Korean food in an unlikely place

Last night as I perused the frozen food section of my favorite grocery store, I came across this.

I had to smile as I called for Ryan to come check it out.  Considering bibimbap is one of the few items in Korea that can be made vegetarian, I ate it a lot during our year there.  I can't imagine this frozen entree compares to the fresh variety, but you never know.  Maybe we'll try it sometime.  Or maybe not.

Viva Las Vegas!

Dana and I met as freshman in college.  We bumped into each other during sorority rush, not knowing at the time we shared the same dorm hall and would eventually both join Delta Gamma.  Over the last nine years we've had our share of college fun, inside jokes, girls' nights, new homes, new jobs, and the ups and downs that come with life and friendship.

Before she ties the knot in late July, it's up to me as Dana's matron of honor to ensure she is sent off to married life in style.  We've always had a blast in Las Vegas....

2006

2008

2009

... So tomorrow I'll be joining Dana for her bachelorette party there with ten of our closest friends.  I see sunshine, cocktails, slots and good times in our future.  See ya soon Vegas!

A Fab Father's Day

Yesterday was a lovely day.  First there was a delicious brunch with my mom's parents and siblings.  

Later it was just dad and me, chatting over food and drinks on Hawthorne.  It's so nice to be able to pick up where I left off with dad after being gone.  We had a great time just like we always do.  

Happy Father's Day again to you dad, and also to Ryan's dad Mike, stepdad Tommie, and all the other dads out there :)

School's Out Forever

Today is my mom's last day of work.  Forever.  She is saying so long to the teaching career she began when I was in first grade, and hello to retirement.  I'm so happy for you mom.  I predict lots of reading, gardening, baking and relaxation in your future as a free woman.  And you've earned every minute of it.  Congratulations! 

cupcakes

toes

Eating like a kid again

The food cart scene in Portland seems to have exploded overnight.  In the time we've been gone, the cheap mini-restaurants have popped up everywhere and are getting more gourmet by the minute.  Thanks to my favorite local bargain website Groupon, I discovered a deal for a certain cart I've been eyeing since I first heard of its existence.  

Located on the trendy Northwest 23rd Avenue in Portland, the Peanut Butter-Jelly Creations Cart serves up sandwiches with the basic ingredients we all loved as children, now with extra ingredients.  You can check out their menu here.  

One of my best friends (known for her love of peanut butter) joined me yesterday to try the cart.  I opted for the "Cream of the Crop" while she went with the "Cynthia."  We both agreed our sandwiches were delicious!  I felt like a kid again as I licked the sticky jelly from my fingers.  There's no doubt I'll be back again soon.

Yummy!

We ♥ Weekends

There is something about the weekend.  Saturday and Sunday present the perfect time to catch up on sleep, take long walks, relish good company and enjoy some down time.

Our last two weekends have been full of family, friends and sunshine.  Yes, the sun has finally made an appearance in Oregon.  Saturday was downright hot!  Ryan and I celebrated the weather by entertaining friends on my grandparents' deck; grilling and talking, taking full advantage of (dare I say) the beginning of summer.  We also went for a perfect hike in the Columbia Gorge and found our new favorite spot for fro-yo.  

The weekend before last was Memorial Day, which meant a birthday celebration, two more barbecues, time spent with other great friends, and the company of my family.  Here are a few snapshots from the past two weekends.  We hope yours were great as well.

Can't wait for next weekend. :)