Dream State

DIY Tissue Paper Tassel Garland Photo Backdrop

2013-05-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

The Supplies Include:

12x18 Sheets of Colored Tissue Paper of your choice

Scotch Tape

Scissors

& Hemp Twine.

Step 1: Lay out 1 sheet of tissue paper.

Step 2: Fold the tissue paper in half.

Step 3: Fold the tissue paper every 2 1/2 inches or so.

Folded up, The tissue paper should look like the photo below.

Step 4: Start slicing half inch slices into all of the layers. Make sure that the loose end of the tissue paper is the side that you are cutting. Leave about an inch on the top uncut.

Once all of the slices are made..

Step 5: Unfold it.

Now open it up completely.

Step 6: Start rolling one side inwards from the center.

Once completely rolled up ..

Step 7: Twist the center where you had rolled only in the center.

Step 8: Twist and turn only the rolled center into a loop.

Step 9: Tape both ends together leaving an open loop. This is how you will string the garland.

All DONE! Now string that puppy up, and have a good time!

As for the "Just Married" Banner. I printed that off of the blog Elli (link- Here). If you or anyone you know are getting married soon... Elli is quite the source of amazing FREEBIES!

My Sister's Beach Wedding Reception

2013-05-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

I have 6 work days left till I launch Dream State as a full time project! While working full time, and running the shop with whatever free time I can find- I put together a beach wedding reception for my sister who as you know ran away to Vegas to get married last month. I put together all of the decorations, photobooth, coordinated the dinner, cupcakes, cake, and champagne. I was also the designated photographer. As you may have guessed, I have been one busy bee! Have a look at the festivities!

A Happy Dream State Announcement!

2013-04-14T06:34:00.002-07:00

I am happy to announce that I will be taking Dream State on Full Time within the next couple of months! It is a dream come true! We have been on this property hunt for about 2 years now, and I am happy to say that it is all over. I will soon have time for more custom work, and all of the designs I have been wanting to do over the last year. Just in time for wedding season!

The hard work is about to pay off, and I am happy you are here to watch this journey from the hustle and bustle of city life back to the rural and peaceful Oregon coutryside.

Spring Break with the Ter Bear

2013-03-31T17:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! I wanted to share that we found time from our busy schedules to meet up with the Ter Bear. We had a delicious (as always) home cooked Easter/Spring dinner after a long day of working, a long drive, and touring another property. It was just what we needed. Unfortunately I was too consumed and intrigued with the feast, I forgot to take pictures! The desert you must hear about though! We had vanilla bean ice cream in martini glasses with a dash of cream de menthe liqueur drizzled on top! It was lime green and vibrant, and perfect for our Easter dinner desert! The man sure knows how to entertain. I am taking notes. hehe
On to the DAMN property search... (haha) We found THE dream house, but I am losing faith, and every hopeful bone in my body. I can't wait any longer. We need to start this next chapter, and fast! This weather sure isn't helping either! I am hoping to have good news in my next post about the property search, but the way things have been going... We could be doing this forever.

Send good vibes, prayers, anything you've got. I beggith! :) Thank you! Now get out there and enjoy this spring (more like summer) weather!

DIY Wedding Day Survival Kit

2013-03-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

My sister just had a bridal shower. I have been in the wedding industry since last June, and I was completely stumped as to what you get a girl for a bridal shower! I even 'googled' what to get someone for a bridal shower as compared to a wedding gift. Is it supposed to be expensive? Is it for the couple? Is it a naughty girl party? I talked with my coworker about ideas.. She said bridal shower gifts are not a big deal, I wouldn't stress it. My first thought, and response was, "It is called a shower! It is completely focused around her sitting down and opening gifts!" I am working two jobs.. I am very tight on time. I am spinning around in circles! My imagination goes wild but what do I have time for? I knew I had to incorporate my shop somehow.. I started with the Bridal bag, and it instantly hit me that I should make her a wedding day survival bag! This is fun for her party! Lots of goodies to ensure that nothing goes wrong on her big day.
I hope I can give you confused folk an idea to work off of! This project can be as cheap, or expensive as you want. It can be elaborate or very simple.

