Thistle Meal Delivery! (and why I love it!)

When it comes to meal deliveries, I’ve tried them all. And promptly cancelled until I found Thistle! We’ve been using this service for a few months and I’m absolutely sold. Thistle delivers plant-based meals directly to your doorstep to assist you in achieving your health and wellness goals. The meals are delicious, easy to make and super convenient — which is key for us. I wanted to show you what I typically eat in a day with Thistle.

I’m not a morning person but I AM a breakfast person which means I get to hit the snooze a few extra times knowing breakfast is already prepared when I wake up. On Monday’s, I typically have a Thistle smoothie with a protein rich topping. They alway taste fresh and yummy as they’re created with seasonal ingredients. I even fill full which is one of the things both Matt and I were worried about.

I work from home and Matt is in construction with limited kitchen use so the Thistle pre-made lunch salads are perfect for us. You can eat them straight from the fridge or you can heat them up, which is what I prefer to do. They also come with delicious sauces and salad dressings so your meals are perfectly seasoned and tasty. They’re also quite filling!

A Thistle dinner is the heartiest meal of the day and always prepared by warming it up on the stove top. I add a bit of olive oil to my pan, add the Thistle meal, add a bit of water then let heat for 3-4 minutes and that’s it! It feels like our meals are being prepared by a personal chef and I love the constant variety of the food. My hair and nails feel stronger plus we’ve cut way down on time spent grocery shopping and meal prepping. I feel confident that I’m taking care of my body with the food I’m eating and I can feel the difference.

If you want to try Thistle for yourself, I have a $120 off code! Click this link and use code LAURAPW06 for $120 off. I think you’ll love it!

Seattle Southside!

If you know us at all, you know we get around Oregon. We get around Oregon a lot. But Washington is still a state we haven’t explored in depth! Which is a bit of a miss because it’s gorgeous and has so much to do. Which is why we were excited to partner with Seattle Southside to explore a less busier side of Seattle, namely the Tukwila and Des Moines area. I gotta be honest, at first I was thinking - ‘but what will we do?!” And yet again, I was proven wrong because there actually is a lot to explore. Plus, it’s a really diverse area which felt different than our experiences in Portland and a lot of Oregon.

We started our trip driving up from Portland and yeah, we did hit the infamous traffic but it wasn’t as terrible as you’d think. Just make sure you have some great podcasts for the drive! Or a 90’s pop playlist full of all the Spice Girls you can handle. Our first stop was a picnic in Duwamish Gardens, located on the Seattle Southside Scenes Trail. This important piece of land in Tukwila, along the Duwamish River, represents the history of how the Coast Salish people, pioneering truck farmers, and Italian immigrants all interacted with the surrounding landscape. The park now serves as a reminder of the past and an important restoration habitat for juvenile salmon. Matt especially loved it because he spotted several salmon fisherman and the fish were totally jumping! It’s a pretty small park but the river view was pretty and the wildflowers were still popping. It’s always fascinating to see urban landscapes located within booming cities.

After a picnic of cheese, olives, crackers and bubbly kombucha we loaded up and checked into our hotel, Hotel Interurban. It’s a vibey one, yall. But vibey in all the good ways. Close to the airport and with a mountain view you can’t beat. The staff were all amazing and their restaurant patio is the actual cutest. Yes, there are string lights. Why have a patio without them?! The bed was comfie, the sheets were soft, the staff was great, we felt safe and the place was quiet. What else do you need?

On to dinner at Anthony’s, which was our absolute favorite meal on the trip. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE! Anthony’s HomePort in Des Moines overlooks the Des Moines Marina and the sunset was gorgeous. Lots of boats, lots of water, lots of good space to be inside or out. I’d highly suggest getting reservations because this spot was hopping. Their seasonal menu was amazing and we loved every dish we tried, from appetizer to dessert. Our favorite dishes were the Hawaiian Ahi Nachos, Wild Alaska King Salmon and the award winning clam chowder. It’s a little on the more expensive side but it’s worth it. We also had a fun excuse to dress up a bit, which we rarely do because well….Portland. Again, this spot was a 10/10! Make it happen if you’re in the area. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel for TV in bed. (ARE YOU WATCHING NINE PERFECT STRANGERS?! It is insane.)

The next morning, we went to the Dochi Donuts location inside of Lam’s Asian Seafood Market. Make sure you check their hours before stopping by! Holy whoa, these mochi donuts were gorgeous, creative and delicious. Ube donuts?! Are you kidding me?! Matcha with pocky candy?! Yes and more yes. If you’re looking for a photo op, here’s your spot. I’m talking hella cute donuts, people. While you’re there, be sure to explore Lam’s Asian Market because they had so much good stuff! Guess what we did next?! Yep, we had lunch. I know, we’re crazy. But we also live to eat so don’t judge me. Lunch at the Spice Bridge International Food Hall was really unique and their purpose is wonderful and needs support. Spice Bridge is home to FIN’s Food Business Incubator Program, which helps South King County women of color and immigrants start and grow thriving businesses. The ladies rotate at their food stands, cafeteria style, and you can try food from all over the world. It was really cool and important work. If you’re in the area, stop in for a quick grab and go! It’s a great opportunity to try something new.

After eating, for the third time, we drove to Saltwater State Park for a hike. I was very excited to see that fall has landed in Washington and it’s showing off, big time. Matt and I took loads of photos to celebrate the first leaves falling. I adore fall. It’s the reason for my existence. The park was beautiful and the hike was a quick but truly beautiful walk. This particular park is closing soon for the winter so I was thankful we got in and witnessed the autumn beauty. It also felt nice to walk around after eating all the things.

After hiking, we went back to the hotel for a rest then dinner at Sharp’s Roasthouse. It’s right by the airport and a super popular spot for creative cocktails and so many roasted meats! This place was wild but a fun experience and our server was the sweetest. I could barely finish the plate I split with Matt so just know the portions are Texas sized. Since we were in a more suburban area, which thrilled me, we stopped at Target on the way home to shop for Halloween decorations. I blacked out and can’t remember all we bought but I know we had armfulls of black and orange. Did I mention it’s my favorite time of year? We headed back to the hotel for our last night and cozied up to watch a movie while falling asleep.

The next morning, we checked out of Hotel Interurban and had breakfast at 13 Coins. It was a 24/7 diner type spot with breakfast available all day. And all the brunchers rejoiced. Their menu was massive but I’m an eggs and bacon kinda girl so I kept it safe. Matt went with the chicken and waffles. (Matt ALWAYS goes for the chicken and waffles.) We debated finishing the trip with another hike but when you’re that close to a huge mall like Westfield Southcenter, sometimes you can’t help yourself. I took Matt on a shopping spree and let him choose anything he wanted. Matt rarely, if ever, shops for new clothes and mostly wears second hand outdoor gear so it was a treat for me (and him) to get some dressy items and leave with a new fall wardrobe. I think it was just as fun as me getting new things! I loved it!! After our mega shopping trip, we headed back to Portland and made it home by night time.

