Leona Lane

A Post about a Camping Trip

As I mentioned earlier today, Joe and I went on a little camping trip this last weekend with some close friends! It was really laid back, fun and just a tad wet. We were hoping to escape the grey but the weather didn't cooperate. We've gone camping on Memorial Day almost every year since we got married, it's turned into a little tradition that we look forward to in the spring. 

This time we stayed at Tumwater Campground right outside of Leavenworth, WA. The spots were really secluded and we had plenty of space, running water in the bathrooms but no showers. Since Joe used to work at REI we have tons of their gear, and our site can look a bit like an advertisement at times! The shelter came in really useful this trip! It's wonderful to have everything stay dry!! 

We have a bunch of favorite camping meals but shish kabobs are definitely at the top of the list. We also made baked apples this trip and I brought little pie-crust cookies to put on top, those were delish! We'll definitely be making those again! 

Joe brought his mountain bike this year and got to ride a sweet trail called "Xanadu", we hiked up the fire-road with him the next day and he rode it again!

While Joe was riding the first day, Pete & Hannah and I went into Leavenworth for a bit. We did a little window shopping and played a round of mini-golf. More of an actual miniature golf course than the typical hit-your-ball-at-a-windmill place. I've never been golfing before, but this was actually really fun and didn't take all day.

After all that golfing and bike riding we had brats loaded with sauerkraut and mustard and some beer. You kind of have to if you visit a fake German town. Well, I suppose that's not entirely true but those brats sure hit the spot. 

I hope everyone enjoyed a short week! Any favorite camping spots that you'd like to share ... that aren't top secret? What are your favorite meals to take camping?

Photo Friday: the Great Outdoors

Wow, its been a crazy week! We had our first giveaway, thanks to all of you who left comments about things you'd like to see more of! I also had my first experience with car theft... Nathan's car was stolen out of our driveway, while we were home! I couldn't believe it. They found the car, but not in the same good condition, unfortunately. :( In the midst of all the crazy, Nate and I enjoyed a nice hike at Riverside State Park. Here's just one photo I snapped:

Renae's Photo - Over Memorial Day Weekend we went camping near Leavenworth, Washington; it is so beautiful over there! We hiked up to the top of a mountain biking trail called "Xanadu" and the views were just awesome! This time of year all the alpine flowers and wild roses are blooming too! So lovely... will be sharing more camping trip pictures this afternoon too!

Jenn's Photo - Unfortunately I was not able to enjoy our annual Memorial Day camping trip with Renae this year; instead, I was at a family funeral. I loved spending time with all my extended family, including Aunts and cousins, and course my new baby niece! The photo I am sharing today was taken in the backyard around the firepit. My Aunt's property is pretty awesome and very extensive. Perfect for a bonfire! That's about as close as I got to the great outdoors this weekend.

Happy Weekend everyone!

Local Spot: Milstead & Co.

This week Renae and I had a fun little get-together at a new-to-us coffee shop in Fremont. It's called Milstead & Co. and it's right down the hill from the Troll, under the Aurora bridge. A friend recommended it to me, but I also have read some great reviews online, such as this one. The drinks were really amazing, but I especially loved their decor. The vintage camera collection and blue mason jars caught my eye, and the barista was nice enough to let me take a photo.

Renae and I both ordered vanilla lattes made from their home made vanilla bean syrup. Yummy! I also endulged in a strawberry brioche, a pastry that I especially loved when I was in France.

I am glad that we discovered this little coffee place! Its right down the hill from my work, so I know I will visit more often. I am always on the lookout for a new local place to hang out. This one even has a view of Lake Union! If you live in the Seattle area, I would definitely recommend checking it out!

Ideas for Desk Organization

I finally have my new desk all organized and I thought I'd share a few ideas today. My favorite way to organize is with vintage finds or unexpected items, it makes your space feel fresh and fun instead of like an office supply store. My main objective was to have a uncluttered work surface which means everything must have a designated "home". I love all the nooks and crannies on this desk but it has no drawers, so I had to get a little creative finding ways to hold everything. Lighting was also an issue since the desk is so enclosed, in addition to the dark blue walls. I picked up a clamp light at Target for $10 which is working really well so far (and yes, I wrapped the cord with neon pink washi tape!)

Starting out on the left side (above) - On the very top shelf I have my paper trimmer, inspiration and photo frames and some plants. The lower shelf has a small box for scraps and a place for my laptop to sit when not in use. Beneath on the main work surface I have a caddy for my Project Life items, my date stamps and Staz On ink pads and Stereo - things I use all the time.

Inside the column on top shelf: Current books I'm reading, Loose change in vintage jar, a vintage cracker tin to hold stamp sets and larger embellishments, jar full of paint brushes, rulers and file folders. Middle shelf: Vintage typewriter. Bottom shelf: Scrapbook paper in a clear jewel case and paper pads, white envelope is holding items for my next project.

Moving over to the right side (above): I used old CD cases in the CD rack to make mini shelves, then placed berry baskets on each shelf which contain washi tapes, labels and embellishments. Underneath the berry baskets are all of my letter stickers. I used command hooks to hang up clipboards that hold embellishments, post it notes, stickers and some recent photo booth photos.

The upper shelf holds various small stuff: My pens & scissors are stored in a vintage flower frog. I also have a special photo of me and my grandmother, my Elise Blaha Cripe stamps, orange bakers twine, a clear stamp mount and Rifle Paper Co Botanical Labels & Sticker book.

Tucked underneath: Vintage Garbage Can. Upper shelf - 2 photo boxes containing tools and paints, plus my watercolors and paint palette slide nicely in on the side. Lower shelf - Current Project Life Album, Calendar, Studio Calico box holding all Various Page Protectors and Photo Paper. Not pictured: large white foam core board.

My newest toy, a Canon Pixma MG6320, actually won't fit on my desk, so Joe graciously gave me some room under his desk to hold it. It prints wirelessly from both my computer and my iPhone which is rad, and the print quality has been great so far! For only $150 I'm wishing I would have got this a lot sooner, I was expecting to have to pay closer to $300-400 for a printer that works as well as it does.

... and technically the air plants are gracing Joe's desk but I just couldn't resist showing you guys pictures of them in their new spots. So excited that they are still alive and doing so well. I ditched the trifle bowl they were in before in exchange for a teardrop hanger that I found on sale and my Grandma's little blue footed bowl the xerographic is in. Hope you had fun looking at my new space! Leave any questions in the comments.

...and we have a winner!

Thank you everyone for your kind and helpful comments. We really enjoyed reading each and every one of them! And now for the winner of the giveaway, congratulations to Sarah B, we hope you enjoy your fun new goodies!