A wonderful Oregon wedding; Summer and Dave.

Summer and I met in Portland, Oregon some years ago. We were both part of the single best group of girls I've ever known. Summer, Kalei, Blake (another one), Zoe, Rachel, and Leigh made living in Portland an amazing experience for me.

When I moved out of the home I shared with our friend Zoe, this guy (who just happened to be a total babe, educated and super cool) Dave moved in, and romance bloomed. Summer and Dave were married along the Deschutes River in Oregon. Among family and friends, the event was something to remember.

Most of us camped at a site beside the wedding location: http://www.deschutesriver.com/Lodging.htm?m=29 Some stayed in lodging at The Imperial and other local spots. (there aren't many!)  Summer looked amazing as you can see...she put such thought into everything at the wedding. She made her own wedding cake which was delicious! The party really began when the band took the stage. Summer and Dave had sent an email out to guests weeks before the wedding asking for songs that we would sing- and we were backed up by a full band. One might think this would turn into a nightmare, but it was spectacular. It doesn't hurt that our friends are artsy, musicians, talented and funny. It wasn't long before there was a wedding mosh pit and things were getting out of hand.

Weddings can be so many things. But this one was downright special and unique. The setting reflected the couple's love for rivers, nature, and friends and family. Their friends reflected their spirit- we're a close and good bunch of people who genuinely love each other. It was an honor to be included and as Summer and Dave close in on their first anniversary, I see them as a happy couple with a long and healthy life ahead.
Blessings!!

Pats on the shoulder from Mamma Nature for me. She hates plastic and so do I.

Salad greens: single-use plastic bag.
Starbucks iced mocha: single use cup, lid and straw.
Apple wireless mouse: single-use plastic case.
My favorite cranberry-orange scone from City Brew: single use plastic wrap INSIDE a single-use plastic sleeve! (GASP)
Leftovers from a restaurant: single-use plastic to-go container. (ask for foil, you can recycle it and it doesn't leak if you do it right, use your brain)
Anything at any deli in any part of NYC: single-use plastic bag...it's just habit at this point for the clerk to put ANYTHING you buy into a plastic sack...even a pack of gum. It's reflex.

We all know plastic sucks, right? By no means would I think that we could completely get rid of it, but we can surely sharply reduce our consumption. Plastic is made from oil....doesn't everyone know that? So as the Gulf of Mexico is taking a beating, I think we owe it to the sea life, people and our country to STOP using plastic as much as possible.  Even if plastic is "recyclable" just know that's bullshit. Very little of the plastic we used gets recycled...it's time to just quit being lazy and get on with life. Plastic ends up in the ocean where it gets eaten by marine life. GROSS Then we eat it. Thumbs DOWN.

My message is....JUST SAY "NO, thank you". And if you work in a store, ask if someone NEEDS a bag for their purchase. Most of the time they don't.

There are so many little things one can do...just take baby steps! If you go out at lunch time and get a fountain soda, you don't really NEED the top OR the straw...just go without if you're eating in. I carry a medium-sized tote bag with me nearly every minute of my life...so now I just carry a medium-sized re-usable (and easily washable) cup in there. In colder times, I carry a hot mug for warm drinks. I love it. I feel good about it. I get to judge others when they're drinking their stupid skinny latte out of a single use piece of shit and I have my re-usable mug with my soy chai in it. Pats on the shoulder from mother nature for me.

watch this, it will help you forgo that stupid straw:
watch me

for more info:
5gyres

The Foster Dog- heartbreaking in a good way

Fostering Sadie was one of the best things I've ever done. She's my third foster dog from the Western Montana Humane Society.
She was surrendered by her former owners because they didn't want to have to go through her recovery from a knee surgery they knew she needed. She was only 2.5 years old when they dumped her.

I got a call from the Humane Society telling me they had an injured dog that needed a rest from the shelter. Nobody was interested in taking her because she had an immediate price tag of over $2000 for the TPLO surgery her knee required.

I took her home and loved on her and made her comfortable and happy. Daisy, my second foster dog who still lives with me (and will never live anywhere else, she's mine!) didn't take to this little youngster right away. She thought Sadie was a nuisance. But, soon, they were pals.

