyson followed the map the entire way guaranteeing that we were in fact going to the airport and not to some dungeon somewhere with perfect strangers.
That first evening = Excited discussions and honeymoon story exchange over countless glasses of wine for several hours. Then we headed to dinner around 11pm. Sleepy time around 3-4am. Yep.
All subsequent days went a little somethin' like this =
+ Rise somewhere mid-morning
+ Tyson's espresso and pastries
+ Decide on a site-seeing item of the day - usually just one
+ Maybe find a place to sit and have a glass of wine and a snack
+ More espresso
+ Back to the apartment to change and then sit at our table and sip wine chatting for several hours
+ Late dinner
Paradise. Daily.
One day we rented bikes and pedaled all around:::::::::::::::::::
We eventually found our way to the Villa Borghese Park. The boys played games like Who Can Pedal Around Three Trees The Fastest (using an iPhone as a stopwatch), and also Who Can Catch a Buckeye Nut In Their Basket "going long".
Eventually we sat and sipped some wine and prosecco. This made for a lovely afternoon
in the grass.
And heaps of FLIRTING:
Rome was so great. Our friends are great. I wish I could go back and do
it all over again. All of the Segments. Milos. Folegrandos. Santorini.
And Rome with our fellow honeymooners.
Cheers to your next adventure! Whatever it may be. As for us, back to real life. I must admit though, its trips like these that make me psychotic and get out the 2012 calendar to begin to plan...
+ More espresso
+ Back to the apartment to change and then sit at our table and sip wine chatting for several hours
+ Late dinner
Paradise. Daily.
One day we rented bikes and pedaled all around:::::::::::::::::::
Cheers to your next adventure! Whatever it may be. As for us, back to real life. I must admit though, its trips like these that make me psychotic and get out the 2012 calendar to begin to plan...
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