Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Operation Kind Kids

I love OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). I even included it in my holiday gift guide. I can take my kids there, spend hours doing tons of educational activities, and still be upset when I say it's time to leave.
OMSI: Operation Kind Kids

If you've never been, or if you haven't been in a while, there's a really great event happening THIS weekend.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Whole Foods Market: Greenway

Whole Foods Market: Greenway
A new Whole Foods Market is opening up just 45 minutes from where I live. I know - still too far away for convenience, but oh my goodness - this is a nice one! As if any of them aren't, but this one takes the cake. It's located off Scholls Ferry Rd. in Tigard (Oregon) at the Greenway Town Center, and I was invited on a tour last week.
Whole Foods Market: Greenway local
As with all Whole Foods Markets, as much as possible is fresh, local, and organic. Whole Foods Market in general carries the largest selection of organic produce of ANY OTHER GROCERY. Also, things marked as "made right here" are literally made fresh IN STORE each morning. They're even rolling out a new fresh squeezed orange juice program at this store. Who does that? People who care about taste and quality of the products they provide.

There will be over 500 local vendors with 90 new local products offered. And when they say LOCAL, that's exactly what they mean. If it says local, it isn't even brought in from California. Even the full service florist is whole trade and as locally sourced. And, I mentioned this in my Mother's Day post, all items available at all Whole Foods Market locations are free from artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Mother's Day Scramble

So... Mother's Day is this Sunday. Are you ready? I'm not. Okay, I'm ready for someone to cook for me and give me extra love and may a gift or two, but I'm certainly not ready for the giving end of Mother's Day. My poor mom. So here's a few great ideas courtesy of Whole Foods Market and Imperial Sugar (not in conjunction with each other, and not sponsored, I just figure I'm not the only one out here without a clue what I'm doing, so I'm sharing.)
Imperial Sugar Mother's Day Recipes {A Cloth Life}
I haven't used Imperial Sugar since I lived in Athens, GA (approximately one lifetime ago, or so it seems). I just want to be completely transparent here. Nothing against Imperial (obviously), except it's just not available in Oregon. Like, the whole state. But they do have some pretty amazing recipes on their site, not the least of which being this Bananas Foster French Toast Bake. Their Caramel Apple Cheesecake also looks AMAZING. So click over to their Mother's Day recipes collection and try something fun. For Mom. Or just for you.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Cinco de Mayo: What's for Dinner?

It's Cinco de Mayo! What fun plans do you have for tonight? Being that it's a Monday night, I don't imagine you have anything too crazy planned out. (Or maybe you have a far more exciting life than mine.) If you would like to spice things up a bit just for fun, though, eMeals has put together a menu just for the occasion! 

Cinco de Mayo full menu from @eMeals

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening

Fogo de Chão kicked off the month of May by opening their very first Pacific Northwest Location. They held an exclusive grand opening event on the first that I was somehow lucky enough to be invited to. The official opening for the public was on May 2. Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun) is an authentic Brazillian steakhouse (Churrascaria) which means all you can eat amazing Brazillian meats served table side by the most charming Brazillian trained gaucho chefs. It was founded in Brazil in 1979, but expanded to the US in 1997.
Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening {authentic Brazilian steakhouse} #fogoPDX

The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which included a generous donation to Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.
Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening {authentic Brazilian steakhouse} #fogoPDX

All evening long, they were serving Caipirinha - the national drink of Brazil. I didn't try it, but it looked beautiful, and fun. I found out way too late about the (non-alcoholic) Brazilian Lemonade, otherwise I totally would have been all over it. Instead, I focused on keeping my pregnant self hydrated with lots of water. Besides - water helps with digestion, which is awesome when you know you're going to be downing a TON of amazing food. And as soon as we walked in, the place looked and smelled phenomenal.
Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening {authentic Brazilian steakhouse} #fogoPDX