Catching Up and Currently Obsessed With: Part 8

HAPPY AUTUMN!!!!

Oh my, am I ever excited. As much as I ADORE the summer, fall is the coziest time of year!! It feel like my new years, which I have probably said before. Exciting changes in the air and all around. I love it ALL. It has been a nutty, full summer. Lots of family time! We were able to get home to both Seattle and to Winnipeg, which was such a blessing! In Seattle, we had no major plans but to be. We took a few days to be on the ocean and played tourists in my home city! In Winnipeg, Caleb’s baby sister got married to an awesome guy and we were there to witness it. We stayed in family cabins in Ontario and spent the long weekend on the lake. Dreamy for sure!! We have adventured up mountains and through meadows. Tried even more delicious coffee, macarons, and experimented at home with new recipes! We have both been so excited to FINALLY settle into our new-to-us home. We are renting the sweetest little 2 bedroom in the heart of Colorado Springs. Here is a teeny peek at our work in progress…

So much more to do, but it is so fun!! We are having a cocktail party next week and I am excited to show it off in its current state. It’s only going to get better!! We really love our home. We enjoyed the Friesen Mansion, but the time came to move on.

Here are some things that are moving me from summer into fall with ease. I am so excited to share these with you and ready to embrace fall!! Here we go:

1. RYAN ADAMS 1989

This album is blowing my mind. I cannot turn it off!! I go to listen to something else and find myself returning right back to it. What a great fall soundtrack!! A far cry from Taylor Swift’s original, this album is full of melancholy melodies and Ryan Adams-esque anthems. It is so awesome and I cannot get enough! Here is a taste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVCme_D7pV4

2.  PLAID

This picture was taken this past Sunday. The Aspens here in Colorado have begun to change and it is breath-taking!! I “needed” a new plaid, to ring in the new season with. I have my eye on a few other things…have you been to Target lately??!! Plaid and flannel galore!! The very sight of plaid makes me want to curl up by a woodsy fire. Also, on Pinterest I found this plaid cheat sheet!! So genius…

3. HERBAN COWBOY PRODUCTS

 A friend of ours bought this for my husband and I will be forever grateful. It not only keeps him dry, but smells like perfection. Think lumberjack fresh out of the woods, covered in pine needles and wood chips. Yep. We now buy this religiously from Whole Foods.

4. MY CLASSIC PENDLETON BLANKET

I love this blanket!!! I bought it vintage thrift in Seattle this summer. It is so cozy and perfect for cuddling on the couch with. I had a sick day and it saved my life, I swear. This and chicken tortilla soup 😀

5. lA CROIX CERISE LIMON

When we did whole 30, my friend Sara introduced me to La Croix and I will never be the same. It is the most delicious, naturally flavoured water. The coconut has been my most fave since the start, but it has recently taken a back seat to this Cherry Lime flavour. No sugar, no calories, no worries!! So. Yum.

6. MANITOBA VS. THE WORLD

My husband Caleb is from Winnipeg Manitoba. When we were home visiting in August, I went with my friend Dionne into my fave little spot in town called Tiny Feast. They sell the best in cards, paper goods, and Scandinavian home goods. I saw this print and fell madly in love. The cream and the orange-yellow fit our home decor well. I knew Caleb needed it. We are hoping to get it framed and up before our open house!! Ty Johnson, the Manitoban designer and creator of this piece, is a genius.

7. TEAK FURNITURE

We just bought an INCREDIBLE teak table from a lady last night, right off of good ol’ Craigslist! Vintage, pretty great condition, $35. Mind. Blown. I’ll put some more pics up soon once we have it! Now I am on the hunt for teak chairs to accompany said table. These ones are quite delicious…finders, keepers!!

8. AGE OF ADALINE

I’m not gonna lie. I LOVED this movie and will own it! Blake, oh Blake…can I just keep you?? Can you just be our roommate (and bring Ryan too) so that I can just hangout with you always?? Her beauty is unmatched in this film. It is whimsical and classy and she is a stunner. I adored it and would highly suggest it. Wait until you see her costumes!!! Melt…

9. ARTIFACT UPRISING

Here is their website: http://www.artifactuprising.com/

Run, don’t walk, and get all things photo related printed here! Books, single photos, calendars…it comes on the creamiest paper stock and looks impeccable and won’t break your bank account. It is so stunning in person. The photo above is a sample. They are also Denver based which is pretty cool!

10. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

This is my boy Kam Chancellor. As of today, he is literally back in the football game and my heart is full once again!! 😉 I love my Seattle Seahawks. My husband is now a fan as well, thankfully! The 12th man is alive and well in Colorado! Go Hawks!

Well, I am quite excited for fall and for all that is to come. It feels like a good season for change and dreaming and scheming and for cabin sleepovers!! And, the return of hot springs…

Thanks for stopping by!!

Cheers!! XOXO

Currently Obsessed With: Midsummer Version

I am a summer girl. Minus the sunburns and the mosquito bites that is. The warmth in the air, the beachy blond my hair turns, the freckles that connect on my skin. Patio time with friends, backyard hangs and BBQs. Iced coffee and hikes to epic lakes. The smell of sunscreen and dry shampoo…ha ha ha.

This summer has been so awesome so far! We have been adventuring around our incredible state. We also went on a quick trip home to Seattle to see family, friends, and the ocean ❤

Along the way, I have picked up some new favourites to share with you. Another list of things I am enjoying/loving/wish I had more of in this season of sunshine! Enjoy 😀

1. CAMP OUTS

To be honest, I have not camped much. I am pretty city…lol. I went once a year as a kid through my teen years, usually and always at a state park. Caleb and I wanted to camp last year and it just didn’t fall into place. This year, we have been determined to get out there!! Caleb grew up in the outdoors, paddling kayaks and camping out. It was awesome for him to take me and to teach me to make all of our meals over the fire and to savour the river and mountains and billions of stars. Much needed!

2. Neon Orange

I will take neon in most any shape or form. I love it in markers, clothing, decorating…it is so unique! For some reason, the pink has always caught my eye more. This year, I am all about the neon orange! Love it!

3. Street Tacos

Ever since I can remember, my mom has cooked a variety of things. My favourite were always her enchiladas. They are still one of my favourite foods ever!! In the summer, it is nice to have something a bit lighter than that, but still get your Mexican food kick. Caleb and I, without planning it out, have deemed this the “Summer of the Taco”. We have had them at several different places already, with no end in sight!! My favourites have been at Sonterra in Colorado Springs (get the pork belly ones!!) and at Pinche Taqueria in Denver! We have made some delicious slow cooker ones at home as well. Here’s the simple version of the recipe:

Recipe: Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

• 5-6 chicken breasts (frozen or fresh)
• 16 ounce box chicken broth
• 1 Packet taco seasoning
• 1 jar salsa
• 1 can diced green chilies

Let cook in slow cooker for 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on medium. Chicken should cook down and be soft enough to pull apart easily with a fork. Top with cilantro, lime, lettuce, tomato, and anything else that makes your heart skip a beat!

 

4. Baby Lips

I just adore these little cuties! I have the hot pink one with the yellow writing, Pink Punch. Such an easy toss on and looks sweet with tanned or fair skin.

 

5. Coconut Popsicles

The best flavour ever!! I want to make some at home, but so far have just bought them. I really love the creamy ones that Outshine makes! So. Perfect.

6. Tattly Summer Collection

I heart Tattly. They have such fun temporary tattoos. On my wedding day, I gave all of the ladies a “Today is the Day” tattoo, as that was our sort of mantra for the day. They have such fun summertime ones!! Boom boxes and ice cream and beach balls and canoes and paddles! It’s endless really…check them out here!

http://tattly.com/collections/summertime

 

7. Patterned, Cotton Shorts

They feel like jammies, ya’ll!! I have a pair I scored at Nordstrom Rack for $19 and I love them. You can dress them up or down, put together with sandals and bare legs or leggings and boots. Endless fun and so many options!

 

8. Good Housekeeping Magazine

I remember a time when I would be in the waiting room at the doctor or the dentist, searching the table for a good read. It always seemed they had four options: Sunset, Highlights, National Geographic, and Good Housekeeping. This was my only exposure to the later mentioned magazine and everything in it felt like it was only applicable to my mother and her friends. We had dinner one night at my friend’s house and she had a copy on her counter. Of course, the brush script and bright colours caught my eye. I perused through it and was surprised to find a magazine that I really liked!! Articles I would read, colourful and eye-catching; full of recipes that I liked, ideas for decorating with florals, and what to wear with navy pants. I’m looking forward to getting in a subscription to these guys. They know what’s up!

