Loved It: Laura Mercier Tightline

Yesterday at work I was able to make this short little how-to video explaining how to do my favorite eyeliner trick ever! Watch it and let me know what you think!

Loved It: Manzanita and Cannon Beach (and a little of Tillamook too)

 The weekend before last I went on a little girls-weekend on the Oregon coast.  Ahhh the Oregon coast.  The rain.  The mist.  The clouds.  The rain.   I must admit though, the coast is not without it's charm.  If you ever visit, I recommend my favorite parts: Manzanita and Cannon Beach.  Plan on spending most of your time inside.  (preferably by a fire. even in the dead of summer.)  Pack a rain coat and deal with the fact that your hair is probably not going to look it's best.  Then, go exploring!  You'll fall in love with the small town feel and adorable stores.  Oh, plus, the ocean is pretty cool too. 

Manzanita:

This little beach town is just what it claims to be: A town.  It's real small. Basically one main street a few blocks long.  But what cute blocks!  The main grocery store in town has everything a gourmet cook would want! (if it's not there, it's not anywhere)  A wine bar. Vino. Love.  Shops that have actual cute items. (i.e; not t-shirts that say MANZANITA with a picture of whales forming a heart.) Here are a couple pictures from  my decidedly favorite of the shops, Wisteria Chic.

Oh, by the way, I am known now for the term "loved it!" but just so you know, I just as frequently use the term, "hated it!" when something rubs me the wrong way.  And let me just say,  the cute little toy store in Manzanita has rightfully earned the title "HATED IT!"  Do me a favor, if you're ever in Manzanita and you really want to buy a toy for whatever reason, just don't buy it from the mean-clearly-not-cut-out-to-run-a-toy-store lady in Manzanita. If you see this sign, steer clear. (or go inside and whip out your camera and take as many shots as possible!)

If you're hungry from all the shopping (or running from the toy shop lady) time to stop for a burrito!  Make your way across the street down to Left Coast Siesta.  And if you like hot sauce this place was meant for you!

the hottest hot sauce of them all? The Ultimate Burn! 

South of Manzanita is a place called Tillamook.  You may know the name from the ice cream you buy.  Yes, it is the same Tillamook.  If you decide to drive down there you must take the Tillimook Cheese Factory tour! And the one other place to visit is the Blue Heron French Cheese Company.  Endless dips, sauces, dressings and cheeses to sample! It's a barn full of wonderfulness!  Don't go without doing a wine tasting.  

 after the wine tasting: 

 ...just kidding!

Now it's time to head north to Cannon Beach.  Cannon Beach is my favorite place on the Oregon coast!  Great places to eat and shop!  The best store in Cannon Beach, if you ask me, is a store called Sesame and Lilies.  It's a gift shop meets a home goods store meets and interior design company peppered with some seriously nice clothing.  In other words, there's a little of everything. The downstairs part of the store has lotions, jewelry, bathrobes, gormet olive oil and balsamic vinigar. (you get the idea, right?) The upstairs of the store has rooms they've furnished, giving you an idea of how they could design your interior- and everything is for sale of course. 

Of course, there is more to Cannon Beach than Sesame and Lilies. (although, trust me, you'll never want to leave that store.)  Two more shops are worth checking out.  Josephine's and Purple Moon. Josephine's is an  adorable gift shop/kitschy home goods and jewelry shop.  Purple Moon is a great clothing store.  (and also sells shoes and accessories.)  

What would a trip to the beach be without some fresh seafood?  I love Ecola Seafoods Restaurant and Market for fresh good seafood!  

If you need a little jolt of energy, head to Bella Espresso for some good coffee! (they also serve wine FYI)

I hope you've enjoyed my little guide to the Oregon Coast.  Thanks for reading!

Loved It: Cherry Blossoms

First of all I'd like to apologize for my month long hiatus.  It was a crazy few weeks and if you're still checking in to see if I've updated my blog- thank you for not giving up on me!

It's always right about this time of year that I'm about ready to go insane from the weather.  And then something incredible happens.  No- the sun does not come out.  The cherry blossoms begin to bloom!  They're like a ray of hope that winter will not last forever.  Beautiful puffs of pink everywhere you turn.  Like cotton candy on the trees.  Portland has beautiful cherry blossoms but I think Japan will always win in the who-has-the-best-cherry-blossoms contest.  Throughout the country starting in late March and ending in early May cherry blossom festivals will be held.  The festivals are called Hanami and literally mean "flower viewing".  Wouldn't it be fabulous to visit Japan in the spring and go to the festivals?

here are some pretty pics of cherry blossoms...

and now for some pretty pics taken at the Japanese festivals...

 um, can I PLEASE eat sushi here?

Loved It: Academy Award Gowns

To be honest, I don't really care for award shows.  Snoozer!  But I do love to see what all the ladies are wearing!  Here are my 3 favorites from last night.  Who were your faves?

Michelle Williams not afraid of bright color, ruffles or bows. LOVE!

 Viola Davis looking gorgeous in one of the prettiest emerald gowns I have ever seen!

 Berenice Bejo I will always love you from way back when you were in "A Knight's Tale"! And now you've stolen my heart again with this sea-foam green lace number!

Loved It: Alma Chocolate

Today husband and I walked to the cutest little chocolate shop.  Who doesn't love chocolate?  (actually my aunt hates chocolate. fortunately she has some redeeming qualities)  This little shop is a gem!  If you want to treat yourself to some good (i.e; better than hershey's) chocolate I recommend heading strait to Alma Chocolate!  Also- they serve up hot drinks. (espresso and hot chocolates) Perfect for a chilly day like today! I had the house blend hot chocolate.  Pure chocolate melted down and mixed with hot milk and a dash of chili and cinnamon. Dee-lish!

Alma is located at 140 NE 28th Ave in Portland, Oregon. 

Loved It: Kelly Green

Wearing this dress invites so many complements! People constantly stop me to tell me what a beautiful dress it is.  I love it, because the truth is all the credit goes to my mother!  She made this dress.  Yes, that's right she made it! If you're interested in making a similar dress you can't go wrong with Vogue Patterns! ...oh and all pictures were taken by the talented Danielle Hildreth!

Loved It: Adele at the Grammy's

I was already in love with Adele's voice, and now I'm in love with her hair and makeup!  Did you catch the Grammy Awards last night?  Neither did I. (ha!)  But oooh did I see pictures today!  So here I am hopping on the bandwagon and posting pictures of Adele- in case you missed it too. 

 Doesn't she look fabulous!? Those diamond earrings are gooorrrgeeous!!!