Life in Photos: Sunny Winter Weekend

January 4, 2014February 7, 20171 Comment

It was a beautiful weekend here in the PNW, and it made me so grateful to be in a region of the US not being pummeled by snow and crazy cold temps. My weekend went like this: relaxing, crafty Friday evening, followed by a busy Saturday, and topped off with a “friends and football” themed Sunday.

Tray table progress

Reading in the bed

Housewarming gift

Celebrating a bestie’s birthday with beer and bowling

Sunday relaxation

Also very exciting, NFL playoffs games this weekend…crazy, craaaazy games, but the highlight for my hubby was the 49ers win. I’m not a 49ers fan, but I do love seeing a happy hubby.

Have a great Tuesday!
xo

Kitchen Fun: Take and Bake App

January 4, 2014February 7, 2017Leave a comment

I do enjoy being in the kitchen, whether it’s MacGyver’ing a dinner, making a huge breakfast, or preparing an app to bring to a party, it’s always good times. Here is my latest in easy and delicious, thanks to this recipe. These were prepared ahead of time and then popped them in the oven upon arrival, so they were served at the perfect temperature. I did alter the recipe just a smidge but sautéing the mushroom stems and onions with thyme and cracked black pepper and then added some panko breadcrumbs for some crunch.

I hope you’ll give these a try. What have you been making in the kitchen?

Happy Monday!
xo

Today’s BGD // 1.3.14

January 3, 2014February 7, 20171 Comment

Let me first explain a bit about “Today’s BGD”. Since the whole idea of this blog is to remember to find the beauty in the greyest of days and to make the most with what you have, I’m going to devote a post category to my own personal BGD’s. For my very first “Today’s BGD”, I’m embracing the fun in being an organized & creative person. I enjoy all kinds of crafts and art, and we have a guest room that doubles as a work room for me…that I never use. I have been thinking of ways to revamp the room to make it more a more welcoming work space. Although today just another day at work, the thought of having a creative space to work in is my beauty, in an otherwise grey day.

Image from http://www.hearthandmade.co.uk

Happy Friday!
xo

2014: Not Bad Day 1, Not Bad

January 2, 2014February 7, 2017Leave a comment

Happy 2014 everyone! I hope that you had a fun and safe NYE, and that you spent the first day of 2014 doing something that makes you happy. I opted for an at home spa day and couldn’t be happier with my choice. I started with a face scrub made of coffee grounds, yogurt and coconut oil, and I got the recipe from this pin. Then I made a mask of gelatin and milk, which is essentially a giant pore strip, and that came from this pin. I finished off my at home spa day with a detox bath. There are a ton of different detox baths out there, but I kept it simple –with this one— and used lavender Epsom salts and baking soda, and the result…glorious relaxation. The day also included breakfast with our next door neighbors and a Dutch Baby demonstration, serious lounging, the start of a new book and Chinese takeout.

Gelatin & Milk Mask // 2014 Mantra from Pinterest // Chinese Take-Out // New Book // Dutch Baby

How was your day 1 of 2014?

Happy NYE!

December 31, 2013February 7, 20171 Comment

2013, you threw us some curve balls, but all in all we cannot complain because with every difficulty presented, we landed on our feet, happier, stronger and a little wiser. For me, this was the year of “letting it go.” I have been working really hard on not having to be right all the time, on realizing that some things are simply out of your hands, and on learning from your mistakes but always moving forward. It takes so much energy to dwell on negativity and the bad things that have happened to you, but guess what…it changes nothing. Harboring bad energy isn’t good for your mental or physical health, and it can affect the well being of those closest to you. So, thank you 2013, for being my year to learn to let it go. I’m not a resolutions kind of person, but I am a big believer in goals. In 2014, I have lots of hopes and goals, but knowing that a theme like “letting it go” will emerge, makes me happier than you could possibly know.

Enjoy ringing in the new year tonight, whether you plan on being home in your jammies with a bottle of champagne, or if your going to be at a party with friends and family. Above all, be safe out there!

Goodbye 2013!

Life in Photos: Pike Place Market

December 30, 2013February 7, 2017Leave a comment

We always have to visit Pike Place Market when we have visitors because it is such a colorful, lively stop on the Seattle tourist circuit. It never disappoints and always inspires.

We had such a fun day at the market, but we regretted going there on full tummies. Rookie mistake! The food options are endless and so delicious, so we may, or may not have gone back before taking our family to the airport, just so we could eat. No more sightseeing. No more photos. JUST.EATING. My favorite food stops include Pike Place Chowder (the Seafood Bisque is heavenly), Le Panier (the pastries are divine), Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (life changing mac and cheese), and of course, the original Starbucks is a must see.

Do you have a favorite spot in Pike Place Market?

