[thirty first]

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Fifth never-before-seen AFI Top 100 movie watched this year.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Third movie watched this year to make me feel strongly uncomfortable.

[thirtieth]

Two words. VOODOO DONUTS.  After hearing rave reviews of this confectionery over the years, we knew the long line wrapping around the fried dough and frosting landmark in the afternoon the day before was for something special.  We arrived first thing in the morning and bought a pink box full of sugary goodness.  B got the signature Voodoo Doll and a Memphis Mafia and I went for the Mango Tango and Miami Vice Berry (below).  In addition to their revolving case of donuts, I was impressed by the cruller chandelier (above).

The donuts gave us lots of energy to drive out of the city and hike up a trail in Bridal Veil.  We crossed forest floors covered in leaves and mud and jagged, rocky paths to reach the peak.

This beautiful landscape greeted us. 

♥ Perfect ending to a perfect trip 

[twenty ninth]

The second day in Portland was full of exploration and wander-ment (wandering + excitement).  We split a scrumptious crepe from the Saturday Market to start the morning off.  The rain began to drip down again, so we ducked into a sought after Stumptown Coffee.  Sitting at the bar drinking our hot beverages, we watched Portland life walk by.  When the rain let up, we continued our adventure by strolling through Powell's and the rest of the Pearl District. 

We also checked out NW 23rd Street based on the suggestion from several women.  It reminded me of Los Gatos, CA with its ritzy shops and outdoor cafes. This lovely apartment with whimsical architectural details was on the street and I couldn't resist snapping a few photos of it (see above).

[twenty eighth]

Our three-day vacation in Portland was magnificent.  We arrived in the late afternoon and walked into the rain for a dinner at a Lebanese restaurant.  Afterward, we chose to explore the nightlife of the city.  It was colder and wetter than expected, so we ducked into an indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf place (see below).  It was a novel experience complete with glowing skeletons, pirates and parrots! The rain let up once we left and Yelp helped us discover Bailey's Taproom.  I enjoyed a hard cider and B had a sampler - one of the beers was uniquely brewed with black tea!

[twenty seventh]

I took a trip to Trophy Cupcakes with a Trophy virgin.  I'd intended to try a Chai cupcake, but it appeared to be the intention of many others before me -- totally sold out.  Instead I tried the Neapolitan and got the Margarita cupcake for my B.  Both were adorable and yummytown.  

In preparation for a weekend in Portland, I bought a camera remote.  Here's my first practice test:

[twenty sixth]

 

Watching James Carville on Good Morning America made me think of his appearance on 30 Rock.  Giggles ensued.

[twenty fifth]

My collection of perfumes

[twenty fourth]

My 3-lb box of chocolate concoctions

[twenty third]

Chai

Progress during our Chocolate Making class! I went milk while B went dark and we dipped everything from fruits like strawberries and raspberries to pretzels and potato chips.  We went home with about 3 lbs of chocolate creations

[twenty second]

A faint reflection