HAPPINESS IS...

Found Honeymoon Polaroids

Look what I found. While packing for LA, I discovered the Polaroids I took on our honeymoon, stashed in between the pages of a book. Fitting, since this day last year, we had just come home from our epic travels. It was the first time using my land camera and I hadn't mastered the ancient focusing levers. But I don't mind the blurr. They look more like memories.

By the time you read this, we'll be in Cali. So please have a beautiful weekend. The blog will be silent next week, since I didn't have time to schedule posts in advance. But I promise to come back with a full report (and perhaps a few Polaroids) of our anniversary road trip up the west coast.

Make sure to follow me on Instagram under the name: shanrockeileen. I'll be snapping photos along the way!

Autumn Essentials

My favorite season is officially here. The leaves aren't changing colors yet, but the rain has arrived and the temperatures have dropped. I'm already wearing my big cozy sweaters and feasting on hearty homemade soups.

But I can't retire my sundresses and sandals just yet. We're flying down to LA tomorrow. 80-degree LA! Guess I'll have to put my autumn essentials on a shelf until I return.

Does it feel like fall where you live?

P.S. If you like this watercolor print, JDC is giving it away as a free download!


{Image by Jones Design Company}

Bird Mafia Papercuts

Aren't these papercuts sweet? Emily hand-draws and hand-cuts each image with an xacto knife: "no lasers, no stencils, no die cut, no joke."


{Images by Bird Mafia}

A Movie-Themed Weekend Getaway With The Nissan Versa Note

My hubs and I love the movies. It's one of our favorite things to do together. Since the kind folks at Nissan lent us a brand new 2014 Versa Note to explore this passion of ours, we took the opportunity to drive upstate for a movie-themed weekend getaway.

We set our sights on Port Townsend, a charming seaside town a few hours north of Seattle, made famous by the movie, Officer and a Gentleman. They were having their annual film festival and we were hoping to catch a few indie flicks. Most of the hotels were booked up, but we managed to snag the Morgan Hill View Loft, a cozy privately-owned bed & breakfast with a gorgeous panoramic view.

We wandered the old Victorian streets, soaking up the sun. It was supposed to rain all weekend, but the locals explained to us that Port Townsend lies beneath a 'magical' rain shadow. It gets less rain/more sun than the rest of western Washington.

In the massive antique mall, Hal found a rare vintage coffee table book while I found my feet.

We caught two films at the historic Uptown Theater. The first one, Unhung Hero, is a hysterical documentary by a Whidbey Island local's struggle with the size of his manhood! The entire audience was dying with laughter. And Hal spotted one of his buddies in the film - so random. The second one, Good Ol' Freda, is a very sweet documentary about The Beatle's long-time secretary, Freda Kelly, and her experiences growing up with the boys. Of course, I teared up at the end. Both flicks = highly recommended.

After buying some truffle cheese at the Mt. Townsend Creamery, we hit the road again for movie-adventure #2. The Rodeo Drive-In!

There are only a few left in Washington and it seems like every year, I read about another one that closes. So sad. I've made it my life mission to support our last remaining nostalgic drive-in theaters. Do you have one where you live?

I loved the intimate setting enclosed by evergreens. As you can see, we almost had the entire field to ourselves. We got cozy in the car with blankets and pillows, dug into the massive goodie basket of popcorn and candy that Nissan surprised us with, and settled in for the double feature of The Family and We're The Millers.

We had so much fun with the Versa Note. She was a much smoother ride than our MINI, the gas mileage was ridiculous, and I seriously think the car was made for the drive-in. After pushing the seats back and reclining, it felt like we were lounging in beds! Nissan, must we give her back??   


This post is sponsored by Nissan USA. The content and opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Happiness Is running!

An Overnight Adventure

Happy Friday! We're driving upstate for the Port Townsend Film Festival, hoping to catch a few indie flicks and stroll along the historic Victorian waterfront. I'll share our little overnight adventure next week! Have a fun weekend, friends. Here a few links for your amusement...

The most comforting carrot soup.

A whimsical mossy tablescape.

For those of us who couldn't attend fashion week.

Would you ever paint your piano?

Awesome wood grain shelf accents.

My absolute favorite Instagram food artist.

3 DIY lip balms: coconut rose, hemp honey, & chocolate mint.

The cutest dinosaur ring holder.

Darling H'ween costumes for les bebes.

Is this genius design or what?

 

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• A Floating Cinema
• Deep Thoughts By Pooh & Friends
• Feline Noir

 

{Pre-edited image by Thomas Hanks}

Questions For You - Did You Ever Get In Trouble As A Teenager?

I want to see your dark side! So here's my question for you...

What did you get in trouble for as a teenager?

My answer... I'm purposely avoiding my fake ID story because that's just too embarrassing. So let's take it back to the beginning of my awkward years. Age 13, when I discovered rebellion. Or my idea of rebellion. Let it be known, I was the smarty pants choir girl, voted "most likely to succeed." During a choir concert one night, my friend Amy and I decided to change up the choreography at the last minute without asking the teacher. Instead of raising our arms up at the end of the song, we turned back to back and folded our arms across our chests. You know, how people stood in the 90's. Our choir director saw it and gave us the ultimate death stare. His face changed from white to red to purple in a matter of seconds. After the show, he walked straight over to my parents and threatened to kick me out of choir and flunk me! Can you believe it? He ended up not, but let's just say I was no longer his favorite pupil. And that, my friends, is how I tarnished my goodie goodie reputation in middle school.


