Focus

I really need to narrow the focus of this blog. It needs to be about one thing, but I'm not sure what that one thing should be. It makes sense though because I think to myself, "Oh, I should update the blog." And then I think, "But what with?" Hmmm, that's a problem.

I'm going to put some real thought into this conundrum. I have some questions that need answering. What is my life really about? What is my life really about that everyone else's life isn't really about? What is my life about that everyone else's life isn't really about and is also interesting? Yep. Good questions. Now to go off and find the answers.

Summer is Here

For the past ten days the weather has been gorgeous here in Oregon. We've taken advantage by camping at Bagby Hot Springs, enjoying many evening walks through the Pearl District and down to the Willamette, and going out to the beach. Yesterday I accompanied Joel and our neighbors Vince from the third floor and Beth from the first floor to Indian Beach at Ecola State Park. It was a rare hot day at the coast and I set up camp on a little blanket and watched them surf from the shore. There was a cool breeze that kept the temperature just right. Not too hot, not too cold. Today Joel is on a bike ride in the Willamette Valley. Having just woken up half an hour ago, I'm not sure what I'm going to do today. Whatever I decide, I'm sure it will be heavenly. This weather is hard to beat.

To Die For {Close Second}

While out shopping and strolling with my friend Samantha along 23rd Avenue a couple of months ago, I discovered this body cream which is no less than to die for! It has a subtle yet heady scent that is comforting while almost exotic. I'm no stranger to Santa Maria Novella, having a bottle of their luxurious rose water my brother gave me as a gift following his sojourn in Florence. On a hot summer day, nothing beats splashing rose water all over my arms, neck and decollete. It makes even the stickiest summer days feel fresh and intoxicatingly rosey.

But even Italian prestige coupled with that je ne sais quoi scent can't justify the $88 price tag on this covetous pot of cream. Then I happened to be poking around in Anthropologie yesterday when I came upon a {close second}.

Tocca solid perfume in Stella is very similar to the scent of Idrasol and at $30 is much more affordable up front. It is much, much smaller than the Idrasol and it's just a perfume solid, not an extravagant, silky cream. However, the Tocca solid contains sparkles (!) and it's small enough to get through airport security.

Trust and Proceed

I came upon this magnet and was surprised to see that this mantra of sorts is actually a Cadet Maxim. Over the past week I've put a lot of thought into how I live my life and what makes me who I am. I have been contemplating a big change and confronting all of the questions and fears that come long with such consideration. Along my train of thought came an apparently defining moment of my childhood. I've always been very small. At Catholic school a common PE activity was Dodgeball. Naturally, my strategy was to hide at the back so as not to experience the inherent discomfort in being hit with a ball. And, naturally, I then discovered that once my team was down to two or three people, I was completely vulnerable and totally exposed. So, I came to the logical conclusion that in fourth grade, as a burly girl of 3' 10" I had to put myself out there. I walked away from dodgeball unscathed, exuberant and vitalized.

I strive to move through life with unwavering intrepidity. As I stumble through the Meisner class I'm currently taking with Michael Mendelson at Artists Repertory Theatre, I am called on as an actor to reveal myself truthfully and vulnerably. I can honestly say that I began the class with my usual gusto, but then, inexplicably, I withdrew deep within myself and stayed there, feeling insecure, and even fearful for several weeks of class. Last week I resolved to go into class and confront the work. In what followed, I revealed and uncovered a self in which I feel immensely proud. I walked away feeling light and humble. In my entire life, I am comfortable taking great risks, making mistakes, discovering the truth and finding my own way as I advance into the unknown.

Skin Change

Perhaps it was moving back to lush Oregon from Arizona that did it, but my skin is a mess! I never dealt with pimples or blackheads throughout high school or college and now I find myself needing a completely new skin regimen because my skin is no longer dry, but actually a bit oily! Ick. I picked up a few samples of Kiehl's Herbal Blue face wash and moisturizer last week and have used it for the past few days. I don't dislike it, but I'm not completely sold either. Another product I'm considering is Clinique's 3-step System with Mild Soap, Clarifying Lotion 2 and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. For the time being, I have a few Biore strips drying on my face. Does anyone have any other good suggestions for combination skin? Or maybe an answer to the question "what is going on?"

Tupperware

So maybe it's a little crazy, but I attended my first Tupperware party in Switzerland while working abroad and absolutely loved it! We had a blast and made some delicious treats with the nifty Tupperware contraptions all while we drank wine and chatted away. It's been nagging at me for a few months that maybe I could have a lot of fun being a Tupperware Consultant. It would kind of be like joining a cult devoted to leftovers, I know this. But just look at those little pepper, garlic and onion keepers. Tupperware is not all puke green and burnt orange square containers anymore. They actually have some really great stuff!

Paint Swatches

Sunday afternoon, I picked up a few paint swatches at Ace because Joel and I would love to paint our living room a nice robin's egg blue color. With our brown couch and dark wood furniture, it would be just the thing to really bring the room together. Except the ideal color would be just a little brighter than robin's egg blue, and a bit warmer with a little more yellow. So almost a very bright, light, nearly greenish blue. The confusion of trying to find that color is only made more confusing by actually seeing swatches of different blues. In different lights, some give one the feeling of being deserted on an arctic tundra cold and alone. Others in different lights become dinghy greys that would surely depress me on dark Portland winter days. So today I'm going to tape them in the wall and then after going to fetch the mail, or on arriving back from the laundry room, see how they strike me when I open the door. It's the quest for the perfect blue.

Found

Someone in our building was getting rid of this frame and left it in the laundry room. I immediately loved it and knew it would make a great mirror. The mirror only cost 96 cents at Ace and the mounting hardware another $1.49. Not bad!

Reinvent

Sunset magazine has inspired me yet again. My childhood nightstand is in sorry shape. The bottom embellishment has come off and it's falling apart in general. However, I love it and can't bear the thought of junking it. So, what am I going to do? Turn it into a bedroom vanity just as Sunset did with this tiny office desk. I've been wanting a vanity for ages and now I realize, I have one already, it just needs a little tweaking, sanding and perhaps some paint? I think I'll make this next weekend's project. I'll let you know how it goes!

Bunny Hop

This is quite possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen. As a fan of Rudy himself, my Uncle Cyrus is always on the lookout for rabbit related news and sending it my way. Our darling rabbit, Rudy, will have his fourth birthday this upcoming Tuesday, May 5th along with my niece Audrey. If only we had a backyard in which to train Rudy in jumping over fences. This rabbit is set for a competition coming up in the UK. Read the full article, courtesy of Uncle Cyrus, here.

Vault Martini

My latest obsession is Vault Martini Happy Hour. Not only are there at least a dozen fabulous martinis for a mere $4 - Habanero anyone? But there is also a Bubbly section featuring ridiculously divine champagne cocktails that will make any girly girl squeal with delight. Pair a few of those with crostini and herbed goat cheese and you've got yourself one happy hour! Soon they will know my name and and a crisp, refreshing French 75 will be on its way the moment I sit down. Mmmmm.