Birthday Trip To Arch Cape Inn

I had an amazing time at the beach. A really great birthday! I adored the bed and breakfast we stayed at, everything was so perfect. Even on the day of our departure there was the lightest misty rain. It just screamed- "Time to go home now".
I wish I could spend an extended amount of time running around taking pictures, lounging in the sun, building fires on the beach, looking for unique shells, and bird watching. Great goodness.. I can't wait to retire! I want more time to enjoy all of these little things!

EmersonMade.

Today's Inspiration is EmersonMade.
I have a really hard time finding clothes I like. It seems the style I like has faded(trends). I like lots of pleats, frills, soft, and loose fabrics. EmersonMade. does not have the biggest selection of clothes, but what they do have I like alot. A bit out of my price range too.. But they live on an adorable farm, good photography, and everything is made in the U.S.

How To Make Yummy Soft Mall Pretzels

This recipe was found on the blog of Rachel at Elephantine.
Homemade soft pretzels

See the full recipe and post here.

the mall pretzels from rachelchew on Vimeo. (Music: San Dimas Oasis by Coolrunnings.)

Today Is The Day Of My Birth. (Thanks Mom)

It is the day of my birth and I am spending it at the beach! I'll post photos as soon as I get back! Wish me luck with this sun. It doesn't seem to shine much when I need it to.

 Photo Credits: Left is Zefa, Center is Pernilla Hed, Right is Zefa

Free Ice Cream Gift Tags

Here is some summer fun for us Oregonians. Somehow the summer has left us, and we are starting into fall already. I am thinking for my upcoming family gathering it could be a "Patio Warming Party". My mom just built a new patio with all new outdoor furniture.  I think I might just sew up a bunting for the new outdoor living room. Something weatherproof, and colorful to be used for any occasion.

Download These Printable Ice Cream Gift Tags From the Blog of Eat Drink Chic by Kate Moss.
Click HERE for the pdf. For personal use only.

"Simply print out onto thick white card. Cut out, punch hole in the top and attach some twine or ribbon. Feel free to handwrite your own custom message in the space provided!"

All Photos By Kate Moss at Eat Drink Chic

Ribboned Asparagus Salad Recipe

This is a yummy 'Ribboned Asparagus Salad' recipe from Kinfolk Magazine. Filmed so well from tiger in a jar on vimeo. I am not the biggest fan of asparagus but shredded this way- I would totally give it a try. Looks so delicious!

ribboned asparagus salad from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Romantic Summer Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner For 2.

Kinfolk is an online magazine that just started up. Their first issue just came out and it is filled with recipes, and beautiful photography. I really enjoyed these romantic videos of couples in love preparing for each meal. I need someone close to me to be a film student... Beautiful inspiration for the day.

A Summer Breakfast For Two

Kinfolk: Breakfast for Two from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

A Summer Lunch For Two

Kinkolk: Lunch for Two from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

A Summer Dinner For Two

Kinfolk: Dinner for Two from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

Creative Idea! Party Time On A Budget.

This is a creative idea I found at Papermesh. They turned pink paper doilies into Drink Parasols! Click here for the download.

Happy Friday!

Sadly it is my Monday.. I spent all morning at the DMV, I get to clean house a little, then I am off to work for the night- I shower and go to bed, then right back to work again at 7am. It is an exciting life.. But it could always be worse.
Pottery Barn has a few 'How To' articles on hosting a movie night party.

Here is Enjoy Media Outdoors, Create A Backyard Movie Screen, & How To Host A Movie Night.
Pottery Barn has tons of Entertainment Articles- Check all of them out here. Some have really original ideas, and beautiful photography(of course). Just some fun Friday night ideas for you. Enjoy!

"Watching a favorite movie outdoors is a fun and special warm–weather activity for kids and parents alike. And all it takes are some simple materials — plus a little creativity — to transform your backyard into an outdoor theatre."

Indian Block Prints at West Elm

I can't even express how obsessed with Indian block printing I am. There are tons of youtube videos that show how they make such unique patterns, even how they carve the wood blocks. I'll show you a few. It takes so much skill. I envy skills like that. The definition of 'meticulous' describes the attention to detail that it takes to carve wood blocks. I am so inspired.... I love that they carve a block, then another to go on top of it to add color, and another for detail. India has been block printing for 4,500 years. Not a thing has changed.
                   These are a few examples that West Elm is featuring.

Reclaimed, and Recycled West Elm Items

I could move into every single West Elm photo shoot I swear.. I love furniture that is less than perfect. Makes me want to take all of our shelves out into the yard(if I had one) and start beating them up. I love the farm/beach style it creates. The texture, and organic look adds so much character to a room. Plus everything we humans create should have more than one life! Don't get me started on disposable items, electronics, and plastics. Everything these days is made to break. By the time your product breaks- the new version is already out. Time to upgrade! I want organic everything.. It is impossible. I know. But wouldn't it be lovely to wipe your toosh with organic toilet paper? Wear only organic fabrics, and sleep in organic sheets, organic towels, and rugs. Life would be much softer, and healthier. Have you guys read the book "The Story Of Stuff" by Annie Leonard(you can read the entire book online for free here)? You wouldn't believe how processed cotton is. Formaldehyde! The textile industry calls it "easy care", which means soft, wrinkle resistant, stain and odor resistant , fireproof, moth proof, and antistatic. It is a magic potion. It results in respiratory problems, burning eyes, and cancer. I am only listing ONE chemical used on cotton. We wear this stuff, it is everywhere in our lives.. I just wish things were less processed, and we saw more things being reclaimed and reused. I am SO pro DIY.

