Friday, August 31, 2012

Country Life Here We Come!

Just got back into town from being on one of the longest(distance), and quickest adventures I think I have ever been on. We found a property we wanted to look at in Southern Oregon- Where the sun shines 300 days a year. I found a lodge and cabin resort right on the Rogue River in Grants Pass for us to stay at called Weasku Inn. It was beautiful. We loved it.. (Minus the little girl screaming during the continental breakfast in the dining area). I couldn't believe the hot hot sun, and so many rivers! Everything we went to was associated with water. Which makes sense in a hot place- The area is so much like Eastern Oregon. Sisters Oregon has always been a place I could for sure call home- or would love to, but with the resort on the river, and the creek and the year round fishing, the cabins, great weather.. I could now call this a place I would love to live.  Grants Pass reminds me of Eugene.. The attitude, organic markets, and cafes. We went into the local organic coffee shop- Rogue Coffee Roasters, Sat down, and one guy was telling another gentleman all about cancer- and how your attitude is half of what kills you. Me and Wayne are looking at each other- going, "Oh my god!- Do you hear this?!" We were so excited that these guys were awake early sitting in a local organic cafe having in intellectual conversation about the importance of health, and energy. Dear Grants Pass, Thank you for being so awesome!
To sum up the trip- we ate entirely organic- which is extremely impossible when we leave home, and aren't able to prepare every meal ourselves. We were impressed with the selection of health food stores, we grabbed lunch and sat by the Rogue River, ran around and looked at 5 or 6 properties- 2 of which were near the Applegate river- which we fell in love with instantly.. It was the clearest river.. So damn beautiful.. It is almost a selling point for both of those properties- just to be near it. We stopped at a couple historic buildings on the way down to take pictures. One property was just passed a single lane covered bridge.. Now that area is beautiful too. We stopped and saw my grandma who lives down south- that was nice to sit and chit chat- I had no idea she was so political. We have the same views as far as bringing every last troop home and defending home base. I loved it. We are planning to set up an appointment and look at more properties soon. There is also so many things we want to see and do down there- So more adventures are coming soon. : )
Hope you enjoy my adventure, and I am excited to show you the entire transition from our complex and stressful urban concrete jungle to "country" life.












Tuesday, August 21, 2012

My Small Business..

The latest update is my wing man and I are sick.. I am convinced my harsh cold came from the stress I was feeling a week ago from my shop! Out of nowhere I was completely out of tote bags. I had already made an order the week before- but I had orders I needed done asap. 7 days passed, and the bags still weren't here. Then 8 days.. on the 9th day I was looking for local places I could drive out to before work to pick them up- But it would have cost me quite a bit... No profit from sales- but my stress would be gone. That I am willing to pay anything for! I guess that might be a sign that I am not a good small business manager with the goal of profits. I really do my best to get orders out, and make sure everyone is happy... But man.. I was left feeling like I did something wrong. I thought I ordered the bags with plenty of extra time- 9 days is unreal for a package. It finally showed up while I was at work- by the time I left work- I was delirious. I couldn't handle the simplest of tasks. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I ran home- thinking it might be that I just can't get my mind off of all of the orders I have to do. Only to wake up in the morning with cold & flu symptoms. I have been working my butt off all week non stop- day job to printing and shipping night and day. Which does not help me get better. I had plans this weekend which got cancelled because of all of this. The funny part is I am the only person I work with that is a religious organic eater. I preach organic- as if it were a religion to anyone who will listen, and I am getting teased at work. I always say I have a superior immune system. I am not entirely full of toxins like other people.. Now I am the "sick organic girl"! Ugh if only I could brag about my shop and all of the extra money and stress I have now. : P

Today's inspiration is the store Terrain! They are located near Philadelphia, and extremely dreamy. I love the photography captured by Parker Fitzgerald. Terrain carries anything home & garden to jewelry and accessories. They also host special events in their restored antique greenhouse, lodge, and terrace, and since we are winding down our summer and everyone is looking for that last summer getaway- Check out their "Campfire Checklist" - here. I hope I spread some inspiration your way, and I apologize as usual for the irregular posts. My last trip- We stayed in a cabin next to the river where we laid out in the sun and relaxed (wonderful)- I forgot my memory card at home! otherwise I would have documented the adventure for you.. : / I can't seem to win lately.





Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Pacific City Birthday Adventures!

Just got back from a couple of nights at Inn at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City! Our 2 nights at the beach flew by so fast! Me and 'My Wonderful' were celebrating our birthdays. We originally planned to go more out into nature (Canoeing, Camping), but things changed rather quickly when we realized everything seemed booked up everywhere we looked and every camp site was first come first serve. Cape Kiwanda has been a place that we love to retreat to for a relaxing getaway (along with Coast Cabins). I highly recommend it if you ever pass through the area. There is so much to do! Some major perks to the trip is the good surf location for Wayne, and his favorite beer is Pelican Brewery's seasonal Surfer Summers Ale. ; ) We of course grabbed a few bottles while we were there to take home(It is surprisingly semi hard to find in Portland). Upon arrival we were given a free bottle of white wine for our birthday celebration. We watched a few new release movies from the front desk for free, grabbed a pizza to go, Wayne surfed a couple of times, and we got some new birthday gear at the Tanger Outlets in Lincoln City. We also did some hiking out to the point at Cape Kiwanda. We kept pretty busy which explains our lack of down time. On our way back we stopped by the Tillamook Forest Center. It is free which shocked me- I was prepared to pay to get in. We have never stopped there before, and it is actually a good place to go for a day of picnicking and hiking. It appeared to be a good place to swim in the Wilson river also.
We had a fun trip. I hope it inspires you to get away and just relax. : )











Friday, August 3, 2012

Eugene Nature Trip

Just got back from a couple days down in Eugene. I didn't take my zoom lens with me (It has been acting a fool). So there is no bird photos.. What I did capture is a old fallen apple tree. Apparently a few days after it fell it split open like you can see, and it is completely hollow on the inside! There is a bee hive inside of it also. We ate blueberries, apples and edible flowers right out of the yard. Drank cocktails, wine, and champagne- In that order. Home cooked dinner, and ate out a couple of times. Went for a day drive out in the country, and sat by the famous dancing bear fire pit each night. I am now completely covered in bug bites, and will probably go nuts when I put on my work suite.. But such is life when you hang out in beautiful nature. I am now back to my work week for 2 more days, and then it is back to nature I go! We start our vacation! The only thing I have requested to do is canoe. Probably camp somewhere maybe even stay in a yurt?
Does anyone know an amazing place to rent, and do some canoeing in Oregon???