conservatories

Can we all just agree that there needs to be more conservatories? Check out this beaut! I headed to Seattle just for the day last weekend to check out the Volunteer Park Conservatory, among other things. I'm so lucky my dad agreed to hang out with me for the day so that I didn't have to venture around the city alone. The $4 fee to get in and wander was well worth the views:

please note that my dad is the ultimate "dad" check out that dad outfit

Oregon Coast

When I think of the Oregon Coast I generally think of a rain and wind, sweaters, and game board type of escape.  However, when the ladies and I headed west last weekend, we experienced nothing of the sort.  We arrived and went straight to a local restaurant to enjoy its seafood offerings.  I was able to satisfy my clam chowder craving, as we watched the fog slowly dissipate over the hills. The beach was ready to deliver as we walked along its sands and basked in the sunshine while reading the novels we had on hand.  Later in the afternoon we decided our best option was to stay until sunset.  We traveled to the best onlooking points as we waited for nightfall's countdown before heading back to the city.  This kind of day trip only made us want more, as we left feeling like it was not enough and promised to return soon.

Ocean Shores

This is Ocean Shores, Washington...

What I would give to own this beach house...

When I opted out of going to Vegas with my dad and brother, my dad's girlfriend offered me a weekend getaway at the beach.  Needless to say, it was one of the best decisions I've made.  You can't go wrong with the beach.  It's enjoyable whether/weather (see what I did there?) rainy or sunny and in this case, I got a little bit of both.  Relaxation took top priority as I read by the fire and enjoyed multiple movies.

I arrived just in time to catch the last glimpse of sun the beach was going to offer for the weekend.  We walked along and talked about the excitement of life lately, and what we hoped for in the future, as I near graduation. It was the perfect setting. 

Days should always end like this. 

Saturday we went into town, and walked through these shops which are offered in every color. Too cute.

We enjoyed amazing dinners at a budget set way beyond our means, with portion sizes way beyond our means.  We struggled to spend it all, after being informed that alcohol could not count towards our spending. 

This forced us to order dessert. *Eating it in bed was not forced*

I read somewhere that before you turn thirty, you should travel alone.  Although it was referring to traveling alone in another country, I think the six hours I spent alone in the car with my music (most of it country for this trip), was amazing.  I enjoy the time I get to spend alone, maybe even too much (if that's a real thing?).  But unattaching myself from everyday life and exploring what this world has to offer, is exhilarating and leaves me with moments that I will never forget.

I noticed this wall on my way, and decided I needed to stop on the way back for pictures.  I let Megan know how disappointed I was that she wouldn't be with me for it, but she said "Do it! Use your tripod and just remind yourself that it's for me because I love you and America." 

Right after, I text her to let her know the task was complete.  She informed me her day was the best day as well as she was able to spend an afternoon alone reading, cooking, and being in her underwear. Oh, how I miss her. 

Peace and love from America, my dear. 

Portland Eats

I ordered the Nobby Hill (an omelet with zucchini, onions, spinach, and goat cheese) 

That lantern lighting, though. 

"EAT ME, DRINK ME"

Introducing Rae's Lakeview Lounge, which offers no reservations, no lake view, but bottomless mimosas until 2 pm! I had never heard of the place until I was summoned to attend brunch with the ladies on Sunday.  I asked "so, where are we going?' once I got into the car, and the response was "Rae's! Bottomless mimosas for $5!" At that point, I was happy to be in the car.  Rae's is such a cute old-school lounge in the Montgomery Park Neighborhood.  I've really been wanting to explore the food side of Portland recently, and find more places I've never heard of or been to.  Why now, after nearly four years of living downtown? This is a question I cannot find an answer to! I can't believe it's taken me this long to want to explore, especially considering it revolves around exploring food. I've even created a list which includes:

Shut Up And Eat

Screen Door

Pine State Biscuits

Waffle Window

Pip's Original

Petunia's Pies and Pastries

Nuvrei

Besaw's

Tasty & Son's

Christopher David

Cafe Broder

Luckily now, Rae's Lakeview Lounge does not need to be added! 

those moments

When you wake up in the middle of the night to see that you still have hours left to sleep

When you arrive early to work and have 5 minutes to just sit and enjoy before going in

When a book is that good, you can't put it down until it's finished

When you capture the perfect candid

When a song plays and simultaneously puts you in a nostalgic mood

When a certain smell can bring you back even more distinctively

When you order but get something bigger than was asked, at the same small price

When you sleep in freshly washed sheets

When you laugh until you cry and your stomach hurts

I have experienced each of these little moments in the past week. The unexpected little moments that are never thought about until you're presented with them. And in turn, cannot truly be appreciated until presented with them.  Such. Good. Moments.

The Ballet

The other day I found myself wandering around downtown because there was a break in the rain and the sun decided to come out. I walked down Broadway and caught a glimpse of that infamous lit up Portland sign at the Arlene Schnitzer. As I walked by, the word 'ballet' struck me and in that moment I had the biggest urge to attend. The most that ballet has ever been apart of my life was the semester in high school Megan and I decided to take it as a joke. Not a joke of the art, just as a joke to ourselves. Ballet is not my forte, as I lack grace and flexibility. I think if I would have started young though, I would have been able to acquire these skills. I asked my mom once why she never put me into dance and she said "I tried! You didn't want to." I guess dance was more of a girl thing, and that was something I was not. I wish it was however, because I admire those who have the ability to perform. The Schnitzer was hosting "Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo" and boy, am I glad they were. As I looked up what they were all about, I had to re-read. A company consisting of a full male cast? A full male cast playing male AND female roles? A full male comedic ballet? Ticket purchased. You know you picked, although I stumbled upon, the right ballet when the older ladies below you are chuckling so hard that one whispers "oooh gawd, my jaw hurts" in mid performance. I foresee many ballets in my future. Especially if the Schnitzer is hosting; I forgot how gorgeous it was.