rainy days

It's going to be cold and rainy this weekend here in Seattle. Surprised? There is nothing more that I would rather do than curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea, while listening to the pitter patter of rain on the rooftop. But, I have things to do, places to go, people to see...so instead I'm going to grab the umbrella and hit it head on!

Photo via Ruffled

color crush { deep blue }

This rug has been on my wish list for quite some time now; however I am realistic that I will never own it seeing as it costs a small fortune. Even though I might not be able to have this rug for myself, I love the look they put together in the photo below and might have to steal inspiration for our bedroom. There is something soothing yet sensual about it, and it would blend perfectly with our home's overall color scheme.

Chances are, I won't be getting my bedding or rugs at Anthropologie (unless I can stalk the sales), but I can start hunting for similar colors and textures at much more affordable home stores. I did spot a similar duvet cover at West Elm for nearly a third of what they are asking at Anthropologie. And better yet, it comes in several soothing shades.

And Urban Outfitters and Target usually have a decent selection of fun patterned sheets that would pair nicely. Let me know if you see anything worth checking out!

decisions, decisions...

As everyone keeps telling me, there are always things to do when you own a home. I have no doubt that we will remain busy until the end of time. This house has so much potential that it is difficult not to want to peel back the layers and let the pretty thing shine! It is just a matter of deciding what to do next. Finish up the moulding? Nah...it can wait. Although I have considered adding a chair rail in the dining "room".

Paint the front door? Definitely a contender, but then I have to look at paint chips until I am blue in the face.

Paint the kitchen cabinets? Sounds like fun, but might be best to wait until the weather is a little nicer so it dries before next year.


What a tough choice it is going to be! What would you do?

photo tour { house update }

As I looked back at my blog posts from its beginning, I realized that I never really provided you with an update as to how things are looking these days. This was then, and this is now: First, we'll start with the bedroom.




And the guest bedroom.






And finally, the living room.








Quite an improvement if I might say so myself!

christmas recap

My mom pointed out to me this morning that I failed to post photos and recap my own Christmas Story. Nobody got their tongue stuck to a pole and nobody shot their eye out, but it was still a very exciting and festive occasion. Steve and I were holiday hosts for the first time ever and it was wonderful. We were so grateful to be able to spend our first Christmas as a family in our own home with our dogs, but also to have my family here to celebrate with. Christmas Eve was spent dining on the water at Six Seven. The meal was delicious and the presentation was superb. If you live in the Seattle area and haven't ever eaten here, I highly recommend it. I love that my family is the sharing type because I was able to sample the "local fare", everything from penn cove mussels to cedar planked black cod to pork shoulder. I myself chose the lamb. It was quite delectable. The wine was fantastic as well. Living in California, my brother has developed quite a palate for wines. We tried a couple different Pinot Noirs from Willamette Valley, and I believe he was impressed. I only wish I could remember the names of the wines we sampled. There was one in particular that I really enjoyed. Needless to say, the evening was perfect. We all awoke on Christmas Day to gorgeous sunshine. The weather was fantastic the entire time my family was here. They always seem to bring the sun! We enjoyed mouth-watering pastries from Bakery Nouveau (only the best little bakery in all of Seattle) and then opened presents by the tree. After relaxing for a bit, we took the dogs on a walk at Schmitz park and then went down to Alki to take in the views. Just the way that Steve and I usually like to spend our Sundays. As soon as we got back, my sister-in-law, Lilli and I immediately went to work preparing our culinary masterpiece for dinner. We make beef tenderloin, with herb roasted vegetables, broiled asparagus, and pear salad. It took forever, and we didn't eat until close to 9:00 pm, but it was worth the wait! It turned out perfectly and I couldn't have done it without Lilli! For dessert we had a superb pumpkin roulade with ginger buttercream. Thank you Barefoot Contessa! The rest of the trip was just as wonderful as the holiday. We enjoyed a friendly game of Apples to Apples, rode a ferry to Vashon, took a tour of the Seattle Underground, and just relaxed together. It was a splendid visit and I was sad to see them go. The holidays always seem to go by so quickly, but the memories last much longer. Feliz Navidad! Sadly I didn't take many photos, but as soon as I gather some from the others I will update the post with a few of my favorites.

friday thoughts { favorite quotes }

I received the new Anthropologie catalogue today and they always seem to have the best quotes scattered throughout. In fact, one of my favorite poems (included in my best friend's speech at my wedding this past May) was first seen in an Anthropologie catalogue. Today's find is much shorter, but got me thinking: "It's a funny thing, chasing the wind. Just when you think you think you've got hold of her, off she's gone." I don't know why, but I really like it. Maybe it just reminds me of how I want to approach 2010. Rather than spend all my energy trying to chase the wind, maybe I should just let the wind take me. As my huz and I like to say, "to just be". This is so much better than trying to control where life takes you. You can only make smart decisions and be prepared for possible challenges, but whatever happens is meant to be and you just have to "roll with the punches", as they say.

new year, new hopes!

I don't know about you, but I am absolutely twitterpated about 2010. I have a feeling it is going to be a very auspicious year. Now, don't get me wrong. 2009 was indeed fabulous. After all, I did get married to the love of my life and buy a home in what might be easily mistaken for Pleasantville. I can't really complain about much these days, but there is something to be said about new beginnings. This year has been a crazy one and I can't wait to slow things down and spend more time with the ones I love. And that, my friends, is the first of my new years resolutions. I vow to spend more time, either on the phone or in person, with my friends and family. The second resolution might sound a little contradictory of my first, but its all about balance. This year, I also want to take more time for myself. To explore new passions and hobbies (mostly gardening and cooking), to be okay with being curled up on the couch in my pjs with a good book all day Sunday, and to find a health routine that I actually enjoy. Now, there are a lot of small resolutions scattered throughout these two, but this seems to be the gist of it. I had forgotten how important it is to recharge, unplug, and just breathe.

Here's to the new year!

Image via Lil Bee