Ever since I was a little girl, I have been inspired by strong women from all walks of life and from all periods of history. Cleopatra, Catherine the Great, Mother Teresa and Iris Apfel …the list goes on. Continue reading “Rara Avis”
Rara Avis
Tag: lifestyle
Do these make my butt look big?
I am sitting in the mall food court licking my wounds while dining on a small, naked (no dressing) salad and black coffee. Continue reading “Do these make my butt look big?”
Finding Beauty
Walking down State Street in Lake Oswego, a community south of Portland, I happened to see several fleur de lis on the buildings.
Happy Happy*
It is another rainy day in Portland but I am determined that the weather will not get me down. I am starting my day with a positive attitude. My problems and challenges are still sitting at the kitchen counter with me, but I am approaching them with a bit of a John Wayne swagger mixed with a “win the day” mentality.
A Perfect Saturday in NW Portland
Yesterday was a perfect Saturday for me. By 8 A.M., I was sweating at a spinning class, back home to housework and then quality time with Ginny before taking her to doggy day care. She loves playing with the other dogs and comes home tired, hungry and happy. I’m such a good dog mother! Continue reading “A Perfect Saturday in NW Portland”
The Taming of the Purse!
I love to dress up!
Purses* or handbags, if you prefer, play a big part in my daily outfits. I change them often.
I used to leave the detritus that did not flow into the new bag in the old bag. This was fun when I might find a Benjamin Franklin stuffed in a zippered pocket but, for the most part, I found crumpled tissues, dried-out ballpoint pens and stale Luna bars. Or worse, a receipt that I needed a month earlier or an important business card. So much for networking if you misplace the business card!
Not happy with this system, I happened upon a better way… Continue reading “The Taming of the Purse!”
Shout out to The Shoals.
As an expatriate Southerner, I am amused and delighted to visit the South.
I am amused because as a girl growing up on the beaches of Florida, I could hardly wait to get out of town. It was such a boring place in my teenage mind! Sometimes we have to search far and away to find what we are looking for even it is down the street in our hometown. Continue reading “Shout out to The Shoals.”
Playa Cerrado
Feeling a little sad tonight as I enjoy my last night in Cabo. It has been a wonderful, leisurely week with walks on the playa, cervazas by the pool, siestas, and peace.
“Playa Cerrado” means the beach is closed but it doesn’t have to mean that the wonderful times are coming to a close. I plan to keep the spirit of my Cabo experience with me. Continue reading “Playa Cerrado”
Dining in Lake Oswego
Nicoletta’s Table & Marketplace, 333 N. State St., Lake Oswego. www.nicolettastable.com
Nicoletta’s Table is a wonderful, friendly restaurant where it seems that “everyone knows your name”. I love the seafood, the salads, the coffee, and the wine selection. My favorite lunch lately has been a butternut squash salad with grilled chicken and a glass of Bastianich Adriatico Pinot Gris.
I especially love the friendly staff including a warm Gallic greeting from Patrick (pictured above). A well-known figure in the Lake Oswego food scene, Patrick has a large following and brings a special “je ne sais quoi” to the restaurant. Of course, the owner Shari Newman with her love of Italy and warm personality has created a special neighborhood place that makes everyone feel welcome at the table- in this case, Nicoletta’s Table. The recent expansion is a testament to how popular Nicoletta’s Table has become! Call for reservations. If the restaurant is full, you can always treat yourself to something from the deli or marketplace.
NOLA Doughnuts, 365 N. State St., Lake Oswego. www.noladoughnuts.com
The French Quarter in Lake Oswego! A newcomer to Lake Oswego and making a big splash is NOLA Doughnuts with their light, killer beignets and chicory coffee. Add the jazz, cheerful, friendly staff and NOLA embodies the spirit of New Orleans. You just want to stay all day! I was captivated by the ambiance as I enjoyed two beignets with oodles of powdered sugar and a cafe au lait. The funny thing is that I planned to eat one beignet and take the others home. Silly me! In addition to their beignets, there are gourmet doughnuts, fritters and bites—all of which are light and so tasty!
St. Honore Bakery, Millennium Plaza on 1st Street, Lake Oswego. www.sainthonorebakery.com
My week would not be complete without a stop at St. Honore’s Bakery on Millennium Plaza for delicious cereal bread, cafe au lait and the occasional croissant. Sam and her team work hard to deliver incredibly delicious savory and sweet baked goods as well as salads, soups and sandwiches. When traveling, I order a Jambon Parisien to take on the plane. I am the envy of the other passengers when I unwrap this crusty baguette with Black Forest ham, Emmental cheese, lettuce and a cornichon. When home, after a long day, I head to St. Honore to relax and recharge. If the weather is nice, I join the others sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and a view of the lake. People watching is also fun. Sunday mornings are especially fun for a visit to St. Honore as the bicycle riders, families with kids and tourists converge for a bit of French heaven!
Chuck’s Place 148 B Ave, Lake Oswego www.chucksplaceonb.com
I had been living in Lake Oswego a few weeks when a worker at my house told me that I had to go to Chuck’s Place. I was so glad to learn that there was a local coffee shop within walking distance. Later that day I strolled a few blocks down to Chuck’s Place. That was when I met Lisa Ryan one of the owners. Lisa welcomed me warmly to Lake Oswego with a big smile. She insisted on treating me to coffee and a huge, delicious chocolate chip cookie. I still remember how special she made me feel. Later, meeting her husband Chuck, I realized and appreciated what wonderful caring people they are and what a wonderful spot they have created for coffee and community in Lake Oswego. Everyone knows Chuck’s Place! It is a friendly hangout for biking clubs, young mothers with children in tow, business people gathering for meetings and writers balancing solitude with stimulation to keep the Muse awake. I have had many business meetings there as well as coffee with friends. Everyone loves Chuck’s Place. The atmosphere, great coffee and delicious cookies make this a special place to linger.
Lori Greer in Portland 