heather & olive

Welcoming fall with a dozen oysters.

Happy Fall! I can't believe the season has officially changed and we're heading towards the end of 2018. Admittedly, I'm loving the cooler temps (sleeping has been a lot more enjoyable) but the decreasing sunlight is pushing me towards hibernation mode in a major way. Oh well.

The past month was crazy work-wise--we had a huge deadline which meant extra hours and a bit of stress, but I'm over the hump and think I'm finally in a bit of a groove, which is nice. It's been great to have somewhat of a normal routine.

Portland is still the best--I love my place and my neighborhood and have made some new friends. I'm also so lucky to have so many amazing restaurants right outside my door: I'm trying to be better about cooking at home, but the convenience of walking around the corner for a quick (and delicious) bite makes it hard.

Olive has been doing well for the most part, but she got sick last week and I had to take her to the emergency vet twice. She started to feel better, but on Friday she got sick again (although a different kind of sickness than before). I'm hoping it's just a bug that needs to make its way out of her system--that little lady is stressing me out, big time.

So that's pretty much it. I'm going to try very hard not to be absent for another month--have a good week!

alo goddess legging

I recently received these leggings as a gift (thanks, Mom!) and it's safe to say I'm in love. They're super comfortable and flattering, and although I was initially skeptical of the leg warmer bottoms, I love the long length and stretchy material (they also come in solid colors for those who aren't fans of the two-tone). I'm already planning on getting another pair.

peak water bottle ice cube tray

My condo came with a slightly dated fridge that has no ice-making capabilities, and I'm a lady who likes her beverages really cold. I was super happy to find these Peak ice cube trays at Gus & Ruby in Portland - they freeze ice cylindrically (that's a real word) and are perfect for putting in a S'well bottle.

{ image via hbo }

Have you been watching Sharp Objects? I read the book a while ago, and had completely forgotten what happened in the end -- it's been slowly coming back as I've been catching up on episodes and YIKES. Totally freaky but very good (I'm sad it's ending on Sunday). 

I had big plans to do a post on my end of summer bucket list at the beginning of August, and now we're halfway through the month (and my imaginary list of things to do before Labor Day is no where near being complete).

So what's the deal? I guess I've mostly been dealing with my transition to the new job. I had previously worked in the same industry for almost ten years, and while my new position is kind of similar, there's a pretty substantial learning curve and the bar is set high. I'm just not in a comfortable groove yet, although things have been getting better over the past couple of weeks--and I have to say, Alison Roman's quote in her interview on A Cup of Jo has really resonated with me: "don't be afraid to not nail it all the time." I'm constantly reminding myself that it's okay not to know everything and mistakes are fine so long as you learn from them (which helps, sometimes).

Also, my sister moved from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania which is weird--I'm so used to her being close by and while I'm super happy for her new job and adventure, I miss her tons. I'm very thankful for Facetime.

Otherwise, things are good. I'm still loving Portland despite insane temperatures this summer (Olive and I do not do well in the heat), and I have some ideas for renovations to my place that I'm rather excited about. I plan to make the most of the remaining summer weeks (but will definitely welcome fall temps with open arms).

epoch stay gold.

epoch speedway creme.

heritage thousand navy.

Have you heard of thousand? Founded by Gloria Hwang (formerly of TOMS) who lost a friend to a fatal bike accident, thousand makes "a bike helmet you'll actually want to wear". I got a new cruiser for my birthday and after having multiple family members have pretty serious bike accidents through the years, I knew I needed a helmet. I ended up going with the navy, and it honestly reminds me of the kind of helmet I wear horseback riding, which I love. And, you can easily lock the helmet to your bike (the "thsd" emblem pops out and you can put your lock right through it) so you don't need to carry it with you around town. I highly recommend.

The back of one of my favorite houses I always pass on Olive walks.

The most incredible lobster scallop toast at the Honey Paw.

Scales bar views.

Did you have a good weekend? Mine was rather uneventful for the most part (early to bed Friday followed by a lazy and laundry-filled Sunday), but Saturday ended up being perfect. 

Friday night Chinese takeout from Empire (with a seagull photobomber).

Evening beach scene.

My favorite pizza: medjool date and soppressata from When Pigs Fly.

It. Is. HOT.

I suppose I don't have it as bad as most given my proximity to the ocean, but the humidity was insane this weekend and I don't have air conditioning in my condo--it was built in 1890 and the cooling system consists of opening windows (which I'm not so inclined to do at night since I'm on the first floor).

On Friday (before the heat set in) I got my favorite Chinese takeout from Empire--I love the orange beef, bacon fried rice and walnut shrimp. I went to bed relatively early since work was crazy last week and I was all over the place and totally wiped.

Saturday I was a complete waste of space but managed to get laundry done and watched Amélie.

And Sunday after Pure Barre I made my way down to York to stay at my family's place and enjoy the A/C (I was a little worried about Olive getting overheated, so it worked quite nicely that we had that option). We ended the weekend with a walk on the beach and the best pizza and salad from When Pigs Fly.

It was a rather uneventful weekend, but was just what I needed. And I ordered the Dyson cool fan for $100 off at Amazon, so fingers crossed it works like a charm and cools things down.

Here's to a short week!

Lobster rolls at Eventide.

A delicious dinner at Scales.

The Head and the Heart in Providence.

A very sweet baby shower at the most gorgeous house.

Lobster taco in a cheese shell at Highroller.

A very cute tater paw.