Every summer I make it a goal to swim in a new spot at least once before summer is over — this year I far surpassed that goal. I’m happily sitting at about 15 river days in total for the summer. This is something I say with pride. Going to the river is my salvation in the summer. It’s what I live for when the temperatures climb. Not only do I find it immensely peaceful and fun, it’s relatively free besides the cost of gas, parking, and snacks.

Sometimes it’s all day adventures, other times it is a quick dip after work. Either way, I am always glad to get out and plunge my body into the magic waters of the West Coast.

A few disclaimers:

For all 3 spots, you could use some nice water shoes or sandals. They’re rocky, uneven, and slippery. I wish I had mine, but I made do.

Most of the people I connect with online are good stewards of the environment, but I’m going to call this out just in case. Going out in nature means leave no trace. Pick up your trash, be respectful.

The water temperatures I swim at hover between 43–55 degrees. The water is cold. The Pacific Northwest does not have warm water. So, if you aren’t used to swimming in cold, cold water, please take caution. Your body can go into shock, and drownings happen every summer here because of that. Take your time getting in and always swim with a buddy.

Now, last week I had the privilege of exploring 3 new waterfalls in Washington, all within the same national forest and between 1–2.5 hours from Portland.

The great news is you can swim in all of them! You can also visit them in the off-season — they’re spectacular all year.

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Growing up in Oregon, the fashion scene in the PNW has always felt like it had a reputation for rain jackets and sneakers only. Clothes that have comfort and performance as a priority, with being fashion-forward as an afterthought. Over the last few years, I've been figuring out my own personal style and what that means living in the PNW: items that feel right for this climate but still feel intentional and fashionable. Now that one season is about to end and another is about to begin, this feels like the perfect time to play with that balance.

Here’s what I’m reaching for in the last month of the season, please note some of the links in this article link back to ShopMy, an affiliate link platform.

Summer Fashion I’m Savoring as Much as Possible

• Kitten heels. These became a favorite shoe two years ago, and I haven’t worn a heel over 2” since. They’re comfortable, practical, and a way to have my feet “out” the way a boot or loafer doesn’t when it rains. My favorite pair I thrifted on Depop, and I recently added these yellow ponyhair ones from Maguire to the rotation. All in all, a great shoe to wear out to a meal or an event, elevated enough to feel dressed up, but you can still walk easily.

• Bermuda shorts. When I was in Singapore this year, I saw a girl wearing long, white denim shorts, and they looked so comfortable and cool. I went up to her and asked where she got them, and she said they were from the JW Anderson collection at Uniqlo. I had just purchased my first pair of linen Bermuda shorts from Donni leading up to that trip because I needed something for the crazy humidity of Asia, but I still wanted to feel professional since I was there for work. Both have become regulars in my rotation. I love pairing them with a knee-high boot when the weather’s cooler, or flats when it’s baking outside. The key I’ve found with Bermuda shorts is that they have to hit you in the right place on the thigh, just above the knee. Don’t be afraid to go to the tailor and have them adjusted, especially for my short gals!

• Natural fibers: linen, cotton, silk. The natural fibers conversation is everywhere right now, and I get why. My clothes last longer, wear better, and I take care of them more when they’re worth taking care of. Linen is breathable enough for a hot day but layers well for a cool evening. Silk against skin just feels better than satin or polyester ever will, that alone is worth the price difference.

  

• Cotton and cashmere sweaters. If there’s one thing I’ll splurge on, it’s knitwear. We live in an area where layers are required most of the year, and I’m not really a sweatshirt person, it’s either a sweater or a jacket. My absolute favorite is the cashmere asymmetric sweater from women-owned brand Bohème. I just picked it up from the dry cleaner because I’ve worn it so much the sleeves had discolored. I also recently ordered the cotton James Street Co. shrunken cardigan. I wear it to workout class, with an outdoorsy outfit, or even paired with a skirt for something more romantic. It’s pricey, but if I’m reaching for something daily, I’d rather have one thing I love than three to five things that are just okay.

  

• Head accessories. Headscarves and hats have really rounded out my outfits, giving them that finished, “cherry on top” feel. I recently wore my straw pillbox hat to dinner, and it instantly made my outfit feel like an intentional statement (and fun), plus I got a ton of compliments on it. When I went mussel foraging on the coast earlier this month, my hair was dirty and I didn’t have time to wash it beforehand, so I threw on a silk scarf, and it actually made the outfit better, plus it kept my hair out of my face when it got windy. Here’s some links of hats, including the one I'm wearing here.

• Basket bags. I thrifted one at the beginning of summer after seeing a green woven bag online for $200. I immediately hopped on Depop and found something similar for $7, which has become my MVP bag of the summer. I love it because I can use it as a purse, but it’s big enough to take to the market, carry my book or laptop, or stash a ton of movie snacks. During Copenhagen Fashion Week, I saw a show where every woman was carrying a woven basket with her outfit, and I loved the look, very “in the garden,” except you’re walking down the street. It felt so adjacent to how I dress and live in Oregon that I went to Stars Antique Mall and thrifted a smaller basket bag too. Now I’ve just been rotating between my two baskets, and I’ve been loving it.

Looking Ahead to Fall

I’m trying to shop less, and more intentionally. Here’s what I’ve been eyeing and purchasing:

• Plaid Shorts:I thrifted a pair of old golf shorts that are way too long. In the store, I had a moment where I couldn’t tell if they were ugly or cute; it was just the length throwing me off. The moment I pinned them up, I knew they’d be great paired with black knee-high boots and a short trench coat. It helps that the tag said they were from Japan, which instantly makes me feel like they’re cool. I’ll be getting them hemmed, and they’ll be perfect for those warm fall days when you accidentally start sweating.

• Pillbox Hat: Personality hats will continue, and I have my eyes on a black velvet pillbox hat I keep pulling up on Lack of Colour and closing the tab on. It’s the same shape as the straw one, but the velvet makes it feel like it belongs to another decade entirely. Jackie-O anyone?? I just haven’t decided if it’s enough to wear it somewhere other than dinner yet.

  

• Plaid Kaftan: this one from Zara is speaking to me in so many ways. I love the shade of green, and I can already imagine wearing it on our fall trip to Japan or walking around the city in October. I found it via Makenna’s The Style Guide originally. I’ve never owned a kaftan, but I’m excited to try a new piece that feels like it can work equally well for a trip and for home.

• Vintage Lace Sleepwear in Silk: this has become my hyperfixation. Every morning I check Depop to see if I can find my dream slip for under $200. I love the whimsy of these vintage colors and cuts compared to the typical spaghetti-strap nighties we think of from the ‘90s and 2000s. With Doen’s rise in popularity, their silk dresses are absolutely breathtaking, but for the price, I think vintage is the far more affordable option. I want to pair this with western boots and one of my sweaters. Here’s a bunch of nightgowns I've been eyeing online.

I’m always so curious what are the items other people continually reach for, and why. For me, it’s my basket bag and my sweater, a combination I know I’ll feel stylish and comfortable in.

Now tell me yours.

One of the things I have become more and more interested in over the years is food foraging. Specifically seafood really interests me, but Oregon has a plethora of berries, mushrooms, nettles, and other plants to forage. When I was a journalist, I had the opportunity to document seafood being foraged for Portland's restaurant scene, but never had a chance to do it myself.

Foraging mussels sounds good in theory, but in practice, it’s intimidating. What if I make myself sick? Or even worse, what if I eat something poisonous? Other questions bubble up too — where should I go? What do I need? Are there laws I should follow?

I was born in Southern Oregon and have spent almost my entire life here, and yet all of this is still a big mystery to me.

When Alana of Shifting Tides NW reached out to see if I would be interested in any of her foraging workshops, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about how to find and cook seafood off our coast.

For this adventure, we were outside of Tillamook on a day where the tide was low. We went to a jetty, so it was easy to find the mussels on the rocky outcrop. You can really do this anywhere the tide is low enough — just pay attention to the tides and wait for a good low day. However there are many marine reserves and protected areas down the coast where harvested is off limits so please do some research on the area before hand. You’ll also need a shellfish license, which is $13 and easy to get online in under 10 minutes from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Even though mussel foraging is relatively straightforward, and totally possible on your own, I found having Alana as our guide was extremely helpful. She’s a marine biologist and has so much experience foraging sustainably, plus so much knowledge.

When we were there, we kept hearing a watery noise as we were foraging. She was able to tell us that was all the shellfish circulating the water they store inside their shells during high tide, when they’re not underwater. A symphony of gurgling, whooshing, dripping noises — the ocean providing a steady rhythmic backdrop.

There were so many questions that popped up like that during our time, and having a resident expert to answer made our time foraging feel like a fun field trip with a badass teacher.

The technique wasn’t too hard. Step one, identify the size of mussel you want. This is all personal preference (much like oysters!), so we opted for a medium size that didn’t look too intimidating.

Step two, try to find ones that are relatively clean from barnacles and other sea debris. You’ll eventually need to clean all this off, so if you can pick clean ones from the start, it’s much easier.

Step three, once you identify the mussel you want, you can wedge a knife or other long tool all the way around the side to the back of the shell and wiggle it around. You’ll notice where the shell is attached, and with a few swipes and wiggles of your knife, you can easily pop it right off.

Do be sure to try and leave the area as intact as you found it. We heard horror stories of people coming with crow bars and scraping entire rocks, only to take some things and leave everything else behind on the ground.

After we foraged enough mussels for lunch (the daily limit is 72 per person, but we didn’t take even that many) we then cleaned them, which entails scraping off any barnacles or other sea stuff prior to cooking. This is best done in the ocean, where you can wash it off right there.

