Six Days In Colorado

This past week I flew home to Colorado to celebrate my sister's graduation from CU Denver. It was a relaxing week full of family time, hiking, and good food. It's my favorite type of vacation now that I live so far away. I thought I would share a few little snapshots of my trip.

A typical Colorado afternoon, thunderstorm and all.

My homemade chocolate + strawberry ice cream birthday cake. I have the feeling 25 is gonna be a good year!

Hiking with my parents in El Dorado Springs. Beautiful mountains, beautiful day.

Dim Sum brunch in Denver.

Went through so many family photos while I was home.

I am so proud of my sister, the new college graduate (you go girl), and so grateful for my family. Every time I go home I feel surrounded by such love and support, I don't know how I got so lucky. Colorado, you are endlessly beautiful and will always have a piece of my heart. Family, you are awesome, truly the best. Thank you for everything.

Podcast Love 2

I've always been interested in getting tiny glimpses into the lives of others, and I've recently realized that there is a whole genre of podcasts that allow you to do just that. These are my new favorites, podcasts that aim to tell a diverse range of stories, and capture as many human experiences as possible. Enjoy!

The Moth 

Audio for The Moth is pulled from their live events held nationally and internationally, and the atmosphere simulates storytelling among friends. The events have loose themes such as Family, Adventure, Chemistry, or Delusion, and lead to deeply personal stories that might otherwise go unheard. Every story is a reminder of how awesome, breathtaking, and devastating life can be. I think I spent a full work week going through their website's story archive (there are 524 of them), and they are so addicting.
Favorites: The Apron Strings of Savannah (Edgar Oliver), The Ghost of Rue Jacob (Joan Juliet Buck), A Place To Live (Jessica Lee Williamson)

Dear Sugar

Dear Sugar is the modern Dear Abbey, where no subject is off the table. The hosts are Steve Almond and Cheryl Strayed, both authors and former writers of the Dear Sugar column originating in The Rumpus. The advice given by The Sugars is often drawn from their own experiences in life and love (which I have to say is extensive), and when their experience just can't cut it, they give their friends a call. So far this has included spouses, mentors, and fellow authors such as Mary Karr and Elizabeth Gilbert. In each episode Almond and Strayed deliver well thought out, realistic, and honest advice that consistently reminds the listener to approach every situation with an open heart and an open mind.

Favorites: The Two Stories We Tell, Making Love, Big Love (Polyamory And Its Discontents)

Strangers

The first episodes I listened to of Strangers was the four part series: Love Hurts. In these shows the producer Lea Thau, who has been single for nearly four years after a particularly heart breaking breakup, decides to ask men from her past why they didn't want to be in a relationship with her. These interviews lead to stories covering  her entire dating history and ultimately to questions, spanning from why that guy didn't call after the first date, to why sometimes it still sucks so much to be single even as an independent and self-confident person. It was refreshing to hear someone being so honest about the questions that so many people ask themselves but rarely truly investigate. The modern world is so full of love stories in the form of rom-coms, with so much love and so little substance... or reality for that matter, that these open confessions of singleness and self-awareness were interesting and thought-provoking. I was hooked. The podcast does not center around Thau's life, generally she is interviewing others about their stories, which are equally engaging and range from a man wrongly accused of murder, to an author suffering from Alzheimer's. However, her attempt to cover and get to the bottom of every subject discussed, is always present.
Favorites: Love Hurts 1-4, Franky Carrillo: Life, The Mindshaft

Love + Radio

This Podcast's vibe is similar to Strangers, but notably edgier. While many podcasts seem to skirt issues and subjects that may be considered taboo, Love + Radio faces them head on. This podcast often feels like a confessional, a place where people share their deepest secrets, fears, and obsessions. Each episode is a reminder not only that everyone is uniquely different, but everyone is uniquely strange. And if people aren't strange, the circumstances they face certainly are.
Favorites: Thank You, Princess, The Living Room, The List

Let me know your podcast recommendations in the comments below!

How to Fit in Fitness

Today I wanted to put together some quick and easy workout options that will fit into the busiest of schedules. The following resources and tips will help you keep plugging along on your fitness journey, even when time is short, and it's tempting to slack on the workouts for awhile. They are no-excuse and can be squeezed in during small breaks in the day or incorporated into your everyday routine. Anything is better than nothing when it comes to working out, and you'll feel amazing afterwards, promise. So get your butt off the couch and commit to your health and fitness for the next 30 minutes, then get on with your day feeling refreshed and energized!

