Life Lately

I have abandoned this blog almost completely. Life has become rather interesting in the last couple of years. As you know I was making enough money to quite my day job. We bought a house last year, and did some logging early this year. Our timber framed cabin was completely surrounded by old growth trees, and every wind storm totally freaked us out. Last year I was able to work 3-4 days, and spend 3-4 helping clean up around the property. This year was a completely different story. I worked just about 7 days a week, taking off specific days of the week based on plans, and errand runs. Took a few trips, but also missed out on a few things too. I am grateful for being so busy this year though. It has funded getting this place back in order. I honestly saw our property as completely ruined after the loggers left. I thought it would take YEARS to look nornal again. We did it. Paid a hefty cost, but got it done quite quickly. It has been a rough year, day to day seems fine but looking back... I never want to do that again. So as Thanksgiving has approached.. I am thankful that this year is just about over, and we can start 2015 with a clean slate. We can call this our new beginning in this new house, because our previous beginning sucked. HA!

I also got an iphone earlier this year, and having that on me makes me much less likely to carry my Canon camera around anymore. So I no longer take 200 pictures, I take 5 now. That is also another reason blog posts just aren't happening. Instagram has almost taken that need to blog away from me. I can now show my trips, crafts, work, family photos... All in one place. Easy as pie(Yum!). So the evolution of Dream State is going in a different direction. I am more business based now, and less on sharing personal trips and tips. Hopefully this blog is included in the future of Dream State. It will have to change with me, and my directions in life. On that note --I will now be working on a tab for free printable's!

Speaking of accomplishments, goals, & direction..I just launched Dream State's Official Shop Website! 

Who knows. Maybe since this year was twice as busy as last, next year will double this year? Maybe I'll have to hire someone. Just maybe.. 2015 holds many surprises. The future is exciting!

Northern California Redwoods Birthday Adventure

I have been talking about going to the redwoods for quite some time, and that time has finally come! We ended up staying in a tiny home resort on a cliff in Smith River, California. I can now mark that off on my bucket list. Most of the food options are in Crescent City though - which is a bit of a drive. My Birthday Dinner was at a restaurant called Porcini. I HIGHLY recommend it if you are ever in the area. Fantastic everything. Made me wish that I was a local.. I'd love to take everyone there for their Birthday dinners as well!
One thing that I found highly fascinating about the trip was that Hwy 101 drives right through the redwoods just south of the border of Oregon! I had no idea! You don't really have to go look for them. No need to go to any specific parks to find them. There are hiking trails literally off of the highway. The best park that we came across was Stout Memorial Grove.

"Stout Grove is the world's most scenic stand of redwoods. It's not all that large, and it doesn't have the biggest trees, but for sheer photogenic beauty nothing beats this extraordinary grove on a sunny afternoon."

The park is across the Smith River, and if you havn't seen the teal blue crystal clear water for yourself - that is a sight of it's own. I also learned that keeping curls in your hair is nearly impossible. Between the fog of the coast(which is how these trees survive), and the humidity on the ground floor of the forest. Your hair is done-for the second you set foot out the door.

I already can't wait to go back!

♥

Brittney's Happily Ever After Starts Here

We had a Pre-Wedding Spa Day. It was AAAmazing... Steam room, facials, foot soaks, shower body scrubs, and endless amounts of delicious organic tea. This little slice of heaven is in PDX, and just what you need to detox and relax(especially pre-wedding). Check them out: Loyly

As for the wedding day.. Brace yourself for the prettiest barn wedding! This venue was unreal. The details were impeccable! Everything was spot on. You could even say it put you in a 'dream state'. :) I even got to feature my work all through the wedding. All of the dark wood calligraphy font signs are mine(They will be going up for grabs in my shop here shortly). The bride used the Laurel Wreath Bridal Bag that I gave her when I found out that she was engaged (Available here: My Shop). 