There is also the “beard,” a clump of dark, string-like hair that the mussel uses to attach itself to the rocks or other mussels. This is also what keeps them alive. Sometimes you can pull it out with pliers before cooking. Or you can just wait to cook them and pull it out once they’re cooked.

This part weirded me out a little with the “beard” but once I started thinking of it like pulling off a shrimp tail, that made it feel more approachable to me.

Now, these beautiful photos from our day don’t show one thing: the amount of schlepping it took to bring everything from our cars down to the beach. The metal firepit alone was enough to make me feel like I was 60 minutes into a workout within 60 seconds. Trudging through the sand with a table, chairs, and cooking supplies had us all winded, but it felt very much worth it.

I wish I could take credit for the cooking on this one, but it was all Alana. She brought onions, garlic, wine, seaweed, and cherry tomatoes to complement the mussels. After a few minutes in the skillet with the lid on, the mussels opened right up, and that’s how you know they’re ready to eat. If some don’t open just toss them. We also had a fresh baguette we toasted with some butter on the grill as they were cooking.

The flavor of the wild mussels was so different than anything I had tried in restaurants. Brinier, oceanic, and with a freshness to the texture that cannot be beat. Plus a deep satisfaction of being on the coast on a sunny summer day while eating this really amped it up a notch.

It turns out that my fear around foraging is just lack of education on how to do it. Through modern society, we’ve become more and more disconnected from where our food comes from, its story, and the respect it deserves. Having access to clean, healthy, local food is one of life’s greatest privileges, and it turns out, it’s not that far out of reach.

It’s August, how did that happen?

You know what’s also perplexing? People who think summer is over this month. Maybe it’s the kids going back to school. Or maybe it’s the fact that this month is often called the “Sunday” of the year. But I promise the sun has not set on summer. That isn’t until the 22nd of September.

This time of year I find myself outside of the city most of the time. I’m into wild river swimming, camping, and utilizing our extra 10 hours of daylight. However, if I am in Portland, I love to find myself on a patio in the evening. After all, we do have a reputation for rain, so I’m going to plant myself on an outdoor bench as much as possible.

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Here’s my end of summer patio list: places I’m going to visit that just feel right for this season.

Farag’s

2821 NE Davis St, Portland, OR 97232 · Thu–Sun, 4–10pm, $30–$50 per person

This patio is walk-in only, and only open during the summer, making this a must go on this list (get in while you can, truly). It’s Güero’s back-patio restaurant that only is open June- September. Usually there is a wait around 6:30pm on weekends, misters that cool off even the suns scorched tables, and an environment that makes you feel like you’re at a beach bar in Mexico rather than a patio tucked off a street in Portland.

The martini with mezcal is savory and spectacular, and I really liked the clarified guava cocktail. In terms of food, the white beans are a new addition to the menu and were my favorite item, especially when paired with the grilled bread and Aleppo butter. The ribs with a sticky date glaze were fantastic, and you still get that sweet flavor profile without the mess of BBQ sauce. The shrimp cocktail is served in an icy metal coupe with green sauce, making it a unique take on the classic. Don’t skip the melon covered in cheese either. It encapsulates the fleeting summer feeling. We won’t have melon for long.

Bar Noto

1932 NW Lovejoy St, Portland, OR 97209 · Wed–Sun, 11am–7pm

This is a brand new spot that opened this July on the corner of 19th and NW Lovejoy. This entire block has gotten a lovely new energy boost with new openings from Colibri, Rodeo, Lola, and Lolo, plus steadfast regulars like the Yo! Store and Prince Coffee, all next door to one another. Bar Noto is a mix between a wine bar and a shopping boutique. They serve wine, charcuterie bites, and have made a splash in the neighborhood with their cobalt blue sidewalk tables and a lingering chess set. Over the door swings a store sign showing a cherub holding a glass of wine and shopping bag. I had a tasty glass of refreshing white wine and loved the charcuterie chips ($13), a mound of chips smothered in peppers, olives, and cured meats.

This stop is definitely sip-and-shop vibes; her curation is excellent and unique. My recommendation is to make an afternoon of it. Go to Bar Noto for the sips and bites, but make sure to bop around the entire block afterward.

They close at 7pm, so it’s best to hit it before dinner or make an afternoon of it. That being said, they’re experimenting with later weekend hours, so there’s a chance you’ll find it open later as time goes on.

Oscar Food & Wine

2425 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 · Mon–Sat, 5–10pm, closed Sunday

Another new opening this summer that has captured my heart: a wine bar and restaurant that sits in a Plaid Pantry parking lot. While this list is heavy on outdoor patios, this place only has some outdoor dining, though people seem to spill outside as the night goes on.

I like that this place is unassuming. There’s a simple sign outside and minimal tables. Then you sit down and have an incredible glass of orange wine paired with a scallop tostada ($16), scallops sliced paper thin with ginger lime mayo and salsa matcha, that I am still thinking about. It’s low-key and seems to be popular by word of mouth and with industry folks rather than the typical big media moments some other restaurants get. I think this is a great spot to hit while the weather is nice. Makes me want to pop on a kitten heel and pretend I’m in NYC, even just for the night.

I’ve only been in for a glass and a few plates so far. I am dying to go back and try more of the menu.

Lucille

2141 NW Savier St, Portland, OR 97210 · Daily, 4pm–midnight

Another brand new opening in Slabtown, at the base of a new apartment building. This isn’t a neighborhood I gravitate toward often; its newness can feel a bit jarring compared to other neighborhoods. Lucille is brand new as well, but its incredible design of hand painted murals, fun striping, and a bold use of color makes it a fun environment to grab a drink or a bite. For smalls, the onion dip and chips ($8) were a great little bite, and the Italian sandwich ($16), served hot and pressed with high-quality meats was a flavorful and filling bite, cut in half and not too large, easy to share or eat on a date night.

I ordered the picante cocktail ($16), and it was indeed spicy and delicious. They have an outdoor patio where some people lingered with their dogs on leash, making it feel like a stop in the neighborhood rather than overly scene-y.

Bellwether Bar

6031 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215 · Mon–Thu, 4–11pm; Fri–Sun, noon–11pm · Expect to pay $20–$30 per person for dinner, cocktails around $15

One of Portland’s best patios ever, and a place I make sure to come back to every summer, especially in August. Bellwether does seasonal small plates to the moon and back. Think gorgeous stone fruit with cheeses, bright vegetables, and some savory meats to round out your meal. I have my eye on the grilled ribeye served with a rich bordelaise. The fritto misto, featuring oysters and prawns with green goddess, is calling my name, as is the scallop crudo brightened by grapefruit, fennel, and oil-cured olives.

One heads up: this place is extremely popular, for good reason. Go early or plan to wait, especially if you want a seat on the back patio.

These 5 places works perfectly as a running list to check out before the end of summer. If we’re getting into specifics though, I treat each space a bit differently depending on what I am up to.

Farag’s is the best for a group night out, good amount of seating and a great place to order a ton of plates and let the evening take its course. Bar Noto is the 1:1 friend date where you catch up over a glass or two of wine and end up shopping the entire block. Oscar Food & Wine is probably the best for a date night. It feels a bit like a secret still, and a good place to impress. Lucille’s late night hours and good bar seating makes it a place I might go on a solo date or after a long walk with my dog in the neighborhood. Bellwether Bar kinda checks the boxes for everything, a reason why it’s been a patio favorite for years.

We’ve got 6 weeks of long days before cozy season ascends on Portland, go sit outside!

Three days before I am supposed to leave for England, I am sitting in a Dairy Queen parking lot on the phone with the airline. I am traveling for work, and the cabin we’re at has no service, so I drove into the nearest small town to make the call and book the flight.

Last year, I was gifted an airline ticket, and it has come time to cash it in.

I am terrified.

They don’t have the day I want to fly available, so I change my plans in the moment. My mind is racing. I have no hotels booked, and only a rough outline of where I want to go and what I want to do.

It’s my first solo trip internationally, something I have wanted to do for years, and definitely something that, upon having kids or sitting on my deathbed, I would let my mind wander to, wishing I had done it. The fantasy has lived in my mind, but now that the trip is confirmed on the other side of a 1-800 phone number, I begin to feel an atmospheric pressure in my chest.

Over the next few days, that pressure builds and builds as I scramble to plan this trip. All of a sudden it’s the night before my flight and I am sleepless. Over the last year, my pre-flight anxiety has grown into this thing that makes me dread the travel itself, only to subside the moment I arrive. I try to remind myself of this, I try to think of what could be on the other side.

Like running a marathon, or painting your bedroom, when you decide to do something that uproots your life, the moment it arrives makes you feel like “why the fuck did I sign up for this?”

There was a part of me that was afraid to look at the parts of myself left when I stripped away my friends, family, husband, dog, my work, home. My identity. What would I be left with? Would I like the person I found at the core? It’s a similar feeling I had starting at new schools, or moving away from home. The world and all its possibilities are in front of you, and sometimes it feels like too much. There is too much space to sift through, too many versions of myself I could be.

The catalyst for this trip was seeing a post online for a screening of my favorite movie, Pride & Prejudice (2005, of course), in England at a very famous estate, Chatsworth House. The house is featured in the movie as Mr.Darcy’s home, and has become an idyllic filming locations for fans all over the world. An image on Pinterest began this daydream obsession, and when I was gifted a plane ticket with the only options being London or Reykjavik, I knew the answer immediately. I was going to England, and I was going to this damn movie.

