Live Love Local

Maybe some day we'll all get it...

link to video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M__BN7S5Xpw



.....maybe some day I'll get back to Bellingham.  A girl can wish right???

xo,

diana

ps-sorry for technical difficulties...the link should work

Packing in the End of Summer

It appears that summer has come to an end here in Seattle but I'm not ready to give it up so easily just yet.  Despite the rain and wind outside my window I have big plans for the next few weekends.  I'm hoping to find some new favorite places in this gorgeous state of Washington, testing out my "slowly getting stronger from the new gym membership" legs and best of all spending quality time with the ones I love.  I know, I know, not all of you are going to be with me but I still love you :)

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First on the list is a trip to the Lake Wenatchee area with the bikes to explore some trails.  I have to laugh because my husband put together the evite and was sure to include the fact that there are trails to ride for those of differing interest levels in mountain biking...this is the "I know my wife is going to freak out if I put a 26 mile epic ride on the list so I'll appease her and pretend there is another option" statement.  I hope somebody of my interest level decides to go with us!!!!!  This will be my 2nd ride being clipped in and given the fact that I'm still learning the art of mountain biking, it is comical (and scary) to say the least.  Maybe I'll enjoy the scenery on foot instead??  Doubtful.  Either way, I can't wait. 

We'll be staying at Nason Creek

image via

After we get back from the bike trip, we'll immediately begin putting things together for a 3 day backpacking adventure to the Enchantment Lakes.  For those of you who aren't familiar, this hike is so popular due to the striking beauty of the area that you have to enter into a lottery to get a permit to stay overnight there.  If you are lucky enough to be receive a permit, you have a 3 day window to enter and exit the area.  The hike is definitely going to be a challenge with 10 miles and 6,000 vertical feet being the goal for the 1st day, and 18 total for the trip.  Yikes!  I'm so looking forward to it though as we are sure to be rewarded with incredible scenery and a solitude that is rarely experienced in our lives.

spectical lake via

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I would imagine once we get back from the trip to the Enchantments that I'll be more than ready to welcome in Fall with open arms by wrapping up in a fleece blanket with a good book and a cup of hot coffee!  Oh, and some new soup recipes to try out of course :)


xo,

diana

The {Weekend} Reading List

Hello!  I just want to make sure you take a moment or two to check out this new online eco-magazine, Pure Green Living Magazine, written by the lovely creator of one of my faves, the Pure Green Blog.  I am so excited to dig into the premier issue and discover all kinds of eco-friendly facts, fashion, and fun.  Yay!

What else is on my reading radar?  Last Christmas my husband went to Anthropologie (yes ladies, he went all by himself) and got me THE book I had been oogling since the day it hit the shelves.  It's simple titled "Recycled Home" and is written by Mark and Sally Bailey, photography by Debi Treloar.  The book is absolutely beautiful and full of gorgeous, innovative ways to re-use "abandoned and unloved objects and give them an exciting new life..."  I highly recommend picking this up to keep on hand as an inspirational resource for your home or a conversation piece for the coffe table.  I know I'll be using it soon for ideas for an upcoming project.  I'll be sure to show you sneak peaks along the way ;)

Gorgeous and simple...or simply goregous! 

Happy (sunny) weekend reading.  I'm off to Bellingham for the annual Ballapalooza soccer tourney and lots of sunshine, friends and fun.  Wish us luck!

xo,

diana

I Love...

That summer has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest....

My neighborhood...

Argile tile (hey, that rhymes!)

Aaaaand, the anticipation of the World Cup final this Sunday!  Go Spain!

Happy Wednesday!

diana

Happy Party Planning, Table Setting, Beach BBQ-ing Weekend! (almost)

The 4th of July is just a few days away and just about everyone I've talked to has plans to get out of town for the weekend.  I'm definitely looking forward to some island time with the family this weekend but of course my mind keeps floating back to all of the different parties I've heard about and what sort of table I would set if I were in charge.  Even though we're talking about similar themes for each party, the possibilities are endless!  As if the party gods heard my prayers, Joe Nye's (one of my favorite entertaining gurus) new book Flair is out and all about table settings and party planning!  I simply cannot wait to get my hands on it.

I'm drooling already.

I couldn't resist the classic red, white and blue of this inspiration board on http://www.marthastewart.com/. 

How would you like to celebrate lakeside this 4th of July?  Yes please!

Or maybe a private party for two...?

or a garden party with the girls before heading off to your local fireworks show.

Of course, if I added a few flowers and a bit of candle light to this table we'd have my personal favorite!

Here's to enjoying your freedoms this weekend where ever or however you do!

diana

*photos courtesy of martha stewart, real simple, and house beautiful

Back in the Saddle

Its been over a month since I started my new job and made my last post and I finally feel like I've settled into a place where I can devote myself to growing with TangleTown Interiors as well as in my new role as Visual Coordinator for a major retailer.  I've been missing this and after an encouraging conversation with my most trusted advisor (hi honey) I know I'm ready to take on the world again!  I would be remiss if I didn't also attribute my renewed motivation to continuing this blog and working on growing my business to a great talk with Helen of Helena de Natalio Handbags.  Whether she knows it or not, she was very inspirational to me this weekend and the timing of our meeting couldn't have been more perfect to give me the last little push that I needed to get my butt back in gear. 

