Camping at Douglas Fir Campground

Growing up, camping was a huge part of summertime. We went quite often and I have so many great memories from it. There is just something about eating food cooked by a flame, sleeping on the ground, feeling like you can see every star in the sky at night, and doing a whole lot of nothing. As a kid I remember being bored a lot; it's amazing how doing nothing becomes so awesome when you're an adult! Haha.

Tommy and I decided to camp for a few nights at the Douglas Fir campsite, about one hour east of our house. It was a great little getaway, although it was hard to be without phone and internet for two nights! We spent a lot of time reading by the river, drinking beer, making awesome campfire food (hotdogs, steak, bacon and eggs, and smores!) and chatting by the fire.

Portland Japanese Gardens

One of the highlights of our mini vacation to Portland was visiting the Japanese Gardens. Situated just a few minutes outside downtown, the gardens feature five and a half acres of lovely plants, waterfalls and pathways. It was a really peaceful place to visit and was the perfect way to end a day of exploring downtown.

PNW love: Ferries

It's no secret that I love Washington, and the Pacific Northwest in general. So I thought I would start making posts explaining this love I have. And so, "PNW love" is born.

When I was little, my grandma lived on Whidbey Island, which required a ferry ride to get to.  Going to grandma's house was always fun (and we would get tater tots on the ferry!), so this is probably where my love of ferries stems from. I haven't had to ride a ferry in a while until recently, but I'm so glad I did! I kinda forgot how much I liked them.

What's so special about riding a ferry? Well, for me it brings back memories, but it's also very calming. I love going up to the top and just standing next to the rail to smell the ocean, feel the wind, and watch the ferry cut through the water. So beautiful.

some beer by the bay

   Spring break is quickly coming to an end. *sigh* My favorite day this week was definitely Wednesday, when Tommy and I took a trip to Mukilteo and Everett to visit some breweries. We stopped at Diamond Knot Brewery in Mukilteo first, where we drank lots of beer and ate some sandwiches. I had never been before and I can't wait to go again!

   The atmosphere was really relaxed and friendly. So relaxed that the proper way of disposing of your peanut shells is to throw them on the floor. Score! Their sandwiches are served on a hot stone, and you get to cook the meat and build your own sandwich. I love that kind of stuff.

   The brewery is located right next to the ferry terminal, so we took some time to sit by the ocean and sober up. It was cloudy and rather cold, but not raining, so we couldn't complain! When I was young I spent a lot of time at the Mukilteo ferry terminal in order to get to my grandma's house on Whidbey Island, so there are a lot of fond memories there.

    After Diamond Knot and a bit of beach play, we started the drive home and stopped at Scuttlebutt Brewery in Everett on the way. The atmosphere is more family orientated at Scuttlebutt and not quite as unique as Diamond Knot, but their beer is super delicious. If you see the Triple Seven from Scuttlebutt at your grocery store, definitely give it a try. It has a bit of a banana flavor, not to mention a high alcohol content...so you get your money's worth :)

   Crazy to think this break is the last! Crazy, crazy awesome. Com'on last quarter of my college career, let's do this. 

Blue Lagoon

Sometimes I don't understand Pinterest. Sometimes you pin something, and BAM. Tons of repins. But sometimes, your pin hangs around for a while and then BOOM. It becomes wildly popular. Maybe it's because you are so ahead of the times? I'm really not sure. All I know is either way, I have a mini Sally Fields moment. "You like me...you really like me!"

This picture of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is my most repinned pin to date. It was just so strange...it got no love for a few months and then it exploded. It has 95 repins right now! It's just weird to me...I wonder how somebody stumbled across it after so long!

What is your most popular pin? Did it get lots of love right away, or did it linger for a while?

Source: nomadicmatt.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Fall Blossoms

Cherry blossoms have always been a favorite of mine. There is a long, straight road in my hometown lined with them. When they bloom in the spring, the sidewalk is covered in dainty petals. Seeing all the pink fluffy trees in a row, I can't help but be reminded of trees from a Dr.Seuss book. Or cotton candy.

Up here in Bellingham, I don't have any cherry blossom trees around my house. But, there is a large tree in my neighbors yard that has covered my lawn with leaves. Pink on one side, and fiery red on the other...who needs spring when we have fall?

Bellingham sky

   Last Sunday I drove down to Marysville to visit my mom. At about an hour south, it's the perfect amount of distance. Far enough away that I have privacy, but close enough to still visit regularly. On my way back to Bellingham, the sunset was so beautiful I had to try and snap a few shots. Not to worry, I didn't pay attention to where my camera was pointing, so all eyes (and one hand) were still on the road. Luckily I got a few decent shots.

Lake Padden

Yesterday, Tommy and I went for a stroll around Lake Padden.

WARNING: If you are afraid/super freaked out by spiders...you may not want to read on.