Wood Prints: Cathy McMurray

Source: My Modern Met

Etsy shop: Cathy McMurray

These vibrant wood prints by Cathy McMurray encapsulate the beauty of the Pacific Northwest so well. The first picture looks like a mashup of Portland wilderness and designs you might find in an Anthropologie, which are two things I love! Well, I haven't been to Portland yet, but these beautiful wood prints are definitely making me look forward to my trip next month!

Tiny Desk Concert: Monsieur Periné

Fun Jazzy 20s Salsa!
Source: NPR Music

Snackie Snacks: International

My friend, Patricia, traveled overseas recently, and she came back with some sweet treats for us! The red box is a substantial box of chocolate sprinkles (meant to be used on buttered toast for breakfast. Yes, breakfast!) from Holland. I think it will last us at least a year. The peachy bag of wafers is from Austria. The vanilla filling is thicker and richer than the wafers you find here. Great with some tea!

Let's Go Hiking!: Ahnu

Elsie modeling the boots for me!

The Ahnu Sugarpine Boot

Steve and I are planning a trip to Portland this spring, and since we haven't gone on vacation in a long time, we decided to get ourselves fully geared up to look like obvious out-of-town tourists with shiny new gear. First thing's first, footwear. Steve said, "let's be practical and just get hiking shoes that look like regular sneakers." I said, "um, okay" but as I perused shoe upon shoe, I came across the Ahnu Sugarpine Boot in Deep Teal. I have to admit that I bought mine from Amazon for 30% less than retail. I compared pictures and reviews on several outdoor gear sites, and here's what I learned:

ADORABLE: The boots are far cuter and stylish in person compared to any of the images I've seen online. I think the photos above capture the actual colors, which are vibrant but not blinding.

WATERPROOF: The Ahnu boots have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, but it is only applied up to the ankle. So the boots are only water proof from the ankle down. I will post an update once I have tried them in the rain myself.

LIGHTWEIGHT: Each boot is 11.6 ounces. It really does feel like you're wearing regular sneakers

COMFORTABLE: The inside of the boot is very soft and pillow-like. I ordered a 7.5, and it seems to fit true to size. I don't have narrow or wide feet, and I don't have arch support issues. The only mild discomfort I've experienced is around the front near my shins. I've experienced this with boots in the past where I end up with sore shins. After wearing the Ahnu boots a handful of times while out running errands, my shins are fine!

QUALITY: The boots feel and look like they're made of high quality materials. I've read some reviews that said they fall apart after a month of hiking 10+ miles per day. I can't vouch for that as I would be dead if I hiked that much within a month.

UPDATE: Hiking in these boots was fantastic. I walked through mud and water without any trouble. The weather was temperate in the low 60s and overcast so I'm not sure if these boots would start feeling hot in warmer climates. I've worn the boots with thick hiking socks and regular (GAP) socks, and my feet do end up feeling the slightest bit on the warm side. Minor complaint though! I highly recommend these boots for the lightweight, sartorial hiker.

Photos of the Day: Tigger Hugs!

Yay! Swatches: JOYBIRD

Joybird

After many years of trying to maintain a clean, white sectional and failing miserably, the mister and I decided to forfeit and get a new couch. Anyone who has kept a white sofa clean seriously deserves a trophy made of solid gold or chocolate or chocolate gold.

Steve stumbled onto Joybird when we were considering a different brand. The furniture looks stream lined and well designed. The reviews stated over and over that the sofas are well made so out of curiosity, I requested free swatches in the Blues & Purples range. Seeing the fabrics in person really sold it for us. I want to see couches made with all of them, especially the tweed! Tweeeed!

We placed an order for the Eliot sofa, and I have high hopes that it'll turn out as lovely as I imagine. I'm typically pretty doubtful with online purchases, but Joybird offers free shipping and free returns. We'll see if the couch lives up to the photos on the site!