Fashion Friday: Shades of Grey

18 May

If the title of this weeks post didn’t pique your interest, lets be honest youve been living under a rock.  Despite the erotic romance genre, this 3-series literary installment is a real page turner, and I mean cancel your weekend plans and have your significant other on-call if you are so inclined ;) Kidding sort of. But what do these books that are commonly referred to as mommy-porn have to do with fashion??  Nothing, really except remind us to incorporate shades of grey (maybe not fifty, but a few) into our everyday ensembles.

Fifty Shades Darker, the second book with Diesel watch, Ray Ban sunglasses, Stella McCartney jeans, 3.1 Philip Lim sweater and Giorgio Armani belt

I love the color grey, and contrary to popular belief, there is a shade (no pun intended) that will complement your skin tone.  From heather to charcoal and everything in between, grey is the ultimate neutral hue.

Use these tips to add a shade of grey to your wardrobe today:

  • Grey denim a chic alternative to everyday blues
  • Grey sweater or lightweight tee break up the monotone by adding depth and texture to your look
  • Grey scarf, belt, watch and/or sunglasses these little extras are a perfect way to incorporate the shade without the gloom
  • Grey shoes try a rich suede, soft leather or casual canvas for an unexpected contrast to everyday black

 This week’s assignment: incorporate grey into your wardrobe and read the books (seriously, if you haven’t already do this, you and your significant other will thank me).

Stay tuned and stay stylish.

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Beat the Bridge 2012 – May 20

17 May

 

Sunday is going to be a busy day for group athletic adventures and fun. With the 17th riding of the Haul Ash Redhook Tour De Brew there’s no doubt the Burke Gilman Trail is going to a freeway of bikers and an occasional traffic jam of strollers, skateboards and joggers. Well, tack on to that the 30th annual Beat the Bridge 8K run taking place in the University/Montlake area and you have a recipe for biker runner soup.

The event consists of an 8k run and wheelchair race, 4-mile walk, 1-mile fun run, and diaper derby for toddlers.  The event is called Beat the Bridge because the University Bridge is raised during the race and the goal is to BEAT the raising of the bridge.  Have no fear, if you don’t beat the bridge, there is a band and prizes for those who get caught.  After a few minutes, the bridge goes back down, allowing everyone to finish.

Although online registration has closed, you can still register for Beat the Bridge in person on Saturday, May 19 from noon 5:00 p.m. or on Sunday, May 20 starting at 6:45 a.m. The registration area is in parking lot E18, located off Montlake Blvd just north of the Alaska Airlines Arena.Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes is a fundraiser for JDRF, the largest nongovernmental contributor of research to cure, treat, and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Hope to see you out at one of these events this weekend – or at least dodging riders on the Burke.

 

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A Wedding Belle Post: The Engagement Photos

14 May

An example of the lovely work.

I am going to apologize a little in advance for this post being more about me than about Seattle, but I promise it will be Seattle-themed.  So, this is my wedding themed post of the month (of which I promised there would only be one per month so bear with me because I’ll make it brief.    I just wanted to say a little bit about the process of getting engagement photos taken.  It is an odd process.  You feel a little like an idiot posing in public places while strangers look on as you generally make fools of yourself.  This general feeling of weirdness is why if you are getting photographed for any reason, the best thing you can do is find a photographer who you are really comfortable with.  We took our pictures on the ferry to Bainbridge Island, partially because it is a very Seattle location which we both love.  We also reconnected on the ferry so it has a special, more sentimental place in our hearts.

We spent a day posing, dancing, and even lying down on the ferry.  Definitely wear something comfortable and relatively covered up.  You don’t want to spend the better part of your shoot readjusting your clothing.  Some people are unsure of whether to get engagement photos taken.  For us it was great since we don’t have that many pictures together and it’s a really good way to get to know you photographer. Continue reading 

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Fashion Friday: get active!

11 May

It’s that time of year… The sun’s shining more frequently, all of your hard work and effort in the gym is finally paying off a la the ability to go sleeveless and bare your legs. Now is NOT the time to fall off the exercise wagon, and one of the best ways to stick with your workout routine is to revamp your active wear wardrobe.

