Three Simple Rules

Loft life isn’t always fun and games. We do have rules. Well, not necessarily “we”, but “I”. Although my live in husband would probably disagree, the number of actual rules is very small. And the more I think about this, I wouldn’t necessarily label these are “rules” but more as “marriage models”…just like a company has a business model – we have a marriage model. Sounds so much better now – see, by the swap of a few words I have now become the poster child for Family Circle Magazine.

Lots of the models are centered around the TV…here are some of them:

• The TV must be turned off during dinner. Statistics don’t show “the family who eats together while watching TV stays together”…
• 10 minutes of News viewing allowed per day (since the News is the anti-Christ). If he pushes it to 11 minutes the TV gets turned off…if he turns it back on and pushes it to 12 minutes the TV gets unplugged.
• No watching Extreme Cage Fighting! It fosters behavior that isn’t healthy for any relationship. You will see why…
  

The live in broke the third cardinal model last night. He tried to sneak it while I was getting ready for bed…but, when I came out of the bathroom to find him “air punching” in the living room with the Cage Fighting on in the background he was pretty much busted. He quickly claimed he was actually “dancing”, and then reenacted the dance for me as if to prove himself. Picture this. Clearly not buying this I went for the power button on the TV, while he screamed “I am going to come at you like a spider monkey, women”…and he did. However, I am faster, younger, smaller, and have more rage behind me. He was no match – the TV got turned off.

Stick to the models live in, stick to the models. No one wants to see you get hurt.

One Fine Day...

I was catching up on some of my favorite bloggers out there and came to this blog, which I love. I also love the question she recently posted…"which day do you wish you could live over?" I know exactly which day that would be for me...

July 19th, 2006. Rome, Italy. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I can remember the food we ate, the conversations we had…the gelato, the Trevi Fountain, the pennies. It was perfect.

I hope your day is just as special...

Home!

Nothing makes our heart grow fonder for our little loft, and our little neighborhood than some away time. But as if they could sense it, our fabulous Video Rama called just as we returned home to politely ask we return the DVD that is eight days late. Welcome back, us. Actually we knew the vaca was about over yesterday – the live in ran out of Breathe Right Strips, and I ran out of clean underwear. Apparently neither of us is very good at counting.

We had amazing food the entire trip and I have included links below to a few must visit spots if you happen to be in the area. Also, the below pictures are a few of my favs from the Monterey Bay Aquarium…

Big Sur, California

Nepenthe Restaurant: Amazing view! I would be surprised to hear of a restaurant with a better view on the entire West Coast. If so, let me know. This is a very, very cool spot.

{View at Nepenthe's}

Sonoma, California
El Cactus Tacos: Alright, so no link for this one but Sonoma is very small so you would have no problem finding it :) It's worth the hunt...

The Sonoma Cheese Factory: Surprisingly, this was the best meal I had the entire week. I am already planning a trip back down just for this food. The main building is the retail store for the cheese factory which is Heaven in and of itself, but outside on the patio is a small grill that serves steak tacos, hamburgers, turkey burgers, etc. The steak tacos were the best I have ever tasted. Honestly, so good!! And I loved this place because we truly felt we had found a great local spot.

The Girl and The Fig: A great place for dinner! The outside patio is to die for with all of the fountains, and fire pits, and plants. The perfect spot to end an evening!

Kenwood, California
Cafe Citti: Ahh, I loved this place. The perfect roadside cafe to mind trick anyone into thinking they are in Italy. So good!

{Jelly Fish}

{More Jelly Fish...}

Five Star Felon...

It’s the end of day four on our road trip and we find ourselves going to bed in beautiful Sonoma. We’ve stayed in three different hotels so far and tonight’s is by far the best. Actually, the live in and I have decided this is the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in. It’s so nice, it made me turn felon. I am not new to five star stays either, just last night we stayed in this hotel which was fantastic too. In fact we’ve managed to live it up for the past six years without me turning felon...until tonight.