I went to my Facebook community and asked for donations so that Sadie would be able to have her surgery. Over one weekend, the money was raised and we were on the surgeon's schedule. It was nothing short of pathetic when I picked her up after surgery. She was so sad and so unable to function. All she wanted was to snuggle. So we did.

Sadie recovered from the procedure just fine, and yesterday we went to meet a potential family for her. They loved the little beast! (of course, she's a star) I took her home with me, and cried all last night and all day today...and this afternoon dropped her off with her new people. A forever home...what every shelter dog in every state in this great nation is hoping for every single minute. I hope for them too.

My friend Amber commented on a post I wrote about Sadie- she wondered how I have the strength to foster dogs when I know I have to give them up...she said it would be heartbreaking. My response was that my heart breaks for them either way, so I mind as well foster. Through all these tears, I've been thinking about what Amber said. And in some moments I asked myself why the hell I do this. But seeing Sadie go off with two people who are going to take care of her for the rest of her life was worth it.
Here's to you Sadie, I love you. I always will. You can come back anytime.

I love a deal.

http://missoula.craigslist.org/fuo/1740126303.html

this rug for $50! good deal
missoula craigslist

:)

I want this house, now please.

I have no patience, I want this house right STINKING NOW. I love my house, I love it to pieces, it's 110 years old and I respect it deeply for all the beautiful things that make it whole.

This house combines modern and enough a-frame feel with function to make me happy. And it's big! Big enough for me and all my foster dogs, super.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/3f6Pup/www.inhabitat.com/2010/04/09/from-bauhaus-to-huf-haus-energy-efficient-prefab-homes/

check out the link for more examples and photos...Huf Haus is the maker.

Sayulita, Mexico

I've been to Sayulita a few times now...and I love it to pieces. There's so much to love here; the people are super sweet (the guys are hot, um, surfers), the street tacos are to DIE for, the fishing is great, the surfing is consistent, lodging is still cheap...







Following are some recommendations if you happen to make it to this charming spot.

Getting there:
Fly into Puerto Vallarta, and get a taxi- but NOT from the front of the airport! Walk out of the door that you're facing when you leave customs, and you'll see an orange pedestrian bridge. Walk over this bridge and there will be some taxis there- if you act like you're going to grab the bus (which costs about $2 and is an option, but not for me when I've just gotten off a plane and desperately want to get a margarita in hand) the taxi drivers will give you a good deal. I've paid between $30-$50 USD. Taxis or rides from in front of the airport are WAY MORE and no different. There, I just saved your ass $100. Love me?

Lodging:
http://sayulitalife.com
Sayulita Life is the best resource for lodging. I recommend Casa Higuera if you want convenience to town but not on the square. Two bedrooms, each with private bath, then a guest half bath. Amazing views, housekeeping, a nice walk into town down a lovely maintained staircase/path.

There are a few things to watch out for when picking a house. I want easy breezy when I vacation- others do not, so take my advice knowing that I like to be active on vacation and get exercise- but when I WANT to...not every f'in time I want to get back to my house. Sayulita Life has maps that show you where a house is. I prefer being in town, not up steep hills, near the beach, and within 3 minutes of the town square where I love to go for breakfast, dinner and drinks. (lunch is super easy and cheap on the beach if you even want food)

Essential to know:

• How far is the lodging from the beach? Ask by blocks, ask for landmarks.
  
• Do you have to walk up a hill to get to the place? Seriously- the last place I rented included a bitch of a hill that became something of a challenge when I just wanted to go take a little siesta or drop off a bag...call me lazy, but being able to get back to my house without a donkey is important to me on vacation.
• Will there be housekeeping? Most decent places have it every day except Sunday. This is a great thing to have, make sure you do have it included in your price.
• Is there a wireless connection? (if you care about this, you care...and you're pissed when there isn't one!!)

Eating:
Don Pedro's is overpriced, but good for the Gringos who want to eat like a local without sitting on the street. It's ocean-front, definitely a good place to bring first timers. My best advice IS to eat local. You can get a street taco for $1 that will knock your socks off. These places creep up and change location all the time, so don't be shocked if a place you hear about isn't there anymore.
My favorite of all time is on Jose Mariscol. If you walk through the square with Choco Banana (restaurant)and El Tigre (restaurant/bar) on your left, take a left on Jose Mariscol and it will be a block down on your left hand side after a little creperie which is also worth the visit. You'll know you're there when you see white plastic chairs and tables on the street where cars would generally park. They have some amazing flavors, yum yum, miss it and want one now!! The crepes at the little place next door are also worth your time and a few pesos. Both spots are family- very cool people- and please, try your spanish.

