my one year anniversary

Greenlake, Seattle, WA (aka my backyard)

No...I didn't run off and elope 12 months ago, but what a fun and unexpected blog twist that would have been, huh?!
My mom said she was getting sick of looking at almonds (see previous blog post), and while racking my brain for new material, I realized my one year anniversary of this blessed life in Seattle has passed without any mention on the blog! While it's almost a month in the past now, here is a list (because who doesn't love a good list?) of things it took me a year to figure out in Seattle...

1. Nothing beats the Seattle local music scene. Am I right...or am I right? I'm right. (See here, here, here, here, here, here, and oh yah, here too.)
2. There are at least three routes to get anywhere. And you've officially conquered your neighborhood if you know those routes...and which one's the fastest during rush hour.
3. Seattle-ites are passive aggressive by nature. And they drive that way too. 
4. Every neighborhood has at least three hot yoga studios. And you should try out all of them. (If you can find a Groupon.)
5. I-5 (read: "eye-five" and not "the 5") will always have traffic. 
6. Nothing says, "I'm a local" more than having your favorite Barista know your name and give you free drinks. YES.
7. It doesn't matter if it's 39 degrees. If the sun is out, the sun is OUT. *happy dance* 
8. Vitamin D supplements are a must. But don't overdo it. 
9. Waterproof mascara is also a must. This one is my new favorite. It's waterproof AND washable...whaaaa?! 
10. I don't know how to drive in the snow. But I can walk in it. Far.
11. I REALLY LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE COME VISIT ME!
12. Working even just on-call at a coffee shop has probably saved me over $500 in free espresso. Holla.
13. I like sushi now! Which is a darn good thing because the lovely port city of Seattle treats it like it's its own food group.
14. I'm not the only single person left in the country.
15. People reach back when you genuinely reach out to them.
16. You don't need to work 40+ hours a week to survive.
17. You can use your fears and regrets from the past year as fuel for the next year.
18. Good friends back home will not forget about you when you're gone.
19. It takes $15 in unpaid late dues before the Seattle Public Library bars you from checking out more books.
20. "For as long as you can remember, you have been a pleaser, depending on others to give you an identity. But now you are being asked to let go of all these self-made props and trust that God is enough for you." 

—Henri Nouwen's The Inner Voice of Love

twenty • six

• 26 things to know when you're 26 •

Inspired by this article/book. 

1. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it's the LORD's purpose that prevails." —Proverbs 19:21
2. How to curl your own hair. Like this.
3. Your Facebook wall/timeline/status is not a place for raw emotion/sappy lyrics/photos of you with red Solo cups. 
4. How to parallel park like a champ. And then move to Seattle and learn to do it in reverse, on the opposite side of the street. #superchamp
5. What the inside of a therapist's office looks like. In detail.
6. What your non-negotiables are. (But finally ditch "the list.")
7. What your signature coffee drink is/what your signature cocktail is. 
8. How to drive a manual transmission.
9. Leaving home is okay.
10. Going back home is okay.
11. Owning one amazing lipstick color over $20 is okay.
12. If you have any food sensitivities/intolerances/allergies...and what the differences are.
13. How to read the Bible.
14. "Acceptance is a small, quiet room." (via)
15. How to throw a dinner party. And make it look like this. 
16. Always ask "Why?" before putting anything on the Interweb.
17. The grass is always greener on the other side...because "our hearts are restless until they rest in You." (Saint Augustine of Hippo)
18. Men and women can't be friends.  
19. Only wash your hair every 2-3 days.
20. Who you are...and what your game is. 
21. The difference between being "busy" and being "productive."
22. No one else knows where they're going to be in five years, either.
23. You are not, in fact, the only single person left in America.
24. You're allowed to return bridesmaids dresses. Because I said so.
25. You've got to be a friend to have a friend.
26. Give yourself grace. Someone great I know once said, "As believers we are often exposed to (or perhaps went to school with) so many extraordinary speakers and leaders who are doing really impressive things in the name of the Lord: starting non-profit agencies, writing books, speaking to thousands, going to prestigious grad schools...But let's be honest: the majority of us will be ordinary people who simply need to invite the extraordinary God to work through us in the daily stuff of life." 

 It's Friday the 13th...of January.

