HAPPINESS IS...

A Winter Dinner & Cooking Class with Cannelle Et Vanille

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a winter dinner and gluten-free cooking class hosted by food stylist & photographer, Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle Et Vanille. It was her very first communal table event inside her new studio space in Belltown.

The menu was incredible and inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Everything was gluten-free and Aran was easily able to accommodate my vegetarian diet.

• Cranberry ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
• Mushroom tartine on hazelnut pastry
• Salad of bitter greens, beets, lentils, and local blue cheese (prosciutto was left off for me)
• Melange of fish over roasted cauliflower cream and garlic soup (veggies replaced the fish for me)
• Apple and Oregon cheddar scones
• Candied-apple ile flottante with pistachios and vanilla bean

The evening was inspired by my new favorite word, Hygge (prounounced hue-guh), a Danish term: “the art of building sanctuary and community, of inviting closeness and paying attention to what makes us feel open hearted and alive”.

Isn't the table stunning? It was beautifully styled by Jenn Elliott-Blake, who brought in cotton stems from our local flower shop, Marigold & Mint. On each plate was a buttery soft keepsake leather pouch to hold the menu and map of Seattle, lovingly designed by the talented Julia Manchik, who also hand-lettered the Hygge banner that hung that from the ceiling.

It wasn't a traditional cooking class. Instead of Aran instructing us on how to make each dish, we split up into groups of 2 or 3 to focus on just one course. My new friend Lisette and I were assigned the salad. And not to toot our own horn, but it ended up being my favorite plate of the entire meal! 

We left with a take-home favor of San Juan Island Sea Salt, satisfied bellies and full hearts. Thanks again, Aran, for inviting us into your warm and welcoming space.

P.S. The professional photos by Dorothee Brand are now up on Cannelle Et Vanille!

Four Things 02: Lunar Neutrals

Four lunar pieces I'm loving lately...

1. Moon Pendant
2. Magical Thinking Moon Globe 
3. Moon Boots 
4. Night Moon Weaving

I have a special fondness for the moon. I was born on a full one, just moments before reaching maximum light. In a few days, it will be new again (two new moons this month). I've been following Lauren's moon series, where she explains the significance of each phase:

[The new moon] is about being in the darkness, where there is no thing and the possibility of any thing. It is about creation and bringing something new into the world. It is about going deep within and discovering the richness and mystery of the universe, of yourself, of life.

Do you know what moon phase you were born in? Find out here.

Get Happy 14: Simple Loving Gestures

Did you know that a humble cup of tea is the secret to a long-lasting relationship? According to Britain's Enduring Love study at Open University, simple loving gestures, such as making your partner a cup of tea, ranked among the most powerful bonds holding couples together, contributing to their overall happiness.

There is something about a cup of tea that seems to speak a thousand words. Women even ranked tea ahead of having their opinions valued and sexual intimacy. If it's not a cup of tea, then it's something equally simple, like praise or saying thanks.

I love when Hal brings me a cup of tea, makes me a plate of pasta, or tells me I'm beautiful after a cry. I hope he feels the same when I pour him a glass of milk for his cookies, feed him nightly vitamins, or tell him how cute he looks in sweatpants. Maybe we're doing something right!?

Dr. Jacqui Gabb, who led the study, is pleased with their results. "It's reassuring to know... that it's the small gestures of appreciation and affection, rather than the big romantic displays, that really make the difference."

What little things do you love in a relationship?

P.S. Another high ranking secret to a long lasting relationship... dancing together privately in the living room!

Thoughts 02: The 15-Minutes-A-Day Creative Challenge

Creatives, maybe you're like me. Sometimes I fool myself into thinking I have no time to pursue my passions. When I come home from the 9 to 5, the last thing I'm inspired to do is pick up my ukulele or pull out my paintbrush. But I'm working hard to change this mentality. Because my friends, 15 minutes a day, is all you need.

If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse. 

- Unknown

Melissa's 15-day creative challege has motivated me to stop making excuses once and for all. No matter what the endeavor, whether you aspire to write, tap dance, design websites, scrapbook, or bake pies, the rules are simple. For an entire month, take at least 15 minutes each day to work on your craft. Sometimes 15 minutes will be all you can handle depending on your mood or circumstances beyond your control. But more often than you think, those 15 minutes will turn into 30 minutes and then an entire hour will have passed.

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.

- Michael Altshuler

There's always a reason to not do something, especially with things that are unpleasant, like washing the dishes or cleaning out the fridge. But why do we make excuses for things we want to do? Why do we put off doing the things we love; the very passions we cannot live without? I believe it comes down to fear. Fear of failure, fear of change and possibly even fear of success.