The movie sells out pretty quickly, and for the June screening I bought my ticket in early December, knowing this. If it hadn’t been for the hard-to-get ticket, I probably would have found a reason to put it off and not go. So, if you need an extra push for a trip you’ve been wanting to book, I highly recommend booking something to keep you accountable: a hiking permit, a concert ticket, a rare exhibit at a museum, etc. It gives you momentum for when life inevitably says, “you can just go another time, or do it later.”

Before the trip, some of my biggest anxieties were:

• Driving on the other side of the road

• Driving 3–4 hours every day (I am a passenger princess at home)

• Being alone with my thoughts for a week

• Sitting alone at restaurants (where do I look?)

• Taking photos in public alone

• People would think I don’t have anyone to go with

When I landed at London Heathrow, I had a big task ahead of me: rent a car, drive 3.5 hours to the movie, on the other side of the road!!!

It was an immediate exhale the moment I turned onto the estate at golden hour. Between my exhaustion from an 11-hour flight, my nervous system out of whack from taking the leap of going abroad alone, and the adrenaline of finally arriving at my destination, I lost it. I burst into tears. But it wasn’t from a place of sadness or anxiety, it was pure euphoria. I felt a wave of gratitude rush over me. I was 30 minutes late, but I didn’t care. I was at Chatsworth. I had taken the leap to do something out of my comfort zone, and I felt the immediate payoff in the form of euphoria. This place no longer lived only on a movie screen, it was real life!

I watched the movie amongst hundreds of strangers as the sun set, and I didn’t feel weird or lonely in the way I thought I would. When you’re doing something that is an absolute yes in your body, time has a way of becoming fluid, and your fears melt away. If I had waited for someone to come along with me, I might never have made it here.

Even though I’ve seen the movie hundreds of times, I still cried at the end, this time for a different reason. While watching a character get her happy ending, I felt like I was starting the happy beginning of an incredible journey of road-tripping around England.

The following day I went back to the estate to tour the inside and the grounds. I spent the day admiring the general splendor of the most visited estate in the UK: ornate ceilings, Beauty and the Beast style libraries, carved marble statues, and walking through the acres of surrounding land and gardens (full of sheep poo, pack the knee-high boots). It was my first full day, and there wasn’t a moment of awkwardness.

I had no jet lag, the sun was out, and everything seemed to be working in my favor. In fact, the entire trip had a flow and ease to it that sometimes caught me off guard. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for something bad to happen. It never did. It truly felt like the universe was on my side, nudging me along, giving me the best first solo trip so I’d never forget it.

This was reinforced throughout the entire week. My lucky number 23 appeared on my hotel room, a freeway exit, the time of day, a ticket stub. I would see it and think, “there it is again!” The weather was temperate and easygoing, not too hot or cold, and I’d packed the exact outfits that worked. I got into every restaurant I wanted to, and service was lovely and easy to chat with everywhere I went. Quite literally, almost no hiccups. When I pulled over to look in a random antique store, I walked out with a box of 20-plus items. Sign after sign, I was reminded I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

The fairytale continued, and I ended up in the Cotswolds next, a historic region with tons of villages dating back over a thousand years. I spent my days there doing one of my favorite activities: wandering and walking. I woke up early to do a 7-mile loop between three villages, and I couldn’t stop taking photos at every turn.

My absolute favorite memory of the trip was one that could never have been planned, one that unfolded in a way that only spontaneity allows. I was in the village of Castle Combe. It’s arguably England’s most beautiful village, and a movie production company must have agreed, since that day they had taken over the streets with their cameras, cranes, and walkie-talkies. When I first walked up, I noticed a gorgeous farmers market, almost picture perfect. Turns out it was part of the movie set, and I was kindly asked to move along.

To distance myself from the chaos, I wandered over to the nearby castle estate on the edge of the village. It hadn’t yet opened for lunch, so I decided to check out the gardens up on the hill. It was the end of spring, and everything was lush and green, dotted with beautiful flowers: flowing lavender and red valerian along the edges, tiny daisies in the grass. There was a gorgeous stone structure that felt like a crown on top of the garden.

I was very tired at this point. I’d changed hotels every night of the trip, slept very little, and was driving 3–4 hours a day. So when I lay down to read, I began to doze off instead. There was this feeling of immediate peace: my boots kicked off, feet bare in the grass, my sweater balled up and tucked behind my head. The whoosh of the breeze, an occasional passing bee, became a quiet symphony that lulled me to sleep.

I slept there for a few hours in the grass, then turned back to my book and read some more until it was time for lunch. I wasn’t disturbed a single time (that I know of), and felt so comfortable, rested, and held by that garden. Had I stuck to a strict schedule, I would never have found it, let alone had the leisure time to spend there. As someone who can get caught up in the plan, and in seeing everything on my list, this was an inherent reminder to always leave time for things to unfold as they are.

I’ve been thinking about what made that trip feel so different from other travel. Part of it was clarity. I was in a place where life had been feeling chaotic and without direction. The driving, the walks, the time inside my head actually gave me space to process a lot of big questions that had been rolling around in my head for years. Disconnected from my routine and responsibilities, I finally saw where my mind would gravitate and what answers would bubble up.

In Bath, I met a fellow solo female traveler. We had both opted for a seat at the window that faced the street and had our books out. She was from Denmark and had always wanted to see this area. We chatted through our experiences, and I felt this immense sense of belonging, despite being nothing more than ships passing in the night.

We both agreed that sitting at restaurants alone can be awkward at times, and that clinging to our books instead of our phones felt better. She asked me what dessert I ordered, and I was curious how her dishes compared to mine. She didn’t want to wait for her friends to be available to go to England, so she took the leap on her own. I nodded along enthusiastically. It was true, I said, “why wait for people to be available? Sometimes you just need to go!” We were seeing the world on our own terms, and when you’re in it, it feels really amazing.

I don’t have many examples of women in my life who have gone abroad solo. Most of my family limits their travels to the campgrounds near my hometown, or an occasional trip across states. I think as women we face much more pressure not to do what we want: higher constraints from family responsibilities, balancing that with work, statistically lower pay, and safety concerns have kept this from being an avenue many have pursued.

But the ones that have gone solo? They all say the same thing: “it changes your life.” Now that I am one of them, I couldn’t agree more.

The thing about solo traveling is that people usually use it to move toward something they care deeply about: a cooking school, a scenic spot, a cause, art from a culture they’ve always wanted to see. It’s driven by passion and curiosity, which makes the travel itself so interesting.

When you’re home, the room for these things gets sacrificed in so many ways. We squeeze horseback riding into a weekend, a volunteer project into a Tuesday night, a kayaking adventure after work, but you still need to find time to see friends and cook dinner. A solo trip takes our wants and desires and lets us explore them fully and deeply, without life’s breaks and interruptions, without factoring in anyone else’s feelings or desires.

I thought at the end I would have some big epiphany, some one-sentence takeaway I could share with all my people.

Instead, it’s been the quiet confidence and contentment that has stuck with me. I truly do feel like I can take on so much more, after following through on my word and doing what I said I would do. In the past, where I would hold back on doing things because my partner or friends were unavailable, I now feel like I can just go and do it.

This movie screening prompted me to explore my own niche personal interests, and in doing so I have given myself permission to be myself: to own what I like without conforming to other people’s opinions of me. Hardly anyone in my inner circle enjoys period piece movies, and yet I built an entire itinerary around one and enjoyed every second.

I picked wallpapered hotel rooms and planned picnics in gardens. I went antiquing and hiking, and I changed my mind whenever I felt like it. This freedom to do whatever I wanted felt like standing on the bow of a ship, the wind fluttering about me. It was a soaring feeling. It was pure contentment.

This all came to an end as I drove back to London Heathrow, wondering how I was going to bring an entire box of English antiques on the plane. For some reason, I am not worried. After all, it all works out in the end.

*all film photos were taken on a Contax T3 and scanned by Photo Vision in Salem, OR

As someone who is a wine enthusiast, I've heard this from countless wineries: young people aren’t drinking anymore, or not as much. It’s a mix of reasons. Lifestyle shifts, a Gen Z generation that’s drinking less, and a growing curiosity around sober living and low-ABV options.

According to Decanter, global wine consumption fell 3.3% in 2024 to its lowest level since 1961, with the OIV director citing “evolving lifestyle preferences, shifting social habits, and generational changes in consumer behaviour” and long-term factors like inflation.

I actually agree with this. Since COVID, my own drinking habits shifted drastically, and with the cost of living increasing I’ve become more intentional about how I spend. Wine is something I save for social outings, travel, and ways to connect with the local scene, rather than something I reach for casually. So if you’re opting for a drink and want a wine experience, what’s it going to take?

We don’t want just good wine. We want a point of view.

Wine is complex, nuanced, delicate. But beyond the taste, the space you’re drinking in and the people surrounding you matter just as much.

It’s about setting the scene. It’s about being seen.

It’s about curiosity from the consumer, and honestly? This isn’t school. It’s wine. It’s supposed to be fun not snooty !!!

Within the wine world, I feel a real divide as a consumer. On one hand there’s the old school approach, both in production styles: natural wines vs. classic — and in the overall tasting room and wine bar experience. I can’t speak for every consumer, but I do believe the younger generation wants more than just tasty wine. We want an experience. We want a POV. We want hospitality that actually cares.

We may be drinking less overall, but when it comes to spending, young people are choosing tasting rooms with intentional design and modern wine bars in city centers.

For an urban city like Portland, we really have the best of both worlds. In the city, we have incredible wine bars. Some serve exclusively Oregon wines or specific labels, others pouring a curated mix of interesting international bottles. Forty-five minutes away sits the PNW’s most celebrated wine region, the Willamette Valley (here’s a guide I put together a few years ago with some favorite spots). The Valley is on the rise — tasting fees and local accommodation prices are climbing, and Oregon wine is firmly on the national map and not going anywhere. In my opinion, this region is on the brink of a major moment, which is a very good reason to come to Oregon sooner rather than later.

