Off to the Pumpkin Patch We Go

This past weekend was full of lots of fun Fall activities, despite freakishly warm and un-fall-like weather (you're probably wondering why we're wearing shorts and dresses in the pictures below...go home Portland weather, you're drunk). After a big brunch Saturday morning a group of friends and I made the trek to Sauvie Island to pick out our pumpkins! Sauvie was crazy busy...it felt almost like a big fall festival. We wandered the fields, saw some animals (and resisted buying the cutest black piglets that were for sale), and came home with more pumpkins than were probably necessary...

When we got home, my housemates and I (plus Taylor) all made spiked cedar, put on some Beach House Pandora (the best) and set up a carving party on the porch. Below is my best attempt at a picture of all of our pumpkins (minus Sydney's which wasn't finished because of her perfectionist tendencies ;) )...it really doesn't do them justice!

Aaaand, here is my pumpkin! I'm not super into the usual spooky/corny halloween decorations, but I can get with all the skulls. Those who know me can tell you I have a small obsession...not with creepy skulls, but pretty dia-de-los-muertos-esque skulls. Know what I'm talking about? Anyway, naturally I decided to carve a skull. I found some inspiration online, drew on my pattern and got to cutting. I did a combination of cutting and scraping so the light would shine out differently in different spots. When I was done I cut holes at the top and stuck in some fresh flowers! I am thinking about maybe painting on it as well so it looks extra pretty during the day...but we'll see if I get around to that! Hope this gives you some inspiration for your pumpkins if you haven't gotten around to carving yet! If you already have, what did you carve? I would love to see!

I will be back tomorrow with the first of two super easy (and cute, not spooky) halloween decor ideas...If you haven't guessed already, one involves skulls :)

DIY Hardware Jewelry

Lately, I've been a bit bored with my selection of accessories...but new jewelry just isn't in the budget. So, I decided to get creative and make some fun necklaces on my own, for super cheap. Each of these necklaces probably cost me under $2 each to make! When I went into the hardware store the other day, I was really surprised by how much I was inspired by everything they have in there - there are lots of bits and bobs that could easily be made into jewelry with just a few small changes. Since finishing these necklaces I've brainstormed a few more fun accessory DIYs using hardware, so look out for those on here in the future!

All you will need to do this is a few pieces of hardware, chains (or ribbon or whatever you want to use), paint, a paintbrush, and clear spray paint (not pictured). I would actually recommend using spray paint over regular craft paint if you can because it is much easier to use and seems to stick a bit better, but I had these craft paints on hand so I just used them.

Paint your hardware. You may have to do quite a few layers. Make sure you spray each piece with clear spray paint when you're done so they don't chip! String your pieces on to your chains and you're done!

I painted 2 different sizes of nuts that I can change around - I might try mixing and matching sizes as well!

While I was at it, I decided to try out this DIY from Yesterday's Sweetheart, using a piece of copper pipe. I think I might try and find a thicker chain for it eventually since this chain is a little too dainty, but I love this idea!

Well, that's it for now! Who woulda thought I'd be going to the hardware store instead of the craft store? - you can find inspiration in so many unexpected places. I'm excited to try more projects like this!

PS If anyone tries this DIY (or has done something similar), post a picture or link! I wanna see!

A Weekend in Seattle

Hello hello, friends! Taylor and I just got back last night from spending the weekend in Seattle with my mom. We had such a great time and really didn't want to leave...Every time I go back to Seattle I fall more and more in love with the city! I lived there until I was 12, so I love going back and remembering all of the things we did there when I was younger - we drove by my old house, visited all of our old favorite spots, and got to visit with a few family friends. Here are some pictures of our short but sweet visit!

After a quick visit with my godmother on Vashon Island, our first stop was breakfast and some wandering around Pike Place Market.

After we got our fill of the market we wandered around downtown, popped into a few shops, and then rested our feet by the water and soaked in the sun. We were so lucky to get two beautiful sunny, crisp fall days.

We stopped at Golden Gardens, the beach where I insisted on having my birthday every year growing up, despite the water always being freezing cold!

Next stop was Gas Works Park, which is an old gas plant turned park. There is a big hill (best place for flying kites) that has a beautiful view of the water and downtown in the distance (the title picture for this post is the view). Was anyone else obsessed with the movie 10 Things I Hate About You when they were younger? This park is where they filmed the paint balling scene :)

On Sunday morning we went to the Ballard Farmer's Market. We walked around, tried all the samples, enjoyed yummy food/coffee, and listed to some music.

