Tique Box {Vanilla Tea Latte}

I am so excited to let you in on a little secret I have been keeping- a really fun one!!  I will now be partnering with Tique Box, a local Portland box service, and blogging for them every month!  Tique Box was founded by Paige and Inger, and, delivers the best of Portland in a box!  Whether you live on the other side of the country or just want to find new treasures in the City of Roses, I can't recommend this service enough!!!




Friday Five {Scattered}

Happy Friday!!!  While I have a big weekend on deck I am still really looking forward to having a little down time.  Life has been filled with a lot of exciting things lately, in all arenas, which also means things have been busy.  I have been sticking to basic recipes, like my favorite roasted chicken, and simple salads.  I am excited to try a new recipe or two for the Fourth and enjoy this lovely summer!!



This Green Rice Salad with Nectarines looks pretty amazing!!!

So does this Chocolate Banana Graham Cracker cake!!

While enjoying a Spicy Cucumber Margarita?!? Yes, please!!!

Speaking of manners, as a stickler for Thank You notes, I really, really appreciated this post.

Remember when I talked about my goals for June?  Well, it is the end of the month and I am really happy with how everything turned out.  I am feeling healthier, more well rested and have tons of energy.  I'm actually inspired to join a running group!!!

What are you loving these days?  Anything inspiring??  Big summer plans??

Friday Five {Summer Beauty Edition}

Can you believe tomorrow is the first day of summer??  I am planning on swapping out some winter threads for my summer wardrobe this weekend.  There is also hope of getting in a good hike, laying out while reading the latest Martha Stewart Living, and taking a giant nap.  Actually, several giant naps.  It has been a long and exhausting week!!!

It is highly probable a few beauty treatments will happen to help prep for my summer look.  A summer look that is based on some really amazing beauty products!!


In the summer, I have a very hard time matching my foundation to my ever changing tan.  The Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Foundation is amazing for those in between shades.  The coverage is buildable and never orange or strangely tinted.  It is also really moisturizing and is void of any unpronounceable chemicals!


While I used to LOVE tanning beds, I have come to realize skin cancer, age spots, and oompa loompa status aren't my friends.  While I have gotten out of the beds and am much more diligent about sunscreen, I still love being tan.  I have tried many sunless tanners, but St. Tropez Tanning Mouse is by far the best self tanner on the market!  It is foam base with a green under tone, meaning flawless application and never appearing orange.  It is applied with a mitt for a streak free look that helps keep your hands clean.  While this isn't cheap, the bottles last for a long time!


One of my favorite summer looks is a really great tan paired with a nearly nude nail polish; both on the toes and fingers.  It really pops, without being too garish or in your face.  My all-time, when-in-doubt, couldn't-love-it-more polish is Sugar Daddy by Essie.  It is the little black dress of nail polish.



In the summer, I really struggle with chapped lips.  EOS, my favorite chap stick, has a really amazing citrus lip balm with SPF 15 in it.  Not only does it have a great scent/flavor, it also protects and nourishes your lips.


Outside of foundation and lip balm, I don't wear that much makeup during the summer.  Except for my eyebrows; I never leave the house without them being filled in.  I look about 12 years of age and really tired if I don't.  The only brow product I have found that holds up to the summer heat is Benefit Brow Zing.  A mixture of powder and wax, this product is really easy to control and sticks with your hair, it doesn't just rest on the skin.  Meaning your face doesn't melt off!
  



Pressed Sandwich {Picnic Perfect}

Last month, my neighbors welcomed a beautiful baby girl.  To help celebrate her arrival and support them as new parents everyone in our community has been taking turns making them dinner.  Since the weather has been so nice I wanted to bring them a meal that they could take outdoors, if they desired.
I made a simple salad, peaches with fresh ricotta, sparkling lemonade and potato chips.  While that was all very yummy and nutritious, for the most part, I wanted the main part of the meal to be really special.  You see, they named their little lady Olive; the perfect ingredient for a pressed summer sandwich!!  If you've never had a pressed sandwich, prioritize it.  After stuffing a large round roll of crusty bread with cured meats, cheeses, veggies and spreads; it is tightly wrapped and pressed under a heavy stack of books for 4-6 hours and marinates into a magical sandwich.

