Well, we've moved. I would take pictures, but we don't have any furniture so... another time. We do have a fireplace! Our space has a hard time warming up and staying warm, though, so I think some weatherstripping for our windows is due soon. We can feel the cold seeping in through the cracks, brr. I can't complain, though. It's a thousand times nicer than the old place we were living in, and no nosy or rude neighbors (yet, anyway). It's always odd, I think, living so close to other people but not really interacting with them at all. I haven't met our next door neighbors yet, but Rick has met 'the guy'. No name exchange or friendly conversation, apparently he's always in a hurry? How odd. And I've seen his lady friend but never been passing close enough to introduce myself. Whatever happened to bringing over a plate of cookies and saying hello? We are an upstairs corner unit, so there's someone below us that I've never seen, or heard.. and the people under our neighbors have a small dog that really, really doesn't like Rontu. There are a lot of other dogs here though, so maybe when it warms up a little she can meet a puppy friend. We actually met three on our snowy walk this morning, and all three wanted to play with her! She only ever gets to play with Rick's cousin's pitbull, so I couldn't stop laughing as she played with two retrievers and a cattle dog. She immediately surrenders to them hoping they won't be 'scared' of her enough to not want to play. Ive had people see her, put their dogs on a leash, and then ask if she was friendly.. which is fair, I guess, but they look at her like she's a vicious killer. No.. just a 9 month puppy. It was refreshing to have owners ask me to take her off her leash! She also has never fully experienced fresh snow, so we had fun kicking snow around. She kept trying to dig to see what's underneath, and then trying to chew the ice.

We're broke and poor and exhausted, but we have a home and food in the fridge. My mind is overwhelmed with all of the decorating opportunities I have here, but one thing at a time. I don't want to get things off of craigslist just because they're free or cheap, but not quite what I want. I'd rather take my time to find the absolutely perfect desk or couch, even if it means spending a little more money. I want to make my coffee table, which is going to be $20 tops. The fact that most of my craft supplies and things are still in boxes bugs me a little bit but I'm sure I can find some bookshelves soon. Or even a tutorial to make some! Rick always has pallets behind his work we can use. I think my largest dilemma is figuring out how I want to paint.. I want bright kitchen walls and a striped ceiling in the bathroom, or maybe two tone walls in the bathroom.. I just can't handle all of this white ahh. Soon enough. :)

Pardon the random forthcoming posts, but we had to move suddenly (I never would have guessed it'd be so suddenly) and I've been so stressed and tired and all the other things that come with packing and moving. I almost pulled my hair out when it came to searching for a new place, with barely any money to give for applications. I have come to realize that Rick and I are not the best budgeters, so after this storm of cardboard boxes and emptying our pockets dies down, I must figure out a way to create some type of budget. I barely buy things for myself anymore, I've come to spend more money on baking and cooking food. Which is perfectly fine with me, but my love of all things coffee has me spending almost $15 a week. That's crazy to think about. Also, disgusting. Who really knows whats in those starbucks jars I get while I stop to get gas. I think I need to invest in a large cold to-go cup and a giant french press. I'm sure they make those. Anyway, between moving out and our apartment 'getting ready' we're staying with family. Our new place has lots of light, which is a huge change from our previous 2-windowed apartment. I can just feel the drafts already. And there's a walk in closet and (wait for it)... a fireplace! Granted, it's gas, and probably gives off no heat whatsoever, but it'll still be perfect for marshmallow roasting. I have 3 days off after surviving black friday retail hell, so I finally have a chance to breathe. Unfortunately I'm nursing a sore throat and achy head, but I get to look out at the snow swirling and sip hot chocolate. Not too shabby. In the spirit of the peppermint bark I'm going to make later, here's another recipe for a quick, chocolatey treat.



