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April 18th, 2008

So we signed up for a wheel-throwing pottery class with a friend, thinking we were going to be making stunning vases and awe-inspiring bowls in no time. We may have even hoped for our very own “Ghost” moment. Sure, we knew it was going to take a little bit of time to get the hang of it, but we were sure that our talent and creativity would surpass any real challenge.

Boy, were we wrong. This may be the most difficult “just for fun” activity we’ve ever tried. We don’t even need to do our arm workouts at the gym anymore. Do you have any idea how much strength it takes to mold that clay into place? We didn’t. We have yet to even make a pencil cup. We have only “created” some nice flat things that we might be able to pass off as doggie dishes. Last week, we were the only ones who hadn’t made anything by the end of yet another three-hour torture session. We were left splattered with clay, sweaty and red-faced once again, with nothing but a shapeless lump and an ever-fading vision of a pretty pink vase…

p.s. Fret not dear readers, we have yet another gift for you that involves no skill whatsoever—just forward this issue of Seattle Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@seattlepicks.com. You could win a $50 gift certificate to Ella Mon Boutique

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

So Fabulous

We like to think of ourselves as well dressed, put together and chic at all times. Well, perhaps not at all times. We falter when it comes to gym-wear. Shocking, we know. We can often be found wearing the same faded shorts from college and an oversized ratty t-shirt stolen from a past boyfriend. It was when we noticed the absurd number of cute guys at the gym that we knew it was time for a change.

That change came in the form of fabulous new sporty chic boutique So Much Fun. With selections from women-owned and -friendly lines in tons of colors and stretchy, comfy fabrics, there were plenty of options to choose from. We paired the Firefly tank from Tonic This under the fancy pink windbreaker from Allison Wonderland. And we were very impressed with the number of pieces that would be great outside the gym as well, like purses and cute cotton dresses.

Walking into the gym after our shopping extravaganza, we turned heads all the way to the treadmill—which was, splendidly, right next to an Orlando Bloom look-alike. Mission accomplished.

So Much Fun Sporty Chic
1815 N 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
206.632.2742
www.smfsportychic.com

       
  2

Knit for a Queen

We prefer the term pack peacock to pack rat—because hey, we look good doing it. We have a bin of pretty pumps that need re-heeling; bags of clothes that are sure to come back in fashion, a slew of lonely, pairless earrings in our jewelry box, and craft projects only half finished. But this year we are making a vow to clear out our cluttered abode.

Boxing up our goods, we worried about finding them a happy, new home, but it was A New Yarn to the rescue—at least for our many skeins of cashmere and wool from past knitting projects. One hundred percent of profits at this yarn shop benefit abused women and Northwest Family Life. They accept donations of yarn, pattern books and needles in addition to their already extensive inventory, and have a collection of homemade hats for cancer patients during the cold months.

Not only does our old yarn have a new home, but we have a great new place to do our future yarn shopping. It may clutter our newly cleaned out apartment, but at least it’s for a good cause!

A New Yarn
12345 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
206.367.1112
www.anewyarn.org

       
  3

Dine Divine

We like cooking, but there will be no home-cooked meal tonight. Our fridges are nearly empty. Our stoves are cold. We are joining the women who are fleeing the kitchen in record numbers in search of something tastier, livelier, and with infinitely better customer service. Oh, the joys of dining out: extensive menus, new tastes and flavors, and even cloth napkins! 

This Friday night we are going to march home and tell our husbands, significant others, or roommates that our kitchen is closed and we’re going out. No, not to the bar that offers nachos and jalapeño poppers—at least not this time. We are going to try something quaint and noteworthy—the 35th Street Bistro in Fremont. This friendly eatery with a French flair offers pleasant surprises at every turn; from a worldly wine list, desserts like a blood-orange tart, and our favorite embellishment, the illuminated live tree in the center of the restaurant.

