"City Of Roses"

I'm so thankful it's... Summer!!!

Fallyn and I have dedicated Wednesdays as, Mini Adventure Days, while Anthony is at work. This weeks mini adventure has been marked on our calendar for awhile... The Rose Garden at Point Defiance Park. The reason why? The flowers are in full bloom. 

This rose garden dates back to 1895 and draws 1,000's of visitors each year. Reaching more than an acre you will see a variety of the most beautiful roses.  From lavender to cream, rows to arbors. The roses are gorgeous to stand by or under. The space is free to enter -great for photos! Spaces are also available to rent for big events such as weddings...Anthony!!! HAHA

As we were walking back to the car Fallyn noticed a limo, then a couple of guys carrying professional camera equipment. She was insisting someone famous was at the gardens, when a beautiful bride became visible.

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

Where Mountain Meets Sea

The past few days have been a whirlwind. It all happened in a blink of an eye. There has been months of practicing and prepping leading up to this very weekend, Fallyn's first ballet recital.  For ten years of my life I was dedicated to ballet, I lived, breathed and dreamt about dance.  So I know the dedication Fallyn has had the past year.  She got to bask in all her glory this past Saturday and celebrate her great accomplishments she has made in ballet. Proud Mom Moment!   

Starting out in the morning we woke up early and went to Target and bought appropriate 90° weather attire...as well as a pool. HAHA Not planned but you all know what happens when you go to Target.  It got to be 10:00, we had a couple more hours till the recital, when Fallyn suggested we get Brunch - I love that this word is often used in her everyday! 

So for Around Tacoma Tuesday, let me introduce to you Montamara Kitchen located in the historic Old Town Tacoma- right down the hill from my house! I first went here a few months ago with my sisters and quickly fell in love. The dining area has about ten tables with a  bar area. The walls are decorated with hand drawn chalkboards stating their specials, cocktails, etc. My favorite part is the reclaim wood wall, which Fallyn and I sat in front of! -Great for a photo backdrop.  

Montamara -loosely translated means "Where Mountain Meets Sea" 

The food is delicious. Made fresh with local ingredients, as well as creativity. This is the place to try something new, I promise it won't disappoint.

I taught her to look at all the details...

Fallyn is a Cinnamon Roll Connoisseur, so of course she ordered:

-The House made Cinnamon roll with a side of bacon

I on the other hand,  ordered one of the specials:

The Garden of Eggden 

- two poached eggs on toasted focaccia, goat cheese, black pepper vinaigrette and olive oil. Served with fruit and potatoes

As soon as our plates hit the table, I dove right in!!! Half way through Fallyn reminded me to take a picture HAHA!

If your local in Tacoma or visiting you have to stop by and try Montamara Kitchen whether your grabbing mimosas with the girls, your morning cup of coffee, or taking your daughter out for a special brunch before her recital.

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

Cocktails and Trends

I'm a pretty lucky girl, Anthony is a Buyer for Selden's Home Furnishings LINK located in Fife. If you haven't been in you have to check out this local family owned furniture store that has been rooted in the PNW since 1940. It is full of beautiful pieces that I beg Anthony to bring home every other day.  He tells me -You can't always get what you want.  since meeting Anthony I have heard this sentence multiple times.

I was fortunate enough to get invited to their Cocktails and Conversation Event.  Which entailed hearing the latest design trends from The Editor and Chief of Domino Magazine Jessica Romm Perez. Domino LINK is a living with style home magazine.  Jessica Romm Perez was joined with a panel of four amazing designers.

Jill Julum- Interior Designer at Seldens

Rodger Turnbow- VP Merchandising for Bernhardt 

Cassandra LaValle- Designer at Emerald Studios as well as Seattle Blogger of Coco+Kelley LINK

Jennie Gruss- Designer of Jennie Gruss Interiors

Opening topic...Workspace, and how it should reflect/inspire you. Which I loved. My workspace  consists of a pub style table slowly being taken over by indoor plants, facing a window...this area is also known as my kitchen table. Nature inspires me, so of course I have gravitated to this area of my home.

Next up, trends in color, and it is Millennial Pink, a rosy, muted retro pink. You have seen it  in fashion, hair and design.

