From SW to NW to NE

With a busy school week, I knew I would be able to bask in the pleasures of a less stressful weekend.  It was kick started with a high school friend getting our group together for drinks on Friday. After hours of laughter and catching up, I came to the conclusion that I have some of the greatest friends ever.  

Saturday, Stephanie and I attended a matinee at The Living Room Theaters, and I wondered why we have never stepped foot in this place before.  This is the cutest use of space and the movies and food options are just as wonderful.  It was decided that we need to stroll in here more often.

I discovered that brick and string lighting make for the perfect combination.  I've always had an obsession for both, so setting them together is enough to make me want to be surrounded by them at every available opportunity. I also discovered that a Saturday afternoon spent at VoiceBox, paying $4 an hour to karaoke in your own designated room is the best use of your time. 

A new headband can brighten up any girl's day. I think I've found a new obsession.

Tasty and Sons, I adore you. 

A stormy Sunday afternoon can make one feel so good about the work put in at expanding a tiny book collection. Welcome, Tina Fey, Augusten Burroughs, and Fitzgerald.

Hope your weekend was just as wonderful!

this week

Signs of summer are definitely making their way into Portland.  I was finally able to pull out my shorts, as temperatures entered the 80's.  This, I love while I'm out and about.  However, when I get into bed at night in my non-air conditioned apartment and am forced to sleep on top of my covers in the bare minimum, I dread.  The pros outweigh the cons though as summer means longer days, walks and outside dinning with one of the bests, as well as impromptu ice cream dates, and park days with this cutie:

So happy I get to spend my summer days with this one

These are the only acceptable Crocs in my opinion

Churro ice cream?! Glad I got a taste on the last day it was available.  I had no idea Salt and Straw changed flavors every month?

We like to accidentally match: denim, black, and print

I got to bake my favorite bread, as there was an abundance of ripe bananas waiting to be used

I received not one, but two letters from the best.  Needless to say, it made my day. Correction: my week.

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! 

Easter coma

Easter felt a whole lot more like Thanksgiving this year, instead of Easter. It was spent sitting in a chair, with my arm digging into numerous dips as my only movement, and watching endless games of corn hole. Considering I was with the Freeman's and that is their "thing" as I have come to realize. It is at every single gathering I attend with them (regarding corn hole, although endless dips and chips are always present too). I didn't think things through I as indulged in so many appetizers and was full before the Easter meal. I didn't let my stomach hold me back though and I made it through. I even managed to eat a sliver of carrot cake for dessert. I hope your Easter landed you in a food coma for the rest of the night, as mine did!

Also, why do we only have Easter egg hunts for children? I have missed them along with baskets filled with goodies.  Definitely a part of growing up I am struggling with, as everyone thinks I'm joking every year when I ask if there will be an Easter egg hunt.  I'm not joking people.