Our Weekend In Seattle

Holy moly summer is flying by! A few weekends ago we took a quick trip up to Seattle for the night. Being the nerds that we are, Alex and I wanted to see the King Tut exhibit before it went back to Egypt forever! We got a great package deal at The Paramount hotel. It was a very nice place to stay in the ideal downtown location. We were able to walk pretty much anywhere we wanted to go.

The exhibit was amazing, but VERY crowded. Apparently we picked one of the busiest weekends of the year to visit–it was the Bite of Seattle. There were pretty much people swarming everywhere, and fortunately we didn’t have to wait in line due to our VIP status. Totally love the feeling of walking past a giant line of people. Suckers! But if you are planning a trip to check it out I would try to go during the week, or at least not during a holiday weekend.

We also took our token stroll through Pike Place Market, laughed at the people waiting in like for the original Starbucks, stared at fish, couldn’t believe how cheap the flowers were, and managed to make it to the flagship Nordstrom twice and The Rack once. Alex even requested a Nordies trip, which once again confirmed I married the right man.

 

We were lucky enough to get a chance to see our camping buddies again who live nearby. It was nice to once again gorge ourselves on some fantastic food, and perhaps even better without the Jurassic sized mosquitoes. I would highly recommend checking out Lola if you are in the area. Everything on the Mediterranean menu sounded amazing and we tried as many things as we could. The grilled octopus was hands down the freshest and most non-rubbery I have ever had–you are just gonna have to trust me on that one. The salads and seafood kabobs were amazing. And for dessert we shared a serving of the Earl Grey ice cream. Sooooo good.

Lot’s of other exciting things going on here, hope to have an update soon!

Summer Is Flying By!

Wow. Can’t believe how long it has been since my last post. Guess this is because summer is FLYING by! Last month we went camping with some friends at Potlach State Park off the Hood Canal in Washington. Although it may be hard to tell from the photos, this is what June on the Olympic Peninsula looks like! Yes, while all my friends and family back east are melting in a pool of their own sweat, we are bundled up.

The actual campground was across the street from the park. Overall, a nice spot. We reserved a very quiet and isolated spot in the back. Unfortunately, without the breeze from the water, this was where the mosquitoes liked to hang out. Mosquitoes here have gotten their hands on steroids. As in they were as big as small moths. So, if you ever head up this way get a well ventilated spot and take a good shower in bug spray.

We don’t mess around when it comes to camping food. You may notices that Trader Joe’s sponsored our first course. Always the planner, I chopped and seasoned veggies and potatoes to grill in packets (I hate prepping food while camping, so messy). I learned from previous camping let downs and pre-cooked the potatoes in the microwave before we left. Pure genius folks. The chicken sausage from Ottos Sausage Kitchen here in Portland. If you live in the area and haven’t been, do so ASAP. It really is the best reason to venture into our Woodstock neighborhood. And last, but not least, I followed through on a brilliant idea from Pinterest. For every 30 hours or so I waste on that site, I make about one project/idea/recipe that takes about five minutes. (Perhaps not a great return on investment??) But seriously, grilling strawberries dipped in marshmallow fluff is perhaps an even better idea than pre-cooking the potatoes.

There was much good conversation around a picture perfect fire. Alex and I were privy to stick drawn diagrams of how to rebuild Subaru engines. I also survived a rare Godzilla attack!

Although there was threat of rain the entire trip, we for once timed it just right. After a morning walk around the water we got on the road just as the sky opened up. Perfect camping trip in my book!

{Photo Journal} Homeward Bound

Last weekend I made a rather quick and action packed trip home to Northern Virginia to host a baby shower (more on that to come). It was great to see family and friends, but there never seems to be enough time to do everything! Seems like everything I did do involved eating though!

Somedays I still can’t believe my little sis is old enough to be drinking!

Enjoying wine on the patio at Vapiano. Great concept and good food!

Best dessert ever at Härth. Butterscotch pudding, caramel, pound cake and whipped cream! Truly divine.

Hanging out with Emily! We got to tour the veggie garden and the bees on the roof. It’s good to know one of the chefs!!

Natalie got my Dad’s height, which means she gets to ride in the front seat. Must be nice!

My Mom and I, right before our hair got destroyed in my Dad’s new ride. His two-thirds life crisis does come with some nice perks 😉