#SnapStory {Bucatini with Clams + Radishes}

I'm really not a recipe person. I much prefer to feel it out, grab the best ingredients and use what I have. Rarely, if ever, will my grocery list be overly committed to one dish. Cross-over is key to avoid waste. Going with the flow is also more fun and relaxing. I love making myself a nice meal, listening to music and enjoying a glass of wine. Especially now that the weather is so nice and I can eat on the deck.

A few weeks ago I made a clam and pasta dish inspired by Curtis Stone. Bucatini is by far my favorite pasta, due in great part because it holds and absorbs almost any sauce so beautifully. The sauce on this is creamy, but light, and the clams really shine. 

Watch the video and get inspired! I've listed the ingredients below but highly encourage you to adapt this recipe based on your fridge and preferences. This could be great with Israeli Cous Cous, shrimp or omitting the cream. You do you, boo!

Ingredients:

Bucatini

Butter

Olive Oil

Garlic

White Wine

Heavy Cream

Radishes

Lemon, zest and juice

Fresh Clams

Salt + Pepper

Nutmeg

Red Pepper

Fresh Parsley

Memorial Day Activities + Title Nine GIVEAWAY

As we head into the holiday weekend we also head into a season of outdoor activities. Long hikes, bike rides and boating about. For all of the ladies that means we need a supportive and attractive bra for all of the activities. Last year I attended the Bravengelist T9FitFest Event at Title Nine and have LOVED the sports bra I picked up. It is pretty, supportive and slimming. I've picked up more than one in the last year.

Not sure what to do this weekend? 

Mount Tabor + Coquine

Go for a hike or run in Mount Tabor, bring a blanket and read along the reservoir, and grab brunch at Coquine!

Lounging on Mount Tabor and overlooking the city.

The best cookies - and the best brunch - at Coquine.

Kayak + Muselet

Rent a boat and kayak up and down the Willamette then reward yourself with some wine. They call that hashbrown winning!

Ride Bikes + Arrosto

Pedal hard, check out some gorgeous historic homes and have the BEST rotisserie chicken in Portland - Arrosto!

2016 Portland #T9FitFest

Wednesday June 1st + Thursday June 2nd

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't live in Portland? Find out when you can get fit in your city! Or use the BraGenie from the comfort of your couch.

#thursdayToursPDX {Cheap Eats}

Image: Hoddick Photography

I'm a value person. I will happily spend money on an amazing meal, but also look for more affordable choices. A $20 prosciutto plate? No thanks! Which is why I always appreciate when people provide real, affordable Tuesday options for dining out. It shouldn't just be for special occasions or unhealthy fast food.

I met Rachel and Alex (and their dog Zippy!!!) through Erin and we quickly hit it off. My first encounter with Alex involved wine and him complimenting my tutu. I've liked him ever since! And Rachel is one of my favorite people to dine out with - she is an adventurous eater and would never suggest getting the most expensive bottle of wine. It doesn't hurt that she is hilarious!

This super cute couple is getting married this Fall but have already 'shipped in the form of an Instagram account devoted to the best cheap eats in Portland. Be sure to give @PDXBang4Buck a follow.

Head over to Bakery Bingo to find out Amy of Eating My Way Through Portland suggestions.

Hello, Martha Chartreuse readers, Alex and Rachel here!  We consider ourselves foodies on a budget with champagne dreams living in a table wine reality.  Check our our suggestions and tips by following our brand new Instagram @PDXBANG4BUCK.  Here are our suggestions for stretching your dollar and eating well in Portland, Oregon. 

Image: Rae's Lakeview Lounge

Rae's Lakeview Lounge- 1900 NW 27th Ave, Portland, OR 97210 raesportland.com

Rae's Lakeview Lounge didn't make our list because it shares Rachel's name or because it overlooks a lake (it doesn't).  It's on our list because the $1 mimosas, deluxe bloody Mary's, and huge filling brunch options are pretty hard to beat.  We recommend the savory dutch baby or baked eggs.  For the ultimate deal get yourself a mimosas and their biscuits and gravy for a grand total of $5. Brunch is only available on Saturday and Sunday.

Honkin' Huge Burrito- Pioneer Courthouse Square
Lunch for two $6?  Vegetarian, but not lacking in sustenance or flavor? Easy downtown lunch spot? Yes, Yes, and Yes.  Honkin' Huge Burrito is a go to quick lunch located in Pioneer Courthouse Square.  Burritos overflowing with Spanish rice, beans, guac, crisp fresh romaine, and sour cream.  They have numerous hot sauces, standard to exotic. Honkin' Huge is a pioneer of the Portland food cart scene, with over 17 years of service, Shelly knows how to make a burrito.

Image: Swagat

Swagat Indian Cuisine- Locations in NW Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro www.swagat.com

Swagat makes our list with their AWESOME lunch buffet.  For less than $10 ($9.95 to be exact) you get to sample a variety of curries, Indian side dishes, salad, rice, nan and other tasty options.  They have 3 locations, one in NW and two out in the burbs.  One of the best parts of this deal is that it is available daily! Oh, did we forget to mention it is an ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet?

