Martha Chartreuse: March 2015

New Experiences {Q1}

Remember back in January when I made my New Year Resolution to try, learn or do something new every month?! Well - I am proud to say we are 1/4 of the way into this year and I have stayed committed. This quarter has unintentionally been focused on fitness. I attribute this to several factors 1) ClassPass + FitMob 2) positive results, and 3) enjoying it!

January

Burn Cycle

BurnCycle is undeniably one of the trendiest fitness options in Portland. I had heard rave reviews from both Erin and Jane about the great instructors, fun music and amazing workout. I've only been to one spin class in my life at a small Montana gym and did not enjoy it. At all! So I decided the BurnCycle experience counted as a new challenge. I went during January when they offer a free class for new users and love-hated it. I found the seat rather ... erm.... painful, but also really loved the workout. The instructor, Steph, was really encouraging and everyone in the class was very nice. It was a fun and supportive space that I would certainly return to.

February

Meditation

I already shared my thoughts on this spot a few weeks ago - but wanted to share that I have been going quite regularly through my FitMob membership.

March

Aerial Yoga

Yes, that is Erin and me hanging upside down in slings. "Why" you ask? Because we decided to embrace life and try something new - Aerial Yoga to be precise. We took the intro class at A-Wol. There were certainly aspects and stretches that I really liked, and others that felt a bit off for my body. I also got pretty dizzy when upside-down.

As we enter into a new quarter I am excited for more new experiences!! I was thinking about finally tackling the 90-minutes at a bar alone without a cell phone. Maybe learn how to make a challenging baked good??
Thoughts??
Suggestions?!!

Would love to hear how your resolutions are going for 2015!

Happy Spring

source

I hope you all have exciting weekend plans to celebrate the beginning of Spring! Always believing in the #treatyoself philosophy, I would recommend checking at Macaron Day PDX, getting a pedi in this softest shade of pink, or make these seasonal raviolis.

Round the WWW {Take Two}

Hello and HAPPY Friday! Is it just me or have things been on the stressful side as of late? Maybe it is adulthood, life evolving or complete coincidence. Whatever the cause may be, I am ready for a quiet weekend. I hope to spend equal parts of time curled up and enjoying some sunshine. While I do have a few plans, the goal is to be low-key. Can we say 'yoga pants'??

In case you plan on having a quiet weekend or have a few minutes to explore the web, I highly recommend checking out the links below. From life hacks to budget-friendly fashion - there is a little bit of everything.

Anything I should be reading? What are your plans for the weekend? How are you doing?

Image Source

5 Podcasts to Improve Your Daily Commute - Looking forward to listening to 'Stuff Mom Never Told You' this weekend
Brown Butter Banana Skillet Cake with Strawberries and Pecans - Say that 5x fast
Thai-Style Salmon Chowder - I'm very intrigued by this recipe.
8 Tips to Help You Find Your Personal Style - I am in serious need of a closet clean-up
BriefMe - A fun new app to stay up on current events
ChinoChic - Loving this budget-friendly fashion blog!

inPDX {Portland Center Stage - Other Desert Cities}

Set in 2003, Other Desert Cities dives into the Wyeth Family's story as they attempt to navigate dynamic personalities, a muddy history and generational tides. This bold story investigates mental health, political differences and truth. In fact, every story has multiple truths: your truth, my truth, and everything in between.

Without giving away too much of the plot, the latest Portland Center Stage production just might be my favorite to date. With Gilmore girls-esque {great comparison Grace!} family drama, stellar performances and a stunning set, I felt as though I was anxiously smoking cigarettes in the mid-century Palm Springs living room. In the stylishly appointed home, we tip-toed around one another's career choices, romantic relationships and the unspoken secrets and pain.

