portland city guide: top 5 brunch spots

As Ted and I gear up to move this summer to NYC, I've been thinking a lot about the places that I will miss when we don't live in Portland anymore. I figured, why not share a few of my favorites? Not surprisingly, most lists will involve food.

Before I moved here almost six years ago, I did not fully understand the meaning of brunch. I never was too big on breakfast foods. I had not seen the light. It didn't take much time for me to catch on. Portland takes brunch seriously here. Expect a wait, and embrace it. Grab coffee nearby, and relish each moment of anticipation. 

Screen Door
It doesn't get much better than this. The chicken and waffles and the garden grits are my go-to dishes. They are large portions--perfect for sharing! Everything on the menu is indulgent and delicious. Heart coffee is down the block if you need somewhere to get cozy while you wait.

Sweedeedee
This place is so Portland it almost hurts. I love it. The breakfast sandwich (add bacon and avocado, duh!) and the corncakes are me and Ted's standbys. The Salted Honey Pie s also my favorite slice in town. Grab some coffee and walk across the street to hang out in the grass if it's nice out.

Tin Shed

A new favorite! Pretty standard fare, but done well with flair. They rotate their french toast offering, and it's always good. The best part? Their enclosed, heated patio is dog friendly! Pierre loves Tin Shed just as much as we do.

Mother's 

Classy and reliable breakfast spot, with all the usual offerings, as well as some offbeat options like Crunchy French Toast and Breakfast Nachos (best for sharing!). If they happen to have the bourbon pecan pie, I highly recommend getting a slice.

Tasty & Son's

The Steak & Eggs are the best I've had! Ted and I like to split this dish with something sweet, like the Dutch Baby or Rum Cake.

sunday coffee dates // september

B Street Coffee House // 2190 W Burnside St

This little cafe is smacked onto the side of bustling Burnside. It's super tiny, and more of a grab-n-go kind of place, since there's only a couple of tables inside and one outside. We took the outside table because it was a lovely day. The gluten-free waffles (seen above) were quite tasty.

Seastar Bakery // 1603 NE Killingsworth Street 

My mom, who lives in Arizona, told me about this place, of all people! A middle school boyfriend's wife posted it on Facebook, because it's her sister who owns it. Or something. Ted and I went, and it stole my heart immediately. The decor, the baked-goods, the FANCY TOAST. I had never seen such fancy, rustic toast! Delicious, and full of unexpected flavor. I also loved the quirky, rustic vibe. That's my favorite kind of vibe, people! We will DEFINITELY be back for the food and the ambiance. It doesn't hurt that it's only a one minute drive/five minute walk from the sewing shop I just started working at (yes, I'm workin' two jobs now, like a big kid). YAY.

So okay, we didn't make #tinysundaycoffeedate one week, and the other week we had our first PSLs of the year at Starbucks, which doesn't really warrant a review. Stay tuned for an October roundup! We are having a blast finding new spots to get drinks and breakfast.

5 ways to keep the dream alive

found

Do you have a dream you've been chasing after a while? One that you can't help but think about daily? Hourly? All.The.Time? Well, I do, and while at times it can be super exciting and give me life and purpose, sometimes it's just downright intimidating. Here are just a few ways I keep focused and determined about achieving my goals.

1) Find out first hand if what you want is actually what you want before you go all-in.  For me, it was when I was studying abroad in London when I finally felt everything click. I took a chance and found a craft-related internship instead of the costume/theatre one expected of me to see if my little crafty fantasy might actually be something real I wanted to pursue. I worked with a woman who founded her own craft market in South London that catered to a younger, hipper crowd than your typical craft market. She curates the designer-maker vendors, has her friend DJ, and drinks and cake were available to purchase. Crafty heaven, in my opinion. Being around this woman, her friends, and the community she created made me realize that the craft community is where I feel the most happy/genuine/excited.

When I got back to Portland, I looked at everything within a new lens of my dream of owning my own creative business one day.  I sought out crafty things, and decided that I should probably get a retail job to find out if owning a store might actually be my calling (also I needed the money!). Lil' introvert me quickly realized that YES, I do love retail.  I started to daydream about my own store, and make mental notes.  My imaginary craft store that only existed in a mostly-joking Pinterest board became my #1 professional goal.

