My Favorite 'Coffee Table Books'

Ok, so some of these aren't really coffee table books, but I like that name rather than "informational books". Am I right? I love coffee table books, and just in case you don't know exactly what a coffee table book is, it is "a large, expensive, lavishly illustrated book, especially one intended only for casual reading". Over the past couple of years, I have slowly built up my collection, I just love looking at them, and they can be very interesting.

Paris, An Inspiring Tour of the Cities Creative Heart || The photos in this book are GORGEOUS. I just opened it to write this little blurb and my heart ached for Paris. I was there for a day and a half a couple years ago and it was not nearly enough time. I completely fell in love with that city, but about the book. This book is all about the best kept secrets of Paris. The best cafes, bookstores, boutiques and little gardens in the city. Travel off the main street and discover the charm of Paris.

The Disneyland Encyclopedia || This book is mostly words with some black and white photos but is a MUST for any Disney lover. This encyclopedia holds the history of Disneyland. Every single ride that has ever been in Disneyland, shop or restaurant. Did you know that Main Street used to have a little flower cart, selling artificial flowers, or that Main Street also used to have an Intimate Apparel shop aka Corset Shop in 1955-1956. This book has it all.

A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book || Im sure you have all seen this book within the last year. I love the photos that those ladies take over on their blog and couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase this book. I love flipping through the pages and gathering inspiration for my own everyday lifestyle photos.

The Flower Recipe Book || If you are interested in arranging flowers, I would get this book. The pictures are amazing and it has got arrangements for you to make for all of your favorite flowers. Whether you want to do simple arrangement or one with more layers and variety. It has everything from the tools to use, the vessel and how many flowers to use in each arrangement.

Weird Washington || If you one weird road side attractions, you will love this one. These guys have books for the majority of the states, if not all. It has haunted building and cemeteries you can visit, stories of local legends, and those weird roadside oddities. For instance, did you know we actually have a huge troll underneath a bridge holding a holding a real Volkswagen Beetle? One of these days Ill get outfit photos with it.

Emily Post's Etiquette || I love this one. It is a huge book filled with everything you need to know about the proper way to do… everything. This is the 18th edition, so it has been updated with etiquette on cell phone and social networking use. When is it ok to unfriend someone on Facebook? Is it ok to tweet from a wedding? I love having this book sitting on my shelf to answer those questions. Plus, it looks pretty.

I love getting new books like this. Do you have any favorite coffee table books? I would love to hear what they are!

Thanks for reading!
xx

Old Family Photos

A couple of days ago my mom brought in a big chest of old family photos and asked me to organize them. She didn't have to ask me twice. One of my favorite things to do is look through old pictures or watch old home movies. I am very fortunate that my family definitely has no shortage in that area. My brothers and I may have hated it at the time but my dad was constantly taking pictures of all of our family vacations. Let me tell you it was annoying, but I am so unbelievably happy he never stopped and insisted on all of those pictures in front of every national park sign we went by.

It really got me thinking about my pictures and how they are all on some sort of electronic device. That did not sit well with me. My kids won't be able to sit down and look through boxes upon boxes of old pictures like I am able to do right now. One of these days, soon, Im going to have to sit down and print out my pictures I have on my computer, my phone and USBs. I just love the thought of having multiple boxes filled with my pictures. There for me to look at whenever I want. And for anybody else to look at.

So you probably want to know what and who these pictures are of. I would.
1. A pile of pictures of me with my mom and grandma and some of my brothers.
2. Me in our backyard.
3. My dad when he was a kid.
4. My mom and my older brother. This was a really neat pack of black and white photos.
5. Top left- Me sitting on our steps, "posing" for the camera.
    Top right- Christmas morning! With my older brothers and cousin.
    Bottom left- My mom and dad back in the day.
    Bottom right- The day my little brother was born, 23 years ago tomorrow! (Feb. 5) Happy                      Birthday Reed!!
6. My mom at the farm.
7. My oldest brother. This was a whole stack of polaroids. Instantly made me want a polaroid camera.
8. My dad and I and my new teddy bear on Christmas morning.

I loved looking through these photos. Especially the ones of my mom and dad before they were married and of my older brothers as kids before I was around. Thanks for taking a peak at my past!

Dream

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Garden Flora

“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.” 

― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

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PNW Rain

If you follow me on Facebook, you would know yesterday that the rain was getting in the way when it came to taking pictures. Luckily it stopped, I got my pictures. And right after that my mom and I made a trip to the mall, where I picked up an umbrella. I'm really excited to start using it! Now I just need a pair of rain boots. I've been doing a lot of spring shopping while I've been home for spring break. I can't wait to start styling it all and show you! This dress I got earlier this week, and I knew it needed to be photographed in the woods with a dark green background, so the light colors in this outfit could really pop. This spot is going to be a favorite this summer for taking pictures. I've said it before but I'll say it again, I love the PNW.

Outfit Details

Dress || Burlington Coat  Factory

Shirt || 11 Eureka

Tights, Belt and Boots || Target

Necklaces || Old Anthropologie and Disneyland
|| Linking up Style Elixir ||

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A Weekend for the Books

I made the drive home from school last Thursday for the beginning of Spring Break. Saturday we had a party for my oldest brother who turned 30. It was the first time my three brothers and I were all home at the same time in a very long time. We all live so far away from each other so anytime we are all together is a weekend for the books. We played some games and had many the laughs. I am going to say that my family needs to have more parties, they are always so fun and too short.

I also got my hair done yesterday by my cousin, Paige. She did such a good job and I absolutely love it. You may or may not tell, but it is a blonde ombre. She lightened up my roots and made the tips brighter. If you live in the Everett, Washington area and are looking for someone to do your hair for an event, contact her. She does amazing work. You can see some of it on her instagram. Thanks Paige!

Outfit Details

Jacket || Nordstrom

Shirt || Lauren Conrad via Kohls

Sweater || Forever 21

Pants || Old Navy

Shoes || Target

Necklace || Forever 21
Linking up with Style Elixir, The Pleated Poppy, Rolled Up Pretty, Tucker Up, Peacoats and Plaid

The Great Pacific Northwest

I got to go home for the long weekend and it was much needed and oh so very nice. Now dont get me wrong, I like eastern Washington where I go to school, but I LOVE western Washington so much more. It's home. Things are just more alive, I feel so much better on the west side. I love how green everything is and the constant rain. It is so calming and comforting. I love the evergreen forests that go on for days and don't disappear with the seasons. I love the snow peaked mountains on the horizon with the most gorgeous blue sky you have ever seen above them. I love the crisp foggy mornings that turn into beautiful afternoons. And I love my doggy Bentley. There is no place else I would rather live than the great Pacific Northwest.

Outfit Details

Dress || Modcloth

Denim Shirt || Walmart

Tights and Belt || Target

Boots || Forever 21
|| Linking up with WIWW ||