Next stop was Red Mill Burgers for lunch. I wasn't leaving Seattle before I got one of their boysenberry shakes!

We ended the trip with a walk around Greenlake - I think I spent about half my childhood here learning to ride my bike, taking swimming lessons, running around with friends, playing soccer...Perfect place to end the trip! Taylor and I are already thinking about when we can plan another visit. Anyone been to Seattle recently? What did you think?

PS If you ever visit Seattle, I would highly recommend the restaurant El Camino in Fremont for dinner. We went there and loved it - great atmosphere & service, and super yummy mole & margaritas!

Ok, off to do some shopping for a few DIY projects I want to tackle this week! xx

Guest Post: White Rose Hot Tea Cocktail

Hey friends! I'm over on Life Laid Bear today sharing my recipe for a hot tea cocktail!...I know, sounds pretty weird. But it's delicious, I promise! Head on over to Jessica's blog to see the full post!

In other news, I apologize if posts over the next week are a little sparse. I started my new job today (yay!) and am adjusting to the new schedule and trying to figure out how to fit in all the other responsibilities I committed to while I was unemployed (ugh). Then this weekend Taylor and I are heading up to Seattle to see my mom (she will be there for a wedding) and do some exploring...So you might see some pictures from that trip around here in the near future!

Eurotrip: Cadaques & Figueres, Spain

This is the last post of pictures from our Europe trip! (you can see the rest here) After Barcelona we took the bus to Cadaques for a few days to get a little R&R before we ended the trip in Paris. This was the perfect break from all the traveling and sight seeing we had been doing...and Cadaques is seriously one of the most beautiful and romantic places I have ever been in my life.

Cadaques is a tiny little fishing town just a couple hours away from Barcelona. Tourists have started to discover it so we heard lots of different languages, but it never felt too touristy. It still has a nice quaint, relaxed feel.

We spent most of our time wandering the streets and laying on the beach.  We did some walking along the water and explored a couple different little beaches.

The weather was perfect - just enough clouds and wind to keep us from burning to a crisp.  And each night we got to see a beautiful sunset with pink and purple clouds. This doesn't even look like real life, right?

On our way to Cadaques we stopped in Figueres, which is where Salvador Dalí grew up. We lugged our backpacks across the town to see the Dalí museum, which he designed himself. This was the most interesting and unique museum I've ever been to. You could spend hours in there! There are multiple floors with tons of different rooms filled with paintings and sculptures that range from being beautiful and inspiring to creepy and just plain weird! If you're going to be in the area, this museum is definitely a must see. Look how cool just the entry way was...

TO DO & SEE: There really aren’t many specific things I can recommend doing in Cadaques – this place is all about relaxing and taking a break from all of the sites! Each day we walked along the water to one of the many small beaches. It’s hard to get lost, so just walk around and explore! We also explored all of the little streets closer to town.  The white buildings and smooth, stone alleyways are so beautiful. We didn’t do this, but you can also walk a bit further (30 mins max) to Port Lligat where you can see Dalí’s house (which is also a museum). At night, wander around and listen for music! On our last night we found some music happening along the water, so we found a spot on the beach where we could enjoy the performance for free ;)

TO EAT & DRINK: Right near the center of town most of the restaurants were a little more touristy/expensive, and just didn’t look so good, so we went a little further down along the water to Riba d’en Pitxot, where there are a few different little tapas places lining the water.  They all have tables set up along the water, and it’s probably the most beautiful place I have ever eaten. Each night we tried a different restaurant and they were all amazing. Our favorite was Bar L’estable – get the pulpo and the patatas bravas. Hands down the best dishes we had in Spain. For lunch we would go to the local super market for sandwich materials, and for breakfast most mornings we went to a little bakery right downtown that had super yummy pastries.

WHERE TO STAY: This was the one place where we stayed in a hotel, because there aren't really any hostels or airbnbs in Cadaques. We stayed at Hotel Nou Estrelles, which ended up being perfect for us! This hotel was quite cheap, but also super clean, comfortable and close to the beach. Perfect if you're on a budget.  Only downside was that it was right next to a noisy bus station, but you couldn't hear anything with the window closed. The other place we looked into was Hostal Cristina, which is still on the cheaper side but is even closer to the beach (but we couldn't get a reservation).

