.not-so "professional" shots

A couple weeks ago, Emily and I decided we were going to take some "professional head shots" for our blogs. So we got all dressed and set out to one of the local parks. We both figured we'd find a pretty green area, pose for a few shots, and leave. 30 minutes tops.

One hour later, we were still at the park. Cranky and discouraged we had nothing to show for our efforts. It just wasn't our day. Feeling defeated we were about to call it a day, when we both spotted a side street with some beautiful leaves scattered on the ground.

So we gave it one more shot. And I'm so glad we did! These may not be the style of photos we were expecting to take, but they are definitely more fun.

Here's what I saw:

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Carolyn

.portland. clyde common.

One of my favorite stops along Emily and I's Portland journey was the 2 hours (give or take) that we spent at Clyde Common.

Clyde Common is the restaurant attached to the uber trendy Ace Hotel. It's atmosphere boasts minimalist decor, with family style seating and a menu that is any foodie's dream- featuring a seasonal grilled cheese and the best french fries in the Pacific Northwest (it may sound like I'm exaggerating, but I promise you I am not). With a long list of local brews on draft and a cocktail menu that encompasses ingredients such as raw ginger syrup, cinnamon bitters, and the ever present lemon peel, Clyde Common truly is the place where hipsters fall in love. 

Here's what I saw while sipping an Oregon brew and munching some house-made french fries:

If you ever find yourself in Portland with a free afternoon, do yourself a favor and pop into Clyde Common for a happy hour cocktail and some tasty nibbles.

Hope y'all had a Merry Christmas!

Carolyn

Photo of me credit: Emily www.plantbywater.blogspot.com

I was not paid or endorsed by Clyde Common for these photos or any of this post.

.tourist life. seattle

On Saturday, Emily and I took the Bolt Bus to Seattle. We left Portland at 8:30 am and 3 hours later arrived at Union Station in the heart of Chinatown, Seattle. It was an interesting trip, and I'll spare you the long story. But suffice it to say, the trip consisted of forgotten wallets, pink umbrellas, almost missed bus rides, delicious fajitas, and lots and lots of rain. 

Here's what I saw as a tourist in the largest city in the Pacific Northwest:

Happy Christmas Eve, my friends! Enjoy the time with whomever you are sharing it with.

Carolyn

Photo of me credit: Emily plantbywater.blogspot.com

.portland aerial tram

Friday morning Emily and I rode the Portland Aerial Tram. The tram is a mode of public transportation that primarily exists to transport people from one terminal of the OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University) to another terminal, but alternatively provides some pretty killer views of the city. 

The Portland Aerial Tram bears a striking resemblance to the pods on the London Eye, but instead of traveling in a circle it travels in a "straight line". At 22 mph, it only takes 3 minutes to reach your destination - 3, 300 feet above where you boarded. I mean it's practically like a ride at Disney.

For $4 it's a pretty neat excursion while visiting Portland. I was a cheap date! :)

Here's what I saw one overcast Portland morning:

 

Have a merry Thursday, my friends!

Carolyn

Photo of me credit: Emily {plantbywater.blogspot.com}

.oregon.update

Hey friends!

On my first day in Oregon, Emily took me to some of the most breathtaking sights that Oregon has to offer - the Columbia Gorge.

We saw 3 different waterfalls! I don't think any words I attempt to write will even come close to giving this magnificent place the justice it deserves. So to put it simply, I felt very small and the world God felt very big.

Here's what I saw on a surprisingly sunny day in Oregon:

 Have a magnificent weekend,

Carolyn

PS We're headed to Seattle today!!