MISC.

Christmas is coming! 

All the presents (but one) are wrapped under the tree and we've watched Christmas movies and had Christmas tea! 

Made treats for Christmas. I need to make more immediately!


Just finished this book to get in the holiday spirit.


I like singing holiday commercials.


Beautiful gift wrapping.


Cat drinking water!

MISC.

All I want all the time is to lie in bed in my flannel until the sun comes back! Even though I love tea and soup and Christmas and being tucked close to family around a fire. Okay, I think the problem is I want my feet to be warm right now. This weekend we're hanging out with a dear friend in Seattle and watching Christmas movies and making homemade soup hopefully and finishing a baby blanket. Right now I'm going to lie in bed!

Love in Iceland. I'm dying.

I am obsessed with what other people do for makeup. 

Two movies I cannot wait for. One, because it will be great, and one because it will be happy.


Carol. Being awesome.


The Christmas Jumpers!


I think I will make these for my work friends instead of presents and Christmas cards! 

The house.

Ignoring that the photos are crooked I just want to say I finally got mats for those photos! And I sewed a pillow for the couch. It needs a little more stuffing but we're moving forward. Even though things aren't perfect it's definitely a home here. People are in and out and Roo is a terror and the sweetest all at once and there's baking and reading (Unbroken and Yes Please right now) and Christmas music.

And now the tree is up (and there was snow but you can't really see it)! Roo likes to lie by the heater and watch the lights. It's the best. 

WNWR: Brother.

I think my brother is the hardest person in the family to shop for. But somehow this year I finished him up earlier than everyone else! I can't explain it. It was Christmas magic.

This is the only thing Jarrod asked for this Christmas. No joke. SO....

A handsome bag to replace the backpack that he totes. I consider this a need.

The best plaid I've seen all fall.

NPR recommended it and I don't read much science fiction. I'll trust NPR.

A lot of little.

How nuts does that look!

Last week Joshua saw the ad for Fred Meyer: spend $150, get a free turkey. So he sent a quick message out to our friends and today we went shopping! We filled an entire cart to the brim and stuffed the bottom rack even! 

A bunch of people asked if we were shopping for Thanksgiving. I just want to say now- thanks old people for thinking Johnny Joshua and I could pull off a party that needs 20 pounds of potatoes, 20 cans of green beans and corn, 4 hams and 4 pineapples, a whole case of pumpkin filling, a mess of miscellaneous things and a 17 pound turkey. But thanks no thanks.

We took it all to SK Helpline which is the food bank for our area. And I'm not saying this to say anything about us (except that I love Joshua and his big heart and his initiative on this). No one donated more than $30. The whole of it took maybe two hours. A lot of little goes a long way. Just some coordinating and a bunch of families are going to get dinner on Thursday.

It took three tries to get $150 worth of groceries! When we were all done we all said we were terrified when we came up to the cashier because we thought we'd be at $400 dollars and have to return all the pie filler and be humiliated but look at that trunk! I couldn't believe how far the money went. It's easy to help but we don't because we think a dime isn't going to go anywhere. But it does.

I know it's sappy. I don't mind.
Happy Thanksgiving.

So catchy!

MISC.

I can't believe it's Saturday! We had Friday off (Fleetwood Mac recovery day) and we went absolutely mad- the mall, lunch with a friend, Goodwill, Costco, Winco, movie night at my moms to watch Kinky Boots. I didn't do a lick of cleaning. And it's only Saturday morning! I'm going to clean and bake some practice cookies and sew a pillow. It's home ec in the Wilson's house today! Hurrah. And if you needed one more great thing Beyonce dances in her underwear.



Catchy tune.


Joshua and I picked up this reindeer beanie... it's going to be so festive!


The best smelling fig soap ever.


I'm sure I've posted this a million times but I still love it more than anything. I want to go to there.


Dala horse christmas ornaments! I love Christmas (I may be getting the boxes out today...)!

We bought a chair.

Oh my I love it.
Joshua hasn't sat on the couch since I brought it home and kitten prefers it for naps.
Not bad for a St. Vincent's trip!

THANKSGIVING.

I think Thanksgiving might be a small affair this year which actually makes me a little more excited for it! Small gatherings can be well thought out and well decorated. Plus I can make a couple of cutesy decorations no problem! And when all else fails it will still be wonderful to sit around with family and then watch Band of Brothers in our pajamas the next day.

I'm thinking these cookies will go nicely with ice cream since we don't really do pie.

