My Current Obsessions III

Since I haven't written one of these posts since April...I think it's high time I share with you what I'm currently obsessed with!

Pickling...Everything.

Pickling always intimidated me - until I tried "quick-pickling" earlier this year. Now, I'm obsessed. So far, I've pickled carrots, jalapenos, asparagus, radishes, grapes, and just recently pickled red cabbage - which I've been putting on wraps, veggie burgers, tacos, salads, falafel bowls...you name it. Quick-pickling is super easy, doesn't require many ingredients (depending on how many things you're pickling, of course), and the results are so darn tasty.

My New Hat

All summer [so far], I have been telling Z I want one of those fancy hats for the beach/life in general. Mainly to keep the sun from burning my face off, but also because I just think they look cool. Well, last week - for our third wedding anniversary - Z surprised me with the hat above. And I'm in love. I wore it all over Seattle this past weekend (more on that later). (And I call this my "vacation hair." Don't judge).

"The Night Of"

WHO IS WATCHING THIS? This show is amazing. It's a limited series on HBO, and it has Z and I glued to the TV every Sunday night. There are only two episodes left, and so many twists are taking place. Plus, the acting is fantastic. Seriously, who out there is watching it too and wants to talk about it for 5 hours?

Bagels & Lox

Bagel & Lox from Spielman Bagels in NW Portland.

I've always loved a good bagel, but it wasn't until recently that I discovered the magic that bagels with lox holds. I only occasionally eat fish, and really only when I know it's local and/or super fresh, so lox has always scared me a little bit. However, once I gave it a chance, I was hooked. Slightly smokey lox, a crusty bagel, creamy cheese, sharp red onion, salty capers?? I'm sold.

Running

Anyone who's known me for longer than 2 years knows that "running" has never been in my vocabulary. However, after turning 30 two years ago - and having this whole beer hobby thing - I realized my once bean pole figure is long gone. Running has definitely helped in that department, but running also clears my head, and - with a good playlist - is actually way more fun than I ever thought it would be.

What are you currently obsessed with?

My Current Obsessions II

We are on day two of 85+ degrees and sunshine here in Portland. After a "winter" of straight rain, all of this heat and sun has me excited for allofthethings. Which means it's only fitting to do another round of My Current Obsessions!

Happy Hour

We don't have this magnificent creation back home in Massachusetts (at least, there are no deals on alcohol back there). Here in Portland, however, happy hour is just about everywhere, and let me tell you - it's a dangerous thing now that the sun and warm weather are consistently here. There really is nothing better than ending a work day in the sunshine, on a patio, drinking a $2.50 beer. (Sorry, waistline).

Stitch Fix
Ok, Stitch Fix has always been an obsession of mine since i discovered it about a year or so ago. I've never been one to like shopping for myself when it comes to clothes, so I love how Stitch Fix does all of the work for me. Stitch Fix also sends me clothes I'd never think to try on in the store, and I typically love three or four out of the five things they send me every few months! It really is a great service. (Not familiar with Stitch Fix? Check out what it's all about here).

Brunch

This is nothing new for those who know me, but ever since moving to Portland, I've become even more obsessed with this leisurely weekend meal. We've had some great brunches in Portland so far, but we love making it at home sometimes, too. There's just something about waking up later than usual, being able to drink before noon, and diving into a plate of eggs/home fries/toast/etc. before enjoying a work-free day that I just love.

Sunday Night TV

Source: http://kotaku.com/

I am forever grateful that the majority of my favorite shows air on Sunday evening. When Sunday night comes around, all I want to do is curl up on the couch, pop open a delicious beer, and do nothing but watch TV. And this time of year, our Sunday night line-up is hoppin'. House of Lies just started last week, and Game of Thrones as well as Silicon Valley both return this Sunday. Talk about ending the weekend on a high note!

What are you currently obsessed with? 

My Current Obsessions

I wrote about my "current obsessions" on my old blog many times, so I've decided to bring it back here! I am definitely one to go through phases when it comes to food, drinks, TV shows, books, exercises, etc. etc. etc. So this My Current Obsessions series will highlight all of the random stuff I am loving lately. Feel free to share in the comments what currently has you obsessed, too.

Here goes!

Breakfast Burritos
I have one almost every single weekday morning. I used to be a cereal and toast gal, but once I started making breakfast burritos at home...everything changed. I'm actually satiated until lunchtime, and I love that I can add whatever veggies, hot sauces, etc. to my morning wrap that I want, so it doesn't get boring. My current go-to: One scrambled egg, crumbled Field Roast Apple Maple Breakfast Sausage, a slice of Havarti cheese, avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce. Amazinggg.

Shameless

Source: http://www.sho.com/sho/shameless

I've talked about this show before, but I have been obsessed with "Shameless" since it began (well, I discovered it in their second season, but back-tracked and watched the entire first season eventually). Anyway, this show is FANTASTIC, and is on Sunday nights on Showtime. It's funny, dramatic, heartfelt, emotional, and hectic all at the same time, with some really real messages woven throughout each episode. It's phenomenal, and William H. Macy plays one perfect addict.

Sticky Hands' Tropical Slam

Block 15 - one of my current favorite Oregon breweries - recently canned this variation of their regular Sticky Hands IPA, and I am seriously obsessed. Like...can't-reach-for-any-other-beer-in-the-fridge-right-now-obsessed. This fruit-forward, almost juicy IPA comes in 16-ounce cans, making it that much more crushable. It's seriously delicious.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Kristen originally tipped me off to this book, and I am so glad I downloaded it (to my first generation Kindle). I've gone through a phase of dud books lately, but this one has finally grasped my attention. I seriously look forward to going to bed every night (even more than usual...) so I can read a few more pages! (Gillian Flynn is also the author of "Gone Girl," among other books).

Portland Coffee

Dragonfly Coffee House

I've always been a coffee fiend. Heck, when I was a teenager, I drank most of the coffee I brewed at Honey Dew Donuts and lived off Coffee Coolattas on my days off. (Super healthy!) But over the years, I've definitely become a bit of a coffee snob...and no java in Portland has yet to disappoint. Some of my favorite local haunts so far are Dragonfly Coffee House (cold brew year-round, which is apparently not a thing here); Barista; and Water Avenue and Portland Roasting Coffee, both of which I've only had in bean form thus far.

What are you currently obsessed with?