Here is some suggestions of supplies to get you started, and you can find them just about anywhere!

Unsuccessful Once Again

2013-03-07T20:39:00.002-08:00

We were very interested in the most recent property that I shared with you, the first chance we got we set up a time to be walked around all 4 corners with the agent who is selling it. My mom came along for the ride. We wanted her to see it too, and get her opinion on things. It just happened to be the day with the worst weather EVER. We ended up getting soaked but knew we would just hop in the heated car and grab a coffee somewhere nearby afterwords.
Well things didn't go as planned.. Our agent drove off after the tour, and the neighbor popped his head in to say hello, and give us his 2 cents on the property. He wanted us to hear his opinion on things. We finally pieced it together. The neighbors on the other side is working on selling a property in California and they plan to purchase this one! They have 30 acres, and are looking for another home site. This guy named Dick gave up a lot of information, and well he started to live up to his name! He is protecting it, and driving every interested person away with his 'opinions'. Funny thing is when he drove up we just happened to be on the phone again with the agent. We told her he had just pulled up and she came back (We saw him drive up and down the road while she was there- He waited till she left to come talk with us). They went back and forth arguing in front of us for maybe 10-15 minutes. The entire thing was embarrassing for the agent, and us! We stood there awkwardly going, "Okayyyyy. Let's go eat! We gotta go now! Thanks for your time!"
We hopped in the car, and all go, "What the hell just happened?!"

Lesson of the day: We do not want psycho neighbors! Thanks for being a dick before we purchased the land- Dick! (hehe)

We stumbled upon this little slice of heaven while driving around. Perfect location for a Tiny Home! Umpqua River front property.. ahhh

Also almost ran over quite a few flocks of wild turkeys! That is something this city girl does not remember from the old country days..

Property Hunt 2013 Update

2013-03-01T08:35:00.001-08:00

As the property hunt continues we are feeling more and more frustrated.. Nothing seems to be going our way. Twice in the last two weeks we have driven to almost the California border looking at listings all through the state (spending money we are trying to save). We have been doing this in hopes to see the properties in their worst state. We want to see where water flows if any at all and how much, where the water accumulates, if there is pipes already built into the ground. Those sorts of questions are coming up when ever we look at a place. Most people would take someones word for it, but we want to see it for ourselves. A spectacular view is always a plus! Horses next door are a plus! Water rights are wonderful. Utilities already on site is almost a selling point though. I hope we figure out something very soon. Last week felt very unsuccessful, but yesterday was exhilarating! We felt accomplished. The zoning was right, utilities are on site, a home site has been approved, farm land is all around, it's in a valley, the area was beautiful.. So I will keep you posted. Things have been interesting. The original property we looked into was zoned as 'forest'. It's the perfect property, but we would have to purchase it to apply to have it changed as residential. It is a 4 month process with a price tag of almost $3000. There is no guarantee that we can even have it switched to residential. If we can't- then we can't build. That is just not acceptable for us. The whole thing was a bummer, but we have moved on. Our homestead will fit in next to all of the farm land so much better :)

Blog Portfolio Wedding Invitation

2013-02-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

My sister wrote me yesterday and asked if I had time to whip up some 'Awesomeness' for her. Lucky for her I had the day off to catch up on orders. She wanted a Save the Date made up if I had the time.. At 6am when I got the e-mail- I started looking around on Etsy and came across one of my favorite shops called FirstSnowFall. They have a Save the Date that I thought would be perfect since she is having a starlight wedding at 9pm. The cards are $82.50 for sets of 25.. I thought... Well maybe I can play off of this same theme?

I found a black chalkboard photo with a simple google search (black chalkboard background), and started playing around with some fonts, and ornaments that I have saved over the last few years. With having a blog- I am constantly on the hunt for new font scrips to play with..

This is what came about- I went a bit overboard.. She did ask only for a Save the Date, and I made an entire line of themed invites. Once I started and had a theme going I couldn't stop. It took me a little over 2 hours for the full set, and less than an hour to make the save the date, and all of the research that I did. I am quite impressed with my spontaneous skills that I had to share them with you! I figured this would be a great thing to add to my 'blog portfolio'.

