Pleasure, Work, Pleasure (plus donuts)

Hello friends and greetings from some massive altitude above the western side of the USA! I’m en route from Portland, OR to Los Angeles, CA almost at the midway point of my pleasure-work-pleasure west coast travels. Since I suck at sleeping on airplanes (you’d think the 5am wakeup would have been sufficient to knock me out!) I thought I’d take this time to tell you all about why Portland is an awesome place to visit.

1) Portland is awesome because OMG the food.

Recently I’ve noticed Portland popping up all over as an “it” restaurant city. This is not a lie. The food in Portland was so tasty and I consumed so much that I worried Delta was going to slap a “HEAVY” sticker on me as I boarded this morning’s flight to LA (where I assume I’ll eat nothing for the week, as most LA women do). Where did we eat you ask?

Clyde Common at theAce Hotel

Locally sourced/farm to table is kinda the vibe of all of Portland, and this restaurant did it really well. Dimly lit with an open kitchen and industrial chic vibe, Clyde Common served up an impeccable charcuterie board and several unique share plates of the octopus, lamb, pork belly and pasta variety. I also discovered that “share plate” meals are way more affordable when you’re not in NYC. NICE.

Ava Genes

I selected this spot in Portland’s Division neighborhood because Joanna of CupofJo fame called it one of the best meals of her life. High expectations officially met. This meal was DELICIOUS (and not just because we were starving and drunk off 2 tasting flights from Deschutes Brewery.) We ate SO much at this meal and one item was better than the next from the fresh salads and small plate appetizers (Dr. H declared the chicken liver toast one of the “top 7 foods I’ve ever eaten in my life”) to the fresh pasta in shapes and sauces too tasty for me to coherently remember. If you go to Portland, go to Ava Genes.

Pine State Biscuits

The fried chicken with gravy biscuit sandwich (with egg!) to the right was so good it almost made me forget that calories are I thing I care about. Almost.

Lardo

This place started as a food truck and became a brick and mortar restaurant likely because the sandwiches are just that damn good. Dr. H and I worked yesterday from a picnic table outside using Lardo’s free wifi while enjoying amazing fresh tuna melt and pork shoulder sandwiches. The bread was crispy and perfect, the insides were flavorful and unique. Gotta love a good sandwich AmIRight!?

2) Portland is awesome because DONUTS (and coffee)

Turns out this city has a thing for donuts and that’s a thing that’s a-ok with me. We started our adventure with “Voodoo Doughnuts” and ended it with “Blue Star Donuts” which are for two distinctly different types of donut lovers (and I’m not just referring to the spelling). Voodoo is ridiculous… decadent, silly, excessive are just a few words that came to mind over the 3 days it took Dr. H and I to polish off our box of 4 insane doughnuts. As opposed to Blue Star which was simply the tastiest glazed donut I’ve ever eaten (in one sitting. While Dr. H watched. Because he has respect for his body and I do not.)

Also, the original Stumptown Roasters is located in Portland and is just one of the many many small(ish) coffee shops in town (peace out Starbucks!) Stumptown has a serious "to go" selection which included chocolate milk chilled coffee. Be still my heart.

3) Portland is awesome because NATURE!

This place knows a thing or two about keeping it clean, green and beautiful. Not only is Portland itself a generally clean place with a river in the middle and lovely, simple architecture, but just outside the city limits are some amazing hikes, mountains, forests and waterfalls. Dr. H and I spent Sunday driving around the scenic byway, hiking Multnomah Falls (we went all the way to the top and I have the quad/ass-ache to prove it!) and generally appreciating how beautiful the Pacific Northwest is. I only wish we’d had more time there (possibly during summer weather) so we could have done more hiking, river floating and site seeing

4) Portland is awesome because SPORTS!

