A Look Inside: The Nathman Home in NE Portland, OR

One of the loveliest people I've met since moving to Portland is someone I've really only gotten to know over the past year, but she's such a warm and easygoing person that it feels like it's been longer. Her name is Tammy and she's as cute as a bug (especially now that she's pregnant!), has the same kind of sick love for the Bachelor/Bachelorette (and okay, Bachelor Pad) as me and is hands-down one of the most hilarious awkward-moment storytellers I've ever met. She has an adorable home with her husband David in Northeast Portland, and on the most recent night she hosted book club, I asked if I could snap some pictures for the blog. She graciously gave me the okay... 

My favorite things about Tammy and David's home*? Their no-stone-left-unturned attention to detail and the warmth and coziness created through textures, colors and family photos. And I'm drooling over that rustic wooden cabinet in their dining room! Tammy, where'd you get it? ;)

*Unfortunately the bedroom and basement pictures turned out blurry due to my amateur photography skills - I'll get 'em next time!

Work Hard and Be Kind

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a memorable, sunny weekend. Mine wasn't actually anything to write in a diary about, but I got a ton done around my apartment which always feels good. Scratch that - it didn't feel that good since Saturday coincided with a 100-degree Portland heat wave. Having grown up in Houston, I have dealt with much worse weather: three months straight of total face-melting heat and humidity (the real punch in the face), but... we have these wonderful things called air conditioning and swimming pools. Portland for the most part does not. It just doesn't make sense 360 days of the year, but boy do I turn into a total crybaby those few sweltering summer days. I got my mom who's back in Texas to feel so sorry for me that she actually recommended I open the refrigerator door and sit in front of it. I didn't get that desperate, however, because I found some refuge in my beloved A/C blowing car (and equally beloved H&M) as I ran errands during the hottest part of the day. But despite this miserable weather, I worked my butt off and was very productive, so I've given the past two days a "good weekend" stamp of approval.

And, how awesome is that Conan O'Brien quote? The older I get, the more I believe in the value of working hard, but the call for kindness brings this quote to a whole 'nother level in my book. (I am definitely a closeted fan of that "Mean People Suck" bumper sticker that was popular back in the 90s.) I'm going to do my darndest to carry my unusual weekend ambition into the workweek, with continued projects around my apartment and serious trips to the air-conditioned gym. And while we're on the off-topic subject of healthy living, does anyone have any recommendations for nutrition / clean eating blogs? I'd like to start following a few but am starting at zero!

Anyway, I hope you found some bit of inspiration in Conan's wise words and have started your week off on the right foot. If not, it's never too late to start...

How was your weekend and what do you hope to accomplish this week?

Music -> Decor: Beach House

via

I created a bit of a challenge for myself on this one, but this is the band I've been listening to on repeat lately so I felt like they were the most worthy of a long overdue Music to Decor post. The band is Beach House, and the song below is the first single off of their most recent album, "Bloom." 

Every time I listen to this music, it evokes a feeling of both wanderlust and sentimentality. Hopefulness even. I don't know if I need to just get a hold of my emotions or what, but sometimes songs can make me feel like I experienced something that I really didn't. Like, this song brings up memories of a road trip I took through the cornfields of Nebraska with my college boyfriend. Except I didn't have a college boyfriend and I've never been to Nebraska. And before I dig myself into a deeper weirdo hole, I'll just say that this band puts me in total daydream mode so maybe I shouldn't have listened to it at work all day. Here is the song "Myth:"

Isn't the song dreamy and hopeful, almost magical? I get the same feeling from the rooms and decor below (even though I kind of cheated because most of the effect is due to the lighting... and the messy beds). I told you it was a challenge! 

photo source 

photo source

photo source

photo source unknown 

photo source 

photo source

photo source

photo source unknown


So... are you a Beach House fan (yet)? 
If not, become one this weekend! Have a great one :)