• Complete a 30 Day Challenge - These challenges are all over the internet, and I would highly recommend giving one a try. They're so easy to make time for, and because they focus on specific areas of the body they produce results quickly. Being able to check off each day and feeling your body grow stronger is extremely motivating. Use one of these challenges to accomplish something you never thought your body was capable of, like 200 squats. My favorite challenges:

• 30 Day Squat Challenge by Popsugar (200 squats)
• 30 Day Push-Up Challenge -Popsugar (50 push-ups)
• 30 Day Plank Challenge - Tribesport (5 minute plank)

• Subscribe to Fitness YouTube Channels -  I enjoy fitness videos on YouTube because they are fairly short but intense enough to feel the burn, and best of all they're free. They have many of the benefits of going to a class, without the hassle or cost. You can also put a couple 5 minute videos focusing on different parts of the body together, and easily customize a full body workout. Check out these channels:

• XHIT Daily
• Blogilates
• Fitness Blender
• Yoga With Adriene

• Bike For Transportation - I have found that workouts that serve a dual purpose (ie cardio AND transportation) are easier to justify. You aren't just running in place on a treadmill, but running errands while also getting physical activity. Once something like biking becomes just the way you get to the grocery store it becomes second nature, something you don't have to think about or make yourself do. I just bought a road bike, and I'm already amazed how far I can travel without a car. 

These are just a few ideas of possible ideas for making fitness possible on a busy schedule. I would love to hear what you do to stay fit in the comments below!

Hiking | Lookout Mountain Loop

View from the drive.

The trail. Looks more like a ski slope but yep I hiked up that... in tennis shoes.

View from the summit.

View from dinner.

After a little hiking hiatus I'm back at it and it feels so good! This weekend took me up the Mount Hood area which I had yet to explore. If you are a regular hiker that finds yourself on the same trail again and again, I would highly encourage you to venture out. No matter where you live there's probably new terrain to cover and when you do you will see your home in a brand new light.

The hike is the Lookout Mountain Loop. It's about 2.5 miles and is considered easy. In all honestly, I would not recommend this hike this early in the year, and am planning to visit again in the summer. Especially after reading that wildflower grow thick along the trail in July and August. My own hiking experience was slightly different from this summery paradise as the trail, along with the dirt road up to the trail head, were entirely covered in snow. If you plan on visiting take a map or GPS because I found roads after the highway to be poorly marked, and reception limited (yes, I got lost). In addition, if you are visiting before June take a four wheel drive car just to be safe (yes, I almost got stuck). Needless to say it was a day full of unexpected adventures.

Despite all of these challenges the view from the summit was worth it. From the top you can see every major mountain in the area from Mount Rainier in Washington to the Three Sisters. Not to mention Mount Hood, which is of course prominent and absolutely breathtaking. The one bonus of attempting this hike in the snow was that the top was devoid other visitors, a sharp contrast to every hike I've taken in the Gorge. Nothing compares to being out in nature and being able to experience silence and stillness completely. To me there is nothing so refreshing or soul cleansing.

I hope that posts like this inspire you to find a hike in your area you find just as beautiful and surreal as I found this one. Or at the very least, to immerse yourself in nature for a day.

Girl Power Book List

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This memoir documents Strayed's Pacific Crest Trail backpacking journey up the West Coast, from the bottom of California to the top of Oregon. The hike is taken as a form of both escape and self-discovery, the result of many tragic life events and missteps in the years before her solo excursion. Each downward spiral along with the hike itself, is documented openly and honestly, in a way that is engaging, touching, and entertaining.  I found this book inspiring, proof that at the lowest points in life there can always be revivals. I ended this journey alongside Strayed with the feeling that if she could walk a thousand miles on her own then I could do anything. I also think it's a good example of a woman saving herself and taking control of her life in this most dramatic and epic way possible.
READ IF: You have a bit of restless energy and wanderlust or if you love the outdoors and would like some inspiration to get out and hike this summer.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

