|
 |
January 25th, 2008
We enrolled our guy in a men-only cooking class for his Christmas present, and while we swear we didn’t have ulterior motives, the theme of the class just so happens to be (ahem) preparing a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. It was a thematic gift (our specialty) of cooking-related items: a mandolin (the cutting utensil, not the instrument), Anthony Bourdain’s new book (does anyone else think he’s sexy in that “he needs a shower and a good moisturizer” sort of way?) and the cooking class. The hubby was super-stoked about it. The cooking class drawing nigh, we very casually offered up that we didn’t really feel like we needed the big fancy dinner out on Valentine’s Day. Being the super-frugal (but generous) guy he is, he thought that was pretty awesome. And then said on his own, “Hey, I could cook something we learn in the cooking class.” Bravo, our man! Bravo! “You know,” we encouraged, “the theme of the class is preparing a romantic dinner.” “Perfect!” said he. Perfect indeed. |
||||
Seattle Picks: |
|||||
| 1 | In Good Taste We all know that friend who truly has individual style. She is always perfectly accessorized with the shoes, jewelry and handbags that no one else has. She pays attention to little details that create her personal look and always seems to find gifts that are just as special. How does she do it? Burnt Sugar is like getting a glimpse into our chic friend’s inspiration for her unique look. Located in the heart of Fremont, Burnt Sugar is a collection of smart accessories that combine to create a certain je ne sais quoi. The shop is whimsical and pops with color. We love the boots and shoes from lines like Bolo and Biviel. We can’t stop thinking about the supple red handbags from Vin Baker—just what we need to brighten these drab Seattle winter days! With handmade jewelry from David Aubrey plus gorgeous paper and beauty products, the treasure hunting is rich. While it may take more than a visit to Burnt Sugar to refine our individual style, there’s no better place to start. Burnt Sugar |
|
|||
| 2 | On Pins and Needles We’ve been quite the sad cliché as of late, living off a steady supply of Ambien and lattes to beat the winter blues. Never having pictured ourselves the pill-popping, caffeine-reliant, melancholy type (we wear a pink puffy coat every day while listening to catchy tunes on our pink iPod), we decided it was time to push Western medicine aside and give naturopathic treatment a chance, which led us to the adorable pink and brown Chopstix Acupuncture website. And trust us, the website is but a small taste of the sweet relief that acupuncturist Christian Hunt gave us from our aches, pains and the down-in-the-dumps feeling. In her new Fremont office overlooking the canal, she asked us questions about our health, thoroughly explained everything she did, and followed up our acupuncture session with an amazing massage. After just one treatment, we actually slept unassisted (i.e., no more “Valley of the Dolls”) for the first time in weeks. With our next treatment already lined up, we’re looking forward to many more nights of sweet dreams. Chopstix |
|
|||
| 3 | Chocoholics Unite It’s no secret that we love chocolate. We also have a passion for eating locally. When we tried to suss out where to get local chocolates, we were honestly surprised by how many options are out there. And when we found local chocs paired with a fine selection of unique and whimsical gift ideas, we got really excited. And so, our latest chocolate obsession is Chocolati. With two brand spanking new locations opening up downtown and in Wallingford, they are hard to miss—and for good reason. Their petite cafés feature handmade truffles, chocolate-dipped fortune cookies and the best damn hot chocolate out there. We particularly love their molded chocolates that come in whimsical shapes like UW Husky bones, Washington apples and tools like wrenches and hammers. What better gift for that manly boyfriend of yours this upcoming Feb. 14? Whether you’re treating yourself or getting some early Valentine’s shopping done, Chocolati is the place to be. We can’t get enough of this stuff! And did we mention they give out samples?
|
|
|||
| Chick Picks: | |||||
| 1 | Sexy is As Sexy Does You know those ridiculous Valentine’s Day cards that say “Sex! Sex! Sex!” across the front and then say something totally inane inside that is really neither funny nor sexy—and forget about being romantic? Well, the Joy Box from Emerita is sweet and romantic on the outside and sexy and romantic on the inside. The goody box includes massage oil, warming lubricant, candles and more. It’s a gift that both you and your someone special can enjoy together—way more than a ridiculous card. |
 |
|||
| 2 | Totally Tubular Back in high school, we totally used the word “hella.” Everything was “hella cool” or “hella sucked” and, looking back, we think our overuse of the word made us “hella lame.” In limited doses, however, we're OK with it. Which is why we rather like the site Hella Good, which promises incredible goodies and irresistible surprises. Fortunately, it delivers, with handcrafted jewelry, screen-printed tops, whimsical accessories and more. Our favorite? An art print set inspired by “The Royal Tenenbaums”—odd, but hella awesome. |
 |
|||
| 3 | Free to Be You and Me Last time we checked it was still winter. But that doesn’t mean we can’t look forward to spring! And haru jewelry (meaning “spring” in Japanese) offers the perfect excuse to prepare for warmer weather with hand-crafted pieces that blend classic and contemporary styles. We love that haru incorporates precious gemstones, vintage glass and sterling silver, and that no two items are alike. Whether you’re seeking a bracelet, choker or ring, with haru, they’re just as unique as you are! |
 |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||||
| 1 | Where’s Our Red Stapler? We are nutso for office supplies. We love getting new stationery, Post-Its, notecards—and then just looking at them. Goods for the Planet is having its one-year anniversary sale with 20 percent off their paper products through the end of January. And we’ll actually use these because they’re all so earth-friendly and are such a great deal, which means we can buy more! What: Goods for the Planet’s one-year anniversary sale |
 |
|||
| 2 |
Throw Some Elbows Sales can be scary; the big ones are only for the well-caffeinated, determined, ruthless and patient. Glassybaby’s annual Seconds Sale is definitely no exception, but it is so worth it. We love these little candleholders and seriously want one in every color (a girl can dream). Come stock up for yourself—and your Valentine! What: Glassybaby’s annual Seconds Sale |
 |
|||
| 3 | Going to the Chapel Planning a wedding can be such an overwhelming experience, but Bride Ideas at U Village this Sunday is aiming to take the stress out of your big day—starting with mimosas upon your arrival at the event! Meet with area wedding professionals, take classes from bridal experts and enjoy the fashion show. All in a day’s work! What: Bride Ideas |
 |
|||
Our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide will be in your inbox next Friday, Feb. 1! Stay tuned for ways to woo your sweetie (and have your sweetie woo you). Love is in the air … |
|||||
Log onto www.Seattlepicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.Seattlepicks.com and become a free subscriber. If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@SeattlePicks.com
Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com |
|||||
