{inspired} by nature

As I've talked about before, one of the things both Chris and I are working on this year is our health. For us this means slowing down a little and making sure we do things that are important to us. In other words, we're choosing how to spend our days - and especially our weekends - very carefully. 

This weekend was GORGEOUS in Portland. 55 degrees. Sunny. Absolutely {and very teasingly} spring-like. We took the opportunity to ditch the boring things we "should have" been doing and headed straight for the trails. 

I feel very lucky to live where we do. Less than 5 minutes from my house is a huge forested park, aptly named Forest Park. It's actually the biggest urban park in the U.S. and has miles and miles of trails that are so fun to explore. It's also really easy for us to drive to in a moments notice. We spent Saturday afternoon roaming a new-to-us trail and it was absolutely delightful. Below are more some of the photos I took, but it made me wonder about you guys. How do you unplug and unwind? What do you do for *me time*?

Have a great Monday friends! :)

ps. THANK YOU for all your commenting on my pillow intervention friday! Your comments and opinions are incredibly appreciated and I look forward to showing you what I've decided! :)

{inspire} a pillow intervention

This is what happens when I get really busy and stressed: I start obsessing. About little tiny ridiculous details. For instance, my living room. As I shared last month, it's taking a little breather after the craziness that is the holiday season. So I thought it would be fun to get a couple new throw pillows to liven things up. So what's the problem? I can't decide what pillows to buy. Yes, there are an astounding number of amazing pillows out there. Just check out my Pinterest pillow board. But, it's not like I'm making a decision about whether to install tile or beadboard in our bathroom, or whether or not to buy a new house. It's pillows! They're completely interchangeable!

Here's the problem friends. All but one of my pillows {my favorite!} I've had for at least three years. I think the thought that I might actually keep these new pillows for awhile is stressing me out like crazy. Yes, I need to get out more.

And, I need an intervention. And, that's where you come in. Please help! Below the pillows are grouped as per what I think would look nice in our living room. The brown is our sofa color.

Group No. 1: a. westelm, b.shoot, I lost the link for this, which isn't helping things. If you know where this is from, let me know! :), c. moxie mandie

Group No. 2: d. online fabric store, e. elegantouch, f. h & m, g. ballard designs

Group No. 3: h. elegantouch, i. gracious home, j. no. four eleven

I need opinions friends! Which grouping/pillows do you like the best? At this point, I need perspective so I can buy a pillow or two and MOVE ON. I'm leaning towards No. 3, but which group do you like best?

And, of course, HAPPY FRIDAY! :)

{inspired} by my blog friends

Friends. My job opened its enormous jaws and swallowed me whole. Last Thursday. It finally spit me out late yesterday afternoon, but I'm still feeling a little dazed. The past five days (weekend included) have been a doozy. One of the things that got me through was sneaking peeks at YOUR BLOGS here and there when I needed a quick break.

While I'm pulling my wits back about me, I thought I'd share some of my favorite posts from the last week. You all are so creative, and I just LOVE visiting each of your blogs.

The living room board Holly put together for a friend is gorgeous. Love the pops of varying blues and a little yellow. So comfy. Visit: west pear avenue

This winter tablescape that Kirsten put together is to light and bright. You can never fail with hydrangeas. Visit: restored style

I'm always so inspired by vertical gardens, but seeing this one, and the step-by-step instructions, makes me think even I could build one! Visit: old house, new home

These photos of Switzerland inspire me to be a better photographer AND go back to Switzerland. Just gorgeous. Visit: kristatomic via nubby twiglet

Kat's new kitchen light has me drooling. So much industrial goodness. Actually, her whole kitchen has me drooling. You're gonna want to check it out. Visit: maple leaves, sycamore trees

Thanks for all the inspiration and for getting me through my really tough week. I hope you've found at least one new blog on the list to explore and be inspired by :).