A Trice of Life

Me + math = confusion

2009-11-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

Math has always eluded me, but after my junior year of high school I thought I had escaped the headache-inducing formulas. Enter the GRE. Even though I'm pursuing a masters in communication, I still have to take the math portion. Where's the Expedrin?!

Although it's been quite the challenge lately, I'm getting through it with Stephen's help. He's acting as my own personal math tutor and I couldn't be more grateful.

The ballerina and centar

2009-11-02T12:24:00.001-08:00

When I saw this limited-edition screen print from Horse Drawn Carriage, I broke into a beaming smile. I hope it does the same for you!

Happy Monday!

2009-11-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I hope you all had wonderful weekends. Mine was very relaxing, but was too short as usual.

What's making me smile today is knowing that I have homemade pumpkin pie waiting for me at home. Definitely a worthy reward for getting through Monday!

Also, I'm getting really excited for a long drive to California with Stephen this Friday. We'll be going down to see friends, family and our very own Oregon Ducks. It should be a blast.

How about you? What is keeping you happy today?!

(adorable pumpkin illustration here)

Flying by

2009-10-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

This day- and frankly, this week- is flying by. I am so happy that it's Friday!

I plan on spending the weekend finishing the last Harry Potter, going to Halloween parties and baking my man a pumpkin pie.

How about you? What's on your agenda?

(photo credit here)

Trogdor and the witch

2009-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Last night Stephen and I carved our pumpkins! It was a magical night; simultaneously fun and relaxing. We listened to Counting Crows (my absolute favorite) and made an apple crisp. The smell filled the apartment and made everything feel so much more like fall.

As we ripped out pumpkin "guts" I separated the seeds for roasting. I'm so excited to have yummy pumpkin snacks!

Here's our finished product! I love Stephen's Trogdor pumpkin the best. He had us giggling all night.

Stephen's corn & pear salsa

2009-10-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

It is a supreme blessing to be with a man who cooks well. My favorite part? Trying new and exciting recipes Stephen dreams up. Last night he created this amazing corn and pear salsa. Sounds a bit crazy, no? Trust me, it is out of this world. Picture above, recipe below:

Stephen's Corn & Pear Salsa
1 can sweet corn
1 Bosc pear peeled and diced (I'm sure any pear would work)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 shallot, diced
1 serrano pepper, seeded and diced
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp, rosemary
salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy!!

Cat lady

2009-10-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

I know that many people will think this is just a symptom of me loving my cats too much (guilty as charged), but I think these custom pet portraits from Little Tank are delightful.

What do you think? Would you hang portraits of your pets?

Happy Monday!

2009-10-26T11:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday friends! I hope your weekends were wonderful and relaxing.

Mine was spent in Seattle with family and friends. It was great, but I didn't get much rest and didn't get to see Stephen since I was out of town...

Therefore, what's keeping me smiling today is that I get to spend my evenings this week relaxing and spending time with my love. First up is being a cheerleader at Stephen's soccer game tonight, followed by a home cooked meal. Heaven!

I hope you all spend your week having fun with loved ones!

(photo credit)

Start new

2009-10-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, the weekend is the way you wipe your slate clean of the troubles you experienced all week. Maybe that's why I love this quote so much :

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on."
-Robert Frost

(photo credit here)

Invasive cool

2009-10-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

I love the quirky charm and craftsmanship of these plates from Future Retrieval. At first glance they seem quite sophisticated, until you notice the beautiful pictures of pests.

What do you think? Would you eat off a plate with starlings or ants? Personally, I'd want to display them in hopes that the only thing invading my apartment would be their cheekiness.

Just walk it out

2009-10-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's only one hour into work and I can already tell it's going to be a stressful day. Thank God I'm going to the Oregon Humane Society tonight to walk dogs. Things may get crazy, but at least I'm guaranteed some relief later.

I'm especially looking forward to walking Cookie (pictured above), one of my favorite ladies.

No treats for me

2009-10-20T13:20:00.001-07:00

Right now I am craving a cupcake from the fabulous St. Cupcake; however, I'm trying hard to be good... sigh... For now I'll just stare at this picture and sip tea.

My heart's aflutter

2009-10-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Stephen just surprised me by telling me that he's secretly been planning an anniversary getaway!! All I'm allowed know is that we're going to Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa.

I'm so excited to find out the rest of the details in December! Obviously, my mind is swimming in the endless romantic possibilities.

In the mean time, I'll just bask in how damn lucky I am to have such a great man in my life.

Happy Monday!

2009-10-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to you all! Although my weekend flew by at super-sonic speeds, there are a few things that are keeping me peaceful:

I may have slacked on my OHS blogging, but donors definitely stepped up for the Oregon Humane Society's Telethon to End Petlessness. I volunteered all Sunday as people generously opened their pocketbooks for OHS pets, donating a jaw-dropping $261,000. Thank you to all who donated their time and money to this wonderful cause. Your generosity still has me smiling!

Another thing that has me beaming? My new Kate Spade purse! In a rather uncharacteristic showing of budget-indifference, I sprung for this beauty in green while shopping Saturday. I've been treating it like my child ever since.