Thanks again to the lovely team at Seattle Southside for hosting us! There truly is so much more to Seattle than the city center and we really enjoyed the chance to take the paths less traveled. That’s always our preference anyway.

Cheers, yall!

Sunriver Resort!

Sunriver Resort is what you’d call an Oregon treasure. Matt and I had never been before and, to be honest, it’s never really been on my radar. I assumed it was a travel destination better suited for families instead of two little wild things like us but I was wrong. This place truly has something for everybody! And at so many different price points!

We drove from Portland and arrived late in the evening but still had time for a delicious dinner at the Twisted River Tavern before turning in for the night. Although it still wasn’t super cold at night, the fireplace in our bedroom was incredibly cozy. The room was quiet and had all of the comfortable amenities, including a refrigerator and the yummiest smelling soap. You can tell a lot about a place from the soap.

Our first morning, we slept in then headed to the Bike Barn to rent bicycles for the weekend. One of my favorite things about Sunriver is how bike friendly it was. The resort has over 40 miles of paved trails on the property, and it winds through beautiful countryside with lots of places to stop and admire the river. The next time we go, we’ll be sure to bring our own bikes as I prefer our own BUT if you don’t have a bike then they’ve got you covered.

After bike rides, we spent the rest of the afternoon at The Cove Aquatic Center! Which we LOVED! Our room was just across the parking lot from The Cove and let me tell you, it’s impressive. Exclusive to Sunriver guests, The Cove offers year-round swimming! Featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, jetted spas, private outdoor cabanas, an indoor and outdoor waterslide, a gently flowing eddy, nature walk and discovery area, lakeside trails, a spacious deck and lawn and more. We ordered lunch from The Spotted Frog Cafe then sipped cocktails in the shade poolside. Talk about heavenly.

The pool area got pretty packed towards mid afternoon but we were there right when it opened and we had the place to ourself. Matt is the reigning corn hole champion of this household so I’m pretty sure the lawn games were his favorite part. Or maybe the water slide. Or the hot tubs. Or the mini corn dogs we shared for lunch. Too hard to choose! I could have stayed all day but felt a nap coming on so we headed back to the room for a quick snooze before a beautiful sunset bike ride. For dinner, we had steak and delicious fish at Carson’s American Kitchen.

The food and drinks at the Sunriver restaurants are so good! Everything you need is on the property but if you do prefer making meals in your room, they have a market to shop from as well. It’s located next to the Starbucks in Sunriver Village. See? Told you they have it all. After dinner, we went back to the room and watched movies until we fell asleep by the light of the fireplace. D R E A M Y!

The next morning, we woke up for a lazy brunch then drove to the Marina to pick up an inflatable raft to float the river. Name it, they probably have it available to rent. You could choose between various sizes of rafts, inner tubes, kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards! The float was a leisurely six miles long and took about 3.5 hours to complete. We packed plenty of snacks and beverages for the ride. The water was freezing but felt amazing in the summer sun. Floating is one of the most relaxing activities one can do and we highly recommend it. Plus, it’s just so beautiful!

Sadly, we had to pack up after our float and head home but the entire experience was a blast and we can’t wait to come back. I’m planning to return with my niece and nephew to share the magic of Sunriver and I can’t wait. They’re going to love it! Many of our friends grew up visiting Sunriver every summer and I can now understand why. It’s a gorgeous, luxurious feeling place and you will feel incredibly relaxed after a few days in the beauty.

Special thanks to the team at Sunriver for putting together an amazing trip and making sure we had the best stay possible. I miss that heated lazy river every day and will be back again soon! Until next time!

The Clyde at Government Camp + a Discount!

I’m SO ready to travel with friends and family again. I mean, I want EVERYONE to join me for a mountain getaway and ya’ll, we found the perfect spot. The Clyde is a luxury condo in Government Camp, Oregon and is perfectly placed close to all your favorite mountain adventures. Matt and I stayed there last weekend along with some of our best friends, James + Shawna, and their two little ones. We had an absolute blast! Not only was The Clyde cozy and close to everything, but it was also family + kid friendly. It wasn’t our typical weekend trip but it was so much fun. Kids make everything hilarious and a blast. I’ll show ya!

The space can sleep 14 PEOPLE! And trust me, you’ll be sleeping comfortably. The beds are super cozy and there are televisions in each room for that alone time you might be craving during a group trip hang. Just me? Surely not. We checked in on Friday night and stayed through the weekend where we spent our time watching movies, playing games, cooking meals together and making cocktails. We ventured out to Government Camp a few times but the weather was mostly rainy and being inside by the fire felt right. The space is decorated with PNW vibes and felt comfortable and kid friendly. Here’s a tour of the space! Some of these photos I got from The Clyde website, which you should definitely check out! Also, you’ll find a discount code at the bottom of the post so if you can’t wait any longer, feel free to jump ahead. I’m cool with it.

I know from years of rental hunting experience that places this beautiful + spacious, right on the mountain are basically impossible to find. The condo was very quiet and also safe + secure. It would be the perfect spot to stay for mountain adventures or if you just want to escape the city for a while with friends and/or family. I felt at home the second I walked inside, which is a very nice feeling. A lot of love went into decorating and designing this space and you can sense that. The owners are extremely kind, which is one of my top requirements in choosing places to support. :)

AND NOW FOR THE DISCOUNT CODE:
Go to The Clyde website and use LAURA20 for 20% off your stay. That’s a pretty massive discount, yall! I imagine this will be one of those spots that will soon be impossible to book so RUN, go FAST! It’s going to get totally insta-popular and you’re going to say - ‘Remember when we almost booked that gorgeous spot in Government Camp?! But we waited too long?! One of my biggest regrets is not going for it.’
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.

Thank you again to The Clyde for hosting our stay! It was wonderful and we truly can’t wait to visit again.
This is a special place and we loved every second of our stay.

Rad Power Bikes!

You know those things you never thought you needed until they come into your life, then you think-
HOW DID I LIVE SO LONG WITHOUT YOU?!
Well, that’s exactly how I feel about our electric Rad Power Bikes. I love them. Like, I really love them. The lovely Rad Power Bikes team gifted us two bikes of our choice in exchange for our thoughts and let me tell you, this is one of my favorite collaborations to date! These bikes are incredible!