2) When people ask you what you want to do with your life, know what to say. I struggled with voicing my dream for years, and when I finally told it to the people I loved and respected the most in my personal life and finally my academic/professional life, all I got was an overwhelming wave of encouragement. It makes me want to tear up just thinking about it! Knowing you have a support system is crucial in chasing any way-bigger-than-you dream, and will make you feel more confident in your dream.

3) Do your research. It's hard to get out of the daydreaming phase.  I remembered the moment it hit me that MAN, THIS IS GOING TO BE A WHOLE LOT OF WORK. It was Christmastime, and I was catching up with an old high school friend who is an Econ major.  When I mentioned my dream craft shop/workshop space/cafe, she mentioned something about needing a sink.  To use a pun openly, that's when it really sunk in.  Starting a business isn't all ideas, pretty branding, and imaginary events. There are sinks, people! Spreadsheets, budgeting, paying bills...the whole scary enchilada.

But yes. Research. The one thing I kept reading about over and over again in my research about starting a small business was FIND A MENTOR. I took that to heart after reading it about 39472948 times. I started emailing local craft stores that might identify with my dream. I was lucky and only had to email two people before ending my search. One didn't reply, but the other did almost immediately. I knew I had made the right move. I set up weekly meetings with this small business owner all summer. It started out as doing odd jobs around the shop in exchange for 15-30 minutes interviewing her, to helping out with classes, feeling like part of the family, and eventually being offered a part-time job! Ya just gotta go for it! Surprise yourself.

4) Picture it. I'm a very visual person, so being able to see ideas in front of me is crucial. I have a Pinterest board of resources that I might need as a small business owner. Some are serious, like "Tips for Self-Promoting" and some are literally cake recipes.  It's all about the balance, y'all. You have to think about the fun little details too! It's not all sinks and bills. There are fun things too!

Another thing that I did recently was use a free Squarespace trial to create a mock-up for my dream business. It sounds frivolous and completely silly, but honestly, it was a great way to force myself to fill a page with content that I identified with. It also helped me notice new things, like colors that I think might be best for branding, or words I might want to avoid as to not turn certain demographics off. Pretty crazy, right?

5) Observe others (or businesses) that you admire. I admire so many businesswomen out there doing their thang (I'll share a few in a later post). It's inspiring, and sometimes intimidating.  But just remember that they were where you are once upon a time.  You'll get there (my current mantra).

Personally, I find a lot of inspiration and food for thought when I'm browsing storefronts--particularly ones that do more than one thing (for instance, a tea shop that has a vintage shop downstairs or a warehouse that's a restaurant/bar/soda fountain/recreational center/retail space--like WHAT! So inspiring!).

Well, that's it for now.  Let me know if you have any other pieces of advice! WE CAN DO IT!

sunday coffee dates // august

I'm the kind of person who likes to force traditions upon my loved ones. Enter, Sunday Coffee Dates.  Every Sunday, I work later than usual, so I convinced Ted that it would be best that we don't sleep in as much as possible (I know, very unlike me, right?) and have a morning coffee date instead.  Cafes are my #1 weakness when it comes to spending, so I thought it would be a good way to have something to look forward to each week without going to cafes throughout the week. It's been absolutely lovely.  Here are my humble opinions of our cafe visits this month.

Jola Cafe // 5915 SW Corbett Ave

Jola is short for John's Landing, which is where this airy, bright, and lowkey cafe is nestled.  One of the boutiques I work at is a few blocks away, so this is my cafe of choice for lunch breaks. It's also a great place to study, which is what Ted does a LOT these days preparing for the LSAT. Plus the food is deeeeelicious.  Try the Country Breakfast Burrito. Trust us.

