february 6, 2021

January was probably the longest January known to modern humankind? 

Covid's still here, mutating (but thank goodness for the vaccine making its way into loved ones and strangers alike!).

There was a COUP on our nation's capital. Okay.

It's very cold here in Detroit (cold in January? Groundbreaking). 

The "end" of the pandemic is near, but it's all still so ambiguous and uncertain and emotional as ever. 

It's hard to imagine the future right now, and it's difficult to accept that it's been almost a year that we've moved to a city where we don't know anyone! Isolation station up in here! Very isolated! Very cold! 

Despite it all, there are still bright lights (namely the sun lamp on its way to me) to look forward to. I made another mood board, because mood boards make me happy. I'll be carrying on the spirit of last month's board into February as well (especially in the painting and reading realm). 

This month I'm hoping for some creativity, warmth, comfort, and less eczema-y hands so I can start wearing my ring collection again.

january 1, 2021

I don't remember the last time I actually did new year's resolutions, and I don't plan on ever doing them again.

I have always loved a good "restart" button to push: new seasons, new school semesters, new years. However, I've realized over the years (aka this past years-long year) that to be happy (or whatever), you need to be okay with pushing that button as many times in a day that is required to take hold of whatever it is that you're reaching for. If this year taught us anything (and I hope it did), it's that life can change rapidly. My refresh button on the New York Times homepage can attest to this.

This year has been one of survival, physically and mentally. Although I live a vastly privileged existence and am grateful for the luxuries it's allowed me--namely being able to work from home very part-time--I still spent most of the year extremely unsettled. I spent a lot of my days fluctuating between constant contact with the tragedies unfurling around the globe and my own circles to complete disassociation bolstered by hours-long naps, reruns of Gilmore Girls, new Taylor Swift albums, and the occasional half bottle of wine. 

I've avoided my own self before, but after almost a year primarily in my own company, I feel the pull to reconnect the rusty wiring that ties my actions with my intentions. I truly hope that in 2021, I can go beyond mere survival and begin thriving. 

What does thriving mean though? Honestly, it could change, but it looks a little bit like this mood board I made for January. 

 

Yes, just January! No more of that I'm-Going-To-Predict-The-New-Year's-Possibilities.

I know what's possible in January, so I'm starting there.

life is weird, maybe i should blog again

i haven't blogged in a very, very long time.

but here i am. not worrying about capitalization because my keyboard is acting a bit strange and my excessive-hand-washing-induced eczema makes it annoying to put much effort into typing.

but i'm here. i'm healthy. i excitedly got a flu shot for the first time in a few years.

the news has been a headache, one i seem to keep instigating with NYtimes refreshes. every expectation of 2020 has spun out and i'm just trying to keep tabs on the dizzying stories. i should probably stop reading.

just checked again. i feel like i'm in a codependent relationship with the news right now! I can't stop checking in on it. what do i expect--good news?

anyway, just wanted to get back this lil corner of the internet that i control, and no one actually reads? i don't know!

crafting a morning ritual

♥

I used to HATE mornings and would roll my eyes whenever anyone mentioned the words "morning ritual" (but secretly read a LOT of blogposts about how to create one...).  As someone with anxiety about most things in life, mornings do not come easily to me. After all, getting out of bed means facing those anxieties, and who wants to really do that?

After many years of trying to cultivate a morning routine for myself with varying levels of success, I have finally found one here in NYC that seems to do the trick, at least for now. I think the chaos of big city life really pushed me to cultivate a routine to ground myself each day. I've also given myself the liberty to not stick rigidly to a super specific routine--because that just causes more anxiety, which is counterproductive to my goal of finding a sense of calm before my day.

Here's what I've come up with, in no particular order:

• Make coffee at home in my Chemex. It takes more effort to make pour-over than rely on a coffee machine, but the ritual of it slows and calms me down. I used to not like coffee, but am so happy I do now because it's such a great way to pause before starting your day. 

• Cuddle Pierre on the couch while we listen to, read, or watch something that will make me feel full. Today was the latest episode of Self Service. Other go to's: Morning playlists on Spotify, my latest binge-worthy TV choice, Skimm and Skint emails.

• Bring Pierre to the dog park. Not only does it make me smile to have him happily lead me to Washington Square Park with the giant fluffy tail of his, but it is also a good way for me to get outside early in the day and wake up my spirit for the day ahead. Dogs are the best, people! Very few other things in life fill me with such joy.

