Life {Spring Favorites}

Spring has officially sprung!!! After the rainiest Portland winter on record it appears we are in the home stretch. At least for the next 15-days!! After months of jeans, sweaters, and gray it is time to brighten up.

So let's refresh those wardrobes, bring in color and get a pedicure!!

Today I'll also be featuring all of these products on my SnapChat!! If you would like a more hands on view of these products be sure to follow along (MereCDavison) in the next 24-hours!

LOFT Tee

You may know that I work from home. This comes with so many amazing perks, but also a few challenges. Specifically, in the what to wear department! I have been on the hunt for shirts that are casual enough to wear at home with jeans but polished enough to wear to an event. A great base that holds up to sunshine or showers.

This LOFT tee has been the perfect find!! It is very soft and comfy with great details. Eyelet trim on the neck, and the elbow-sleeves makes this much more than a tee. It doesn't hurt that this shirt is super affordable. With a promo code I picked this up for $8.

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara

This just might be the best mascara I've ever come across! What makes it so amazing? It builds beautifully, doesn't clump or flake, isn't over the top, and is easy on my contact-wearing eyes. Since adding this to the mix I have removed eyeliner from the routine and am getting more and more compliments.

YSL Oil Tint

I received this luxury lip product as a birthday gift from Mary Ellen and have been hooked ever since. This adds just enough polish and tint while still looking natural. My lips always feel very soft and it feels great.

Sinful Nail Polish

I used to be a HUGE Essie fan and had zero issue dropping $10 on a nail polish. One day I decided to pick up a Sinful polish at the drug store and my life has completely transformed. Coming in at just over $2 this is not only my most affordable beauty buy it is also my favorite. I incorporate the brand's base ($4) and topcoat ($2) for a full at home manicure. I love all of the colors and just how long my mani will stick - usually 8-12 days!!! 

Hello sandal season!

Laura Mercier Candleglow Foundation

In my experience Spring is always a really hard time to find foundation. Matte is out, skin is dry, and it is time to glow. Laura Mercier makes some of the best foundations on the market and the Candleglow is no exception. A step up from the iconic tinted moisturizer, this provides more coverage while also moisturizing the skin and adding dimension.

If you are in NW Portland I recommend stopping by Blue Mercury in the Pearl and having Matt help match you!

Exfoliating Gloves

With longer and warmer days filling the forecast it is time to start thinking about skirts, shorts and dresses. This also means exposing your skin. Whether you have dimples, love a great faux tanner, or just want a better prep to shave your legs I recommend adding exfoliating gloves to your routine.

I keep a pair in my shower and use them daily. I pump body wash AND an antibacterial face wash to not only slough off skin but to manage my keratosis pilaris and ingrown hairs. 

Restaurant to Real Life {Turkish Eggs}

In less than 6-months the 5th FEAST will be filling our stomachs are hearts. The nation's top celebration of ingredients, the art of making cuisine and the people who love sharing a meal. In 2015 the most-Instagrammed dish was probably the Turkish Eggs at Brunch Village from Saxon and Parole's Brad Farmerie.

It had the longest lines and glowing reviews! A savory, creamy egg dish with a generous butter sauce. And bread. It also doesn't hurt that Chef Farmerie has a reputation of being extremely kind and an all-around great person.

The dish calls for a poached egg cooked sous vide style and is served over greek yogurt and topped with a spicy butter broth. While I have many kitchen gadgets, a sous vide is not one of them. Thankfully we have the internet. After several hours researching and a dozen eggs I was able to figure out how to pull this off at home. While the eggs are time consuming I would say this is a very easy recipe and ideal on a slow weekend

As Seen on Instagram {Take 10}

We're almost one quarter of the way through 2016 - how the heck did that happen?? The year has been delicious, fun and filling up with amazing memories!

In case you aren't following me on Instagram or Snapchat (Merecdavison) - let's catch up on the highlights!

 Muselet is quickly becoming my favorite spot. Amazing wine, a beautiful space and the best porridge! 