Ken's Artisan Bakery // 338 NW 21st Ave

I went here my freshman year of college. I remember it well, and yet I remember it much differently than reality. It seemed to be in a far away, foreign place then, when my world usually stretched as far as the pio stop would take me. Little did I know that I would meet Ted, who would introduce me to nearby NW 23rd on our first day out together. And now we LIVE here! Life is funny.  Back to coffee dates--We walked here on our second date and waited in line to order our coffee and pastries. We both got a spinach and cheese pastry. I got a latte. Both were delicious, but I would say pastries hold bigger part of my heart for obvious reasons. It was a sunny day, so that huge glass window/wall was open and perfect for people-watching. Not that we had to look further than our own communal table, where an adorable old man in a black beret sat with his croissant and tea. We will definitely be back, but probably not for a working date (aka Ted studies for LSAT while I study Pinterest). The bakery vibe was just a little too bustling for much more than a short and sweet breakfast.

Nossa Familia // 811 NW 13th Ave
This tiny cafe is home to the best mocha (shown above in photo) I've ever tasted. We both got one, and loved it. I mean, you can't argue with espresso whipped cream. You just can't. They also carry Bowery bagels, which is my second favorite bagel in town (and Dragonfly chai, which is my favorite, although I didn't try one there). The location is walking distance from Jamison Park, where you can spot kiddos and dogs playing in the water features on a warm day. It's a small cafe, so it's definitely a "grab and go" kind of place.

Spielman's Bagels + Coffee // 2200 NE Broadway St
BEST BAGELS IN PDX. I literally felt super annoyed for a solid hour after hearing two people talk about how they didn't like Spielman's because whaaaaat are they even talking about?!?! This place was recommended to Ted and I by a coworker of mine (who quit shortly after--thank you universe for sending her to us for a short time to relay her bagel message). They have since opened another location on Broadway which is conveniently  located a block from one of the shops I work at.  The owner is the sweetest old man, and his bagels are something to Instagram home about. The coffee is great too!

Costello's Travel Cafe // 2222 NE Broadway St

This one is another tried and true coffee/lunch spot for me, because it's close to one of the shops I work at. This past Sunday I took Ted here and we got drinks (coffee for him, chai for me--whatta surprise) and split one of their breakfast sandwiches, which was just as delicious as their lunch sandwiches (my fave is the Barcelona--YUM), and a peach/berry scone that was OUTTA THIS WORLD. The coolest thing about Costello's though, is that it's travel-themed.  This makes it hands-down my favorite cafe to escape to. There are two TVs which plays footage from cities around the world (filmed by the Costellos themselves!) and you get a little flag for your table after you order in line. Ted and I got the Union Jack this time, which was perfect.

cleaning for the clueless

found

Ted and I are in the midst of cleaning and moving into our new apartment.  Tensions have been high.  We've gotten on each other's nerves more times than I can count.  I've been difficult.  I just want to unpack.  I love clean things, but I hate cleaning.  But today, when I got off of work and had a text from him of our beautifully clean kitchen, succulent included, my hope was restored instantly.  We can do this.  I can get on the cleaning train, if it means I get to decorate little corners of our new space sooner.

I have to go unpack some boxes right now, but I thought I'd share this adorable/helpful/idealistic info graphic that I found in my search of a cleaning checklist (my dad would be proud).  Having our own place is new and exciting, and I'm just going to embrace this moment where I'm thrilled to have found a cute cleaning info graphic, because these kinds of cleaning-themed moments don't come by often.

the old year // the new year

Amsterdam, April 2014

This year has definitely been my most eventful.  I'm pleased to report this year has been my happiest yet, and let me tell you the "cliche" advice I finally took to get there.

1. Push your limits.
This year I traveled to seven different countries.  As a proud homebody, I would have never guessed that I would live in one of the biggest, most vibrant cities in the world for almost four months and absolutely fall in love with it.  I would have never guessed that after this busy London lifestyle that I would choose to spend the next month traveling around England, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Greece (France is the seventh country, by the way--I spent an unforgettable spring break/birthday week in Nice and Paris).  I'm continually surprising myself with my more adventurous side, and I love that.

2. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
It's one of the hardest things a person can do, but they'll be stronger for it.  Yep, stronger.  Asking for help doesn't make you weak--it makes you smart, courageous, and willing to learn from others.  I've learned so much about myself this year from the help of friends, family, and strangers.  I'm eternally grateful for all of them.