I freaking love no bakes. The ones that I used to make would consist of butter, sugar, peanut butter, oats, and not much else. They had so much sugar in them they'd make my teeth hurt. But I love how they melt in your mouth and the possible variations, and I think I thought putting oats in them somehow made them good for me. These are 1000x better than the sugar-packed ones of the past, and they have Ricks three favorite things in them (peanut butter, coconut, chocolate) soo it was a win-win for both of us. The coconut oil helps them solidify better than butter, and the cinnamon adds a nice spice.



vegan coconut chocolate no bakes

1 1/2 cups carob chips (or dark choc for non vegans)
2/3 cup peanut butter (i used chunky)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup honey
2 T cinnamon
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup oats

1. Turn oven to 400 and toast coconut until lightly brown. Set aside to cool. 2. In a saucepan, melt peanut butter, carob chips, and coconut oil and combine well. 3. Turn heat to low and add honey and cinnamon. 4. Remove from heat and add oats and coconut. 5. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and drop heaving tablespoons of mixture onto sheet. I place mine in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them set, then put in fridge to keep.

I always thought the idea of having an amazon wishlist and the like was kind of... lame. Maybe I'm just deterred by those who post theirs on their facebooks before their birthdays and are like 'here's the link if you're feeling generous!' I don't know. It seems sorta cheap? I mean, I have an amazon wishlist but it's more of an organizational tool, haha. I have things on it that I want to bookmark as gifts for other people and not just myself. That way my bookmarks don't get too crowded and I can have it all in one place. The items above are some things I've been lusting after for awhile (hellooo modcloth dress) and some things I'm fairly certain are necessary, like those minnetonka boots. I mean, Rontu chewed up my classics but it's cold now anyway so I might as well invest in some booties, right? So, 'tis the season and I love to internet-window shop, so I put a few of my favorite finds together.

1. Asos satchel bag. I've been admiring these satchel bags for awhile but haven't really found one I liked until now. I like the huge buckles, and the scalloped edges make it slightly less masculine. 2. Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. Okay, this may possibly be on the 'need' list, especially since my 1.8 is seeing it's final days. 3. Taxidermy Fox. I lovee taxidermy, especially vintage taxidermy, and this fox is just so cute! Look at that face. 4. Rad to the Bone dress. It glows in the dark! Need I say more? 5. Raw quartz ring. Midwest Alchemy has some of the coolest rings made out of raw gemstones. Definitely inspiring for when I finally learn how to make my own jewelry. 6. SOTBM Moonshine Oil. Ive followed Sisters of the Black Moon since they first started their ebay shop and when I saw this on their site I think I screamed a little. Grapefruit and juniper will always be some of my favorite scents to wear. 7. 'S' by jj abrams. Technically I think this book is called Stranger. I saw the teaser for it (which you can watch here) and was hooked. It didn't come in Nook form so on the list it went. I am a huge Lost & Fringe fan so I can barely even contain my excitement to start reading! 8. Instax 90 camera. Little pictures that print instantly and I can basically put anywhere? Yes please! 9. Delancy flats. Ive been keeping my eye out for a cheaper version of these, but again with the buckles.. love them. 10. Minnetonka boots. Like I said, these are a need. Definitely will be wearing these through spring and summer. 11. Hair pins from Thistle & Fox. Aren't these the cutest? I think they'd look just lovely in my red hair :)

dress//vintage | heels//kenneth cole

This is one of those dresses that you find in the store and carry around with you the whole time you're shopping. I had sold a dress similar to it on etsy a couple of years ago and it's haunted me ever since. Its a light velour type of fabric with perfect buttons and a belt. At first the sleeves were just a little too puffy but once I wore it for a little while, I fell in love. The salvation army here has a weird 'vintage' section with items by different vendors, and ever since I found a crocodile head there, I try to visit now and then. I usually bypass the rack of vintage clothes because there's never really any new items, but this time I looked and found this dress. I keep hoping I will find more taxidermy items but it's hit or miss. There was a giant moose head at Savers a couple of months ago for $400 and I've been kicking myself ever since for not having a separate savings account just for my odd impulse buys!

