My Portland Coffee Tour - Part 15

Can you believe July is almost here? I can't! The year is halfway over and it feels like it just started. At least some things don't change, like the neverending supply of coffee in the Portland area. My Portland coffee tour has been on a roll for over a year and there are still so many shops to visit!

This month I chose one close to home and two further away in more touristy parts of the city.

Carina's Bakery

Beaverton is becoming a bit of an up-and-coming city. Just 8 miles outside of downtown, we've got food cart pods and boutique shops and some lovely restaurants and cafes. Carina's just opened not too long ago and is touted as a coffee house and bakery with a Scandinavian twist. They also only employ disabled persons, most of which are legally blind and who need guide dogs. The baked goods all look scrumptious and are a bit more because they are vegan (you would never know!). Their main counter doubles as a kennel for the guide dogs, which I was highly in favor of, because dogs!

I've had some hit or misses with ordering dirty Chai lattes ($4.75), but the employee knew exactly what I wanted and made it PERFECTLY. I also ordered a lingonberry coffee cake ($3.95) to go with my coffee and you, honestly, would never know it was vegan. So good!

The inside of Carina' and is bright and airy, with a well thought-out menu full of something everyone will like. I had a lovely chat with the employees and was able to enjoy my selections without being bothered. While this isn't the cheapest cafe you could visit, the food and drinks are spectacular and I applaud a company that helps to employ those who wouldn't have a fair chance elsewhere. Definitely worth the extra money you spend there, especially with the healthier options and vegan items.

Seven Virtues Coffee Roasters

During my last Geek Girl Brunch, I was talking to a new friend about coffee and she told me Seven Virtues was her favorite shop in Portland. Welp, I had to try it out. You can't even be disappointed just walking into this place. It's GORGEOUS! Look at that wall and booth and motivational saying. I want my house to be as cool as this coffee house. 

Look how clean and modern it looks! I did a bit of research on their food, because I always need to know if I should hit up one shop before another so I can get breakfast before I get cranky. I knew that they had breakfast sandwiches and they also did a happy hour on them, so I got $1 off mine for getting there at a certain time.

I wasn't exactly sure what to order, as they didn't have a real coffee menu on the wall, so I asked for a recommendation. The barista immediately said I should get a cortado ($4), so that's what I got, and then I ordered an egg and cheese bagelwich ($5.25). Look at that beautiful coffee and sandwich! Both were super delicious and I was so grateful for being steered toward this shop. It was quiet, in a great neighborhood and the employees were all very, very nice. A winner, for sure! 

Dapper and Wise

Sometimes I pick a place to go and then do a quick Google Maps search to see what else is around it and choose based on proximity and reviews. I was so glad I picked Dapper & Wise, and not only because it was so cozy and made me feel fancy eating in there. I mean, all that warm wood is phenomenal.

There's no lack of seating here, and I was lucky to find a seat near the window and an employee came over and slid the whole thing open, so it was like I was inside and outside at the same time. I loved it!

I, again, went for a special on this visit. I ordered the Vanilla Rose Latte ($5) and then a banana chocolate muffin ($3.75). If you ever wonder what a rose tastes like, I can definitively tell you that it tastes exactly like it smells. Luckily, it was light, so it didn't overpower the vanilla and coffee flavor, but it was sort of like summer morning in a cup. I wouldn't not order it again. The muffin was moist and sweet, though not too sweet, and you could tell it had been freshly made. I couldn't finish the whole thing and took the rest home to eat later. Nothing at this shop was disappointing at all, and I'll happily return.

So, those are my shops for this month. I had no losers in two months, which is unusual. Note to self: Always ask people where they go. Do you have a favorite coffee shop from your travels?

What's In My Carry-On?

Let's talk personal items. And by personal items, I mean the smaller size carry-on allotted to you by most airlines. The one that fits under the seat. You all know that when I travel alone, I generally stuff all my belongings into the smallest bag possible, just so I don't have to hoist anything into the overhead, but when we travel as a couple, we take a larger carry-on and a personal-sized item for under the seat.

What's in my carry-on bag? I'll tell you!

Laptop

I hardly go anywhere without my laptop, because I work wherever I am. And if I don't take it - rarely - I bring along a portable keyboard to use with my tablet or phone. My laptop is large, so I always try to find a bag that fits it well, but still has functionality as a main carry-on as well. You'll have to take your laptop out of your bag at security, unless you have precheck, so make sure you have it somewhere easily accessible.

iPad mini 

This is my all time favorite multitasker. I can check emails, I can play games, I can read a book, I can blog, I can listen to podcasts, I can watch videos, I can easily look up directions and make notes. It does everything your computer can do, but in a convenient handheld size.

A scarf/wrap

Sometimes the plane is hot. Sometimes it's freezing. You never know. I have a wrap I love that can a also be used as a scarf or a blanket. That means it's multipurpose and can be used on almost any trip at anytime. I wrap it around my purse when we go anywhere in case it's chilly inside.

A cardigan

Layering when you travel is a must. Usually I just wear my cardigan over a t-shirt when I travel on the plane. It's the same reason I take a wrap. You never know what the weather's going to be. You might have a freak cold snap. A cardigan is never a bad idea. The worst thing that'll happen is that you won't have to wear it.

Snacks

O.M.G. You can't live without snacks! Okay, I can't live without snacks. I always have a few things ready to pull out of my bag in case I get hungry, or we have a longer than expected layover or we end up trapped in the Tarmac for forever. You can barely get any substantial snacks on the plane, unless you give them money.