3. Say yes to opportunities.
Being in another country helped me with this.  I learned to embrace uncertainty instead of always playing it safe.  I said "Yes" more than "No" for the first time in my life.  And it was awesome.  As an introvert, I forced myself to do things more than I usually would.  The great thing about this is that after a while, it wasn't forcing myself-- it was 100% by choice.

4. Forgive yourself.
I make mistakes.  A lot. We all do.  All you can really do is cry and mope for a bit, and then pick yourself up again and keep going.  It's hard and sometimes embarrassing, but that's growing up for ya.

5. It's okay to not know what you're doing.
I keep trying to convince myself this.  I'm only 21, I repeat.  I'm only 21.  I have time to discover my purpose.  I have time to pursue my dreams.

Which leads me to my goals for this year!

1. Become a better cook.

2. Plan a cross-country road trip.

3. Save money.  Really.

4. Chase my dreams in a real way.

5. Stay focused on my goals.  Cut out some of the lazy in my life.


2015, LET'S GO!

life lately

Doing: Work, work, theatre, work, theatre, random solo outings around Portland, humoring the idea of my thesis, and crafts (sewing & weaving)

Listening to:  Banks, Lorde, this song, and an embarrassing amount of NPR (okay, I'm secretly very okay with this), rain outside right now (YAY!)

Daydreaming about:  London, the English countryside, my imaginary craft store + cafe, fall, home, cuddling Izzy, Christmas, London, Europe, traveling, Fall Break anniversary trip to Seattle

Eating:  Random thrown-together meals mostly involving pasta which I make myself feel better about by covering half of my plate with salad, a late night Cartopia run with unexpected screening of Pixar shorts, grocery sushi Tuesdays before yoga, delicious enchiladas made by my NE manager, surprise thank you macarons from my SW manager (aka I have the best managers), lots of turkey sandwiches, lovely Saturday morning brunch before work at Petite Provence, yep--this is the longest list

Watching:  The Mindy Project, two...interesting TBA Festival theatre performances for class, What If movie date with Ted, NEW GIRL IS FINALLY BACK

Reading:  Theatre theory essays, people's instagram posts

What I wish I was reading:  My new Thich Nhat Hanh and David Sedaris books, blogs

What I should be doing right now: Homework, bye

to see list

Well, this looks overwhelmingly adorable.  I expect no less from Belle & Sebastian.

Goofy, I know. BUT I MISS LONDON AND I PRETTY MUCH START JUMPING UP AND DOWN WHEN I SEE THIS TRAILER IN THEATERS BECAUSE LONDONNNNNNN.  Also, Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey.  Dreaming of Paddington Station already.

I read The Giver back in elementary school, and I'm excited to be reintroduced into its world through the movie.  It's a shame it took so long for it to become a movie (it came out the year I was born--21 years ago), but I guess it's a dystopian wonderland in Hollywood right now, so the time was finally right.

Any other upcoming movies I should know about?

in which kaylie watches too much new girl and her life becomes a sitcom

When it comes to small frustrations and inconveniences, sure, sometimes I get really upset, but most of the time, I think Well, this is kind of the worst, and super embarrassing, but it might as well be on one of the sitcoms I so lovingly binge-watch on Netflix.  Ted's and my relationship usually falls into this category--like that one time we took at least half an hour finding a parking spot at the Grand Canyon, and just as much time trying to find it when it was time to leave.  Yes, frustrating.  But c'mon, also hilarious.

1)  Since I can't eat Little Big Burger for every meal (unfair, I know), I had to go grocery shopping Monday afternoon.  I was lacking patience because I hadn't eaten a full meal since the night before, so I got into Ted's car READY for some groceries.  I started the car and tried pulling out and nothing happened.  The parking brake was on, and being from mostly flat desert, I have very little experience with park brakes.  After panicking for about five minutes over not being able to get it off while two strangers picked blackberries in our driveway probably thinking I was secretly a grumpy old man waiting for them to leave, it easily snapped down.  Cue the laughing track--I know, you're laughing at me, not with me, on this one.

2)  While making dinner that night, I realized that I needed a can opener.  Everything else had been chopped up and the last thing I needed to do was prepare the chickpeas.  I couldn't find an opener anywhere.  I called Ted and texted my housemates to ask if we had one.  Finally, out of desperation, I found a swiss army knife on the kitchen table and slowly started using it.  I was about a third of the way around the can when I got a text about the opener's whereabouts.  Sure enough, it was hiding in the corner of one of our drawers.

