Wanderlust Wednesday: Finnish Igloos

I've always thought it would be cool to stay in an igloo, but I don't think I can settle for anything less than the igloo village at Hotel Kakslauttanen.  This "hotel" is located in Arctic Circle,  "amidst beautiful Lapland scenery in the vicinity of Urho Kekkonen National Park." This igloo village is unique, replacing the traditional snow roof with one made of thermal glass, offering uninterrupted views of the Aurora Borealis.

 I don't think I would ever want to fall asleep...

Via: Inhabitat

Engagement Photo Session in Ballard

Last Friday, we took engagement photos for our great friends, Samantha and Nick. 

The stars aligned and gave us a bright, sunny day! That, combined with the gorgeous backdrop at Golden Gardens, made for wonderful photos!

(They are still in the process of being edited, so more to come)

We also headed up to Kerry Park to catch the sunset...

cannelés

This past weekend in Seattle, I made it my mission to find a canelé.
 The whole weekend I could almost taste this incredible french pastry, but out of the ten bakeries I went to, cannelés were definitely not on the menu! Supposedly, Honore Bakery in Ballard has incredible cannelés, but they are closed til' Wednesday!
 Anyways, now I am going to have to try and whip up some cannelés at home and thank god for Chez Pim's detailed recipe (which is far too long to include in this post), so head over to her site to find out her method; something involving beeswax and copper molds. 

Via Chez Pim

Trust me, they are worth the effort!

Photo Friday

I love Thanksgiving: for the cranberries, the sweet potatoes, the multiple pies (I have a sweet tooth), but most of all it's nice to have a day that makes you look back at all that you are thankful for (pie included).

As for today, I am taking it slow and recovering from the copius amounts of food I consumed last night, and I might even resort to wearing overalls or a snuggie in public. 

I hope all your Thanksgivings were great 

and 

Happy Black Friday

A temple in Thailand

(random, I know, but I thought it was pretty)

Link Love:

Singing in the Subway

A calendar for foodies/gardeners

How to make the famous Paseo Cuban sandwich (substituting leftover turkey of course)

 Running motivation

Perfectly curated outfits

Happy Thanksgiving!

Via Here!

Wanderlust Wednesday: Paris

I love Paris...the pastries, the architecture, the bistros, basically everything!

2009, my mom and I stayed in Paris for a few glorious days... 

The view from our window

Montmartre is my favorite section of Paris, and the Sacre Coeur is my all time favorite church. 

On my first trip to Paris I woke up early,  went on a run, and ended up at the Sacre Coeur.  I just remember sitting in a pew, staring up at at this beautiful tile mosaic; it literally took my breath away.

The Staples of Winter

1. Ruche $83.99

2. Madewell $78.00

3. Madewell $55.00

4. Scotch and Soda 49.00 euro

5. Anthropologie

Black and White Photography

While browsing Flikr, I came across Theblackstar's photostream. I thought I would share his beautiful photos, taken mainly in Turkey, although the last two are from Hamburg and Prague.

Please check out more, here!

Photo Friday!

Today, it is the first time the snow has stuck, so we are looking at a very snowy weekend! I'm going to  fight hibernation and go skiing or maybe snowshoeing. What are you up to this chilly weekend?

These next photos are from my friend Jessica, who is teaching abroad in Seville and blogging about her adventures over at 35 Monte Carmelo.

I could definitely use a vacation to Southern Spain!

Link Love

Can't figure out what flash sales site to use? Follow this chart!

Rain gutter garden, genius!

Part the sea like Moses

Pretty weekender bag

Food Gawker; it's pinterest, just for food

Help Disport Work!

My Fiance is an avid BMX biker, and has filmed/produced three BMX films. His latest endeavor, Disport, is an online platform that is the Netflixs of extreme sports. But to make his great idea a reality, we need your help! Please watch the film below and go to Peerbackers to lend your support!

Disport Campaign from Brian Chace on Vimeo.

On another note, my highly talented Brian also films for weddings and engagements!

Check out his wedding video promo:

Wedding Promo from Brian Chace on Vimeo.

Visit his other site, Chace Productions, here.

Wanderlust Wednesday: Veracruz, Mexico

A few summer's back, I spent six weeks exploring Mexico, although I didn't have the pleasure of visiting Veracruz. 

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is Mexico's principal Caribbean and Atlantic sea port, which lends it a fabulous mix of Spanish, African, and Mexican cultures. 

Mainly, I want to visit Veracruz, for Hotel Azucar.

 It is a beautifully constructed/designed boutique resort, which looks like the perfect retreat from reality. While the beaches on the Gulf leave little to be desired, i'm pretty sure the hotel's surroundings would make you forget you ever liked white sand. 

 Beautiful right? Found via my new favorite: The Travel Files.

You can find Hotel Azucar, here.

LEAP

Last night I stumbled upon the craziest company, LEAP, or Living Ecological Alpine Pod. Out of Italy, this company manufactures environmentally sustainable modules, for a new and cohesive way to live in the mountains. 

Crazy right!?

Svpply

Have you been to Svpply? Trust me, you should visit this site. It has amazing clothes/ random things that are all categorized by people you know. If you don't know anyone on Svpply, check out their gift guides, which are a perfect source for the upcoming holidays.

 Brian has a birthday coming up- well two days before Christmas, but I think this phone/wallet is a must!

Or this small espresso hot chocolate maker would be perfect for his nights up on the mountain!

I love these mini string lights- I think I would need a gazillion of these, but how pretty would they be strung around an alter...

 And this coat is my new favorite- wink*wink*

Via Svpply