Hana and I in Brooks apparel

I’m an advocate of matching (with discretion) when it comes to gym attire. Here’s a few ways to look fresh while burning calories, beyond that endorphin-induced afterglow:

  • Match your sports bra to your sneakers – this is the best way to coordinate while still incorporating your standard black and white basics into the mix. Try neon if you’re feeling bold.
  • Invest in classic black fitted capris that boost your rear end – why not turn heads while hitting the treadmill? It’s all fellow gym-goers see anyway…
  • When sweating outdoors, opt for moisture-wicking technical fabrics – practical and stylish is the ultimate combo while working on your fitness

Stick with these tips and you’ll be burning maximum calories in style.  Bring on the boot camp!!
Stay tuned and stay stylish.

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Sunday Funday: The Ballard Farmers’ Market

9 May

Cascadian Edible Landscapes will help you eat your yard. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Since we’ve been having such lovely weekend weather the past few weeks (and for the weekends coming up!!), I’ve been on a HUGE farmer’s market kick. I usually try to go during the winter, but it’s so much more pleasant when I can wander around and take in the entire experience.

Therefore, I’m giving a shoutout to my local farmer’s market, the Ballard Farmers’ Market! I love you and all your flowers, fresh veggies and excellent people-watching opportunities. Whenever I get there, I always make an initial pass around the market to see who’s there. I’m keeping an eye out for the veggies I need to pick up, and what types of flowers I want for the week. The selection can change almost weekly, so I love getting a feel for what’s in season. [Take for example, there are TONS of starter veggie plants out right now. I picked up a gorgeous lettuce start just last week, and it is so, so, so happy in my garden right now. If you've ever thought about starting your own edible garden, visit your nearest farmers' market now to get going.] Continue reading 

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Give Ten for Tigers!

7 May

So, this is my second cat themed post in as many weeks and I worry that it may put me on my way to getting a bit of a crazy cat lady reputation.  However, I think it is important to point out at this time that I have exactly ZERO cats and that it is impossible to really be a crazy cat lady without any cats.  (Of course that is only because my apartment building doesn’t allow them, but that’s not the point)

Anyway, I’m not talking about house cats this time. Well, unless you own a tiger and in that case you are a crazy person and you should know that no matter how much your tiger  “loves” you it will only end with someone getting mauled.  Don’t keep tigers as pets.  So, if you like tigers, but don’t like being mauled, I have a better and much safer way for you to help. Continue reading 

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Fashion Friday: Daytime Sequins

4 May

Sequins have a very finicky lifecycle one minute they are hotter than track suits circa 2002, the next they are as tacky as track suits circa today.  I love sequins, but so does my Grandmother.  With that said, this is an area where one must proceed with caution.  And in case you didn’t know they aren’t just for Prom, Vegas nightclubs and Bachelorette parties; a subtle sequin can elevate any ensemble.

In order to ensure you achieve the desired look, here’s a few ways to make daytime sequins work for you:

Vince top, H&M blazer, Chicos tee

  • Pick a neutral color or metallic hue to lighten up the look black is best left for evening attire.
  • Choose a silhouette that is more daytime (i.e. loose fitting tanks and tees, blazers, and casual pieces) than nighttime (i.e. mini-dresses, shorts) for an effortless sheen. No pun intended.
  • Use your sequin piece as the focus and don’t go overboard with accessories you CAN still wear a watch (obviously), but keep additional jewelry to a minimum, if at all.
  • Wear with confidence this is a no-brainer, if you wear daytime sequins, you are the fashionista wearing daytime sequins.  Simple, right?

My current favorite daytime sequin pieces are a loose fitting navy striped tee, a rose-gold blazer and cozy oversize sweatshirt.  The nighttime sequins are a whole different ball game and tend to cause a scene a la the shorts I wore for New Years, but that’s a whole different entry

Stay tuned and stay stylish!

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Redhook Brewery – Haul Ash 2012

3 May

With Bike to Work Month well underway, Redhook Brewery is doing it’s part as host of the 17th annual Haul Ash Redhook Tour De Brew which commemorates the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Over the years, Haul Ash has become a great tradition for local cyclist and Redhook beer enthusiasts alike.

Registration is open now for the Sunday, May 20 ride.

So pull out the padded spandex shorts and your rain slicker (just in case) and register to ride roundtrip from Redhook Brewery in Woodinville to Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood – the birthplace of Redhook – along the scenic Burke-Gilman Trail. Once in Fremont head into downtown to quench your thirst with a cold pint at the midway point at LTD Bar and Grill, or hold onto your drink tickets for the Haul Ash After-Party. The party will be held in the grassy Bowl at the brewery, complete with a BBQ and Redhook beer garden.