Choco Banana is wonderful- don't get a frozen banana anywhere else in town, they all suck compared to Choco. You can also get delicious breakfast and lunch here and free wireless.
http://www.sayulitalife.com/chocobanana.htm

Head south across the square and you'll see another restaurant behind a little fence. Eat here! It's so good. Huevos or granola with fresh fruit, it's all so good.

From Choco Banana, look north and across the street (towards the beach) on Ave Revolution to find a burrito bar that will jack up your taste buds....so good. I had the burrito con camarones and it's the bomb! They cook everything right in front of you- it makes other burrito bars look stupid for just slapping every ingredient into a lifeless flour circle when they could grill all the ingredients together and serve better than hot. Oh so yum yum.
http://www.sayulitalife.com/burritorevolucion

The beach:
You can be anywhere on the beach. The closer you are to town the more gringo it really is. I love sitting on the north side of the busy area by the lifeguard stand. My friend Miguel is building a mixed-use spot right by the bathrooms before you cross the river. It's going to be beautiful.


If you want to surf, then just hang out near Papa's Palapas- at the center of Gringo world. You can also hook up with a local surf guide and head out to a break off shore.
If you don't want to surf, then you can sit anywhere that suits you, but no matter where you sit, be prepared to handle the many, many people who will come along selling stuff. There are some really great things to be had on this beach- the tamale lady is dreamy- and cheap. About $2 for a tamale- the times I've seen her over the years she has a blue bucket. The guy who walks around with a big tray of macaroons should be tackled- go ahead and get 10 of them. There are lots of folks selling lots of things and I can only say that it's better to support people who live in Sayulita and make their crafts there than to support a person who comes to Sayulita just to hock stuff they bought for next to nothing outside of Sayulita.

Shopping:
There are so many nice stores in Sayulita. I noticed this last trip, though, that the pricing was outrageous. It already was crazy in two stores, but this time many more stores joined the ranks of "Are you kidding me, I can get that cheaper in the US." My best advice is to take time, go into every store no matter what it looks like, and then loop around again another day to make your purchases. Don't get anything that first day. Compare prices and certainly ask for a better price from anyone. If you're going to buy, please try and buy from a local craftsperson!

Bars:
My absolute favorite is El Tigre. You can find it in the square- next to Choco Banana, you go up a set of stairs to the restaurant, and then up another floor to the bar. Have a margarita, say hi to Christian or Raphael for me and dance the night away to some awesome house music...I do wish they'd start a pod cast. Try to meet El Tigre himself, or his bro, they also have the surf school by the same name and I can't recommend anyone higher. These guys are the real deal and they also know how to party. Love.


You can also go to Buddha Bar but there's nothing zen about the place. Good music, lots of entertaining people watching. Definitely the under 40 crowd.

http://www.sayulitalife.com/buddha.htm


Oh please, do something good for animals while you're there and support these guys. You'll fall in love with lots of dogs here, so do something nice, mmmm kay?
http://www.sayulitalife.com/community/sayulitapetrescue

Humm, there's so much more but I can't fit it all in friends. Just go, have a great time and let me know if you took any of my advice!

I love.

John Robshaw is serious about prints that I just happen to LOVE...I found his stuff at Evolve here in Missoula (blogged about this store the other day) and need to have a set up from this company. They do offer SOME organic cotton...not all, but some. It would be so much cooler if they used ALL organic...
However, I'll get off the soap box long enough to appreciate and perhaps order some of these goodie goodnesses.

http://evolveliving.com/

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is hosted in Missoula. Films were submitted from all over the world, and screened here in our historic Wilma Theater on Higgins Avenue.


http://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/home.html
http://thewilma.com/

I went last night and saw three films. The first two were interesting, but the third took my mind to another place. I love the documentary "SALT".

