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The Boise Flea Market

July 10, 2016

A while back my friend Allison and I met to check out the Boise Flea Market one Sunday morning. I love our little city and all that it offers. I grew up going to yard sales so I think this kind of stuff is just in my blood. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, mostly jut to check it out and see what was in that part of town.

The Boise Flea Market is held the second Sunday of each month (which is today!) out by the “State Street shops”, which I guess is what that row of shops calls themselves, but I had no idea. The address is technically 3017 W. State Street, but the market is a few blocks long. If you are looking for vintage/antique items, this is your place! Not only is there an actual antique shop at this location, but nearly every single seller had items that took me back to my childhood. Campbell’s soup thermos? Yep, I saw 4! There were vintage telephones, magazine racks, wagons, kitchen items, even vintage baby strollers and bicycles!

There was also a mix of hand made items from local merchants. I chatted for a little bit with the woman behind Lost Little Things, and she said that her items she makes are sold at several local shops, but items that are flawed (I didn’t see anything that looked flawed-artists are picky about their work I guess ;)) she sells at the Flea Market. It’s such a great way to get unique, hand made items for a great price! I’m kicking myself now for not getting a print she made to hang on our gallery wall.

I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe of the Boise Flea Market and can’t wait for next month’s!

Official information about The Boise Flea:

Second Sundays, April-October

10am-4pm

3017 W State Street

Boise

2016 Dates for the rest of the year:

July 10, August 14, September 11 and October 9

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Reviews

West Elm Boise Grand Opening

June 21, 2016

Mat and I were ecstatic when West Elm reached out to invite us to their grand opening for a private tour. We love West Elm and actually just recently purchased our bed frame and duvet cover from them online. We have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the West Elm Boise store since the first sign went up in the window of the old Anthropologie space. It doesn’t hurt that it’s only a few blocks away as well. 🙂

The day of the tour we were welcomed by Nicole Sutliff (I basically want her to be my new bff) and were showed around the new space. It’s absolutely beautiful and I want to move in. Nicole showed us the new lines, their recently updated wedding registry with gorgeous mix and match options, seasonal items, and some amazing reclaimed wood furniture. Gorgeous! Nicole also pointed out how many grab ‘n go gift-y items they have, such as decorative glassware, table topper, succulents, etc. I basically want it all.

We especially loved how much West Elm involves local artisans in their stores. They have an entire section where local Boise artists sell their homemade goods. Nicole also let us know that when someone uses their (free!) styling service, West Elm likes to work with local shops to include items from their stores as well. I’m desperately trying to convince Mat to let us use this service, because our bedroom is really needing some TLC and direction.

My favorite items that are on the “to get” list are:

This light for our bedroom

This rug for our dining nook

This pillow for…anywhere. I just want it.

These Euro shams to go with our all white bedding.

And of course this to create our own faux headboard!

Let us know what you think of the brand new West Elm Boise location!

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Tips Travel

Packing Tips for a Backpack

May 12, 2016

A few days before we left on our big trip, Mat and I each had a test run packing our new backpacks. On previous trips we have borrowed travel backpacks from family (thanks Sarah!) but finally made the investment in our own. I always pack too much and then regret it as I’m lugging around extra shoes and outfits that I “just couldn’t leave”, meanwhile my spine feels like it’s being compressed and my shoulders ache. I decided to buy a smaller backpack to force myself to pack lighter. That is crazy if you know me, because I love having a variety of clothing to choose from. I have been known to change outfits during my lunch break. It’s crazy, I know.

I ended up with the Osprey 36 L women’s backpack and Mat chose a simple REI 40L He chose the simple style on purpose because he hated having to deal with all of the extra fancy zippers, ties, and bells and whistles that come with a typical hiking/camping/travel bag. He also wanted a smaller and more sleek fit so he didn’t feel like he was constantly bumping people with his huge backpack.

We had read online that packing cubes are a must when backpacking, as it helps with efficiency when trying to find an item and saving room. Mat ordered these from Amazon and mine were a gift from the Easter Bunny. 🙂 I have three total: a small, medium and large. Mat’s packing cubes came in a group of five, but he is using only three: small and two mediums. We are working on mastering the art of rolling for maximum space.

In my largest packing cube I fit two pair of pants, two pair of leggings, one maxi dress, one maxi skirt, sleep shorts and workout shorts. A total of seven bottoms and a dress. The middle sized packing cube was for my tops, which fit four tank tops, three short sleeve shirts, one sweater, one cardigan and a swimming suit. The smallest cube is for socks and undergarments, which held a total of 13 items and definitely wasn’t full.

These three cubes plus a pair of sandals and a pair of Converse still only filled about 2/3 of the bag. So awesome! The rest of the empty space will be filled with toiletries, so hopefully it all works! Also, there is a special zipper at the bottom of the bag that holds my raincoat.

