Glamping at Hart's Camp!

Fine. I’ll admit it. We have an obsession with the Oregon Coast. As I am typing this, I’m staring at my dayplanner which has 4 more weekend trips booked to the coast & that’s just through May! So yeah, it’s becoming a thing. When Hart’s Camp invited us to visit Pacific City again & stay in their adorable airstream hotel it was a YES (an excited yes, to be exact.) Basically you had me at glamping.

We left Portland after work on a Friday and drove the 2.5 hours to Pacific City. It took us a bit longer because we encountered some crazy snow along the mountain pass so I was beyond ready to relax once we made it to Hart’s. Hart’s Camp is located behind The Inn at Cape Kiwanda, which is directly across the street from the beach at Cape Kiwanda & the dunes! It’s maybe a five minute walk from the airstream to the ocean. Each trailer has a full kitchen, an indoor shower, outdoor shower (Matt’s FAVORITE feature), a BBQ pit, indoor kitchen, outdoor picnic table, beds with super cozy sheets & all the cooking supplies you need! Plus, a chemex coffee maker if you need that caffeine fix. The storage space in these trailers is impressive!

We brought our own meals to cook & made sure we were stocked up in snacks, tea & kombucha (our faves!!). During the day we ran around the beach, playing in the dines. And at night, we built a campfire in our private backyard space & grilled salmon + made some pretty killer smore’s. We had planned to wake up at sunrise every day BUT the bed was so ridiculously comfortable that we opted for cuddle time instead. Right outside the door from our trailer, there was a kite shop which we visited and left with the cutest shark kite you’ve ever seen. Matt ran up and down the dunes flying that thing everywhere!! It was the perfect purchase!! Most definitely stop by the kite shop & show them some love.

We stayed through Sunday & checked out of Hart’s Camp on our final day there but decided to stay in Pacific City until sunset just to see the beach transform. There is nothing like a sunset on the coast. Trust me. The town is pretty small but has everything you need for the weekend, including Pelican Brewing (try the beer flight), Stimulus Coffee & some mighty fun breakfast tacos at Ben and Jeff’s! There’s also a small market with lots of food + drinks + seafood if you do need to stock up while you’re there. Or if you just need an ice cream cone because you are at the beach.

I’ve always wanted to stay in an Airstream & think my new retirement plan is to own one eventually. It was SO cozy & had the perfect mix of comfort + camping. Thanks again to Hart’s Camp for having us! You are some amazing people, ya know that?!

Stay tuned for our next trip!
OH, all photos were taken by my handsome fella! He’s amazing!!
(LOVE YOU, BOO!!) My partner in crime, forever.

Oregon Coast Winters at Headlands Lodge

Ah, the Oregon coast! How we love it so. If you’ve never been, it’s not your typical lay out on the sand working on that golden tan type of beach. It’s more of a rugged, breathtaking, bundle up to hike through sand dunes type of beach & the winter is a perfect time to visit. Trust me on this. Matt & I had a chance to stay a couple of nights at one of the newest beach resorts, Headlands Lodge. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!

Headlands is located in Pacific City which is the home to Cape Kiwanda, the gorgeous sand dunes you’ve probably seen in Instagram land. We arrived at night time so didn’t even see that our room view was the ocean & the iconic Haystack rock. Yep, there are apparently two Haystack Rocks in Oregon. Also, check out that bathtub in the middle of the room. SOLD! It rained & stormed a majority of the time we were there, which didn’t bother me in the slightest. There was a small moment of sunshine in between storms so we ran around outside in between bathtub soaks, movie watching, hot tub dips, sauna time + the yummy Meridian restaurant. There’s also a spa in the lodge, if you’re interested in massages + facials + other treatments. And a gym!

If you know Matt & I, you know we typically camp or prefer to travel on a budget. I can say for certain that Headlands is worth the extra splurge for special occasions & ocean views. They’ve thoughtfully curated an entire experience from the second you walk into the lodge until you check out. I was happy to see so many local Oregon makers represented in the gift shop & in that glorious snack pantry (which is open 24/7!!). Did I mention the warm cookies + milk we had delivered to our room the first night? Well….it was worth it. We stayed in the King Signature room but there are several different options.

Already planning our next trip! It’s amazing how quickly you can feel rejuvenated after only two days. Looking forward to more coast adventures and exploring more new places in 2019. There’s no shortage in Oregon. If you book a stay at Headlands Lodge, let us know how you liked it! I’m fairly certain it will meet every expectation. PS. Don’t forget the cookies.

Backyard Hangs with Q Stove!

It’s the best time of the year! Don’t fight me on this. Fall is the season of all things cuddly + magic. You can keep your sweaty days of summer. I’m filling my time with bonfires, backyard hangs, apple cider + whiskey, spooky movies (not too spooky…like Casper level), haunted corn mazes and Friendsgiving! We recently had the chance to add a Q Stove pellet stove to our backyard for a test run so yes, we jumped on it!

This is the first time we’ve shared the backyard on the blog! So, welcome! We like to host people….a lot. One quirky thing about our house is that it’s missing a dining room which means our backyard has become the dining area. No complaints here! Matt always wants a fire going in the back and I’m way more likely to hang longer if I’m warm, which means the Q Stove was a great addition to our space. It’s advertised as being efficient, quick warming, leaving no trace and produces way less smoke than your typical fire pit. We live in the city and our neighbors are right up against us so less smoke is a huge win! Less text messages from concerned neighbors? I’ll take it.

The set up took a bit longer than expected and was a little tricker than I anticipated. But perks of being married to a carpenter - 1) all the tools we have 2) general knowledge of how to put together anything, anywhere. I just sit back and let Matt handle it. He lets me know when we’re ready for the hot cocoa. It’s called a partnership. Although advertised as portable, we are going to leave it set up in the backyard. It can handle the Portland rainy season which is quickly upon is! IT IS SNUGGLE WEATHER!

Check out the Q-Stove on Amazon for more info! Or just come over! :)

It’s now available on Amazon Prime, which helps when shipping something this large + heavy!

Photos by the one and only, Abby Tohline! Dang, she’s good.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Q Stoves.
The opinions and text are all mine.

BANFF, Canada + Nau Clothing!

Four years ago, I made a simple yet profound promise to myself to start saying 'yes' to opportunities that presented themselves but seemed scary. Anything that made me hesitate out of fear, I would push through and go for it regardless of what my anxious heart was telling me. This small decision to say 'yes' to the scary things has changed the course of my life. It's how I met Matt (rock climbing!), the reason we eloped at a waterfall 12 months later and then moved across the country to Portland, OR after selling most of our possessions. Fast forward a few years and it's also why I said 'yes' to a whirlwind trip to Banff, Canada with Nau Clothing and a couple of the raddest ladies you'll ever meet. 

