West Elm Shopping Spree

When left to my own devices, shopping usually ensues. As it did yesterday and today when I scored big time at West Elm, which is in the middle of a lovely sale.

First, I found the perfect cushions that I have been in search of pretty much since we bought the Lexington Street house a year ago. We have a 172" built-in bench upstairs and seven of the blue cushions fit just right. I started out with four and had to go back for three more before they sold out, since the color is being discontinued and they were on SALE.

And my new Pendleton Woolen Mills blanket I got from my parents for Christmas looks great with them.
The second bargain item set were these white gallery frames. I had some B&W proof images from our wedding. (I know, I know, it was over a year ago...) Since our bedroom walls were completely bare, I think this collection really adds a lot at this point. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how well it turned out. I have three more frames to add to the wall between the entrance and Mitchell's closet door.

Lessons in Horse Riding

We finally made it out to visit my mom's three-year-old horse, Xena, last weekend. I find it possibly a missed name opportunity when she has a distinct mark of Africa on her forehead, but I digress. My mom and her friend, Sandy, have been training their horses for months now. Xena's friends' name is Sunny. Mitchell and I just finally made it out to the stables, which are a bit of a drive from Eugene. I was completely surprised by Mitchell's skill with the horses - he knew how to pick out Sunny's hoof, put the equipment on, etc. This hearkens back to his youth and days of English riding classes (thanks Alice). I, on the other hand, have grown a complete fear of those huge animals. I didn't even want to hold the reins. To be fair - I had heard some stories of intentional foot-stomping by Xena...

So why, you ask, do we not have any photos of actual horse riding? Well, it seems it had been awhile since anyone had saddled the two youngsters, and the instant Mitchell tried to mount Sunny, she took off like a shot! We're talking full on bucking bronco style. Mitch didn't even get his right foot into the stirrup before bailing onto his back and knocking the wind out of himself. Sunny continued bucking like a true rodeo queen. And my blasted iPhone was not out and would not have been able to capture the speed, anyway. Where was the HandyCam??

Despite the initial horrific image of us all rushing to the Emergency room, all was well in the end. Relatively speaking. It was also very exciting and we learned a lot. Like, when a horse hasn't been saddled in a while, you must run them around the ring for a while, first. Ahh, the adventure of it all.

Ironic?

Her Life in France

I just finished Julia Child's My Life in France. The only hindsight regret is reading Julie and Julia first, now that I am much better versed in Julia Child's life, both professionally and personally. Every chapter left me hungry, curious about visiting France and admiring of the six-foot female doing what she loved and doing it well. I think I shall serve my duty by purchasing a copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking and to take her advice to learn by doing! It is of course impossible to know which details in the book are truly accurate, but I wonder what in my life I am so passionate about that upon looking back years later, I'd be able to recount down to the smallest nuance, such as the bottle of wine selected at a meal. Perhaps that should be the goal for any venture taken in life.

Measuring Tape

Mitchell and I were cracking up at this ridiculous guy on one of those home makeover shows where a couple takes on a massive project by themselves. This guy seriously went through about ten tape measures - was constantly cursing and asking where it went, and then had to buy more because he really couldn't find them. What a stupid thought - until I realized - that's me!! I just wandered through the whole upstairs looking for one of the three tape measures that I keep in rotation throughout the house. You never know when you might want to move the dresser, but you want to measure before you throw your back out for no reason. And they're never where I remember leaving them last. Boo. I think I found something to add to my Christmas list...

Wishes II

Here is by Christmas wish list, minus my birthday wish list. Does anyone else feel incredibly greedy making wish lists? Oh well, here goes:

Monogrammed/personalized note cards! Pretty, plain cards I can send for any occasion. Now that I am a lady, and all.

Eyelash curler. How lame, you say? Possibly, but I don't want to have to go pick one out myself. And it's just one of those things in life you should have.

A gym membership. If Mitchell hasn't gotten us blacklisted.

A long necklace. Trying to keep somewhat up to date.

Those socks you put on at night to keep the lotion in. My heels were recently likened to something unpleasant.

Sonic jewelry cleaner. I have done no investigation into this. But is there a product out there that is better than my Windex bottle? If so, then I want that.

Magazines: People, Us Weekly, Communication Arts, Dwell

Cute house plants. Love house plants. I think we're still in the clear and I'm far from becoming the "crazy plant lady" that Mitchell fears I will become.

Pendleton Woolen Mill Throw Blanket. Plaid, not "jacquard."

I still want Deliciousness from Crate&Barrel in the form of Sea Salt Caramels that Mitchell wouldn't let me order these for myself online. However, I did manage to eat the majority of the Euphoria box my dad got me. So, maybe not...