Happy Monday!
xo

Post Christmas Online Shopping

December 27, 2013February 7, 20171 Comment

Now that the holiday dust has settled, there are sales galore out there, and it’s a great time to stock up. If you’re anything like me and went a little crazy this Christmas and cannot afford to do anymore shopping, come with me down daydream road and do a little window shopping. It’s always fun to look because it can be inspiring–maybe you already own a piece and have forgotten about it, or perhaps something can be DIY’d. Keep your eyes and mind open, and let’s shop…first stop, H&M.

Long navy coat // Jeweled & Studded Beanie // Button Detail Skinnies // Gold Make-up Bag // Pillow // Logo Tank // Decorative Studs // Sweats // Burgundy Funnel Neck Coat

Happy Friday!
xo

Life in Photos: Snow Day!

December 26, 2013February 7, 20172 Comments

We don’t get much snow here in the burbs of Seattle, but it does grace us with its beauty every once in a while. Last Friday was a magical day, being so close to Christmas and seeing the snow fall. Although I was headed into the office like any other day, I took some time to snap a few pictures of the pups enjoying the snow.

Mia loves to run in the snow and try to eat it as she runs.

Dodger just loves being outside in the snow.

The snow day really set the stage for Christmas. As I drove through my neighborhood, I saw snowmen building and people going for walks, and I can only imagine that these activities were followed up with some hot cocoa. And the combination of snow and Christmas lights…gorgeous.

Have you had any snow in your hometown?

O Christmas Tree

December 21, 2013February 7, 2017Leave a comment

We had a full house this past weekend, and it really made it feel like the holidays, but we were missing an integral part of the Christmas experience…the tree. We saved the tree shopping for this family filled weekend, so our nephew could be a part of the fun adventure. We headed out to Farmer Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm to go choose a tree and then cut it down ourselves (and by ourselves I mean, my hubby, clearly).

The hunt…

The scenery…

The day was cold and soggy, like most days in the PNW in December, but we were excited and ready to find a tree. We loaded up the minivan with family, our truck with more family (told you we had a full house), and then met up with a friend and his adorable kids so we could caravan out to the tree farm. The tree farm was a good 45 minute drive, but it was really fun to point out all the horses to my nephew along the way and enjoy the scenery. Upon arrival, you are told where to park, which trees are available, the pricing, and then you are offered a saw, if needed. We showed up equipped and ready to cut down a tree, so we parked, put on our gloves and beanies, and then set out to find the “perfect” tree. There were plenty of shenanigans and photo taking along the way and we found a lovely tree, not perfect because that’s not how we roll, but beautiful nonetheless. We ended the day with some hot cocoa, hot cider, and kettle corn, while enjoying the Christmas carols and watching the kids play. We enjoyed a great adventure and it was made even better because we had our family here to share it.

Big moment…tiiiiiimberrrrr!

So happy!

I love Christmas tree shopping.

My SIL made this cute collage, complete with a road trip pic and a hot cider pic.

Do you have a Christmas tree tradition?

Happy Tuesday!
xo

4 Simple Goals: Check In Time

December 16, 2013February 7, 2017Leave a comment

It has been over a month since the start of 4 Simple Goals: Before 2014. I have deemed today, check in day. It’s a Monday and it feels right. The last month has been extraordinarily busy for us with the usual holiday hustle, a family visit under our belts, and for the cherry on top, my office has moved locations over the last week. First and foremost, I couldn’t be happier that these are the things keeping me busy, and these are not excuses…okay, maybe they are just a little. To refresh your memory, these are my 4 Simple Goals.

Number 1 // I have definitely been wearing more color, but most importantly, I have been more aware about what I am choosing to wear. Getting dressed with purpose ensures that I feel confident about my appearance, and that always gives me a boost to smile a little more and approach the day with some gusto. This is a totally personal thing and may not do the trick for you, but it’s working for me.

Number 2 // I gotta tell you…I don’t know that I’m doing any better with this. Pre 4SG, Coffee = 12-16 oz a day, Water = 60 oz a day. Deep into 4SG, Coffee = 12 oz a day, Water = 70 oz a day. I have a 20 oz water bottle and I can’t seem to drink that last 10 oz. Hooray for small improvements?

Number 3 // Oh, tray table. I just can’t seem to catch a break on this project. I will finish it by the end of 4SG though! We did accomplish a lot last week, with the arrival of house guests comes cleaning, organizing and productivity. We hung photos down the hall, FINALLY. We also organized the magazine/office supplies/computer/printer bookshelf and it looks a million times better. So, progress is good for number 3.

Number 4 // I’m rocking it. The only time I dropped the ball as of late was on cookie day (my phone died and I forgot the big camera) and on the chocolate bark. Other than that, I’ve been all over it and loving it.

So, here it is, a little 4SG progress in collage format.

How is your 4SG challenge going?
Have a great night!
xo

beauty in grey days

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