And I love both of these simple ways to take a moment and be thoughtful about what we are thankful for. I have supplies for both (maybe I should be thankful for my growing craft drawer) but I think I might go with the mats. 

But basically Thanksgiving should be called "I'm thankful that Christmas season can begin!"

WNWR: Mama.

Apparently I talk about my mom all the time. To everyone. Work knows my best friend is my mom. Dolores (the nice old lady we play cards with) knows my mom and I are best friends. It's pretty great until I want to punch her when we are walking at the Y and we get in a fight. But after that it's pretty great. Yes. I love my mom. And even these not real but really great presents are getting me excited for her real presents!
Enough already.

A cooking class in Poulsbo, because experiences are the best gifts.

A pot rack- for ease of making delicious soups and more room to sit on her counters and talk.

A poncho, because being cozy and adorable in the winter is possible. Also good for the zombie apocalypse.

The best book I've read all year. I would have given a copy to everyone I know if I thought they would read it!

WNWR: Husband.

Christmas shopping for Joshua is my favorite. Seriously. I wish I had a million dollars to buy him all the ridiculous things I want to. But that pesky Mr. Ramsey bums out that plan (debt free is so enticing and a present in itself) so I'll stick with a couple smart choices!

A trip to the City by the Bay. And a trolley ride where you ride on the outside (he's crazy brave).

They're not glamorous but most things you need aren't. Keep those feet toasty!

A sweater to keep warm. And to brag.

Lila (An article with the author).

WNWR: Sister.

I know. But we have a candle called spice cupboard (which I highly recommend) and it's freezing at night and that's all it takes for me to jump on board the Christmas train! Wooh wooh! Trains in the station and I have a ticket!

Lovely Sam Smith to croon with on the way to work. I would want this if I didn't have it already.

Postcards, needed to keep in touch with friends in Sequim.

A colorful scarf to wear in winter from FashionABLE.

Because everyone loves her and they like her. Read more books.

MISC.

I was going to type something sarcastic and mean which was my heart until five seconds ago when my sister called. I have been in a dark mood today! But then we laughed about soup and I feel better. Not better enough to avoid scouring the house but better.

Those stairs!


I want a closet like this!


A sweet song.


French or just smart, some good ideas to live by.


Did you see the new buffalo from SM? I love him.


I'm taking my Pendleton to this cleaners, when I called the owner answered and gave me a discount. Whaaaaat?! Yes. I've never been picky about chemicals and blah blah all that but something about the blanket that my whole family sleeps with seems like I should pay the extra $10 and just switch to the cleaners that gets the eco rating.

MISC.

It is not even 7 but here I am, awake! The laundry is folded and kitten in cuddling on my pillow and maybe I'll tackle some project today. Or just shower. Start with small goals.

A grab box of yarn! I love Lion Brand.


Also this gold leaf yarn I'm making a baby blanket out of.


A girl on Mars.


We're going to Grill from Ipanema tonight for my mom's birthday... meat.


All the Walking Dead Webisodes, if you need something to hold you over until tomorow!


Joshua loves A Frames but I never understood until I saw this house.


Kevin Hart on ostriches.


Another Ben song. Album is out this week, and tour is this winter! Excellent news.


We've been watching Parks and Rec. I love it so much, it's so friendly and happy. RON.

Ben is back!

No secret that I love Ben Howard. There is something in his music that brings the water and fog and rain and the wind in your face to mind. Let me get my wool sweater out before we talk.

I've seen him live a handful of times and each time life was so different. The second time Joshua and I had split, I saw him alone in the U District- I thought my heart was going to splinter apart. But I don't hear that sadness the same at all now. I hear my patients saying goodbye to family and life and living while they are living. And I hear happiness. Music is not intrinsic to me. I can't even talk about it properly! My poor sister is constantly trying to talk to me about some new awesome band that I've never heard of. I could, and do, go without it most days.

But there are some people I continue to carry with me as truth and Ben is one of them. As I change his music changes. I cannot wait for his new album.

google: kittens

Sometimes at work I just google kittens.

It makes for the nicest breaks.

And the Philadelphia Zoo came up with the smallest wild African cats. Dear God.

Work.

On tough weeks at work I go back to this article over and over again:

In abusive and toxic work environments we can shield, protect, and provide safe havens for co-workers. Maybe it's because you have a certain scope of power and can use that power humanely and restoratively. Maybe it's simply that you are a healing and welcoming presence at the watercooler. Regardless, your mission in that toxic work environment is to be a haven of protection and healing.
Many of you are doing exactly that today. Work sucks. It's a toxic place. The boss is abusive, a petty tyrant. But for as long as you are there in that place you spread your wings and protect those around you.



