Questions Answered

What the fuck should I make for dinner tonight?

Eggplant!

My roommate and I were recently trying to figure out how to cook eggplant, it's a surprisingly intimidating food. I had no idea where to start with it, or what to do with it, but we knew we had to attempt something. I came across this recipe last week, and cooked it for dinner on Friday. I opted for the orzo version first and later used the leftovers on top of mixed greens for a delicious salad. It was SO easy to make and really delicious as well, I suggest you hope over to the store for some eggplant ASAP!

Portland in Review

Okay I know it has taken me a week, and again I apologize but it's just hard to find time/get motivated to blog these days! I had a BLAST in Portland. I told one friend it scored 8/10. I don't give such high ratings easily, I would give Austin & New York City 10/10, San Francisco 9/10, Seattle, Denver & Portland are all 8/10 cities. Boulder does not get a rating because I refuse to call it a city, it is a town (maybe not officially but in my book at least).

I loved Portland for many reasons; food, happy people, friends, weather (time sensitive of course), etc. My favorite thing about this trip was the hotel we stayed in, The Nines. The Nines was fabulous in an affordable, comfortable, luxurious, delicious way. Rooftop bar/restaurant, comfortable beds, extremely friendly staff, beautifully decorated, the list can go on and on, I might go as far to say it's my new favorite hotel.

{Ally & I at Departure, the rooftop bar}

On Saturday night I went out with an old friend to Ron Tom's (no website, but here is an article) and it was the perfect mix of classy, and comfortable. I give this bar a 10/10 (cheap drinks, comfortable couches, outdoor patio, friendly-ish bartenders). Call me crazy, but I just really enjoy a bar that feels classy and upscale (you won't feel out of place in heels) and sells you drinks for $3.

Sunday we brunched at Besaw's on 23rd Ave, it was delish (I would recommend the proscuitto benedict). 23rd Ave is scattered with restaurants, retail stores, and coffee shops, it was the perfect way to walk off breakfast and do some last minute shopping at once!

the city of roses

I'm leaving work early and heading to Portland, Oregon this afternoon! I've never been but I'm very excited to explore a city with such a fabulous reputation. Have a wonderful weekend!

these boots were made for walking

I'm in serious need of some new boots this year, here are a few I'm lusting over...

1. Dorado Riding Boot, Frye $498 2.Chelsea Riding Boot, Frye $498 3.Natale Boot, Coach $378 4. Elf Boot, Stuart Weitzman $595 5. The Balcony Boot, Madewell $298 6. Melissa Button, Frye $318

Fall into J.Crew

I have never been a huge J.Crew fan. I mean I like their stuff; simple, classic, elegant, but come on, the prices are redic! I'm not trying to spend $80 on a top that I can find at forever 21 for $25. Fall is my new favorite season and it seems as if J.Crew is finally turning me on with their style and prices for this upcoming season. I can't wait to wear this wool bell skirt with some tights, boots (post soon to come on boots) , and a belt! Fall is my new favorite season for so many reasons; football games, cooler weather (promoting forced shopping and wardrobe editing), and it's also my new favorite season because it's when all the kids go back to school, which makes me realize I'm not going back to school, and I love remembering that I'm done with school. So here you are.... my top 3 best buys from J.Crew's fall collection.

The Leather Exhibitor Pouchette in Monterey Pine $198.00

Wool Bell Skirt, $79.50

Dream Draped V Sweater, $69.50 (on sale)

Apologies

OK, I know I have been more than M.I.A. lately, I don't really know what I've been doing and I have no valid excuse so I wont give you one. The good news is I'm back, with lots to talk about and lots to show you. So I hope you all forgive me, and we can move on to the good stuff.