I love Portland. One down four to go

I do love Portland, probably more than a person who has never lived there should. But some family and some good friends live there and I seem to visit it a whole lot so it almost feels like home.

And, yes, our wedding tally for 2011 is five.

JP and I headed down to P-town last weekend for my college friend Kelly’s wedding. Kelly is a sorority sister and former roommate. She’s both one of the toughest chicks I know and at the same time a huge softy who will cry at the drop of a hat. She’s fiercely loyal, athleticaly gifted, and both intentionally and unintentionally hilarious. Her love story with Matt is one that spans years. Kelly grew up playing softball with his older sister. They reconnected after college and fell in love which is pretty adorable.

Since the wedding was Saturday afternoon we decided to make a weekend out of it by leaving Friday after work. Of course that meant sitting in traffic which isn’t any fun for anyone but we got a drink with Tess and got an early start to the day on Saturday.

Since JP is not one to sit around all day we headed to breakfast at Bijou Cafe where I met these guys.



If I didn’t think that their owners were taking good care of them I would have taken them home with me.


Then we took a short tour of the Chinese Garden which was absolutely beautiful.

JP, Eric and Tess checking out the sites

Tess and I squeezed in some girl- time coffee as well. By that time we had to get gussied up for the wedding – since my reunion outfit had gone over so well the weekend before I decided to bust that out again.

Kelly and Matt’s ceremony and reception was at Pure Space in Northwest Portland – this ultra-cool modern warehouse space. The robin’s egg blue with black and white, gave the space a great spring feel. They even had a signature cocktail in just the right color blue too cool.

The bride with her dad

With a variety of food from Elephant’s there was something for every guest in attendace. My personal favorite was the beef stroganoff.

I was hungry

But the hit of the night was the photo “booth.” I put that in quotes because it was really more of a station. The props and instant print outs had us all coming back all evening long.

That was when we weren’t on the dance floor getting down.

Bust a move

Kelly, you’ve been an amazing friend for many years. While we may not see each other as often as I like, it always warms my heart to know that you are in my life. Thanks so much for including me in your most special of days. Matt is a very lucky man

Violet in BCBGeneration black pumps

10 Year Reunion. by violet

When I got word about my ten year high school reunion, there was certainly a mix of emotions.

I guess you could say I was somewhere in the middle in high school. Wasn’t the most popular, wasn’t a total outcast. I made some great friends along the way (some of whom I still manage to keep in touch with).

I wasn’t super smart or a super jock – took a few AP classes and played varsity field hockey, got cut from soccer after my freshman year and quit track after sophomore year because it was clear I was, well, slow.

Wasn’t the star of the musical or in the band but I was vice president of the poetry club (yeah, that happened).

I had a couple bad haircuts and I wore socks with sandals my freshman year (yeah that happened too). I’d like to think I got it together with my Steve Madden boots and collection of bell bottom cords and khakis by the time senior year rolled around.

I asked both my junior and senior prom dates but I went and had a really good time. I did get asked out over the morning announcements one Valentine’s Day which was pretty awesome. But I also had a number of devastating heartbreaks from boys who didn’t even know I was alive.

I got TP’d and did a little TPing myself. I went to one real party (I was DD) and I heard it got busted by the cops 10 minutes after I left, so I was too scared to go to another. And most of all I spent WAY too much time at Chili’s.

There were highs and there were lows but certainly I didn’t wake up every day thinking it was the worst or best in my life. College was defiantly the TIME OF MY LIFE. But we are talking about high school.

Did I want to show up to the reunion and have my old crush, think DAMN she looks good? Of course. Did I want to catch up with people that I’ve let slip away in the last ten years? Absolutely.

So I made sure that some of my best friends were going to be there. I bought plane tickets and searched high and low for the perfect dress.

In the end, I found the reunion to be a lot like high school itself. Nothing like the movies, it was more complicated, interesting, open-ended, awkward, fun, horrible and wonderful. I’m really happy that I went.



I was reminded that the friends I made along the way, were my friends for a reason – they are wonderful, hilarious and smart. I love that by 2am that night when we were eating pizza together it could have been ten years ago, only better.



Violet in Jessica Simpson "Jessica" pump in ivory patent

Back in Eugene. by violet

I have subjected to you long posts about my love of the University of Oregon and Eugene (here and here). But you get another one because a few weekends ago JP and I went down to spend the weekend with our friends Stacy and Ray. There’s something about spending a weekend there that feels a little bit like coming home. It is one part the fond memories and two parts gracious hosts.