Happy birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

pin me

I'll be honest with you. I first jumped on the Pinterest train when it was a brand new and very unheard of thing, but I thought it wouldn't get off the ground. And now it's practically become the ground that the Interweb stands on. At least the parts with good design sense and phenomenal taste. 

I adore Pinterest and the ease of its dainty little "Pin It" button on my browser's Bookmarks Toolbar. It's become like an external segment of my brain, acting as a personal catalog for photography inspiration, recipes, event and styling ideas, crafts, reminders, and all around beautiful things that would normally remain lost forever in my over-clogged Google Reader. 

And it's added new vocabulary to our everyday verbiage, which would otherwise sound fairly stupid. For example, here's a pin from each of my boards:

Food Styling & Photography: 

Max Wanger

Interior Design:

Wisteria Wallpaper by Jocelyn Warner

Escapism:

Nepal

Loooooooook...:

homemade piano

Photography:

Doug Keyes: double exposure (Statue of Liberty, New York

Typography & Print Design:

Helvetica

To Make...:

Crafty craft time

When I Marry Into Money:

crystal bullet necklace: $310

Soviet Kitsch:

Soviet Owl

Sexy:

backless sequined black dress

<3:

lace back wedding gown

No Mom, I'm Not an Alcoholic:

watermelon and strawberry vodka fresh berry mojitos

Most Important Meal of the Day:

whole grain pumpkin pancakes

Savory:

Shawarma lamb w/ couscous salad

Veg:

pearl barley & puy lentil salad w/ roasted heirloom baby tomatoes, green bans & baby radish

Sweet:

ombre pink rainbow layer cake

Everyone Has a Type:

really hope they're besties in real life

Leading Ladies:

Mila

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...:

simple wreath

I have 19 boards and counting right now (too many?). How about you? Let's see 'em!

inspired by wedding season & Liz Lemon

I just returned from the wedding of two college friends in Arizona. 'Twas a glorious weekend...We went to a saloon for the bachelorette, danced to Persian music at the reception (the groom is Iranian) and I experienced my very first open bar wedding. Which is odd, because, as a friend kindly pointed out, "You go to a lot of weddings, Maddie." 

This is true. So true, that I'm considering starting up a business called, "I Do Weddings." No, it's not going to be about event planning or cake-making for weddings...I will just go to them. Because weddings are fun! Please see exhibit A, B, and C below:

Exhibit A
Photo by Montana

Exhibit B
Photo by Montana

Exhibit C
Photo by Montana

Haven't figured out the getting paid part, but give it time. Actually, you know there are probably plenty of socially awkward 30-something-year-old guys out there whose younger sisters are getting married and the family is putting on some major pressure for him to show up with at least a date. I could get really good at being that date. Maybe even better than Dermot.

Photo by Montana

Anywho, it was a blessing to see a marriage between two people who are just perfect for each other. In a world where I've never really believed there is just one 'soulmate' for everyone, I love love love seeing two crazy-unique people fit into each others' lives like puzzle pieces. See below.

awesome Arizona newly wedded couple
photo by Montana

And it got me thinking. About my puzzle piece. Humor me, I rarely get lovey-dovey on the blog.

Also, I was recently reminded of this great Liz Lemon quote.

So I made my own. I tried to mix serious with funny, so I hope that works for you. Take it with a grain of salt. Maybe two. 
And let it be known, I think lists like this should always be open to change. Don't lock yourself in.

You may listen to this song, because it's fitting and great, while reading:

I want someone who has kickass taste in music, but knows enough Katy and Ke$ha to blend in at dance parties.

I want someone who can handle me with grace in my darkest darks and lowest lows, and who will push me when I say, "I'm fine," because "fine" is not a feeling.

Someone who, in the midst of truly sucky situations, can confidently say, "We've got this"—and mean it.

Someone who loves it when I sing in the shower...and every other room.

I want someone who loves my family completely and will hang out with my sisters.

Someone who does not have addictive tendencies. Dealbreaker alert.

I want someone who will lead me, but let me give directions once in a while.

Someone who will fight fear for me.

I want someone who feels like a man in the kitchen and would never accept a can of chili as a well-balanced meal.
I want a man who is entrenched in his own life. (READ that link.)

Who will talk back when I talk too much and be okay with the fact that this might happen often.

Someone who has stellar taste in shoes.

Who thinks Kristen Wiig is funny—and not just "for a female."

Someone who has good text back tempo, who can keep up with my sarcasm and witty banter, and thinks I look hot in pajamas.

