Four Eyes: Better Than Two

FRM8821- Black/Purple C81

My friends over at Firmoo have done it again!

It had been over a year since the wonderful people at Firmoo contacted me to showcase a pair from their blogger collection. Getting an email from them at the start of 2016 is high on my current "YES!" list.

My last selection in 2014 was the most hipster-Portland pair I could find, seeing that I was a Portland native who never really got into a lot of the flannel and big glasses style. Well, wouldn't you know that the Tennessee boyfriend said 'they weren't his favorite', but that didn't bother me since we lived 2,500 miles apart. And whatever, Pacific Northwest style rules.

However, moving to Tennessee made me see that the boyfriend's opinion carried some weight. The big frames are really off-trend here, especially in Memphis. That out of place feeling paired with the reality that I am down to my final box of contacts made this opportunity to shop the collection very exciting. 

Firmoo glasses are not only affordable, there's several other reasons why you should be shopping their collection for your next pair. Especially for that first-time discount!

It can be a little challenging to narrow down which pair would be the best fit for your face and your style, but their 'upload a selfie' option allows you to see how each pair would look on your mug and help to point you in the right direction. This time, I took to the 'upload a selfie' tool, compiled options into a one-pager and allowed my Snapchat buddies to weigh in on which ones were their favorite. 

Once you've found the right look for you, the customer service team makes your order, your prescription confirmation, the wait time and the mail day so seamless. In less than a week I had confirmed my order and picked them up from my apartment's mail office. The packaging is on point with a sturdy wanderlust-worthy case, a colorful cleaning cloth, a separate travel case and of course, your frames. The frames? You'll love them, just like I've loved my last two finds. 

Like mine? These are the FRM8821 - Black/Purple C81 with 1.57 thin & light lens with anti-reflection and anti-UV coatings. 

Cherry on top! The purple is an exact match to my 2016 Moleskine planner that I tote around with me everywhere!

*I was given prescription glasses in exchange for a review on my blog - all opinions are my own and all selfies are shameless.

The Hip in Hipster

11:11 - Make a wish!

Since I turned twenty-six last year and came off of my parent's insurance, I have slowly realized the challenges of making my own doctor, dentist and optometrist appointments. It's not the one-stop shopping that I was used to, so having to check what doctors, dentists, lady doctors (oh my!) are in my network can be a crazy-pain. 

Just a few weeks ago I had a certain urgency to make an eye-appointment as I was down to my last pair of 2-week replacement contacts. How I possibly went two years on a year's supply of contacts is unknown to me, but also highlights the huge issue that I keep my "old" contacts in for too long, often fall asleep in them and have my eyes screaming for oxygen most of the time they're open. 

At the same time that I scheduled the appointment, I magically received an email in my inbox from Firmoo because somehow, some way they knew that I would love some new glasses in my life. They probably also guessed that I would pick out the most hipster pair possible since I live in Portland - and they were right!

Don't you agree? 

I was so excited to get these glasses at my home and once I got them - a contact lens didn't touch my eyes for days. The man-friend (from Tennessee) finds them a little too hipster for his taste, but I'm not in Tennessee, they're the right prescription and I seriously love the nerd that they bring out in me - so expect to see this lady as a friendly four-eyes from here on out! 

I'm a little nervous for the first time I plan to wear the glasses to work because I want to have the right outfit (flannel / vest / lace up boots) but I also want people to recognize me. Either way I'm sure they'll think I'm wicked smart (and fashion sensible, right babe?)

Thanks Firmoo for the excellent service, the next time I need glasses I'm coming your way!

*I was given prescription glasses in exchange for a review on my blog - all opinions are my own and all selfies are shameless. 

A Lipstick Review + Selfie Bomb

I think I want to become a beauty blogger, you guys. I've been thinking about it for a while now and I know you haven't seen anything beauty related from me, I'd like to take this leap of faith here and now. Go ahead and unfollow if looking fabulous isn't your jam, I'll understand.

Also, April Fools! But seriously, enjoy this lipstick review post, I promise I'll remain entertaining and informative.

There's three types of women in my book:

Women who can wear lipstick.

Women who can't.

annnnnd women who think they can. 

I've personally never known which category I fall into, yet I still have no fear in wearing lipstick.