There’s a lot of things to love about Rad Power Bikes. For one, if you live in certain areas, they have a Mobile Service that offers a number of services, including bike delivery + assembly, maintenance and even test rides! Our bikes and accessories were delivered already assembled, right to our house. Then I was given step-by-step instructions on operating the bikes and charging them. I took videos to make sure I didn’t forget anything and was able to show them to Matt when he got got home from work. Super helpful! Knowing the team is available for maintenance calls was a huge selling point for me.

You’re probably asking yourself a few questions:
1) How do they work?
2) Is it scary to ride?!
3) How often do you need to charge them?
4) Is it worth the cost?

I’m happy to help because these were my exact same questions.

How do they work?
The Rad Power Bikes ride exactly like a regular bike except they come with a battery boost! This battery boost is EVERYTHING! We live in a very bike friendly city but there are a lot of hills that can be super tiring and I don’t want to be exhausted + sweaty every time I run an errand or use my bike for transportation. The bikes have 5 different pedal assist levels and they also have gears. The pedal assist levels can be changed based on where you’re riding and how much help you need. There’s also a throttle that can be used for extra help getting across roadways, at stoplights or going up hilly driveways, like ours. You can also keep your bike at 0 assist but the bikes are heavier than your average road bike so I wouldn’t recommend it. The pedal assists also help me feel super safe as I’m cruising through the city alone. It has the power to get me away from any sketchy situations and it’s truly boosted my confidence.

Is it scary to ride?!
Heck no. It’s SO FUN! I was nervous and Matt wasn’t at all, which is typical for us. I’m a cautious soul and I didn’t want to feel out of control on anything with wheels but you’re very secure. Obviously, wear helmets and take precautions while riding but there’s no need to be nervous. When friends come visit, we love bringing out the bikes and letting them take turns cruising around the block. I think we’ve sold quite a few people on the magic of electric Rad Power Bikes.

How often do you need to charge them?
We’ve had our bikes two weeks and have only needed to charge them a couple of times. I’ve been riding all over the city and the charge has held with no problems. They charge in a regular outlet and we leave ours plugged in overnight then you’re good to go the next morning. I also like that you can charge the bikes with or without removing the battery pack. We have outlets in our garage and plug them in before going to sleep. Perfection.

Is it worth the cost?
I say yes! For us, we share a car and Matt takes the car to work every day. I usually ride the bus but stopped about a year ago during COVID so the Rad Power Bike has been the perfect way for me to get around. I would feel totally confident taking it across town any time. I also feel safe because of the battery power. Again, I can scoot across streets way faster as well as ride around sketchy situations. Big city probs. Because the bikes are also safe to ride in rain, you can use them all year round. They’re the best.

I have the white RadCity Step-Thru 3, which is an electric city bike perfect for commuting. Because I’m shorter, the step-thru is really practical and makes it easier to hop on and off with ease. Matt chose the RadRover 5 Fat Tire Electric Bike. The new RadRover 5 seamlessly blends rugged capabilities and exceptional comfort. With 4” fat tires and a reputation for stability, the flagship ebike is perfect for off-road adventures, weekend spins around the neighborhood, and everything in between. It’s no wonder it’s the best-selling electric fat bike in North America. He can also ride on the beach!

If you have any questions about the bikes, please let me know. We’re truly loving them and I cannot wait for Portland summer where we’ll be cruising all season long. Thanks to the amazing team at Rad Power Bikes for letting us share our experiences. We’re huge fans!

Bay Point Landing!

For the second year in a row, we spent our wedding anniversary at Bay Point Landing on the southern Oregon coast. It’s about a four hour drive from Portland but you can take coastal roads most of the trip and it’s beautiful Plus, when you finally arrive at Bay Point, it’s super cozy + the spaces are gorgeous. We took our time driving down and made lots of stops because there is plenty to explore. Pack your hiking shoes!

We rented an Airbnb for the first night to break up our drive but that ended in absolute, total failure. There was a road closure which forced us to backtrack 2 hours (hiss!!) AND I was allergic to something in the stinky room which caused my eyes to swell + itch the day we checked out. You can’t always trust what you see online, folks.

BUT you can trust Bay Point. It’s clean + cozy + smelled amazing + I had zero allergic reactions. I was extremely happy to finally arrive and take a hot shower to rinse my eyeballs. But first, the most delicious burger in North Bend. Hello, Yeong’s Place! Then unpacking and relaxing because WE MADE IT! This trip, we stayed in one of the Drift Cabins and this is the one I’d book again and again. The size was perfect for us.

The first night, we watched movies + read books while relaxing. There was a massive rain storm which made us want to snuggle up and stay in BUT some friends were randomly at Bay Point the same night so we met up at the pool for a heated swimming hang. They’re only allowing six people at a time in the pool and you have to sign in and sign out, for safety reasons. The pool wasn’t super warm but it was warm enough. Just don’t expect a hot tub feel! However, for sure pack your swimming suit because it’s worth a splash or two.

We fell asleep while watching old episodes of Magnum PI (Matt’s newest obsession) but had plans for playing in the Oregon dunes the next morning. We LOVE the dunes and Matt had always wanted to rent a dune buggy so of course we did! We rented from Steve’s ATV Rental and I highly recommend them. We had a blast ripping through the dunes and on the beach. It was honestly so freaking fun.

That afternoon, we went back to Bay Point to shower up and hang by the fire pit. We brought most of our own food because the kitchens in the cabins are great for making your own meals + snacks. We didn’t have an oven in our cabin so make sure to check the amenities before you book. But who needs an oven when you have a fire pit for s’mores?! Delish. We had a mostly rain free day so went out to make a fire and we met our neighbors, who were all super nice! There’s a lot of smiling going on at Bay Point.

Even though there isn’t a restaurant on site, there is a cute General Store in the main office with lots of local Oregon goodies. They have a lot of grocery items as well, if you run out of milk (like we did) or if you need a s’mores kit! I’d pack most of your food but if you need a sweet treat or a beverage, they’ve got you covered. The main areas are all so beautiful. Whoever designed the architecture did a wonderful job. The buildings are really something.

Every time we go to the southern coast, we wish we had stayed longer. The hiking trails along the coast are beyond breathtaking and the trails are paved, which is so nice! Plus, we always see seals + other marine life when we’re exploring. It’s amazing! I say Pacific City is my favorite coast town BUT this part of the coast is my favorite to explore. You could spend hours visiting all the beaches and trails. And we plan to go back and hike the 8-12 miles of coastline. It’s unreal.

On our drive home, I asked if we could come back the next weekend. That’s how gorgeous it is! We’ll probably camp a few days the next time we visit then end at Bay Point again. Those hot showers and cozy beds are hard to pass up. The property is unbelievably clean, which is super important right now. We felt safe our entire experience and even though it was winter, we had plenty to entertain us. It’s a really special place.

