|
 |
June 19th, 2009
You know those people who, when everyone starts talking about the latest episode of “The Biggest Loser” or “The Bachelor,” always say, “Oh, I don’t watch T.V.”? We don’t really understand those people, but we secretly kinda wish we were like that. Like, if we had a life so busy that we just never had the time—or if we really preferred reading War and Peace to seeing who was going to get kicked off of American Idol. But let’s be honest—we are so not those kind of people. We harbor a secret shame over the fact that we actually totally love to watch crap television. We easily get sucked into “Rock of Love,” are addicted to the latest drama on “The Hills,” and usually can’t wait to see what disaster next overtakes Seattle Grace Hospital. Even when our lives get totally hectic, you know we are totally going to Tivo NBC’s entire Thursday night line-up, and truthfully, we love to read (we even own a “Reading is Sexy” t-shirt), but we’re always going to put the book down when it’s time for “So You Think You Can Dance.” From now on, we’re not going to hide our addiction to really bad (and even good) T.V. —we’re owning it. We watch the “Real Housewives of O.C.” and we’re not afraid to say it! P.S. We have one of the best giveaways ever this week! Forward Seattle Picks to 5 or more friends and CC picks@SeattlePicks.com, and you could win a Gene Juarez spa package to brighten up for summer. Package includes a Gene Juarez Signature Revitalizing Facial, Signature Manicure and Signature Pedicure at the newly opened South Hill spa! |
||
Seattle Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Queen of Kitsch What do crocheted deviled eggs, mounted and stuffed cartoon-animal heads, and two (felted) turn tables and a micro-gnome have in common? Absolutely nothing… except that you can find them and tons of other hilariously cute and quirky toys, doo-dads and other randomness at Schmancy in downtown. Schmancy is a funfest for grownups who love toys and collectables. (Like us!) Brought to you by the crafty lady who started Plush You, this boutique features toy lines from more than 60 local and international artists, and most are handmade (and stitched) as one-of-a-kind products or limited editions—like exclusive Kid Robot and Mochi Mochi Land. The toys are totally cutsy-tutsy and artistic—and undoubtedly unconventional. You probably won’t find your average stuffed teddy bear here… more like felted T-Bone steaks and racks of hams, stuffed monster dolls and bubbly animé-inspired art. So next time we feel like embracing our inner quirk, we’re gonna pop into Schmancy. Or next door at their sister store, Pants, or even Fancy. Fancy, Pants and Shmancy. Say that five times fast! Schmancy |
|
|
| 2 | Wine Away! We have welcomed the spring heat with a warm embrace, but on a particularly fiery day a couple weeks ago, we had to put away the bikinis and finally head inside where it was air conditioned (we’re wusses, we know). We were looking for sun-free solace and needed something good to eat and cool to drink. To our great pleasure, on the corner of 2nd and Denny sits the perfect oasis: Urban Wine Cafe. As we strolled in, the feel was so quaint, modern and inviting, we felt as though we had stepped right into our trendiest buddy’s living room. We thoroughly enjoyed our crisp Aligote, grilled salmon paired with peppery arugula, and steamed scallops atop a pine-nut pesto. All were comprised of very few, exquisitely fresh ingredients, and most prepared with absolutely no salt! There was even a plate of fresh-baked mini chocolate-chip cookies! We just want to know one thing… Will they come to our home every night after work and pour us a nice big glass of vino while preparing a scrumptious meal? It’s not too much to ask—right? Urban Wine Café |
|
|
| 3 | Product Junkies We were on the bus today, zoning out as usual, when we realized that the woman across the aisle was staring hard. “Why?” you ask. Well, we sort of got caught smelling our arms. Weird, we know, but it wasn’t what you think. Our skin just smelled so good—scrumptious is more like it. We found our lovely aroma on a recent jaunt to Bainbridge Island, where we followed the delicate scent of heaven to Bath Junkie. Large windows light up the floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with bottles, jars, canisters and brightly hued potions. This isn’t your average bath store; you have complete control over what you get. The scent bar has more than 200 different scents that you can mix to create countless combinations, and their products range from detox bath salts and shower lotion to shaving oils. There are several Bath Junkie stores in the U.S., but this is the first one in the Northwest, and a pretty darn good reason to hop on a ferry and leave the city. We promise—the seven-dollar ferry ride is worth it. Your skin will thank you. Bath Junkie |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | All Wrapped Up We’ve always been all about the accessories. It’s the quickest and easiest way to add a little something extra to your outfit that takes it from “cute” to “Vogue-fashion-pages-worthy.” More recently, we’ve been obsessed with two accessories in particular—headbands, and of course, the scarf. Our favorite scarves come from A Peace Treaty. These ethically produced, artisan-level scarves, stoles and handkerchiefs are bright and colorful with awesome eye-catching patterns in silks and cottons. Obviously, we need them all. |
 |
|
| 2 | Kiss Me You Fool! Remember back in high school when you and your boyfriend used to kiss for hours on end? For so long that your lips came away nearly raw, but always the perfect flushed, red hue? These days, when we’re lacking a beau to kiss, we use Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter instead. With the right amount of shine and that ideal “I’ve-been-making-out” tint, it melts on your lips, making them incredibly soft and hydrated. Perfect for when we find someone worthy of smooching for hours on end. |
 |
|
| 3 | Make Dad Feel like a Hero If your father taught you to ride a bike, catch a fish or bake a cake, he might be your hero. And we found an adorable way to say “Thanks, Pop” for all those years of putting up with you. These handmade paper Father’s Day cards from Portland artisan MollyLee feature a few designs to choose from, but our favorite is the “Why He’s Your Hero.” You have a box to write in the exact reason! |
 |
|
| Cocktail of the Week! | |||
|
As the weather gets warmer and the sun gets brighter, we begin to crave sweeter and fruitier drinks. Gone are the gin and tonics of the winter, and in their place are Mojitos and Margaritas. Not to mention our new favorite, the Elaia Mandarin Martini—the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing for summer in the city. Elaia Mandarin Martini 2 oz. Absolut Mandarin Muddle the orange, then add vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice. Shake vigorously in a martini shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime and enjoy. |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | The Breaks We can always count on ACT Theatre for something totally original and fun at the same time. Their latest show is a unique fusion of movement and theatre complete with dance, sound, story and visual imagery. The break/s, by hip-hop Renaissance man Marc Bamuthi Joseph, has sold out theatres across the country—don’t miss it here! What: the break/s at ACT Theatre |
 |
|
| 2 | Eat This We know we should eat local and organic, but when we don’t feel like cooking for ourselves and want something quick/easy, we visit Eat Local. Today is their summer tasting party where you can sample new entrees, wine and canapés from the summer menu—all local, organic and seasonal. Hooray for healthy eating! What: Eat Local Summer Menu Tasting Party |
 |
|
| 3 | Sexy Sale We wear designer clothes on our backs and designer duds on our feet, so why not our underpinnings as well? Nancy Meyer is having their semi-annual designer lingerie sale—including La Perla, Eres and Dolce and Gabbana—with savings of 40% or more! Make sure to stop by and pick up something pretty. What: Nancy Meyer Semi-Annual Sale |
 |
|
| 4 | Dearest Dad |
 |
|
Show some love! Make sure all your friends, and even your friend’s friends are all signed up for Seattle Picks at www.SeattlePicks.com. |
|||
Be sure to visit www.seattlepicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.seattlepicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@seattlepicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Seattle Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