Sometimes, I'll catch my inner voice telling me I deserve to lay on the couch and zone out on the Bachelor because I had a miserable day at work and I have terrible cramps. But who says I can't watch Juan Pablo with a hot water bottle and learn a new song during the commercials? Come to think of it, last week as Hal and I were babysitting our niece, I completed a painting during the final hour of Pulp Fiction. That powerful feeling of accomplishment and productivity made me want to do it again the very next day.

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon,
but that we wait so long to begin it.

- W.M. Lewis

Waiting until I have large chunks of time to devote to my art, music and writing will get me nowhere. This was my strategy for the past five years, and I have little to show for it. Melissa kept her 15-minutes-a-day experiment going for 12 months, resulting in the most prolific year of her life, creating more art than she had in the previous decade (150 completed pieces). She says that "baby steps, over time, will take you further than you ever imagined."

Let's do it. Are you willing to devote 15 minutes-a-day to your creative pursuits?

Etsy Faves 01: The Happiness Is Etsy Page

Now that I've decided to open up an Etsy shop for my own artwork this year, I've become a lot more active on Etsy. Every day, I uncover so many beautiful handmade and vintage goods and feel compelled to share these discoveries with the world.

So I jumped at the opportunity to create and curate my own Etsy page, where you can explore the marketplace through your favorite tastemakers. My boards are still in the beginning stages, but I plan to update it fairly often. Make sure to follow Happiness Is if you're interested!

Here are a few of my recent Etsy faves...

1. Geometric kimono sweater by Factory Handbook
2. Amethyst & white sapphire twig ring by Every Bear Jewel
3. Hand blown vase by Sassy Glassy
4. Dip dye knotted necklace by Chez Kristel
5. Mountain range wrapping paper by Norman's Printery
6. Moon phase crystal and mineral collection by Stone and Violet
7. Hand carved tabletop forest by 2of2
8. Paper crane scarf by Talented Apple

 

Life In Five: 01

I love lists. So I've come up with a new column, Life In Five, where I give you a brief scoop of things I've been up to lately in five easily digestible bits...

1. READING: E-Squared by Pam Grout. It provides 9 DIY energy experiments that prove our thoughts create our reality. Her tone is slightly annoying, but the information is downright fascinating. I just finished the first experiment - ask the universe for a gift/blessing in 48 hours - and it worked! Granted, my birthday was this week, so is that cheating? I'll repeat the experiment tomorrow and see how it goes.

2. WATCHING: Girls. So happy the new season is here. I don't get HBO but I marathon it from illegal streaming sites (shhh) on my iPad. Some of my gal pals aren't fans of the show, but I think it's brilliant.

3. ADMIRING: this 13-year old boy who spoke at a TEDx event about hacking his education in order to be happy and healthy when he grows up. He makes me look at home-schooling in a whole new light. 

4. EATING: Starbucks hearty veggie & rice bowls. Have you tried them yet? Full of healthy goodness: kale, butternut squash, broccoli, peas, red beets, and roasted tomatoes over brown rice with lemon tahini dressing on the side. I'm hooked.

5. PRACTICING: with Bruynzeel Design Aquarel watercolor pencils, which I'm testing out in the floral piece above. My sweet husband gave me a set for my birthday. They're soft and creamy and blend nicely with water. I look forward to sharing more artwork with you in the future.

What have you been reading, watching, admiring, eating and practicing as of late?

Our Stay at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort In Leavenworth

Thank you for the birthday wishes, friends! We spent the weekend in Leavenworth, at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. It was the perfect place to celebrate another year of existence.

On the top of my wish list, was snow. A reach, since winter weather has been unusually mild this season and snow has been relatively non-existent, even in the mountains. While driving over Steven's Pass, we lucked out with an unexpected storm! I was giddy in the passenger's seat, snapping photos as we cautiously drove through a mad fog of flurries. But as we descended down the mountain, the snow turned to heavy rain. Our destination was not a winter wonderland as I hoped, but that didn't stop the fun.

I originally discovered the Sleeping Lady while researching wedding venues. It's a luxury sustainably-designed eco-resort set on 67 acres of ancient Native American lands. But as you know, we got married in my parents' backyard, so I filed the location in the back of my mind as a place I'd like to visit in the future. Since then, I've heard nothing but rave reviews about this magical mountain escape. 

Upon arrival, we checked in at the main office, eagerly snatched an activity book with crayons, and trampled through a light layer of melting snow to find our cozy cabin equipped with with heated towel racks and velvety robes. Soft music played as we entered the room - such a nice touch! 

There was a surprise satchel of goodies on our bed from the previous day's wedding. It wasn't meant for us, but since the celebrations were over, we gladly accepted. Sarah + Jake, congrats! I'm so sorry your guest canceled, but rest assured, your welcome gift was put to good use.

We explored the wooded grounds, discovered hot rock pools, and took shelter from the rain in a cozy little library.

Then we found the play barn. And play we did.