One more pro tip for you, make sure to grab breakfast at Mom’s Kitchen. We didn’t make it this time but it’s an amazing little diner and you’ll have a good time. We promise.

Huge thanks to the lovely employees at Bay Point Landing! It’s always a treat being able to visit there and stay in the cabins. I know several of you are planning to go and that makes me happy! Excited for you to experience the southern coast and all it’s beauty. Have the best time. And we might even see you there!

Winter Weekend at Headlands Lodge! Plus, a Discount!

The Oregon coast in the winter is unbelievably gorgeous. It’s moody, stormy, dramatic and the perfect excuse to spend a weekend relaxing. Pacific City has always been our favorite coast town and Headlands Lodge is one of our favorite places to stay in all of the PNW. It’s a luxury spa + resort on the beach, next to Cape Kiwanda, and they’ve truly thought of everything to make your experience special and memorable. Every night, we fell asleep and woke up to the sound of the ocean waves right outside our patio.
There’s nothing like it.

The team at Headlands Lodge is especially gifted in creating beautiful experiences. We booked the Storm Watching Experience and were amazed at the thoughtful details of our trip. Excited to share with you in hopes that you’ll be able to book your own trip. Safety and hospitality are their top priorities and we felt incredibly safe being there during this time. The employees and guests must wear masks in any general spaces and there was hand sanitizer spread out throughout the property. It’s also thoroughly cleaned often and all drinks + meals must be taken to your room. Didn’t bother me at all.

Spoiler alert: there’s a 20% discount code at the end of this post to help make it happen!

The Storm Watching Experience includes a three night stay in an ocean facing room. Upon check-in, we received bottles of cold beer from Pelican Brewing Company, located right next door, and a bottle of local Pinot Noir was waiting in our room. They also supplied binoculars and trekking poles to explore around the dunes during the stay. Some might prefer to never leave their room and honestly, I don’t blame you.

The first night, I took a long bath in that glorious bathtub (yes, it’s right in the room!) and Matt went on a nighttime dune exploration, headlamp and all. Typical us. The next morning, we woke up to most GORGEOUS sunset I may have ever seen on the coast. It was INSANE! We walked across the street to grab coffee + baked goods at Stimulus Coffee then rushed back for our appointments at the spa. THE SPA!! I cannot stress enough how incredible this morning was. We had the salt water hot tub to ourselves for 45 minutes before our hour long hot stone massages (OMG OMG OMG!) with a 30 minute scalp treatment add on. Yep, these come with the Storm Watching Experience! For the safety of the guests, you must book 45 minute private hot tub sessions. I loved it.

It was one of the best massages of my life. Matt would agree. We were so blissed out afterwards we could barely talk. And y’all, that is saying something for us! I’ve never had a hot stone massage and I went into it thinking they just place hot stones along your spine while massaging around them. Nope! THEY USE THE HOT STONES TO MASSAGE YOU! I’m getting chills just typing it out. It was incredible. The head massage was also lovely and the therapists are knowledgeable and incredibly kind. I’ll say it time and time again, the staff at Headlands are wonderful. After our massages, we went back to our room for lunch, which was a Taste of Meridian seafood charcuterie board and a flight of Oregon spirits. Food and cocktails delivered to my room all weekend long?! I am sold! Pro Tip: you can also get drinks (zero proof, too!) delivered while you’re in the hot tub. It’s my Disneyland. The food and beverages from Meridian are fresh and everything tastes amazing.

SO GOOD!! We were surprised with a sunny day and checked out fat tire bikes from the front desk. Guests are allowed to use them for 4 hour slots and they’re complimentary. Pretty amazing. It was a workout but so dang fun. And so beautiful enjoying a sunny Oregon coast day in the winter! My legs felt like proper jelly after a few hours of trying to keep up with Matt on those bikes! The struggle is real.

Because the weather was amazing, we were able to meet up with friends to build a bonfire on the beach. We made s’mores and bundled up and listened to the waves as it's King Tide season. I love looking out across the beach and seeing all the bonfires with people gathered around, especially during this season. It felt especially sweet to be surrounded by strangers in a totally safe way. We chatted into the night until the fire went dim. Another tip, Headlands offers bundles of firewood if you need them for the beach! I’m telling you, they have it all! The next morning, we slept in then went out for a hike in the dunes. At the start of our hike, Matt noticed a pair of bald eagles at the top of Cape Kiwanda! It was amazing!!

We explored a bit then went back to the room and read + watched movies for the rest of the afternoon while snacking on salad and clam chowder. We ordered clam chowder almost every day! It’s so good! You know the kind with extra potatoes?! Yep, that’s what I’m talking about. That evening, we had our final experience which was Fireside Hot Chocolate and S’mores. The staff set up a fire pit on the back deck and we made s’mores while drinking boozy hot cocoa under a Pendleton blanket, which we were able to take home after our stay. It was the perfect ending to our trip and I already cannot wait to go back!

Now for the code! The crew at Headlands was so kind to offer 20% off your room bookings now through the end of March if you use the code STORM. There are certain blackout dates that apply and the code is good for room bookings, not the experience packages. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the staff at Headlands Lodge. They’re wonderful! If you book, let us know! I’d love to know what you think. But I already know you’re gonna love every second of it.

The Vintages!

Halfway between Portland and the Oregon coast, you’ll find a whimsical little hideaway tucked away in wine country. The Vintages Trailer Resort is such a PNW treasure and we were thrilled to spend a weekend with them. There are a number of different vintage trailers you can rent and they’re all different, which makes it even more fun! Each trailer offers a unique lodging experience tailored to compliment your wine tasting and relaxing. The trailers include gourmet pour-over coffee from Caravan Coffee, luxurious robes, comfie mattresses and cruiser bikes. We chose to stay in the Neuron - Couples Edition because the soaking tub spoke to me. Matt took FOUR baths! FOUR! Glorious, I tell you.

On Saturday, we went wine tasting at Sokol Blosser and decided to join the wine club! Becoming a member at a winery has been on my ‘before I turn 40 bucket list’ so I was giddy over it. After that, we picked up some pizza in town and took it back to our trailer for a picnic outside then soaks in the tub. The trailer park is so pretty at night! TWINKLE LIGHTS! You’re close to your neighbors but everyone was so friendly we didn’t mind at all. Our place still felt private and we slept with the windows open. Heaven. There’s also a beautiful fire pit area which would be perfect for groups but we were so cozy in our trailer we stayed in again.