I boarded a 7 am flight from Portland to meet up with Ruthanne and Laura, excited to spend the next 72 hours exploring and documenting what we saw. And let me tell you, I wasn't ready for what I was about to experience. Banff is easily one of the most breathtaking places in the world! I still don't know how one has the capacity to take in this much beauty. (WE WERE FREAKING OUT around every corner!) I landed in Canada, hopped in the car with Ruthanne, our amazing photographer, and we started exploring immediately. However, before heading to the mountains we needed fuel. And by fuel, I mean hamburgers (obviously). We stopped at Park Restaurant + Distillery and it quickly became our favorite hangout. I'm not ashamed to admit we ate there three different times in the course of 72 hours. Put it on your list because it is worth it! 

Our destination that evening was Peyto Lake. We knew the sunset views were gorgeous and wanted to shoot some of our favorite Nau fall pieces with the lake as the backdrop. The water is the most amazing shade of ice blue! I'm going to let the photos do the talking because words cannot do it justice. I was giddy with happiness and my eyes were sore on the way home from trying to take so much in. We stayed until the sun went down then headed back into Banff to pick up the third member of our team! 

The next morning, we woke up and ran around downtown Banff. It's not very big but there's charm around every single corner. It is a gorgeous town with the Rockies as a backdrop and it's impossible not to be smitten by this place and the people. Our Nau gear was perfect to take us from the city to the mountains. I felt comfortable, stylish and ready for brunch or a mountain hike. After lunch, we packed up and drove to Lake Louise! Lake Louise was one of the most popular spots we visited so prepared for a lot of foot traffic here. It was packed! But also amazingly gorgeous. 

After Lake Louise, our trip took an unexpected turn and we decided to drive to Jasper! Why not, right?! I think the drive up was one of my favorite parts of this trip. The sites along the highway are awe inspiring. Mountain range after mountain range with glaciers and wildlife and a tree line that doesn't ever reach it's end. We had to stop ourselves from constantly hopping out of the car to explore but we did allow a few quick detours. What's a roadtrip without some unplanned adventuring?! Not any kind I want to be on. 

We finally reached Maligne Lake about an hour before sunset. Our intention was to hike to Spirit Island, but we didn't realize how long of a hike that would actually be and decided it would be impossible for us to make it. It's hard to be upset about a change in plans with this much beauty around. We hiked the lake route for as long as the sunlight would allow and snapped more photos. Feast your eyes because this is about to get good. 

As the darkness surrounded us, we hiked back to the car (VERY quickly because we saw bear poop on the trail!!) and started the four hour drive back to our Airbnb. Fueled by country music, Dr Pepper, convenient store ice cream and sleep deprived giggle fits, we headed back towards Banff. Our last night together was already here and it felt like I'd barely scratched the surface of all I needed to see. It was hard going to sleep that night knowing what we'd be waking up to explore the next day. 

That next morning, we drove to Moraine Lake. (You may have heard of it.) The traffic was getting pretty heavy and the parking lot was already full, which meant we had to take a shuttle. At this point, I wasn't sure if what we were about to see would live up to the hype. I'm happy to say I was wrong. Moraine is breathtaking!! We hiked to the top, laughing and making inside jokes, and were all stunned by how gorgeous it was. It's other worldly. I feel a deep appreciation that I was able to visit. And not only visit, but take a canoe ride inside this glacier lake! What is this life?! My canoe skills are complete rubbish but I still couldn't stop smiling. 

From all day airline travel, to brunching in town, to long road trips, to hiking up mountains to canoeing in glacier lakes - my Nau gear was perfect! It's all I wore the entire trip. And what I've worn every day since returning to Portland! 

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from their fall collection:

- Long Sleeve Kanab Striped Crew 

- Ellipsis Recycled Down Shirt Jacket in Ponderosa 

- Randygoat Stretch Tights

- Long Sleeve Randygoat Lite Zip Neck Pullover

- Asym Lite Insulated Trench

A huge thank you to the AMAZING team at Nau for sponsoring this trip of a lifetime and for Ruthanne for sharing her gift of photography with us. I'll treasure these photos forever. You are one gifted gal!

I'll be back, Banff! You sexy thing. And I’m going to share a few more of Ruthanne’s photos in another blog post BECAUSE THERE ARE JUST SO MANY and they are just SO good! That’s all for now! xo!

Van Life with GoCamp!

Let's talk about the latest craze to hit the PNW - VAN LIFE!
Ok, who am I kidding? Van life has been part of northwest culture forever. Matt and I are currently saving up for a camper van of our very own which made this partnership with GoCamp even more exciting! Think of GoCamp  as theAirbnb of camper vans, which allows you to rent amazing vans that belong to rad people in the area. How cool is that?! 

Abby and I were incredibly lucky to plan a trip in Roads and Rose, a GORGEOUS luxurious sprinter van from your dreams. We met Roses's amazing owner outside of Portland, OR for a quick training sesh then we hit the road!!
Our route went a little something like this:
Portland - Sisters - Bend - Timothy Lake - Government Camp - Portland!
Part of me is still amazed that we're adult enough to make this happen. Who put us in charge?! Of anything?! I'll let the photos do most of the talking this round. Feast yo eyes! 

We stayed in Sisters, OR the first night at a fun campground surrounded by adorable families. Call me crazy but I like having people around when sleeping 'outside'. Matt? Not so much. Give him the spot farthest from civilization and he's a happy man. I'll also admit that we drove into town that night for margaritas + tacos. Hey, we make our own rules. Next stop? Lake Timothy! The most AMAZING campsite I've ever stayed at! 

Campfires and open roads and mountains and lakes and lots of laughing plus a two hour adventure in Mt Hood National Forest where we got lost with no cell service (10/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND) and we STILL had a marvelous time! Check out GoCamp to rent a van for your own trip! It's the best sleep I've ever had on a camping trip. I am sold, yall! And how cute is Tifanie? The lovely soul who owns Rose! 

A huge thank you to Abby, my partner in crime, for taking these amazing photos! 
And to Tifanie and the crew at GoCamp!! Yall are WONDERFUL! 

San Juan Island Travel Guide!

We love living in the pacific northwest. There's SO much to explore, see, do, eat, experience that it can feel overwhelming at times. The San Juan Islands had been on our 'must see' list for a while and we were thrilled when the lovely crews at Clipper Vacations and Visit San Juans reached out and offered us a chance to visit San Juan Island + join a whale watching tour and a kayak tour around the gorgeous island. Yes, yes, yes! It came at a perfect time for Matt and I to spend time together before he headed off to Alaska for salmon fishing season. Miss that wild thing when he's gone. 

We wanted to share some of our favorite spots so you can plan our own vacation to see this amazing place. You'll become quite smitten in no time at all. 

