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July 13th, 2007
We used to think of ourselves as decisive people. Real hard-liners. “No means no” and “that’s my final answer” and all of that. Then we turned a corner, and all of a sudden we can’t make up our minds about anything. And we’re not just talking in shoe stores. Seriously, we are having to train ourselves to make decisions, like 2-year-olds (who, now that we think of it, pretty much always know what they want). We’re just tired of mulling things over. What do we want for lunch? What route should take to the store? Which earrings go better with this blouse? It’s actually pretty embarrassing, since, like we said, we used to be sooo good at decisions. But there’s hope—we’ve decided to model ourselves on Madeleine Kahn’s Queen Nympho character from “History of the World, Part I.” Now that was a woman who could make decisions! No, no, no, no, no, no, yes. No, no, no, no, no, no, yes! No, no, no, no, no, no…wait a minute…yeeeeesss! |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Islands in the (Jet) Stream An itsy bitsy, teeny weeny yellow polk-a-dot bikini, in Seattle? That’s right, Tininha’s Butique de Biquini thrives in the Jet City, where you need an umbrella more than a bathing suit. Therapists should recommend this boutique to their patients who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Just walking into Tininha’s on a gloomy day guarantees a quick dose of visual sunshine. Brazilian drums dance in your ears, and you might as well close your eyes, because you will start drifting onto a remote tropical island. The store is filled with colorful bikinis of all shapes, in various coverages, and multiple patterns. Designers such as ANK by Mirla Sabino, Le Tarte, and Custo Bracelona line the swimsuit racks in bright colors, along with boldly colored tops and dresses. Tininha’s also carries casual bags by Orla Kiely that could be worn to the beach or around the city. So study up on which pattern, cut, and color is best for your figure, and bring along your girlfriend, because shopping for a bikini always requires a second opinion. Tininha’s Butique de Biquini |
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| 2 | Making Amends |
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| 3 | The Left Bank of 12th Avenue Once upon a time we spent a summer in Paris studying and falling in love with the Left Bank. We adopted a neighborhood café as our official headquarters, where we'd grab our pain au chocolate in the morning and return at night, when "studying" turned into "drinking" and "cavorting with French boys." We usually get cranky about the fact that we haven't found anything like it here, but now that we've discovered Capitol Hill's new Café Presse, we can quit our bellyachin'. Best of all, it’s open from dawn (7 am) ’til much later than dusk (2 am). We’re bidding adieu to those dark nights when we have to restrain ourselves from purchasing tickets to Paris so we can get a decent croque madame. Café Presse |
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| 4 | Party Girl As an entertainer at age two, you organized the first tea party with girlfriends. It progressed to a combo party that included boys at Chuck-E-Cheese, and culminated into you leading the committee that planned your senior prom. As we all know, some things never change and as you’re reading this, you’re likely planning the next social event of the season. Lucky for you, we’ve found the perfect venue. Located near the newish SAM Sculpture Park, Canlis Glass Gallery & Studio opened its studio to the public earlier this year, offering 1,800 square feet of modern space, elegantly decorated with one-of-a-kind glass art pieces from local artist J.P. Canlis. As you’re planning that next cocktail party, wine tasting, or any other soiree, treat guests to a spot where they can surround themselves in nature-inspired pieces of art, including the stunning bamboo installation series. Pick your own caterer (or use one of theirs), and comparable pricing lets you pack in the punch (or your drink of choice). Stop in for their open house this Tuesday, from 6-9 pm, and tell them Seattle Picks sent you! Canlis Glass |
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| 5 | Leave ‘Em Swooning We were just giving advice to a friend who feels so harried at work that her personal life is beginning to suffer. At first we suggested boinking her boyfriend nightly (because nookie is an excellent stress-reliever), but then we thought: What’s better—having an evening out with a swell guy, getting gussied up and honing your conversational skills, or getting pampered to the max in a swell spa, your feet up, your shoulders rubbed, the only words you utter are “A little to the left” and “Ahhh”? Yeah. We thought so. In a world where pampering is easy to come by for the right price, a gem like Swoon Boutique Spa is not to be missed. The stylish, luxurious space blends girl-friendly mani/pedi stations (bring your gal-pals!) with intimate, quiet treatment rooms for expert facials and the like. Plus, their products are c-l-e-a-n. The facials are all-botanical, the natural nail services are free of pesky chemicals, and all of their implements are sanitized or discarded after use, so there’s no fear of getting someone else’s gunk on your pretty new manicure. Swoon Boutique Spa |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | You Little Minx Nothing is better than shopping…well, maybe a few things. But overall it’s pretty fantastic, especially at www.UrbanMinx.com. They offer up an amazing and stylish array of clothes and accessories for women, men and—just introduced—beauty, from brands like Napoleon Perdis, Fusion, Socialite, and more. It’s seriously mind-boggling. We found our favorite designers—from Juicy Couture tops to Hudson Jeans, Betsey Johnson, Sky, Michael Stars and See Thru Soul. It's like a superhip department store on your desktop! |