Urban Chaos to Quiet Country

2013-02-07T18:41:00.003-08:00

Having a full time job is tough.. In addition I have another part-to-full time job with my Etsy shop. It has been more so full time lately though. Things seem to be going good! Right when I thought we would be jumping into a new home, and lifestyle (homesteaders).. The seller backed out of the sale (We think- Things were very vague...)! Isn't that just unheard of?! So we are back to square one (we think). I was hoping to get a garden started early in the year, and getting the renovation going! So moving on with our lives.. we have some original ideas from our previous search we may be going with- which is still very exciting. We plan to be moved and in a new place by the end of this year, so things will be moving quickly. I am happy all of you will be part of the urban chaos to quiet country transition. Maybe we can inspire you to do the same? Well that was my update..
Now on to the pondering questions of running a shop. For Christmas I asked for supplies for the shop. Things that I knew I would use every single day. I ended up getting Etsy gift certificates! I purchased a custom business card stamp, and a "Here come the Bride" stamp to help customize my packaging a little bit. I used to throw gift tags in with orders, and it ended up costing quite a little fortune. I stopped.. and wondered what else I could do to add that little something that people would remember when opening their package, and the stamps I got from Paper Sushi are just the perfect addition! I wanted to share them with you, and the little photo shoot I took yesterday. My 'dear' took apart a old weathered pallet, and the grey boards are just beautiful!

Ginger Growth Update

2013-01-10T19:44:00.002-08:00

Back in March of last year I blogged about How to Grow Ginger (See that post Here). What I didn't realize at the time is that the tin coffee can I was growing the ginger in would rust all over the place. I eventually gave up on it. The post continued to get hits like crazy from Pinterest (Don't forget to follow me Here). So just a couple of weeks ago I started all over again. This baby has been growing at the rate of about a half an inch a day! I keep it moist, and out of direct sunlight. It has 4-5 more bulbs popping out just under the soil so I see that it is going really well! I will have many photos to update this post with. : )

Excerpt from my previous 'Grow Your Ginger At Home' post:

"Studies say ginger’s peak flavor arrives at 265 days, And if you start the ginger inside in late winter, that one root can produce four times that amount by fall! (Which I AM!) But you’ll only get this long growing season by starting your ginger indoors as a houseplant early in the year and then transplanting it in your garden in late spring, once the weather’s warmed. When moving your ginger to your garden, choose a spot with rich, loose soil, and be sure to water it regularly. There aren’t many pests or diseases to worry about. And occasionally, you might get a nice surprise: Your ginger plant may produce yellowish flowers at the base of each stem. With proper care, your ginger can reach 2-4 feet tall. It’ll have narrow, glossy, green leaves that can be up to a foot long. Its roots can be harvested at any time, but you should let the plant grow for at least three to four months before harvesting. You’ll be able to see the ginger roots growing near the surface of the soil. To harvest them, just trim off small sections whenever you need them, while the rest of the plant continues to grow. The new roots that grow from the starter root will have the best flavor and texture. The old starter root should be tossed out at the end of the season."

Jack of All Trades

2012-12-22T15:47:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share what my sweet has been working on. He picked up some leather 1 week ago, and this is the outcome So far! We recently went to my grandpas house, where we saw that he has a very old axe, and hatchet, both held together with electrical tape, and very rusty. It was a sight that Wayne could not handle, and I understood (My dad is a logger). The day we got home, I ordered grandpa a new Husqvarna swedish forest axe, and Wayne wanted to make him a sheath. We bought some stamps to carve his initials into the handle, but it didn't really work out. Wayne also tried to stamp the leather, once again a failed attempt.. While I have been slaving away printing bags for rushed Christmas orders, Wayne has been hammering, and cutting away. I bet the neighbors are not stoked, but if they saw what we have been working on I think they would be impressed. : ) I sure am! I think grandpa will be impressed also. Wayne hasn't grown up with a grandpa around, so I think he has accepted my G-pa as his own. My grandpa always runs over to Wayne also. I think he really likes to talk with him, and Wayne appreciates wisdom from an elder. I also want to note that this sheath making skill could lead up to a new Etsy shop in the future. Wayne is a jack of all trades I swear...
My coworker just introduced me to Blog Lovin' also! Just wanted to share that you can now follow me here >> Follow my blog with Bloglovin

New Things Coming to the Shop!

