Wednesday, June 20, 2012

phx do pdx: 2

Luckily we hiked every morning and walked everywhere....because we also ate and drank our way through the city...
In the Pearl District.  I had a cupcake shot (gluten free!)
Saint Cupcake was bright and fun...We went to dinner at my cousin's house while we were there and took these for dessert.
Best bike rack ever!  Outside of Saint Cupcake
 
Located in Mississippi neighborhood, this place was divine!!!  One of the best meals I have had in the last 3 years.
Go on a Monday night...we only had to wait 10 minutes.  

We landed in Portland on a Sunday morning and drove straight to Simpatica.   Nothing gets you out of public travel mode more than sitting down to homemade butter and fresh eggs at one of the hottest brunch spots in the city!
One of our favorite features was the coffee service while you wait for your table.  

A vegan a gluten free food cart named Heart Cart!  Portland has such a vibrant food cart scene and there is something for everyone...which can making picking which cart to eat at nearly impossible in the best way possible.


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

phx goes to pdx 1

I love Portland.  Okay, who doesn't?
Saying that I love Portland is about as unique as saying "Mad Men is my favorite show!"
or "I love chips and salsa!"
No sh*t, sherlock!  Of course I love Portland.
We all do.  It's just plain cool. 

Photos below are from our trip there last month.  This is the first in a four part series about our trip.

Japanese Gardens
Hiking in Arboretum

Red Riding Hood let's her hood down
Felt like a magical forest

Rose Garden Theater.  Yes, after this picture I did get on the stage and sing and tap dance in the rain!
 

Portland Timbers soccer game, Jim was so happy!


The fans are amazing.  I'm not one for cheering at sporting events (that is a whole other blog post),  but I let out a few
"woooooo's" at the appropriate times!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

My Dad

 
My Dad is kind and generous.  
He is compassionate and loving.  
He is funny, with a dry sense of humor.

He is a single father, raising me after my Mom passed away when I was a baby.  
He took on this challenge with pride, working hard both physically and emotionally to give me an amazing life full of unconditional love, patience, and joyous experiences. 

My Dad gave me confidence.
He taught me to be secure with myself.
He taught me to not take myself too seriously.
He taught me loyalty, patience, and the 
importance of doing the right thing.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.  
When you read this, know how much I love you!

My Dad and his sky diving cake!  I was so proud of him!
Christmas, maybe 1990?  You can tell by my pants...
Wedding
High School Graduation
Mini golf - we are a tad bit competitive ;)
My Dad's recent visit to Phoenix
Hiking in AZ

Bunky Dads


A Few of Our Favorite 
Bunky Dads!
  
 
 Chris and his boys  
Beni and Charlie
 These 3 guys are a force to be reckoned with!  They love Suns and Diamondbacks games and having quality "guy" time.  And Chris being such a wonderful Dad and husband, his boys couldn't have a  
better role model! 
 
  Big Hayes and Little Hayes
 This photo says it all!  Loving and happy and full of warmth.  These two guys know how to have fun together and being a Dad has never looked so rewarding or just plain cool.       

Greg and his daughter Mila
Greg and Mila are the sweetest pair!  Always palling around, you'll find them frequenting their favorite restaurants and shops and enjoying spending time together.  Mila is as stylish as they come and dad Greg is pretty snazzy himself (his wardrobe is Mila approved of course!). 

Chris and his daughters  
Paloma and Sophia   
  These adorable little girls have Chris wrapped around their fingers!  Frequent "daddy days" and trips to the trampoline park are just a few of their many shared adventures!  Loving and happy - this trio makes us warm and fuzzy.


James and his daughter Mabel     
I think if you googled the definition of adoration, you would find a photo of James and Mabel.  It's impossible not to see them together  
without going  "awwww".   
This modern and hip Dad makes for the perfect protector and playmate for his beautiful daughter!          
    
 Dan and his daughter me!  :)    
My friends say we are a lot alike.   
I hope so!   
Nothing would make me more proud!     


Friday, June 8, 2012

A Smile For Everyone


“When a lucky young boy is placed with his “forever family”, his joyful new parents see not only how their lives brighten, but also how his smile makes the people in their neighborhood happy too.

The author, Mark Reis, is thrilled to debut his first children's book.  Mark is a long time family friend, he affectionately calls me Baby Rachel actually!  Both him and his partner Phil are amazingly talented 
people and parents and we couldn't be more excited 
for their family.
 
Originally, the book was an idea as a gift for his son, Bohdi, but Mark soon realized it was a story that spoke to so many different families that it needed to be shared.  A Smile for Everyone is a story of love. 
We are proud to carry A Smile for Everyone 

Our customer Katie and her son Caden reading together.  Caden wanted to make a funny face!
Mark Reis, Phil Dominguez and their son Bodhi.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Birthday Twins

Mila is one of my favorite people.  
She is fashionable, smart, and super creative.  
I feel honored to have her and her wardrobe representing Bunky Boutique!   
Not only do Mila and I share a love of the unique and interesting, but we also share a birthday.  
(Except she is 13 years younger than me, but let's keep that on the down low!!) 
Last week we both surprised each other with birthday gifts.  I got Mila a copper heart necklace with her name on it from "against the grain".
And she painted a piece of art for me!  It was such a thoughtful and artistic present.  I got emotional receiving the gift because I knew that she took the time and energy to create something beautiful for me.  It is truly special and, well, it took my breath away.
THANK YOU BIRTHDAY TWIN!
Posing with our gifts!  
I almost forgot to mention that she also brought me gluten-free cupcakes from Urban Cookies ~ those went to good use :)