
Yes, I wanted to eat the whole thing but I resisted.
Everyday I allowed myself a few bites until it was all gone. Continue reading “Willpower Baby!”
Yes, I wanted to eat the whole thing but I resisted.
Everyday I allowed myself a few bites until it was all gone. Continue reading “Willpower Baby!”
I am trying to make every meal an “event” even if I am eating alone.
On second thought, especially if I am eating alone. Continue reading “Because I’m worth it”
Who knew that Pi Day would grow to such a fun, widespread event?
Years ago, mainly math nerds were the select few who knew the significance of 3.14. Celebrations, if any, were definitely not mainstream. Continue reading “Pi R Squared”
I know it’s never a good idea to go to the grocery store when I am hungry.
It was an especially bad idea this morning as I was hungy and I had just worked out with my trainer at the gym. I was hungry and tired. Continue reading “Marie, I wanted cake!”
There is nothing more glorious in the Pacific Northwest than when the sun shows its face.
Rain, rain, rain and then a sunny day to end the weekend.
Walking, I encountered a festive air among people on the sidewalks and at sidewalk cafes. It was chilly but that did not stop sun deprived Oregonians from sitting outside sipping their lattes. Continue reading “Walkin’ in Sunshine!”
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”
Building a new life can be serious business so I give myself little rewards along the way. Of course, the best rewards are reaching my goals but since they are on-going (mindfulness, authenticity, etc.) I never “graduate”. Continue reading “Faking it with Mary Tyler Moore!”
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.