Ice cream social.

In honor of the warm weather coming our way, let's talk about ice cream. 

I spent two years in my early twenties working at a gelateria. Gelato was new to Portland and the little shop was a big hit for a few years. 

I learned some good life skills while working there; like how to make a perfect cappuccino (its all about the foam), what the best glass cleaner is (spoiler alert: it isn't Windex), and that ice cream makes people happy (and fat, if you eat too much). I learned that last one the hard way. 

These days people in Portland are lining up for blocks to get a scoop of Salt & Straw ice cream. It is pretty phenomenal. My favorite flavor? Hands down, sea salt and caramel ribbons. It is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. 

Want to check out Salt & Straw but hate standing in line? Here is a good trick: You can skip the line, head straight to the back, grab a pint (or five) and go right up to the counter to pay. Oh, and don't forget to grab a spoon on your way out. 

In the wise words of my father, "Never stand in line if you don't have to." 

Monogram love.

When Carson was born, Brent bought me this monogrammed bracelet from Sarah Chloe. It was such a nice reminder of my son's presence when I went back to work. 

I'm a big fan of anything monogrammed. Here are a couple monogrammed things I'm coveting these days (just in case, oh you know, you want to get me a birthday present or something)...

This amazing flatware set from Williams-Sonoma (two of my friends, both with impeccable taste, just registered for this very set):

This pillow on Etsy:

This monogrammed bikini top for bachelorette weekends:

A new monogrammed Longchamp tote:

Monday night tradition.

Sometimes Monday rolls around and you aren't quite ready to launch into the week. That is why Monday pizza at Ken's Artisan Bakery is such a good idea. It stretches out that weekend feel just one more night. You'll find us there most Monday evenings, including this one. Maybe we will see you there?