michelle my belle

NYC-Highlights, 8th Grade Trip

I couldn't believe it when my FIL had told me that they had closed streets in Times Square. I snapped this early in the morning before the hoards of people began tromping the streets.

In NY we went to Rock of Ages on Broadway starring Constantine from American Idol. I can't believe that 14 yr.olds are now into 80's rock! It was a good show, probably the highlight of our trip for Alexis (left). The cast was so gracious signing autographs after the show was over.

After all these years of traveling to NY I finally made it to MOMA. The collection they have here is breathtaking.

Of course we saw the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Bldg., Ground Zero and Central Park. Rode the subway, ate in Hell's Kitchen, watched a game of Petanque in Bryant Park and much more.

Oh, and I can't forget Cafe Habana! My friend Amy had turned me on to this place a few years ago. They have out of this world corn!

This was a great time for my friend and I to spend with our daughters. Having fun, getting around the cities together and seeing our history. My youngest will be finishing 8th Grade in 5 more years and I look forward to doing it all again with her.

What a can of Spray Paint can do.

A display at Macy's I found inspiring. Just think about all those garage sale items that are just begging for a coat of high gloss paint to put them out of their ugly misery.

Highlights of Philadelphia

After we finished with D.C. we traveled by train to Philadelphia. Went to Reading Terminal Market for some Philly Cheesesteaks. Love this place! There are over 80 different merchants offering everything from fresh Amish goodness to unusual spices to candy.

"Art is the center of the real world"-Isaiah Zagar

We also toured the Magic Gardens by the prolific artist Isaiah Zagar. Thank you April for the heads up on this Philadelphia treasure.

Betsy Ross House of course was a must.

We were going to finish Philadelphia off with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (we saw the outside) but it was pouring down rain and we were pretty tired. So, we gave the girls a choice... we could either go see the sites or we could stay dry and shop at the huge Macy's for a few hours. They chose Macy's.

NY tomorrow.

Goody Giveaway - win ART

Allen Designs Goody Giveaway

Enter to Win some of our Favorite Designs:

Party Animal Cat Box, Sunshine Smile Print or 2 sets of (3) Art Blox.

4 Chances to WIN. (we'll draw a different winner for each item)

Here's 3 ways to Enter:

• 1. Leave a comment on this post telling me one special thing you're doing this summer. If you're at a loss for summer ideas check out Meg's list. 
• 2. Sign up for our Newsletter on the top right hand side of this blog. Not to worry, we don't send many and the ones we do send include some amazing close-outs and giveaways.
• 3. Promote our giveaway on your blog and get 3 entries! Feel free to pull this image to use on your blog. And don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you did.

contest will end friday, july 3rd

Thank you for playing!

More D.C. Trip

Found this crazy place as we were heading down to the waterfront. Lex is ready to be beamed up.

We only had one full day in D.C. We started at 8AM and went till 12:30AM! We saw the National Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, Museum of American History and the Hirshhorn Museum during the day.

Stopped for dinner at this all you can eat seafood place down on the waterfront. This was the beginning of my overeating!

After dinner we proceeded to walk all the Memorials around Tidal Basin and then to the White House. We were absolutely exhausted! We finished by running several blocks to catch the Metro before it closed at midnight. Doing this portion at night turned out to perfect, the weather was cooler and there weren't near as many people.

I would have really liked to have seen the Holocaust Museum and the Museum of American Art...next time.

Smithsonian Castle/8th Grade Trip

We are already finished with D.C. and almost done with Philadelphia. New York City here we come!

Fun Stuff

It's been a very busy past few weeks! I've been working on some really exciting new things, which I can't wait to share!

My oldest daughter (middle blue green dress) is officially finished with 8th Grade! (we're currently sitting in the Seattle Airport waiting for our flight to Washington D.C. to celebrate)

Jess (4th from left) is finished with 3rd Grade as of tomorrow. This is their Potlatch that they just had a few days ago.

I can't believe how fast my kids are growing up! And, I've heard that once they hit high school it goes even FASTER!

We went over to Alpenrose Dairy last week to watch some Velodrome Racing and drop of some track wheels with my old cycling coach Phil Sanders. In Portland we are fortunate enough to have one of only 20 Velodromes in the US. If you've never been before I highly recommend it. They have racing every Thursday evening through the summer and it's FREE! Pack a picnic and head over. Keep in mind that if it's raining the racing is canceled due to it's slippery 43º banks.

Let the Summer BEGIN!

Blog Love Tuesday

This is a blog I LOVE. Lisa Wharton of Urban Bird is full of creative inspiration. There are so many yummy things on her blog like pictures of her studio, cool screen prints, shrinky dink charms, etc.

Here's a baby shower invite she did. Makes me almost want to have a baby party! Her variety and talent goes on forever!

Instead of a party... I will be leaving soon to take my now high schooler to Washington D.C, Philadelphia and New York for a fun celebration getaway. I'm looking forward to some good bonding time, MOMA in NY and seeing D.C for the first time.

If you have any treasures you've found in any of these cities please let me know!!!

Week of Catch Up and a Bike Ride

My apologies for being MIA for this past week. I could hardly get myself to touch my computer. Which is quite rare for me! 

I finally finished this journal page that I had started a few months back when I was getting ready to get my first tattoo!

I couldn't remember if I ever posted these pages or not. 

We had a busy weekend with my MIL and her husband coming into town, Lex and Jess' dance showcase and my hubby and I did a 70 mile bike ride! 

Yes, I did say "70 miles". And yes, I did have a meltdown at about mile 45! It's amazing the emotions that one can have when physically and emotionally exhausted. One moment I thought I was going to cry and the next I was mad as all get out. My poor husband!! He was telling his friend about our ride afterward and his friend asked, "did she give you the-just go on without me"? And again, yes I did!

I was remembering a time right before we got married when we were out on a ride. We ended up with our bikes in the ditch and us just standing there yelling at each other. We've made progress in the last 16 years. We remained on our bikes!

Home Sweet Home

When we were visiting the lighting factories I looked over and here was this amazing setting. Complete with mango tree, a splash of color and the momentary abandonment of the wheelbarrow.

I only wished that I had my good camera and not my small point and shoot.

Saying goodbye to the factory bosses. It was a good trip.

My hubby read my mind and had scrumptious fish tacos for me when I got home.

My absolute favorite part about coming home, is this right here. I'm truly blessed to have an amazing family that I adore and that can constantly put a smile on my face. 

btw- 

The first "hairy" fruit that I had pictured, it's name is Rambuton. It comes from the Nephelium lappaceum tree that is native to Malaysia and pretty much only seen in Southeast Asia. (thank you Kate for that info.)

The second fruit is Arbutus, or Strawberry Tree. It's native to Europe and traditionally used for jellies and liqueurs.