3)  After spending time at my internship yesterday, I went home and decided to unpack some small things into Ted's room (he's home in CA) so it felt a bit more Kaylie.  I thought, I should put the record player on while I unpack!  But it was acting strange, and no sound was coming out.  So I wriggled the needle around like I had in the past, but this time it snapped.  Good thing it's replaceable.

4)  Last night on my way to Fred Meyer's (my #1 hang out, apparently) I dropped something off at someone's house.  After she answered the door, I made small talk and mid-sentence had the overwhelming sensation that some cilantro from my dinner might have lodged into my teeth, so I awkwardly started to talk with my mouth closed as much as possible.  As I walked away, I checked.  It turned out to be onion, but the damage was already done.  I'm awkward.

5)  Walking into Freddy's, I smiled at a mom who had an adorable daughter in Pooh Bear overalls (my childhood in a nutshell) and she sighs and says "Jesus Christ..." under her breath.  I'm hoping I had nothing to do with her distraught...

Perhaps she foresaw what was going to happen next and pitied me.  I had gone for the sole purpose to purchase something personal (ya know, girl stuff), and it didn't phase me at all that I might run into someone embarrassing, because I thought, "Who am I going to run into?  My crush?!"  Just as I laughed at the thought, I saw one of my housemates walking towards me.  Of course.  Although it wouldn't have been the end of the world if I had bumped into him, it certainly wasn't my first choice, so I scurried to the self check out.

The good thing is that despite my sometimes awkward and embarrassing existence as an "adult" (emphasis on the quotes), days like today remind me that I'm at least a somewhat fully functioning human being.  Sure, I slept in, but... I got up, got dressed, picked some blackberries outside, made myself brunch, cleaned the kitchen and tile (while watching Doctor Who, obviously), did some yoga and stretching, ordered most of my school books, watched Ruby Sparks, made myself a dinner that included a large salad (I'm trying really hard, guys), taught myself a new hairstyle, made the sound decision to not cut my hair into bangs, took a shower, and now I'm sitting here writing this.  Life is awkward and embarrassing, but good.

so close, but so far

taken by ted

At 4pm this Friday, I will be done with my second year of college.  Half way done with undergrad.  What.

But all I can think about is how I have to give a presentation (with a partner, thank god) sometime between those last three hours of school.  I have spoken the least in this class, so I am hoping everyone will be so shocked to hear me speak that they will be extremely impressed or not be able to focus on what I am stumbling out.

Ugh.  As you may have gathered, I'm not much of a public speaker.

But then it will be summer.  And life will be good.  And busy.  And summer.  Summer summer summer.

Things to look forward to this summer (because I need to calm down and focus on happy things):

♥ Internship in May and August assisting the costume designer for the Fall main stage production of The Marriage of Figaro

♥ Going home for most of June and July, and some of August (!!!)

♥ Hanging out with family and friends, cuddling Izzy, HGTV

♥ Being home for my parents' birthdays

♥ Time to craft, bake, blog

♥ Avocados & sorbet & 1/2 off frozen yogurt PJ Wednesdays

♥ Developing a yoga routine

♥ Leaky Con in Portland

♥ Family trip to Denver

♥ Blogger Family Meetup in Austin

♥ Actually reading for fun

♥ Arrested Development

♥ and so many other happy things

10 things that make me happy

Spring Break with my lovely family & friends:  Going to reading under the stars, lunch, and track & field at my mom and sister's elementary school, antiquing with grandparents, eating, reading, sewing, catching up with friends, having prime little sister time, Wednesday PJ's and 1/2 priced yogurt, brunch and movie with family,  sushi with my aunt, Easter with my grandparents a week early, watching bad movies on Netflix, hanging out with Izzy, shopping and lunch with my grandma, dyeing eggs, making mini Easter cupcakes, Easter on Easter, HOUSE HUNTERS...and then some.

This.

I found this on the floor in my room.  Yep.

