.a study in camellias

My neighbors have a Camellia bush and occasionally I like to sneak over and clip some for my apartment. I think they are one of the most underrated flowers.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,
Carolyn

.welcome elsie

Friends, I have exciting news! On Wednesday of last week, I became an aunt to another precious little girl! (Remember the maternity photos I took of Amanda?) Eloise was born 7 lbs, 1 oz, and 20 inches long. 

I am so lucky to live nearby my brother and sister in law that I was able to arrive at the hospital right after Elsie was born. Here's what I saw a few minutes after the world welcomed Eloise Allen: 

Being an Aunt might be the greatest thing ever. I'm so excited to now have two sweet little girls to babysit, take to the park, and get ice cream with. 

For now,

Carolyn

.january finds

It's crazy how life moves on so quickly isn't it? Christmas parties and New Years celebrations were only a few short weeks ago, yet my life feels so far removed from that these days. Like I've already folded up my holiday spirit and tucked it away in a box marked Christmas- next to the the red velvet bows and stuffed snowmen. 

It's 80 degrees here in Florida. All analogies aside, I really have folded up my knit scarves and reluctantly tucked them in the back of my drawer. But yesterday, I took a walk (in my shorts and flip flops!) and discovered these tiny treasures outside my door. Little beacons of winter light, reminding me that it is only January 14, and life has plenty of hot cocoa and fuzzy socks left to enjoy in this winter season. 

Soak it up my friends. Don't let life pass you by too quickly. Stop and enjoy it. Look around. See the beauty that exists right outside your door.

Until next time,

Carolyn

.portland. stumptown coffee roasters

Fun fact about Portland: there are over 40 coffee roasters in the city alone. That kinda blows my mind. I guess when it rains, they pour. See what I did there. :)

Despite the many roasters, Stumptown Coffee Roasters rules the show. Originating in Portland, Stumptown has expanded to Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles. Oh, and not to mention the 4 storefronts in Portland alone. Almost every restaurant/bakery/ice cream shop/donut shop that I visited boasted "We proudly serve Stumptown coffee!"

Stumptown offers 20 (ish) roasts ranging from Honduras to Indonesia and even 10.5 oz bottles of cold brew. I tried the Ethiopia Duromina and it was pretty rad.

Here's what I saw one morning at Stumptown Coffee Roasters Belmont location:

 

Have a great weekend friends!

Carolyn

.holiday eats

A quick look into the fabulous holiday meals prepared and enjoyed by my family this Christmas season.

Merry Tuesday, my friends.

Carolyn

.portland.the willamette river

"The river is within us, the sea is all about us." -T.S. Elliot

Here's what I saw one quiet morning on the banks of the Willamette River:

Have a wonderful Monday, my friends. 

Carolyn

.is Christmas really over?

"Do you ever wait for the longest day of the year and then miss it? 

I always wait for the longest day of the year and then miss it!" -The Great Gatsby

Sometimes I feel the same way about Christmas. I spend months in preparation- decking the halls, buying gifts, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, decorating cookies. All for Christmas morning to come and go almost as quick as the flash of a tiny twinkle light.

Today is New Years Eve. Tomorrow will be the first day of 2013. Yet I am still enchanted by Christmas.

So today, my friends, I am giving you one last chance to marvel at the the beauty of multi-colored lights strung around a giant evergreen. And to savor the joy of this wondrous season for a few more moments until it is lost in a sea of fireworks and resolutions.

Here's what I saw one rainy evening in downtown Portland, Oregon:

I hope y'all have a sparkling New Years Eve filled with good friends, good conversation, and lots of bubbly.

Carolyn

Photo of me credit: Emily www.plantbywater.blogspot.com