An oceanic family history

Apparently, my great great grandfather, Samuel Chapin, was a seaman. This is his photo, and his seaman ID card. I'm pretty obsessed with him right now.

My new partridges

I can't really describe why I'm so obsessed with these little partridges. I just am. They are the heaviest, fatest little birds I've ever sat on a shelf, and I love them.



I got them at Shop Good Grace on Etsy, the same place that I bought my yellow vintage tufted pillows, which I also loooove.



Theresa (owner) and I have been emailing back and forth for the past year, and what a sweetheart she is--she refunded my purchase of the partridges and told me to make a donation to the LAM Treatment Alliance, which is fighting to find a treatment and cure for the disease that my mom has. That warmed my heart! Maybe that's party why I love these birds so much. But they're also just so adorable, it's hard to get over it.

Arizona

We recently got back from a little getaway to Scottsdale, where we visited Brian's lovely parents. The weather was pretty chilly (with the exception of Saturday) but somehow it still feels like vacation, as long as there's a pool and palm trees.









The Lodis family recently added Shae the shepadoodle (German Shepherd / Standard Poodle mix) to the family. At 9 weeks, she's as cute as ever -- and has far surpassed Bean's manners, already.




She likes to sleep right next to (in) her water dish.



One day we went to Sodona, which was absolutely gorgeous. When we got there, I had an appointment with Claudia the pyschic! My first visit to a psychic! Oddly enough, she called out many rather specific things about my life and personality. She knew my mom was ill, she knew Brian had lower back pain, she knew I was self-employed. I don't really understand it...but it was fun!





Our next trip on the books is Austin for the Chrissy and Danny nuptials. So excited!

Parties, baby showers and puppies

Things have been busy, as usual. I've been working too much. Not eating exceptionally well. Our house is messy and dirty. Our yard is starting to grow. And the cycle continues...

One highlight over the last couple of weeks was a great party at the new Engine Room at Georgetown Studios, newly acquired by our favorite neighbor (and talented photographer), Kathryn Barnard. Listen up Seattle -- this is the place to host your next party. It's amazing. Huge. Fun. And relatively inexpensive.



Also, Lindsay turned 30!



She and her husband joined us in Georgetown on the 14th, and the night somehow ended at Gainsbourg bar (great snacks, cocktails and music) in Greenwood with us chanting "Lynden for Life". Horrifying.

Another happy moment was the new addition of Shae to our extended family. Brian's parents picked up the 6-week (young!) shepadoodle mix a little over a week ago.



We also had a fun PUPPY PLAY DATE with Lacy's new baby, Roscoe. He is the sweeeeeeeetest thing ever. A little cattle dog lab mix. Oh he's darling.





I also went to a 30th birthday party of a very pregnant Nicole, where all of the guests were also pregnant -- followed by two baby showers. The last shower was this past Friday night, hosted by my beautiful mom, who created a lovely spread (including homemade coconut cupcakes) as per usual.





This was in honor of the soon-to-arrive baby Russell, who belongs to Gina, friend and accomplished caterer. (They're opening a restaurant a month after the baby arrives. Crazy? Ummm, yes.)

I also made this convertible necklace/bracelet, which is currently selling at Revival. Get it!



Next up is a long weekend in Scottsdale. Can't wait to meet Shae in person!

This week's cutest pic

Such a lazy hound dog!

Gentle Cori

Happy birthday week to Cori, who had the gentle-est party that I've ever been to!



Everyone wore pastels, and I broke out my cashmere heart sweater. We had lavender infused water, and listened to sweet songs. Here's my sister and my friend Joey, looking positively like they represent a creepy eastside Church/cult!

This week's cutest pic

Like a little angel that she is... here is Bean post-surgery.



Metaphysical!