Noodles Restaurant- Border of Portland and Beaverton, 6830 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy noodlesportland.com

Noodles Restaurant gives you the feeling of a home cooked Italian meal, in take out format (you can dine in, but it travels well).  An easy dinner for 2 with a pasta entree, salad, and their can't be beat garlic cheesy bread for under $20.  Alex's favorite is the Cajun Shrimp Penne with just enough spice, and Rachel's favorite is the Chicken Rotelli with Sundried Tomatoes. Insider tip; All of their desserts are house made, PDXBang4buck fav is the tiramisu.

Continue our search for affordable tasty options by following us on Instagram @PDXBANG4BUCK

#ThursdayToursPDX is a collaborative series between Portland, OR bloggers {Erin} Bakery Bingo + {Meredith} Martha Chartreuse. In a city filled with amazing restaurants, artisan experiences, and fantastic tastemakers the inside scoop is a must. We will be asking our friends and fellow bloggers for their recommendations and tips for all the City of Roses has to offer.

Carry On Essentials

This week I am heading to DC to visit my sister and see a few friends. Our itinerary is relativelyThis week I am heading to DC to visit my sister and see a few friends. Our itinerary is relatively relaxed but I am especially excited to try out Rose's Luxury! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Snapchat (merecdavison) for all of the adventures.

Kiehl's Balm // Betty Lou's Nut Butter Balls // Old Navy Chambray // Pill Case // Deodorant // Pocket Notebooks // Susan Grace Toner

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1

In my opinion, this is the very best balm out there! I also use it as a balm on my hands, cuticles on elbows. Perfect when battling the airplane dry out.

Betty Lou's Nut Butter Balls

Airport and airplane food is expensive and processed. Even the restaurant food is heavy. Having a high-protein snack in my bag keeps things healthier and prevents me from dropping $20 on boxed cheese boards or Starbucks.

Old Navy Chambray

After year's of hunting I found the very best chambray! I love to keep this around as an alternative to a cardigan. It is more stylish and goes with just about everything. Perfect for transitioning through AC and hot-hot temps.

Pill Case

A true adult moment in my life was the day I switched over to my pill case. Not only does it keep me on track with probiotics, supplements and medicine, it is also much more compact. If you don't have a daily regimen I still recommend this for allergy pills, ibuprofen or sleep aids to avoid giant bottles when traveling.

Deodorant

Respect yourself. Respect your body. Pack a mini-deodorant!! 

Pocket Notebooks

While we do live in a high-tech world, tech can fail. When traveling I write down all important information in a notebook that I keep in my purse. This includes phone numbers, addresses, confirmation codes and directions. This also keeps the data usage down when traveling.

Susan Grace Toner

The second I enter an airport my skin goes to the dogs. I've learned that setting my makeup with a toner and refreshing throughout the day counters the dry patches and puff.

SnapStory {Pine Street Market}

If you live in Portland, you know that the hotly anticipated Pine Street Market has finally opened. It is a dining hall that has brought together some of Portland's favorite chefs and brands for a dining experience that can please just about anyone.

Before the grand opening my friend Maria and I decided to eat and drink our way through the beautiful space. Right off the South Waterfront I see this being a favorite of visitors, frolickers and those who work downtown. It is also two blocks from LeChon - providing several eating destinations to anchor the up-and-coming neighborhood. 

The space is smaller than I anticipated and I foresee it being really busy - fun, but those who don't like big crowds should visit on off hours. I was also very impressed by the staff. Every person was excited, friendly and supportive of each and every business. It never felt competitive, which I loved. 

Common Law

Beef Tongue Bahn Mi *****

Five Spice Chips *****

Onion Crisps *****

Daily Punch *****

Hands down, this was my favorite spot of the day!! The food was perfectly balanced - buttery meats paired with crunchy baguette and every ingredient was expertly seasoned. 

OP Wurst

Mac'n'Cheese Brat ****

OP is the gold standard when it comes to 'dogs' and mac'n'cheese is the gold standard when it comes to carbs. So this is a winning spot, DUH!

Pollo Bravo

Spanish Kiss *****

Aged Marinated Manchego **

Papas Bravas ****

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner ***

Elderflower G&T ***

Pisco Pimms Punch ****

The menu has a lot of Gorham's classics, but highlights super trendy rotisserie chicken. 

WizbangBar

Woodblock Chocolate Soft Serve with Chocolate Hard Shell **

Roasted Strawberry Coconut Soft Serve with Salt **

This is Salt & Straw's decadent take on sundaes and soft serve. For me this was too rich and sweet. It was also VERY pricey - some of the items are nearly $10.

* Hard no!

** Not for me, but you might like it!

*** I'd order this again.

**** #NomNomNom

***** CRAVE WORTHY

How to master Snapchat: Part 2

Have you had fun playing with Snapchat? Still feeling a little shy? Check out my tips for getting started.