We spent two days on San Juan Island and part of the fun was getting there! Clipper Vacations made the process seamless. We drove up to Seattle from Portland and caught the San Juan Island Ferry early Tuesday morning and settled in for a 3 hour ferry ride. It was such a dream! Snacks, drinks and a naturalist on board to help guide our ride. It was pretty cold + windy that day but we snuck on the top deck to see some of the beauty as we sailed across. We were both amazed at how quickly three hours flew by! Before we knew it, we had arrived at GORGEOUS Friday Harbor and had a few minutes to explore before our Whale Watching Tour began, also by Clipper. 

We hopped off the ferry just in awe of how gorgeous the Friday Harbor was. Sunny skies and amazing weather greeted us. But we heard it's perfect about 85% of the time. Sign me up! We walked an easy four blocks from the harbor to our lodging, Earthbox Inn and Spa. There aren't too many places to stay on the island and Earthbox was a total hit. Swimming pool, hot tub, cozy robes in your room, comfie beds and all natural products to use made us feel immediately at home. Plus, the staff was helpful and crazy nice. However, no time to nap because WHALES!! We got a snack then walked back to the harbor and hopped back on the Clipper San Juan Island Ferry in hopes to see some orcas, seals, sea lions, and more. Spoiler alert....WE SAW THEM ALL!! 

The Salish Sea is one of the world's largest and biologically rich areas and full of spectacular wildlife. This tour is one of the best places to see orca, humpback, gray and minke whales in their natural habitat. Clipper's popular whale watching tour features and expert naturalist who guides and educates passengers about San Juan's local wildlife and whale conservation throughout the tour. We saw five gorgeous orcas!! The naturalist shared that the momma whale was born in 1981, same as me!! That was pretty special. My favorite part of the day was hearing everyone on the boat shout with happiness whenever the whales would come to the surface. It's awe inspiring. Truly. The entire tour is about 2.5 hours and flies by.

After the tour, we explored the island a bit more. It's super small so you can walk a lot of places, which we loved. We met our local guide, Amy from the San Juan Visitors Bureau, for dinner that night to hear more about the island. We had seafood at Cask and Schooner (DELICIOUS) and chatted about the amazing things we'd be experiencing on the island. Amy was an amazing tour guide and she knows more about whales than anybody I've ever met! Which was awesome because we had lots of questions. After dinner, we headed off to the room for Netflix + chill time because....vacation!! Plus, we were planning to meet up with Amy early the next morning and explore the south side of the island. WHICH WAS AMAZING! 

Our first stop early the next morning? San Juan Island National Historic Park at American Camp! It was created in 1966 and based upon an idea - that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully without resorting to violence. At this spot in 1859, The U.S and Great Britain almost went to war over a pig shot by an American Farmer. (You can't make this stuff up, people!) It was slightly more complicated than that and the Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday to help answer all the questions! We walked the grounds, saw an eagle's nest, learned from the locals and explored the beautiful South Beach. We saw deer, bald eagles, fox and a snake that narrowly missed slithering right over my shoe. It's cool. We handled it. ;) And by handled it, I mean I shrieked while the scared little guy took off. 

Next stop?! Oh man I am excited to share Pelindaba Lavender Farm with you because it was enchanting! And they had so many yummy products to taste and try! Pelindaba is a premier grower of lavender plants, distiller of lavender essential oils and handcrafter of lavender products. We tried (and purchased for ourselves) lavender vanilla ice cream, lavender lemonade, lavender hot chocolate, lavender balm, lotions and more! They cultivate the flowers in organically certified fields and extract the essential oil in an on-site distillery. There's a general store and an interactive walk through area that teaches you how they create their essential oils. It's fascinating! And that ice cream was divine! Thankfully, they have a Portland location which means I can fulfill my homemade ice cream fantasies all summer long. 

Just a few miles away is Lime Kiln State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park. This is one of the best places in the WORLD to view whales from shore. The park is stunning, even without the chance of spotting whales. It's located nine miles west of Friday Harbor and is a 36 acre park which has 2,550 feet of waterfront overlooking Haro Strait to Victoria, BC. There are hiking trails, a visitor center + gift shop, an amazing 1919 lighthouse which offices whale experts to help answer questions and a restored lime kiln. We came here twice. It was that good. 

We parted ways with our sweet tour guide, Amy, and headed back to Friday Harbor for a quick lunch before our Clipper Kayak Tour! I'm not the best kayaker in the universe (faaaar from it) but this tour was perfect for total beginners or mega experts, like my fella. The San Juan Islands are considered one of the top sea kayaking destinations in the world. Paddling this area offers rugged coastline, expansive ocean views, snow-covered mountains and marine life sightings - like orcas, seals, sea lions, jellyfish, eagles and more. We held a non stinging jellyfish and Matt found an oyster.....and ate it. Ha! This tour was a blast! Kayaking is such a fun and interesting way to explore the coastline. We were able to see areas you could never see on foot. We loved it!! The hours FLEW by! The tour groups are small so you have plenty of chances to ask questions and learn about the beauty you're surrounded by. This kayak experience is a must do! I was actually nervous but I promise you can do it and you'll be so happy you did. 

After kayaking, we had just enough time to grab tacos then visit The Whale Museum! This museum is incredible. This is the first museum in the world to promote the stewardship of whales through education and research. It's full of engaging interactive exhibits that teach about the Salish Sea ecosystem and the marine mammals that inhabit it. It's perfect for kiddos and adults, alike! Matt even brought home some local artwork from the gift shop. This place was a blast. Next stop? A movie at the local theater. We saw Solo. (I let Matt choose.) And ya know, it was great!! We walked around Friday Harbor after the movie and it was gorgeous by moonlight. San Juan Island is incredibly safe and clean. I really, really loved that about it. And so quiet at night! Which brings us to naptime before our last day on the island. 

The next morning, we had coffee then walked over to Susie's Mopeds to pick up our wheels for the day. We wanted to explore the north side of the island, which was about a twenty minute drive from Friday Harbor. You can drive around the entire island in less than two hours! We got a scoot coupe, which has been an island tradition since 1986. I was slightly nervous about this but it was PERFECT! You HAVE to rent one of these! I let Matt drive (obviously) but the crew at Susie's Mopeds hooked us up with helmets, blankets and a map marked with all of the places we had to stop and explore. We were giggling at how amazing these little three wheelers were and had a blast scooting around the island. You can also rent a moped or bicycle, but I would highly recommend the scoot coupe. It's just so unique!! Got a quick rundown then off we went to Roche Harbor! 

Roche Harbor BLEW my mind! It was gorgeous! We had an amazing breakfast at Lime Kiln Cafe then explored a bit. I felt like we were in a Disney movie. No joke. It's that gorgeous. Roche Harbor has five different lodging options with activities to fit anyone's style. You can book a Clipper Kayak Experience here as well. We're definitely doing that next time. Roche Harbor is small but amazing. We really loved it.  

