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By candace kramer, June 1, 2011 2:09 pm

Hello friends! Hope you had a fantastic holiday weekend. We went on my favorite quick getaway and caught the train up to Seattle. I absolutely love the train ride – reading magazines, sipping wine and just relaxing. By the time I arrive, I have unwound and I’m ready to enjoy the city! Traffic and parking can really burst my weekend escape bubble…Speaking of trains, I recently headed over to the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation site to discover an exciting event coming up on June 30th – The Willamette Bridge groundbreaking – which will bring light rail, cyclists and pedestrians straight by the Engine House & Rail Heritage Center. For more info go here.

Okay…on to Seattle…We stayed at the fabulous Hotel Max. This place is all about art and photography – featuring 39 local artists! Each floor has its own vibe and influence…we stayed on the Rock n’ Roll floor!

Images via here

With its eclectic mix of luxury, art and culture we would definitely stay here again and I love that it’s sister hotel – Hotel Lucia – is right here in Portland.

Okay, now for a couple of my fav restaurants that we hit…and yes, a little I SPY bathroom design to boot!

For a decadent French breakfast complete with a cocktail happy hour, you can’t miss Toulouse Petit Kitchen. I had to have a French mimosa with my crispy beignets and pork cheeks confit with eggs! I told you it was decadent!

image

Think of funky-bistro with a bayou twist (so fun) and the bathrooms didn’t disappoint either…

Honey hued with a mix of tile, stone and bronze the bathrooms were very elegant. I love the little detail of the fleur de lis in the flooring. So très French…

For dinner we headed to Barolo Ristorante…Glamorous and sexy with a good dose of modern Italian flair…this place is a must!

Images via here

The food was impeccable, with an impressive wine list. It’s a hot spot for sure…just look for the flashy cars pulling up to the front!

On to the gorgeous bathrooms…dripping with glitter and shine…I just love the beaded curtain below the counter top! Genius.

Image via here

It was such a wonderful weekend and by taking the train we avoided all the hassles (and pollution) of driving the car. Consider taking the train for your next weekend getaway.

Now all we need is one of these…

Image via here

Meet China’s amazing new bullet train…I’m dying to ride this one! This would get me to Seattle in about an hour! Get with the program Amtrak! Seriously!

Where have you traveled by train? Did you enjoy it?

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By candace kramer, November 18, 2010 11:17 pm

You all know how much I love trains and one of my favorite trips is up to Seattle via Amtrak.  It is time to relax and read, sip some wine and watch the scenery of fall colors pass by. Remember that freak fall day when it was 70 degrees out, well off I went to catch the Picasso Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris at the SAM museum.

Image via mike

I stayed at the boutique Hotel Andra, which is a beautifully restored building that blends its history with modern style…

Image via Hotel Andra

However…the surprise inside was the – yes, you know, the bathroom! I had to do a little I SPY bathroom investigating!

How exciting to see a shower with no curb! How thrilling to see a handicap/accessible, spa inspired bathroom looking so glam! A small space with sooooo much in it!

Mirrors, mirrors- a girl can not have enough! Perfect wood cubby shelves are tucked into the corner and provide amble storage, right at  eye level!Aging in place, showers with hand held sprays and grab bars. I love the gray slate next to the mosaic shower tiles. Fabulous contrast!

It is the LITTLE things – like a towel bar that does double duty with glass shelf.

Hotel Andra - modern & classy – close to all the action downtown – lets go!

We visited a most impressive outdoor park – the Olympic Sculpture Park, – map. This amazing piece of land crosses both a freeway and train tracks! What an ingenious way to beautify the landscape that slices through the city’s industrial structures.  With its outdoor sculptures and manicured grounds that vary in scale and texture, it’s a must see in any season!

Architecture, landscapes, sculptures, sunshine, I am in heaven, time for some wine…

Be sure to visit all of Tom Douglas restaurants, the Dahlia Lounge & Lola are close by and have this northwest/Asian fresh seafood scene. Small bowls full of glorious creative concoctions!

Images via Lola

Be sure you take a mini vacation – the Northwest has so many treats in store for us- where have you been lately or where you like to go?

Have a great weekend!

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By candace kramer, November 12, 2010 4:45 pm

Hello there! It’s been a busy week with a trip to Seattle for the Picasso exhibition and a drive out to the coast but I knew I had to share this amazing remodel with you before the week came to a close.

Everyone loves good makeovers and the ones involving tiny spaces, creative design and ingenious solutions are my all time favorites! Check out how Seattle artist, designer and welder, Michelle de la Vega, created this beautiful little 250 sq. ft. haven…

The before…

This lonely little detached garage is just begging for some love.

The after! Isn’t it fabulous!?

A cozy, light filled sleeping loft is so perfect for the space. Must be a dreamy spot on all those rainy days.

The kitchen is well organized and accessible with open storage solutions. Love those vintage crates that most likely serve as drawers!

The rustic wood burning stove becomes sculptural in this room along with Michelle’s own art installations.

The glass boxes housing pillow forms are actually a tribute to Michelle’s father. Each one is covered with his old architectural drawings. A lovely personal and nostalgic touch.

You know I am a big fan of great bathroom design and this one delivers. Its simplicity is calming, earthy and zen like and I love how surprising a tub is in this tiny home!

To finish our little home tour, I had to point out this old locker. Re-purposing found and used objects like this really adds to the depth and personality of your home. It’s also a great way to be green! Up-cycled perfection.

Oh and just so you know…Michelle only spent $32,000 on the renovation!

How many of us have garages that only house our junk!? What could you do with a space like this? That home office you’ve always wanted, a studio, a guest house? So many possibilities…

Have a lovely weekend!

All images via michelledelavega.com