TO DO:
I am going to speak calmly and only speak truth and not always speak. 
I will be gentle. 
I am not going to condone bad behavior by laughing or by staying silent.
I will be one of the good parts of the workday.

MISC

This weekend mom and I went to Portland. We ate at Bunk Sandwiches and went to the Zoo and wandered around downtown and completely bombed Galaga at the Nickel Arcade. And we went on the Pendleton factory tour. It was delightful. As was returning to Roo. Rooster loves baskets. She also loves a toy mouse we found under the stove (along with a ton of her dry food and nine pens. NINE.) 

Eloise showed me a song last week at singing and I love it.


I watch this kitten almost every night. BECAUSE IT IS THE CUTEST.


This cuff was in the Nordy's fall catalog. I dig it.


Apartment Therapy had this beautiful tiny house this week. I love tiny houses. And flower crowns.


Lastly, galaga on computer.

WHOA.

I was looking for hairstyles (I'm letting my hair grow over winter) and stumbled upon this AMAZING photo of Tegan and Sara.

Enjoy.

MORE SHOES. ALWAYS SHOES.

For summer.

For winter.

Joshua says I buy too much brown. So I'm switching to tan. Brown's cousin.

BOOOOOOTS!

I am not buying these boots. But aren't they cute?

Rug.

Joshua found this rug at World Market and I think we might actually buy it.
Who would have thought?
I'm not really sure how it blends with the rest of our stuff but he loves it and it has tassels.
TASSELS.

26.

I got to sleep in AND my own doodle! Today is going to be great! 

Travel.

I love to travel. But almost more than I love to travel I love to pack/plan to pack for travel! Packing is just the greatest. Putting all your excitement into what earrings you're going to take with you is fantastic! I never write down all the things I learn each time I travel and I make the same mistakes- taking the sweater that wrinkles- every time. So next time I've vowed to do it perfectly. Research!


Like reading other people's packing lists.


The savvy travelers list.


And on accident a pinterest board.


And Buzzfeed's packing lists. Also this helpful diagram.

MISC.

This weekend: finishing a baby blanket for a mama who's already dilated... got to get on that! Finishing Christmas shopping, cuddling with kitten katten, and zucchini bread. Sounds like a plan to me! And packing to see Heather in a couple of weeks. Hurrah! Finally!

Currently reading a book about rowing with all of Kitsap County. So far Joshua loved it and I'm on page 18 with no complaints!


Do you love Outbreak? I'm not about to watch it with the mess in Liberia but I love Outbreak.


Nate Berkus fabric at Joanns. I cover everything.


Sparkly bracelets.


Interesting post on Volvo.. my first two cars were Volvo's and when we have disposable income my car will be a Volvo. I like there design best and now that I've read some things about their safety I'm all in.


I will be buying this rug.


A nice TED radio hour: happiness. The section I heard was on being in the moment and not letting your mind wander all the time.

Mom the Builder.

I have one tiny collection that started somehow and will most likely never end- jars. All matching. My mom is not helping the issue (what a good mom) and now they've taken over my counter. My tiny two square feet of counter. SO, good mom built me some shelves. I'd say she helped me build some shelves but I knew how to do nothing! I don't love the brackets but I love that all my jars lined up so neatly!

Now to figure out how to take decent photos.
In sad news, we finished 30 Rock. Worst ever.

Secret: All my jars but two. It's out of control.

Nature.

We went camping last weekend! We went to Olympic National Park (which is enormous) and camped at Staircase. That's the very bottom of OLP but there are almost a million acres of park! We learned about mustelids and old growth forests from Ranger Jeff every night and went on meandering hikes and   soaked our toes in the river. It was the only damp weekend of the summer (our luck) but it was still great fun. Nothing like sitting around a fire with family. The only thing missing was a twangy guitar and someone singing from Three Amigos! 

Wise camping words.

6/12

One of my goals for the year is to try 12 new recipes... you know, one a month. Today I completed recipe 4! But now I'm on a roll and I think I'll pound out another couple couple this month and be caught up no problem. Cooking/baking/mixing drinks together is surprisingly fun!

Anyway, I made this cake, which if you use regular flour requires only a couple of new ingredients to make. It wasn't quite at pretty as hers but I don't think it would make one of those pinterest fail posts either!