• Look over my plans for the day. I'm dipping my toes into the world of freelancing (with teaching, graphic design, and petsitting), so this is more important than ever! Since I don't currently have a traditional full-time job, I'm learning how to balance out my days so that I accomplish what I need to be successful. I've learned that for me, keeping a digital planner (via my Apple calendar) is much more realistic than a physical planner. Agendas are SO cute, but my brain works a little differently. I get a lot of anxiety about timing, so having the flexibility of moving around an event on a screen is helpful and comforting to me.  Also, COLOR CODING, Y'ALL. Color coding is a must for me, and I love being able to streamline my system in a way that makes sense to me. 

Whew! Finally, something that works for me. About time.

gift guide #2 // dog obsessed

Yeah, okay-- I'm that friend! Dogs are just the best though, right?!

 1 /cookie cutters 

2 / bff original artwork 

3 / dog stickers 

gift guide #1 // gold foil

We all have that one friend who is just a little extra. Let them shine as brightly and glittery  as they want--their light is why you keep them around, after all! 

FABULOUS NOTEBOOK // BOXED PENCIL SET // DAYS OF THE WEEK HAIR CLIPS

just my type: handmade design

I've always been in the "I'd rather it look a little handmade than perfect" camp. But a little messy doesn't mean it can't still be beautiful! It's messy because it has heart. I want to see the stitches that hold together a design. Sterile design has its place, but it's not my go-to. As long as the message is clear, give me all of the handwritten type, quaint inconsistencies, cut-outs, and brushstrokes.

 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

perfect places

We have officially been in New York for a month and I'm already trying my best to carve out my "places." I had a lot of places in Portland, and the city got smaller each time I found a new one. Of course New York City is much larger than Portland, but in some ways, it feels smaller, since I can walk everywhere and don't have to cross bridges or residential areas to get to different neighborhoods. West Village, East Village, Soho, Chelsea--it's all within walking distance, and so much to see, do, and eat. Emphasis on the eat part.

A few routines have been put in place since we've arrived and gotten settled in.

Last Thursday Pierre and I walked with Ted to get coffee at Think (our go-to) and to bring him to class. After he went inside, I finished my coffee on a bench in the courtyard and watched everyone trickle into the building. It was nice to see the smiles Pierre brought to their faces! Afterwards, I brought Pierre to the dog park across the street at Washington Square Park, where Pierre was a lil' wallflower of a pup. He had a few spurts of energy, but mostly kept close to momma. I vowed to make this dog mom/son date at least a weekly occurrence, since Ted has this early class Tuesdays and Thursdays and I don't have to be at work until 11.

Oh yeah! I have a job now! I work at a very cute dog boutique in the East Village that I get to walk to from home. It's a pretty sweet deal. I'm already planning Pierre's Fall wardrobe.

Another Tuesday/Thursday routine: the GYM! I know, it's hard to believe, but I'm really trying. The fact that the gym is literally nextdoor is very helpful. And by trying I mean totally bribing myself. I literally give myself a sticker for every five minutes I work out so that I can "earn" money to go shopping for new clothes. I have to treat myself like a toddler to get myself to do things I hate... It's a struggle. But hey--I AM getting better at doing the dishes. So ya know...I'm getting there.

Also: Thirsty Plant Thursdays. We have plants! They are all still alive (so far).

Another thing that needs to become routine: getting cocktails at this place.

nyc: first impressions

We out here! New York City is now our home, somehow. It seems a bit hasty, committing myself to a city as high-maintenance as the Big Apple after one whirlwind of a five-day trip. It kind of feels like marrying someone I had a fun, but stressful date with two years ago. Against all odds, I think it's going to work out.

We really hit the jackpot when it comes to neighborhoods. We are smack in the middle of the Village, which is home to dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and shops. It's enough to keep us busy for the next three years! Washington Park is only a couple of blocks away, paving the perfect morning walk for me and Pierre. I'm absolutely smitten.

I've ventured out on my own a few times now, and have survived! It feels very impressive, although I know that it's not that big a deal to the countless strangers and pups I've passed. It's been sunny and humid most days (although right now it's raining), so I've been hiding behind my sunglasses, quietly ogling at every new part of my daily life: the beautiful buildings, the expensive menus outside restaurants, the chic outfits of passerby, the heaps of garbage on the side of the street, the adorable dogs...

A few NYC firsts:

Pierre's first New York pup pee (outside Think Coffee, where I bought my first NYC nitro cold brew because you can take a girl outta Portland...).

Our first family walk through Washington Square Park, where I acquired major heart eyes for our new neighborhood.

My inaugural black and white cookie from Sweets by Chloe, where I realized vegan sweets can be just as tasty as non-vegan sweets.

My first rat spotting and my first public urination spotting. Enough said.