I want someone who regularly seeks the fellowship of other believers without me pushing him to do so.

He would also need to know that I would never want to be proposed to in front of a large crowd of strangers (i.e. at a baseball game, concert, etc.). Never.

I'd like someone who loves telling stories and listening to mine, and who is never above a handwritten note.

I want someone who knows and understands that not every second we're together needs to be action-packed and thrilling. "Doing life" together is what it's about.

Someone who adores his siblings and follows through even when it scares the hell out of him.
Who knows that carnations are a no. 
And talking about cars is stupid.

I want someone who currently does, or eventually will, mourn the fact that Friday Night Lights is over.

And also, someone who can dance like Usher.

And that—that is what I want.

***Disclaimer: All of the photos with moi in them are actually from a wedding that was last year—my wonderful friend-since-Kindergarten, Janelle. The crazy bride and groom in the bottom-most photo are Anna & Kian from this last weekend's wedding. :)

a recap AND a new autumn header

1. I'm home (Seattle)! And missing old home (Santa Barbara).
2. It's Autumn. And so I have a new header. Check it.
3. I'm waiting for these Lucky boots to arrive in the mail (thanks, Mom)!
4. Whenever I tip a cab driver, it's usually more of a "thanks for not abducting me" tip, than a "good driving" tip.
5. When I stepped onto my old high school campus last week for the first time in years, insecurity immediately washed over me. What is with that?
6. Sisters are great (see above photo).
7. I just spent a week on two college campuses repping LCC International University.
8. I do not miss college.
9. I actually kind of miss college. I just don't miss the

• food
• poor Internet connections
• late nights
• heartbreaks
• 'trying to be in a million places at once' feeling
• homework

Last night I had a great catch-up Skype visit with my self-appointed younger brother (I'd say little brother, except he's probably a foot taller than me). He's studying in Mexico this semester. We ended up talking about how important it is to simply be loving toward those we care deeply about. Showing love differs from culture to culture and relationship to relationship...but it's, in a sense, all we have to go by. 

Cut out the fear, insecurity, and inhibitions, and go show love to those in your life who mean the most, yet perhaps often go overlooked.

"always call airline customer service with champagne in hand" chocolate chip zucchini muffins

How to create the perfect mood for these muffins:

1. Induct your newest housemate in around midnight with a bottle of cheap champagne.
2. Drink several glasses while searching for flights to a friend's wedding.
3. Try to use a discount flight voucher—which of course won't work for the one flight you want.
4. Call United's customer service after midnight whilst slightly tipsy and try and convince the sweet boy most likely based in India that you need to use that voucher for this flight.
5. Get rejected by sweet Indian boy. Realize it's not his fault. Put him on speakerphone so everyone else can hear both sides of the convo. Play around with the mute button whilst making inappropriate comments. Etc., etc., etc...
6. Wake up starving the morning after to a bunch of oddly-shaped zucchinis from your housemate's CSA share. Invent surprisingly healthy recipe.
7. Voila.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup organic raw cane sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 Tbls lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup shredded zucchini (buy that food processor already!)
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, but not really)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (truly optional)

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. 
3. Combine wet ingredients in another bowl. 
4. Stir wet into dry, whilst folding in zucchini, chocolate chips and optional nuts. 
5. Fill 12 paper-lined muffin cups. 
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes (or until they look/taste/feel done). 

what awaits...

Ready to see these crazies tomorrow.

On the Santa Barbara bucket list for the next ten days:

• Celebrate Santa Barbara's Fiesta like there's no tomorrow. I wish I had pictures to show you what this truly means. Maybe better off that I don't? Lots of dancing in the streets. Lotta confetti eggs sold by the crate. The best street tacos north of the border. More dancing in the streets. Unwanted high school reunions in dive bars...
• Cook for my family every day, because that's one of my favorite love languages.
• Meet up with a fellow blogger and newfound e-pen-pal (we know, we wish there was a cooler way to say that too).
• Get a tattoo finally...whhaaaaaa??
• Pick blueberries. Eat blueberries. Finally not pay $$$ for blueberries.
• Reinact this blog post in every single way...since SHE'LL BE IN SANTA BARBARA FOR THE WEEKEND TOO!
• Run on the beach with this little piece of work. 
• Love on these sisters.
• Tan.