On Sunday morning, we slept late then packed up to drive to Pacific City for the day. The Vintages is a perfect spot to spend a night if you’re headed to the coast. We’re planning to bring friends next time! I’m also planning a girl’s weekend because wine tasting + vintage trailers with my girls? Uhhh, yes! There were multiple groups who had rented several trailers so they weren’t technically staying together but were close, which is pretty brilliant during a pandemic. We did nothing but relax for two days and it was very needed. Sometimes we play so hard we forget to rest so I was extra thankful for this slower paced weekend with my wild man. You’ll love this special place. Go ahead and add it to your list.

The Perfect Jeans Do Exist!

Let’s talk about something we all know + love but can cause loads of frustration -
DENIM + DENIM SIZING!

It’s never been the easiest process for me to find beautifully tailored jeans that fit my proportions. I’m petite and jeans are typically too long but the thighs are usually too tight. Matt lost two pants sizes over the last few months and didn’t have anything in his closet that fit well. Enter Sene! Ray and Mark, the partners behind Sene, reached out to us about their high quality line of jeans that are perfectly tailored to your measurements. I know, I know. It sounds too good to be true but THEY NAILED IT! Take a peek at our finished product then I’ll share the easy + brilliant tailoring process. I’m wearing the Ever Skinny jean in Dark Wash and Matt got the men’s Ever Jean.

Here’s how it works!
First, you take a ‘Smart Fit Summary Quiz’ & answer questions like:
- Height, weight
- Describe your build, butt shape, midsection
- Preferred rise
- Preferred break (where you’d like the cuff)
- Preferred fit
- Jean size
- And any comments you’d like to share with the team

The Sene team takes the answers to your quiz then tailor creates your denim in two - three weeks! You can also send in a pair of your favorite fitting denim and they can custom create or you can send in your measurements yourself! My jeans were created and goodness, they fit like a glove. I’m talking they are perfect! But here’s where it gets really awesome. Matt received his first pair and they were too loose in the waist and too tight in the thighs. No problem! We took some photos + videos critiquing the fit and shared with the Sene team then returned the jeans, for free. Two weeks later we had a new pair in hand and THEY WERE PERFECT! After wearing them a few times, Matt said his Sene jeans are some of the best fitting pair of denim he’s ever had. Y’all…that is HUGE! They have unlimited alterations & remakes until they’re perfect with free shipping/easy returns. It feels too good to be true but it’s not. You can trust these faces.

Now I’m sure you’re wondering about the price. As you should! We’re all working hard for those dollars today! The jeans we chose were $149, which is amazing if you factor in the quality + design work + perfect tailoring without ever leaving your home. You’re getting a high-end luxury product that you’ll most likely wear weekly, if not daily. We’ve been cutting back on fast fashion and instead choosing items that will last and are supporting companies, like Sene, who have a vision + purpose that’s all inclusive.

Sene, where have you been all my life?! Click here to check out the exact denim I’m wearing, then check out their other styles! Last thing I’ll leave you with, the people who work here are nice. Like really, really nice. And that might just be my favorite part of it all.

*These jeans were gifted to Matt & I but, like always, all opinions are our own and we only share what we love.

Salishan Coastal Lodge IS OPEN!

Salishan Coastal Lodge is one of our favorite destinations on the Oregon coast. We’ve visited several times & are thrilled to hear they’re open again & ready for business, taking reservations! In keeping with necessary changes resulting from the pandemic, Salishan has introduced new health, safety, and cleanliness protocols throughout the property to protect its guests and team members.

Salishan is welcoming back guests with new room rates and a selection of packages, including: 

• “Coast is Clear” package, a flexible, risk-free getaway with no charges upfront, 15% savings and the ability to cancel up to three days prior to arrival. 

• “Family Getaway to the Oregon Coast” package, a buy one room, get one free offer - connecting rooms for you and your loved ones.

I wanted to share a few photos from our visit last summer & encourage you to visit soon & soak up some of that Oregon coast sunshine. But like also bring a sweater because it is Oregon, ya know.

The food + drinks at Salishan are incredible & they’re taking all the necessary precautions to make you feel safe on your visit. All menus will be digital.  They’ve removed seating to ensure at least six feet physical distancing, & added new outdoor seating around the property. The servers will be wearing masks, gloves & other protective gear & will minimize contact as much as possible. For breakfast, they will offer a healthy, grab-and-go menu available daily from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the new Provisions market. Guests can dine outside, in their rooms or take their breakfast on-the-go. Lunch and Dinner will be available in The Attic from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m daily.  Healthy, locally-inspired full menu will be served with indoor and outdoor seating available. Food also can be taken to go. I know it all feels strange but safety is Salishan’s first priority. And the food is good, y’all!

Salishan has opened its world-class golf course and Aerial Park adventure course & added new amenities, including the new Pump Track for mountain bike enthusiasts! The spa is GORGEOUS & for now services are limited but please check back for updates as Oregon continues to reopen. I’m cheering on the hospitality industry as so many places I know & love are having a hard time with COVID. We all are. So if you need a safe getaway that isn’t too far from home, contact Salishan & book a stay! You’ll love it.

Bay Point Landing: Hidden Gem on the Oregon Coast!

Alright, let’s talk about the Oregon Coast for a minute. And I mean a part of the Oregon Coast that gets overlooked, the SOUTHERN PART! I wasn’t ready. I repeat, I was not ready for the goodness of the southern coast near Coos Bay. An explorer’s dream! And tucked away, just outside of town, is Bay Point Landing. It’s a new (and dare I say sexy) modern camping resort with tiny home cabins, airtstreams and luxe RV sites. Yeah, we loved it. We stayed in one of the brand new Dune Cabins! It was such a great size and extra cozy.

The Dune Cabins come with a fully furnished kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, a bathroom with a tub + shower, yummy soaps + toiletry items, queen size bed, a loft with two beds up top, a fire pit, dining room table (which converts into ANOTHER BED), a television and a personal fire pit + front and back porch! Plus, all the supplies you need to cook meals! You can also get a smore’s kit from the general store!! Ugh. I want to go back. Matt and I very rarely, if ever, stay in one spot while we’re on our weekend adventures. We explore from sun up to sun down and Coos Bay area is FULL of amazing spots to hike and see the coast up close and personal. Also, there are SEALS!! And you can see and hear them from a lot of the hikes! Be still my heart.