Lean In is part autobiography, part career advice book written by Facebook's Chief Operating Officer. It includes many stories based on the challenges she and her colleagues have faced due to their gender, and offers both guidance and tough lessons learned based on these experiences. I loved this book because Sandberg stands as proof that women can be just as successful as men in their chosen field. A book written directly from the perspective of a "girl boss" may be harder to come by than expected, considering the vast majority of leadership positions are still held by men. The act of "leaning in" has inspired a movement that encourages women to take an active role to their career, and to participate even when facing stereotypes and odds so often working against us.
READ IF: You are a recent college grad just getting a career started, or if you have found yourself in a career rut and are looking to get job searching again.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Elizabeth Bennett, Pride and Prejudice's protagonist, may be my favorite literary characters of all time. She is so strong willed, intelligent, and independent during a time when these characteristics were discouraged in women. She refuses to let societal or peer pressure force her into an undesirable marriage, even when this rebellion leads to judgement and criticism by those closest to her. The love story between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is also one of my favorites. They are two of the most stubborn characters ever created, and two of the most perfectly matched. The prospect of being pressured into marriage or to find a man, can easily be found in the modern world despite the fact that this book was published in 1813. The characters and story are beautifully crafted, and it remains a book I have not forgotten years after reading.
READ IF: You are looking for a heartwarming love story lead by a strong and quick witted woman.

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler is one of my favorite comedians, and certainly disproves the stereotype that women aren't funny. This book is as hilarious as expected, but is also shares refreshingly touching and personal essays based on Poehler's life as a comedian, mother, ex-wife, daughter, and friend. Her stories cover childhood, SNL, Parks and Recreation, divorce, having children, and everything in between. Many of these experiences include lessons she has learned along the way, my favorite being the mantra "good for you, not for me." She applies this idea to the idea of the career woman versus the stay at home mom, each often judging the other for their life-choices, and each equally worthy of admiration for their hard work. I have found this idea to be applicable to so many areas of life
READ IF: You are looking for a highly entertaining book filled with life lesson gems.

Let me know your favorite girl power books in the comments below!

Style | Spring Shopping Wishlist

1. This Turquoise Circle Skirt from H&M is the perfect length (right below the knees) and color for spring! It can also be dressed up for date night, or down with a t-shirt for a stroll around the local farmer's market.

2.  Urban Outfitters' Ecote Washed Eyelet Running Shorts look super stylish and comfy. I haven't rocked cloth shorts yet, but these are too cute to resist.

3. It's hard giving up my boot obsession every winter. Luckily, it looks like this year I won't have to. The Josseline Ankle Boots from Aldo are equally cute with shorts or with skinny jeans.

4. I've been searching for the perfect summer dress and I think I found it! This Jersey Dress from H&M is perfectly flowy, and casual enough to wear everyday. A dress like this is easy to throw on in the morning, and offers style and comfort all day long.

5. Tanks are a staple in my spring to summer wardrobe and this Woven Camisole from H&M is simple but contemporary. It's sophisticated and a little sexy, my go to for a night out.

6. I cannot get over these Peep Toe Heels from Urban Outfitter! The cut outs make them ideal for warmer weather, and the chunky heels make them easier to walk in. Plus, they're bound to make your legs look amazing.

Tulip Festival

Hello beautiful readers! Spring has officially arrived, and I couldn't be happier about it. Is anyone else craving summer more than usual this year? It's so close I can taste it, and this weekend I had a reminder of the seemingly endless activities in and around the Portland area once the sun decides to make regular appearances. I welcomed the warm weather and clear skies with a visit to the annual Tulip Fest at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. It was lovely being able to spend the day outdoors in such a beautiful setting. I haven't seen anything like this farm, featuring acres of bright tulips in every color imaginable. It was just the technicolor boost I needed to jolt out of my winter blues.

The two tulip colors above were my favorites, not an easy choice when there are so many options. This really was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I really think immersion in such beauty nourishes the soul. If you want to check out the festival yourself, there are still a couple of weeks left, it ends on May 3rd.

Everyday Makeup Essentials

I've really been enjoying a very minimalist approach when it comes to makeup lately, but there are still a few products I use daily to enhance the my "au naturale" look. Many days this is my entire makeup routine, however it's also really easy to add some eye shadow and eyeliner for going out on the weekends, or looking a little more put together in the office.

The Body Shop | Instablur Makeup Primer
I always debated about whether primers are necessary, but this one from the Body Shop really makes a noticeable difference. I tend to have more oily skin and the Instablur Makeup Primer does a fantastic job creating a matted finish, as well as reducing the appearance of pores, and generally evening out tone. This primer helps my makeup apply smoother and stay in place longer.

Sonia Kashuk | Radiant+Tinted Moisturizer
For everyday makeup I prefer a tinted moisturizer over foundation for a more casual, light, and dewy look. This Sonia Kashuk tinted moisturizer (purchased at Target) covers any redness without feeling like it's clogging up my skin, and huge bonus: it has SPF 15 so you always have sun protection.

