Sunday Afternoon Drive

Yesterday I had the rare pleasure of enjoying a Sunday afternoon drive with my people.  It was one of those spring days where the clouds are white and fluffy, the sun is shining, and the green grass is almost fluorescent bright.  One of those moments where everything felt light, kids weren't fighting, mama wasn't grouchy, and dad wasn't tired.  It was simple, fun and fleeting.  We went to The Bread Board in Falls City (of all places!!) and let me just say I will be dreaming about this pizza until I get a chance to return.  Yes, it was that good.  

To cap things off we had a lip sync to Taylor Swift on the way back home.  Why you might wonder?  Because it's fun and we can.  And yes, we are awesome.

A Little Getaway!

Over the weekend Mr. Veen and I were lucky enough to get away to the Oregon Coast to celebrate our upcoming 17th. anniversary.  For our destination of choice we decided on Nye Beach which is an artsy little pocket on the oceanfront in Newport.  We stumbled upon Nye Beach a few years ago and fell in love with it's art galleries, amazing little coffee shops, bakeries and vintage clothing stores.  And even though the weather wasn't exactly perfect for our getaway we had a wonderful, restful time!

One of the highlights of our trip was stopping in Depoe Bay for a late lunch at Tidal Raves which I'd mentioned over here a few weeks ago.  As usual, our visit there didn't disappoint!  We were seated right by the windows with a sweeping view of the bay and enjoyed halibut fish and chips with chowder, fresh sourdough bread and coleslaw.  I don't think I've ever had a bad meal or experience at this place and if you manage to save room for dessert it is out of this world.  But what really makes this place so special is the location.  It feels almost like you are hanging over the bluff and there's something so mesmerizing about watching the waves crash into the rocks below. 

In fact, this place is so special that  movie was filmed here not too long ago.  The Burning Plain is not necessarily a cozy, feel good movie but I went to it because I wanted to see one of my favorite places on the big screen.  It's also fun to think of Charlize Theron hanging out in Depoe Bay.  Here's a little clip from the movie where you get a glimpse of the outside of the restaurant and the bay behind it.

The sun is shining today and it's helping make my transition back into the routine much more bearable!  Wishing you a marvelous  Monday!

Perfect Oregon Beach Day!

I've been thinking about the beach quite a bit lately for a few reasons:  I just returned from a weekend trip with my extended family, I'm looking forward to an anniversary trip in just a few short weeks, and I just plain LOVE the Oregon coast! 

I grew up going to the beach - namely Lincoln City - on a regular basis.  During my grade school years I remember packing up the car with buckets, shovels and kites and heading over to the coast for the day.  Often a lunch was packed and eaten at a picnic table at one of the many state parks along the drive to our final destination.  When we got to our beach spot my brother and I would start digging and flying kites and mom and dad would break out their books.  I loved searching for shells and agates along the shoreline and accumulated quite a collection during those years.  After several hours playing and relaxing we would head into either Lincoln City or Depoe Bay for some clam chowder and the inevitable stop at a candy store to pick out salt-water taffy to eat on the drive home.  I loved those drives home!

Now as a grown up with my own little family, we've created some new traditions around going to the beach.  Some of these activities and places change depending on if the entire family is along or it's just Mr. Veen and I.  However, I can vouch for the fabulous sure-fire sounds, places, activities and most importantly eats on this list.  Here's to a happy beach day!

For the drive over~ coffee and good music is a must!

Upon arrival if you haven't packed a lunch stop in at The Rockfish Bakery for a killer sandwich, pastry or slice of pizza.  For the true coffee addict Oregonian (ahem like me!) they also have great coffee!

Next if it's nice get out your flip-flops, grab your books and toys and head down to the beach!

If the weather's not great and you enjoy antiquing  - head back toward the Rockfish Bakery and find the Little Antique Mall.  Please note:  I will not be held responsible for any marital/familial discord that may result from the hours that you *might* be tempted to spend here.  Also note:  you will most likely need more coffee by this point  - and bonus - they have it here!

After beach combing and antiquing you might be ready for some dinner.  Here's where you have a few choices depending on what you feel like.  My first choice for an amazing view and fantastic food is Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay.  This place is simply amazing so be prepared to make reservations especially on weekends for dinner.  For another tasty option head back up the beach to The BlackFish Cafe (same owners as Rockfish Bakery) for gourmet food and wine.  While this place does not boost the view that Tidal Raves has, the food is Divine and the ambiance is artsy and refined yet cozy. 

Tidal Raves

By this time your belly should be full and your heart happy!  If you are lucky enough to have someplace to stay on the beach you are truly blessed.  If not, hopefully your significant other will be willing to navigate the drive home so you can bask in that calm, peaceful, satisfied feeling that only a perfect day at the Oregon coast provides.

Happy Travels!

I ate a hamburger and I liked it

First of all let me just say Happy Presidents Day! It's the day when we celebrate all our president's right? Umm - yeah whatever - I'm just happy to have a Monday kinda off.
I think I may have mentioned in some earlier posts about my general dislike for the month of February. I know it has Valentines day going for it, but other than that it just feels like a nothing, blah kind of month. Most importantly it's a crap month when it comes to clothes because all my winter stuff feels stale and boring but it's too freaking cold to break out spring stuff. So shopping loses it's allure. And friends - it's a sad day when shopping does not feel like a fun numbing - type option!
All that to say that I've been faced with a three day weekend in which my husband is sick, the kids are bored, and shopping therapy is not really helping either. What's a girl to do?

I guess eat a hamburger.

Yesterday we promised the kids we'd take them to a movie and after some general turmoil in trying to get ourselves there (our 1st movie pick was SOLD OUT!), we ended up stopping in at Five Guys Burgers and Fries for an early dinner before the movie.

Here's where I tangent - hold on....

So I don't really eat hamburgers in general. In fact I used to be a vegetarian. It had everything to do with being a little kid and passing by a farm with cute little innocent cows standing around RIGHT NEXT to a sign that said "BEEF 4 SALE", in RED, dripping paint no less! It was very traumatic for my animal loving self to make that connection, and so when I finally did allow meat back into my diet, I could never fully shake the "BEEF" sign image from my little head. I avoided hamburgers. It's not that I would never eat them, just that I didn't really prefer or enjoy them.

Fast forward to yesterday and here we are at a burger joint. I quickly scanned the menu to see if there was a veggie or chicken option, fish maybe? But, no. This place is your basic hamburger/hot dog joint. No fuss, no frills, just the cold, hard beef. So I decided I'd bite the bullet and order the regular cheeseburger. Worst case scenario - Tom would eat it for me.

After going through the various topping options (there's ALOT OF OPTIONS), I sat down to eat my burger.  Mine had grilled onion, mushrooms, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and the basic condiments.  And guys, it was really good!  It wasn't like crazy, drippy, messy beefy good.  More like just a really good, basic, homemade non-greasy hamburger.  And the fries - well they were REALLY good.  I could dream about those fries.  I could have "must have them" fry-runs with the fries. 

So, I ate a hamburger and I liked it. 

But the sign is something I'll never forget....