It's that time again...time for another week of Confessional Thursday with Jessica at The Newly.

What A True Oregonian Understands

Being from the Pacific NW [Oregon to be exact] there are things Oregonian's totally get and understand.

Here are [my] top things about being from Oregon.

[1] It rains. A lot. In which case, you probably own several pairs of stylish rain boots - some even designer.  You may even have matching umbrellas [yes, I used the plural meaning - meaning multiple umbrellas you may own].

Hometown Special: Gresham Oregon

It's Show And Tell Tuesday and I'll be linking up with Momfessionals today.
And today's topic - hometowns!

That's right folks, I live in the great city of Gresham, Oregon. That's about 15-20 minutes East of downtown Portland on a good day without traffic.

I was born here, grew up here until 10th grade, moved to Oregon City, Oregon (about 30 minutes South) where I graduated, moved around the Portland area a bit until last year, where I ended up back in Gresham.

[What's up with the music notes you ask? Gresham is known for their Gresham Jazz Festival. Nope, I've never been, but this sign sure welcomes you right off I-84.]

It's a cute little [big] quaint town.  On a good day you can see Mt. Hood clear as day - it's gorgeous!

The one thing I like about Gresham is that it's just a hop, jump and a skip away from downtown Portland, about an hour from the mountain and 2 hours the other direction to the beach.  

I must say, it's not too bad.

This is just one of the block corners in Downtown Gresham.  Super cute, good food, pretty scenery.  

And during the Spring/Summer/Fall months, we have our own Saturday Famers Market (I think just about every city in the Portland Metro area has their own farmers markets due to the vast amount of farming and growing we have in the suburbs.

Don't those look divine?!  We are pretty blessed to live in a city that has and has access to other city's fruits and vegetables.

Of course we have shopping available....

Gresham Station is probably our 'biggest' shopping area within the Gresham city limits.  Fred Meyer (a Kroger chain) is a huge one-stop shopping store in the area.  We do have Targets (no super stores though #boo), Kohls, and a ton of small clothing boutiques within the area.

Our lovely, local Fred Meyer's store in Gresham.  One stop shopping - groceries, clothing, shoes, prescriptions, hardware, outdoor, gardening...you name it, they've got it!

And of course, our city would not be complete with all the outdoor activities we have available.  I mean, we are in the Pacific NW, green, lush landscapes, and lots of rain.  But we don't care out here...we just throw on some rain boots (if that even) and a rain jacket [umbrella optional].

The one 'famous' park in our area.  There have been a few movies that have been filmed her.

The Springwater Corridor which extends from Boring, Oregon to Gresham to Portland, Oregon.  It's a gorgeous scenic pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists.

And of course...about 3 mins from the Gresham border, in the small town of Troutdale, there lives McMenamins Edgefield.  Brewery, winery, bars, restaurants, hotels, spas...and outdoor concerts.

And to top it off....it's a short drive to downtown Portland.  Gresham is just a 'small' extension of Portland.

There you have it - my home town!

Oh and of course, our city [or state] would not be complete without Starbucks. On ever street corner [some even have drive thru's].

Wednesday....What's Up?

What I'm excited for:

Last week I was asked if I wanted to attend some trade shows for work...which meant travel. Um...yes!  Count me in! I'm super excited about the (very soon) upcoming work travel scheduled.

Tacoma, WA.

Long Beach, CA.

Eugene, OR.

All West coast travels.

What I'm wearing:

Jeans. Maternity tank with built in bra. Sweatshirt. White crew socks. Latte in hand.

No makeup. Although I did straighten my hair #score

I'm a hot mess right now.  

Don't judge.

Woke up not feeling too hot, took the child to the babysitters, and am now working from home.

Amen for working from home.

I feel like death warmed over.

#HotCoffeePlease

What I'm watching:

As of now, I've been catching up on The Bachelor, Younger, Teen Mom OG.

I just love this show!

Catelynn and Tyler in Hawaii?  #jealous

And how are their kids now turning 7!?  I mean, 7!  Gees.

Oh...and Reba.

Does anyone else watch Re

ba?  

That show cracks me up!

Barbara Jean is the best.

If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest watching an episode or 3.