Here's to many more firsts! XOXO Gossip Girl

portland city guide: 6 tea spots to sip at

Strictly tea shops are harder to come by in a city drowning in coffee like Portland, but there are still a few spots that stand out as tea-centric havens. My favorite will always be Tea Chai Te (specifically the NW 23rd location, which is a few blocks from our place and is dog friendly), but there are a handful more to take note of!

Cozy 
Tea Chai Te

Townshend's

Eccentric
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House

Trendy 
Tea Bar 

Teamakers
Jasmine Pearl
Smith

just my type: 70's style lettering

I'm a total typography nerd, and pretty much start drooling when I spot an awesome old poster from the 60's or 70's that is somehow simultaneously a psychedelic mess and a graphic design masterpiece.  I love the chunky, fluid lettering characteristic of that time--a time where so much was new, and people were doing their best to make sense of it (or just goin' with the flow, man...). Suffice it to say, I LOVE it, I always have, and always will. Here are just a few examples of this 70's-inspired style of lettering. Sources here.

obsessed: denim + linen

I'm totally gobbling up this whole trend of minimalist fashion lately--but with one caveat: Statement accessories must accompany! Huge vintage jewelry and scarves are a MUST. Here a just a few minimalist favorites, to be dressed up with funky flair. Sources and more inspiration here.

inspiration: bedroom mood board

Since we're moving soon, I'm already daydreaming about our next apartment's decor. It will probably be a tricky space to decorate exactly the way I want it since it will be more dorm-y than home-y, but I'm determined nevertheless.

I think bedrooms should be calming and comfy.  I'm super into the all-white trend, but with a dog, it's a little less appealing. This grey and white pattern seems like a good compromise. Also, LOTS of candles are crucial, because they are a physical reminder for me to "chill out" once I light them. And yes, I've also been taken in by the fur trend, so a faux fur touch seems like a fun addition -- so soft!

I've wanted this butt pillow for ages. To be quite honest, this butt print was my color pallet inspiration! I also have a few weavings I've made that have inspired our current bedroom that I know will help bring together our next one. We'll see how the end-product is once we move! I'm hoping to aquire a few of these pieces (tax free! Go Oregon!) before we make the move, so we should have an easy time getting our place settled.

Pillows: 
Butts
Faux Fur

Bedding:
Duvet
Sheets

Candles:
Ceramic
Glass
Gray

photo diary: tokyo day one

Battling jet lag, we headed out on our first day in Tokyo with our clear umbrellas, which we later found out were the status-quo around the city. Coming from Portland, the land of umbrella-shaming, we were quite surprised and very pleased. Stores even had little disposable umbrella sleeves for ya!

We searched for and found the sweetest coffee shop Kayaba Coffee. I'm a sucker for cute coffee shops, and this one was a winner. We even chose to make a trip back our last morning because we loved it so much. I kind of lost it over the tiny milk steamer that held the receipt... Inspiration was everwhere!

Despite the rain and the multiple random Tuesday closures (I guess it was some kind of holiday?), we managed to make the most of our first day wandering somewhat aimlessly around the busy and overstimulating city of Tokyo. We ended up seeing some kabuki theatre and chatting up an old couple who were as cultured as we hope to someday be.

Itoya happened. Oh, it HAPPENED. I bought $50 worth of stationary within the 1 hour we spent exploring the 8 stories. Oh the damage I could have done with more time! Definitely a highlight for my paper-loving heart.

Lastly, we landed in an hour and a half hour long line for the best ramen and dipping noodle experience of our lives. We were so delirious and tired, but it was worth it, completely. The environment was calming, intimate, and well, we got to eat the most delicious noodles... Heavenly. I'll be dreaming of Kagari for years to come. The perfect way to end our first day in the bonkers city of Tokyo.

portland city guide: 14 coffee shops to try out

There is no shortage of coffee shops here in Portland, which is one of the many things I love about living here. When I first moved here, I didn't even like coffee, but I've always loved the atmosphere of cafes. There's something magical about a place where people meet to take a moment to sip and talk or get down to business and work on a project. I always find coffee shops extremely inspiring. Here are just a few of the dozens of options around town that I recommend you try out.

Sweet + Unpretentious
Dragonfly Coffee House
Costello's Travel Caffe
Java Hound (Dog friendly!)

Too Cool for School
Barista
Heart 
Never

Study Break
Cathedral Coffee
Jola
Cup & Bar
Southeast Grind (Open 24 hours)

Favorite Roasters
Water Avenue
Ristretto
Kainos
Five Points 

vintage nyc

found

japan in ten days (!!!)

found here

I AM SO EXCITED.