So probably most of you who are reading this, already know me, and probably know me pretty well.  Hello friend! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. Let’s hang out soon.

But for those of you who don’t know me, maybe even at all (that might be a stretch?), I’m Amy Joy Akiyama-Bial. The full meal deal.

I could go into a long deep spiel about what the word “she” means to me, and what it means to be “she” and blah blah blah.  But really, no one cares.

Although, it might be entertaining for you to watch me try to come up with some beautifully written, philosophical reason I picked that name for this blog. Instead of doing that, I’ll spare you the pain and myself the humiliation.

If anyone asks, I just liked it.

A little blurb about me:

I’m a 27 year-old Portland native, who’s trying my best. I spent about 4 years in Austin, TX doing volunteer work with AmeriCorps, and consider it be to my second home. I miss the breakfast tacos, warm weather, and some of my favorite people; but if I’m being honest, I prefer the Northwest.  Not because I love the great outdoors so much, and not because I deeply identify with flannel and craft brews, but probably just because my family is here. My dad’s side of the family has deep roots in Hood River, Oregon and my mom’s in Portland. So whether Portland is cool or not, this place just feels like home.

I’ve been told I have an extensive collection of leisure wear, and that I enjoy being comfortable to a fault. But I have to say, even more than that,  I like to make our friends and family comfortable.  My husband and I have a shared passion of hosting people and entertaining. Greg easily volunteers to be the life of the party, and I am more of a behind-the-scenes kind of gal (although, I can get pretty animated myself). I want people to feel cozy, with a craft cocktail, and some high-quality snacks.  We take snacks verrry seriously in this house. And luckily, we have managed to surround ourselves with friends who also share this deep affection of snacks and wine, and keep us in the loop of what’s good (and I mean, GOOD).  I’m far from an expert, but I like what I like, and I’m not afraid to tell you about it in full lengthy detail.

Greg’s birthday meal at home from a couple years ago.  Most of these recipes came from Salad For President and the pork belly is from Momofuku.

Speaking of snacks, I’m also 15 weeks pregnant. This is a brand spankin’ new thing that my partner and I did not see coming.  But we’re embracing it with open arms. Still trying to believe the fact that a real baby will be born and we will have to take care of it.  More to come on that.

Lastly, I’ll talk about the man who knocked me up. Gregory what-a-guy Bial.  We’ve been married less than a year, and friends for about 7. Initially I loved Greg (as a friend) because we could always have a blast, just us two.  It was easy to dive into a deep conversation and then quickly switch back to one of Greg’s off-the-wall jokes.  Greg marches to the beat of his own drum and isn’t afraid to talk to anyone (and I mean anyone). All the while, he somehow remains to be incredibly generous, caring, and empathetic.   If you put a crying girl around Greg, he’ll almost instantly turn into mush.  That’s why I love him.  No one else will rub my feet, while I’m bitching about how tired I am, and tell me all about the full history of Liberia. No one will try harder to connect with and befriend an Uber driver. No one else will keep a tight ass budget, but then buy the back of the house a beer on date night. No one enjoys watching me be happy, more than GB.

That’s probably enough gushing, right?  Thanks for listening, ya’ll.

If you like our robes:  you can find mine here, and Greg’s here.

Photo cred: Greg Bial at The Austin Motel.

Has anyone ever asked you that question “What does your perfect day look like?”

I know it was asked in The 36 questions that lead to love article from The New York Times like 3 or 4 years ago, but it still seems like a go-to self-reflection question. Only reason I ask is because:

GIANT SIGH.

I feel like that day is happening right now, ya’ll.

And unfortunately, that feels like a rare thing in the midst of this busy-ass summer.

But here’s why today is great:

1. The only plans I have so far, are to watch a movie with my BFF, in sweatpants.
2. She lives upstairs. SO IDEAL.
3. I’ve got a cup of coffee with cream AND sugar (judge me).
4. Parent Trap has been playing in the background for an hour, and my husband isn’t complaining.*Update we made it through the whole movie !

And tbh, doesn’t it feel a little wrong to start a blog when you’re not cozy and not drinking coffee?

Anyway,

What the heck is this blog even for? To be honest, I don’t know fully- and I’m okay with that.

I wanted a place where I could post things that really get me jazzed, that I think might get other people jazzed too.

Things like:

• Cocktails
• Home design
• Flowers
• Food (of course)
• Weekend trips
• Bathrobes
• DIY
• People I admire
• Gatherings
• Community

This blog will not be:

• Winning any awards-get those expectations in check

The point is, this blog is happening and I hope you enjoy!

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Also, Also, Also,

• If you haven’t gone through The 36 questions that lead to love, you should try it. It’s not just for lovers! I did them with one of my best friends on a road trip, and it was more fulfilling than doing them with my husband *whom I love dearly*.
• I also did them with an ex-boyfriend in a very forced way, on a horrendous Valentine’s date, and it was verrrry telling (we broke up one month after).
• Give it a whirl!