Let them eat cake!

I know that the anticipation of the Royal Wedding was spoken of already, but now that it has happened we are in need of a recap.  It was smashing!
I woke up an extra 30 min early so that I could run into the living room and fast forward to all the best parts...especially Kate's Her Royal Highness Duchess of Cambridge's secret DRESS!
I must say, after watching the fabulous guests stroll in, I may just have to make it a rule that the guests at my future nuptials MUST wear HATS! or fasteners! I am in love with all the hats! Some were ridiculous, yes.  But overall, the hats set the tone for the royal affair....and it just seems so fun!
My anticipation has been building for a while for this wedding.  I have watched the biographies, the Lifetime movie, all the Royal Wedding details shows, and pondered which designer would win the coveted title of designing the dress of the decade.  So when Kate was first shown leaving her hotel and entering her 'commoner' Rolls Royce (doesn't every commoner have one of those??), all my built up anticipation resulted in tears.  Not an uncommon activity of my tear ducts as I cry at any little thing that has the slightest emotion tied to it.  But embarassing, nonetheless, as Joe glanced over at me to see a single tear roll down my cheek.

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And then the big moment.  Princess Kate stepped out of the car and revealed the MUCH anticipated moment...and it was glorious.  At first, I was slightly underwhelmed.  I must admit.  She stood up and the dress seemed a lot simpler than I expected.  She has a very classic style that is simple and elegant.  But everyone has been talking about this dress like it is going to set fashion standards - that idea fogged my brain for a second.  And then that cloud passed, and I saw how truly beautiful she looked.  The dress was a perfect silhouette on her and had such amazing lace detail.  It was truly a timeless gown fit for a princess.  I can't get over how amazing she looked.

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Besides the dress, my next favorite part was lip reading William saying, 'You look so beautiful' when he was first able to see his bride - ahhhh my heart melted.  I just love these two and their fairy tale romance. It is something fun to fantasize about during mundane weeks of work and school.
I was curious if Kate would change dresses after the ceremony.  And, alas, of course she did! She is a princess after all!  I think I love this dress just the same as the first, if not more! It is perfect for a royal reception...

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Oh, what a magical day!  Best of luck to the newly wedded royals!  I would definitely detail out more of my favorite parts but I have date night with my own prince charming tonight :) 

I think it goes without saying that today I am grateful for the magic and wonderment of a Royal Wedding. Thanks, Kate, for living out every little girl's childhood dream!

The Royal Wedding...

There's nothing quite like a royal wedding to bring people together. From the blue engagement dress, to the fairy-tale transformation from commoner to princess, to the sapphire ring of Diana's, this is turning out to be quite the talk of the town.


I must admit that I am enjoying all the fuss of the wedding festivities. I have a feeling my girlfriends are doing the same. :) Thanks to the royal jewels for inspiring my gratitude blog.  Here is to all of us "commoners" who are eating up every detail of this event!


Thank you Kate for letting us share in your wedding bliss.
Congratulations Prince William & soon-to-be Princess Catherine!
xo M

Sun & MORE

This past weekend we had a beautiful day of sunshine! Everyone was out and about around town--- running, shopping, eating, boating, hiking, relaxing, etc.. It is amazing how inspiring the sun can be. We all know too well that rain is the forecast this week, and yet, through the rain clouds we have caught glimpses of sunshine and clear weather here and there all day long.

Thank you sunshine for peering through and reminding us you haven't completely left!
Additional things I am grateful for:
-spending time wandering
-looking at antiques
-nephews and nieces
-Easter dinners
-enjoying every second I spend with my husband
-no wait in the laundry room
-reading other people's blogs
-bridal shower invitations
-talking about hopes/dreams with a friend
-poetry
-new shoes :)

xo M

Happy Easter

This is the day the Lord hath made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Happy Easter my lovely ladies! I hope you all have a day filled with gratitude and blessings!

Love
Katie
xoxo

Can't Get Much Better Than This

Gratitude comes in many different forms. But today, I am most grateful for these two videos. They are pure joy, make your sides hurt from laughter, kind of wonderful. I only wish adults could laugh and play as hard as these little ones...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y3yrXmqjuE


With gratitude and joy in my heart,
B

A Week in Review

This past week I have been thankful for...
Scenic drives with my husband, passing by all sorts of farms and animals
A weekend with old friends
The fun of a group of friends sharing all sorts of food ideas... it is my favorite thing to talk about you know! (and books of course!)
Spending the evening with my family
The Hillsdale Market
Signing up for a CSA... and all the fun that has come with planning what on earth I am going to do with all those vegetables!
Laughing at the littles that I spend each day with
Cooking dinner with David... and eating it together... and cleaning up together
Checking on my sprouting seeds in the backyard
The smell of rain... I know, I know rain?, but you know that smell after it hasn't rained in a while? Well that's the one!
Freshly washed sheets
Blazer games... maybe we will even win one soon :)
New cookbooks!