And if you don't eat them in transit, now you have extra snacks to spare on your actual trip! Toss them in your day bag and eat in the car or while waiting in line or in between meals to save some bucks.

Battery backup

If you want to stay connected or play games or use apps, your battery probably won't last all day. I keep a battery backup with me at all times. The one I have - and actually we have two - allows me to charge two things at once, or charge my phone two and a half times before it needs to be plugged in. It's a lifesaver when you're on-the-go all day.

Toiletries 

At the very least you should keep your liquids bag in your small carry-on for easy access to them when going through TSA (unless you have precheck). I just like to have things with me in case something happens and I need them during the flight. It also makes it less likely for spills.

Charging cords

Bring at least the most important ones you want on use on the plane, or you'll be sad...or digging in your other bag for it in between flights. Ask me how I know.

Refillable thermos/water bottle 

I'm perfectly happy to buy a bottle of water at the airport, bacause I don't like to wait for the drinks cart to come down the plane aisle. What I hate is buying a bunch of bottled waters at my destination. We generally get a gallon or two at the store and then fill the bottle each morning with a good chunk of ice, that way we save money on drinks when we're not at a restaurant.

Pen

You never know when you're going to need to fill something out, play an impromptu game of sudoku or scribble down instructions. I always have at least one, usually two. 

Obviously I also have my money, credit cards, passport and confirmation papers with me, because necessary. After years of packing light and paying attention to what works and what doesn't, I know exactly what works and what doesn't and what I've used over and over again.

So, tell me, what do you have in your carry-on?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on those links.

Review: ONboard Underseat Duffel from Lewis N Clark

More and more airlines are raising their prices on baggage fees, and several of them are adding charges to carry-on luggage that only fits in the overhead. For those of you like to travel light and save money, then getting an underseat bag that works for you is going to be key. Lewis N Clark has designed a range of bags for you, the ONboard line is classic and perfect for the frugal traveler as well.

 I was able to view the ONboard collection when at the Travel Goods Show and I knew then that you guys were going to think it was as awesome as I do. I was especially loving the Underseat Duffle, because of its profile and how handy all the pockets are to get to all your things even with it under the seat. It's also manageable to carry, even for a smaller person.  You can carry it with the handles or the included removable, adjustable shoulder strap .

Eric's going to Vegas with friends next month, so I've been pulling together all the things he needs to go for a week, to do minimal laundry with the insanely hot weather. I packed him 5 shirts, 3 pair of shorts, 4 pair of underwear, flip flops and swim trunks. I also packed his toiletry bag with the necessities, pulled together some snacks for show and added other things I knew he would need. This bag had a place for everything and room for souvenirs on the way home.

Despite its size, the main compartment is largeenough for a weekor moreworth of clothing.   

I like the flat bottom of the bag, because it gives the duffel structure, which many duffels lack. It's perfect for shoes and I packed the flip flops first (you could easily fit smaller flops in the side slip pockets that run the length of the bag, or you can use that for smaller items like socks, underwear or your jewelry bag. After adding underwear to one side, I had a good chunk of the bag open for everything else.

OnceI rolled all the clothing, they easily fit into that space, with room for more. 

Our small toiletry bag fit on top of the underwear to make my layers level with each other. As you can see, it's not full yet. 

I added snacks, because the flight is short, but also because it's nice to just have snacks in general when you travel. 

The outside of the bag has a pass-through strap on one side and two large zipper pockets on the other. The outer most pocket has slip pockets for small electronics or toiletries or snacks. Whatever you want to use it for.

The inner pocket is larger than the other and has no organization, but it's big enough for a 10" tablet. This is where I would keep my tablet and some games. You may want to pack a magazine or a notebook in there, however you like to travel.

Even the top of the bag is useful and forward-thinking. Easily accessible when in flight, but also a low profile so it doesn't catch on anything, I think this little zipper pocket is ingenious. 

It's a fantastic hold-all for when you pass through security and need to empty your pockets. It can easily hold your keys, wallet, change and whatever else you walk around with. It's also large enough to just toss your phone in during your flight. 

Of course, you may want to put your phone in the front pocket of the bag. This is perfect for all the things you want to have right at your fingertips, plus has a handy RFID-blocking zipper pocket big enough to hold credit cards and your passport (or several). It has two slip pockets for organization, and when you sip this up, there's even a pocket on the outside. 

Initially, I wasn't quite sure what this little pocket was for, because I'd totally use it for lip balm, but the plastic ring with an elastic band clued me in to it being more useful than that (for most other people). You can clip your keys to this, and use it for other quick-access items like a mini flashlight or flash drive if you're working.

An no bag is complete without a place for a water bottle, is it? Well, the ONboard Underseat Duffel doesn't disappoint there either. The back of the bag has an awesome zip out bottle holder, so you can have it when you need it, and then zip it away when you don't. I love that. 

So, whether you're using this bag as a personal item size or a main carry-on, it has plenty of room for everything you need for a weekend trip, a week trip, or even longer. It's the perfect companion for a business traveler as well. With its classic look, it can go from plane to a business meeting and then to your hotel room. When not traveling, it can double as a gym bag, too. 

Additional details:

Where can I buy it? The Lewis N Clark website

How much is it? $69.99

more specs: Neoprene handle wrap, 16" x 9" x 8.5", 840D ballistic nylon

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Disclaimer: I was provided with the ONboard Underseat Duffel for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.