We arrived in Eugene in time for dinner. Let’s be honest half the reason I keep coming back to Eugene is to eat at certain restaurants ordering certain dishes. But this time around, we tried some place new. Ray has taken up home brewing. This has led him to become even more of an expert on Eugene’s local breweries of which there are many.

After sampling Ray’s own brews we headed over to Ninkasi Brewing Company to sample so of theirs as well. And as luck would have it Devour’s VW van was parked out in front.

While the tasting room was packed, the outdoor courtyard was deserted, so even though it was roughly 25 degrees we warmed ourselves by the fire, sampling beer and downing our delicious sandwiches.

Saturday was more beer but we added basketball into the mix.  We started with tasting at Oakshire.

One of the main reasons behind the trip was to check out the Ducks’ new basketball arena. Believe the reviews, the place is pretty much amazing and has just about every amenity that Mac Court lacked. The Deep in the Woods floor might look funny on TV but in person it’s really cool and much like Boise’s blue turf definitely gives it a signature look.

However, having spent less than half a season in the place, it is also lacking soul. The great thing about Mac Court was that you knew 100 years worth of students and fans had rooted for their team there. Blood, sweat and tears went into that building and that floor. Sure the place was in danger of falling over but the student section could shake the baskets. People say Autzen is loud but my most ear-splitting memories are in Mac Court. It had a history.

Matt Court is a bit like moving into new construction, sure there are all the bells and whistles but it takes a little bit until it feels like yours. As the Ducks rack up more seasons in Matt Court and the program resurges it will start to feel like home. Buzzer beaters, highlight reel ally opps and no look passes will start to seep into the walls. And the kids will get loud. And, eventually, it will feel like home. Right now it feels like there still a few boxes left to unpack.

For dinner was my personal request to return to the Beer Stein. Luckily I didn’t have to twist too many arms to make that happen. The Beer Stein has the best beer cheese soup I have EVER encountered. It is literally the perfect texture. Pair it with one of their amazing sandwiches and you have yourself a little event.

Oh and you should know, their nachos? They basically pour the soup over chips and add the classic accompaniments. It is blow-your-mind good.

We were too full to do much else that night besides watch The Hangover again and eat too many Starburst jelly beans.

Once again, thanks to Stacy and Ray for being such gracious hosts. We will see you all again in just a few months.

Violet in Converse All Stars

Lunchbox gets new digs. by violet

Since we went to Lunchbox a few years ago, JP has maintained that it’s his favorite burger in Seattle. It’s hard for me to play favorites but I do love me some Red Mill.

Since Lunchbox recently moved from its one step up from a trailer in Ballard to what used to be South Lake Union Café and we owed Liz a birthday dinner it seemed like a good time to go back.

At first it was really strange heading into the new spot. I have distint memories of each restaurant and they didn’t really jive together in my mind.

And I have to say that I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t an epic list of choices to buld your own burger which is how Lunchbox used to do things. The menu simply listed about 12 pre-built burgers, there was a note about how you could build your own but gone was the 1500 choice including dork (duck and pork mixed together) or your crazy salt options.

But not having the pressure of building your own was a little more relaxing – less stress for sure. And the options that were presented on the menu had something for just about everybody.

I went with The Smoker. Creamy havarti cheese with honey cured bacon with lunchbox inions and smoked pepper mayo.

JP got the Homage to the Dick’s Deluxe American cheese, honey cured bacon (10 slices of it) with Lunchbox onions and top secret burger sauce.

And the birthday girl got the Burger of the Gods blue cheese crumbles, balsamic onions and creamy gorgonzola sauce.

While the atmosphere has certainly changed, the food definitely tasted like the Lunchbox that I remember. Plus it was nice to have a place to sit.

In case to gut-busting burger and tots (oh yeah) wasn’t enough to fill us up, we headed up to Queen Anne to dive right into some fro yo at Menchies.

Menchie’s is one of those awesome build your own and then weigh it places. The first that I know of in Seattle. It kind of rocked my face off.

How could you not love such a cheerful place the purveys such deliciousness? Because I was so stuffed from my burger it afforded me the option of only getting the small amount that my stomach could take. Even with JP’s monster our tab came to like $6.

