Paper store

 

Oh my goodness, IKEA's new assortment of paper products is adorable, and the prices fantastic, of course. In particular I am loving these basic styles...like the simple stripey notepad, above.

And I am always looking for classic card sets useful for any occasion. These ones have stripes and pin dots.

Then there are those times you just want to write your lists down, on paper. At least for list-lovers like me. Crossing things off is much more satisfying.

This one is sized nicely for your bag or car and comes complete with a stretchy band to keep things tidy. Any of these would make a thoughtful gift when paired with my favorite pens from Poppin.

I can't help but include one of the more playful designs. These are great to have on hand for kids' birthday parties. Like I said: adorable.

All go on the list for the next IKEA trip.

Fun finds

 

Here are a few items we are loving lately that won't break the bank - starting with this great clock from Crate & Barrel. Simple, modern face with fresh orangey-red hands...and the best part is the color - a glossy machine grey. At first glace in the catalog, I thought it was chrome and and felt a bit bored, but once I saw it in person and laid my eyes on that grey powdercoat, I was smitten. The perfect replacement for our master bathroom clock (which we took down for paint, and just haven't wanted to put back up because it had started to feel a bit too fancy).

Also - these acrylic block frames are the best. We got the unusual 5x10 size and use it vertically. We loved it so much we ordered a 5x7 as well, and both will live on our new fireplace shelves in the great room (hoping to have before and afters up soon, just waiting on the surround).

And from Urban (can't forget they often have really striking finds) this awesome denim flag. It may go in our little guy's future 'Big Boy' room - we are not 100% certain - but it is really versatile enough to go in many different places.

Just wanted to share!

Oregon Coast

 

It was a busy summer and we realized late we didn't have much time left to get out and do something - "vacation" I think is the term :) So an impromptu trip along the Oregon Coast was our answer. It was beautiful - sunny and crisp, not too hot. Great seafood, quaint fishing towns, and lots and lots of ice cream (little guy is a bit obsessed).

We even made it to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which was seriously one of the coolest and most kid-friendly aquariums I've been to. 

Manzanita was a fun stop with the most delicious locally-made Tillamook ice cream chock full of fresh strawberries. Always a bonus to find a combination espresso-slash-ice cream cafe and they had a great one here. The beach was absolutely gorgeous and we admired many shingled, coastal homes.

It's been a beautiful summer, and while we are not looking forward to the onset of grey skies and perpetual drizzle, we are looking forward to fall time, our favorite season. The transition of summer to fall in the Pacific Northwest is positively magical.