Call and Response

This album has been my favorite lately for bopping around and getting work done. It's really soothing but amazingly uplifting at the same time. Have a listen on iTunes and if you like what you hear get the album.... totally worth it.

We had a GORGEous time!!!!

Dave Matthews lives only about a mile or two from us in Seattle so he treats the local fans to a yearly concert on Labor Day weekend at the Gorge Ampitheatre on the Columbia River. We go pretty much every year and this was no exception. It was an awesome show and as always- the Gorge was beautiful! If you ever feel like an epic road trip kind/concert experience- go to the Gorge!

This year I wanted all the food to be really easy and yummy so I made a whole bunch of different salads that can be made ahead and seem to get better everyday. The overall winner that everyone seemed to love was this recipe for Barefoot Contessa's Roasted Shrimp and Orzo:

It was easy to make and kept really well. Summer is almost over but next year I will be making this pasta salad again!

Doggie Couch

We ordered a little early b-day present for Phinney today- his very own couch! Mr. Fox and I started off with the best of intentions trying to make sure our dog was well trained to stay off the furniture but that didn't work out so well as you can see here:

Hopefully he'll love his new couch (and accent pillows) so much that I won't have to wash our slipcover every two days. No one and I mean no one, likes a crazy smelly dog lady- no matter how much you like dogs.

After the Rain...

Comes my Rainbow Coat from Boden. It arrived and I love it and can't wait for the weather to turn cold and grey so that I can wear it!!!

I Heart Nancy Pearl

I love love love to read and these days I have been taking a lot of recommendations from the superhero librarian herself- Nancy Pearl. For those of you who don't know about her, she is a librarian from Seattle who wrote the Book Lust series and has been called "one lusty librarian" by the LA Times. She has done amazing things for reading in Seattle and all over the country and she even has her own action figure!!!

The way that Ms. Pearl describes even the most odd books makes me want to run out, buy them, and DEVOUR them the way that she seems to. I always find it amazing that she is able to read SO MANY books in so little time and give such thorough and personal reviews.

Anywhoo- if you are looking for a great gift for a reader check out the Book Lust books and in the meantime let me know what book crushes you currently have!

Eat Drink and Be Married!

Very exciting news in my family this week. My little brother, who happens to be my most favorite person in the whole world is ENGAGED!!!! I am so proud of him since I know how nervous he must have been. He could not have chosen better! His fiancee is so sweet and I am really excited to have her in the family.

Since I am sure they will have at least some sort of engagement party I am in need of some unique ideas for a gift. I was thinking about putting together a gift basket that is themed for "all the exciting things you'll do together." I also thought about gift certificates for massages since the time right before the wedding can be so stressful. Send along your brilliant ideas!!

UPDATE: Just moments after I publishes this post I thought of a really fun idea! Send them a lobster gram!!! LOBSTERS MATE FOR LIFE!!! What do ya think? I found these darling stamps I might send them too!

Help- She needs a name!!

I was so excited this week when I got to order my new car. I chose a 2010 Subaru Forester in Newport Blue Pearl with Platinum interior. It's not going to be here for a while since it's not even built yet, but in the mean time I need some help naming her..... or do you think it's a him? Give me your suggestions!