The photography made me cry happy intense sad tears. The Aussie made me cry. He was authentic and funny and on a journey. He was honest. He asks himself if this ride he takes into the middle of nowhere is worth it, and I found myself wanting to say out loud that it was.

http://www.saltdoco.com/movie-info/stills.htm#10
look at his stills from his quasi vision quest camping trip

I would like everyone in the world to see and appreciate Murray Fredericks:
http://www.saltdoco.com/biographies/Murray-Fredericks.htm

Next year I hope a documentary from Montana will be what moves me. I'm not saying that there wasn't one that was good- the other two I saw last night were indeed interesting, but not anything like Salt. Salt makes it abundantly clear that there is nothing more beautiful than right here, right now.

Evolve and Nolita

Nolita- the wall of denim and some fab lighting.

Inside those green boxes is Kai- oh so smelly and lovely. Indulge!

The stuffed animals are knitted in Kenya by a collective of women stitchers. What do you think their stitch n' bitch sessions are like?

bags and chandeliers in the same space ...bring it

Shopping in Missoula isn't for the high maintenance, Mall of America one-stop shopper. It's not all in one little neat package. But if you take the time to look and shop local, you'll find the goods.

One yummy stop is actually two stores sharing space: Nolita and Evolve- at 531 North Higgins Ave.

Nolita carries the high-end jeans, fabulous handbags, dresses and men's clothing anyone with a little style wants to see. They also feature local jewelry and sell Kai products. If you haven't smelled this stuff, please do, and then smear it all over yourself and make everyone around you happy. Really. If you're ever stuck on what to get a girl, get her some Kai.

Cosabella undies are sold here- so there's usually a few gals a day who stop in to get some. Apparently they're desirable because they're made in Italy, use high quality lace and are super soft. There's an addiction here for some people. Better than being a druggie. Maybe I should try some, just one, just....one.

Nolita will soon have an e-commerce site, so folks not lucky enough to visit Missoula in person will be able to take advantage of Nolita's treasures.

http://www.nolitaonline.com/

Evolve, I have to say, is where I would live if it were acceptable to live in a retail store. Robyn Woodhall, the owner and interior designer, is a friend of mine- so I can't honestly say this is unbiased, but anyone is welcome to go check this spot out and bust me if you think I'm full of B.S. Which I'm not.

Robyn represents the most organically beautiful collections of furniture and linens and home decor deliciousness. Just imagine having access to your favorite decorator's resources- this is what Evolve is. It rocks my world, and I'm sitting in the store looking out the front window on to Higgins Avenue as I type. Testing out living here. I love to people watch. It just feels good to be in this space. You can come and hire Robyn to plan or re-do your space, or you can come to buy the fittings of a truly fabulous home. From scent diffusers to gorgeous couches, giant pine cones, the most glorious linens...and the softest pillow case I've ever touched is on sale for little babies. When I was little I had this pillow called O.P. It came with me everywhere, and now I have pillow envy for whatever kiddos get these things. I left O.P. at Brigham's Ice Cream in Newton, MA one night....but that's another story....

Robyn works with individuals on their homes, and has also done a number of commercial projects like The Mustard Seed here in Missoula. She's also a regional resource for other decorators whose clients want in on her goods. I noticed a "Western Interiors" article posted in the store where Robyn was included in- Top 20 designers under 40...right on girl!

http://evolveliving.com/

also check out Robyn's interior design site:

http://www.towneinteriors.com/

Give these places a gander and let me know what you think. Make sure to say hi to Chelsea if you're at Nolita- she's a sweetie.

And we shall descend upon Missoula, Montana. Home of many greats.

Missoula, Montana. The Rockies, Glacier, Yellowstone, Charlie B's. It's all here. You can be on a ski hill in 30 minutes (22 if there isn't a slow poke on the road to the bowl). You can cross country ski at Lolo Pass in about an hour, and hit the hot springs or The Lumberjack on the way home. There's talk of Amtrak bringing passenger service to Missoula- THAT would be a hit and a huge boost to our very poor community. How can we be so poor and so rich at the same time? Well, I'll leave that up to you to figure out.

Well, I'm going to dig in here for a post or two and share some of the great things about Missoula with you. I hope you'll one day be in town and enjoy them for yourselves. I love it here.

tape dispenser by Fred Nelson Fabrication

The first product I will share with you is going to make my life a lot easier. I LOVE that I went on ebay, typed in "commercial tape dispenser", and found a hand-made item by a guy in the US, and it was just practical. No fuss, not artsy fartsy but artful.

