This year has been the best…better than I could have ever imagined. I have so much to be thankful for and even when an inevitable bout of stress hits, I try to stop at the end of the day and just remember what I have and what I’ve managed to work towards. I am immensely thankful to have Joey and Rocky in my life, my family (including my grandpa who survived a blood clot on his brain earlier this year — a total miracle!), a 1927 Bavarian-themed house that I can call home, a career that I truly love, friends that are forgiving (even when I disappear into work for months on end) and a sense of stability and calmness after so many years of uncertainty. The one truth about life is that change is constant and the outcome of that change is dependent for the most part on what you make of it.

This is a recent painting by Joey of Alexandra Bastedo (and it’s still available! Trust me, I’d hang this in my office in a second if I had the room). Though I adore Celeste, this one really is my favorite. I hope he continues to do more work in this style.

Yes, I’m totally addicted to the Starbucks Caramel Brulée Lattes. Luckily, they’re just a seasonal offering…otherwise, I’d be in some serious trouble. When I think about it though, there are much worse addictions out there so in reality, I don’t feel so bad.

I was born and raised in Portland so it took me a long time to really appreciate it but now I realize how lucky I am to live in such a progressive (yet affordable) city that allows people to be who they are whether they’re artists, activists or outsiders.

As a freelance designer, one of my all-time favorite clients to work with is Solestruck because most of the time, I’m having too much fun to think about it as work. The Pretty in Pink ads that were shot in my dining room over the weekend were a perfect example of this.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving complete with all those imperfectly perfect moments with your family. And, hopefully you’re managing to survive the freak show that’s better known as Black Friday. Stay safe!