Below is a mix of places doing it right in Portland — spots that make it feel worth the spend, with fabulous wine, great design, and hospitality that genuinely cares about every glass.

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Living in a city is expensive, but leaving the house for my own sanity is necessary.

One of the best parts about Portland is that it’s the last semi-affordable city on the West Coast. Don’t get me wrong, things are still expensive, but this city rewards the people who actually live here. The best things about this place aren’t necessarily the expensive ones. It’s going to the river after work, the farmers market on a Saturday morning, the park you’ve walked past a hundred times, the $7 Tuesday movie at a theatre that’s been here longer than you have.

A lot of these recommendations are especially good right now for spring and summer. Think blooming roses, cold treats on a hot day, swimming, art galleries to duck into during heat waves, berry picking, and biking. This list is for those who are ready to defrost from winter and come alive after a long hibernation without spending a ton of money.

My suggestion is to pick one thing from each category and make a full day of it. Farmers market in the morning, lunch somewhere on this list, an afternoon in the park with a book, and a movie to close it out — that’s one of the better Portland Saturdays you can have for under $30. Some are from my personal arsenal, others are suggestions from friends. Enjoy.

★ = free

$ = under $10

$$= $10-20

$$$= more than $20

FOOD

★ Portland Farmers Market: One of the best things about living in Oregon is the dedication to quality ingredients, and going to the farmers market makes you a better cook and consumer. There are also great breakfast vendors (shoutout to Sunrise Burritos) and coffee, so you can snack while you shop. New to the market? Ease in by buying one to three ingredients to mix into your usual grocery haul.

$ Ice Cream Walk: When the weather is warm, a neighborhood walk with an ice cream in hand is unmatched. My favorites:

• Salt & Straw on NW 23rd — great ice cream and a wonderful street for poking around and window shopping

• Cheese & Crack on SE 28th — I love their soft serve, and there’s something electric and nostalgic about this street

• Fifty Licks on SE Clinton — I am a complete sucker for the cornbread and honey butter ice cream, plus the area is lovely for a stroll

$ Reel M Inn: This popular dive bar is known for its chicken and is often packed to the brim on a weekend night. Two tenders and jojos for $6 makes for a very affordable night out, plus you can play pool and make a night out of it.

$ The Turning Peel: during the week they have a $9 lunch special for their margarita pizza (and yes it’s the same size as the dinner portion)! Their sourdough crust has the perfect texture and bite.

$$ Tulip Shop Tavern: One of the best smash burgers in the city for $12. The bar is no-frills and perfect for a casual bite. I love their back patio on a nice day.

$$ Rollin’ Fresh: When I want cheap eats that still hit the spot, I almost always order a sushi burrito from Rollin’ Fresh. My favorite is the tempura fried Fresh Prince with spicy salmon ($14). Great for on the go picnics and outdoor hangs.

$$ Pacific Standard: I love this happy hour (3–5pm, $2 off every item) at this dark academia bar tucked inside a hotel. An $8 gimlet and $5 fries is plenty for a good catch-up with a friend without spending a fortune.

MICRO ADVENTURES (get out of the city)

★ Wild Swimming: One of the best parts of living in Portland is the access to nature. When the weather heats up, plan a day around the water. A friendly reminder to check conditions, prioritize safety, and remember the water is cold, so go slow.

★ Sauvie Island: One of my favorite little escapes, barely 20 minutes outside the city.

• ★ Bybee-Howell House: A free park with a gorgeous lawn that makes for a perfect picnic spot, with picnic tables and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

• $$ Berry Picking at Columbia U-Pick: Every summer I go berry picking here — much cheaper than buying at the grocery store and is charged by each carton, so stack them high!

• $ Topaz Farm: I love walking around with an ice cream bar, shopping locally grown produce, and catching one of their community concerts.

★ The Columbia River Gorge: I come here more than I probably should, but it’s so accessible and beautiful. A few favorites within the Gorge:

• $ Sugarpine Drive-In — get an ice cream cone, then walk down to the river and swim

• $ Wahclella Falls — my favorite short waterfall hike, $5 parking fee.

• ★ Tom McCall State Park — the best place for wildflower hikes

PARKS & REC

★ Forest Park: If there is one place in Portland I will never stop talking about, it’s Forest Park. Stretching over 30 miles alongside the city, it’s the largest urban forest park in the country. I take my dog hiking here regularly, and NW 53rd Drive is my favorite entry point. You can also explore popular spots like Pittock Mansion, Witch’s Castle, and the Arboretum, which has an incredible grove of redwood trees.

★ Mt. Tabor: I love this NE Portland park. It has a lovely grassy knoll that Portlanders flock to with picnic blankets and chairs, an elaborate trail system that’s walking, running, and dog-friendly, and Tabor Dance puts on free music shows most Wednesdays.

★ Overlook Park and Skidmore Bluffs: A small park in North Portland and my old neighborhood. I’ve attended countless birthday parties and celebrations here. It has a bluff overlooking the north end of the city with gorgeous views, especially at sunset.

★ Peninsula Park: Best in summer when the roses bloom and the entire park feels like a European garden. There’s a beautiful fountain in the middle, and this is where I come to romanticize life a little. Bring a blanket, bring a book, stay awhile.

★ Laurelhurst Park: An absolutely stunning park in SE Portland. Right now the spring blooms are exploding and you can post up on a bench and watch the ducks swim. It’s also one of the best spots in the city for fall photos — the entire tree grove turns a bright yellow.

★ Bike the Waterfront and Springwater Corridor: If you have a bike, great. If not, you can easily rent one from Biketown to cruise around. I love doing a loop along the waterfront, or continuing onto the Springwater Corridor for a longer ride.

$$$ The Portland Spirit: Cruise along the river that winds through downtown Portland on the Happy Hour Cruise ($35 per person).

THE ARTS

★ Portland Art Museum: The recent renovations make this museum genuinely worth a two to three hour visit. If you have a Multnomah County library card, you can check out a free admission pass for free. Admission is also free for everyone on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to 7pm, and year round for anyone 17 and under.

★ Ethereal Reflections: My friends run this local arts collective that puts on affordable and free events throughout the year. Their next show, Heritage, opens May 15 — worth adding to your calendar.

★ Nationale: Art gallery and bookstore with rotating exhibitions and a curated book selection. A good excuse to spend an hour just browsing.

★ Chefas Projects: Gallery with a really thoughtful curation of artists from Portland and around the world. I’ll be heading over soon to see the Laura Burke exhibit.

★ One Grand Gallery: Rotating exhibits, always worth checking out.

★ The Contrast Gallery: A newer gallery in Chinatown with a show opening May 7th featuring artists from the Portland community.

MOVIE THEATERS

Portland’s independent movie theaters are something I feel deeply protective of. They’re quirky, unique, and really anchor a lot of our neighborhoods.

$ Laurelhurst Theatre: $7 Thrifty Tuesdays.

$ Living Room Theatres: $7 tickets on Tuesdays, plus early screenings of select independent films every week at 7pm for the same price.

$ Cinema 21: $9 matinee, playing a mix of mainstream, independent, and foreign films.

$$ Hollywood Theatre: Classics and independent films for $12, cheaper if you become a member.

$$ Bagdad Theatre: $9.50 matinee, $11.50 evening — one of my favorite interiors for watching a movie, and you can order a full meal here.

COMMUNITY

★ Multnomah Public Library: I know you know you should probably have a library card. If you’re team e-reader like me, I love their app Libby, which lets you digitally download books. My approach is to mass-request my entire TBR list and let whichever comes in first be a sign from the universe.

★ Powell’s City of Books: If you want to actually buy your books, spend an afternoon meandering through the stacks. It’s the world’s largest independent bookstore, so there is a lot to look at. Plus they have a coffee shop inside, so you can take your sweet time.

$$ Movement & Meditation- Woo Woo, a local studio offering yoga, breath work, meditation and other community classes has a pay-what-you-can model for drop in classes. The suggested amount is $22, which is a guideline, and you're free to pay what you can based on your financial reality.

★ First Thursdays: Every first Thursday of the month, April through October, at NW 13th and Irving from 5–9pm. The city blocks off a section of the Pearl District and opens it up to art vendors, food carts, and foot traffic. It’s a great starting point for meeting up with friends before exploring the neighborhood.

What did I miss? Drop any other happy hours, fav places and activities below!

Until next time xx

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The conversation around the “year of analog” is everywhere, and I’m noticing a real shift away from our phones and media. I’ve seen countless Substacks about phone addiction and “analog creators.” It’s coming up on podcasts I listen to, it’s coming up in conversation. People are reevaluating their relationships with technology, and I am too.

It has become a weekly occurrence to hear things like “I took a break from social media and I don’t want to go back,” “I hate Instagram,” or “It’s been X amount of time since I last posted.” This sentiment of dreading participation in the very thing we’re addicted to is complicated, and I think it deserves a more honest conversation than it’s getting.

When I get on Substack, I see a real divide. Most of what’s been written on this topic comes from people who’ve fully quit other platforms and are reporting back from the other side. What I haven’t seen much of is someone writing from inside, someone actively trying to balance a professional creative life with the very real damage these platforms can do.

It feels like it’s either “I deleted all my apps and my life is perfect” or “we’re all addicted and there’s no hope.” I live somewhere in the middle of that, and I suspect a lot of you do too.

