the reason I love my job

(because we do crazy things like this)



P.S. This store is located in Philadelphia, PA which I must admit is slightly cooler than our downtown Seattle location.

back to reality

This weekend Daniel and I got to go home to visit my family in California, where I grew up. Celebrating the 4th at Grandmas, watching fireworks on the roof, 6 Flags, Jelly Belly factory, laying out with the Sis, movies with Mom/Sid, game night with cousins, good food, coffee dates with Ash and Ali... and glorious sunshine.

I am a true California girl at heart, and desperately miss the hot summer days, good produce, my girlfriends and especially my family (and their pool). I dream of a day when we might move back... but for now, I'll try my best to enjoy this lovely 60 degree gray Tuesday afternoon in Seattle. I did after all spend it with Parris Reed, so not all hope is lost :)

Hope to post pictures of our anniversary adventures and 4th of July as soon as I can upload them on my computer!

one entire year

of wedded bliss

Marriage

In 6 days I will have been married to this man for one entire year:

Everyone warned us about the first year, but truthfully... it was incredible! I can't wait for our anniversary celebrations, and for the next 70 years together!

Naming nail polish

Wouldn't it be a wonderful job to dream up nail polish names? Or naming paint colors? Or makeup? I would read magazines all day hoping to be inspired by a catchy phrase... Sister Ally and I have often talked about what a fun job it would be, and today I daydreamed while getting a manicure. How could I not? I was sitting in an adorably sunny country chic room with wall to wall OPI polish. My color of choice came from the new India line, titled "Charmed by a Snake" (I could have done better on the name!)... and is an amazing metallic gold/bronze/latte color that makes my hands appear tanner than they actually are. I loved it so much that I proceeded to purchase it for my very own, to use all summer long. Unique, feminine, complementary to my skin tone and makes my ring look pretty... all the things I love about a great manicure. 

Thank you OPI for being a tried and true polish line, you were with me on Prom night, the first day of college ("Private Jet"), every major college event, at my engagement ("Tropical Punch"), on my wedding day ("Bicycle for Two" and "Shrimp Cocktail" I believe) and when I first discovered a love for navy blue nails ("Russian Navy" remains my favorite after these past years)... and today, on a lovely sunny Friday afternoon so I will have great nails for date night. 

Thrift store love

a. I LOVE thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets & second hand stores

b. I am inspired by making the old new (in light of this, I am registered for a class next weekend to learn how to remodel a kitchen using all reclaimed materials!)

c. Saw this post, and shall copy the idea ASAP (meaning: after Mom leaves town, I finish Charlotte's drapes for the nursery, finish hemming both of Daniel's shorts, finally go grocery shopping... the list is never ending)

d. Here is the link

Before: 

After:

I like Rachel more than I expect to

I've never been a huge Rachel Ray fan, none of her meals seemed all that healthy (as I try to cook, to make room for dessert!)... however, the other day I saw her on Food Network (my favorite channel) & she made an amazing meal of Roasted Garlic & Cherry Tomato pasta.  And I just so happened to have every single ingredient & ended up making it that night for dinner. 

Note: I made these substitutions: 

a. Didn't make the steak, added grilled chicken (marinated in fresh lemon juice, EVOO, garlic & pepper) to make pasta the main course

b. Used whole wheat pasta (for obvious reasons)

c. Also, didn't have arugula so I made a caesar-esque salad 

Overall, my Italian man loved it, his co-workers asked for the recipe & I'll take any chance I can get to roast some garlic.