Mat was able to fit 11 tops, six bottoms, a rain coat, 12 undergarments and a nice pair of shoes in his bag thanks to his packing cubes. He is using the two medium sized cubes for tops and bottoms, while the smallest is for undergarments. Mat was even able to utilize his outside mesh pockets to hold other miscellaneous items that we will be taking i.e. laundry detergent, first aid kid, and ginger candies (for my nausea).

You better believe our hip belts carry snacks like protein bars, dried fruit, granola, etc. We can’t go anywhere without our snacks!

Do you know any secret packing tips or advice to share with us?

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Reviews

Payette Brewing – Boise

May 4, 2016

Ever since Lacey and I moved to downtown Boise, we’ve been looking for a coffee shop, pub, or restaurant to adopt as “our place”. You know, similar to how on TV shows like Friends, Seinfeld, and How I Met Your Mother, the main characters always have their established hangout? We so badly want that! Well, after attending Payette Brewing’s soft opening last weekend, we feel like we might be a step closer in achieving this goal.

Payette Brewing was founded back in 2010 by Mike Francis after he decided to ditch his corporate gig as an industrial engineer to pursue a career that lined up more with his personal interests. We love hearing stories that include the line, “… left something they didn’t enjoy, to do something they love.” Especially when it results in a success story. Well this one sure did as Payette has rapidly become one of the most, if not the most, successful Idaho born brewing companies ever.

We have been excited for this new location to open ever since the construction began months ago. While it’s in a kind of a subtle, hard to notice area off of River St., I think the location is absolutely perfect! For all of you Boise River floaters and Greenbelt bike riders, Payette’s new place is about 200 yards from the river take-out point across from Ann Morrison Park. Genius business move if you ask me. They are going to absolutely kill it during the summer months. Who wouldn’t want to get a beer and some delicious food truck grub after floating the river?

The building has an industrial feel to it with a lot of wood and steel furniture filling up the open warehouse space. Up near the large wooden bar top, is a giant cooler full of Payette’s products that you can purchase to-go. There are a few garage doors that slide up on the west side of the building allowing for the river breeze to creep in. While it hasn’t been built yet, we got the feeling that there will be large patio area outside the garage doors. There is a really big yard that would be perfect for horse shoes, corn hole, or any other park game Another feature is the “brewing view” area where you can watch the beer being made. It is located on the far south side of the building through a door and up a stairway leading you to a 2nd story viewing platform.

Payette Brewery did a fantastic job with their new space and we couldn’t be more excited for them to be in our neighborhood. We’d highly suggest checking it out once they officially open.

Can you spot Payette’s founder in this pic?

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Lifestyle

Collaboration with Speak Your Silence

April 26, 2016

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to volunteer for a collaboration with Speak Your Silence. My lovely friend Laura (who happens to also be an amazing personal stylist) asked if I would help out with a photo shoot to show different ways to style their signature white T shirt. Of course I jumped at the chance! Speak Your Silence raises awareness and funds to assist with the cost of counseling for individuals who have been affected by child sexual abuse. I’m all for people helping people, however that may be.

Throughout the month of April these shirts can be purchased at Piece Unique in downtown Boise and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Speak Your Silence. Since April is almost over, you better hurry! If you can’t make it downtown by then, you can always pick up your very own shirt at speakyoursilence.org/shop!

I was fortunate enough to work with and get to know the beautiful soul of Jean from Double Take Photography during this collaboration. It’s amazing what life presents you when you are open to new experiences!

Check out Speak Your Silence’s blog post here and some of the pics below from the shoot.

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Lifestyle

Ditching the Normal Date Night

March 20, 2016

Mat and I love “ditching the normal” anything. Hence the name of our blog. That means ditching the normal way to travel, ditching society’s views on how we should live, ditching the normal wedding ceremony, engagement rings, etc. That also includes date nights. Don’t get us wrong, we like to watch Netflix as much as the next couple, but after an entire winter of hibernating, it’s nice to get out try something different. To mix it up. That’s how we came up with the idea to have a “patio party” date night. It just so happened that we were able to score a few hours at an incredible downtown condo, not to mention the exact one that started our entire downsizing craze!

We wanted to keep it simple and romantic (and budget friendly), so we brought almost everything from our house. We brought cozy blankets, pillows and poufs as well as wine glasses and our Idaho cutting board. We stopped at Trader Joe’s to pick up some light appetizers, wine and flowers. Prepping for the date was half the fun!

We spent the afternoon drinking wine, checking out the gorgeous and intimate views of downtown from the patio as well as playing a little card game. Mat won. Weird. (<—Sarcasm. He wins everything.)

We were lucky enough to have Damon of Dynamic Shutter Photography tag along to capture it! Not only is he an amazing photographer, but it turns out he’s a craftsman/wood worker as well! The end table in the photos was handmade by him! How cool is that?!

If you find yourself growing bored of the typical date nights, keep in mind that your options aren’t limited to dinner and a movie. Get creative and don’t be afraid to ditch the norm! Let us know if you have any fun ideas that we should try for our next date night.