Gearhart Ocean Inn Gearhart, Oregon

While doing research a couple of years back looking for a nice place to stay at the coast I came across Gearhart Ocean Inn and fell in love. I still have yet to stay there, but I envision renting out the entire property for a giant family reunion-possibly a wedding(I'm not talking about me). The property sits on a half acre. The private back yard has a lush lawn, adirondack chairs, a croquet set, flagstone patio, picnic tables, gas barbecue, fire pit, & complimentary beach cruiser bikes! A perfect place to gather. There are 12 New England style cottages to choose from- all recently restored. Every single room has a gas fireplace, kitchen, and rain shower. They have plush amenities of course. It is definitely a gem worth visiting!(You family members down to make plans?)
                  BBQ and a croquet match anyone?

Arch Cape Inn at Cannon Beach, Oregon

Speaking of amazing places to stay along the Oregon Coast Arch Cape Inn is a Cannon Beach Bed and Breakfast. Wayne is taking me there for my birthday(This is my first time at a B&B)! Every time we drive past it I always try to find it. It's so secluded, but you will understand why with these photos. It looks like a giant cottage castle! Filled with large luxurious rooms, and a giant backyard garden. They serve a complimentary 3 course gourmet breakfast, afternoon wine and appetizers, free wifi, parking, movie library, and in room refreshments.

"Luxuriate in a deep soaking tub or warm yourself by your in-room fireplace. Steam yourself in the sauna and wrap yourself in fluffy bathrobes. Snuggle into bed with a down comforter floating over you. With a glass of wine in hand, gaze out the window to see waves crashing on Castle Rock."

I will let all of you know how it goes. What I know I do love already is they grow all of their own ingredience to alot of their dishes in the garden!

Coast Cabins Manzanita, Oregon

Coast Cabins is an intimate retreat for couples. There are 5 mini spa cabins(320 sq ft-700 sq ft) to choose from in a garden setting. There is a fire pit that is lit 24 hours a day, and at night the owners come out and serve wine and treats to their guests. Some of the cabins have out door spa-tubs that are drained and cleaned for each arriving new guest. They have luxury amenities, restoration towels, and spa robes. There are teak loungers, and charcoal barbeques. Basically everything you can think of with a simple and relaxing getaway Coast Cabins has it.  I have read all of the reviews. Not a single bad one you can find.  I took my mom here and stayed in one of their 3 condos for her birthday. And I wanted to move in and stay for life. I could really call that home. You felt it.. You don't feel that in a hotel. It had Chilean oak floors, wool carpet with radiating floor heaters, 14 foot ceilings, gas fireplace, 2 decks, 2 adorable lush bedrooms, and 2 chic bathrooms with luxury amenities. It was a good gift- and she is re-gifting it. We are heading back there next month to celebrate our birthdays(Mine is the 20th)(His is Aug 7th)!!

Tu Tu Tun Lodge In Gold Beach, Oregon

How about a little relaxation at Tu Tu Tun Lodge. It is about a 7 hour drive from Portland. Gold Beach is the second town north of the California border. This lodge looks so secluded, and relaxing. I have this feeling we would wake up with the sun, sit on the patio sipping coffee, hike all day, eat a super yummy meal, drink champagne in the outdoor soaking tub while relaxing our muscles after that hike, pass out next to the fire place, and do it all over again. How insanely incredible does that sound?! It is nestled next to the Rogue River. The lodge has it's own dock where jet boats pick up, and kayaks are launched. So many places to sit and have a picnic or bird watch (one of my favorite things). The Oregon coast has so many amazing retreats. I think I might just continue to show you guys a few!

Color Pallettes by Mark Eden Schooley

These images are from the portfolio of the photographer Mark Eden Schooley. Mark is an American photographer based in Paris. He works for famous magazines such as "Elle Decor", "Marie Claire Maison", "Bloom" etc.

Radostina a graphic designer created the color pallete sample's to the right of each photo. She runs a blog called 79 Ideas. The blog has inspiration up the who-haw!

Support International Artisan's

Today's inspiration is from L'aviva Home and Nooosugar. Both companies feature handcrafted housewares from artisans all over the world.  Instead of mass produced items, each one is hand-made in remote parts of the world. Creating employment and fair prices for time spent. It is exactly how etsy works.  It is a wonderful thing to support.

The items in the first 3 photo's (By Brigitte Kroone) are all hand-made in Morocco. Nooosugar works directly with a family of 14 in Medina that have embraced their family traditions (3 generations) and hand weave all of their own materials.

These Hammam Turkish towels are traditionally used in Turkish baths. They are hand-woven and hand-knotted with fringe.

These Chiapas Pillows are made by women from the highland communities of Chiapas, Mexico. Drawing upon traditional Mayan techniques and designs. There are 130 Mayan weavers in El Camino De Los Altos working together to preserve their ancestral art and improve their social + economic conditions.