I would be bucking the stereotype if I didn’t tell you about this delectable event, and that sounds like too much effort so early in the new year. So, I’ll admit I’m one of those: Hi, I’m Emily and I’m a chocoholic. You can just bet you’ll see me at the World Forestry Center’s 5^th Annual Chocolate Fest.

It’s only two slim days, so to speak, but they are days filled with dark, milk, and white deliciousness. Of course there will be vendors, presentations and demonstrations. That’s all fine and good, but my time there will be spent doing what every chocolate lover should and will be doing: tasting. And if there is anyone out there who believes that it’s all about the same, it is time to learn a lesson. A sweet, sweet lesson.

Ciao,

Emily

Every year the Portland zoo goes all out and turns into a really cool light show. We Portlanders like to call it Zoolights (and so, um, does the zoo). And if you think it’s just for kids, it’s not. Even the biggest Scrooge would really be into it.

The zoo grounds are totally transformed by more than 200 lighted, moving animals (not the real ones, of course). They’re swinging around and jumping, like a great big game. Everywhere you look there’s something you didn’t expect to see. There’s music, by local choirs and high school bands, every night. The zoo stays open an hour later during the season, so plenty of time to check it out, even on a weeknight. Oh, and there are the real animals too, so get out there.

Have fun,
Brandon