portland sunshine

Kate Spade Love

2012-02-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

That Kate Spade is good. I like the way she thinks. I ~~need~~ ~~want~~ need both of these tees. I also ~~need~~ want that feathery skirt situation .

Birdie's Here

2012-02-09T20:07:00.001-08:00

Birdie arrived today (yeah!) and she came with QR valentines and a yarn bombed horse to install on a specific corner. She is good.

Mac!

2012-02-09T19:51:00.001-08:00

Monogram Crush

2012-02-09T09:49:00.002-08:00

Every now and again I fall hard for a sweet monogram. Remember this and this?

Well, after loving on that red elephant yesterday, I had to learn more about the interior artist who created it. No surprise her home is darling. I am especially loving the monogrammed window treatment in baby girls room.

Full monogram details here. Full room details here.

PS, I am also loving the reading nook she made in babygirl's closet. WKF has a very similar closet (by very similar i mean similar size and shape...no where near as tidy and organized and fun). I am inspired.

And a final detail to love, that highboy dresser. Ooh la la. Very similar color to my hutch. Love it.

Halftime show

2012-02-08T14:21:00.001-08:00

This is how we spent the Superbowl halftime. We missed Madonna, but played in an igloo.

Mountain Pix

2012-02-08T13:34:00.001-08:00

A few pix from this past weekend. Because, you know, I never post pix of our family on the mountain. Please admire that blue sky. We did, all weekend.

Thank you GB for capturing us!

Football Anyone?

2012-02-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Is anyone going to catch this game, on February 11th in Manchester? If so, shoot O a text, he'll be there too. Maybe you could meet up for a pint.

Um, that is so cool. Right?

Painted Animal Figures and Funny Confession #143

2012-02-08T09:46:00.001-08:00

Painting animal figures fun colors for use in home decor is a definite trend. I think I love it.

How awesome is this elephant book end? I am loving it. The fab styling certainly doesn't hurt.

I often say that everything (beds, chandeliers, etc.) looks better painted red. It is great to see that elephants are no exception.

Funny Confession #143 - I am looking around my office (and tonight I'll look around my home) trying to figure out the next big trend. What everyday object should I paint red?

So sweet

2012-02-07T22:27:00.002-08:00

I love how kids at the zoo observe the animals with awe as the mamas observe the kids with awe. I have no idea what was on the other side of that fence. I just loved watching those sweet kids check it out.

Zooday Tuesday

2012-02-07T22:21:00.001-08:00

2012-02-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

Pinterest is on fire. Fascinating article and analytics. It really is a pretty amazing and powerful site, and at the same time so simple and well designed.

Excuse me?

2012-02-07T07:56:00.001-08:00

QR Code Valentine Cross Stitch

2012-02-07T04:36:00.001-08:00

Technology-inspired-old-school cross stitch. Love. Details here.

Birdie arrives Thursday, I'm hoping I can sweet talk her into making one for my Valentine (said Valentine never reads my blog, so no chance or ruining surprise or disappointing if we don't make it happen).

Funny Confession #142

2012-02-06T20:59:00.001-08:00

Receiving this text made my day. I just sent him a friend request. We'll see if he accepts. I encourage the rest of you to do the same. Let's welcome him to the modern world...

Regardless of your tattoo POV, you gotta love this...

2012-02-06T20:19:00.001-08:00

Saw it here. Love.

Also love the thought of a temporary tattoo diamond while you get your finger sized or pick your own ring. Emphasis on temporary. So cute. Love.

Photo du Jour

2012-02-06T16:36:00.001-08:00

French Parenting

2012-02-06T14:58:00.000-08:00

This article is so interesting. We may have some work to do before heading to France in April if we want to blend in...

Photos du Jour

2012-02-06T09:06:00.001-08:00

We Love Jules on (and off) the Podium

2012-02-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

We love to see our girl Julia on that podium, esp on the tip top like she was yesterday when she captured first place in Garmisch. Looking gorgeous and skiing fierce, this Tahoe girl makes her friends proud. Go Jules.