I understand that the internet can be a shitty place. A lot of the time it is. But phones and apps are designed to be addicting — the same way cigarettes, alcohol, and sugar are. The difference is that for a lot of us, our phones are also our jobs, our community, our creative outlets, and our sounding board. Abandoning it altogether isn’t realistic for most of us, and it isn’t the answer. It’s about reassessing your personal relationship with it.

I’ve personally been struggling with my own phone addiction and finding the line between being online for work and fun, and the inevitable edge I drive off when I get sucked into doomscrolling.

My relationship with my phone and technology is something I’ve been examining for a few years now. Last year, while working through The Artist’s Way, one realization I kept coming back to was how much time I waste in the morning, specifically getting caught scrolling through social media instead of getting my day started. I would be so frustrated by my inability to focus on anything else, and suddenly it was noon and I needed to get to work. I wrote about this cycle over and over in my morning pages, complaining about it with no real solution, until I finally got sick of writing about it.

Something needed to change.

In September, I bought a Brick device. It’s a small magnet that sticks to your fridge, and when you physically tap your phone to it, it locks you out of your selected apps. There are many times where I feel I physically cannot put my phone down, and the Brick has helped so much. My most effective routine has been to Brick before I get into bed to prevent evening scrolling, leave it on through the morning, and only unlock my phone once my morning tasks are done.

This routine is not something I am executing day in and day out, but it is something I strive for, especially when I feel like I can’t get off my phone.

Even though I am the most confident version of myself, I still struggle with comparing myself to others, getting caught daydreaming instead of taking action, and watching others live their lives instead of living my own.

Seeing too much of what “I am not” eventually turns into “not enough,” and that is when it becomes most important to recognize I need to step away from the screen.

I’ve been keeping a running note of what I actually want to be turning to instead:

At home:

• Writing - specifically this Substack every week

• Journaling

• Reading

• Watching movies (not checking my phone)

• Gardening

• Practicing film photography

• Playing with my dog

• Stretching

• Organizing my closet

• Clean out our basement

• Take a master class

• Paint by number

• Puzzles

• Leisure naps

• Cooking & baking

Places I don’t want to scroll that I catch myself :/

• At the gym in between sets

• Waiting in line somewhere

• Driving

• On walks

• At any table while eating out

• At the grocery store

For me it’s about choosing the terms of the relationship. When to Brick, what to do instead, when to just walk away. That choice is what makes it feel manageable, and this pesky yet incredible little device and I are figuring it out.

As a full-time creator, I don’t want to contribute to others having a negative experience on social media, so I feel a real sense of responsibility. Some days I genuinely love it, and other days I can’t show up at all because I’m numbed out by everything I’ve put into my brain — stretching it, warping it, making it hard to think clearly. I often ask myself how to show up as a responsible creator on platforms that so many people openly express distaste for.

My answer: create things online that help inspire your life offline.

This is why I focus on experiences, because we can all have them to some degree. I love hearing that I helped pick the restaurant for your birthday dinner, helped plan your trip to the Oregon Coast, or that following me inspired you to support more local businesses. For all the downsides we could list about our phones and social media, I still genuinely love being an online creator; building guides, connecting with people, and hopefully enriching lives and experiences in some small way.

For me it’s about both sides: the content I consume and the content I create. I can manage my consumption. I just hope what I create adds something real to your life offline, not just another thing to scroll past.

That’s why I’m still here and keep showing up.

Back in 2020 amidst the peak of COVID I went to the doctor. My anxiety was at an all time high ( at the time I rated it most days an 8 out of 10). A lot of the time it felt like my chest was going to combust and my mind ran circles around itself. I wanted a change, and something beyond the temporary fixes

At the first appointment, I laid it all out to the doctor and the first thing she asked me to do was to try cutting out coffee. WHAT? Coffee was one of the few joys I had left in this crazy pandemic world. At that point I was willing to try anything to feel better, so I gave it a shot. One whole month without the magic bean water. 

To my surprise my anxiety went from an 8 to a 3 within a month. I couldn't believe how much better I felt. Thus my journey as an exclusive tea girl began. It’s been 6 years since then, and as someone who covers food in Portland, I have tried a lot of matcha. Here are some of my favorites. 

(and yes, I do slightly dabble in the coffee world. I’ll have a taste test if I am recommending a cafe, but for the most part I limit it to a sip or two and stay committed to my tea and i LOVE it) 

To preface this I am primarily a matcha latte drinker, and I always get oat milk as the base. 

Project matcha

This breakout matcha spot created a hype around this drink that I haven't seen before in the city. Their menu is exclusively matcha with so many flavor combinations. My favorite lately has been the einspanner and the pistachio drinks but you really can’t go wrong. This is a very Gen Z coded place, so they don't open until 11am and can get really packed on the weekends with a line down the block.

My order: coconut cloud foam latte 

Prince Coffee

I am slightly biased because this is our neighborhood shop, but the pistachio matcha latte is so unbelievably good. One of my favorite things that Prince does is for the iced drinks they still steam the milk with the pistachio and pour it over ice. The result is an extremely fluffy texture that's ice cold. It is magical. 

My order: iced pistachio matcha latte 

Keeper Coffee

This spot in outer SE has always served amazing matcha, and I wish I went more, it’s just a bit far from my day to day. They sometimes have a lavender or strawberry one that is to die for. Don't skip the pastry case either. This is a great spot to get it “for here” with a little snack and do some reading or catching up with a friend. 

My order: matcha latte with the housemade lavender syrup 

Japanese Gardens

This is notably the most peaceful oasis in the city, the gardens are authentic to Japan, and you should carve out at least an hour to meander around. Afterwards, check out the Umami Cafe for an authentic matcha in a very peaceful tea house.

PDX Coffee Club 

This unassuming spot downtown has one of my favorite matcha lattes in town, partly because of their local cold foam. It’s made with Briar Rose Cheese (willamette valley) Fromage Blanc and vanilla.  It’s sweet with a hint of savory (it’s also awesome on the cold brew for the coffee drinkers) .

My order: matcha latte + cream float 

Tea Bar

This minimal tea shop serves high quality matcha that never disappoints. They have so many options to choose from. It really depends on my mood that day. I love the mango matcha, so fresh and tropical. The house made boba is also so good and a wonderful addition to the drink that makes it a step above.

My order: iced matcha latte with peppermint + boba 

Compass Coffee

While technically not in Portland, just over the river into Washington, Compass is knocking it out of the park  with their iced seasonal lattes. I will still think about the banana pudding matcha with wafer cookies. The drinks are always unique and quality.

My order: banana pudding latte

There are so many amazing matcha spots, after working on this list I have now added about 5 more spots I want to check out. What did I miss that I have to include for part 2?

Last year I celebrated a decade of living in Portland, OR. This means I haven’t seen the city through the golden days of the 90’s and 2000’s but I have seen it through its Portlandia days where there was a deep association with lumberjacks, hipsters and IPAs. I’ve worked in the media for all this time as well. First as a journalist for local and state publications covering stories such as rising restaurants, agriculture and national news.

In 2020, I started my TikTok account @foodiesnitch which became a different type of media: one that I ran and curated. I made videos about restaurants, activities and local getaways. I answered questions about who had takeout? Who had outdoor dining? Who was still open? In many ways, I built my platform on garnered trust during a time where everything was uncertain. Ultimately I was documenting my life, my interests and my community. This is also when the perception of Portland in the media really began to shift.

.

All of a sudden my family in Southern Oregon started to ask me:

“ Is Portland safe? I heard the city is burning?”

“I hear Portland is on fire!”

My answer was always that the representation of the Portland in the media that my friends and family mentioned always felt off from reality. The city was in a state of reckoning, but it was never as bad as the news made it seem.

Starting in 2020 amidst the protests, civil rights unrest, economic turmoil and COVID, Portland had some moments that were intense. People here felt it too, for many years after. In 2022 OPB put out an article stating, “Polling from DHM Research shows that voters are far less happy with the city’s trajectory today than at any time in the last 30 years, when the firm began asking. A rock-bottom 8% of voters say Portland is headed in the right direction, down from 38% before the pandemic, and percentages that routinely hit the high 50s and mid 60s earlier this century”.

While the city struggled. I still felt like there was a disproportionate narrative that was perpetuated about Portland. I’d wonder why there was such a focus on our city from the media? Other cities were going through these same pains with similar issues.

(Spoiler alert, I still don’t know the answer here.)

The pandemic was 5 years ago. Which is why a few weeks ago I was shocked to hear that same rhetoric being said by our President.

When I made a video using the audio from the press conference went viral, I knew a lot of other Portlanders felt the same way. We were not “living in hell”, rather we were all saying “what the hell?”

These claims that Portland is “war ravaged” are not rooted in reality. In many ways I have felt like Portland is on an upward trajectory especially after many hard years. Our representatives have been speaking out about this too, with Governor Kotek holding a press conference this past weekend and Mayor Keith Wilson stating in a recent interview, “President Trump will often talk about how Portland is on fire... we know it’s not”.

If anything I have noticed since Keith Wilson has taken office that both issues of cleanliness and homelessness have improved around the city. The Mayor claims that he will end unsheltered homelessness within his first year of the term. I found this interview from September 2025 with Wilson speaking to the progress he’s making on homelessness and public safety really interesting and worth a watch.

The internet and social media feel like a volatile place. Not everything we see is true, and that applies to filters, AI and that also applies to Portland. What matters is our reality right in front of us. Our direct community and how we show up within it. If you live in Portland, I urge you to share your experience living here with me, or your community. How are ya’ll really doing?

I also hope this misrepresentation of our city has inspired you to love it a little harder.

And if you don’t know Portland yet, I hope it gets the chance to surprise you.

