BlogHer '14

A blogging conference....have you ever gone to one? Admittedly, and sadly, I have not.  I had a hard enough time over the weekend to attend a cycle class at a local studio for "Portland Bloggers".  Even though I attend classes at this studio regularly, I was apprehensive to label myself publicly as a 'blogger'......to meet others who might be younger than me, cooler than me, better...

Friday…….

via First, sorry if the above image's language offends. {fact about me: I cuss more than I probably should} Moving along…. It's Friday - amazing…..Having my %#$& together is always a goal for my week, but lately, I hardly feel like I do. I am trying to embrace imperfection, that enough is enough - which is BIG for this once perfection-seeker. But life throws us curves…..this week...

My dining room…..craving color {sort of}.

If you ever visit my house, chances are you would  plop yourself down at my 'kitchen couch' - it's a favorite spot in my Forever*Cottage. It's a homework spot, work spot, dining spot, chatting spot, wine drinking spot, texting spot, phone chat spot, reading spot {and famous for being the "I'll just sit here and talk to mom while she cleans up the kitchen" spot}.… it's where it all happens...

Bloggers who lunch…..

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a Portland blogger lunch hosted by Minted.com!  Like a good blogger {and unusual for me} I took my big girl camera and am glad I did.  I know you all like to see a pretty table as much as me. The flowers were gorgeous! The stationary and paper embellishments were  adorable - of course, they were done by Minted! Blogging...

A creative option when you need a large coffee table…..

I had the pleasure of checking in with a local client last week. This young family moved into a 'new to them' home almost  a year ago and quickly got to work on a major kitchen renovation. The home is large which meant it required larger scaled furniture than what they had in their former home.  The client was anxious to complete the family room that adjoined their newly renovated  kitchen...

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from Uncommon Goods { + a giveaway!}…….

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9 In many ways I feel like yesterday was Christmas, yet this week is Easter - the days seem to be whizzing on by (see yesterday's post)!   Spring is really my favorite time of year, so many special days - including my birthday, Easter and Mother's Day! Uncommon Goods is a online retailer that features unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment...

thoughts from a 'good stuff' filled weekend……and a winner.

A wise 'older' mom once quoted this to me as I chased my exuberant toddler while managing a stroller with my sleeping baby in it……I remember being frustrated, a little overwhelmed and exhausted.  I refrained from saying out loud what I was thinking in my head, 'yea, right, lady'!   Lately, I find myself thinking about that day and believing, 'truer words were never spoken'. I...

What's going on……plus a fun giveaway.

I'm not going to even apologize for my absence……I am not arrogant enough to  think you are all sitting online waiting to hear about my next client project,  diy attempt, gallery wall conquest…..like me, you have  living to do!  Now that doesn't mean I don't get all giddy when you comment, compliment and read along with my yammering on ……… cause I do! So here it is Saturday...

A 'Frozen' themed party fit for a tween!

 Simple is the name of the game around here - especially birthday celebrations as my girls get older.  My little girl turned 12 in March and wanted to have some friends over to "hang out" and celebrate her birthday.  She LOVES the movie Frozen and the girls were planning to watch it together so I ran with that 'theme' when I set and decorated her birthday table!    My...

Words…...

Ah, vacation….it does a soul good.  I am happy to be back and am slowly returning to our normal routine.  Waiting for me on our front porch when I returned from vacation was this 'perfect for me' sign from Etsy seller BetweenYouAndMe. I love it so much that I spent much of the morning, after unpacking it, carrying it from one room to another contemplating where I might hang it!...