You have to admit, a pretty pair of gold earrings or diamond hoops would be pretty fabulous.

A condo in Nashville.

A couple of movies: Julie and Julia, Time Traveller's Wife

Got my Rosetta Stone - Spanish!! Haven't quite yet started learning, but still... Got my cute Envirosax!! Thank you, guys. See, this feels like a registry or something.

The Horror

I looked down at work yesterday to a gaping hole that resembled something like a missing tooth. My diamond and one prong were missing from my ring! In a calm panic I went to my co-worker, Anne, said "it's a bad day" and showed her the ring. She broke into action and we surveyed the scene. Therese, another co-worker, had actually caught a glimpse of it earlier without having thought much about it and led us right to the spot. Without her, we would have been on a mad hunt out the door and around the block. But never fear - we found the diamond and the prong! Not without increased heartrates and a touch of panic. Blah. Unsure if they'll fix it or if I'll need to get a new setting, but for the moment it's locked away safe.

28th Birthday

Well, my reflection on turning 28 is that it's pleasant, but nothing rather special. I would liken it to turning 24. No new rights or privileges are granted to you and you're not thrown into another category of life, like your "Teens" "Adulthood" and your "Thirties."

I celebrated with a day off of work, a trip to the spa and then Mitchell FINALLY took me to Saburo's Sushi in West Moreland. It was delicious and inexpensive. We ordered at least twice as much sushi as we could eat. But now we have leftovers. Yumm. Favorite gifts this year include my new set of Envirosax, flowers from my sister and the trip to Saburo's. :)

Expensive, but cute

I love this adorable set of handmade ceramic tiles. So cool. But they are $200...

Ghost Clock

I love this Ghost Clock. Never seen it in person, but it's just one of those pieces - I think it could work with a lot of different decor. Love.

Thoughts and Support

It seems to be one of those seasons when bad things just keep adding up. Many are suffering from illness or injury and others have lost close friends and family. My thoughts are with all of you. I always hope to have the best quote or message of support. But, I think instead the most important thing is to live a life that I can be content with when the end comes, as it does for everyone, be a good friend, friendly when I may not want to be and a pillar of support when perhaps there is nothing to say.

Bedroom Wishes

Here are the things I need to get the bedroom decor where it should be.

Love this bed for Z Gallerie. King size.

These curtains are heavy and fabulous. Light Silver Sage. Restoration Hardware. 96" x 100" wide x2.

Super cool curtain rod - how easy will those curtains glide?? Pottery Barn. Need 3 of these suckers.

This chair goes so well with the curtains, and is functional! Velvet, also. Macy's. Only probably need 1.

These dressers are super-sweet. Dania. Twin dressers would be good.

No idea what sheets to get. But something simple.

And then a mirror at the head of the bed.

Spirit Kicks

Check out Mitchell's new custom Nike shoes. Designed them himself, of course - Go Ducks! I hope the paperwork in the background doesn't include propitiatory information.... Did I mention that I have my own pair arriving soon, which he made for me in honor of our First Anniversary? Aww...

Boston Tea Party

I can't wait to get this guy back all framed up! This is the new print we got from Brian Rubenacker. He does such a good job with the Bostie personality. The Kong and the Cuz are just too much.

The Chair in the Window

I've been stalking this chair in the downtown Macy's display window. I need it for the bedroom - the color is perfect. So, today at lunch I made Laura go and do the sit-test with me. Of course they didn't have the floor model anywhere else but in the front display window. Mary Anne was nice enough to escort us through the hidden little door so we could sit and wave to the pedestrians. The couch and chair were very comfortable. Also pretty. Velvet. And on sale.

Not appropriate for daytime TV

What in the World?? I don't know exactly the moment that these would come in handy, but I'm sure it would be a moment full of fun.

Sugar Bush Squirrel

Laura introduced me to this absolutely incredible website for Sugar Bush Squirrel. http://www.sugarbushsquirrel.com/ I'm not really sure the purpose, or if these photos are of a stuffed squirrel or Sugar Bush herself, but I love it.

Survey Says

Does it make me an old lady for loving this sweater from MoMA?

And all I got was this keychain...

Well, Meghan and I made the 2-hour trek to Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, OR, today in search of fame and fortune. We lined up with a thousand other people in hopes of auditioning for America's Favorite Game Show - Wheel of Fortune. The website said not to show up early. So we didn't, and missed the first round of auditions but were right on time for the second. You get an application after waiting in line, then must continue to wait in line until the first group is done. While I was inside ordering fries and nachos I guess they started to move the line and Meghan, who was saving my place in line, called and we decided to ditch the food despite the $6 invested. We then waited in line some more. Once we were in out of the cold coast wind, we sat through an hour of cheesy stand-ins for Pat and Vanna while a stream of completely unprepared Coasties and residents of the 'Couv were selected at random to embarrass themselves on stage with an interview. They were given a hat or a fanny pack for their time. I think a more discriminate selection process might have been a good idea. And in that case Meghan so would have won, having been given the chance. All in all, despite not being called up to interview, it was a good trip. Meghan won $300 at the slots, and I came home with memories, saltwater taffy and this keychain. (Vanna talks.)

