Christmas in Seattle

Although I haven't traveled much, Seattle has become one of my favorite places. Here are a few photos that I took earlier this week, while on a business trip.

(I do have to say, Christmas in Seattle is breathtaking. If you ever have the chance to go during the holidays, I highly recommend it.)

Italian in the Kitchen

Everything is in the basic ingredients!

I've found that one of the best places to shop, for both price and quality, is Trader Joe's. When I'm cooking, I generally avoid using specific measurements, and whip up whatever sounds good at the time.


Here is a chicken penne dish that I made a few weeks ago for Spencer and myself.

Step 1: Organize! Put all of your food, ingredients and of course wine, on the counter. Step 2: Prepare your bread before you prepare any meats, this way you don't have to do any extra cleaning and can snack while you cook. I chose a sourdough bread bowl. Step 3: Marinate. In this dinner, I soaked a few free-range chicken breasts in lemon juice, basil, and fresh ground pepper for at least a half hour. Pre-heat the oven for about 375˚F and once pre-heated, cook for about 40 minutes. Then you can begin boiling water for the pasta.

Step 4: Slow cook the sauce! I like to cook it on a low level on the stove, with some additional seasonings and cheese. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Boil your preferred pasta for about 10-12 minutes. I went with a thicker penne, so give or take an additional 5 minutes to boil depending on your noodle.

Step 6: Once the chicken is thoroughly baked (no pink) and you pasta is ready, it's time to put it all together. I'm a cheese freak so I added a bit of more shaved Parmesan to top it off.

Step 7: Enjoy!
 

The Pacific Northwest | Lacamas Lake Park

Lacamas Lake Park  

November 13 and November 19, 2013

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything." -  As You Like It, William Shakespeare

In nature I find peace and in peace I find myself. There is incredible beauty all around the Pacific Northwest. Here are a few snapshots of my trail walks through Lackamas Lake Park in Camas, Washington.

I Went to Cancun Last Summer

One thing I wish I could do more often is travel. Although there aren't many places I have seen, and my travel wish list is never ending, I am lucky enough to say that in June 2013, I went to Cancun, Mexico.

I couldn't be more grateful for each moment of this trip. Every part of the city was filled with such beauty and rich culture. Cancun, more specifically the hotel zone, is a melting pot, where people from all over the world come to see the beauty of the great Yucatán Peninsula.

As much as I fell in love with the white sandy beaches and turquoise ocean, I do have to say that the most memorial part of this trip was exploring the famous Mayan Ruins, Chichén Itzá.

Riu Cancun

Chichen Itza

Tulum

Margaritaville

RiuCancun Paradise

RiuCancun Parasise

Cozumel bound

My dad and I boating around Cozumel

Snorkeling in Cozumel

XPLOR with my sister

Serenade at our last meal

Last night in Cancun

Art Pop!

Fellow Monsters,

It comes to no surprise that Art Pop, Gaga's new galactic fantastic art phenomena, is going to be another pop culture take-over. In other words, Lady Gaga has landed, again. 

In case you missed it - Art Pop is not only futuristically filled with dope lyrics and fabulous featured artist, but it is also an exposition of genuine artistic ability.

My faves - Venus, Jewels & Drugs, Aura, Donatella, Sexx Dreams, and Gypsy. 

Thank you Lady Gaga.

It's Been a Gloomy Monday,

"So give me hope in the darkness, that I will see the light.

'Cause oh, that gave me such a fright.

But I will hold as long as you like, just promise me we'll be alright."

- Mumford & Sons: Ghosts That We Knew

____________________

 I've been holding on to the notion that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and as much as I agree for that to be true, it doesn't make it any easier. Sometimes I wish there was just a fast forward button to take us to the day where are lives are aligned. I can't wait for that day. For now, I'll just have to wait. 

I miss you. 

Fall is for Fashion

After a few technical issues (my Toshiba is a dinosaur), I'm finally back at it! So, it's only natural to dedicate my second post to one of my seasonal faves - Fall Fashion.

Between Michael Kors handbags and watches, to fashionista finds from T.J. Maxx, my dreamland wardrobe consists of an abundance of fabulous masterpieces. My shopping philosophy: if it makes you feel like a million bucks, the price-tag is irrelevant. That being said, here's a collage of my favorite, fall fashion highlights.

Free People has easily become one of my favorite brands. The boho-chic vibe and effortless beauty says it all. 

The newest addition to my personal shoe collection: Audrey Brooke Kairos Bootie

Can you guess where I got those shoes? 

Selfie! I found this infinity scarf at Target!  That is one store I never feel guilty walking out of after stocking my shopping cart. 

_________________________________

Between the neutral-earthy tones, bulky scarves, and art-worthy boots, fall may just be the happiest time of the year. In my opinion, a completed fall look generally includes the following. (I'd like to thank Pinterest for the majority of the following photos.)

A neutral jacket. Black, beige, or grey will always work with any outfit. I myself have found to have an unconditional love for a good coat.  

   

A slim pant with a rockin' boot. Not to mention, a killer hair day. 

Black leather jacket and bulky scarf. 

Being an Oregonian, I know a thing or two about the rain. Thankfully, Hunter's rain boots saved us all from a fashion disaster by designing the perfect rain boot. 

Another thing to add - boot socks! They can make or break an outfit. 

Finally, a great casual outfit that is easy to mix and match.