In my group of friends I host somewhat often. Themed parties, coffee shops in our kitchen, backyard BBQs. I believe that some of the best memories come from hosting and loving people through intentional gatherings.

I know that setting the vibe through decorations, candles, flowers, music is definitely a strong suit of mine but over the years my confidence in cooking has been on a steady decline. Maybe it's the fact that I live in one of the best food cities in America, or that many of my close friends are chef level cooks.

Somehow along the way I started to feel like I didn't have space to also be a cook and stopped trying. That’s all about to change.

When I sat down and thought about my 2025 goals, becoming really good at making pasta was a fun hobby I knew I wanted to pour into. To challenge myself I wanted to make it for others which felt scary, because not only did I want it to be edible, I wanted it to be f***ing good. In an attempt to put myself out there, I decided to throw a supper club and actually try to cook a meal I’d be really proud of.

Whats the difference between a supper club and just having people over for dinner?

In my mind there were a few factors. First off, I didn't set a spot at the table for myself. My role in this was to cook and serve and be less of a participant and more of an orchestrator and chef. For this reason I also charged a ticket price. I started with $25 per person, with 8 guests I got $200 which covered about ⅓ of the costs after considering recipe testing, new kitchen tools. Linens, candles, flowers, wine and of course the food cost itself.

Overall I am happy with the results, so much so that I wanted to share the results with you all. Feel free to recreate, take inspiration and try it for yourself!

I have seen the theme Spaghetti Western cropping up on Pinterest and Instagram. Serving the famous Italian dish alongside western decor is a vibe! There’s only one problem, I hate spaghetti. Don’t tell my ancestors. I think the dish is overhyped and not really something that feels special. You know what does? Ravioli!

Ravioli is spaghetti’s sexy older cousin. When you are served a plate of stuffed pasta there is a wow factor that undeniable. It’s a way more technical dish that requires certain equipment and quite a bit of forethought on the flavors.

So i thought why not remix this concept into Ravioli Rodeo ?

& hence a new theme was born!

decorations/ vibe/ invitations/ dress code

I truly believe people love to be invited in to a concept, so setting the mood is key!

I created a mood board collage that doubled as the invitation so guests would understand the theme and vibe right away. I also encouraged a dress code of black, white or denim with western accessories.

I wanted the room to feel like an old saloon so I focused on draping fabrics, red lighting and a red gingham table cloth.

I added rope to each of the candlesticks to add texture and another nod to western decor. Each guest also had a vintage western post card with a personalized note that acted as their name card.

Menu & Recipes

Below you’ll find the recipes for all 5 courses

Cast Iron Skillet Corncake

Pink Radicchio Caesar

An ode to Kens Meatballs

3 Cheese Spinach Ravioli

Let 'er Buck Tiramisu

All of these dishes have been influenced by my time covering the restaurant industry and it was so fun to curate, combine and experiment. Become a paid subscriber below to unlock all 5 recipes!

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It’s finally February, the final month before Spring starts to creep its way back to us. I’m not in a hurry to usher Winter away. The calm, gloomy mornings where my eyes hurt when I turn the bathroom light on in the mornings will soon turn to the high energy of summer. I am savoring the slowness of this season.

This weather always has me craving the ocean. While the rest of the PNW feels like it's been rocked to sleep, covered in bare, leggy trees, the ocean roars. It’s most angry in the winter, with King Tides crashing in, water churning, lulling tired souls to just stare into the waves.

This is the time of year I like the ocean the best. The beaches are empty and it makes you realize you indeed are living inside the Twilight movie.

I do enjoy a clear day to meander on the beach, roll up my pant legs and walk along the water edge, winter is typically not the time to do this. It is however the perfect time to head to the Coast, an inspiring, and most likely wet, getaway.

Here are my top 9 places to stay along Oregon's North Coast, a region that stretches from Astoria to Neskowin . I’ll start north in Astoria and end the list in Neskowin.

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Hi from 2025! New Year, no new changes.

I’ve taken January so slow this year. Normally I feel a deep urge to come up with goals and create my vision board the moment the calendar changes to January 1st. This year it has taken me two weeks to get back into somewhat of a routine. Since we got back from celebrating New Years Eve in LA, I went ghost mode. I didn’t see anyone for weeks and instead decided to hermit up in our house. Lots of soup, TV show bingeing, reading, dinner at 4:30 and winding down for bed at 7:00.

Full winter hibernation mode over here.

I’ve been trying to get my life in order so far that has looked like dental work, strategy calls for 2025, contractors bids for house projects, and cleaning out my office from our move 3 months ago.

It doesn’t help that my husband and I both got sick after LA and spent a lot of time miserably laying around in a cloud of brain fog.

Los Angeles thoughts & recommendations

Prior to the sickness, we had a great time with friends ringing in the new year in LA filled with food explorations. On New Year's Eve we visited McCalls Meat & Fish, an indulgent and gorgeous market filled not only with the highest cuts of meats but also produce and pantry items that had me swooning. We opted for a very special occasion Wagyu Tomahawk steak that ran us a pretty penny but ended up being the best steak I ever tried.

We also had some memorable bites at Dunsmoor- the cornbread skillet was exceptional and was my husband's favorite bite of 2024!

My non-negotiable stop will always be courage bagels. I am willing to wait 45 minutes in line for that exceptionally chewy, crunchy perfect bagel goodness. The California tomatoes really shine in that one. I also loved the stuffed pasta from Spina and the breakfast burritos from Wake & Late. The final bite of the trip were the Michelin star rated tacos from Villa’s which were out of this world. I can’t forget the life-changing cucumber agua fresca that brought me back to life after a night of drinking.

All that to say, LA is a very special place to us. A lot of our best friends live there and seeing the devastation from the wildfires has been horrific. Donations have been pouring in from all over, and it warms my heart to see people band together in the face of tragedy. For now, I feel my efforts are best in the form of donations, which I have made to the Wildfire Recovery Fund . We are nothing without community care, we must keep looking out for one another.

Upcoming travel

I have been craving a winter wonderland escape, so next week we’re headed to the Timberline Lodge. While I wish I was a winter sport aficionado, this escape will be geared towards looking at the snowy mountain over a cup of tea, reading my book next to a fire and enjoying the newly renovated pool, hot tub and sauna at the lodge. If we feel up for it, I want to try Cosmic Tubing as an alternative to skiing because it looks so fun!

In March, we’re set to visit Oaxaca, Mexico for my husband's work. It will be my first time and I am beyond excited. It will be a necessary thing to look forward to throughout the winter months, when it's cold and gray here I will be dreaming of posting up on the equator sipping on mezcal and eyeing pottery.

Every year we plan a big trip, and for 2025 we’ll be in New Zealand for 15 days. I really hope to do some exploring via hiking to huts and seeing those epic landscapes. If you have recommendations for either Oaxaca or New Zealand please let me know below!

House updates

One of my goals this year is to share more with you about the house and the design process. However, one of my biggest roadblocks is I have trouble sharing before things are done. I want it to be picture perfect, but where is the fun in that? The vision to transformation is the part I am most interested in, so why not share that with you all?

Most importantly, I have been sourcing as much as I can secondhand. Which takes time and knowing where to go. I have been compiling a list of my favorite thrifts and resellers that I plan on posting later this month. I recently posted a thrift haul of some of my favorites which a lot of people loved. Since our house is 104 years old, it just feels right to source things that are also old to give the space some balance. If you get everything from a big name store, I believe the home feels like it can be replicated which is not the vibe I am personally looking for!

But new items are inevitable, here are some of my favs:

Since Christmas we’ve added a few area rugs to the space which really transforms a room. I love the new collections from Rugs USA - specifically the Arvin Olano and Ashley Tisdale collections.

We also have been replacing the lighting which makes such an impact! Schoolhouse Electric, one of my most favorite Portland brands, gave us a few lights and I am thrilled at the change and feel of the house with them installed.

Right now it definitely feels like I have many pieces to puzzle but we’re still far away from any finished result. Why is picking window treatments and blinds SO hard? Same with furniture shopping. We need a new couch and I cannot seem to land on one that feels right despite looking each and every day,

My approach needs to center back on what I originally said, Take it room by room! That way my energy and budget isn’t spread thin and it removes the feeling of not making progress.

Style Musings

My personal style feels like it has taken a back seat in exchange for cozy clothes. I am not really a hoodie/ sweatshirt kinda gal so I have been living in my Babaa sweaters! Last year I bought no. 17 (i am wearing it as I type this) and this year I went for no. 23, a button up cardigan. The quality and warmth of the wool keeps me warm throughout these chilly PNW days. I would rather have a handful of sweaters I love vs. A closet chalk full of clothes I feel only meh about. They really are worth the hype.

Ordering vintage off eBay has been another obsession of mine. Recently I found a pair of leather gloves for $6.50 on there and the uniqueness of them is unmatched. I also want a pair of earmuffs for our snowy trip, so to eBay I go!

I have so many updates, so little time. I am excited to jump into this new year with you all. Thanks for being here.

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As much as it has already felt like winter in Portland in terms of temperature, it really hasn’t even begun yet.

Winter Solstice is Dec 21st, and according to the farmers almanac:

“Winter solstice is the astronomical moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn, we have our shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere in terms of daylight. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside your window, the solstice marks the official start of winter.”

So, we’re in the final weeks of Fall.

I don’t know when in my adult life my attention became hyper fixated on living by the seasons, but noticing the cadence of the world around me has really shifted my care and attention of how I want to live throughout each one.

Northwestern Oregon where I live is especially attuned to this natural cycles, with an abundance of rain and flowers in the spring, outdoor hikes, swimming bbqs and peak produce run rampant in the summer, the vibrant POP of the fall foliage and harvest in autumn and of course the winter where we are blasted with incessant weather and everyone hibernates.