After dining at the Bistro, we left with the satisfaction of knowing that we were headed home to un-touched, no-clean-up-required kitchens. We could get used to this! 

35th Street Bistro
709 North 35th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
206.547.9850
www.35bistro.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Save Your Soles
 
April showers ruin our shoes! We want to wear open-toe styles, but we need galoshes on the street. Even flats get soaked and damaged by the puddles.
 
Happily, we can wear what we want and stay dry with Swims oversoles—just slip them over your shoes! They’re warm, they’ve got good grip for slippery streets, and they’re even funky enough to wear as a fashion statement. There’s even a carrying pouch to keep your handbag dry. Goodbye, galoshes!
 
www.swims.com

       
  2

Not Just Good Lookin’

We try to make educated purchases when we are buying wine for dinner parties, but honestly, sometimes we just buy the one with the prettiest label. That tactic has led to some near disasters in the past.

So we were most pleased when we grabbed a bottle of the 2005 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc from Two Mountain Winery. The label was eye-catching and the wine was simply divine. We bought enough for every dinner party in the next year.

www.twomountainwinery.com

       
  3

One of a Kind

We love to have unique, one of a kind things that no one else has. Plain black is not for us. So when it came time to get a new laptop sleeve for our beloved new baby, the MacBook Air, we went straight to Mintika.

They create completely customizable laptop sleeves—in any size and print—from polka dots to cheetah. And, if you can’t find a pattern that you like, bring in your own fabric. We love being unique!

www.mintika.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Girlfriend Deal, Just for the Picks!

Duque Salon is offering Seattle Picks readers a not-to-be-missed opportunity! Book a special dry haircut at the same time as your BFF (with the amazing Bruno and Robert) and get two gorgeous new cuts for the price of one. Plus, get 20% off any other services you have done that day, like a mani-pedi. We are so there.

What: Two Haircuts for One and More at Duque Salon + Spa + Boutique
When: Through June 1st
Where: 5348 Ballard Ave. NW
Cost: $85 or $42.50 each
Call: 206.706.7177
Visit: www.duquesalon.com

       
  2

What’s Your Style?

Style psychotherapists Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte, dubbed the “Canadian Oprahs,” are coming to town to talk about their new book and Style Statement—a two-word compass for making more powerful choices in life, in everything from relationships to wardrobes. Go and learn about your very own Style Statement today!

What: Seattle Launch Party for Style Statement
When: Friday, April 18, doors oat 6:30 pm, talk at 7:30 pm
Where: The Sole Repair Shop, 1001 E. Pike St.
RSVP: lilla@craveparty.com
Visit: www.carrieanddanielle.com

       
  3

Happy Anniversary

One of our faves for original Italian creations and designers, illi, is celebrating their one-year anniversary with an informal fashion show, catered goodies and valet parking. We love it when we have something to celebrate—like great fashion.

What: illi’s One-Year Anniversary Party
When: Sunday, April 20, 6-10 pm
Where: 2113 Westlake Ave.
Call: 206.973.3487
Visit: www.shopilli.com

       
 

We don't know about you, but seriously, TGIF!  We are wishing you a lovely weekend full of new finds and shopping adventures. And if you're looking for a new place to shop or dine, check out our archives … or send us a message if you've come across something fantastic!

BTW: Get ready, gals, and alert your men-friends ... www.SeattlePicksforMen.com is coming to town! We are going to send it to YOU next Friday, so don't panic if you get two emails from the Picks. One is for you - a fabulous new issue of Seattle Picks, of course - and the other is the premiere issue of Seattle Picks for Men. Check it out for yourself, but also forward it to every guy you know in the Seattle area - it's like a manly version of the good stuff we bring you each week: dining, drinking, shopping and hanging out ideas, along with great products for guys (from electronics to personal grooming), and of course the coolest events.

We need your help to spread the word about www.SeattlePicksforMen.com, so thankyouthankyouthankyou in advance. We do appreciate it.

       
 

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