Ohhh Portland…These are a Few of My Favorite Things!
Raindrops on roses… 🎶 I know, I know…it’s impossible not to sing it once it’s in my head. But don’t worry, this isn’t a tribute to Julie Andrews (as tempting as that is).
This is a love letter to some of the magical little gems currently sparkling across Portland. These are the kinds of places that make my heart twirl and my sweet soul shine…and I think they just might do the same for you. xoxo
Playful Depths
This is truly the best brown paper package tied up with string I can imagine! (Yes that’s another Sound of Music reference…once I get started!) But really, it is. It’s owned by Jenna Andersen, earth mama and healer extraordinaire, who I’m convinced will soon be known as the healer’s healer of Portland. She’s that good.
A session with her left me feeling deeply reconnected with myself, a feeling that only grew stronger in the days that followed, allowing me to fully integrate the experience. Jenna works out of a beautiful healing space in her backyard, which just so happens to open up to a stunning forest.
One more amazing thing? She currently feels called to offer her gifts for free.
My advice: book a session as soon as you can!
Emerge Movement
Pop-up dance class, anyone? Held outside in the fresh air, with choreography created on the fly based on the collective energy of the group? Community vibes?
That’s Emerge Movement for ya! And it gets ALL the stars.
It’s open to all levels, and there’s no need to stress about your dance moves.
It’s easy, joyful, and Erika (the teacher) gently guides you through connecting, moving, and emerging in the most beautiful way!
Realm Refillery
This store is the stuff my dreams are made of! It’s this amazing little specialty grocery (23rd and Broadway) that’s all about reducing waste and doing good for the planet. Everything’s package-free, so you can buy just what you need. No extra packaging, no extra food waste.
At some point along my journey, I had the thought: Well, goodness! I better stop bitching about what others are doing to the environment and just get way more intentional with my own efforts!
And what a help The Realm Refillery is. It’s such a powerful antidote to overconsumption, and also kind of a mind-blowing pleasure to shop there and be so close to the actual handling of the food ingredients I bring home to feed my fam and friends. In LUV!
Secret Roller Disco
Pop-up skate parties every week in Portland?!!! AND THEY ARE FREE? Yes, please!
These are so fun. Folks of all ages lace up their skates or rent some when they get there and roller skate to music and really fun PDX vibes. It kind of feels like you are in a throw back disco dream from another era.
Such an experience!
Eli Jo’s Coffee Shop
This brand-new, sweetie-pie little coffee shop off 27th & Broadway is adorable in so many ways. Let me count them:
It’s so female-forward in a way that feels joyously liberating. The owner, Elizabeth Kramer, also owns the adjacent NW Women’s Fitness; a club exclusively for women since 1947! Many of the brands in the cafe were handpicked because they’re women-led.
There’s a boutique. And it’s cute. Very cute.
This is the absolute essence of small business to me, and there’s truly no type of biz I’d rather support in Portland than the small ones with grit and big hearts.
The community is just over-the-top fantastic. I might be a teeny bit biased (I teach yoga there and work out there myself!), but it’s honestly the most fabulous group of women. (And men…don’t despair! You’re totally welcome to grab a coffee too.)
Repair PDX
Ok, to be fair I haven’t done this yet, although my headphones are waiting for me to take them in, and I have fought off the temptation to duck tape them. I LOVE the concept though and I’m pretty sure they are calling my name! And my headphones! 😊
I have had a friend get her insta-pot fixed here, so I know it’s real. Basically the concept is that they hold free community repair events where volunteers help shine up old stuff and get it working again so you don’t have to buy new!
A heads up is involved with what you are bringing so these remarkable fix-it saints can have the right supplies on hand. 💚
God & Goddess, I love Portland.