New Friends and Finds in Portland

Gooooood Morning! It’s a great one over here in Portland, Oregon.

In just a few minutes, I will be heading downstairs to attend my very first blogger conference. I have been looking forward to FitBloggin’ for months, and am excited to share my experience with you.

First, I have some catching up to do on how my trip is going so far. Before I even get to the fun stuff I have to share these pictures of the hotel room I am in staying in. The moment I opened the door, I couldn’t believe it was all for little ‘ol me.

I am staying at The Nines, where the conference is being held, and every bit of it is stunning!

I am in love with the colors and printed wall paper designs. When Scott and I somehow manage to put together a dream home one day, I yearn for it to look like this… complete with a vanity with a chair for me to get ready in front of, of course. *Swoon*

 Run Around the Waterfront Loop

I woke up later than normal yesterday about 9 a.m. (That cushioned bed makes me want to sleep for days!) After browsing through a few suggestions of things to do in the city via your Twitter suggestions, I decided to go for a run at Waterfront Loop.

I walked over to Waterfront Park hoping to hop on the three mile running trail loop around the lake. As soon as I got my music playlist going, I noticed a slew of people walking in racing bibs. Was there a race happening?

Soon after, I saw a few 5K signs around the lake with arrows pointing to a direct path. I decided to join on in and made it to the bridge before I had to stop and walk due to race congestion.

Looks like there is another convention in town: LeakyCon. <- any Harry Potter fans out there?

My timing of picking the same course and start time to run was impeccable. I made the best of it and weaved around as much as I could before finally deciding to take my own path.

That’s when I saw this view. Portland is so pretty!

Five miles later, I called it a day and made my way over to a juice bar the concierge at our hotel recommended.

Kure is known for the freshest juice and smoothies in town, and uses all local and organic produce. I got the Queen Green Smoothie and it was perfectly refreshing after my run outside.

Such an interesting (but amazing) combination: avocado, kale, cucumber, celery, apple, ginger, coconut water and ice. I will have to remember that one!

Meeting New Friends

Blogger conferences are a great excuse to get to know people in the industry. I was so happy to finally meet up with a few familiar faces I have been following online for quite a while.

I was very grateful for Anne and Gina inviting me to spend lunch and the day with what has become a close group of friends of theirs. They were all so welcoming!

We found a great restaurant located on 2nd Avenue called Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen.

At lunch from left to right: Tina, me, Bobbi, Ericka, Anne, Gina.

When looking over the menu, I had a hard time deciding what to order. Everything looked amazing.

I ended up going with the Papaya salad with julienne green papaya, shrimp, peanuts, bell peppers, onions, basil, and lime vinaigrette.

Yup… it was just as fantastic as it looks.

After lunch, we walked over to the Waterfront and enjoyed some fresh air.

An an afternoon of shopping, walking around and Voodoo Doughnuts followed. I am not exaggerating when I say there was a line wrapped around the front for this place!

Their slogan is “The Magic is in the Hole!!!” and they aren’t kidding. With flavors like maple bacon bar, captain my captain (using Captain Crunch cereal), and The Loop (with Fruit Loops) they put a little bit of “voodoo magic” in each and every one.

(Photo by Tina)

Just look at them!

With a sensitive tummy in mind, I ordered the vegan triple chocolate penetration doughnut with coco-puffs, and it was absolutely worth the wait.

Dinner at Portland City Grille

With just a few minutes to rest, we all gathered again for dinner. Per suggestions from local friends, we walked over to Portland City Grille on the 30th Floor.

I guess I should have expected the view to be gorgeous from that far up…

 

Gorgeous it was!

Dinner came at a high price, so I stuck to the soup of the day (Pork, beans, and kale) with a mixed greens salad.

The soup was fantastic. The salad was okay. The company was great!

(Again, pictures from Tina.)

From left to right: Gina, Kasey, Tina, Bobbi.

Julie, Anne, Ericka, me.

I had a wonderful day with these ladies, and hanging with them was a great way to kick off my time here in Portland.

Now off to FitBloggin’!