You can take the girl out of the country....

A little glimpse into life in my hometown. It's one of the most beautiful places to spend the summer (winter, not so much), surrounded by rivers and the Pacific ocean.

bro-in-law fishing

daily swim spot

dad

"at 5 1/2 months, your baby is the size of a trout"

home

dinner (but not for me)

alder branch gives it a certain flavor i'm told

home

family

daily walk/jog spot

A Baby Celebration

A big reason for my trip down the coast was my sister. Not only my sister, but my already loved nephew growing strong in her belly, and my sister's husband flew in from Manhattan.. This will be the first baby in my family and I am beyond excited. I love my nephew so much already, I can't imagine when I first get to hold him and watch him grow. We decided to have a baby celebration. Were not big on baby games and all that but we had to celebrate.

Baby shower dress (Target), soon shed for bikini

We invited good friends, brought food and gifts and gathered way up Elk River to one of the most beautiful secluded spots, Jacuzzi Rock. The water was cold, but the sun was hot and the company good.

The Proud Parents

Grace My Garden

One day, when I get married, I predict I'll wear something simple, borderline casual. I'm no formal, extravagant woman. I feel uncomfortable with many eyes watching me, I love to dress up but never feel like myself. This dress is suited for a walk down the isle. It is white and simple. Flowy and hippie. The perfect combination for a (typically) barefooted wild child.

Digging through my mom's attic, on a search for baby clothes, I spotted the old dress up box and found long lost treasures. And while wedding bells are in a very distant future, in the meantime I am ready for evenings in the orchard and setting sun by the sea.

 Dress-Dress up box

Shoes-H&M

Bracelet-Until There's A Cure

Coming off of an amazing five day weekend, I am inspired to travel and dream. To cancel real life and run off to India. I want to run and dance and see new places. Isn't' it fitting that this dress is representative of my mind?

Now tell me your summer dreams....

Oh, hi. Remember me?
It has been a busy July. Rain and more rain. A few days of sun. Camping, picnics, life decisions. You know, typical summer stuff.
Right now I'm on the coast at my mom's house. My family is all home and were really enjoying the sun and the company. More posts schedule in the very near future.
I've missed you guys!

I'm back home in Portland after five days with my dad, thankfully he is fine after his procedure and back to his active lifestyle! Now that I'm back, I plan to spend the remainder of my summer bicycling. My brother gave me this 1970's Bianchi several years ago but after leaving it abandoned during my stint in NYC it was out of commission. Well, that has all changed thanks to massive repairs by my boyfriend and I am back to speeding down the streets in style on this beauty.

I am seriously in love with my powder blue Bianchi. It is, by far, the fastest bike I've ridden. I can't wait to start biking to work tomorrow if this Portland weather cooperates!

In a bittersweet turn of events, I am spending father's day with my dad. In the hospital. He had some heart issues, I drove the five hours down to Medford and have spent the last several days at the hospital keeping him entertained and comfortable. Luckily, he should be fine, but it is a life changing moment to be confronted with your parent's mortality. To my dad, with the beautiful blue eyes, I love you and appreciate your unwavering support throughout my life.

FBFF: Food

I am kind of obsessed with food. I'm not queen of the kitchen or the next budding foodie; however, reading the latest chef memoir with Food Network in the background is an ideal afternoon spent. I used to waitress and loved to hang out in the kitchen watching the chefs in action. It's tricky though. See, I'm a vegetarian, a life long one. Meaning, I've never eaten meat, chicken, seafood, you name it. Sometimes I wish I could just eat it, but vegetarianism is so a part of my identity that I just can't do it.

Luckily, I'm not a picky vegetarian and love watching people prepare meat and even have a great love for Anthony Bourdain, the notorious anti-veggie.

Lately, with the warming days, I've been eating a little lighter than in the winter months. The two things I've made this past week that satisfied me most were vegetarian spring rolls and fudgesicles. I plan on making them both quite regularly throughout the summer. The fudgsicle recipe is super easy, I don't have a popsicle mold so I just used 4oz dixie cups, just peel off the cup when you're ready to eat.

As for the spring rolls, I don't follow a recipe, I just toss in whatever I have handy. I use the rice wraps from Whole Foods.

Prepare your filling. I use whatever I have handy, just make sure they are thinly sliced. My favorite rolls include avocado, red pepper, cucumber, fresh basil, sprouts and mixed greens.

Heat (but not to a boil) about an inch deep of water in a large pan. Place rice wrappers in the hot water for about 10-20 seconds and remove. I only do two at a time so they don't stick together.

Lay a softened wrapper and place your filing in the center, leaving enough room to fold in the edges. Fold it up. This link explains how to wrap.

Find your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! They are so healthy, delicious and satisfying. I like to have plate of stir-fry alongside and maybe some peanut dipping sauce.

Now head on over to ModlyChic to read the other posts!