Neutrogena | Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer
After creating an even skin tone it's nice to add a little color back into the cheeks. This Neutrogena blush in Natural Glow is is a neutral pink with flecks of gold to subtly brighten. I love the color because while it's easy to overdo blush, this hue somehow always looks natural. It also comes with bronzer, a perfect addition to this look, especially with summer fast approaching.

Sephora | Eyelash Curler
My eyelashes are not exactly long, so curling them every morning is a must. I bought this eyelash curler at Sephora and am very happy with it. The shape and size fit my eyes well, and it's metallic pink (automatic cool points there).

Bobbi Brown | Smokey Eye Mascara
I got this mascara as a sample at Sephora, and it's been my go-to ever since. It lengthens, which of course I love, but the thing that sets this mascara above the rest in my book is the volume. It makes my lashes appear fuller, and the formula is jet black, making my lashes stand out in any look.

e.l.f.| Blush Brush
I just thought I would throw in this brush because this whole line of brushes are a great deal. You can find e.l.f. at Target and they have good solid products for a steal of a price. This brush was $3 and I have no complaints. It is a good size for my cheeks, making application a breeze.

Yoga | Hip Openers

Today I thought I'd share one of the first yoga sequences I got hooked on right when I started practicing yoga, one I still go back to regularly. As I've mentioned a few times on this blog already, yoga has become an important and rewarding part of my fitness routine. It is the perfect combination of physical exertion and mental grounding. It brings my mind back to my body instead of the million other directions it has a tendency to shoot off to throughout the day, and makes me feel truly present and in the moment.

Hip-opening sequences like the one above, have a profoundly positive effect on my mood. While opening the hips is challenging, the work is worth the effort. It is said that negative emotions like stress and anxiety are stored in the hips, and there is definitely a release that comes with this practice in particular. It is also an excellent way to relieve back pain, especially tight muscles caused by sitting at a desk all day, or relief after an extra strenuous workout.

When I first tried this sequence out there were some poses that required what I viewed as an intimidating amount of flexibility. Skip the ones that seem too difficult for now, and remember to breathe through the more strenuous stretches. Be patient with your body, but also allow it to be challenged. Flexibility will improve. Now I can complete this video without a problem. Give this sequence a try and experience all the benefits yoga has to offer for yourself! 

Portland Japanese Gardens

Another day, another adventure in Portland. This weekend I found my way the the Portland Japanese Gardens, one of the city's gems. From the second you walk through the gates the landscape inspires complete tranquility and serenity, quite impressive considering it is merely minutes away from the heart of downtown. While it incorporates a breathtaking view of skyscrapers in the distance, it is tucked away in the hills above the city (right next to Washington Park, for those of you familiar with the area). Five sections are features within: the Flat Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden, and Sand and Stone Garden. 

The Portland Japanese Garden incorporates traditional elements used in Japan. Each element is purposefully placed to benefit the aesthetic, functional, or symbolical, and artfully arranged taking into account the entire scene, much like a painting. Here are just a few elements and their meanings:

Stones are chosen based on their size, shape, and position and are generally found in groups of two, three, five, or seven. They are highly valued in Japanese culture and represent stability and long life. They can also be a metaphor for mountains, islands, or earth. The combination of stone and water can be a physical representation of the yin and yang, the hard and soft.

Water can have many different meanings within the garden, but ponds are often meant to represent larger bodies of water found in nature (the reason they are asymmetrical, just slightly imperfect). Even the way the water flows is significant. For example east to west is meant to carry evil away, while north to south can bring good luck. Water basins found throughout have the functional and ritual use of cleansing, particularly before tea ceremonies.

Zen Gardens are large sand or gravel open spaces (symbolizing water) with designs drawn into the surface using a rake. The process of creating these designs was traditionally used to aid in meditation. The gravel flows around larger rocks, or islands of moss, just as the water current flows around obstacles.

Plants and Vegetation are carefully arranged to imitate nature, however everything is carefully manicured and controlled, constantly reminding the viewer of human presence. The intricate pruning represents discipline, as well as the artistic hand behind every aspect of this manipulated nature.

Japanese Gardens are essentially nature on a human scale, meant to be immersive but not overwhelming. They are meant to spark self contemplation and mediation while momentarily releasing temporal worries and thoughts. The Portland Japanese Gardens capture this ideal, and offer a calming and refreshing escape from the city. It is somehow comforting to be in nature meticulously built for humans, to enjoy being outside without being overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the great outdoors.

Lazy Sunday Routine

Hello beautiful readers! I hope this post is finding you at the end of a wonderful week.