2012-12-22T13:45:00.002-08:00

I am starting a new Laurel Wreath line in the shop. The screen is drying right now. The prices will be different for this style only because each bag will have to be printed twice. Once for "Bridesmaid"/or whatever design is being purchased, and once for the wreath. I am rather excited about this new line, because I can print dozens with just the wreath, and leave them out waiting for someone to purchase, once the order comes in.. I am able to fit almost all of the designs such as Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor, Flower Girl, Bride, Jr. Bridesmaid etc. in the design. Also recently someone purchased a Bridesmaid bag, and ask for her custom handwritten tag to say "Be my".. Instantly I wondered why I hadn't thought of that! It is a wonderful way to ask someone to be your bridesmaid! Once they are given the bag asking them, they can then use it on the day of the wedding! So many new things are coming to the shop!

I also wanted to share the custom design I have completed for a Philadelphia wedding which magically falls on my birthday! The theme for their wedding is the LOVE statue in Love park downtown Philadelphia! I think it is a great theme, and I am happy to be involved! I am so excited to be involved- while finalizing the order I came across THIS, and had to send it to bride..

Walking In a Terry Wonderland

2012-12-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

We just got back from our two night annual Dexter, Oregon Christmas adventure. Our tummies where full from delicious home cooked meals, and when I say delicious... I mean, ohhhh boy. If your stomach could give a thumbs up, or smile.. Trust me, it would. We decorated Christmas trees, ate like kings and a queen, and got an opportunity to visit a Raptor Rehabilitation Center. I had quite the amazing experience. I even bought an owl Christmas ornament from the gift shop to keep as a memory (a great memory). The majority of photos are Wayne's. I found them to be quite beautiful. Cascades Raptor Center is located in Eugene Oregon, and I encourage as many of you who are local to check into it. It is a non-profit wildlife hospital with primarily birds of prey. They rehabilitate and release orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife. Birds are on display in large outdoor aviaries, viewed by winding hillside walking trails. The birds on display are not fit to be released. They are not in a good enough condition to survive on their own. So the aviaries are designed to enhance the awareness, respect, appreciation, and care of the earth and all its inhabitants. Which is critical for a balanced and healthy planet. You can sponsor specific birds here, and a sign is put on the aviary of the adopted bird acknowledging the adoption. : )

I had a wonderful time, and I hope you get a chance to visit the raptor center. It would be a really great educational place for kids to tour (field trip), or a fun family adventure. Especially for the bird lovers like Wayne and I (Thank you Terry for taking us!).

Thanksgiving

2012-11-25T20:59:00.002-08:00

Thanksgiving was great! Us organic eaters ate light. I made a spinach cranberry salad, which didn't turn out so well. I roasted almonds for the first time, and over did it. They were nasty. It spoiled the whole salad. I also made roasted pesto potatoes, and they stuck to the foil, and fell apart as I tried to flip them. I thought I was making the clean up process easier, and actually made everything worse. I was not meant for the kitchen I swear.. I get so upset, and disappointed. I have got skills, and not a single one is in the kitchen. If it were up to me.. I would eat salads, wraps and fruit till the end of my days(Doesn't sound bad huh?!).

Shop Update: I am offering a Thanksgiving/Cyber Monday discount code in my Etsy shop! 10% off the order. Also all of my oversized handwritten gift tags are already 50% off. Just enter: GIVETHANKS at check out.

I took some great photos of my favorite auntie and her future husband. I have been editing, and playing around with fonts since I got home Thanksgiving night for their holiday cards. She is such a goofball. We get along really well. I hope she doesn't mind that I secretly release these photos to you guys, but I want to show off my work! My blog is my resume! Here they are..

Aren't they the sweetest?!