{Photo by Annija Muižule}

Lost Schoolgirls

I keep coming back to this lost schoolgirl series. I really know nothing about the photos, except that they were taken by Japanese photographer, Osamu Yokonami. And they stir my emotions. In a strange yet alluring and slightly creepy way.

Do you they have the same effect on you?


{Images by Osamu Yokonami}

DIY - Staggered Hanger

Have you noticed lately how interior designers are using clothing as art when photographing their rooms? They'll hang one statement dress or outfit on the wall to personalize the space. Especially in nurseries. Those miniature sweaters are just so darn cute!

Jennifer came up with a stylish way to recreate this look, using a staggered hanger similar to one designed by Christina Liljenberg Halstrøm for Skagerak. All you need is a dowel, a drill, and some parachute rope.

Not only is this DIY aesthetically pleasing, but it's practical. I remember as a child, my mom telling me to lay out my clothes the day before so I wouldn't be late for school. Do you ever hang up your outfits before you wear them?


{Images by A Merry Mishap}

The Rain Paintings

We're having the most electifying thunderstorm as I write this post. It's exhilarating. I'm cozied up in sweats and sipping a hot cup of raspberry leaf tea as the heavy rain pounds down upon my roof. The final days are summer are washing away.

In honor of the weather, I'd like to share with you a sweet little cloud series by Brazilian artist, Gustavo Sousa. He uses rain droplets from different parts of the world in his watercolor paint. A simple and beautiful concept, don't you think?

Maybe I'll make my own Seattle rain painting today.


{Images via The Rain Paintings}

A Celebration of Life

Tomorrow, my extended family on my mother's side are flying in from all over the country for my grandparents' joint memorial service, or rather a joyful celebration of their lives. We'll be gathering together on a chartered boat to scatter their ashes into the Puget Sound, then we'll tell stories and sing their favorite songs around the bonfire.

What are your plans for the weekend, loves? I hope you have a memorable one, full of moments that take your breath away. Enjoy the links...

30 ideas to get you in the mood for fall. Then 20 more!

Do you like grooms in colored suits?

DIY book page wallpaper.

Honey parmesan roasted brussels sprouts.

Should you turn your passion into a job?

10 awesome online shops.

5 homemade bread recipes for autumn.

What classic kids' books are really about.

The marriage adjustment period.

A lovely paper-cut calligraphy cake topper.

 

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• A Virtual Letterpress
• Plants From Another Galaxy
• CatAtelier

 

{Pre-edited image by André Hofmeister}

The Lolas - LA's Premiere All-Female Vocal Group

Calling ALL of Los Angeles... meet The LOLAs. Twelve talented ladies in one sexy all-female vocal group. If a few of their faces look familiar, it's because my besties are the founding co-directors. Every time they perform, I kick myself for moving away to Seattle.

They're having a big show at The Roxy tomorrow (Friday) night. Here's what I suggest you do:

1. Go 
2. Scream 'I love you!' after each song
3. Give them a big hug for me after the set
4. Report back.

Sound like a plan?

LOLAs... knock 'em dead!


{Photos by Matt Halvorson}

GET HAPPY 12: Urban Float Sensory Deprivation Tanks

Over the weekend, we had our first sensory deprivation tank adventure. Which seems like a strange thing to do on our anniversary, but it was quite an enjoyable experience. Hal has been wanting to try it for some time.

Seattle has a place in Fremont called Urban Float. You climb into a personal space-aged pod filled with water and a crazy amount (850 pounds) of epsom salts. This enables your body to easily float, as it would in the Dead Sea. The water is the exact same temperature as your skin, so after a few minutes, you lose awareness of where your body ends and where the water begins. The outside world disappears as you float in total darkness.

So why on earth would people do this? Think of it as a shortcut to achieving meditative states which would normally take years of practice to produce. When your body is not fighting gravity, it gets to rest and heal while your brain pumps out dopamine and endorphins. Over 30 years of scientific research has shown floatation therapy to improve the overall function of the brain and central nervous system while increasing anxiety-reducing and immune-boosting alpha brainwaves.

I'll have to admit, I was a bit nervous before our 1-hour session. What if I get claustrophobic? (I did for a few seconds). But once I let my body fully relax, my mind did too. I even fell asleep for a moment or two. The feeling of being weightless allowed me to enter a deep meditative state. And like anything, you get better with practice. Unless you specify otherwise, colored lights and gentle music play the first 10 minutes, shut off for 45 minutes, then reappear in the last 5 to bring you back to earth. For me, the music helped me fidget less and control my thoughts. If I float again, which I'm hoping to, I'd keep the music going the entire hour.

Do you have sensory deprivation tanks where you live? Would you ever try it out?


