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December 21st, 2007
Despite the jolly holidays, we were seriously missing the sun, so we decided to pay it a visit last weekend in Southern California. We went to this adorable inn in the desert with a beautiful pool fed by a natural hot spring. We lounged barefoot in a bathrobe and bikini all weekend. However, since this little gem of a spot is just a quick jaunt down the 10 (BTW, we must say, we absolutely adore the fact that SoCal-sters precede all of their highways with “the,” as in “the 5,” “the 10,” “the 101”) from L.A., not all of the guests shared our penchant for the simplicity of poolside attire. One gal in particular seemed to be at the root of all La-La-Land clichés: very blonde, very tan (more of a burnt sienna, really), very, um, well, in the words of “Heathers,” she was “so very.” We’re all about live and let live, but there was one thing about her presence that wasn’t letting us fully soak in the serenity of the moment. See, she didn’t think bare feet were the right option for the pool. No, for her, the best option was sandals with four-inch wooden heels—very loud wooden heels. There we were sitting by the pool, sipping green tea, flipping through our arsenal of magazines, listening to soothing spa music when—CLOMP! CLOMP! CLOMP! CLOMP! And yes, the exclamation points are justified. This is a woman whose every step is exclaimed. See, if our steps had punctuation, it would be a dash—because we kind of shuffle when we walk. And, sadly, exclamation points and dashes just aren’t meant to coexist. If only she had been more of an ellipsis … |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Good Shopping Makes Good Neighbors As you know by now, the gals at Seattle Picks are going local this year. So instead of hitting the web for our last-minute holiday shopping, we hit the streets. Lucky for us, we didn’t have to wander far from our Queen Anne digs to find a treasure trove of gifties at P.W. Kerr’s. |
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| 2 | All Wrapped Up As kids, we always gave the biggest gifts, or at least we liked it to look that way. We would get so carried away with the wrapping—boxes inside of boxes, layers of wrapping paper, roll after roll of ribbon—that by the end of it, we needed a refrigerator box for a Ring Pop. While we still love wrapping presents, we like to think that we have left behind the day-glow ribbons and sequined bows in favor of a more refined style. With the holidays upon us and most of our Christmas shopping almost done, we prepared for the wrapping season by going to De Medici Ming Fine Paper. Just a few blocks from Pike Place market, this tiny treasure holds a tremendous selection of handmade paper from all over the world. They come in luscious colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for that perfect gift. And for those of you that haven’t finished your holiday shopping, they make great gifts too. For less than five dollars, you can buy an antiqued map of Paris for that Francophile friend of yours. Top it off with one of their recycled Christmas cards and you are ready to go. One-stop shopping at its finest! De Medici Ming Fine Paper |
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| 3 | Best Brows in the Business? We love the spa; who doesn’t? But sometimes we long for a more private place to get waxed and plucked. It feels more exclusive to be the only focus of the aesthetician, and we really like it when it’s all about us. Stacya Silverman and Associates is where women in the know go for brow work, waxing, facials and makeup help. Located in a little bungalow on the top of Queen Anne, Stacya’s place is intimate and cozy. Stacya is a Brow Queen and uses her powers for good, creating well-groomed brows on the faces of women everywhere. A make-up artist for more than 20 years, Stacya also offers lessons, application and the indispensable service of makeup mercy killing: If it’s old or it’s not right the right shade for you, it’s out! And we can all admit that we’ve kept some mascara way past its prime. A crusader for environmentally responsible and clean cosmetics, Stacya also carries mineral makeup by Jane Iredale and skin care by Pevonia. Stacya Silverman and Associates |
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| 4 | Sweet Relief Our love of shopping is put to the test this time of year. Despite our best planning, we’ll join the masses in these days before Christmas in a mad dash for what we call “procrastination” gifts. You know the ones we’re talking about—the aunt that’s really just a family friend you call “aunt;” the in-law that has everything; your neighbor who house-sits Fred, your socially inept cat, when you’re on vacation. This year, though, we’ve wised up with a plan for snapping up these last-minute purchases in one delicious spot—Fran’s Chocolates. You’ll love the option of mixing and matching favorites like milk chocolate hazelnut diamonds, bittersweet white truffles and the notorious gray salt and smoked salt caramels, or purchasing packaged items like the six-piece double chocolate dipped figs, the Washi Box (handmade by a local artist) encasing forty dark truffles, or the Chocolate Lovers' Box—our favorite. The good news: The “one for you, one for me” rule applies. The bad news: You’ll still have to stalk someone for a parking space. Fran’s |
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| 5 | Shut Yer Pie Hole Lately, we've been hankering for some really good pie. Why pie? Well, we've been memorizing formulas about pi to prep for the GRE, and we recently got hooked on a show whose main character is a pie-maker who raises the dead. If you’re as susceptible to suggestion as we are, you've probably developed your own craving by now—and you can satisfy it with a trip to West Seattle's Shoofly Pie. Serving up almost any kind of pie you can imagine, the cheery staff members are ready to make your day with a slice of heaven—or the whole pie if it’s been a rough week. Don’t miss the namesake Shoofly pie—molasses-y sweet and with an almost cakey texture—it’s delish! Stressing over what to bring to your family’s holiday dinner? Take a deep breath and call the folks at Shoofly. Pre-order the perfect pie and you’ll be set—and the star of the party! Whatever the reason for your visit, you’ll be glad you stopped by this cozy pie-joint. After all, who doesn’t love pie? Mmm … pie. Shoofly Pie Company |