 Jessica Romm Perez asked the question -What color are you sick of seeing- to the panel. Anthony leaned forward and whispered in my ear as the panel and him stated GREY! Proud girlfriend moment, look at him knowing stuff!

The Shelfie was then discussed.  I laughed when I heard this term Shelfie...but then realized quickly I have liked numerous of photos with this hashtag on Instagram. Here are a few of my favorite Shelfies from Pinterest.

In closing the audience asked great questions. One that stuck with me was -How to create the perfect outdoor area for our PNW weather. With suggestions of covered areas, outdoor fireplaces and investing in your outdoor furniture, they also discussed that newer homes being built in our beautiful PNW area have plans thought out for weather withstanding outdoor patios.

I'm just trying to get Anthony to bring home a patio set.  HAHA I'm sure he is reading this thinking -You can't always get what you want.

Jessica Romm Perez, Me, Jennie Gruss, Cassandra LaValle

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

Subculture

Around Tacoma Tuesday!

Subculture Salon

The reason I started around Tacoma Tuesday was to show all of my favorite local Tacoma places that I love to frequent, which there is a ton! One question I'm always asked -Where do you get your hair done? Easy! Subculture Salon. Located downtown Tacoma nestled in between Meconis and The Matador -Best Location!!! You will find this industrial chic salon. Bringing you old Tacoma charm with a polished finish. 

It's been a few weeks since celebrating their One Year Anniversary Event. -They know how to celebrate, any events I highly recommend attending!!! This salon is booming with talent. I should know I have worked with majority of the staff. Today I met with Myleah, the Director of Education/Master Level Stylist at Subculture. She is full of energy and a great time!!!

We sat in the lobby which is open and welcoming. The first question I had was about the beautiful brick wall. The exposed brick is part of the original building that they had distressed and stamped with their name and est. placing Subculture Salon in Tacoma history forever.  

The owners, Reese and Burke Mullins have 10 stylist and growing.  They have a lot to offer.  I don't know about you but it's nice to have all of your pampering needs in one place. Services range from Balayage to Brazilian Blowouts, cuts to extensions and everything in between, and that's just hair.  They have the most talented lash extension experts, and a great skincare menu. Go check out their website for all services and prices  LINK While chatting with Myleah a guest walked in, she greeted and checked her in offering any coffee, tea, water and even a mimosa or beer. Now that's service!!! 

If your in the Tacoma area and your looking for a salon check out Subculture. You will leave feeling gorgeous, as well as that you deserve a night out on the town. Lucky for you The Matador is right next door! 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney

There Can Only Be One!

In honor of Fathers Day...

As for my girls, I'll raise them to breathe fire- Jessica Kirkland

When I was younger going to my Dads house was an adventure, he always had something cool planned! From trips to the zoo, the beach or just hanging out it was always full of fun, because he made it fun. For those of you that know my Dad you know that he is a pretty funny guy. I will always remember when I was in elementary school and he chaperoned a field trip, It was the best bus ride a kid could ask for, he got us all riled up. Lets just say he wasn't ask to chaperone again.

My Dad is a big support for me. Any time I have something going on, without hesitation I pick up the phone and give him a call and just vent, he is a great listener. Then he tells me his opinion, which is usually not what I want to hear, but coming from him I know its right. Those conversations mean the world to me. Im 32 years old and I still call my Dad for advice. He is a hard worker, that is passionate about his career! Which has always inspired me to follow my dreams, and never give up. Which I hope to pass on to my childern. I feel blessed to have him as my Dad and a Grandfather to my Daughter!

Thank You Dad for being you!

Brittney

Hey You Guys -Sloth

Keeping with the movie inspired theme this week, I take you to Astoria, Oregon for Throwback Thursday! Little under a three hour drive from Tacoma. You will arrive at the 4.1 mile Astoria-Meglar Bridge which welcomes you to Astoria, Oregon.

A perfect place to take a day trip, Astoria is a cute town full of history. My type of history: Pop Culture. Multiple movies have been filmed there. One In particular the treasure hunt classic, The Goonies. Released in 1985 -WHOOP WHOOP- the year I was born.  