Enjoy your week!
Allison

A Cloudless Sky

It's happened people. The sun has finally come out to stay for longer than 10 minutes and it is absolutely glorious! I have forgotten what it feels like to step outside without shivering. Today I did not. I didn't have to wear my long, black, dreary and depressing winter coat. I even wanted to go for a run today, yes a run. You read it correctly. I ran. I ran longer than 10 minutes too...sad I know. I put on my headphones hoping the battery wouldn't run out because it had been so long since I used it. I tied my keys to my shoelaces and headed out the door to let my feet hit the pavement. The sun hit my face and I could even feel the freckles pop up and the vitamins soak into my skin. All I could think of was...gratitude. Gratitude for the nasty Oregon weather that turns everything green and gratitude for the ability to take a run with my own two legs. I could not have asked for a better way to end a long day at work.

Other things I am grateful for...
- sunglasses
- a new hair dryer
- comfy shoes
- swings
- laughter
- pictures in frames
- putting the down comforter away
- Holy Week
- blogging
- borrowed shirts
- changing trees

Peace to you on this sunny Tuesday,
B

Beautiful Monday

Im grateful for so many things, where do I begin,

Im grateful...
for waking up to sun on my face
for the full moon shining in my bedroom window
for a weekend full of laughter with best friends
for last minute dinners with family
for friends you can just be exactly yourself around
for blogs
for Good Will
for vintage jewelry
for Swamp People
for my husbands laugh
for my Kindle
for guacamole
for hard sleep
for How I Met Your Mother
for funny little kid stories from our teacher friends
for chocolate fiber one bars
for a comfy couch
for looking forward to everything people are grateful this week

love to you all
have a wonderful week
thanks again for such a fun weekend

K
xoxo

Vamos a la Playa!

The LOVELY ladies of Project Gratitude (minus the out-of-towners) are taking off to the beach this weekend!  Sun, surf, mai tais and SPF 30....
Oh wait, we're headed to the Oregon Coast...in April....change that to rain, burgers, brews and chowder bowls!! Even better!
I am so thankful that we have these opportunities to escape the everyday and kick up our heels and relax.  And hopefully play some thrilling games of Cranium and CatchPhrase.  Even though we will more than likely be rained in the whole time, it is still such a great chance to be together.  Can't wait!  I just had a tough midterm this morning so some drinks sound delish right now.
I am also thankful that we live so close to the coast line that it is a simple car ride away...oh Oregon, you are the best even though I curse you during marathon rain sessions.
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! I know I will!
Sara

gratitude at its best

I'd just like to say that for the first time since living in Portland, I visited Kell's. Strange as it may seem, Kell's has one rockin' happy hour. And this girl looooves happy hour. My husband and I decided a date night was exactly what the doctor ordered, so on a lovely Thursday evening we headed out to our destination. We soon discovered that this was one of the better happy hours in town, price-wise. And did you know that you can donate $1.50 to Emanuel Children's Hospital while dining on heavenly sweet potato fries, burgers and salads? Not only are you giving a small token to a wonderful place - a place where several of my little family members have/will have visited in their lifetime - but you also get to see them wrap those cherished (and I say cherished because we have to pay, with quarters, to do our laundry) quarters up in the bill and toss it, full speed, up to the ceiling where it stays until the day comes where all donations are taken down and Kell's matches the amount and sends a lovely check to a good cause. Are you sold? Needless to say, we will be hightailing it back to Kell's shortly. Anyone have a hankering for a ice cold beer and hot burger??? So with gratitude, I dedicate this post to happy hours in Portland...and possibly a few other little things too...

- Serattos on NW 21st and Kearney: lots of choices, great wine, fun atmosphere
- Bar Bar on Mississippi: yup it has the same name twice - old fashioned burgers and fries
- Blue Hour on 13th : pretty drinks and lovely bites
- Andina on Glisan: I wish they had a happy hour, but you do order happy-hour-style
- Oba on 12th: best mojitos in town, my mouth is already watering thinking about summertime at Oba
- Bastas on 21st: long happy hour hours and delicious Italian food
- Pope House on Glisan and 20th: just don't go with my husband, he manages to convince people to drink more hard liquor than they should...
- Touche on 14th and Glisan: secret little place with a great humus plate and pizza

Other Things To Be Grateful For Today...
- walks on the bridges
- little successes
- carpools
- bridal showers
- pictures
- finding money in your pocket
- free laundry
- new blogs
- dogs on runs
- sun, sun, sun

Well now that my stomach is grumbling and my mouth watering, I am off to eat breakfast for dinner. What else could I ask for than eggs and toast?

Peace and blessings to all this week,
B

Just a few things for Friday

This is what my school looks like right now....

I can't complain too much...how beautiful is that??

I am loving the spring flowers in the air and the faint fragrance they put out!  I love when I am mid step and I smell the sweet smell of the blossoms - I try to take another deep breath in to catch another whiff and I almost have to chase the smell around because I am so desperate to experience it again.  Oh spring!

Other 'stuff' I am grateful for today...

