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

October Around The Web

October has been an inspirational month for me. I have started a super exciting project at work, and I have tried to embrace the beautiful fall weather before we head into winter here in the midwest. One of my favorite discoveries this month was Andy J. Miller's Creative Pep Talk Podcast. I have only listened to one episode so far, but I can tell this is going to be one of my new favorite podcasts (although it is really only new to me). Here are a few of my other favorite finds this October:

  • I once had a layover in Iceland on my way home from London, and have always regretted not stopping for a night or two. Elise's (A Beautiful Mess) pictures really have me hoping someday I will get the chance! 

  • It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas (especially when you work for Hallmark), and I love these ornaments by Ampersand Design Studio available at The Land of Nod.

  • National Cat Day was this week and I am obsessed with these. 

  • I love this guide to pumpkin varieties.

  • If you haven't read/listened to/heard of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert it is a must read for anyone who thinks of themselves as creative or wants to bring more creativity into their life. I listened via Audible and loved it so much I am now the proud owner of a hard copy. 

  • These cards are beautiful!

  • Also this book is beautiful, much like everything else from Rifle Paper Co. 

  • There has been a ton of awesome Halloween inspiration on the Think.Make.Share. blog this month. Here is my favorite. 

Happy Halloween!