tights, boots, dress//target | sweater//forever21 | scarf//world market

I'm like a walking advertisement for Target. I don't opt for the bright patterns or dresses from Target (or ever really!), but when it comes to basics, they're my go-to. I don't like having the same recognizable dress or sweater as everyone else in town, but if I need tank tops or nylons they never fail. I have a hard time spending $25+ on jeans but if the fit is perfect, I'll buy them. I have to have a high waist; my jeans always fall down because of my hips. It's much easier to throw on a dress that fits nice and nylons like in this outfit, but for work I need jeans that are durable and wont fall down when I lean over! The search continues..

plaid blouse//thrifted | sweater//thrifted | coat//charlotte russe | pants//old navy | combat boots//guess


I really cherish the moments and days that I can spend outside with Rick and Rontu, especially since our work schedules have been opposite lately. It snowed last week on the mountains so we decided to see if there was any left to play in. There was, in the shadows of the mountains that the sun seldom touches. I love the cold, the snow, rain, fog, so this made me even more excited for the upcoming snowstorms and thunderstorms. I dont get too many of these days with him so it was nice to be able to enjoy the little things, absorb the smells and sounds, and pay attention to nature's tiny details. I'm easily amused as it is, but I'm fascinated how getting outside and touching snow and leaves, listening for animals, and watching Rontu go absolutely crazy in the snow can so easily lift my spirits. I think I would have stayed up there all day if possible.

blouse//forever 21 | blazer//iris basic | ankle boots//urban outfitters | pants//H&M | hat//mossimo | etched amber ring//jewelry to your doorstep

I absolutely love these boots! I can wear them with jeans. Leggings. Nylons. They're my all time favorite. And this hat... I don't know, I don't usually wear hats, but I had to have this one. Rick can testify to my obsession with it since I saw it in the store. I didn't buy it when I should have, and after an online search it turned out that there was only one left in stores, and it wasn't available for purchase online, soo... here it is. The closest thing to a hat I wear is a beanie, so it's been fun thinking about how I could pair it with different outfits. I have a couple of dresses that will work wonderfully.

Mums were $.50 at my work (.74 without my discount) so I picked up a couple as well as some more plants that were half off.. everyone thinks it's a waste to plant in the fall, but the therapy of planting is well worth it to me, as well as the comfort of seeing them & taking care of them when it's cold and blustery outside. Plus I have high hopes that those mums will survive the snow and come back next year!

I haven't been blogging for a week or so, actually I haven't been able to do much of anything lately. I split my knuckle open while using a can opener. I know, it's silly when I think about it now... I'm pretty sure I laughed when it happened, I usually laugh when I get hurt or laugh when someone else does out of nervousness. I didn't want to look at it until I cleaned it up but I guess I hurt it pretty bad. Rick came to my rescue and made a splint and wrapped it for me, so going to work and trying to type on the computer or do much of anything was difficult for a few days. I can get away with just having a bandaid on it for now, but I accidentally bend it too much here and there. Ohh well!
We packed a bag and our pup and headed up to see Rick's parents last weekend. I was feeling a little under the weather but I tend to feel better once we're on the road and doing something. They live in a secluded, woodsy town not far from Redding. It really is a magical place and the first time I saw their property I fell in love. It's Rick's property according to the living will (is that even what it's called? No idea..) and he talks all the time about moving back and helping with the farm. His parents have a plethora of animals including chickens, goats, pigs, rabbits, cats, as well as the family dogs and even a guinea pig named Rascal. It's always foreign to me when I'm in the middle of family gatherings, or families in general. I was adopted when my parents were in their 40s so my older brother was out of the house a couple of years after I was adopted, leaving me with just my parents most of the time. There are good things and bad things about growing up an 'only child,' but I always wished I had more socializing. We lived 20 minutes away from where most of my friends were so going to each other's houses was few and far between. I was blessed to have been able to travel with my parents to Europe and different states, but I didn't get to see any real family other than Christmas usually. We would visit my grandma in LA a couple of times a year but the only family that lived close were my brother and my mom's parents, and even then we didn't hang out with them that often, at least that I remember. We moved to a completely new town when I was 10 and I had to start over and make new friends, which is difficult when you're a weird homeschooler from a small town. Anyway, when I first met Rick's family I reached my arm out to shake hands and his aunt said oh no, we give hugs here! It's been interesting seeing how different families interact with each other and see how close everyone is. It makes me miss my brother and sister-in-law and the kids, there was a short time where I lived with them and was spending most of my time with them.











