Summertime in Perth

Yes, I'm finally getting around to posting about the Australasia Tour from March. 

While we were on tour, at least one person in every city would ask me what my favorite stop had been so far. I pretty much always just told them that wherever they were from was the best.  Now, having had time to process everything, it's much easier to pick favorites. 

Perth was definitely high on the list. It was one of my favorite shows, it just had a great, blissful vibe. There were carnival rides and a constant breeze was swirling confetti everywhere. I overheard teenaged concert goers talking about how they had to go back to school the following week and realized the vibe I'd been feeling the whole night was that sort of end of the summer, last hurrah. It was wonderfully nostalgic and I bought right in- from making confetti angles to climbing the fences in the dark with the cricket team to play a night game under the stadium lights, it was like we were kids again, and only had a few days left to enjoy it. 

The next day, we really got to play. We took a boat to Rottness Island, I was THRILLED to put on my swimsuit and truly enjoy the end of the southern hemisphere's summer.  It was very choppy getting out there and back, but island was worth the waves and being doused by waves while hanging on for dear life and singing at the top of my lungs was part of the adventure. We played in the sand, swam and ate an endless supply of gummy candy, laid in the sun and danced on the boat. It was the type of summer day high school kids have in movies, minus the backstabbing and boyfriend stealing.  I was hanging with the cool kids (who all miraculously like me!), I had a boyfriend (well, husband) to dance with on the deck of an amazing yacht while listening to 90's hip hop. REJOICE, I'm 30 and finally managed to have high school Jenny's perfect day. 

On the way back, we got a great tour of the river and waterfront downtown. Jason and I had a cute moment, then this happened. I'd always imagined Perth to be some small outpost of a town, but it's actually a decent sized city.* All in all, I want to go back! 

*I should probably admit, my previous knowledge of Perth was solely obtained from articles written about Heath Ledger circa 2000. In honor of Heath, forever my favorite Perthian, and to continue my kick of nostalgia, I watched Ten Things I Hate About You on the flight leaving Perth :).

Photos by Jason, who was working while the rest of us were having fun. 

Monday Motivation

Via this super interesting article, with lots of other beautiful quotes! 

Friday Roundup

It's a somber day in Seattle after the shooting at SPU yesterday. My sister went to school there, countless other friends have as well. I'm thankful that everyone I know is safe and saying a prayer for the people who can't say the same.

With that, I encourage you, go out and celebrate life today! Be thankful that you are alive. Hug your mom. Hug your friends. Hug a stranger. Tell someone how much they mean to you.

Another good way to enjoy being alive today, celebrate National Doughnut/Donut Day!

"7 Reasons to Bring Back Thank You Notes"

Ryan is hilarious on Fallon.

Loving all of this wallpaper, but a little afraid to commit.

Africa is not a country- pointing out myths about the developing world. 

Check out this list of best shows of the year thus far to see what to catch up on this summer.

I get that this is for kids, but I want to make one for me!

Interesting perspective on healthy babies.

Photo above shot by Bob Wick via @usinterior. This is one of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow, I wake up every morning to a beautiful photo from somewhere in the US. A reminder that we live in a beautiful world.

Project Pinterest: DIY Laundry Detergent

Yes, I've become one of those people that makes their own laundry detergent.

I had to see what all the fuss was about. And if you recall my moss-making project, you'll remember that I clearly have no issue with putting non-food items in my food processor.

Does it really save you tons of money? To be honest, I never really considered laundry detergent a giant expense (perhaps that's because I never wash my clothes...). This guy claims it's about 6 cents per load vs. 21 cents per load for the store-bought stuff. I guess if you're doing multiple loads a day, that would add up but that's just not the case for me.

Is it better? Well, 3 loads in, my clothes are definitely clean and the whites are very bright white.

Is it better for you? Since I have fairly sensitive skin, I've always bought natural and unscented detergents, so could this really be that much better? I don't have the answer yet, but I do like the idea of knowing EXACTLY what is in there. No hidden irritants.

I followed these instructions from Apartment Therapy. It was easy, but not as easy as picking something up at the grocery store...

Flavored Water

It seems like everywhere I go these days I'm being offered fruit or herb infused water. There is something about it that is so refreshing and delicious. Now that summer is upon us I want to try keeping some flavored water at home to avoid the calories in juices, soda, and vino. This formula seems like the easiest for mixing up a perfect combination of herb and fruit. Also, have you tried one of these "infusing" pitchers or water bottles, they look like fun (but hard to clean?).

For summer it would be nice to get one of these big carafes (or this cute pitcher) to fill in the morning and just drink yummy water all day long...maybe out of these awesome glasses.

Do you have a favorite "recipe" for flavored water?

(Image)

My Happy Place

I need to get on top of my blogging so for today I leave you with a gif of my happy place (this was actually on my first ever Mother's Day as a mom). On the front porch, sunny day, with my two babies.

Wedding Wednesday: Favorite Venues

As a photographer, I'm often asked about my favorite places to shoot weddings. So I thought I'd start a series of post showcasing some of my favorite venues to shoot.

First up this week is a unique one, one that most people haven't even heard of, a hidden gem if you will... The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle.

What do I love about it?  

Nestled in the middle of Discovery Park this unique venue has an amazing view of the Puget Sound. You'll forget your in the city. It's surrounded by GREAT spots to take photos. For couples looking for something other than a ballroom or barn, this is a great spot. It's a blank canvas with natural northwest flare, beautiful log pillars and wooden beamed ceilings. They even have salmon bake house! 

Also, Daybreak Star is a non-profit, community center run by the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. It serves as a community center within Seattle. So added bonus, your venue fee goes towards keeping the center open and available for community programs. 

Why should you consider this venue?  

-If you're looking for a laid-back venue with a true northwest vibe, this is your spot. It's conveniently located in Seattle, yet you feel like your out in the wilderness. Perfect for giving out of town guests a very northwest experience. 

-If you're working with a limited budget yet can't manage to whittle down your guest list, Daybreak Star can fit 250 people. Also, you're allowed to bring in your own catering and alcohol. 

-If you're looking for a unique venue that your friends won't have seen yet. 

- If you're going for a  DIY wedding, it lends itself to handmade decor and wild flowers.