Life As Of Lately.

Has been full of bbq's in friends backyards, enjoying refreshing beers, tasty snacks, catching up on my summer reading list, receiving pretty things in the mail, packaging up the largest order I have ever had, attending my friends beautiful wedding with a beautiful view, lots of top knots, eating my weight in  party pails of ice cream & hanging out with an adorable baby.

Thankful.

I am thankful for friends who fly from the East Coast to the West Coast to visit me & Portland. Amanda & I get to see one another once a year maybe twice if we are lucky. We met over 5 years ago during one of the funnest summers I think we both have ever had. I was visiting a friend who was living in North Carolina for the summer & she just happened to be dating the neighbor.

Getting to know her during my short stay in North Carolina turned into such a sweet friendship, I look forward to our long phone chats & fun get togethers when we can. She's the friend I know that no matter how much time has gone since our last conversation we will be able to pick up right where we left off.                                                      

During her trip we laughed, caught up, drank cocktails on rooftops, ate tacos on patios & had doughnuts as a nightcap. It was the perfect way to spend my weekend. I can't wait til our next trip which will be my husband & I flying from the West Coast to the East Coast to see her.  Here's a glimpse at her stay & some fun throwback photos. 

(top: this summer. bottom: summer 2009)

 (top: this summer. bottom left. summer 2011, bottom right, summer 2009)

Urban Craft Uprising

A few weeks ago I had the honor to be apart of Seattle's largest indie craft fair, Urban Craft Uprising. Let me just say it was such a lovely experience & I had a little off time to do a tiny bit of exploring around Seattle's downtown. I was not prepared for how busy I was going to be, but happy that so many people were into my jewelry and able to take it home. Many of my buyers chose to wear the pieces out over a bag!

    

A little about Urban Craft Uprising, this is the 8th year and its going strong! The fair is juried, which means a group of selected "judges" go through hundreds of applicants of handmade goodies! Tons of people line the front before the doors are even opened to get their hands on swag bags, which are filled with fun things hand made by the vendors.

On our second day in Seattle we woke up a little early to go explore Pike's Public Market. We had breakfast at a little french bakery & enjoyed the hustle of the early market goers. Im sad that I didnt get to spend more time there, but thankfully Seattle is a short 3 hour drive & We are already talking about going back. 

So, until next time Seattle!

4th of July.

Our 4th was spent the best way possible, in a backyard with good food & drinks, with some of the greatest people I know. Oh & of course street fireworks. Here's the proof.

Husband & Wife: 22nd Ed.

I caught them at their finest moments.

The pups of course joined in on the festivities, trying to coax anyone into some treats.

Once the sun went down the boys got a little crazy & by crazy I mean jumping through flames. While I was completely satisfied with my sparkler. 

I hope y'all had a very safe & fun filled day! 

Currently.

Loving: How well our new space is coming together. We have been doing a handful of projects and painting rooms, I just couldn't be happier with the turn out! Also I am loving the new yoga studio I just recently found downtown.  They are a donation based studio which first of all is amazing, they believe that no one should be denied the right to practice yoga due to money.  Second they offer a variety of different classes which is always fun to try out a new style! Thirdly there is no worry about any membership fees or monthly payments. Its so nice because I don't know about you but $130 plus a month is just too much for us, especially since we both go.

Reading: I just started reading Mike Birbiglia's Sleep Walk with Me just two days ago and I am almost finished! I knew I wouldn't want to put it down.  If you have never heard of Birbiglia you are missing out.  He is a comedian and often contributes stories to This American Life, a radio show on NPR.  I think he is hilarious and his stories are relatable and so genuine. I definitely recommend it!

Watching: Friday Night Lights,  I wish i could explain how much I enjoyed this show! I am currently re-watching the entire show with my husband because he refused to watch it the first time around.  But now we are halfway season 4 and he can't stop! Now I must mention this is rare for me, I can never re-watch movies or shows because I get distracted or bored because I know what is going to happen, but not FNL.

Anticipating: Well, a few things! Next weekend we will be in seattle for Urban Craft Uprising which is Seattle's Largest indie craft show. I'm super honored to be apart of it and can't wait to meet other fine maker's of things!  A very sweet friend of mine is coming to visit in just two weeks and it has been just over a year since we last saw each other and I can't wait to see her!  Lastly my in-laws are coming to visit us in Portland for the very first time since we moved here, now this is a BIG deal. You see my dear father in law has never been on a plane in his life! I really think they are going to just fall in love with Portland.

Listening: I can not stop listening to The Lumineers, like CAN NOT STOP.  As soon as the album is over I start it all over again.  My poor husband calls it "Mal Music"  and I am probably driving him up the wall with it. It's that good.

Planning: The next project to do! When my father in law gets here, he and my husband will be building this wall shelving unit I have been swooning after for sometime. I can't wait til it is done so I can share photos!

Working On: Lots and lots of jewelry to prepare for next weekends festival and another one in July.

Wishing: Everyone a fun & safe holiday on this upcoming 4th of July!

& Thank you Danielle for this fun "currently" post inspiration.