Major Physical Transformation

I cut bangs! I didn't know it, but on my "list" (which I need to name, because I'm not kicking the bucket) is physical transformation. Today, that came in the form of cutting bangs. Don't worry - I called my sister and asked for her permission. Which she granted, while reminding me that perhaps a lesser person would lay claim on the style. Anne at work may be disappointed (we'd hate to both go for the same change at the same time) but she's going for the straight bang with Asian hair and it will look nothing close to similar.

Bombs Away!!

I finally did it!!! Jacob, Mitchell and I FINALLY went skydiving. It was our third attempt. The first attempt was doused by rain - but we got the call ahead in the morning and didn't head out at all. The second attempt was thwarted by clouds and a hold due to weather for an indeterminable amount of time - so we left the place early with a voucher. Then Mitchell and I both had last Friday off anyway and the day was gorgeous. So, we headed on down to Skydive Oregon. We waited around for a bit, but then got suited up. Mitchell had to get an extra large helmet for his big noodle and we all opted to jump without a super-sweet jumpsuit - it would have been way too hot. There was very little personal space when it comes to skydiving tandem. Much discussion of my boobs and then, you wedge yourself in the plane like a train with your instructor in back and your photographer in front and everyone else surrounding you. We all got video and photos this first time - video to come later. Once they opened the huge door and we slid out, the view was awesome - you could see all the mountains and even the ocean (so Mitchell says). It felt like I was under an intense wave of water during the free fall - like water was driving up my nose. Once the chute opened (which also hurt) we spiraled around and could actually pay attention to the view. It was sweet and felt like forever and nothing at the same time. The landing was scary as we approached the ground at lightning speed, but you just land on your butt and it's not a problem at all. All in all, so glad I went and would recommend it to anyone. Check this one off the list!

Brussel Sprouts?

Have you ever seen brussel sprouts on the stalk? I stumbled across them at the Milwaukie Farmers Market on Sunday and thought they were so cool I just had to buy a stalk. I snapped them off with a knife and soaked them in cold salt water for awhile, then tossed them in EVOO, salt and pepper, then baked them at 400 for about a half an hour until the outside turned brown. If I did it again next time I would get two stalks to make sure there's plenty for everyone.
Yumm.

Coming Soon

I was so excited when we saw this preview while also trying to stay hip by watching the MTV VMAs last night. It's Couples Retreat - the movie Mitchell and I saw being filmed while on our honeymoon in Bora Bora. With Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman and Tahiti in the background, it could be worth checking out. In theaters 10.09.09

Love

I am in love with this Bombe Chest from Crate & Barrel.

I haven't figured out exactly where it will go house in our house - probably because there are SO many places it would go perfectly. The only bummer is the black, which doesn't fit with the mahogany planned for the bedroom, but with the brushed nickel handles, I think it excuses a lot of that. Plus, look at the inside!! Love, love.

Coates Kokes' New Website

The advertising agency I work for, Coates Kokes, has launched a new website. Check it out. I have been involved in an awful lot of that work over my years there. And, I very politely did not complain about the photo of me they selected, although I might have cause. Enjoy!

Kids Gift Idea

Love this gift idea from Snapfish.com for the little ones. Take their picture and insert it into one of several children's books.

It reminds me of a customized book I received for my birthday - must have been turning 5. My name, Barbara, was injected throughout the story. I thought it was so cool and was therefore distraught when we came home to the entire living room in disarray. This was thanks to a pissed off Schnauzer puppy named Brinkley, who was not pleased to be left home alone for the evening. My customize - therefore irreplaceable, priceless and sentimental - book was destroyed and I was bummed.

While my custom book story did not end happily, I would think this is proof positive that this gift is sure to be a home run for any small bookworm.

The Time Traveller's Wife

Finished The Time Traveler's Wife last weekend. It was good - both funny and a tear jerker. I liked that it wasn't completely chronological, so I didn't need to figure out what happened the chapter before when I picked it up after a few days of not reading it. I recommend the book and can't wait to see the movie now. That, sadly enough, has been the biggest motivator for me to read books recently - finishing before the book is ruined by movie previews - and then getting to enjoy the movie afterwards (ahem, Twilight). I think I might see the movie solo, which is one of those goals in my life, along with skydiving, which I will be checking off in a week!