In our happy place

2012-02-04T15:38:00.001-08:00

Signage in the bathroom in the ski lodge

2012-02-04T15:22:00.001-08:00

Bombed Post Love

2012-02-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

Today I made a new friend, her name is Dawn and she made my day by sending me this photo!

What is it you ask? Hello! It is a yarn bombed poetry post!

Someone please run over to NE 9th and Knott and chain a toy horse to this situation for a true Portland art trifecta.

In case you wondered...

2012-02-03T08:40:00.001-08:00

...it is possible to make chai lattes even sweeter

Poetry Posts

2012-02-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

Portland buds, have you guys noticed the poetry posts in yards around town?

This city is so damn creative. Love it. I feel like I am seeing more and more posts pop up. Coming across these posts gives me an excuse to rest a bit on a run. Like most things cool in this city - I see most on the east side.

Not from around here and wonder what a poetry post is? “A poetry post (or poetry pole or poetry box) is a wooden pole, usually, mounted on private property, so that it faces pedestrians. On top of the pole is a box, with a glass or clear face and a lid. Inside the box is a sheet of paper containing a poem (or, sometimes, prose or a photograph). Sometimes the pole is absent, the box mounted to a tree. That’s it.”

If you are from the rose city, be sure to stop to smell the roses, and read the poems.

Mama the mountain is wearing a hat

2012-02-02T09:39:00.001-08:00

What's in your queue?

2012-02-02T02:52:00.003-08:00

I spent some time last week getting my netflix queue in order.

Realize this is not my highest priority task, yet it was one that I knew I could be successful at and so I went for it.

I am in a documentary kind of mood I guess, because I have signed up for all of these...

Training for Boston

2012-02-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

Go Cats Go

2012-02-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

"UVM One of First Universities to End Sales of Bottled Water, Mandate Healthy Vending Options". In case you forgot I am a very proud UVM alum, UVM always makes me so proud. Go cats go.

Airport Yoga at SFO

2012-02-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

How did PDX not think of this first? A yoga room at the airport - brilliant. Namaste travellers.

Blow Out

2012-02-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

Has anyone been to the Blow Out Blow Dry Bar? I am itching to go. I think the messy knot on my head has some potential in the hands of a trained professional...

Play, Just Do It.

2012-01-31T12:15:00.001-08:00

Final shot in that sweet coat

2012-01-30T15:52:00.001-08:00

Vintage was fun for the day, but we are over it. Back to polka dots and leopard prints.

Trying to get passport

2012-01-30T12:41:00.001-08:00

At $20 a picture, it would have been cool to have known no barrettes allowed, and no high pony tails for passport pix. Also, both parents need to be present ("anytime" between 9-4 M-F), and no credit cards accepted.

In the end we got it done. I have a strong feeling it will be worth the hassle.

Get ready Paris, sweetP is coming!

Vintage

2012-01-30T09:17:00.001-08:00

P rocking a vintage coat and hat made by hand for my Sis 35+ years ago. WKF tells her she looks like a grandma. I sorta agree. Super sweet, and sentimental...but not her styz.

Ninety!

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today is a HUGE day. GG turns 90. Even though our family is spread from coast to coast, we still found a way to throw a party! Happy Birthday GreatGrandMary!!!! We love love love you!!! xoxoxo

Sam, c'est moi

2012-01-29T23:11:00.001-08:00

Funny Confession #141

2012-01-29T22:23:00.001-08:00

Best. Comment. Ever. It came via email from my mom after this post.

"A kale fruit smoothie? I think I draw the line right there. First of all, if no one told you, kale is NOT a fruit. You can have your kale smoothies and your fish tacos! YUCK! Thankfully the barber gave P a sucker so she could get the bad taste out of her mouth! "

Haha, sassy Birdie, i like it. Can't wait for you to come (soon!). We will fill you up with fish tacos and kale smoothies. When in ~~Rome~~ Portland...

Purple House On The Water

2012-01-29T20:59:00.000-08:00

This perfect purple house on the water makes me want a perfect purple house on the water.