Being here makes me long for a simpler life; my life is pretty simple, but you know what I mean. I want nothing more than to grow a garden, cook food for everyone, and take care of animals while I have the freedom to do other hobbies I enjoy. I like to work hard and I can only imagine the sense of worth and accomplishment one gets from working a garden and cooking all home grown meals. Among other things.. one day..

shoes//blowfish | jacket//bass | scarf//a'gaci | pants//H&M



Pardon my dusty boots, but they are extremely well loved! They're comfy enough to wear all day at work and are durable enough for when we want to take a little hike. Also, I don't get why people don't wear more denim jackets. I love mine, I had to find one that fit perfectly and I finally did after much searching.. It's not too long, not too baggy, and not too heavy. This is pretty much a go-to outfit for me in autumn, when I don't have much time to put something together. Speaking of autumn, we turned our heater on for the first time today! There's snow on the sierra's and it's been raining for a couple of days now. I couldn't be happier!

The title is a little silly. I shouldn't say I miss Portland, but Oregon or even the whole pacific northwest. I moved there a few years ago and leaving was always a big regret. I had my reasons, and they were good ones, but it's times like these where we're starting to get the first few rains of the season and leaves are turning colors, that I miss it the most. If I could be in love with a place, it's the northwestern corner of the united states. I had never felt 'at home' until I moved there, and maybe it's because I was born in a hospital right in the middle of town, but I felt like I was supposed to be there. And I was! I met my 5 sisters and family I didn't even know I had (more on that later..), I felt like I could be myself for the first time and nobody would bat an eye because everyone is a little quirky. I met some amazing people and some interesting ones. Had adventures and just as much fun listening to records on the front porch. I had the most fun traveling up and down the coast of Oregon and into Washington, being in my sister's wedding in Tacoma, exploring the woods and coast and tiny towns. I didn't know I had been searching for the feeling of 'being home' until I was there. I moved in with my sister two months after meeting her for the first time and had a blast! Spontaneous photo shoots, midnight parties, baking and cooking with each other. Hot summer days and nights in the most amazing house I've ever lived in. It took me awhile to realize that the feeling I had, of feeling at home, was only because I was at peace with myself and my life. I had a large missing chunk of my life filled and questions answered when I met my sisters. I was happy with who I was and where I was going. I can always try to find the good in every situation, but when you live in such a beautiful and perfect place it's hard to leave. Once I did leave I found myself comparing everything to Oregon (my friends would say what, we have forests in california - please!), and had a hard time adjusting back to being home. It's taken me years to learn that it's just a place, it will always be there, and I can always visit - or move there again if I choose! I felt stuck in one place and it felt like the possibility of ever moving back was becoming less and less. I slipped into a huge cloud of depression and had to keep from looking at pictures of my family I left, and the place I had loved so much. It became a sort of place marker in time - when I finally felt happy with myself, felt most accepted by everyone I met, and met family I so desperately needed to meet.

It's taken a lot of thinking and evaluating, and I've come to accept that just like I had the time of my life then, moving on and creating new memories, with new faces and new situations can be just as exciting. I mean, I met the love of my life and we have a wonderfully silly puppy, good jobs, good friends, and Nevada isn't exactly the same as Oregon - but there are parts I've already come to love about it. There's new opportunities on the horizon and I don't have to experience them alone this time. The feeling of being 'at home' can be anywhere, as long as I'm happy with my myself, my life and the people in it. Even in not so ideal living situations, I'm most peaceful cuddling on the couch with Rick and our pup, and that's when I feel most at home. I don't have to look through pictures longingly when I miss it now, I can look back and appreciate the time that I spent but I'm also able to look forward to new memories and new adventures.