life

In Between Seasons

09/16/2014 by Jennifer 12 Comments

Many people welcome autumn on September 1st, with the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes and the anticipation of sweater weather. But I’m stubbornly set on celebrating autumn on September 23rd. I need to embrace every last bit of summer.

That doesn’t mean I’m not excited for the coming season. Both seasons are equally my favorites and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to choose. They bring out different sides of me. Summer is light, easy, fun, and sun-filled. Autumn is deep, rich, and nostalgic.

I’ve created a tiny list of five things I want to do during the remainder of summer. I know, I know. Leave it to me to write this list with one week left of summer. But I’ll continue to act like it’s summertime as long as it’s a bajillion degrees outside.

Before Summer is Over:
1. Find a pool
2. Go on a hike
3. Roast marshmallows
4. Play in the sprinklers with Copper
5. Attend a crazy confetti filled concert in LA

Okay I cheated, the last two have already been planned. :)

Are you sad to say goodbye to summer or are you looking forward to hot drinks and rainy days?

Hawthorne Walks & Design Talks

09/11/2014 by Jennifer 4 Comments

This past weekend, my friend Katie traveled up here and we spent a couple sunny days catching up and exploring Portland! Katie and I have been good friends since high school. She has a big entrepreneur spirit and is one of the most talented artists I know. Whenever we get together, we dream up so many creative ideas.

On Monday, we did some thrifting on SE Hawthorne and stopped into my favorite vintage shop, Vintage Pink.

I am trying to make it a habit to take my DSLR with me whenever I go on adventures these days. Or, I guess, whenever I go anywhere. You never know when something exciting might happen!

Speaking of something exciting, there’s a food truck here called Fried Egg I’m in Love! They were closed when we went by the other day, but it’s the next brunch spot on my list of places to try. With puns that brilliant, I’m confident their food will be very yum-worthy.

Have a happy day! If you want to feel some extra joy, take a moment to watch this micro pig getting tickled with a feather duster.

August in Review

09/01/2014 by Jennifer 1 Comment

Good morning and Happy September! I’m trying to remain calm and remind myself that every single month goes by this fast. It’s not like I’m losing my mind or anything. Right? Yesterday was a little rainy. I had been holding my breath about gloomy Portland weather since I moved here, but it was actually pretty dreamy. I love cozy rainy days. Not sure I’ll be saying that once winter begins, but I’m saying it now.

Let’s back up though! August was so good to me. It was a month of growth and change and progress and all of those cheesy motivational-type words. Regardless of whether a month is particularly good or bad, if I learn lessons and experience growth then I’m thankful for that month.

1. Last month, I created a special Reader Survey to give me some insight into what you guys appreciate about blogs, style, and the online world. It was so helpful! As I vaguely said in that post, I’m working on something new and I can’t wait to share it hopefully later this month. If you haven’t taken the survey yet, please do!

2. Colorful work supplies are my jam, and I truly believe that for some people (me!) they make can make a work experience more positive. Good vibes can definitely come in the form of cute office supplies. I believe it with all of my heart.

3. In this post, I shared three personal things I like to remember as a blogger. Keeping these things in mind has helped me gain confidence in my work and in what I’m passionate about.

4. Even though I cook for one, I buy dish ware for 10 (look, I might have friends over or something…). On this fine afternoon, I justified my hoarding by giving my craft supplies a home in some of these kitchen items.

5. Speaking of cooking for one, I wrote a little something about living alone. Also, these dahlias.

6. I shared my undying love for RadLab, my favorite photo editor of all time. Check out the post! There’s a discount code at the end and it’s only valid for two more days.

7. This embroidered hexagon clock is one of my best vintage finds. See my other recent PDX vintage goodies here.

8. Shared this tutorial on how to create gold leaf hand lettering! This was so much fun.

9. Lastly, I got my DIY groove back by making these clay hexagon magnets. I love how they turned out and the crazy bee lady inside of me wants to make a hundred more to cover my entire fridge.

Now that September is here, I have three main goals: To finish my biggest new project. To decorate my studio (it’s messy and “cute” but it needs more class!). And to spend more time in nature. I’m lucky to have friends here who are very outdoorsy. I live and work in the city, so I need to make sure I find time to be around trees and breathe in that fresh, beautiful northwest air. :)

Hope you all loved August and have an even better September!

Happy Birthday, Sisters!

08/28/2014 by Jennifer 3 Comments

Ten days ago, my little sister Danali turned 9. Today, Adalin turns 11. These are two brilliant young people that I could talk about for days on end. A few fun facts: Danali collects snow globes and music boxes and every time I see her, she’s wearing a shirt with a cat on it. Adalin learned how to crochet when she was seven. Sometimes she suggests complex words that I could be using to expand my vocabulary. Both of them are the kindest most empathetic girls I know.

I grew up thinking I would always be an only child and then ta-da! These two came around. I’m so, so thankful for them every day. :) Happy Birthday, my favorite sisters. I can’t wait to see you soon!

Photo was taken with my phone but made a little cooler with RadLab. Use the code “HARDWICK” to get 15% your purchase of Totally Rad photo editing products! Offer ends Wednesday, Sept 3rd.

