Jeremy returns to Portland...and brings the rain with him!

Happy Wednesday!

Dear friends and family,

I'm writing to report that the rain has returned to Portland. The beautiful sunshine that has blessed us on and off for the past few days has disappeared.

{The blanket of grey has returned}

I'm going to try really hard not to dwell on the weather, but let me tell you that's easier said than done!

Instead, let me share with you a little Portland gem Jeremy and I experienced yesterday afternoon.

After hearing the name dropped here and there. Driving by once or twice. We just had to stop by.

Welcome to Dockside.
The very shack-like bar and restaurant just a mile up the road from our home.
The food is delicious. Dive bar atmosphere.
Wonderful staff and just about the most non-Portlandy place we've ever been inside the City limits.

And if you need more convincing you should try this place...two words...

Taco Tuesday.
$1.50

gets you three whole tacos!

Heaven does exist. And just because it's a cool story. Dockside's claim to fame...

the incriminating handwritten note Tonya Harding wrote detailing Nancy Kerrigan's practice schedule was found in the garbage outside Dockside.

Who knew?

I'll also share with you a photo of the delicious lunch I packed for Jeremy and me this morning.

Yummy right?

Inspired by the Little Red House, I toasted up some fresh bread (drizzled with garlic olive oil). Added some fresh tomato, basil, sprouts, and mozzarella.

Then add a few drops of balsamic vinaigrette and you're all set!

Is 9:30 too early to eat lunch?

Royal Wedding Detox

Okay I'm forcing myself to take a mini-break from 24/7 Royal Wedding news. I'm seriously an addict who needs help. Thank God the wedding is tonight/tomorrow, because I don't think Jeremy or my brain can take much more of this. For a little girl who grew up loving **princess** stories and still believes in fairy tales...the Royal Wedding is a dream come true, living proof that Cinderella fantasies can come true in the real world. I will be glued to my television tonight and I hope you will too!

Enough about that. Keeping with the UK theme I'd like to make a Portland recommendation. If you haven't been to Kell's Irish Pub in Old Town, you need to go, right now. Live music, great atmosphere, delicious Irish pub fare, and a cigar bar. You might be thinking, why would a girl care about a cigar bar? But let me tell you....you need to try it! Lauren, Tyler, Jeremy and I went a couple weeks back. It ended up being one of the best nights out I've had in months. It was casual and fun, but different than a typical night out.

See? Can't you tell how much fun we are having? PS That awesome nail polish is Essie's Merino Cool.

Wish I could blame that fuzzy picture on the smoke...really that's just what happens when you use your camera phone as a real camera. Sorry Lauren!

Prohibition Era Portland

A Bar Must: The Secret Society Lounge

Anyone who knows me would understand why I have fallen in love with this little gem in the Northeast. This bar is located right next door to Toro Bravo on NE Russell Street. It was created to feel like an old speakeasy...very reminiscent of my favorite downtown Los Angeles bar, Varnish. All dark wood and candlelight, this bar is the perfect place for a date or a late night happy hour (every night 10 pm - close). The lounge is small, but we showed up with a group of 4 at 10:00 pm and found seats at the bar. The bartender was a true mixologist, and I highly recommend the Bee's Knees, a delicious lemony cocktail perfect for sipping in a venue like this one!

Secret Society Lounge - 116 NE Russell St. Portland