For starters we were upgraded to one of the nicest suites at the hotel which, in my defense, was very overwhelming and definitely lead to my criminal behavior. Because we are on a no-reservations road trip we only booked the room for one night thinking if we want to stay longer we will, if we don’t we’ll keep moving. We walked into the room, and about 3 minutes later picked up the phone to extend our stay an additional night. Problem was this particular room wasn’t available two nights, so we were moved next door to an identical room that was. This is when crazy, should probably be on Oprah for “behavior” like this Erica came out. In the “move” I decided to lift the toilet paper. Yes, you read me right, I stole toilet paper!! Who does this? I am a sucker for great packaging I guess. You have to understand here - it is wrapped in the nicest, perfect color orange tissue paper, and sealed with a monogrammed black ribbon. Now do you understand?

Who knows what felon Erica will lift next? We are going on a wine tasting tour tomorrow; maybe I’ll spot some Kleenex I can’t live without. I may even re-gift this TP to one of you…

Road Trip!

Finally, the vaca is here. We decided on a road trip down to Santa Barbara, stopping along the way to see Sister in Sacramento. We have no hotel reservations, no map, and no clue where this trip will take us…

Portland's Best Fries

I heart French fries! I have often said this is my one luxury item I would take with me to a deserted island. Not a blackberry, not a great book, not even the world wide web would I take over fries! It’s all a girl really needs. So I thought I would share how my quest for Portland’s Best Fries is going…

So far there are only two places that are blog worthy:
1. Oba’s currently takes my #1 spot. It’s important to note though that I am referring to their Jamaican Jerk Fries, not their regular ones. Insider tip: you won’t find this version on the menu either, simply ask your server. The seasoning steals the show for me – spicy, tangy, and sweet all hanging out together, and if that’s not enough the fries are served with an aioli that will win anybody over. Since they aren’t on the menu I really have no idea what’s in the aioli that makes it so good, but I am just fine with that.

2. Portland City Grill is a surprise for me at #2. It wasn’t until recently that I had even tried their fries, and who knew such a classy place could produce such great “bar food”. You’ll find the Togarashi Spiced Fire-Fries on their happy hour menu, and as the name suggests they are on the spicy side. These fries are also served with a garlic-parmesan aioli. And at $2.00 during happy hour who could ask for a better deal!

The quest continues, and I truly hope Portland can deliver on this one. I would love for a dive bar or restaurant to come out the winner in the end. It just feels more natural.

Do you have a suggestion on where I should go next? Post a comment or email me!

Battle: Bananas!

Loft life is starting to stink…literally. It’s been over three weeks since the live in bought these bananas at the grocery store.Originally the cluster probably had a total of six bananas on it, so in 21+ days he has managed to consume only three. Around day 14 I started to probe about the future of the three remaining bananas…pleading with the live in to either make a freakin smoothie out of the poor things or toss them. He assured me the banana situation would be taken care of.

Sidebar: Those who don’t know me that well, or those who don’t know the rad dynamic the live in and I have are probably asking why I just don’t kill off the bananas myself. You poor things…that’s just not in my nature (or nurture). I live for battles like this. It reminds me of the great suitcase brawl of ’06. The live in and I had returned from a long vaca, his suitcase got plopped down in the middle of the living room floor, and it stayed there…unpacked…for two blissful months. Every morning he would walk past the bathroom and into the living room to use the deodorant out of his suitcase. I can’t remember why he eventually unpacked his suitcase, but I can remember savoring my sweet victory.

Well day 14 has long passed and the bananas are starting to look like a third grader’s science experiment. I don’t see any mold yet, but it has to be only a matter of days. On day 19 the live in looked at the bananas and said, “perfect for making banana bread!” To which I replied, “Then either make some freakin banana bread or put them in the freezer.” However, no movement yet.

As the days pass and mold becomes inevitable the fate of these three bananas are pretty much sealed. I don’t see any banana bread in their future. However, I do see plenty of banana bread in our future. As you can tell by the 2nd photo this banana battle isn’t the first. Our freezer is becoming so full with nearly bad bananas (just waiting to become banana bread) we are starting to store our chicken in the ice maker! Is this normal?!? I sincerely doubt it. The live has got get his banana spending (and wasting) under control, especially since some of those bad boys are organics from Whole Foods! News flash live in: neither money nor bananas grow on trees! Or do they…?

