Paws for a Cause

Last Saturday morning we headed down to the South Water Front, at the base of the OHSU Tram for a dog walk Paws for a Cause.  It's  the second annual dog walk event supporting Parkinson's research.

It was a beautiful day, and before the event started we had fun wandering around checking out the sponsors like these cute dogie Tu Tu's. 

Lulu and Molly loved checking out all the dogs everywhere.

Former Trail Blazer basketball star, Brian Grant hosts a big annual Parkinson's weekend every year at the same time, which included a gala, and golf tournament.  He also had a large group of walkers participating.

Our buddies, Mark and Barb joined us with their dog Murphy, who also happens to be Lulu and Molly's brother. Barb brought along the forth of July dog costumes which were perfect for this Olympic year! 

Our dogs found a little Hula Buddy.

Everyone was excited to start on the 4k walk that looped around by the Willamette River

Pretty cute!

We found this shoe along the way...I'm sure it would have a story to tell.

It was a hot day, so the dogs appreciated all the water stops.

At the end of the walk, there were celebration tables with biscuits and water.  It reminded me of runners with their energy bars and Gatorade.

A refreshing dip in the fountain never hurt!

Duck Pond Cellars was one of the sponsors, and offered Pinot Gris by the glass for the walkers to purchase.

This was a well organized event, and had cute contests following the walk.  Above, there was a dog-owner look alike contest. We convinced Mark to enter with our trio and received an Honorable mention.  They also had a Dogie Costume Contest.

We thought this little dog with a horseback rider was a riot.  He had a little hat to go with his costume that was hilarious.

Another contest was the small and large dog 'Pie Eating Contest.'  We fed our dogs beforehand, so they turned their noses up at the offering, which was rice, veggies, and chicken.. 

It was a doggone good time and the pups were tired.  We all headed over to the Lucky Lab Pub on Hawthorne for lunch, vowing to come back next year.

Herb Garden in Containers

I always have herbs in my garden, but I usually plant them along with the flowers that I've planted in my deck containers.  Since I have a very shady yard, it's impossible to grow veggies and herbs in a large space, so I work them in containers when I can.  However, this year, I decided to have a dedicated herb container.

Recently I made dinner for my Book Group and spent $7.50 on fresh herbs for the meal!  In early June I went to the local Farmers Market and bought a selection of fresh herbs for about $2.50 each. I found my container there too, and think it's a perfect size for about ten plants.  The rectangle container is 26 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches tall.

I figure growing your own herbs is a bargain, even if some of them only last through the season.  I planted Italian Parsley, Basil, Chives, French Tarragon, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Sweet Marjoram, Winter Savory, Dill, and Dwarf Sage.  Container Herb Gardens are so much fun for any age and situation!  I recently planted one for my Mom to enjoy in her apartment space, and my college student daughter was excited to make a planter for her downtown condo.

 The Mint is getting too large and will have to be planted in it's own container, so I thought I'd replace it with some Cilantro.  I was thinking Catnip might be fun to plant in it's own container too.  My Sister-in-law says her cats like eating it off the plant, but many people dry it and put it in toys.  Now to find some recipes to use all these great herbs, stay tuned!

Wisteria Chic in Manzanita, OR

Our little town of Manzanita has been getting some good press lately.  Little wonder, it's a wonderful place to live or visit!   One of it's treasures has got to be Wisteria Chic, a must visit for anyone looking for beautiful fabric, home decor items, children's clothing, jewelry or a special gift.

 The fabric is absolutely gorgeous, and I couldn't resist buying some heavy cotton for recovering some wicker chairs that I can't part with.  There's so many ideas and 'eye candy' fabrics, I may have to dust off my sewing machine and make some pillows, or a canvas bag! 

I love this 'touch of glamour' cozy corner with fun papers and funny cards

Debra Smith-Stephens was born and raised in Nehalem, and has come back after a stint in Sisters, OR.  She returned about a year ago, bringing her charming, eclectic shop with her!  You've got to check it out!  Already, I have a pile of prospective Christmas gifts purchased here, which is a huge relief after last year, when I didn't plan ahead!  

 Debra had a great eye for color, and has lots of cute vignettes with ideas for jazzing up your home.

 

 She also has a lovely selection of soaps and creams.

 One brand at Wisteria Chic that I just love is Petunia Pickle Bottom, which is a a line of pretty and sturdy bags, wallets, and purses.

 Everything is so colorful...perfect for all the gray, rainy days that we get here in Oregon!

 When you see this decorated mannequin, on 387 Laneda Ave. you know you've found the right place.  It's well worth a visit when you visit the Coast.

Manzanita on Dwellable

Summer Wedding - Bridal Jewelry

 I've had so much fun working with brides and their wedding parties this season.  For 25 years, I was behind the camera as a wedding photographer, so I've always had a fascination with wedding celebrations.  This year, I've enjoyed putting jewelry together to match the colors and styles, that Brides have chosen.

 About the time I stopped photographing weddings,10 years ago, the big wedding colors were black and white.  The weddings were classic and beautiful, but I missed the pretty shades of pink, green, blue's etc.

 Now, I keep hoping that brides will move on the the sleeveless dress, and give us some variety!

  I'm seeing lots of cascading, chandelier, and Vintage styles, offering diverse choices for the bride and her attendants.

 Lockets are always popular, including these faux patina finishes shown here.

Elegant styles for 2012

White Orchid and Silver Connectors, paired with Clear faceted Glass Make an elegant Statement, along with Gold Three Leaf and pink Teardrops.

 The jewelry styles have gone from simple pearls, to Hollywood Glamour.  Brides are requesting something unique, using Swarvoski Crystals, quality Silver and Gold plate, CZ, Cubic Zirconia, and other materials, all more affordable than the out of sight prices on Gold and Sterling.

  I have to end with a necklace for Destination and Beach Weddings, which are so popular now.

Revisiting the Urban Cafe

 My Soul Sister, Barb, and I hadn't seen much of each other this year due to my traveling, her buying and selling a house, and deaths in both of our families, so we decided we needed a "Girl's Getaway"...funny, we used to call them "Mom's Getaway Weekends" but now our children are grown, and out of the house. 

 Astoria is always a favorite destination, and although we keep promising to try new places, we almost always end up at the Urban Cafe.  I love that the decor is always different and fun, and the food is consistently good.

 It's always interesting to see what they will do next.

 There were four of these tall vases with metal flowers, but I could only get one of them without disrupting dinners.  The last time we were here, this section was full of pink flamingos.

Five little pigs guard the kitchen...

We brought the four legged 'kids' to the beach, so we had to hurry home. The two dogs in the front, Molly and Lulu are mine, and the 'Bad Boy' Murphy, in the back is Barb's dog.  He's their brother from the same litter.  Murphy had to mark his territory to show the girls who was boss, otherwise he's as sweet as his sisters!