Holiday Traditions

The tradition used to be that my parents would drive from Seattle to Portland on Christmas morning to see me on their way to somewhere sunny. The three of us (and then eventually Michael joined us) would go to The Heathman for brunch on Christmas morning. This is a photo from brunch two years ago:

2009

I don’t know why we dropped the ball this year but somehow no one got around to calling The Heathman to make reservations and they were full. I found somewhere new to try this year. First thing on Christmas morning,  Michael and I slept in a little bit and then we opened presents. Michael most definitely spoiled me this year in a big way!

A Canon Rebel XS DSLR! A fancy, grown-up camera that I can hopefully learn how to use to take better pictures. What an amazing gift!

My parents arrived and the four of us drove to NW Portland to go to Gracie’s. I’d never been to this restaurant before. It’s in the Hotel de Luxe:  “a contemporary tribute to the Golden Era of Hollywood filmmaking that tastefully balances art deco and art moderne styles for a mix of timeless sophistication and serene comfort.”

We all LOVED this place! The restaurant was gorgeous, quiet and the food was amazing. It was unanimous that Gracie’s would be our new Christmas Brunch restaurant. We all liked it better than the Heathman. For breakfast I ordered the most decadent thing on the menu: Bread Pudding French toast. It came with bananas and toasted pecans with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.

The French toast was crunchy but like bread pudding on the inside too. It was the richest, most amazing French toast I’ve ever tried.

Michael go the Huevos Rancheros and I had a bite. His breakfast was amazing too! Everything was delicious. But the French Toast was by far the show stopper.

After brunch we opened gifts back at the house. My parents got me the Hood to Coast DVD and I made them watch some of the highlights. 🙂 They hit the road for their beach vacation and Michael and I went to his Mom’s house for their family traditions. Here is the rest of the evening in pictures:

Dinner was a delicious roast, perfect mashed potatoes and green beans. Michael’s sister made a bok choy salad that was delicious (I hope to get the recipe soon).

Aw! Cute Christmas ornaments, complete with ones from Michael’s childhood. Adorable. 🙂

I indulged a little bit but I think all in all I lived pretty balanced during the holidays. I ate some treats, ate some healthy food and got in some fun fitness! B+ this year!

QUESTION: How did you do for the holidays? Regrets? Ready for a detox?