After a couple of hours, we hopped back into the scoot coupe to explore the rest of the island! We previously visited American Camp and knew we had to get the full experience by visiting San Juan Island National Historic Park at English Camp! This is where the British Soldiers lived for twelve years during the peaceful disagreement. There was a fascinating short film which helped explain the history about this spot. It was gorgeous. They had it much better than the American camp. ;)

We had a few more hours left to explore before catching the ferry back to Seattle so we kept driving down the island loop and got more lavender ice cream plus stopped off to hike at Lime Kiln State Park. Matt loved this place. It was truly amazing. 

We arrived back safe and sound then got coffee and clam chowder before boarding our ferry back to Seattle! There were so many more spots we wished we could have visited during our short stay but we saw enough to know we'll be back.

We want to send a huge thank you to the amazing team at Clipper Vacations and the wonderful crew at Visit San Juans for helping make this trip a dream. They are the perfect vacation planners and will make sure your trip is tailored perfectly for you. San Juan Island exceeded every expectation we had. I can't wait to take both of our parents back for a trip! Thanks for following along! Much love to you. 

Travel Oregon Wine + Adventure Tour

DREAMS COME TRUE!
We recently had an amazing opportunity to travel to southern Oregon in collaboration with Travel Oregon. This was something I've been wanting to do for ages and we were both SO excited about this particular collab. Last weekend, we road tripped to gorgeous Ashland, OR and visited four of Oregon's finest wineries and also four adventure locations along the way. Oregon wine month is in May and it was a blast exploring the beauty of our great state as well as sample amazing wines grown locally in Oregon. I really do think it's heaven on earth here. Or it's as close as humanly possible. 

Our first stop was Abacela Vineyard! We had such a special experience at Abacela in Roseburg. Their landscape is stunning and they're home to some of the best Tempranillo in the country. Schedule a private tasting with one of their knowledgeable staff for your visit. We loved having the chance to sample and ask questions about their entire process. In the private tasting, you'll hear the history of Abacela plus learn about the grape varieties that make their winery one of Oregon's favorites. On May 5, the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Barrel Tour visits Abacela and other local wineries in celebration of Oregon Wine Month. Just look how amazing it is! 

Next to Abacela Vineyards is Wildlife Safari, the only drive-through animal park in the state of Oregon. It is a blast! This is a must-visit for adults and kiddos alike. We saw ostrich, bears, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, lions and so many other gorgeous animals — there's even a baby giraffe. I don't think we stopped smiling the entire time. Wildlife Safari is dedicated to the preservation and education of native and exotic wildlife, especially those that live at the park. You gotta see it. Fun fact: Wildlife Safari receives hay from Abacela and in returns the Safari sends over “zoo doo” for the winery’s nutrient-rich fertilizer.

We continued on to Ashland and checked in to Ashland Hills Hotel for the weekend. LOVED it! Free breakfast, dog friendly, hot tub, great location! And they upgraded us to a suite! SWEET!! ;) The view off our balcony was amazing. Ashland is SERIOUSLY stunning. I cannot stress enough how beautiful southern Oregon is. But then it was nap time because we had an early wake up call. 

The next morning, it was worth waking up early to hike Hobart Bluff in the morning sunshine. The trail is just 19 miles from the Ashland Hills Hotel (where we stayed), and it’s a short and sweet hike with an amazing payoff. Better yet, Hobart Bluff is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and in the beautiful Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. 10/10 would recommend. How gorgeous is Oregon?! 

After this hike we deserved a cheers — after all we’re celebrating Oregon Wine Month. Pairing a beautiful hike with a wine tasting at Irvine & Roberts Vineyards just makes sense. Not only does Oregon have some of the best wines in the U.S., we’d argue that it has the best vineyard views too. We loved spending the afternoon at Irvine & Roberts, and it paired perfectly with a hike to Hobart Bluff. Irvine & Roberts is a new family-owned winery in Ashland with breathtaking views of the Rogue Valley. It’s beyond beautiful. And the charcuterie is pretty great too, especially with their pinot noir and chardonnay. Yes, we took a bottle home with us. We even got to meet one of the co-owners, Dionne, and learn more about the wine. I am HERE for the wine life. Sold. 

On to the next adventure!! What is there not to love about a historic covered bridge? Oregon has a lot of them (50 in fact), but you might not have heard of McKee Bridge. It was originally built in 1917 to link a copper mine to the town of Jacksonville. Today it’s car-free and recently renovated. We took our time admiring the gorgeous infrastructure. Apparently in the summer this a sweet swimming area, too. We paired our visit to McKee Bridge with a wine tasting at Red Lily Vineyard, because Oregon Wine Month pairs well with the great outdoors. Have I mentioned how much I love it here? 

Red Lily Vineyards in Jacksonville has a super fun atmosphere. There are wine tastings in test tubes and the sitting area is right by the beautiful Applegate River. Everyone was having a blast on this sunny day in Southern Oregon (as my giant smile shows). We sampled some ports — our new favorites — and soaked up all the sunshine and beauty. This location is beyond gorgeous.

After that? We spent some time exploring Jacksonville then headed back to Ashland for dinner + nap time in preparation for our last day of exploring. Early to bed and early to rise for our next Oregon hike. 

Table Rocks is one of our favorite hikes, located 15 miles north of Medford. If you’re on a mission for wildflowers, then this is your spot — if you're lucky you'll see the very rare dwarf-wooly meadowfoam, which is found nowhere else in the world! This was a moderately easy hike and the views from the top are incredible. We’ll be returning to this spot again as one trip isn’t nearly enough. Mountains + valleys + flowers + birds! Pack your camera for this one. Best of all, Table Rocks is near a wonderful winery, Kriselle Cellars, a great place to celebrate Oregon Wine Month.

Three words - pizza AND wine! Not only does Kriselle Cellars, an amazingly gorgeous property, produce delicious wine (oh yes, we sampled quite a few) but they also have wood-fired pizza! And you have got to try the cabernet sauvignon. The staff and the owners are kind + hardworking people who truly love what they do....and it shows. The winery hosts many community wide events, like live music and painting days. Kriselle Cellars is located next to the Rogue River, which gives their grapes character unlike many others, and you can see the Table Rocks in the distance. Another must-see when touring Oregon’s wine country! Yes, I am a wine girl now. And Matt is happy whenever there’s a river or ocean nearby. Kriselle Cellars is one of the wineries featured on Roam the Rogue, an Oregon Wine Month event, on May 5. 

After this, we returned home to our beloved Portland happy + filled with a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and hard work that goes into producing these amazing wines. A HUGE thank you to all the amazing people we met along the way. Thank you for taking the time to show us your gorgeous properties while sharing your story. It was an honor seeing your passions come to life. 

And thank you to Travel Oregon for making this trip possible! I just love you guys.
And forever thankful to call this amazing state home. 

Cheers! 

Portland House Tour + City Home!

You guys!
Welcome to our home!
(And yes, this photo was taken last week and our Christmas lights are STILL UP! Just feels right.) 