The Nature of Reality..

2012-11-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

I want to go over a few reasons why moving back to the country is what I need. Don't get me wrong.. I love Portland. Portlander's are proud to be from such a popular city. This city is booming with tourism(which explains the abundance of people that can't drive). The local beer, funky doughnuts, local wines, local coffee roasters, craft workshops, craft markets, locally sourced food restaurants, produce markets, mass transit system, and young hip vibe. What isn't there to love?

It is unsustainable. I live in a sustainable living complex.. Which is quite the opposite. It may be Leed certified, and energy efficient, but stacking families on top of eachother for 30 floors, with their dogs, and late night parties on Saturday night is not the way I feel life should be. I am not into trends. I don't work a 9-5. I don't go out because I need to update my facebook page with a picture of what I did on Saturday night to make myself feel like I am worth something. This isn't life. Life isn't doing what is expected of you. Graduate, go to college, get a job, pay off your loans, get married, have kids, buy a house, save for retirement, retire, then finally live out your dreams. Reality is that you should live out your dreams now. Do not do what is expected of you. The system we live in survives off of you being in debt. That is the reason for the guidelines in our lives. To be successful is to find happiness. I feel I will find happiness being surrounded by mountains, and streams, covered bridges, swimming holes, growing all my own food, preserving food, learning hands on skills.We do not live to work, We work to live. It is slavery, but we do it to ourselves. We choose the house that we know we couldn't afford. We do it because we need others to see how successful we are. We work damn hard, why can't we live in a beautiful large home? Right? We do it with our cars, our clothes, cell phones, Ipads, Ipods. Everywhere we can, we all deserve to best. We need to change the way we see reality. Reality is you don't need to bite off more than we can chew. A tiny house by the sea, a cottage, a small cabin. All of these things are things we really want. We want to travel the world but can't find the time. Don't save it till retirement. Find your goals, and make enough money to reach them! We get one life to live. I want to live mine in the slow lane. I am not racing to the finish line. I live to be with family, go camping, swimming, hiking, create, give, photograph, travel, keep the house warm, make some money for simple luxuries, and not be dependent. I hope to inspire all of you to change the way you see reality. Reality is the simple life is much more luxurious, and being back in nature is more sustainable.

Halloween Property Update!

2012-10-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!
The Latest Property Hunt Update: Last week we had another adventure down south. Another quest for property. It just happened to be the rainiest day ever through out all of Oregon. Probably the worst day to do a property tour. We did it though! The property has all of the amenities we want, and has a fixer upper cabin on it. I do not want to photograph it until it is fixed up a bit. The seller still lives in it, so stuff is all over the place. The fact that her stuff is all over, we think brings down the value. So it could be a good thing, but bad because we don't know what could be wrong with the place because all of the stuff could be covering things we NEED to see to understand the work that may need to go into it. It does have a creek that runs 11 months out of the year, and a spring which feeds water down to the cabin(through gravity) and has a holding tank. There are gardens on the property, but they are going to need some fixing up. Everything is so small so with very little work it can be transformed rather quickly. There are hiking trails all over quite a few acres. Feels like a camp ground. We see the potential and put in an offer, and it was accepted by the seller.. Unfortunately it now needs to be approved by the bank. It could last months before we hear anything back, But I wanted to update everyone. Everything is moving very fast!