People often ask, "What is the point of Snapchat?" and at times it can be challenging to articulate the value. There's no way for companies to find you or know the numbers. There's no tagging or track record. But that is the value - followers MUST seek you out. And that means the follower is interested in getting to know you more. There are only three ways to obtain a Snapchat follower: It is someone you know and you're in their phone, you've promoted yourself on other channels - and done a good job at it, or someone else has recommended and supported you. No matter what, the pitch has been compelling enough 

The best way to obtain these followers, keep them engaged and get even more is to follow the Do's and Don'ts of Snapchat. Wait, didn't you just tell us to be ourselves?? I sure did!! But here are some tips on being your best Snapchat self.

And want to do more?? Make sure you're following MY Snap (merecdavison) as I will be talking through all of these points in the coming days.

Want to know even more?? Shoot me an email at marthachartreuseblog (at) Gmail (dot) com

How to master Snapchat: Part 1

Last week I posted a collage on Instagram noting some of my favorite Portland Snapchat accounts. The response was lovely and there was a lot of interest in figuring out the hottest social media platform. There is also a lot of confusion and hesitation about the video and picture channel that only allows for content to last for 24-hours, isn't curated and involves a lot of puppy faces.

If you are BRAND NEW to Snapchat this is an awesome and extensive video tutorial. 

Why do I love Snapchat? I love following celebrities {KarlieKloss, AnselElgort}, watching others cook {inspiralized, lenaskitchen}, see other parts of the world {GalMeetsGlam, Rosielondoner}, experience history {TheWhiteHouse} and keep up with my friends.

What do I like to share? I often cook dinner to a playlist, weather reports, events, beauty, packages I receive, and selfies expressing my fatigue and/or excitement. Honestly, just authentic snippets of who I am.

Step 1

Get Comfortable

The biggest challenge with Snapchat is the adaptation. It is weird to hear your voice or share a talking selfie. It can feel vain and odd. 

Experiment: Unless you try something, you'll never know if you like it. Your homework assignment is to spend the next 36-hours trying to Snapchat. 

You won't like the sound of your voice. Even if you were a journalism major, you still won't like it. It is what it is. If something sounds overly shrill, adjust. 

Try the filters. This means speeding up the video, slowing it down, adding geofilters or a puppy face. It is fun, and everyone is doing it!

Remember that: the snaps only last 24-hours. Editors or followers won't be looking back on these in 6 months. And NO ONE knows how many people have viewed said snaps. Whether one person or 1,000 fans have viewed your video, only you know that. Don't worry about how engagement is perceived. This is you, being you. You don't need anyone else's validation.

Don't worry about your brand!! Are your Instagram pictures perfectly styled and edited? Do you only post pictures of your feet with fancy tiled floors? Expand your brand and show the reality of life. Show the BTS tools necessary to pull off the perfectly crumbled muffin. Share parts of your career or personal life. If you are a health blogger showcase a workout and Netflix. Foodie? Throw in your day job!

Step 2

Have Fun & Be Yourself

If you follow scripts, edit or try for a snap more than two times, you're doing it wrong. This isn't a YouTube hair tutorial that requires precision and editing. Every snap doesn't need to be the most profound 10 second clip of all time.

Are you having a mini-dance party to beat the 3pm blues? Share that!!

Do you have an especially witty sense of humor? Share your jokes!! That thing you saw on the Max is funny!

Paint your nails every Sunday and always have the hardest time picking colors? Share that!

Been reading a page turner? Share a snap why that book is a must-read!

Step 3

Layer, Layer, Layer

Brevity is key when it comes to Snapchat. To get the most out of a 12-second post add filters (temperature, location), the drawing feature and text to layer in additional information to get the message across. 

I also like to use music to get my message across. It is amazing how often Ace of Base lyrics apply. And this is especially helpful if you aren't quite comfortable speaking yet.

Now go and snap!! My username is MereCDavison or you can grab my snapcode up top. Get your snap on and come back Thursday for my Do's and Don'ts!!

SnapStory {LeChon}

Last week I had the opportunity to check out LeChon right off the waterfront and was totally blown away!!! I had such a fun evening with The Pickles, Mary, Rebekah, Pech and Sara. We spent warm evening soaking up the sun, listening to some live music (a regular Friday and Saturday occurrence), eating up the fresh South American cuisine, and enjoying a lot of really amazing cocktails.

The service was top notch and the bustling spot had an amazing energy. I think this would be an awesome spot to go after running the Waterfront loop or go on date night - think ceviche, strong cocktails and a dreamy sunset walk along the water.  The decor and design is exceptional. It felt like a long-loved neighborhood staple in Greenwich Village. This has RomCom written all over it. 

The Happy Hour menu also makes it an affordable RomCom. And flexible! HH is available on  Monday: ALL DAY, Tuesday-Friday 3pm-6pm, Tuesday-Saturday 6pm-9pm, AND Saturday 2pm-6pm. Talk about options.

Still not convinced? Check out my SnapStory for even more details.

Are you interested in learning more about Snapchat and how to curate an awesome SnapStory?? Come back tomorrow for the beginning of my 2-part series on how to master SnapChat!