In which we discuss my obsession with chandeliers...

Yeah. You guys know I like them a lot. A LOT A LOT. I don't think there's any room that isn't improved by a chandelier. I like them in all shapes, colors and sizes and I think I should start my collection about oh TODAY. Right?

First of all, let's start with the porch chandelier. Fabulous idea, right?

Bathroom chandelier...DUH.

GORGEOUS. Vintage. $$$$ no doubt.

The luxe sitting room chandelier. Necessity.

KITCHEN chandelier!

Modern reading nook chandelier.

The DIY chandelier. Cute in a kids room, no?

I'm starting my hunt now, YOU GUYS.

Random Delights

I totally want this canning starter kit. I've always wanted to be a canning pro, but it's intimidating! I think because there's science involved or something. I have to practice so I can be like those Portland ladies...

How good does this Corn and Peach Salad look that Arugula Files made? Gawd I love corn.

And wow - for the person that has everything...how about some altered antique plates by Beat Up Creations? {via JennSki}

Too late but maybe next year: cute idea for sifted flour lawn/sidewalk stars on the 4th {via P&GMama}

Car Cosy, anyone? This was created by Magda Sayeg for the Il Lusso Essenziale art festival in Rome. {via MM photo by Flickr StartTheDay}

Need a Pick-Me-Up

It's already been a pretty rough week. Guys, I think I'm done fighting the happiness fight. Maybe, at this particular time, it's good enough to just be grateful and content. We can only work with what we've got at this moment, right?

I dropped the cohab off at his bar exam this morning. Let's just say neither of us slept very well. It's kindof an important test. I quizzed him last night and I am confident he knows this material inside and out, and he's going to rock it. He wore his "I'm here to pass" t-shirt that the prep course gave them. And ain't it the truth! Some poor schmuck is not going to pass because my bf is in that room. Holler! Anyway, it will be a huge giant relief when this test is all over with.

Also: in news regarding things I haven't gone into much on this blog yet, something I've been waiting for for over a year (or a decade, depending on how far back we're counting) could be delayed thanks to some lazy secretary. There's still a possibility that things will go as planned, so I'm trying not to "go there" with my negative thoughts (they are a force). If you've got a sec, and could send some good MansionMogul karma our way, it would be much appreciated...

In the mean time, here are some pics I've bookmarked that make me happy:

SuperCute

I heart palm trees

mmm...

fantasy party dress

fantasy bedroom

snowcone. want.

I love disco

Q: what's cuter than an airstream? A: an airstream with twinkle lights

My Sister Bakes

Courtney made this really cute red velvet cake for her friend's bday. Isn't it adorable?

PortLANDIA!

Josiane and I took a little trip down to Portland this weekend to reunite her with some fabulous peeps she hadn't seen in 15 years. I had a superb time chatting with her buddies and exploring their Utopian society!

As soon as we arrived we had to have lunch at the Tin Shed, to "take in a bit of the city". Highly recommended by local aficionado, Molly, the Tin Shed was a perfect place for us to have some bloody marys, some grits and really tasty scrambles. Among the dogs and the gentle Portland locals we dined and soaked up the sun.

My "sweet chix" scramble. Grits = to die for. 

Bloodys.

Before when we were waiting for our table, we took a jaunt around the block and discovered this gem:

Fairy House. 

Of course we had to leave a surprise for the fairies. Josiane happily sacrificed her little yellow "ny taxi" bear key chain. I hope the fairies dig it.

We also saw this very elaborate mural. Very elaborate, amiright?

And her friends had one of these, a "chimenea". I don't know why but I am dying to have one now.

I had a blast listening to Josiane stories and getting to know her pals from back in the day. Portland is full of good people with pesticide-free zones who make their own yogurt and jam and ride their bikes everywhere. "Seattle lite" as they call it.

Bragasaurus 2.0

Roughing out the Europe itinerary:

First stop, Oktoberfest.

I can hear the oom-pah music now....

best to do the rides before the drinking...

wanderin' around Munich, BMW factory, beer gardens...

Next stop, Fussen to chill and check out the most fabulous manse of all time, Neuschwanstein

...a little rest in Venice...

perhaps the Opera at La Fenice...

Burano Lace!

then on to the Provence...

...sigh...I'm going to eat a lot of butter, and drink a lot of wine...

...all in preparation for Barcelona, with a healthy dose of Gaudi...

...and more Gaudi

and more Gaudi...

and lots of Paella

...washed down with Sangria, naturally.

Can y'all tell I'm excited?

I'm sorry but...

...when is this nonesense going to go out of style!?!? I know everybody's gaga for platform heels right now but I just don't like them. They look like hooker heels. Also I'm 5'6" and really don't need any more height. And aren't they like walking on stilts? I swear in five years we're going to look back and laugh at this...

So We're Going to Europe.

I mean: WE'RE GOING TO EUROPE!!! Yep, tickets have been bought. I'm so excited. The loose itinerary goes like this: Munich/Oktoberfest - Venice - French Riviera - Barcelona. Boo-ya, People.

So yesterday I went to break my cohab free of the bar exam study chains so we could do some fun planning. Where to begin? How about Snooze Junction in Ballard for pizza...

I always get mad at myself when I forget to take a picture of what I ordered for the blog - but it happens, especially when something is super delicious. I really like SJunction's pizza!

They're super "Seattle" here, with all their ink, and their band posters, and their Pixies music, and their bikes everywhere.

And damn if I don't love me some Mac n' Jacks. I don't know why it just really really...gets me (even more than my Tivo, sometimes). It tastes even better when you're sitting at a table made from old Leilani Bowling Lanes. RIP, Leilani.

Walking down Ballard Ave we saw this cute doggie sleeping inside his cute architecture firm.

Since we are grown-ups and we do what we want, we decided it was time for Gelato. Specifically: coffee, and chocolate & cream from the new (is it new or have I just been gone a long time?) Gelato place, D'Ambrosio.

Gelato for the Lady? I'm willing to go ahead and say that this stuff was better than most. Also I think I like Gelato way more than ice cream. And it's "half the calories of ice cream." SOLD!

Messing around until we both made it in the shot.

Ok what next? We couldn't possibly continue talking about Europe without more sugar! On to Trophy Cupcakes in Wallingford...

I am willing to fiercely defend Trophy as being some of the best cupcakes in town.

Double trouble.

iPhone, travel books, cupcakes, boyfriend...check.

Luvin' it!

Trophy is so dang cute and everything is meticulously thought out, Martha-style.

Ok, now what, You Guys? Any must-sees you have suggestions for in Munich/Venice/France/Barcelona?