Rockaway Beach Adventure: Fun on the Northern Oregon Coast

There is little on this earth that is as refreshing as a trip to the beach. The beauty and power that can be seen in every coastline is just remarkable. I was aching for a trip to the coast so we decided to visit Rockaway Beach after visiting the Tillamook cheese factory.

Rockaway's shore

Rockaway Beach is the stretch of beach that is North of Tillamook, OR. Like all Northern Oregon beaches it is almost always windy and cold. It was drizzling when we went but that didn't stop us from running all over on the sand. It is so beautiful!

When we went there were only two other groups within eyesight, yet pretty far in the distance. To me, that is the perfect amount of people. I like feeling secluded yet not totally lost or alone. Free to be silly! 

All in all I loved our visit to Rockaway beach. We didn't stay too long since it was drizzling and cold but it was still such a good feeling. We also visited Cannon Beach during this trip which I will blog about in the future. 

Peace and <3 KM

Travel Songs

I love traveling. I feel weird and listless if I don't have a trip planned. I feel better when I know I'm going somewhere new, even if it's in the distant future. This song above is my favorite for take-off. One time we took off in a thunderstorm and I put this song on. Pure euphoria. It is a space-stoner-rock song that makes  me feel like my plane is a rocket ship! 

This song is a good melancholy one for packing, jet-lag, and missing people left at home. I can never quite understand the first part of the chorus. If you can figure it out, tell me. I think it might really be a break-up song, but I think it is much better for travel.  It is sorta post-grunge-rock. It's live, so it's not the cleanest version.

This one is more about a specific destination, but it is always fun to listen to. I swear it makes your eyes focus on the strange things waiting to be look at in new places. If you enjoy folky stuff with some humor, you will like this one.

Staring Up, Afar - New Song on Soundcloud!

I lost someone really close to me this year. My Daddy. I can't believe that he is gone. He was so special to me. Just the best. I miss him so much every day and I know that I will feel that way for the rest of my life. But I know that some way, somehow he is there looking out from afar. I just wish he was here. He left way too early, too young.

Staring Up, Afar

by me

I'm staring up, afar

Cuz I miss you

I don't know where you are

I can't call you

I just feel so lost inside

Without you as my guide

But I still see you in the stars

And at the bottom of my heart 

And in the waves of the ocean

I know that you have not abandoned me

Yeah I still see you in the stars

And at the bottom of my heart

And in the waves of the ocean 

I know that you have not forgotten me

Yeah I still see you in the stars

So close yet so far from where we are

But I still see you in the stars 

So close yet so far from where we are

But I still see you in the stars

So close yet so far

But I still see you in the stars

And at the bottom of my heart 

And in the waves of the ocean

You know that I have not abandoned you

Yeah I still see you in the stars

And at the bottom of my heart

And in the waves of the ocean 

You know that I have not forgotten you

Yeah I still see you in the stars

So close yet so far from where we are

But I still see you in the stars

So close yet so far

I'm staring up, afar

Cuz I miss you

I don't know where you are

I can't call you

I just feel so lost inside

Without you as my guide

To all of those missing a loved one, I send you so many internet hugs and hope that you can find the strength you need to carry on. 

Here is another song about my Daddy You Are Gold. 

<3 KM

Brick Print: A New Urban Camouflage

I was in a fabric store a while back and I saw a batik print the sort of looked like bricks. I would've gotten it, but the bricks were too small for my tastes. It looked a lot like the print above found on  Ebay. I like brick print so much because I feel like if I wore it I could blend in to brick walls when ever I chose. There are a lot of brick buildings in my city. It would be so much more practical than jungle camo.

 I am much more enamored by the look of these large bricks found on Moschino Couture. These pieces are a few years old, but you might be able to find them on ebay. They are quite expensive. I totally want that dress, though.

 The only other thing I could find with realistic looking brick print was these leggings from Blue Magik.

If I am ever feeling abitious, I think I might make some of my own brick-print fabric. I don't think I would be too hard to tape off some lines and sponge on some bricks.

But please, whatever you do, don't go full brick.

Give & Take & Take & Give - New Song on Soundcloud

Love and trust are two things that tend to leave us all exposed. I don't like feeling vulnerable but sometimes we all have to go out on a limb to find our true purpose and our true loved ones.

Through the quest for trust we show each other our ugly sides. You can tell its true love if you end up loving that ugly side as well. Sometimes things get messy, feelings get hurt and it leaves you feeling lost but it is worth fixing if you genuinely take the time to understand each other on each constantly evolving level.

To be clear I am very anti violence, physical and emotional. However, I feel like in many cases it is worth the extra effort to sort things out and make things right. It is natural to have disagreements but it is a whole other thing to be oppressed. If you are in an abusive relationship with a significant other, a relative or even a friend please find a way out. Sometimes we all need to leave people we love for our own sanity, although it is one of the most painful things to have to go through.

