i turned 26

Today is my birthday! I turned 26. Gulp.

I love when my birthday falls on a Friday – it’s a nice way to end the week and start the weekend! : )

I don’t have fancy plans, as I was not in the mood to coordinate a big event. Sometimes it ends up being more work than it’s worth, ya know? I’ll be doing dinner with the parents tonight, and then out for drinks tomorrow with some girlfriends. Should be a good one!

I found this on Pinterest, which I found fitting and humorous. But I do enjoy and appreciate all the Facebook love!

west elm

West Elm is one of those lovely stores that I love to wander through, envisioning where I’d put all the pretty doodads if I had the space and money. If you’re like me, you are in luck! West Elm in Portland is having some great upcoming sales.

Check them out!

• Frames 20% Off (Jan. 24 – Feb. 13)
• Lighting 20% Off (Jan. 31 – Feb. 13)
• Coffee + Side Tables 20% Off (Feb. 7 – Feb. 20)

arizona

I spent Martin Luther King weekend down in Phoenix, Arizona visiting family. Though it wasn’t terribly warm – the high 60s – it was a much-needed break from the snow falling back in Portland!

Ironically, it dipped into the low 40s at night, so we took advantage of their fireplace! It was my first “real” fire of the winter season. My apartment has a gas fireplace, but it’s not quite like a real one, with the crackle and pops.

We shopped. We dined on yummy southwestern food. I caught up with family and family friends. One of my favorite things to read are cookbooks, and my aunt had a ton of fun ones to browse by the fire. In short, the three days went far too quickly.

Because I’ve spent so many vacations down in Arizona, I sometimes forget to take photos. But here are a few snaps from my phone.