 Spent President's Day weekend in Bend. We had a lot of bloody mary's from Chow.

 Life tip: ALWAYS have scratch tickets on hand.

 Painting project.

 So sad that Levant closed. Anxiously awaiting their next project.

 Birthday fun at Bamboo, Pips, Pizza Jerk, and flowers from Sammy's.

 Birthday party at Muse Wine Bar!

 Curry Favor dinner at Pips.

 Pretzels!!

 Best ladies I know!

New+Noteworthy {Marukin, Portland Dining Month, and 180}

March in Portland is always fun and exciting. As we - hopefully - transition out of rainy season the blossoms begin to bloom, the days get longer and it is always a great excuse to retire the sofa career for evening walks and dinners out. This is the month to fill-up on ramen, walk-it off, refill with xurros, then discover a new-to-you Portland restaurant!

Marukin
609 SE Ankeny, Suite A

SE Portland is the place for ramen. Really, really great ramen. And the newest member of the family is Marukin - a Tokyo darling that's selected Portland to begin its American journey. I checked out Marukin at the media preview and it was hoppin! I was really impressed by how quick and excellent the service was.  The entire staff was so attentive, kind and gracious.

What to get: the tonkatsu ramen & karaage with wasabi dipping sauce!
Things to know: this is by far the most affordable ramen in Portland ($10 with all the bells and whistles) and the most popular. Lines should be expected.

Portland Dining Month
The whole month of March!

March means Portland Dining Month! In 2016 112 restaurants are offering up 3 course meals for $29!! I've already been to Cafe Castagna and will be visiting Little Bird later this week. Willow, Ataula and Muselet are also on my list.

 

What to get: Muselet!!! My new favorite spot has removed the 'or' and are offering 6 dishes for $29!!! Get that, add the porridge and have Ron pick your wines.  Even better, Every Saturday from 5-6:30 Muselet is hosting a complimentary wine tasting! Best night you'll have all month!!
Things to know: I recommend checking out Pech's guide for even more ideas!

180
2218 NE Broadway

This is a big fat duh! 180 is the hottest spot in Portland. The xurro spot is frying up the Spanish dessert to the joy of adults and kids alike. You have the option of getting traditional sugar-dusted xurros, a room-temperature chocolate-covered option, or mini-bites stuffed with a sweet filling.

 

What to get: The chocolate-covered xurro and the creme filled xurro.
Things to know: The space is small. This is not a spot to bring your laptop, a book or to catch-up with a good friend for an hour. Plan on getting in, eating up your xurros, licking your fingers and heading out.

#ThursdayToursPDX {When I Come to Portland}

I have a dream in life to create a city that is home to all of my favorite people and highlights the best parts of the best towns and cities. I shall call this Perfect City. Or MereLand. I know - I'm extremely original.

Sadly, I don't have the cash - or land rights for the moon, yet - to make that happen! 

My friend Michelle would definitely live in MereLand. In fact, she would live on the same idyllic lake as me, but we would only be a few blocks from the bustling city center. She would bring me baked goods, we would drink wine and gossip. We would always have put-together outfits, fun jewelry and always-fun jobs. MereLand is awesome!

Who is this Michelle chic, and why does she get prime-time real estate in MereLand? First, all real estate in MereLand in prime. Secondly, she is one of my favorite people! How'd we meet? Oh, how I meet most of my friends - blogging! She writes the amazing blog Hummingbird High. It is gorgeous, clever and tasty. While we initially connected over our love of eating, we quickly developed a a real friendship. From careers to love, we talk about it all. When she comes into town the best restaurants are necessary for the stupendous conversation we have.

In real-life Michelle lives in San Francisco, develops phenomenal recipes, and we gossip over GChat. It isn't ideal, but it works. She moved there from Portland last year for a very exciting job. 

Don't forget to stop by Bakery Bingo and find out where Portland's Favorite Friend, Greg of NomNerd, noshes while in town.