Pilates

Do you ever wonder how ballerinas move the way they do? How they stand on their tippy toes and do amazing twirls and whirls. It's all about the Pilates, which is inspired largely by ballet training. A few years ago when living in Colorado I became obsessed with the aforementioned work out, namely because Lhira was the most hard core Pilates instructor ever. She worked her students hard and it made all the difference. Since being in Seattle I have dabbled here and there with Pilates but still haven't found the perfect instructor. I did just join Olympic Health Club though, hoping to meet the next Lhira.

 

Here's to a good Pilates work out.

Holiday Reading

I love this time of year with family, friends, and good books! This year D and I are spending the holiday in our new house, just the two of us, which is bittersweet. Bitter because we miss our families and friends; sweet because we get to stay cozy and read.

Here are my top holiday picks.

Satirical fiction based on Seattle culture 

Provocative mystery set in Missouri between a husband and wife

Memoir of Africa's first female PHD and leader of the Green Movement in Kenya

The Chosen Ones

After MUCH deliberation we have chosen colors for the house, in large due to Pamela Ellis of Ellis Design! We are going from rainbows to neutrals. Here is a preview:

Himalayan Treck for Kitchen and Living Room 

Plymouth Rock for accent walls throughout

Coastal Fog for hallway and bathroom

Limestone for bedrooms

Moonlight White for Trim

Rainbow Hater?

In the next couple weeks we will be painting the interior of our house. Currently, all colors of the rainbow have a place in our home. We are excited to get out of the rainbow and simplify a bit, by creating a pallet of intentional tones to set the mood. Don't get me wrong, I am not a rainbow hater, I just need a bit more complementariness in my life. Here are some colors I am thinking about.

Blue or gray for the bedrooms

Darker grey for living room

Bluish greens for the bathroom

 

Change Agents

I am so proud to graduate our 2012 EarthCorps cohort. These young adults have worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. Through adversity, commitment, challenge of the status quo, and courage to go farther beyond what they thought was possible, they have enabled themselves and others to activate and inspire needed change. The power of this group is unstoppable and has truly replenished my hope and love for humanity. 

Norway

Among the many places I want to explore Norway is near the top. With its natural beauty and idyllic social standards, Norway has got to be fantastic. By almost all social indicators Norway is the most successful country. It has remained EU independent, has universal health care, universal free education, friendly immigration policy, and rehabilitation centers instead of prisons. Not to mention some of the most rugged and majestic peaks, blue waters, and pastoral valleys. Sign me up!

The Dress Theory

How I wish I would have know about The Dress Theory in Green Lake when I was wedding dress shopping. This Parisian influenced salon was full of unique, hand made dresses; french provincial furniture; and of course bubbly drinks for all. What really caught my attention though were the dresses designed by Clare Pettibone, an LA designer known for her couture dresses. Here were some of my favs.  

Love this cut and color, so feminine.

Sexy cut with lace covering.

Vintage feel.

Cute braided straps.

My favorite short dress, so fun. Can't you imagine dancing in this one?

Gorgeous lace.

Color, texture, and cut = radiant!

Raw, Awkward, and Hilarious

My dear friend, Jessica Lee Wiliamson, is hilarious. Her raw and dry humor cracks me and the rest of Los Angeles up every time. Her uncomfortably real stories mixed with her shaky voice prove to be just awkward enough. She is a MOTH grand finalist and is growing in popularity more and more with accolades to prove it. 

Tallest Man on Earth

My latest obsession: Tallest Man on Earth's, Kristian Mattson, from Sweden. His lyrical, Dylan esc. guitar and voice are inseparable and dreamy. 

 Live on KEXP

Anne Irene Thomas 1962 - 2012

She will be remembered always for her larger than large personality, quirky humor, political savvy, and vivacious self. As the only living sister of my father she was a mentor and inspiration to me. She showed me courage and confidence through her independence, career, her relationships with family and friends, and most recently through the way she dealt with her illness. I will carry her with me always.  

From Left to Right Upper: Tom, Steve, John, Dan
From Left to Right Lower: Anne, Mary Catherine, Grace
Ukiah, CA 1968

We found the one!

We found our house! After eight months and many offers we have found the perfect house for our family. It has everything we wanted, including: Ballard neighborhood, craftsman feel, and charm all over the place. We are scheduled to close on November 20th and couldn't be happier!

Front yard

Back yard

Tis the season

Election season is infiltrating my every move; I swear, it is all people are talking and thinking about (including myself). According to Nate Silver, NY Times Political Analyst blogger, Obama is going to win with more than 270 electoral college votes. I don't know about you but I am stoked for four-more years!!! 

31-years old and so much to do...

Today I am 31-years old. I remember the days when that seemed real old. I am glad, however, to be in full swing of my 30s.  Some things I hope to accomplish in the next less decade:

• Walk the Camino de Santiago.
• Grow closer with some family members.
• Elevate and grow my career. 
• Travel to Africa, Eastern Europe, Portugal, Middle East, and more.
• Show friends and family how much I appreciate them.
• Have a baby or two.
• Climb mountains in the Annapurna range.
• Volunteer more.
• Purchase a home.
• Learn how to swing dance.
• Help run a political campaign.
• Throw (and attend) lots of parties.
• Bike tour through Europe and Canada.
• Attain a Masters degree.
• Sing more.
• Knit a damn scarf.
• See as much live theater as possible.
• Ride my bike lots.
• To name a few...

Here's to the next decade!

***These are in order of NO priority. 

d and e tree

The Smith family made us a lovely e and d tree of love. If you look close you can even see the words that make the tree are our wedding song lyrics, "Hopefully" by MMJ. Thanks Jo, Kev, and Brodie; We love you.

Lincoln Beach

The Oregon coast is one of my favorite places. Even when it is rainy and cold it is so nice to wake up to a view, play on the beach, warm up by the fire, laugh with good friends, and eat pupus! I love catching up with my people and find it damn refreshing to be so connected with friends; I mean, we may of just solved all the worlds problems in one weekend!! Until next time...