Los Angeles...

Hey everyone, I'm the worst blogger in the world. Basically after I got back from Los Angeles I was swept back up into school. Final exams are next week and I'm trying to finish everything (including that dreaded art history paper that I have yet to start). While I'm away and thinking of new and exciting posts to share, take a look at some photos from L.A. We stayed in Venice Beach, went to Disneyland (everything is so much smaller! guess thats what happens when I haven't been there since I was five), and drove around the crazy L.A freeways. Soon I'll be gathering great gift ideas for my Holiday Gift Guide, but for now this will have to do. Until next time...
My sister Tara of Pacific Bride Guide, and Me, trying to look cool

Venice at sunset


The super tall palm trees...I'm missing the warmth right now!

Check out the rest of the photos here. Have a great day!

Off to Hollywood!

Hey everyone, I'm going to L.A with my sisters tomorrow for a much needed vacation (loan headaches, school, the weather...ugh.). Can't wait to be sitting on the beach and shopping...I'll post up some pics when I get back. Until then...

Its Here!

Today on Design*Sponge is the long (LONG!!) overdue guide to Portland, Oregon! I'm so excited and happy that its finally on D*S for the whole world to see. Portland truly is an amazing city that offers something for everyone. LOVE IT! Go check it out right here

Travel: Oregon Coast

Today and tomorrow I'll be driving out to the lovely Oregon Coast with my fabulous boyfriend to celebrate our 1 year anniversary! I can't believe its been that long already but it been super fun and drama-free (we haven't fought ONCE! hey, if your happy, whats there to fight about right?) So this week's travel post is all about the Oregon Coast.


A huge step away from the clear-blue, tropical and warm waters of Hawaii, the Oregon Coast offers a decidedly different view of the Pacific ocean. I remember going to the coast with a friend when it was windy, rainy and cold-let me just say I wasn't too pleased with it. However, I'm willing to give it another try since it is now summer which means sunny skies and warmth (oh how I missed you!). The coast is a huge stretch-so you can practically go anywhere whereever you live in Oregon.



Were going to stay in Seaside, a cute albeit touristy part of the coast where you can walk the beach and walk the streets where carnival games and salt water taffy stores abound. If thats a little too crowded for your tastes, make your way down to Cannon Beach and witness huge monoliths like the famous Haystack Rock for a photo opportunity. Here are some photos to get you inspired. You can find activities, restaurants and happenings on the coast here, via the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (which has a pretty sweet website!) See you friday!

p.s on your way there, dont forget to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory!

photos via Chesil,

Travel: Vintage Polaroids

As I was browsing through some articles on Etsy's main page, I ran across a Vintage section story that had some old polaroid's from a couples trip to Europe in 1969 (see the photos and read the article here). The photos were so old and touching, I had to see more. They were taken from a set from tagurity on Flickr. Looking through each photo was a mini vacation to the past and I wanted to share a few with you! The couple went to France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands-all of their photos were found at a thrift store by tagurity--how cool!! I love looking at vintage photos, but these are truly gems. Enjoy!

Travels: Stockholm

Okay, I just remember seeing several posts about Stockholm on Design*Sponge several months ago and I fell in love! The city looks extremely historical yet produces such amazing designers and artists, like Kajsa Andersson who had a sneak peek at D*S and runs HAPPYsthlm. Also one of my faves, Lotta Jansdotter, is from Sweden! I've only been to a few countries in Europe (the mandatory Scotland, England and France), but something about Sweden and nordic countries calls my name. Perhaps its because IKEA is Swedish (and who DOESNT love IKEA-you've got to be insane and rich), or the fishing out on the icy sea, but Stockholm would be a great city to walk around and explore in, especially Gamla Stan, the Old Town in Stockholm. Take a look for yourself!

photos courtesy Claudio.Ar, pxlpusher, Paul Marculescu
(click photo to enlarge)

Travel: Sydney, Australia

The day after me and my sister graduated high school, we went on a several week's trip to Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland with our older sister. Instantly I fell in love with Sydney: the city is hip, trendy yet still maintains its old buildings and classy stores. Hyde Park was right outside our door, where we ate fresh fruit and yogurt and enjoyed the sun.



The Harbour is where all the action is; ferries shuttle tourists and townspeople to small bays and towns, you can eat gelato on the steps of the great Opera House and have a smashing good time at the Opera Bar below. I remember great shopping, great sights and really gorgeous people.

You can take the public transit and go to the neighboring towns and see great views of beaches and coastline (Bondi Beach was awesome and I had the best meal to date there at North Bondi Italian.) Sydney is the perfect mix of European classiness and beachy casual with an urban appeal. I'm finding myself wanting to go back more and more...but for now enjoy these pictures of lovely Sydney.

Positano and the Amalfi Coast

Positano is one of those little towns tucked into a nook that look like a dream. I'm still reading Under the Tuscan Sun and can remember in the movie when Diane Lane finds her dream Italian man in Positano. Its myriad of houses sprinkled against the mountain are so charming, I can't wait to make a trip there some day. Positano is situated along the beautiful and winding Amalfi Coast. Just imagine sipping Limoncello on a hot summer day on one of the beaches and scoping out gorgeous, tanned Italians. A girl can dream!

Photos courtesy: CiccioNutella, serdir, NileGuide,

Santorini...

Its incredibly sunny outside, but that could change any minute! Fortunately the clear blue sky reminded me of Greece. One day I'll be strolling down a narrow lane among bright white buildings and looking out into the impossibly blue sea...ahhh. But, for now, I must dream a little while longer. Heres some eye candy of Santorini, Greece.

photos courtesy ehpien, kdludwig

Travels...

Right now I'm reading Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes. Yes, I'm probably the last person to read it (I've seen the movie a million times), but I can't help but find out the real story behind her acquiring an old villa in the hills of Tuscany and its renovation (how romantic is that?) That made me think that someday I will wind up on a dusty street in Italy, trying to figure out my way to a market or a cafe. My new posts for wednesdays will be travel based, to keep me wishing that someday I won't be doing the same old routine and be in a different world. So...first up is Tuscany.
Bramasole, the house that Frances Mayes bought and renovated.

It just looks like a painting, I can't believe places like this exist.

One day I'll end up in a little nooked town near the Mediterranean..