Usually water and light isn’t such a good idea. However, the smarties over at Digitalarti figured out how to make magic.
(click the link to see video)
Usually water and light isn’t such a good idea. However, the smarties over at Digitalarti figured out how to make magic.
(click the link to see video)
My son bought tickets to see Harry and Potters (yes this is a real band) with his friends.
We drove up early so Kell and company could have a day enjoying the city, teenager style.
Hanging out with the kids for hours was not going to happen.
So what did Jef and I do for a day? We went to all the places we tell other people to go when they ask what they should do in Portland.
Our first stop was breakfast at our favorite coffee shop, Pazzoria bakery.
Then we walked up to Pioneer Square and bought an all day pass for the Max out of the machine and headed to Chinatown.
First stop: Lan Su Chinese Garden
It had been too long since I’d visited. I was struck again by how the moment you step into the garden the busy city melts way. So lovely.
From there, we walked West a few blocks and found a bus stop near the corner of W. Burnside and 1st. We hopped on the #20 bus and it delivered us right to the front door of Powell’s City of Books!
For those who don’t know, it’s a square block building and four floors worth of new and used books! My advice, step in and check out the big sign in the lobby. It’s a busy place, but take the time to get acclimated. Don’t forget to check out the rare books section! I always bring a list and a BIG tote bag!
Not far away is the Pearl District, where there is always something good to eat. We gave Henry’s 12th Street Tavern a try. Really nice flat bread pizza and a cold beer, hit the spot!
Thusly fortified, we walked around the corner and waited near the corner of N.W. 11th Ave & N.W. Couch, (pronounced “Cooch” btw) for the street car which whisked us to within a few blocks of the Portland Art Museum.
It always has the perfect mix of Devine:
…And ridiculous:
I am very sad to say that I still didn’t see everything! They had to shoo us out for closing time. Next time I’ve sworn to start at the top and work my way down!
Oh well, it was nearly time to pick up the concert goers anyway.
Our little day away reminded us why Portland continues to charm and remains one of our favorite cities!
Jef, the boys and, I were out to dinner a couple of nights ago and the subject of favorite movies came up. We started all started quoting this scene:
“Hey!”
“Yeah?”
“You’re right in the middle of the….”
“Yeah!?”
The whole movie is a gem! If you haven’t seen it, or, if it’s been awhile, I implore you to check out The Iron Giant!
Starting from the industrial revolution, this is a stunning visualization of human growth and travel. Every route created by humans is depicted via land, sea and air.
Photo courtesy of HairColorCorner
If you’re like me you’d rather not have to fuss with your hair while at the beach. That being said, I’d also like it if I had a modicum of style. Is it too much to ask?
Here are a few links that make beach hair easy!
First, a tutorial from Oh So Pretty: The Diaries on how to achieve perfect beach waves in mere moments!
Also, over on Twitch Vintage you can make your own poolside turban ala Joan Collins. I’m definitely going to try this!
Then of course…
Photo courtesy of Oh Happy Day!
Can you tell me why the lighting in dressing rooms is so bad? Especially when trying on a bathing suit! Anyone?
Also? I need a tan.
Fortunately I have a plan that will spare the populace of Maui from witnessing my translucent complexion.
First exfoliate very, very well. I like to use bath gloves and a moisturizing body wash. Make sure to spend extra time on elbows, knees and heels.
Then apply lotion and let it sink in for a few minutes. The self tanner will go on evenly and, if there are any dry patches you’ve missed, it will prevent you from looking splotchy.
Now the self tanning lotion. I use Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel It is a little on the pricy side but for me it’s worth it, as your tan will last about a week, the color is subtle and natural looking, and the scent is light. You won’t smell like a chili cheese corn chip.
Don’t forget to wash your hands immediately after applying.
I’ve been trying out sunscreens in an attempt to find something that doesn’t make my very fussy skin break out. The winner is Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid
All this about tans and swim suits is making me very excited for our vacation!
Photo courtesy of The Enchanted Home
It’s been years since I read a “beach read” on an actual beach! I’m suitably excited, so I set off on a search of this Summers offerings and this is what I’ve found.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead
And then, I thought I’d re-read an old favorite by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
Agnes & The Hitman
Now all I need is a drink with a paper umbrella….
Hawaii anyone? It’s more like Hawaii everyone! Why the rush for the 50th star on our flag? It doesn’t hurt to have the #1 movie of the year, set in Hawaii and starring George Clooney. Well played, Hawaii Chamber of Commerce!
Guess what? Us too! Yay!
This means packing. My Achilles heel.
Here’s the plan: Mix and match outfits geared for weather and activity.
I’ll let you know what worked and what didn’t when we get back.
Aloha!
Pinterest. Hair style and nail polish tutorials, recipes and cute outfits. Inspiration and ideas for everything from tattoo designs to your wedding day. There are pin boards dedicated to Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games and The Notebook. Pictures of hipster cats.
It’s the internet, guys. There is a pin board for every subject.
Great resource, or massive time suck? Which side of the fence are you on?
I tend to jump from side to side.
On one hand, it’s very diverting if I have the time. It’s like flipping through all of your favorite magazines at once.
On the other, if I see another “Keep Calm and _______” poster I will… NOT keep calm and you can f$#@ off!
Ahem, sorry. (deep breath)
It’s a pleasant place, not too many trolls and the like. Definitely a chick haven, mostly.
This video has surfaced in the last few weeks. It’s so funny, also maybe NSFW and if the kids are nearby. But if you’re on Pinterest you have to see it.
Full disclosure: All the photos and links were gleaned from, that’s right, Pinterest.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to update my “What Kate Middleton Wore” pin board.
The U-pick season is started and the strawberry patch is in full swing these days, so it seems that pie is in order.
Strawberry Amaretto Galette
Pie Dough (Store bought frozen or your favorite recipe)
2 cups Strawberries (hulled and halved)
1 tablespoon Sugar
1 teaspoon Corn Starch
1/2 cup Amaretto Cookies (crumbled)
Egg Wash
1 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar (Raw Sugar)
1 tablespoon Apricot Jam
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and the amaretto cookies then set aside.
Place your prepared or defrosted dough onto a piece of parchment paper and roll out to about 15 inches. Slide the rolled crust onto a baking sheet and pile the strawberry filling into the middle of the crust, keeping a 2 inch border.
Fold and pleat the crust up over the edge of the filling, brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with the raw sugar.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Heat the apricot jam in the microwave for 30 seconds. Brush the jam over the berries and crust to create that shiny pastry shop sheen!
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
P.S. It’s particularly good the next morning as breakfast, when you’re writing a blog post. Ahem!
Kathleen Rear 