But I mean, I know me and my Northface go on tons of… Damn it. We don’t go on any adventures. Unless you count trips to the grocery store and Woodsky’s as adventures. In that case I’m the most adventurous person I know. Take that Northface meme!

Though it’s easy to pass off burglaries and home intrusions as nothing more than scary TV plots, the truth is that Seattle saw over 5,500 burglaries, 1,100 robberies and 19,600 larceny incidents in 2011 alone. Whether in Seattle or any big city, burglaries are a real threat – a threat that’s usually recognized a bit too late. 

But, wait. It’s not hopeless just yet!

While burglaries are a prevalent crime in the Seattle area, they are also one of the easiest crimes to prevent. By taking a few simple precautions, you can minimize your house or apartment’s likelihood of being burglarized. You’ll be able to rest easier knowing your life, your expensive electronics and personal mementos are less likely to fall prey to a burglar.

1. Install a Home Security System

While you may feel secure enough with your loyal dog and deadbolt lock, installing a home security system is the ultimate security blanket. An ADT security system will give you peace of mind and 24/7 monitoring. Additionally, ADT pulse allows you to arm and disarm your system, check sensors and even watch pre-recorded footage of your home right from your smart phone. Even a simple sign in your front lawn that indicates the presence of a security system can deter burglars from attempting a beak in. 

2. Use Light Timers and Trigger Lights

Imagine you’re a burglar sizing up potential homes to break into. Would you choose a house that seemed occupied throughout the day and night or one with the front porch lights on? It probably wouldn’t be your first choice. If you travel often and for long periods of time, investing in lights that are timed to give the illusion of your daily and nightly routines can help dissuade burglars from entering under the presumption that you’re not home. Motion sensing lights placed around the perimeter of your home can also make burglars nervous enough to re-think targeting your home for their nightly break-in.

3. Keep Items Out of View

A burglar who can clearly see your brand new 65-inch TV from the street or sidewalk is similar to you trying to pass up the urge to buy the shoes on sale in the window – the shoes you’ve been wanting for weeks. It’s just too tempting. By using shades, drapes and other window treatments, burglars won’t even know what you own, making a break-in less worth their time and risk. 

4. Secure Windows and Doors

You’d be surprised how many people still leave their doors unlocked and spare key under the front door mat. Don’t be one of those people. Start by always locking your doors and windows at night and while you’re away. Never leave your spare key in predictable locations like flowerpots, ledges, mailboxes and doormats. Don’t leave your keys in the front door, even on the inside, as burglars can easily break the glass and let themselves into the house.  

5. Buy Renter’s Insurance

As a renter, it’s your responsibility to make sure your belongings are covered by insurance – not the landlord’s. Renter’s insurance will protect your personal belongings from theft and damage and often costs no more than $20 a month. Though your sentimental items can’t be replaced, it’s comforting to know that your other possessions are covered if stolen.

With these few tips your home or apartment will truly be your safe haven!

On Thursday, February 9 at 6:00pm, Seattle Greendrinks, a local community networking group designed to connect environmental professionals, is holding a fun event called Vodka Wars. Hosted at Local 360, Vodka Wars will showcase and pit two local Washington distilleries against two Oregon distilleries. Attendees will be able to taste four wonderful local vodkas and enjoy food pairings by Local 360.

Tickets are $30, and tickets are not sold at the door, so you must purchase in advance. You can pick up tickets at strangertickets.com.

The two Washington vodkas featured will be Peabody Jones from Woodinville Whiskey Co. and Mischief Vodka from Fremont Mischief. The two Oregon vodkas featured will be Indio Silver from Cottage Grove and Dog Watch from St. Helens’ Ye Ol’ Grog Distillery. And, if that’s not enough to get you interested, distinguished mixologist, Paul Ritums, will be on hand to create, shake and stir a fine assortment of Vodka drinks plus introduce a bonus spirit: broVo.

Five months ago I moved from the Sunshine State all the way across the country to Seattle to start a new job. I had recently graduated from UCF and was looking to get out into the real world and make it on my own.  I didn’t know much about Seattle aside from the fact that it rains a lot and the SuperSonics moved from there. Still, I hired some movers, packed up my few possessions and set off to meet my future.

Once I arrived in Seattle and settled into my apartment, I figured it was time for me to get out and explore. Of course I didn’t exactly know where I should go since I had only been there briefly for an interview and I didn’t have much time to find anything.

This next part might take away from the excitement of the story, but it definitely came in handy for me. Instead of going out and just wandering around town, I decided to get on social media and see what I could find out about Seattle. I figured I could find some nice spots to eat at and different spots to check out on the weekends. I was right.