Knowing that this place exsists is going to be bad for my waistline.

I made sure to hit up the gym the next morning so I didn’t feel like I had done too much damage.

Violet in Frye Campus 14L boots in Saddle Montana

The marital industrial complex. by violet

I never wanted to be THAT girl. The girl who gets engaged and suddenly loses all her marbles. The girl who for a year straight can only talk about catering choices, florists and bridesmaid’s dresses.
It kind of hit me that I was turning into THAT girl when J.P. suggested that he would be happy with a couple of kegs and a community center hall for our reception and I nearly threw up at the thought.

But you see this thing happens when you start planning a wedding. It’s like the biological switch gets flipped and suddenly importing trees directly from Bali doesn’t seem like THAT crazy of an idea.

Here’s what’s really tough, knowing what you want vs. what this multi-billion dollar industry is telling you to want.

Here’s what I do know for sure:

No bouquet toss: This is a horrible tradition. Who was the person who thought, I know, let’s get all the single people together and shame them for being single by making them fight it out for a bunch of flowers? I would like to slap them. This tradition has caused me much personal embarrassment – Kenz got me out of the bathroom for the bouquet toss at her wedding. (Did I time this bathroom break with this event? Yes, obviously). At my dad and stepmom’s wedding, the one time I can recall actually wanting to catch the bouquet, some other girl stole it right out of my hands. If my niece wants the bouquet, she can have it minus the embarrassing stampede.

Can you find me in this picture? There's a reason for that.

No garter toss: Again horrible tradition. I know, newly married couple, have the groom reach up the bride’s skirt in front of ALL YOUR RELATIVES and throw the object that was previously on the bride’s upper thigh to other single men in attendance. Real awkward when you think about it. Real awkward.

Photo booth as a wedding favor: This is no brainer for us, J.P. is a photographer. I love the idea of a favor that people will actually like/use. Though not as cool as getting a toothbrush and floss, still cool. Many of the weddings we went to last year had photo booths. I now have one of the photos framed on my desk at work and another is framed at home. Also in this age of digital photos, it’s really nice to have couple of printed photos of you and your sweetie all dressed up and looking cute.

It was a dentist wedding

Currently framed in our living room

No cake: J.P. doesn’t really like cake (I know, it’s weird, I love him anyway). I’m not going to force him to eat something he doesn’t want to on our wedding day just cause that’s what you are “supposed to do.” I like cake but not enough to throw a hissy about it, you know? I get plenty of cake other places, like office birthdays. So what does that leave us with - cupcakes are just mini cakes. I don’t like pie (I know, it’s weird, J.P. loves me anyway). When I heard about a wedding that had donuts I was sold. Plus there’s an amazing place in Seattle that makes almost my favorite donuts in the whole world. Everybody wins.

It was delicious

Mmmmm donuts

Other than that, I’m pretty much overwhelmed with all the choices. A girl could really go insane. But I’m trying to do my best to keep it all in perspective and remember this is a day about sharing our love with the people who matter to us most, not about those imported trees from Bali. But they are stunning.

Violet in Jessica Simpson Cody

At bacon's altar. by violet

Bacon seems to be everywhere these days, in mayo, envelopes and band-aids. It has me wondering what the heck all the fuss is about. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some bacon but does is really require that we all worship at its altar?

Back from our unexpected adventure to California and with a few extra days off, I was on the hunt for something delicious to make. Something that would require more time and effort than I would normally put into your average weekday meal.

When Alexis shared this recipe with JP and me, I knew I would be making it, as it combined three of JP’s most favorite things in the world - pasta, tomato sauce and bacon. It seems incredibly decadent to have bacon in both the meatballs and the sauce – the perfect thing to eat right before the New Year’s diet really starts to kick in.

Spaghetti and Meatballs All'Amatriciana

Meatballs:6 ounces uncured applewood-smoked bacon (about 6 slices), diced
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
2 pounds ground beef (15% fat)
2/3 cup chopped drained roasted red peppers from jar
2/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)*
2 large eggs
1/2 cup coarsely grated onion
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh marjoram
2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sauce:
2 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes in juice (preferably San Marzano)
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
6 ounces uncured applewood-smoked bacon (about 6 slices), cut crosswise into thin strips
1 tablespoon (or more) extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups finely chopped onions
1 1/2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper
2 cups dry white wine
1 tablespoon minced fresh marjoram

Pasta:
1 1/2 pounds spaghetti
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh marjoram
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
For meatballs:
- Place bacon in processor. Using on/off turns, grind to coarse paste. Transfer to large bowl. Using garlic press, squeeze in garlic. Gently mix in beef and all remaining ingredients. Let stand 15 minutes.
- Line large rimmed baking sheet with plastic wrap. Using moistened hands and scant 2 tablespoonfuls for each, roll meat mixture into 11/2-inch meatballs. Arrange meatballs on sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap; chill.

