Ink & Sweet

There were so many photo ops and inspirations abounding and I took full advantage. Most of the photos are sized to make for a great (if I do say so myself) desktop pic!

While putzing around Portland I was beyond thrilled that we stumbled upon Pam's new venture, Ink & Peat. I've been anticipating the chance to see her shop in person as she always displayed the most amazing photos of her floral artistry and design inspirations on her blog Housemartin. Ink & Peat did not disappoint...and nor did Pam!

As you can see the light was incredible...as was the shop!

Kids, this shop is so lovely filled with lots of bits, baubles, buds. Home decor, gifts, art, and other loveliness all interspersed with a subtle multitude of floral bouquets. (I scored the sweetest set of cups one can possibly imagine!) And the warmth of Ink & Peat (complimented by all the streaming sunlight!) was only enhanced by Pam herself as she couldn't have been sweeter! (Pam...you know we're all gonna have to dinner it up next time, right?)

So if you happen to be in Portland this is a must-see stop! And, if you're lucky, you might just get to ask Pam for an autograph. She'll be sweet and humble and think me ridiculous for saying so but, Kids, I know a star when I see one...and Miss Pam is a shiny one indeed!

Barn House

So Kristine & Bob and I went down to Battle Ground over the weekend to visit the last sale of the season at Barn House. Joe, Jermonne and the rest of the Barn House bunch did not disappoint with a visual (and literal) feast for all of us. There were food and finds galore in this Halloween-inspired event and now we're all just waiting for next year! Well done, Boys! (And more photos to be found at their blog!)

Taking pause...

Good Monday morning, Kids. I had a wonderfully whirlwind weekend that I had hoped to bring to you this morning. However, I have a longer workday today that I have to get prepared for and also have to call and wish my Aunt Fay a very "Happy Birthday!" So I'll be back with more prolific posting tomorrow but for now a lovely photo from Pam's newly minted beautiful Portland shop Ink & Peat. See you tomorrow!

Sol Food

Eh, since I'm on a lil' food kick this morning I thought I'd just roll with this one. When we were down in Napa we decided to partake in lunch at Solage, a gorgeous resort and spa in Calistoga. The setting couldn't have been more lovely or more California. I felt cleaner and more refreshed just walking onto the property.

We started things outside on the patio on the comfy couches before all that California sunshine began to take its toll on certain members of our party so we retreated indoors to SolBar. The photo below doesn't do the place true justice, but the space was a perfect balance of comfort and cool.

And this, ultimately, was the whole reason for this post (though I'd also include with this selection the Sangria and the Green Tomato Salad!). I am an adventurous eater by nature and am willing to give most things a try. I read the entry for this on the dessert menu and was like, "Oh yeah, I gotta." So I proceeded to order the Thyme French Toast with Heirloom Tomato Marmalade and Corn Ice Cream (topped with warm maple syrup). Um...DELICIOUS! At least as far as I was concerned. The jury was a bit mixed in the overall reviews but I applauded the pastry chef for her ingenuity and daring while still delivering on dessert. Bravo!

If you ever get to Napa by all means toodle on over to Solage for a little lunch and a little cocktail. Maybe even a dip in the pool or a decadent night over? At any rate, if you happen to walk into SolBar and see a man passed out on the floor with a little corn ice cream melted near his head and a smile on his face...don't worry, it's just your Uncle...and I warned the management that this might happen. ;)

Beefy Bloesems

Irene over at Bloesem was kind enough to invite me to be a part of her ongoing series "Your Own Private Museum". Have a look! Thanks, Irene!

Napa Style

Georgina actually rides this to school at the CIA. I'd spill my drink if I tried that.

Good morning, Kids. Running around like a crazy person...still. How is it possible that so many things can pile up after only 4 days away? Nuts! But these photos help to immediately place my mind into longing and relaxation.

This is where we stayed during our Napa hiatus for Sarah's birthday. Jon and Georgina have done alot to this 1902 cutie and it was the perfect respite to rest our inflated and overtaxed livers. They bought the house less than a year ago after Georgina was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Sadly, she's a talented cook already, attractive, charming, funny, a delightful hostess, with an adorable house in Napa, and a looker of a husband with humor to spare. Don't worry, Kids...we all "hate" her!

Bon appétit!

100+ years and still kickin' it!


I think folding chairs and a rabid pit bull would look more welcoming but whatever.



That's Beefy's bed over by the wall. Beefy slept here. Should I send a plaque?


I couldn't get any work done here. This is daydream grand central!


I seriously hearted the glass canisters below with the vintage tea cups as scoops.


Georgina preparing the outside table for Jon's wine tasting.

I thought we shoulda put out some Cheetos and Pork Rinds. Y'know to keep it "klassy".

Yes, indeed...good times were had aplenty! Sigh. I miss you California...don't forget to write!

Beefy bails.

Kids, sorry to say but your Uncle is still playing catch-up from the trip so I'm basically bailing out on a decent posting today. I'll try to round up a couple of posts for your pleasurable perusing tomorrow but thanks for your patience and enjoy some shots of downtown St. Helena in the meantime. Thanks, Kids!

The Beefy's Back In Town...

The vineyards at Duck Horn.

Hi Kids! I'm back in town from my delightful Napa weekend! As you know, we all headed down to visit our friends Jon & Georgina, who live in St. Helena, to help celebrate our friend Sarah's birthday. I don't think she could have asked for a better time. Well, I couldn't have anyway. It was glorious! (But we're all lucky to still have our livers intact! Hey....it's wine country!) Lordy, I love me some California! Sarah and I are already plotting a possible relocation. Hmm?