As a thank you to previously mentioned trusted advisor, I'm making him what I hope proves to be a fabulous, farm fresh Sunday night dinner.  We picked up some lamb shanks and red potatoes from Olsen Farms at our local farmers market and I finally opened my new cast iron casserole pot and found it included a recipe for lamb shanks and potatoes!  Here is the recipe:

15 oz crushed tomatoes in puree
3 TBL tomato paste
2 TBL apricot jam
6 garlic cloves thinly sliced
3 strips orange zest
3/4 tsp crushed dried rosemary
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups water

coarse salt and ground pepper

3 1/2 lbs lamb shanks, trimmed of excess fat & cut into 1 1/2" slices

1 1/4 lb small new potatoes, scrubbed and halved (or quartered if too large)

preheat oven to 350.  In 5.5 quart casserole pot stire together tomatoes and puree, tomato paste, jam, garlic, orange zest, rosmarey, ginger, cinnamon & 2 cups of water.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add lamb and potatoes, strirring to combine.

cook until lamb and potatoes are tender, about 2-2 1/2 hours.  Season again with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve!

The end result was incredible! 

See you soon,

diana

Sunny, sun, sunshine!

I'm headed off to sunny San Diego for the rest of the week, well La Jolla to be exact.  I'll be working but am looking forward to some play time as well.  I've already made a list of cute home furnishing shops to check out during my down time.  I promise to do my best to keep you posted on my finds!

And I'll keep my fingers crossed for a little bit of this as well ;)

besos,

diana

*images via here & here

Think Now Jewelry

A couple of weeks ago I attended the eco-chic expo in Seattle and one of my favorite finds was Think Now jewelry.  I spent a little bit of time chatting with the designer and getting to know a little bit more about the product and philosophy of the company.  I ended up purchasing a pair of earrings to give to my mom for mothers day and wanted to make sure to share with you some great facts about the company.

arrabic array earrings

Their jewelry is made from all natural material that comes from sources such as recycled mat board (like you would use to frame a picture), and wood laminate scraps from cabinet makers sourcing from managed growth forests.  They use only water based adhesives and products are sealed with beeswax and linseed oil.  All products are also compostable, or you can return your well-loved jewelry to the company and receive credit for you next purchase.

It really is hard to choose a favorite few pieces but I'll do my best to represent each line that they carry.  I highly recommend that you spend some time browsing their website as they have so many unique, organic and beautiful options to choose from.

bubbles earrings, coral earrings

maple leaf necklace

orbit earrings, pages earrings

Have fun picking out your favorite piece!

besos,

diana

Shoppe-ing With Purpose

I'd like to share with you an inspirational, heart-warming and adorable little shop on Etsy that a friend of mine has been pouring her heart and soul into in order to raise money to adopt a child from China.  She makes beautiful hand-crafted pieces and every time I visit her shop and see her lovely work I am filled with emotion and hope for her and her family.  So, here's to following your dreams and making the world a better place, one Wild Poppy Shoppe at a time!

Below are a few of my favorites:

*chocolate brown hair flower, vintage glam on olive jade necklace, yellow jade and turquoise beaded flower necklace, exotic floral cloth napkins

Wouldn't these make wonderful gifts for your girlfriends, your mom or your sister or maybe just a special treat to brighten up your day?!  

I hope you enjoy her shop as much as I do.

besos,

diana

A Shining Throne

Ah yes, toilet bowl cleaner.  Its as simple as all the rest!

Supply list:

2 Tablespoons baking soda
1 Tablespoon olive oil
natural scent (optional)

combine baking soda with olive oil and optional scent (lemon is always a fresh idea!)  Throw it in the toilet and scrub away!

Say So Long Mold and Mildew!

Although Seattle was bright and sunny this morning, we all know what a problem mold and mildew can be during those grey, wet months (seriously, months people)  If you're like me you probably don't enjoy the idea of spraying harsh chemicals around your house to get rid of the pesky stuff so here is a safe and non-hazardous alternative (and oh so simple!)

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Supply list:

distilled vinegar
spray bottle
*tea trea oil
* water

Pour distilled vinegar into the spray bottle and spray on affected area.  The vinegar smell will dissipate after a few hours and should leave the area free of mold/mildew. 

*For more persistent problems, combine 2 drops of tea trea oil to 1 cup of water in your spray bottle and spray on the area.  Tea trea oil is a natural antiseptic and fungicide and will kill most types of mold as well as help prevent new growth.