This sandwich will feed a large crowd.  One large round will serve between 8-10 people.  To get the best quality products, at a reasonable price, I recommend visiting the deli department.  If at all possible, avoid picking up pre-sliced meats and cheeses.  The cost will quickly add up and the cut will be too thick.  Also, going to the cheese and meat counter is the best!!!  Personally, I always go to City Market.


Pressed Italian Sandwich

Ingredients
1- Large Round Loaf of Crusty Bread
1/6 LB Thinly Sliced Mortadella
1/6 LB Thinly Sliced Spicy Salami
1/6 LB Thinly Sliced Salami
1/4 Cup Olive Tapenade
1 Jar Red Pepper; sliced
1-2oz Mozzarella Ball; sliced
1/6LB Thinly Sliced Provolone
1/4 Cup Pesto
1/8 Cup Mayo


Start with a large, round crusty loaf of bread.


Cut the loaf in half and cut out the bread.

In the bottom half, spread out olive tapenade.


Layer half of the muffaletta 


Add the red pepper


Add half of the regular salami.


Add half of the spicy salami.



Layer mozzarella. 


Layer remaining muffaletta and the spicy salami.


Add the provolone


Layer the rest of the regular salami.  Spread out pesto on the lid.


Spread mayo into the pesto.


Close up the sandwich and tightly wrap with cling wrap.



In the fridge, use a heavy book or cooking pan with several books to weigh down the sandwich.  Every two hours, flip the sandwich.  Press between 6-8 hours.



























Friday Five {Breakfast With Dad}

I think it is pretty obvious that a home cooked meal is one of my love languages.  A beautifully plated meal or a giant pot of soup is how I let people know I care about them.  I'm actually asked on a very regular basis if I have ever considered making cooking a profession.  I always answer, "No, I only do this for people I really, really like."  Charming, I know.

{Ain't no party like a re-lighting of your baptismal candle party}

Well, how we show love is something we learn, and, cooking as a symbol of my adoration is something I got from my parents.  Growing up, my dad was always responsible for getting us to school in the morning.  This included driving us,  patiently waiting on my multiple outfit changes, and, making breakfast.  Let me tell you, Jim makes the best breakfasts!!!

Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Chocolate chip pancakes are such a fun and decadent treat, child or adult, and my dad knows that.  On the morning of my high school graduation I woke up to four chocolate chip pancakes.  Each pancake had a number designed in chocolate chips {2-0-0-5} to commemorate the big day!  Looking back, I was probably a less than gracious recipient and Jim probably thought I didn't even notice.  
Of course I noticed!!  I tell this story all of the time.  
Just didn't have the 'Gram to document it with the hash tag #RealMenMakeTheirChildrenCustomPancakeArt 

Egg In The Basket
Are there any recipes you really struggle with?  For me, that is Egg In The Basket.  My dad is the best EITB maker in the whole wide world.  I have no idea what he does, but they are always perfect.  I imagine it requires a certain kind of patience.  Knowing how long to toast the bread and when to crack in the egg.  Waiting for the perfect moment to flip it over; never breaking the yolk but keeping the egg nice and runny.  It makes sense that my dad is really great at this, he is an incredibly patient person.  He has a lot of his plate, both personally and professionally, but consistently amazes everyone with his commitment and kindness to others.  

French Toast
French toast is a basic breakfast dish.  The dish you make when the bread has one day left and the fridge is nearly empty.  A "pull together what I have" kind of meal.  Somehow, my dad has always made this a special meal.  If this means he runs out to the back yard and picks fresh berries or topped it with fancy butter and a generous drizzle of syrup; he always makes it nice.  But, that is who he is.  He wants things to be nice for others.  He is an amazing host and always goes above and beyond for others.  He doesn't just help little old ladies grab jars of olives at the grocery store, but,  inquires about their well being, offers to take their groceries to the car and sincerely wishes them well.  Heck, if anyone asked him to follow them home and help unload their groceries I am pretty sure he would do it.  That's just who he is.  

