the list: august

It's been a week of September, and I think I'm getting into the groove of things.

I'm not quite ready for sweaters or the rain that just happened this week, but I guess I can handle this new month and what it will bring. (Because it's going to be a busy month!)

I'm in a wedding in two weeks and then I'm getting on a plane to go to the Influence Conference where I am teaching (I know, what-- they're letting me?!) a little session on fashion blogging.

 Honestly though, September is just going to roll right into October which is just as insane. The week after Influence, I'll be in San Fran for the ReMake conference hosted by Brit of Brit & Co. The next weekend it's a bridal shower then a bachelorette party for a wedding I'm the best lady for (there's no way I'm going to be the matron of honor... sorry.)

It's going to be a marathon of activity and I don't expect it to slow down until Christmas. It's good stuff, but it's busy stuff.

August was busy too -- busy but good:

1. We've been painting our house (we're almost done!)
2. I picked a lot of blackberries (and made blackberry fruit leather)
3. I made a knit skirt (I know, I owe you a diy)
4. I made rhubarb jam for the first time
5. I talked about jealousy

What did you do this month?

Every first Friday of the month Beth and I share our favorite things from the past month and what we're looking forward to in the new month. It doesn't have to be fancy, it doesn't have to be long, it can just be what the link-up is: a list.

When you link up, please link a relevant post and link back to Beth or I somewhere on your blog. And be sure to come see what others are sharing as well. :)

uncommon goods giveaway

I think I mentioned before that I pride myself on being a good gift giver. And I do love to give gifts-- to find things that I think people will both love but not expect.

And in return, I also like to find things for myself that no one else has. My husband even calls me out on it and it definitely is a hipster complex: wanting things that no one else will have or ever see. I love that it's so different from me as a 12 year old, when all I wanted was that Old Navy tech vest, just so I could be like everyone else.

But today, let's not be like everyone else? Ok?

I am excited to share Uncommon Goods with you today-- if you haven't heard of this site, I really recommend it when if you're ever looking for a gift or gasp, dare I say, stocking stuffer? (I know, it's way too early, but if you're in the mood-- see their stuffer ideas here.)

They have gifts categorized for guys (see them here), for house warming parties (here), gifts for women (here) and even more. There's a lot to peruse but I found a few of my favorite items:

1. diy shower curtain // my shower curtain could definitely go for a redo
2. year of gratitude kit // What a great idea to just have out in your home
3. soapstone cheese platter // because you always need to know what cheese you're nibbling on
4. 642 things to write about // a writing prompt journal is always a good thing
5. guitar pick punch // I actually bought this for one of my brothers last year (and I think he likes it?)
6. agate coasters // these are so gorgeous I almost wouldn't want to set a drink of them!

One of these items, (or perhaps something else), could be yours as Uncommon Goods is generously offering a $50 gift certificate to anything in their shop to a rouge + whimsy reader!

enter using the rafflecopter! good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, erika 

p.s. two things! tomorrow is the monthly link-up the list. come share your goals for september with Beth and I.

may I have your vote? thanks!

spaces + places: the yard

I decided I need to show all of you a little more of the spaces and places that I explore in my green city and there's no better place to start than one of my all-time favorite restaurants/bars in my neighborhood, The Yard.


What's interesting about Seattle is the sheer number of bars. Bars are not just places to drink-- bars are sometimes the best places to eat and many of the bars are even kid-friendly for a few hours.


In fact, I realized one day in trying to decide where to go for dinner, nearly all my favorite places to eat at are bars... and that may not be a normal thing for most cities. There are not a ton of nightclubs or lounges but, instead, plenty of spaces where microbrews and craft cocktails are the beverages of choice and nearly every menu boasts organic, sustainable and local in their descriptions.


The Yard is no different in their food offering.  Situated just a few blocks from my house, it's the perfect happy hour or casual dinner spot, especially during the summer.  It includes a fabulous outdoor patio, framed by greenery, but even more than the setting, I love the food.


The food is some sort of Latin American fusion with tacos heavily featured on the menu but the best option is the tortas, Mexican sandwiches layered with delicious roasted veggies and meats.

The Yard also makes its own tortilla chips and salsas, and it's a blissful experience if you happen to time it right, snagging a bowl of chips warm from the oven.

xo, erika

wear: 
denim shirt: thrifted (similar or similar)
skirt: thrifted
shoes: keds (similar)
necklace: H&M

p.s. -- may I have your vote? thanks!

 

linking up to what i wore, fashion & faith, style elixir

labor day weekend

Labor Day weekend was fantastic.

I even have the freckles and slight sunburn (on my back-ouch) to prove it. Turns out when you wait until the end of summer to laze around in the sun, even SPF 50 isn't enough protection.

One of my dear friends is getting married in a few weeks and we celebrated her bachelorette by camping -- well, more like glamping-- in a lake resort town. (I say glamping, because we could walk to a Starbucks from our campsite.)

We spend it eating too much and floating on mattresses in the lake, sun shining down on us, cool water tickling our toes. It might have been the perfect way to end the summer-- if I was ready for summer to end yet. I am still in denial and will be holding onto my fading sunburn and the sunshine for as long as I can.



How was your Labor Day weekend?

xo, erika

p.s. -- may I have your vote? thanks!

august favorites + giveaway

oh hey August. You're almost gone. 

In honor of the end of summer's final month, I asked a few of my sponsors to share their favorites.

Jaclyn of Jac & Elsie // shop  twitter  facebook
1. enamel bird necklaces : I love the sweet shape and color of each charm, and that gold leaf that extends beyond the bird is so pretty
2. Orange & Spice Herb Tea by Bigelow : one of my fav flavors, great for getting ready for fall
3. Ulta Plush Drama Mascara : great for everyday wear!

Amber of Beautiful & Beloved // shop  blog  facebook
4. Netflix : We are trying to be cable free and this is the only way I am getting any tv watching done
5. kale smoothies : 1 cup of kale + 1 banana + 1 cup of coconut milk = a delicious morning snack I cannot get enough of.  I am hoping to talk my husband into buying me a nutribullet during this move when our old blender "accidentally" breaks :)
6. summer dresses : I don't have time or energy to put together outfits during this crazy season in my life.  A dress helps me feel pulled together and fashionable without much actual effort.

And my favorites!
7. Three felt wildflowers : I just ordered these-- can't wait for blooms that last all year!
8. herringbone hanging planter : I've had my eye on this from the Moorea Seal shop for quite some time
9. Revelon Just Bitten : A great wash of color (that stays!)

to celebrate the end of the month, we're giving away the enamel bird necklace, lip stain and tea! A perfect end of the month gift!

what have you loved this month? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, erika

p.s. want to be a part of next month's favorites giveaway? check out my sponsor options here!

also -- may I have your vote? thanks!