A lot of the trails are paved and accessible for mostly anyone. I’ll say it like this - BIG rewards for not a lot of effort. Kids + grandmas will love the hikes because you see the gorgeous ocean as well as some adorable sea life and waterfalls. If you’re looking for more adventure, you can definitely find it. Many of the hikes take you down to beaches and coves and biggest win of all, nothing was crowded. I couldn’t believe it. We played all day and at night we’d hang at Bay Point in the heated pool or just watch movies and drink wine, which is also found at the General Store. The accommodations are extremely kid friendly as well as pet friendly. There are several common spaces to enjoy and the architecture and design are beautifully done. There is a bathroom and shower house along with a space to do laundry on the property. I also love how close you are to the bay. You’re directly on it and can hear birds and nature all around you, especially in the morning.

I’ll list a few notable food spots we enjoyed while visiting Coos Bay area:

- Mom’s Kitchen for breakfast/brunch - TRUST ME, it is incredible and get the biscuits & gravy
- Coos Head Food Co op - great place to buy organic + fresh food
- Tony’s Crab Shack near Banden Beach -
Banden is out of this world (worth the drive) and Tony’s has the most insanely delicious crab
- Fisherman’s Seafood Market - on the floating dock and get the fish + chips
- Noster Kitchen - smoothies + healthier bites, we didn’t have time to visit but I will when we go back

Coos Bay is a smaller town but it’s worth the drive for the experience on the coast. It’s a more rugged coastline with huge rocks and miles of sand dunes. It’s extraordinarily beautiful and you will 100% love your time there. It’s also worth noting that the staff at Bay Point are remarkably kind and attentive. It was a joy speaking with all them and they were always so helpful. I’m into that kindness + doing your job well thing. Let us know if you visit! Tell them the Arbos’ sent ya! Or don’t. I’m not telling you what to do. : )

We’ll be back soon with more fun spots for you to explore in our gorgeous little part of the world!
It’s truly paradise.

Riverhouse in Bend: Winter Edition! Plus, Discount Code!

Bend, Oregon! It’s our second favorite city in the PNW because of the beauty, small(ish) town feel, proximity to the mountain AND the desert, loads of things to do and just an all around great vibe. We spent the weekend at The Riverhouse, which is a gorgeous hotel right along the Deschutes River. We were there this past summer and it’s even cozier when it’s cold out. Riverhouse is the perfect spot to adventure from or if you need to slow it down, just sleep late and eat yummy food all weekend. Zero judgments here! Our room had a king size bed, faced the river and had a real fireplace. Yes, please!
Spoiler alert: there’s a discount code towards the end of this post!

I’ll link a few of our favorite spots for coffee, food + drink in Bend!
Currents at the Riverhouse for all the meals! Get the Huevos Rancheros at breakfast/brunch!
Chow for brunch!
Megaphone for coffee!
Lone Pine for coffee!
Foxtail Bakeshop for the YUMMIEST treats! The macarons + homemade pop-tarts are UNREAL!
El Sancho for tacos + margs!
Wild Rose Thai!
Noi Thai for a fancier dinner!
Jackson’s Corner for….everything! They are wonderful and have a grocery area with great beer AND the barista Oat Milk that you cannot find anywhere in Portland. So yeah, I stocked up.
Drift Spa for massages, mani, pedi, relaxation!
High Desert Museum to see cool exhibits and also live animals! Including otters! Great for kiddos and a refuge center for injured animals.

I’ll show you a few more peeks from The Riverhouse, including their amazing brunch. OMG. And did I mention there’s a heated pool + hot tub, a workout room PLUS pets are welcome?! Yeah, you should stay here. And I’ve got a 15% off discount code below. Just a couple scrolls away!

And now! The moment you’ve been waiting for! To get 15% OFF your stay at The Riverhouse, please use this link and code ARBO! That’s it! This code will work on any stay between now and March 31. Enjoy it! You’re gonna LOVE your time there. Arbo approved.

Inn at Cape Kiwanda!

We’re regular coasties by now! Matt and I spent the weekend in one of our favorite Oregon towns, Pacific City. I LOVE PACIFIC CITY SO MUCH! This was the first Oregon coast spot I ever visited and I’ve been coming back for over 12 years now. We had the pleasure of lodging at The Inn at Cape Kiwanda, which is right across the street from the beach. You can see and hear the waves crashing from your balcony! It’s also one of the more affordable places to stay if you’re hoping to be as close to the ocean as possible. Bonus: your pups are also welcome!!

There are many reasons to visit Pacific City in the winter - less people, surprisingly mild days with peaks of sunshine and the rain is the PERFECT excuse to stay in bed and watch lots of movies and finish a new book. Plus, BUBBLE BATHS! Obviously, you also have to explore the sandy dunes whenever rain stops. They are seriously magnificent!

A typical day at Cape Kiwanda for us begins at Stimulus Coffee + Bakery. We even have a regular order: Oat milk latte, Lavender London Fog, a couple of the fluffiest bagels you’ve ever tasted and do NOT skip the energy bites. Trust me on this. Then we’ll head into the dunes for a heart racing hike to the top for AMAZING views. Amazing I say. The good, good is found on the backside of the sand dune. It looks like Mars and you can see for miles and miles!

The beach at Cape Kiwanda has been pounded this winter and it was sad to see so much erosion and also so many plastics covering the rocks and sand. Every time we visit, we’re even more motivated to choose sustainable products over single use plastics that, as you know, usually end up in our beautiful oceans. Making these changes can feel overwhelming but start slow and thoughtfully begin adding more sustainable practices into your life. I started out by carrying around my own straw and it was this simple yet effective act that sparked us into doing away with most of the plastic we were using on a regular basis.

After exploring the dunes, you can get a massage at Headlands Lodge, which is right across the street from The Inn. Matt got a deep muscle massage this visit and he loved it. He’s been having some issues in his lower back and the therapist was really able to work out some painful areas. The price is slightly more expensive BUT you are at a gorgeous lodge on the ocean and the massages are delicious so definitely plan to splurge for this. With the massage, you also receive all day access to the spa which includes a gorgeous outdoor hot tub and yoga classes. YOLO, am I right?! And it’s for your health…so go for it.

At night, we always grab dinner + beers at Pelican Brewing. This spot is usually pretty busy year round so put your name in then grab a couple of pints to drink on the outdoor patio while you wait. Time goes by quickly when you’re staring right at the ocean. AND there’s a fire pit! Yes, yes, yes. Every time we’ve gone to the coast, we’re typically in bed by 9 pm. The beds at The Inn at Cape Kiwanda are SO comfortable! And the rooms are very quiet, which I need. The rooms also come with a fireplace so it feels extra cozy when you’re snuggled in to watch movies. By the way, the front office has a movie library AND popcorn! Talk about a date night! The bathtubs are also pretty big so we packed our own bubbles because Matt usually takes 2-3 baths during our winter coast weekends. We obviously have zero problems bathing in hotel bathrooms. I got more important things to worry about. Plus, it’s SO NICE!

