TEN SIMPLE THINGS || EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

man, do I love the northwest! living on a beautiful caribbean island isn't so bad--those white sandy beaches, a constant tan, being able to say you live on a beautiful caribbean island. it's wonderful; don't get me wrong. but man, do I love the northwest! this week took an unexpected turn when I couldn't get to boise as previously planned. I spent sunday night licking my wounds and moping ( just a bit ) that I wasn't going to get to see that best friend of mine who I miss so much. but alas, it was time to figure out a plan b, which turned out to be every kind of wonderful! I managed to procure a flight to seattle where some of my family lives and spend some quality time with them before my race on saturday ( which is only two-or-so hours away ). but let me just say, I would move here permanently and promise to never complain about the traffic. I love how green and how environmentally aware everyone is. I love the mountains and their crisp, cool air. I love how active and athletic the lifestyle is. I love all of the fruits and vegetables that grow here. and eating local ( that is probably what I miss the most about living where nothing is produced ). but until mitch and I have the opportunity, I guess I will have to roll on sharing this week's simple things with you guys, which are still every kind of wonderful ::

001 :: the fall issue of porter magazine. porter has undoubtedly become my favorite read and every time I visit the states, I make sure I'm caught up on the most recent issue. the clothes are beautiful and the women featured are so inspiring. I find myself cherishing every page, so I'll drag it out as long as possible.

favorite quote thus far :: "love anxiety--because really, nothing is a big deal." -Gia Coppola, pg. 113

002 :: finding the comfiest chair in the dallas airport whilst waiting for my flight. there is one in every airport, if you're only so lucky as to find it.

003 :: finishing the fourth harry potter. my goal for this past month was to finish all seven, but I was unexpectedly busy this past 30 days. so I've renewed my subscription to kindle unlimited so as to complete the next three, and let me just say, the books really are so much more riveting than the movies. there is no comparison.

004 :: watching my uncle in his garden. seeing someone so serene and surrounded by nature that he has harnessed with his own two hands is a truly beautiful thing. and his garden truly is beautiful.

005 :: fresh-picked fruits from the garden to break my fast. it's amazing, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day and it's astonished me that when I choose a bowl of muesli, fresh-picked raspberries, and yogurt over plain old toast how much more enlightened my day becomes.

006 :: wednesday night's sleep. it was the dreamless kind where you don't move an inch. I woke up feeling completely rested but like I could probably sleep for another half hour if I wanted, which is the perfect time to wake up, in my opinion.

007 :: starbucks' hot caramel apple cider to warm up my morning. the true signal that those autumn leaves are just about to show their colors.

008 :: taking the dog for a walk. there are view things in life that can cheer you up more than that of a pup's love. the pup here, miko, is so enthusiastic and bright and loving that you can't help but adopting a view of those character traits yourself when being near her. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I definitely have to add a dog to our own little family!

009 :: mint creams from traitor joe's. please, give them a go. they are absolutely wonderful if you fancy dark chocolate protecting a fairly solid, yet still-creamy mint center.

010 :: eating al fresco. seattle has been having such sunny weather recently, my aunt and uncle have been taking all of their meals outside and I have really appreciated the beautiful view of the garden as I've munched on the fruits of its labor.

by now, me and my running buddy are probably on our way to vancouver and getting a little jitter ( the good kind ) for our race tomorrow, so wish us luck! I have pretty much determined that my goal for this race will not be time, but experience. the route is beautiful, so I just want to feel free to stop and smell the roses ( literally ). I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend! be sure to keep in touch via instagram to see all of the beautiful #seawheeze and vancouver sights along with us.

posts I loved reading this week ::
how do you know if you're ready for a dog by lauren conrad
pretty simple :: french braid bun by camille styles
pregnancy post : a look back at my first trimester by cupcakes & cashmere

love, arielle