9. Beachy, Platinum Blond

I am always blond, regardless of the season! It is just me. I have tried reds and such and came up feeling like someone else. I DID add pink last month and am looking to again August. (Pictured here AS WELL AS Baby Lips :D) Platinum blond and summer go hand in hand, as far as I am concerned! I also love, love Michelle Williams colour and cut, as well as my friend Rachel below, who is basically a woodland fairy. Major #WCW going on here!! I’m not sure if it’s true that blonds have more fun, but I sure feel like it might be.

 

10. Crispin Blackberry Pear Hard Cider

So refreshing and delicious!! This flavor combo knocked it out of the park for me. I love apple as well, but the pear with the berry has summer written all over it!!

Thanks for reading!! I’m curious what you’re loving this summer!! Send me a comment and let me know what I should keep my eye out for.

Cheers!!

XOXO

 

 

 

Currently Obsessed With: Part 7

Well, our summer is sloooowly making its way into view. It has been crazy rainy here in Colorado Springs. We broke a rain record from 1835. Bananas. Being a Seattle girl, you would think this rain would be easy peasey for me to deal with. While it is sentimental and does make me miss the Pacific Northwest, I have become spoiled with the Colorado sunshine! I will not complain, however about how GREEN it has made everything!! That, I love. In this rainy month, I have found comfort in a few things that give me hope that the sun will shine again! Ha ha ha…things I like all year long, but that recently have made me excited and ready to embrace summer and permanent S U N S H I N E.

 

 

1. Sauvignon Blanc

 

My book club drinks wine at every gathering. At our first meeting, my friend Abby brought the BEST Sav Blanc and from then on, it is all that I have wanted. Boxed or bottled, I will drink it. This is going to be my first summer consistently drinking white wine and I am so excited about it! I want to add some peaches and raspberries in next time…

 

2. Tina Fey

I have recently started watching 30 Rock again from the beginning and it gets me every time. Tina Fey is stinking brilliant. SNL has not been the same since her departure. Her comedic timing is awesome and I just want to hang out with her. That is all.

 

 3. Tarte Cheek Stain

My favourite summer cosmetic. My sister/bestie Michelle gave me one of these years ago and I have been buying it ever since! Tipsy is my jam. It gives me a warm, peachy glow all year round that I just love!!

4. The Firewatchers Daughter

The direction this woman has taken is nothing short of perfection. She brings tears to my eyes. A Pacific Northwest cat that KILLS it with old school folky vibes. This album is in the top of my most listened to right now. We listen to it on road trips and I sing along to it at work. Get to listening if you haven’t.

 

 5. Jeni’s Whiskey & Pecans Ice Cream

 

WARNING: This ice cream will change your LIFE! Hailing from Ohio and stocked on the shelves at Whole Foods, this ice cream will be showing its face at a lot of parties and gatherings this summer. It is udder perfection. We had it as dessert for my dearest Sara’s birthday and I literally licked my plate…shamelessly. The. Best.

 6. Pink Hair

I like it. I love it. I want some more of it.

 7. Richer Poorer Socks

 My friend Vince works for these guys and I have been nothing short of thoroughly impressed with their products! I spoil my husband with these bad boys and have a pair or two myself. Having an epic sock game is a must. I learned that from my mama. she still has the best socks ever!

8. Peep Toe Shoes

Heels. Booties. Platforms. I love me some peep toes and am a big fan!

 9. Hello Lucky Cards

These cards are so totally fun! They have them for every occasion! I have bought their boxed cards before too and they’re just great. So fun to send to friends and to received! (http://www.hellolucky.com/)

 10. Large House Plants

 

So, we started with a small succulent and herb garden. Now, we have a few large house plants and I just want more and more and more. These are NOT our house plants. This is the Denver Botanic Garden, but my husband looks so handsome, this was the picture of choice 😀 Maybe one day I will have a giant palm!!! Right now, we have a snake plant and an awesome rubber tree!

There you have it. How I am dreaming of summer and warmth and what I am currently drooling over.

Cheers!!

XOXO