We moved into this house 5 months ago and we're both SO thankful for our little southeast cottage. A few months ago, we decided it was time to start the dreaded couch hunt. Our's was a Craigslist purchase which had seen better days. Nothing like feeling springs in your booty and sinking right down into the middle after you've been perched a bit. (Which we're currently selling it on Craigslist so holla at your girl! Eh, eh?! I'm really selling ya on it.)

The amazing crew at City Home heard we needed a couch and asked if we'd like to work together.
AND WE SAID YES BECAUSE THEY ARE INCREDIBLE!
In case you aren't familiar, City Home is a local Portland business with gorgeous new + vintage pieces for every room in your home. Never fear if you aren't local! They have online shopping where you can get your fix! And ya'll know I invited my lady, Abby Tohline, into this collaboration because her photo skills are amazing and it's always more fun working with friends! We were given the opportunity to choose City Home pieces for each other's living room's and here is my living room reveal!

DRUM ROOOOOOOOOOLL!! 

Gorgeous Lana sofa from City Home 

Rug + coffee table decor from City Home 

Woven Wall Hanging + Throw Pillow from City Home 

Fern Wall Scroll from City Home 

Pillow + Blanket +  Rug from City Home

Candle from City Home

Pillow from City Home

Chair + Rug + Pillow from City Home

I'm just GIDDY about our living room. (ABBY, YOU ANGEL!)
So let me tell you a little about the couch. It's fully customizable and comes with a lifetime guarantee! WHAT?! You choose the fabric + color + size (even sleeper!) then it's crafted in Portland and ready for pick up in a few weeks. We LOVE it! It's so soft and pretty and cozy and ahhh, so happy. Matt already slept on it one night and it totally passes the approval test.
(It's not what you think! He was sneezing so much I couldn't sleep!!!! Portland allergies. Sheesh.)

Again, I couldn't be more thrilled with how it all turned out. We're planning to pick up a few more items from City Home (two locations!) to decorate the rest of our place.
Speaking of that....wanna see the rest of the house?! To the kitchen we go! 

Fern Wall Scroll from City Home 

That nook though! Because we're renting, we aren't allowed to paint or nail things into the walls which has forced us be much more creative. Luckily, a lot of the art work from City Home is perfect because we can hang from the photo ledges. They saved us! 

Bedroom next! We live in a pretty small space so we're getting really good at making things work. Downsizing has been the name of the game but oddly, I don't miss all the extra. :) 

Skipped through the bathroom (because who really wants to see that) and onto the office + workout room + guest room + Matt's closet! And yes, it really does function as all of those things. I work from home so this is where I spend most of my time. However, when friends are here? Plop an air mattress down and there's your guest room! Magic! 

And that, ladies + gents, is our home! We'll show off the backyard once we've got it Arbo party approved. It's a cutie and we can't wait until summertime! Also, check out Abby's blog to see her decorated space! I'm pretty proud of it. 

A few closing thoughts.
When you work + live at home, it's important that you love your space. This is where we laugh and cry with our friends. Where we cook dinners and get giggly over shared bottles of wine. Where we pray and question and work and dream and sleep and snuggle. It's a special place and I'm so thankful for City Home for partnering with us to make this a home we can share with many people. We hope our space is a safe place that radiates peace. We love it here and are entirely grateful for every person that comes through the front door. And just wait until you sit on this couch! You're gonna flip. ;) 

Photos by Abby Tohline
In partnership with City Home.
(We LOVE you SO MUCH! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!) 

Spring + Jumpsuits Are Life Giving!

I know.

Jumpsuits.

They're taking over! And if you ignore the fact that going to the bathroom in public in a full body jumpsuit is kind of the worst then you can enjoy the goodness of this flattering + comfie trend. I can't stop buying them. You can't make me. 

This photo is what my little girl dreams were made of. A tree made of FLOWERS! A book and a blanket?! AHH! 

And although I'm not convinced I can pull of this beret situation, it's still fun to play dress up and run around in the rain in your favorite city on earth.
Still my heart's happy place. 



Photos taken by Abby Tohline! 
Blanket from Wakened Apparel! 
Jumpsuit from Urban Outfitters!
Books from Book of the Month Club! 
Shoes from Bryr Clogs!
Beret + Turtleneck from Moorea Seal! 

Spiritual Things

We've ALMOST made it through the winter. Portland is starting to bloom & I keep peeking at the apple tree outside our living room window as flowers begin covering the branches. As Rob Bell says, everything is spiritual. We've been increasingly moved to pursuing more silence + meditation during this phase of our life. Not quite sure why but we're leaning in and enjoying it. 

Matt recently joined my yoga studio and it's been SO fun having him there beside me. I love that he prays before every class, asking God to reveal himself through the quiet, repetitive movements. The crazy thing? It's totally working. We both feel it. So we continue to press into the things that move our souls. This city does that. Our friends do that. Meditation does that. Even yoga has a spiritual connectedness. I don't know why or how it all works and I'm not fearful of it. (I'm probably more fearful of sharing images of myself doing subpar yoga poses in leggings.) But hey....why not? 

We're learning a lot in this season about marriage + goals + working hard + figuring out what's really important to us. Living based upon our personal values + beliefs that change over time but not in a bad way. Change doesn't have to be terrifying or fought against. I'm learning that year after year.
(But I'm more than happy to stay living in Portland forever so that isn't the change I'm talking about. We're here. Really, really here.) Excited to see what the future holds for us. We don't have many plans. Just a few goals we're starting to work towards but that never seems to stop. 

As I mentioned before, I've been partnering with Yoga Club and LOVING it. I could live in active wear because I work from home and when we aren't working, we are playing pretty hard. So yoga pants + tank tops are my thriving place.

Want to try Yoga Club? It's a subscription service that sends you curated, adorable yoga gear every month and you save a TON of cash on name brand items. I'm currently receiving three items (leggings, top, outerwear) per month and the box goes for $79/month. They also give back to their community and yes to that! 
Here's a 20% off code for your first box so you can get started:
try.yogaclub.com/lauraelizabeth20

All photos taken in Portland by my lady love, Abby Tohline! 

Get Outside with Gaston Luga!

You've probably figured out by now that we love being outside. I don't love it quiiiite as much as my handsome fella BUT I'm getting there. Especially if we're outside in the pacific northwest and there's a gorgeous river close. How is it all so beautiful around here?! Not bored with it yet and I'll probably never be. Psh, I know I never will be. I'm obsessed with this place! 

Not only are we outside people but we are definitely bag people. It's like a thing. Offer us a bag and we're jumping on it! They're just so handy! The lovely team at Gaston Luga sent me this vegan friendly beauty to try out and man oh man is she purdy.
A few things to note:
- there's a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve
- made with strong + durable canvas and vegan leather pieces that are perfect for everyday use
- keeps your goods secure and fastened while you're exploring
- lots of fun color options found on their website (here) and Instagram (here)

I'm a sucker for olive green! Just gets me right in the feeler every time. Do you have a color that resonates deeply with you? It's weird, I know, but some colors are just more lovable than others. It's a cold hard fact. And my heart beats for olive green.
If you're looking for a backpack of your own here are some things to know:
There is a 20% off tax rebate (for non-EU customers) + 15 % off with my code (Arbo15) on the remaining price after tax rebate. Also, for a limited time they're offering a free leather address tag with any purchase while supplies last...all together this is a HUGE discount! Again, use code Arbo15 for 15% off your Gaston Luga. 