Sunday has always been one of my favorite days because I like to take time off for myself to relax and rejuvenate, in preparation for the coming week. I have decided to write out some steps to help you have the best Sunday ever! The ultimate goal is to focus on yourself for a day, in order to truly recharge.

1.       Get in a good breakfast. My favorite way to start off my Sundays is by treating myself to brunch, or making a hearty breakfast. Nothing beats eggs, potatoes, pancakes, and a strong cup of coffee on a weekend morning. If you have seen Portlandia, chances are you appreciate the importance of brunch in a true Portlander’s diet. If not, I'll just say that it is an essential part of life in this city, and I'm beginning to understand why. Who doesn't like catching up with friends over good food?

2.       Do something productive. I suggest strolling through that part of town with the cute shops and cafes you have always driven by, but have never stopped to check out. Or if you are just feeling a home day (I'm a homebody, I won't judge), clean up, tidy up, or organize something. This will allow you to continue onto the next steps 100% guilt free.

3.       Pick an activity that will best help you unwind. My recent Sundays have included catching up with the Friends gang on Netflix, starting to doodle a little again, and reading. Do anything that will help you get to your “happy place.” If that involves something like a hike or run, it’s not exactly lazy, but I don't see a problem with getting some fresh air and a little endorphin boost.

4.       Make yourself a drink. I have come to look forward to making a nice drink every evening. For me personally, this means a cup of hot tea, or a glass of wine depending what kind of day it's been (on the average Sunday I would probably opt for the wine, tomorrow is Monday after all).

5.       End the day by pampering yourself. Apply your favorite face mask, buy a new nail polish color and paint your nails, or do a relaxing evening yoga sequence before bed. Use this time to focus on the extra little details you don’t have time for after work. Now let these positive feelings carry you into Monday and through the rest of your week.

Cascade Head Trail & Lincoln City

Lately I have truly begun to see the value in making the most of my weekends, and one of the best ways to do accomplish this is to go on a mini road trip. In my case this means an escape from the city to the coast! There is something amazingly comforting and therapeutic about gazing out into the ocean. It seems to put all my problems and stresses into perspective. I'm not sure if my fascination with the ocean stems from growing up in one of the most landlocked states imaginable(Colorado) or if it has this effect on everyone, but either way I have decided to take advantage of my new found proximity to the sea.

The day started with a hike along the Cascade Head Trail. We hiked to the lower viewpoint, about 4 moderately difficult miles round trip. It begins with a very steep incline up what feels like a flight of stairs built into the trail, but levels off fairly quickly. The landscape is wooded most of the way, and opens up to one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. The viewpoint is on the edge of a cliff, sloping all the way to the ocean. The feeling sitting atop that cliff, with the salty breeze in my hair, and the sound of waves far in the distance was energizing and refreshing. Luckily we chose the perfect day to go, one where the sky is clear and the scenery stretches on forever. 

The next stop was Lincoln City, a cute beach town right along the coast. One of the best features of the beaches here are the tide pools. The anemones, crabs, mussels, and other tiny sea life offer some free entertainment. Stopping at Mo's for some clam chowder is also a must, and it is how we ended the day.What is your favorite day-trip getaway?

New Year Resolutions 2015

January 1st is always the start of a magical time, isn't it? It's a time to refocus on what is most important and to make new goals for the coming year. It's a clean slate. My life changed in 2014 and I've spent a lot of time recently reflecting on the past year. At this time last year I was preparing to move to a new city, and both scared out of my mind and excitedly awaiting the future. There were difficult moments, no doubt about that, but I'm proud of myself for taking a risk. Now I have memories in this amazing city I wouldn't trade for anything. I have learned so much about being independent and I have a better understanding of what I want and who I am. I can only hope 2015 will be as exhilarating and fulfilling as the last, and just as packed with new experiences and healthy challenges. Here are the resolutions I'm making this January, to ensure this 2015 lives up to the hype. They are greatly inspired by a post on setting positive intentions that can be found on Free People's blog here. 

• I will be inspired by knowledge, and continue to pursue my interests (art, blogging, web design, knitting) and to learn as much as I can about each.
• I will strengthen my body through exercise and yoga at least three times a week.
• I will be content in my own skin and not judge others, but instead focus on my own self improvement.
• I will search for a more satisfying career, one that will allow me to be financially independent.
• I will connect with and be open to new people, while nourishing my current friendships.

Cheers dear reader, here's to wishing you a beautiful year full of laughter, happiness, and love. Let me know your new year resolutions in the comments below.