Waffles
The waffle iron is a relatively new addition to my parent's kitchen.  Even though we have all moved out and only come home one or two times a year, he is still committed to his breakfast game.  Did I mention my mother hates breakfast food?  My dad loves to learn.  He is incredibly inquisitive and rarely rests on his laurels.  This past Fall he audited a college course on the History of Montana.  The man already has a wealth of knowledge about our home state but that didn't hold him back.  He also researches different technologies, keeps up with pop culture and insists NPR is playing in every vehicle, room and office space.  He actually knew about Fun before Stephanie and me.  

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
Big Jim has the gift of gab.  He LOVES to talk with people!  I am pretty sure one of his favorite activities is enjoying a giant pot of coffee {or a single malt scotch} with his family and friends.  He loves sharing stories, hearing what is going on with other people and discussing current events.  He also really loves history.  The man is a smarty pants.  That doesn't limit his audience though.  My parents don't have grand children yet, so they have developed really special relationships with their great-nieces and nephews.  He is especially close with my cousin V.  They could play with Legos for hours; discussing mid-evil times for hours or the latest happenings of the Fourth grade.  I have never met anyone who is so gifted at talking to anyone about anything!!

My Dad isn't just a father to my sisters and me.  He has mentored and supported so many people.  This includes family members, students that interned for him decades ago and some of my friends.  He is the embodiment of "It Takes a Village" at the breakfast table and in every other aspect of his life.

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads and strong male role models out there!!

  


Lizzie {Opening Night with Portland Center Stage}

Growing up, my parents always prioritized taking us to the theater.  Plays. Musicals. Ballets.  You name it, I have probably gone.  I've seen large productions on Broadway, enjoyed community theater, and, been amazed by the shows that move from city-to-city.  I even remember driving out to Portland and seeing The Phantom of the Opera.  I was young.  Under the age of 10.  Sarah and Steph were living with teenage emotions.  My sisters and I were monsters.  Monsters in a mini-van.  Let me tell you, that is a VERY long drive, and, the only TVs that cars came with were the clouds.  My parents are saints.  I presume they shall be canonized any day now.  Don't worry, I'll be sure to blog about the ceremony and me fan-girling Pope Frankie.

What was the point??  Oh, yes, I love, Love, LOVE going to the theater.

Well, last week I had the opportunity to go to the opening night of Lizzie at The Armory, and, I have to admit I have never seen a show like it.  It was a twist of history and rock music.  Throw in a love story, some really smart humor and a few very serious adult themes.  The result?  A musical about the infamous Lizzie Borden.


What I thought I knew!

Lizzie Borden killed her entire family with an ax via #FittyWhacks {Not really true}

This happened in the late 1800's. {Fact}

Lizzie was hung for her crimes. {Falsehood}


What did I learn??

Mr. Borden and his wife {Lizzie's Stepmother} were killed. Presumably by 40- and 41- whacks, respectively.  

{What 40-Whacks looks like}

Lizzie Borden was acquitted.  What does that mean?  Despite being found guilty by the general public, the courts said there was a shadow of a doubt, and, therefore she could not be found guilty. 

Lizzie lived for a very long time and managed a rather large fortune.   


Why go to the play and not just read the Wikipedia page on Miss Borden??

The cast of four ladies is beyond impressive!!!!!  Seriously, these women are bad asses!

The music!!  I don't think I have ever been to a musical and was unfamiliar with the songs beforehand.  I attended this event having never heard any of the tunes.  The original pieces are pretty fantastic.  This song is my favorite

{Bloggers Backstage}

The set design is amazing.  We had the opportunity to go backstage after the play and learn what it takes to put on the production every night.  These folks are really, really talented 

The first act of the play really sets the scene.  By the end of the first half I absolutely believed and understood Lizzie's mental state.  JUSTIFIED!!