Give & Take & Take & Give

by me

Love's just a game

That I'm sick of playing

The rush the pain

You know I think I'll just sleep in

You know my dirty little secrets more than

Any body else

The salt in my wounds

I guess I put it there myself

Do what you do 

Do what you like

But I just 'aint 

Putting up a fight 

Tonight

That's just love

It don't make sense

It's the only reason why 

You'll always have a second chance

That's just love

So don't let go

Cuz before you know it 

All that's left is just a thread of hope

That's just lo o o o ove

Lo o o o o o ove x4

You & me & me & you and dignity

Give & take & take & give serenity

Things are never

What they're supposed to be

But I know that I love you

And you - you love me

You love me

Love 

It don't make sense

It's the only reason why 

You'll always have a second chance

That's just love

So don't let go

Cuz before you know it 

All that's left is just a thread of hope

That's just lo o o o ove

Lo o o o o o ove x4

That's just love

The Cold is Vanishing

This year I am sad that winter is ending. I feel like it wasn't enough. I'm even going to miss the giant, dirty snow piles. I need more curl-up-in-soft-blankets time!

I discovered fleece lined leggings this winter. They are so cool... wait... I mean warm. If you live in a cold place and haven't tried them yet, you really should. Both my pairs are weird off brands, so I bet most for sale anywhere are good. The insides are so soft and they don't really add any bulk.

Mmmmm... dirty icicles... tasty!  

"Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" - Mindy Kaling book review

"Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)" is an autobiographical collage containing stories and thoughts from the funniest girl on the Office, who also happens to be the star and creator of the Mindy Project. In this book Mindy Kaling babbles about universally relatable girl issues such as crushes, dieting, friendships and the path to self discovery.

This book is so well loved that the cover won't sit flat :P.

My hubby and I are long time fans of the Office so we were both introduced to Mindy as Kelly Kapoor. I loved watching Kelly and Ryan's tumultuous romance throughout the series and it became even cooler when I found out that they were both co-authors of the Office. Bouncing back and forth from behind the scene to in front of the camera takes a ton of talent. Mindy is a true inspiration.

In the spirit of Mindy's book I am going to summarize my overall opinions with a pliest (piece of writing that has a list quality - pg 3). 

Things I Love About This Book:

• It is so easy to read that it is hard to put it down! 
• Mindy has strong values "Someone Explain One-Night Stands To Me", "Roasts Are Terrible"
• She is a positive role model for all that have a dream
• She is super funny

Favorite Chapters: 

• I Love Irish Exits
• How I Write (just like me :P)
• Best Friends Rights and Responsibilities
• Day Jobs

Biographical facts that surprised me:

• Mindy's mom is actually an OBGYN just like Mindy's character in the Mindy project.

• Mat & Ben, a play that Mindy and her roommate Brenda Withers wrote when they were 21, is the initial catalyst to Mindy's fame. 

• Mindy was a babysitter for some time in New York and she also work for a TV psychic at one point. 

A Few Things That Bothered Me:

• Although Mindy is at peace with her body she still seems quite self conscious. Her first chapter is even called, "Chubby for Life (pg 11-20)." Basically Mindy says that she wishes she was skinnier but has too many other things that she would rather do than perfect her body. I know that it is a very sensitive subject but it would be nice if she was able to celebrate her body at all stages instead of making fun of herself.  

• Some things that she says seem a bit sexist. For example, there is one point where she talks about how all men take forever to put their shoes on. I'm sure that it's very common, I just have an issue with lumping all men into one category. This kind of thinking can make people feel like a freak if they don't abide by that rule.  We are all different! 

• Classism. In one part Mindy talks about how all guys should be able to purchase at least one pair of Converse every year. She says that if they can't afford this that there is something wrong with their life and they seriously need to rethink things. I don't think that this is true. There are some wonderful men in this world who wouldn't even consider buying themselves a brand new pair of Converse every year because they put other people's needs, or the needs of Mother Earth, above their own. 

Overall, I love this book and I am glad that it exists. If you are a fan of Kaling's then this will be an easy and welcomed read for you. 

Wishing you lots of love, beautiful days and perhaps some time to curl up with a good book! 

<3 KM

A Week of Savory Oatmeal

 I've tried to like oatmeal for a long time. I can usually get about a week in before I am utterly sick of it. But I have found 2 solutions: steel cut oats and savory oatmeal. The first one I tried was the simplest. Just butter and salt. Man, it was good, so I decided to try more.

The next one I tried got rave reviews all over the internet. Mark Bittman told everyone his soy sauce and scallions version on NPR a few years ago, I guess. I was not a huge fan. I enjoyed it a lot more after I added a little sesame oil and some bonito flakes.

I tried this one with real sausage instead of vegetarian,  The gouda didn't really do anything for me, so I added sour cream. Pure perfection with the arugula and herbs.

I had some sausage left over the next day, so I made up my own version. I just added butter, salt, pepper, and plenty of dried sage. I think it turned out pretty good.

I saw some recipes touting the benefits of a fried egg on top of oats. I went full on Popeye and added a bunch of spinach, too. I added on olive oil, too. It turned out okay. Once the egg was gone there wasn't much flavor.

