cupcake sandwiches and a sweet girl turns eighteen

CAPES [something empowering] As often as you can, avoid the "maybe" reply. "Maybe" communicates lack of commitment, and we see right through your "I'll be there unless something better comes up" cover-up.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Do you own belts that are too big? Or when you wear them over a cardigan, they flare out in an annoying way? Solution: beltloopy.com. Love these.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Tonight I had the privilege of attending the 18th birthday of someone super special, not to mention she is probably the most faithful reader of this blog. The cake for the festive occasion came in cupcake form, and I was so proud to see all the ladies correctly eat their cupcake sandwiches (which allows for equally proportioned cupcake-to-frosting bites).

"No one can be un-cheered with a balloon." (Winnie the Pooh)

CAPES [something empowering] Occasionally, there are no words, and that's okay. Sometimes life calls for a wordless chorus.

"Relationships can be..."

"Sure."

"...but they're also be..."

"That's right."

(George Clooney to Brad Pitt in Ocean's 13)

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] A while back, my good friend came up with the idea to velcro a tube of chapstick to her bed frame. That way, when dry lips came a-knocking in the middle of the night, she was ready. I think I'll use this idea in other places too - like my car (somehow, I always lose tubes of chapstick in my car).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] For those of you in a long-distance relationship...a Scottish designer has the remedy for your heartache.

"I realize why I cannot fly," said the bird with the broken wing, "though my lift is gone, my voice is strong, and I can still sing." -The Elected

CAPES [something empowering] It's not about what you can't do, it's about what you can do. Stop defining yourself by your limitations, switch off your "comparison-mode", and start celebrating the things that you're good at.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Even Twistband supports Movember with their Mr. Mustache Collection.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] No-shave-November now has an official name. Happy Movember!

All rise...

CAPES [something empowering] Power tends to cause suffering. Love absorbs it (Phillip Yancey).

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Forget the yeast, adding a bottle of your favorite beer in its place not only causes bread to rise, but makes it quite flavorful as well.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] All Black Everything! UW plays Arizona in a "lights-out" night game tomorrow night, wearing black from helmet to cleats. It will be hard to find me in the stands of all the fans in black, but I'll be standing next to two good looking people in red (just don't judge them for the colors they wear).

pumped up kicks

CAPES [something empowering] Laugh so you don't cry (sometimes, this works...thanks Andy Davis, and Roomie-room-room-room).

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I've done the legwork, Ciao Bella boots are wear-all-day-long comfortable, Frye boots are unique and stylish, and Hunter wellies are Seattle-rain-friendly. I've got my pumped up kicks and I'm ready for fall.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I love this over-priced item in orange. And I'll dream about it upon my wrist until I can find it on eBay.

There's no weakness in forgiveness.

CAPES [something empowering] Forgiving someone doesn't make you weak. There's no weakness in forgiveness.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Modcloth has fun vintage, indie clothes. The site also gives you the freedom to order a few sizes at once, because whatever you don't keep you can ship back for free. Love that.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I just got this picture printed on a canvas. Thanks Groupon!

Pass the juice, please.

CAPES [something empowering] Reconcile anger, bitterness, and any feelings that turn your insides ugly. But don't feel the need to reconcile relationships that were unhealthy to begin with.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Earlier this year, I blogged about the joys of henna hair dye. But when this brunette tried to turn herself into a blond-bombshell, she turned green with envy. Henna may be natural, but the levels of natural toxins can be quite unpredictable. Proceed use with caution. My new trend is to toss the henna, and stick with Aveda Clove Conditioner.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] A fitness blog I follow likened juice to candy bars, warning to limit your intake of the caloric-liquidy-goodness. So, with moderation I will drink juice and eat candy bars...but my philosophy is "everything in moderation...including moderation".