 So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, GOOD BYE mold!

diana

Streak Free Shine

Glass & Shiny Surface Spray Cleaner:

Supply list:
spray bottle
2 cups water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
label and pen
*optional favorite essential oil

Combine the above ingredients into the spray bottle, label and clean away!

imagine if you had to clean all these windows!!!

image via flickr

All-Purpose Scrub

All-Purpose Scrub from Body+Soul magazine

Supply list:
small bowl
1/2 cup baking soda
plant based soap such as olive (castille soap), palm or coconut
1/2 a lemon
damp rag or sponge
optional for storage:
glass jar w/ lid
vegetable glycerin

photo

Pour baking soda into a bowl. Add just enough liquid soap to make a creamy paste. Spread mixture on the flat side of lemon and scrub. The lemon acts as a sponge and leaves a natural citrus scent. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe away any residue. The paste will stay moist for a few hours.


*To save leftover scrub, add in a few drops of vegetable glycerin (a thick, clear syrup derived from plant oils, available from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/) and seal in a glass jar.


Happy Cleaning!

diana

Natural Air Freshener

This week I plan to feature natural home remedies, the first of which will be a simple recipe for an air freshener to be used in the home.  Throughout the week, I will include ways to make glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, ways to fight mold and mildew, etc.  Not only will your home be closer to chemical free but you can also re-use the bottles as you find it necessary to make more of these products so less waste!

Sweet Smells from Satsuma Designs (http://www.satsumadesigns.com/)

Supply list:
1 glass bottle
water
vodka
your favorite extract scent
bamboo reeds

Directions:

Fill a bottle 2/3 full with water.  Add 2 TBS vodka.  Add a few drops of citrus essential oil or your favorite extract.  Soak bamboo reeds for 15 minutes then turn them upside down so they can emmit the scent.  Turn the reeds over every few days or so to refresh.

Enjoy!

diana

*photos via http://www.wholeliving.com/

Home Accessories Swap

Hey there!  I know its been way too long since I've posted but I think I've finally settled into a routine with the new job and blogging and just life in general.  Thanks for your patience.  I promise to continue to bring you new and exciting eco-friendly thoughts, tips and anything else I happen to come across.

A couple of weekends ago I attended the Eco Chic Expo and met the lovely Piper Lauri Salogga of Natural Balance.  http://www.naturalbalance9.com/  Piper informed me of a fabulous upcoming event in Seattle on May 23rd that she is organizing.  Its called a home accessories swap and it is a fantastic way to recycle some of your accessories or furniture that you no longer have use for and get some great new finds to freshen up your home!  If you RSVP ahead of time you pay just $10 to participate and then everything swapped is FREE!!!  Yep, you can get a new look for your home for just $10.  As a bonus, any non-swapped items will be generously donated to the Childrens Hospital Thrift Shop.

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If you are interested in more information or want to RSVP for the event click here

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I was thinking that for those of you who are not in the local Seattle area that this would be a great event that you could organize in your own city.  Find a community center or local school gym, gather up some friends to help you with the details like creating flyers, select a charity to donate any un-swapped items and help your community do something fun and green!

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Have fun!!!

besos,

diana

Off The Grid

Well, I'm back and let me say "fabulous" does not do justice to the place we stayed for the wedding.  A quintessential Mexican town north of Los Barriles called El Cardonal.  It was quite literally off the grid 100% at times (we lost power and water over a few days but all turned out great!)  Dirt roads, washed out highways, cows wandering through the yard, and this:

So the wedding was fabulous, the bride was incredibly calm and happy and in the end everything went off without a hitch! 

I wish I could stay right here forever

But alas, its back to the grind and more importantly back to BLOGGING!

besos,

diana

viva mexico!

I apologize ahead of time for the lack of posts but I'll be living this fabulous dream for a few days:

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Besos!

diana

Green Weddings

Saturday is my friend's big day in Mexico and I'm all wrapped up in wedding fever again.  I love all of the details that go into the decor for the day but of course am always thinking of ways to keep it green.  Here are a few of my favorite ideas!

I love, love, love these cork candles shown over at Snippet & Ink.  You could easily make them yourself with a sheet of cork, some scissor, glue and pillar candles of varying heights.  Sounds like a fun project to do with your gal pals!  Add some colored ribbon to snazz them up or leave them plain like in the photo below and you'll have a gorgeous start to your wedding centerpieces.

A burlap runner adds to the rustic simplicity of this table.  You can finish the edge of your runner with thread in the color of your choice if you're good with a sewing machine or have someone do it for you if not.  I think its one of those tiny details that can help pull everything together on your big day!

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I have to say that one of the greatest ideas I've been a part of was for the wedding that we're heading to this week.  The ceremony takes place in Mexico but the reception will be here in Seattle after the couple returns from their (1st) honeymoon :-)  At one of the showers thrown for the bride, everyone invited was asked to forgo traditional shower gifts and head to their local thrift store to go vase shopping.  A list of desired colors was included and she received enough vases to complete the tabletop decor and centerpiece arrangements for the party!  Below is a sampling of what was accomplished: 

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Isn't she going to make the most gorgeous bride?!?!?!

besos,

diana