Powered by Tofu

PNW Winter Bucket List: My 2021 Must-Do Adventures

January 31, 2021

Suttle Lake Cabin getaway -Winter bucket list

This winter, instead of just listing out all my favorite things to do in Portland during winter, I wanted to have a shorter list of adventures. So I picked a handful of do-able outings given COVID, travel restrictions, and social distancing. So here’s my Pacific Northwest/Portland winter bucket list for 2021. 1. Go tubing on Mt Hood There are a few different options for sledding and tubing on…

Food + Drink• Holidays + Seasons

Easy DIY Beer Advent Calendar + 12 Oregon Winter Warmer Beers

January 11, 2021

Best winter beer from Oregon in DIY Beer Advent Calendar

While it’s still winter, I wanted to get around to writing about the holiday ale advent calendar I created this Christmas. Here in Portland, we have the Holiday Ale Fest that happens the first weekend of December. It’s a fun festival with all the local winter warmer holiday beers. And one of the things I love about winter in Portland is trying new winter ales and meeting up…

Holidays + Seasons• Portland• Restaurants + Shops

17 Portland Gifts – Local Ideas They’ll Actually Want!

November 8, 2020

If there’s one thing we hear repeatedly heading into the holiday season, it’s “Shop Local!” Thankfully, there are tons of awesome things made right here in Portland, Oregon. From chocolate to books to bike accessories and beer. So whether you’re a Portlander or just in love with the city, here are 17 ideas for Portland gifts. Made here in the Rose City (or in a nearby Oregon town).…

Holidays + Seasons• How Tos + DIY

43 Adult Advent Calendar Ideas & Activities: The Ultimate List

October 26, 2020

A few years ago, I wanted to make an adult advent calendar. No, not that kind of “adult”. Sheesh! I saw a friend’s adorable tree-topped miniature boxes for her kids’ advent calendar. So I started thinking how it would be fun to do a grown-up version. Most adult advent calendar ideas I found were either themed gifts, really just for kids, or too expensive. For example: 25 whiskeys, 25…

Portland• Restaurants + Shops

Sandy River & Sugarpine Drive-In: Best Soft Serve in Portland!

October 7, 2020

Sandy River at Glenn Otto and Sugarpine Drive-In

One of my favorite summer and fall things to do in the Portland area is to visit the Sandy River. And stopping for treats at Sugarpine Drive-In. I’ve written extensively about floating the Sandy River (and the Clackamas), but today I thought I’d share more about playing at the Sandy River. And eating ice cream! Because this is legit the best soft serve ice cream in Portland! Sugar…

Hiking• Portland

Witch’s Castle in Forest Park – The Stone House Hike

September 30, 2020

Witches Castle Portland hike to the Stone House in Forest Park

The Witch’s Castle Hike in Forest Park is one of the most popular hikes in Forest Park. And it’s popular for a few reasons! First, it’s a short Portland hike – right in the city, which makes it a crowd-pleaser. Great for tourists and kids. Second, there’s something interesting at the destination point – The Stone House aka “Witches Castle” and a dramatic story to go along with…

Good Life

Life Lately

September 23, 2020

It’s a been a minute or two since I blogged regularly on Powered by Tofu. After a few years away, I’ve been missing writing on the regular. The inertia of getting back to writing is tough. It kind of feels like when you forget to text a friend back and then a week goes by and then a month, and then you feel guilty about it but you…

Recipes

How to Make a Homemade Chai Tea Latte: Easy Spiced or Sweet!

September 7, 2020

I love the routine of returning to my favorite fall things every September. An afternoon treat that I love to make is homemade chai spice lattes. Years ago, I found a recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte (“just like Starbucks!” it claimed). But I ended up adapting it to what I typically have in my kitchen with more chai flavor, just a hint pumpkin. So here’s how to…

Bend• Kayaking + SUP• Outdoors• Pacific Northwest

Camping at Suttle Lake & Scout Lake Swimming {Best Alpine Lake!}

September 3, 2020

My favorite camping trip of the summer was our stay at Suttle Lake in Central Oregon. We had visited Suttle Lake in the past, staying at the Suttle Lake Lodge. Well really at one of the remodeled Forest Service cabins they rent out. It was right after they had opened in 2015. It was October at the time and ever since we’ve said we should go back to…

Holidays + Seasons

53 Things to Do Before Summer Ends: My Checklist

August 26, 2020

With 30 days of summer left, I’m starting to feel like I’m running out of time to experience all the summer stuff I love. But I feel like this every year. Summer in Oregon is pretty much the best thing ever. So in making the best use of our thirteen official weeks of summer, here’s my list of things to do before summer ends. My summer list is a…

Running

Lululemon SeaWheeze Shorts – A Look at 9 Years of “Free” Race Perks!

June 20, 2020

Lululemon SeaWheeze Shorts: All the Years from 2012-2020

One of my favorite things about running the Lululemon SeaWheeze race is that you get shorts as part of your race entry. So no they’re not “free”, but it’s so much cooler than getting a race tee. Sign me up! Here’s a look at the Lululemon SeaWheeze shorts design over the years. My first SeaWheeze half marathon was in 2013. It was the second year of SeaWheeze (inaugural…

Biking• How Tos + DIY• Running

Best Bike to Use With Peloton App: My DIY Peloton Alternative!

April 9, 2020

Spinning at home, DIY peloton bike setup

TL;DR – I got this spin bike for $299 and use the Peloton $13/mo app plan. The spin bike is currently $140!, but there are others in the $200-350 range. We’ve all heard of Peloton bikes by now. The sleek at home spin bikes that make you feel like you’re in a live spin class. I’ve gone down the path of curiosity a few times! Could I make…

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Outdoor Adventures + OREGON Living + Spreadsheets, Always

16 Stunning Portland Viewpoints + Best Mountain & City Views

11 Stunning Waterfalls in Bend, Oregon Worth the Hike

Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women: 57 Backpacking & Hiking Gift Ideas for 2025