One of the unusual things Dr. H and I have done for 4 years running is visit a random college with a great football team and attend one of their games. It’s probably some sort of subconscious way of making up for the fact that our college (GDUB!) didn’t even have a football team. This year we drove about 90 minutes from Portland to Eugene to watch the Oregon Ducks take on the Utah Utes (it's a Native American tribe). This game did not pan out well for the Ducks, but I’ll take any excuse to drink beer, watch football in the mountains and be represented by a mascot that’s essentially Donald Duck’s football loving brother.

5) Portland is awesome because it’s a little WEIRD

The slogan is “keep Portland Weird” and the show Portlandia pokes fun of its weirdness with pride… I would agree – Portland is a little weird. Portland has funky food truck communes, a great weekend market (check out the “Saturday Market” and Saturday or Sunday!), super friendly people and a bizarre lack of bustle even on weekdays. The stores all sell the unique sorts of home goods you want but don’t need and people drink beer with every meal, even on Mondays. Portland is great and you should definitely visit.

Now off to LaLa Land!!!

Goldilocks and the 4th of July Weekend

Aren't we all in search of "just right!?"

Dr. H and I have no idea what we're doing for July 4th weekend. As a friend kindly pointed out this morning, yes we know that it is 48(ish) hours away, but alas, we have no plans. We had plans, but unfortunately they unexpectedly fell apart, so now we are back to square one, a location we have not accepted lightly.

Last night, Dr. H and I spent over 4 hours scouring the internet and exploring the globe for a 4th of July destination.  Like Ms. Goldilocks, we are willing to try just about anything, but unfortunately everything is "not quite right". Coastal Europe? Too expensive. Vieques, Puerto Rico? Too much travel to get there. Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota? Not enough time to properly plan. Everywhere on the US eastern seaboard? Booked. Solid.

So here we are, about 36 hours from our first scheduled vacation day and still in search of the vacation that will be "just right". Maybe it'll be day trips to hike/beach capped off with evenings in an empty city dining at all the hot spots normally packed with New Yorkers. Maybe it will be the waterpark capital of the world. Maybe it'll be Mexico. Who knows? Whatever we ultimately select, with Dr. H by my side, I'm sure it will be juuuuust right (awww:).

Around the world and back again (literally).

Une vie a plein bord.

Friends. Last we spoke, I was retelling tales of poo on the subway and since then I've been around the world and back. Seriously. I went to Australia! Dr. H and I packed our bags and accompanied my mom and dad on a trip to Sydney, Melbourne and a drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road. I don't think anything less than a three post description/photo recap will do, but first I've got to dig out a bit at work, figure out what time zone I'm in and maybe stopping eating like I'm in vacation mode (maybe).

Good Lord iPhones are AMAZING!

It's impossible for me to reduce to words all the thoughts, experiences and emotions that have been March 2015, or if I'm being honest, the past year of my life. There has been so much change, travel, struggle and growth, it astounds me to look back and see where I was just 365 days ago. At the same time, I feel this slow and exciting build towards even more change ahead... Whether it's our careers, the place we call home or decisions to add to our family (with individuals of both the canine and human varieties) my life with Dr. H is changing every day and it's good and hard and wildly fulfilling. We have seen so much, but I love knowing that there's still so much more to see.

Wanderlust Part II. - Helsinki & Copenhagen

Hello hello and happy Monday my friends! I hope you all enjoyed your weekends and last night's thrilling Super Bowl. Here to help us ease back into reality (and avoid going outside into yet another day's wintery, snowy, icy mess!) are some pictures from the second half of my winter wonderland adventures, this time slightly more "on the grid" in Helsinki, Finland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Both were truly wonderful places to visit so I hope you enjoy checking them out!

Helsinki by night.

* Helsinki is a small city in southern Finland where Dr. H and I spent just under 24-hours. This was the perfect amount of time to stroll the pretty city, eat a delicious brunch and explore some of the main attractions including the harbor, a church in a rock (seriously) and the Museum of Natural History. I was fortunate enough to travel to Helsinki with my family many years ago during the summer (also for a 1-day visit), so it was cool to see the city in all its winter wonder.