I got an email saying that it will ship once it has been forged. HECK YA

So, here it is. Or at least here's the page of FNFAB, the ebay seller.

http://myworld.ebay.com/fnfab/

I wonder if he knows about the F'N FAB aspect of his ebay name. I love him!

I am NOT crazy about his M16 hat rack though.

I think the electric guitar biz card holder is FUNNY- what guitar player that you know needs biz cards. Oh, I suppose it would be nice to give to that lover in your life who rips a little guitar every now and then - just to let him (or her, whatevs) know you think he's a rock star.

I am so excited about my tape dispenser. I don't know where I'm going to mount it, but I think it will go in my office where I am often packaging things to send away to start a new life elsewhere.

I love the fun in it.

Spokane is the man.

First post, let's talk about Spokane, Washington.

Top photo, I took it! In the pool area of Northern Quest.

Bottom photo- from Hotel Davenport's website.

I live in Missoula, Montana, and there aren't a lot of big cities in close proximity. When I have to get service on my hot ride, I take a road trip to Spokane and it once again proves that you can find good stuff wherever you are.

Sometimes referred to as "SpoCompton", (sorry, Compton) this is not by any means a dazzling city. But, there are some highlights. Always looking for more!

The Davenport is a WONDERFUL hotel. They have the old building and the new "tower". Both are way above average in these parts.

Good food, bar scenes (they were smart to put bars and food in both buildings) and great service.

http://www.thedavenporthotel.com/

Northern Quest Casino is a new venture. I have no idea how I should feel about casinos on Native American land...good or evil? Somewhere inbetween? I don't know yet, but am open to opinions. I will say that I watch Big Love, and when I decided to go give this place a shot, I thought somewhere in crazy mind that I was going to that casino.

I NEED TO GET OFF TV AND AM DROPPING OFF MY CABLE BOX TUESDAY (Monday is a holiday...)

http://www.northernquest.com/hotel.php

Ok, so I stayed here because I wanted to check out a new spot. I'm usually very loyal to Hotel Davenport because they love Daisy and let her sleep in their hotel! The rooms were awesome, bathrooms beautiful linens and comfy and all good. My room was 703 and the view is looking out the front side of the building at the surrounding area which is flat and ugly at the moment because they're still building the remainder of the site- but that wasn't a bother at all other than looking at it. I did see a big yellow machine go by while I was in the pool, but I didn't give a hoot! The pool area is very sweet. Whoever designed this place is awesome. I should probably find out. I did a quickie google search and it didn't turn anything up...would like to know.

Food was good, I recommend sitting in the lobby bar. The food is great and very reasonable for a hotel with such delightful decor and quality.

The casino is gross. Sad. Depressing. And I only lost $3. IF I had been there with someone who knew anything about gambling or how to play any of the live games, it could have been cool...it IS huge and Vegas like. The spa looked nice but I didn't even bother leaving my room because it was cozy and I really felt like I was on vacation. Next time I'll try a service there. I did work out in the gym and it was modern and clean with TVs and music. A lovely young stud came in and asked if I needed anything. I blushed.

Two other things about Spokane. Metro Furniture and Royal Fabric

Metro: http://experiencespokane.com/monroestbridgeantique/index.shtml

Royal: http://www.royaluph.com/ These guys and gals know their shit. They have pricey fabrics, but they also provide upholstery services and it was busy in there...nice to see.

I'm disappointed in the fact that there aren't more eco friendly choices in home decor fabrics, so if you know of any, please share. BUT don't try to pass anything off that isn't eco groovy like it is. I'll call you out on it. Then we can fight. :) Just kidding.

I'm doin' it.

There's a lot of good and bad, ying and yang, up and down, black, white and grey. Let's talk about it. We're going to talk style, design, animals, mountains, ocean, clothes, tape dispensers, good bad ugly, HAPPY, rough terrain, Montana, Cape Cod, NYC, LA, Mexico. And you're all going to love Daisy. yay

I'm not an authority on anything, just pretty arfing sure I'm right until I open my mind. I always reserve the right to change my mind.

I hate hate hate people who complain and then don't take action.

I'm already changing my mind about saying hate. It feels bad. But those people piss me off.

So, here I get to do a bit of squawking and sharing the things I love and don't love, and anyone is welcome to join in as long as you're not an a-hole. The world has enough of those.