my sister's visit

My sister came to visit last week which made me so happy. I hate living so far away from her, she is my best friend! A few years ago, her and her husband Nate moved away (they lived in SF when I moved here) and now live in Bozeman, MT. When we get together, we can be quite ridiculous. Nate finally gave up calling both of our names when we are together and now just yells out Julifer and we both shut up and turn around to listen.

She is 4 months pregnant which made the trip even more exciting. 1) I got to see her baby bump and 2) we got to go shopping for maternity and baby clothes!!

We also ATE ALOT!

And organized/put together/decorated my new apartment.

Here are a few pics from the visit.

Not one, but two trips to Japan town!
Our typical breakfast
The "before" shoot the night she came
Shopping for Jennifer (yes, she has a fake bump in there!)
Shopping for the baby peanut
A drive to the beach (as she is land locked in Montana)
And then a trip to the Japanese Tea Garden where we walked around and drank some yummy tea!
Missing pictures included trying to load up the car at ikea, putting together the ikea pieces, organizing my closet and trying (and failing) to hang a larger shelf in the closet. :)

Come back, Jennifer! I miss you already!

Sneak Peak of the new apartment

While my apartment is not 100% finished, it is much closer to being done after my sister came into town. Thanks, Jennifer!!

A trip to Ikea, West Elm, the hardware store and even a special delivery from the "cowboy" store" in Bozeman, MT (my new cowhide rug) later, it's starting to take shape! Complete with my first bottle of liqueur on my bar, Campari.

Still on my list to do is hang up more of my art/photographs, print up some more photographs (I really want to do this my own so i need to find access to a dark room for my film pics) and find two end tables (this can happen over time). And, maybe get a pouf like this.

GG bridge

About a year ago, I thought it would be interesting to take a photo of the bridge when I crossed it every morning as the scene is always so different. One day it will be covered in fog, the next bright blue skies, and then fog just right below or right above covering the peaks. If i could document a month, even a week, it would make a great series.

Well, I failed. After a year, I finally took a pic, and a second the next day. Then it stopped. Boo on me.

You Take a Napa, You Don't Move to Napa

Actually, moving to Napa would not be the worst thing in the world. If I did move to Napa, I would take lots of naps. lots.

craving... these two chairs

Spotted: Two super cute chairs at Leftovers on Polk Street. $180 each. Too bad the LAST thing I need are more chairs :(

They should go to a good home. hint hint... anyone out there want them? I bet she would go down to $300 for the pair.

Found: Zebra/Cow Hide Rugs

And surprisingly, they are at moderate prices. Here is the link for the one below. About $310 in with shipping.

But, I still really love the classic light brown hide shown below, and found here. This one runs about $280.

Couturious

Have you been over to Couturious yet? Check out my look and build your own!

Items in this Look:

• Skinny Stretch Pants
• Trust Me Boots
• 3/4 Sleeve Top
• Three Horses Vest
• Sparkling Crystal Stretch Bracelet
• Leather Basket Weave Satchel

Furniture shopping!

As most of you know, I moved into a super cute Laurel Height's studio (some friends are calling an executive studio because it is larger than others, but it's still a studio in my book). With studios come cleaver ways to hide the crap you have so the main room looks larger, open and clutter free.

In searching online and in stores the last few weeks, I have narrowed down my "must get now" pieces to two consoles, a coffee table and storage bench.

Currently, this is the coffee table that is the running. Sleek, and clean lines and hidden storage with the drawers. Great place to hide remotes, magazines and coasters. I was wanting a round coffee table to break up all the 90 degree angles I already have going in the room, but this would not be a bad addition. The coffee table is from West Elm and is currently on SALE for $239.99 (down from $399).

The second piece I am eying is a Linen storage bench I found on Overstock for $200.

I was thinking of putting the bench at the foot of the bed to store linens and blankets.

The two consoles are still being searched for.
I am liking these guys from CB2, but at $499 each, and needing two... i may settle for IKEA.
These guys are $299 each, and are VERY similar.

What do you all think??

Trip to the Oregon Coast

One day, on my week trip back home to Oregon we went to the coast. Mom and I met Jen and Nate who stayed the night in Depot Bay. We came home with a 12 lb tuna (named Fred) and two huge crabs (unnamed).

yard games people play

Bocce Ball. Philip vs Jennifer

Ladder Golf (aka Monkey Balls). Dad vs. Nate

The judge

Refreshment delivery service

BBQ Master!