Rainbow bomb

2012-01-29T16:02:00.001-08:00

Spotted by HVK bomb squad in SE PDX. Love.

Weekend

2012-01-27T17:47:00.001-08:00

It's Friday! We are a little bummed to miss a Friday at the mountain. However, this seems an ok place to start the weekend.

Why bother?

2012-01-26T12:44:00.002-08:00

On her face? Remnants from her kale fruit smoothie.

In her hand? A lollipop given to her by a barber as we walked by his shop.

He got all the glory...

Oregon babies grow fast

2012-01-25T21:54:00.001-08:00

Because we water them.
PS-Who can complain about rain when kids in raingear are so freaking cute.

Lite Brite

2012-01-25T21:52:00.001-08:00

Funny Venn

2012-01-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

saw it here

Ethan Beck Homes

2012-01-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

When he is not leading his team to state championships or having gorgeous new babies, our buddy EB is busy building beautiful homes in the city. I cannot stop flipping through the portfolio images on his new website. Live love laugh, he builds for it.

Speaking of EB, I hear he is always a phone call away if, say, your furnace goes off on a freezing cold day or your 2 year old locks herself in the bathroom. Whatta guy.

Stowe Moose

2012-01-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

Ah Vermont, I love you! Amazing moose sighting at Stowe (on Nosedive).

I love a good moose sighting. I also love Stowe. O and I got engaged at Stowe (in the halfpipe). It is such a magical mountain.

Hood Carts?

2012-01-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

Summer on our beloved mountain is pretty magical. Click here to remember why. And obviously we love the winters up there enough to spend every single weekend slopeside.

I often say the only thing that could possibly make that mountain a better place would be some improved food options.

Fingers crossed, maybe we'll get some food carts up there!

Funny Confession #140

2012-01-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

I kept waiting to have a clean kitchen to snap this photo. Today I remembered my kitchen is never clean, so I took the photo as is. I wanted to share a photo of our photo.

RIP Sarah Burke

2012-01-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is hard to watch. Grab some kleenex. RIP beautiful girl. My heart breaks for her man who so clearly adored her.

Another Awesome Weekend

2012-01-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

So many little people, so much snow, la vie est belle!

And even a little impromptu mountain house dance party / singalong for JC on his bday!

Run With Me

2012-01-23T21:07:00.001-08:00

On a recent evening run through John's Landing and Lair Hill neighborhoods of PDX, I couldn't stop myself from stopping to snap shots of each darling home. I love running through the hoods of PDX there are so many happy looking homes.

The cutie below was our 3rd choice home when we bought the one we bought. I smile every time I drive or run by it. We made the right call, but I do think she is sweet.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

2012-01-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

My Sis and I (and google maps) collaborated* on this DIY for our parents for xmas. I think we covered all the places they've lived and where we both live now. The pix don't do it full justice, it is super cute.

*By collaborate I mean that I sent my sis a link to the idea and she made it happen. Then I got to spend xmas with them and present the gift. True teamwork ;)

Colorful lunch spot

2012-01-23T14:26:00.001-08:00

Photo du Jour

2012-01-23T14:18:00.001-08:00

Saguaro

2012-01-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

Speaking of rad colorful motel things, I am pretty sure I would like to go here someday. Thanks Kate, for the post.

5 Star Signage

2012-01-20T08:30:00.001-08:00

This vintage colorful beauty is just down the road from us. I run or drive by it multiple times per day, and finally stopped to photograph it. The sign always makes me smile.

I love its ability to provide a colorful spot of light on a rainy city day like we had yesterday.

'Til Death Do Us Party

2012-01-19T20:40:00.001-08:00

Mimi, did you know there is an app for THAT? Introducing the wedding crashing app. Hilarious. Love it. Get your crash on girl...

Crash Corsage from EricSchlakmanDotCom on Vimeo.

Rainy day fun

2012-01-19T17:50:00.001-08:00

We are doing lots of lion around today

Joan Holloway Doll

2012-01-18T08:53:00.001-08:00

Joan has never looked this innocent. But I LOVE this doll.

