Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Spring Pickin's


Today, I stumbled upon this awesome project I've decided to take part in. It's called Spring Pickin's, and it's hosted by this gorgeous blog called Dearest Nature. The blogs founder is a web designer, has a paper blog, and loves nature! On the 19th of every spring month, those participating will be sharing some beautiful pictures of things found in nature. With a blog name like Wilderlace, how can I refuse? I think this is such a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by the natural world around us!

To participate, go to Dearest Nature's blog and post a comment underneath her Spring Pickin's post, so that she can include you in her monthly round-up.

Here's a little teaser for you all, in anticipation of my first Spring Pickin's post on April 19th:

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Bainbridge Island

Being new to the Seattle area, I decided it was time to start exploring the surrounding islands. My husband and I headed to Bainbridge Island. There is something so exciting about riding a ferry!

First we went down to the piers, where you play "follow the leader" as they line you up in rows. As fate would have it, we parked right next to another fiat! See if you can spot us (mine's the green one).


And here comes the ferry!




We drove onto the ferry, then we got out and got to wander around for the 35 minute ride. We walked to the back of the boat, and since it was still early, it was really cold! Thankfully, Ben brought a coat. :)


There was a restaurant, and all sorts of covered decks. It was crazy to think that this is a daily commute for some people.

We got some popcorn and hot chocolate. I believe this is very "ferry-appropriate" food. Before we knew it, there was an announcement letting us know that it was time to go back to our cars.


Once on the island, we drove to the downtown area of Winslow. After looking around at some beautiful reclaimed and vintage furniture, we decided it was time for lunch. We stopped in a local diner.


 My handsome hub-hub.


I'm wearing a new top that I got from Ross. On the hanger, it looked like a baggy pillowcase, but I was brave and decided to try it on anyway. It ended up being super flattering and comfy. Yay for trying new things!

After lunch, a little more shopping, then we walked down to the marina. There is something so beautiful about sailboats.


I was so in love with these huge chains!
 

There were so many beautiful blossoming trees and bushes everywhere. Ocean, lakes, mountains, forest, plants- I can't express how much I love this area!



After a few hours of exploring, we got back on the boat. The trip back was much warmer, because the sun was out in full force!

 

Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world

 ♥Emily

Friday, March 16, 2012

Macarons, Cupcakes, and Kitty

So, after sampling my first macaron on Pike's St., I was hooked. So, I went to Metropolitan Market and bought a few. I bought five, but tragically, one broke on the way home, so I had to put it out of it's misery. ;)

  Now, these are beautiful, but they weren't nearly as scrumptious as the one I got from Le Panier. I have heard they are extremely difficult to make. These were just a touch gummy. Regardless...


I some how managed to choke them down. :)

Last weekend, I was invited to a "Cupcake and Champagne" party. How could I pass that up? So, I made some cupcakes for the event. I decided to go classic, with vanilla cupcakes, and buttercream frosting. This vanilla cupcake recipe is from Glorious Treats. So, Glory tested all sorts of recipes for vanilla cupcakes, until she found the perfect one. They didn't overflow, and they rose perfectly.


I also used her American Buttercream recipe. Buttercream frosting is pretty basic. It's usually powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and a touch of cream or milk. But somehow, hers turned out better than any I've made in the past! It was a nice thick consistency, which was perfect for piping.


I decided to make little roses, which was done by starting the piping in the middle and moving outward. Very simple! I used some silver disco dust (edible glitter) on top, but the camera had a hard time capturing that.
 The party was super fun. Lots of champagne, lots of cupcakes, and great company!

And lastly, kitty. Whenever cardboard and Emily mix, it's a dangerous combination. I basically love cardboard. When I was younger, my dad would get those giant Gateway computer boxes, and I would make the most epic forts out of them, with compartments, doors, and a sun roof.

So when I had a few pieces from some curtains I bought, I was giddy. I made a little house for Layla. In my experience, if you make or buy something for a cat, they never touch it. But I walked in the living room just now, and look what I found?

Layla in her kitty cottage! I can't tell you how happy that makes me! Ah, it's the small things. :)

Have a great weekend!

♥Emily

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Spring in Seattle

Yesterday Ben and I went downtown to wander around the Pike Street area. It was a beautiful sunny day. I'm finally getting over being sick. I had a super bad cold a few weeks ago, which was followed by an inner ear infection. I don't know if you've ever had one, but it can cause severe dizziness and vertigo, which I'm still getting over. Blech.

ANYWAY, we first stopped in an adorable french bakery called Le Panier
These were beautiful!
I had a pain au chocolat, while my husband had a crossaint with apples (I'm slowly forgetting my French) We each ordered a macaron. I've always thought they were so beautiful, but never had one, believe it or not! I was hesitant, because I've had meringues before, and I wasn't crazy about them. I had a raspberry macaron, and it was heavenly! I think I've found a new replacement for cupcakes!

We then wandered around to see the sights. Mostly that involved street corner musicians, and schitzophrenic homeless people, but hey, it's Seattle! ;)

I got these new black leggings at Long Tall Sally online. Being 5'9", its almost impossible to find leggings that hit my ankle. Tall girls out there, you know what I'm talking about! So, I ordered these jersey leggings from their site. They recently made them even longer, with a 34" inseam! They hit my ankles, with more to spare! It's such a satisfying feeling for those of us who are used to highwaters. Also, they're thick enough so I don't feel naked from the waist down, and I can wear them like pants.


I'm carrying my new vintage leather purse I got while antiquing a while back. I've received so many compliments for it, and it was only $9!

We eventually went to the Crumpet Shop, which I've heard so much about. Unfortunately, after our French pastries, we weren't much in the mood for crumpets. I ended up getting their signature blend tea, which was scrumptious!
The double finger bird ring is one of my favorites. Every time I wear it, I'm reminded of Portlandia. (Put a bird on it!)
It was about this time that I was really wishing I had brought my sunglasses. These poor Pacific Northwest eyes aren't used to this so-called sun!
It has always been really important for me to live near mountains. Being from Alaska and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, they represent home for me. When we lived in the DC area, I coudn't handle the absence of mountains. Here, there are beautiful mountains everywhere! I feel doubly blessed, because we are surrounded by water. I think now that I have it, I coudn't live anywhere else.
I decided to do my hair in the braid headband thingy, which I think makes me look German! I'm glad I pinned it up, because it was a super windy day.
After a few hours of exploring, (including more antiquing, much to Ben's dismay), we both got hungry and grouchy and decided it was time for lunch. We found a Peruvian restaurant across and above the Pike Street Market, but I can't remember the name. If you know it, post it below! Anyway, it was amazing. I had a salad with chicken, avocado, and much more.
Finally, we decided to go home. We ended up making a nest on our living room floor using couch cushions, pillows, and blankets. This is pretty much one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I can remember when my friends and I would do the same thing when we were kids! We at strawberries, drank wine, and watched a movie on netflix. All and all, a rich and fulfilling Saturday. :)

I was wearing: Peach silk blouse by Forever 21, ivory leather jacket by Rivet, black jersey leggings from Long Tall Sally, Juicy Couture sparrow ring, vintage ring and purse.

♥Emily

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