For sauce:
- Puree tomatoes with juice and garlic in batches in blender until smooth.
- Cook bacon in large pot over medium heat until crisp; transfer bacon to plate.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil to drippings in pot and heat over medium heat. Add half of meatballs. Cook until brown on all sides, turning carefully with small metal spatula, about 9 minutes. Transfer meatballs to baking sheet. Add more oil to pot if needed and repeat with remaining meatballs.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add onions and crushed red pepper to pot.
- Sauté until golden, about 6 minutes. Add wine; boil until reduced by half, stirring up browned bits, about 8 minutes.
- Add tomato puree and marjoram. Boil until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Mix bacon into sauce.
- Add meatballs; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until meatballs are heated through and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

For pasta:

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain; transfer to large bowl. Toss with 2 tablespoons oil and marjoram, adding more oil to moisten, if desired. Divide spaghetti among bowls. Top with meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with cheese and serve, passing additional cheese separately.

The whole recipe is rather labor intensive - I dirtired just about every kitchen contraption that I have. But let me tell you – totally worth it. The smoke from the bacon just puts the whole thing over the top. It also makes a HUGE batch which in the end I was incredible grateful for because JP and I were eating leftovers like it was going out of style.

Also, I chose to ignore the part about pureeing the tomatoes with garlic. Number one, because that seemed silly to me, I like my pasta sauce chunky. Number two, I only have a small Cuisine Art and no blender. So there was no way I was going to do 25 small batches of sauce. Not happening. But in the end that sauce turned out a little runny and I wished I had blended it.

Also my first batch of meatballs would not stay together. I ended up making the second batch smaller and they seemed to stay together better – so pay attention when the recipe says to make them small. They aren’t lying.

If you are looking for a lovely Sunday dinner dish and you can devote and afternoon to frying bacon and rolling meatballs, this surely comes highly recommended. I now worship at the altar of bacon.

Violet in Ugg Cozy Knit slippers in brown

We’ll always (sort of) have Paris. by violet

We were supposed to go to Paris. We were going to spend Christmas Eve at a French bistro sipping champagne. We were going to eat falafel at a stand recommended to us by two different people, have chocolate croissants for breakfast every morning and drink espresso. I was going to spend WAY too much money on some fabulous statement Paris piece. I was going to eat enough cheese and bread to… I don’t even know what. And, if you asked me, which everyone did, there was no way no how JP and I were coming back engaged.

HA! Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.

A huge snow storm hit Western Europe. And the thought of spending Christmas on the floor at Heathrow Airport didn’t seem all that appealing. So we changed plans and took a LONG drive down to California from Seattle.

And JP had a surprise waiting for me – a proposal and his great grandmother’s ring.

Showing off the ring

I was stunned and overwhelmed. And said yes. We spent the next few days sharing the wonderful news with family and friends. The outpouring of love and support is kind of amazing. JP and I have such wonderful friends and family and honestly it is one of the reasons he and I work so well together.

One of my favorite pictures of us.  Ever. 

JP and I have spent the last four years building an amazing life together. I could not be more thrilled that we will spend the next however many more sharing our lives together.

Skiing at Mt Hood

So here to say it better than I ever could is the Old 97s

In New York

She woke from a dream
Her head was on fire
Why was he so nervous?

It's almost too cute

He took her to the park
She crossed her arms
And lowered her eyelids

On the ferry to Vashon

Some day somebody’s gonna ask you
A question that you should say yes to
Once in your life
Maybe tonight I’ve got a question for you

Go Hawks!

She’s had no idea
Started to cry
She said in a good way

Photos from Erin B's wedding

He took her by the hand
Walked her back home
They took the long way



So very New York hipster


Some day somebody’s gonna ask you
A question that you should say yes to
Once in your life

Maybe tonight I’ve got a questions for you.

Violet in Asics Ultimate