Aebleskiver are fluffy balls of heaven. | Photo by @brunchbosspdx
Are you familiar with hygge? The Danish word roughly translates to “warm coziness” and has been a design and wellness trend in the US for a few years now. With an emphasis on “enjoying the little things,” like comfy clothes, warm socks and blankets, and steaming mugs of tea, it’s easy to see its appeal.
Pro tip: it’s pronounced “hyoo-guh.” Keeping that in mind, here are 23 ways to get hygge with it locally this year.
1. Observe the most important meal of the day the Nordic way at Broder with æbleskiver (Danish pancakes) served with house-made lemon curd and lingonberry jam.
4. Put on your finest flannel and sip a beer by the fire in the Little White Shed at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse. Nearby Rock Creek Tavern offers a bit more space, with a similar moss-roofed log cabin vibe.
5. Feet yo’ self with the winter collection at Sock Dreams on North Mississippi Avenue.
“Charlotte’s Web” | Friday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Theatre in the Grove, Forest Grove | $5+ | Bring the kiddos to a live performance of this sweet tale about kindness and friendship.
Brahms & Bruch: Romantic Reimaginings | Friday, Feb. 7-Monday, Feb. 10 | Times vary | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | $25+ | Glide along as the Oregon Symphony dances through pieces inspired by other composers, the Scottish Highlands, and human psychology.
Coniferous Tree Identification | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Clackamas Community College | $20 | Learning about pinecones is a rite of passage for every PNW-er.
Valentine’s Candle Painting | 1-3 p.m. | Le Petit Café NW | $35 | Set your heart aflame with these sweet little painted candles.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Kimchi Workshop | 12:30-3:30 p.m. | Goodies Snack Shop | $100 | Learn how to make the yummy fermented snack in your own kitchen.
The Queen’s Cartoonists | 6 p.m. | Alberta Abbey | $15+ | Watch classic cartoons like “Betty Boop” as a group of six musicians create the score live.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Sit Down, Shut Up, and Write | Wednesday, Feb. 12-Wednesday, March 12 | Times vary | Bold Coffee and Books | Free | Hey you — yeah, you. Stop procrastinating on your next novel or poetry book and work with some other writers who need a little push.
SAD affects up to 5% of the adult population in the US and tends to be more common in women than men. | Photo courtesy of Pexels
Struggling this winter? You’re not alone.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more common in areas with shorter days and less sunlight during the winter (read: the Pacific Northwest).
While SAD symptoms often fade with time, they can impact your quality of life when you’re experiencing them. That’s why it’s important to connect with the professionals at Active Path Mental Health and explore treatment options like:
A congratulations are in order — the Oregon Zoo is home to a brand new, trunked bundle of joy. Elephant Rose-Tu gave birth to her new calf just a few days ago and the internet is already obsessed. The babe has not been named, and zookeepers are only suspecting that it’s a girl — which means there’s much more awwww-inspiring news to come. (The Oregonian)
Development
Burnside Bridge is not falling down. Engineers have started drilling a 125-ft shaft at the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge project ahead of seismic testing. Steel forms and concrete will be added to the drilling site to see how the materials react to simulated earthquake forces. (KGW8)
Edu
Portland Public Schools plans to address a budget shortfall with potential layoffs. The district could cut up to 228 jobs, including teachers, senior leadership positions at its central office, and 70 supplemental staff roles that support students. The final budget will be approved in May. (KOIN)
Concert
TOC Concert Hall is honoring Black History Month with a series of concerts highlighting the roots of Black culture. Catch the “Black Mystery Month” show on Saturday, Feb. 8, Grammy Award-winning singer Alex Cuba on Saturday, Feb. 15, and the Biamp Portland Jazz Festival Monday, Feb. 14-Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Transit
Metro is looking for public feedback on some proposed amendments to the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan that adds new funding to a few planning studies and cancels a project along the US 30 Bypass. Those who would like to comment may do so online before March 6.
Sports
Oooh, we’re hot — the Trail Blazers have won the past five games in a row. Can we keep it up tonight against the Kings? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Trail Blazers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Plan Ahead
ICYMI, this year’s Everybody Reads pick is “Solito” by Javier Zamora. Grab a free copy from any Multnomah County Library branch (while stocks last) or a discounted copy from the Literary Arts bookstore to read before the Everybody Reads event with Zamora on March 11.*
Wellness
Feeling stuck with your current depression treatment plan? Active Path Mental Health works with patients to develop an understanding of what works best for them, customizing treatments to fit their individual needs. Interested in working with them? Get started with a free consultation.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Health
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. Featuring a sleek, discreet German design, it ensures crystal-clear speech + sound with minimal background noise. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Category (Paid)
Eat
👀 Calling all Portland foodies
Presented by Yelp
Yelp’s Elite Squad is the place for local movers and shakers. | Photos provided by Yelp
Meet your new favorite club.
If you love food, Portland, and meeting people who also love both, get to know Yelp’s Elite Squad.
As a member, you’ll be invited to special events, get to know more Portland businesses, and have a genuinely good time with other Elites who write “chef’s kiss” reviews.
Here’s the best part — you can nominate yourself (or a friend) to join the Yelp Portland Elite Squad. We’re cheering you on.
Broder Söder serves Scandinavian dishes like Danish pancakes and lost eggs. | Photo by @sweetheartstjohns
In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy but it’s necessary. Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or a mind-blowing bloody mary, the options are endless.
Sweedeedee | Daily, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Come for the incredibly flavorful dishes, stay for the myriad of fresh-baked pastries — if you leave any room.
Baon Kainan, 1027 NE Alberta St. | Hours vary | Food cart | You’ll want the tosilog — a Filipino breakfast dish with sinangag, garlic fried rice, and itlog.
Hey Love | Saturday + Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | What we’re ordering: The chai apple marzipan toast. Enough said.
Swifties and sports fans alike can now bet on outcomes like the “Shake It Off” which happens if the Eagles are first to score, but the Chiefs still win the title. Or the “Wildest Dreams” where Travis Kelce scores the first and last touchdowns of the night.
Fans who want to see if they might be the Lucky One can place their bets through DraftKings Sportsbook.
}})
