Thoughts on 30...

Yesterday was Jason's 30th birthday. Mine was right before Christmas but somehow now that Jason is 30 as well, it feels even more real. For the last year, I've really been struggling with the idea of being 30. Part of me understands that it's just a number, but there is still something with 30 that I can't seem to get past. 

Now that it's happened, I've realized the only issue with being 30 is the one I've created. It seems I've set my own stereotype for what being 30 means. 

Somehow I've convinced myself that 30 year olds are supposed to have things together and not constantly have dirty laundry on their bedroom floor and eat cookies for breakfast. They are supposed to grocery shop regularly and remember to renew their license tabs. These things were forgivable for 20-somethings. Don't get me wrong, 30 year olds are still allowed to have fun of course, and stay out late and make rash decisions and spurge on silly things, but they are expected to be responsible too. I've turned being 30 into some sort of new and probably impossible standard to measure myself against. Yes, I probably should eat more balanced breakfasts and fold my clothes, but I shouldn't let my mind wander to  this place of guilt, that I'm not doing a good enough job at being a grown up when I don't.

Anyone else battling being 30 out there? 

According to this quiz, I'm 19 and since the quiz was from BuzzFeed, I'm sure is extremely accurate and scientifically proven ;). Although, I'm pretty sure part of me will be 19 forever. 

Photos above from Jason's birthday last night at Rock Box taken with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic, his present from me!

Winter Hair Solutions: Aveda Dry Remedy Oil

I've used Aveda products on my hair for a few years now and I think they are great. But this new oil they just released is amazing on a whole new level. My hair colorist and stylist have both been raving to me about it for a few months now and I finally picked up some free samples during December when I was getting my hair cut. This stuff is awesome! You only have to use 3-6 drops (depending on hair length) so it lasts forever and makes my hair super duper soft. Especially with winter dryness and wind this product is my new favorite. I've heard it is really good with curly/coarse hair too, FYI.

What winter weather beauty products are on your must-have list?

Monday Motivation

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Friday Roundup

Happy Friday!! It is going to be a wet and windy weekend here in Seattle but I'm excited to spend some time with Patrick (who has been in Oregon the whole week) and Mylo (who is sitting up on his own!). Also, being that I'm definitely a fair weather fan-- Go Hawks!!

Here are some links to get kick off the weekend:

This just blew my mind! Downton Abbey actors being decidedly un-Downton. (Mrs. Hughes! Edith!)

Also, "Downton Tabby" (must buy immediately) and GIRLS remade with kittens as CATS (yesssss.)

The daily routines of famous writers.

25 healthy recipes for the new year.

The best infographics from 2013. Love the last meals one in particular.

Refinery 29 toured Target's AMAZING offices.

I really want this in purple.

Incredible 70 year old untouched apartment discovered in Paris.

How Olivia Pope would handle Chris Christie's bridge scandal.

Amazing window wall house and story.

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A New Chapter

Confession: I have not read a single novel since Myles was born nearly six months ago. This is very unusual for me since I love fiction but I'm sad to say I've spent much more time watching TV and movies than reading. But now that I'm less sleep deprived, Myles is in a normal napping/sleeping pattern, and the winter dreary's have set in I've decided to start reading again! First book up is Gone Girl, I'm sure many of you have read it, about 10 people have recommended it to me. And I need to read it before the movie with Ben Affleck comes out!

Have any other recommendations for me? It needs to be a page turner so I can stay awake (just being honest!). 

PS. 16 books to read before the movies come out in 2014!


(Image above of Leslie Caron reading in her dressing room in 1951 during the filming of ‘The Man with a Cloak’ from this fabulous Tumblr: Awesome People Reading)

Healthier Banana Bread

I had some brown bananas. 

I'm trying to eat somewhat healthier this month. Hmmm...what to do? 

A little bit of googling later, I came across this recipe on Lavender and Olive which substituted agave and canola oil for refined sugar and butter in banana bread, so that's what I started with. I ended up taking it a few steps further, subbing in whole wheat flour and coconut oil. Oh, and then chocolate chips. Because, well... there really wasn't a health reason for that one. Oops!

Healthier Banana Bread 

adapted from Lavender and Olive

Ingredients:

1-2/3 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking power
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/3 cup agave nectar
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
3 ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup chocolate chips, or as many as you want :)

Preheat the oven to 350.

Grease a 9x5x3 loaf pan.

Sift flour, salt, baking soda and baking power in a bowl and put aside.

In a separate bowl, mash bananas. Add vanilla, agave nectar, coconut oil and eggs and mix them together.

Fold the wet ingredients gently into dry just until they mix evenly, adding chocolate chips at the end.

Pour the mixture into the loaf pan and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove from pan, set on rack to cool. 

Ferry Tale Wedding

Last weekend Jenny and I attended our friend Shannon's wedding to her guy Peter in one of the most unique wedding venue's I've ever experienced -- on the deck of a Washington State Ferry! All 200 guests walked on to the ferry at 5:35 and the wedding began a few minutes later -- the bridal party and bride walked down the "aisle" in between ferry seats and by the time we reached Bremerton the adorable couple kissed and were pronounced husband and wife! We spent the next few hours partying on the water in Bremerton and then caught the 60 minute ferry back to Seattle. Kudos to Shannon and Peter for doing something different, loved the fresh, fun and laid back vibe of their special day. (Thanks for the pics Ash!)

Jenny and I waiting for the ceremony to start

The beautiful bride and groom

Their signature cocktail - the Moscow Mule! Need to get me some of these copper glasses.