I'm a leather gal myself but if you're looking for a different option that's much more light weight, which a lot of people are these days, check out Gaston Luga! Then come hang with us in these misty mountains and let us help you fall in love. 

Thanks again to the fine folks at Gaston Luga for letting me share this beauty with all of you! And thanks for reading! 

Another thank you to Abby Tohline who continuously gets roped into taking photos of me.
That's what friends are fooooooooooor! Yeah? Yeah. 

Year of Yoga + Yoga Club Box!

Hello, I'm Laura.
And I'm a total skeptic.
Especially skeptical of all things deemed woo woo & trippy dippy.
Which is exactly how I felt about yoga until a year ago when it totally rocked me...in a good way!

We moved to Portland about two years ago (whoa!) and after moving into our apartment, I noticed a yoga studio directly across the street and decided to give it a whirl. Maybe it was the Portland influence or maybe it was something else calling me but after a few classes I knew I loved it. Like really, really loved it. Like my mental state was changing and even Matt could tell a difference in my demeanor when I would go regularly. I've always had a bit of anxiety and yoga helped me calm down and at the same time feel connected to all of those around me. At the end of class, I would often start to cry and couldn't really put my finger on it until later. Yoga had become a safe place for me and in this day there aren't many of those. There aren't many places where everyone truly is welcome and you're there to build each other up. This is why I loved it. It's helped me become stronger physically but mostly mentally + emotionally. 

This is why I was super excited to partner with Yoga Club, a subscription box program that sends you a curated yoga outfit every month. You simply fill out a quiz online then a stylist puts together your outfit based upon your preferences.  I chose neutrals because I'm that kinda girl. For every box purchased, they send a kid in need to a free yoga class! I LOVE THIS! Wanna try it? Click here for 20% off your first box. I received the outfit shown in all these photos + a yoga bra (not pictured). The pants are the SOFTEST yoga pants I have ever worn in my entire life. You can trust me on that. 

I plan to become more serious about my practice over this next year and hope to eventually teach. Whoa, that feels scary to type but I'm going for it. I really believe in this practice and have seen firsthand how amazing it is for body, soul + spirit. I feel yoga connects me more to God and those around me. So yeah, maybe I'm woo woo now. But I'm into it. 

Thanks to Yoga Club for gifting me the goodies! 
And for my girl Abby Tohline for taking these amazing photos! 

Holiday Event at Madewell!

Remember the event I got to host at Madewell last summer?! Well....it was so fun we're doing it again! It's always slightly terrifying when you get asked to host these things because there's the fleeting chance NOBODY shows up to your party BUT I love them so much it's worth the discomfort of the unknown. Party details belooooooooooow! 

Here's that pretty truck again! Matt and I keep saying we need to start an Instagram account of all the amazing old vehicles you see around PDX. And in case you were curious....I'm wearing a Madewell Northfield Mockneck sweater + Cali Demi Boot jeans! 

So here's your official invite! 

Come hang with me at the BRIDGEPORT Madewell on Sunday, December 17 from 2-4 pm! 
Sips + sweets + special IN STORE DISCOUNTS to treat yourself this holiday season! It's sweater season, y'all!
So bring a friend (or 5!) and come hang!
Husbands + babies + significant others welcome!

Ending with an outtake. Out take?! How do you even spell that?! Hope to see you there, Portland buddies!!! Now back to our full week of Christmas parties galore. THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

PS. Photos by my sweet man. <3

Alice + Whittles & Our New House!

You guys! We got a house! A real live 2 bedroom totally Portland style cottage house in our favorite neighborhood! Ok, so we're just renting BUT finding an affordable rental home in a PDX neighborhood you love is like winning the grownup olympics, yafeelme?! We got all moved in last weekend and we're in L O V E.
Plus, have I mentioned it's across the street from my favorite taco + margs shop?! Hallelujah! 

Now, let's talk about something else super Portland. RAINBOOTS! I never imagined the amount of gear needed when moving to this city. Solid rain gear is a must to endure the 7+ months of gloom and rainclouds. I first came across Alice + Whittles rainboots when I saw them on my sweet friend, Kathryn, and knew I had to have them.
LOOK AT THOSE SOLES! I can't handle it. I cannot. 

Not only are they gorgeous but also ethically made! Alice + Whittles is a lifestyle brand, it favours transparency, ethical manufacturing practices and worker empowerment as a means of creating long-lasting, positive change. Y'all KNOW I love a brand who helps make the world a better place. Horana, Sri Lanka is where the story of the boots began. They have a long-term relationship with a trusted, family-run factory that provides fair pay, safe work conditions, and support to their community. They take responsibility for their complete supply chain, all the way back to its raw materials. They use natural rubber from farms that are certified and audited by the Fair Rubber Association. I've been wearing these babies non-stop for about three weeks and they have my complete vote! 

Good news if you're eyeing these boots! TODAY is the last day to take advantage of their Cyber Monday sale! 70% off of select styles! This GORGEOUS red pair is only $48!! Sale ends tonight so run, run, run! 

Sidenote....this truck is parked just around the corner from our house and you better believe it's going to be showing up in a looooot of posts. Instagrammers DREAM come true around here.

(And if you're the owner, I swear I wasn't even touching it....just barely leaning, like my body never grazed it type of lean so we're all good.)

The Internet can be a pretty magical place, especially when it connects you with amazing companies with hearts of pure gold. I've really loved getting to know the crew behind Alice + Whittles and it's an honor to tromp through the rain in these gorgeous boots while representing this company. They're good people. And I have a thing for good people. 

There are TONS of styles and colors. Check them out and save while you still can! Time is running ooooooout!!
(Lol, but how funny are the super dramatic Black Friday/Cyber Monday ads?! But like for real you should hurry though because time is actually ticking.) 

Hope you had a glorious holiday weekend. I'm thankful for so many beautiful things in my life. Especially my precious husband who always says yes when I drag him outside to take my photos while prancing through leaves and waterfalls and neighborhoods. I've got one swell fella. 

Don't forget to check out Alice + Whittles! You'll love them. Cross my heart. 

Photos by the sexy husband of my dreams, Matthew William. 
Boots gifted by Alice + Whittles but all opinions are my own. 

Elevate Your Wardrobe + Sseko Designs!