Bombed

2012-01-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks JL for sending me this lovely bus image and the associated article about Magda Sayeg (the goddess of yarn bombing).

Her site is lovely. Her work is lovlier than her site.

Speaking of bombs, Uncle Ry recently spied this gorgeous installation at Urban Outfitters in SF. Love it. Thanks Ry.

Someday I'll dust off my needles and drop a bomb.

Hot Cocoa Project

2012-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

Um, this is a ridiculously cute idea. This makes me want to ~~host~~ go to a hot chocolate party.

I spotted it here, original source is here.

Maybe we should stop filling our ice trays with the green stuff, and go for something delicious?

Hipstamatic

2012-01-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

I love the hipstamtic app, almost as much as I love this hilarious post.

"Just because your photos have awesome vignetting and a totally rad retro aqua tint over them does not mean your life is glorious".

Haha, it doesn't? Shit.

Green Armoire in the Green Mountains

2012-01-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

This entire post is great, but what I love most about this VT home is that green armoire.

Birdie, watch out next time I'm in Ohio, I may attack your gorgeous armoires with some bright paint.

The view is OK too I suppose. I do lovermont!

Great pick Steph. Keep 'em coming.

Midnight In Paris

2012-01-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

Watched it. Loved it. Cole Porter Pandora station is all I want to hear today...

Free Cabin Porn

2012-01-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

Funny name for a site, but freecabinporn is a brilliant collection of gorgeous cabins to love. A great source for inspiration. Some of my favorites:

In my opinion photos of spaces are so much more interesting when the people that occupy the spaces are included in the picture. I adore the first photo above with the father and son, aren't they darling in a huppie, hipster kind of way? The site has cabins from all over the world, funny enough that duo lives here in PDX. I'll watch for them at the farmer's market.

How Bad Do You Need A Massage?

2012-01-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

How cute is this idea? Saw it here. Brilliant.

What TV?

2012-01-15T21:03:00.001-08:00

I love this.

I spotted it here. The TV hide job is my favorite part, but be sure to click that link, the entire post is full of great inspiration.

AlternaTrees

2012-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

I know xmas is soooo last month, but I was just catching up on some mags and spotted this company featured in Martha Stewart Living. Such beautiful trees.

I remember being wowed by this shot in the Land of Nod catalog.

All above images are from the Possibilitree site.

Life is Good

2012-01-14T21:34:00.001-08:00

Après ski dip. Mountain living. Happy weekend.

Playdating

2012-01-14T21:33:00.001-08:00

Playdates are so fun when our gorgeous Aussie friends are in town. Chalkboard paint on Mimi's dining room table and sunshine help too! Love you girls.

Photo du Jour

2012-01-13T16:31:00.001-08:00

Fearless

2012-01-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

I could not be more excited about this post and the fearless home series that will follow. Loving these images. Wallpaper, I may never have you in my home, but I sure do love you! Its reassuring to know that I am not alone in my love for more is more. I love this description "a new series to showcase some people who design their home according to their heart". Amen. Bring it.

Funny Confession #139

2012-01-12T11:39:00.001-08:00

I have no idea what this even means.

Poler

2012-01-11T16:04:00.001-08:00

This brand is new to me. Maybe it is new all together? Everything about their site exudes cool. They are based in Portland, no surprise.

Does anyone know these guys? If so, give them a big pat on the back from this mommy blogger!

I love the feel of their site. They are doing so much so right. I love the images. I ~~think I~~ most certainly need a napsack before my next camping adventure. The skate board duffel bag is brilliant. I love the adventure links and videos.

I want them to make some apparel. For women. I imagine it would be like if anthropologie hooked up with REI (and patagonia would get really jealous and LLBean would go out of business). Do it boys.

Carpe Diem

2012-01-11T09:50:00.001-08:00

Funny Confession #138

2012-01-10T08:59:00.001-08:00

When they ask, "did she dress herself?", I'll smile and say "she did", to make it comfortable. But this progressive combo was all me.