I am feeling totally inspired by Nina Sankovitch (pictured above) of the 365 project. She is reading one book a day for a year. For me, her site is a gentle reminder that there is always time to do the things you love.

What is making you smile today? I hope it keeps you glowing all the way to Friday!

Happy Friday!

2009-10-16T09:20:00.001-07:00

I didn't have a chance to give you a happy Monday message due to Mid-West travel, so it is with great pleasure that I wish you all a very happy Friday!

Portland is due for quite a bit of rain this weekend, but I don't care. I'll just think of this poster by Seattle-based Slide Sideways and smile.

My plan include sleeping in and doing nothing in particular. How about you?

What love is...

2009-10-15T16:25:00.001-07:00

Last night I was quite sick, undoubtedly from too many french fries. Stephen tended to my whiny needs with medicine, water and back rubs; making me realize how lucky I am to have someone in my life who is willing to hold my hair back.

So, if I could make one of these hearts for Stephen, it would say:

I love you more than Rolaids.

Getaway

2009-10-15T09:16:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been fantasizing about relaxing in a remote destination where my only job is to be at total peace.

Of course, doing this at the fabulous Matisse B&B in Rome is out of the question with rent to pay, but it seems ideal. At this point, I am such a stress ball that I would happily settle for a delightful B&B closer to home. Any recommendations?

How about you? What's your dream destination?

She's a natural

2009-10-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's the change in the season, but lately I have been drawn to jewelry with a rough, natural edge. For instance, I am in love with this agate cuff (and frankly, the whole collection) from Emily Hormuth. What do you think? Would you incorporate pieces like this into your fall look?

My favorite prayer:

2009-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Most Richly Blessed
by an Unknown Civil War Veteran
Displayed in the Lobby of the Shreveport, LA Veterans Hospital

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might become wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given Life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers and true needs were fulfilled.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Boots!

2009-10-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have finally struck gold in my attempts to find the perfect boots for the impending cold season! I found these both at Urban Outfitters and could not be happier!

Can you believe that these were only $48?! I recovered from my shock just in time to snap them up. These will be perfect for running around town. Dressy enough to go out but with the forgiveness of no heel.

These booties are too cute. I love wedges and was blown away by the price: $58! I can't wait to start putting together outfits!

I still can't believe I got these both for a little over $100! What are some of your best buys this season?

Happy Monday!

2009-10-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I hope you all had wonderful weekends that have turned into fabulous Mondays. Here is what's making my Monday so great:

Stephen and I went to get our pumpkin on Saturday. We journeyed out to the country to Roloff Farms (as seen on TLC's Little People Big World).

While some people were excited to see Matt Roloff and clan, Stephen and I got our kicks playing in the hay, picking our pumpkin and going to the petting zoo. Thinking about all the fun times on that crisp morning is still melting my heart.

I saw this great print from Lucky Bluebird Art and thought that it would be the perfect addition to any home because of both its whimsical design (I love the colors) and its great message.

It may still be the morning, but I am already overly eager to have happy hour with my girls after work. We don't have a location nailed down yet, but I know its going to be the perfect way to spend the early evening!

How about you?! Why is your Monday magnificent?

Paparazzi Purse

2009-09-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

By no means am I remotely close to famous (thank god), but I can't help but be intrugied by this Anti-Paparazzi Purse line from Adam Harvey that is due out in 2010.

This revolutionary purse has LED lights built in so celebs (or the extremely camera shy) can avoid being photographed.

How cool is that? Would you buy one of these?

Waiting...

2009-09-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Rent is due tomorrow so all shopping desires are on hold until the weekend. Here's what I can't wait to buy:

I saw these at Nordstrom yesterday and totally fell in love. I really want them but they're $100. What do you think? Worth it?

This gorgeous necklace from Laura Lombardi Jewelry would be the perfect addition to this adorable sweater from Anthropologie:

Now I have three more reasons to be excited for the weekend...

Little Black Dress, Real Big Change

2009-09-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled upon one of the most interesting and creative uses of the Little Black Dress that I've seen in awhile: The Uniform Project.

The Uniform Project is a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India, in which founder, Sheena Matheiken, is wearing the same black dress (she has seven identical versions) every day for a year. People can visit her site, rate her outfits and make donations.

I love her quirky sense of style, but what I find especially inspiring is using fashion to create social change. Amazing.

Happy Monday

2009-09-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Monday may be more than half way over, but here are the things that are keeping me smiling:

Stephen and I spent the weekend in Hood Canal, which was a complete dream. Just thinking about walking along the shore collecting oysters or skimming the water in the four person boat makes my heart happy.

I am always searching for the perfect gifts for loved ones. This personalized guitar pick from JC Jewelry Design would be perfect for my rock-and-roll historian father. Would you buy this for the music lover in your life?

When I saw this gorgeous tube scarf at American Apparel I decided then and there to knit my own. I always get excited to have a new knitting project! I'll planning on a navy blue version in cuddle-worthy merino wool.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday that turns into an amazing week!

(Hood Canal photo credit)