Growing up The Goonies was one of mine as well as Anthony's favorite films. Of course we had to share it with Fallyn who fell in love with it immediately. In 2015, thirty years after the release, I had my heart set on going down to Astoria and taking a picture in front of the famous Goon Dock Home protrayed in the film. The house on average had anywhere from 1200-1500 visitors a day. It is located in a cute neighborhood painted with Goonies influences on every corner. 

I GOT MY PICTURE!!! - another cross off on my PNW BUCKETLIST!!!

A few weeks later the owner of the home, covered the house with blue tarps. After YEARS of welcoming fans, and even giving tours, the owners had enough, not all the visitors were respectful of the owners property. That was two years ago, the house is still not accessible to the public.  

There is still plenty for the Goonies enthusiast to checkout in Astoria. The Goondocks website -LINK- is a great resource of all things Goonies go check them out!!! 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!!!

Brittney

Around Seattle Tuesday's: Wait What?!?!?

As I walked out of the parking garage downtown Seattle, I instantly saw tons of Toronto Blue Jay fans. In my head I was like, Where's the M's love. Tiffanie and I, my best friend and fellow blogger, had a conversation that went a little like this: 

Tiffanie- Where is Toronto?

Me- I don't know, I think Nebraska! 

We continue walking on the cobblestone streets of Seattle. Why was I in Seattle? HAHA If you know me, Seattle and I ... we don't mesh. Beautiful city don't get me wrong. I'm a lover of small crowds and trees!!! That is not Seattle. I ventured out this past weekend totally on my own terms and of course I asked my bestie/Seattle lover to be by my side.

Our mission:
Blog Photos
Brunch
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion: The Musical

Pikes Place covers our first mission. Tiffanie loves Pikes, much like my love for the PNW. So she was beyond excited to share this special place with me. We have been friends for a few years now. Her family has become part of my family -when you go to Disneyland with another
family you are bonded for life. Haha

She is a strong, tell it like it is woman. She also has a softer side, wanting to help others grow into the best version of themselves. I've witnessed and expieranced this rare characteristic that not all people have. Today though, she was her strong, tell it like it is self haha, running me around to her favorite photo worthy spots. Not only was she taking photos of me but I was of her. She is a fellow blogger over at The Lifestyle of TDT - LINK- check out her Instagram: thelifestyleoftdt and follow her!!!

We were about half way through our photo shoot when a couple asked if I was getting engagement photos done Bahahaha... Anthony!!! Haha we laughed, I replied -Still waiting on the ring!!! They continued to chat with us and I noticed the man was wearing a Toronto shirt. Let's just say this is how we found out Toronto is not in Nebraska haha but Canada.

We wrapped up our photo shoot and headed to brunch at Toulouse Petit. Tiffanie is the Brunch Queen. You need a recommendation you just ask her. Tiffanie has been here before, she actually took a picture of her plate and sent it to me with the comment -There is whole cloves of garlic scrambled in the eggs.  Me a lover of all things garlic I knew one day I had to go.  So with no question when the brunch conversation came up I said -The place with the cloves of garlic in the eggs!!! It did not disappoint. Alongside my Pint Mimosa...swoon, I had 

-Piquillo Pepper Scramble with Goat Cheese with arugula, garlic confit,and shallots

Highly recommended

We wrapped up brunch and headed to our final destination the 5th Avenue Theatre for Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. If your not familiar with the movie. It came out in 1997. I was 12 years old. HAHA Maybe not so appropriate for that age but I loved it. Romy quickly became my idol. I'm grateful to have found my Michele -Tiffanie- to attend this play with me. 

Of course we weren't the only people with this fantastic idea. I ran into my Aunt, who is an avid reader of Postcards From The PNW. Hi Jan!!!

As well as Christine a past student that Tiffanie and I both got the pleasure of teaching! Hi Christine!!!

The play was amazing the 80's & 90's were painted beautifully on stage through costumes and dialogue. The songs portrayed the scenes of this classic movie well! The entire time Tiffanie and I were both thinking how cool for the actresses playing the roles of Romy and Michele.

This day did not disappoint. I was full of anxiety in the morning to brace this big city. Within the first ten minutes I appreciated all it had to offer and started to relax and enjoy myself. Yet again I couldn't have done it without my bestie!!!

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!!!

Brittney