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| Event of the Week! | |||
The fact that sale season is starting gives us much pleasure. After months of buying gifts for others, we’re ready to spend on ourselves! Ella Mon, one of our new favorite spots in Ballard, is offering 40% off select fall and Holiday coats, dresses, sweaters and more. Stop by, snatch up these great deals and spend the rest of winter in style! What: Winter Sale at Ella Mon Boutique |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Sticky Fingers After a couple of cocktails at a party, we’ve made it a rather unfortunate habit to steal other people’s drinks—never on purpose, of course! Well, not usually anyway. And it’s better than what we used to steal after we’d had a couple of cocktails at parties in college: toothbrushes (we’re not proud of this). Well Clingy Thingy has just the thing to prevent us from ever mistakenly taking someone else’s beverage again: drink labels. The little reusable labels adhere to glasses and remove with no sticky residue. You may also want to put one on your toothbrush. |
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| 2 | A Hummingbird’s Heart Our guy pals reveal an interesting point; according to them, nothing is sexier than a woman in jeans, t-shirt and no makeup. We think a tee by Spraygraphic fits their bill. So send some love to your local designers and artists by visiting this online store. When you have to sneak out to your local supermarket for a loaf of bread and onion, the karma of this tee is sure to bring a saucy conversation with the bohunk buying cat food in aisle #2. |
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| 3 | Embrace the Bébés We are totally digging these handmade cashmere baby pants, which instantly reminded us of Jean Paul Gaulthier. We totally heart the star tots who dress like famous fashion designers, and mothers who dress like their children (think Katie and Suri Cruise’s matching haircuts!) We kinda wish this Paris designer sold the same pants in our size! But alas, she doesn’t, so co-worker’s new baby boy is sure to be the only cat’s meow in this warm little number. |
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| 4 | Fly Around, My Pretty Little Miss So maybe you’re stuck at home for the holidays. If you’re feeling the yen for travel, but can’t hightail it out of town, at least you can longingly look at another city courtesy of artist Rachel Austin. Austin’s map paintings incorporate some of our favorite places, from Anacortes to Victoria, and are layered with images of birds, clouds and paper airplanes. Each one is a super sweet original, so no matter where the winds take you, you’ll always be one of a kind. |
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| 5 | Gettin Knitty Wit It As the weather outside gets frightful, we often search for just the right accessories to ensure we look delightful, no matter what the thermometer says. And of all our hats and arm-warmers, we love our set from Woolie Originals the very best. Made locally from repurposed wool, angora, mohair and cashmere sweaters, each piece is enchantingly appliqued with felt woodland creatures and fall leaves. Look for skirts, stuffed animals and collages as well. We can’t think of a better way to reduce, reuse and recycle this winter! |
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| Cocktail of the Week! | |||
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The Local Vine |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Pop-Up Shopping We’ve always thought being part of think tank would be kinda cool. Since that’s not really happening, we’ll totally settle for a lifestyle lab. Part gallery, part retail shop and completely hip, Pulp Lab features rotating “pop-up” events featuring indie artists and designers. This month brings clothing from Alula, jewelry from Kimberly Baker and much more awesomeness for your shopping pleasure! What: Pulp Lab Shopping Lounge |
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| 2 | Boys Night Out—Tonight! Just forward this one on to the fellah, who, let’s be honest, probably hasn’t “finished” (read: started) shopping for you yet. La Rousse is having its Men’s Shopping Night tonight, featuring BEER, SNACKS and VIDEO GAMES—and you may want to bold the capped words as well and change the font color to his favorite sports team’s colors). What: Men’s Shopping Night |
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| 3 | Game On! What goes better with a rough and tumble sport like football than candy-colored martinis? See for yourself this weekend as the Seahawks tackle the Baltimore Ravens. The beverages, born of a Jones Soda/Tini Bigs partnership, will be served in the blue and green lofts at Qwest Field and select bars around town. What: Game Day Martinis from Tini Bigs and Jones Soda |
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| 4 | Closing Sale Adelita is closing its doors in Queen Anne but not before we have a chance to stock up on the boutique’s super-cute accessories and clothes at 30 to 50 percent off. Get thee to Queen Anne to finish your holiday shopping before all the good stuff ends up beneath your neighbor’s tree! What: Adelita Holiday Blow-Out Sale |
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| 5 | No Time Like the Present We were seriously scrambling for gift ideas but managed to score something for nearly everyone on our list last week when we were getting a haircut at Habitude. The salon’s new eco-boutique Offerings includes pottery, jewelry, bags, scarves and more, all chosen for their amazing stories, fair-trade philosophy or just for being fanciful. Also, pick up three for $25 Aveda stocking stuffers when you stop in! What: Holiday shopping at Offerings |
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We feel insane right now; are we the only ones? We need to finish our shopping, go to the grocer, mail presents (groan!), make eight batches of cookies, find something to wear to a holiday party, etc., etc., etc. Ahhhhhh! Share the insanity, er, we mean holiday cheer with your friends by forwarding Seattle Picks to your nearest and dearest. It’s cheaper than a gift certificate and less painful than a trip to the mall. |
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