A city that really shines during Christmas season!

The harbor looking especially picturesque.  

Eat brunch at Fazer. Do it.

Snowy city center

The church is actually built into a large rock. It's pretty amazing.

* Copenhagen is AWESOME. A truly metropolitan city with plenty of old European charm, Dr. H and I loved everything about our time in Copenhagen. From the cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture, to the distinct neighborhoods, walkable distances, bike paths, an amusement park IN the city (that's rumored to have inspired Disneyland), a rich Jewish history and of course the food, I already look forward to returning to Copenhagen again in the future. 

Built along canals, Copenhagen is best explored on foot, boat or bike!

Be sure to take a canal tour to learn all about the city's buildings and history

This is Tivoli, a beautiful amusement park/garden with restaurants and shops
Also, the rides are seriously legit (check out that rollercoaster!) 

On NYE we discovered that citizens are free to set off fireworks just about
anywhere. This made for a beautiful (& mildly nerve wracking) evening! 

Changing of the guard at the royal palace!

If you are interested in Jewish history, Copenhagen is a must-visit. Denmark saved
nearly all of its Jews during WWII and this is a peak inside the synagogue today. 

A view of the beautiful city from atop the Round Tower.

Though we did run into some gloomy weather and restaurant closures (because of the holidays) I highly recommend seeing Copenhagen in the winter which is their "off season." Nothing was crowded and hotel prices were extremely reasonable.

There is such thing, as too much of a good thing…

In the past 6 weeks I have travelled to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Louisville, Kentucky, Charleston, South Carolina, Portland, Maine and New Orleans, Louisiana. I have eaten some of the tastiest meals and drank plenty to wash them down. I’ve done a lot of dancing. (And in my spare time I left the company I worked at for over 5 years and started my own business…)

I have eaten (quite) well and travelled (very) often, potentially maxing out my own life’s motto of “une view a plein bord” and now it’s time to reset. I need to get back to some sort routine, or figure out a new routine as the case may be (perhaps each work-from-home-day should still start with brushing my teeth!?). I need to start taking better care of myself including making time for eating right and exercise (because I’ve blown through my entire supply of elastic waist-band pants). And because taking on any daunting task is better with a buddy… I’m bringing y’all with me. Welcome to Wellness Week my friends, where each day we are going to commit to do 1 thing we’ve been meaning to do that’s good for us.

Wellness Week Day 1 - Schedule those Appointments

We’ve all got the health appointment we’ve just been “too busy” to schedule. The dentist or dermo or orthopedist to check out a nagging pain... well the delaying stops now. Today, commit to making that call and scheduling your overdue checkup. Make it a priority. I promise, your body will thank you!

Travels and Headline News

Wanderlust 4 Eva

Hello hello and welcome back to the merriest corner of the internet! After a little hiatus from blogging for some friend-filled travel and celebrations last week, I'm back to tell you where I've been lately and why you need to go there too.

First, Charleston, SC. Have you been? I visited Charleston over Labor Day weekend, staying at a rented house on Isle of Palms (one of the beach communities just outside downtown Charleston) and had an absolute blast. Charleston has beautiful homes, lovely beaches and a down south chill vibe that made it an excellent vacation destination (including for our family's little kiddos). I highly recommend renting a house near the beach (with a pool, it gets HOT!) and letting your days be a relaxing mix of beach, golf, swimming and the occasional trip into town for shopping (Charleston has awesome shopping of the boutique and designer variety) and eating (we went to Hominy Grill one night and loved everything from the shrimp and grits to the pie for dessert). There was a ton of history and exploring we didn't get to do this trip, but I guess that just means I need to go back!! A short flight from NYC, consider Charleston for your next family vacation, romantic getaway or even a bachelorette or girls trip destination!

View from Munjoy Hill, where our rental house was.