Love to Sister via GG!

Dear Sister,
This too-perfect-to-pass-up photo (and post) is some dedicated love to you! Here is why I currently think you rock:

Apparently you are the best 1st grade teacher ever! No pink slip for you! Holla! If I had a 1st grader (or let's just say I borrowed one - more realistic) I would be that crazy parent demanding my kid gets put in your class...and then I would stick you with a uber tacky "last day of school" present!

Sidebar Thursday!

No Sidebar Thursday for you this week. Emily and Jeff's parents are living it up in the loft for one night only...

Come on, Portland...Wake Up and Smell the Fresh Air.

Honestly? I mean H-O-N-E-S-T-L-Y?! I realize this article came out several days ago, but it wasn’t until yesterday that I truly got fired up over it. And since I am a redhead (natural – thank you very much) this means my rage has a little extra heat behind it.

At first I loved this article. In the same way that I love me a bad hotel review on Trip Advisor, for a place I know as perfectly fabulous. Plus, everyone knows the people who post reviews on Trip Advisor are either washed up hippies or super cheap “business travelers” who only eat at the hotel restaurant. So, if we apply Trip Advisor math to this beloved article: the riff raff stays out, chain restaurant growth declines, and my commute home stays capped at 20 minutes.

However, maybe we should have been named "Most Insecure City in America"? Actually, not so much “we” but more like a select handful of people (probably not even living IN Portland) who have taken this article as truth. All of a sudden perfectly happy people are feeling like they should be miserable. Like maybe the grass is greener in the warmth of The Devil’s state (aka California). Apparently these people have forgotten about our amazing restaurants, perfect skyline, and FRESH AIR…

Behold, Oregon Fresh Air. Even more satisfying, this bliss in a can was found and purchased in The Devil’s state. So...write an article about that!

Sidebar Thursday! (yes, I know it's Saturday.)

My apologies faithful readers! I realize I am two days late…but, good to know you are keeping up with the blog and keeping me on my toes.

Speaking of toes…should I be offended that a co-worker gave me Sneaker and Shoe Deodorizer? I am not talking sample size either. This is the full on 9.5oz spray can. Don’t get me wrong, the product is awesome. In fact, I keep it at work and have been known to spray up to three times per day depending on the shoes I am wearing!

Shout out to the live in for giving me a new copy of Return to Me after I wore out my old DVD (yes, this can happen if you really, really like a movie). Honestly, I thought that he had purposely damaged the DVD because he was tired of watching it…

Restaurant Updates:
I cried for three days straight after Tuscany Grill closed their doors, so you can imagine how excited I was to hear that their executive chef had opened up a new restaurant. Decarli is located in Beaverton (weird, I know) but is definitely worth the trip out! The space is amazing – it has an urban restored-warehouse feel that would be perfect for a small reception or party, but is still intimate enough for a great dinner. The food was AMAZING! At the recommendation of my Aunt and Uncle we all shared the polenta fries, which are unlike anything you have tasted. I won’t even go into detail about our entrees, because everything was so truly delicious I don’t think you can go wrong with your choice. The service was in typical Italian fashion – slow, but purposely slow. Go to enjoy yourself, not to race through dinner. Bottom line: I am putting this restaurant in my top five Portland picks. Go eat at Decarli. Go now.

The East side rocks. If I didn’t live here, I would definitely be an East side girl right now. Our latest new-to-us East side eatery is Lucca. We split the pesto chicken salad and a fennel sausage pizza for a simple lunch. They nailed the pizza sauce. In a blind taste test I honestly don’t think I could pick out the Roman pizza sauce between the Portland Lucca pizza sauce. But, if you want to eat something other than pizza sauce all of our food was delicious! And the after lunch scone was divine!! Seriously, I bet people go just for the scones.

Shout out to our favorite server, and an all around pretty cool guy, David! From Oba to The House of Huey thank you for everything! When can we start putting orders in for your homemade beer?

