The Rose City

A weekend away was just what Mr. Malone and I needed. No agenda - just the desire to get out of town.

And, much to our delight, Portland greeted us with sunshine! We walked, we ate and we spent time with dear friends.

Thanks, P-Town, we'll be back!

The Original

My favorite travel companion

Portland Fire & Rescue

Portland Saturday Market

Paparazzi status

Mother's brunch - do it

Nothing but love for the 5-0-3

See It: Silver Linings Playbook

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After a very busy weekend, a lazy Sunday was exactly what the doctor ordered. The choice? Taking in a movie at Pacific Place - "Silver Linings Playbook." I had been asking Mr. Malone to see this for awhile now, and since Jennifer Lawrence was recently named the Best Actress, it seemed like a no-brainer. However, I was a bit skeptical. I had heard some mixed reviews, including one that led me to believe I'd be walking out of the theater scratching my head & confused.

Thankfully, this couldn't have been further from the truth. I found the movie to be completely straight forward and I LOVED the chemistry between Lawrence & Bradley Cooper. I wasn't expecting it to be as funny or romantic as it turned out to be, but it seemed like the perfect balance to the film's "heavier" plot lines. (Cooper played a recently-released mental patient, while Lawrence was a widow.) It was emotional without being depressing, romantic without being mushy, while still being extremely thought-provoking and inspiring.

One thing that was difficult for me during this movie was knowing that Jennifer Lawrence had already taken home the Oscar. Don't get me wrong, I thought she was fantastic, but I kept questioning whether or not she out-performed Jessica Chastain in "Zero Dark Thirty." And it's a damn shame Daniel Day Lewis was nominated, because I thought Bradley Cooper did an unbelievable job.

If you're looking for a nontraditional rom com, this could be the movie for you!

Mike & Lindsay's Baby Shower

Remember this little nugget? The one I tried to pass as my own? Mr. Malone and I had the honor of showering the parents-to-be yesterday. And while weather didn't cooperate, the love and support in the house was overwhelming.

I, for one, am thrilled to meet my little godson.

Was finally able to use my new camera lens that I received for my birthday - amazing on close ups!

Instead of traditional gifts, we asked each guest to bring their favorite child storybook.

A banner of baby clothes was the perfect decoration. (Oh, and the cutest.)

Big brother - in the zone.

Yakima's finest.

Amazing diaper cake - wish I could take the credit!

Perhaps our most adorable guest.

Congratulations, Mike & Lindsay! Let the countdown to baby begin!

Lately

I don't know if it is all of the HGTV I've been watching or what, but all I want to do is buy furniture. 

(Oh, and a house.)

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With the exception of the chandelier and the side tables, I'm loving this bedroom set-up. The headboard, the cozy linens, and the bright pop of color from the lamps. I wouldn't be upset about waking up in this room.

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I'm trying to convince Mr. Malone that a small metallic or mirrored side table would be AMAZING. (If looks could kill.)

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I am dying for a table like this. I love that there is the ability to dress it up, or down, depending on the chairs selected. It just screams "home" to me. As much as I love a darker finish, I am actually okay with the light color of this table.

What does YOUR dream home look like?

Wonton Wednesday

Remember that cooking class Mr. Malone and I took awhile back? We have been talking about actually making dim sum at home ever since, and didn't actually see it through until last night. The wontons didn't look so appetizing once they were steamed, but they sure tasted great!

Our happy little wontons, before they hit the steamer.

STEAMED SHRIMP & SCALLION WONTONS

*Via HipCooks

3/4" piece fresh ginger, peeled

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 bunch cilantro (As you may know, I hate cilantro, so we added very little.)

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp sesame oil

2 green chilies (Or more if you like it. 2 had plenty of kick for my taste buds.)

1 pound shrimp, shelled

1 package wonton wrappers (We used square, but I think round would have been easier.)

*In a food processor, mix ginger, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, sesame oil and chilies. Taste before adding the shrimp! Add more garlic or ginger, if needed.

*Add shrimp and mix until combined.

*Place a heaping teaspoon of the shrimp mixture in the middle of the wonton wrapper. Use a little bit of water on the edges, to seal. Make sure seams are closed tightly!

*We steamed our wontons in the rice cooker, but you could pan fry these as well. We were also able to freeze more than half, making an easy dinner in the future. Enjoy!