Whether I'm headed into an important meeting at work or I'm leaving my house for a date, I often spray a bit of perfume and swipe a little color onto my lips. It draws attention to my smile, which is one of my favorite features, and gives me a little boost of confidence that I'm not always able to explain. 

In all seriousness, this post is a dream for me because I'm allowed to take as many shameless selfies for the purposes of the "review". You know how much I love selfies, don't you?

Let's take a walk through the selfie-vom below.

So I received a VoxBox from Influenster for testing purposes, and it's my civic duty to blog about it. The lipstick that me and a few other lucky testers received is Rimmel's Moisture Renew in the "dazzling duchess collection". Fancy aren't we?

When I opened the box I saw a color brighter than I'd ever seen before, and was honestly a bit intimidated. I wasn't sure if conservative touch-of-pink me could go all out with "As You Want Victoria". But alas, I did it for my country and I'm here to show you guys.

This is my face without lipstick on, giving my best "oh yes this eye-liner is all natural" gaze.



Ah, here's the scary part! I decided to blot it onto my bottom lip only, just to sample the color and use it almost as a stain rather than a coat of lipstick. Dab, dab, dab, pucker-up, smooth those lips together and finish off the stain with your finger to make sure you didn't miss any places.

Success! Now it's time to take all the selfies with all of the awkward faces until I get one I like. When I don't get one that I absolutely love, I post a sampling of all the magic that went on my camera roll to mask how awkward this all really was. I'm a natural.

In all seriousness, I loved how long the color stayed on my lips and I did notice the moisturizing benefits as the name 'moisture renew' suggests. I likely wouldn't have chosen this bold of a color off the shelf, but now that I've tried it the sky's the limit, right?

Here's one last look at the first time I tried it on for date night. While it's beautiful, I think I liked the blotting method I applied above better don't you? {Hey red dress I originally bought for another boy!}

So what do you guys think? Lipstick is sexy as long as it doesn't cause MLA, right?

I received this item complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. Images and opinions are my own.

"Moisture Renew Lipstick is made with 3 super Moisturisers. Lips feel up to 70% more hydrated and up to 60% smoother! SPF 20, Vitamins A, C and E for protected lips." - RimmelLondonUS

Restaurant Review: Torta-Landia

Saturday night Dan and I were couch potatoes. We kept talking about what our 'plans' were for the rest of the evening and couldn't come up with anything better than catching up on our DVR with shows dating back to March. No time for TV

I really didn't want to spend the rest of my night just sitting, but I also only wanted to spend the evening with my guy. I saw an update on Facebook that my parents were headed out to date night and I was convinced that Dan and I needed to have one too!

The last time I was with miracle worker Maggie, she recommended a restaurant that was great for an upbeat vibe, delicious chips + guacamole and a feel good 'hole in the wall' spot off the beaten path. I told her we'd check it out and I wanted to do it before my next appointment at the end of the month.

Torta-Landia is located on SE 60th avenue just off of Foster Road and within 2 miles walking distance of our home. Since we were feeling like bums we weren't going to drive so we bundled up, put on our walking shoes and headed out the door holding hands and soaking in sights of the neighborhood.

We arrived to the restaurant just past 8pm and found a packed house with live music and margaritas everywhere. We had to join in!

What We Drank

2 House Margaritas ($5.50 each)

We almost went with the Corona-rita (Margarita with an upside-down corona) but had already been drinking most of the day while watching the Masters. #Sorrynotsorry

What We Ate

House Made Chips + Side of Guacamole ($3 + $2 Guac)

Carnitas del Diablo Burrito ($8.50)

Slow roasted carnitas sauteed with habaneros & jalapeno peppers, borracho beans, green rice cilantro-lime crema, queso oaxaca, and habanero salsa.

This burrito was big enough that both of us felt satisfied with the food we'd eaten and our bodies were warm walking back in the cool 50 degree evening.

Know Before You Go:

• It really is off the beaten path, hidden behind a used tire lot on Foster Road


• Happy Hour is 3-5pm Tuesday-Friday and 9-close Daily


• They had live music the entire time we were there - it looked like it was set up for the same scene every night


• Even Dan thought the burrito was massive - check the menu before you go and split a dish or two


• Location: 4144 SE 60th Ave, Portland, OR


• Hours: Closed Mondays, open Tuesday-Sunday starting at 11am.