A huge thank you to The Inn at Cape Kiwanda for letting us come out and take photos + share our experience in exchange for a stay at their gorgeous space. We will be back. Maybe tomorrow. ;)

Inn at Discovery Coast Weekend + YouTube Channel Reveal!

How much do I love the PNW coast, you ask?! Infinity on infinity. We took a trip up to Long Beach, WA for a fun weekend with friends at the Inn at Discovery Coast! Matt and I have been photographing local area resorts + hotels for about a year now which means we have the inside scoop on some pretty out of this world places in Oregon and Washington. No complaints here.

I love trips with Matt but there’s also something special about traveling with friends. We were excited to have our buddies Candace and Maynard along for the ride this time. They’re both super talented photographers in Portland which made it even more fun when we all took turns shooting photos without being super annoying to each other. Bloggers, amiright?!

Long Beach is about 2.5 hours from Portland and there was a storm brewing the entire time! Winters on the coast can be pretty gnarly and the wind over the weekend was INSANE! It reached over 30 mph and was howling through the nights. I grew up in the land of tornadoes so high wind gives me the freak-outs. Our first night, we met up with our buddies and played games for a while. Laughed ourself silly (sorry room #17 in the middle of us)! We went to sleep around midnight and the wind was howling SO WILDLY that I legit could not sleep until 5 am or so. The ocean waves were said to be reaching 35-40 feet and the tide was scary! But we survived the night and awarded ourself with breakfast in bed. Yes, please! At 11 am! EVEN BETTER! I always will be and always have been a later sleeper. Just let me be, people. Just let me be.

Even though the weather was wild, we saw a pocket of sunshine in the afternoon and leaped on it to explore nearby Cape Disappointment State Park! Yall…..this place is a MUST SEE! Add it to your travel list. She’s a beauty! Matt and I have been a few times and each time I’m in awe. Good grief I love the Pacific Northwest. But I bet you didn’t know that, eh?

The hike to the lighthouse is a little over half a mile and we BARELY missed a downpour. But never fear! The best part about winter coast trips (besides less people) is the saunas + hot tubs + heated pools at a lot of the resorts. The sauna at The Inn was so cool!! And the pool was hot and divine! It was slightly cooler than a hot tub which made it perfect for a winter dip. How do I get one in my house?!

After that, we returned to the room for a hot bath in the jacuzzi tub before dinner at the onsite restaurant, Pickled Fish! IT WAS SO YUMMY! Clam chowder, sausage pizza with peppers, fish + chips (obviously!) and a couple of cocktails later had us drowsy and feeling so comfie. We ran back to the room in the rain but cuddled up in bed and fell asleep around 8:30 pm to Earth documentaries playing on the TV above our bed. Have you seen Our Planet?! IT IS DIVINE! One of the most amazing things I’ve seen! It will bring you to tears at the beauty of this amazing world. And the walrus episode will break your heart in a million pieces. Oh man. It’s good, ya’ll. So good.

Much thanks to the team at Adrift Hotel + The Inn at Discovery Coast for having us! We were gifted a stay in exchange for photos + sharing our experience and it was a great one! We also recorded our very first Youtube vlog during our visit and plan to keep this going with travels, reviews of things we love, marriage adventures and all the lifestyle goodness!
Check it out below!
And subscribe if you’re into that sort of thing.

Dahlia Season

It’s here, it’s here! Dahlia season has arrived in Oregon, which thrills me to no end! They’re like rows + rows of tiny fireworks trapped inside a flower’s body. Dahlia’s in bloom will melt even the coldest hearts. I asked Matt for a date day to Swan Island Dahlia Farm & it was as lovely as it looks.

Dahlia season is bittersweet because although they’re gorgeous, it does signify that summer is ending. Fall is so close! I think I’m ready. It’s been the most beautiful summer & I’m beyond happy that Matt stayed home this year. He’s almost healed up from his October wreck & he’ll be salmon fishing again next summer but it was special having him here with me this year. Cheers to dahlias + summertime!

We Love You, Bend + Our Riverhouse Stay!

Bend, OR is one of our most favorite cities in Oregon. We spent our honeymoon there & have since looked for every opportunity to return. Matt wants to eventually move there however, my heart is still in Portland. I will admit that every time we spend time in Bend, it’s easy to imagine us eventually staying forever. It’s the perfect mix of adventure + city + smaller town vibes with lots of events to attend. And it’s GORGEOUS & bike friendly plus, there is a river running through the middle of town. Dreamy. I was thrilled when Riverhouse reached out about Matt & I coming out to take some photos + experience the stunning hotel property. There’s just something about falling asleep to the sound of running water. It’s a viiiiibe. The rooms are spacious & our’s came with a private fireplace & such a comfortable bed. I could have slept all day, I think. But just not when there are so many fun things to do!

The hotel property is right along the Descutes River so the backdrop is stunning! They have an incredibly delicious restaurant, Currents, which serves breakfast through late night and it is so yummy! And the view cannot be beat. Riverhouse has a huge outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool & hot tub but they were being cleaned while we were there so we didn’t use them. (But that’s alright because we rode bikes to the river and swam there instead. The Arbo way.)

On Saturday morning, we scheduled a couple’s massage at Drift Spa. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! The room that’s designed for the couple’s massages was insane! It had a fireplace & a soaking tub (which we didn’t use BUT it was gorgeous). I snuck my iPhone in & took a few snaps after our msssage but before the sauna. SO RELAXING! I’ll give it a 10/10/10. They also do manicures + pedicures. The property is clean & basically brand new. I think you’ll love it, even if you aren’t staying at the Riverhouse.

Matt made the brilliant move to bring our bicycles & we explored all over Bend for our days there. We aren’t the type to just sit around in the resort/hotel. We want to see + eat + drink + experience all a city has for us while we’re there. Bend ALWAYS has fun things happening! We stumbled upon an event to raise support for public lands at Drake Park, floated the river, biked the trails, ate TWO TIMES at El Sancho (WHICH IS THE MOST AMAZING TACO SHOP MAYBE EVER), stopped by Bite of Bend, tried baked goods at Foxtail & visited a buddy at a new coffee + beer spot, Megaphone. Safe to say we are 100% Bend obsessed.

We can’t wait to go back! And if you’re planing a trip, we got you a hookup! The Riverhouse is offering a 15% off discount to any of you who want to book a room from now until July 13 so RUN! Use this link and code ARBO to save! I promise, you’ll love this place. It’s the perfect home in Bend to explore from. And it’s always a plus when supporting local hotels + restaurants. If you stay, let me know! I’d love to hear what you think! We can’t wait to go back and HUGE thank you to Riverhouse for having us out. They’re SO kind! And again, the space is happiness.

