5*21*11

North Carolina... part II.

I'm just going to skip to after the wedding. I didn't really take any photos the day of the wedding because I was in it, and I wanted to fully enjoy the day. When there's a professional photographer around, I think its best to just let them do their job. I'll post the wedding day photos when we get them!

Pretty much the next few days were spent enjoying this beautiful area and making the most of our vacation.

We walked out on Kure Beach's beautiful pier.

We rented beach cruisers and rode them all around the island.

One night after dinner we ended up at this fun bar. They have a giant cooler room where you pick out a beer then pay for it at the bar. It was one of the most impressive beer selections I've ever seen.

I was highly amused with their food selection too:

This is part of the bar. It was crazy and interesting and I could spend a lot of time in this place. There's just so much to look at!

The last couple days we got to spend a little time in Wilmington. Its a nice town (city?) with a gorgeous downtown area that's on the water. Perfect for a sunset stroll and some boutique shopping.

5*19*11

I just came back from a seriously awesome trip.

My honey and I went to Kure Beach, North Carolina for my best friend, Loren's wedding to her honey, Ronnie. It was fantastic. Lots of relaxation and fun, and maybe a few tears of joy. I really felt disconnected from life at home. Work, house remodel, bills... not a teeny bit of room for any of that in my thoughts during that week.

Shortly after arriving Wednesday we attended a "Pig Pickin'" at Loren's grandparent's. I don't eat pig (neither does Loren), but I was still impressed. I hear so many wonderful things about Carolina BBQ.

The next day we attended the bridal shower. It was super fun to play games and celebrate our beautiful bride-to-be.

There was also some really fantastic food there. I picked up a recipe that I'll probably post about. And check out these cupcakes! Is it any surprise that I probably gained about 10 pounds while on this trip?

We were staying in a big house on the beach with friends of the bride from Oregon, and friends of the groom from New York. What a fun mix! And within just a few days of the trip, I'd say we were all friends.

Friday was the rehearsal. Followed by the rehearsal dinner. Where I consumed some of the tastiest food I've ever put in my mouth. It was prepared by Ronnie's sister. OMG. If I hadn't been so overwhelmed by all the deliciousness, I might have thought to take some pictures of it.

To be continued...

5*14*11

I guess I should have posted about this earlier in the week, but I'm taking the week off. I'm hanging out in beautiful Kure Beach, North Carolina celebrating the wedding of one of my best and my longest friend, Loren.

I'll update next week!

5*11*11

Today, I'm wishing for...

...one of these freaking adorable Velociraptor Planter and Succulents. Etsy has the most amazing finds!

...and to be able to take a class at Summer School Portland in blogging, photography, or packaging.

...and for an Instant Comfort Pocket Box. Aren't these things so dang cute?!?

...and to someday be half the creative that this gal Joy is. I am enamored with her portfolio. And I just bought her book today, Creative, Inc. I can't wait to dive into it!

...and about 3 more hours in each day. mmmk? thanks.

5*8*11

It's been so long since I've gotten to spend some quality time with myself in the kitchen. I make salads for dinner, and crepes for breakfast, but I've been really itching for some baking time.

So, with my one day off, I decided to sleep all the way in to 7 (AM), and make banana bread. Good, old fashioned, full sugar, white flour, banana bread.

Usually I try to keep it healthy. Don't want to pack on the L-B's. But with banana bread, I just don't think it tastes the same without a liberal portion of sugar and all the gluten of white flour.

And besides... I wasn't making this for me. It's for my neighbor, who's watching the cat while we're gone next week. :)

Banana Bread

• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 2/3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream the butter and sugar.

Mix in the eggs, followed by the bananas and water.

In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients.

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet.

Pour into a greased and floured bread pan.

For a 9" pan, bake 50-60 minutes, or for an 8" pan bake up to 1 hr 30 min.

Bread is perfecto when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5*4*11

I want my bathroom back.

And my living room, which is housing the new linoleum for the bathroom.

And my kitchen, which is where we now brush our teeth.

And my office, which is holding the bathroom drawers

And my bedroom which is cluttered with my robe, hair dryer and cosmetics.

I want my house back.

...my house with a super cute bathroom!

Look at my paint! I can't wait until I can show off the whole room!

5*2*11

450: Approximate number of food carts in Portland

40: Number of food carts at Willamette Week's Eat Mobile event on April 23rd

15: Price in dollars of a ticket to Eat Mobile

2: Price in dollars of a PBR at Eat Mobile

40 of Portland's finest food carts serving small samples of their fare, accompanied by PBR and Bear Flag wine? Count me in.

Bahn mi sandwich below: awesome!!!

Did I mention live music and a rad setting under the Morrison Bridge?

I ate a lot of food. I drank some beer. I devoured some ice cream.

Eat Mobile is a GOOD TIME!!!