Halloween Haunts

It is one of my favorite times of year...Halloween!  I love decorating for Halloween and despite no longer living in a neighborhood I still feel the need to get in the spooky spirit of the holiday.  Since outdoor decorations are not permitted in an apartment, I've carefully selected a few pieces with an eerily classic style to liven up the inside of our humble abode.  Most of my decorations were found at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Store, or Pottery Barn.  

Happy Halloween!

Mount Saint Helens

This past weekend the hubs and I made the drive to Mount Saint Helens.  Despite standing at almost 9,000 feet, the volcano  managed to evade our gaze as it hid in the fog and mist.  The rain and cold tried its best to prevent us from exploring, but we were not discouraged.  We threw on our raincoats and bundled up in layers as we set out to discover the beauty surrounding this sleeping giant.  We explored gorgeous waterfalls, trampled over suspension bridges, climbed over rock faces, and fit in a little cave exploration in the Ape Caves.  

Well Plaid...

In true Seattle style, I am breaking out the plaid.   Typically, I would avoid wearing the same shirt as Al from Home Improvement; however, plaid has made a come back in a good way and there are so many ways to rock this look!  Who knew that plaid could be so versatile? So, today's post is all about how to style this old stand by.  

Go for Layers and wear your plaid shirt as a cardigan. 

Pair a plaid shirt with gray skinny jeans, a simple blue t-shirt, flats, and a gray crossbody. 

Preppy Plaid-dress up your plaid shirt with a navy blazer.  I am loving this look from the Fashionista Next Door! 

Photo: Fashionista Next Door

Or put your own spin on this staple.  Love how Atlantic-Pacific added a feminine touch to her plaid shirt and I am really digging the red Hunter boots! 

Photo: Atlantic-Pacific

Two Tickets to Paradise

One of my good friends came for a visit this past week.  She was only here for a few days, so shortly after arrival we headed off to make the most of her time.  We spent the first day in Seattle visiting the "hot" spots; EMP, the needle, etc.. .  After playing the role of tourist for a day, we decided to head to Big Foot's neighborhood and explore the country side.  Our journey took us to Mt. Rainier National Park, where we dined at the National Park Inn in Longmire, made acquaintances with the local wildlife, splashed in streams, gawked at waterfalls, tripped on rocky trails and finally gasped in awe of the beauty of Mt. Rainier at Paradise.  

Oktoberfest

This past weekend the hubs and I celebrated Oktoberfest in a Bavarian themed town just outside of Seattle; Leavenworth, WA.   The quaint little village is filled with larger than life Bavarian pretzels, polka music, specially brewed bier and lots of people.  It was a wonderful time and we especially enjoyed the scenic road trip.  

Our adventure to Leavenworth took us through the gorgeous cascades, along winding roads, rushing rivers, and past pear orchids.  After our beautiful drive along Highway 2, we found ourselves surrounded by charming Bavarian architecture, frauleins in dirndls and kerls sporting lederhosen.  We waited in quite the line to enter the festival, but quickly forgot the frustration when our steins were filled with wonderful dunkel.  Our last hours were spent at a delicious little restaurant, where we indulged in German cuisine and more bier.  Having our fill of bratwurst and Hofbrau, we finally headed home with the sun casting spectacular shadows along the awe inspiring cascades.