The thing I love most about the seasons is the permission it grants me. I feel attuned to the energy each solstice and equinox brings. After an eventful and honestly life changing year, I am reflecting on the year gone by. I also am SO ready to hibernate, rest, recharge and turn inward for the next few months.

While Autumn is known for it’s scenic beauty, there is deep symbolism in those falling leaves. Nature mirrors the transitions we experience in our own personal lives. From the deep abundance of harvest, to the strong urge to embrace change, to shed what no longer serves us and find beauty in the impermanence of it all .

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The first day of Fall was Sept 21st and a few days after my husband and I embarked on our road trip through Colorado to see the fall colors. Chasing fall colors around the world started from the very beginning of our relationship, and is a clear marker for me as our yearly anniversary of sorts.

We always go on a trip together this time of year and it reminds us both to stay in awe of the natural world around us. This marked a moment of abundance for us, fall colors were at peak. The shades of the yellow aspen trees could not have been any more brighter.

During this trip we were juggling all the applications and paperwork for the home we had put an offer in on. We would go out for long drives around Colorado, lose service and immerse ourselves in the stunning fall colors only to be bombarded with notifications upon returning to our hotel.

Buying our house was one of the most stressful experiences I have ever been through. The contrast of being on our trip was strong. On one hand we felt fullness, but on the other impending change.

The duality of Autumn, fullness and abundance met with letting go and impermanence.

What have I shed? What have I harvested?

The thing about moving is that wherever you live truly marks a chapter in your life. When I think about periods in my life and what was happening, I almost always think about where I was living. When we decided to move (one last time for a long time) it felt like I was closing a chapter and it was a lot to process.

Our rental house represented so much to me. It was the house we experienced our first year of marriage in. Where I really took the leap with being a full time creator. Where we lived walking distance from a few of our closest friends (a dream!). It’s where I sought out a life coach and healed some deep wounds around relationships of mine. It was filled with dinner parties, backyard bbqs, and gardening.

So when i said ‘goodbye’ to that chapter this Autumn, it felt like a big transition.

When you move, you say goodbye to a physical space, but also who you were there.

Now that it’s been 2 months, I am starting to feel more settled. I haven’t given much thought to our old place. We hosted Thanksgiving for our families here, and have many plans on the horizon for this home. In fact, I find myself obsessed with scrolling through Pinterest and planning how to decorate and style our new space. We have already created so many new memories, associations and habits here.

Despite the transition feeling like a giant ‘thwack’ on the head, things are feeling like there is a world of possibilities stretched out before me.

I hope your Fall season was also filled with learnings, awe, wonder and abundance. If you feel like sharing some of what you have shed and harvested, leave a comment below. Xx

Hi welcome to my Substack! If you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been here, thank you!

It’s been a few months since I started pouring into this platform and I wanted to organize a giveaway to thank all who read and subscribe. If you win, enjoy all these for yourself, or share as a gift to someone else.

Giveaway runs 12/2/24- 12/23/24 *must be in Portland, OR to redeem within 1 year

Once you subscribe, you can expect weekly articles from me exploring food, travel and lifestyle in Oregon and beyond. We also just bought our first home, so I’ll be diving into what that has been like. Paid subscriptions are $5 a month, think of it like buying me a latte and I tell you the best recommendations in the PNW!

One Subscriber will win…

• Knot Springs: 2-person Group Massage and Springs Visits ($438)

• Vero Skin Wellness: First time client facial ($275)

• Core Collective: 5 classes pack ($165)

• The Celery: $100 gift card

To enter, subscribe to this Substack newsletter, The Snitch List.

Free subscribers get 1 entry, Paid Subscribers get 5!

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Wellness & The Winter Arc

This fall I was introduced to the term “winter arc”. It’s a new trend on social media that I’ve often seen on TikTok or Instagram Stories. Typically you’ll see “Winter Arc loading” or “Winter Arc day four ” to caption someone cooking healthy or working out.

This trend emerged with 3 months of the year left as a way to kick start their goals. With the holidays right in front of us, people often find themselves reverting back to habits they’re less than thrilled with. Instead of falling into this trap, the Winter Arc has been a way to get ahead of New Years resolutions.

I will say New Years has a way of capitalizing on our worst insecurities. That isn’t what I am promoting here.

People will vow “to make a change” after reeling from the chaos (and joy) of December and often this comes from a place of guilt, exhaustion or want for a fresh start.

The Winter Arc is about setting goals for yourself (much like resolutions), and sticking to them without outside eyes watching you or cheering you on. It means bettering yourself (for yourself) without relying on external validation that anyone will take notice.

What is my Winter Arc going to consist of?

I have been good about working out, but I am wanting to be more consistent especially as the weather turns dark and cold. I work from home/ remotely so I also am planning on getting dressed and working in my home office, vs. rotting in my robe on the couch. I am aiming to read more, and scroll less. In terms of eating, I will focus more on high protein meals, with fresh ingredients when I am not dining out for work. I also know that heat really helps me combat seasonal depression so I am prioritizing sauna, steam, and soaking in hot water (contrasted with a cold plunge too!).

All in all, the Winter Arc consists of showing up for the promises you make to yourself.

All my giveaway items are local businesses in Portland that I turn to when I am wanting to feel like my best self and help me with my very own Winter Arc. I am beyond thrilled to partner with them for this giveaway!

Knot Springs

This is one of my favorite spots in Portland, I absolutely adore this place. I have been coming since 2016 to utilize the spa and have been a member since 2021. I personally have found that the hot waters and sauna help me combat the seasonal depression that creeps in during the cold months.

They have 2 hot pools (medium heat, hot heat), a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, unlimited tea and a balcony that overlooks downtown Portland. Visits here are a gift I give to loved ones and it’s always a hit!

Vero Skin Wellness

I’ve been seeing Vero quarterly since 2020 and she has made the biggest difference in my skin health!

She specializes in holistic facials, meaning she doesn’t use chemicals or extraction methods. Her facials consists of natural products, steam, lymphatic drainage, buccal massage and release and gua sha. Her technique really lifts the face and releases any tension in the eyebrows, forehead, and jaw!

She is truly an angel put on this earth and I always leave our sessions feeling so much lighter and my skin is glowing.

Core Collective

Doing my workouts here has been a new development since the summer and I have been loving it. I was looking for something strengthening yet low impact to combine when I was training for my race. The classes will whoop your ass, yet it’s so fulfilling at the same time.

How does it work? The reformer machine is on a slider and you move the machine with your legs, arms and core. The springs on the machine also control the amount of resistance, directly correlating to the level of difficulty. If this all sounds scary, don’t let it. The instructors are super helpful in queuing you on the machine as you go!

I plan to keep up on this routine 2-3x a week throughout the winter in combination to my daily walks and time lifting in the gym.

They do offer beginner classes a few times a week, if you’re thinking of trying Lagree for the first time, this would be a great starting place.

The Celery

Located on N Williams, this spot is known for serving smoothies, juices, and acai & grain bowls. Everything they serve is organic and SO fresh.

When I am trying to opt for something healthy on the go, I love stopping in here. My favorite things to order are:

• The harvest bowl (add chicken thigh)

• Blue magik smoothie

• Fresh juices

I hope this article excites you for your very own Winter Arc, whatever that looks like. Don’t forget to subscribe for the amazing giveaway.

Subscribers can expect a MASSIVE giveaway this week that you can enter. Trust me, you do not want to miss this. You can support me in other ways by staying connected on Instagram and TikTok. Thank you!

So it’s practically Thanksgiving. WOAH, how did we get here?

Time seems to be flying by at lightning speed, and we’re all going to blink and it will be the new year. I am currently getting ready to host Thanksgiving at our new house for the first time. I really want to share more about the house, decor and all the work we’ve been doing on it but I am waiting a bit longer because I’m working with a local interior brand for some grand reveals!

The holidays have this way of creeping up fast, especially with themed events and such. Not to worry, I’ve compiled a list of everything around Christmastime to do in the Portland area!

Some of these require booking them like NOW, because festive things tend to sell out!

Tree lighting downtown Portland

Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 5:30 p.m.

Free // Pioneer square, 701 SW 6th Ave

I’ve always wanted to go to this, and sadly I can’t make this year either but I’ve seen photos and videos and its so magical. There is live sing-along music and Santa Claus will flip the switch on 9,000+ lights on the 75ft tree!

Hunt for the Santa Clones

Dec 1st- Jan 1st

Free

This is a local Santa scavenger hunt put on by local artist Chris Willis. He’s been collecting almost identical Santa Claus blow molds for over a decade and displays them around town every year. I have made it a point to do this the last four years and it is so fun! Usually we make time for it before a dinner reservation or holiday party.

How does it work? Head over to Willis’s IG where he will post clues and updates. NEVER spoil the location to others (that’s the fun!)

The Nutcracker Ballet

Showtimes & tickets $5 off any Nutcracker ticket with the code FOODIESNITCH

This is one of my annual traditions, I absolutely love going to the Nutcracker! I think the costumes and dancers that the Oregon Ballet puts on are absolutely incredible. This is definitely a popular activity in Portland so I recommend booking tickets sooner vs. later.

I like to either visit the Benson Hotel for a festive meal beforehand!

Host a festive gathering

One thing I love about living in Portland, people love to host and gather at home. While this may seem daunting for some, I can’t recommend it enough. I thrifted a lot of my serve ware from Goodwill, and stick to making recipes I am comfortable with. It also is a great idea to have your guests help you out by asking them to bring beverages and side dishes!

