phx in pdx: 4

My friend Adam lives in Portland.  

He was my man of dishonor at our wedding.  ;)

 

 I love him and I love his cool factor.  He's lived in Portland since college and has always been my go to guy for where to eat, drink, shop, and hike.  While he was still extremely helpful with where the hottest new restaurant spot was, he also has this amazing life that involves a house outside of town with a huge yard with an amazing garden, chickens, a puppy, an MBA that got him an amazing grown up job, and a wonderful boyfriend!  I am so happy and proud of him.  But, Adam, you better stay hip even though you are a suburban Portlandian now!  I still need to know the best place to get a gluten free/vegan/organic veggie bowl next time I'm in town.  ;)  

Felt like 10 years ago, cocktails in Adam's kitchen.  We only had 1.5 though, instead of 8 like we would have 10 years ago.  

A good friend - Adam made sure to have ingredients for my signature cocktail on hand:  vodka, grapefruit juice, and club soda.

Brad, Adam's partner, showing off his urban farming skills!

Adam's crazy dog Lola!  Lola literally sits in the fireplace. 

phx in pdx: 3

Staying caffeinated is not a problem in Portland.  And anyone that knows my husband knows that coffee is a priority for him in the morning and afternoon and sometimes evening.  

So everyday we picked a new coffee shop to try out.  I am a tea drinker by nature, but I did make a few exceptions since we were visiting the coffee mecca of the west. 

Our favorite coffee shop was Coava.   

The coffee was as smooth and the atmosphere totally won me over.  I love masculine design.  Hard edges and clean lines mixed with rich woods make me feel comfortable and homey.  You can probably see this with the design of Bunky Boutique.

We also enjoyed Heart Roasters (below).

The quintessential Portland guy!  A book stand, really?!  We had to sneak to get the photo.

My early morning tea ritual was made even more special with the beautiful presentation at the Urban Farmer restaurant in our hotel.  

English breakfast tea with a mini carafe of soy milk.  

phx do pdx: 2

Luckily we hiked every morning and walked everywhere....because we also ate and drank our way through the city...

In the Pearl District.  I had a cupcake shot (gluten free!)

Saint Cupcake was bright and fun...We went to dinner at my cousin's house while we were there and took these for dessert.

Best bike rack ever!  Outside of Saint Cupcake

 

Located in Mississippi neighborhood, this place was divine!!!  One of the best meals I have had in the last 3 years.

Go on a Monday night...we only had to wait 10 minutes.  

We landed in Portland on a Sunday morning and drove straight to Simpatica.   Nothing gets you out of public travel mode more than sitting down to homemade butter and fresh eggs at one of the hottest brunch spots in the city!

One of our favorite features was the coffee service while you wait for your table.  

A vegan a gluten free food cart named Heart Cart!  Portland has such a vibrant food cart scene and there is something for everyone...which can making picking which cart to eat at nearly impossible in the best way possible.

phx goes to pdx 1

I love Portland.  Okay, who doesn't?
Saying that I love Portland is about as unique as saying "Mad Men is my favorite show!"
or "I love chips and salsa!"
No sh*t, sherlock!  Of course I love Portland.
We all do.  It's just plain cool. 

Photos below are from our trip there last month.  This is the first in a four part series about our trip.

Japanese Gardens

Hiking in Arboretum

Red Riding Hood let's her hood down

Felt like a magical forest

Rose Garden Theater.  Yes, after this picture I did get on the stage and sing and tap dance in the rain!

 

Portland Timbers soccer game, Jim was so happy!

The fans are amazing.  I'm not one for cheering at sporting events (that is a whole other blog post),  but I let out a few
"woooooo's" at the appropriate times!

My Dad

 

My Dad is kind and generous.  

He is compassionate and loving.  

He is funny, with a dry sense of humor.

He is a single father, raising me after my Mom passed away when I was a baby.  

He took on this challenge with pride, working hard both physically and emotionally to give me an amazing life full of unconditional love, patience, and joyous experiences. 

My Dad gave me confidence.

He taught me to be secure with myself.

He taught me to not take myself too seriously.

He taught me loyalty, patience, and the 

importance of doing the right thing.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.  

When you read this, know how much I love you!

My Dad and his sky diving cake!  I was so proud of him!

Christmas, maybe 1990?  You can tell by my pants...

Wedding

High School Graduation

Mini golf - we are a tad bit competitive ;)

My Dad's recent visit to Phoenix

Hiking in AZ

Bunky Dads

A Few of Our Favorite 

Bunky Dads!
  

 

 Chris and his boys  

Beni and Charlie

 These 3 guys are a force to be reckoned with!  They love Suns and Diamondbacks games and having quality "guy" time.  And Chris being such a wonderful Dad and husband, his boys couldn't have a  

better role model! 

 

  Big Hayes and Little Hayes

 This photo says it all!  Loving and happy and full of warmth.  These two guys know how to have fun together and being a Dad has never looked so rewarding or just plain cool.       

Greg and his daughter Mila

Greg and Mila are the sweetest pair!  Always palling around, you'll find them frequenting their favorite restaurants and shops and enjoying spending time together.  Mila is as stylish as they come and dad Greg is pretty snazzy himself (his wardrobe is Mila approved of course!). 

Chris and his daughters  

Paloma and Sophia   

  These adorable little girls have Chris wrapped around their fingers!  Frequent "daddy days" and trips to the trampoline park are just a few of their many shared adventures!  Loving and happy - this trio makes us warm and fuzzy.

James and his daughter Mabel     

I think if you googled the definition of adoration, you would find a photo of James and Mabel.  It's impossible not to see them together  

without going  "awwww".   

This modern and hip Dad makes for the perfect protector and playmate for his beautiful daughter!          

    

 Dan and his daughter me!  :)    

My friends say we are a lot alike.   

I hope so!   

Nothing would make me more proud!     

Click here for an

Ode to my Dad