Eat well friends!

The Need for Needles!

I have been known to become a little addicted to certain things. Good cheese, the sale section at Anthropologie, my Franklin Covey, amongst other things. However, this time it is true love. And of course, just as I am writing about saving money I turn around and find something fabulous to spend it on.

This seems more valuable than cable though (what wouldn’t be, right!?). I am talking about acupuncture. Today was my first appointment. What started out as a discussion about what acupuncture can be beneficial for turned into Erica discovering what acupuncture can be beneficial for. So, I made an appointment with my gal Tiffany.

Before I continue…I did hesitate to even post about this topic because I don’t want to come across too Facebook: Part 2. Meaning, the blog isn’t meant to be a play by play of the happenings. And healthcare, in any capacity, is a personal issue that I don’t want to make light of. But, I am clearly not modest and my experience was so rad that I can’t wait to share.

After filing out the pre-appointment questionnaire, I realized…um yeah, I do have one or two little issues. Have you seen my purple feet? Have you felt my stone cold hands? And then there is the always pleasant foot cramps (and yes little bil (almost Dr. little bil) – this is a viable medical issue, so tell your stupid ER I am taking my business elsewhere). Also, upper back / neck tension…afternoon fatigue…and I think that’s pretty much it. Oh, and did I mention I normally faint at the sight of needles or doctor type paraphernalia?

I saw my other gal Meghan prior to the appointment and she asked if I was nervous. Tiffany also asked me if I was nervous. Well not until now ladies! What should I be nervous about? Is this going to hurt? Will I faint? Will I be paralyzed? Is she going to do some weird Southern Voodoo on me?! Not to worry, Tiffany was clued into my frequent fainting tendencies and put me face down on the table. And the entire needle into body process took minutes and it honestly didn’t hurt at all. Honestly. In fact, I had quiet a bit of fun chatting away with her. After she is done throwing darts into my body she whips out some headphones for me, turns the lights down, and tells me to take a nap. I AM IN LOVE! Ten minutes later she comes back in, does something to the darts, and tells me to keep napping. Oh, and p.s. she has placed a heat lamp near my feet! Is this a freakin dream? Another ten minutes pass and she comes back in. I was so relaxed I was drooling all over the place. She takes out the darts, worked out some tension in my neck and calf (for the cramping, little bil) and sent me on my merry way.

After stumbling back to my office I realized just how good I felt, and six hours later I am still feeling amazing. The haters will say it’s all mental, and maybe it is, but I can honestly say my neck and back feel great, and my feet feel improvement already. I am truly addicted.

Cha Ching!

Day light savings is this Sunday! Don’t ask me if you fall forward or spring back, that’s a question more suited for the live in. He knows about all those tricky life questions…like the moon, or the government.

The live in and I have also decided to do a little savings of our own. AKA hunkering down. We go through this phase every year or so when we feel like we could tighten the belt a notch or two. Think of it as a cleanse for the bank account. However, this isn’t necessarily conducive to our current lifestyle or loft living.

Not that we are high rollers, but we do fill up our calendars with weekly happy hours and play dates, all while dedicating some time to pumping mula back into the local economy. And as if those cuts won’t be painful enough try having a sidebar conversation with the live in on where extra money should be saved.

The answer is obvious. Any normal, budget conscious human would see it too…cable. Cut the freakin cable. Football is over, The Travel Channel went bad, and I can’t handle another episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Surprisingly, this isn’t in line with TLI’s thoughts. In fact, he gave me a look like I was asking him to cut off his left ball.

Where then? I have already considered returning all of the cans and bottles from our building’s recycling area to Safeway and pocketing the cash. The bin is on rollers, I could just wheel it down there! Although, I know at least three homeless people I would have to roll it past, and I wouldn’t want to risk being perceived as throwing this glut of aluminum inventory in their faces.

Our first step will be eating in, and our second step will be actively working to invent new iPhone applications. (Apparently that’s a booming profession.) I am not sure how long this go at the financial cleanse will last, but save a spot at the happy hour table!