Second, Maine... Like the whole state, but this time around, specifically Portland. I have now vacationed in Maine twice (Bar Harbor last time) and I think it might be my exact-opposite-of-NYC-can-I-have-a-home-here-too favorite destination. Portland is another short trip from NYC (just a 50 minute flight) and the crisp air, gorgeous ocean/bay views and out of this world seafood make it the most refreshing place on the planet to visit. Again we rented a house (sensing a theme here!?) and I fell in love with everything from our multi-story old house, to paddleboarding on the bay, outrageously good lobster mac HERE and the general adorableness of a small city meant for exploring and enjoying on foot. I've already got plans to be back in Maine next summer and  I think this is a tradition I could get used to!!

And finally, HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS!? Thanks to an "I-just-opened-my-eyes-and-saw-your-email" from my beloved (parent)thetically speaking, I learned this morning that the royals are expecting another bundle of joy. While I wish first and foremost for Kate and Will a healthy bitty baby, I wish secondly for myself and the world for a little princess because after closely following George's adorable clothing swagger, I'd love to see what a royal lady baby would do. Congrats to the parents-to-be!!

For the Kiddos

Sassy summer Mama

Even though it’s easy to start getting the ho hums about summer whizzing by (have you seen the back-to-school commercials?) the reality is that summer is most definitely NOT over. In fact, we have an entire glorious month to go! And since the kiddos are still hanging at home (and parents/babysitters are likely running out of ideas and inspiration to keep them entertained) I thought today would be the perfect day to have a Summer Inspired For the Kiddos post. So round up the lovely littles in your life, check out the goodies below and let’s make the most of this August!

* Paper plates have never looked so good!

I love doing craft projects with little kids, especially ones that they can easily execute on their own. These 20 paper plate projects from Spoonful are low maintenance, low cost, and absolutely adorable. Sounds like the perfect children's activity no!? Pin ‘em HERE or visit the full site HERE.

* Close by and Hands Free

This gem comes from the supermom of my adorable niece and nephew (aka my sister-in-law) and I think you’re gonna LOVE it. Have you heard of the Go-Pod? If you haven’t, this easy to pack, pop-up and use contraption is perfect for your littlest babes who just want to be nearby and have a great view for the family BBQ, evening at the beach, or picnic in the park. Sold everywhere, the Go-Pod just might become your go-to for the 4-months and up member of your posse.

* Stylin' Summer Outfits

There are few things more adorable than babies in rompers; but I think babies in printed rompers might be one of them. I absolutely LOVE the collection of prints from Winter Water Factory, like those little fishies above or these anchors or maybe sailing ships? And while you’re shopping for baby clothes, don’t forget to check out what they carry for adults because those really are some sassy/fun prints!

* Deliciously Adorable

Stop right now- we have to go and make these Star Fish S’mores… that’s right, they’re S’MORES!! And while I confess this recipe is a bit more detail-oriented than what I typically go for, I think all you Betty Crockers’ out there should do it while the rest of us get inspired to make a simpler version (dip star-shaped sugar cookies in chocolate and then use the exterior instructions from there?)

* Make mealtime more merry!

How adorable is that plate? I just discovered that Shutterfly now has an entire home décor section including these fun plates that you can customize for the entire family (they remind me of those draw-on then bake-in-the-oven plates I made for all my grandparents as a kid!) These would make an adorable gift or how about a picnic perfect gingham and stripes combo for your own family!?  Let your kids help pick their favorite pictures and I guarantee dinner is about to get way more fun!

* Tips for Travelling with Littles

Summer vacations aren’t always easy when you have tiny travelers to contend with, but thankfully the always cheerful Naomi of Love Taza has some expert tips for hitting the road with kiddos while ensuring summer fun. From the obvious notes (be flexible with your schedule) to fun insider tips (cough up the $$$ for a centrally located hotel room to maximize time spent out and about), click HERE for Love Taza’s full list of tips.

Do you all have any fun summer plans? What do you do to keep the kiddos entertained on hot summer days?!