After some warm winter drinks at the Grotto lounge, we were ready for dinner, which is included with the stay. We'd heard great things about Kingfisher Restaurant. Chef Joshua Holmes invented an out-of-this world menu using fresh local ingredients from the resort's 2-acre organic garden. And it's all served buffet style. We're not talking Souplantation here, but all-you-can-eat fine dining. 

I felt like a kid in a candy store, piling up my salad plate with foraged mushrooms, roasted red peppers and chunks of rare cheeses. For dessert, the waitstaff surprised me with a birthday sampler of mini creme brulee, cheesecake, chocolate mousse and assorted berries. With a card! 

In the morning, we visited the Aspen Leaf Spa for a massage. Props to my therapist, Gardenia, who knows how to treat a blogger's shoulder blades and traps! She gave me one of the best massages I've ever had.

We bid Sleeping Lady adieu and spent the remainder of the day in the charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth, visiting shops, buying fudge, smelling pretzels, and munching on schnitzel and veggie wurst. 

The original plan was to stop and snowshoe on our way home over the pass. But the weather had other ideas. The high elevation snow storm turned into a rain storm. And who wants to snowshoe in the rain? Instead, we did the next best thing: stopped at the ski entrance, snapped a few pics on the ice, and did donuts in the parking lot. 

Ah, it was a wonderful birthday. I wish I could have stayed longer. Thank you to the kind staff at Sleeping Lady for making our stay truly unforgettable. 

 

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

A Gift From Martha Stewart

Martha (more like her awesome editor Shira) gave me the best birthday prezzie ever... a blog feature! It's been hard to keep this a secret, but almost a year and a half after getting hitched, our wedding is beautifully showcased on The Bride's Guide. Happy dance! Check it out right here and make sure to click through the gallery.

NEW READERS VISITING FROM MSW...

Welcome! I've put together a handy little list of wedding-related posts if you're interested in learning more about the details:

• Style inspiration
• Color palette
• DIY save-the-date paper dolls
• Engagement photos
• Bridesmaid proposals
• DIY invitations
• Wedding website
• Bachelorette party
• Surprise bridal shower
• Rehearsal day
• Rehearsal dinner welcome cruise
• THE WEDDING  (posts 10-25)
• 2G4E movie premiere
• Wedding video #1 by Son of Sharkpig (sweet)
• Wedding video #2 by Son of Sharkpig (fun)

 

Thoughts 01: My Birthday

My birthday is on Sunday. We’re spending a long weekend in Leavenworth, a quaint little Bavarian village a few hours east of Seattle. I finally get to play in the snow! Not midwest snow, but snow nonetheless.

As of today, I've traveled 363 days around the sun. But it seems like just yesterday I was at Wellspring, celebrating my birthday with nearest and dearest, assembling a mega baked potato bar, giving each other tarot card readings and playing Hedbandz by the fire.

This birthday will be a scarier one. I’ll officially be a mid-thirty-something! How did that happen? I’m hitting that number where your eggs officially shrivel up and die. Major exaggeration, yes. But those fertility experts don’t exactly make a girl feel good about growing older. I wish our bodies worked the opposite way. Eggs should mature as we do. When we’re mentally, emotionally and financially ready to raise a child. But come to think of it, I may not ever be mentally, emotionally or financially ready to raise a child!

The great thing about getting older
is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been.

- Madeleine L'Engle

It's crazy to look back at my 19-year old self, when I predicted by my current age, I'd own a home, two children and a Grammy. That didn't exactly happen. But I have a husband! A mighty fine one. I have a cute little rented house. We're working hard on those children. And that Grammy will forever be a dangling carrot. I'm well on my way to being the person I thought I'd become. It's just taking a lot longer than expected. And that's okay. Despite societal fertility fears, I'm beginning to enjoy the aging process.

Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.

- C.S. Lewis

Remember when I asked you about becoming an adult? I may never feel like an adult, but I do feel more secure and stable in my thirties, compared with my twenties, though my parents may say otherwise. I feel more wise. More spiritual. And much more confident. One strange thing that surprised myself, and may surprise you too, is my level of ambition. It may seem to outsiders that I’m highly driven - your typical Capricorn. And I was at one point. But as I age, I become less concerned about how other people define success, and more focused on my day-to-day happiness. What small things today will bring me joy? That is ultimately my goal.

It's sad to grow old, but nice to ripen.

- Brigitte Bardot

I’m not getting old, I’m getting juicy and flavorful. A few bruises here and there, but they proudly mark my adventures and lessons learned. I'm a peach. An avocado. Or better yet... cheese!

How do you feel about birthdays?

Four Things 01: Nordic Yellow & Gray

I just got a cute pair of Fair Isle / Nordic patterned leggings (similar to these) for my birthday trip to the mountains this weekend. So the new column, Four Things, is starting off with a Nordic bang. Here are 4 visually related goodies that tickle my fancy...