It's FALL!! Ohmuhgoodness, the most wonderful time of the year. Maybe it's the vanilla latte I just consumed with jack-o-lantern latte art or the trees showing off in a major way but I'm feeling that autumn goodness real good. Judge if you will but Matt even took me on a date to Trader Joe's where I was able to fill the cart with every pumpkin flavored item my little fall pumping heart could handle. B L I S S! 

Portland is one sexy city during this season. I've been traveling to the PNW for the last 10 years during October and the charm never wears off. People are loveliest when they're bundled head to toe in cozy scarves, jackets, hats, etc. I'm sure of it. So maybe it's about to rain for 8 months straight? WHO CARES BECAUSE I JUST HAD JACK-O-LANTERN LATTE ART!?

While we're on the subject of fall fashion, let's chat about elevating your wardrobe when you're in a raincoat 97% of the time. Sseko Designs has designed a gorgeous fall line that's perfect for layering over sweaters. I'm wearing the Brass Tassel Necklace and can I get an amen for that fringe?! Blaaaaaargh, cutest! (And ethically made!!!) Turtle neck and jeans are blaw no more. Pop on some brass tassel-y goodness and I'm out the door ready for happy hour.
(I talk about happy hours a lot around here. It's like my thing.)

Every purchase you make with Sseko helps women, like my Sole Sister Shakira, have a brighter future! Read Shakira's story here! Have you thought about joining the Sseko team?! By becoming part of the Sseko Fellows tribe, you can earn an income while sharing the Sseko story and selling gorgeous products to your community ALL while earning your Sole Sister an additional scholarship for University. Some seriously good karma about to come your way.

Peace, love + all those fall feels. I hope you're snuggling in for an autumn straight out of Stars Hollow.

All photos taken in SE Portland by my boo thang, Abby Tohline. 

You're Invited! Come hang at Madewell!

I've been hearing Madewell buzz for quite some time but never fully dove in. I've owned a couple of Madewell items which I purchased from a thriftstore but had formed this mental block thinking their clothes weren't really for me. Ok ok ok, now I publicly apologize for that thought! They're SO great! 

Which is why I was thrilled when Madewell reached out and asked me to host an event at their Bridgeport location. And the best part is that YOU are invited! So come hang out this Sunday, April 30th from 2-4 pm! Sips, snacks + 20% off discount if you spend $125 or more! Excited to meet new folks and mingle with my buddies. Bring your friends, lovers, babies, whoever! Should be super fun! 

And don't forget....Bridgeport. I'll make the short drive worth it by repaying you in hugs. 

Wearing: jeans, sweater, shoes, bandana

Photos by: Abby Tohline

Sseko Designs + Sseko Fellows Spotlight!

It's no secret that I LOVE  Sseko Designs. I received an invitation to hang out at their Portland offices about a year ago and instantly fell in love with the gorgeous products plus the story behind Sseko. And, might I say, this crew is a total blast to hang out with! Laughs on laughs whenever I spend time with them. I'm never letting them go. 

Sseko Designs is a fashion brand based in Uganda. Through the sale of beautiful handbags, accessories and leather sandals, they create opportunity and community for women globally. They believe that every woman has a dream. When she has the opportunity to pursue those dreams, we are collectively walking towards a brighter, more just and beautiful world.

Their spring line is INSANE! Gorgeous tans + pinks + golds. Here are a few of my absolute favorite pieces! Did a backyard photoshoot with Abby Tohline, obviously. And yes we do have matching sandals. #bff? And yes, my backyard really does look like this. The most heavenly magnolia tree you ever did see is right outside our window. 

Links to gorgeous Sseko products featured:
sandals, necklace, dusty rose clutch, caramel cosmetics bag

Sseko creates stunning goods with an innovative business model that enables women in Uganda to attend university and pursue their dreams. Sseko products are sold by Sseko Fellows (like my sweet friend @ssekofellowmish!), who are a bright and bold community of dreamers and doers, who are using their passion and smarts to send women in Uganda to college and earn an income to pursue their own dreams.

Michelle has been a good friend of mine for 10+ years! We knew each other in Texas and now her and her beautiful family live in Portland! She's girl bossing big time with the Fellows program and I wanted to share a bit of her story in case any of you might be interested in joining this amazing company + making some cash on the side! 

Hey, Mish! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi y'all, I'm a mama, graphic designer, wifey from Portland, Oregon (originally from Texas - that's right).  I'm also a Sseko Fellow, and I am basically crazy about Sseko Designs and their mission. 

You're a Sseko Fellow! So...what does that mean?
A Sseko fellow is a representative for Sseko Designs. Sseko's mission is to help bright, young women in Uganda go to college. There's a 9 month gap to save money in between high school and college. The problem is there is not a lot of opportunity for girls to get a job and save money during that time. Sseko provides sustainable, fair-wage employment to these women so they can pursue their wildest dreams. Sseko sells beautiful, ethically-made and sourced leather bags and sandals!

Why did you become a Sseko fellow?
I became a fellow because I loved Sseko's product and mission and needed to make some extra money for my sweet family.

Can you tell me more about your Sole Sister, Shakira, and what that means? 
Shakira loves art and design, and she hopes to visit Switzerland one day. She likes horror films and spicy flavored snacks. She says with every challenge comes opportunity! I love being connected to another woman across the globe. We are all connected, and this is a direct way I can make an impact from Oregon!

Fave Sseko product? And fave from the new spring line?
My favorite Sseko product is the crossover sandal. So comfy and minimalist and sophisticated! My favorite spring product is the Adventuress backpack. It's beautiful and holds all the things!

Why are you passionate about Sseko Designs?
I LOVE their heart for women in Uganda, and women everywhere. They are a company committed to people and making the world a bit better one Sseko graduate at a time. It's just so rewarding to work for a company of this caliber.

Any advice for someone that's thinking of becoming a Fellow?
Don't hesitate! Just try it out! Worst case, it's not for you. I gave myself 3 months to see if I could do it or not, and I ended up being more passionate and excited about it than before.

What's the commitment level?
You can be as committed to it as you want. You can have a party every week or once a month. You set your own schedule and your own goals. It's great being your own boss and having freedom over your schedule/time! If you have a good community, then it's easier to jump in and make things happen. Friends have been my biggest cheerleaders, and I love seeing them strut their Sseko style all over Portland. Feel free to reach out to me with questions, mdavis@ilivetocreate.com

What has been the most rewarding part about being a Sseko Fellow? 
Connection is the most rewarding thing. Being connected to women with big hearts (other Sseko fellows and customers) is a huge plus. I love connecting with women here that have a passion for ethical shopping and for women!

See? This sweet lady is an angel! Thanks, Mish!
Interested in becoming a Sseko Fellow? Find more information here! 
To purchase some beautiful (and ethically made) Sseko goodies of your own, shop here!

Be sure to check out my Instagram this week because I'm hosting a fun Sseko giveaway! 
One final shoutout to Abby Tohline for the gorgeous photos!! Hire her! :)
Bye bye for now! 

Bryr Clogs + Portland Spring!

