{inspired} a beach getaway and that "magic" hour

Happy Monday friends! Remember how I was sick a bunch in August? Well, strep throat knocked me out at the end of last week. I've had about enough! This weekend I had a heart-to-heart with my immune system about kicking it up a notch :). So, these photos from Labor Day are a little late, I hope you don't mind.

The plan for Labor Day was hanging at the Oregon Coast with my family. Those of you who've been around for awhile know that we headed down there quite a bit. Chris opted to stay home and work on the kitchen (husband of the year, I know). I debated staying with him, but there really was nothing I could help him with and the thought of relaxing for a few days was just too tempting!

It ended up being a GORGEOUS weekend. Perfect sun. Perfect temps. Just amazing. I left work a little early on friday to beat traffic and when I got to the beach was blown away by the day. It immediately put me in the mood for an adventure. So, of course I took the long way to our house. The super long way. It was so fun. It took me by a lighthouse!

My parents have an adorable yellow lab, Sophie, who not only insists on sleeping with me when Chris isn't there, but also insists on jumping on my head at first light to signal that it's time for a walk. In this case, 5:45. Sadly, it's been worse :). So we were up every morning and on the beach for sunrise.

I know photographers always talk about the "magic" hour of sunrise and sunset, but I'm far too lazy to really plan for either. This was the first time I've really experienced that hour, and I can absolutely say that it is magic.

Friends, do you adventure by yourself? I'll pretty much never pass up an opportunity to adventure and explore -- whether solitary or with friends/husband. But, I have friends who think I'm crazy! Have you ever taken photos during sunrise? Did you love the results? :)

{inspired}: oregon crush

After I posted my new awesome Oregon artwork last week, I got to thinking. I have some serious crush on Oregon. I used to take it so personally when I lived on the east coast and people wouldn't even know where Oregon was. (Which, by the way, how does that happen? Isn't that something you need to know to graduate middle school?) I can't decide if I'm completely weird (probably), but Oregon, and Portland especially, does illicit very strong opinions both from residents and visitors. Of course, I also spend 10 hours a day promoting Oregon, which probably influences me more than a little. :)

 I've mentioned before that I think design is highly personal. I think this is the overwhelming factor in my obsession love of all things Portland and Oregon. So many memories -- mostly good  and some life-changing amazing -- are rooted here. I think surrounding ourselves with a few pieces that remind us both where we come from and far we've come is a good thing.  Besides, how can you NOT love a place whose citizens proudly proclaims, at every opportunity:

I've been finding lots of state and city artwork lately. And, not just Portland and Oregon art. So maybe I'm not crazy? I thought I'd share a few of my favorites, just in case any of you out there can relate!

This is just adorable! Made by love, california, the pillow comes in most states.

Although sold out right now, these maps by Best Made Company are ridiculously amazing. There are a few states, cities and Canada! The are currently sold out, but are releasing more this month. I will be first in line.

This piece, by CAPow!, is great because it plays into my obsession with Portland AND my love of maps. Perfect combo. I love how it looks vintage and the conversation hearts are a cute touch. It comes in a variety of cities and convo heart sayings.

I have been loving this piece for two years! Typography makes me melty. And I don't say that about a lot of things! I just need to buy it, I think. It's an Ork Poster, and they have a lot of different cities.

This is quintessential Portland. This sign has been gracing the Portland sky line for as long as I can remember. In December, they light the deer's nose red. Cute! Sadly, the building it sits on has changed owners, and the new owners want to keep the sign, but change what it says. Boo. I need a picture of the original for my house. For old time's sake. This picture was found at Vintage Roadside.

I love this image from Abby Try Again. This is Portland St. John's Bridge, which is just down the street from my house. I never wanted to live in this neighborhood, which is too long of a story to bore you with get into today, but I am so glad I did. I know Chris and our awesome little house have a lot to do with that, but this bridge will always remind me of our time spent in this house.

What about you guys? What places do you have a crush on?

{inspired} artist Amy Ruppel

I am so so so excited to be sharing with you the latest addition to my tiny art collection:

You should know this about me ... I love Oregon. I just think it's the greatest place to live and so I'm always drawn to cool Oregon artwork. That's how I discovered Amy Ruppel, also a Portland girl. I ran across this print, somewhere online, and knew I needed it in my house. And, like a crazy person I bookmarked the site and decided to *think about it*. Did I mention it was limited addition? Yes, crazy. So, when I finally set out to create the art wall in my living room, I went back to buy it. Sold. Out.

I've been hoping since then that she'd release more. A couple weeks ago she posted on twitter that she released a second run! Friends, it didn't take me more than 5 minutes to complete that transaction. I wasn't letting this get away again.

And I love it. This picture is sooooo Oregon. The green, the trees. It makes me smile each time I look at it. I'm rotating it around my house now looking for a permanent home.

Don't sharing my dying devotion to Oregon? First, you clearly have never visited then ;). Second, Amy has also created this wonderful U.S. print called This Land is Your Land. It benefits the American Forest organization. 

Amy's Etsy store is also worth taking a few minutes to peruse. There's so much goodness there. I love this alphabet print. So perfect for a nursery! 

I also love her giclee prints. Giclee is such an interesting and cool medium anyway, and I love seeing what new images Amy has produced. This is my current favorite.

Visit Amy's website or Etsy store to check out more of her amazing creations!