Visiting Portland: Rose Parade

I was lucky enough to be in Portland on the day of their famous Rose Parade, so I thought I'd take a gander. Here are a few of the places I visited. 

More than one coffee afficianado suggested I stop by Stumptown Coffee. This latte was delightful- the foam was so thick and rich the sugar didn't sink through. Always a good sign. The espresso was strong and caramelly from being perfectly roasted.

Next, I popped over to Voodoo Doughnut. I was undeterred by the line around the corner- they really do keep it moving fast. The brick wall was all done up in glitter! 

The mardi gras vibe carries on inside with vividly pink and yellow walls, a chandelier and lots of neon. I chose the Voodoo Doll, Maple Bacon and No Name (peanut butter!). I tried a few bites of each (I'm only one person after all!) 

While this one is the least attractive of the lot, it was my favorite. It was filled with custard, and I especially like the pretzel "needle". It could have been studded with several more. 

The other slight disappointment with these doughnuts was the fact that none were served hot. The maple bacon in particular would have been vastly improved by being hot and toasty. It was still delicious, don't get me wrong. Just imagine the joy of a freshly made one!

Peanut butter, rice crispies, chocolate- pretty decadent. I think the fun of these doughnuts is their kitsch and whimsy. Many of them are decked out with cereal pieces, powdered drink mix (tang anyone?) and loaded down with sprinkles. This strikes me as just right. A doughnut is the last thing in the world to take seriously. Have fun with it! Go wide & over the top!

While I munched, I watched the Rose Parade  pass by. Each float is made with papier mache figures coated in bits of flowers, seeds or petals. It's awfully fun to see the detail up close.

The parade moves at a pretty glacial pace, so kids entertained themselves by drawing on the sidewalks, launching balloons and tooting on little plastic horns.

This float was my favorite- I just adore Elephants, don't you?

During the parade, I did some shopping downtown. There are lots of pretty little boutiques everywhere you turn. On Sarah's suggestion, I spent happy hour on the 30th floor of the U.S Bank building at Portland City Grill  checking out the amazing view of PDX. I enjoyed a blood orange mimosa, a delicious little plate of roasted pepper bruschetta and made conversation with a local charming couple sitting beside me at the bar. All in all, a perfect way to end my short stay in Portland.

Next stop, New York City! I can't wait to share all the adventures I've enjoyed already.

How's your summer so far?

I'll do my Java Drinking in the Nude

This coffee mug featuring an au natural couple makes me smile. The fella reminds me of Robin Williams circa Mork and Mindy for some reason. I like buying mugs in matching pairs so that Eric and I can sip our morning brew in tandem, and I think mugs are a delightful outlet for silliness. Do you have a mug collection? What do you look for in a new one? (I like to be able to fit all four fingers inside the handle!)

Birthday Glamour Girl

My Birthday is a month away, but I thought it would be fun to put together a visual wishlist using Polyvore. Here are some of the goodies I've got my eyes on around the internet.

7 Chi leather bag, $63
pop flower | ShopBando.com, $75
Taschen Taschen'S Paris, $40
Rifle Paper Co. - Dog Series - Assorted Set, $16
Eco Coffee Cup, $14

I've made a collection of Etsy lustiness too, right over here. What's the best Birthday present you've ever gotten? What's on your Birthday Wishlist?

Live without Coffee? You could. But why?

Could this Fox Terrier be the next addition to my Dog Eared Art Collection? From Lulunjay.

Have you ever tried to give up coffee?

I don't drink much- a cup in the morning, often only half a cup since I forget and leave it to get cold while I'm getting ready for my day. This morning, I had resigned myself to a cup of tea since Eric wasn't drinking any and I didn't want to make a whole pot just for me. But Eric noticed my bleary eyes (he says I remind him of a mole first thing in the morning!) and fixed me a pot just to be sweet.

It was twice as delicious as usual- after a sad watery lukewarm cup of tea, there was something about the buzz of the grinder and the tinkle of the machine filling with bubbling water, and the way the house began to fill with the rich warming smell of freshly brewing coffee, and the splurgy swirl of cream he added. I cupped it in my hands and felt the thickness of it, the complexity of the flavor and sipped the whole thing right down to the bottom. And then had another cup.

A great cup of coffee just has no equal. I don't know that I could ever give it up wholeheartedly. Do you drink a little, a lot or none at all?