I personally skip the gift giving/ white elephant traditions because I’m a quality time person and I also think it takes the pressure off.

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This past weekend I was in the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier wine country, for work. Here’s everything where we stayed & ate featuring a few new openings in the area.

SO many of these finds were new to me, and when I posted it on my Instagram story, lots of people responded immediately needing to know where I was and what I was up to!

I usually find myself out in wine country every quarter or so, I love it in every season. Oregon’s weather can be very temperamental, especially so close to the coastal range. You never know what you’ll get. Upon arrival our faces were whipped by wind and beady rain. The next morning, the sunrise clouds turned pink before a thick fog rolled over the hills. It’s all part of the ever-changing allure.

The best part of the Willamette Valley is there are so many indoor places to tuck into and get cozy- fall/ winter is my favorite time to come out.

Below you’ll find

• The hotel we stayed at

• Incredible hotel breakfast

• Fine dining experience at Anthology - one of my favorite meals ALL YEAR

• Olive Oil festival information

• New Italian deli (GF/ vegan options)

The Hotel: The Grange Estate

This brand new hotel finished construction in May and has been open for a short time. Perched above the well known Black Walnut Inn, The Grange Estate is a contemporary rustic boutique hotel that has 9 rooms, each one different and unique.

We stayed in the Willakenzie room which sat right on the corner overlooking the vineyards. It was the perfect place to retreat to, made cozy by a fireplace, comfy couch with a view and a tub so large it could fit a small family.

This is definitely a high-end luxury hotel, but if you’re looking for something special for an anniversary, birthday or other special occasion you will be thrilled with this choice.

No detail went unnoticed when they designed and built this place, plus the staff were more than accommodating and warm.

You can book a room here!

They also have a few options for dining on the property

• Included breakfast in your stay

• Fine dining at Anthology, their on-site restaurant

• Wine tasting at Four Graces, their on-site winery

Breakfast experience at the hotel

When you’re staying in rural areas, it is SO nice to wake up and have coffee, tea and food right where you are.

We absolutely loved our breakfast that was included! My favorites were the Farmer’s Choice and the scone, but the congee (we preferred it with no pork, extra mushrooms) was incredible as well.

Fine Dining at Anthology

$275 per person, wine pairings included- book here

When we arrived, we went straight into our fine dining dinner reservation at Anthology. The presentation might make you feel like you’re in the movie, The Menu, minus the horror. There is a massive curtain wall that you wait to open exactly at 5:30. Once you enter, guests settle in around a horseshoe shaped table that faces the chef kitchen.

Often times there is an association with fancy = stuffy which I can say had no place at this experience. The chefs were so personable, explaining there inspiration for each dish not only through words, but also hand drawn cards that highlighted each ingredient.

This was one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and takes the #2 spot for best fine dining meals I’ve ever had (I’ve tried at least 100 at this point). Chapter 4, the corn congee course brought me to tears, it was perfection.

I’ll be diving into more details about this experience, but if you’re looking for something for a special occasion with a wow factor, book this!

Olive Oil Festival at Durant

Nov 1st-30th // Daily 10am-4pm // FREE

event info here

Now, the reason I was out in the area in the first place was to visit Durant’s OLIO NUOVO FESTIVAL, an Italian inspired festival based on the harvest season for olive oil.

The festival goes for the entire month of November and is such a fun time! You can see them milling olive oil in action, taste all their oils (perfect for holiday gifts), food and wine vendors and a lively crowd.

Durant is making some of the best olive oil on the West Coast, and is well worth the visit out! It’s a nice festive thing to do during November in wine country.

Merenda Deli

Dundee, OR

Wednesday- Sunday 11am-5pm

View the menu/ order online here

$15-20 per person

Now if you’re going to wine tasting all day, you’re going to need some food! Sometimes that means a nice sit down place, other times it is grabbing something in between tastings.

That’s where Merenda comes in. WOW I was blown away by these sandwiches, they are incredible. The layers of flavor and texture are sure to grow a loyal fan base in no time. They can also accommodate gluten free and vegans as well making this a spot for everyone.

They have dine in or take out options!

The Morta sandwich ( custom bread from Dos Hermanos, Mortadella, burrata, arugula, pesto, and hot honey) was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had.

While the savory sandwiches are sure to draw you in, their sweets are equally good. Take the Nonna’s cookie which features brown butter and flaky sea salt atop a perfectly thin, slightly crispy chocolate chip cookie. Or, the tiramisu, that sits in the grab-and-go fridge that is the perfect rendition of this classic.

This getaway truly blew me away with all the amazing food, wine and design choices. I’m so happy to share a few new openings for you to check out.

A click of the ♡ button makes a difference. So does sharing these articles with your friends- especially if one of these events would be a good fit for them. Paid subscriptions keep this Substack alive, always ad-free.

Halloween is this week, which means the Holidays are fast approaching. With this joyous (and crazy) season, events are at full force. I must admit I will be adding to that infectious energy with not only one event in November, but TWO!

I’m hoping there is a little something for everyone.

These have been planned for months now, and I am excited to bring them both to Portland for some fun, community and connection over food. After all, that’s what PDX does best.

Catch the details below:

All About Fertility Happy Hour

November 12th 6:00pm

drinks and food provided

Bar Loon 3326 Southeast Belmont Street Portland, OR 97214

FREE - RSVP HERE

This past summer I shared a video about getting diagnosed with endometriosis during my first consultation at Spring Fertility. While it was heavy news to receive, this appointment made me feel empowered about my choices when it came to reproductive health.

The majority of my audience is female and I wanted to open up this conversation to anyone who has questions about fertility, egg freezing and more. My doctor, Dr. Wu will be there to give information and do a Q&A! Feel free to bring a partner or friend. This is a casual environment that will allow you to explore options and see gauge if Spring Fertility is the right clinic for you!

This will be hosted in the back space of beautiful Bar Loon (here’s my video review), which has one of my favorite menus right now. The food is straight incredible and all covered by Spring Fertility. I hope to see you there- make sure to RSVP at the above link!

Foodie Films: Ratatouille // The End Party

November 17th, 7:00-9:00pm

Entry- $15 // Purchase seats

Tomorrow Theatre

I’m teaming up with PAM CUT (Portland Art Museum) to bring you the culinary delights of the best cartoon ever made, Ratatouille on the big screen! This film is as delicious as it is profound and has become my favorite comfort movie over the years.

Join for special pre-film party at 5 p.m. at a favorite neighborhood bar, The End, in advance of a screening of Ratatouille. They are creating a custom cocktail for the event, aptly titled: Oui Chef!

Then, walk on over to the theater at 6:30 p.m. to grab your seats and join me for a special intro to this heartwarming (and food-forward) film.

Event info <3

I really hope to meet some of you at one of these events in the next few weeks! xx

A click of the ♡ button makes a difference. You can support me in other ways by staying connected on Instagram and TikTok. Thank you!

Hi friends,

Fall is in full swing and I am feeling the transitions across so many areas of life. Moving has sparked an urgency to declutter, simplify and hone in on both personal and business goals.

This Substack rebrand has entered the chat at the perfect time. I have been hard at work for the last few months, figuring out the look and feel of this space and how that translates to the Foodie Snitch brand.

When I first created Foodie Snitch, I felt like I could only create content around restaurant reviews. After all, exploring the Portland food scene is what gave me a platform in the first place, and truly allowed me to gain confidence and creativity in a new space.

Now food reviews aren’t going anywhere (more on that later). We will still be discussing where to eat, drink and spend your hard earned dollars.

But as I transitioned Foodie Snitch to encompass more of the Oregon lifestyle, I realized I was passionate about more than just food. I found myself wanting to share more about travel, nature, wellness, hiking, fashion, design, interior design as well.

Welcome to The Snitch List, my Substack that curates everything you need to know about food, travel and lifestyle in Portland and across the PNW!

I was inspired by vintage hotel stationery, I wanted each post to feel like I was sending you a letter from some faraway place with an element of nostalgia. Everything from the colors, fonts, and illustrations are meant to pay homage to a time when things felt a bit more simple.

There will be 4 main topics I’ll share on a regular basis — sometimes we’ll chat about other topics as well, but here’s what you can anticipate:

Dish up! Where we dive into restaurant reviews and other food related topics.

Postcards- my version of personal letters & a place for us all to connect more deeply.

In Season- I’ll dive into season-specific topics, think fall colors, swimming holes or winter skiing.

Getaways- I’ll transport you to a new place and spill all the details of what to do.

I am so excited and honored that you are here. Let me know what you think of the new look & feel / name!

Yours Truly xx

Em

All branding was done by my talented friend Erik of Photon Factory .

A click of the ♡ button makes a difference. You can support me in other ways by staying connected on Instagram and TikTok. Thank you!

WOW, where to start? Um, we bought a house, and somewhat unexpectedly! You all submitted so many great questions on my Instagram story and I am going to answer as many as possible while still trying to maintain some sense of privacy and safety.

For that reason, this post is for paid subscribers and you can expect to read about 

• Why did we move

• Process of buying a house in Portland

• House specs

• Neighborhood, what area we chose

• Our non-negotiables  

• Photos of the inside/ tour 

• Vision board for a few rooms 

  

Having a “forever” home has always felt far off for me. As a kid raised by a single mom, we moved around every few years, and since I left home at 18, I haven’t stayed anywhere longer than 2 years. When I thought about housing, feelings of inconsistency and instability often bubbled up and have been with me most of my life. 

Life has been an endless cycle of disrupting my routine, neighborhood, and belongings every few years.

We planned to be in our last house for the long haul, but being at the mercy of landlords we felt forced to move again…

To keep reading please become a paid subscriber! 

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