Entre Nous.

Where You Lead

 @thelaurengraham I CAN NOW CONFIRM: it's time for me, and this jacket I stole in 2007, to return to work. @Netflix #GilmoreGirls

It's officially official. The time is nigh, Gilmore Girls is set to start filming February 2nd on the original Warner Bros. lot. It seems as though the Gilmore Guys podcast and the Gilmore Girls reunion in Austin last June really did impact a return of the show. The Netflix reboot will be written and directed by creator and executive producer Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband Daniel Palladino. The current premise has the show revolving around the season of one calendar year, resulting in four 90 minute episodes set in the present day. Now we just hold tight for the release date. Eeek! 

Minted

Last year at Alt Summit conference in Salt Lake City I won a $500 gift certificate to Minted. In case you aren't in the know, "Minted connects you with the best independent artists to bring you endlessly fresh, truly unique art, stationery, and home décor you won't find anywhere else." Minted is a brilliant company that features incredibly talented artists. I was gobsmacked they drew my business card out of everyone who entered the giveaway. Cut to a year later (a few weeks ago) when said gift certificate was about to expire. The one caveat of the gift certificate was that it has to be used all in one go. Once I started picking out favorites, I realized my $500 was going to go quickly. But I finally managed to edit down my favorites and compiled a nice array of Minted treasures.

 

   

 

 

     

I added to my stationary collection with some personalized notecards. Since Valentine's day is almost upon us I decided to treat my best girlfriends to some adorable Galentine's Day cards. And who doesn't need more striped straws? I took my art collection to a whole new level with some images that really spoke to me. The big ticket item was the dalmatian curtains I picked out for my living room. I have two big picture windows that are in dire need of some privacy. I even managed to treat my Mom to a framed piece of art by one of her favorite local artists.

As the items I selected have started to arrive, I'm over the moon about my selection and so grateful to Minted. If you're looking to treat yourself or spoil a friends or family, remember, Minted has you covered.

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

In a weeks time I'll be on a flight heading south to Oaxaca, Mexico. The highlight of the trip being a dear friends wedding. Beyond the wedding festivities, there are so many amazing sights and experiences to take in while in Oaxaca. Let's start with their food. Oaxaca is known for their multitude of mole sauces and abundance of incredible street food. Then there's the mezcal and grasshoppers, oh, my! My obsession with cactus has me excited beyond belief to experience Oaxaca's botanical gardens. The city is also known for its black pottery and textiles, which will likely be where some of my pesos end up. Many articles I've read about Oaxaca tout Hierve El Agua, a petrified stone waterfall, as one of the most stunning sights in the area. Along with the waterfall there's a naturally formed infinity pool nearby. Eeek!

Can you tell I'm excited about my impending trip? If there's anything I must not miss while in Oaxaca, please do let me know! 

Behind the Scenes

Sweet '16 is starting off with a bang with January's installment of Behind The Scenes, featuring my beloved nail artist and friend, JoAnn. JoAnn is the owner and talent behind Polished By JoAnn out of Bellingham, WA. I discovered JoAnn several years ago and have been an avid devotee ever since. Any outlandish request I've made she's been able to execute on my nails. Not only is this lady talented beyond belief, but she's such a sweetheart.

Collects  I love pictures, capturing a moment of time forever. Everyone posts a million pictures, sharing them with the world. I like to treasure mine, share them as gifts. I guess I am old school, I still love to print out hard copies.

Admires  I follow many very talented nail artists, but one I truly admire is Robin Moses. She is an amazing lady, and outstanding artist.

Daydreams  I daydream all day every day. My mind wonders. I find myself longing for a cabin, quiet, away from everything. No phones, internet, tv. Just space, and sunshine for my kiddos to run in while I drink my sweet tea on the porch with my husband. Yes, that sounds perfect.

Guilty Pleasures  Trash tv. It's awful. I would be mortified if anyone ever saw my dvr. Mindless, garbage, starring people I would never want to spend time with, yet I feel the need to know every bit about their disgusting lives.

Weekend Pursuits  Well, I am a nail tech so my weekend starts and ends on Sunday. I love sundays. Not because I don't love my job, but because I love my time with my husband and kids. Our Sundays consist of big breakfasts, hiking, picnics, and of course football!

Libation of Choice  Prosecco.

Coffee or Tea  Oh most definitely COFFEE, of any kind with lots of cream, whip cream and carmel sauce. I do love a good sweet tea in the summer too.

Blooms of Choice  Tulips and lilies.

Favorite Book  I mostly read children's books with my boys. I have always loved the BFG.

Where I’d Rather Be  As I am currently snuggled up in my bed while I write this, no where else. I am exactly where I want to be, currently and in general.

Lipstick or Gloss of the Moment  I don't generally wear color, shinny clear and minty is my favorite.

Nail Polish Du Jour  I love nail polish of all kinds, but sparkles are the best.

Signature Scent  Boss Intense. Its discontinued, and difficult to find. It's my favorite.

Style Icon  I wear a lot of black, I have no concept of style. : (

Can’t Leave the House Without  A beverage of some sort.

Pending Vacations  Mexico this year for my 5th anniversary. And Alaska some time in the near future to visit my family.

Social Media of Choice  Instagram, pictures are my addiction. I would much rather enjoy photos than the non sense and drama that fills Facebook.

Crushing On  Black on black 2 door sportster Cadillac, it will be mine someday. It's real nice to look at.

Now if you need a nail artist, you know just who to call. She's so worth a drive from Seattle or Vancouver for an appointment. If you can even secure a coveted appointment that is. Do follow Polished By JoAnn on Instagram for inspirational photos, if you can't make it to the pacific northwest to see her in person. 

A compilation of a years worth of nail art by JoAnn, set to Iggy Azalea.

More's the Pity

Another artist gone too soon...