Homestead Search Adventures

2012-10-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

Just got back from an adventure down south to look at a property. It was such a quick trip I was hardly able to take many photos. All I know is I am already looking forward to going back. We saw Table Rock, Mt. McLoughlin, and zipped through Ashland Oregon... That was a mistake. I wanted to walk around, and take photos of everything! Downtown 2 deer jumped in front of our car! Of all of the people, of all of the cars it was ours. It had an effect on us.. Deer roaming through the towns streets : )
We stayed at a lodge, and arrived late, and left early so I didn't capture anything. So I will wait to elaborate on our non existent staycation- Till next time- When I have photos.
We liked the property we looked at as our possible future "Homestead". You cross a single lane covered bride to get there. BONUS points in my book. : ) As soon as we rolled up a fox ran right out of the property and into the neighbors. It sat at stared at us.. Giving us the " What do you think you are doing" look. Once again, another animal that had an effect on us. Neither one of us has seen a fox before. Everyone we told the story to- said "If there is a fox- you for sure have to keep your chickens in a cage". : ( Speaking of chickens.. Recently we took Wayne's Mah to Naomi's Organic Farm Supply store where we were greeted by the oddest chicken! It thought it was a GOAT. It would run at you sideways, and gently ram its head at you. Walk away- Run sideways- and Ram! Unreal! I have not seen anything like it before. Hilarious to watch.. We walked away, and that little boy getting out of the van in the picture below got pecked, and started screaming his head off. It is a fun memory.. One I am happy I documented. We need to go back, and take a video.
It has been a busy month for me- So I apologize for the lack of posts. I am constantly always trying to catch up on orders in my shop- Especially if I have plans coming up.. Then I am nowhere to be found online.
I hope you enjoyed my adventures. Hopefully it works out with this property, and we can get things rolling. I would love to document the steps as we go. : ) "Homestead from Scratch".

Apricot Tree Germination & Tree Starts

2012-09-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

Apricot Trees produce fruit in 3-4 years after being planted. We have been getting apricots from a local organic farm, and Wayne started drying out the pits in a glass jar in our window. We always try to save seeds where ever we can. He started to do research on apricot seeds, and apparently they have the highest content of the vitamin B-17 in the world. There are two types of Apricot seeds- Bitter or sweet, and Bitter seeds have a much higher content of B-17, but much harder to eat.. We started to blend them in our smoothies each morning, and found that by most fruit pips and kernels are filled with B-17 (Example: Pits of fruit like Apple, Cherries, Peaches, Plums, Nectarines, and Oranges). It's a compound of healthy substances that occurs in nature that are needed by the human body.

"B-17 is a glycoside, meaning it bonds to other nutrients through sugar. Glycosides are often used in medications, and B-17 is no exception. The extracted version of B-17 is called laetrile, a substance used to help cancer patients fight diseased cells. Studies have shown that B-17 helps to increase the body's ability to fight cancer. B-17 does this through the creation of hydrogen cyanide, which is released into the body's tissues. This compound then attacks and subsequently destroys cancer cells."

With this new found information.. Wayne started germinating the seeds he was collecting, and now we are growing Apricot Tree Starts! Here is what we have done so far- I will post with updates when they start to grow. Just make sure to keep the seeds damp after planting- They do not like to be fully soaked- Just damp.

Source for learning how to grow Apricot Trees from Seeds- Here from eHow Home
Source for nutritional benefits of B-17 are from Livestrong- Here & eHow Mom Here

Etsy Shop Coupon Code

2012-09-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a great summer! I never expected my shop to do so well so fast.. This little lady is quite full of joy! So right now I am offering a 10% discount in my shop till September 10th! If you know anyone who is planning an upcoming wedding make sure to send my coupon code their way..

enter: FALLWEDDING

Link to my shop: HERE

I also just added some new photos to the shop, and in the process of getting all of the bags photographed in this same style. Things seem to be slowing down a little bit so I hope to have more time to work on getting new bag designs, buntings, wedding signs, Halloween trick-or-treat bags. I have too many ideas up my sleeve.. Where do I start?! : P

Country Life Here We Come!

