A Hint of Red

Red can be a very powerful color, it is emotionally intense.

It draws attention... which is why more red cars are pulled over than others.

It creates energy, encourages action and confidence, and even passion, desire and love.

Sadly, used poorly in fashion and red can make even the slimmest girl appear heavy.

However, a touch of red is what I like to call a classic trend. It will always be in style and it will always be a trend. It's like saying "Black is the new Black." (Because believe me, Black is going no where!)

I have been thinking about a touch of red as a classic trend for some time and upon redoing my closet not to long ago I realized I have not a single red item. There is something very seductive about a hint of red. For instance, take a simple shoe by Christian Louboutin...

The heal doesn't have to be sky rocket high nor does the toe need to be so pointed it's crushing. In fact, it is the bottom of the shoe that provides the sex appeal. That hint of red that gives it an allure.

I am not recommending you go out and buy a red dress but how can you/me/we incorporate red into our every day life? Just a hint...

 

D

 

 

Portland Spotlight: Miller's Homestead

This past week I celebrated my birthday with a friend. For those that feel terrible for forgetting to write on my facebook wall, don't.

My birthday is in October.

So technically I was celebrating my birthday nearly 7 months late.

Better late than never, right?

Right.

To celebrate my oh so special occasion, we went back in time to the era of the Oregon Trail and I'm not talking about the computer game you played in the 5th grade!

Miller's Homestead

This little gem is tucked away in the surburbs most known for being across the street from the Lance Armstrong 24 Hour Fitness and Stars Cabaret. But according to my belated birthday date, they have the world's best banana pancakes.

The food was good, the atmosphere was fun but the true test...

If you have guests from out of town, would you take them here? No.

Nothing special but the company I was with...

My fun for the sun and good luck charm

[Editor's Note: I am not sure how in the world I forgot to post this last Friday... but I did.]

Since I knew that I was going to be locked inside for the two nicest days Portland has seen all year, I decided to show you my go to fun-in-the-sun outfit.

This shirt/dress use to be a modest-with-tights-dress until I shrunk it and it became a semi-scandalous-dress. But last September I was in San Diego and getting ready to go on what is known as the second best date of my life when a lightbulb hit me to pair it with shorts. Problem solved! I still got the cuteness of the dress but still appropriate to play in the sun.

I am not sure if it is because that date was so much fun or because I just really like this dress, but this outfit has become one of my favorites.

Now NW Sun, please come out and let me wear it again!

Dress: Free People

Shorts: Martin & Osa

Shoes: Steve Madden

Jewelry: Nordstrom

Weekend Recap: Chocolate for Flowergirls

Easter Weekend!

This weekend was low key compared to last...

Ashley and Vik came down from Seattle to be in Portland for Easter. I immediately roped them into seeing Water for Elephants with me since my previous plans were canceled. The movie was great especially for a book turned into a movie... and it's not just because I am in love with Robert Pattinson. (Although Ashley and Vik swear he was the worst part of the movie... I still don't see it!) I will admit the movie made me cry, I don't handle animal abuse well and August played by actor Christopher Waltz is anything but kind... and extreme convincing.

Before I knew it, it was Sunday and I was eating candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had a stomach ache by 9am. (When will I ever learn?)

The morning church service at Portland Christian Center was fantastic but the highlight was when Ashley asked two of the cutest kids I know to be her flower girl and ring bearer. She definitely picked winners!

It is looking like I have a week spent running in the Portland rain to make up for the copious amounts of Easter candy I consumed.

Stop and Focus

And so my joie de vivre project begins with an idea that is simple enough: stop and focus.

Sounds easy enough...

But I am busy! I have my days mapped out for the next month and different colored moleskin notebooks for different situations filled with lists I need to accomplish! 

Just stop and focus...

In America, we are entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

There is no such expression in France. In fact, in France the equivalent expression is la recherche du bonheur (looking for happiness). On the surface, this might seems as if I am splitting hairs, but if you really examine the idea of the "looking" for happiness as opposed to "pursuing" happiness, you'll see there's actually a big difference.

If we're looking for something, it feels as if it's there hiding in plain sight... On the other hand, pursuing implies a kind of chasing after something. For us, happiness is down the street somewhere, but moving fast. We'll have to move even faster...chase after it, really chase it down, faster than the competition.

- Jamie Cat Callan

Goal for the next two weeks: Be present in the simple joys I can find when doing everyday, ordinary tasks.

Joie de vivre is about loving life, loving people, loving to be alive, feeling alive. It is about smiling, being in your heart, and being grateful for all of the beautiful things in your life.

- Isabelle

I am playing these two weeks by ear. I am still unsure of exactly how to go about "stopping and focusing" but I am going to focus on being present and also being grateful for all that I have and surrounds me. And after a difficult week at work, this might just be the perfect time to start.

I'll let you know how it goes!

D