I spent the past week in California for work and took a few days to visit my mom, grandma, and aunts while I was in the area (it's always so much fun when they all get together!). Now I'm back home in Portland and trying to get back into my normal routine. Our garden grew so much while I was gone! Patrick valiantly ate salads every day, but he's only one man. We need to step up our lettuce, beet, and chard consumption before things get really out of hand!

While I'm catching up, here are two recently purchased outfits. I like the idea of wearing dresses and tunics with leggings this summer. It's a good combination of cuteness and practicality (this way I can still ride my bike).

These are from two of my favorite clothing stores in Portland. The first one is from Mink (leggings from American Apparel next door). I love going to Mink--everybody who works there is friendly and enthusiastic! They seem genuinely interested in helping me find clothes that I will love.

And the second top is from the newly opened Makool Loves You shop in the Ford Building (at SE Division and 11th). Anisa makes such cool clothes, and they're very reasonably priced considering that they're handmade. This shirtdress is a little bit hipper than what I normally wear, but I like it--the plaid is so happy, and the wooden button accents are great (she adds all sorts of cute embellishments to her clothes).

Added bonus: both of these tops have pockets! If I can find the time, I want to sew a few more shirtdresses, but I'm not sure if it'll happen this summer, given all the other things I want to do.

P.S. Sleeping on the porch in the summertime is great! I did it this weekend at my mom's house in California, and it was so nice to be out under the stars. I'm hoping to do some more porch-camping (or backyard camping) at home this summer. Ooh, and go berry picking and make jam and go see movies in the park! I'm excited for summer :)