A Weekend at Salishan Resort

This last weekend, we spent two amazing nights at Salishan Resort which is located on the Oregon coast, right off Siletz Bay. Such a gorgeous resort! Onsite you’ll find an amazing spa, world class dining + drinks, golf course, family friendly activities and even an Arial Adventure Park! Yeah, we did it all (minus the golf situation) and enjoyed every second of it.

We arrived to Salishan on a Friday evening after a 2.5 hour drive from Portland. We went straight to the The Sun Room for an incredible dinner of elk chop, crab and corn bisque, steak and salad. I was mad hungry! But thankfully didn’t stay that way. Matt even ordered pie to take back to the room because VACAAAAATION! Once we finally checked into our room, we found a bottle of champagne chilled and waiting for us. The staff really did think of everything! Naptime came quickly because we had a scheduled morning at the spa for soaks + massages. Probably our favorite relaxation combination.

The spa exceeded all of my expectations! They have a full line of services available - including facials, massages and hand + foot treatments. Matt and I soaked in the outdoors infinity whirlpool and relaxed in the saunas before our couple’s massage. Oh man, the massage was incredible however, I’ll take my own room on our next visit. I just wanted to chat with Mattie the entire time!! But that didn’t take away from the work from the skilled therapists. They were beyond great. After the spa, there was a rain downpour which wasn’t too bad. We stayed in bed and watched Netflix for quite a while before dinner. And dinner was amazing! After dinner, we listened to live music at the Attic Bar and Lounge. The cocktail list is so fun and creative! There are three different locations to eat on the Salishan property and the food is next level.

We woke up on Sunday morning and had a fabulous breakfast before heading to the brand new Arial Park. IT WAS SO FUN! Even if you’re scared of heights, you can handle it. And kiddos 8+ years are able to participate. We went through the course with a group of kids from Portland and had a total blast. There are 15 arial platforms with 21 different elements that help you create your own path through the trees and choose your own adventure. You’re harnessed in for utmost safety and there are knowledgeable staff on the platforms with you just in case you get in a bind. Pretty sure you’ll be ok though. :) It’s like Smith Family Robinson IRL!

After our two hour adventure in the trees, we still weren’t quite ready to go home so we checked out the free bikes available to guests and rode them to the beach. It was the perfect ending to a relaxing + adventure filled stay. We walked about and listened to the waves for about an hour before packing up and heading back to Portland.

Thank you to the lovely team at Salishan for having us! I can’t wait to go back and bring friends or family. This would be such a good spot to stay if you have kiddos or a large group. The team at Salishan really can accommodate just about every scenario. You’ll LOVE it!

Date Night!

Just a typical Monday night taking advantage of the happiest hour at Rum Club!

The sunshine is here for a few more days so we’re soaking up motorcycle rides & outdoor patios! I do hate that Matt wasn’t in ANY of these photos but I love what he captured. The guy can do anything! All while sipping an ice cold daiquiri.

I will admit that taking ‘blogger’ photos in public makes me want to DIE inside. Trying to get over it but man I am cringing on the inside. I know it’s so common today but doesn’t make it any less weird. Despite the awkward feelings, we had a gorgeous date night under a canopy of fresh roses. Run, run, run while they’re in full bloom!

Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

Spring sneaks up on you around here. One second we are bundled from head to toe then the next we are shedding layers and soaking up rays + spring blooms. It never gets old and I’m always surprised by how quickly the city transforms. A few weeks ago, we loaded up the van and drove about 1.5 hours away to the Tom McCall Preserve for the McCall Point Hike. It’s a gorgeous 3.5 mile roundtrip hike and in May it’s covered in wildflowers! There were a few slightly challenging hills but for the most part it was a perfect moderate hike full of gorgeous views, sunshine and flowers.

The gorge is FULL of amazing hikes that range in difficulty levels and views. I love that it only takes about an hour drive to feel completely removed from the city. The Columbia River Gorge has always held a special place in my heart. We got married at a waterfall on the gorge for this very reason. You don’t need a permit for this particular hike and it also wasn’t super crowded. Win, win, win! So pack your sunscreen + some buddies and get outside!! THIS IS THE SEASON WE HAVE ALL WAITED FOR!!

Benefits of Cupping!

Have you ever tried cupping?! It’s a type of reverse deep tissue/massage with lymphatic drainage effects. Wild, yeah?! I’m sure you’ve seen the circular bruises that are the sure sign of a deep cupping sesh. Matt & I were introduced to cupping after moving to Portland a few years ago & we’ve used this method to treat pain + injury because it TRULY works! We were invited to visit The Cupping Studio in NE Portland & we each experienced a longer session. Here’s what I love about this space. It’s quick + affordable & helps those of us on a budget get relief without breaking the bank. One 20 minute cupping session is only $20. If you purchases packages, the price per session gets even lower! This is without insurance! Winning!
So how does it work?!

Cupping uses a suction device (the glass cup!) to expand the tissue & create space for circulation + blood flow. Sometimes you can add fire & heat to the experience but I’m more of a no heat type. Cupping creates a controlled inflammatory response to specific areas that need special attention so if you have problem areas, this type of therapy really targets where the pain stems from. Cupping can help with everything from muscle tension to cold/flu, migraines, overworking on the computer, muscle tension & more. Does it hurt?! It sure looks like it does, right?! Take a peek at Matt’s back after his 30 minute session! WHOA! But trust me, because I’m a delicate flower, it looks WAY worse than it feels. It feels more like a pull than intense pain. And afterwards, the marks don’t hurt. They aren’t like a bruise that aches for days.

Cupping feels like a tight, sucking type pressure. Yeah, kinda weird, I know. Imagine an octopus on your back! (At least, what’s what I do.) Your therapist will work with you based on the pressure you prefer. I like it delicate. Matt asks for pretty intense amount of body work but he’s also using his muscles in extreme ways. I work on a computer all day which let’s be honest, causes it’s own host of issues in the body. You can get cupping anywhere on the body but most people seem to do back, neck + shoulders. Now…about those bruises. EVERY time I go, I’m always a little freaked out about how long they’ll last but they start to fade pretty quick. They’re usually completely gone within 5-7 days after a session. One word of caution. DO NOT DO THIS BEFORE YOUR STRIP DOWN TO A BIKINI BEACH VACATION!
I repeat….bad idea. Any other time? Fair game.

A special thank you to The Cupping Studio for having us in. This type of body work is something we’ll continue to do longterm & I’m thankful that there are places like this that make this practice accessible to those of us who don’t have endless hours & endless dollars for treatment. The space is clean, cozy & feels very warm inside. Warm like a hug. Give it a go & let me know what you think!!