What I'm reading:

I hate to admit this, but I'm still reading the same book I've been reading for a few months now.

With my little one, it's hard to find "quiet" time around here.

So, occasionally, I'll flip through Pinterest late at night or read some of my favorite blogs.

That's the extent of my reading right now...since that's what time allows.

What I'm dreading:

I'm really, really dreading this cold I feel coming on.  

Woke up this morning with a sore throat.

Picked up some more EmergenC.

I feel super exhausted.

Hopefully, I'll be able to shake this tiredness and sore throat square in the butt soon! 

This is my favorite flavor in EmergenC. I mix with about 3-4 ounces of water, stir with a spoon, let fizz for about 30 seconds...and then chug.

Tastes way better than with 8 ounces of water.

Just saying...

What we're eating:

Lately, a lot of roasted veggies.

Brussel sprouts.

Carrots.

Butternut squash.

Tossed with a little olive oil, sprinkled with salt/pepper (or any other kind of seasoning).

Bake in oven.

BAM. Healthy side dish!

What I'm listening to:

As I type this right this very second...I am listening to "When I Come Around" by Green Day.

Taking it back to the 90's - yo!

I usually put iHeart radio on during the work day...either to my Sum41, Kesha, or Weezer station.

What we've been up to:

Birthdays. Birthdays. & Crafts.

Seriously, my sister, mine and my daughter's birthdays all fall within a 30 day span after the holidays.

And, lately, my aunt has been coming over to have me help her assemble 100+ invitations for an event she's part of. 

(the crafty side lives!)

What I'm annoyed by:

The fact that my child still doesn't sleep through the night.

That's a tough one for me, especially because I require about 8-10 hours of sleep a night.

Which, does not and has not happened in several years.

It's a slow adjustment, but man...it's tough!

#patience

Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

Birthday Weekend Success

Birthday weekend was a success! 

My 'Birthday Drink' from Starbucks. Do I ever pass up a free coffee?! Uh, I think not!
#ThanksStarbucks

I just have to say...I have the best friends and family!
Whew - what a weekend this has been!

I will be linking up with Biana @ B Loved Boston- Weekending.

Friday night I was supposed to head out to a local golf course restaurant's happy hour with my first grade {Elise} and third grade {Erica} friends.  However, my first grade BFF wasn't feeling too good and wasn't able to attend.

So Erica and I decided since we both had babysitters family lined up to watch our little ones...why not take the opportunity to head out still #momsnightout

And when I say 'go out', I mean a laid back, casual happy hour.
At a restaurant.
Claim Jumper to be exact. (It's a tradition)

Drinks. Cheap eats. My kind of night out.

Meet Erica. My friend since 3rd grade.  Yes, that's right...THIRD grade!
Despite having kids...we still find time to get together from time to time.
It's tough at times, but we manage.

That right there, the chocolate chip calzone. So. Freakin'. Delicious.
If anyone has ever been to Claim Jumper....you share these types of things. Naturally, because it was a birthday celebration outing, Erica and I decided to get two desserts - one for her and one for me. Ugh - sugar overload.

Pretty sure I went home in a diabetic coma.

Friday night ended up with me falling asleep in my bed all curled up like a little baby.
BEST NIGHT EVER!
Slept soundly. My little one slept until 7 am.
AMEN!

Saturday was the actual day of birth aka birthday.
Spent the morning and afternoon very low key...doing a whole lotta nothing.
And it felt sooo good!

Dinner with daddy dearest at 5:30 at Amalfi's in NE Portland. [If you're ever in the area...I highly suggest stopping by. The pizza is amazing. The pasta is divine. The drinks are yummy.]

Yes, this is their tiramisu!  [In case you haven't figured this out...I {fuzzy} heart dessert]

After dinner with daddy dearest, Andrew and I headed down to the Pearl District in NW Portland to one of my most favorite restaurants/happy hour places EVER! Oba!!!!!

MMMM....this has been one of my favorite places for several years, and a yearly birthday stop.

The drinks are amazing. The tapas are so incredibly tasty.

Kellie [sister] is obviously super excited to be out with us! I mean, who be?  We are a good time!

Clearly, I'm super stoked about the card!

