Portlandia

***OK, I know that the IFC series “Portlandia” is about Portland Oregon. (if you haven’t seen it, check it out- Fred Armisen from SNL has a sick sense of humor) BUT this post is about Portland MAINE. ***

Instead of exchanging “material” gifts for Christmas this year (our first as a married couple) Jared & I decided to take a trip instead. My reasoning: Memories last forever, but Apple is constantly coming out with technology that makes everything you already own obsolete.

So we chose Portland, Maine, since it’s fairly close by and neither of us had ever been there. It was a perfect mini-vacation! From Boston, an easy two-hour train ride on Amtrak’s “Downeaster”  gets you to one of the (other) coolest cities in the Northeast.  Portland is known for its art and music scene, and especially its restaurants. We experienced it all, museums & galleries, nightlife galore and dining like royalty. It was basically a feast for the senses. The best part of our trip was the ADORABLE  Bed & Breakfast where we stayed. The Pomegranate Inn is hard to describe,  you just have to go there to get the experience. (Seriously, go there next weekend, it is fabulous.)  The historic old building is packed with original works of art, super comfortable rooms and the BEST breakfast I have ever had. The photos I took do no justice to the eclectic and quirky little B & B, but I will share them with you anyway.

we're not in Kansas anymore...

I would have loved that lamp even if it wasn't near the fresh baked cookies!

art in the sitting room...

and chairs in the sitting room...

FYI, I made the bed- it was MUCH neater when housekeeping did it.

Don't you love the metallic gold on the walls?

Note the accidental self portrait in the mirror at right, oops!

remember our shower gift? in vino veritas!

love the painted hardwood floor!

I will be attempting to make this someday when I have a fireplace...

grilled pineapple & banana stack, the perfect breakfast appetizer

asparagus & goat cheese fritatta with carmelized onions. YUM.

Of course we had to get a copy of  the owner’s  cookbook- I don’t think Jared can live knowing about candied bacon without being able to make it himself. All I can say is that the whole trip was was truly inspiring, and we will be back asap.

As a Creative Assistant at The Gift Wrap Company Studio, I love to dream up new and exciting ways to use gift wrap. The best part about using paper as a medium is that the possibilities are endless! This is a great place to be creative because fresh ideas are always encouraged, and each day brings a colorful challenge. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in an artistic family, and really enjoy working here with my talented sister, Heidi. I love to travel, and I am currently obsessed with planning my semi-destination wedding in Florida. When I'm not moonlighting as a bartender or watching Cary Grant movies with my fiancee, I am in the company of the World's Cutest Boston Terrier, Bean.