The dialogue, body language and references subtly touched on the fear that consumed Americans - especially those with New York connections - in the years immediately following 9/11. Specifically, Ned Schmidtke and Barbara Boughton commanded the stage as Polly and Lyman Wyeth. With an Emily Gilmore bite, Boughton is the country club type mom who cannot communicate her fears and starts clinking the ice early on to numb her fears. As the loving and charismatic patriarch, Schmidtke embodies Reagan's political beliefs and unshakable confidence. Both superb performances that had me laughing, crying and empathizing.

Other Desert Cities will run through March 22nd 2015 at

Portland Center Stage at The Armory.

New + Noteworthy {Muscadine, Maurice, Instacart}

As a transplant to the City of Roses, people often ask me why I have picked Portland as my home. While I can - and do - list off numerous reasons, I always compare it to Montana. The beautiful scenery, relaxed mentality and friendly people. For this installment of New + Noteworthy all of the featured brands and businesses employee the sweetest people with excellent customer service!

Muscadine
1465 NE Prescott
Wednesday-Monday 8am-2pm

A few weeks ago Mary Ellen and I ventured to NE Portland to try out relatively new Southern-brunch spot Muscadine. Located on NE Prescott, the building is tucked into a complex along with Pok Pok Noi and Grain + Gristle. We were instantly greeted by a super friendly staff and seated right away. I won't lie, the non-existent waiting line had me worried that I had made a bad recommendation. With superb service and delicious food, my concerns quickly dissipated. I actually asked our waiter which Southern city he hails from. He is from Michigan - but with caboodles of charm!!!

ME and I are very strategic orderers and always want to maximize menu opportunities. Very rarely do we order items and not share. We decided to order the Meat + Three and Oxtail Ragu over grits with poached eggs. While we both enjoyed the ragu, we really loved the salmon croquettes with collard greens, red eye peas and fried okra. Actually, we loved the fried okra so much we ordered more. #noshame

What to Get The fried okra is amazing! Crispy and perfectly seasoned - we were compelled to order seconds. I also recommend sprinkling the house-made pepper infused vinegar on the okra.

Things To Know Be prepared to spend between $15-20 per person before drinks. If you want to keep costs down I would recommend ordering the Meat + Three to share, and add on additional side or small dish.

Maurice
921 SW Oak
Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm

I actually reviewed this critic's darling almost one-year ago to the day. While this pastry-luncheonette is on everyone's radar, it hasn't become inflated or altered due to the popularity. This luncheonette does not wear pink on Wednesdays.

I was in the shop for a previously scheduled meeting the day after it was announced owner and pastry magician Kristen Murray is a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award. Honestly, I wasn't even sure if she would be in. Had I just been added to the short list for the most prestigious award in my industry I would be obnoxiously celebrating. She was there. Working hard and finishing up the brioche. She was focused and precise. When I congratulated her, she sweetly smiled and graciously accepted the praise. She was not boastful. Her focus was on the food and experience - and trust me, it is evident in every bite!

What to Get The signature black pepper cheesecake. This slightly savory confection
Things To Know Maurice is not opened on Sunday. With delicious pastries and luxurious treats this place is made for leisurely weekend brunches with a close girlfriend, or a romantic breakfast with your new love. Except, only on Saturdays.

Instacart
Costco, Whole Foods, Uwajimaya, Natural Grocers, Green Zebra
Instacart

When life gets busy, finding the opportunity to contract out tasks becomes extremely appealing. It can also get a bit expensive and laborious. For me, Instacart has been an excellent resource for grocery shopping. Specifically, I take advantage of the Costco runs. It does not require a membership to the super store. It also prevents me from driving almost 45-minutes to the giant store and dealing with the crowds.

I'm also a huge fan of the customer service component. I always opt to have the shopper text me if needed. If the right avocados aren't in stock, they will kindly reach out to find out what is needed. And when they deliver giant packages of paper towel and olive oil, they are always very kind as I fumble with the dog and make dorky jokes. I recently had a few mistakes with my order and they resolved the issue - and then some - in less than 12-hours. I emailed them at 4pm and by 11pm an email was in my box and credits were in my account.