The best MAX trip on my way back to campus ever:  enjoying a green tea frappuccino (thanks for the gift card, momma) and rereading my acceptance email for London over and over.

A house to live in part of this summer/next semester.  Can't wait to decorate my tiny room!

Parks & Recreation Netflix binge (and that time I had all my classes canceled and crafted).  I'M OBSESSED.

Going to the Sellwood Tea Chai Te with my favorite people here (Ted and Claire).  Rose & Black milk bubble teas all around.  Also, I peeked in a few cute stores, antique stores, the craft store (obviously) and found a couple things at a toy store (and made a friend with the little league kiddo in front of me with a chinese finger trap).


Mad Men came back!  Ready for this season's drama (but mostly this season's costumes).


Other things not encapsulated in pictures:
Trying to eat healthier.
Wearing bright colors.  Feelin' more Kaylie in my springtime clothes.

10 things that make me happy

Adorable mugs made by Melanie.

Sunset on South Mountain with the fam.

This random photo from freshman year that Ted found.

This, just because.

8tracks.  Obsessed.  Expect some personal mixes on the blog in the near future!


My favorite nachos after seeing The Hobbit for the second time with my dad and sister.  (PS we saw a dog with dreadlocks.)


Also:
Beautiful hike with beautiful friends (pictures to come)
New Years Eve at Dahlya's (pictures to come)
Watching excessive amounts of HGTV with the fam
Planning Ted's visit in a week

What's making you happy today?

four simple goals

(x)  

This year I wanted to keep my resolution list simple and took a cue from A Beautiful Mess.  Here are my four simple goals for 2013.  

1)  Be happy.   Enjoy each moment without over thinking it.  Stop worrying and obsessing constantly.  Amy wisely said on her blog, "The only thing I can truly control are my actions, and not the outcome of my actions."  I love this, and need to remember this as I try to find my inner peace.  I want to keep a feelings journal to fully understand the things that make me happy and unhappy.

2)  Be healthy.  Explore nature more.  Do yoga (Ted and I are taking a class at school).  Stop complaining about the excessive stairs back up to my dorm (I live on a hill, guys) and frequent walks back and forth from my room to the theatre building.  Eat only foods that make me feel good (and yes, sometimes a cupcake makes you feel awesome).  I want to intentionally do something active at least twice a week and eat something green every meal.

3)  Be brave.  I'm finally realizing that I'm an introvert, which makes it hard to make friends because I tend to keep to myself in social situations.  I want to also stop feeling bad about not wanting to constantly be with other people.  However, I want to make an effort to go out of my comfort zone at least once a month.  

4)  Be confident.  Be less critical of myself.  Be proud of things I do and make.  Know where I am going figuratively (in the future) and literally (directions are not my strong point--even when I know where I am going, I question myself and get myself lost).  Stop doubting myself and my talents.  I want to share more creative outlets on my blog such as crafts, outfits, and designs.

I'm so excited for 2013! I hope you have a safe and wonderful New Years Eve.  ♥

resolution recap

This year I made a resolution list that had big and small goals.  See it here. 

1)  Learn the harmonica  Still waiting on this one.  I always lack motivation in the musical department unfortunately. 

2)  Go camping  Not quite.  But I did do a little hiking and went on  an outdoors trip through school.  Baby steps.  I'm trying!

3)  Apply for a semester abroad  Yes!!!!  I am in the process of applying for the Spring 2014 London trip.

4)  Learn to knit (and not forget)  I did this!  I've even knitted gifts for multiple people already!

5)  Find a summer internship  I worked for a local costumer this summer, which was a great experience.

6)  Attend a concert  I saw Andrew Bird at the Keller with Ted and The Killers with Ted and Rebecca.  Both were awesome, but seeing The Killers was a dream come true!  They were my first band love, afterall.

7)  Learn how to budget $$  I actually really took this one to heart and am now making a huge effort to stay on top of my finances.  Mint helps with this.

8)  Make a short film  NOPE.

9)  Collaborate with friends on a project  Although this is not exactly what I had in mind when I wrote this resolution, I have to say that Rachel's upcoming wedding falls into this category.  I've had so much fun helping her with invitations, engagement photos, crafting, and planning.  If I could be a wedding planner, I'd be pretty okay with that.