2012-08-31T08:35:00.001-07:00

Just got back into town from being on one of the longest(distance), and quickest adventures I think I have ever been on. We found a property we wanted to look at in Southern Oregon- Where the sun shines 300 days a year. I found a lodge and cabin resort right on the Rogue River in Grants Pass for us to stay at called Weasku Inn. It was beautiful. We loved it.. (Minus the little girl screaming during the continental breakfast in the dining area). I couldn't believe the hot hot sun, and so many rivers! Everything we went to was associated with water. Which makes sense in a hot place- The area is so much like Eastern Oregon. Sisters Oregon has always been a place I could for sure call home- or would love to, but with the resort on the river, and the creek and the year round fishing, the cabins, great weather.. I could now call this a place I would love to live. Grants Pass reminds me of Eugene.. The attitude, organic markets, and cafes. We went into the local organic coffee shop- Rogue Coffee Roasters, Sat down, and one guy was telling another gentleman all about cancer- and how your attitude is half of what kills you. Me and Wayne are looking at each other- going, "Oh my god!- Do you hear this?!" We were so excited that these guys were awake early sitting in a local organic cafe having in intellectual conversation about the importance of health, and energy. Dear Grants Pass, Thank you for being so awesome!
To sum up the trip- we ate entirely organic- which is extremely impossible when we leave home, and aren't able to prepare every meal ourselves. We were impressed with the selection of health food stores, we grabbed lunch and sat by the Rogue River, ran around and looked at 5 or 6 properties- 2 of which were near the Applegate river- which we fell in love with instantly.. It was the clearest river.. So damn beautiful.. It is almost a selling point for both of those properties- just to be near it. We stopped at a couple historic buildings on the way down to take pictures. One property was just passed a single lane covered bridge.. Now that area is beautiful too. We stopped and saw my grandma who lives down south- that was nice to sit and chit chat- I had no idea she was so political. We have the same views as far as bringing every last troop home and defending home base. I loved it. We are planning to set up an appointment and look at more properties soon. There is also so many things we want to see and do down there- So more adventures are coming soon. : )

Hope you enjoy my adventure, and I am excited to show you the entire transition from our complex and stressful urban concrete jungle to "country" life.

My Small Business..

2012-08-21T22:39:00.002-07:00

The latest update is my wing man and I are sick.. I am convinced my harsh cold came from the stress I was feeling a week ago from my shop! Out of nowhere I was completely out of tote bags. I had already made an order the week before- but I had orders I needed done asap. 7 days passed, and the bags still weren't here. Then 8 days.. on the 9th day I was looking for local places I could drive out to before work to pick them up- But it would have cost me quite a bit... No profit from sales- but my stress would be gone. That I am willing to pay anything for! I guess that might be a sign that I am not a good small business manager with the goal of profits. I really do my best to get orders out, and make sure everyone is happy... But man.. I was left feeling like I did something wrong. I thought I ordered the bags with plenty of extra time- 9 days is unreal for a package. It finally showed up while I was at work- by the time I left work- I was delirious. I couldn't handle the simplest of tasks. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I ran home- thinking it might be that I just can't get my mind off of all of the orders I have to do. Only to wake up in the morning with cold & flu symptoms. I have been working my butt off all week non stop- day job to printing and shipping night and day. Which does not help me get better. I had plans this weekend which got cancelled because of all of this. The funny part is I am the only person I work with that is a religious organic eater. I preach organic- as if it were a religion to anyone who will listen, and I am getting teased at work. I always say I have a superior immune system. I am not entirely full of toxins like other people.. Now I am the "sick organic girl"! Ugh if only I could brag about my shop and all of the extra money and stress I have now. : P

Today's inspiration is the store Terrain! They are located near Philadelphia, and extremely dreamy. I love the photography captured by Parker Fitzgerald. Terrain carries anything home & garden to jewelry and accessories. They also host special events in their restored antique greenhouse, lodge, and terrace, and since we are winding down our summer and everyone is looking for that last summer getaway- Check out their "Campfire Checklist" - here. I hope I spread some inspiration your way, and I apologize as usual for the irregular posts. My last trip- We stayed in a cabin next to the river where we laid out in the sun and relaxed (wonderful)- I forgot my memory card at home! otherwise I would have documented the adventure for you.. : / I can't seem to win lately.

Pacific City Birthday Adventures!