We did tours of some wineries (of course) and just lapped up the warming rays of California sunshine and great friends. Managed to squeeze in a brief day in San Francisco before putting our hangovers onto our respective flights. I was sorry that there wasn't the time to rope Victoria or Melissa in for a little bloggers meet and greet...but maybe next time? 'Cause like it or not California...I'm comin' back!

So Kids, here are a few pics to tide you over for the day and I'll see ya's tomorrow! :)

The Ferry Building in San Francisco where I managed to
leave a little food left over for the rest of the people in the city.

The interior of the Ferry Building...before the food massacre began!

My favorite food moment of the day from Miette...Buttermilk Panna Cotta with fresh chopped strawberries all delightfully contained in that sweet little jar! Delicious! (But not enough to keep me from also consuming a chicken lunch, a custard-filled Bomboloni doughnut, and two Miette cupcakes!!! My crazy druken body couldn't get enough! I think it was just happy to be getting fed something other than alcohol! Oy vey!)

That's Bunz...our mascot. I feel like he looks! (He's Jon & Georgina's puppy dog.)

Jon & Georgina's sweet St. Helena dream! Tres cute, huh?

I guess the place was a serious fixer-upper when they got it but they've done miraculous wonders already. Could I have asked for better Napa-style accommodations? I don't think so! More shots to come tomorrow.

We were actually sober in this photo taken in the wine caves at Schramsberg!

And, I'm takin' a moment to thank all these lovely folks above for their generosity, friendship, outrageously amazing senses of humor, and all their efforts in making this one incredibly phenomenal weekend! You're all loved! (And "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Miss Sarah!" Thanks for lettin' me tag along!)

Goin' back to Cali....

Some silk-screened cards that your Uncle has been working on lately.

Good morning, Kids! Just a wee update on your Uncle. I am heading off for Napa in a short while and have much to get done this morning. It's my friend Sarah's birthday (Holla!) this weekend and we're all going down to visit our friends Jon & Georgina in St. Helena. It will be a blast once every one in the group gets past their jealousy over me, my model good looks, superstar talents, and that silly little trust fund of mine! (Oh lordy...don't I wish!) Seriously, should be a great time. Will be loving up the California sunshine and leaving the NW drizzle to the rest of the stay-put population!

I started a new job which makes juggling the blogging thing a new challenge. Also, have been doing some silkscreen printing again to get back into the swing of things and to plot whatever that next move will be...whenever that will be! (You're just going to have to bear with me! Me and time-management are still working on our relationship.) The evidence is above for your perusal.

So I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, Kids. I will return to the blogosphere on Tuesday morning but will wish you sunshiny days until then! Mwah!

Busy Bee...-fy ~ or ~ Boring Blogger Wednesday - Part II

This sweet lil' bee was out in my yard doing his sweet work...before Summer dies! :(

I know, Kids. I don't know what the hell is happening with me and Wednesdays?! But I am busy, busy today! Have to walk the dog, do some silkscreen printing for a friend who's a Saturday bride, iron a shirt, find a pair of pants, get gas, be to work on time (all this with no coffee). Then I have to get home as quickly as possible to check out Matt from Matt Bites who's gonna be on Martha today! I'm rootin' for ya', Matt! Then I have to fly out of the house and go buy something (!?!) to wear to my interview tomorrow morning! WHEW! Which, honestly, means that posting is highly unlikely tomorrow too. :(

I know, Kids. I'm sorry I'll miss you but I'll be back on Friday. Yes, it will be excessively difficult to make it through the day without my presence (It's exactly how I feel when I have to walk away from a mirror....you know I'm kidding, right?) but you know what they say....the harder it is to pick the fruit, the sweeter it tastes! ;)

Until we get to see Mister Matt...this is BY FAR one of my favorite Martha moments with the sassy spitfire, Amy Sedaris!

One sick puppy.

Fergus (General Ferguson P.D. Marshall), also answers to "Beebs".

Spent a couple of hours at the emergency vet last night with Fergus. He was quietly groaning in the wee hours of the morning and just seemed downright uncomfortable and lethargic. His condition didn't seem to improve much over the day and I finally said to Kendall..."Let's go!" As it turns out he has a calcification between one of his vertebrae that he tweaked somehow and it was causing him a lot of pain. After a $300 bill and some serious pain medications, we were left with the consolation that this condition may remain relatively the same or it could worsen over time resulting in neurological damage and even paralysis. Truthfully, I kinda had to cry myself to sleep last night as I listened to him softly groan, still uncomfortable from the pain, and imagining the worst. He's not even 3 years old yet, so it's sad that he will forever have to by reigned in and monitored with his activity. Just seems a shame to have to try to diminish such unbridled puppy joy.

Hello "fellow*"!

The debut cover! (I know...I wondered why I wasn't on it too? Hmm?
But I guess that's what the centerfold is for...NOT! Kidding! Really it's safe, Kids.)

Good morning (almost afternoon), Kids! I am happy to introduce you to fellow*, the debut online magazine from James Saavedra of Decor Fellow and Saavedra Design Studio. James has clearly been workin' his tuchus off to put together a veeeeerrrry comprehensive and oh-so-stylish publication! With contributors such as Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind (who also puts out a stupendous magazine!), designer Vincente Wolf, and fave florist Erin Rosenow...your Uncle is humbled in their company. Yes! Didn't you hear? Your Uncle was graciously asked to contribute a Seattle city guide! Want to know more? Of course you do....so click here and get to perusing!