Falling for Hydrangeas

Every time I'm with Lauren, I feel so lucky to have such a brilliant sister. Living in different cities and not seeing one another for months has become the norm for us. It's so refreshing to get together and fall back into the roles of sisters-- talking openly, laughing and getting into mischief. I was thrilled to have a day with Lauren to explore my new neighborhood, visit the Volunteer Park Conservatory, and stumble upon a lush bush of hydrangeas (Lauren's favorite flower). Her excitement of our hydrangea-discovery had a disorienting effect-- posing with the hydrangeas quickly became falling into the entire bush. Never a dull moment with this one.

Park(ing)

This Summer, Jimmy and I moved to the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. We were thrilled to finally live in a location where everything-- and I mean, everything-- is within walking distance. One of the first Summer events we attended was the 4-Car-Park party-- a get-together that our friends organized to increase awareness of community and city space. They created the Renegade Planners Collective with the mission to "call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat." It's inspiring to see them take action to make our city a better place to live. 

Spring Break

After my very last final, marking the commencement of my undergraduate college education, Jimmy and I were able to have a little day-date in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood. Jimmy isn't the biggest fan of this locale, but I am in love with all of the three-and-a-half blocks that are Georgetown. The Corson Buildling (one of Seattle's dreamiest restaurants), All City Coffee, Smarty Pants, and kitschy antique shops-- what's not to love?! 

Weekend

This past year has been so beautiful, thanks to one very important person. I can't even imagine being any happier. The weekend turned out to be a fantastic marathon of fun-- the first snow of the season, lazy mornings, long walks and good food!

The Most Beautiful Day

My day started off with a trip to the lovely Cafe Besalu in Ballard. It's probably one of Seattle's best pastry shops-- so french, authentic and adorable. I loved being able to watch the owner/head chef work his magic behind the counter. Caroline, clad in her red cowboy boots, lit up when I told her she could choose anything she wanted. She went for a beautiful Quince Tart, which disappeared pretty quickly. That night, I met up with James and we dined at La Bete. I've had my eye on this place for quite a while, so I was excited to try it out. The food did not disappoint! Their striploin steak with sauteed kale and chantrelle mushrooms blew me away. We also had some amazing house-made sausage. Such a great day-- full of wonderful company and outstanding food!

Life, as of late.

Fall is officially here-- a season perfect for quiet morning walks, late afternoon breakfasts with James, rainy day adventures at the aquarium and dinner with the loveliest of friends. October was a bit tumultuous, with the start of school and readjusting to everyday life (Summertime tends to make me romanticize things, allowing a temporary break from certain realities), but things finally seem to be settling down and balancing out. The past week has been especially beautiful and I'm so grateful to have such amazing people in my life. 

I'm looking forward to the holiday season, as I'm sure it'll be full of baking, dining, traveling, exploring and spending time with the people that make me smile the most!

June

This weekend, James and I ate at June, a little restaurant tucked away in the charming Madrona neighborhood. The food was pretty amazing. The ingredients were simple, but the flavors were outstanding!

Reading

Weekend

Friday night, I had dinner and drinks at one of my favorite neighborhood bars, Frank's Oyster House and Champagne Parlor. They always have a great selection of fresh, local oysters and their cocktails are consistently spot-on! I was joined by the lovely Myra and Natalie.

Drinks with friends at Sun Liquor. Myra looks so contemplative. 

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Saturday's weather was dark and overcast--a true autumn morning. A great day for friends to get together to prepare and eat a wholesome breakfast. 

James took me to Gig Harbor, after breakfast. We drove through the fog, over the Tacoma Narrow's Bridge. It was eerily beautiful.

Driving by Burley Lagoon on our way to James' parents' house on the Key Peninsula. 

The sun decided to make a brief appearance, in the late afternoon. James' lovely mom and I were able to take a walk with their adorable dog, Star, along the beach and through the woods. It was such a wonderful, relaxing, laid back day. 

Study Sessions

I spent a good majority of Friday studying on University Ave. I bounced around from Cafe Solstice to Cafe Allegro. They are two of my favorite cafes in the University District-- so warm, comfortable for studying and perfect little havens to escape the madness of the Ave. Days like today make me so happy to be in Seattle.