P.S. Even with the wind, how smooth does my hair look?! That’s all thanks to the Brazilian blowout that I had that day by the lovely Shawna Hines! This woman is a hair genius and is fun to hang out with while she is working her hair magic. If you are lucky enough to schedule an appointment with her, mention my name and you get $25 off. 🙂

All photos in this post are courtesy of Dynamic Shutter Photography

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Venture Meridian

Couples Workout with Venture Meridian Magazine

March 3, 2016

We are so excited to be a part of this month’s issue of Venture Meridian Magazine! This article is right up our alley focusing on a fun couples workout routine! We have been gym partners for years and love to motivate each other while of course, making exercising fun. We were fortunate enough to get to work with the amazing Ali Smith from Ali Smith Photography. We have worked with her in the past and her photography never disappoints; she is so great to work with!

Check out the March issue here and let us know what you think!

All photos in this post are copyright of Ali Smith Photography.

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Reviews

Guru Donuts

March 2, 2016

There aren’t many things I love more than sweets. Any type of sweets. Candy, cake, cookies, donuts….shoot, my favorite movie snack is raw cookie dough. Healthy, I know. There is a trendy little donut shop in downtown Boise that I absolutely adore. Guru Donuts is the perfect mix of welcoming, comfortable, hipster and family friendly. Mat popped in there for Valentine’s Day to get “a couple” donuts, and ended up coming home with nine. For just the two of us. That’s right, nine donuts. Two people. Don’t you dare think we let those go to waste!

The menu at Guru Donuts has something for every one: cake donuts, glazed, special monthly flavors, vegan…they even have donuts that include lavendar, basil and bacon! They also share a space with Boise Fry Company, so if you like to mix sweet and salty, order some fries with your donut.

One Sunday morning I was jonsing for some more of Guru’s “party girl” donuts, so we walked down and ordered a more appropriate number of donuts for two people along with some juice and coffee. It was such a wonderful morning! The sun was shining through their large windows, we sat on a huge comfy couch and read the Boise Weekly. It felt almost like we were at home in our own living room…except all of the other patrons of course. There was the MOST adorable family that sat with us on the couch. Oh my goodness they looked like they had just walked out of an Anthropolie magazine! I absolutely didn’t mind sharing the couch with their sweet daughters.

The staff, food, drinks and ambiance at Guru Donuts are on point, for sure. Dang, now I’m craving a maple bar.

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Reviews

“Downtown Boise is dying”….not.

February 15, 2016

Last summer my best friend was in town for a “bridal spa day” at a local spa in downtown Boise. My friend is originally from Boise, but hasn’t lived here in about six years, so she was chatting with her masseuse about the changes that have happened since she moved away. Guess what the masseuse told her? Word for word…”downtown Boise is dying.” All I can say is….that girl is an idiot.

When my friend was finished with her massage and relayed this conversation to me I was…enraged. Maybe enraged is too strong of a word, but I was definitely defensive. I mean, what does this girl think when she drives to work every day through NEW CONSTRUCTION?! In her brain new construction must = dying.

I am probably a bit more defensive than the average Boise resident because we live downtown. I will admit that the Village in Meridian has stolen two of my favorite stores, but that doesn’t compare to the new additions to the downtown scene. The other day Mat and I decided to see how many new projects we ran into just on our walk to the gym-which is only about a half a mile. Downtown Boise is dying? I think not.

Simplot headquarters (read more here) and JUMP (check out our post here).

Clearwater Analytics & Boise’s new underground transit system (read more here)

One Nineteen (see it here)

Hyatt (read it here) and Boise’s Boutique Hotel-Hotelier

Not to mention more projects just down the street….

The Afton (For real, we would love to live here)

Payette Brewing (We are hoping this will be our Maclarens *HIMYM reference*)

The Fowler aka “Roost”-Boise’s first mixed use apartment project! 159 apartments, live work units, retail and more. Where Old Boise becomes New Boise.

Coming soon directly across the street from our condo…Embassy Suits Hotel, Hilton Hotel and Parking structure, thanks to Gardner Company. Read about it here.

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Lifestyle

We Got Married Again! Kind of…

January 5, 2016

So we didn’t really get married again, per say, but a couple of months ago our amazing wedding photographer Vlad from Radion Photography asked if we would like to participate in a promotional wedding shoot. Of course we said “Hell yeah!”. We said yes because we loved our wedding photos and Vlad and his wife became like extended family on our wedding trip to Mexico. Vlad is not only an amazing photographer, but he is an even better human. Plus, another chance for me to wear a wedding dress? Of course I will be there!

The shoot was styled by the amazing Heidi from Ira & Lucy, my hair was done by Shawna Hines and my make up by Jamie at Blush. There were also videographers with Next Adventure Studio from Sun Valley which made me totally wish we could have somehow squished videography in our tiny wedding budget. This also got me thinking we should probably plan mini-weddings and renew our vows every year. Who doesn’t want to go to another party every year?

It was really fun getting to see some of the behind the scenes work that goes on for a styled wedding shoot. Not going to lie, it was also fun getting to play “bride” again. Check out Oregon Bride Magazine for their feature on this shoot!

All photos below from Radion Photography.

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