I also had the awesome privilege of being one of her Bridesmaids. Standing by her side on her wedding day was an honor -- not only because she is my friend, but their love for each other is so strong and powerful. You can feel it's energy, and there is definitely beauty in that. ♥

While everyone was dancing and the bassy music was blasting a barn owl circled around the barn a few times (obviously curious by the noise). I googled it while standing there in amazement, and found out owls bring 'good furtune'. What better way to end the night??.. 

...and they lived happily ever after.

Today is Our 1 Year Move-In Anniversary

Today is our 1 year move-in Anniversary, and as for our Homestead Updates:
The grass is thickening up real nice. Wayne built a wood shed(and filled it up already), 2 garden beds, a gravel box around the hose, extended the tiny home's deck an extra 2 feet, and started on a new fence. We bought over 100 pine trees to get things filled in nicely again too. The inside of the home got all new living room furniture, and a chopping block for our kitchen island. Sweet Liberating Progress.

This is our Before photo:

Old photos are refreshing. They remind us how far we have come, and I hope the photos I took today will be reminders of what this place 'used to look like' as well.

Our next projects are a new lower 200 sq ft deck, re-siding the lower part of the house with stone paneling, getting dirt delivered to level out and bury tree debris(so we can replant new trees), build 2 more garden planters, and 1-2 more wood sheds. Lastly fixing our gawd awful driveway.
The plans are endless, but chipping them away one thing at a time.. We get a lot done real quickly!

HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY NEW CASA! Cheers to many more!

Lava Lands & Adventures With The Soon-To-Be Bride Brittney

There has been a lot of activity around here recently. More than I can possibly even document with my crazy work life. Business has been good. Let's just say that.. :D
Wayne, and my Brother and I went to Lava Lands. My brother and I have been there about 11ish years ago, and we have never been to the top of the butte. The volcanic crater is 150 feet deep, and there is trail on the top to walk the whole way around. The views were spectacular!! It is definitely a must to see. Especially when the skies are clear. You can see for miles and miles.

This photo below is the impressive lava field from the single explosion Lava Butte had about 7,700 years ago.

My friend Brittney came over for a 2 night visit. So we showed her around the area. She now wants to be our neighbor.. :P A direct quote is, "My trip to see you has ruined me. lol All I can think about is the calm peaceful forest and how I'd so rather be there than here." 

Our property is a work in progress, but when we are done... It is going to be a dream! I am so happy to inspire people. I definitely see the perks in living in a city, but all of those perks have nothing to do with the importance of our time spent enjoying the beauty of this planet. 

I took Brittney down to see me in my bridesmaid dress. She made me twirl in it, and got all giddy. It has been in alterations for over a month already and still not complete. Her wedding is at the end of this month. My work will be featured throughout her wedding too. I couldn't be more excited to be a part of her big day, and to share the happy day with all of you.

♥

Brittney's Bridal Shower Tea Party & Gift Ideas

When it comes to Bridal showers. I always know that I have my gift bag covered. If you didn't know I sell tote bags in my etsy shop. Check them out here:
www.dreamstate.etsy.com
As for what goes inside of the tote bags.. I have to do a lot of hunting. I like practical gifts. Things that can be used either daily, or to help with the wedding. The couple plans to build a tiny home, so there is only so much lingerie that one lady can have.

This "Pretty Things Inside" tote bag is available in my shop for $15.00. It is a great conversation starter. Everyone wants to know what is inside! Available HERE.

These adorable coffee mugs are perfect for couples photos. They are available at AllieRuth's Etsy shop for $25.00.

These custom made 'Lucky Pennies' are made by AlwaysAMemory (My mom's shop) for $34.00. A perfect keepsake to bring luck to their future as husband and wife.

I had a failed attempt. I purchased a custom return address stamp for the couple to use for their 'Thank You' cards. Unfortunately Brittney's name was mis-spelled in the proof that I was sent and I didn't notice. :(
Lastly chocolate, and rose champagne are perfectly paired for a relaxing night in.

Brittney's Bridal Shower was a tea party theme. As you can tell, we had such a good time. ♥
May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.
- An Irish Blessing

♥