I sure do love Betsy and Iya – and I’m sure once you visit them you will too.

I Stopped in again at Oko this past week.  And as usual – the store is stunning.  Visit them at 2774 NW Thurman.  And while you are in the neighborhood be sure to visit Betsy and Iya’s beautiful store front at 2403 NW Thurman.

It was a beautiful sunny winter day in Portland today -I’m sure you all noticed.  I stopped in at Sword and Fern and took some photos of Emily’s beautiful shop.  Please do stop in.   She’s in the 811 Burnside Mall along with other great shops like Nationale and Aequanimitas.

Mini Sage Wands

Tiny Porcelain Fawn

Loveliness

Pottery and Succulents

Sword and Fern

I’m happy to announce that I am now a Licensed Tax Preparer and will be partnering with Math, LLC to prepare returns this year.  If you are interested in this service please contact marian@magnoliamgmt.com.

I am a lucky gal to work with so many amazing Portland businesses.  I’d like to encourage all y’all to support our community by shopping at local stores this year!

Also, please consider giving a tax deductible charitable donation to YU and/or PDX Pop Now!

AK Vintage jewelry will melt your lady's heart

Shop Yo Vintage for your sweet sweetheart!

Abby's Table offers cooking classes and family style dinners. The perfect gift for the enthusiastic eater in your life!

One of my favorite gifts of all time is a new tea towel. Appetite's collection of screen printed housewares are so very beautiful!

Every girl should have some Betsy and Iya jewels! And now, Betsy and Iya is a full retail store in the Pearl where you are sure to find gifts for everyone you love.

Every single time I go into Eden to buy a gift for someone I love I also end up with something I love. Don't forget to buy yourself a present or five this holiday season!

Eden's sister store Flutter over on Mississippi is filled with fabulous finds.

The Little Red Press makes all things wonderful.

Records from Marriage Records make for a smiling happy husband on Christmas morning.

Palace of Industry serves up wine, beer, vintage wares, books and art. All at ridiculously affordable prices.

I love this (and everything else) from Paxton Gate Portland!

When I die and go to heaven I'm pretty sure I'll just arrive at Porch Light and Keiran will be there handing me a hot cup of cider.

Revolver Vintage Interiors not only carries beautifully restored vintage modern furniture but also small wares and art for the home.

Don't forget to stop by Salt and Straw for an icecream treat and to pick up stocking stuffers! (they have caramels, chocolates and more)

Sword and Fern makes beautiful jewelry and their retail store curates the sweetest most beautiful hand picked items. love!

Sweaters! Pashminas! and Jewelry Oh My! all available at Twill Clothing.

You could also purchase your BFF their very own share of KMikeyM!

"Give and Give and Give - it's the only way to Live" - Lovers

The 3 Leg Torso album Animals and Canibals is a wonderful listening experience!

I don't think there is anyone who doesn't LOVE getting flowers. Form and Flora makes beautiful arrangements as well as terrariums!

I love my visits to Portland thanks to you all:  Salt and Straw, Palace of Industry, Needmore Designs, Outdoor Scenery, AK Vintage, and Abby’s Table

Plus those autumn leaves are incredible,  enough to put a little hitch in my giddy up.

Crunchy Colored Fall Leaves

Palace of Industry

Sea Salt and Caramel Icecream

Red and Gold

Yesterday I stopped in to do a little bookkeeping for Oko Gallery and while I was there I snapped a few photos around the shop.  Oko is at 2774 NW Thurman Street.  I highly recommend you visit.

vessels

Hsin-Yi-Huang's Sculpture, Hive

necklace by Stone and Honey

Little Notebooks by Eberhardt Press

Porch Light ‘s new location at 221 NW 11th Avenue is open!  Hours are Monday to Saturday 11 – 6 and Sunday 11 – 5.

And while you are in the neighborhood be sure to swing by Eden – conveniently located right next door.

I’ll be taking a vacation June 29th through July 13th.  I’ll send out an email in the next couple weeks so that if you have specific requests that need to be handled prior to those dates we can schedule them in so I can spend those weeks sipping sweet tea (or gin fizzies) from my sun chair.

It’s been cold in the Northwest and I’m sure the rest of you are ready to feel the sun as well.  Here’s a couple of  sunny photos taken on my honeymoon in Eastern Oregon last July.

sun!

sandal days

Salt and Straw‘s adorable little cart opened up yesterday in the courtyard on Alberta and 18th.    I sure hope you head over and try some delicious icecream.  Their ingredients are locally sourced (oh how I love that) and the flavors are intriguing!

Sea Salt Ice Cream With Caramel Ribbons (yes please), Stumptown Coffee with Cocoa Nibs, and wait for it…..Brown Ale with Bacon (say what?!)  they have plenty more but I just listed the ones I am most interested in trying as soon as I get into Portland next week.

Click the image below to read the article Thrillist published today.