Go do something great with your week. 
Read some poetry while you're at it. This one helped me out today: The Certainty of Numbers.
Listen to this remix of Pumped Up Kicks. I promise it won't make your ears bleed like some other remixes.
Make this Rainier cherry mojito. And then make me one.
Gawk at what I like to call floor porn, and then get upset that you have linoleum when you could have these Herringbone wood floors made with reclaimed French Oak. For serious.   

6 months worth

Today marks six months for me since moving from Santa Barbara to Seattle. I'm feeling a bit nostalgic and wistful, so I compiled a little list of —dare I say—advice. Essentially, lessons I've learned and realizations I've...realized. This is nothing shocking or new, but the three biggest battles I've faced in Seattle have been:

• ...finding a community in the true sense of the word
• ...not feeling alone in a crowd of people (did I just quote a 90's song?) 
• ...and feeling productive even in seasons of unemployment

Like I said, nothing super original.
My biggest concern is that as you're reading this, you'll start to hear this guy's voice in your head. And for that, I apologize.

1. Pay attention to who you surround yourself with; do they give you energy, or deplete it? Do they give you life, or make you feel small? 
2. Be patient with yourself. Be gracious with yourself. And stop beating yourself up.
3. This is such a first world thing to say, but buy a smartphone. It makes getting acquainted with a new city a gabilllllion times easier.
4. But on the other hand, getting lost is a fabulous way to get to see some new streets.
5. Watching four episodes of Friday Night Lights by yourself til 3am on a Friday night is perfectly acceptable. Hello, it’s called Friday Night Lights for a reason.
6. Black yoga pants? Totally acceptable outfit to wear multiple days in a row.
7. Half a croissant and three shots of espresso do not constitute enough sustenance for a full day of work. Nutrition is underrated—you are what you eat.
8. Stay connected with your closest friends. If phone tag takes over your relationship, then start leaving lengthy messages so you'll actually know some of what is going on in each others' lives.
9. Handwritten letters are timeless. You know you like receiving them. So write them.
10. You have to be a friend to have a friend.
11. You're not the only single person in America.
12. Don't assume everyone else is partying without you each night of the week. You’d be surprised how many people/potential new friends are sitting at home alone with their glass of wine hoping you’ll call them.
13. Pursue other people just as you long to be pursued.
14. Forgive yourself. Often. And then again.
15. "Fear not" is actually a command, not just a suggestion.
16. Salted caramel ice cream makes a bad day good and a good day better.
17. If you're of the photography bent: TAKE. YOUR. CAMERA. EVERYWHERE.
18. Groupon, Tippr and Living Social are genius. Pity the poor cities who don’t have them. And then don’t move to any of them.
19. Embrace the time you have alone—don’t mourn over it.
20. Invest in other people deeply—but only the ones who have proven themselves worth investing in.
21. NO one else will notice that your nails are chipped, hair is dirty, make-up isn't right or that you've gained five pounds. But they will notice you fretting about it. 
22. Bitterness, jealousy and insecurity are ugly, ugly things.
23. Sing in the shower. Preferably this song.
24. Do yoga. 
25. Always say yes to live music. Go in with no expectations and you might just come out a fan.
26. Try everything [within reason] once.
27. This is your new motto: What's the worst that could happen?
28. Go on blind dates when asked, and don’t over-analyze them ahead of time. Again, what’s the worst that could happen?—a free drink, that’s what.
29. Make lists. Even on boring days.
30. Align your values with your priorities.
31. Lonely 11pm stress baking ain't no thang.
32. Surround yourself with creative people.
33. Don't wear neon purple 80's nail polish to a job interview.

Thank you, everyone! You've been a big part of this journey so far.

And P.S...I finally have a new SUMMER banner, an about me page, and a section explaining the origin of that weird word I titled my blog: Spidatter.

TeuxDeux

Making lists and crossing them off has done wonders for my self esteem during my current "in-between-jobs" status. Some call it feigning productivity. On the contrary.

And I think I've finally found the perfect online organizational tool.

Meet TeuxDeux.

How much classier does it sound to say, "Let me check my TeuxDeux list," as opposed to, "Let me check my To-Do list"...? Okay, so it sounds the exact same. But it looks sexier...and French :)

I love its sleek, utilitarian design.

And I love that it's free.

http://teuxdeux.com/

They have a free iPhone app as well, which I've heard only great things about...but alas, I'm still with Verizon.