Enjoy!

Restaurant Review | The Original Taco House

Do you have that restaurant that reminds you of everything good in the world? The restaurant that was your reward after a big win, or your destination for a special birthday party. A place where you can go and see a familiar face each and every time you visit? For me, that restaurant in Portland is The Original Taco House. Authentic Mexican flare, comfortable neighborhood vibe, great eats without getting away with the "hole in the wall" ambiance and mostly importantly: no shortage on tortilla chips... ever!

Original Taco House has been a family staple for years and it was one of the first places that I showed Dan when he first started to court me. We have continued to return and enjoy it more and more each time we go back. I always dream that OTH is a well kept secret close to my heart and my family, but when I see how packed it was last Friday night I know that it's no fluke they've comfortably thrived for 53 years in PDX.

What We Drank:


2 El Bravo's ($9.50 each)

A wonderful mix of six liquors and juices garnished with fresh orange wedges, lime wedges and maraschino cherries. Served in a big bowl with even bigger straws. Dan and I choose the evenings carefully when we think we can handle one two of these.



What We Ate:

Tostada Regulario ($7.45)

Lettuce, grilled chicken, black beans (substituted), tomatoes, cheddar cheese - all piled atop a yellow corn tortilla flat. Add the house dressing and you're set for an amazing meal.

I don't even look at the menu anymore. I know that I can never finish this salad on my own and I'm happy that it's become one of Dan's favorites as well.



Chips + Salsa (free and unlimited)

One minute you see them, the next you don't. Good news is a refill is on it's way in minutes!







Know Before You Go:

• They cater and their fresh salsas can be found in a grocery near you


• Happy Hour Daily; 3-6pm and 9-close.


• I've heard rumors of some excellent lunch specials.


• If the restaurant is busy and you're 21+, head to the Cantina.


• Save room for their mouthwatering (AND FREE) cinnamon cookies at the end of your meal.


• Locations: 3550 SE Powell Blvd Portland, OR // 3255 NE 82nd Ave Portland, OR


• Hours: All days 11am-10pm
  


• If you know anyone in Southeast, expect to see them there.

I'll see you there!

<3 JE

January Summary

Since Throwback Thursday is tomorrow I will have to switch up the post schedule a little. I'm happy to share my month in review just one day early to keep on track with how much I love to share some photos from my past with you.

January somehow has come and gone and I feel like so much has changed in my life in just the past few weeks. I've had to change my day-to-day routine and share my commute with Dan which has caused me to become aware of a few of my stress triggers I've learned to manage on my own time. I have been trying really hard to decompress before leaving work for the day but sometimes it carries over into our 'us' time and frankly ain'tnobodygottimefo'dat.  I'm beyond thrilled that the month almost over is a tiny hint of a few things that are making me smile. We can look forward to more daylight, less rain in my dreams and a short month full of  fun days including a baby shower, the super bowl and a lovely weekend with Dan for Valentine's celebrations.

If you've missed a few posts, here's a round up of a few key moments from the month you may have missed:

Accomplishments:

• Successfully moved Dan across town to what we now call our home.


• Still in my new job and enjoying the process of learning every day.. I even 'graduated'  (whoo-hoo)


• Started using my DSLR again and am making serious efforts to use it more often.


• Put together (sort of) my first outfit post.

Great Eats:

• South(east) scramble on the weekends.


• Mellow Mushroom with Brad & Brooke.


• Laughing Planet


• How to Meal Prep - a must for your inner time-saver!

Great Memories:

• Counting and cataloging the memories Dan and I have created in the last 3+ weeks of living together [Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3]


• Celebrated Grandma's 80th birthday and looking forward to celebrating many more!


• Shared a look back in time for mom and dad's anniversary that they loved!


• Celebrating Brad's Birthday, Thrift shop style - featured on Brooke's blog!

Takes the cake:

One of my most favorite unexpected memories from the last month was when my mom texted me and told me that Dad had a new favorite song, and even Bailey thought that it was F*%^&#$ awesome. They've been poppin' tags ever since:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes?feature=player_embedded&w=640&h=360]

Here's to February! A new month means new memories!

<3 JE