I decided to go all out and add bacon. I got the idea from MrBreakfast. I didn't go all fancy and cook the oats in milk, but the chives and cheese made this a delicious feast. If you try only one savory oats topping, this should be it. 

I've saved the best for last. I stole some of my man's fancy salt, grated in a bit of amazingly old cheddar, ground some pepper and topped with some olive oil. It was soooo good. I got the idea from this site. 

I am not sick of oatmeal yet and I found some really good combinations. If you're sick of the sweet and gooey normal oatmeal you have to try some of these ideas. As soon as I can find some good tomatoes I am going to try that, too! If you want more ideas you can check out the World Porridge Making Champion.

Jackpot Candles Review and Giveaway! Candles + Jewelry = Love

If you like candles, jewelry and surprises this post is for you. Recently I had the opportunity to review a beautiful candle from Jackpot Candles. I also received one to giveaway - yay!

What are Jackpot Candles? 

Jackpot Candles are soy based surprise candles. Each high quality candle has a foil package embedded in it containing a piece of jewelry with a retail value of $5-$5,000. It's a pretty sweet deal.

What makes Jackpot Candles Special? 

Jackpot Candles give the purchaser the unique option of being able to order a candle in a specific ring size, unlike other brands of surprise jewelry candles such as Diamond Candles which I have mentioned here. Jackpot Candles also give you the option of choosing earrings or a necklace instead of a ring which I really appreciate. My candle had an E written on the bottom of it to indicate that it was an earring candle and the giveaway candle has an N on the bottom because it has a necklace inside.

Total Burn Time - 80-100 hours

This candle will last a long time.

I burned my candle for 8 hours straight before I felt as though the wax was low enough to grab the foil without damaging the candle. The wax was very soft but still white. If I would have waited about 3 or 4 more hours it probably would have been perfect. Since my foil pouch was still halfway lodged in white, unmelted wax it took a slight tug to remove my earrings but they came out easily and the clear wax on top settled inside the divot. I would recommend being more patient as I was lucky to have the wax resettle so nicely. Thankfully it has not affected the burn.

Scent Throw  

When the glass lid is removed the Birthday Cake candle smells wonderful even before I light it. Sugary scented candles are among my favorites so I had a feeling that I would love it. The candle's scent is strong enough to fill a small room. I would rate it's strength as medium/high compared to other candles that I have burned.

I have found that most soy candles are not quite as strong as high quality paraffin candles. I'm guessing that it has something to due to with the lower melting point of the wax. Jackpot candles are strong, just not quite as powerful as Yankee or Goose Creek candles.

Environmentally Friendly Soy 

Although I love the far reaching scent throw of paraffin candles like Yankee and Goosecreek they are not so great for the environment. Paraffin waxes are actually a byproduct of petroleum that can leave allergens and soot in the air when burnt. Unlike paraffin soy is environmentally friendly because it is easily sustainable and it doesn't produce black smoke.

Reusable Container 

The glass containers used for Jackpot Candles are a nice size for a vase. I think they would also make cute containers for a candy bar! The soy burns so cleanly that it is not too difficult to remove all of the wax residue. The sticker on the glass peels off nicely so that there is no residue behind.

Appraisal Value 

When I retrieved the package I found an appraisal code in the pouch with my earrings. Once I entered my code in the Appraise form online I found that the value of my earrings is $17. They are not sterling silver but I think that they may be stainless since they haven't bothered my sensitive ears yet. I don't think I would pay $17 for them because I usually buy only gold or silver jewelry and I rarely pay retail value. Since I wait for steep discounts before I buy jewelry, I probably wouldn't pay more than $10 for them myself.

Even thought the RTV of the earrings is pretty low I like them. I needed a new pair of  studs and I like the grey/black color of the stones. It would be nice to know if the stone is actual stone or glass. I know that it would take more time for Jackpot Candle's employees to list the identity of the stones in each piece of jewelry that they ship out but I think it would be a nice touch if the information was released along with the appraisal value. I like reading up about the properties of the colors and stones that I wear.

Overall Experience

I really enjoy my Jackpot Candle. The scent is pleasant and it was fun to discover what surprise was hiding in the candle. My whole family was excited for the big reveal! My hands smelled like birthday cake for the rest of the day after I retrieved my earrings, nom.

Giveaway Details!!! 

I have a beautiful Candy Hearts candle which I will be giving away via Rafflecopter. The scent is divine. The Jackpot Candles website describes it as, "tones of vanilla and sugar with subtle hints of cinnamon." There is a necklace hidden inside of it worth anywhere from $5-$5,000.

This raffle will last 2 weeks. It starts today 03/03/15 and ends on St. Patricks Day 03/17/15. You must live in the United States to participate in the raffle since this is a fragile item.

Please enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be contacted using the email provided to Rafflecopter. Any personal information will be used only to ship the candle.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wishing you all warm rays of love and inspiration!

<3 KM

****Disclaimer - A sample of this product was received for review. All opinions are my own.