{Pre-edited image via Home Dsgn}

Anniversary Guest Book Wish Boats

Our first anniversary was mellow and sweet. We ate breakfast at our favorite house-converted-restaurant, Wild Mountain Cafe, took a paddleboat out for a spin on Greenlake, relaxed in sensory deprivation pods (more on that tomorrow), window shopped in Ballard, and enjoyed a lovely dinner at Serafina.

But before the sun went down, we started a new tradition. If you remember from the wedding, we asked our guests to write down a few words on origami paper and fold them into wish boats.

Write us a love note. Your hopes & advice. Leave us your wishes. And fold it up nice.
Every year. On our anniversary. One boat will be read. And set off to sea.

All year, we kept them in my grandfather's suitcase, together with the un-erased chalkboard sign. Down by the lighthouse at Discovery Park beach, we selected one boat to read and release out into the water.

I just so happened to choose my college roomie's paper boat, who just so happens to be a gifted writer. We snapped a photo of her touching note, so we wouldn't forget her words. It was the perfect wish for our first paper boat release, the first of many more to come.

Do you have any anniversary traditions?

Our Wedding Video By Son of Sharkpig

 

I've been holding onto this video for a long time, waiting for our 1-year anniversary to share it!

The talented Mr. Steve Pappin of Son of Sharkpig filmed and edited it for us. I can't imagine how long it took to turn 12+ hours of Super 8 footage into a 5 minute song. And this is just the first video - we'll be getting second reception vignette later on.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do, friends. I tear up every time I watch.

P.S. If you're curious, the song is from our soundtrack: Excuses by The Morning Benders.


{Pre-edited image by: Regine Ali; Video by: Son of Sharkpig}

The Perfect Imperfect Love

Bob Marley will always remind me of Hal. And this quote will always remind me of our relationship. I love the message, don't you?

This weekend marks our 1-year wedding anniversary. My goodness, how the days fly by. Since we're celebrating later in the month with our coastal road trip, we have nothing big planned. Maybe a nice dinner out with some live jazz. On Monday, I'll be sharing with you our official wedding video by Son of Sharkpig! Stay tuned friends. It's a goodie.

Have the loveliest of weekends. And please enjoy the links...

 

How to make a rug with a paperclip.

Yay, it's time for fall boots.

A cute and clever way to hide the ugly remote.

I've gotta try this bitchin' sauce.

An illustrated bucket list is an excellent idea.

Turn a men's dress shirt into a girly apron.

Have you ever tried tunisian tea?

An office/studio of my dreams!

A sweet little set of felt pumpkins.

How to style a hair bow.

 

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• Lovely Ladies
• Circles of Life
• Why I Love Him - Reason #98

 

{Pre-edited image by Flumina}

Questions For You - Do You Have A Celebrity Encounter Story?

I realize some some of you may not have met a celebrity before. But since I lived in LA for 10+ years, it was bound to happen. And no matter how common the sightings, I was star struck every time.

So here's my question for you...

Do you have a favorite celebrity encounter story?

My answer... The very first celebrity I met was P. Diddy, who went by Puff Daddy at the time. It was my freshman year of college at USC and the Shrine Auditorium was right across the street from my dorm. I spotted him chilling on the corner in a fur coat. I knew I'd kick myself if I didn't say hello. So I walked right up to him and did just that. He said, "what up" with a chin raise and a smirk. Then I ran away.

My second celebrity encounter happens to be my favorite. My friend Candy and I were somehow invited to a private Oscars party at the Chateau Marmot in Hollywood. As we were leaving out the back, Ethan Hawke, Matt Dillon and Frank Whaley were just arriving. Ethan, still married to Uma Thurman at the time, eyed us as we walked passed. So we promptly turned around and followed him back inside. I raced in front of him and held out my hand..."you're Ethan, right?" all coy and nonchalant (Candy teases me to this day). He laughed and flirted and kissed our hands. They invited us to their table, but we had to leave. The rest of the conversation was a blur, but I will never forget my special connection with Ethan Hawke. Maybe that's why he and Uma didn't work out. Just sayin...


{Pre-edited image via Mistress Marilyn Monroe}

Watercolor Snapshots of Your Vacation

This is such a fun idea. Send Brittany your digital vacation photos, and she'll make you a set of 4x6 simplified watercolor paintings. I'd love to turn my honeymoon into art!

She lost her camera while traveling in Panama so her husband asked her to paint their photos. He was kidding, but that's exactly what Brittany did. And now she paints them for others.

What vacations would you want illustrated?


{Images via Illustrated Vacation}

The Red Tour

How was your weekend, friends? My ears are still ringing from 20,000 high-pitched screaming little girls! Melanie, my bridesmaid who sang at our wedding, scored us some tickets to the Taylor Swift concert on Saturday. She's been flying all over the world singing back-up for T-Swizzle!

I have a ton of respect for Taylor after watching her own the stage. Melanie tells me what a smart, kind-hearted and grounded person she is.

And as for Mel, she absolutely shined. I'm so proud of that girl. Watching your friends live their dream is the greatest inspiration.


{Images by: 1. and 2. Shannon Eileen; 3. TSwiftUpdates; 4. Hapaila; 5. Jasmine Star; 6. Shannon Eileen}