I do believe the winter is finally over! We survived!! Portland seasons seem to change overnight. You go to sleep on a typical rainy winter evening and wake up to pure springtime glory! The magnolia in our backyard is blooming ANY minute. I keep peeking to make sure she doesn't blossom while I'm looking away. It's that intense around here. And when springtime comes? Ditch those insulated rainboots and slip on some springtime inspired clogs. I'm CRAZY about my beautiful Bryr's! 

Bryr Studio is a collection of BEAUTIFUL hand-made clogs inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. Based out of their workshop in the Dogpatch district of San Francisco, every pair of Bryr clogs are hand-made by Isobel and her small team. Dedicated to the simple idea that the best products are made with the best materials, Bryr clogs are constructed using the strongest and most supple American leathers, and traditional European solid wood bases. I'm wearing the prettiest Emma crossover in Blush and they go with everything! Plus, I'm obsessed with this color just like everyone else in the world right now. It's that good! 

Feeling pretty PNW these days. A raincoat for every season, driving a Subaru, perfect pair of clogs. Check! We've been living here a tad over a year and Portland feels more and more like home. Matt is made for this city and he's thriving on a whole new level. So proud of my sweet man! And now that we have survived our first official winter we're sold on being around longterm! Ahhh!! 

Springtime, you're a life giving season. We'll take all the sunshine, pleeeeeeeease! Be sure to check out Bryr Clogs to see even more beautiful styles!

And a huge thank you to my gal Abby Tohline for these gorgeous photos. She's just the best! 

Let's Have a Brunch Party!

Shouldn't brunch be a national holiday by now!? There's not a better way to spend the morning with some of your best girls than over fruit covered waffles, mimosas & donuts. Tis the season of party throwing & social gatherings, so let's chat about all things brunchy! Recently, some friends & I had a chance to throw an intimate brunch party & of course Abby beautifully documented the morning. Plus, she also did the cooking! 

What exactly do you need to throw a fabulous brunch gathering? It's a lot easier than you think! First, find the perfect location! If you're like me, you don't have a home large enough to host any type of function larger than four people. But don't let that stop you! Many apartments have public spaces (like this one) that can be rented for a small fee. You'd be surprised at the resources available in your own neighborhood if you just ask around. 

Second, make it beautiful! It's worth the time & effort it will take to beautify your space. And your friends are totally worth it, right?! Most of the home decor used in our brunch party can be found at The Circular, a gorgeous online shop full of beautifully curated items. The gals who own The Circular scour the globe & their backyards for goods they love. Items that are as functional as they are aesthetic, & versatile as they are authentic: The everydays, the new classics, the favorites. 

And can we talk about the GORGEOUS greenery for a second?! Our sweet friend, Bailey, from Forest and Field put together this garland as our centerpiece, as well as the place setting decoration & florals. Looking for somebody who has major skill with floral design? Bailey is your girl. Plus, she did the flowers for my wedding so I'm mega partial. 

Next step? My most FAVORITE part! The guest list! Is it ok to invite people who don't know each other? Absolutely! For some of the ladies here, it was their first time to meet one another & we had a total blast! I think it helped that we were all involved in some type of creative business so the conversation was easy & also inspiring. I love gathering around a table with souls who will leave me feeling refreshed & give me life. We all do! And sometimes you can be the bridge to help create lasting friendships. It's such a sweet thing to watch unfold. 

Last but certainly not least, the menu! Do any of your guests have food allergies? I like to keep brunches EpiPen free. Once you've got that info, start putting together the goodness. Abby made delicious gluten free waffles with fruit & whipped cream, we had mini donuts from Pip's & berries with yogurt! Plus, mimosas! You don't have to spend a fortune on food & you also don't need to have a huge variety of options. Sweet, simple & tasty so you can spend your time hanging with your people. And an easy cleanup? Sold. 

A super special thank you to The Circular, who so thoughtfully sponsored this post. Make sure you stop by their shop while you're Christmas shopping! They have something for everyone! Another thank you to Abby Tohline for these gorgeous photos & those insanely good waffles. Hire her, people. Just do it. And the florals? Bailey, you're one talented soul. You can hire her, too. Find out more here.

Happy brunching, friends! And feel free to send an invite this way while you're making that guest list. ;) 

Shaggy Rugs + A Giveaway!

We're unabashedly carpet people. We just are. The comfort and coziness of it can't be beat. But, I'll admit, wall to wall carpet isn't the sexiest decorating choice. When we moved into our Portland apartment, we were thankful our place had brand new carpet but also slightly bummed that it was so dark. Give us all the natural brightness, please. 

After thinking about it a while (just a couple of slow processors over here), we decided to give a light colored rug a try! Would it be weird over carpet? Maaaaaybe, but it was worth a shot. I had seen Rugs USA all over the interwebs and reached out about working together. They're wonderful!! Plus, they have gorgeous, affordable styles for any home situation. We picked out this lovely fella and waited in anticipation. 

It arrived SUPER fast and in great packing condition. There was no weird smell (uhh, yes I worry about those things) and the packaging was clean! All we had to do was cut it open and unroll! Easy as can be. 

But THIS was the real moment of truth. Would it be too light? Would it be soft enough?! Matt is particularly choosy about his comfort level, you guys. If it's not soft enough to nap on? It won't pass Arbo inspection. If it sheds everywhere? No thanks. If you can't vacuum often? We don't want it. BUT THIS LOVELY RUG PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS! Arbo approved. 

We are so happy with how it it looks! And feels! And brightens up the room! A few things to note when decorating with rugs over carpet:

1) Measure, measure, measure. Make sure your furniture has enough room to fit on top of the rug without feeling cramped. 

2) Play around with textures and patterns! Mix wool, silks, shag, all the things! And don't be afraid to bring multiple different patterns into one space. I don't think I can count the amount of shapes we have in this room but they make us super happy. Plus, bold patterns make the room look larger! Don't ask me how. It's magic. 

3) The shaggier the rug, the more you'll have to clean it For now, it's just Matt and I in our cozy little space. No babies. No animals. Just lots of friends who pass by and crash on our couch. (Our living room also doubles as the guest room.) We have a pretty good handle on the neat and tidy so lighter color with lots of shag wasn't a huge issue for us. We'll keep you updated on that part. ;) 

Ahhh, a cozy rug just in time for fall. We'll be cuddled up here well into the winter. Also, the amazing crew at Rugs USA is offering a $200 credit for one of YOU!! Check out the giveaway happening on my Instagram for a chance to get your own comfy rug. And thanks again, Rugs USA!! You guys sure know how to make somebody happy. Now what other space can I cover in gorgeous rugs?! Bedroom, dining room, bathroom?! So many options. So little time. 

Happy fall, everyone!! 
xo!

-Photos by Matt Arbo (my handsome fella!)
-Wearing the most comfortable, army green jumper in the world from Grass Stains Boutique