{The Gorgeous Lobby}

The Armory is an absolutely stunning space!!

{Backstage; learning about how much work goes into each performance and how passionate they are about putting on an ethical show}

Portland Center Stage is a part of Actors' Equity.  What does that mean?  "Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theater as an essential component of our society.  Equity neogiates wages and working conditions and provides a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans, for its members."




Things to Know

{My friend Alex joined me for the evening}

There are some pretty heavy adult themes.  There is also a good amount of swearing.  Probably best to leave the kids at home for this one.  

{Things are about to get real!}

This isn't your typical musical.  Within the first ten minutes I knew things were going to get intense.  The first half of the play is pretty heavy.  The second half is the perfect ending, though!

There is a really great love story!!

Martha Chartreuse readers have been offered a really fantastic discount!!!  Go here to order tickets and use the code PDXBLOGS for $10 off each ticket!!! 

Check out other reviews here, here, over there and here.





 

Friday Five {Words of Wisdom}

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend some time at  Glyph and learn about all of the amazing things they are doing.  While I will share more about this fantastic space soon, I wanted to tell you about their poetry and quote wall.  There is a slatted wall where everyone can leave a poem, quote or store in between the charred-like planks.  Even cooler, you get to take a message that someone else has left behind.  Pretty brilliant, right?!?!

 A wall of wisdom, emotion and art.

My note; please don't take cursive out of the schools!!!

"Today I am with my friend Matt, and it is his birthday.  It is our first time here.  My wish for you, dear reader, is for your life to be filled with good company and pleasant discoveries.  The simplicity of a good life is to learn and to have those in your life worth sharing these revelations with."


Me: What is the nicest word we know??
Ozzie {Age 3}: I LOVE YOU!

When planning our hypothetical world tour with the $192 Million Lottery winnings.
My Sister: Columbia
Me: We will need to hire security.
My Sister: Its not that bad right now.
Me: I'm Listening to Romancing the Stone right now, can we at least commission Michael Douglas to come?
My Sister: Of course!

Texts with a guy friend about sleazy men
Him: Old like you or old like real old?


Has anyone shared words of wisdom with you lately?  Anything overly funny or noteworthy??


As Seen On Instagram {Uno}

As many of you know, I love Instagram!!  I don't have Facebook and very rarely tweet, making Instagram my social media vice.  

In case you aren't following along {@merecdavison} here are some of my favorite posts from the past week.  What have you been posting and loving?

Happy Monday!!!


For the previously mentioned Memorial Day BBQ I made crostini with homemade ricotta, sweet corn, green onions, jalepeno and a drizzle of honey!


On Thursday Erin and I hosted a little Margarita + Guac get together with Rachel, Marissa and Michelle!  Erin is not only the sweetest blogger on the block, but, she also has this incredible view!  Thanks for having us, Erin!!



On Friday, I attended the opening night of  Lizzie at Portland Center Stage!  Fret not, a full review is coming later this week.



For Sunday Supper my friend Jess and I made fresh pasta.  I loosely followed this recipe, and ended up adding more olive oil and an extra egg.  It was delicious!!  I made a simple sauce of cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper, onions, LOTS of garlic and fresh basil.  We topped it with a generous helping of fresh ricotta.  Steamed artichokes were the perfect side.



After dinner we walked over to Salt and Straw to check out the June Cocktail Series!  While I tried all of the flavors the Lemon Amaretto Sour Sherbet was my favorite!  Jess opted for the Chocolate Chip Mint Julep which was pretty fantastic.  They have also added Coconut with Petunia's Salted Caramel Bars to the regular menu!  It just so happens to be vegan and gluten free.  I actually had a split cut of the Coconut and Lemon Amaretto.  It was amazing!!!