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| 2 | Daily Do-Yourself-Goodery We try to do something nice for someone every day. But often we find that nobody does anything nice for us. We’re humongous martyrs—we give and give and get nothing in return. Which is why Vital Juice Daily.com is so rewarding—it’s entertaining and uplifting, and gives us the daily info we need to take care of ourselves. From fitness to healing, nutrition to beauty, “Do Good” and “Green Living,” we always feel a little more pampered when we get the Juice. |
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| 3 | Lather Up We love to have so many decadent options in the shower that we have to seriously consider what we’re going to use. So when we found Brown Olive’s spectacularly simple Aromatherapy Body Bars, we were smitten. These artisan soaps are made with rare ingredients, and they’re wonderfully moisturizing and beautifully scented. Enjoy scents like Sweet Lavender & Chamomile, Lemongrass & Tea Tree, and Balsam & Cedar. They’re 100% natural, made with glycerin and aloe, and enhanced with pure essential oils, so you’ll feel good and smell good! |
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| 4 | In Vino Veritas Our boyfriend adds wine to food the way most people add salt. A dash here, a pour there … by the time we’re done with dinner, we’re halfway to being totally zonked. What he needs is a way to get all the flavor with the right proportions—thank goodness for Vino de Milo! Each savory sauce and delectable dressing combines fresh ingredients with complementary wines, from mango lemongrass Chardonnay that’s perfect for chicken to a Portobello Shiraz that will make your spaghetti sing. |
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| 5 | Candy, Candy, Candy Please don’t eat this stuff, though you might want to. Body Truffles by Upper Canada Soap & Candle Makers leave you feeling like you’ve indulged in sweet treats. If you’re passionate about chocolate, odds are you’ll be passionate about these! In incantations like Creamy Milk Chocolate, Double Chocolate Raspberry, and Belgian White Chocolate, you’ll indulge in Bubble Bath Syrup, Warming Fondue Scrub, Molten Lava Bath Fizzle, Massaging Souffle…the list goes on! |
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| Cocktail of the Week! | |||
| Brazilla Margarita
Drinking in the comfort of our own living room has its benefits, but trying to exchange witty banter with our dogs doesn't always pan out. Thus, we have BalMar, in the heart of Ballard, which is just like drinking in our living room—if we lived in a hip, urban lounge with a touch of old Ballard charm. One of our fave BalMar cocktails is the Brazilla Margarita. This super-tasty purple drink contains acai berry, which is packed with antioxidants, so you can feel good about consuming one (or two or three …)
BalMar |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Chocolate Class at Oh! Chocolate Chocoholics, unite! Oh! Chocolate is offering a fun and informative chocolate class where you’ll learn everything from cacao history to the complexities of varietal chocolates to tempering and dipping chocolate. You’ll leave with a large box of goodies that you make yourself, plus a lot of knowledge to impress your friends (or a date!) What: Chocolate Class at Oh! Chocolates |
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Carmilia’s Sale Kicks Off Summer Fest! Need some girlie goodness to make your life prettier? Check out Carmilia’s Spring and Summer Sale, which starts with the superfun West Seattle Summer Fest. Enjoy savings of 30% to 75% off their delectable spring and summer inventory. They’ll also be kicking off Bloody Mary Sundays on the 15th…shop, sip and save! What: Carmilia’s Spring and Summer Sale |
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| 3 | Semi-Annual Men’s Sale at Oslo’s Oslo’s A Men’s Store, atop Queen Anne Avenue N, is starting their semi-annual men’s sale this Saturday! Enjoy savings of 40% off and more. Doors will open at 10 am, so shop early. It’s a great time to stock up on fabulous fashions to wear right now. Treat your man right! What: Semi-Annual Men’s Store at Oslo’s |
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| 4 | Moxie’s Birthday Bash Moxie Papergoods and Gifts is turning one! You’re invited to help them celebrate with savings of 20% off your entire purchase, for two days only. And shhh … this isn’t being advertised to the general public … save on your favorite cheeky, stylish goods! What: Birthday Bash at Moxie Papergoods and Gifts |
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| 6 | Knitty.com at Churchmouse Yarns & Teas Amy Singer of Knitty.com is teaching two classes, two times each, at Churchmouse Yarns & Teas! Amy has become a knitting star, and launched the online knitting magazine Knitty.com. Amy’s latest book, “No Sheep For You” from Interweave Press, is a godsend for those who can’t wear wool, and a revelation to those who can. What: Amy Singer of Knitty.com at Churchmouse Yarns & Teas |
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We love when people love us. And it’s a virtual love-fest between Seattle Picks and Wexley School for Girls. Their blog is a hoot—they’re downright hilarious—plus they have great taste! You should definitely give them a click and check out their incredibly creative updates. (And btw: they’re an Ad Agency—not an actual School for Girls—though that would be pretty rockin, too.) |
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