Seattle Restaurants @searestaurants

I found a Twitter account dedicated only to posting information about different places to eat in Seattle. It was love at first Tweet. I love to eat and to tryout different cuisines from various cultures. I was able to find a spot to eat that first night at a diner that was mention in a post and the food was great.

After that I decided to try this out again and see if I could learn more about the Seattle nightlife.

Seattle Places @seattle_places

The Seattle Places Twitter account posts about spots around the city that have events or parties going on. Another great thing about it is many of the posts list discounts for various places. It has something for everybody too. I saw a post with 87 percent off of a massage and another one for 55 percent off of guitar lessons. They post about various bars and clubs too. I’ve been to a couple of spots the account recommended to get some wings and watch the college football bowl games and some NBA action.

Daily to do list

I also came across a page on Facebook called 365 Things to Do in Seattle. This turned out to be another great resource for me to find different activities that are taking place here. If I have a question, I can ask right through the site and get an answer right back from other locals. I have come across some really helpful and friendly people through the Facebook page who keep me posted on different events that they hear about, which makes the service even better.

Social media has made my transition to a new state and city much easier. Not only was I able to find places to go that I enjoyed, but I also save money in the process and met some cool people. I’m not sure I could have adjusted as well to a cross-country move before the Internet and sites like Twitter and Facebook.

In Seattle, I’ve had the opportunity to see several shows at the 5^th Avenue Theatre. I’ve been impressed with every show I’ve seen there. I’ve wanted to do season tickets for years, but my wallet doesn’t always agree. If you are like me and love musicals, but don’t have a thick pocketbook, I have the deal for you!

5^th Avenue Theatre is doing a 3 for $99 promotion for the rest of January. For only $99 you get a ticket to three upcoming musicals; Oklahoma!, Damn Yankees and Rent. And these aren’t the cheap seats in the back. All the tickets are the best available orchestra seats! My sister and I decided to do this deal and I got our tickets in the mail yesterday. Our seats range from the third to eight row. That’s pretty awesome considering we got all three tickets for not much more than the cost of one single ticket would cost!

Below are the full details from the website. If you’re a musical theatre fan, this is a don’t miss! So call today!

A Smash Putt obstacle. Photo via SmashPutt.com

Do you enjoy putt-putt, but are maybe looking for a little change of pace? If so, Smash Putt may be for you! Smash Putt is a seasonal mini golf experience unlike anything you’ve seen before. This year’s theme is “2012: The Final Apocalypse,” which sounds like an absolute blast to me. It features unbelieveable obstacles such as the golfball cannon or a new one featuring scratch and sniff technology according to the website.

Once you are done putting, feel free to stick around for cocktails. Smash Putt has an on-site lounge, as well as a viewing room so you can watch others tackle the putting elements. The also have group rooms for rent if you want to through a private Smash Putt event.

You MUST get tickets in advance. Every night sells out. The catch is that they only sell tickets for the upcoming weekend, so you have to be on top of your game. Go to this website to select your tee time and purchase tickets. Note that some times are strictly 21+. Tickets cost $12 or $15 depending on your tee time.

Smash Putt is located at 2764 6th Ave. S in SoDo. It’s open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting this weekend through the end of February!

Don’t miss out on this wacky putting adventure.

If you are still lacking NYE Party plans, I’ve got an off-the-beaten-path suggestion for you, literally. The popular Underground Tours by Bill Speidel (located in Pioneer Square, for those of you less familiar) is hosting a special version of it’s popular 21 and over tour, the Underworld Tour. According to its website, the Underworld Tour is ”an historic guided tour of sin and flimflam in Seattle’s infamous old red-light district.”

This tour of Seattle’s dark underbelly kicks off at 10:00 p.m. and includes a cocktail served at the end of the tour in Doc Maynard’s old house. ADDITIONALLY, you get a glass of champagne at midnight on the house. It is recommended that you reserve your tickets in advance, which are $25 each. Please note this tour is strictly 21+, and don’t forget that you can continue the fun at any of the fun bars and clubs within walking distance of the tour!

The Belles and I wish you all a happy and safe new year, and look forward to the exciting things to come on this blog in 2012!

In it’s sixth annual year, the Verlaine+McCann production, Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker is selling out shows all season. The production has been hailed as the “perfect mix of singing, acrobatics, glamour and smutty jokes” (ProstAmerika), that features an all-star cast from Seattle’s Burlesque A-list.

