abby try again

#831

 

 

 

 

be bold

 

 

 

 

 

One nice thing about moving halfway across the country was that it forced us to declutter our lives.

I'm a thrifter, a collector-a picker upper of things and it's in my nature to want to keep interesting junk around me.

The older I get though-the better I am at taming this side of me. Taking photos helps; I can keep a visual collection in that way.  And I do realize that the last thing I want right now is a home full of junk.

That being said this "decluttering" has made it so we have almost no furniture and very little on the walls. For the first time I am really trying to *think about* and plan how I want our home to look and feel.

There are some obvious roadblocks. The bathroom tile (yep that's it in the photo) and kitchen tile are both loud and crazy-not exactly the easiest palette to work with. But I've begun to glean inspiration from the neighborhood around me.

I'm thinking bold splashes of color are ok-it kinda feels right with all this heat. And I am also thinking that I'd like to fill my home with all sorts of plants...cacti, succulents...all things that thrive here. I'm excited to try new things. We shall see...

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For interior inspiration I love visiting this new to me blog, The Brick House.  Of course sneak peeks are always great, too. Do you have any places you visit that you'd like to share?

Thanks!

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And thank you for sticking by me here. I know that my posts are kinda all over the place...a lot of change has been going on-but I totally appreciate you reading + commenting. Thanks :)

from one home to another

 

 

 

 

I could get lost in these memories.

My child hood home holds so many strong emotions inside.

To say I was a tortured soul at a young age wouldn't be exactly right; but overly sensitive and emotional-yes.

Flowers, tables, colors, foods, smells, tastes-they mean so much, don't they?

For now, I leave you with this song.

Try to not get the chills while listening.

starting here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello.

Well, here I am-starting at the end of our journey.

Or is it the beginning?

After seven days and 2400 miles we are no longer Portlanders, we are Austinites.

I've got over 100 road trip photos to share but I felt like starting here with these little scenes from our new neighborhood.

We chose to live in a vintage duplex on the "artsy" (or as some would say rough) side of town. James and I both hoped it was the right choice-although secretly I was a little scared the the place we would call home would turn out to be a bit frightening.  

Luckily within just a few hours of arriving we met several of our sweet neighbors and were welcomed by some new friends.  As we walked around the new 'hood we found a fun place to hang out, a yummy Mexican restaurant, a nice health food store and the perfect coffee shop for me.

I was amazed at all of the different caterpillars, butterflies, birds and plants we saw. I can't wait to explore more!

Thank you to all of my lovely friends who guest blogged while we were on the road. And a super big thanks to all of you readers out there who wished us well!

:)

I think of the positive vibes worked.

I will share some bits from our road trip soon. For now I am gonna go relax with a big glass of ice water!

let's go outside

 

 

 

 

(the outside of my Aunt's place. You can view a full set of her home over here)

When I was little, "going outside" was my favorite thing to do. My siblings and I would play for hours; climbing our neighbors gigantic magnolia tree or playing house in the fort my Dad built for us.

Many fond memories were made playing outside.

As an adult I spend a fair amount of time outside. I don't own a car so I walk to work and many of the places I go. I do miss playing pretend though, I'm not to proud to write that...And I miss just "hanging out"...

James and I rent our space, but we do have a small patch of yard and porch that is our own. Visiting the backyards of my Aunt and my Mom have given me new inspiration to claim that space.

Any ideas?

I'm thinking a few potted plants...I know winter is coming but there's gotta be something I can do.

Anyway, happy Thursday to you!

my sunday suppers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I absolutely adore the Sunday Suppers Blog and all that those ladies do.

Seriously! How fun would it be to make a big beautiful meal for people who are gonna love it?

So fun and so good.

Growing up, Sundays were sacred and often times meant a big afternoon meal of a slow cooked roast, potatoes, salad and bread. Sometimes there would even be home made chocolate cake. I look back on those meals with fondness and have decided to start my own tradition.

So on Sundays, we'll have a pretty little dinner-even if it is only just the two of us. This past Sunday we had onion soup, salad and home made bread. The bread was less than perfect (um pretty much inedible, ha), I made waaaaay too much soup but hey-at least we're trying, right?

Off to dream about next Sunday's meal plan....

soaps

 

 

A few months ago I traded with the lovely Sheri-photos for soap.

She runs the great little shop birch bark soaps-and I was happy to receive a box of beautiful soaps in the mail.

James and I both have terribly sensitive skin and my eyes water around unnatural fragrances. Sheri's soaps were perfect for us, totally natural and gentle.

I lost the roll of film these were shot on-but recently found it. Sorry for the delayed post! You can find out a bit more about her soaps at my other blog, over here.

settle down, now

 

 

The past few months have been more than full.

I'm looking forward to today at 4pm, when I am off of work and can do whatever I'd like for two whole days. TWO DAYS!

Yes, James' best friend is visiting-but not until Late Monday night...

Cooking, reading, walking, music listening and picture taking is what I'll be doing. I couldn't be more excited about the prospect of time to myself and being content in my own home.

I hope you get some time to yourself this weekend!