Geese, Chocolate and Happiness

Check out my happy geese! The plentiful rains Portland has been experiencing has created happy spots near my house for these melodious birds. I love them!

Last night was a perfect night. It started out at noon with Natalie Carrigan (from hygiene school-she lives in Salem OR 45 min south of me) came and we went to the temple. We both had a lovely lovely session. I love the peace and calm entering the temple gives me. Taking time out of the world and letting my worries go is so therapeutic.

After the temple, Natalie and I had a few minutes to chat and catch up on each others lives. We then made our way downtown and met Betsy (my front-office---she is amazing and fun and wonderful) for happy hour. We ordered tons of apps. Edemame, spicy spinach dip, fried mac n cheese, nachos, blah blah blah. We had to add a base for our pending chocolate sugar overload. So there was this moment when Lifehouse was on the radio, Utah Jazz on the big screen, had happy flavors in my mouth and Betsy, Natalie and I were having the best conversations. I paused and thanked Heavenly Father for carrying me through last year so that I could enjoy this moment. It was perfect.

Then we made it to Chocolatfest ! This was the second year I attended this event and it did not disappoint. In fact this year was better. The C-fest has grown in vendor participation and attendance so a larger venue was needed. It was perfect last night. It was still crowded yet booths were accessible. It was delightful. I ate more chocolate than I could and bought less than I wanted.

Some of my favorites were:

1. Coconut curry: It was like eating curry with coconut milk and chocolate

2. fig fennel and almond: Licroicey and fruity

3. red velvet cake with amazing butter cream icing

4. mint peppermint patties

5. dark choc with ginger---I loved this one

6. toffee

7. caramel corn. . . .chocolate covered

8. caramels

9. icings

10. fudge sauces

11. root beer fudge-it was bubbly and just fun! and the man in the booth was flirtingly cute

12. cayenne pepper fudge yes the cute man let us try soooo many flavors of fudge

13. fudge with gold flakes--I ate gold!!!1

14. freshly dipped cinnamon bears

15. gluten free brownies---really really good gluten free tends to be a bit nasty but these were so good

16. sipping chocolate--so much richer and creamier than hot chocolate and more flavorful

17. and much much much much much much much more!

I made a couple purchases. I tried some chocolate lip balm. Natalie tried and purchased a chocolate mask facial powder. I fell in love with the mint chocolate lotion. And my favorite from last year. . . Seely Family Farms and their peppermint cocoa butter soaps. I am so happy.

I am meeting Todd (see previous post) today at a park to take advantage of the clear skies and warm temps.

It will be a great day.