1. Starbucks hack.

2. This recipe is bananas!

3. Potatoes (the only repeat request from Joshua so far).

4. CAKE!!!

5. Chicken.

6. Spritzer.

I'm pretty sure there is one more that escapes me... ah well. More cooking. Also, I understand that drinks are slightly cheating but I'm not even bothered. I'm making bread tonight and will one day brave this cake. It's a recipe from Rich Table and it's the best cake I've ever had. EVER. With peaches and homemade ice cream and I need to be back in SF to eat it every night. After we got home I googled olive oil cake and their recipe came up! It's Christmas! For olive oil cake.

Dishtowels.

Anyone else love dishtowels? Come on, I know you do! I've decluttered our house pretty successfully but I haven't cut one dishtowel out of rotation! Having thirty dishtowels means you can stop using them when you should, not when you've done a load of laundry. Completely worth it.

I bought a Nordstrom one (ridiculous I know) and next month I'm adding these pretty 50th anniversary towels to the collection (they are camo and fantastic). If you are going to bring things into the house they should be beautiful. Cue my hatred of our trashcans. But settling takes time- maybe forever.

 

MISC.

I thought this week would never end. NEVER END. But here it is! The heat broke last night and it was cool and sleep came easily. I might be able to pick up the baby blanket I've been working on and finish it! I need a tote bag to carry my yarn projects in so I don't look like a hobo... I think Daryl might be the perfect option. I am so relieved to not go to work tomorrow. I cannot tell you.

I want to go to there.


Have you seen these three posts? We should.


This print is fantastic. We might need a Sam Flores series...


Flower ring.


Miley quotes.


We're going to WWDTM in September... nerdy girl time to the max! But what to wear...


Naps could happen under this sweet blanket.

Sportscenter and soccer.

MISC.

We're having an "Everything's Bigger in Texas!" going away party for some friends at church moving to, you know. So I've been making this enormous paper chain from poster board. It's even more insane in person. That's $8 worth of paper. $8! That's it! I love it. I'm going to blow up some 70's church directory photos of them as well and call it a day.

It has been so warm! Summer is delightful. 

Cutest kitten.


Nice work DKNY.


Will see this movie.


Beautiful maxi dress.

OITNB.

Christmas is the happiest time of year! And by Christmas I mean right now. We're halfway through the second season and I think it's fantastic, even better than season one.
So listen to this catchy Christmas song. If only Poussey was in it!

MISC.

Friendliest band, and such a catchy song!
We leave EARLY tomorrow for In N Out and the aquarium and a week without work!
YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!






The original version is great too!


I weirdly love decorating with American flags.


Beyonce. Guys in heels. Okay.


World Cup style guide. I'd be pissed if I'm the guy at the BBC in sports who gets this topic!


I think this dress is really pretty, and I have weddings coming up this summer! Done.


Bought this comic series after a friend posted some recommendations on facebook. Taking them on vacations! Along with Jim Gaffigan.

I like Peter Pan collars.

It's just so cute and feminine and looks better buttoned all the way up... aka my dream.


Like this one.


Or this one!

RING-

My engagement ring is from this company, I just want to live there. From DS.



satomi tour vimeo from Design*Sponge on Vimeo.

Call Your Girlfriend.

Why is this so catchy?
I'll be singing it all day at work.
And funny SNL version. Amazingly accurate.

THE PURGE.

Today is the day of spring purge! Out with the old! Finally got rid of the boots I wore through Europe the first time. My first short booties... I've kept them in the back of the closet through three moves and today I was finally ready to chuck them. Enough time had passed that the thing wasn't important anymore. The fact that those boots walked me up St. Peter's was, but not the boots. I got rid of an old dress that I still love but will never wear again, too young and short for me now. I keep reminding myself that I'm not wearing these things and that I want someone to love and wear them like I did.
I'm trying to set parameters for my closet and our bookcases etc.

Often used (or read).
Loved.
Well fitting.

So that I can make room for a new jacket. And boots.
Maybe I need a no-buy summer to evaluate my crazy clothing problem.

Jarrod and Katrina-

Two of my favorites from Katrina's wedding!!! We went through them all last night, Camarin did a stunning job shooting the wedding. So many joyful moments captured. 

When she posts them all on facebook I'll put a couple more on here but I don't want to bust all her photos before she shows them! 

And a couple of links for the weekend:


Beard love.

I'm going to buy some rhubarb from our local farmer man and make this on Saturday!