Autumn

It's Autumn. I have a feeling it's not going to be like the ones back home, considering the lack of trees in this state. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to celebrate...hmm, what to do on the first day of fall?????

PS- This is really what fall should look like (I love Ohio):

lots-o-less

I've been simplifying my possessions lately, and am making room for space. This means I've got three full bags of clothes. I want to sell everything, but that takes time...which I have little of anymore. If you know anyone interested in size medium attire, send them my way. I'll sell the whole shebang for $70, or like $3.00 on each item.

I've also switched back to all natural, homemade products, cuz I'm a bit of a hippie nerd like that. I hate wasting $$$, so I've waited until I've run out of whatever I bought (like shampoo), and then learned how to make my own. Silly, I know, but I have sensitive skin, and a slight phobia of chemicals. Baking soda and vinegar are my top two household ingredients. Growing up, my grandma always put vinegar in our baths, so I actually like the smell. Brings back fond memories.

What's great about using these products, is they are all found in the grocery store. For those with a tight budget like mine, spending $3.00 on a months supply of laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and general cleaning supplies all together is a pretty fantastic deal...Just sayin'. And if you're wondering if it actually works, I've been doing this for about a month and am still happy.

With getting rid of unneeded things, learning to make do with basic items, and living on a budget I can attest to a simple lifestyle being quite a  happy one...if not happier than one filled with the latest gadgets and products. Take my laptop I'm typing on right now. I got it my freshman year of college (5yrs ago...yikes). It's still kickin' and does everything I need it to do. That's all I need, and all I want. :) 

If you're interested in a simpler lifestyle, I've got lost of resources. Just let me know.

Side Note: At the moment I'm reading Around the World in 80 Days and yes, I'm getting ideas...or a travel itch...

Anyways, it being Friday, I'm off to the Farmers Market! 

Have a great weekend!!!

Idaho Loves to Get Down

Oh my. Good things going down. I've been excited for Spud Day to come..and it's coming...on a day with even more festivaliness than expected! Harvest Fest happens to be the same day (of which I'm helping with a booth). Oh Idaho. You and your festivities. You'd think the state would be a bit more bitter about the cold coming...I know I am.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Don't you hate it when you fall asleep in the late evening hours...making it impossible to fall back asleep at a descent time? I'd say I do. Take last night for example. I was up until the wee hours of the morn thinking about what I'd do if somehow $2mil just came into my possession; in consequence to my 7-9pm nap...But what would I do if I had $2,000,000 just sitting around?

• I'd pay off everything for my parents
• Buy 70 acres and start my dream business (an art studio/gallery/homegrown cafe/store/pet adoption/camp/horseback riding/etc/etc ranch...name and focus still in the works)
• I'd start my dream non-profit
• Continue my education
• Invest the rest in a future kids college fund/retirement fund/fun fund...:)

That's my dream, but if I could buy anything I ever wanted it would be the property behind my childhood home, back in Ohio. All of it. It's not a fancy fantasy, or anything too special, but it's what my heart desires.

Speaking of rainbows, have you seen this?
Because you need to:

What would you buy if you could have anything you wanted?...besides world peace..or a double rainbow all the way...

Ocean Side

Whit and I headed south to catch up with a great friend, Kayci. After a great night's sleep we were running to the beach.

There weren't many shells, but there were tons of pebbles. A secret habit of mine is to take color swatches from the store that fit my mood; and just like the swatches, I spent a long time picking out the ones that made me happy...when I stumbled upon this sight: 

There's so much love surrounding the ocean

We got swept up in the time, and ended up getting a cute little motel room, about a 1/4mile from the most glorious beach we would see. Once night came, we found ways to entertain ourselves:

On our adventure we saw breathtaking views, 

 and sidetracking flower fields.

...And Whit was definitely the flower diving mastermind... 

Then we were off to see lighthouses!

 Then we headed back to Ashland, OR for the rest of our trip...Oregon is...

entertaining...

Driving all around OR made me miss OH, because I was expecting it to be green...It's not, and I still need a green fix for the summer (like I would get in OH). OR is nice, but the coast is really the nicest part. That is were I'd return, if I go back.

Oregon, Let's start in Portland

 What was my favorite part about Portland?

Roses.

There were roses of every color...

The purple ones smelled the best.

I even found a rose the color of my toenail polish! 

...and the rose garden was the start of Whitney's new hobby...

...flower diving... 

When it comes to food in Portland, I would start with a healthy dose of being offended from the crude name of the doughnuts from VooDoo Doughnuts:

 

For lunch, I'd grab a delicious, natural milkshake at Cool Moon:

 

And for dinner, go to Montage. Why? Because when you're done they make you something...

The food is great, too...Although I wouldn't recommend the Alligator Gumbo...It was a couple days before I could even stomach the word GUMBO. 

And if you noticed the big screen in the back, that would be in my corner view hotel room in the downtown Hilton...I got the hook-up.

Walking around the streets of Portland is enjoyable, with all the sculptures and art, but my favorite thing (besides the roses) was Powell's Bookstore. It's definitely a place to get lost..whether you want to or not...It's HUGE. 

 

Now, to the beach!

Maybe Next Year

 

Found at  http://www.roodharigen.nl/en/art

Sad news. I just found out about Redhead Day (celebrated in the city of Breda, in the Netherlands), which happened...THIS PAST WEEKEND. Doubt I could have made it anyways, but I would've at least have liked to have been there in spirit. I'll definitely be saving up to attend this two day festival in the far away future. For now, the Idaho State Fair will have to do...At least I got a funnel cake this weekend :)

What did you do today?

Life here in Idaho is going great. I'm loving my job, and am hoping to make a difference. Today I was putting together a little something to give to interested volunteers and sponsors, when I ran across these videos (warmed my little heart:):

There are so many opportunities to do great things in our very own communities. Hope you are taking advantage of yours.

Soon I'll share some of my Oregon adventure, so be sure to check back for that.

Peace.