Well, I'm off to dream about that beautiful blue ocean...hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Jasmine Lavender Lemon Drop

Ok, time for another cocktail recipe! You didn't think I would go more than a couple weeks without posting one, did you? This is another one using the infused alcohols Caroline and I made a while back. This one is probably our favorite...and it's super simple.

You will need:
1/2 shot jasmine infused vodka + 1/2 to 1 shot regular vodka (we only mixed the infused vodka with regular vodka because we left the jasmine in for too long and it got really strong).
Juice of 1 lemon
2/3 shot lavender syrup (heat equal parts sugar and water and some fresh lavender until sugar is completely dissolved)
Fine lavender infused sugar for the rim (if you're planning ahead, put a few spoonfuls of fresh lavender in a container with some sugar for a few days...but if you're doing it last minute like us, just smash the lavender into the sugar)

Mix everything together and shake with ice in a shaker (a mason jar will do). Rim your glass with sugar, pour your yummy drink in and serve!

For your viewing pleasure, here is a photo I took of Caroline's kitten Willow making herself at home in my purse while we made drinks. Such a silly kitty.

In other news, I got offered a job today! I think I'm gonna take it. Consistent income...wooo! No more interviews and scary networking...double woo! Who else gets way too anxious about meeting new people? Getting a job is stressful!

Anthropologie Hack: Tassel Pillows

I love Anthropologie. It's one of my favorite stores to go to for inspiration. They have the most beautiful displays and color schemes - I always leave with ideas for projects. But, to be completely honest, I don't think I've ever bought anything there. Shit's expensive! Luckily, as I'm browsing around I'll often see something and think, I could make that! 

Lately I've been searching for some throw pillows to add a pop of color to my completely white bedding. I came across these pillows and fell in love. Like most throw pillows, these are outrageously priced, but these ones seemed easy enough to recreate. Making the tassels was a bit time consuming, but the pillows turned out so well that it was totally worth it.

What you will need:
-Pillow inserts (or you can make your own like I did, in which case you will need cheap white fabric, thread, a needle, a sewing machine, and stuffing)
-A couple yards of white fabric
-Around 40 different embroidery threads (depending on how big your pillows are)
-White thread
-A sewing machine (or I guess you could hand sew this if need be)
-A needle
-Some sort of measuring tool
-An iron
-Scissors

What I did:

First I made my own pillow inserts by cutting two 16x16" squares, sewing them together (leaving a small hole, turning them inside out, stuffing them, and hand stitching up the hole. Then I made the cases using this tutorial as a rough guide. I did option A because it seemed much less complicated. I made it even easier for myself by only folding down and sewing one of the edges. If you do this, just make sure that when you are sewing everything together the folded flap is under the unfolded flap (so it is on the outside when you turn the case right side out). For the case, I cut one piece that was 15x36", and folded the fabric so that the case was 14" across. I was using a 1/2 inch seam allowance so this meant that when I was done the case would be 14x14" (while the pillow insert was 15x15") - this made it so the case fit nice and snug. Take a look at the tutorial I used for a more in-depth explanation.

To make the tassels:

1) Take one color of embroidery thread and cut it at each loop. 2) Cut all of the tread in half (fold in half and cut at the loop) 3) Separate all of the thread into three equal sections and take out 6 individual pieces of thread. 4) Tie a piece of thread around the middle of each of the three sections of thread. 5&6) Fold each section of thread in half at the tie and tie another piece of thread around the top. 7) Trim the end of each tassel so they are even.

This size tassel worked well for my pillows, but you can also make them bigger or smaller.

8) Once all my tassels were done I took my cases, and lined the tassels up around the edge to get the spacing right. I put 10 tassels on each side of the pillow and used white thread to hand sew the tassels on. That's it! If you don't have a sewing machine but still want to do this project, you could buy a cheap white pillow cover and just sew on the tassels!

I hope you all are having a great week! I had a job interview this morning, and now I am about to head off to prepare for a presentation for the venture competition I'm in (ahhh)...this is turning into a busy week! Oh, and happy October! I can't believe it's already a new month... I've been brainstorming a few Fall/Halloween projects and recipes that I'm excited to share soon!