 

The Deets:

DISTANCE 42 miles roundtrip, flat course
EST RIDE TIME 2.5-4.0 hours
PARKING Available at Redhook, neighboring ball fields, and the business parks on Hwy 202 north of Redhook. No parking at Columbia Winery.

On-Site Registration: You can pre-register with no processing fee in the Forecasters Pub. $30 through May 16. $40 on the event day.

Packet Pickup: Wednesday, May 16 from 4pm to 7pm

May 20, 2012

  • Registration & Packet Pickup: 8:00 AM
  • Riders Depart: 9:00 AM
  • After Party: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM

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Belles’ Man on the Street: Best Sustainable Local Restaurants in Seattle

2 May

Another great post in our “Belles’ Man on the Street series” by local Seattleite, Henry Fitzgerald.

Over the years, I’ve developed a taste for healthy foods I never thought possible, including brown rice, squash and raw vegetable juices. I make a mean eggplant dish that even my momma loves. But after a long day, I’m just not interested in making it, or anything else, myself. I can’t manage the effort to find the olive oil, marinara sauce and cheese. Sad, huh? On my nights, with a craving for pizza and no pizza equipment in sight, I seek out the best eco-friendly establishments I can find. My local favorites never let me down.

My Favorites:

  • Z Pizza (Capitol Hill, 1620 Broadway Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122, (206) 432-9158)

The Z Pizza menu offers fantastic gluten-free and vegan options. Their roasted eggplant is made fresh in-house. My friends and I appreciate that they use select ingredients including certified organic tomato sauce and fresh produce. This inexpensive option makes a great lunch or dinner when you really need it fast and you can even order on-line. Go in to enjoy their happy hour pricing on beer and wine.

During the summer, when I want a seasonal soup, I know where to go. The TASTE Café serves their soups with fresh baked focaccia bread. If you’re looking for packaged local and organic snacks, this is a great quick stop. It’s awesome that all of the packaging is biodegradable. Their commitment to composting helps us all sustain the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Furthermore, investing in local farms helps promote the environment and build the community.

When I’m looking for something a little fancier, I head over to the Stumbling Goat Bistro with a group of friends. The menu changes seasonally. And, I like that the menu changes according to what is regionally available. For me, coming here is a treat, giving me a chance to support my local community and sustainable businesses. Their pan-roasted organic chicken with roasted oyster mushrooms and garlic confit is a crowd pleaser. For dessert, try the blackberry pear tart.

Other Options
Other places I frequent include the Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club, a waterfront restaurant featuring eco-friendly Mexican dishes, promoting good health and sustainable resources. I also enjoy the Chaco Canyon Organic Café, when I dine with friends with food allergies. They offer raw and vegan menu options. Molly’s Salads provides a great lunch option. They too support local farmers by purchasing their products nearby. The great part is that these places help promote the farms that provide their produce so when I have the time, I can go myself and can buy my own vegetables and cook. That’s the plan anyway!

My Pledge

My commitment to visit restaurants that serve environmentally-friendly foods is easy in Seattle because so many restaurants are dedicated to providing their customers with healthy options that also allow them to invest in local and sustainable food sources. Supporting these businesses on a regular basis keeps prices down for everyone. When you patronize local establishments, you enable them to participate in outreach programs, including school and community events to promote awareness about the importance of sustainable farming. I like knowing where my food comes from, don’t you? Get out and try some of the best sustainable local restaurants in Seattle and you won’t regret it!

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Mobile Food Rodeo

1 May

This Sunday, May 6th, Fremont will be overrun by mobile food trucks and wandering buskers (street musicians). Great food, great beer, great music – I can’t wait to get a side ache from dancing on a full stomach!

The Mobile Food Rodeo is Seattle’s largest mobile food truck rally featuring over 35 food trucks and plenty of Pike Place’s best buskers. The festival offers the chance for attendees to sample food from some of the most creative and refreshing menus around, and celebrates the star chefs of the street food scene. Admission is free, a charity beer garden will quench your thirst, and a large  seating area awaits to sooth your tired feet. How can you possibly say no to all of that? Come on down and join the fun!

mobile food rodeo

Photo via Mobile Food Rodeo

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