Category: Entertainment

Getting Romantic on Valentine’s Day

heartsI love Valentine’s Day. I absolutely do not care in the slightest if it is “just commercial nonsense, dreamed up by those in the marketing industry to make a buck.” Give me hearts and flowers and I’m all yours…well if I am all yours to begin with.

Daniel on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach. Well, let’s call a spade a spade. He has a completely 180 degree opposite idea about the festival than me. “It’s just commercial nonsense, dreamed up by those in the marketing industry to make a buck.” Yes indeed, he probably even developed this idea himself.

So, what is a couple to do when this is the case? Well, a bit of a compromise. Or, as Daniel says “me doing what you want,” which is actually a great compromise for most couples to work. But in the end we did two things: one mainly for me and one for him. First, he took me out for a lovely romantic dinner at Red Star Tavern & Roast House and then we went to hear Dan Savage’s Savage Lovecast. I have to say that while it wasn’t exactly my kind of humor I did get a kick out of seeing Daniel crack up and of course it’s always lovely to spend time with my hubby without the kids.

The restaurant was so good. The ambiance there – with its amber tones, polished woodwork and murals – is immediately relaxing. Even though it is actually a tavern, it is very upscale so I hardly felt like we were in a watering hole. I love the food from the wood-burning oven and the whole place just exudes smoky rusticness! Daniel really enjoyed the roast game and I had the wood fired goal cheese ravioli. We’re definitely going back there!

All in all, even though it’s not Daniel’s thing I really think we both thoroughly enjoyed Valentine’s 2016.

Well that was Fun!

halloweenThat, being Halloween, of course, which I thoroughly enjoyed a couple of weeks ago. It really was so much fun, I couldn’t believe it. Usually I dread the holiday (although the kids have a blast) and I resent having to give annoying, snotty-nosed neighbors whose mothers I hate, my favorite candy, but thanks to Shakey Graves, we missed all of that this year!

Actually there was a lot going on in Portland for this Halloween. There was the Halloween Edition’s Main Squeeze Dance Party, and Norman Sylvester’s Halloween Party. But what got me excited was the opportunity to enjoy Shakey Graves. I’ve loved this music since as far back as I can remember and the party was just all him – blues, country, rock and roll.

The best part? I got to be on the dance floor with hubby – and it felt like we were the only two people there – rather than hand out candies to annoying little kids! Thank you Shakey Graves and thank you Portland!

Our Very Own Beer Festival!!!!

beerFinally! Daniel’s word not mine…The Portland Craft Beer Festival has arrived! And boy did we enjoy it!!! It was only $20 and we got our own mug. I love those beer mugs. We went on a Sunday as it was family day. The kids – while obviously not beer drinkers – had a blast too. They weren’t so into the yoga but they did enjoy the children’s market and Ruby Jewel ice cream. Plus, I was happy as it was free entry for kids!

Organized by Joseph Sundberg, apparently this is now going to be an annual event. We got to sample beers from all the different local breweries (Daniel’s dream!) and there is entertainment too. What was particularly cool about this was that it is very local-focused: everything available was from Portland: the beer was brewed in Portland, as well as Portland ciders and wines. In additions, food vendors – that hail from Portland of course – were able to come sell their wares.

Held at the Fields Neighborhood Park, on Overton Street, it made for a fun, local and neighborhood friendly event. What more can you ask for?

Partying with EMBraer Paper Goods

plate-foodThere’s nothing worse than finishing off a great party and then having to wash a whole load of dishes. But what is the choice?  When one entertains a bunch of business people – or even some friends – it doesn’t look nice to use paper goods.

Enter EMBraer Paper Goods.  The company that makes paper plates, etc., almost look real! Not only will one’s guests not even notice that they are using paper (the quality is fantastic) they will probably think they are even nicer.

According to Beth Sonnenfeld, VP of Sales at the company, EMBraer Paper Goods has made a particular note of providing beautiful goods to ensure one’s entertaining is top quality.  “When I first joined the Company, I knew that the goods we were selling had to be of the highest quality.  In as much as people hate washing up, it’s way worse to use nasty paper goods.  So at EMBraer Paper Goods we pride ourselves on top quality.”

This shouldn’t come as such a surprise.  According to Matt Braer, who is also in Sales at EMBraer Paper Goods, “We are trying to take our lead from other Companies with great customer service and a reputation for excellent products.” He cites, Elio Motors, Zappos and CitiBank as examples of companies with top customer service.”

So that is the goal for EMBraer Paper Goods and the result is high quality and top service for its customers.

Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment!

by TBWABusted
by TBWABusted

We are privy once more to Varekai. The show first came to Portland in 2006 and just came back last week. We were lucky to get tickets as they were only performing eight times between 6th and 10th May. And boy were we glad we did.

It was different to the one that came nine years ago. But different in a good way. It was actually very cool how fast they assembled and reassembled all the tents. The themes were the same but a lot of the performers were different. Truthfully I thought it was even better than it was all those years ago.

I personally loved all the acrobatic stuff. There were a lot of different performers and I thought they were all top-notch. It’s a great show and we had a wonderful evening!