This isn’t you’re average Nutcracker, so maybe leave the kiddos at home but if you’re game for a little mash-up of classical dance and vintage bump, this ones for you. It’s not too late to get in on the action. Two additional shows were just added to the schedule, Tuesday, December 27 at 7pm and 10 pm and one of the Christmas Eve performances still has tickets for sale (standing room only for sold out shows may still be available. Call: 206.838.4333. All performances are all the Triple Door.

All photos courtesy of Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker

I’m determined to make my first Christmas in Seattle epic beyond measure. While most people call spending the holidays away from home an “orphan Christmas,” I’m digging the idea of checking out the winter festivities in my new home. 

Back home, Christmas was all about attending Tampa’s annual Christmas events, eating at our favorite restaurants and watching “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” 

So, pretty much ever since I secured my new job and called the moving company to pack up my house, I’ve been hunting for holiday events and delicious restaurants to put a Seattle spin on my favorite Christmas traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned native or a Seattle novice, I think my holiday to-do list is worth a look. 

The Events

• Garden D’Lights: First things first, I’m downright mesmerized by lights. Especially colored lights. It’s a weakness of mine with unknown origins, but I was stoked to find out that Seattle’s Garden D’Lights will allow me to indulge my inner 4-year old and stare at lights without judgment. The Garden D’Lights takes place in the Bellevue Botanical Garden, which pretty much means they drape bright lights on every green surface imaginable. 
• Christmas Ship: Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t think of anything more pleasant than sailing around for an evening on a lit up cruise ship, eating a hearty meal and listening to Christmas carols. Argosy Cruises offers several short Christmas-themed cruises and allows other personal boats to follow along in the festivities. To me, it sounds like a holiday parade on water. 

The Food

• La Panier Very French Bakery: What’s a bakery if it’s not French? No, that’s not a joke, and it doesn’t have a punch line, but something about the words French and Bakery sandwiched together conjure up visions of chocolate croissants, macarons, éclairs, and a baguette to go, which I’ll eat late in the night with a jar of Nutella while I watch “Christmas Vacation.” I may or may not order all of the above items when I go. Only time will tell.
• Café Campagne: Since I’m having dessert at a “Very French Bakery”, I thought it only right to eat a French restaurant for Brunch. The Holidays are, after all, the perfect time to enjoy brunch. You don’t have to be up early, you can get away with eating a buffet in the morning, and they always have comfortable chairs. Gathering with friends and family to enjoy French breakfast/lunch food on a lazy Sunday morning during the Holidays is what life’s all about, right? 

New Year’s Eve

• Noc Noc: Baffling name aside, this downtown dance club sounds like it could be a good place to ring in the New Year, or at least to get the party started. I’ve heard it’s pretty cheap and that the happy hour specials are phenomenal. I’ve learned that planning a schedule for going out on New Year’s Eve always proves unsuccessful, so we’ll go to Noc Noc and then just use the Force to guide us from there. 

Who says  holiday away from home has to be an orphan Christmas? I’m going to have a good time in Seattle this year, whether Tampa likes it or not!

Style: Leather

‘Tis the season for parties, libations and festivities galore – the burning question on every fashion-forward mind: what’s a girl to wear to celebrate the holidays (or ring inthe  New Year)?? Here are a few fool-proof suggestions to ensure tasteful holiday style:

• The LBD,LRD or LWD – Yes, I’m talking little (insert color here) dress. Don’t be afraid to punch up the wow factor with red or winter white. If you stick with classic black be sure to add a piece of statement jewelry or patterned tights.

• If dresses aren’t your thing… try a menswear inspired tuxedo. Equally chic and (believe or not) sexy — a variation of the fellows’ classic ensemble can be a real head-turner. Be sure its well-tailored, and add metallic accessories and a sky-high heel to complete the look.

• Leather – No, not dominatrix or S&M style, but a classy stand-out piece. May I suggest fitted pants or a backless dress? This type of outfit requires minimal extras and is guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face

• Sequins – If this doesn’t scream holiday/NYE bash, I don’t know what does. Try pairing a sequin top with dark denim jeans and booties for an edgier look, or sequin shorts with opaque tights and a classic white tee for an unexpected twist.
  

  Style: Menswear, Cozy Cashmere

• Cozy cashmere – If your heading outdoors to celebrate, don’t be afraid to don a classic crew-neck cashmere sweater (with a denim or plaid button-up underneath), or an oversized scarf. You won’t regret it when fellow party-goers are shivering in the cold while you’re bundled up in luxury. I topped mine offwith a blazer and pock square for extra party pizzazz. See image below.