10)  Take a class about something I know nothing about  This applies to almost all of my classes, to be honest.  Even when I go into a class thinking I have some kind of grasp on the content, I quickly realize how much I don't know...

11)  Design and make a dress pattern  I haven't done this, but I did do sewing/designing over the summer and designed for my first production at school this fall.

12) Discover a new passion or obsession  Did I find a new passion or obsession this year?  I'm not quite sure.  

Well, that's how my year panned out with resolutions!  Can't wait to make new ones for 2012--I am such a sucker for new beginnings.  

back to school bucket list

It's almost time to go back to Portland!  Here are a few things I want to do this year...

• Make more friends.
• Bake more treats (this will probably help with the friend-making).
• Force my friends to have holiday parties with me (even if it's just me feeding them baked treats in my decorated room).
• Save money & budget.
• Go on fun & cheap dates with Ted.
• Have more girls nights.
• Write for the school newspaper.
• Get more involved.
• Speak up more in classes.
• Eat healthier so I have more energy.
• Go hiking and enjoy the beautiful nature around me.
• Go on an outdoors trip.
• Exercise. (You guys, I have never set foot into a gym... Embarrassing.)
• Write more.
• Sketch more.
• Be more confident in my work.
• Call my family and friends more (not that I didn't last year, but you can never have too much love in your life).
• Become more direction-savvy.  Please.

That's all I can think of at the moment.  Next time I post I'll probably be in Portland! xoxo

11 things that make me happy

These adorable New Girl pictures.

AVOCADOS ALL DAY EVERY DAY. (I have to try this!!!!)

Waiting for Wes Anderson's new film.

When my friends dress up as Glee characters with me (Klaine forever) for my finale party.

Adorable proposals.

Having a yummy lunch & shopping date with my stylish grandma.

Daydreaming about having long hair again.

Hanging out with Izzy in my room.

This awesome typography channel on Vimeo.

The fact that I will get to see this silly bear in less than two weeks. (Sad face=this vintage blazer doesn't fit me.)

This part from the second to last episode of Glee.  How can you not be happy after you watch this?  Happy tears for days.

What's making you happy this weekend?

home is where the collection is

So, I am home.  It feels good.  

That is an understatement.  It feels FANTASTIC.  I am as happy as a bright orange spoon who smiles.

When I walked into my room (my room!), I found a box on the floor.  I opened it and discovered my new baking supplies I got from Easter!  Not only is it all adorable, it all matches in a way.  I love it.  I decided I MUST have colorful house appliances the rest of my life.  Or else.

When I started taking in my room (my room!), I noticed another collection I had started a while ago. My grandma gave me her old diary from when she was a teenager (middle).  Years later in ninth grade, I spotted the small diary on the far right in an antique store and decided I would start a collection.  I found the far left one at an antique store in Edinburgh.

I have two matchboxes with birds on them, so naturally I consider this an accidental collection.

One of my most recent accidental collections consists of three framed embroidery.  The above is a gift from my  creative and thoughtful friend Rylee.  This gift made me cry when I opened it at our Christmas brunch!

I saw this embroidered wonder at a thrift store near my house when I was out with Erin, Domenico, and Erin's sister Emily.  I ogled it, scorned the day for not being half-off whatever colored sticker it had on it, and then sadly bid it farewell....UNTIL I OPENED IT AT CHRISTMAS BRUNCH.  If I haven't already convinced you that I have the most awesome friends ever, I will also say that Kate gave me an adorable embroidered Arizona on floral fabric.  I wish I had a picture of it, but it's in Portland with my other Arizona memorabilia (another collection in the making).

PENGUIN BOOKS.  Much like most of my collections, I don't actively collect Penguin editions, but I am very fond of them.......

Very fond.

Another happy accident--gold frames.  I also have some more metallic-esque frames that are in the same world as these... I just love small touches of glamour like this.

HEART-SHAPED SUNGLASSES.  This is probably my most active collection.  I need more......

What I'm trying to say is:

Being home is awesome.

Having time to think about collecting habits is a luxury of summer.

The best collections are usually accidental.

Unless they are heart-shaped sunglass; in that case, you should pursue them with force.