My Personal Rules for Blogging

08/15/2014 by Jennifer 24 Comments

In the blogging world, many pieces of advice are relative. What works for one person may not work for another. There are several factors to take into consideration including focus, goals, audience, etc. But I truly believe that no matter what kind of blog you have, there are few personal changes that can make anybody a happier blogger. Today, I want to share three “rules” I have been trying to live by.

1. Talk about your blog in real life.

I used to tell people about my blog as a very last resort. I would dance around the subject and mumble things about crafts when I should have just said, “I’m working on my blog.” Depending on what kind of area you live in, half the people you talk to to might be completely perplexed. They might even bring up “weblogging”. ;) But the more you tell people about your blog, the more you’ll hear people say, “I have a blog too!” And suddenly, you will have a real life blog friend. Piece of cake.

Recently, I have been challenging myself to talk about my blog here in Portland. Already, I have made a few friends at work who are also bloggers! It’s crazy and wonderful how one mention of blogging can spark a conversation and connect you to someone who may also be keeping their blog on the DL. When you talk about your blog enough, I promise that blogger coffee dates will be abounding.

2. Do not try to be passionate about something you’re not passionate about.

Think about something that is really cool right now. Pineapples? Everyone is so into pineapples. I personally only like pineapples on my pizza. But I keep looking at this pineapple patterned cardigan at Target and feeling like maybe I should have it. I genuinely think it’s adorable but I also know that I’ve been strongly influenced by the interwebs. Trends come and go every season and I fall under their spell every time. Say no to pineapples if deep down you want to say no to them.

Here is a more personal example: In high school and college, I was always the crafty girl. That was my thing. But as I said the other day in this post, I’m not too inspired in the crafty arena these days. It’s a bummer because I know people like DIY projects. But slightly changing the direction of my blog toward what I’m more passionate about has been so rewarding and has resulted in more growth than I expected.

3. Try not to minimize your statements or discredit yourself.

Through my psychology classes, I learned a lot about minimizing statements and I realized that I did this (and still do this) a lot! There is a big difference between being humble and being self-deprecating. I believe you can be humble and be happy for yourself at the same time. Here are some examples of minimizing statements (and alternatives) as they relate to blogging:

“I know I’m no expert at all, but today I want to talk about staying motivated as a blogger.”
(Today I want to talk about motivation. These are a few significant things I have learned through my experience as a blogger.)

“It’s super cliche and unoriginal, but I feel most inspired when I’m at a coffee shop writing in a fresh new notebook.”
(There’s nothing like a fresh new notebook and a coffee shop to make me feel inspired.)

“I just love web design. I don’t know, I’m so nerdy!!”
(I love web design!)

I literally said that last quote word for word the other night and my coworkers replied, “No you’re not, that’s so badass!” So…do your thing. Love what you want to love. Do what inspires you. Most importantly, stop putting yourself down. :)

Have any of these issues been relevant in your blogging experience? I’d also love to know how you go about bringing up your blog in the real world.

Thanks for letting me share!

Vintage Finds in Portland, OR

08/13/2014 by Jennifer 5 Comments

The vintage shops in Portland are unreal. During my first few weeks here, I went out and explored SE Hawthorne and found so many wonderful spots. I am so used to going to either hit-or-miss thrift stores or classy (expensive!!!) vintage furniture shops. Here, many of the vintage stores are full of beautiful, affordable midcentury gems. The local flea markets and clothing exchange stores are also pretty well-curated.

This dress was $11 at Buffalo Exchange. It’s a short drop-waist dress with a somewhat pleated skirt. It took me forever to decide whether I should buy it, but in the end it was a big “yes”. I love a bright and crazy floral dress.

I found this amazing embroidered clock at the Portland Flea last month. It was at a donation-only booth and the lady suggested $15. Yes pleeaasee! This made me nostalgic for my days with the roomies in California. We had an amazing wall of crewel and embroidered art (seen here).

Vintage Pink is my favorite vintage shop in P-town. It is the most vibrant, colorful midcentury-inspired place. It’s the love child of Mad Men and Pushing Daisies. The first time I visited, I found this yellow floral kitchen chair (actually, two!) and decided against them. Yellow is my favorite color, but I didn’t know if would go well with my cream-colored walls. I was also thinking I should branch out from goldenrod. This was back when I only had an air mattress and no other furniture. One afternoon I was so desperate for a chair to sit in that I drove over to Vintage Pink and picked up those two chairs. It turns out, they look lovely in my studio. I’m such a weirdo for passing them up the first time.

And lastly, that goldenrod vinyl chest of drawers is goes perfectly with what I’ve accumulated so far! It’s pretty much made of cardboard which I think is really funny. I’m just happy I could easily carry it to my car. :)

Not pictured is a tiny midcentury table from Vintage Pink. This was a gift from my dad. It was another find that I had decided against at first. After a long search for the perfect tiny table, I came back to this one and I love it! It’s a little wobbly but that’s alright. I’m planning to use it in my workspace, so photos will be coming soon!

Have you had any luck vintage shopping lately??