Purple kites + skinny flowers

I recently purchased these two beauties from my friend & her sister. She's raising support for a trip to Brazil in August where she'll partner with a local church in Rio de Jainero, love on kids & tell the city about Jesus. 

The combination of watercolors on painted wood with playful lettering joyfully scream "SUMMER!"

They became the inspiration for a little wall art collage - 

Smiling,

SJW

Floral arrangements you can wear

Poppies, dahlias, daisies, hydrangeas, sunflowers. 

I like them all. 

I also like wearing them.

This week I pulled my floral pieces & played mix & match. It resulted in this:

Pretty fun to see what I could come up with, all of these creations I would never have worn otherwise. My favorites are A, D, G & J - What do you think?

Just a silly reminder to 

"shop & smell the clothes-es".

-SJW

JULY 14 | Two year Anniversary

[A SIMPLE CELEBRATION]

We ate lunch together downtown, grabbing Vietnamese food from Long's & enjoying it on the public roof of the Russell Investment tower. It was my first time up & I loved it. It's like a little oasis in the big city. 

We spent our evening relaxing at a "secret beach" in Eastlake with easy access into Lake Union.

Although we started reading "The Meaning of Marriage," most of our time was spent coaxing little Ebony into the water & soaking up the generous Seattle sun.

Life is sweet. 

My husband simply makes it sweeter. 

-SJW 

WEDDING | M + Z

This little lovely got married this summer 

& I was lucky enough to make the trip back to Austin to witness the romance : ) 

Their wedding joined two cultures, two families, & two stinkin' genuine hearts together. 

Besides the bride herself, there were plenty of pretty things to admire...

Plenty of close friends to catch up with too : )  

Congrats, you two lovebirds! I'm excited to see all that God has in store for you. 

SJW

More photos of my beautiful friend here. 

Free things to do | SEATTLE

People say "Summer doesn't start until the 5th of July in Seattle." Fine by me. I'm ready for those long days, clear skies & never-ending events.

Here are some of the things I'd like to do to this summer - 

[ANYTIME]

Go for a run in Discovery Park

Walk a trail in Carkeek Park

Rollerblade on the waterfront

Stop by the dahlia garden in Volunteer Park

Explore Capitol Hill & Beacon Hill

Play board games at Blue Highway Games

Bike ride on the Burke Gilman Trail

Hike along Mt. Rainier

Swim in South Lake Union

Hang out at a secret beach

Find some garage sales

[REOCCURRING]

SUNDAYS: Fremont Market

TUESDAYS: Zumba at the Seattle Center 6:00 - 7:00

THURSDAYS: Summer at Seattle Art Museum//Olympic Sculpture Park 6:00 - 9:00 

FRIDAYS: Concerts at the Mural 5:30 

[DATE SPECIFIC]

Urban Craft Uprising//Seattle Center (7/12 - 7/13)

Bite of Seattle//Seattle Center (7/18 - 7/20)

Swing Dancing//Westlake Center (7/22)

First Thursday//MOHAI...pay to see the Chocolate exhibit (8/7 or 9/4) 

Movie at the Mural: Ferris Bueller's Day Off //Seattle Center (8/9)

Movie at the Mural: The Great Gatsby//Seattle Center (8/16)

Vashon Sheepdog Classic//Vashon Island (8/22 - 8/25)

Boredom shall not exist this summer.

SJW

Photoshoot | Fourth of July

Blouse: Banana Republic

Shorts: LOFT

Shoes: Target

Bandanna: Wal-Mart

Fourth of July will always make me smile. 

SJW 

Top 10 | Things I learned from taking pictures of my friends' homes

10. I love floor plans. 

9. Painted walls are the way to go. 

8. Carpet & hardwood floors are tied for me. 

7. Modern, girly, homey, cozy, boho, vintage - I like it all!
6. Kitchens are important.
5. Studios are endearing.
4.  You know you're real friends when you can just drop by without any "real plans" or need to eat a meal.
3. City living is fun. Less really is more. This documentary about tiny houses is awesome & definitely makes you think. I recommend it.
2. Wishlist for my future home: french doors, outdoor space, picture window with a good view, an older building with those oh so charming original features
1. But really, I've realized I could live anywhere. It's my stuff & Mr. Fleece that make my home feel like home.

Thanks to everyone who let me come into their space, take pictures, & showcase your lovely home to the world : ) 

"Home is the nicest word there is." 

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

SJW

Open House No. 10: A HIP & JAZZY FLAT

Listen to this song while reading...

R & K are a sassy no nonsense duo. They do many things, most of which involve the outdoors (including but not limited to: volleyball, ski, rock climb, run). Their home is a space to relax & simply be yourself - something I'm always grateful for.

Location: Wallingford | Seattle, WA

Bedrooms: 1

Description: free spirit meets, befriends, & inspires old world charm (is this an analogy of our friendship?)

Makes you want to: try something new

like one of the following...

Try a new recipe

 Try to install these honeycomb counter tops with jade green trim because I LOVE them.

Try to eat more veggies

Try to incorporate souvenirs into your everyday decor

Try to hand draw some art

Left: ode to Phish song "Cars Trucks Buses"    

Right: lunar calendar 

Try to find these. exact. pillows. Especially that purple elephant stepping on a cupcake.

Try coming home to a comfy couch & pint of ice cream : ) 

Try a race in your city

Try a new paint color : ) 

Try to remember the simple things in life

like good friends, sleep, sturdy laundry baskets, traveling,

& this epic hanging scarf rack

"Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts."

- Oliver Wendell Holmes

-SJW