DESTINATION : Portland, OR

Fall, Fall, Fall. 

Portland welcomed us (Nicole, Aly and I) with a burst of autumnal weather: from lightening, thunder and billowing rain clouds, to chill winds, pumpkins and North Face clad locals. Besides the enjoyment of being in a different climate, the city itself completely enthralled us S. Californians. 

Public transportation from the airport to the city was easy and efficient and provided us with some great views of the Willamette River.

We had precisely 3 hours to enjoy the city and based on the recommendation of friends and locals alike, we decided on the Pearl District. 1st stop: Stumptown Coffee (after the 7am flight, we needed energy). 

Located adjacent to the Ace Hotel (a must see, mainly due to their amazing library), Stumptown Coffee has delicious, no need for cream, black coffee and delectable pastries. Coffee in hand and suitcases in tow, we ventured out to a few boutiques:

{I wasn't kidding...}

{Yarn Gallery. In. Love. And want to buy one.}

{Tender Loving Empire for music, graphics and illustration inspiration}

{I was so tempted to buy the turquoise one and throw it in my bag. Very tempted.}

***

After browsing through countless boutiques and chatting it up with some locals, our stomach growls got the best of us and we stopped into "Cha Cha Cha" for some amazing breakfast burritos, empanadas and chips+guac. Talking with some tourists and people watching kept us pretty preoccupied throughout the whole meal. 

All in All, we were impressed by the limitless things to do, people to see, cleanliness of the city, great food, good views and top notch coffee. I will be coming back.

Stay tuned for the main reason for our trip: the Jones' wedding in Bend, OR (!). 

New Music : Sara Bareilles : Kaleidoscope Heart

I love Sara B's music - always have - but it is extra meaningful to me because my brother is her bass player. And I'm just a little bit proud. 

So with that in mind, tomorrow is a very important day for the band and an exciting day for all of their fans: THE RELEASE OF HER NEW ALBUM, KALEIDOSCOPE HEART. 

The album is amazing, her vocals are right on and the talent is evident. Check it out: now available on itunes!

Current Obsession

PTO for Dallas, TX. June 3 - June 7 = approved! With one minor issue: the high in San Francisco averages 65 degrees this time of year and the highs in Dallas as of late have been roughly 100 degrees. 100 degrees. Summer will be welcoming me with a 100 degree slap in the face once I step off the airplane on Thursday night. This calls for some new sandals, hence the "current obsession(s)."

Which pair?

Fryes. Proves they aren't just good for boots. I tried them on today and they are just as comfortable as my Billy cowboy boots.

Simple. Understated. Classy.

So...which pair do I choose?

2.5 Day Week makes for A Lot of Work

This is a two and a half day week!

Tomorrow is going to be a long day as it seems like 1/2 of the office is on vacation. We all have quite a few meetings tomorrow and extra work that we will have to deal with due to the others - seriously, 1/2 the office - being gone. What better way to start the day then with Zucchini Sweet Potato Muffins?

The muffins were not difficult to make and are pretty healthy as I halved the sugar and used whole wheat flour. Can't wait to have one with my HUGE cup of La Boulange coffee tomorrow.

Here is an up close pic of the muffins:

1/2 Yearly Sale!!!

I know they aren't practical, but they are so so so perfect for the summer. I want them. Bad.

Memorial Day

It is Memorial Day Weekend - a three day weekend (!) - and the weather is some of the best I've seen in San Francisco to date. While the weekend has been full, it has been fun and relaxing.

Two close friends were in town on Friday. We spent much of the evening catching up on our lives and eating at one of my faves, The Grove. It was so wonderful to see them and they reminded me that I hadn't purchased She and Him tickets - so disappointing! My friend Jen (blogger for Mermaid Of Honor ) actually got to meet Zoey!

I also went to my friend's going away party that night at McTeague's - for all you Texas transplants living in San Francisco, McTeague's has Shiner Bock on tap. Yes please. The night was ended at Bob's donuts, but I skipped out on that part.

Saturday was spent running, laying out, receiving an 80 minute massage, getting a great hair cut, shopping and seeing friends. Today was spent at church, picnic with friends at the Crissy Field beach, and catching up on my blogging.

The best part of it all: no work tomorrow!!