It is our last morning Portland and I am feeling a bit sad, but am excited to get back home and see our son. Also, my body needs a small break from craft beer and culinary delights. At least for a little while….
Category: Portland Oregon
What We Are Reading – February 13th
I continue to be in a position where I am stumbling over so many things that I need to read. My list includes books and magazines that pertain to both work and play, and I am afraid the list will never stop growing. This is in addition to the many episodes of Fringe I still have yet to watch. If I could clone myself I would be set!
I had almost finished Americana and the latest issue of Fast Company when my husband took a trip to Portland, Oregon and visited Powell’s Books. If you have never been to Powell’s it is a must-do when you are in the wonderful city of Portland. It’s a book nerd’s wet dream with thousands of new and used books of all genres. As you can guess I now have another book on my list.
The Best American Infographics 2013 by David Byrne
The hubs knows my love of infographics and the fact that I am always looking for inspiration for the ones I do at work. And as “just-because” gifts are my favorite, he picked this book up for me. While, it is now 2015 and technically the information is two years old the graphic representation of the data is wonderful. My favorite would have to be the Mixology infographic, of course. We will be traveling to Portland again this spring and I plan on stopping by Powell’s to see if I can’t find the 2014 version of this book.
Alexander’s Great Pretending Day by Bunny Crumpacker
We took another trip to the library and the kid got nine books. In his words he thinks it is “better than the book store because everything is free.” I think he has a point. During this visit he picked up this gem by Bunny Crumpacker (yes that is really her name) and we have read it several times. The imagination filled moments are scenes we can relate to in this household as many forts, superhero fight scenes and dinosaur conversations are created here. I also think the mother-son bonding between the two characters is beautiful. Every kids will love reading this story.
Also added to my must-read list:
Power Forward– My Presidential Education by Reggie Love
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Funny Girl: A Novel by Nick Hornby
What are you reading?
The Kid is Sleeping – Let’s Get to Sipping
What do you after you have put your kids to bed? Let’s keep this sophisticated and get your mind out of the gutter! I am not asking if you get your freak on. I am talking about having a fun, just you and your mate, cocktail hour!!!
Since the boy was born it is during that time that we break out the latest craft beers that the hubs has brought home from the west coast. It is also the time that we celebrate National Margarita Day (February 22nd in case you were wondering), or make use of our whiskey stones, and generally reminisce about a quieter time before the succubus was born.
One big reason I love my husband is that he is a purist. He believes you should cut out the short cuts, especially when it comes to preparing food and drink. When he makes margaritas he don’t need no stinking margarita mix! That man makes it from scratch. For his hot toddies he slices lemons and places a single piece of clove into each section of the slice. It is overkill, it is the finest detail, and it is perfection. His eggnog recipe comes from one of the greatest bartenders on the planet – Jeffrey Morgenthaler who works at the greatest place in Portland, Oregon called Clyde Common. The recipe is laborious (especially if you are making an entire pot of it like the hubs does) but it is a work of art. You can learn how to make a single serving of the drink at Moregenthaler’s website here.
There is homemade simple syrup in our fridge always at the ready. Our stemware collection is obnoxious and we own more martini shakers that James Bond would shake, not stir, a stick at. We are sort of cocktail experts over here, so allow me to share with you one of our favorite cocktails to have when the babe is finally sleeping.
The St. Germain Cocktail
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice.
Add 2 parts brut champagne or sparkling wine,
1 1/2 parts St. Germain and
2 parts Club Soda.
Stir until completely blended and add a twist of lemon to garnish.
This cocktail is perfect for summer as it is cold, lemony, and refreshing. Find more elderberry liqueur yummies at the St. Germain website.
Photos courtesy of Burnlab on Flickr creative commons
Maria Pinkelton 