1. Art print
2. Sweater coat
3. Sofa
4. iPhone case

A New Blog Design

Well folks, it was time for a makeover.

I'm not a professional graphic designer by any means, but this blog has forced me rev up my design skills. Taking Blogshop was the absolute best investment for myself. I can finally say, after a year of blogging with Photoshop knowledge, and DIYing a crazy amount of wedding projects, that I feel comfortable (gasp) as a designer. Who knew?

SO WHAT'S DIFFERENT?

1. I switched the sidebar to the right side. I think it makes the post content stand out more, since people read from left to right. I also converted one large sidebar into two smaller ones. It feels slightly more cluttered, but I tried to keep it as clean as possible so that my ad space shows above the fold.

2. A new logo. I was fond of my old one, but sometimes a girl just needs a change. I like that this one is minimalistic and geometric.

3. A new profile pic. Quite frankly, I was tired of looking at my serious face. This blog needs a happy smiling one!

4. The About page is updated, with some fun facts.

5. I embedded two of my favorite social media feeds into the sidebar: Instagram and Pinterest. Still working on the Pinterest one - it's a little tricky.

6. Notice the calligraphy dividers? I wanted to incorporate my new hobby into the mix.

7. The color palette has changed, but is similar. If you remember my wedding colors, I obviously can't get enough minty green and emerald. I added a pop of mango to the rollover links.

A NOTE ABOUT CONTENT:

With all the creative endeavors I'm pursuing this year, my posts may be a little more infrequent. I want to focus on quality over quantity. So you never miss a post, please make sure to JOIN THE TRIBE and my feed will be delivered to your inbox weekly.

And in an attempt to be more authentic, more ME, I'll only be posting original content from here on out, with some new columns in the works.. stay tuned!

There are a few more things to tweak (I'm still having font issues) so please excuse any strangeness in the next few weeks. Overall I'm pretty happy with the new and improved Happiness Is. I hope you feel cozy and welcome in the new space!

New Year Reflections, Hopes & Dreams

 

Happy New Year! I hope you're feeling refreshed, renewed, and hopeful for 2014.

We had a lovely Christmas in Gig Harbor at my parents' house. They recently returned from a well-deserved 40th anniversary trip to Italy, so in honor of, we cooked an Italian vegetarian feast with fresh homemade pasta (my first time!), two kinds of bruschetta, pecorino roasted pepper rolls, zucchini parmesan, Prosecco, and souffle al cioccolato for dessert.

My niece, Ayana, was in noodle heaven. She's 1.5 now, and is the life of the party. I love when she screams "SHANNON!" at the top of her lungs and crashes into my arms. It's the best feeling in the world. For Christmas, I got her a pair of cute toddler sushi booties. She wore them for about a minute.

Hal and I had a nice mellow New Year's Eve. We stayed in, made a most delicious veggie pesto lasagna, watched The NeverEnding Story until countdown and popped a bottle of bubbly we'd been saving for a special occasion.

2013 was rough. They say your first year of marriage is the hardest, and it was. But not for the usual reasons. I experienced the loss of my little Bailey, my grandmother, and something I didn't talk about on the blog, a miscarriage. All within a time span of two months.

But with loss, comes growth. I've done more soul searching, journaling, self-help reading and meditation this year than ever before. I feel a much stronger connection to my higher self, trusting and relying more on my intuition for answers. It seems as though the aforementioned events needed to happen in order to prepare me for a new direction. And then reiki came along and blew me away. It felt like a giant gift from the universe.. the ability to heal myself physically and emotionally from the pain of the past few months.

So yes. I'm really looking forward to what 2014 will bring. This year, I have one large umbrella goal under which everything else lies...

{AUTHENTICITY}

To be true to myself and start living the life I was meant to live. To actively participate, instead of watching from the sidelines. To push forward and eliminate the things that are no longer serving me. With more creativity. More art and music. More cooking, travel and adventure. And a whole lot more self-love.

Under that umbrella, are a few specific career goals...

• Submit the children's book series I've been writing to agents and publishers
• Open an Etsy side business for my artwork
• Record more demos for an upcoming acoustic ukulele album
• Create a reiki self-healing e-course for creatives
• Write an e-book for the blog

A few continuing lifestyle goals...

• Meditate nightly
• Let go of anger and worry
• Tell my husband how much I appreciate him more often
• Treat myself to massages more often!

And one very special personal wish...

• Make and keep, with the help of my love and a higher power, a tiny healthy human being. 

Cheers friends! *clinking flutes* What are your hopes and dreams for the new year? 

P.S. Thank you SO much for the love and support last week. Your comments, Facebook posts and emails inspire me to continuing pushing forward with music. I hope to record a few more songs for you throughout the coming year. If you emailed me and didn't yet get your MP3, please let me know!