The 'Crew' at Oba. Kellie [sister], Janelle, Me, Andrew.

We had a night full of belly laughs, great drinks, amazing company and of course, the best banana balls! 

[I have no idea what they are really called...all I know, is that they are this amazing desert that are fried little banana cream filled balls with ice cream and caramel sauce. My weakness.]

All the good food, belly laughs, and birthday came to an end eventually.

But the memories will remain [and the inside jokes]!

Here are a few more of my favorite moments from this weekend:

We are in the sticker phase right now. We had to use the entire sheet of stickers...face and all!

And what better way to spend the birthday weekend with Emily kisses, a Super Bowl party, and lots of Pacific Northwest SUNSHINE!!!!  So thankful for the gorgeous weather we had today!  

Who says turning 31 has to be bad?  Last year when I turned *gasp* 30, I was nervous as I entered my 30's but was excited to see what my 30's would bring.  This last year has proven to me that anything is possible!  

Cheers to 31 and another great year!

What did you do this weekend? 

How was your Super Bowl Sunday? 

Share below!

A Few of My Favorite Things: January 2016 Edition

Here is January's round up of my favorite this this month:

1. Dove Dark Chocolate


Yes. This little red square of dark chocolate is just what I like after lunch.  I usually keep a bag of these close by so I can satisfy my craving for something sweet.

2. CC Slochy Knitted Beanie



I have the black one and the beige with fluff ball...and LOVE them.  Seriously, I am not a hat person, but when it comes to these beanies, they are so comfortable and soft! Especially during this extremely cold weather we had at the beginning of the month.  I got mine at Janelle James Boutique located in Tigard, Oregon.

3. Coffee (sugar-free, nonfat vanilla latte to be exact)



Yes, I am from the NW and I am a coffee addict.  I say that loosely because we all know coffee isn't all that bad for you.  Infant, there are a lot of benefits to drinking coffee.  I'm sure it's better black without all the added things like syrups and milk.  My favorite drink of choice: non-fat, sugar-free vanilla, extra hot, light foam latte.  I've been known to getting 2 lattes a day - eek!  Keep that one on DL between you and I...


4.Boogie Wipes



Spend, but I love these things!  Not only do they smell good, I keep a pack of these in my handbag.  My little one hates her nose running whether it's from a cold or from throwing a tantrum - she runs around saying "nose, nose, nose" while pointing to her nose.  That means "please wipe my nose".  What can I say, she's a clean child.

5. 101 Dalmatians

As of this month, my mom had purchased 101 Dalmatians fro my little one.  WOW- the memories of this movie.  And boy, does this movie catch my little ones attention #score



Welp.  There it is. This month's "A Few Of My Favorites: January 2016 Edition".

What are some of your favorite things from January?  Share below!

Friday Favorites [Jan 22] Edition

Happy Friday!

Show of hands of people who are thrilled it's the weekend?!  (me*me*me*me)

Not that I have anything fun planned, however I do plan on just sitting back and relaxing.

This week has sure been a roller coaster of ups and downs...and I'm sure glad it's over.

Here's my list of favorites this week:

COFFEE.

Need I say more?  Coffee has been my savior this last week. (There is a slight chance that I may or may not have had more than 1 coffee trip this week.  Shh...our little secret).
This week it's been: A medium, non-fat, x-hot, light foam, sugar-free vanilla latte.

Isn't this the truth sometimes?  Thank goodness I work from home these days...so no one has to deal with this crabby lady in the AM.

YOUNGER.

TVLand's show 'Younger'.  Recently, I caught up on last season up to the current week...and I must say - I love this show! If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest it. I find myself getting lost in this light, fun "non-reality" TV show. #myguiltypleasure

'

I found these online and thought...how inspiring!  I mean...at least this isn't another reality TV show. #AMEN

SUPPORT SYSTEM

This week (and a few weeks back) has been difficult for me.  However, do have 3 of the best support system people a girl could ever ask for - my sister, grandma and mom.  

My sister and I. Best. Sister. Ever. And she's clllll mine.

This sums up my Friday Favorites this week!  

Cheers to a wonderful weekend and a much better week next week!

What were some of your favorite this week?  Share below!