April Around The Web

I hope you all had a lovely April! This month was much anticipated, and full of surprises and spontaneous decisions. Here are a few of my favorite finds around the web this month:

“Becoming yourself is really hard and confusing, and it’s a process. I was completely the eager beaver in school, I was the girl in the front of the class who was the first person to put her hand up, and it’s often not cool to be the person that puts themself out there, and I’ve often gotten teased mercilessly, but I found that ultimately if you truly pour your heart into what you believe in—even if it makes you vulnerable—amazing things can and will happen. ”
— Emma Watson

Personally this month I was able to spend a weekend in Lawrence with my mom and sister while Dale visited his friend in Boston. I love being back in my college town, and even got to stop in the new Wonder Fair location. I also purchased a painting this month from my mentor, Lisa Rogers, show. I can't wait to get it home! This weekend I will be reunited with my girl friends for a Bachelorette Party, which will be the perfect end to the month. I can't wait for more springtime adventures in May!

March Around The Web

I hope you all have had a wonderful March! I couldn't think of a better representation of my favorite things on the internet this past month than Libby VanderPloeg's "Lift Each Other Up" illustration for International Women's Day (which was March 8th). I am very proud to work with and have so many talented & driven women friends who inspire me daily. Take a look at Libby's website to see more of her wonderful illustrations! 

March Around The Web: Libby VanderPloeg | Letters Are Lovely

Other tidbits from this month include:

Personally, my favorite moments from March were spent in Portland with my family, and outside enjoying the warmer Spring weather. I can't wait to see what April will bring!

Portland, Oregon

Hello from Portland! I spur of the moment bought a plane ticket to join my family on their Spring Break trip. My first trip to the city has been wonderful, here is a recap from some of my favorite places we visited over a long weekend:

Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland

  • CARIOCA BOWLS — I've been wanting to try one of these bowls forever, and it definitely lived up to the hype. So delicious! I would love to make one at home.

  • Drive to MOUNT HOOD — Beautiful views & lots of snow!)

  • Dinner at HUBERS CAFE with family friends

  • VooDoo DOUGHNUTS — Also worth visiting, quirky and delicious.

  • The PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN — Stunning! We got very lucky with our weather, and I can imagine it would be even more spectacular when everything is in full bloom.

  • The PITTOCK MANSION — Great view of the city.

  • DIVISION ST. FOOD TRUCKS // MENAGERIE SHOP — There are so many different food truck locations in the city it was hard to decide where to sop, but the ones at Division St. were wonderful. I tried Smakken Waffles. Lots of options, and a very cute seating area in the middle. Also visit Menagerie, it's a lovely little shop.

  • Drivee to CANNON BEACH — One of my favorite parts of the trip. You could easily spend more time in the park around the beach.

Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland
Letters Are Lovely | Portland

  • MULTNOMAH FALLS — Breathtaking waterfall, only about 30 minutes from the city.

  • PAADEE — Lunch stop for some Thai Food

  • ARTEMISIA COLLAGE WITH NATURE — Lovely store filled with plants and terrariums.

  • INK & PEAT — Home and lifestyle shop we stopped by.

  • WITCHES CASTLE — Forest Park is beautiful for hiking.

  • For our last meal we enjoyed French food at PETITE PROVENCE and we couldn't help but brave the one for SALT & STRAW for dessert. Worth it! (I tried the Salted Caramel Cupcake, Honey Lavender, Lemon Amaretto Sour Sherbet & Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper. I choose the last two in a waffle cone!)

Until next time, Portland! 

January Around The Web

Happy almost February! Per usual, here are a few of my favorites from around the web this past month. I'm happy to see the iridescent trend seems to be here to stay. I loved Aww, Sam's roundup of 10 Iridescent/Holographic Things You Need. Enjoy some other links below!

Chicago: Days Three & Four

The last two days in Chicago were a whirlwind. The Bridgeport Art Center was a wonderful location for Renegade, and even included a distant view of the city. (Take a look at Monday's post to see my favorite vendors.) After a long day exploring the fair we headed back downtown in order to make our dinner reservation at RPM Italian. It's as good as it sounds, definitely recommended. For dessert we tried More cupcakes, and along the way I discovered P.O.S.H. which couldn't have had a lovelier selection of holiday goods. I would love to visit again. The last morning included a stop at the bean, and then back to KC! This was such an inspiring trip, hopefully I will find myself in the Windy City again soon. 

Letters Are Lovely | Chicago Days Three & Four

Chicago: Day Two

Day two in Chicago was spent exploring the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. I discovered some wonderful shops AND Jeni's Ice Cream (self-described as splendid, and I would have to agree). If you find yourself in the area, stop in Paper Doll, One Strange Bird, Store B Vintage, Una Mae's, and Greer Chicago. After visiting all these places we headed back downtown and stopped by Sprinkles, Anthropologie, and made our way to Gino's East for dinner. The evening ended with a walk by Macy's to take a look at their beautiful holiday window displays. Be on the lookout for a recap from Renegade tomorrow! 

Letters Are Lovely | Chicago Day Two