2012-08-08T20:32:00.001-07:00

Just got back from a couple of nights at Inn at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City! Our 2 nights at the beach flew by so fast! Me and 'My Wonderful' were celebrating our birthdays. We originally planned to go more out into nature (Canoeing, Camping), but things changed rather quickly when we realized everything seemed booked up everywhere we looked and every camp site was first come first serve. Cape Kiwanda has been a place that we love to retreat to for a relaxing getaway (along with Coast Cabins). I highly recommend it if you ever pass through the area. There is so much to do! Some major perks to the trip is the good surf location for Wayne, and his favorite beer is Pelican Brewery's seasonal Surfer Summers Ale. ; ) We of course grabbed a few bottles while we were there to take home(It is surprisingly semi hard to find in Portland). Upon arrival we were given a free bottle of white wine for our birthday celebration. We watched a few new release movies from the front desk for free, grabbed a pizza to go, Wayne surfed a couple of times, and we got some new birthday gear at the Tanger Outlets in Lincoln City. We also did some hiking out to the point at Cape Kiwanda. We kept pretty busy which explains our lack of down time. On our way back we stopped by the Tillamook Forest Center. It is free which shocked me- I was prepared to pay to get in. We have never stopped there before, and it is actually a good place to go for a day of picnicking and hiking. It appeared to be a good place to swim in the Wilson river also.

We had a fun trip. I hope it inspires you to get away and just relax. : )

Eugene Nature Trip

2012-08-03T06:14:00.001-07:00

Just got back from a couple days down in Eugene. I didn't take my zoom lens with me (It has been acting a fool). So there is no bird photos.. What I did capture is a old fallen apple tree. Apparently a few days after it fell it split open like you can see, and it is completely hollow on the inside! There is a bee hive inside of it also. We ate blueberries, apples and edible flowers right out of the yard. Drank cocktails, wine, and champagne- In that order. Home cooked dinner, and ate out a couple of times. Went for a day drive out in the country, and sat by the famous dancing bear fire pit each night. I am now completely covered in bug bites, and will probably go nuts when I put on my work suite.. But such is life when you hang out in beautiful nature. I am now back to my work week for 2 more days, and then it is back to nature I go! We start our vacation! The only thing I have requested to do is canoe. Probably camp somewhere maybe even stay in a yurt?

Does anyone know an amazing place to rent, and do some canoeing in Oregon???

Eugene on Dwellable

Tiny Cabin Inspiration, and Update.

2012-07-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Bloglandia,
I want you to know I haven't forgotten you! My shop has been blowing up. It IS wedding season, also happens to be the best time for me to be outdoors! It is tough to sacrifice my oh so rare sunshine. Me and my Deer ; ) have been going for run/walks and going to the farmers market near our house every Thursday. Wednesday is usually our day of running around, and every other day of the week I am working on prints after work, and going to the post office. The extra money in the wallet is something worth smiling about by itself! The idea of being in a new home in the next year(ish) feels so close! We have everything pretty much worked out in our heads, as long as we are just able to find desirable land.. That has been our setback this entire time! As soon as we get there it is going to be Dream State Blog Land! I will be making How-To's, time lapse videos, and regular garden tip updates. Maybe even advice on sharing a micro cabin.. There will be so much material I won't even know where to start! Let me give all of us some tiny cabin inspiration from my "My Tiny Dream Home" Board on Pinterest. (Follow me on Pinterest Here!)

Sources:
1st set- here & here.
2nd set- here and here.
3rd set- here and here.

New in the Shop!

2012-07-14T06:58:00.001-07:00

As of late, I have been very busy with the shop. I am assuming that is why my "weekly total reach"ed blog viewers has gone down quite a bit. I figured I should do a little update! Me and my wing man have been looking for property on our days off. We have been very busy running around, aside from working full time jobs. As for my shop which is what keeps me busy while I am at home- I get lots of messages in my shop asking if I can customize bags. Nobody has any idea how hard that is.. I am offering $10 bags! Just seems silly to me. So I am now offering custom oversized gift tags. I will write any message- preferably names, initials, and dates for the welcome bags. Oversized gift tags has been my suggestion for these inquiries, but I am not quite sure if everyone knows what I mean when I suggest it. So now I am offering them in my shop, and I will write on them! They are $3 each, or $2 if you buy 10 or more. They also have free shipping if you buy any other item in the shop. So now you are all caught up on what I am up to.. I will try to post up some of our land search photos here soon.

Just want to thank all of you for following the blog! Make sure to follow me on Facebook for (more) regular updates!