It’s been pretty cool here in Portland, so when the sun finally came out, Kenn and I took a little picnic to Laurelhurst Park. The light was beautiful and we watched the waterfowl play and ate beet + goat cheese sandwiches, some berries, and lemony cocktails. We meant to have bubbly, but forgot to pick some up, so Kenn mixed up a bottle of something to bring.

I am definitely ready for the al fresco dining season, how about you?

I love to take baths, it is the most relaxing thing in the world. I’m slowly depleting my supply of Lush bath bombs, which I stocked up on when they were 70% off long ago. This one was violet and had silver glitter stars. Because they’re spendy and rather huge, I usually use half of one at a time. I just give it a tap with a hammer and it comes apart at the seam.

I think they would be fun to make if I had time. Have any of you made bath bombs?

Though given how swamped I am these days, perhaps some of you have suggestions for awesome etsy sellers that make handmade bath products?

The tag line on this 1941 perfume ad makes me laugh.

I read that Joy was created in reaction to the crash of 1929, and was extremely successful despite being incredibly expensive and produced during such hard times. Just 30ml of it require 10,000 jasmine flowers and over 300 roses. Isn’t it amazing how far people will go for luxury?

I’m so in love with this collection from New Zealand designer Juliette Hogan. She used to work for Rebecca Taylor, and I really like her approach of soft mixed with tailored.

Last night I was lying in bed reading a 1962 Jack Kerouac interview which was insane and hilarious. I’ve loved him since I read On The Road at 15, and I think it’s high time I reread some of his books.

This morning, I discovered these lovely t-shirts of largely out of print book covers at Out of Print Clothing (via daydream lily). I don’t wear t-shirts much, but these are pretty cool.

What are you reading these days? I’ve been reading lots of short works… it’s been an extremely hectic month, so I like to fit in short pieces here and there. But now that things have calmed, I’m thinking about reading some Evelyn Waugh.

We’ve become smoothie addicts. I make them after my tougher workouts, which means we drink them at least a few times a week.

I’ve been making lots of tropical ones, and we’ve been going through a lot of strawberries. I freeze much of the fruit so my smoothie is nice and thick, like ice cream.

I’d love to hear if you guys have any great recipes! Right now, I’d love to try some green smoothies like the delicious ones they have at sip. And I want to recreate the coconut-basil milkshake I recently sampled (but in smoothie format). Anyone else have any fun or unusual ideas?

{image above: lana turner from Lily & Co}

I just got back from a quick trip to New York. We came across one of those cheap Jet Blue fares, so off we went to visit friends and eat and drink and have a wonderful time.

There’s a strange poetry about New York. I’ve never been able to put my finger on it, but there’s just something about it that really makes you feel awake and present. If I could live there part time, I might do it.

We stayed with our friends Sarah and Rob in Brooklyn. Sarah made fondue and we spent lots of time snuggling with their cats.

We went to some good bars. And good restaurants. Ah, the Indian food, how I miss it here in Oregon!

I like this picture even though my eyes are closed. We are on our way to The Frick, which is such a wonderful museum. We also managed to make it to the Met, where there is an incredible exhibit of illuminated manuscripts.

And I went fabric shopping, visited Tinsel Trading Co, met Gertie, and visited the Oliver and S studio (more on those things soon over at the Colette Patterns blog).

You guys know how I love a fancy, classic cocktail. Well, Kenn and I and a bunch of friends have been working on putting together this fun community event next month in Portland: Cocktail Camp PDX. You might have noticed the ad for it in the sidebar, in fact.

It’s hosted by the lovely folks at New Deal Distillery, and it’s all about making, discussing, and enjoying fine cocktails. You’ll be able to see some interesting talks, sit in on discussions, and generally have a good time. Talks range on everything from pairing cocktails with food, to hosting a cocktail party, to tiki drinks, to artisan distilling. You can check out the lineup and see ticket info (they’re just $10, but space is pretty limited) at Cocktailcamp.net.

Anyway, just wanted to throw a plug out for it, and maybe I’ll see some of you Portlanders there!

This is Xtabay, a beautiful vintage shop blocks from my house. I’m a fan.

And by the way, I’ve just discovered that their blog is really wonderfully written.

I am getting ready for spring by indulging in a bit of my favorite color.