Summer Pix

2012-01-10T07:12:00.002-08:00

I was poking around in BryGuy's picasa albums (get a life, huh?) and found this great pix from our summer visit to the 330.

Funny Confession #137

2012-01-09T22:15:00.001-08:00

This poor toddler. Her mom put her skiboots on the wrong feet! Baby girl skied like this all morning Sunday. I just realized it now upon review of this photo. Sorry P. I'm from Ohio....maybe your Tahoe papa should QA my efforts!

Photo du Jour

2012-01-09T22:10:00.001-08:00

Exterior Inspiration #2

2012-01-09T21:40:00.001-08:00

From time to time I really start spinning on exterior paint color ideas. Some day we'll need to paint...and pictures like these make me hope that day comes soon and that we go bold. Neithbors, consider this a subtle warning.

Party Digits

2012-01-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

Oh my. Someone better invite my hands to a party soon. I love these nails.

Photo du Jour

2012-01-09T15:21:00.003-08:00

What a Difference 2 Years Makes

2012-01-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

So much changed from Xmas 2009 to Xmas 2011, but some things stayed the same as they always should. Great Xmas jammies all around, my parents here, and Ray Nitschke on our tree (and in P's hand above). Ray is a 30+ year holiday tradition in my family. Noboday can open a gift until he appears on the tree.

B and B hit the Slopes

2012-01-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

As always, our visit with my parents was fab. BryGuy just passed along some great pix. Some of my favorites are above. We love you B and B! xoxo

Funny Confession #136

2012-01-09T14:02:00.001-08:00

These beauties go with everything. They have become a critical element of my momiform.

Furry Chair Love

2012-01-09T08:41:00.001-08:00

I often think about this furry chair from this old post.

Then last week I fell for this furry chair.

Someday, I may need a furry chair.

The Time is Pow

2012-01-06T11:19:00.001-08:00

Lulie Wallace

2012-01-05T13:50:00.001-08:00

Wow. Discovering Lulie (thank you Kate Spade) really motivates me to want to paint again someday.

I couldn't pick just one...I love them all....

Squaw Bummer

2012-01-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

This news brings a tear to our eyes. The Sport Shop has outfitted 3 generations of our family, most recently sweetP. We love the Willards.

Hot

2012-01-03T22:19:00.001-08:00

Papa carrying all the family skis. Hot. Love.

Apologies to my fb and instagram buds who already saw this a few times. If linkedin would let me, I'd post it there too so my professional network could lay their eyes on him.

HammyT Crew

2012-01-03T22:04:00.001-08:00

Team F and Team C. Love these kids. Ages 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Happy Birthday KK! We Love You!

2012-01-03T13:09:00.002-08:00

Mountain Fun

2012-01-03T08:15:00.002-08:00

Yesterday we wrapped up 2+ weeks of (mostly) vacation. We ended on a high note with family ski day with TeamC. The kids were ripping, the parents had a blast, and the weather was perfect. When SweetP fell asleep on the chairlift, we realized it was time to pack up and head home.

Depot Draper

2012-01-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

Did you know the Drapers shop at Home Depot? Who knew?

Chalkboard Paint Vino

2012-01-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

Loving this creative use of chalkboard paint. Spotted it here.

Spotted on the hill

2012-01-02T21:33:00.003-08:00

The View From A Late Afternoon Hike

2012-01-02T21:33:00.002-08:00

Milkshake Shooters

2012-01-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hey! Let's have milkshake shooters at the next party, huh? Don't forget the sprinkles!

First let's paint our nails that robin egg blue color.

Saw this idea here, original source here. Yum.

Beautiful!

2011-12-31T16:13:00.001-08:00

Lovely scenes inside and outside!

Eight is Great

2011-12-31T16:11:00.001-08:00

Today we celebrate 8 years of marriage! Last night (thanks to the best babysitters/grandparents) we celebrated with night skiing, a ridiculously good dinner in the Cascade Room at Timberline Lodge and some over the top cocoa from the bar in the Lodge.