When my mom came to visit last week, we road tripped it down to Portland. We had one goal... shop, SHOP our little wallets out. With no sales tax (seriously EVERY state should have no sales tax), we headed to the Woodburn Outlets because they had a The North Face store! When I was in Hawaii I'd see all the mainland kids with North Face backpacks, and think, North Face, never heard of it, is it big or something?!? Moving here, I learned just how essential AND expensive North Face is. Everyday at work, I'd pass our sportswear department and longingly gaze at the down and weather proof North Face jackets. I just started working, there is no way I could afford one, even with discount! Unfortunately tho I left both of my debit cards and ID at home, thank goodness I had my credit card. We were able to find a nice North Face down jacket, an amazing Nike 6.0 raincoat, and a few pairs of roxy jeans. I also scored some good accessories too. We got both jackets for under $200! Amazing right? I was in shopping heaven, until we headed back into Portland and hit up Lloyd Center. Now I haven't been to Lloyd Center in 6+ years, and it wasn't how I remember it. I remember this great big mall, hustling and bustling with great stores, the ice rink in the middle. But when we went, it was kind of... well how do I put this politely... ghetto. It was worse than Pearlridge, and it was empty, lots of stores had closed down. and it seemed smaller. I told my mom I think it's because Ala Moana expanded, my mall standards are too high. So far my favorite malls/shopping areas I adore are (in order): 1, South Coast Plaza. 2, Fashion Show Mall. 3, Ala Moana. 4, Walnut Creek. 5, Soho. 6, Irvine Spectrum.

Thank goodness for facebook status updates, because my friend Kaliko commented on my Portland update and reminded me to hit up Voodoo Donut. I had seen the donut joint many, many, many times on The Food Network and Travel Channel, and me being a donut lover I had to try it out. I had the Maple Bacon Bar, and yes it did live up to the hype. There were so many interesting flavors, I'll have to go back soon for a visit!