*Long walks around the neighborhood

*Driving with the windows down, sunglasses in tow

*Fantasizing about which beautiful mansion in the West Hills neighborhood that Joe and I will live in some day

*Smiles from people walking by

*The sound of lawnmowers

*The white streaks left in the sky from airplanes flying overhead

*happy hour and outdoor seating (negative side note - why can't Mcmenamins' restaurants ever provide decent service?? seriously...why?? it's an epidemic)

*kids at recess

*bbq

*electricity - we had a major power outage here for about 3 hours...I am not a girl of ancient times - I need me some power

I am looking forward to this weekend and I hope all of you are too! Have a wonderful blessing-filled day! and a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful and beloved sister!! She is simply the best :)

Sara

Lovely Lentils

I made this salad last night for dinner and it was great. The slightly sunny weather already has me in the mood for lighter fare and salads for dinner... even if this one did include roasted root vegetables, maybe mother nature hasn't quite caught on to the fact that we are excited about spring!

Lentil Salad

Simmer 1 C. french lentils in water (cover by a few inches) for 20- 30 min. (check them frequently after 20). Drain.

Roast veggies in olive oil, salt and pepper. I used half an onion, a leek, a carrot and a beet... just what I found in the fridge :) Roast at 425 while lentils simmer (I purposely cut the vegetable into small bit size pieces so that they would finish up around the same time as the lentils, I quartered the onion and halved the leek).

Mix Dressing (from River Cottage Every Day) 2 tsp. Dijon mustard (or other hot-ish mustard), 2 tsp. cider vinegar, 3 T. olive oil, salt and pepper.

In the bottom of a large bowl I placed a couple of handfuls of torn arugula. Atop the greens I placed the hot veggies and the lentils. Mix with dressing and serve with garlic-y toast :)

Garlic-y Toast

Broil or toast some good bread (I use our homemade whole wheat sourdough). Once toasted rub with a garlic clove (the bread is like a cheese grater for the garlic... how great is that!) Drizzle with olive oil and top with some good salt (for this bread I like to use Fleur de Sel)

We loved it! Enjoy :)

Allison

Taco Tuesday & Random Reflections

I came home today expecting to make dinner. You must know this is an unusual part of my routine. I'm not trying to brag, I'm just stating a fact. My husband is the cook. I walked into our home and instantly smelled the delicious aromas of Taco Tuesday. I couldn't have asked for more...husband, tacos, guacamole (let's face it, I eat the taco salad just to get to the homemade guac) and the prospect of watching t.v. in my sweats. Life couldn't get any sweeter than it is.

I have been reflecting on my weekend. I went away with the ladies in my family to the beach. There were about 15 women - we of course missed a couple big cousins and some little ones too. I had expected a weekend filled with laughter, drama (how could there not be with 7 sisters and their daughters?!), conversations and shopping. What I came home with was joy, smiles and a full heart. These women are incredible. Wonderful moms, daughters, sisters, cousins and friends. The first night we stayed up until 2am laughing until we cried. The second day was spent waking up to birthday decorations, a shopping trip and a quick stop-over at the casino for dinner and games. This time spent with aunts and cousins was by far the most rewarding. Everyone seemed at peace and was genuinely happy with their lives. If only others could share in this unique bond and friendship I see amongst our family. It is truly a blessing, truly unique and truly...strange.

Amidst the shift to spring, the change in work and the overall ups and downs that come with life, I am so grateful for more things than I can count...
- tulips
- nonfat lattes when drip coffee just won't cut it
- lunches packed at night
- a happy, rolly-polly puppy
- smoothies
- sunshine at recess duty
- sunglasses...yes, I needed to wear them
- the beach...we are very fortunate to live nearby
- bridal showers
- skinny cows
- Anthro candle

I hope your week is full of gratitude, joy and sunshine (a girl can dream...),
B

Monday and back home

I spent the last few days in Disneyland with my parents and have so many things to be grateful for, Ill just name a few...


Hot Weather
blue sky
big bunches of helium balloons
huge crowds
everything Disney
little girls in princess dresses
genuine laughter
Hot Weather
Selmas cookies
time with my parents
friends siblings that are like my own
my new captain Eo shirt
Hot Weather
palm trees
pure excitement
Disney's Wold of Color
a glass of champagne
digital cameras
sticker books
peppermint patties
a good book
the porch
flower beds full of poppies
airport magazine stands
vitamin D
Hot Weather
having fun on vacation, but being glad to be home
loving my husband

wishing for more sun
K

Happy Birthday B!!!

Once again we find that it is the birthday of our one and only friend B!  Being in the midst of the birthday season of this group of girls it makes me realize how important it is to take a moment and let the people around you know how special they are and how special their role is in your life.  B is no exception, she has been in my life for as long as I can remember and played such an integral part in my life throughout the years.  Growing up she was as close to a sister as I had and as we have gotten older we have stayed just as close.  B allows you to be exactly who you are and excepts and loves you no matter what.   As we recently expressed in our toast at her wedding, B is the definition of a true friend.  She is beautiful, kind and sincere. We are all lucky to call her our friend.  I am grateful for you B, your friendship, your love and all your support throughout our lives.  I look forward to the years to come.

love always
K
xoxo