See It: Argo

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Apparently, Mr. Malone and I have been in the mood for some movie watching! My lovely friend Sarah turned 27 yesterday and we all got together to celebrate over the weekend. Her birthday wish? Getting together for drinks, food & "Argo" at iPic in Redmond. (Whoa - fancy, much?!)

I loved this movie. I thought it was so well done, despite how anxiety-inducing it was. No joke, my heart was absolutely racing the last 25-30 minutes. Even though I knew what was going to happen, the way it was shown on film was maddening. (You know when you want to scream at the characters in the movie? That is exactly how I felt.)

At the end, they had side-by-side photos of each houseguest, along with who played them in the movie. Unreal! The resemblance some of the actors had to the people they were portraying was uncanny. (Well, almost.)

Definitely worth seeing! And if you are feeling like a boss, you should also check out the swanky theatre at Redmond Town Center. (But be prepared for overpriced menu items. A margarita for $15?! I'll stick with my Bud Light, thank you!)

See It: Zero Dark Thirty

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Mr. Malone and I caught "Zero Dark Thirty" at the Majestic Bay Theatre a few weeks ago. (Side note: this may be the cutest movie theatre I've ever been to.)

Since we had just finished season two of "Homeland",we thought this was the perfect movie to see. (That, and I don't think Mr. Malone was up for "Silver Linings Playbook.") I, for the most part, really enjoyed it. I did find the beginning to be a little slow, but once their mission was a-go, I was on the edge of my seat. However, the ending did nothing for me. Was I the only one who didn't really get it?!

Of course, I loved seeing a little bit of "Parks & Rec" on the big screen, courtesy of Chris Pratt. An odd casting, for sure, but he brought some much-needed comedic relief to an otherwise heavy film.

PDX

Sad story - Mr. Malone and I never really celebrated our wedding anniversary. Well, I take that back. We did celebrate, but we have yet to fulfill our gift to each other: the gift of cotton.

Did you know that someone had the time created a list of traditional anniversary gifts that correspond with each year? Seriously - check it out.

A friend of mine gave me a coupon for Amtrak... buy one adult ticket and get one FREE! Sounds like the perfect excuse to get away to Portland with my main man. Bonus? Saw an article in The Seattle Times about how to score sweet deals when booking a hotel by April 1.

 

The plan? Sleep, eat, shop, get camera happy, and make time to see our college friends.

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Anybody have any great recommendations?

5 Things

Call them goals, call them guidelines, call them to-do's. But please, don't call them resolutions. I don't know why, I just don't like the word resolution. (I feel like calling it a "resolution" makes it more official, and that's not how I roll. You feel me?) Like everybody else and their mom, I have a few five things I am going to share with the world wide web; five things I'm hoping will bring a bit more happiness to 2013.

: : read more : :

I love to read, absolutely love it. Unfortunately, though, my reading goes in waves. I'll read two books really quickly and then not pick up another one for months. I need to work on making time for reading, whether at lunch or before I go to bed. There is nothing better than being immersed in a good book.

: : run more : :

Running clears my head, which I seem to need desperately these days. I can't wait for it to warm up so I can hit the Burke-Gilman. June 22nd will be here before I know it!

: : write more snail mail : :

C'mon, who doesn't love getting a letter in the mail? I'm always so surprised when I get a "just because" note, or a "thinking of you" card. I'd love to be able to put a smile on someone's face. Plus, it will allow me to keep in touch with those out-of-state.

: : take more pictures : :

Sometimes I wonder if I'm "that girl." You know? The one with her iPhone out, taking pictures of EVERYTHING. I really try not to be, but I don't want to miss out on anything! I wouldn't mind cutting back on the iPhone paparazzi game, but I want to explore Seattle behind the lens. I've been dying to bring my camera to work, so I can get down to Pike Place on my lunch break. (Nerd alert.)

: : shop less : :

I have a feeling this will be the most challenging, especially since Nordstrom has the cutest stuff right now. I don't even think I shop that much, but I tend to buy things that I don't necessarily need. (I'm sure Mr. Malone will be a-ok with this plan.)

Out on the Town

Mr. Malone and I, along with his co-workers, were treated to a night out last Friday.

The agenda? Dinner & drinks at RN74, followed by karaoke at Rock Box. (Gee, twist my arm!)

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Let me start by saying how blown away I was with dinner. The service, the food... almost everything. Not sure if it was just our group, or if it was the restaurant in general, but it was LOUD. I felt like I was screaming to have a conversation with the person across from me. Other than that, though, I was really impressed.

