Happy Independence Day!

Feels good to celebrate it in Seattle.

First up - an Apricot Ale at the Pyramid Beer Garden. Ah, memories!

The beer reminds me of the summer I lived in Greenlake and my friend Angela suggested I try an Apricot Ale. I was like, Seriously? She said, Yes. God, I love this beer. The beer garden reminds me of many, many Seattle memories.

Also - how cute does LZ look preggers?!

Batter Up: Safeco Garlic French Fries!

Just as DELICIOUS as I remember them. I think I inhaled all them in under 10 minutes. An awesome micro Pacific Northwest brew to accompany them. If I can determine my version of heaven - both of these exist in it.

Good to See You Again Safeco:

Even Bailey had his stars on:

It's not the 4th in Seattle without Gasworks Parks Fireworks:

It was a great 4th.

Sam Patrick's Day

I am REALLY excited about tomorrow.

I go all out on St. Patrick's Day because it is one of my favorite holidays; if not my #1.

Last year, I had a great time celebrating St. Patrick's Day with Jamie, Eamon and Ella. This year, I'll be heading to Katie and Sam's for a double whammy - St. Patty's Day AND Sam's birthday.

St. Patrick's Day + Sam's Birthday = Sam Patrick's Day

Gearing up for tomorrow, I searched high and low in Union Square (big score at Party City - of course, IT'S THE ONLY ONE IN MANHATTAN! and Staples) for all sorts of awesome, not cheesy St. Patrick's Day crafty materials.

Then I ventured to Greenpoint, BK.

Not after: getting on the G going the wrong way and then exiting at Greenpoint only to walk in the wrong direction. Oh yeah, and on the way home I got on the 7 going the wrong way, too. Not entirely my fault as the 7 was running in both directions on the same track and I managed to only go 1 stop before I realized it.

I'm special people, SPECIAL.

Anywho, after I arrived at Chateau Katie + Sam and was served with delicious broccoli and a Brooklyn Brewery beer, Katie, Tessa and myself spread out the crafty supplies and got to planning.

Obvs:
Lots of Shamrocks
Garlands

Clearly, this was going to be a very neat and tidy activity:

 I can't wait to see how everything looks when Chateau Katie + Sam is fully decorated!

It's supposed to be nice tomorrow (every St. Patrick's Day for the last 5 years, I've been on the East Coast and each year, it's been beautiful weather), fingers crossed!

It would such a great Sam Patrick's Day to be BBQ-ing, hanging out in the sun, chatting and relaxing all day. Then to celebrate, if we keep it together, will be to go to The Bell House's Saint Patrick's Day for Sinners.

It's an all redhead revue and party. Redheads get in for free! I love that since I am one.

Like I said, I am REALLY excited for tomorrow.

Happy Valentine's Day

If you love today:

If you want to punch today in the face:

So Long Christmas Tree

It's officially the end of the first week of the new year. That means good bye Christmas Tree. Thanks for hanging out. You made our holidays. You made me happy. You put a smile on my face.

Happy New Year!

What I Found Trolling the Internet

Great compilation of blind items. I want a reveal on 1, 2 and 4. (Gawker)

One of my Freebie Five and Zooey Deschanel sing to you. Sigh. This makes me want him so much more than I already do. Doesn't help that I watched 500 Days of Summer a couple of nights ago.(Hello Giggles)

According to this, I am, without a doubt, AN ADULT. It's so true for me and my friends.(Hello Giggles)
Top 10 2011 News Stories.I remember exactly where I was when I found out about/watched 1, 5 and 10. (CNN)
The worlds' oldest divorcees. (Time Magazine)

To Do: 3 Major Art Projects

I made a promise to myself this year: to give or make some aspect of my Christmas gifts.

To Do
Finish handmade Christmas cards (12)
Finish handmade Christmas ornaments (5)
Sew applique onto velvet ribbon for NYE dress (1)
Work on mermaid painting (1)
Finish Thank You card design (1)

I do not know how this is going to work out.

The Holidays at Home

I was lucky enough to get to go home for a couple of days for Christmas. I'll let the pictures do the talking . . .

What I Learned Today . . .

Excellent f-cking revenge on national TV. (CDAN)

Yay!! More info and spoilers about Oncce Upon a Time!!! (EW)

I found a place where I can tackle screen printing on the cheap! Because there ain't no room in my house for it. (ABC No Rio)

This is SO perfect for me. My heart does live in NY and CA. I like to wear my heart on my sleeve! (Wildfox)

I love this mermaid and dolphin candle lantern. (Etsy - Earthsteps)

I equally love this mermaid necklace. (Etsy - ValleyGirlDesigns)

Checked out my current favorite book's author/blog/reading guide. (Sarah Jio)

Lauren took great and fun holiday photos of her and Kyle's home. I especially enjoy the antlers on the KitchenAid. (Chezerbey)

Happy Holidays!

Layaway Angels

Last year, almost to the day, I wrote about the random acts of kindness happening during the holiday season. This year, I love the story about the Layaway Angels. People calling or going to into stores and paying off other's layaway items.

Read about the first Layaway Angel.

Way to pay it forward and truly give people a great holiday gift. I LOVE these kinds of stories.

It's Starting to Feel Like Christmas!

I didn't get a tree last year which really bummed me out. I didn't get to hang my ornaments last year :(. I was absolutely getting a tree this year. Better late than never!

Photo courtsey of Ms. Emily Olson - thanks Emma!

Now, it's starting to feel a whole lot like Christmas. Just add tree.

I Love My Cards!

I got my awesome holiday cards from So, There today.

I LOVE them.

Thanks Ali!

The Holidays in NYC

It never gets old . . .

Tis the Season!

I keep reminding myself to make my own holiday cards (which I really want to do this year) yet it's Christmas Eve in 8 days; so there's that.

There are quite a few people on my list, so for those that share my similar sarcastic humor - you're getting these!

These beautiful letterpress cards are courtesy of my good friend and talented graphic designer, Alison Lang of So, There (her etsy shop) and blogger of But You're Just Jealous. Take a peek at her shop to see her other beautiful designs!

Beautiful Bay Head, NJ

It's no San Diego but Bay Head was an absolutely gorgeous place to spend Thanksgiving. My very first East Coast sunset.

Thanks for having me Lo!

Rockettes + Henri Bendel = I'm There!

I love the Christmas displays in New York. Henri Bendel's in particular. A few years ago I was here for work and it was close to this time of year and there were models on every display and in the windows acting out the holiday scenes. It was so beatiful, so dramatic.

This is even better because it has champagne and the Rockettes!

Needless to say, I'm super excited to go there with co-worker K tomorrow after work. 

Baby You're a Firework!

It's my first 4th of July in NYC. While I didn't spend it at the beach the way I wanted to, I still got to see one of the most amazing firework displays. And I got to see them exactly as I wanted to - with Erica, Johnny and Justin on their roof with a cold six pack of cider on deck. So to everyone:

Happy 4th of July!