Enjoy Tax Free Shopping In Portland

Sales Tax can make a huge difference when going shopping, especially for larger purchases.  In San Diego the sales tax is 8% (in Los Angeles it is 9%).  Oregon is one of five states that offers no sales tax, so when I traveled to Portland I knew I had to take advantage of this.

I went to H&M and got a scarf and small turquoise purse, I went to Nordstrom Rack for two pairs of already discounted shoes (I love these shoes, and they are ALMOST as comfortable as my Toms), a magnet (that now has a place on my fridge), and postcards at the famous Powells. 

For proof that Portland actually offers tax free shopping here is my receipt from H&M.  *Fist Pumps* Take that California sales tax!

I wish I needed a new laptop during my visit because I would have definitely bought one there!

Date Accomplished:  August 18th, 2012

Have A Voodoo Doughnut

In case your stomachs weren't ready to burst from all the Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie....let's talk about an important topic, like doughnuts. 

I had heard a lot about Voodoo Doughnuts prior to visiting Portland.

Anytime I mentioned to others I was visiting Portland they would immediately say, "You have to try Voodoo Doughnuts!"

I've seen it on Man Vs Food and No Reservations; but the real kicker was when I was reading 50 Shades of Grey (yes I am admitting to reading the book, in fact, I am admitting to reading the entire trilogy), and they had a few mentions of Voodoo Doughnuts!  If Christian Grey goes to Voodoo Doughnuts then it's only necessary for me to visit too!

Voodoo Doughnuts opened up in 2003, and is known for its obscure doughnut selections (almost 100 varieties!), painful long lines, and their iconic pink doughnut boxes.  After spending an afternoon at the Saturday Market, we walked over to Voodoo only to be welcomed by an enormously long line.  We waited over an hour for doughnuts!  I should have listened to the homeless man that ran by us screaming, "People, they are only doughnuts!"

I got the famous Bacon Maple Bar (I had better in New Orleans), and the Old Dirty Bastard with its crumbled oreos on top.  My sister got the cock and balls, which looked like.....just guess...a cock and balls.  It was like a twisted perverted version of a Boston Cream Doughnut.

Did I like it?  Yeah I liked it.  Did I love it?  No.  It wasn't worth waiting over an hour for.

I am convinced they make the doughnuts using caffeinated sugar because we were high on energy after that.  For proof, my siblings and I made the following video to the tune of "Call Me Maybe."  Yes, my siblings also have no shame.  Our lip syncing was horrible at some parts because we didn't have the music playing in the background.  This is what happens after eating Voodoo Doughnuts, you have been warned.....


Date Accomplished:  August 18th, 2012