The Menu

Mushroom Tempura (Shared)

Gougeres (Shared)

Black Truffle Popcorn (Shared, but mostly me!)

Potato Leek Soup (Mr. M)

Avocado & Butter Lettuce Salad (Me)

Beef Bourguinon (Mr. M)

Carrot Risotto (Me)

Hand Cut Beignets (Mr. M)

Crunchy Chocolate Profiteroles (Me)

I would recommend RN74 to anyone, especially those who have plans downtown. (Think dinner and a show at The 5th.) I've also heard great things about their Happy Hour! And when you're done, hitch a ride home in an Uber cab. I will never use a Yellow Cab again!

First time user? Enter promo code tquma and get $10 off your first ride! (You're welcome.)

2012

This year has been weird.

Ups and downs, good times and bad, moments that went by too quickly and others that lingered too long - it felt like an emotional roller coaster. A lot of it was my own fault: I take things personally, I read into things, I cry... the list goes on. (Understatement of the year.)

But 2012 also brought a lot of change. Change that I wasn't necessarily prepared for or ever wanting to experience. Change that still hurts to think about and leaves me wondering at night. Sadly, I don't know if 2013 will provide resolutions to some of these unsettled feelings.

What I do know is that I am ready to move forward. The past twelve months have given me great perspective and I'm actively working on building a thicker skin.

Okay, okay... enough of the blog post blues. Let's get to the good stuff, shall we?!

In keeping with tradition (meaning I've done it once) I wanted to provide y'all with some of my favorite memories from the last year. Without further ado, this is Not Your Mama's Year in Review!

JANUARY

An epic night out with some of my favorite ladies was the perfect way to kick off 2012. How could you not love karaoke, comedy and margaritas? My point exactly.

FEBRUARY

Quick - what is the perfect excuse for a half day at work? To catch a flight to Las Vegas? You'd be correct! You win... nothing. Sorry!

MARCH
Being able to host a bridal shower for one of my sisters was absolutely wonderful. Getting to co-host with my other sister? Take that "absolutely wonderful" and times it by two. It should also be noted that Mr. Malone and I hit the 7-year mark in our relationship in 2012. BOOM!

APRIL

I think it would be down right inappropriate to say anything other than our trip to The Big Island. It was a perfect week away: sand, sun, tropical drinks, golf and absolutely NO thinking about work. Amen!

MAY

Wedding season has begun! My sister Julia tied the knot at the most iconic spot in Seattle - jealous much?!

JUNE

A much needed, and LONG overdue, reunion with my college buddies in Bend, Oregon. Weekends like this cannot happen every two years - it's too long to wait!

JULY

Um, hello?! THE OLYMPICS. Duh.

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AUGUST

Mr. Malone and I knocked out THREE weddings, including back-to-back weekends in Portland. My Dougie skills have never been better.

SEPTEMBER

Lordy bee, our trip down South was easily the highlight. The only thing that would have made it more enjoyable? A Husky victory. (Only 38 points off... so close!)

Fun fact: Pitch Perfect was filmed at LSU

OCTOBER

Wedding season is officially complete! It started with family and ended with family, as my cousin married one of the funkiest dudes this side of the Mississippi.

NOVEMBER

Ye Olde Leavenworth Weekend. Crisp air, crunchy leaves, and two dear friends. 'Nuff said.

DECEMBER
How am I supposed to choose between multiple birthday celebrations, an engagement, and a white Christmas?! Easy... I don't!

Cheers to 2013!

Merry Merry

Family. Laughter. Justin Bieber. The Palm Springs of Washington. Farkel. Good food. Pajamas. Keeping warm by the fire. A Seahawks victory. Cards Against Humanity. Love. Snow. Irish Coffee. Deliciousness.

Sad to see you go, Christmas. Cannot wait to see you in 2013.

Birthday Fun

And what a fun birthday it was! Mr. Malone, along with family & friends, certainly knew how to make me feel loved this past Tuesday.

{birthday flowers}

{eggnog cupcake & a skinny peppermint mocha}

{amazing dinner}

{made-to-order doughnuts}

{elf - the musical}

{snow globe set}

And the fun continued through the weekend, where I got to sing my little heart out with my best gals. (Sadly, I am still feeling the effects of a night out on the town.)